So this is how Christmas dies...

[Tarsis]

I work at Wal-Mart, unfortunately, so I got to experience the brunt of the day now referred as "Black Friday" and let me tell you, it's insane. I was one of the 'lucky' ones that had to stand at the front of the store and cut the plastic off the items that were on sale and my back is proof of how crazy people were being. I've got bruises up and down my back from where I was being hit by buggies as people rushed around me to grab TV’s. We also had another employee who got sucker punched right across the face because a customer thought he was trying to take one of the laptop computers when he was just trying to help a customer out. Just imagine, a tiny 5 foot 3 inch Puerto Rican woman, trying to lift a 50 pound TV over her head to try and put it down in her buggy while other people rush around her, pushing and shoving to grab on for themselves and no one is helping her.

It's ridiculous to think about honestly. I have never participated in one of these "Black Friday" events and I never will. The only reason I did this time was because I was working it. Never again. I'm serious. It's scary to see 50 to 100 people rush a door that's no wider than 4 feet and rush at your armed with buggies and bad attitudes.

If anyone wants to see what I’m talking about, just click the link below. Thankfully I don’t work at any of these Wal-Mart’s and the one that I do work at had WAY more control over it’s customers. Although we did have a few incidents, it’s nothing compared to the one’s talked about in the link below.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/11/25/holiday.shopping.ap/index.html

It's all just sad people! I mean really, are a few electronic items worth that much that you’ll fight someone for them? That you’ll trample people just so you’re the first person to get your hands on a digital camera? People are forgetting the real reason of Christmas and are slowly killing the holiday. Sorry to burst your bubble, but Christmas isn't about the presents, it's about celebrating our Lord and Savior.

[JMK]

I saw that idiot try to sneak his way in to the line, and he was busted for it. I'm glad he did but it just goes to show how amped up people get for these events. It's ridiculous, and what's worse is that they're never going to end.

[Tarsis]

I know! They'll probabley only get worse as people get more and more fixed on getting the "great deals" that are on sale.

[Crystal]

I went to Best Buy this year and was expecting it to go something like that, it was really really busy and they had lines you had to wait in to get to the stuff people really wanted(cheap computers, tvs, etc). I didn't see anyone pushing and shoving though.

I was there for a few smaller items and a video card I guess no one wanted because I didn't have any trouble, aside from waiting in line for an hour at the checkout.

[Rutabaga]

I saw the footage of the guy getting the snot beat out of him in Orlando, and other footage of a mad rush in North Carolina, I think, where people kept falling and getting trampled. This makes my heart ache, because I think it's a really sad, sorry commentary on life in the world nowadays. Is this really what Christmas is all about? Are people really that materialistic that they're willing to hurt other people just to save a few bucks, and get just the right thing because otherwise whoever they're buying for might hate them?

It really is sad beyond belief. So sad that I can barely articulate it, in all honesty. :(

[Dasquian Belargic]

Originally posted by Crystal
aside from waiting in line for an hour at the checkout.

Madness.

Can't say I've heard about anything on this scale happening over here, though once in a while a toy while come along that causes a Christmas crisis, like when Buzz Lightyear was in such high-demand that people were travelling around the country to try and find him.

Incidentally, looking up Black Friday on Wikipedia tells me that: "Black Friday" is the name given to the last Friday before Christmas in the United Kingdom. It is a day when widespread anti-social behaviour due to public alcohol consumption is expected to occur, and police are given additional powers to combat it. :cool

[Zem Vymes]

I go to these, but I carry my pistol on me when I do. I've been clocked in the head by a swinging elbow enough times to know that people get stupid in these things.

[Tarsis]

Originally posted by Crystal
I went to Best Buy this year and was expecting it to go something like that, it was really really busy and they had lines you had to wait in to get to the stuff people really wanted(cheap computers, tvs, etc). I didn't see anyone pushing and shoving though.

I was there for a few smaller items and a video card I guess no one wanted because I didn't have any trouble, aside from waiting in line for an hour at the checkout.

I haven't heard of anything about Best Buy yet and I can only imagine what it was like there. As far as lines go, I know lines, lol. You should have seen some of the lines we had a Wally World. Back by electronics the line wrapped all the way around Automotive and down next to toys, that's a good 40 to 60 yards 0_0.


