Things that should be illegal

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. CD cases that are wrapped in plastic and also have tape sealing the edge. WTF is the point? Do they not want me to get it open so I can actually LISTEN to the CD?

2. Strollers in crowded public places. Here's a novel concept, Mom and Dad - hire a sitter and have an adult's night out. Take the kid and the stroller to a PARK where there is plenty of room for your stroller.

3. Fat women wearing halter tops. This is just too gross for more of an explanation.

4. Karaoke. My friend and I walked out of a nightclub the other night because of Karaoke. BAD karaoke. We then realized that neither of us had EVER heard good Karaoke. So we decided all Karaoke should be illegal. I am married to a musician and both my kids play and sing too. I have spent years watching my husband perfect his craft. It isn't something just anyone can do and just because you have had a few beers doesn't mean the rest of the world WANTS to hear you sing.

5. Freepers posting on DU.

6. Republicans

7. Criticism of this list.

What do you think should be illegal?

[RevolutionaryActs]

1. Ooooh

:popcorn:

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. LOL I have wanted to post a thread like this for years

That popcorn smells great!!

[Archae]

2. High fructose corn syrup.

That shit is in EVERYTHING! :grr:

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. Oh yes

I drink tea - without sugar. Yet when I buy bottled tea, it may say "unsweet" yet have that corn syrup in it. Gross :puke:

[Archae]

29. Couple years ago, I found a dry cat food that had it!

Will never buy THAT brand!

[proud2BlibKansan]

31. Gross!!

I don't buy Snapple. They put it in every drink they sell.

[MountainLaurel]

210. R-amen!

I've been praying that some enterprising grocery will make a list of all their products that don't have that crap in it so I'll know what to buy.

[Deja Q]

3. Virgins

:spray:

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. How about an age limit?

I see nothing wrong with 6 year old virgins.

[Deja Q]

13. Good point.

How about 34? :D

[proud2BlibKansan]

23. Works for me

[rug]

9. .

[femmocrat]

6. RE: #2 Strollers

I'm not sure they should be "illegal", but when did they become so huge? I call them "Winnebagos"!
A lot of times I see the kid out running around and the stroller full of packages. I just get annoyed when people park them in the clothing aisles and I can't get around them. They wouldn't bother me at all outdoors or in a less crowded area, though.

[LeftyMom]

11. Well, that trend is reversing.

It's only the cheap-ass mass market strollers that are so damn big, able to dock a car seat or small space station, etc. The trend in the higher end and Euro brands (which the cheap discount store ones will get around to imitating within a few years) it to pack a lot of features into a very compact stroller that folds up tiny like a cheap umbrella stroller but lasts for years and works for small babies and tall adults.

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. LOL Winnebagos!!

Yes using them as a shopping cart while the kid runs wild is really stupid.

I just have no sympathy for anyone who wants to crowd the rest of us with their friggin stroller. When my kids were little, I didn't take them out if I had to use a stroller. Yes, I didn't get to go as many places, but that's part of being a parent.

The reason I added this is we were at a restaurant the other night where the wait for a table was an hour and 45 minutes. It was almost 9PM and there were a bunch of people standing there in the lobby and outside the restaurant with kids in strollers. I about tripped over 2 of them. At that time of night, kids that little should be in bed.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

181. When my brothers and I were little, a stroller was a

tiny vehicle just about as wide as a toddler's butt, with maybe two inches on either side to account for the wheels.

[Roon]

28. Imagine one of these "Winnabagos" on the bus eom

[GirlinContempt]

35. er all the busses I take are designed to handle

strollers of all sizes, as well as large wheelchairs.

[proud2BlibKansan]

59. Not all buses are set up like that

I have a friend in a wheelchair. He can't take just any bus that pulls up.

[thefool_wa]

109. He could in my city

All the buses here are modernized to accommodate the hadicapped. Lift doors, wheel locks, the whole nine yards.

In fact it has been so for some time...

[proud2BlibKansan]

117. We have really crappy public transportation here

and far more freeway miles than we need. So the metro area is way too spread out and it is impossible to live here without a car.

[thefool_wa]

123. NW public transit tends to be on the cutting edge

Which is kind of ironic considering we have the 5th worst traffic in the nation.

:shrug:

[GirlinContempt]

182. That's unfortunate

[Roon]

200. Sure, in the front part of the bus

But the bus narrows a BUNCH as you get towards the middle and the back.

[tinfoil tiaras]

37. The parents drive a huge ass SUV and want their stroller to emulate their car

meh.

[thefool_wa]

111. Yeah, or maybe ones

Who don't want to have to carry all the necessary accouterments of taking ones small children in public on their backs.

Strollers are strollers, they can be big at times, but so what. It has nothing to do with SUVs or a parents intentional intrusion onto the lives of those around them. Its just convenience, plain and simple.

If you don't like it, I don't know a single parent who is going to say, "oh, I'm sorry, let me change the way I get my kids around for your convenience." so just get over it.

[tinfoil tiaras]

151. I was joking

sorry if i offended you

[thefool_wa]

157. It's all good

I have had an unpleasant interaction with the poster of the thread and I think it has colored my attitude a little more than it should have.

My appologies for snapping.

:)

[Lyric]

8. Oh, I dunno....

How about people who think fat women should be hot and miserable in the summer, just so they don't offend anyone's eyes by wearing halter tops?

Sorry, but I thought that comment was offensive and cruel.

[Left Is Write]

10. I'm jealous of people who have something to put IN a halter top!

And I thought the comment was cruel also.

[Dangerously Amused]

32. Agreed, a shallow and thoughtless comment.

Sorry to see it here. Wonder how many others it offended...?

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. I haven't worn a halter top since I was about 18 years old

There is lots of clothing that isn't hot and doesn't expose too much flesh.

[Name removed]

34. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Taverner]

44. I agree

Who's to determine what someone should wear, or if specific body types should or shouldn't wear something?

But then again, I would love all of humanity to be nekkid in the summer.

[Beausoir]

74. So sayeth the man with the bod of a greek god. You are seriously racked-out.

Yummy on you.

But, speaking on behalf of all the luscious curvy girls here....THANK YOU for your support.

[NewWaveChick1981]

77. Amen to that!

:bounce: :hi: He's definitely yummy....

[NewWaveChick1981]

76. Agreed. People should wear what they feel like wearing.

Even if it's nothing. :evilgrin: :hi:

:loveya:

[BarenakedLady]

93. Now you are speaking my language!

:bounce: :bounce:

And ever since you posted a certain picture, I agree with you wholeheartedly and think you should come mow my lawn nekkid. :evilgrin:

Although, that could be potential dangerous...hmmmm. Well you could just come and do my dishes then. ;)

[BuelahWitch]

12. I almost got hit by strollers several times at Disney World

So many times I thought I was on a ride called "Strollers of Death"

[proud2BlibKansan]

18. I think they are probably okay at Disney World

But in crowded stores and on elevators - no way.

[BuelahWitch]

22. I don't mind them being there

But I don't want a broken leg from one, wherever they are.

[ghostsofgiants]

14. People who complain about thing when they clearly know nothing about the topic.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. Good one!

