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26
Dec 2008
Hidden party dangers
Posted by Scott Spielman
at 4:21 PM | Comments (1)
Every now and then, a strange news pitch comes in with the rest of the emailed spam.
This one started out: “For most people, bringing in the New Year means celebrating with friends and family, champagne toasts and cheer. But if you get hit in the eye with a champagne cork, it may mean a trip to the emergency room to try and save your sight.”
It came from the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons about an…overlooked…danger many of us face on New Years’ Eve—as well as at other celebrations.
Apparently, according to the press release, those corks can fly out at speeds of up to 50 mph. That makes me wonder: was this an estimate? Is there any math involved in coming up with this figure? Or was some kind of radar gun used?
Here’s a few ways to reduce the tension at that moment before that potentially blinding projectile flies free:
Make sure sparkling wine is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.
Don’t shake the bottle. Shaking increases your chances of eye injury.
To open the bottle safely, hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood. Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and from any bystanders.
Place a towel over the entire top of the bottle and grasp the cork.
Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle as you slowly and firmly twist the bottle while holding the cork to break the seal. Continue to hold the cork while twisting the bottle. Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Counter the force of the cork using slight downward pressure just as the cork breaks free from the bottle.
Never use a corkscrew to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.
Good luck and be careful, everyone!
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