I've had this asking on my mind for some time, and tonight was the perfect opportunity.
After biking on the beach and reading Vanity Fair over a latte at Peet's, I went for a walk downtown to clear my head. It's been a complicated weekend.
On one of the quieter streets, I saw a police officer standing next to a Segway. Another man, a few feet away, was barking into his cell phone. Were they interacting? Was a fine in progress? An arrest?I turned the corner and casually lurked.
After a few moments of listening in, it seemed they weren't talking to one another, so I gingerly approached the officer with my request.
"Hi," I started.
"Hi."
"Am I interrupting you? It looks like you might be busy."
"Oh no, he's just getting his car towed. What can I do for you?"
"I just had a quick question. Would it be possible for me to try your segway, for just a second? I've always wanted to know what that's like."
"No, I can't let you, sorry."
"No worries. Thanks anyway."
180 degrees. Bye bye.
Guess I hadn't really picked the best target, after all. A police officer? Someone who's supposed to keep people safe? Giving a scooter to a random woman for a test ride? During a law enforcement procedure? Good thinking, Roxy.
And it was a lazy asking, if I've ever seen one.
But if that's the last time I try to bum a segway sample, my name isn't The Daily Asker. Oh, wait... Anyway, you know what I mean.
Gained: Zero service from one who should protect and serve. Fine, that's harsh. How about: nothing I particularly merited.
