How about this adorable kitty? Plus, she comes from the 30th Century. And she talks.
Welcome to The Rants thread.
This thread is designed for people to go off on a rant about what troubles them. Anything that you want to rant about is fair game.
This thread is not The Inferno. Posts containing insults or flames will be moved to The Inferno immediately, even if other parts of the post are on topic. Don't you hate when that happens?
This is your chance to whine. Enjoy it.
2. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:29:08 AM
I hate these freakin' rules!
3. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:30:22 AM
I hate it that people side with conservatives or liberals and deny themselves an opportunity to search for truth.
4. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:31:07 AM
I think that the conspiracy to kill the Man thread sucks.
5. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:32:02 AM
I hate being ignored when I'm bitching!
6. Fielding - 2/15/2001 11:32:56 AM
Don't hold back. You're doing great!
7. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 11:32:58 AM
I can't stand it when people beg for attention by posting the first 4 rants on a new thread!
8. Fielding - 2/15/2001 11:33:54 AM
JAH:
It is like a new jar of Peanut Butter.
9. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:34:22 AM
Ok Judith, you finally figured it out. I'm Rosie.
10. mgleason - 2/15/2001 11:36:36 AM
I loathe and despise the term 'politically correct.' People who yap about it are probably the same ones who used 'groovy' in the 60s without a trace of irony.
11. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 11:38:11 AM
Arrrrrggghhhhhh.....I hate that for sure, seadate!!
Almost as much as I hate having to leave now because a thunderstorm has hit my area. Catch y'all later with more gripes!
12. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:38:15 AM
... and are having tatoos removed. Tatoos ... I hate permanent reminders of temporary feelings.
13. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:39:30 AM
#12 was referring to #10.
14. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:45:20 AM
I hate:
- blown boat engines
- cold days
- warm beer
- doing acrobatic stunts in convertible sports cars
- women who frequently fall overboard
- a day without a belly laugh
- waking up with someone I shouldn't have ......
15. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:45:59 AM
Now I feel better.
16. janjon - 2/15/2001 11:46:51 AM
I hate abusive behavior of all types. I hate hypocrisy.
Contrary to the views, no doubt, of some, I do NOT hate Republicans. I pity them.
17. mgleason - 2/15/2001 11:53:38 AM
People who come to my house and make remarks like 'What do you do with all those books?' in horror-stricken tones make me crazy. All the replies that spring to mind are pornographic in nature.
I wish I had a boat, Seadate, so I could make them walk the plank.
18. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:53:54 AM
Kinda hard pitying anyone who got blow jobs with Clinton's regularity.
19. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:56:13 AM
Maria,
haha - one reason to leave a tabloid in the guest bathroom.
20. Fielding - 2/15/2001 11:57:33 AM
I hate it when people say "for all intensive purposes".
I hate it when people say "ek cetera" (sic).
I hate it when people say "aren't you busting?".
21. seadate - 2/15/2001 11:58:41 AM
how about "irregardless"?
22. Fielding - 2/15/2001 12:01:30 PM
"Relevency"
23. theDiva - 2/15/2001 12:09:38 PM
or people who use 'impact' as a verb.
AAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH
24. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 12:10:11 PM
Hate is a pretty strong word that I rarely use, so let me tell you what and who I can't stand:
The word "disengenuous".
The word "behoove/behove".
Bill Maher.
Cokie Roberts.
The liberal frenzied side of Crossfire.
Marilyn Manson.
Most "booty" music. It makes me physically ill when I hear women singing about how their man owes them something Ie. gots to be a Gucci. I can't stand it when men sing about "pounding" some girl he's cheating on his girlfriend with.
Bad service in restaurants.
People who work as sales associates in stores but don't know squat about their merchandise. Nothing like asking someone in Lowes, "Where are outdoor mats?" Having them reply, "Is this them?"
Teenaged drivers.
Snobs; especially snobby sales clerks. I was in Neiman's last week and it was like pulling teeth trying to get the 45 year old clerk to help me. She got nicer when I purchased something, ick!
Electric bills.
The show "Jack Ass" on Mtv, it's truly terrible.
Okay, that's enough to get me started on this dreary afternoon.
25. seadate - 2/15/2001 12:21:25 PM
Jen, check your last post, sweetie. *You* were in Nieman's. (g)
26. mgleason - 2/15/2001 12:23:57 PM
OK, two small nits to pick: 'boundry' and 'quandry.'
27. jexster - 2/15/2001 12:27:03 PM
Jen and I - oil and water...she's soooooooooooooooo disingenuous in her rant against my icon Bill Maher
28. seadate - 2/15/2001 12:30:55 PM
Letters from the IRS! They make me feel like I've been called to the Principal's office.
I received a letter yesterday and my stomach turned to a knot. I opened the letter - it was a check for $1.74 (includes $0.01 interest). haha
29. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 12:40:33 PM
I hate to be so self-involved.
I hate myself for that.
31. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 12:50:52 PM
I hate any tribal allegiances that restrict the ability to reason.
32. seadate - 2/15/2001 12:54:03 PM
It's Britney.
33. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 1:00:46 PM
Jen
Just so's you know, "disingenuous" is a nicer way of calling someone a liar.
34. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:01:37 PM
What I hate the most about is the propensity of those who govern to make decisions which are not based on reality but rather on emotions or self-interest.
35. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 1:01:50 PM
I loathe and despise the term 'politically correct.' People who yap about it are probably the same ones who used 'groovy' in the 60s without a trace of irony.
The folks that I've seen use the term want to be able to hold forth on their obnoxious views without any negative feedback.
36. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:04:13 PM
I hate that Cellar's list doesn't include our pretender leader and his cohort.
37. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:05:08 PM
Cellar's post number 30 was moved to The Inferno. Sorry, Cellar, I liked the post, but I've got to call them tight or else this thread will turn into another Inferno.
38. janjon - 2/15/2001 1:06:46 PM
so far this is nice fun and games, and it adds a bit of insight about people, I suppose.
But, where, if anywhere, is it supposed to go? Anything more than just a series of what are in effect one liners?
39. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 1:07:04 PM
I am "put out" by restaurants that serve margarine in place of butter and coffee whitener in place of half and half.
I hate and despise people who get dogs, lose interest in them when they're no longer puppies, and then chain the poor things up in the back yard and give them no further attention except to yell at them to shut up when they bark.
40. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:07:52 PM
Well, are you going to move my post # 36 too?
41. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:08:03 PM
BTW, Cellar's deleted post included:
"Brittany Spears, Eminem, Ace of Spades, Sean "Puffy Combs, Sean "Faggy" Hayes, Christina "Screechy" Aguilara, Guy Ritchie, Mrs. Guy Ritchie, Wolf Blitzer, Tucker Carlson, Tucker Quayle, Jim Carrey, Charles Krautheimer, Gertrude Himmelfarb,
oh I could be here 'til next week!"
42. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:09:48 PM
Oh, don't worry, Fielding, I am sure that the posters are just testing the ground.
43. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:09:51 PM
yc, you're much more refined than that. I doubt any of your posts will be moved.
44. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 1:11:11 PM
I hate our disgusting General Assembly who is passing legislation to do away with prohibitions against usery so that "Virginia banks can compete with out-of-state banks."
I hate banks who charge $1.50 to use their cash machine when the cash machine saves them money over using a teller. In fact, I hate banks in general.
45. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:11:13 PM
Oh, thanks, Seadate. You mae my day.
46. theDiva - 2/15/2001 1:11:16 PM
Goddammit, I am TIRED of having a backache.
47. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:11:45 PM
MADE, merde!
48. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:12:55 PM
Bubb,
I agree with you re: margarine. What a freakin' scam the food industry pulled off convincing the general public that margarine poses less of a health risk than butter.
49. theDiva - 2/15/2001 1:14:23 PM
I am TIRED of not being able to put on my own socks and tie my own sneakers.
I am TIRED of people asking me 'HAVEN'T YOU HAD THAT BABY YET?'
I am TIRED of not sleeping through the night.
I am TIRED of looking like a whale.
I am TIRED of WHINING AND COMPLAINING.
50. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:14:26 PM
Seadate, merde is not s****, you know. Just in case you regretted your vey much appreciated compliment.
51. Al D - 2/15/2001 1:16:04 PM
Oh man, what a bunch of junk this trhread has turned out to be. Fielding, delete all post about except maybe Jen's 'cause there is not one rant no way no how. there is just a buch of grips, whines, chatter. Now I am not saying that I'm the Roger Dangerield of the Mote, but if I'm not, who is. How long ago did I come up with rant idea and even gave a few good examples and told you bozos to go study jexster's posts 'cause he makes better rants by accident than you guys do on purpose. So shape up or ship out, seadate, and quit posting silly little grips and work yourself up to a real blow. this is just the same old crap where one guy comes up with an idea and another bloke confiscates it. I came up with the idea of a story Thread, well not really, it was stamper, but who finally took credit. I can't remember. e.e. came up with the idea of a sports thread and I think P.P stole that idea or maybe it Ace. Well, don't expect any more great ideas from me and if I do give them, for god's sake gert the idea right.
Judith
I forgive you 'cause it's very hard to rant in a thunder storm. That's a nature rant.
52. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:18:50 PM
Ah, this thread is proving to be a beneficial outlet for sweet Deever.
53. theDiva - 2/15/2001 1:18:57 PM
hey, my #49 is a rant!
54. theDiva - 2/15/2001 1:19:23 PM
seadate
you got that right.
55. janjon - 2/15/2001 1:20:45 PM
Fielding. Cellar had repeated one name twice. You deleted it only once in your repeat listing above.
FWIW.
Which is not much.
56. Cellar Door - 2/15/2001 1:24:00 PM
Well then is this the place to complain about "things" rather than people?
57. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:26:25 PM
Why don't you wait before criticizing, Al, and give it a chance.
I hate it when people are forgetful. You didn't have a thread but I remember that most Moties were rather nice about your Stamper persona.
58. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:26:44 PM
I obviously don't meet AlD's minimum requirements:
1) Incessantly verbose
2) Spell check not allowed
3) Minimum blood alcohol level = ?
59. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:31:52 PM
Cellar, maybe it happened because Ace was on your list.
60. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:31:57 PM
Al D:
Niche rant. Spelling counts, otherwise you would have gotten a 6 from the East German judge.
Janjon:
You are correct. I should have done a better job reposting it. I don't think its worth the trouble fixing now, with the point already made.
Cellar:
You can post about people, but no flames. I recognize that the line can blur.
61. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:32:47 PM
"Nice rant", I meant to say.
62. Al D - 2/15/2001 1:32:49 PM
Well, if that don't beat all. Here I come on and try to be helpful and all I get is misunderstood and insults. Listen, seadate, first in case you haven't noticed there is no spell check on the Mote, and if one is really ranting you don't go check for dust and polish the thing up. And lord have mercy, I'm told don't criticize on a rant Thread. Well, I guess I'll just go over the the Spiritual Thread and harp at people.
And, seadate, don't go using that alcohol nonsense when it's 8:28 am over here and I don't start my drinking 'till 4 pm. Now Fielding, are you going to allow people to make comments about me when I'm nice enough to give you a good rant?
63. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:35:48 PM
Al:
I didn't see anybody saying anything nasty about you. ycm said give it a chance, and seadate said he needed to be more drunk to satisfy your criteria. I will watch this closely.
64. Al D - 2/15/2001 1:36:13 PM
Fielding
My response is in the Inferno, where it belogs, or will be soon.
65. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:37:26 PM
Fielding,
I think #62 would score about a 7 1/2.
66. PelleNilsson - 2/15/2001 1:38:56 PM
I'm conflicted.
67. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:40:07 PM
Al, Fielding did not steal your thread. So you came first with the idea of a rants' thread,...a long time ago. Everyone had forgotten your idea. I never knew about it. I posted to Pelle somewhere around here just a few days ago and asked him about a rant thread. I was not about to take credit for it but you're being unfair to Fielding.
68. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:40:24 PM
and confusing
69. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:41:07 PM
68 refers to 66
70. Al D - 2/15/2001 1:41:09 PM
Pelle
Answer in Inferno.
71. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 1:47:50 PM
Oh!! Two more things.
I can't stand it when people say "maa tour" for mature or "Shhhhhed yule" for schedule.
72. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 1:49:06 PM
Jextser,
It ill behooves you to learn that I am not disingenuous regarding Bill Maher.
73. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:51:58 PM
Jen:
I hate when people pronounce Nuclear as "Nook-yuh-ler"
74. CalGal - 2/15/2001 1:53:16 PM
I hate the way that Julie Andrews says "sexual". (check out Victor/Victoria or Our Sons).
And I love Julie Andrews in every other way, so it has to be bad for me to hate it.
75. Fielding - 2/15/2001 1:54:18 PM
Welcome, CalGal. Glad to have you here.
76. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 1:55:06 PM
Re-Inferno post to Pelle From AlD: I HATE it when people make jokes and I don't get them.
77. CalGal - 2/15/2001 1:56:34 PM
I also hate moralistic drivers, earnestness, gender feminism (in fact, identity politics of all sort but there's a special place in hell for NOW), idiocy, and overcooked beef.
78. seadate - 2/15/2001 1:58:19 PM
I hate the sound of subtlties whizzing over my head.
79. Fielding - 2/15/2001 2:02:18 PM
What is a "moralistic driver"?
80. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:04:13 PM
A male who pisses her off.
81. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:04:56 PM
I hate going to some party where I know a few but not all of the people there and, upon being introduced, the first thing out of their mouth is "And what do you do?" whereupon I reply "Nothing I don't want to do..." and after a nervous little laugh, they say, "I mean, what type of work do you do? Where are you employed?" and when I say "I don't work" they look at me as though I am some species of South American jungle frog crawling across their toe and then they nervously begin to carp and moan about their own job and how much they loathe and detest it and regale any and everyone within earshot about the latest horrible occurance at work and how they want to murder their boss, assistant, customer, anyone they come in contact with during the 8 hours they are forced to endure 5 days a week at this abysmal job they have and when they finally get that out there, they turn to me and say "I don't see how you can stand not working...I would just go insane!" and I just smile and mentally comment to myself so they don't hear me, "I think you already have."
That's what really bugs me.
82. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:05:47 PM
Not to be confused with a "menopausal hyenic" driver.
83. Fielding - 2/15/2001 2:06:42 PM
Excellant, JAH!
84. Al D - 2/15/2001 2:07:26 PM
Judith
Hear, here (just to be on the safe side.
85. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:08:08 PM
I hate it that seadates post about menopausal hyenas landed right after my rant.
86. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:08:53 PM
Thank you, thank you very much!
87. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:09:54 PM
Judith, toldya I'm really rosie.
88. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:11:12 PM
seadate:
I know you are not...you make far too much sense.
89. mgleason - 2/15/2001 2:12:30 PM
That happens to me, too, J. I tell those people that as a lily of the field, I toil not, nor do I spin. You should see their faces after that.
90. janjon - 2/15/2001 2:12:44 PM
I'm not sure I can say that I hate, but I certainly dislike intensely, stores where the help is too friendly. Used to be that New York was immune to this, but even here you get those perky greeters at the door (I take comfort in knowing that their REAL job is to look out for shoplifters.) But elsewhere, especially in this country, it is like a plague. When I go to a store to buy, say, a shirt, I don't want to be verbally accosted by the sales help wondering how I am, where I am from, and am I having a nice day.
Of course, this problem is abating somewhat because even in the nicer stores there is less and less sales help around.
But that is another peeve.
91. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:13:55 PM
Judith, Maria:
You shoulda seen the looks I got when I told 'em I was a deckhand.
92. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 2:14:54 PM
A real rant. Great sentence, Judith! I am out of breath. -:)
93. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:16:48 PM
YC:
I've got a million of 'em!
94. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:20:06 PM
I hate it that, due to my random attention span, I can't post a rant as lengthy as Judith or Al or janjon.
95. mgleason - 2/15/2001 2:21:17 PM
Ah, Seadate, how socially unacceptable of you.
Occasionally I run into people who are very much shocked by the idea that I don't do anything with myself, since I am no longer actively involved in my profession. To them I reply that I spend a large portion of the day giving thanks for not being shackled by bourgeois sensibilities.
96. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:27:50 PM
Maria,
My typical answer is either "I'm a Peacemaker" or "I'm Director of Janitorial Services for (the local school district)". For the latter, I go into detail about my duties, their challenges, and how I climbed to this pinnacle after starting at the bottom - this is the truth.
97. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 2:29:07 PM
Tell em' you're a Nuclear Theologist.
98. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:29:55 PM
I say I'm a creative leisurist, and I say it with one eyebrow raised and a slight smile.
99. mgleason - 2/15/2001 2:30:26 PM
That would be 'nucular,' Bub.
100. janjon - 2/15/2001 2:32:09 PM
seadate - in New York City, being the chief janitor at even an elementary school is a BIG deal. Lots of money to be spent and virtually at the janitor's discretion, since the way the system works it is virtually impossible to hold the janitors to any standard of accountability. I kid you not.
101. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:33:54 PM
I'm proud that I'm often asked "Do you work, or are you independently wealthy".
102. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 2:33:54 PM
By the way, I too hate when people are being disingenuous. They say something nasty, then turn around and say they were joking. One doesn't know what to believe when they do that. It DRIVES me nuts.
103. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 2:35:18 PM
Right! That's nucular and realuhtor.
104. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:36:48 PM
janjon,
I'm with you. It's just not a socially acceptable response. It's sooo funny because they'll be trying to get away and I'll hold their eyes, get body position on their arrogant ass so they can't escape .... haha
105. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 2:36:58 PM
ha...Al...great rants bout the rant thread. Hello to ee also...just want to point out that PP's SportsBar was an idea of the original Mote Fathers/Mothers, and that before that I hung out a lot in the old Fray Sports Thread(unhosted). Wouldn't hurt anyone to make Al D a co-host...the more involved here the better.
106. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:38:28 PM
Okay, this may get me in trouble with those who usually frequent the Religion thread but I don't like going to a civic function where a business meeting is about to take place and have a prayer to the Lord offered up prior to the opening of business. They do this in my village at all civic business meetings and I don't think the Lord, if indded there is one, is all that interested in whether the Garden Club is going to vote on spending a wad of money on spring bulbs for village beautification projects.
107. janjon - 2/15/2001 2:38:56 PM
I thought surely someone would have addressed this one before now, but since not, here goes: I get really surly when I pick up the phone and say hello and am met by a second or two of dead air, since I now know that this is yet another computer driven call and that within the next second or so some usually young or if not young certainly inexperienced telemarketer is going to ask to speak to Mr.XXXXXX (almost always managing to mangle my not terribly difficult name) and then go into a pitch. It is only a residual pity for the poor telemarketer that keeps me from going ballistic (which I will do if the telemarketer, poor or not, becomes unduly persistent.
My tolerance, limited as it is, is inverse to whether the call is after, say, 9 in the evening or on Saturdays or Sundays.
108. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:40:13 PM
I hate it when PP comes in here, reads my posts and proceeds to explain that my pet peeves are merely desires deeply imbedded in my psyche to sleep with my mother.
109. janjon - 2/15/2001 2:40:16 PM
Judith - one of the many, many virtues of living in New York City is that the Lord is kept in his place and only those who want to venture forth to those places need endure him/it/whatever.
110. Fielding - 2/15/2001 2:41:08 PM
janjon:
Ask the telemarketer for their home phone number. That usually does the trick.
111. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:41:58 PM
janjon:
I always ask them right off the bat what time they plan to have dinner and then I ask for their phone number and tell them I'll call them back when they are eating.
112. PelleNilsson - 2/15/2001 2:42:55 PM
Speaking about phone calls, I hate it when Americans answer with a stupid "Hello" instead of a brisk "Fielding here".
113. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:43:16 PM
Why, Fielding, you little old doll, you...we think alike!
114. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 2:44:25 PM
Pelle:
Americans assume the people calling know WHOM they are calling.
115. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 2:45:13 PM
I hate sales parties (plastic, jewelry, crystal, cosmetics, etc.) where "friends" and acquaintences put you on the spot to buy over-priced crap that you don't want or need so that they can get "free" crap from the catalog. Right --there's nothing better I'd like to do than to come over to your house on one of my two days off work this week to get made-up like a clown by some gal driving a pink escort.
When I was young, my mother used to always buy that "Grit" newspaper that kids would sell because, she said, they were likely poor and needed the money. Does the same thing apply to Amway, Tupperware, Mary Kay and the like? If you need the supplemental income, how's about I just make a direct donation rather than endure a sales pitch in your home?
116. concerned - 2/15/2001 2:45:17 PM
Re. 112 -
How about somebody who answers with "Go."?
117. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 2:46:30 PM
Hello...
118. seadate - 2/15/2001 2:46:35 PM
sick 'em Judith.
119. rubberducky - 2/15/2001 2:47:30 PM
but my name's not Fielding, Pelle
120. Fielding - 2/15/2001 2:48:18 PM
I hope nobody is named "Fielding, Pelle".
121. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 2:49:20 PM
I hate people who call my house and ask "who is this?" Don't you know who I am? You dialed my number, buddy, not the other way around. Tell me who the hell you are and I might reciprocate.
122. rubberducky - 2/15/2001 2:49:29 PM
haw!
123. Dusty - 2/15/2001 2:51:45 PM
bubbaette
Yes!
124. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 2:53:13 PM
I'll be God-damned if I am gonna answer the phone saying Pelle here or Fielding here...
125. Shannon - 2/15/2001 2:55:14 PM
Judith, I completely agree about #106. I am also reasonbly certain that the Lord is not overly concerned with the outcome of football games.
126. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 2:57:25 PM
Shannon...how bout Touchdown Jesus at Notre Dame...and how would Jesus answer the phone...God's Son here...
127. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 2:58:17 PM
Seadate, I cringe when ex-colleagues say: Oh!, you're not teaching this year. I wish I could be so lucky.
Then I have to listen to a tale of woes.
So what am I supposed to say to that kind of answer?
(Never mind that I work hard at tearing out rugs and getting rid of 70 years of stuff. I am lucky, that's all.)
I am so sorry that you're not as lucky as I am. Too bad.
What?
128. PelleNilsson - 2/15/2001 3:00:03 PM
Re #116. Bigwigs in Russia answer with "Speak!". A certain type of French answer "J'ecoute" (I listen).
But my gripe with the "Hello" answer has to do with efficiency. Suppose you call the office of Mr Smith with whom you have never spoken before. The following ensues:
He: "Hello"
You: " Mr Smith?"
He: "Speaking"
Several seconds are lost. Insufferable.
129. mgleason - 2/15/2001 3:01:01 PM
Prof,
He'd say 'The Lord's Anointed, here.' (Perhaps I'll start saying that, too, for the benefit of those who call here.)
130. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:04:55 PM
I'll consider the Smith.
131. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:05:52 PM
Pelle:
My gripe is with people who value tSeveral seconds are lost. Insufferable.
heir time so very much they can make statements like this one seriously:
132. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:05:54 PM
As a matter of fact, I'm going home today and answer every call with "Hello, Pelle here"...
133. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:06:37 PM
toys
134. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:07:10 PM
toys
135. mgleason - 2/15/2001 3:07:35 PM
The Lord's Anointed, here.
136. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:07:51 PM
UH oh....that post is another of my gripes; when I am so confused by how it looks due to my incompetence, I hit "cast your Mote" and put it out there for all to see my humiliation...that really irks me.
137. seadate - 2/15/2001 3:07:56 PM
toys
138. mgleason - 2/15/2001 3:08:16 PM
See? Works like a charm.
139. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:08:37 PM
The inept cut'n'paster, here.....
140. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 3:09:24 PM
Well, Pelle, (128) I am lucky in this country. All I have to say is Hello.
Then I hear, a four-year old voice say: Mom, it's so-and-so on the phone.
141. PelleNilsson - 2/15/2001 3:09:25 PM
Judith
Who told you I was serious?
142. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:10:55 PM
Hahaha..."Hello, Gleason here"...hahaha
The Big Geek
PP The Wallet
143. janjon - 2/15/2001 3:11:37 PM
Pelle. you are very good at backpedaling. Must come with experience.
(g)
144. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:13:04 PM
"Hello JanJon here...fuck you"....said with kindness.
145. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 3:14:10 PM
Suppose you call the office of Mr Smith with whom you have never spoken before.
OH -- well that's different. I thought you were talking about calling someone at home. I always answer the phone at work:
"Department of Inefficiency, Red-tape bureau, Bubbaette speaking."
146. mgleason - 2/15/2001 3:15:31 PM
I must say, though, that at work I always answered the phone with the name of the department and 'Maria Gleason speaking.'
147. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:17:04 PM
I"m gonna be a different MoteHead each day at home on the "foone"
...
148. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 3:17:39 PM
What voices will you use? I sound exactly like Marge Simpson.
149. mgleason - 2/15/2001 3:18:10 PM
X-post with Bubba. 'Department of red tape and sealing-wax' is how Ed answers the phone at work on the occasional Saturday he's there.
150. seadate - 2/15/2001 3:18:11 PM
would be interesting, irregardless.
151. janjon - 2/15/2001 3:18:20 PM
Psych Prof. Only when merited.
And what is this "kindness" kick. Are you romanticizing about the '70s or something?
152. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:18:33 PM
Pelle:
Who told you I was serious?
If you will notice, I screwed up that post badly and didn't even finish it before posting...I was unable to attach my little irritating smiley face to it.
No one told me you were serious, ever, and you of all people should know that I know that about you. :-)
153. ChristinO - 2/15/2001 3:18:35 PM
Gee, at home I always answer: "Lana's House of Lust, Can I help you?"
Christ alternates his phone greetings.
To first caller: "Lamb of God"
to second caller: "Light of the world"
154. Fielding - 2/15/2001 3:18:56 PM
Ooh! I hate that!
When Evander Holyfield defeated Mike Tyson, people were speculating that God was rooting for Holyfield the Christian rather than Tyson the Muslim. That really pisses me off. I hate it when anybody implies that God is rooting for them as opposed to the other person, team, etc.
155. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:19:34 PM
JanJon...you said you were being kind to me in Politics yesterday, you patronizing goatherder.
156. Fielding - 2/15/2001 3:20:09 PM
BTW, how is "Bubbaette" pronounced?
157. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 3:20:28 PM
God will get you for that.
158. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:20:49 PM
CO...how bout his answering machine..."Water turned to wine for half the cost"...
159. bubbaette - 2/15/2001 3:21:29 PM
Bubba -et. As in "Bubba don't look so good -- was it something Bubba et?
160. janjon - 2/15/2001 3:22:29 PM
Psych Prof - oh, now I remember. But that was only in response to your prior rejoinder when you thanked me for my incisiveness (and thanks to you for that) and my kindness.
161. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 3:23:22 PM
Or...how bout "Loaves and Fishes on sale"...or "Cross the Hudson in a New Way"...or "Beam Me Up Enterprises"...
162. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:23:39 PM
My answering machine is the talk of the town...I change the greeting frequently and always leave funny messages.
Once I said we'd been sucked up by an alien space ship and we'd call back as soon as the invasive experiments were concluded.
163. mgleason - 2/15/2001 3:26:22 PM
I sometimes tape musical greetings on my answering machine. My favorite was Pink Floyd singing
Hello, hello, hello. Is there anybody in there? Just nod if you can hear me. Is there anyone at home?
Quite a few people were pissed off by it, oddly.
164. janjon - 2/15/2001 3:26:50 PM
Judith - with all the looneys down your way, you live dangerously.
(g)
165. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:28:54 PM
janjon:
You aren't kidding...I've left some that were not appreciated, believe me. People sometimes lack an appreciation of whimsy, I think.
166. janjon - 2/15/2001 3:30:35 PM
I always start off assessing the collective sanity of a locale by determining whether it has a concealed carry law.
167. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:32:29 PM
hahahahahahahhahaha!
168. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 3:54:18 PM
Whiners! What a bunch of f***en crying, sniveling freakin' whiners. I read all these post from start to now...I felt like slapping the first person I encountered...think I will any way!
I hate this,
I'm tired of that,
My mommy won't let me be myself,
Wahhh...wahhh...freakin wahhhhhh.
Beers too warm,
Politically correct isn't groovy...
Life sucks without a belly laugh,
I hate liberals...I hate conservatives...I can't stand hypocrisy...Everyone else's ass stinks.....wahhhh...bitchin wahhh.
I'm a victim...I'm dicriminated against....no one likes me...look at me....wahhhhh....wahhhh....wahhhh.
Fer Chrissakes!
169. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 3:58:48 PM
Great rant, lab!
170. Cellar Door - 2/15/2001 3:59:17 PM
That's a wonderful Ace impression, labby. What else ya got?
171. janjon - 2/15/2001 4:00:51 PM
That wasn't even close to Ace. No Idiot. No Moron. No fucky-fucky.
