Lost a generic black umbrella on the subway two nights ago. Said umbrella is available in every deli, on every corner by a seller, when it rains, and all over Chinatown. It costs anywhere from $2.50 to $4.50. So I found where the Subway system Lost Property office was and showed up there. My hope: that they would offer my another look-a-like-black umbrella from the dozens they undoubtedly have. No chance! Tried every argument. They agreed that my umbrella would not be identifiable from any other, but since it takes two weeks for the umbrella to register in the system, they would not give me an already found umbrella. When i tried to explain in detail, that no one was ever going to come looking for the ones they already had, and it would save me a trip since I was already here, and there was no way – except for possible time – as they said, there would be any difference between giving me one already in their possession and the one I lost. In the end there were two gentlemen listening to my reasoning and it was rather like speaking at a cement wall. They had a system, rules and there were no adjusts to the system. I have to go online, fill out the forms and return in 14 days. Okay!