[jobycom]

187. My sentiments, as well. nt

[EstimatedProphet]

15. 5 and 6 are way up there

[Nikia]

20. My criticism of the list

1. I think that they want to make sure no one else listened to your cd. Perhaps that plastic is easy to duplicate.
2. Not everyone can hire a sitter. Some people have circumstances that make taking the kid with them the best possible solution. What is too crowded? Should a store have special parents with small children hours?
3. It is not your business what any woman wears for her comfort. A woman's purpose in life is not to be there for your viewing pleasure.
4. My sister got handed a card by a music agent when she sang karoke in a club in Chicago. She decided not to call the woman and promptly stopped doing karoke. She thinks that she is too old for that stuff, even though she was only 25 at the time. My point is that someone thought that she was good and this person was listening to karoke to find unknowns who were good. Godd karoke must happen sometimes. Even if it doesn't most of the time, it is up to the club owner whether or not this activity is profitable for them.
5. Unfortunately, not everyone can be screened.
6. As annoying as they are, political freedom is something we value in the U.S. and is documented in the Constitution.
7. Who made you God?

[bigwillq]

21. HA!

I like your responses! LOL! :rofl:

[proud2BlibKansan]

26. You just broke my law by criticizing my list

1. Can I just bring all my new CDs for you to open for me?

2. If you can't hire a sitter, then stay home. I already posted that I didn't drag my kids all over town when they were small and guess what? I survived. The strollers that inspired me were seen at a restaurant at 9:00 at night, when kids should be in bed. Going out to eat is not a special circumstance. There are these places called grocery stores that sell food. You buy it and take it home and cook it.

3. Why is good taste a bad thing?

4. Your sister has never sang Karaoke at any club I have been to. If she is really good, I would have remembered her.

5. and 6. But I can dream, can't I??

7. When did you lose your sense of humor? Or did you never have one in the first place?

[mzteris]

91. and some people actually their kids

and want to take them with them, too...

Great post, Nikia!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

120. "and some people actually their kids" ???

actually what? Do we need to fill in the blanks or read your mind?

Drag their kids to adult venues at night when the kids should be in bed? Yep that's great parenting.

[mzteris]

133. LIKE their kids......

sorry - I type too fast sometimes. :P

Some parents have different schedules - if they work 2nd or 3rd shirt - say. It may be that the evening/night is the only time they have all together to spend time with their kids.



edit smilie

[proud2BlibKansan]

160. My husband worked nights when our kids were little

We spent family time with them AND managed to keep them on a reasonable schedule.

[noamnety]

176. not everyone lives on your schedule.

"reasonable schedule" means they get enough hours of sleep; it doesn't necessarily mean that family's schedule is identical to yours, or that it ought to be. The schedule should be whatever works best for that family; they don't have a moral obligation to shift their lives around to appease strangers living on a different schedule.

Americans love to claim "we love children" but that's not really true, we kind of prefer not to have them around, and often resent being exposed to others' children. Generally, we don't feel they have the right to be in public spaces - unless it's one where we won't needlessly be exposed to them, like a park for children. They're kind of like the homeless in that way, we like them confined to their own places so we don't have to be bothered by seeing them.

That's not how things are world wide, which is really interesting to me.

I linked this essay up in another thread yesterday, so this might be overkill, but I'm putting it here too, for a different reason. It relates to how Americans view children being in public vs. how other cultures view kids in public. You'll see I'm with you on the stroller thing, but not for the reasons you cite - not because a stroller is inconvenient to other adults who have to walk around them, which I think incorrectly prioritizes 10 seconds of inconvenience on a stranger's part over the needs of a parent and child, but rather because I think the prevalent use of strollers themselves is destructive in our society. There may be cases where they are necessary (physical limitations of the parents, for example), but, well, you can read for yourself:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stan-goff/containment-and-diplomacy_b_35509.html

[Generic Brad]

24. Stores without clerks manning every cash register

Why should we have to waste our time just because the owners of K-Mart, Target, and WalMart are too cheap to hire enough staff to actually service their customers?

[proud2BlibKansan]

27. And those self checkouts!!

If I am paying for the stuff, the least the store can do is ring it up and bag it for me.

[tinfoil tiaras]

38. I love the self-checkouts, imo

but to each their own, I guess. The lines for the regular checkouts are alot longer, which is why we do the self-checkouts. I like scanning the items too, for some reason :rofl:

[proud2BlibKansan]

43. They always break for me

so I don't use them unless the lines are really long.

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

60. I like them when they work, but I usually end up screaming "The fucking item is in the goddamn bag

damn you!!!" Followed by panting in rage and twitching eyebrows.

[tinfoil tiaras]

61. LOL!! I hate it when it says "please wait for cashier assistance"

That pisses me off to no end...:rofl:

[bicentennial_baby]

85. "Item removed From Bagging Area"

"Unexpected Item in Bagging Area"

:rofl:

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

127. Gah! Gah! Gah! Gah! Gah! Gah!

GAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BlueStorm]

215. "Please remove the item from the scanning area."

IT ALREADY IS REMOVED!!!

Actually Family Fare has some decent ones.

Blue

[mzteris]

92. they don't have them

up here in WI. :(

I LOVE self-checkout (and bagging). It's faster done. And better bagged. (I like to sort all the freezer stuff together, frig stuff, cleaning stuff, produce, etc.)

[proud2BlibKansan]

125. So putting people out of work is okay with you?

Every time I see one of those self checkouts I see a potential employee without a job. I refuse to use them unless the other lines are too long and I am in a hurry. They are mainly at WalMarts here and I don't shop there so I rarely have to make the choice anyway. My Target still hires people to check me out. So does Costco.

[mzteris]

maybe encouraging jobs in

venues in which people use their brains instead of engaging in a mindless endeavor like dragging a product across a scanner would be good for society.

[proud2BlibKansan]

141. I worked my way through college as a clerk in retail

Those employees rarely just stand at that register all day. They do stocking and inventory and customer service too. I was in management when I left retail. It's a damn hard (and demanding) job that takes lots of brains and physical endurance too.

[Little Wing]

155. That's such a horseshit answer

Maybe you think newspapers should be all laid out with leaded characters instead of computers

[proud2BlibKansan]

159. And we should all shop at WalMart so we can support the Chinese

manufacturing industry! :sarcasm:

[Little Wing]

178. more garbage

:eyes:

[Critters2]

153. They have 'em around Milwaukee, but my dad refuses to use 'em.

[Xithras]

222. I love SCREWING with the self checkouts.

Especially at Home Depot. Most people overlook the "Item Lookup" button at the bottom of the screen, which is there to allow you to look up unscannable items. The last time I was in HD, I tried to manually enter the SKU's for EVERY item I was buying just to be a prig (there were NO regular lines open and I was irritated). I must have stood there for twenty minutes entering items, which drove the cashier NUTS. When she asked me why I didn't just scan the items I replied "I heard lasers cause skin cancer and don't want to chance it". The cashier ended up scanning the rest of my cart for me. So much for cost savings!!!

