Replies to post #231682 on Tornado Alley (PROG)

[fuagf]

Ouch, and ??hmm .. Frozen throats

January 19, 2003 by cameron

Truth or urban legend:

During the construction of the Alaskan pipeline, workers consumed alcohol to distract their minds and bodies from the bitter temperatures they were working in. On more than one occasion, a worker would leave a glass of alcohol sitting in their car overnight, return in the morning and take a big swig. The subzero alcohol would freeze their throat and stomach on contact, killing them instantaneously.

Some facts that might help you in your journey for truth:

* The freezing point of ethyl alcohol is -117.3 degrees Celsius .. http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/liquids/freeze.html.

* The record low in Alaska was -80 degrees Celsius .. http://www.alaska.com/akcom/southcentral/visit_travel/story/737601p-797531c.html , set on January 23, 1971 (during the construction of the pipeline)

* There are lots of ways for cold to kill .. http://www.21cm.com/articles/cryobiology.html

My friends are divided 50/50, with half in utter disbelief, and the others skeptical. The source of the story is, of course, completely convinced of its truth.

http://overstated.net/2003/01/19/frozen-throats

.. you must have wondered, too .. late thought, could be the water which froze? .. i've only suffered the frozen squeeze in the freezer section of the fridge ..

[bulldzr]

Desert... I can see why you have relocated. N. Dakota is very cold even when you are prepared. I will never forget my many experiences in that state. Playing basketball at nearly 10:00 at night before the time change in the fall for instance. The drive north and then east from Minot across the Northern Plain... sunset at 9:00... awesome. Driving supped up John Deere sleds (snowmobiles) on frozen lakes 1-2 miles long... Watching youth hockey in Grand Forks... Partying in Fargo with you crazy bastards... great memories.