MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: Coulda made one of these in woodshop class...

> > > > > ...instead of the picture frames, bookcases and other doodads I wasted time
> on.
> >
> > > >
> > > > I remember crossbows were popular in wood shop... and paddles.
> > > >
> > > > You weren't allowed to make paddles, tho, so if the teacher caught you making a
> > > > paddle, they used it on you. Nothing like a test drive to make sure your design
> > was
> > > > sleek, aerodynamic, and painful.
> > >
> > > Were the holes drilled in those to cut down on wind resistance or to increase
> pain?
> > > Or maybe it served a duel (or dual?) purpose.
> >
> >
> > The disciplinary paddles at my elementary school in the midwest were drilled for
> two
> > reasons near as I can tell: 1) The holes not only decreased air resistance, but
> > resulted in multiple painful welts after delivery rather than one large one; and 2)
> > Psychological terror. Aside from looking wicked, the holes helped generate a
> terrific
> > "whoooshing" noise as the paddle was swung, adding to the whole ambience of horror
> as
> > one was swung down toward your backside.
> >
> > For added psychological effect, the schools paddles were also painted matte black
> and
> > stored in fitted covers, allowing the disciplinarian to make a great show of the
> > unholstering and brandishing of said paddle.
> >
> > Only tasted the sting of the paddle once; once was enough for me. Effective
> attitude
> > adjustment right there.
>
> Wow, you guys are old. I went to school in the post-corporal punishment era. I even
> went to Catholic school and never so much as got my knuckles rapped.

Heh, not that old (not Orc-old leastaway), turning 40 next year.

The plus side to have been subjected to corporal punishment in my opinion is that I have legitimately earned the right to tell kids to get the hell off my lawn.