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| Quiz #133 Results |
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| ********** |
Shivering in the high altitude, he used a
pellet gun to pop balloons to come back to
earth. On the way down, his balloons
draped over power lines, blacking out a
Long Beach neighborhood for 20 minutes.
The stunt earned Walters a $1,500 fine
from the FAA, the top prize from the
Bonehead Club of Dallas, the altitude
record for gas-filled clustered balloons
(which could not be officially recorded
because he was unlicensed and
unsanctioned) and international
admiration. He appeared on "The Tonight
Show" and was flown to New York to be
on "Late Night With David Letterman,"
which he later described as "the most fun
pellet gun to pop balloons to come back to
earth. On the way down, his balloons
draped over power lines, blacking out a
Long Beach neighborhood for 20 minutes.
The stunt earned Walters a $1,500 fine
from the FAA, the top prize from the
Bonehead Club of Dallas, the altitude
record for gas-filled clustered balloons
(which could not be officially recorded
because he was unlicensed and
unsanctioned) and international
admiration. He appeared on "The Tonight
Show" and was flown to New York to be
on "Late Night With David Letterman,"
which he later described as "the most fun
| ********** |
| Answer to Quiz #133 - November 4, 2007 |
| 1982 Honorable Mention for a Darwin Award What did he do? |
| ********** |
goal was to sail across the desert and hopefully make it to the Rocky Mountains in a
few days. But things didn't quite work out for Larry. After his crew purposely cut the
first tether, the second one also snapped which shot Larry into the LA sky at over
1,000 feet per minute. So fast was his ascent that he lost his glasses.
He rose to an altitude of 16,000 feet (3 miles) and floated over several hours from his
point of origin in San Pedro, California into federal airspace near Long Beach airport. A
TWA pilot first spotted Larry and radioed the tower that he was passing a guy in a lawn
chair at 16,000!
few days. But things didn't quite work out for Larry. After his crew purposely cut the
first tether, the second one also snapped which shot Larry into the LA sky at over
1,000 feet per minute. So fast was his ascent that he lost his glasses.
He rose to an altitude of 16,000 feet (3 miles) and floated over several hours from his
point of origin in San Pedro, California into federal airspace near Long Beach airport. A
TWA pilot first spotted Larry and radioed the tower that he was passing a guy in a lawn
chair at 16,000!
He was immediately arrested by waiting members of
the LAPD; when asked by a reporter why he had
done it, Walters replied "a man can't just sit around."
He was later fined US$4,000 by the Federal Aviation
Administration for violations of the Federal Aviation
Act, including operating a "civil aircraft for which
there is not currently in effect an Airworthiness
Certificate" and operating an aircraft within an airport
traffic area "without establishing and maintaining
two-way communications with the control tower."
Walters appealed, and the fine was reduced to
US$1,500.
the LAPD; when asked by a reporter why he had
done it, Walters replied "a man can't just sit around."
He was later fined US$4,000 by the Federal Aviation
Administration for violations of the Federal Aviation
Act, including operating a "civil aircraft for which
there is not currently in effect an Airworthiness
Certificate" and operating an aircraft within an airport
traffic area "without establishing and maintaining
two-way communications with the control tower."
Walters appealed, and the fine was reduced to
US$1,500.
Lawrence Richard Walters, nicknamed Lawnchair
Larry or the Lawn Chair Pilot, (April 19, 1949 –
October 6, 1993) was an American adventurer. He took
flight on July 2, 1982 in a homemade aircraft, dubbed
Inspiration I, that he had fashioned out of a Sears patio
chair and 45 helium-filled weather balloons.
With the help of his ground crew, Larry then secured
himself into the lawn chair which was anchored to the
bumper of a friend's car by two nylon tethers. He took
with him many supplies, including a BB gun to shoot
out the balloons when he was ready to descend. His
Larry or the Lawn Chair Pilot, (April 19, 1949 –
October 6, 1993) was an American adventurer. He took
flight on July 2, 1982 in a homemade aircraft, dubbed
Inspiration I, that he had fashioned out of a Sears patio
chair and 45 helium-filled weather balloons.
