Snow Planning
Not sure if this happens in other places, but in the Philadelphia area when the weatherman predicts snow, people flock to the grocery store to buy milk, bread, and eggs. It’s a curious phenomenon. I’ve been on the planet for a few decades now and I’ve never experienced a storm where I couldn’t get out and make a purchase of sundry staple food items within twenty-four hours of a storm. The last two blizzards were no exception.
It’s tough to figure. Are there really that many people that have such a depleted supply of milk that they need to rush to the grocery store to stock up? I don’t think so. It seems those that haven’t had an egg for weeks are compelled to go out and pick up a dozen – just in case. It’s like some sort of nesting ritual. It’s actually a running joke, but that doesn’t stop the hoards from making the trip to the store when the forecast calls for a bit of the white stuff.
Is this a form of planning? Is it the way that people prepare for the snowstorm? Does it put them at ease to know they have hoarded enough milk for the next 2 weeks? Is the planning done out of fear? Is it instinct? Whatever the case may be it seems like one of the few occassions that people actually over plan.
Might it be possible to harness this reaction somehow to convince people to plan for other beneficial things – like planning for a project or for their careers?
Joe and Wanda?
Joe Kerr: Nope!
Wanda B. Goode: There does seem to be a tremendous amount of collective energy spent preparing for a storm. As far as tapping into this seemingly irrationally inspired energy source, I think those that make toys like Tickle-me-Elmo, and restaurants that convince people to wait two hours for a table have managed to tap into a piece of it.
From what I understand, we may get some more snow this week – an opportunity to do a little more research!
If you are not familiar with this strange reaction to snow storms, this post may help explain.
We’re Out of Milk!!! We Gonna Die!!!
Stumble it!
