This post is part of our feature on Money Losers of 2008. See all 20.
Helium strikes again. The funniest of all gasses broke the heart of Londoner and jokester Lefkos Hajji, who had concealed a $12,000 engagement ring in a balloon full of the stuff. His plan? To hand his intended, Leanne, a pin so she could pop the balloon as he popped the question.
Sadly, just as Hajji exited the jewelers, a gust of wind snatched the balloon from his hand allowing wicked helium to carry his rock into the sky. A frantic two-hour car chase ensued, man vs. balloon, but eventually the helium made a clean getaway.
The English seem to have a particular problem with helium. In 2007, Calum McFadyen, at his four-year-old son's behest, tied his wedding ring to a Thomas the Tank Engine helium balloon while playing in the house. He forgot about it until his son opened the front door and the balloon made a mad, successful, dash for freedom. His dad was particularly miffed that his son stood in the doorway gleefully waving goodbye to his balloon.
The lesson? Never mix fine jewelry and helium: the cops don't pay attention to callers with high, squeaky voices, no matter how desperately you need their helicopter.
Be sure to check out more Money Losers of 2008.
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