Listening to Lloyd: Lloyd Sholes tells tragic tales designed to save linemen's lives

摘要

Lloyd Sholes leans back in his office chair, one thick thumb under a suspender attached to his blue jeans, his eyes shifting around to the two dozen or so co-op caps that ring the top of his cubicle. He discusses his various "messages." They are simple tales meant to stay in a person's head and pop up at the right time--and save lives. Sholes, 64 and a lineman himself for more than 20 years, points out that linemen work in one of the most dangerous occupations--behind timber cutters and airline pilots. Then he slowly swings around and sits upright. His cowboy boots hit the floor. His stocky frame gets rigid. He pauses and his tone changes. "I tell them there are magic moments in their lives and tragic moments." Many linemen, he'll admit, regard hissafety work skeptically. Yet he'll get an audience to talk about their personal special moments. They name first cars, fishing trips, wedding days or their child's first smile.