When Oakland’s Chabot Observatory moved to its new location in 2000, there was a bright light that automatically came on, destroyiing everyone’s night vision, just as volunteers were setting up telescopes for public viewing.
Everyone shouted, “Turn off that @#$%ing light!!!” Then, one of our volunteers (the astronomy club’s representative on the Chabot Board of Directors!) took out his Swiss Army knife, opened up a box at the base of the pole, and cut through the wires. The lights went out to the applause of the crowd, and public viewing resumed.
He had to repeat his sabotage several times over the next few weeks, because the contractors kept “repairing” the lamp.
They finally caught on and reprogramed the lights to remain out unless they were needed for some emergency.
ARF2 over 15 years ago
When Oakland’s Chabot Observatory moved to its new location in 2000, there was a bright light that automatically came on, destroyiing everyone’s night vision, just as volunteers were setting up telescopes for public viewing.
Everyone shouted, “Turn off that @#$%ing light!!!” Then, one of our volunteers (the astronomy club’s representative on the Chabot Board of Directors!) took out his Swiss Army knife, opened up a box at the base of the pole, and cut through the wires. The lights went out to the applause of the crowd, and public viewing resumed.
He had to repeat his sabotage several times over the next few weeks, because the contractors kept “repairing” the lamp.
They finally caught on and reprogramed the lights to remain out unless they were needed for some emergency.
Bo, get Mrs. Yannes whatever tools she needs!
bald over 15 years ago
cut it down… it will take the highway weeks to get a replacement, by then you can get a quality of life injunction to keep it from being put up
Ashrey over 15 years ago
Someone please remember the tragedy that killed Skot.
risitas over 15 years ago
I was thinking ”well-aimed baseball”!!!