Pointless commentary...

[hiredgoonz]

Read an article recently that talked about the "receipt nazis," the people who check your receipts at the exit of some stores. These checkers are most common at discount clubs like BJ's and Costco, but they are also seen at stores in "bad areas" of town.

This reminded me of various discussions about computer privacy (including Windows Product activation) where people have expressed their displeasure at having someone look at their computer files or having to sacrifice their privacy.

Someone forwarded the hypothesis that only people who were guilty of wrongdoing would care about this. If you're not doing anything wrong, what difference would it make?

Well, the author of the article in question was pointing out that her husband becomes indignant at the invasion of his privacy at the store exit. Whose business is it how many rolls of paper towels or barrels of cheese puffs someone buys?

This is an excellent parallel. I am not comfortable with someone eyeing my purchases. It's not even that I buy adult diapers or enemas by the bulk, or any other potentially "embarassing" items. My stuff is my stuff. Once I buy it, it's no more the store's business than what kind of undergarments I prefer (fruit of the loom).

I can say honestly that I have NEVER intentionally stolen anything from a store in my life. But every time I go to BJ's, or the Home Depot in Laurel or CompUSA in certain areas around here, I am treated like a thief who cannot be trusted to make a purchase without also stealing something else.

If they're going to go that far, why don't they frisk me or strip search me when I leave WITHOUT purchasing anything. Surely someone leaving the store with no purchases should raise as much of an eyebrow as someone who has made a purchase.

The same concept applies to computer files. Just because someone is innocent of computer crimes, it does not mean that they should be, or have to be, comfortable with someone nosing around in their things. This is why we have the Fourth Amendment:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Unless there is some evidence of wrongdoing, your stuff is your stuff. It will be a sad day when we give up our freedoms simply because we no longer care...

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

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[YODA74]

OOOOOOOOHHHHH I Like the strip search part where can i get one http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I know what your saying there starting that around here to checking to make sure??????? what is in your cart is on the receipt. But all they have done is look at the receipt and not what was in the cart.What gets me is that they usually have just seen you at the check-out counter and walk right straight to the door. I just don't get it my self.What there going to do eventually and i can see it comming is what they said they would not do.And that is implament BigBrother (Just like there doing in Europe)With the Camera's that watch even the streets you walk down.And Pls this is nothing against our friends here at the forums that live over there! You Can't help what your Goverment does.But we run the misfits out of our country a long time ago.Eventually we will End up trying this again I am Sure of this.Unless we can change this Government around to where it is Back in the hands of the people and away from lawyers and crooks (polititions)WE Will have another CivilWar and far more devistating than the previouse.JMO

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YODA74@windows-sucks.com
CCMR (http://www.dreamwater.net/tech/yoda74/index.html)

[Rick]

Are they checking to see If You and I have the items on the receipt?
Or are they checking to ensure their Register / Checkout person rang everything up?
When you think about it. At one store here the person has to pick up each item.
Scan it and then place it into another cart.

Hey El Cheap O Store Pay your employees a decent wage and they won’t have to steal from you..
(I don’t think you care.. But I can tell you for a fact I Won’t be back )


I have had to deal with Copy protection for more years than I care to think about.
Any one else recall the Install counter on Dbase III or that Lame attempt in Printshop .

Yes I still have at least 4 installs on my Dbase. But it’s worthless. 5.25 disks.
Even the copy protection on Autocad .
I can’t backup and restore without redoing the install.
Just so it finds that little hidden file you place on my drive.

I have the Original Disks.
Don’t force Me to Call your Baby setting service to Prove it
By giving you a 40 digit number off the cd and then entering another 40 from your service
Because I like to experiment on my systems
My system happen to be an evolving work in progress with Upgrades that cause your copy protection scheme to fail my registration

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DEAR IRS
Please cancel My Subscrition

[hiredgoonz]

The part that kills me about the receipt checking is that it is NEVER an actual check of item in cart against item on receipt...so it's not even like they can defend it by saying "we want to make sure you get everything you paid for"

On the other hand, the way it's done also makes it pointless for catching shoplifters. Maybe the "look" of security is supposed to be a deterrant. The problem is, eventually people figure out that the appearance of security is not the same as actual security.

