This doesn't really have anything to do with toys, per se, but Bagginsbill's last post about throwing lawn darts at people's heads reminded me of this story from my childhood.

I grew up in an area of Raleigh, NC called Walnut Terrace. I found some pictures of some of the buildings before they tore them down years ago. Remember those, and look at the roofs.

Well, when I was about 5 or 6 years old. Two of my favorite cartoons was Mighty Mouse and Underdog. I liked Superman too, but I don't remember him being in a cartoon at the time. Anyway, like any true little idiot at the time, I would imagine flying with a towel wrapped around my neck. But, and I didn't know this at the time, I couldn't actually fly. But, I thought, if I could just get enough height , I could jump off something and fly under my own power.

Now looking back at the pictures, all the apartments had a porch and all the porches had bannisters and handrails. I would climb up on top of them and jump. I got some distance, but still not high enough I thought. Back when I was a kid, those smaller roofs weren't there. They must have built them long after I moved away. Any, they were flat when I was a kid and filled with rocks. I actually used to climb up there sometimes. One time with a towel. And yes, I jumped. I was a kid though and really didn't hurt myself. But.. I mused.... if I could just get more height. and I looked up to the very top roof.

I know what you're thinking. Why ain't I dead? I could never figure out how to get on the very top roof.