Originally posted by Jinn Fizz
I saw the footage of the guy getting the snot beat out of him in Orlando, and other footage of a mad rush in North Carolina, I think, where people kept falling and getting trampled. This makes my heart ache, because I think it's a really sad, sorry commentary on life in the world nowadays. Is this really what Christmas is all about? Are people really that materialistic that they're willing to hurt other people just to save a few bucks, and get just the right thing because otherwise whoever they're buying for might hate them?

It really is sad beyond belief. So sad that I can barely articulate it, in all honesty. :(

I agree 100%. It's pathetic to see people fighting just to save a few bucks. I know the expression, "A few bucks, is a few bucks that I didn't have" but come on, this is taking it to a new level.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

I'm with Jinn completely. I used to do the whole 'getting the coolest most awesome tech toy for someone' thing, but in the last few years I've far more enjoyed making my own gifts, and personalizing them. To me, it just shows more thoughtfulness on behalf of the person you're giving it to.

[Tarsis]

It's the thought that counts I always say.

[Sudoku]

We don't have Black Friday in Canada...so, no stampedes for me. Thankfully. I'm going shopping on Tuesday with my mum though, so I'm hoping we'll go in the morning/afternoon. At least when kids are in school, you have less mall traffic to worry about. :x

[Lilaena De'Ville]

It's called Black Friday because typically retailers are now operating 'in the black' budget-wise, instead of in the red.

Unless you happen to work retail, in which case it takes a more gloomy meaning. My first year not working in retail after Thanksgiving, and it was SO NICE TO SLEEP IN UNTIL 11!!!!

[Jedi Master Carr]

I would never go to these deals, really a lot of the deals aren't there (unless you want to get up at 3 in the morning to get at the store before they open). So why bother, I will wait and do my christmas shopping, I am not going into madhouses like that.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

I tend to do my christams shopping year round as it is, so things like Black Friday I try to keep away from. Not to mention, me and large crowds really don't mix well. I constantly feel as though my spatial awareness levels are given some super mutant boost, while everyone else completely loses theirs - assuming they had any to begin with. I swear to you all that it is the most annoying thing in the world for me to have to deal with and function among the general populace; not so much because I'm anti-social, but because I have a really low tolerance for the inconsiderate masses.

Just ask Charley about our abismal little sortie to the mall yesterday :|

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Being single this year means I get to brave the shopping centres this year.....

.......


I'm not looking forward to that, so I'm doing it throigh the week.

[Jedieb]

I haven't been to BF in about 3 years and I don't think I'll be going again any time soon. I've shopped it and worked it while I was in college and both ends suck. The only thing that would get me out there again would be great deals on SW figures or LEGO's and I don't expect to see those again for awhile.

[Morgan Evanar]

I ordered a video card instead of dealing with black friday. Also, there isn't anything any of my family wanted. Mom got her iPod Nano on the 20th, for her birthday and I have no idea what my sisters or dad wants.

[Colonel Karrnage]

Christmas for my dad is easy. I told him we're going up to Fenway for another Sox game and he was all :cool

[Sam]

The one year I ever dealt with any Black Friday sales was several years ago at Best Buy. My hard drive had just died the day before and I saw they had one on sale Friday for a ridiculously low price. Being the poor college student I was, and in desperate need of a computer for upcoiming finals, I decided to chance it.

It waqs just barely worth the $75 I saved.

[Tarsis]

Originally posted by Colonel Karrnage
Christmas for my dad is easy. I told him we're going up to Fenway for another Sox game and he was all :cool

Lucky you, I haven't a clue what any one wants in my family because they're all a bunch of schmoes and won't tell me anything >_<

[Naira Cross]

My dad always says " I don't need anything" i get so frustrated and say to him "It's not what you need it's what you want."