172. Cellar Door - 2/15/2001 4:02:14 PM
Well if he'd gotten any closer the post would be sent to "The Inferno."
173. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 4:06:14 PM
Lawabbit,
Some of us post rant because we want to know how to deal with people who bug us or things that are in the way. Does that make us cry-babies?
174. mgleason - 2/15/2001 4:07:22 PM
He's kidding, YCM; it's a parody.
175. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 4:14:15 PM
I guess I am just true to form again, mgleason.
Really, can we get some advice from those who can handle better what we're ranting about?
176. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 4:15:15 PM
You called?
177. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 4:17:33 PM
Fielding,
Don't you feel bad that your thread is preempting Dr. Coltrane's one?
178. seadate - 2/15/2001 4:18:55 PM
from a favorite song:
therapy is extremely expensive
popping bubble wrappers is radically cheap
you choose one that helps with your problem
I'm gonna get some sleep
179. seadate - 2/15/2001 4:22:55 PM
(One of) my favorite tavern(s) is closing Sunday, and I'm distraught!
180. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 4:25:18 PM
There's absolutely nothing wrong with answering your phone "Hello".
Hispanics say "Bueno".
*BIG DEAL*!!!
Now, onto my crappy day. Within the first 15 minutes of class I had the pleasure of a back-talking masculine misfit named Rochelle who back talked me and proceeded to threaten me. It took everybit of self control I had to not kick her ass and make an example of her.
I sent her the principals office and hopefully she's been suspended for a couple of days. Her last comment to me was, "I'll be her waiting for you."
I told her to get out of here.
181. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 4:25:29 PM
Ya, ya... thanks Judith.... heh.
Cellar,
I hate being compared to someone like Ace. Knock it off you freaked-out half-wit moron! *An idiot told me to say this.
(Hey I think I can like this....sorta therapeutic eh CD?)
ycm
Hey...Deal with it!
How to deal with people who bug you is bug-'em back. You know eye-fer-an-eye, fire-with-fire.....or perhaps just a smile and a kind word.
How the *!@# should I know. Do I look like your nanny. Jeeez, can't ya tie your own shoes yet?
Of course I'm kidding... I kinda liked this. Perhaps now my propensity to "bitch-slap" that *moronic-idiot (*shameles copyrighting here), who hasn't delivered my dwgs he promised me two weeks ago, will have in turn been lessened.
...nah...some people just out-right deserve it!
182. PsychProf - 2/15/2001 4:26:15 PM
Seadate...perhaps you can drink elsewhere on Sunday, and return on Monday as usual.
Mr Answer
183. mgleason - 2/15/2001 4:26:37 PM
Gosh, I haven't been to a bar in ages. I just can't take the smoke anymore.
(Condolences anyway, Seagate.)
184. mgleason - 2/15/2001 4:29:26 PM
Jen, some of my Spanish-speaking relatives answer with 'Oigo,' which literally means 'I hear.' It cracks me up; I always want to congratulate them on their accomplishment.
185. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 4:29:50 PM
YCM
PS:
CRY-BABY CRY-BABY NEANER_NEANER_NEANER
186. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 4:31:19 PM
Because of my age, people often make assumptions that I have grandchildren...of course, the types of people who make these assumptions do it to people 10 years younger than I am, too. But I wouldn't mind so much if they would just take no for an answer. Instead, these pushy assholes say things like "Oh, you must be kidding? YOU don't have any grandchildren? But you are so perfect to be a grandmother! Tell that boy to get busy and give you some grandchildren!" and on and on, ad nauseum, til I want to scream. And then, when they have pushed this all beyond the bounds of normal, polite discourse into the realm of bonafide rudeness, they become offended when I am driven to respond with "I'm sure he'd love to have a child but unfortunately chemotherapy left him sterile." I realize this is lowering myself to their level by saying something so startling but it is worth it to see the shock and dismay on their faces and that is usually the last thing I ever have to see of them, too.
187. mgleason - 2/15/2001 4:33:24 PM
Bitch-slaps LW.
188. CalGal - 2/15/2001 4:34:02 PM
I fucking hate people who can't spell "neener" properly.
189. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 4:35:11 PM
Brutal Judith.
A heapin'-helpin' of bitterness is quite eveident. Can't say I know exactly how you feel. But I do know it must be on the heavy end of frustrating.
190. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 4:37:06 PM
Maria,
I like that!
One of my students watching the show-down, said to me after the girl left, "Miss, you should have kicked her ass."
191. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 4:37:28 PM
I'm gonna go tell my mother on you...you meany gleason.
(Mother to me: You musta deserved it!)
Phbttthhhh! Cal Gal.
192. seadate - 2/15/2001 4:42:18 PM
Not your average tavern, I tell ya. A gathering spot for great bands, boats, bathing suits (lotsa 'kinis in the summer), great spot for sunsets on the water, quick run by water to my slip. fwiw, alcohol consumption is strictly taboo for those near the water or those who are boating. Also, no running, swearing, bearing buns, etc.
193. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 4:42:48 PM
Let it be known that labwabbit WILL NOT jump out of cakes. He is in fact a tease.
194. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 4:51:29 PM
Jen
Haha...Ok, ok...So I just like to EAT my way OUT.
195. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 4:54:49 PM
Yeah sure!
See y'all tomorrow.
196. concerned - 2/15/2001 4:55:37 PM
You know what I really hate? I really, really hate it when a drill bit snaps and goes through the palm of my hand.
197. Jenerator - 2/15/2001 4:57:39 PM
Ohh! I hate it when that happens! I hate it when I stub my toe on a couch leg but the splinter goes under the nail half an inch!
198. Fielding - 2/15/2001 5:00:32 PM
Jen:
What's the difference between a bachelor party and a bulimic's convention?
199. concerned - 2/15/2001 5:04:42 PM
I dunno. Flicks and being sick? Scarf & barf?
200. seadate - 2/15/2001 5:05:21 PM
Chick comes out of the cake at a Bachelor party.
201. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 5:06:59 PM
Jen
I really hate all these impure thoughts you're inciting. Well, maybe it's a hardy dislike...alright, maybe I'm slightly irritated... Would you believe mild discomfort?
Dammit where's that cake??!
202. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 5:41:04 PM
Mr. Answer,
I just know you are Dr.Coltrane.
Cellar,
He meant ninny, the neaner.
Dearest Lawabbit,
I just could cry if I had tears to shed but I never needed any, so that's out. The four large boxes of Scientology and bible books I found in the attic just about did me in. I can't even laugh any more. Going to hit the Grand Marnier, though so I won't rant the rest of the day at the dad who still spends his money freely and for naught on the creepy loser who bought those huge tomes.
Be mean, sweet.
203. mgleason - 2/15/2001 5:44:46 PM
SCIENTOLOGY?!?!?
204. seadate - 2/15/2001 5:45:03 PM
yc, so that's the identity of X, you think?
hmmmmm
205. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 5:46:50 PM
No way...Dr. X is god.
206. seadate - 2/15/2001 5:46:58 PM
yc,
If you need to re-learn the art of laugh, I offer my assistance.
207. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 5:48:08 PM
the art of laugh
This is my new favorite phrase du jour!
208. seadate - 2/15/2001 5:48:54 PM
I dunno, Judith - Consider Dr Ans. references to deity in first person in previous posts.
209. seadate - 2/15/2001 5:50:53 PM
Thanks Judith - I prefer to say more with less (fewer words, that is).
210. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 5:53:02 PM
seadate:
Dr.X is a different sort of god.
211. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 5:55:25 PM
Seadate,PP.
212. seadate - 2/15/2001 5:56:32 PM
Fielding, we're counting on you to keep this thread going. You can't allow the dark forces of the Mote (conspiring jealous heffers(sp) who hate to see the possessors of penii enjoy themselves) to send this thread the way of the sorely missed Man Thread.
213. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 6:01:25 PM
All we need to see this thread succeed is to stay angry at lifes little irritations...all we need to see it fail is be content with the status quo.
I think it will succeed.
214. mgleason - 2/15/2001 6:15:57 PM
If my next-door neighbor, a lovely woman, tells me one more time that I 'need to get more sun,' she will be courting grievous bodily harm. As I have told her about a half-billion times, I am photosensitive, and lupus symptoms are exarcebated by prolonged exposure to the sun. Not only that, but I'm very fair-skinned and even though this is FLORIDA, land of relentless sunshine, I DO NOT TAN, I burn. So no, I won't go to the beach in the middle of the day with her, I won't lay out by the pool, I won't play tennis unless it's dusk, etc. This is news to her? I feel like telling her that I'm a fucking vampire, and then demonstrate, ā la the ineffable Dr Lecter.
Bah.
215. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 6:18:30 PM
Maria:
Could I talk to you in Health Policy?
216. mgleason - 2/15/2001 6:19:11 PM
Sure, J.
217. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 6:21:47 PM
Judith,
PP is God.
218. Fielding - 2/15/2001 6:23:07 PM
seadate:
The life of the thread will be dictated by its users. So far it looks pretty popular. Lets see what people think a month from now.
I do promise this: I won't wimp out like some other hosts.
219. JudithAtHome - 2/15/2001 6:23:19 PM
YC:
I agree...but Dr.X is the little "g" god. (That is sort of a joke.)
220. seadate - 2/15/2001 6:34:25 PM
I do promise this: I won't wimp out like some other hosts.
hehehe
221. arkymalarky - 2/15/2001 7:40:28 PM
Dadgum. I just hate it when a new thread gets started on a day when I have to work and I really want to read the posts in it but it's so blasted popular I already have 220 to go through. Guess I'd better get busy reading.
222. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 7:47:48 PM
Ya..hop to it!
225. mgleason - 2/15/2001 8:04:05 PM
You can't leave it at that, YCM. You've already copped to the Scientology books; what could be worse than that? (Unless it's a collection of Hubbard's SF, that is.)
226. concerned - 2/15/2001 8:04:14 PM
I don't know precisely 'who' ycmeehan is, but I recall she got suddenly and remarkably pissy over a mildly kidding comment I directed her way.
Here's an idea. Leave those Scientology books at a fast food restaurant or donate them to charity, if one will take them.
227. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 8:07:05 PM
yc
Sneak em to the library "donation" box. Sort of like leaving the baby in the basket on the church steps technique.
I for one wouldn't "hate" you for doing so.
230. mgleason - 2/15/2001 8:17:57 PM
?
231. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 8:31:09 PM
mgleason,
Must be a Scientologist trick.
232. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 8:53:12 PM
because I hate cats, just as labwabbit does. Look at the last sentence of the Lawabbit's last post.
233. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 9:00:21 PM
So the variable remains undefined of what's in the mystery box, perhaps to meet fate's next progression....
234. mgleason - 2/15/2001 9:02:26 PM
The smart money says it's a collection of Hubbard's SF. She wouldn't be that ashamed about mere porn.
235. labwabbit - 2/15/2001 9:04:12 PM
...a cat...a step-son...perhaps a collection of cold and snowy weather reports.
Probably an empty one...a soul sold to scientology.
236. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 9:21:33 PM
A snowy ninny is still ninny, Neaner.
237. Frankster - 2/15/2001 9:25:17 PM
A Rants thread, huh ?
Okay, let's see...
"Independent" Truthseekers and Problem Solvers such as Matt Drudge and Bill O'Reilly, et all, who continually claim that all they are really interested in is dispensing all the "facts" that our supposedly "Liberal" media misses out on. Nevermind that they've elevated strawmen, red herrings, slippery-slopes, dyphemisms, false dilemmas, subjectivist fallacies, and outright falsehoods to a never before seen art level, but that the target of their rants curiously enough always seems to be anything or anyone on the left.
I concur with:
Seadate's Message # 3
Judith's Message # 81
Janjon's Message # 90
People who blow their nose during a meal. I guess it's an accepted practice in this culture, but I just don't understand it ... Would one flatulate at the dinner table ?
Hypocrites
Dates who want to go everywhere and do everything in one night -- with the exception of the sex thang, of course. ;-)
Any type of Betrayal.
Materialistic people
Bob Dornan, Dick Armey, Jesse Helms, Phil Gramm, Bill Hannity, Madonna, BSB's, InSync, Misogynistic rap music which instead glorifies gold chains, nice cars, and 40 ouncers...There's too many to mention here.
People who don't make the slightest effort to recycle.
Illegitimate parents
Cold food
Thieves
( What a "whiner", huh ? )
238. ycmeehan - 2/15/2001 9:30:29 PM
Well, thanks, Concerned, I am flattered that you talk to me now. I was in the Slate's Fray. I am the one who got in trouble with JJ in Politics. Thanks for the suggestion.
mgleason,
There's porn and porn but no, it wasn't that.
I'll tell you if see you one day.
239. Cellar Door - 2/15/2001 9:31:45 PM
But labby -- you can't possibly hate THIS cat!
240. arkymalarky - 2/15/2001 10:34:51 PM
I enjoyed this thread, but Bubba's two posts made me laugh out loud. Those home parties have got to be the most torturous of inventions. The marketers know how hard it is to tell "friends" and neighbors no. Thanks to them, I've developed that skill pretty well.
241. concerned - 2/15/2001 10:40:52 PM
Hey, cellar. Can I have Buddy?
242. concerned - 2/15/2001 11:06:02 PM
How about this adorable kitty? Plus, she comes from the 30th Century. And she talks.
243. jonesatlaw - 2/15/2001 11:42:23 PM
I hate when someone asks me how to do something and goes off to do anything but what I have told them. Why are you wasting my time? If you know what to do, do it. If you want my advice, ask "how would you do it?" so I know you are looking at options and have some idea of what the %@#* is going on and save us both some time. If you don't know what the hell you're doing, either screw it up yourself and leave me out of it, or use my advice. If I don't know, I'll tell you, really.
244. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 12:00:52 AM
People who "give all the glory to God" in accepting some award or competion, and go on to talk about how wonderfully they played, how they felt THEY could make a difference in the game, how THEY knew that they would eventually win etc. etc.
I hate that second place is not respected and is considered "losing" by Americans. What the hell does that make the rest of the league that you pounded on all year? I hate that football commentators do not talk about anyone who is not a ball carrier, a reciever or quarterback. (Madden is the only person that doesn't seem to think that tackles, guards and centers are anything but scenery) I hate irrelevant statistics- "You know Dan, the Packers have won their last 7 games on Monday night on artificial surfaces when they have scored more that 30 points..." I hate it when some pretty boy used to be athlete cannot comment about a game without mentioning how they did it better when they played.
245. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 12:14:13 AM
I hate 15-13 baseball games that take 5 hours; the death of the high strike and the brushoff pitch; the designated hitter rule; pitchers who pitch 1 and a third innings; expensive tickets; rude and drunk fans; and fans who can't manage a respectful attitude during the national anthem.
246. Frankster - 2/16/2001 12:25:57 AM
Jonesy,
Shit, you just reminded me of something I really hate!
Conservative Republicans ( a few Democrats would fit in here also ) who want to scrutinize how every penny for social programs is being utilized, but won't bat an eye when it goes toward some white elephant weapons program in our already bloated defense budget. Yep, why put money into our ailing school infrastructure, when instead, we can line the pockets of wealthy defense contractors under the pretext of security ?
People with the following bumper sticker : America: Love it or leave it.
(yawn)
247. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 12:34:13 AM
Most of all, I hate parents who yell at their kids during ballgames, who berate them for losing, crying or missing a play. Assholes who want to see their kids avenge every lost athletic dream they had or relieve their past glory; they berate the officials; and teach bad sportsmanship. We've all seen them, win at all costs, "walk it off", "don't be a baby", "get your head in the game",micromanaging, over coaching, under appreciating, suck-all-the-fun-out-of-the-game, duel to the death, Lions versus the Christians, sexually inadaquate pukebags. They think that their kid is better than everyone on the team until they screw up, when they must have been fathered by the mailman and deserve to be berated and beat like a rented mule. Failure is ascribed to a lack of intelligence, desire, poor coaching or officiating. Some think that losing is a disease and if the kid is on a losing team as a third grader he'll never get a scholarship, and won't get a big signing bonus. The guy that is 4'8' and thinks that his kid will be 6'10" and an NBA star if he just ignores what the coach is teaching and does it the way Dad says he should. The guy that thinks that the best players should play until the game's well out of hand, and even then the "kid should be able to get his averages up" and ignores the little guy who's last experience with this organized sport may be this year or next.
248. Frankster - 2/16/2001 12:40:28 AM
Ditto to post 247. I hate that shit also.
249. concerned - 2/16/2001 12:41:14 AM
Now, JAL knows what a 'Rants' thread is for.
250. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 12:46:44 AM
In the hottest and foulest places in Purgatory I pray that there is an angel who will make Bobby Knight sound like Stewart Smally and will torment asshole sports parents with every stupid and cruel thing they have ever said to a child. There will be space reserved for the following types: The clown that doesn't want their kid to play recreational ball, or another sport because it will ruin them for select team sports. The guy who expects his kid to start because he's a natural athlete who plays on a select team in another sport, even though he doesn't come to half the practices and won't play with the team. The guy who encourages his kid who tries to be the do-all and end-all of the game and blames the other kids for not being as dedicated or talented as his kid. The windbag who says the other kids or coaches are pulling their kid down.
251. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 12:47:27 AM
You want your kid to be a good athlete? Sit down, shut up and cheer for something positive. Dish out a tenth of the criticism you feel like saying and say 10 times more praise than what immediately comes to mind. Find every little victory in a good individual effort, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Keep your eye on the basic skills, and take some of your own time to play with your kid. Don't coach, just play. Be there with support and encouragement when things are tough, and with pride and more encouragement when they go well. Don't compare your kid with yourself, their siblings or the other kids on the team. Compare your kid with where they were last week, or last year.
Keep your coaching tips to yourself or volunteer to help at practices. Don't yell at the refs and don't encourage your kid to argue with the refs. I don't need any technicals or kids who can't learn to overcome bad breaks and bad calls. Don't worry, the next screw up will probably go our way. If you can't understand that playing as well as you can and with good sportsmanship is a win everytime regardless of the score, go yell your witticisms at somebody who gets paid to play, ref, or coach.
252. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 12:48:43 AM
Thank you, I feel better now.....
253. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 12:54:51 AM
I hate that Fielding will see the mess I have made today on his thread. I just was too angry to pay attention to the way I sent the posts but not too angry to review them.
Another peeve to round up my other rants: I dislike it when some Moties ignore their orthographic mistakes. It seems to me that we owe the courtesy of correcting them to those who may read our posts.
Translating French and Spanish while raising my sons, misspelled words since then sort of jump to my eyes and it irritates me to notice them when I read an otherwise interesting post. I am not the only one who thinks this way.
I take care to correct before I post or after I post, why can't an American-born and raised do the same? Knowing that my writing is awkward at times and that I cannot always control my syntax, I try to compensate in not letting too many spelling mistakes get away from me. This attitude about spelling is revolting to some but we are the Mote, not Salon.
An exception is made for the Politics' thread where emotions run high and some latitude about speeling is tolerated.
254. mgleason - 2/16/2001 12:58:42 AM
YCM, speling is not taught in American schools.
255. joezan - 2/16/2001 12:58:52 AM
Uhhhh..."speeling"?
256. joezan - 2/16/2001 12:59:38 AM
DAM YOU, GLEESON!
257. CalGal - 2/16/2001 1:00:12 AM
No, no. Spellig.
258. mgleason - 2/16/2001 1:00:22 AM
I corrected it in my post, Joe. Speling.
259. joezan - 2/16/2001 1:00:28 AM
...and you too, Meahan.
260. mgleason - 2/16/2001 1:00:51 AM
Hahahaha!
261. joezan - 2/16/2001 1:01:25 AM
NOW I"N REALLY PIST!
262. concerned - 2/16/2001 1:01:41 AM
I have a bone to pick with Xilinx Corporation. Most of their FPGA development tools I've used recently have been bug-filled and very limited in capability. Plus, their PCI core is poorly executed and constrained.
Shape up, Xilinx.
263. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 1:05:43 AM
mgleason'
I learned English on my own. English spelling was not taught to me either. One should spell as correctly as he can his maternal language, I feel.
264. Autodaffy - 2/16/2001 1:06:23 AM
"Translating French and Spanish while
raising my sons, misspelled words since
then sort of jump to my eyes"
I'd be more concerned with mispelled words doing translations.
265. mgleason - 2/16/2001 1:09:04 AM
Ah, I was pulling yer leg, YCM.
266. jonesatlaw - 2/16/2001 1:09:49 AM
The only thing more dangerous than posting about spelling without making any errors is correcting someone's grammar. Either way, one is sure to look like a fool.
267. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 1:10:48 AM
Joe,
This was a rant, for ricecakes!
268. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 1:12:55 AM
What kind of fool am I? Jones, I am singing to you.
269. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 1:16:52 AM
Jones, I never correct anyone. I wouldn't dare.
mgleason,
I know. I am on to you now.:)
270. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 1:23:33 AM
The only thing more dangerous than posting about spelling without making any errors is correcting someone's grammar. Either way, one is sure to look like a fool.
Including me, then we have quite a number of fools on the Mote.
271. joezan - 2/16/2001 1:27:01 AM
I know, meehan.
I actually have a rant regarding bad spelling at work. It's particularly annoying where I work, because:
1) Everything is a legal document, and:
2) *I* teach a two-hour module on proper reporting to every new employee, and they always make me look bad. And I'm convinced it's contagious.
You wanna hear bad?
Several years ago, a supervisor at my job who has always been notorious for his spelling - the absolute worst you've ever seen - Keith is always "Kieth", and Brian is always "Brain" - typed the following in the log:
K****** Snyderat Community Mental Health called...
See -he neglected the space between the last name - Snyder - and the "at" (which really should have been "of", but this guy's grammar's even worse than his spelling).
Anyway, later on, someone else notices that in the rolodex there is no K****** Snyderat listed. So she adds a card with the name. Years later, people were STILL calling CMH and asking for K****** Snyderat!
272. concerned - 2/16/2001 1:33:09 AM
God. There's nothing I hate more than a Snyde 'Rat.
273. joezan - 2/16/2001 1:42:41 AM
Ooh, ooh....here's an even better one. Same guy, but I have to set this up first.
"CDC" = "Chemical Dependency Clinic".
"CSC" = "Criminal Sexual Conduct".
"Coming in" = Being detained.
"Rules 1, 2, or 3" = Denotes how many days the kid will be staying for violating rules of probation.
Guy types the following in the log:
Jimmy Jones coming in before 5pm. CSC RULES !
274. joezan - 2/16/2001 1:45:10 AM
...he fat-fingered and hit Caps Lock, along with typing CSC instead of CDC.
275. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 2:01:49 AM
Well, Joe. Maybe, they will have to teach spelling soon in public schools. Spelling checks can be tricky.
276. Fielding - 2/16/2001 9:39:45 AM
What is the deal with Hugh Grant.
Now, I don't want to off on a rant, but what is the deal with Hugh Grant? First of all, the guy can't go 10 seconds on screen without blinking. Any scene longer than 30 seconds turns into a crescendo of blinks, stutters, tics and pauses. He always looks like he's in the admitting room in a detox center. He could win an Oscar if he played a character with Tourette's. How the hell did he become an actor?
Then there is the parts that Hugh Grant plays. He's always a sweater-wearing, self-deprecating, pseudo-intellectual with a blinking problem. He's supposed to be this beautiful guy, but for some reason he never has a girlfriend until Julia Roberts shows up. And then the girl falls for this charming loser who's never been with a woman before. Oh yeah, I'm really going to believe that.
Finally, there's his personal life. Does anybody believe his story? Here he is, living with one of the five hottest women on the whole planet he turns up in parked car with a butt-ugly drug-ravaged hooker? Then, of course, Liz Hurley takes him back and they continue to live with each other for five years. Then they announce that they have broken up, haven't broken up, reconciled, she dumped him, he dumped her, they are still going to work together, etc. The highlight is an article where Hurley accuses Grant of being lousy in bed, which she of course denies. Does anybody believe a word that either of these people says?
277. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 10:52:27 AM
May as well start the day with a rant...they are calorie free and won't spoil your lunch............
Unless! You happen to be in line at the bank, the drive-thru, because you've decided to save some time, deposit a check, and get some cash on your way to meet a friend whom you've not seen for months and you plan on this being a long lunch so the bank may be closed by the time you both rehash what's gone on for the past 4 months because of course, the damned bank closes at 3pm except for the ATM which wouldn't help you with a deposit anyhow...so there you are in line and the fool in the car in front of you puts the little tube in the slot and you wait and wait and then you see the tube come back, empty except for a PEN...and that is when you realize this idiot hasn't brought a pen to the drive-thru...and that means the jerkwad hasn't filled out the deposit slip, either...and there are 3 cars behind you so you can't pull into another line...so you sit there, seething, and on NPR they are interviewing a dessert chef who is talking about all these rich, gooey desserts he's famous for and you are starving and pissed at this moron who should have already filled out his deposit slip BEFORE getting in line and then you notice the tube coming back and you put your car in gear in anticipation of moving up and you hear the lady in the window telling the dimwit in the car in front of you "Could you please endorse the check? You forgot to sign the back of the check..." and this is when you wish you'd taken advantage of your states concealed carry gun laws and bought that cute little pearl handled pistol that fit so nicely into your purse...(con't)
278. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 10:53:16 AM
(con't)
you spend the NEXT few minutes imagining how good it would feel to just wave that little pistol in the air while honking your horn at that fool who is too dumb to HAVE money, much less be allowed to drive a car...and the chef on the radio is droning on and on and you are about to have cardiac arrest when finally, this grub gets his money and you have your foot on the gas and your car in gear when the feebe decides he has to COUNT his change...you see his fingers slowly moving the bills apart and his lips are moving in tune to the words "Oooone, twooooo, thrrrreeeee.....". That is when this eerie calm overtakes you and by the time his car is out of the parking lot, you have just pulled up and past the window and you drive on and out of the parking lot and to the restaurant where, when the waiter finally presents the bill, you lay your charge card on the tray and smile.
279. bubbaette - 2/16/2001 10:58:12 AM
excellent rant. I think that you should be permitted to rear-end these fools. Hard. Until they get the hell out of your way.
280. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 11:08:49 AM
They probably don't have insurance, either...I love the idea of a free rear-ender, though!
281. Jenerator - 2/16/2001 11:16:07 AM
Fielding,
You have managed to capture all that I do not like about Hugh Grant. Foppish men are about as unsexy as they can get. I cringed during Four Weddings and a Funeral.
282. Jenerator - 2/16/2001 11:17:30 AM
[Fielding-- from International Thread-- Marcus Schenkenbreg is for aesthetic value only.;-)]
283. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 11:25:52 AM
I happen to like foppish men...they add something to the mix. I wouldn't want to be married to a foppish man but they are fun to hang out with...they usually have great taste.
To me, Hugh Grant is just a product of his country; he's not much different than many guys with his background.
Jen, you like pretty boys...you may be missing a lot. :-)
284. Fielding - 2/16/2001 12:05:05 PM
Heh, heh (wicked grin).
285. labwabbit - 2/16/2001 12:17:44 PM
"foppish"??
What the hell is that?
286. Frankster - 2/16/2001 12:24:19 PM
Fop = A pimp with manners.
287. theDiva - 2/16/2001 12:24:57 PM
Labwab
the polar opposite of you, ya macho thang...
288. theDiva - 2/16/2001 12:25:25 PM
LOL@Frank!
289. theDiva - 2/16/2001 12:25:28 PM
LOL@Frank!
290. theDiva - 2/16/2001 12:25:38 PM
wtf?
291. Frankster - 2/16/2001 12:26:58 PM
Deev,
Why are you laughing ? You mean, that isn't it ? ;-)
292. theDiva - 2/16/2001 12:28:00 PM
(snickering)
293. labwabbit - 2/16/2001 12:55:11 PM
Thanks Frank. Message # 286
Well I guess I'm ruled out. I'm never any fun on a date.
294. PsychProf - 2/16/2001 12:56:49 PM
TurnipTrucker.
295. labwabbit - 2/16/2001 12:58:27 PM
Diva
(X)
It takes no less than a real woman to bring out a real man.
296. labwabbit - 2/16/2001 12:59:22 PM
Good thing there's no such thing as a Furnip.
297. Fielding - 2/16/2001 12:59:52 PM
Posts 223, 224, 228 and 229 have been deleted by request.
298. PsychProf - 2/16/2001 1:01:00 PM
Those are all my posts...
299. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 1:02:27 PM
Fielding:
In one day, you've had more posts than DrX in over a week...congrats!
300. labwabbit - 2/16/2001 1:04:43 PM
Humor rules!
301. Fielding - 2/16/2001 3:12:31 PM
Thanx Judith.
We are on course to pass Rosie's thread in a few hours.
302. CalGal - 2/16/2001 3:16:08 PM
I adore Hugh Grant.
That is all.
