Well It was Bound to Happen - Crime does not Pay | Eastern NC Now

    I do not know how most people mark the passage of time in their lives.  I suspect that like me they do it with memories, birthdays and anniversaries.  Nevertheless, there are some constant reminders for us pack racks that crop up from time to time.

   I retired the first time in December 2004 after thirty-eight years with the same company (through many mergers and acquisitions).  When I left, I did not take much with me. Most of my personal stuff fit in a #2 Packing box (14x14x14).  The companies property on the other hand fit in my pocket. I only took a couple of things.  One was the stapler that I had used for most of my career.

   It was a  Stanley Bostitch B8 Stapler which currently sells for $23.69 at Office Depot / Office Max. Surely, that would fall under the category of misdemeanor in the criminal codes of Georgia as well as North Carolina.  It was not breaking and entering, I had a key and official Rockwell Automation Id Card.

   I also took a full box of B8 staples from the supply room. They currently sell for $4.59 for a box of 5000.

   The grand total of my heist amounted to $28.28 in today's dollars.  A quick check of the Inflation calculator from 1966 to 2016 shows that the value of that stapler and staples to the company was $3.82 in 1966, the year I started working there. I suspect the staples were not originally bought in 1966, but it makes for a better defense if needed.

   I managed to escape without being apprehended and have peacefully obeyed the law ever since. Well there were a few minor infractions along the way, but I chalk that up to youthful and old age lapses.

   Well, this morning while I was doing my file cleanup for 2016 and preparation for the new year, I had  the occasion to refill my trusty old B8 Bostitch Stapler.  It was then I noticed that the inventory of that old box of 5000 staples was almost depleted.  I estimate that at the current rate of usage, I only have a 20-year supply left.  I guess I should have taken a box of paper clips for insurance. Don't worry, I have properly oiled and protected my remaining stash to prevent additional rust.    Below is a picture I took this morning of my dwindling inventory of staples.

   There are several observations I learned here:

• Bostitch has changed to color and packaging of the box.
• It is most likely that the staple are not made in the USA anymore
• If I am ever in the county of Beaufort, North Carolina,
•     DO NOT CARRY THE BOSTITCH B8 STAPLER WITH ME
•     DO NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR STAN'S HOUSE BECAUSE THOSE COPS MEAN BUSINESS.

   See below to see what I mean.  Note Stan's comments in the first Press Release.