>I'd had a sneaking suspicion as I read these stories that this
>whole duct-tape thing was a media end run
Don't forget this gem, from the Fed's most recent beige book summary of anecdotal reports on the U.S. economy <http://www.federalreserve.gov/fomc/beigebook/2003/20030305/FullReport.htm>:
>Consumer Spending and Tourism
>Overall consumer spending remained weak during January and February.
>Retail sales were generally flat throughout much of the country in
>January. Boston, Chicago, and Kansas City reported some signs of
>improvement during February, but severe winter weather over the
>Presidents Day weekend hampered shopping in the New York,
>Philadelphia, and Richmond Districts. Apparel sales were mostly
>weak, although discounting helped move merchandise in some areas.
>Reports on home furnishings were mixed. Valentine's Day merchandise
>sold well in a few Districts, and terrorism fears boosted the sales
>of duct tape, plastic, and other hardware goods in some regions.