Grumble Bitch Moan

[thecaffeinecat]

Why is it that at the very first sign of cold weather and/or snow, normal right thinking people turn into chicken little on speed? We needed to get some shopping and I was making a list for the husband creature. After saying that I needed milk, he said he would try but that there would be no guarantee of success as people are strip mining the

Comments

[shortgoth]

I've never worked out *why* people do it, but it's predictable. I was actually bitching about it on facebook when it was snowing. Bread and milk (and often petrol) suddenly become rocking horse shit as soon as any white stuff appears, or as soon as any sort of lorry driver strike is mentioned on the news.

As for how it happens, it's as preditable as a sunrise.

Firstly, the "first wave" of true panicers rush to the shop (generally before it even starts snowing/the strike starts), buying 4 times more than they usually would.

The "second wave" weren't really panicing, but they're sure to go to the shop, where they see that there's far less bread/milk/petrol than usual and decide to join in on the panic buying.

By the time the "third wave" get to the shop for regular shopping trips, everything is low on the ground and they don't panic buy, they just buy regularly, which is still sufficient to strip the shelves.

And by the time us completely unconcerned types get the shop, the shelves are bare.

[dreamland_tree]

LOL! It's like that here in the United States, too. In the Sunny South, where I live, it's whenever it rains for more than 10 minutes as well! Everyone panics and thinks a hurricane is on the way and OMG!Must get supplies NOW! Never mind that the Weather Service/Channel has reported no such thing :-P.

[ghostangel]

Yeeep. Even in MI this is true, where snow is a 100% chance. Everyone seems to lose their MINDS the first time it snows. I seriously don't get it. Its like someone flips the idiot switch.

[sphynxcatvp]

Thank gawd the local markets are open 24/7 - even if there's a panic? At 3-4am I don't usually have to fight crowds. I may have to prod people to look in the stockroom...but not having to fight panicky drivers? Serious win. I can even get petrol at that hour, too. :)

[ghymoreid]

Look at your neighbours. Long, lingering look. I'll wait.

Now imagine being snow-bound and out of supplies with them. Especially supplies of the food variety, though I grant you being out of soap and toilet paper would probably be not much of a picnic either.

And now, having mentioned picnics ... Does the name Donner have any meaning to you?

[ghymoreids_mum]

I LIKE the way your mind thinks.
also, Sth American footballers on a plane. even the Vatican gave them absolution.

the trouble with the neighbours... knowing the possible diet, would you recommend marinading or adding curry paste to disguise that?

"the look on his face is that of a hunted and broken man."
I get a similar look every time I go to the shops. :(

[ghymoreid]

Slow-roast in a white wine marinade, possibly studded with cloves. And served with lots of sauce.

[ghymoreids_mum]

:D

[mel_redcap]

They've been watching The Day After Tomorrow again and are waiting for the giant supercell storm to flash-freeze their neighbourhood. :P

...What? So I had Disaster Movie Marathons the last couple of weeks with a friend of mine...