With the help of his ground crew, Larry then secured
himself into the lawn chair which was anchored to the
bumper of a friend's car by two nylon tethers. He took
with him many supplies, including a BB gun to shoot
out the balloons when he was ready to descend. His
Walters also received the top prize from the Bonehead Club of Dallas for his adventure,
as well as invitations to The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman and an
honorable mention in 1982's Darwin Awards. His lawn-chair balloon was also featured
in an episode of Mythbusters.
as well as invitations to The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman and an
honorable mention in 1982's Darwin Awards. His lawn-chair balloon was also featured
in an episode of Mythbusters.
| ********** |
| Eligibility |
| And Then.... |
| Larry's Demise From The Los Angeles Times, 24 November 1993 (by Myrna Oliver, Times Staff Writer) http://www.markbarry.com/ |
| Larry the Lawn Chair Pilot http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Walters http://www.markbarry.com/ http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Walters-BalloonRide.htm |
(August 2006, Libreville, Gabon) In August, a congregation's 35-year old pastor
insisted one could literally walk on water, if one only had enough faith. Big and bold
was his speech. He extolled the heavenly power possessed by a faithful man with such
force that he may well have convinced himself. Whether or not he believed in his heart,
his sermons left room for only shame should he leave his own faith untested. Thus, the
pastor set out to walk across a major estuary, the path of a 20-minute ferry ride. But
the man could not swim.
Lacking the miraculous powers of David Copperfield, let alone holy Jesus Christ, this
ill-fated cleric found only a Darwin Award at the end of his final path.
A related Personal Account from Palorca, Portugal: "I met an elder villager who once
tried to walk on water. He strapped small floaters to his feet. He floated, all right, but
upside down, with his head submersed. He was rescued by the spectators."
http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2006-02.html
insisted one could literally walk on water, if one only had enough faith. Big and bold
was his speech. He extolled the heavenly power possessed by a faithful man with such
force that he may well have convinced himself. Whether or not he believed in his heart,
his sermons left room for only shame should he leave his own faith untested. Thus, the
pastor set out to walk across a major estuary, the path of a 20-minute ferry ride. But
the man could not swim.
Lacking the miraculous powers of David Copperfield, let alone holy Jesus Christ, this
ill-fated cleric found only a Darwin Award at the end of his final path.
A related Personal Account from Palorca, Portugal: "I met an elder villager who once
tried to walk on water. He strapped small floaters to his feet. He floated, all right, but
upside down, with his head submersed. He was rescued by the spectators."
http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2006-02.html
| Congratulations to Our Winners! Greg Webster Bob Craig Ryan Cook Gene Glass Karen Rhea Diane Rogers Michael Turner Neil Ferguson Barbara Battles Diane Burkett Amy Gustavson Betty Ware Albert Brashear Bill Hurley Stan Read Suzan Farris Eric McElroy Elena O'Curry Linda Williams Brian Kemp Carol Haueter Marilyn Hamill Debbie Sterbinky Maureen O'Connor Betty Tyson Alison Lillie Deb Pritchard Venita Wilson Richard Cleveland Jim Kiser Joe Ruffner Kim Leonard Dennis Brann Elizabeth Kamath Stan Read Sharon Martin Karen Petrus James Hrubesky Bill Utterback Emily Aulicino Jen Paolilli Anna Farris Donna Van Benschoten Beth Long Mary South Kelly Fetherlin Mark Brzys Andy Hoh Dawn Carlile Fred Stuart Susan Fortune Dave Richardson Jeff and Lisa Tawney Dave Town Mary Fraser Pamela Hoffman John Chulick Margaret Waterman Sheri Fenley Mike Swiercewski Frank Nollette Kitty Huddleston Betty Chambers Edee Scott Linda LaValley Gary Sterne Erica Augustine Judy Pfaff Joshua Kreitzer Karen Kay Bunting Sue Edminster Alan Cullinan Dawn Colket Sandy Thompson Elaine C. Hebert Mary Osmar Michael Park Wayne Douglas Chris Tennant Dave Doucette Mike Dalton Johnny Bradley Margaret English Robert McKenna Tom Tollefsen Eric Goforth John Roberts Carl Blessing Rick/Jina/Ashley Gwen Upton Chris Gotovac Andy E. Wold Delores Martin |
| Comments from Our Readers |
As the mother of two young boys - ages 6 and 2 - I am so afraid that someday they too
will try the lawn chair stunt! Deb Pritchard
Looks like I found the pilot for the Nerk Space Shuttle.... Mark Brzys
Since I don't believe drugs were involved..would this be a "natural" high?!??
Linda LaValley
OMG...the Darwin awards! There are some pretty crazy stories there. Amazing what
people think up and actually do! The common theme seems to be a lack of common
sense. Mary South
Yes, the Darwin Awards are a real laugh! And just think, in 1982, there were more
idiotic things done than what Larry did, since he only received an Honorable Mention!
Barbara Battles
But it is sad, that because of what he did and the unmerciful and unrelenting publicity
he received, he believed that he had to commit suicide in order to be at peace!
