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December 25, 2006
Quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas Toys
Some of you may remember the Cabbage Patch Doll shortage back in the early 80s, and perhaps the inexplicable “Tickle Me Elmo” stampede of years past. It seems every holiday, manufacturers under produce or under supply a popular new game or toy in order to torment already frenzied and credit-maxed-out parents, drive up the price, and create a frothing frenzy in children across the civilized world. It’s a great example of free enterprise: supply and demand.
This year I, with eyes and wallet wide open, willingly subscribed to the latest scarcity scam.
Ponsa, ponsa time the kids and I were in Gamestop, a place to buy used and new games and systems, to trade some Gameboy Advance games for something new. Nathan looked up at a display of the new Nintendo hand-held system, pointed to it and said, "I want that, Mom!" Had I known how scarce these things would be in December, I might have gone back and bought 10 or 20 ahead of time and would now be sitting in Hawaii sipping a tropical cocktail with a little umbrella in it.
In the back of my mind, I thought it would make a spectacular Christmas present at $129. Maybe I’d even get two, one for each child.
The idea of having portable games, video games, or any type of game is foreign to me. I managed to survive 25 years of motherhood without ever owning a video game system. We still don’t have anything that plugs into a TV - yet. However, two Christmases ago, forces beyond my control thrust me into the 21st century of toys. Lauren got a Gameboy from her east-side grandmother. I had no intention of getting either child this toy, because I could foresee the endless headaches it would cause. I didn’t know the half of it.
When Lauren returned from her dad's with a Gameboy, Nathan pleaded with me to get him one as well. Since it really was right up his alley (and he is quite a natural), I relented. Thus was born the love/hate relationship I have with Nintendo.
Fast forward to the present, I decide, as a sort of afterthought, to get the kids a 2-screen Gameboy system, not even recalling what the system was called. I went to a Gamestop with a friend on the east side, and a 20-something clerk there was extremely helpful. He explained the differences between the DS and the DS Lite, what it did, how it worked, how it has a wi-fi and all sorts of other sophisticated technology, all of which was, I admit, pretty darn impressive.
I was sold. I said, "OK, I'd like a pink one and a black one."
He said, "I don't have any."
I said, "Oh my gosh, you just sold me two and you don't have any?”
He suggested, rather apologetically, that there were none to be found on planet earth.
Well, we know that could not be not true, especially if you are determined to find something and don't mind getting scalped a little. Just a little. After several hours of searching other stores, calling stores, surfing every outlet online and scouting EBay, I finally decided to get the systems from a “Buy Now” retailer on EBay and pay the extra money. What’s another $100 in order to see your children’s thrilled faces on Christmas morning? Chump change!
I paced all morning and half of Thursday afternoon, like an expectant father, waiting for the Lites to arrive. One came by USPS and one came by UPS. I had to think of where to hide the presents, since I don't have a handy neighbor across the hall anymore. Sure, it's a big house, but Lauren is nosey and will scrounge around in the basement and the back porch and my closet, the garage and car are out, and I didn’t want to forget where I hid them.
It came to me: hide them in the crawl space adjacent to Nathan's bedroom. He'll never look there. He thinks a monster lives in the attic! Then Saturday morning he scared me. He walked into the kitchen from watching something on TV and right out of the blue he said, "It's a DS, Mom."
(gulp) "What's a DS?" I ask, casually.
"It's a Gameboy DS that plays Pokemon Red Rescue. That's what it's called."
My heart skipped a beat. Like a good mom, I faked it:
"Oh. OK. Never heard of it."
He still believes in Santa Claus; I think both kids got a big reinforcement this year. This morning, at the ungodly hour of 6:45 AM, the kids opened their gifts to find the 2006 version of the Holy Grail. They have been in awestruck silence ever since.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Comments
Merry Christmas all! You are a great storyteller, Lo. Have a wonderful holiday everyone.
Posted by: a friend | December 25, 2006 08:48 AM
And a very Merry Christmas to you too!
We had Christmas with part of the family (including the two youngest grandchildren) yesterday evening. Today we're waiting on youngest daughter and her fiance to come over and have Christmas. Then we'll go visit my FIL and then on to Dayton to see my dad and a couple of my siblings. Whew!
A very Merry Christmas to everyone. May this year bring you joy, peace and prosperity.
Posted by: Barbara | December 25, 2006 08:49 AM
Very, very cool! Congratulations on the great toy coup!
Posted by: vero | December 25, 2006 08:50 AM
And a very merry Misfit Christmas to one and all!
