Thought I'd let you know that the lyrics for "Why Paddy's Not at Work Today" (also known as "Mitch's Masonry Theme Song") are online at http://www. bluemarble.net/~mitch/iww/paddy.html (part of Hoosier Slim's IWW Page).

Thank you all for letting us know where it originated.]

The web pages says that it's know to have originated in the late 1950's. I don't know if you are seeking out confirmation of earlier dates, but I'm aware of an earlier version/usage of the story. I have an old book with a copyright of 1945, written by Daniel V. Gallery titled "Now Hear This". The book is about the lighter side of life in the U.S. Navy during World War II. One of those stories was about a usual excuse some sailors gave as to why they came back from leave late. The story is similar to the insurance report, except it was with the sailor visiting the family back on the farm and seeing that the farm's silo was in need of repair went to fix it. In this case the barrel was used to hoist bricks.

Folks, we have enough confirmation.

This year's runner-up: An insurance company asked for more information regarding a work-related accident claim. This was the response.

I put 'poor planning' as the cause of my accident. I am an amateur radio operator, and was working on the top section of my new 80 foot tower. When I had completed my work, I discovered that I had brought up about 300 pounds of tools and spare hardware. Rather than carry the materials down by hand, I decided to lower the items using a pulley. Securing the rope at ground level, I went to the top of the tower and loaded the tools into a small barrel. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tightly to ensure a slow descent of the 300 pounds of tools. You will note in block 11 of the accident report that I weigh 155 pounds. Due to my surprise of being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. I proceeded at a rather rapid rate of speed up the side of the tower. In the vicinity of the 40 foot level, I met the barrel coming down. This explains my fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley.

"I regained my presence of mind, and was able to hold onto the rope in spite of my pain. At the same time, however, the barrel of tools hit the ground and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the tools, the barrel now weighed approximately 20 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the tower. In the vicinity of the 40 foot level, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles, and the lacerations on my legs an lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of tools, so only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay on the tools, in pain, unable to stand and watch the empty barrel 80 feet above me, I again lost my presence of mind, and let go of the rope . . ."