Bob Craig
Good old Lawn Chair Larry! He actually did take flight. Honorable mention for being
stupid was probably not what he had in mind. I rented from Netflix the movie, Deck
Chair Danny, loosely based on this stunt. It was hilarious. Pamela Hoffman
I agree that it is an interesting story and one worth reading. I originally found it and
read it for just the same reason - I heard it and thought it one more urban legend only to
find that it really happened. Albert Brashear
It's scary to think there are more like Harry out there, and like Grumpy says...most of
them reproduce! LOL Betty Ware
At least Darwin Award winners are effectively removed from the gene pool -- one way
or another, usually by their own stupidity. Diane Burkett
I think that's the point of the Darwin awards- that these people are to stupid to live to
reproduce. Larry was unique in that the activity that got him the award didn't kill him.
Carol Haueter
Yes, it was easy, but even with your easy ones I learn something new. I had never
heard of the Darwin awards, and learned about them thanks to your quiz.
Maureen O'Connor
I can't believe it! I was just talking to a co-worker about this guy last week.
Marilyn Hamill
will try the lawn chair stunt! Deb Pritchard
Looks like I found the pilot for the Nerk Space Shuttle.... Mark Brzys
Since I don't believe drugs were involved..would this be a "natural" high?!??
Linda LaValley
OMG...the Darwin awards! There are some pretty crazy stories there. Amazing what
people think up and actually do! The common theme seems to be a lack of common
sense. Mary South
Yes, the Darwin Awards are a real laugh! And just think, in 1982, there were more
idiotic things done than what Larry did, since he only received an Honorable Mention!
Barbara Battles
But it is sad, that because of what he did and the unmerciful and unrelenting publicity
he received, he believed that he had to commit suicide in order to be at peace!
Bob Craig
Good old Lawn Chair Larry! He actually did take flight. Honorable mention for being
stupid was probably not what he had in mind. I rented from Netflix the movie, Deck
Chair Danny, loosely based on this stunt. It was hilarious. Pamela Hoffman
I agree that it is an interesting story and one worth reading. I originally found it and
read it for just the same reason - I heard it and thought it one more urban legend only to
find that it really happened. Albert Brashear
It's scary to think there are more like Harry out there, and like Grumpy says...most of
them reproduce! LOL Betty Ware
At least Darwin Award winners are effectively removed from the gene pool -- one way
or another, usually by their own stupidity. Diane Burkett
I think that's the point of the Darwin awards- that these people are to stupid to live to
reproduce. Larry was unique in that the activity that got him the award didn't kill him.
Carol Haueter
Yes, it was easy, but even with your easy ones I learn something new. I had never
heard of the Darwin awards, and learned about them thanks to your quiz.
Maureen O'Connor
I can't believe it! I was just talking to a co-worker about this guy last week.
Marilyn Hamill
| Buy from Amazon |
| Buy from Amazon |
| Buy from Amazon |
| Larry Walters in his 1992 Timex ad. |
A Darwin Award is a tongue-in-cheek honor named after evolutionary theorist Charles
Darwin. "Awards" have been given for people who "remove themselves from the Gene
pool" i.e. lose the ability to reproduce, as early as 1863. It is for people who kill, or in
rare cases, sterilize themselves accidentally by attempting to do stupid feats. As
described in the Darwin Award books: The Awards honour people who ensure the long-
term survival of the human race by removing themselves from the gene pool in a
sublimely idiotic fashion. While an attempt is made to disallow urban legends from the
awards, some older winners have been 'grandfathered' to keep their awards.
Several anonymously authored email lists titled (for example) 1999 Darwin Awards
have appeared annually since 1991. There are several websites that record "Darwin
Awards" — a well-known one started in 1994 is darwinawards.com run by Wendy
Northcutt, who has also written several books on the Darwin Awards.
Darwin. "Awards" have been given for people who "remove themselves from the Gene
pool" i.e. lose the ability to reproduce, as early as 1863. It is for people who kill, or in
rare cases, sterilize themselves accidentally by attempting to do stupid feats. As
described in the Darwin Award books: The Awards honour people who ensure the long-
term survival of the human race by removing themselves from the gene pool in a
sublimely idiotic fashion. While an attempt is made to disallow urban legends from the
awards, some older winners have been 'grandfathered' to keep their awards.