[Mortie]

This year is the easiest ever. My brother is getting married in February, and just decided that instead of getting married in Vancouver, he wants to get married in Mexico. Rather than blowing a bunch of cash on gifts, everyone in our family is flying to Mexico a few days early and hanging out. It's going to be so cool.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

I just want an AR-15 upper for christmas :(

I would think that a girlfriend who would buy her boyfriend a Rock River Arms CAR Tactical Elite 16" Upper with an Eotech Dominator co-witness sight mount would probably be nominated as the greatest girlfriend in the history of girlfriends.

I'm just saying ;) Also, everyone who reads this should say this to her as well :D

[Arya Ravenwing]

So you're saying we should tell her you want to be Dominated with co-witnesses??

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Don't forget mount! :crack

[Jaime Tomahawk]

I'd like..... nothing really. Just a good time away.

[Charley]

And that you shall have!

Just gotta get the details sorted out. Also, got to get my 1911 worked on >_<

[Arya Ravenwing]

you'll SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!!!

[Charley]

Not when I know what direction to point in!

http://panicked.org/sa/kw15a.jpg

[Lilaena De'Ville]

oh your homemade gun is broked? ;)


(lol couldn't help it)

[Tarsis]

Lol, is it so wrong to be 19 and still want toys?

[Sanis Prent]

No, I'm 25 and still want them.

[Sudoku]

Originally posted by Naira Cross
My dad always says " I don't need anything" i get so frustrated and say to him "It's not what you need it's what you want."


You have to ask them what they want that they would never buy for themselves, that works on my parents :)

[Tarsis]

Originally posted by Sanis Prent
No, I'm 25 and still want them.

Sweet >_<

[Wei Wu Wei]

I like toys too. Mostly expensive ones like video games. I might still go for an action figure now and again. But it's got to be a really cool one.

I also get comic books for Christmas.

[Morgan Evanar]

FYI video games are cheap compared to building up a car for racing.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Cocaine > Cars > Guns > Video games, as far as hobby expenditure goes.

[Milivikal k'Vik]

Well once you get the car put together it's not so bad, but still more than guns. Ammo is cheaper than fuel these days. :(

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Haha only if you're shooting bulk stuff like 7.62x39mm or .22LR. I paid $50 the other day to pay for a session's worth of ammo for only two of my pistols. That slays me.

[Tarsis]

Originally posted by Anbira Hicchoru
Cocaine > Cars > Guns > Video games, as far as hobby expenditure goes.

Don't know much about the cocaine, lol, but the video games and the guns sound nice. I've always wanted a gun, maybe a pistol. But I dont know, always wanted one, but don't know much about em other then the basic safty rules and stuff.

[Crystal]

Originally posted by Anbira Hicchoru
Cocaine > Cars > Guns > Video games, as far as hobby expenditure goes.

Cocaine is a hobby?

[Tarsis]

Apparently it is now, lol. I don't know, never done the stuff nor any drugs and don't plan to, so meh >_<

[JMK]

Yeah apparently it is.

I'm shocked at how many people I know that have used, and still occasionally use blow. They're people that you would never guess otherwise.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Sherlock Holmes used cocaine. I don't care if he's a literary figure; if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me!

[Mu Satach]

Remember the good ol'days when it was legal and in every coca cola bottle.

Good times, good times.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

If Sherlock Holmes jumped off a bridge, would you?

At least we know now why Charley doesn't have money to buy a house. ;)

[Anbira Hicchoru]

What? Money isn't an issue for me.

[Pierce Tondry]

Originally posted by Lilaena De'Ville
If Sherlock Holmes jumped off a bridge, would you?

If Sherlock Holmes is jumping off a bridge, my first thought is "What does he know that I don't?"

[Lilaena De'Ville]

If you see Sherlock Holmes jump off a bridge, then you're probably already on something pretty strong. :p

[Wei Wu Wei]

I don't know much about cocaine as a hobby.

Mostly my hobbies are video games or movies. Then there's always theology, philosophy, and literature. I'm such a nerd, I don't believe it.

[Tarsis]

It's ok Wei, I enjoy a good book every now and then myself as well. I don't know about the other two, but I like to learn and do so when I can so there ya go. I'm a nerd too, so it's all good XP

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Originally posted by Lilaena De'Ville
If Sherlock Holmes jumped off a bridge, would you?