And why do I hate these machines so much? Try buying FIVE or TEN of something at Home Depot: Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." "Hey cashier, how do I tell it that I have ten of these?" "You can't. You have to enter them one at a time." "Please deposit item in bagging area." "Unknown item in bagging area." "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." "Unknown item in bagging area." "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area." Scan. "Please deposit item in bagging area.""Unknown item in bagging area." "Please deposit item in bagging area." "Please wait for a cashiers assistance."

It apparently NEVER occurred to ANYONE at Home Depot that a customer might buy more than one of something.

[orleans]

223. my take on self checkout: i have used it two times

when they first came about in the store i shop at) and after that i might have read someone's post here at du that basically said we give the stores reason NOT to hire more people or continue to employ someone because their job is no longer necessary.

since then i will wait in a long line rather than use self checkout. it makes me feel as if i am doing a good turn by the store employees simply by demonstrating that they are necessary.

[derby378]

25. If you're going to sing karaoke, you HAVE TO MAKE UP NEW LYRICS

And they have to be silly lyrics. I want to spill my beer in laughter, not disgust.

[proud2BlibKansan]

30. I could go for that

Parody karaoke. What a concept!!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

33. Bad wine, expensive candles with wicks that don't burn for more

than ten minutes, bath towels that have to be washed twelve times before they absorb water, movies that advertise well on tv but suck in the theater, shoes that make your feet smell...just to mention a few.

[proud2BlibKansan]

47. Shoes that make your feet smell?

This one needs prison time.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

78. Yeah, I need some heated flip-flops

to stay warm and ventilated in the snow.

[tinfoil tiaras]

36. What I think should be illegal

1. Mom Jeans-you know, the ones with the 9 inch zipper that SNL made fun of. I've actually seen ladies wear those (teachers at my school, mostly) and they're horrible.

2. Jeans that show your butt crack. Thats gross on anyone, skinny or fat.

3. Eating at McDonalds or any other fast food place (with the exeption of Subway and Chick Fil Ay...cause they're good :9 :rofl: ) more than 3 times a week. I just watched "Super Size Me" and holy shit is that stuff a) gross and b) dangerous

4. Claiming that confederate flags on vehicles are a display of southern "heritage". Buddy, you can celebrate your southern heritage w/o offending people. Go read some Faukner or Welty, that's southern heritage right there.

5. People that, in all seriousness, act like rEpUbLiCaNhOtTiE. But those people aren't as cute nor as cuddly. :D

6. Racism. Nuff said. Impossible, I know, but it's a nice thought.

[proud2BlibKansan]

69. 1. I am a teacher and I don't have those jeans

I don't even know what you are talking about. Is that a good thing?

2. My sister calls that America's crack problem.

3. McDonald's is gross. I used to eat breakfast there once in awhile but since I saw Supersize Me a couple years I have NEVER been back to McDonald's. I get sick to my stomach when I see the golden arches.

4. Those damn flags make me ill too.

5. . . .

6. Agreed. I do think we can eliminate it but it will take several generations.

[tinfoil tiaras]

103. lol, the cool teachers don't have mom jeans.

;) :hi:

[doc03]

39. Those F---ing Blue-tooth things people wear in their

ears. If I am ever caught with one of those I hope someone slaps the shit out of me. Are these people so important they can't even put their cell phone in their pocket for fear of being out of contact. How have I survived to be 59 years old without a cell phone or Blackberry or whatever they are called?

[KitchenWitch]

41. I call people who wear those headsets "The Borg"

[proud2BlibKansan]

52. I got my husband one of those for Christmas

He is a mechanic and communicates with his boss via cell phone. When he is in the middle of a job, it isn't always convenient for him to stop and pull his cell phone out of his pocket. And his boss doesn't like it when he doesn't answer his phone. (Neither does his wife)

I want one for when I am driving. I use my headset when I have to make a call but it's too much of a hassle to hook it up when my phone rings. Since I prefer driving with both hands on the steering wheel, a bluetooth thing would be great.

[doc03]

64. How did us old timers survive without that stuff?

We had mechanics back in the olden days and they somehow got by. It is probably safer with one of those if you are so important you have to talk on the phone while driving. But I see people just walking around the mall talking on those things, some guy was walking by me the other day at the mall, he said something and I thought he was talking to me then I see this ridiculous thing in his ear. I remember when we had a party line with several homes sharing the same phone line just how did we make it? I remember going to the bank and making a deposit or withdrawal and the teller just writing it in your passbook today the damn computer goes down you are screwed. It just seems to me things were much more efficient back before we had all this technology. If a clerk's computer goes down they can't even make change for a cup of coffee today. I am starting to sound like Andy Rooney I guess.

[proud2BlibKansan]

67. I am an old timer and I love new technology

But I know what you mean about those people out in the malls talking into the air. That is just so bizarre.

[yy4me]

142. Same with the mortgage payment. Brought your book into the

bank and the teller would stuff it into a big old cranker of a machine that would record the payment and subtract it from your balance.

[Left Is Write]

212. Using one to talk on the phone while driving isn't a function of being "so important"

or even thinking one is "so important."

My husband's job takes him out of the office all the time. He's constantly going from place to place, but he has to be reachable by brokers and clients during those hours. It doesn't make him more or less important than other people, it just means he has to bring his phone with him instead of answering it at his desk. He uses the bluetooth so he can talk in the car and keep his hands on the wheel.

Do I think they look a little silly? Yes. Do I think some people use them as some sort of status symbol? Yes. But that doesn't mean they don't have a place or that it would be better for some of the users to be incommunicado.

Workers have been communicating via cellphones for years, and before that with intercoms and walkie talkies. Modern technology just makes it easier and more reliable.

I didn't ride in a car seat when I was a baby because there were no such things back in the olden days. It doesn't mean I didn't or shouldn't have put my own babies in carseats. In the olden days, they made baby formula at home out of evaporated milk and corn syrup.

I'd guess some of those bank tellers of old would have been glad to have computers to help them in their work. I'd guess the same of accountants, actuaries, and others who dealt with numbers. My grandmother washed clothes in a ringer washer. My mother got to have an automatic. My dad went to college with a slide rule. I got to take a calculator. I used to do my writing on a typewriter. Now I use a laptop. Time marches on. Technology does sometimes improve things. :)

[mzteris]

96. they look like they're talking to themselves.

They look really weird to me.

And all those "personal conversations" - Yikes!!

[yy4me]

139. And I thought I was the only one left without a cell phone. It

puzzles me that so many people feel the need to be connected 24 hours a day. And I agree, the Blue-tooth thingies are most unattractive.

[doc03]

40. Another thing those stroller-shopping cart things at the

Kroger store.

[proud2BlibKansan]

53. Yes funny how kids for decades have survived shopping while sitting in the

little seat in the front of the cart.

[ruiner4u]

184. you mean the big oll race car looking things that cant turn in an aisle?

Another ohio person!.. man, how I ***hate*** Kroger.

[crim son]

42. BareNakedLady flirting with Starbucks Anarchist

right in front of my nose!!!!! :grr:

[SPKrazy]

49. She Can't Help It!

she and I have decided we are desperate flirts who can't be stopped

pity us

no don't pity us

JOIN US!

