Humor from a Wretched Hyena

There has been a debate for years over whether one should take the time to pick up a penny that has been spotted on the ground. On ABC World News Tonight, Peter Jennings even once reported that a survey had been taken on the matter. Judging by the smirk on his face, I believe he thought it was rather humorous.

I decided to settle the argument. I picked up a penny time and time again, timing myself on each stoop. I found that the entire effort, stopping, bending over, retrieval and recovery, takes an average of about 2 1/2 seconds.

Since there are 3,600 seconds in an hour, there are 1,440 intervals of 2 1/2 seconds or pennies picked up, given the opportunity and the inclination, per hour. Therefore, it is only worth picking up a penny if you make $14.40/hr. or less. Uh, since the penny is tax free, that would be $14.40 AFTER taxes of coarse! (I suggest that Mr. Jennings keep walking even if he sees a quarter.)

Richard C. Hayner, Perpetrator