Earbuds at traffic signals

[nirmalts]

Hi everyone,

It is a common sight at Bangalore traffic signals (not sure about other cities) that you see guys selling ear buds. I always wonder out of many things that can be sold why ear buds! Do you think people would buy it ,
i) because they come from china and is cheap
ii) can be used as ear plugs (in the midst of sound polution)
iii) the ears start itching the moment you see buds

)

No offence to all the people who earn a living with this, but just a thought!

Nirmal

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

You will not part with 5 or 10 rupees just like that, will you? That thing has to be useful to you, no? What other useful thing that earbud?

[Zappo]

Just one word. Avoid.

I do not know how true it is but a good number of people have told me to keep away from these buds. Apparently there is a thriving cottage industry out there that buys the hospital wastes and recycles the cottons used and disposed off in the garbage. They wash these puss laden, blooded cotton swabs, dry them up and then treat them with something (forgot what) to make them look so white. Then they use this cotton to make those buds.

I do not know if this is indeed true but then knowing how everything gets recycled and reused in this country and the general Indian ingenuity I would rather not bet against this.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Ye Gods!

I hate to think where the yellow dusters come from?

And what about the Indian flags that will be onsale for the next few days?

I don't want buds; I don't want dusters --- if the people look poor I just give Rs.5.

[esteem_lover]

Zappo, that was one startling revelation, if that is true, that is. In that case, we cannot even trust the other brands, they might also be doing the same, it is much easier for them to do this & believe me they will. I think i will use my hand kerchief for this one.

[bottle]

Originally Posted by Zappo

They wash these puss laden, blooded cotton swabs,.

i have read this before but seeing your post after a full dinner makes me want to hurl.

[Zappo]

I know bottle. But I thought its better to let others know. Anyhow, when the normally the branded things cost probably 25 bucks or more and the same stuff sells for some 5, 10 bucks I am always sceptical. I am paranoid but then Paranoids survive.

[Thad E Ginathom]

(

Just because you're paranoid doesn't meant the world isn't out to get you!

)

And I would never stick a cotton bud in my ear!

[Sam Kapasi]

Originally Posted by Zappo

They wash these puss laden, blooded cotton swabs, dry them up and then treat them with something (forgot what) to make them look so white.

Pus. Puss was in boots.
And the word you seek is bleach.

Now excuse me while I go throw up.

[Thad E Ginathom]

But what's revolting about these things now we know the truth is the are made from cat hair?

Well spotted!

I not only didn't spot it but I'm fairly certain I'd make the same mistake...

[gopz]

Originally Posted by Zappo

Just one word. Avoid.

I do not know how true it is but a good number of people have told me to keep away from these buds. Apparently there is a thriving cottage industry out there that buys the hospital wastes and recycles the cottons used and disposed off in the garbage. They wash these puss laden, blooded cotton swabs, dry them up and then treat them with something (forgot what) to make them look so white. Then they use this cotton to make those buds.

I do not know if this is indeed true but then knowing how everything gets recycled and reused in this country and the general Indian ingenuity I would rather not bet against this.

Yes, even I have heard of this thing, its better we keep away and stick to known brands like Johnson&Johnson

[kuttapan]

Zappo, no offense, but what you heard is pure hogwash. Think of it, it would never be practical to clean or bleach old cotton and make them into earbuds. Far cheaper to make them normally. Not saying you go buy them at signals, but definitely they are not made from old pus laden cotton. Too far fetched.

[cheap_deal]

this thread should come with a statutory warning!! will spoil one's lunch, dinner, breakfast plans

[deep_bang]

Well. Branded products are definitely more trustworthy. I would say, when it comes to health, just get the best. No point in compromising and when in doubt, why do you want to unnecessarily risk?
Better to give 5 bucks and not take those cotton buds.

[DCEite]

A related issue, is the sale of cut coconuts (gari/pari?) in Delhi traffic junctions.

What i have heard, is that these coconuts come from the Shamshaan Ghat (crematorium), where the coconuts are smashed and broken as Prasad when the dead body is set up in flames. But those guys(mostely former Bhikharis) buy those coconuts from the crematorium at cheap cost, and sell them at the traffic signals.