Batteries Not Included

I was in a sporting goods store the other evening, looking at the rows and rows and shelves and shelves of equipment and clothing available for almost any kind of sport or activity, and it got me thinking: I'm not sure if it's an American thing exactly, but we seem to love our gear and accessories.

When we pick up a new hobby — whether it's baseball or lacrosse or running  — we love to go out, before we've even set foot on a ball field or track, and buy all the gear.  Wanna play golf?  Apart f...