Such a Deal

I just remembered a choice story I heard. My buddy Dan had a friend in New York, a dedicated dealhound. Never one to be suckered by department store prices, this whiz kid was partial to haggling for watches and duffel bags with the street merchants of Canal Street.

Well one day this guy can't believe his luck- a brand-new DVD player, still in its box, for only $40! Keep in mind, this was back when these gizmos were still cutting-edge and pricey, before you could get one in the 25-cent machine at Target. So the guy grabs his newfound treasure, runs home to his apartment and calls Dan and all his other friends to gloat. Apparently he was particularly smug about his uncanny ability to sniff out a deal, stirring a deep-seated feeling of resentment in those around him.

As it turned out, the box was full of rocks.