It's the same logic behind airline security. For years they've asked you those 3 totally pointless questions in the name of security, while allowing people to bring box-cutters and pocket knives onboard. I was actually allowed on board a flight with a glass pepsi bottle (before sept. 11) but had to check two pairs of children's toy handcuffs?!?

Box cutters ok, knives ok, glass bottles ok...toy handcuffs, that's a risk.

Things are different now. You can't bring on tweezers, but baseball bats or other sports equipment = ok...it's all so ridiculous...

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

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[Rick]

Adding Insult to Injury ..

At the last Place I went into . Using this security feature? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

I noticed that on about half the people the checker would write the total number of Items on the receipt . and In a few instances she would actually count the items in the cart.

Does this sound like profiling ?
It was until one person was offended by it and raised a bit of a stink.
Now everyone Has the total piece count written on the receipt and counted in the cart.
Or so they say..

I wish I had been the person to raise the stink.


Now think for a moment.
When was the last time you walked into an establishment.
Waited for service and realized that you were being ignored..
I love it when Places do this to me.
I don’t look like the Preferred Customer ..

When I leave I let the mangers Know they made a BIG mistake.
I Love my toys and I’m not afraid to let them Know I WAS willing to pay for the best.
Then I go else where http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
In One instance I went out of my way to let one in particular See he lost a nice sale http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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DEAR IRS
Please cancel My Subscrition

[hiredgoonz]

Oh yeah, that really pi$$es me off...it seems no one takes any pride in work anymore. It doesn't matter what the job, you should always try to be good at what you do. It's just a matter of personal pride...

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Drivers (http://www.driverguide.com)

Google (http://www.google.com)

[bassman]

I am with you on the invasion of privicy thing, but I guess I have a unique way of dealing with it.
If I don't like to have my receipt read by a mindless twit who actualy does nothing, I don't go to that store. If I have to register a piece of software to be able to use it, I don't buy it. If I have to wear a complete identification plate to listen in on a conference, I don't go.

You see people, we still have the right to our privicy, and they still have the right to ask questions or make specific demands in order to use their services, BUT you do not have to use their services.

You only loose your freedoms when you allow someone else to choose your path http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

"EDIT" I kinda like the stripsearch idea too http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
Waiting patiently for the future to arrive.

Frank's Place (http://dreamwater.net/tech/frankscomp/)

[This message has been edited by bassman (edited 04-29-2002).]

[Steve]

Hey HG,

Heh heh, "receipt nazis", I like that.

This past Febuary I was down in the state capital for some official buisness. I was in a really lousy mood and went into Best Buy to look around for a copy of Partition Magic. Not finding it, I headed for the door. A register clerk stepped out from behind his register and asked if everything was ok. I said yes and headed for the door. The security guy stopped me at the door and asked the same thing. I was really in a bad mood and told him so and tried to go around him. He blocked my route to the door and put his hand on my chest to stop me! I explained that that was the last time he would ever do that, and I guess he believed me because he backed right off. But before I reached my truck the local police were on me. After an ID check and an explaination of the situation (the security guy was right there) the cop read this guy the riot act. Suddenly I didn't feel so grouchy any more. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

I haven't been back.

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Peace and Love, brothers and sisters. Peace and Love

[iisbob]

You know, this post acxtually bites into the new wave of anti-copyrighting that is beginning to circulate, if you have the time, go read the New Bono version that was passed-it rapes private citizen's!

This also fits into my " treat me as me " post-I'm not Black, white, yellow, red-i'm just me, and i have the right to not be judged by how i appear.

Here's a good example of how a local automerchant lost a Very big lease account with my company.

In Feb. our lease with a previous dealership ran out, so of course we began the ardous tack of requesting prices/services/etc..for business vehicle leases; our company generally lease between 25-40 cars per year, so you can imagine that this is a big boost to some local car dealership.