:evilgrin:

[crim son]

50. I can't do it. It only leads to pain and sorrow...

:rofl:

[SPKrazy]

62. I Know!

but we're into pain and sorrow

and since we're already there anyway What the hell?

:rofl: :popcorn:

[BarenakedLady]

89. Oh you laugh

but it's true. And yet, I still do it anyway. I'm just a glutton for punishment, I guess. :shrug:

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[SPKrazy]

100. Yes, BNL

we do it anyway because we say what the hell!

Hi!

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

101. Hello there!

How are you today?

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

107. ...

Doing pretty well my friend!

and you?

:hug:

[BarenakedLady]

108. I'm ok

Trying to work up the courage to do what I must do. It's going to be a long and difficult night. :hug:

[SPKrazy]

113. The Long Night Of The Soul!

You have the courage, just look inside yourself my friend!

:hug:

[crim son]

121. Oh, I understand you.

:hug: but as I've spent much of this year grieving over the loss of a man who apparently has no heart whatsoever, what's a little more sadness? I can take it.

[BarenakedLady]

130. You deserve happiness my dear.

:hug:

2007 is the year for both of us to find some, k?

[crim son]

135. Hokay!

Tonight before midnight I am going to post my farewell to 2006, farwell to the jerk who wrecked my life and farewell to sitting around and waiting for life to show up. I don't know what's going to happen in the next few months but it isn't going to be more of the same!

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

144. We Should Have A Thread For This Tonight crim!

the goodbye to the fucking piece of shit 2006 and all the baggage that goes with it!

good riddance!

:kick:

[crim son]

If I can get away from the family activities tonight, I'm in.

The STBE has this thing about forcing everybody to be together even if it means that there are tears and gnashing of teeth. "You're gonna have fun, godamnit!" mentality. I guess it's better than spending the holiday alone which would be my alternative.

Are you going to be at home tonight?

[SPKrazy]

149. Don't Have Anywhere Else To Go!

home with family

no plans

just us

woo hoo!

:hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

54. Sorry!

:P

[SPKrazy]

63. You're Busted Dude!

crim son has caught your ass!

:spank: :spank: :spank:

now, do what she says! and like it!

[Starbucks Anarchist]

65. I will!

:D

[crim son]

66. Thank you for being my faithful friend!

(casts accusing glance in SA's general direction)

[SPKrazy]

70. Hey, I'm Lookin' Out For You!

:evilgrin:

[BarenakedLady]

84. Sweetie

It was for you....all for you.....:hug: If he actually posted a pic of his bum, it was going to be my New Year's present to you!

:loveya:

[crim son]

118. LOL

A gift I would have received with deepest gratitude. Truly SA is a free spirit and it would be wrong of me to try to keep him to myself :D Plus, you know I love you, baby!

[BarenakedLady]

129. Right back atcha!

:loveya:

Maybe we can get him drunk and talk him into it later tonight. ;)

[crim son]

134. That sounds like a lovely plan.

I wonder how hard we'd have to work to persuade him to go along with it? :P

[Hippo_Tron]

45. Karaoke is fun, if you don't want to hear it don't go to a bar that has it

[proud2BlibKansan]

48. We went there to eat

Had we known it was Karaoke night, we never would have gone there. The 'entertainment' started after we had already ordered our food.

[Dastard Stepchild]

46. I love large women in halter tops...

I think they are awesomely empowered to do something that they know is apparently causing waves of revulsion in the mass populace.

Ooops... I broke rule #7. I've never been good at following rules. I didn't even do that on purpose... I just glanced up now and saw your #7 after typing that first sentence. :)

[KitchenWitch]

51. ...

1. Parking your used shopping cart in the Handicapped stall instead of walking it a few more feet to the cart corral.

x(

[proud2BlibKansan]

56. Parking in a handicapped spot

when you aren't handicapped. I have always assumed people who do that are mentally handicapped.

I used to work with 2 people who used the handicapped spots at work because they had those hanging tags for a family member who was handicapped. But the family member wasn't coming to work with them. :grr:

[KitchenWitch]

58. That also pisses me off!

The tag I have is for ME. And it chaps me to no end if I know someone is misusing a placard.

[bif]

55. Assault weapons and handguns. Period

And I'm not getting into an arguement about it. End of discussion.

[proud2BlibKansan]

57. No argument here

I agree.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

68. I would outlaw ...

1. kids shoes that have wheels in the heels. Or at least invoke a helmet law on them.

2. Lists. They indicate a sense of order, and my brain is way to chaotic to deal with lists.

Karaoke? Good or bad, it's just there to sell beer. If it didn't sell beer, the owner would get rid of it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

71. I almost got ran over by 2 kids wearing those at Target tonight!

Made me glad my kids are grown.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

73. I don't worry about getting run over ...

I don't expect I'd get knocked over, as I have *plenty* of mass. But I'd feel bad if a kid bounced off me, and cracked his skull. Or just flipped backward on his own and cracked his skull. I've seen lots of these shoes, but not one helmet.

[proud2BlibKansan]

83. I love your screen name

Are you a Firesign Theater fan?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

90. Yeah, and just recently...

copied it from vinyl to cd to ipod. because I was going on an airplane. It helped the ride.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

105. I knew it! I knew such an idiotic fad could ONLY have come from the US! Damn you! -nt

[jmowreader]

97. Parents who allow their kids to wear those shoes at Home Depot should be jailed

Or Lowe's.

Or Menard's.

Or wherever you shop for that kind of thing.

I have seen children shoot out in front of customers pushing carts full of lumber. I have seen them shoot out in front of a reach truck--between the spotter and the truck. (A reach truck is an electric forklift with a mechanism that allows the forkhead to extend into a load.) The driver was carrying a load of tile (tile comes in small crates) and got stopped, but a short child skating between the spotter and someone moving a large load--shingles or concrete, say--is going to get killed. Whose fault will it be? The parent who didn't supervise the child. Who will get blamed, and charged with manslaughter? The associate who didn't see the kid until it was too late.

Just a Bozo's right--they should be banned. But seriously, folks...allowing children to roller skate in an environment with that many dangers? Are these people thinking?

[proud2BlibKansan]

128. No they are not thinking

They believe their kids are adorable and that everyone they see in public also adores their kids. They give good parents a bad name.

[Rob H.]

72. Check-writing shoppers

who wait for all their stuff to be rung up and then pull out their checkbook and ask the clerk, "Can I borrow your pen?" :grr:

[Nikefutbol254]

75. Damn thats some funny shit.

I think the theory of "ignorance is bliss" should be illegal. People shouldn't be allowed to just think whatever the hell they want to because they're too lazy to actually get information. And we wonder how Bush became president...

[proud2BlibKansan]

82. Let's make Bush illegal too!

And welcome to DU :hi:

[Name removed]

79. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud2BlibKansan]

86. I served my time

I raised 2 kids and accepted the sacrifices in my social life that go along with parenting. Like I said in an earlier post, the strollers that inspired me were at a crowded restaurant at 9:00 at night. The kids in them were crying and needed to be in bed. Taking those kids out at that time of night was just selfishness on those parents' parts. It also bordered on child abuse.

