Comments on: Grace In Small Things – 79/365

By: violet

violet — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:12:12 +0000

You feel free to fund all the education you like, mister. And, assuming it doesn’t get me kicked out of the program, I’ll even carry the balloons around with me. NO PROBLEM.

(Seriously, THAT’S how badly I want into the program!)
(But, OMG, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, balloooooooons… eeeeeeeeeeeee…)

By: Sylvain

Sylvain — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:02:06 +0000

Ok, I’m applying for a research grant. I think I can get this in under the “Entertainment and Arts Stimulus Program”
I think $25000 should cover it. Part of the research will include Violet taking the balloons to class with her. I’ll have to fund her schooling, of course.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:34:28 +0000

In some balloon-selling establishments, they first inflate the balloon with air (to stretch it), then inject some clear goopy gel stuff which they subsequently massage around to coat the inside of the balloon, and then blow it up. Supposedly said goop helps the balloons last longer. It does – about 3x as long, but NOTHING compared to foil balloons.

This calls for further experimentation. We need to duplicate these results, and have a control. Sylvain, send another batch, but send one to me as well (I’ll be the control). We’ll see what happens. We’ll figure it out and write it all up for Scientific American or something.

By: violet

violet — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:28:24 +0000

Um.. gooop? What goop goes with balloons?

The foil one dropped in about 12 hours. The others are very perkily hanging out in my front window, still, with no sagging in sight!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:26:58 +0000

Your front door must actually lead not into your house but some weird alternate universe. Helium balloons with no goop, dead in 24 hours. With goop, MAYBE 72 hours. Foil, weeks and weeks.

Are you sure it just doesn’t FEEL like the latex balloons last forever?

By: violet

violet — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:09:40 +0000

What? No, it’s *always* been the other way around for me – the foil dies in a day or two and the non-foil last FOREVER. I mean.. WAY TOO LONG.

By: Sylvain

Sylvain — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:02:42 +0000

Yes, foil balloons are supposed to outlast the latex ones by a very long time. This is unacceptable!! I will call to make sure they bring you replacement. Are you going to be home?

At least I know I can count on secret agent Fluffy Pants to execute Plan B, code name: “Foil of Terror”

Andrew, stand by for Plan C launch sequence.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:18:52 +0000

WHAT?!? No way. Foil balloons are ridiculously long-lived. At least in my house. They easily outlast latex balloons – even if they’ve had the gunk pumped into them first – by 10:1, minimum.

My wife hates balloons that are neutrally buoyant. They can sneak around the house and freak her out at night. I have to make sure they’re secure, or empty. :)