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06/27/2002 Entry: "The Poughkeepsie Crusoe Challenge"

The Poughkeepsie Crusoe Challenge

A. What it is - This should probably be done during Spring or Summer break. The person accepting the challenge must be “shipwrecked” on a front lawn of their choice for seven consecutive days, eating nothing but potted meat products and tropical fruit for the duration.

B. The lawn must be a front lawn, and in plain view of passing motorists, joggers, children walking home from school, etc. At no time may you leave the grassy area of the front yard, except for the following reasons stated below.
1. Medical emergency
2. Natural Disaster or freak weather
3. Work
4. To use the bathroom to crap or pee only

C .You must gather your supply of tropical fruits and potted meats and have them stored on your “desert isle” prior to the start of the challenge (you can’t go shopping every day or have someone bring you your food each day)
1. If you have any questions about what a potted meat product is, go to www.armour.com You may also want to call Armour and tell them about this challenge…they might sponsor you and give you free food.
2. Tropical fruit is considered to be coconuts, pineapple, mango, kiwi, banana, star fruit, or passion fruit. An apple is not a tropical fruit. Neither is an orange.

D. You may have the following items on your desert isle:
i. Two man weather proof tent
ii. sleeping bag
iii. disposable utensils, plates, cups, napkins
iv. can opener
v. hammer
vi. pocket knife or leatherman tool (both of which you can purchase at home depot)
vii. unlimited supply of drinking water
viii. paper and pen to record your experience
ix. harmonica
x. battery operated lantern with extra batteries
xi. tooth brush and tooth paste
xii. travel sized deodorant
xiii. comb
xiv. towel
xv. bar of soap
xvi. razor (but no shaving cream)
xvii. mirror
xviii. sunscreen
xix. lip balm
xx. tarp
xxi. a copy of Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People”
xxii. Clothing
1. straw hat
2. one tee-shirt
3. four prs. Socks
4. four prs. Underwear
5. one pair of cut-off jeans tattered to look like you are indeed shipwrecked
6. jacket
7. one pair of shoes
8. one sweatshirt

F. You may not
1. speak to anyone because you’re shipwrecked and all alone on a desert isle
2. shower, but any grooming you would like to do with the water provided is acceptable

G.. You may:
1. Hold one press conference
2. Utilize any native foliage on your desert isle to enhance your diet or standard of living
3. post a sign on your desert isle explaining what you’re doing, and why you can’t talk

- Submitted by Lisa.