I did not take my kids to an adult restaurant until they were old enough to sit still, were not picky about the food and mature enough to know how to behave in public. That was way past stroller age.

[thefool_wa]

99. ok, so

9pm in a restaurant is a little late, but calling that child abuse is a way out of line.

As far as judging another's parenting based on taking their kids to a restaurant: get over yourself. People do what they will and, since it is a public place, if you don't like it or are disturbed then get over it or leave.

Kids are kids, they are loud, messy, unruly, unpredictable and not everyone has the same tolerances or abilities as you. I take my kids wherever I please, however I please, and I try to keep the reigns on, but if those around me in public places don't like it: well I just don't give a crap. Everyone has the same rights to go wherever they please with or without their children whenever they like.

If this bothers you then next time I dare you to say something to the parents who offend you so by bringing their unacceptable children out in public. I hope its me, because I will make such a scene of your presumptuous attitude that you will not do it twice.

[proud2BlibKansan]

137. And if I think what you are doing is abusive to your kids,

I will call the child abuse hot line. I have it on speed dial on my cell phone. I am a teacher and we are mandated reporters. When my friend and I saw those kids in that restaurant, we left. One of them was screaming to high heaven and putting up her arms so someone would hold her. The mother had a horrid look on her face and we were afraid she would take her frustration out on her toddler. The kid needed to be in bed. It was so sad.

I have called the child abuse hot line before on parents who beat their kids in public. I called on my neighbor who beat her kid after he fell out of the stroller on the sidewalk in front of my house. She didn't strap him in, he fell out when she hit a bump and she picked him up by his arm and beat his bottom. For falling. One time I called on a parent who left her kids in a hot car in a parking lot and one of them got out of the car and was roaming the parking lot looking for his mom. So yes, I will call and report abusive parents. Doesn't bother me in the least and the law says I am mandated to report abuse when I see it.

[Name removed]

147. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[proud2BlibKansan]

162. Did you miss the part where I said I am MANDATED by law to report abuse?

Do you understand what a MANDATE is?

That means if I see it, I HAVE TO report it.

What we saw at the restaurant was not abusive (yet). It was just thoughtless and cruel. I also receive MANDATED training yearly so I know how to recognize abuse when I see it.

So rather than wait for that mother to abuse her child, we left.

It's not about being self-righteous and passing judgment on parents; it's about abiding by my legal obligations. Or do you think I am being selfish and should just go ahead, ignore the law and lose my job?

[thefool_wa]

173. I think

you should mind your own business. You are mandated to report it when you see it in the classroom - not the world. It is not for you to decide what is and is not abuse. And, again, you have no right to judge the parenting abilities of others.

I am disgusted to know that there are people like you out there, watching those around you, waiting to see something you think or perceive as abuse (and you seem to have a very broad definition of it if you think a scowl at a screaming child is a precursor to a violent abusive beating) so you can leap for your phone. You know nothing of the lives of the people you observe in the world and you should just concern yourself with yourself.

Not every frustrated parent is going to abuse their child, and spanking a child is not abuse. Why don't you just get over it.

No one is going to fire you for politely minding your own business in the grocery store, in the mall, or in a restaurant. And if someone like you ever had the temerity to confront me over a ten second interaction you knew nothing about, well the abuse wouldn't be inflicted upon my children.

[proud2BlibKansan]

174. No, the law applies to EVERYWHERE I am, not just in my classroom

This question comes up every year at our mandated training. ALL professionals who work with kids are mandated to report abuse WHENEVER they see it. It applies to teachers, child care workers, medical professionals, social workers, and even camp counselors. Any professional who cares for kids is mandated to report abuse. It's a federal law and has been on the books for at least 25 years.

So you see, minding my business when a parent publicly abuses or neglects their child would be against the law.

I have no problem with spanking small children. I spanked mine. But NEVER in public. Public places have restrooms and then there is always the car you came in that is parked outside.

And don't worry, we don't have to confront the abusive parent. We just have to make a phone call. And the identity of the reporter is kept confidential. That's in the law too.

[thefool_wa]

179. "W"

That is totally unenforceable. I am going to chime in with my own BS sensor here and say that all of this comes down to rationalization of a desire to inflict your own opinions on everyone around you. There is no way anyone could fire you if you didn't call CPS at the mall if you saw something you "thought" was abusive as there is no way for anyone with authority over you to know. So that is a big stinking pile of bullshit (whether or not it is true that you have been told this by your superiors - its a load of crap).

Also, it is ludicrous to think you can have an informed opinion about what is or is not abusive through the limited interaction one has with others they do not know it public. The idea that it is somehow your responsibility to police the world for child abuse is self-indulgent at best, and dangerous at worst. So get over it.

You are not the savior of children everywhere. In fact I would say you are a big part of what is wrong with this world today.

BTW, my mother in law is a teacher also and she has read all of these posts - agreeing with me on every point. I will concede the laws governing teachers change state-to-state, but these rules are totally unenforceable outside the classroom so I don't buy any of it.

happy new year

[proud2BlibKansan]

185. Look it up if you don't believe me

and if your mother in law doesn't know that child abuse and neglect reporting applies to us everywhere we go, then she knows that now.

Now if you want to argue with me that the two times outside of school I witnessed abuse and reported it are examples of me sticking my nose where it doesn't belong, go ahead. I happen to think that the rights of kids to be SAFE and well cared for trump your rights if you are abusing or neglecting your kids. If I hadn't turned in my neighbor, she could have seriously injured or even killed her one year old child. If I hadn't turned in the mom who left her kids in the hot car, they could have died as well. And the one I found roaming the parking lot could have been hit by a car. He was FOUR.

I have a conscience. I could not live with myself today if I had not gotten help for those kids. If your MIL is a teacher, then I am sure she has a conscience too.

[mzteris]

186. conscience....

"So rather than wait for that mother to abuse her child, we left."

from your earlier post: "So rather than wait for that mother to abuse her child, we left. "


hmmmmmmmmm...........

[proud2BlibKansan]

188. There were about 100 people standing there

There was an hour and 45 minute wait to get into the restaurant. We were just sure that one of them in that crowd had a conscience and would do the right thing IF that child was abused.

[mzteris]

189. oooooooohhhhhhh

I see.

[thefool_wa]

199. Thanks for the back up!

:toast:

[thefool_wa]

198. TOUCHE!

:toast:

[thefool_wa]

197. You are not listening

to anyone but yourself here. It is your responsiblity in the classroom only and your observations of the public affecitng your conscience is only illustrating my point that you are being self-rigteous and self-indulgent.

Good bye!

(on edit: I hope you are reading the comments of others who have taken an interest in this conversation and realize that it is you who are out of line here. I totally understand being frstrated with a screaming baby in a restaurant waiting room, but get real!)

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

175. I'm calling bullshit just on the pure premise of you pulling the 'mandated' shit.

I'm MANDATED to tell authority figures if someone breaks a law. When my friends do drugs, I'm MANDATED to report them. When someone says "Damn, I'm gonna kill that bitch" I'm MANDATED to report them. Do I? No, because I'm not a fascist Nazi. However, even if what they were doing seems wrong to me, I still wouldn't report them out of being MANDATED to do so.