Posted by: vero | December 25, 2006 08:51 AM
We are going to gather at Vanessa's. Jim and I have already made everything we are going to take, except for the hard sauce which I have to make on the spot. She's cooking a whacking great ham and assorted other goodies and we are bringing sausage cheese balls, confetti dip, devilled eggs and a plum pudding.
OK, I cheated and bought the pudding.
Posted by: vero | December 25, 2006 09:01 AM
Merry Christmas everyone!
The look in the eyes of a child on Christmas morning. Priceless.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | December 25, 2006 09:34 AM
Merry Christmas,Loretta, to you and your family.
I wish all who read here the peace and joy of Christmas year-round.
It's bright and sunny with a dusting of white here. We're off to the airport, where I have spent more Christmas Days than I can count.
Posted by: Peggy | December 25, 2006 10:32 AM
Safe travels, Peg. I can't wait to see you!!
Posted by: loretta | December 25, 2006 10:34 AM
OT but
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Iraq
Not a creature was stirring; no sign of attack.
The soldiers were sleeping; their dreams filled the air.
They envisioned their homes, and saw themselves there.
Whilst I was on watch, trying hard not to doze;
But losing that battle, my lids started to close.
Then out in the desert, there arose such a clatter;
I sprang up prepared, to deal with the matter.
And what, to my wondering eyes, should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, with eight tiny reindeer.
The driver had white hair, his cheeks plump and ruddy;
And soon I did know him -- an old and trusted buddy.
"Murtha!" I cried out in shock, "what brings thee to I-raq?"
He said to me, "It's Christmas -- and I've come to bring you back."
This welcome news did fill me, with a great and joyous urge;
Though I wondered about my mission, and about that final "surge."
He said to me, "Your mission's done; you served it well and true.
You've followed every order, and done all you can do.
And now it's time to come on home, and get back to your life.
You cannot end the bloodshed here, you cannot quell the strife."
I had to nod at good old John; I knew that he was right;
And in my heart, I also knew: I'd no more wish to fight.
"But how will you take us all?" I asked. "You've only one small sleigh."
He laughed "ho-ho" and pointed -- to the others on the way.
He waved at all those drivers, and called out loud and clear:
"Come Harry and come Nancy. Come Hillary -- have no fear!"
They all drove up, in their sleighs, still tentative yet cheerful.
But I noticed some faces missing, and it made me a bit fearful.
"Where's Cheney, and where's Rummy? And where's our old pal Joe?"
John smiled soon as he heard this, and answered, "Don't you know?
They're safe at home in their comfy beds, with nary a thought of you.
They're dreaming up new half-baked plans -- for things we must never do."
I summoned all my sleeping mates, who rubbed their tired eyes;
We climbed into those little sleighs, and rode into the skies.
Murtha led the whole way back, with stops at many a door;
Where each soldier was left off at home, to stay forever more.
I was brought home last of all, to join my wife and son;
I hugged them for a good long time, and then I turned to John.
But he'd already left my door, and was sailing in mid-flight;
I heard him cry, "Merry Christmas to all -- and to all, good night."
And after that came peace on earth, until I heard the crack
Of a fresh new round of gunfire -- I awoke, still in Iraq.
Posted by: Leola | December 25, 2006 02:23 PM
Wow, Loretta! Score! I bet they were thrilled.
I hope that everyone has had a very Merry Christmas. Best wishes to all for a bright, peaceful and prosperous New Year!
Posted by: mtnwmn | December 25, 2006 11:36 PM
Anything new about the Young case?
Posted by: vero | December 26, 2006 12:53 PM
It's taking forever to get any new info on the Young case. I hope that's a good sign.
Posted by: Nadine | December 26, 2006 02:07 PM
I saw this late last night and it brought me to tears. I remember watching several programs about the efforts to find this girl's identity.
Dogged police work identifies 'Jane Doe'
From the moment the girl's body was found stuffed in a duffel bag nearly four years ago, her image haunted detective Scott Dudek--her feminine pajama pants, the single ankle sock decorated with snowflakes, the butterfly clip in her hair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Her name was Yesenia Becerra Nungaray. She left her small, quiet town in Mexico for the United States on March 14, 2003, her 16th birthday.
Bless her soul.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/12/25/jane.doe.id.ap/index.html
I hate the word "closure", but at least now her mother knows where her daughter has been for so long.
Posted by: Nadine | December 26, 2006 02:21 PM
Damn, that is so sad!
Posted by: vero | December 26, 2006 03:33 PM
They still have to find her killer.
Posted by: Nadine | December 26, 2006 03:36 PM
They should just give him to her mother, with a rusty knife.
