News
iPod blamed for teenager’s lightning strike
A 17-year-old Colorado teenager blames his iPod for being struck by lightning while mowing the lawn. Jason Bunch says the current from the strike traveled through the headphone wires of his iPod, burning his ears, cheeks and side. The Denver post reports: “The wounds follow the line of his iPod, from his ears down his right side to his hip, where he was carrying the device. The iPod has a hole in the back, and the earbuds dissolved into green threads. 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.” Weather experts, however, say that is unlikely. “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. “There are documented cases of lightning traveling through wired telephones and killing the users.” [via Gizmodo]
Share This Article & Win an iTunes Gift Card. Next: Analyst: Wireless 6G iPod to counter Microsoft device
Previous: Kiwali offers Deco covers for 5G iPods
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- AdMob: iPhone accounts for 50% of smartphone ad requests
- Apple targets Verizon with new iPhone 3GS ads
- Apple announces Black Friday 2009 shopping event
- Swimman waterproofs Earphones with Remote and Mic
- KT to launch iPhone in South Korea on Nov. 28
- New iPhone jailbreak worm seeks banking info
- Apple exec Schiller discusses App Store
- Enter the CES Exhibits Plus Pass Giveaway today
- Wider distribution boosting iPhone sales in France
- Chinon rolls out AVi portable iPod speaker
Recent Reviews
- Electronic Arts Command & Conquer Red Alert
- Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
- iHome iHM79 Rechargeable Mini Speakers
- Elexa Consumer Products iBlink
- Bose SoundDock 10
- Shure SE115m+ Sound Isolating Headset
- Apple Remote (2009)
- Kensington Travel Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone
- Tapulous Metallica Revenge
- Electronic Arts NBA Live by EA Sports
Recent Articles
- The Beginner’s Guide to iTunes
- Ask iLounge 11-20-09
- The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store
- iPhone Gems: Brain Challenge 2, Impossible Quiz, Jeopardy, Trivia Wars + Wheel of Fortune
- The Complete Guide to Album Tagging, Art and Playlists in iTunes
- Ask iLounge 11-13-09
- The Complete Guide to iTunes Audiobooks, Podcasts + iTunes U
- Ask iLounge 11-6-09
- iPhone Gems: Asphalt 5 and Doom Classic
- Ask iLounge 10-30-09
61
Y’know what, I was thinking of walking around carrying an aluminum baseball bat during a lightning storm… if I get struck, I’m sueing Easton!
ridiculous.
Posted by AnthonyJTa on July 10, 2006 at 7:39 AM (PDT)
62
As a research meteorologist, I have authored or co-authored more than a dozen professional papers on lightning and I founded the National Lightning Science and Research Group. In the last two decades we have conducted more than 50,000 field experiments to test the cause and effects of lightning strikes on humans. To date our findings show NO relevant increased risk by humans who wear jewelry, chains, or headphones for that matter. Interestingly, our findings do show a substantial increase in risk of lightning strikes to humans who sport wide Elvis-like sideburns.
Posted by Dr. Watt on July 10, 2006 at 6:52 PM (PDT)
63
Ok, folks, lets look at this more intellegently -
No, the ipod did not attract the lightning and to think so is just plain ignorant. It did serve as a conduit ans possibly saved his life.
Yes, it is stupid to mow the lawn during a thunderstorm, when you know one is developing. However, if he had the music really loud (in order to hear it over the lawn mower), he probably didn’t hear the thunder. In addition, his eyes were probably on the grass, not the sky so he didnt see anything either.
They are just trying to blame someone because he will be scarred for life.
I say, oh well. Live and learn and listen on!
Posted by KS on July 11, 2006 at 6:11 PM (PDT)
64
2ProngedCrown was the band, it was not Metallica. We have it from a reliable source that the youth was listening to the band 2ProngedCrown, from Atlanta.
We searched for info on this band and found them at myspace.com
http://www.myspace.com/2prongedcrownmusic
Posted by Johnny Dammit on July 17, 2006 at 2:48 AM (PDT)
65
more proof that god hates metallica
Posted by JD on August 9, 2006 at 2:19 AM (PDT)
Page 4 of 4 pages « First < 2 3 4