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October 06, 2008

Can I borrow your segway scooter?

October 5. Day 97.

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.
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