Posted by: vero | December 26, 2006 03:38 PM
Dudek got a lead in February 2004 while reading an article that mentioned the hundreds of unsolved disappearances of young women along the border with Mexico.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The numbers are staggering. Makes you wonder if there's a serial killer hanging around the border.
Posted by: Nadine | December 26, 2006 03:39 PM
There's certainly enough victims to be had.
Posted by: Nadine | December 26, 2006 03:45 PM
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas.
Loretta, I remember the first Cabbage Patch craze well. My sister stood in line in Orange County to get one for me for my youngest daughter. They had to import them from England and I paid a hefty price (pre eBay days too).
Adie got the latest Elmo and he is hysterical. Luke got the VSmile game and loves it.
Posted by: CountryGal | December 27, 2006 01:48 PM
Former President Gerald Ford has passed away.
As I recall, he seemed to stumble a lot getting out of planes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
September 5, 1975: In Sacramento, California, Squeaky Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, drew a Colt .45 caliber pistol on Ford when he reached to shake her hand in a crowd.
There were four cartridges in the pistol's magazine but the firing chamber was empty. She was soon restrained by a Secret Service agent. Fromme was sentenced to life in prison, where she remains.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_Presidential_assassination_attempts#Gerald_R._Ford
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rest in peace, Mr. Ford.
Posted by: Nadine | December 27, 2006 01:54 PM
I remember the Cabbage Patch Doll. Everyone wanted them.
Posted by: Nadine | December 27, 2006 01:56 PM
Speaking of dolls:
Do workers toil 94 hrs. a week for Bratz doll?
Rights group cites conditions in China factory
Workers are paid the equivalent of 17 cents for each doll. The dolls retail for $16 apiece or more, the report said.
More than 120 million Bratz dolls have been sold since the toy debuted in 2001.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/world/184546,CST-NWS-bratz24.article
Posted by: Nadine | December 27, 2006 02:32 PM
Looks like Chicky (remember that Biartch?) is raising he!! over at the CTV site on the Duke case. She goes by PamperedPouchie nic there. Somebody outed her as Chicky.
Posted by: Captain Joe | December 27, 2006 05:33 PM
Is that MyChickie, Joe?
Posted by: vero | December 27, 2006 05:55 PM
I thin so.
Posted by: Captain Joe | December 27, 2006 06:08 PM
Trump vs Rosie
He's just a short-fingered-Bulgarian with a lousy comb-over and a big mouth. (S)he's just a big butt with a big mouth. There isn't a brain between them.
Posted by: Captain Joe | December 28, 2006 11:08 AM
I wonder if Donald Trump and Kim Jong Ill have the same hairdresser?
Hey, somebody had to ask!
Posted by: Nadine | December 28, 2006 08:42 PM
He holds stock in 'Aqua Net', Nadine.
Hey, did you know that stuff will kill termites on the spot?
With that little tidbit, Night to all.
Posted by: Anonymous | December 29, 2006 12:26 AM
Oops, that was me.
Night again!
Posted by: Doe Eyes | December 29, 2006 12:28 AM
Doe Eyes, I'll tuck that bit of information under my hairnet for future reference. It could come in handy someday!
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 01:00 PM
Spousal murder theatre?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239798,00.html
A Misfit quiz: What are the red flags for spousal murder theatre?
Posted by: Lisa | December 29, 2006 02:05 PM
Staged domestic homicide - all the markings.
Posted by: loretta | December 29, 2006 03:23 PM
Vicious and bloody murder, up close and personal.
Spouse arranges for somebody else to discover the body.
Economic situation bad.
Posted by: vero | December 29, 2006 04:20 PM
More on the Robb murder.
Definitely SMT-worthy. I'll have to look into it.
Posted by: loretta | December 29, 2006 05:25 PM
Hi Guys,
Unfortunately Lisa, it looks like yet another duck.
Just ask Scott "Quack-Quack" Peterson.
Posted by: Lesa | December 29, 2006 05:27 PM
There's another:
Inappropriate emotional reaction.
Posted by: vero | December 29, 2006 06:35 PM
Though estranged, the couple lived together in the home with their 12-year-old daughter. Authorities are looking into reports that Ellen Robb had initiated divorce proceedings.
Wow, okay, there's two big red flags. Sheesh.
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 07:19 PM
I hope the couple that bought Laci's house make it a happy place again.
It's been a sad place for such a long time.
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 07:46 PM
Dog in the house and lawyered up already.