Well, we usually send some of our younger system administrators along with our lease teams to get a chance to see " Soft " skills at work ( the skills you use to interact with co-workers/customers )-it turns out that we had an incident where one of our best new junior admin's, who happens to be of Bangaldesh descent was very rudely treatd at this particular dealer, becuase the salesman thought he was of middleeastern persuasion! Idiot. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif


Now this happens to be a dealer we've done quite a lot of busines with in the past-Not anymore! I ( along with the other two senior admin's ) accompanied our VP Manager down there to let our displeasure be Known.

Needless to say they fired the salesboy, but we still removed our account with them. Until they can convince us they have instituted an educational program to teach their employees to look at people-not at their race.

As far as the receipt thing goes, our local Wal-mart's { exit?} greeter is a very polite blind Older gentlemen ( veteren of WWII, Korea ) who, once you hand him your receipt, marks it with his hi-lighter and tells you to " have a nice day, and please comeback to Wal-mart! "

Not too worried about security there! { or my privacy } http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif







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iisbob

Computer-Show me the Enterprise; no bloody A, no bloody B, and no bloody C-just the original...Mr Scott { from a STNG episode }

[Rick]

I think the Most enjoyable time I have had.
Was at a store where I am a regular and In this case I am on their preferred customer list,

After they Hired one of the Owners kids a manager .
I stopped in to pick up a few things.
As per normal for these Better Than You ( Or You Don’t even Belong in MY store) type People
This Poor person made the mistake of Ignoring me.

Until one of the full time sales people came back from his Break that is..
I voiced my opinion of the new staff . also with being ignored.
I Got a look that would curl your hair from this guy.

I especially enjoyed the look on his face when We rang up the sale
The new guy didn’t get any commission on the sale http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
When you work on commission and You sell Photo equipment.
Missing out on a camera Body, telephoto lens and Flash unit All Medium format has to Hurt http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
DEAR IRS
Please cancel My Subscrition

[Whyzman]

I've a brother-in-law who was in "Shrink Management" at a well known national store. Most stealing is not done by shoplifters, rather, employees. They have the time, and at least cursory knowledge of the security where they work, to plan their "five finger discounts!" http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

However, the better thieves do not work alone. It's quite easy for a cashier to "mistakenly" cover the UPC code on an expensive item while scanning and with a quick wink place the item into the shopping bag of their next door neighbor. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

I don't know what the solution is for the exit checks, but just as with insurance fraud, ultimately it's the honest folk who wind up picking up the tab for the dishonesty of others! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!


Whyzman
----------------------
Reserved for Punishing Humor...A Pessimist's blood is always B-negative!

[This message has been edited by Whyzman (edited 04-29-2002).]

[saphalline]

It's interesting you should use the phrase "receipt nazi" to describe the new wave in privacy reduction. The whole reason the Nazi party (headed by Hitler, during WWII) got the German people to accept all those insane rules and persecutions was because it was done slowly, over a time period of a decade or so.

You can invade/persecute/kill anyone and have them thank you for it, as long as you do it slowly enough...

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Windows 95: A 32-bit extension of a 16-bit overlay for an 8-bit OS that was originally designed for a 4-bit processor by a 2-bit company that can't produce 1 bit of good software!

[RKBA]

Originally posted by hiredgoonz:
...Unless there is some evidence of wrongdoing, your stuff is your stuff. It will be a sad day when we give up our freedoms simply because we no longer care...


It's like Saphalline said, do it slowly enough and no one will notice, like boiling a frog. As oldsters die off, the new people who are born think having a third or more of your paycheck taken by the government and all the invasions of our privacy are "normal." From what I've read, kids are no longer taught American History or the Constitution in schools, so few people these days even know what liberty and the right to privacy mean.

