Sabotage!
February 16th, 2002
Sabotage! The Saturn rep who pulled our car out in front of the
dealership turned it off with the first gear engaged and the parking brake
off. This is, predictably, exactly the opposite of my habit and so when I got
into the car, I promptly turned it on and released the clutch.
BANG. The car lurched painfully, suffering in its bowels the
instantaneous transfer of too much angular momentum from some mechanical thing
to some other thing. The tires squealed, and with a loud bang the
engine stalled, all before I had time to react.
I enjoyed many reproachful looks from the Saturn employees and customers.