If you do things because your MANDATED to do so, then it seems to me you have very little moral character. If your going to do something, do it because you think it's right, not because your such a sheep that you feel you have to do whatever your MANDATED to do.

And there is my rant for today.

[Name removed]

180. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ruiner4u]

191. Oh ill give you even more backup...

the whole 'call for presumed child abuse' thing..

Hmmm... Doesn't calling child services every time you "think" you see something take time and services away from incidents where someone "knows" something is happening?

I don't mean to sound snarky but from reading your above posts, proud2belib, it seems that you have a happy finger on the child services number. I do understand where your coming from. But just because you see a frustrated mother with a mad look on her face snapping an item out of a child's hands does NOT mean that child is going to get beat.

And those parents who take their children out in public after 9pm are trying to include their children and bond with them. They are trying to socialize their children.

Watch a few episodes of the dog whisperer, give your happy finger a break, and realize that child services has financial budget with limited manpower hours and should only be called when you "know" there is abuse.

Oh yeah, i cant WAIT for the flame about mentioning the dog whisperer... all though it makes sense..a puppy, an infant... teaching no. socialization. frustration. setting bounds. etc.

[Lyric]

194. There another perfectly logical reason for having a small child out after 9 pm

We did it all the time, before our son was old enough to be in school. My partner worked night shift--therefore, we kept the little one on the same sleep schedule that we were on, so we got to spend more family-time together. We'd all go to bed at around 4:00 am, and we'd all get up sometime between noon and 2:00 pm. On the nights when Deb didn't have to work, dinner was often at a local 24-hour restaurant at around midnight. We got dirty looks from busybodies who thought we were bad parents for having our child awake at midnight, but we ignored them. It really wasn't any of their business--who are they to judge the schedule our family keeps? There were a couple of times that he was grouchy in the restaurant--not because he was exhausted, but because sometimes kids are just grouchy! We considered it a valuable learning experience--we could teach him proper "restaurant" behavior when there weren't so many people around to be offended when he made mistakes.

When the little one got old enough for school, we all switched around to dayshift, to accommodate his school schedule.

Every family is unique. You never know what the circumstances are.

[mzteris]

195. exactly.

There was a family who worked at the factory where I was in HR. The mom worked 1st shift - dad kept the kids; dad worked 3rd shift (more $$) - mom kept the kids. They didn't have to pay a babysitter - which they couldn't afford.

The only "family time" they had was 4 pm - 12 pm. (Yes their kids were pre - school-age.).

Some people just can't see the world in any other way but "their" way. :shrug:

[thefool_wa]

206. I dont get it either...

:shrug:

[thefool_wa]

204. Amen!

Every family is unique, hence my comments about a ten second public observation being useless for determining any type of abuse.

Thanks for getting my back on this.

:hug: :toast:

[Name removed]

202. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NewWaveChick1981]

80. Here goes...

1) Kids and others who wear those skate-shoes and recklessly dart in and out of store aisles. I was accused of sounding like Mr. Wilson from Dennis the Menace for being grumpy about this, but I do NOT like to be knocked over or otherwise injured while shopping. :grr: And parents who stand around laughing at their kids' skate-shoe antics or who otherwise ignore them should be jailed. :nuke: This is yet another reason on my list for not having children.

2) People who repeatedly mispronounce the terms "nuclear" and "Social Security". :grr: :mad: If I hear "nucular", "nukear", or "Soshecurity" one more time, I'm going to lose it.... :nuke: And this means YOU, President Idiot Boy!!!!

3) People who drive 35 or slower in the left lane of a 55 MPH or 65 MPH zone and then won't move to the right lane when traffic comes up behind them. Come to think of it, that's already illegal here... but no cop EVER pulls these people over!!! :grr: (BTW, my FIL does this...:nuke:)

[proud2BlibKansan]

87. 1. I hate those damn skates too. They belong on a sidewalk, not in a store

2. He so needs speech therapy - and a lot of other therapy too.

2. My husband goes ballistic over the left hand lane drivers. So I hear you on that one.

[SPKrazy]

114. I'm With Ya!

my son wants some of those skates, but if I have anything to say about it he either won't have them, or he won't EVER wear them to stores, airports, or public places

the rest, absolutely

Soshecurity especially, sounds like the biggest fucking hick our idiot boy pResident! And Newkular, I hear other people pronouncing it like that is it because they think idiot boy has it right, or is there an infestation of idiotism right now?

:yourock: :hug: :loveya:

[Phentex]

81. Insta-bush holiday lights....

for people too lazy to string lights on their bushes. So they end up looking like a square of evenly spaced lights across a bush. Uh, if you DO buy them, take 30 seconds to squish them in between the brances so they don't look like lighted band-aids.

[proud2BlibKansan]

88. I am lazy so I don't put up any lights at all

Hope you approve. :)

[Phentex]

94. Ah yes, thank you.

:)

[Va Lefty]

95. Any "cover" of any Beatles song should be a felony

[pitohui]

98. my wynn!!! your handle unmasked at last! :-)

Strollers in crowded public places. Here's a novel concept, Mom and Dad - hire a sitter and have an adult's night out. Take the kid and the stroller to a PARK where there is plenty of room for your stroller.

las vegas fans already know this, but steve wynn was infamous in his day as the man who banned strollers from his casinos

he's going blind and the story goes that he tripped over not one but two strollers in the mirage on one day, with the second woman being a rude bitch who demanded to see mr wynn's "supervisor" to compile a complaint about his bumbling and stumbling

no word on if she apologized upon finding out that he was 1) blind and 2) the owner, no word either on how roughly she and baby stroller were "escorted" from the premises

[Shell Beau]

102. Some people have no business getting behind the wheel of a car.

I drive a lot and I risk my life every day because of STUPID drivers!! Quit yapping on the phone and pay attention to the ROAD!!!!!

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

104. Imposing my will on others through the state is intellectually sloth

When you make something illegal you need to conciously say that you have no problem with violently restraining the violator and haul them off to prison. Remeber the state is simply an entity with the monoply of force within a designated area, if police officers couldn't shoot, tackle, and club people who violate the laws the state approves the whole organazation would certainly be a lot less effective.

[Shell Beau]

106. I can assure you that my brother who is a cop doesn't

want to club, shoot or tackle anyone!

[thefool_wa]

122. I don't think that is what was meant

I think the intent was that these things are allowed as deterrent to crime, so we should consider carefully what is to be deemed a crime.

Also, while I am sure that your brother is as you say, I think most cops will portray themselves that way until they are in the heat of pursuit, then it all changes. Telling people you "don't want to do it" is their rationalization of a desire to do it when necessary and without that desire I don't think you can be a cop. Its not a bad thing, its just the way it is.

[Shell Beau]

124. I just don't agree with that! While it takes a certain

type of personality to be a cop, my brother does what he does for the better of the community. He doesn't want to hurt anyone. Period. Does his adrenaline get to pumping in a pursuit? I am sure. That is normal. But he doesn't get excited that he may get to beat someone. He has seen to much sadness out there to feel that way. There are bad apples out there for sure. Most aren't.