As for your stuff being your stuff, that's absolutely correct. I don't recall where I read this so I can't prove it's validity, but I do remember reading something by a lawyer that said once you've purchased an item it immediately becomes your personal property even before you walk out of the store, and if you wanted to go to the trouble you could require that the "receipt nazi" obtain a search warrant before inspecting your parcels. IIRC, just to prove his point, the lawyer actually filed a legal action against some store chain for illegal search or invasion of privacy or some such thing, and won the case, but I don't recall the details.

-- Ron

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Centerfire (http://home.pacbell.net/rsdotson/) "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground." -- Thomas Jefferson

[YODA74]

Found this one on the web

My rant about the computer store "Door Nazi".
-by Timothy Jones

Door Nazi's! You know who I mean...Those officious men and women who have been stationed near the door of your favorite computer or electronic stores. Their ubiquitous presence is meant to keep the element in our society that engages in shoplifting at bay. I contend they do nothing more than annoy the average paying customer.

I recently visited the premises of Comp USA, Datel, Creative Computers and Byte and Floppy. Each of which now has their very own squad of Door Nazi's. At Comp USA they take the form of a uniformed security guard near the door. At Datel it's one of their unlucky staff members who sits on a cushioned stool near the door. At Creative, it's usually a uniformed guard that has his own desk near the door, and at Byte and Floppy it's who ever happens to be manning the "gate" station at the exit. Last time I was there I think it was some guy named Denis.

Not long ago, Door Nazis were a rarity that you may have tolerated more for their novelty rather than any real sense of their menacing presence. Recently however I've come to notice that each store larger than a mom and pop operation has a Door Nazi. Not only that, but the store exit has been set up in such a way as to "encourage" the customer to pass by the Door Nazi. (i.e. The only way out is through the guarded gate.) They are charged with the task of inspecting your receipt and shopping bag to make sure you don't walk out with more than you purchased. At most, you get a cursory inspection of your purchases and a hole punched in your receipt. Most times, they don't even really look at what you have in the bag. Why should they? They don't care.

I really hate being treated like I'm some kind of criminal, especially since by the time I get to the Door Nazi, I've just gone through the checkout line where I've quite OBVIOUSLY paid for what I'm leaving with. You would think the clerk operating the cash register would notice the suspicious box of software I keep under my arm when I put the rest of my merchandise on the counter.

I've begun to fantasize about "running the blockade" when I go shopping for software. I want to walk by the Door Nazi like I walk by the guy trying to get me to sign a petition outside the grocery store. I count my blessings the times I'm lucky enough to be leaving the computer store when the Door Nazi has been called to attend to other matters. I really have to wonder, what can they really do to me if I decide to ignore their watch dog on my way out? Would they chase me down? Call the police? Put me on a list of culprits they send to their Door Nazi friends? Could they just ban me from the store? (I'm not sure I want to shop there anymore anyway.)

This is a call to action! Tell your friends, family, and just anyone you can rant at. Stop the Door Nazi phenomenon before it goes any further! Employ these people in other more useful professions where their keen observational skills would better serve them, such as Psychic Hotline operators or mall security guards.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Door Gestapo http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

If all men were angels, there would be no need for government." James Madison. So, yeah, "Door Nazis" are irritating
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YODA74@windows-sucks.com
CCMR (http://www.dreamwater.net/tech/yoda74/index.html)

[This message has been edited by YODA74 (edited 04-30-2002).]

[kayofcircles]

In my mind, there is a clear distinction between "public" and "private." When I am in public like this forum, or in a store, or even on the street outside..I have no problem with being filmed or whatever. The receipt nazis don't bother me, but then our lady at WalMart is in the same age group as iisbob's guy and possibly we don't look threatening enough or something, because rarely get any more than the most cursory check..but that does fall into the profiling stuff that iisbob described which is nasty when one thinks about it. But I feel strongly that my puter files are "private" and unless the authorities have some STRONG indications that I am violating the law, they have NO business in my private email or files. Period. Or in my house or in my car..or any other place where I should have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

"It's like Saphalline said, do it slowly enough and no one will notice, like boiling a frog." I made a comment a few weeks after the attack about being concerned about some of the new "security" measures being taken, and the response then was "Well, you have to give up some of your privacy to get better security." Okay, I understand that...but how much privacy are we talking about?..that's where I have alarm bells going off in my mind.