303. Frankster - 2/16/2001 3:25:57 PM
Well, one thing the detractors of Hugh Grant have to give him props for, is his taste in hookers ... She was no star, but his taste in them has certainly got Eddie Murphy's beat! ;-)
304. labwabbit - 2/16/2001 3:26:53 PM
Taste like chicken?
305. Fielding - 2/16/2001 3:30:02 PM
I just don't understand how a woman can fall for a guy who can't keep his eyes open, even if they are blue.
He probably shoots every scene five times, and they edit in the ones where he blinks the least.
306. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:36:35 PM
Fielding:
He is the anti-Perot.
307. janjon - 2/16/2001 3:42:34 PM
Dr. Coltrane would be more popular if he were here more often.
Hugh Grant is a wimp.
308. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:43:52 PM
Okay, once again DrXTC has moved my posts from his vaunted thread and has inspired me to a new rant:
I just love it when a person comes into a forum, gets a thread that expands on his ego by making claims he knows the answers to everything, then proceeds to act like a little porcelain god who is too fragile to endure posts with questions he doesn't deign to answer so he proceeds to either delete them or move them to another thread. He reminds me of someone else who used to do that.
It wouldn't matter so much if he were A) funny or B) actually knew everything but that is not the case. Anyhow, this is a tame rant for me but I have a feeling it may intensify in the future.
309. Jenerator - 2/16/2001 3:44:03 PM
I have to admit that before moving to England, I was afraid that Hugh Grant was the stereotypical Englishman. THANK GOD I was wrong. He's sooooooo unsure of himself that he overcompensates with nervous ticks and vocal pausations. It drives me nuts.
Granted, Divine Brown is prettier than the transsexual Murphy picked up, but neither man had any taste or good judgment!
310. janjon - 2/16/2001 3:45:29 PM
judith. One of the rare occasions where we disagree. The good Dr. is funny. Very funny.
Haven't had any posts moved, so perhaps cannot appreciate the irritation that would cause.
But, we need more of the good Dr. around here.
311. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:45:32 PM
Well, Grant at least had the judgement to pick a woman, didn't he?
312. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:46:42 PM
But, we need more of the good Dr. around here.
I think we must agree to disagree about this one.
313. Jenerator - 2/16/2001 3:48:01 PM
I guess so. In London, the word on the street is that Hurley was a cheating ice-queen who regularly belittled Grant. I saw her in Chelsea and while she was definitely pretty, she definitely had the bitch persona down.
314. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:49:37 PM
Jen:
I could've told you that the minute I saw her in that Versace saftey pin dress...all ambition, that chick. And it paid off for her, I guess.
315. Fielding - 2/16/2001 3:49:48 PM
He had Liz Hurley waiting for him at home. What was he planning to do, close his eyes and think of Liz Hurley while the hooker did her thing?
Its too bad that I don't have HTML skills, 'cause I would post a comparison of Liz Hurley and Divine Brown.
316. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:51:42 PM
Fielding:
There's no comparison...but just because Hurley is gorgeous doesn't mean she wasn't a ball busting bitch.
317. janjon - 2/16/2001 3:53:13 PM
um, perhaps she doesn't give head.
318. bubbaette - 2/16/2001 3:53:28 PM
Maybe Liz didn't give head.
319. bubbaette - 2/16/2001 3:53:59 PM
Great minds think alike.
320. JudithAtHome - 2/16/2001 3:54:44 PM
Then she's nuts, beautiful but nuts.
321. Jenerator - 2/16/2001 3:54:58 PM
Who said that she was waiting at home.
Or that she was alone?
322. ycmeehan - 2/16/2001 3:59:56 PM
janjon,
The good doctor is too busy flirting in another thread.
323. Jenerator - 2/16/2001 4:06:33 PM
Yeah, and with the beautiful ycmeehan!
324. arkymalarky - 2/16/2001 9:39:07 PM
I just think Hugh Grant is a drip.
325. Uzmakk - 2/18/2001 10:00:07 PM
'dja ever know anybody so absolutedly fastideous about chewing with his mouth shut that every tendon, muscle and membrane in his head was tensed to the breaking point whenever he ate and whatever the circumstances, turning his head into a sort of resonance chamber, a sort of drum, a sort of speaker that magnifies the sound of his chewing, giving it a quality that seems a cross between the Tell Tale Heart and a nest of mice gorging themselves on hard pretzels and Havarti. Why? Because he mustkeep his mouth shut. Food too hot? Over 180 degrees? Better to coat one's mouth with second degree burns than to open ones mouth and expell a puff of steam. Oh, and the sound that emanates from the nostrils in such a situation is like some type of gastronomic turbine. Most disconcerting. 'dja ever?
326. arkymalarky - 2/18/2001 10:22:35 PM
Whyn't you take the guy out to eat sometime, just for your own entertainment? Maybe go for some Tex-Mex with lots of extra pepper in it. See just how much he can stand before opening his mouth full of food and hollering in agony?
327. Uzmakk - 2/18/2001 10:35:45 PM
The hot pepper sauce would pour from his nostrils before he would open his mouth. But to see him in a supercharged state would be interesting.
328. rubberducky - 2/19/2001 2:47:44 PM
i'm thinking of writing a new book: 'The Courtesy Flush & You'
i'm am so freaking sick and tired of walking into the men's room at work and being hit with the wall-o-smell that some people seem to be incapable of noticing.
here's a clue: if you have a bowl of SHIT under your fat, hairy, cube-dwelling ass, then FLUSH the fucking toilet!
i understand that people lace the commode with toilet paper or whatever because of fear of germs at pubic restroom - but if you SUSPECT your shit stinks - IT DOES - in fact it probably is making my eyes WATER! so flush and reapply the toilet paper, people!
moral of the story: taking a damn crap before you leave the house in the morning will surprise you at how little during the day you have to go and peel the paint off of the wall when you should be working.
329. rubberducky - 2/19/2001 2:48:21 PM
sigh
much better now
330. Shannon - 2/19/2001 2:55:01 PM
people lace the commode with toilet paper or whatever because of fear of germs at pubic restroom
Do men do this too? I thought it was just a woman thing.
331. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 3:02:14 PM
No, Shannon...women things are when some fool female tries to pee standing up so she won't defile her own ass but will leave a mess for the next person unfortunate enough to face the call of nature.
Ladies, if God had meant for you to pee standing up, he'd have given you a penis or designed toilets much better.
332. Shannon - 2/19/2001 3:04:06 PM
Haha, Judith.
I saw a great example of poor bathroom ettiquette a while back. The woman before me was one of those paper-the-seat types. I know this because she didn't bother to flush when she was done. So I show up and there's her old paper, halfway falling off onto the floor by now. Ick.
333. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 3:09:26 PM
I try to avoid all public restrooms but sometimes, it just isn't possible. I doubt that lady would leave her toilet at home unflushed...then again, she might. Eeeewwwwww....
334. Frankster - 2/19/2001 3:14:08 PM
LOL @ Ducky!
(Eeck! Just as I'm about to head off and eat lunch too. )-: )
It brings up my own rant about a similar issue -- Men who don't wash their hands after using the restroom. I'll venture to guess that it's eight out of ten that don't wash their friggin' hands !
A local morning radio Top 40 show once planted someone with a mike in a restroom that would let another radio employee outside of the restroom know who was leaving the restroom without washing his hands. The person outside the restroom would point out the culprit, and those not having washed their hands, were unknowingly walking out and thrown into a gauntlet of jeers and snide remarks from this ever growing crowd of airport travellers who were evidently listening on there way into the airport and knew what the gag was all about. How embarrassing, huh ?
You! You! You! You! ...
... They should do that more often, and never shake a man's hand at a sporting event !
335. rubberducky - 2/19/2001 3:16:22 PM
Do men do this too?
this one does
336. Jenerator - 2/19/2001 3:46:19 PM
I'm not sure if this belongs in the Rants Thread, but...
This weekend, I was driving through a predominantly Hispanic part of Dallas (SpringValley and Coit). As I was at the light waiting for it to turn, I glanced toward the strip shopping center and saw a restaurant named "Wok Bueno".
Sounds good, huh?
One mile down the road I saw another restaurant, but this one was named "Italian Cowboy".
337. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 3:50:32 PM
I have to pee a lot, unfortunately (bet y'all are thrilled to know that little tidbit), and living where I do I've grown accustomed to all sorts of circumstances and situations, but what Judith mentions bugs me most. Sit down, idiot, or hold it till you get home. From working in food places, etc, I've come to the conclusion that women are 10 times filthier than men in most restrooms.
338. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 3:54:42 PM
Jen:
Keoni works all over the North Texas area and he says he sees that sort of stuff all the time...his fave: "Chop Suey Burrito Barn"
339. rubberducky - 2/19/2001 3:55:51 PM
Frankster:
that is disgusting, yes.
however, i'm tempted to say that is preferable to what i affectionately refer to as sink-bathers.
perhaps you've seen them.
they simply are NOT content with washing their hands.
no. that's too ... common.
they MUST, you see, wash their arms, hands, neck, face and a nice cool drink from the bathroom sink....
almost makes me gag
anyhow, almost NEVER does said sink-bather take a paper towel and wipe up the water - much preferable, it seems, is leaving it all on the counter for the next poor shmo to come along and lean up on the counter as they do the common practice of washing their hands. nothing like that 'i just pissed my pants' look to get you that promotion you were wanting, i am sure.
people - you are OFFICE DWELLERS. i doubt that monitor is really drenching you in sweat - and if it is - you have other problems than what your co-workers think of you.
340. Jenerator - 2/19/2001 3:57:39 PM
Another strange restroom habit of women:
I've noticed there are some ladies who try and hide their presence in the bathroom. To illustrate, you (a woman) go into the bathroom and enter a stall. On the way in, you notice a pair of shoes in one of the side stalls, so you know you're not alone. As you take care of your own business, you notice that the other woman is not making a peep. I mean, she is not detectable outside of her shoes and shadow. You're finished, and while you're washing your hands you notice that she *still* doesn't make a sound.
Why try and pretend that you're not there, it's obvious you are!
341. ScottLoar - 2/19/2001 3:58:14 PM
It is true, men will be lined up at the airport urinals 3-4 deep, the stalls filled with a man facing each closed door, yet only two or three men will be washing up at the sinks. The rest just grab their bags and scurry on out as if they're in a hurry or they forgot to wash and Mommy won't know. And it's not just Americans; Chinese and Japanese are equally distracted from washing their hands.
I am now of the habit of washing my hands every 30 minutes at a tradeshow; either that or the custom of the handshake has got to go.
342. Jenerator - 2/19/2001 3:59:10 PM
Judi,
Sounds good. I like my burritos stir-fried!
343. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 4:04:48 PM
Ducks:
Women leave water on the counters, too...personally, I can't see how taking a few seconds to wipe up the area is going to kill anyone. And what is with this throwing paper towels in the floor instead of where they belong, in the trash can?
But I fault establishments, too...they seem never to check on the restrooms and maybe tidy them up a bit during the day. Come on, a movie complex with thousands trooping in and out all day and you can't check in there to see if there's an avalanche of used paper on the floor or one of the toilets is clogged with "something"? And if you want to carry this on to the parking lots....
What is with these assholes leaving disposable diapers on the ground so I can pull up in my shiny automobile and step out in my suede boots smack dab into a wad of filthy plastic full of your darling babys poop? I am not amused....
344. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 4:05:16 PM
Jen--she's waiting for you to leave so she can fart. Just speculation on my part, of course.
Rubber, you're cracking me up.
345. Jenerator - 2/19/2001 4:18:33 PM
Arky,
That's when my mean side comes out and I take forever to wash my hands, primp, reapply lipstick, check zippers!;-)
How long can they be silent!?
346. rubberducky - 2/19/2001 4:22:10 PM
thanks Arky!
Jen: when i notice that, i do what i need to do, then leave. then, after a second's pause, i reopen the door so that the person thinks someone else has entered.
maybe nothing happens, but it puts a smile on my face at the thought of the 'poop-in-waiting' expression they are bound to have on their face and how fervently wish to lose it.
347. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 4:46:33 PM
Y'all are sadistic! You can cause people major constipation with that kind of stuff, and you know what all else being constipated leads to.
348. jonesatlaw - 2/19/2001 5:31:24 PM
Loar- They make alcohol based gels for kids to wash up with when you can't drag them kicking and screaming to a sink. Kills germs, no need for towels etc. They hand out little wipes at chicken places and a guy I know loads up on them for just such occasions during flu season.
349. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 5:34:56 PM
The people at the antique mall where I work once a month keep a bottle of that stuff on hand...they use the reasoning they are handling a lot of money and want to get rid of all those germs.
I've heard if we could actually see the sorts of garbage attached to money, we'd never touch it without gloves on...
350. jonesatlaw - 2/19/2001 5:41:35 PM
I hate it when during cold and flu season I have to wash my hands in a bathroom without paper towels. Yes, those damn air dryers save trees, but I use them all up with the cold that I'll catch off the faucet from the "run the hands under water only" guy or off the door handle. Put paper towels in the bathroom and I'll wash my hands, wipe up the counter/sink and turn off the faucet. I'll take another to open the door and pitch it in the waste as I leave. No germs for me and none from me, thank you.
351. Frankster - 2/19/2001 5:51:03 PM
Well, nothing like shit to reawaken a dormant thread, huh ? :-)
Judith - "Chop Suey Burrito Barn" LOL ! You're kidding, right ?
I have to wonder who would frequent such a place ?
When I come visiting, y'all are just gonna have to take me on the grande tour! :-)
... I won't even touch the door handles at airports anymore. I wait for someone else to pull the handle if I can help it.
And why should the bird bathers want to wipe up after themselves, when a guy named "Enrique" making minimum wage is there to do it for them ?
352. jonesatlaw - 2/19/2001 6:01:52 PM
Back when I was in college, a campus eatery was the Hong Kong Pizza King. A great place for a slice and an egg roll.
353. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 6:02:17 PM
This is starting to remind me of the movie "What About Bob."
I do detest those hand dryers, though.
354. Frankster - 2/19/2001 6:06:20 PM
The worst pizza I ever had ? I forgot the name of the place, but it was in Matzatlan, Mexico. The owner of that eatery ought to be shot.
Hand dryers take forever.
355. ScottLoar - 2/19/2001 6:07:25 PM
Jonesatlaw, good idea! I do save the wipes in packets given on the airlines, but the gel sounds much better.
And I never travel without a handkerchief. No, not to collect and store snot, but to wipe off the sweat, diesel smudge, deepfat fryer oil and construction dust that accompany every walk through most Asian cities.
356. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 6:07:51 PM
Worst Italian food....Okinawa, no contest. DayGlo orange sauce and green peas on both spaghetti and pizza...
357. ScottLoar - 2/19/2001 6:09:59 PM
It amazes me that the men's room in the average airport in Asia can have 6 stalls, 6 urinals, three sinks and one little whiner of handdryer named "Bunny" or some such nonsense, and no towels.
358. Frankster - 2/19/2001 6:10:31 PM
LOL! That orange sauce might have been anti-freeze.
It sounds like something prepared in a dumpster, Judith ?
359. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 6:17:05 PM
Well, Frank...I only saw it once. After that, we stuck to the type of food they did best: their own. And it was fantastic, across the board.
360. Frankster - 2/19/2001 6:30:06 PM
Judith,
That's an error I've made many times. My limited, inexperienced Mexican-American pallate(sp?) yearns for familiarity, so when I have gone abroad, that's the first thing I have looked for -- American cuisine. The steak dinner experience I had in London was akin to changing a flat tire --it really was *that* bad!
The next time I'm in a foreign country, their cuisine will come first!
361. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 6:34:10 PM
Frank:
It was unusual for me to try Italian food in an Asian country...I always eat the local food and hardly, if ever, miss American food. I know I will have plenty of time to eat American food...it's more important to me to get as much foreign experience as possible and that starts with the food for me.
362. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 6:34:18 PM
Ha! We didn't make that mistake in London. We ate at an Iranian pizza place!
It was good, too, actually.
363. Frankster - 2/19/2001 6:35:03 PM
I forgot to mention that in London, one is still permitted to smoke inside restaurants. This place had more smoke in it than a steel foundry, and I left the place smelling as if I had smoked a whole pack myself -- in a phone booth. )-:
364. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 6:35:48 PM
We ate at McDonald's several times in Europe for the same reason we do here--cheap and fast. When we were short of money and had things we wanted to see that cost, we gave up the food first.
My other post was to Frank, btw.
365. JudithAtHome - 2/19/2001 6:36:51 PM
Frank:
When you go to Paris, take along some of those small, travel sized bottles of Febreeze...spray your jacket at night and next morning, it smells all fresh!
366. Frankster - 2/19/2001 6:44:01 PM
Judith,
I thought you wanted me to travel light ? I've already started washing some of the new clothes I am taking with me by the way. I just hate that starchy uncomfortable feel to new underwear and clothes. Yeech!
Arky,
Surprise ! In Paris there's this fastfood place named Quik. I loved that place, and like youse two, I thought my money would be better spent on souvenirs, etc.
One thing I did dabble in frequently was their pastry shops. I have found heaven, and it is located in several French pastry shops in Paris. Ambrosia to the enth degree I tell ya.
367. arkymalarky - 2/19/2001 7:51:10 PM
"One thing I did dabble in frequently was their pastry shops."
Yeah, places like that were really the best way to eat for us, and if we ever went again we'd do a lot more grabbing stuff like bread and cheese and grabbing quick bites and splurging on a few really nice meals. We'll probably never get to go again, though, and we both wanted to spend as much time trying to see what we could, and as little money on anything but what we really wanted.
368. joezan - 2/19/2001 8:41:17 PM
Paper towels, huh?
You know what really, really, rots my socks?
When the dispenser is filled to the brim - so tight, you can't pull any towels out, because THE FRIGGIN' THINGS WERE PUT IN UPSIDE-DOWN!
369. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 6:00:09 AM
Frankster, you are right to wash new clothes. Never, never, never wear new clothes first without washing them. Have any of you seen a clothing factory? No, it's not to be compared with a hogwaste lagoon but the cloth has been sized, stored, and handled; better you first rid the clothes of what they've collected on the way to your bare back or privates.
370. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:12:33 AM
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!!!!!
WHY oh WHY do people think it's funny to imitate a waddling pregnant woman to her face? WHY?
WHY oh WHY do people ask a waddling pregnant woman 'ARE YOU STILL HERE? HAVEN'T YOU HAD THAT BABY YET?'
No, asshole, I am not here, I am a figment of your imagination.
Yes, asshole, I had the baby and it's home. I'd rather still be fat and miserable and walking around here listening to INANE MORONS like YOU make INANE comments at me.
Fuck me with a brick.
371. Fielding - 2/20/2001 10:13:54 AM
Fuck me with a brick.?
372. PsychProf - 2/20/2001 10:14:49 AM
Ohoh...
373. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:15:17 AM
I get very profanely creative when I'm this pissed off.
374. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:16:02 AM
i don't know why but Prof's 372 just cracked me up to no end....
375. glendajean - 2/20/2001 10:17:49 AM
Are you still here yet?
(swish.......missed......smack.....AAUUGH!!!
That hurt.
376. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:19:38 AM
gggggrrrrr......
I mean, why would ANYONE do that? Would this same person walk up to a deaf person or a wheelchair bound person and start aping them? Why is this okay with pregnant women?
377. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:22:04 AM
Am I not supposed to be sensitive to the fact that I am at present a swollen mass of aching flesh, muscle and bone? I'm supposed to LAUGH while a size 6 woman WHO HAS NEVER HAD KIDS mocks me?
378. rubberducky - 2/20/2001 10:22:35 AM
Fuck me with a brick.
well, that is certainly one way to avoid this in the future.
heh
379. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:23:35 AM
hahahahahahahahaha
youse crack me up.
380. glendajean - 2/20/2001 10:24:31 AM
When I was a young man, I used to bug the hell out of a friend's northern mom when I would enquire how she was feeling. She told my friend that the question (typical Southern chitchat) drove her up the wall. My friend relayed this to me.
The next time I saw her, I reacted mechanically by saying, "Mrs. J, how's your fe...
And suddenly my slow little brain engaged and I looked at her as she raised her eyebrow and at my friend who has this panicked look and I said
..your feet?
381. theDiva - 2/20/2001 10:26:08 AM
Now, that is a perfectly polite question to ask...can't imagine why it bothered her! Gracious. Damned yankees.
382. Wombat - 2/20/2001 12:31:10 PM
Diva:
Getting fucked with a brick would certainly stretch your birth canal, but would be a bit...rough.
A good friend of mine--when with child--referred to herself as a pregnanosaurus, and it was pretty apt. I called my wife a pregnanosaurus when she was carrying our first; good thing I have quick reflexes, the toaster would have done serious damage to my face!
383. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 2:31:39 PM
Generally speaking, I enjoyed the food in England. Then again, I was spoiled by my scholarship counselor (his wife was a gourmet chef who regularly cooked for me!). However, there is no such thing as a good cheeseburger in the UK. If you can get past the paranoia eating the beef, the taste is what'll do you in. I don't know how they make beef taste like mystery tofu concoction.
The best food I had was in Belgium and France. I should have lived in France!!
Also, one of the first things I do when I travel is try the cuisine. I love trying the food in other countries and places.
384. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 2:35:29 PM
I am scared to try the food in Thailand though. Something about bugs, dried goosefeet and raw squid soup...
Best and worst sushi I ever had was in British Columbia.
385. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 2:36:29 PM
I don't like Thai food because it all seems so firey...
386. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 2:47:25 PM
Jenerator,
You will find delicious seafood in Thailand, freshly caught, fixed any way you like, and outside Bangkok for very low prices. I mean screaming-with-wild-delight-cheap.
387. Frankster - 2/20/2001 2:52:49 PM
Scott,
Re: 369
I've heard that said about sausage factories, but clothing ?
I wash new clothes because I hate the feel of new clothes. If I have to dress up like Puff Daddy for an occasion, I'll put up with harshness of the new feel, but otherwise, I just prefer to wash it.
Who can wear new underwear ? Yeech!
388. mgleason - 2/20/2001 2:55:11 PM
I see a Dennis Miller link on the bar. To my great delight, football season is finally over, which means that I am spared the obligatory Tuesday morning explication of Miller's 'esoteric' pronouncements. Only in America.
389. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 2:56:11 PM
I love his RANTS, though...
390. Fielding - 2/20/2001 2:56:22 PM
You enjoyed the food in England? Was it toad-in-the-hole? Bangers and mash? Clotted cream?
The best food in England is made by foreigners and expats.
391. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 2:56:59 PM
Frankster, you've heard of the modern-day sweatshops? Legions of underpaid workers in garment factories? I think you can come to understand that most clothing is not handled or made with surgical gloves in a sterile environment. The numbers of roaches alone would convince you that maybe a few had trotted over your underwear at some point before it was packaged and shipped to K-Mart.
392. Fielding - 2/20/2001 2:57:18 PM
Come on, Maria, tell us how you really feel.
393. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 2:57:24 PM
Fielding:
I like the name change, by the way.;-)
394. mgleason - 2/20/2001 2:58:08 PM
Yes, he can be very funny when he forgets to overcompensate.
395. mgleason - 2/20/2001 2:59:05 PM
No, Fielding, I shall remain cloaked in mystery.
396. Frankster - 2/20/2001 2:59:30 PM
Scott,
How'd you know I shopped at K-Mart ? ;-)
397. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 2:59:32 PM
Scott,
That sounds good to me. One of my former roomates had lived in Thailand for two years (and Cambodia and Vietnam), she told me tales of the food she ate there. Of course, I have to take into consideration that she was one a student budget. She mentioned how the street vendors would have carts of dried bugs for snacks and that tarantulas were not uncommon.
I believe you that the seafood has the capacity for being absolutely delicious. Do they have a tendency to leave it on the raw side?
398. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 3:00:59 PM
Speaking of what might be in your new clothing, can anyone forget that short segmentof an old movie of the guy in Africa who made the housemaid stop ironing his clothes only to contract some vile skin parasite which killed him?
399. Fielding - 2/20/2001 3:01:54 PM
JAH:
Thanx. It was inspired by Dr. Coltrane. I too was seeking conviviality. :)
400. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 3:02:20 PM
Fielding,
Shepherd's pie, clotted cream, lamb with artichoke hearts. Roastbeef and English mustard, cheese, cheese, cheese, Scottish eggs (without the shell), etc.
Of couse, the Indian was great too.
401. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 3:03:17 PM
"They" (meaning any race next to the seashore save Americans and Brits)know how to cook seafood rather than boil, fry or bake it to the consistency and taste of barn straw.
I promise you, unless your tastes are strictly US diner, you'll like the food, and the greater catholicity you bring to the table (as in the bedroom) the greater the enjoyment.
402. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 3:06:01 PM
I have never seen tarantulas or bugs offered by steet vendors in Vietnam or Thailand. I lived in Vietnam for more than a year and travel to Vietnam and Thailand quite often. I have seen odd things (like string cheese in a Wisconsin), but not that.
403. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 3:07:19 PM
Scott,
Not having been a Catholic, all I can say is that I manage to eat with passion even though I'm a southern Baptist. Food being one of my favorite pleasures, I'm sure I could enjoy Thai seafood solong as it's prepared nicely.
404. mgleason - 2/20/2001 3:07:22 PM
I know what you ate in the UK, Jen:
Spam spam spam spam. Lovely spam! Wonderful spam! Spam spa-a-a-a-a-am spam spa-a-a-a-a-am spam. Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Lovely spam! Spam spam spam spam!
405. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 3:07:33 PM
JudithAtHome,
Actually I recall it as a short story, originally published, I believe, in Playboy in the 60's.
406. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 3:08:56 PM
Jenerator, Ah! You admit to carnal appetites!
407. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 3:10:34 PM
Maria,
It must have been in the burgers!;-)
McDonalds was the only place to get a decent one there. Now THAT is scary.
408. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 3:11:13 PM
Yes, it was a Ray Bradbury story, no? They made it into a short "chapter" in a three part movie. One of the parts was about a voodoo doll that attacked Karen Black...a real hoot.
409. ScottLoar - 2/20/2001 3:13:41 PM
Now I remember the trilogy, and the one by Ray Bradbury was the hunter kachina that went after Karen Black then transferred to her soul after being baked in the oven but, no, I don't remember the shirt-tale (cute description, no?) as part of that trilogy. Could it have been by Ian Fleming?
410. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 3:16:20 PM
Hmmmmm....I don't know. Wish I hadn't sold my collection of Playboys years ago.
Whichever, it was a spooky "shirt-tale"...yes, that was clever!
411. Frankster - 2/20/2001 3:22:13 PM
Speaking of food, time for lunch. But first, one more rant:
Here in California, one is allowed to make a right turn at a red light. What really irks me is when the driver in front of me on the right shoulder signaling to make a right hand turn at a red light, will not move forward to make said turn because he/she thinks their car will not squeeze through the space twixt the car directly in front of them which is waiting for the light to turn green so they can move straight through the intersection...Follow me ?
Lots of times I just want to stick my head out and scream at them with the following, I can drive an earthmover through that space, what are you waiting for ?! It's usually occurs when I'm in a hurry of course.
... It's usually women drivers who are the culprits.
Time for lunch, and the only Playboy I would ever want is the one with my all time favorite Playmate -- Victoria Cooke ( 1980 ?)!
412. Frankster - 2/20/2001 3:23:57 PM
... It's usually women drivers who are the culprits.
Size test
413. Frankster - 2/20/2001 3:25:28 PM
This new set up won't allow for text size changes ?
...I really didn't want that part about women drivers that big. :-)
414. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 3:37:19 PM
The only story I remember about a Kachina was one of those made for tv movies about a little doll with dinosaur teeth which was bought by a woman. She was told to never allow the bracelet to fall off (or was it the necklace?), because if she did, the doll would come alive. Well, of course it happened and this crazy looking doll with teeth bigger than its head was running around her apartment attacking her in the ankles!
Now, whenevr I walk around my house barefooted, I'm afraid of a kachina doll biting me in the Achilles.
415. Fielding - 2/20/2001 3:41:44 PM
"I don't want to move to a city where the only cultural advantage is being able to make a right turn on a red light."
416. Jenerator - 2/20/2001 3:43:13 PM
I HATE it when a Kachina doll bites me in the ankle!
417. mgleason - 2/20/2001 3:49:38 PM
Trilogy of Terror!
418. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 3:56:52 PM
The third segment was called Prey and was written by Richard Matheson. Couldn't fine any info on the other 2 segments.
420. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 4:00:34 PM
Okay...what happened here?
421. mgleason - 2/20/2001 4:01:47 PM
I posted secret information.
422. JudithAtHome - 2/20/2001 4:05:23 PM
Ahhhh...well, like most secret stuff, it worked to pique my interest. Since it didn't show up on the screen, I figured you'd posted Rosettas IQ...
