[RE-wrenches] Snowman Armed with Solar Powered Flamethrower

[Joel Davidson]

Dear Mr. Lafferty,

Although this is not a letter of intent to sue at this time, please be advised that the hazardous Snow Globe image in your email dated January 11, 2009 (deleted herein) caused fire damage to my client's computer screen and extreme emotional distress to my client who may never be able to enjoy snow globes; Frosty the Snowman; playing in the snow and the sun; and using solar power.

signed,
John Dewey, Esq.
Dewey, Chittam & Howe
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Matt Lafferty 
  To: 'RE-wrenches' 
  Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 11:25 AM
  Subject: [RE-wrenches] Snowman Armed with Solar Powered Flamethrower


  Uh, oh!  Frosty's got a flamethrower!  Interesting application for solar concentrator disguised as snowman... 

  http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09073.html

  Hallmark Recalls Jumbo Snow Globes Due to Fire Hazard

   

  Name of Product: Jumbo Snowman Snow Globes

  Units: 7,000

  Importer: Hallmark Cards Inc., of Kansas City, Mo.

  Hazard: When exposed to sunlight, the snow globes can act as a magnifying glass and ignite nearby combustible materials, posing a fire hazard.

  Incidents/Injuries: Hallmark has received two reports of the snow globes igniting nearby materials. No injuries have been reported.

  Description: This recall involves a Hallmark Jumbo Snow Globe in the shape of a snowman with model number 1XAG5093 and UPC code 795902066666. The snow globe measures 11 by 12 by 17 inches. The model number and the UPC code can be found on the back of the hangtag.

  Sold at: Hallmark Gold Crown stores nationwide from October 2008 through November 2008 for about $100.

  Manufactured in: China (Redacted to preserve international relations)

  Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the snow globe from exposure to sunlight and return it to any Hallmark Gold Crown store for a full refund. (Shouldn't they put the fire out, first?)


  I think the NFPA should do something about this sort of thing... Perhaps another Code?  Training for fire-fighters on how to recognize disguised ignition sources around the home and office?  Just how many feet of clearance does a snowman need?  And what is the classification for this space?  Should automatic fire extinguishing systems be required?  Is there a limit to the number of snowmen that should be allowed to congregate during daytime hours?  Maybe the Department of Homeland Spying needs to be involved as well.

  Can you imagine the horror in the mind of the designer when (s)he found out Frosty has a mean streak?  

  I'm thinking up uses for 7,000 of these.  Should be able to get a deal on them, eh?  I'm coming up with things like: A unique solar cooker, igloo-heaters, going-away presents for Bush administration, practical joke gag-gift, thing to leave on your boss' desk when you get laid off, CEO/CFO bonus gift... Any other ideas?

  Pray for Sun!

  Matt Lafferty
  gilligan06 at gmail.com





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