[saphalline]

Originally posted by kayofcircles:
"Well, you have to give up some of your privacy to get better security."

Interesting how this gets closer and closer to Political Science http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif! Privacy vs Security is one of the main idealogical differences between Democracies and more... Marxist views http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif. Dictatorships, Communist-based governments, even Totalitarianism (of which Dictatorships are a mild form). You're right, tho, as to how much of this trade-off we want/need. I truly applaud other countries such as Japan and certain middle eastern nations with low crime rates and tough penalties (bordering on inhumane in some cases) but I would rather not have Big Brother watching my every move, from somewhere beyond the shadows.

I would rather be free to do what I like and have the possibility of it being taken away by some freak with a knife, than to live in total safety but without freedom 'cause it was taken away by some freak with a badge. Morbid logic.

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Windows 95: A 32-bit extension of a 16-bit overlay for an 8-bit OS that was originally designed for a 4-bit processor by a 2-bit company that can't produce 1 bit of good software!

[pentachris]

Good point, Whyzman. At Sam's Club there was a lady who asked to see my receipt when I left. I held it up as I walked by. She looked at my buggy as I approached and looked at my receipt long enough to see a total price and estimate the number of items listed. I never had to stop. From the register to the door where she stood was about twenty feet of wide open space - Harry Houdini couldn't have swiped anything he hadn't already, and the cursory glance by the receipt nazi wouldn't discover it.

I thought it was a minor annoyance, if kind of odd. On the drive home I realized they weren't checking me, they were looking for glaring evidence of internal theft. That's when it became more than a minor annoyance to me. Keeping employees honest should not require putting customers out no matter how small the inconvenience. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif

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Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

[hiredgoonz]

Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. -Thomas Jefferson

I don't agree that sacrificing privacy is necessary for security.

The whole airline security problem could be solved by common-sense. Don't let weapons onboard. Utility and pocket knives were weapons before Sept. 11, but allowed on planes. Tweezers were not, and are still not, weapons, but now they are forbidden on a plane.

Plastic explosive scanners have been available for years, but are not used due to cost. If it's not worth the airlines' money to actually keep me safe, why should it be worth my time to help them pretend to keep me safe. Common sense anyone?

The receipt nazis really make me wonder. Since it has been generally observed that they don't serve any real security purpose, why are they there?

My guess is the illusion of security. Ever notice how many things are done purely for appearance? Probably the same thing here...



------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Drivers (http://www.driverguide.com)

Google (http://www.google.com)

[YODA74]

I have to go with Hired on this I will NOT give up any of my freedom to just have the feeling of being secure that is bull.Once you give it up you will not get it back and you will not be any more secure. Thats about al you'll want to here on this from me becouse I am about to go ballistic on all this gov. promised security.

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YODA74@windows-sucks.com
CCMR (http://www.dreamwater.net/tech/yoda74/index.html)

[Steve]

But I feel strongly that my puter files are "private" and unless the authorities have some STRONG indications that I am violating the law, they have NO business in my private email or files. Period.



Hi Kay, I don't think there is really any such thing as "private email". ALL email is monitored by the National Security Administration, the largest department in our government. This is the interNET, meaning network. It's like being on a party line and expecting privacy. It just ain't gonna happen. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

HG, that is one of my favorite quotes. If the government will allow me my privacy, I'll be more than willing to take care of my security.

As was explained to me in Febuary, the stores and shops are actually PRIVATE property and we are therefore subject to any inane rituals they want to impose. In return we are free to not go to stores where we don't feel comfortable. Sounds like a reasonable trade off.

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Peace and Love, brothers and sisters. Peace and Love

[Gallaeglagh]

Security at the local CompUSA is a joke. I have a friend who works there and while theft is a problem the stores security cameras haven't worked for 2 years. Yet there's always someone at the door but they usually just say have a good day.