[thefool_wa]

132. That wasn't really what I was getting at

Violence is a necessary, unavoidable part of police work. It is something you have to be willing to participate in. I was in no way saying your brother (or any other cop really) actually enjoys it, but you have to be ready to do these things all day, every day that you are out on the streets.

Again, please don't think I was saying he enjoys it, that was not my intent at all. But he has to be willing to do it, and that requires a desire to do it. You don't clean the streets of tweakers and crack heads by asking them nicely to get into your car. You have to have the willingness and the desire to tackle them, bar their arm, strap the cuffs on as tight as possible and throw them in the cruiser.

If you are unwilling to do that, or lack the desire to do it, being a street cop will ultimately only end in your own death.

Again, I am sure of your brothers intentions, as most cops are out there because they want to make their communities better. However, doing that requires the things I've discussed here or that desire to make things better is impotent.

[Shell Beau]

136. I think desire is the wrong word to use. Willingness, yeah?

Desire? No! I get what you are saying and I agree, but desire, imo, isn't the right word.

[thefool_wa]

145. Hmmm, this is a very fine line

We may have crossed over into the IMHO realm here, but I think I stand by the use of that word for one reason: desire means that you want to do something, and if you don't want to tackle, fight, or possibly shoot someone then I don't see how you can be a police officer.

The line between being willing to do something and wanting to do something is a gray area that allows one to rationalize their own actions. I think this especially true when it comes to jobs that are focused around violence (cop, soldier, corrections, et al). To want to be a part of any of these professions I think, on some level, you have to want to participate in the violence that is inherent to them, whether you express that to others or not.

We may also merely be arguing semantics here, and not intent. Just know that I don't think you have to enjoy doing those things to be a cop, but you do have to want to do them.

[thefool_wa]

116. Amen

Which is why the OPs comments about strollers (then later comments about child abuse in response to my comments)) are really pissing me off this morning.

Just because one feels inconvienienced by something is no reason to say the other person should be hauled off and jailed for what they are doing. In fact that sounds a little like facism to me.

I thought we on the left were better than that...

[proud2BlibKansan]

138. Tickets would work

No need for arresting people for most of the offenses on my list.

[thefool_wa]

150. So, really

You are saying that those around you should pay the government money for incovienincing you?

Selfish and self-righteous - are you sure you are in the right place? This is a DEM board.

[proud2BlibKansan]

158. This is THE LOUNGE

Lighten up. Grow a sense of humor.

[Conan_The_Barbarian]

213. True

But answer me this, what if the offenders refused to pay the ticket? The state can't get the money out of somone unless they are able to utilize force. Their ability to issue tickets and fines is simply a product of the monoply of force the state is given.

[baldguy]

110. Using SUVs or utility vehicles as daily commuter cars.

Using God as an excuse to commit evil.

America committing war crimes

Inflatable holiday lawn decorations.

Instructions for assembling or installing toys/electronics/software/etc that are missing a key step.

[thefool_wa]

112. Item two is ironic

since it is already illegal.

[baldguy]

119. It's been official US policy for the last six years.

[thefool_wa]

126. Its still illegal already

It just makes those in charge criminals. (something I think we can agree on)

To shift gears a little: It should be legal for us to hand our leader over to the world court when charges are filed stating war crimes and crimes against humanity. These charges were filed against Bush and Rumsfeld a while ago and our government ignores them.

Make this legal and I think our leaders would be much more careful about rampaging our military wherever they please.

[Phentex]

131. We have neighbors known as "The Inflatables"...

they have one for EVERY possible holiday and then some. The kids love 'em!

[proud2BlibKansan]

146. I know a woman with 4 kids

and those car seats won't fit in anything but an SUV. I doubt she can afford to buy another car for her to use when she is by herself.

The rest of the list I agree 100%.

My friend told me the other day that she saw one of those inflatable decorations that was a nativity scene. She figured that was just a bit disrespectful.

[musette_sf]

152. "Inflatable holiday lawn decorations"

the ppl across the street from us had an inflatable Santa-On-A-Chopper this year. it was actually pretty cool, especially when it was windy. it looked like Santa was hauling ass!

[liberalpress]

201. Once agin,

.. the dissing of my hybrid SUV. I should sell it and go back to a highly polluting automobile. I really think that would make you people happy.

[Wcross]

115. Here are my additions to the list.

1) Car stereo systems that can be heard from more than 20 feet away from the vehicle it is installed in. If you want your music that load, wear headphones.

2) Cars and motorcycles with loud exhausts. It used to be you would be pulled over and ticket for loud exhausts. Now they sell kits you can install, the sole purpose to make it loud.

3) ANY writing on the seat of any clothing. Come on now, have a LITTLE class will ya? If I want to look at your ass I will. I don't need something to read while I am doing it.

4) Not spaying/neutering the family pets. If you are a breeder, fine. If you have a mutt or a cat it should be against the law not to have them fixed.

5) Marijuana laws. You can kill yourself be excessive drinking which is legal. You could NEVER ingest enough Marijuana to kill yourself.

[proud2BlibKansan]

164. 1. and 2. YES!! Whatever happened to noise ordinances?

3. I have refused since this 'fad' first came about, to wear any advertising on my clothing. I still don't understand why anyone pays money to wear a shirt that says "Coca Cola" or pants that say "Tommy Hilfiger" or "Calvin Klein". If these companies want me to wear that clothing, they can pay me for the ad space.

4. Agreed. Good idea, in fact.

5. Another good idea.

[Wcross]

169. You sound like my missing twin!

I always wondered why people PAID good money for "Old Navy" on their clothing? As a matter of fact, I doubt I would wear the stuff if it was free.

[liberalpress]

203. I especially agree

With number one and number four


.. as for number five... I'm sorry I forgot. What was it agin?

[MrSandman]

140. Tobacco...

At least a schedule 2 drug. I can't think of a positive use for nicotine other than smoking cessation.

[proud2BlibKansan]

165. I want it to be way too expensive and banned everywhere

and I am a smoker.

[mzteris]

143. control freaks.

:eyes:

[begin_within]

148. War!

[proud2BlibKansan]

166. We need a new president then.

[Critters2]

154. Church bells that ring every 15 minutes ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!

Every church in the downtown part of my city (ie, where I live) has these damned chimes. Every fifteen minutes. 24/7. And people who tell me "You'll get used to it" live far enough away that they don't hear them in the middle of the night!!!

The chimes! The chimes!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

167. Every 15 minutes?

That is way too often.

[Critters2]

209. It's what bell aficionados call "The Westminster Quarters"

It rings one phrase--one measure--at 15 past the hour. Then two phrases at :30; three at :45 ; and the whole thing, followed by chiming the hour, on the hour. And the churches aren't in sync, which means that, at noon or midnight there can be 4 full Westminster changes PLUS 36 individual bell rings!! Here's the Wikipedia article on this annoying noise: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Quarters

I just find it so rude. I'd love to meet the chime salesman who swept through town and talked all these churches into wasting money on this!!

