Murphy Hits Kingston

Murphy Hits Kingston


It seems the good doctor, aka Handy Andy, has managed to wiggled off the hook. While touring Kingston’s historic downtown this afternoon, he found this java gem — The Bialetti Elegance. Streamlined and sporting a short, straight handle that doesn’t stray into the melting zone, this stainless steel coffee maker just might break our recent cycle of kitchen mishaps. Okay, it’s a 4-cupper, slightly larger than my ill-fated 3-cup version, but who am I to refuse an extra strong morning jolt? It also cost more than the last two combined. However, if the adage “You get what you pay for” is true, this should last more than two months. Right, Andrew?

While I paid the good people at Kingston’s Oderin Kitchen Supplies with Visa, it seems I still owe someone a debt. Based on our conversation with store owner Kearney McGrath, Andrew is due an apology. Not only is my husband in good company when it comes to washing his iPod (rest in peace, Nano), untold numbers of culinary-challenged individuals have managed to mangle a stunning array of stovetop beverage devices.

McGrath says there’s been a rash of melting mishaps and produced the following evidence from under his counter. These items were returned to his store this past week because of “design flaws”.

So, Andrew, you are part of an elite group of plastic artists.

In homage to Italy, this wounded aluminum caffettiera looks like a foot kicking a soccer ball :

Pablo Picasso would be proud of this former whistling kettle:

While Red Green would applaud Andrew’s innovative use of adhesives, I’m tossing the old coffee maker and checking the inspection date on our fire extinguisher — just in case Murphy follows us home.

No Comments
  • jodi
    Posted at 00:18h, 20 February

    HE WASHED HIS NANO!???? Oooh. Is this dearly beloved the original absent minded professor, prithee?

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 10:29h, 20 February

    Yup, it was squeeky clean by the time it was done. We tried to salvage it but iPods and front loading washers don’t mix. The only bright light in this disaster was knowing he was not alone. He Googled, “I washed my iPod” and got hundreds of hits.

    This provided some cold, albeit quiet, comfort.

  • gordsellar
    Posted at 01:10h, 03 March

    Shhh. I washed a Korean rental cellphone in a machine in Japan by accident. The next day, after it dried out, it was working absolutely fine. 🙂

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 10:05h, 03 March

    Oh, Gord. If only we had been so lucky with the Nano. Nope, 3 days drying out in a sealed container of rice (a nifty trick for salvaging hearing aids that have fallen into the toilet or sink), prayers and gentle coaxing failed to bring the iPod back to life.

    His next one is getting a waterproof case. Let’s hope it’s flame resistant, too…