2003-02-20

There�s a small and very eclectic pawn shop in my neighborhood. I�ve often wondered how a store stocking items as multifarious as Commodore 64 computers and old military jackets stays in business. But it must be due to brilliant promotions like the one they have going now: a sign in the window, hand-written in red marker, enthusiastically lures would-be patrons with the promise of a pair of free socks with every $25 purchase. Free. SOCKS. Free PAWN SHOP socks. Um�yay? Because nothing says �good value� like getting a pair of used gym socks with your malfunctioning tape deck.