[LuckyLib]

216. That's "disturbing the peace" -- I'd go completely bananas if I had to hear that nonsense.

Isn't it interesting what is forced on us in the name of religion?

[BlueStorm]

219. And yet, a few years ago some fundies in Detroit got their

panties in a wad about a mosque that was trying to get a permit to allow the call of prayer to be called out on loudspeakers.

I would rather take that then a bunch of church bells.

Blue

[BlueStorm]

218. Where do you live?

There's a few churches downtown here in GR that ring bells on the hour.

God, that certainly has to give you a headache.

Blue

[Hangingon]

156. Fresh from holiday travel

1. Ban from the cabin oversize carry on luggage or luggage that the person cannot lift into the over head storage. Hint for those of us who don't leave from hubs - the planes are usually regional jets with limited cabin storage.

2. Baggage checked at the jet way. It should go to the carousel for pickup like the rest of the luggage so the rest of us can get off the plane. We usually have to get to another terminal for a connection and don't have time to stumble over you and your crap.

3. A second to those ear phones and to people who share their mobile phone conversations with the universe.

4. Ban mobile phones from drivers - including Bluetooth and headsets. Two hands on the wheel does NOT equal mind on driving. If the call is that important pull over on the shoulder and stop.

5. Driving in the left hand lane. It is illegal - but frequently unobserved - in Texas. The left lane is for passing and we have to allow entering traffic the right of way.

[EnviroBat]

161. This moronic vehicle shoul be illegal...

[proud2BlibKansan]

168. Here! Here!

gawd, I hate those cars. What gives their owners the right to deplete the ozone faster than the rest of us?

[EnviroBat]

170. right right...

Self-indulgent, environment-raping pukes should be illegal as well.

p.s. I checked out your web-site. Very well done!

[proud2BlibKansan]

171. Thanks but I didn't do the website

I am just a member of the task force.

[ThatsMyBarack]

163. Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes

I've seen stories on the news about people getting scammed by it! :nuke:

[Mendocino]

172. Leaf-blowers,

use a rake instead, get some exercise.

Perfect lawns. This country spends millions on lawngrass. Plant native plants, groundcovers and prairie grasses instead.

Shopping carts left sitting anywhere. Most stores have cart corrals, how hard is that.

If you walk your dog, clean up afterwards.

"I support the Troops" ribbons on SUV's.

SUV's.

Public funding for pro sport venues. Support the separation of sport and state.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

183. I like the way you think!

Leaf blowers! Aarrgghh!

[liberalpress]

207. OK. That's really it...

... I'm trading in my Hybrid SUV tomorrow, for a car that gets twelve gallons to the mile, and spits out pollutants like a ball player spits tobacco. It should be alright with you, then, because it isn't an SUV, right?

[Mendocino]

225. Since the edit period has passed,

place non-hybrid in front of SUV in my previous post. There, that's better.

[Rabrrrrrr]

177. Being stupid, willfully ignorant, or a dipshit.

[jobycom]

190. Whining. nt

[ruiner4u]

192. having a holier-than-thou attitude.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

193. Where is there opera karaoke???

I heard a story once on NPR about a club with Opera Karaoke. It was in South Philly, which is where Mario Lanza is from.

I don't have any place to sing opera and wish I had one. The local amateur opera production group used me in the chorus of "The Elixir of Love" and after that they never called me back because I had to wear my glasses on stage to keep from falling off and breaking something. That was a mortal sin, being nearsighted. They were just a bunch of big egoes anyway.

I told them they could get sued out of existence (they are a 501(c)3) from people falling down at performances or rehearsals. I heard one elderly woman fall down stairs during intermission, and the conductor (who is a very sweet man) fell over a fake log the propmaster was stupid enough to leave in his way. The conductor was in his seventies and could very easily have broken a hip and died!!!

I informed them that the people in the chorus of "Mefistofeles" with Samuel Ramey as the devil, were wearing glasses and that was about as big time as it gets.

[GirlinContempt]

196. 70 isn't that old

and hip breaks aren't fatal I don't think.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

220. you haven't seen the stats on hip fractures in elderly people, I take it.

Info on morbidity and mortality:

Background: Fractures of the hip are relatively common in adults and often lead to devastating consequences. Disability frequently results from persistent pain and limited physical mobility. Hip fractures are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality; approximately 15-20% of patients die within 1 year of fracture.

Most hip fractures occur in elderly individuals as a result of minimal trauma, such as a fall from standing height.

Reported overall mortality rate of hip fractures is 15-20%, yet in older persons this can increase to 36% over the year following hip fracture. Rate of mortality is greatest in the first few months following injury but remains high for up to 1 year. It then returns to the same rate for age- and sex-matched people without hip fracture. Surgical delay independently affects mortality. Patients for whom surgery is delayed for 2 days or more, have a 17% higher mortality rate at 1 month.

Morbidity associated with hip fracture is staggering, especially in older persons. Morbidity from immobilization includes development of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and muscular deconditioning. Morbidity from surgical procedures includes complications of anesthesia, postoperative infection, loss of fixation, malunion or nonunion, as well as the complications associated with immobilization as outlined above.

Hip fracture resulting from major trauma often is associated with other bone and soft-tissue injuries, intra-abdominal and intrapelvic injuries, major blood loss, head and neck injuries, and other extremity injuries. Morbidity associated with an inability to return to a prefracture level of mobility results in a loss of independence, reduction in quality of life, and depression, particularly in older persons.
===========
Source: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic198.htm

Personally, I have known several elderly people who took a very minor fall and it made them bedridden, or in one case, they died from it within a week or two.

[Penndems]

205. A derivation on Suggestion #2:

People who bring their children into toy stores during the holiday season.

Kinda spoils the whole Santa Claus myth for kids.

[Danger Mouse]

208. Just two words:

Celebrity worship.
Should be punishable by death.

[BuelahWitch]

214. Uh oh, better get that firing squad ready

I worship these guys:








They're all dead too, so I might as well join 'em. ;)

[Danger Mouse]

217. Nah, they're 'exceptions'...

Good taste is excepted.

[BuelahWitch]

221. Thank you!

Yes, at least they all had talent! :hi:

[prole_for_peace]

211. stroller drivers in crowded places should be more considerate and careful

most either take up way more room than they need or they run into you. i really hate it when some stroller driver doesn't pay attention and they run into the back of my legs. this has happened a lot at disney, the mall...any place with a lot of people.

[orleans]

224. cute thread. here's a couple more for the list:

nosebleeds

phones with call waiting but no caller id to see who is calling in while you're already talking to someone (like my phone)

nosebleeds

running out of storage room

nosebleeds

msnbc's stupid line up of crap shows all weekend long and late at night:

poverty

the bush crime family

and nosebleeds except for the bush crime family

[Deep13]

226. Children in Las Vegas casinos.

WTF is that all about?

[MissMillie]

227. Sorry

but karaoke is one of my favorite nights out

and considering that it's pretty hard to find an actual karaoke show, it shouldn't be too hard for you to avoid it.

[buddhamama]

228. Locking...

The thread has become a flamefest.

Sincerely,
buddhamama- DU Mod