Happy Holidays

So I got in the car this morning and this was the first story I heard on the radio:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7755278.stm

First off, the BBC's article focuses 1 paragraph about the man that was trampled to death by eager shoppers. The rest of the article is about sales and discounts and a recession. But not the man that died trying to open a door.

Now, I haven't been counting the signs of the apocalypse lately, but with all this Mayan talk of Dec. 21st 2012 coming, this event really doesn't lead me to believe the Mayans are wrong. Americans seem to have run out of ideas how to destroy each other. We've moved past nationalism, religion, sexism, racism, now we're on to commercialism. We're killing each other to get a 60% discount on toys and DVD players.

What worries me the most about this story is the fact that this was an unintentional death. A thief who robs a store and murders is one thing. It's another thing to push someone aside and step on their bodies, in a mass hysteria where all thoughts of decency and human nature go out the window in order to grab a gift, that's the most terrifying part of this story. That we're at a point now that we can turn into animalistic beasts because of a sale.

Call it what you want. The holiday spirit; cause of a recession; just one of those random thing; but I'd look into what the Mayans are talking about a little bit more.

The Emotion I Bring out in Women

This scene takes place earlier this evening. I was at a show for singer/songwriters that my friend Tom was in. The crowd was very hipster and "cool" I guess. I also recently purchased a new coat, which I am quite fond of. The coat will keep anything warm in any climate, and has a really wooly hood for good measure.

So this is during a break between acts, I went outside with Larke to get some air, and while she was on the phone, a girl comes out and lights up a cigarette. She's obviously cold and shivering.

Shivering Girl: Nice coat.
Me: Thank you.
Shivering Girl: Bet you're toasty.
Me: I am, it's a really thick coat.
Shivering Girl: I dressed for fashion.
Me: I see.
(few seconds of shivering)
Shivering Girl: Fuck this shit.
(flicks her cigarette to the ground, storms inside)
Me: Ok.

What economy means

For those of you who wonder just how or why economy works in society:

(Outside of the Bolt Bus, with service from NY to DC)
Woman: Can I get on the bus?
Bus Driver: Do you have a ticket?
Woman: No.
Bus Driver: Do you have some money?
Woman: Yes!
Bus Driver: Then you can get on the bus!