Several anonymously authored email lists titled (for example) 1999 Darwin Awards
have appeared annually since 1991. There are several websites that record "Darwin
Awards" — a well-known one started in 1994 is darwinawards.com run by Wendy
Northcutt, who has also written several books on the Darwin Awards.
| ********** |
| LOL |
| Rick's Quiz Angels loved this quiz... they wanted me to get them some balloons for their wheelchairs..and especially several cases of Miller so they could do a female version for the award..I vetoed the whole idea!!!! Rick/Ashley/Jina |
On July 2, 1982, Larry Walters
aka "Lawn Chair Larry"
fastened 45 weather balloons to
a lawn chair and drifted over the
skies of Los Angeles for two
hours. He eventually came down
by shooting out weather
balloons. He landed in power
lines in Long Beach, CA,
causing a 2-hour blackout. He
survived the ordeal only to
commit suicide a few years later.
aka "Lawn Chair Larry"
fastened 45 weather balloons to
a lawn chair and drifted over the
skies of Los Angeles for two
hours. He eventually came down
by shooting out weather
balloons. He landed in power
lines in Long Beach, CA,
causing a 2-hour blackout. He
survived the ordeal only to
commit suicide a few years later.
| Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Los Angeles Los Angeles County California, USA Plot: Columbarium of Valor |
| ********** |
Walters died Oct. 6 after hiking to a
remote spot in Angeles National Forest
and shooting himself in the heart, his
mother, Hazel Dunham, revealed Monday.
She said relatives knew of no motive for
the suicide. "It was something I had to
do," Walters told The Times after his
flight from San Pedro to Long Beach on
July 2, 1982. "I had this dream for 20
years, and if I hadn't done it, I would have
ended up in the funny farm."
Walters rigged 42 weather balloons to an
aluminum lawn chair, pumped them full of
helium and had two friends untether the
craft, which he had dubbed "Inspiration I."
remote spot in Angeles National Forest
and shooting himself in the heart, his
mother, Hazel Dunham, revealed Monday.
She said relatives knew of no motive for
the suicide. "It was something I had to
do," Walters told The Times after his
flight from San Pedro to Long Beach on
July 2, 1982. "I had this dream for 20
years, and if I hadn't done it, I would have
ended up in the funny farm."
Walters rigged 42 weather balloons to an
aluminum lawn chair, pumped them full of
helium and had two friends untether the
craft, which he had dubbed "Inspiration I."
Larry Walters, who achieved dubious fame in 1982 when he piloted a lawn chair
attached to helium balloons 16,000 feet above Long Beach, has committed suicide at the
age of 44.
attached to helium balloons 16,000 feet above Long Beach, has committed suicide at the
age of 44.
He took along a large bottle of soda, a parachute and a portable CB radio to alert air
traffic to his presence. He also took a camera but later admitted, "I was so amazed by
the view I didn't even take one picture."
Walters, a North Hollywood truck driver with no pilot or balloon training, spent about
two hours aloft and soared up to 16,000 feet -- three miles -- startling at least two
airline pilots and causing one to radio the Federal Aviation Administration.
traffic to his presence. He also took a camera but later admitted, "I was so amazed by
the view I didn't even take one picture."
Walters, a North Hollywood truck driver with no pilot or balloon training, spent about
two hours aloft and soared up to 16,000 feet -- three miles -- startling at least two
airline pilots and causing one to radio the Federal Aviation Administration.
| Launch Time |
I've ever had."
"I didn't think that by fulfilling my goal in life -- my dream -- that would create such a
stir," he later told The Times, "and make people laugh."
Walters abandoned his truck-driving job and went on the lecture circuit, remaining
sporadically in demand at motivational seminars. But he said he never made much
money from his innovative flight and was glad to keep his simple lifestyle.
He gave his "aircraft" -- the aluminum lawn chair -- to admiring neighborhood children
after he landed, later regretting it.
In recent years, Walters hiked the San Gabriel Mountains and did volunteer work for
the U.S. Forest Service. "I love the peace and quiet," he told The Times in 1988.
"Nature and I get along real well."
An Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Walters never married and had no children.
He is survived by his mother and two sisters.
"I didn't think that by fulfilling my goal in life -- my dream -- that would create such a
stir," he later told The Times, "and make people laugh."
Walters abandoned his truck-driving job and went on the lecture circuit, remaining
sporadically in demand at motivational seminars. But he said he never made much
money from his innovative flight and was glad to keep his simple lifestyle.
He gave his "aircraft" -- the aluminum lawn chair -- to admiring neighborhood children
after he landed, later regretting it.
In recent years, Walters hiked the San Gabriel Mountains and did volunteer work for
the U.S. Forest Service. "I love the peace and quiet," he told The Times in 1988.
"Nature and I get along real well."
An Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Walters never married and had no children.