Pfft, everyone knows Sherlock Holmes wouldn't jump off a bridge. He'd push Professor Moriarty off of it :p

[Naira Cross]

Originally posted by Tarsis
I'm a nerd too, so it's all good XP

I prefer to call myself a geek more than a nerd.

[Tarsis]

You're a nerd, just admit it. You'll feel so much better about yourself, just let go. Lol, ~_^

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Originally posted by Milivikal k'Vik
Well once you get the car put together it's not so bad, but still more than guns. Ammo is cheaper than fuel these days. :(

When you put the car together.... it just gets worse. I'd say I've spent 20,000 on the race car this year alone.

[Naira Cross]

Originally posted by Tarsis
You're a nerd, just admit it. You'll feel so much better about yourself, just let go. Lol, ~_^

Never!

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Originally posted by Naira Cross
Never!

You roleplay. That makes you a nerd by default.

Yes, even if I am a car obsessed maniac, call doing 2km of swimming a 'warmup', ride 50km in these blasted hills and probably fitter than anyone here now, spend more time with cats than with people... I'm still a nerd by default.

[Sudoku]

No, nerds are really smart. Geek is a more rper-friendly term. (Not saying people here aren't smart!) :uhoh

[Naira Cross]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
You roleplay. That makes you a nerd by default.

True. I'll compromise and be classified as a neek.

Take that back i'm just an idiot.

[Crystal]

This is a nerd.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/249/nerd4eg.jpg

And geek just sounds cooler.

[Yog]

I am both geek and nerd by default. There, I admit it.

[Tarsis]

Originally posted by Master Yoghurt
I am both geek and nerd by default. There, I admit it.

Good for you Yoghurt!


Originally posted by Naira Cross
True. I'll compromise and be classified as a neek.

Take that back i'm just an idiot.

Nope, sorry. I still say your a nerd. Lol ^_^

[Baralai Lotus]

I'm a nerdy emo-y geek. HAHAHAHA! I BEAT YOU ALL WITH THE STEREOTYPES OF GREATNESS!

[Tarsis]

Lol, you schmoe >_<

[Crystal]

Originally posted by Baralai Lotus
I'm a nerdy emo-y geek.

You can tell the nerd/emo thing from your avatar. The geek vibe I get from the fact that you're posting on a Star Wars message board.

[Tarsis]

Lol, that's funny because it's true. Sorry Baralai, but it is XP

[Naira Cross]

Originally posted by Tarsis
Lol, that's funny because it's true. Sorry Baralai, but it is XP

especially with your new haircut. but we still love you.

[Wei Wu Wei]

I'm a nerdy emo-y geek. HAHAHAHA! I BEAT YOU ALL WITH THE STEREOTYPES OF GREATNESS!

It's about time you admitted that. We've only been trying to convince you of it for 6 or 7 years. :)

[Morgan Evanar]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
When you put the car together.... it just gets worse. I'd say I've spent 20,000 on the race car this year alone. You wanted AWD and turbo. :rolleyes:

[Baralai Lotus]

Hey. . .Wei, Naira and Tarsis. . .you were all right. Just thought I'd let you know, but *sticks out tongue* I'm still one fun little bugger to be around!

[Mitara Sinar]

nerd also nurd ( P ) Pronunciation Key (nûrd)
n. Slang
1)
a) A foolish, inept, or unattractive person.
b) A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.

geek ( P ) Pronunciation Key (gk)
n. Slang
1)
a) A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.
b) A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
2)
A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.


sorry I don't think i qualify for ether of those...

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Originally posted by Morgan Evanar
You wanted AWD and turbo. :rolleyes:

So I wanted to go really fast. Dont wory, when you add up the bills it'll be just as suprising.

[Morgan Evanar]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
So I wanted to go really fast. Dont wory, when you add up the bills it'll be just as suprising. Quiet I'm living in a fantasy world. LALALLALA CAN'T HEAR YOU.

[Naira Cross]

Originally posted by Mitara Sinar
geek ( P ) Pronunciation Key (gk)
n. Slang
1)
a) A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.
b) A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
2)
A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.



Well I haven't bit the head off of a live chicken but i have done some pretty bizzare things. So there.