that people are so much friendlier to me when im carrying something. the other day i was walking down the street with a potted plant in my arm, and everyone smiled.. then later that day i was bringing home a sweet-ass mixer (see pic) and again, many random people found reason to speak to me, not exclusively about the mixer. so, ive decided to, wherever i go, carry something. backpack doesnt count, nor does bags. it has to be something obvious, either not in any box or a box with a giant picture of the contents. but as a level of difficulty, i had a nvidia 7600 gt new in the box under my arm yet earlier in the day.. and though it got a few looks, it didnt generate quite the same effect. i think it has to be a domestic household item. next time i go out, my collander is coming too.