He is survived by his mother and two sisters.
| Larry's Flight Path |
| ********** |
| Larry's Launch |
| ********** |
| Famous Larry Quotes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Walters |
"A man can't just sit around." (Immediately after his flight when asked by a reporter
why he did it)
"If the FAA was around when the Wright Brothers were testing their aircraft, they
would never have been able to make their first flight at Kitty Hawk."
"It was something I had to do. I had this dream for twenty years, and if I hadn't done
it, I think I would have ended up in the funny farm. I didn't think that by fulfilling my
goal in life — my dream — that I would create such a stir and make people laugh."
Regional safety inspector Neal Savoy is reported to have said "We know he broke some
part of the Federal Aviation Act, and as soon as we decide which part it is, some type
of charge will be filed. If he had a pilot's license, we'd suspend that. But he doesn't."
Larry was also in contact with REACT, a CB monitoring organization, who recorded
their conversation:
REACT: What information do you wish me to tell them (the airport) at this
time as to your location and your difficulty?
Larry: Ah, the difficulty is, ah, this was an unauthorised balloon launch,
and, uh, I know I'm in a federal airspace, and, uh, I'm sure my
ground crew has alerted the proper authority. But, uh, just call them
and tell them I'm okay.
why he did it)
"If the FAA was around when the Wright Brothers were testing their aircraft, they
would never have been able to make their first flight at Kitty Hawk."
"It was something I had to do. I had this dream for twenty years, and if I hadn't done
it, I think I would have ended up in the funny farm. I didn't think that by fulfilling my
goal in life — my dream — that I would create such a stir and make people laugh."
Regional safety inspector Neal Savoy is reported to have said "We know he broke some
part of the Federal Aviation Act, and as soon as we decide which part it is, some type
of charge will be filed. If he had a pilot's license, we'd suspend that. But he doesn't."
Larry was also in contact with REACT, a CB monitoring organization, who recorded
their conversation:
REACT: What information do you wish me to tell them (the airport) at this
time as to your location and your difficulty?
Larry: Ah, the difficulty is, ah, this was an unauthorised balloon launch,
and, uh, I know I'm in a federal airspace, and, uh, I'm sure my
ground crew has alerted the proper authority. But, uh, just call them
and tell them I'm okay.
Larry started shooting out a few balloons
to start his descent. When descending, he
aimed as best he could to land at the
Virginia County Club in Long Beach. But
he descended short of the golf course,
and headed into a residential neighborhood
in Long Beach.
"The part that was scary was the last 300
feet (before landing), with the rooftops
and telephone poles coming up so fast,"
Walters said. "I was praying that I
wouldn't hit one of those power lines and
to start his descent. When descending, he
aimed as best he could to land at the
Virginia County Club in Long Beach. But
he descended short of the golf course,
and headed into a residential neighborhood
in Long Beach.
"The part that was scary was the last 300
feet (before landing), with the rooftops
and telephone poles coming up so fast,"
Walters said. "I was praying that I
wouldn't hit one of those power lines and
be fried or sizzled." Walters said in a interview shortly after landing.
He dumped the gallon jugs of water tied to the chair to slow the gadget's landing but, on
the way down, his balloons draped over a set of power lines. Left dangling five feet off
of the ground, the police had to shut down electricity in the Long Beach neighborhood
for 20 minutes in order for Walters to safely egress his wounded wonder, down and
into the backyard of a house in Long Beach.
"By the grace of God, I fulfilled my dream. But I wouldn't do this again for anything."
He dumped the gallon jugs of water tied to the chair to slow the gadget's landing but, on
the way down, his balloons draped over a set of power lines. Left dangling five feet off
of the ground, the police had to shut down electricity in the Long Beach neighborhood
for 20 minutes in order for Walters to safely egress his wounded wonder, down and
into the backyard of a house in Long Beach.
"By the grace of God, I fulfilled my dream. But I wouldn't do this again for anything."
| Larry's Ascent |
| Larry's Crash Site |
| ********** |
Northcutt has established five requirements for a Darwin Award:
(1) Inability to reproduce — Nominee must be dead or rendered sterile.
(2) "Excellence" — Astounding stupid judgment.
(3) "Self-selection" — Cause of one's own demise.
(4) "Maturity" — Capable of sound judgment.
(5) "Veracity" — The event must be verified.
(1) Inability to reproduce — Nominee must be dead or rendered sterile.
(2) "Excellence" — Astounding stupid judgment.
(3) "Self-selection" — Cause of one's own demise.
(4) "Maturity" — Capable of sound judgment.
(5) "Veracity" — The event must be verified.
| ********** |
| Darwin Awards http://darwinawards.com/darwin/darwin2007-10.html |
| ********** |
