Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 17:34:17 -0400
From: Lee Juslin <ljuslin@misslilys.com>
To: AeraDeco@aol.com, balloondeco@balloonhq.com
Subject: Mischievous Children

Hi Steve,
I read your post with interest because, although at first blush it seems
a bit much to worry people injuring themselves on balloon decor, in
today's pc, litigious society it is a concern.
That is one of the reasons, and in all honesty only one, that we offer
bases with iron pipes that screw into the base. That way if the
structure is knocked over by overeager party guests it is on the floor
as a unit, and there is no narrow or sharp piece exposed to impale
anyone. Of course the other reason we use the screwed in design is to
make it easy to pick up the column or sculpture and move it as one
complete unit without the base falling off. If you use a base with a
pole or pipe that simply slips over a protruding rod you cannot move
your decor as easily. And, if parents could somehow prove or convince a
court that your design or equipment was at fault in a freak but serious
accident, I doubt mere insurance or even the most carefully constructed
contract would be adequate protection.
Thinking about your mischievous children, I was reminded of an
experience when I was doing balloon decorating many years ago. We had
done a series of single balloon arches at the entrance to a wedding to
create an inexpensive canopy. We also did a heart sculpture and some
other things. When we returned after the reception was over, the caterer
told us that several of the wedding party had tried to untie the arches
to put on the "getaway car", but they couldn't undo them. Finally, in an
apparent alcoholic haze, they used cigarette lighters to try to burn the
line to free it from it's base. So, you see it isn't just children who
can behave badly..
I wonder who would have been blamed had the hall caught on fire?
Lee Juslin


--
Miss Lily's,  International Supplier to Balloon Artists
http://www.misslilys.com