423. PelleNilsson - 2/20/2001 4:20:53 PM
The right turn at red lights is (was) called the Communist Turn here because it was generally allowed in Eastern Europe but not in the west,
424. Fielding - 2/20/2001 4:38:56 PM
Shouldn't the "Communist turn" have been a left turn?
425. Fielding - 2/20/2001 4:39:50 PM
I don't know what happened to 419. I thought only the host could give a post the Coltrane treatment.
426. rubberducky - 2/20/2001 4:40:50 PM
that is true except for wabbit, ChrisO, and Pelle
427. rubberducky - 2/20/2001 4:41:03 PM
Coltrane treatment
hehe
428. mgleason - 2/20/2001 4:43:24 PM
Trust me when I tell you that # 419 was incendiary.
429. rubberducky - 2/20/2001 4:44:13 PM
what a tease!
430. Fielding - 2/20/2001 4:49:11 PM
We like incendiary at A Place For Rants.
431. joezan - 2/20/2001 7:34:30 PM
Frank - Message # 411:
Hah!
In Michigan, you can make a left turn on red, once the traffic clears.
But only on highways.
And - get this, I swear - only when the median is at least 35 ft. wide.
You should see me, holding up traffic while I stretch the trusty ol' tape measure across the median...
432. jonesatlaw - 2/20/2001 10:37:16 PM
A left on red, ONLY ON DIVIDED HIGHWAYS!!!???? What in the wild wild west in going on there? Do you hire sadists for traffic engineers? So a red light means go every whichaway but forward?
Here, in boring rational stick in the mud middle west, one can turn right or left from a one way street to another one way street (assuming, of course you go the proper one way) and can turn right on red when the way is clear. Turning left on red across a median is known hereabouts as willful reckless driving.
433. joezan - 2/20/2001 11:02:03 PM
jones:
It is known, I kid you not, as a Michigan Turn.
...as in, City Council debated the merits of adding a Michigan Turn 200 yards north and south of the US31 - Comstock intersection, in order to...
See, there aren't a lot of limited-access highways here in West Michigan. All of them run smack-dab through little towns and cities. So, what they do is, at major intersections they have traffic lights at which you may only exit the highway to turn right, and only enter the highway on a right turn. And instead of cloverleafs, there are left-turn approaches built a couple of hundred yards past the intersection on the highway in both directions, leading to breaks in the median, with traffic lights. So, if you want to make a left onto the intersection, you go past it and make a u-ey, turning left onto the highway, heading the opposite direction, so that you may turn right at the intersection. At the u-ey there is a traffic light and, usually, a sign that says Enter when on-coming traffic clears.
...which, when you think about it, makes the traffic light there kinda useless.
434. Frankster - 2/20/2001 11:07:04 PM
Joe, Jonesy:
Another thing we southern Californians face -- I imagine that this would also apply to every other American driver who reside and drive a great deal alongside the Mexican border in Arizona and Texas -- are Mexican drivers. Their driver's test consist of turning an ignition key, or at least that's what I'm told, and boydoes it show.
It is not uncommon to find a driver with Mexican plates make a left turn at a two lane four way intersection from the far right lane. I remember several times pulling up to a stop sign with the car next to mine on my right passenger side make a left turn right in front of me. I'm about to pull through the intersection and here is this yahoo cutting across my path ... No driving rules down there I guess. I have never driven in any other country outside of Mexico, because of my fear that I might be unknowingly breaking a law. They are also not obligated --unlike all Californian drivers -- to carry auto insurance. You ought to hear the horror stories associated with this.
Not only that, but it also isn't uncommon to find Mexican drivers in the number one lane -- the fast lane -- of a freeway doing 60 mph. That's a hazzard down here. They are apparently unaware that slow traffic should always keep to the right.
...Heck, we change our tires out here at 60 mph. ;-)
435. joezan - 2/20/2001 11:18:21 PM
Frank:
The number one hazard here is, NO ONE uses their directionals. The cops don't even stop you for not signalling a lane change. Hell...they don't even signal!
When I first moved here and this area was a whole lot less populated, I mentioned this to a friend - a life-long, 5th-generation local.
He looked at me, incredulous that I should be whining over something so trivial, and replied, Whaddo I need to use my blinkers for? Everybody knows where I'm going.
436. joezan - 2/20/2001 11:25:28 PM
...and tell me about Mexican drivers!
Man, when I see a pick-up with mirrored windows, fender skirts, and a Don't Mess With Tejas bumpersticker, I don't care how slow he's going - I ain't passing him!
437. Frankster - 2/20/2001 11:38:42 PM
Joe,
I imagine they haven't a clue as to right and left hand arm signals in case they were ever tested on it, huh ?
I hope no one is taking my rant as a blanket indictment on Mexicans -- just Mexican drivers from Mexico who don't know our ROTR.
438. Frankster - 2/21/2001 12:00:30 AM
Another driver rant:
I live about a mile from a 30,000 plus student university, and coupled with shopping centers and tons of apartments in certain areas ( mine being in one of them ), parking slots are almost always at a premium.
What I can't understand are those who take up two slots because they DON'T KNOW HOW TO FUCKIN'PARK !!! You don't need to live in this area for more than two days to realize that if everyone on this street either pulled up or pulled back to within four feet of the closest car, everyone would fit.
I just walked out to move mine forward a few minutes ago. Now there's room for one more car.
... I also love it when I visit a shopping center with limited parking space, and see some idiot take up two slots because he or she doesn't want their doors dinged. Boy, does this boil my blood, particularly when I'm driving around in circles like an idiot looking for a slot to open.
439. Fielding - 2/21/2001 11:11:31 AM
The name of the thread continues to evolve. Props to the good Doctor Coltrane for his continued inspiration.
440. theDiva - 2/21/2001 11:12:43 AM
ya know what really frosts my shorts?
Thread hosts who can't make up their minds as to the titles of their own frickin threads.....
441. theDiva - 2/21/2001 11:12:58 AM
oops. Sorry, Fielding....
442. Fielding - 2/21/2001 11:15:42 AM
Not at all. Tell us how you really feel.
443. theDiva - 2/21/2001 11:18:32 AM
ha!
444. jonesatlaw - 2/21/2001 11:39:45 AM
OOOOhhhh goodie, driving rants! Here we go...
A local station used to give out awards for DITWADS- Drivers In Traffic Without Adequate Driving Skills.
Leading Ditwad types-
1. Wrestlers- they see your turn signal for the lane change as they follow two car lengths behind you on the freeway. This is a challenge to a duel to see who can get to the spot you want to be in in their lane first. They speed up to get in your way, and then when you slow down to pull in behind them, they slow down. You wish to demonstrate how they could wear their rectum as a hat if they would only pull to the side of the road.
2. Moonlighters- these ditwads drive as a second job. Their first job is to apply makeup, read the newspaper, talk on the phone, or entertain the other occupants in the car with lively conversation featuring hand gestures which require both hands to be off the wheel. They are usually found in the fast lane doing about 55.
3. Road warriors- some classify them as a variant of moonlighters, however road warriors are more likely to inputing into their laptops, taking a call and organizing their next powerpoint presentation simultaneously. They are also found in the fast lane, driving about 85 with daring dashes into neigboring lanes to avoid the moonlighters ahead of them. They usually pass within inches of the neighboring vehicles and ride on your bumper like they're drafting at Taledega.
445. jonesatlaw - 2/21/2001 11:40:34 AM
4. Sanford & Son & Daughter
Driving a '48 International with an uncovered load of various crap they put along in the middle lane strewing obstacles in your path to test your reflexes. To make things more challenging, a heavy blue smoke screen often accompanies Sanford. There are no turn signals ever used, although sometimes arm signals from both sides of the cab are used to fake you out.
5. The Orange Flash. A yellow light is a signal for all out acceleration as they enter the intersection as the light turns red for their direction of travel. Their goal, going past the poor simp turning left with a green arrow fast enough and close enough to peel the paint off his fender without actually making contact.
6. Knuckles and Blue Hair- Drivers of large american luxury cars, nothing more than white knuckles and a wisp of blue hair is seen above the level of the doors. Never traveling more than 17 mph, these drivers proceed at a stately pace without regard to right of way or traffic arrows. Turn signals are used to signal their intention to turn two miles ahead, and for a mile beyond their last turn. Their is a regional variant most often seen near exclusive shops and neighborhoods. This is the bejewled variant who are often observed in imported cars. The stately, processional pace is the same, however, flashes of large precious stones accompany the knuckles on the steering wheel, and the hair is in cartoonish immitation of natural colors, blacker, blonder or redder than humanly possible. Right of way is determined by the value of the respective cars at the intersection.
I'm sure there are other species in your neighborhood. I'd love to hear of other sightings.
446. jonesatlaw - 2/21/2001 11:42:36 AM
please correct mispellings above- put=putt, their=there etc. Thank you.
447. JudithAtHome - 2/21/2001 11:53:57 AM
I've got one:
Ghengis Parking Lot: This is a variation on the Knuckles and Blue Hair but in the parking lot. All spaces belong to this person, who is usually older than dirt and twice as pervasive...never looks right or left, just pulls into the space and stops the car. Parkers on either side cannot open their car doors but will be able to exit after Ghengis has dented their doors getting out of the space. When they realize they can't exit the car, they simply back out of the space with no thoughts to who might be walking, crawling, driving behind them...if you honk to alert them to the fact you're there, they glare and mutter something vile but not to worry...due to the sealed windows and either heater or AC running full blast, you'll never hear them. These people are recognized by the fact they are always wearing coats...even in August. In Texas. At high noon.
448. rubberducky - 2/21/2001 12:15:44 PM
Fast-Laneamus Takaums
those drivers who seem to be unable to operate their vehicle in any lane other than the fast lane - regardless of how slow they are driving their piece of rusted out shit and the people that whiz by them in a genuine hurry.
Ripley & i almost got sideswiped a week ago by some idiot merging onto the highway and, without even looking, proceeds to cross 3 lanes of traffic so she can sputter in the fast lane when the slow/exit lane was perfectly clear!
i swear, it's times like that that i'm glad i don't live in a concealed weapons state.
449. JudithAtHome - 2/21/2001 12:20:39 PM
, it's times like that that i'm glad i don't live in a concealed weapons state.
You've no idea how many times my aversion to owning a weapon is tested in Texas...
450. jonesatlaw - 2/21/2001 1:38:55 PM
HipHopus Falling Boltus is another Ditwad. Usually populated by several young people reclined so far back they might first appear to be the Knuckles and Blue Hair species, they are distinguished by the poor quality of their vehicle in comparison to the stereo system. The electrical draw on the engine for the amplifiers when combined with the weight of the system results in an inability to travel more than 30 mph. Not content to produce rock crushing sound pressure levels within the vehicle, these performance artistes participate in the performance by having enough loose nuts, bolts and body parts to rattle at frequencies that grate on the last unstressed nerve in neighboring drivers. The public can also appreciate the banshee shriekings of the latest pop diva, which are fiendishly calculated to be recieved by sympathetic vibrations caused in one's filings if the windows to either vehicle are up. Even though the vehicle is in fact their mother's old Dodge, it is nevertheless regarded as a babe magnet by HipHopus, who intensifies the display behavior in the presence of post-pubsecent females. Often seen with bumpersticker that proclaims "It's not too loud, you're too old"
451. seadate - 2/21/2001 1:43:18 PM
HipHopus Falling Boltus
Keep 'em comin' Jones.
452. joezan - 2/22/2001 10:27:03 PM
Our local tourist-infested town enacted a noise ordinance two years ago to combat the HipHopus Falling Boltus [Š2001 JAL].
Last summer, we had all kinds of news crews down here, looking for live footage of reported widespread racial profiling.
453. wordninja - 2/22/2001 10:43:58 PM
Latinus Hippus Hoppus
A purple n' pink '57 Chevvy that bounces up and down to Rickie's latest Labamba at 5 mph in front of ya, while yur tryin' to get yur preggie lady to the delivery room . . .
454. mgleason - 2/23/2001 12:04:40 PM
My city has more important things to legislate against, Joe: exposing the ahem, anal cleft, for example. The mayor made the rounds of the national talk shows.
455. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 12:08:07 PM
Where exactly is one located Maria? I'm afraid to ask...
456. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 12:11:41 PM
Right below plumbers tool belts, Jen.
457. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 12:13:19 PM
Oh!! I can see Chris Farley now!
458. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 12:15:06 PM
Judy,
Did you hear about the Colony cop who picked up taquitos at the Colony Whataburger only to find that an employee there had pot in them? What a dumbass!
459. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 12:17:24 PM
God...that could've been interesting! Cop high on pot chasing a suspect...whoa!
Did you hear about the cop who ran over the good samaritan the other day? Texas police are getting quite dangerous.
460. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 12:24:31 PM
From what I've heard second hand is that the cop was picking up taquitos for others in his department, too. One officer opened up one of breakfeast burritos and saw large green hairy leaves (he was checking to make sure that the taquito was the kind her ordered.) Immediately they went back and caught the clerk who did it. What a complete moron.
As for the cop hitting the samaritan, I didn't hear about it. There are a couple of brutes on the police department, but for the most part, the DPD is very, very good. We have the best swat and sniper teams in the nation.
461. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 12:26:26 PM
Forgive my typos, my nails are too long.
I have the four inch curled sculptured nails Bubba has. Except mine are painted blue and hers are airbrushed with different designs. They make typing difficult, but they sure are pretty!
462. mgleason - 2/23/2001 12:28:09 PM
Judith did a very good job of explaining, Jen. This happened around the time that thong bathing suits became popular.
Now I'm posting an anti-rant. I was going to wax eloquent about writers who insist on Bold New Departures, like when PD James put out The Children of Men, thus depriving me of Adam Dalgliesh for no good reason. I note, however, that Death in Holy Orders will be published next month, so I can but sigh contentedly.
463. Frankster - 2/23/2001 12:56:04 PM
Zits! that's it, zits!
I thought that I my age (43) they were pretty much a thing of the past, but no-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o !
This morning, right out of the shower, I noticed one right inside the lower rim of my right nostril. It looked like ... well, you know ?
Luckily it was one without depth, so it was easy to remove.
464. seadate - 2/23/2001 1:01:30 PM
TMI
465. Frankster - 2/23/2001 1:36:18 PM
Seadate,
Ha-ha! Oh come on ?! You've never gotten up to shave and found one of these things on your face ?
I don't get them too often, but if they're gonna come, why there ?
466. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 1:37:51 PM
small girlie rant:
I've been keeping my hands manicured for next weekend, and my nails look beautiful -- EXCEPT for my left ring finger nail which has broken off down to the nub.
