Darwin Awards Newsletter -- December 2000 WHAT ARE THE DARWIN AWARDS? The Darwin Awards celebrate those who improve our species the most by eliminating themselves from the gene pool in really stupid ways. "A Fool and His Life Are Soon Parted" "Population Control Volunteers" "Chlorinating the Gene Pool" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Darwin Award: STAB IN THE DARK The stabbing death of a man in the suburbs of Brisbane was precipitated by a bizarre twist of fate. Two men, aged 21 and 28, went to a caravan park intent on doing serious damage to the occupant of one trailer. In the ensuing confusion, the intended victim escaped without injury while his two attackers managed to viciously stab each other. The 21-year-old knife-wielder died at the scene, while the 28-year-old was hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident thus qualifies for both a Darwin Award and an Honorable Mention, a rare event indeed! More Darwin Awards: Fantastic Plastic Lover http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2000-48.html?0012 Christmas Tree http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2000-47.html?0012 Sand Surfing http://www.darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2000-49.html?0012 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Need the perfect gift for a klutzy family member or colleague? Give the gift of life! THE DARWIN AWARDS: Evolution in Action. 185 cautionary tales for the daredevil in us all. http://www.darwinawards.com/book/?0012 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Honorable Mention: TAINTED TURKEY A family tradition spiraled into disaster when a meat thermometer exploded in a roasting turkey on Thanksgiving Day in Connecticut. The family of five decided to eat the turkey anyway, and in short order they were dialing for an ambulance. The family was rushed to the hospital, treated, and released. Officials are still trying to determine what chemical was in the thermometer. Looks like we can expect a new warning label next year: "Contents of this thermometer are not to be used as a condiment." More Honorable Mentions: Petrol Stockpile http://www.darwinawards.com/stupid/stupid2000-25.html?0012 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Personal Account: BRUSH WITH STUPIDITY My husband was on his way to work when he pulled to a stop at a traffic light. He noticed the occupant of the car behind him was holding a lighter up in the air and flicking it on and off, on and off. His curiosity got the better of him, and he maneuvered closer to her at the next light to see what she was doing. The woman was holding sections of her hair over the lighter's flame in a ridiculous attempt to dry it. I am certain this individual will be gracing the pages of this website soon. Ingenuity of that caliber is sure to rear its head again. More Personal Accounts: Robot Reaper http://www.darwinawards.com/personal/personal2000-39.html?0012 Tourist Trap http://www.darwinawards.com/personal/personal2000-38.html?0012 Bicycle Blues http://www.darwinawards.com/personal/personal2000-41.html?0012 ---