Stump Grinder

[MossRoad]

I was not laughing at the way we used to handle asbestos and other things we now know are very hazardous to our health. What I was laughing about was how things that used to be handled in a way we would never handle them now. For example when my father was in high school, the science teacher passed around a blob of mercury so people could see what a metal that was liquid at room temperature is like. They just were rolling around mercury on the bare skin of their hand, now to handle mercury people would be wearing gloves and respirators and not letting it touch their skin. People handled things like mercury and asbestos that way because they didnt know that they were dangerous, that is nothing to laugh at. All I was laughing about was how people react to things now compared to say 40 years ago. Another example is how kids used to sit on the floor in the back of a station wagon, when now people can get quite a large ticket just for not wearing a seat belt. People handling things in a dangerous way because they didnt know it was dangerous is something I would not laugh about. I am sorry you took my remark that way, I did not mean to offend anyone, but I can see how you took it that way and I understand exactly how you feel.

Geoff

I wasn't upset by your laugh. I was laughing while I was typing my reply.

I am of the generation of playing with broken thermometer mercury, riding in the back of pickup trucks, sleeping on the floor of the moving station wagon, and letting 8 year olds carry Cub Scout pocket knives. :thumbsup:

Now, we know that mercury is dangerous. So is not using a seat belt or riding in a pickup truck bed.... but I have to draw the line at Cub Scout knives. I think every kid should have the opportunity to learn how to whittle and gain the trust of their folks to carry a useful tool.

 

[deereman75]

Ahh I thought you were saying I shouldnt be laughing. But I have to say at my uncles farm in Alberta (kind of in the mountains and in a town of 200 people, lots of rednecks) we still use old trucks that shouldnt be on the road, with broken seat belts. (he did get rid of the really bad one though) Also his dump truck which he bought for $1 almost ran me over when my dad was driving it and i went to open the gate (which was on a hill) and the truck wouldnt stop (no brake fluid anywhere in the system). But like all things it is fairly safe with common sense.

 

[FOURTEEN]

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In my high school it was an OK excuse to go hunting on pheasant and deer seasons' opening days!

My wife was on her high school's "Sharpshooters" rifle team!

And yes, we often played with the big jug of mercury stored on the open shelf in the science room! It felt so cool and heavy rolling through our fingers! (Which may be why I died several years ago!!)

I am still wild and reckless! I ride a bicycle without even a hat, and sometimes don't use sunscreen!!!!


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[foggy1111]

Mercury could make a silver dime shine like a new penny. :thumbsup:

 

[Red Zebra]

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In my high school it was an OK excuse to go hunting on pheasant and deer seasons' opening days!

My wife was on her high school's "Sharpshooters" rifle team!

And yes, we often played with the big jug of mercury stored on the open shelf in the science room! It felt so cool and heavy rolling through our fingers! (Which may be why I died several years ago!!)

I am still wild and reckless! I ride a bicycle without even a hat, and sometimes don't use sunscreen!!!!


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A different time and place. I too remember going to high school and seeing other students pick-up trucks with full gun racks in the back window (mine did not have a rack). We'd take ours in on days we were going hunting after school. And guess what!? Boys will be boys--there were arguments and fights but never would somebody think of skinning one of those smoke wagons to settle a dispute. I don't have answers...only tried to instill the same respect and responsiblities to my children that was imparted to me.