 Ashland, Kentucky This is the crowd at about 5:01am Friday morning as they start to trample each other down in order to grab a laptop computer for $378.00. At first it was kind of neat to be part of the crowd and have a bit of a chance to get one, much like the lottery where you know the chances are slim, but just maybe. Then it became interesting, worrisome, and frightful in that order. The first chore was to find the right 'pile'. If you were out early, then you know that the 24 hour stores had the low priced 'goods' covered up with black plastic and guarded by employees. It took some Dick Tracy work to track down what you want and, frequently, you found that you were in the wrong line. After some work, we located the laptop pile with a few minutes to spare. Everyone was pretty neighborly and chatty, but then the black plastic came off and everyone turned into wolves. The crowd surged like a rock concert. The police came, saying 'Someone's down....somone's down! Back up!' One older lady rose from the crowd and turned around with her Toshiba clasped to her breast with both arms crossed and begged 'Help me....help me...' There was much pushing, pulling, and attempted stealing, although I'd say that everyone was just grabbing anything that looked like a box without regards to whether it was already in a set of hands or not. Then, almost as soon as it started, someone shouts 'They're all gone!' and the crowds runs off to another pile. What was left was some torn packing and a lady on her hands and knees. She had been in (or near) the front row but was pushed down and didn't get her laptop. When I came home, I found Dell had them for $399 after rebate. Much easier. My son and I love to get up early and people watch on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This Friday took the cake and seems to tell what is becoming of the country. We had a lot of fun, only spending $20 on a game and lunch, with breakfast being free at Sam's Wholesale. Well worth the money and time for people watching, but disturbing nonetheless. I have a lot of thoughts on the philosophy of it all- maybe tomorrow. Heard & seen today: Me: 'What's this line for' (pointing at the black plastic-covered pile') Lady patiently standing in the line: 'I don't know.' (like a fool, I got into line too) then later: Dad to small son (about knee high): 'Watch out...they'll run your ass down...they don't give a f***.' Comment (9) | Permalink |
4x6photo.com | 5:01am: trample your neighbor, get a $378 laptop | 26 November, 2005
