Short-lived phenomena

Scientists speak of short-lived phenomena, earthquakes, fish rains, meteor impacts. They run off and study them. As a scientist, I'm interested, too, but more as an amateur social scientist studying humans' short-lived phenomena. One occurred yesterday, and, unfortunately, I totally missed it--the Target/Missoni stampede.

I confess that I read women's magazines, and last month my magazine alerted me to several designers who would be placing lines in more affordable stores like Target. My magazine had a double-page spread on various designers and their products. I particularly liked Missoni's bold colored bargello-like zigzag patterns. Learning that the line would go on sale September 13, I dutifully marked my calendar and noted the prices and items I intended to buy-- a cardigan, scarf, shoes, and vest--online.

I don't do stores much anymore, and I shop online almost exclusively. I buy vacuum cleaner bags, backyard sheds, mandolins, sandals, etc., all on the internet. The problem with the Missoni at Target was I didn't look at my calendar yesterday, and all was sold when I looked today online. However, frequently believing in magic, I stopped by my local Target on the way home. Not surprisingly, there was not a zigzag in sight. I asked a salesgirl if I was in the right department. She assured me I was and that there were no Missonis to be had. She went on to tell me about the crowd at the door yesterday at 8 AM, before the store opening at 8:30. She said they stormed in, and it was all over in 6 hours. I guess it would have been fun to be part of this short-lived phenomenon, but then I'd never get up that early--even for Missoni.

PS the picture shows Ottavio and Rosita Missoni (from Wikipedia).