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The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That's where we come in; we're computer professionals. We cause accidents.
Nathaniel Borenstein

[hiredgoonz]

I guess what it boils down to is putting your money where your mouth is. I don't know if it's subconscious aversion or just coincidence, but I haven't frequented the stores that have the receipt nazis recently.

My trip to a different home depot, with the nazis, that reminded me of the whole thing was my first time there. I didn't purchase anything. Don't know if I would have at that particular moment at a different store, but later that night I went to the regular Home Depot and did buy a couple of things. They don't have the exit checkers.

I can't remember the last time I bought anything at compusa and the Best Buy here only checks your receipt if you have a product, but don't have a Best Buy bag when you're walking out the door. That actually makes some sense...

I can understand the deal about private property, but as RKBA pointed out, once I buy something, it is mine. If I don't want to show it to someone else, I don't have to. For example, if I go to your house, you don't have the right to search my wallet just because I'm on your property. That's the whole point behind "unreasonable searches" being illegal.

If somebody sees me stuffing my pockets with merchandise and trying to leave the store, then by all means, they should call the cops. However, when I buy something at the checkout counter and then proceed directly to the exit, who has the right to examine my purchases, since they are mine now?

I'm not big into conspiracy theories, but I'm beginning to wonder if the whole receipt checking is sort of a test to see how willing people are to give up their privacy. I'm sure the stores keep track of how many customers balk at the policy. Maybe the whole point is to erode our sense of privacy so they can cram something worse down our throats a few years from now.

That may be far-fetched, I can't tell, too tired right now, but it certainly would fit saphalline's point about slowly eroding your rights so you don't notice.

Just for fun, I may start running out of stores after I buy something just to see what they do http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif

------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

Microsoft Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;rid;kbinfo)

Drivers (http://www.driverguide.com)

Google (http://www.google.com)

[kayofcircles]

We've been doing the door check thing at Sam's Club since we joined, and truthfully, I never even thought about it until now..was just part of the procedure of shopping there. I think that you guys are on target with the comments that the whole thing is for "checking" the employees rather than the customers. Reminds me of the fact that most Customer Service things that one calls have the "this call may be monitored" message on them. Really sad comment on our moral values today when one has to watch their employees.

[MichaelMHP]

Kay,

regarding your call recording comment- I work for a regional insurance company, and let me just say that call recording is done across the board, and it has very little to do with monitoring employees- that is just the 'public version'. Unfortunately, most of us have a clause in our policies that calims that if we become 'abusive' in conversation the insurance companyhas the right to not only hang up, but they can CANCEL YOUR POLICY!

Fortunately I'm not aware of my current employer doing such a thing, but I do know where another national company would goad a high-risk (read: high payout) policyholder into becoming so angry they lost it on the phone on several calls. Shortly after, they recieved a letter indicating their policy had been terminated due to the abusive behavior. There was no review on the decision, as the company could prove (sort of) that the person did say unpleasant things. The person was called 3 months later by a sales rep to reapply for the policy, at a substantially increased rate (because when they applied before they were healthy, but now they actually needed the policy due to illness).

You bet I hate dealing with call recorders- just as much as reciept nazis. I enjoy the reciept nazis though... I am a big guy (6'2", 300), and most of these people are about 10 lbs. soaking wet. Ususally I find if I scowl and look mean at them enough they just hope I don't sit on them... I've only had one experience where they get personal, and that was actually at Toys R Us! Can you believe it? Some lady wanted to see in my bag so bad she stood between me and the door! I made them call the police on me and then the cop stood there while I returned the merchandise I had just bought. Then I let them look in the bag all they wanted...

I didn't need that PS2 anyway...

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I'll try to learn anything you'll teach me...

[Dragoonboy_2000]

Does a certain government invasion of e-mail ring a bell here? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Clone Demolisher]

Those guys at the front of the stores bother me. They haven't ever checked my bag upon exiting, (they just saw me go through checkout and pay!), but I have been checked for a receipt when returning or exchanging items. Can't they control shrinkage in a less obtrusive way?