2008 Woodie Awards
The Good Word
Notes on Pop Culture and Whatever
Chris Bennett/Muleskinner
Issue date: 1/18/07 Section: Features
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Wee, Wii
In last week's supplement, the Nintendo Wii and its faults (or faulty users) were discussed. Well, the Wii is in national news again; this time it's related to a contest. In Sacramento, Cal., a mother of three died participating in a contest called "Hold your Wee for a Wii" held by local radio station KDND 107.9 The End.
The contestants were given eight ounce bottles of water every 15 minutes. As the contest went on, the contestants were given bigger bottles of water. If a contestant could not finish the water before the next bottle, or if they went to the bathroom during the contest, in private or public, they were eliminated.
The Aftermath
After the contest was over, the mother was complaining of a headache to her supervisor. Later on that day she died of what the coroner claimed to be water intoxication.
What makes this interesting, and obviously tragic, is the lengths people will go to get things for free. The woman worked as a secretary for a radiologist, and from all accounts could have been able to buy the system for her kids with a bit of saving or having patience to wait for the game system to be available at a local store.
Apparently, the pressure of not disappointing children during the holidays is still applicable after the holidays.
Why is it that we, as a culture, are willing to go to such lengths to get something for "free," especially material goods? This wasn't a contest to win food or to have a sufficient house built for the family.
Pointing Fingers
So who is to blame for such an unnecessary death? Sure, you could blame the mother, who willingly put herself in the event. How about the radio station? If you are going to hold a contest that involves holding... you know, maybe you should do a little research to see what ramifications are possible.
Apparently, during the contest, a nurse called in to the radio station warning them of the possible threats that could happen to the body during such a contest (the DJ said that all participants signed waivers, as if that makes it okay).
In last week's supplement, the Nintendo Wii and its faults (or faulty users) were discussed. Well, the Wii is in national news again; this time it's related to a contest. In Sacramento, Cal., a mother of three died participating in a contest called "Hold your Wee for a Wii" held by local radio station KDND 107.9 The End.
The contestants were given eight ounce bottles of water every 15 minutes. As the contest went on, the contestants were given bigger bottles of water. If a contestant could not finish the water before the next bottle, or if they went to the bathroom during the contest, in private or public, they were eliminated.
The Aftermath
After the contest was over, the mother was complaining of a headache to her supervisor. Later on that day she died of what the coroner claimed to be water intoxication.
What makes this interesting, and obviously tragic, is the lengths people will go to get things for free. The woman worked as a secretary for a radiologist, and from all accounts could have been able to buy the system for her kids with a bit of saving or having patience to wait for the game system to be available at a local store.
Apparently, the pressure of not disappointing children during the holidays is still applicable after the holidays.
Why is it that we, as a culture, are willing to go to such lengths to get something for "free," especially material goods? This wasn't a contest to win food or to have a sufficient house built for the family.
Pointing Fingers
So who is to blame for such an unnecessary death? Sure, you could blame the mother, who willingly put herself in the event. How about the radio station? If you are going to hold a contest that involves holding... you know, maybe you should do a little research to see what ramifications are possible.
Apparently, during the contest, a nurse called in to the radio station warning them of the possible threats that could happen to the body during such a contest (the DJ said that all participants signed waivers, as if that makes it okay).
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