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July 7, 2006

ipod

iPod earbuds really are dangerous

Posted Jul. 7, ’06, 6:02 AM PT by Derik DeLong
Category | iPod

iPod Headphone Burn Jason Bunch of Castle Rock got struck by lightning as he mowed his lawn. Like I enjoy doing, he was listening to his iPod as he did his yardwork. As you can see in the picture, the electricity traveled up his iPod headphones into his ears. Ouch. Now he’s looking at Apple to blame.

Bunch and his mother believe the iPod acted as an antenna, drawing the lightning to him. There were tall pine trees nearby that didn’t get hit.

But lightning and weather experts say that’s probably not the case.

“There is no scientific evidence to show that lightning is ‘attracted’ to items like an iPod. However, if someone wearing earbuds is struck, current may travel along the wires into the ears,” said Gregory Stewart of the Denver-based Lightning Reference Center.

I really hope they listen to the scientific community. I feel for him, but I don’t want to have to pull out the Legal category for yet another post.

[via iLounge]


3 Comments

jim said:

My god, you can't sue for everything! Sh** happens. Accept it.

July 7, 2006 8:26 AM
daver said:

The Headlines Read:

"Newsflash, American corporations now responsible for the weather!"

"Apple found guilty of not building lightning-proof electronic device!"

"Educational system at fault for not teaching our children that putting wires into your ears can conduct electricity through your head!"

I felt sorry for him for about 10 seconds, until I read about who he blames.

July 7, 2006 9:17 AM
devrin said:

geez. Of course he blames the iPod. It couldn't have been the big METAL lawnmower he was mowing in a FREAKIN' THUNDERSTORM. Yeah, it was probably that small, insulated iPod that was in his pocket.

July 8, 2006 9:48 PM

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