Posted by: Lisa | December 29, 2006 07:50 PM
The guilty ones always lawyer up pretty quick, don't they?
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 08:07 PM
Interesting about the Game Theory he taught. I've read about that, it wasn't something I learned about in econ classes, but I do have a passing knowledge of it. Very interesting that the investigators zeroed in on that.
It's kind of a cut throat go for broke sort of thing, IIRC.
Posted by: Lisa | December 29, 2006 08:37 PM
Wow, Lisa, I just read that whole article over again. That's downright creepy about the Game Theory angle. Makes a lot of sense, too. Makes him sound very calculating.
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 08:47 PM
Totally off the subject, but we went to see 'Blood Diamond' today. The movie was good if not somewhat predictable. The situation in the movie is based on actual events and they make it seem that the situation is resolved but that's not the case. The same events that happened in the movie continue to happen in a different part of Africa today just not for diamonds this time. If you get a chance to make a difference for the people in Africa, go for it. There are some wonderful people who need the intervention of civilized folks to bring order to an incredibly disordered environment.
Posted by: Barbara | December 29, 2006 08:51 PM
I agree, Barbara. That movie is helping to make people aware of conditions most would never dream exist in today's world.
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 08:57 PM
It has now moved to Darfur. It's probably in other places as well but I know that the rebels are snatching young boys and turning them into soldiers in that region. They just slaughter everyone else. The stories are horrific. Anyway, any little bit helps. If you're looking for a place to donate and be assured that 100% of your donations reach the refugees, I know where to send you.
Posted by: Barbara | December 29, 2006 09:33 PM
You think this clown did the murder to somehow prove his game theory? interesting.
Posted by: Captain Joe | December 29, 2006 09:49 PM
Barbara, I wouldn't mind having that information so I can pass it on and also send a donation.
Thanks, I'll make sure you have my email addy.
Posted by: Nadine | December 29, 2006 10:01 PM
Joe, I think he did it to get rid of his wife. He just had a handy plan to apply to the project. Cold.
I hear they've hanged Saddam. I think it's a mistake. He's going to turn into Saddam the Merciless Martyr.
Posted by: vero | December 29, 2006 10:36 PM
Not that I don't think he deserves it, mind you.
Posted by: vero | December 30, 2006 08:17 AM
I really thought there would be some sort of last minute stay of execution for Saddam. If it had to be done, at least it went forward quickly.
I don't think he ever imagined he'd ever be punished for his crimes.
Posted by: Nadine | December 30, 2006 01:22 PM
A very Happy New Year to all and sundry!
Posted by: vero | January 1, 2007 02:42 AM
Happy New Year to all.
The explosions have stopped for the moment.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 1, 2007 04:20 AM
That was me. You'll have that, you know.
Posted by: Nadine | January 1, 2007 04:20 AM
Happy New Year!
"Remembering a daughter lost"
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-limurd0101,0,6564130.story?coll=ny-linews-headlines
It's pretty sad that LF hasn't seen Cassidy since her daughter's murder, especially during the holidays.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | January 1, 2007 11:49 AM
That's a difficult one. If I was the grandmother I would want to see the child but not the child's father. I don't know how I would arrange to see the child without having to see him too. It's possible she believes an arrest is coming soon and she's waiting for that.
Posted by: Barbara | January 1, 2007 12:47 PM
It must be really hard for her to wait so long to see her granddaughter. Bless her heart.
Posted by: Nadine | January 1, 2007 12:51 PM
This is taking an awfully long time.
Posted by: Nadine | January 1, 2007 12:54 PM
That's true, Barbara. I guess I made my own leap by thinking that the Youngs were preventing that from happening. I just remember the press conference she gave and our conversations about the 911 tape and Cassidy in the background.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 1, 2007 01:03 PM
Oops! That was me.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | January 1, 2007 01:04 PM
Happy 2007!
I hope Michelle's mom gets to see Cassidy soon. Unforgivable! Maybe now Jason's friends will see him for what he is. Nice guy, eh? NOT!
Posted by: CountryGal | January 1, 2007 01:34 PM
Jason may be afraid that Michelle's family would keep Cassidy. I can see a whole nasty custody issue erupting, possibly forcing LE's hand before they were ready.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 1, 2007 02:33 PM
That's a good point on the possible custody nightmare.
Posted by: Nadine | January 1, 2007 02:42 PM
Happy New Year to all! Many blessings and cheer to each of you throughout 2007.
Posted by: Kris | January 1, 2007 05:37 PM
*much cheer
Posted by: Kris | January 1, 2007 06:07 PM
Hi, Kris! Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: vero | January 1, 2007 06:32 PM
Greetings, everyone! Where's all the post-holiday energy?
