In general, I've noticed that holiday marketing has been in super-active-sell-things mode lately, but I've noticed that the greed in the last several years has been skyrocketing. Since I can remember (I'm 19, so you know) there have always been the *must-have* gifts. From Cabbage Patch, to Furby, Elmo, and now with the Xbox, Ipod, and numerous products that have specifically targeted children. In the last few days, I've been looking over a few lists that I have recieved, case-in-point my little sister's list. It reads like a Disney Channel commerical line-up.

There are two things on this list that on review, have horrendously deceptive marketing ploys attached. These are a cellphone for kids, and a fake cellphone for kids. The latter is really a GPRS 2-mile radio set, but the package and commericals would lead you to believe that these are functioning cellular phones. Note that my sister happens to live in a rural area, and would not have one friend within the 2-mile line of sight radius.

The former, which is a real gsm cellphone, is provided by a miniscule telecom company, with a minute coverage area. The monthly fees are exorbitant, and in 99% of the country would also incur roaming charges. The commercial shows the kids owning these as having a great time, however.

Ipods. Wow, what a phenomenon these have become. A young child does not need a 300$ music player, when:
a) the school doesn't allow music players (I would know, it is my alma mater)
b) is a theft risk
c) said child is the clumsiest person I know

Rumors of being sold out, huge ebay markups, and greed have spiked the market value of some of the most desirable products, such as the ipod, and something that I recently looked for, and spurred me to make this post.

In October, there was a release of a certain handheld system, in pink, along with a surprisingly popular game. Nintendo DS (Pink) with Nintendogs. Now, being the awesome brother I am, started looking for this.

Lo and Behold, most retailers are out, and there are units on ebay reaching obnoxious sums.

When a $150 system can net over $400 due to a simple holiday, and the commercialized frenzy that occurs through almost a sixth of the calendar year becomes an expected annual event, it makes me sick.


I'll recognize Christmas as a legitimate holiday when the values and moral lessons that are inherent in the story of christmas return. Elsewhile, I declare that I will celebrate my own birthday in excess of two months from now on.


P.S.: For all of you that are going out to stores to shop, please be polite. No toy, game, or electronic device is worth being rude, angry, or getting into a fistfight over. No one should receive a gift purchased with hate and offensive behavior.

Quote: Originally Posted by ÃœBER<>POOP P.S.: For all of you that are going out to stores to shop, please be polite. No toy, game, or electronic device is worth being rude, angry, or getting into a fistfight over. No one should receive a gift purchased with hate and offensive behavior.

Dont go shopping on a regular day, go when the weather is bad. You wont run into many people, or have to wait in long lines to get something paid for.

Thanks for the write up, man. That is some excellent advice, and more people need to use these common sense tips.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!11!1

Keep god out of Christmas.

Quote: Originally Posted by lAnonymousl BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!11!1 Keep god out of Christmas.

The lesson to be learned is that even if someone doesn't take the story of Christmas literally, the parable behind it is important. Giving selflessly. Sacrificing for others.

On a good note:
I got several very nice cards from friends this afternoon, and I should be shipping my gift to my secret santee tomorrow. I also recieved my new notebook from Newegg this afternoon, and it is the best notebook I've ever used.

Quote: Originally Posted by ÃœBER<>POOP The lesson to be learned is that even if someone doesn't take the story of Christmas literally, the parable behind it is important. Giving selflessly. Sacrificing for others. On a good note: I got several very nice cards from friends this afternoon, and I should be shipping my gift to my secret santee tomorrow. I also recieved my new notebook from Newegg this afternoon, and it is the best notebook I've ever used.

PICS! SPECS! What kind of laptop did you get?

It's always great to have friends who keep in contact like that.