I'm still waiting for all that "figgy pudding" to wear off, hahaha.
When does the Brown trial(2) begin? Countdown to spousal murrrrder in 07 begins. Hopefully, we'll see a dramatic drop in numbers this year. Am I being too optimistic?
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | January 2, 2007 01:26 PM
Brown's next court date is 1/26/07; most likely another pre-trial hearing.
Posted by: CountryGal | January 2, 2007 02:37 PM
Vanesssa got one of those toys for Christmas. She loves it. It sure is a tiny thing, to cost so much!
Posted by: vero | January 2, 2007 11:37 PM
Hi, a lurker coming out. I've been around since Laci and Conner were murdered.
Now trying to watch the Young case.
My G.S. got the white DS in July for his birthday. His sister wanted the pink one from Santa.
I had 9 people on the lookout for it in W.Va.,Kentucky,Ga,Fla,Alabama,Mich. The pink one was no where? I did walk into a target and see a woman buy a pink one. The clerk said they were getting 4 in each shipment but they were straight out the door.
Santa brought a white one that was hand painted very pretty. She loved it and NO ONE will have one like it.haha.
Thanks for letting me in for the ride and the great work you all do. Liz P
Posted by: Liz Parsons | January 3, 2007 01:06 AM
Liz, what an original and thoughtful idea!
I've a friend who knits little sweaters for i-pods. I could see you starting quite a sideline customizing the DS systems.
If you get stuck for such a toy again, try eBay.
Posted by: vero | January 3, 2007 02:42 AM
Good morning!
Rushing ahead to tell you all how happy I am to be back and to wish you a prosperous 2007. Hoping for a good one!
BBL
Posted by: Mgt | January 3, 2007 03:37 AM
Morning, Mgt! Hope your holiday was wonderful!
Posted by: vero | January 3, 2007 08:57 AM
Good morning, Mgt and all sleepy Misfits.
Hows my favorite Highland Missy? Hope your Holidays were memorable.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | January 3, 2007 09:04 AM
My holiday was a stonker, ladies. IOW really good. I laughted till I cried.
John had to save me from falling over the neighbours fence and into the mud. As you can tell we had a good N/Years at the local pub. Right at the end of their street, so we didn't need the car.
They had a Karaoke night and I nearly pee'd myself. If only I could explain how funny it was - the tears were streaming down my face and I couldn't stop no matter how embarrassed I got.
Posted by: Mgt | January 3, 2007 09:54 AM
Well now, sounds like you finally had that "good pissup" you hadn't had in yonks, hehehehe. I'm glad you took sometime to truly enjoy yourself, Mgt. Long time coming, as they say.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | January 3, 2007 12:03 PM
Wish you could have been there, Wench. I must have been in the right frame of mind for a holiday.
We arrived home before the 'Bells' singing ABBA songs in the most gawdawful voices. Bounced into the house, jigging all over the place as though we were in our twenties. Told heaps of lies about singing karaoke....then I wanted another drink and was halfway 'inside' the fridge with my but in the air, then suddenly stopped with a jerk!
There stood a young man in his early thirties that the girls had been trying to impress. Oh well! Life is tough. LOL
It was so funny. His face was a picture.
Posted by: Mgt | January 3, 2007 12:12 PM
I know! it should be 'butt'.
Ciao, everyone!
Posted by: Mgt | January 3, 2007 12:43 PM
Peterson prosecutors: Moving boat could jeopardize appeal:
Posted by: Astrologer | January 3, 2007 08:34 PM
What's the big deal about where the boat is stored? As long as they don't hire Fly By Night movers to schlep it home, who cares?
Posted by: vero | January 3, 2007 10:53 PM
So GWB has written a signing statement saying he has the right to open people's mail without a warrant. (CNN)
Let's send all our junk mail to the White House to keep the boy busy.
Posted by: CountryGal | January 4, 2007 05:59 PM
Another interesting news item: 4 weight loss companies claiming pills that help you lose weight are paying fines for making false claims. One of the companies did their own internal study and actually found that a placebo worked better than their pill, but consumers were never told that. One of the companies is One-A-Day.
Posted by: Barbara | January 4, 2007 06:53 PM
Another very interesting story:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16473471/
The parents of a profoundly handicapped child are using hormones to stunt her growth so that they are able to keep her at home and care for her. If they allow her to grow naturally, she's expected to be 5'6". I have really, really mixed feelings about this one.
Posted by: Barbara | January 4, 2007 08:36 PM