So now, I have to wear gloves.
467. Indiana Jones - 2/23/2001 1:40:06 PM
[Bill Bixby voice.]
Don't make me rant.
You wouldn't like me when I'm ranting.
468. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 1:45:42 PM
Jen:
Why not get an acrylic tip on that one nail, Just for the occassion?
469. Fielding - 2/23/2001 1:47:27 PM
"I've been keeping my hands manicured for next weekend, and my nails look beautiful -- EXCEPT for my left ring finger nail which has broken off down to the nub."
Of all people not to recognize a sign from God . . . .
470. Wombat - 2/23/2001 1:48:21 PM
Why not cut your nails? Your fiance not gonna marry you if you don't have long fingernails? Sheesh!
471. Frankster - 2/23/2001 1:48:32 PM
Rain. It's raining big time down here. We definitely need it here, but it's really screwing this, my day off. Big time.
472. Indiana Jones - 2/23/2001 1:51:03 PM
NOW I have a rant.
Why are all the threads on the Mote constantly oozing estrogen?
Every last one of 'em turns into a canning thread, or a wedding thread, or my nails are chipped thread.
(Well, except the War thread, but don't ever let exceptions get in the way of a good rant.)
This place is overrun with post-menopausal hyenas!
473. Wombat - 2/23/2001 1:53:58 PM
Now if the Kaiser hadn't worn that silly moustache...and I don't know what the state of his fingernails was, he always wore gloves.
474. Wombat - 2/23/2001 1:59:06 PM
Indy:
Did you know that when Romania entered WWI, only officers above the rank of major were allowed to use rouge? Can't speak for their fingernails, though. Perhaps the regimental barber also provided manicures. Apparently rouge was worn to give parlor warriors a healthy "outdoor" look on parade. Don't know how it affected their looks when they ran screaming from the battlefield.
475. Indiana Jones - 2/23/2001 2:02:53 PM
Wombat: Ahh...for the days when Frederick the Great had to put buttons on sleeves to keep the men from blowing their noses on them.
476. mgleason - 2/23/2001 2:08:07 PM
In point of fact, post-menopausal hyenas no longer produce estrogen.
477. PsychProf - 2/23/2001 2:08:56 PM
Or progesterone.
478. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 2:10:27 PM
I've been one of those since I was 26 and had few complaints.
479. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 2:11:28 PM
Probably TMI, huh? Sorry...just taking up for the screaming meemee crowd.
480. Indiana Jones - 2/23/2001 2:16:26 PM
[Obviously you people don't know that by definition a rant should not be constrained by logic or consistency.]
481. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 2:49:37 PM
Have you ever had one of those neighbors who just drives you up the wall? The sort who moves in with a widowed mother and makes life so miserable for her twin daughters that the kids run away to live with their dads sister in another state? And the kind of guy who sees fit to let the woman work two jobs while he sits home and deals drugs to the kids down the street and various and sundry people who drive up in ratty cars and hang out half the day with this guy? And the sort of guy who owns a Rottweiler that is vicious and evil and attacks small dogs and nearly kills them so the guy gets rid of that dog and gets another one? And the kind of guy who gets run in to jail and blames the police for racism? And when this type of person finds a woman stupid enough to let him get away with this stuff, he delibertly picks a fight with her and makes her mad enough that she hits him with the frying pan and he calls the cops and they arrest her and while she's in jail, he parties down with all sorts of ladies who've dropping in during the day while that sap woman is at work?
I have a neighbor like that...he's a sleaze.
482. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 2:51:56 PM
ladies who've BEEN dropping in...
483. JadeGold1 - 2/23/2001 2:55:57 PM
Stop complaining, Judith.
My neighbor is G. Gordon Liddy.
In a just society, I would be allowed to knock him to the ground without fear of lawsuit.
484. mgleason - 2/23/2001 2:56:53 PM
Or you could just mistake him for a jack-booted thug, Jade. You've got his instructions, haven't you?
485. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 3:06:29 PM
Jade:
If you have any input with G Gordon, ask him how much it would cost me to have him put the fear of something really badass into this guy across the street. Maybe he could make him eat rats or hold his hand over a candle flame for 4 minutes...
486. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:07:16 PM
I was in the process of posting this in the Careers thread and started getting pissed-off, so it began to take the form of a rant .......
Until a few years ago, I had never made a significant financial "mistake" (losing a major income source, have an invesment go sour, etc) and felt I was infallible. Hence, when I got divorced, I left a lot of money behind - SHIIIIIT!
Oh well, if I had that much right now, I'd quit my job, buy a bigger boat, and take a thong-laden crew to the islands and probably be dead in 6 months - I guess nature blessed me with poverty to extend my lifespan.
Reminds me of a Robert Frost poem titled "Forgive, O Lord..."
Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee
And I'll forgive Thy great big one on me.
487. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 3:14:03 PM
(seadate...will you be able to make it up here next weekend?)
488. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:16:47 PM
Either next weekend or the following one. Do you have a preference, Judith?
489. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 3:21:42 PM
We're not busy next weekend but might have a play the weekend after...which would be no problem, either. Up to you...you're the one with the long drive!
490. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:25:17 PM
Can you wait 'til mid-week to confirm?
491. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:30:07 PM
Oh, and don't fret about my drive. I'll be staying near Jen's favorite hangout - Sneaky Pete's.
492. JudithAtHome - 2/23/2001 3:31:16 PM
Mid-week is fine...don't know from Sneaky Petes but it sounds as tho I don't need to, either...:-)
493. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:33:51 PM
haha - Lewisville
494. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 3:37:57 PM
seadate,
You're coming to Lewisville [Sneaky Pete's is not my fave place!;-)]? I might be on my honeymoon. If not, maybe we can all go to Wok Bueno or Chop Suey Burrito Barn for lunch.
495. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:42:32 PM
Jen,
Yeah, I lost a member of my harem. She married a guy and moved to L (g). When will you return from your honeymoon?
496. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:43:30 PM
Oh, Jen, she's a high school teacher!
497. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 3:47:12 PM
The 17th we return to civilization.
What's your harem down to now? From the pics it looks as though you're doing fine...
498. seadate - 2/23/2001 3:52:34 PM
I'll be there either the weekend of the 3rd or the tenth. If that doesn't work, I'll sure take a rain-check.
Seriously, they're more like bodyguards!
499. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 4:00:40 PM
seadate,
Mebbe you'll meet a Miss Texas and your life will be complete. There are some beauties here in the Lone Star State.
JadeGold,
What would be poetic justice -- if you lived next door to Ted Nugent. THAT, I would love.
500. Fielding - 2/23/2001 4:05:11 PM
Halfway.
501. JadeGold1 - 2/23/2001 4:07:48 PM
Jenerator:
I would love it if, one day, you came to know Jesus.
That would be poetic justice.
502. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 4:07:53 PM
Fielding,
Halfway to poetic justice?
503. Fielding - 2/23/2001 4:10:22 PM
Halfway to the thread's first millenial.
504. jonesatlaw - 2/23/2001 4:10:49 PM
Who is the sadistic clown who designed CD packaging? Whenever I buy a new CD it seems that the package is designed as anti-theft device. You can't enjoy the fruits of the crime (or your purchase, for that matter) because the damn shrink wrap's little plastic tear off cord always breaks before the wrap is half off. Once you have dealt with the shrink wrap, there's the matter of the label. This is cleverly designed for maximum adhesion and minimal cohesiveness. So you find yourself tearing at increasingly small patches of tape which wraps around three surfaces, and insures that you can't open the jewel case without breaking it. Was someone pissed off when they had to give up the cardboard boxes they used to keep them from being easy to conceal and steal? Whoever you are, I hope that someone treats you to a pitcher of beer and a few lassix tabs and seals your pants with a similar treatment.
505. seadate - 2/23/2001 4:11:14 PM
Halfway to logical thinking?
506. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 4:12:44 PM
Jade,
The motor city madman, shooting at your chickens with bows and arrows just to piss you off makes me laugh.
Or, a squadron of Hummers and Broncos painted in camouflage, barely missing you as you take a walk in the woods.
Charlton Heston bumperstickers mysteriously covering up the Clinton/Gore 92 stickers on your dodge neon.
507. seadate - 2/23/2001 4:14:13 PM
Jen,
I live under the Lone Star, so I'm right with you wrt our greatest natural resource.
508. JadeGold1 - 2/23/2001 4:14:32 PM
I'm aware of who Ted Nugent is, Jenerator.
Pity you don't know Jesus.
509. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 4:17:04 PM
Show me the way Jade. Do I follow your example?
510. Fielding - 2/23/2001 4:19:19 PM
Jade:
I'm not going to let you turn this thread into your personal cesspool. Future personal attacks will be moved to the Inferno. You are warned.
511. Jenerator - 2/23/2001 4:21:11 PM
Fielding,
I'm sorry also.
513. Fielding - 2/23/2001 4:32:59 PM
Post 512 has been moved to The Inferno.
514. seadate - 2/23/2001 5:15:57 PM
See what you did, Fielding? HUH?
Man, these autocratic thread hosts are a burr on my ass!
515. Frankster - 2/23/2001 6:39:34 PM
Seadate,
Is a "burr" anything like a zit ? ;-)
516. Frankster - 2/23/2001 7:05:45 PM
One more rant concerning driving and inclement weather before I leave for the late afternoon:
When will the dumbfucks of the driving world realize that driving in pouring rain is not the same as driving on dry pavement ?
I just drove on the freeway for a few miles in a downpour and could not believe how many idiots were a just hydroplane or brake lock-up away from causing an accident that could have seriously injured not only themselves, but those around them -- such as myself.! This freeway was like a lake for about five miles and yet here were these stupidfucks driving as if it was just another sunny day in southern California.
I had to get that off my chest!
... And here were all these morons not too long ago in the news complaining about a driver's test being too difficult. Shit, it should be more "difficult", with a whole set of questions dealing exclusively with how to drive in inclement weather.
517. JadeGold1 - 2/23/2001 9:44:25 PM
You're a twit, Fielding.
518. HollyW - 2/24/2001 1:55:51 AM
Ho hum, passing through...
...so going through the drive-thru at McDonald's--I don't need to justify THAT behavior here, I hope--I notice a big poster in the window advertising the opening of a brand-new theme park in CA, by Disney, right by Disneyland! Which sure is exciting, we need three or four more of those, but anyway, it is called "CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE".
Now why if one is already in the fine State of California does one need to go to a theme park about it? I understand the state is large and all, but I've been all over it from Eureka to Fresno to San Diego and in between and it can be done. So what is up with this? Skip touring the actual place you happen to be in, just experience California the Ride? Is this surreal to no one but me?
If I were to open Massachusetts Adventure theme park, there would definately have to be a ride to simulate an actual jaunt down a typical MA road...drivers all around you going too fast or too slow, cutting people off, not using signals, and free-for-alls at the four-way stops. It would be one of those rides that pregnant women shouldn't get on.
519. Shannon - 2/24/2001 1:59:07 AM
Holly--What about a traffic circle?
520. HollyW - 2/24/2001 2:06:39 AM
Actually, rotaries being such a staple out here and full of many terrors that are uniquely theirs, a completely different ride should be devoted to just them.
How are ya?
521. CalGal - 2/24/2001 2:06:41 AM
Now why if one is already in the fine State of California does one need to go to a theme park about it?
Nonononononono. We opened that park so the rest of the state won't have to deal with the tourists turning our cul de sacs into traffic circles.
What is it withh those things, anyway? Was it a Revolutionary development that us Western states missed out on?
522. HollyW - 2/24/2001 2:11:36 AM
Ahhhhh, I see! Brilliant, brilliant.
All we are is paved-over cow paths. Each year it gets worse, due to the fact that back in, oh, 16-whatever nobody counted on 5 million Saabs and minivans all vying for the same exit ramp...
523. CalGal - 2/24/2001 2:18:44 AM
People in the East simply can not drive. I suspect the best drivers headed west throughout the generations out of sheer self-preservation--and of course, selection bias ensured that only the finest survived the journey.
524. Shannon - 2/24/2001 2:22:23 AM
Haha.
My dad on the Mass Pike. Oh, it still makes me cringe. He totally freaked out and refused to get on another expressway until we were south of the Mason-Dixon.
525. HollyW - 2/24/2001 2:24:37 AM
The sad thing about that, Shannon, is that is by far the most civilized highway we have in this state. I feel that I can actually not fear for my life on it.
526. PelleNilsson - 2/24/2001 4:48:19 AM
Does the existence of a sample from the Swedish alphabet in the title of this thread convey a subtle message of some kind?
527. Fielding - 2/24/2001 10:25:44 AM
Don't you hate that? :)
528. JudithAtHome - 2/24/2001 10:35:47 AM
I think it looks classy!
529. Rachel - 2/24/2001 3:44:30 PM
My rant for the day:
If you're so brilliant that you can write a major component of a project that took six developers a year to write without ever running bits of your design or your logic by the others for comments, then you should be brilliant enough to LOOK AT THE OUTPUT. Further, if the goal of the software is to generate good widgets, and when the "maintainer" of your piece of shit software presents the widgets to the widget expert, the widget expert says they aren't good widgets because they have an extra flange, it is NOT OK to respond to the maintainer's request for advice on flange-removal with "That's not a requirement." And if it takes the "maintainer" six months of full-time work to get your piece of software into good enough shape that the users will use it, then it WASN'T DONE when you declared it done. Especially if one of the three modes did the exact opposite of what it was supposed to do.
530. CalGal - 2/24/2001 3:51:56 PM
You seem....bitter.
I always think the delineation between developer and "maintainer" is a silly one.
531. Shannon - 2/24/2001 5:40:38 PM
CalGal,
What do you mean exactly? IME, a lot of developers don't think like maintainers at all. But I think they should--they're bad developers for not doing so. I think I agree with you, though. In practice, I see very different approaches, but ideally there shouldn't be much difference.
532. Frankster - 2/24/2001 7:34:00 PM
Holly,
Re: Message # 518
How could you knock California Adventure? Have you been there -- On any of the rides, that is ? Here's a sample of a few :
East L.A. : This thrill ride provides its riders a bird's eye view of a second world country sans the aroma. With authentic mariachi music as a backdrop, animotronic outdoor vendors are seen hustling everything from faux Rolex watches to pottery. The pick pocketing, muggings and carjackings riders are prodded to participate in near the end of the ride seems all too real ... The day laborers perched on a street corner hollering out for yard work captured it all for me ( Anyone seen my wallet ?).
California Food Court: A must for anyone wanting their palate to capture the true California cuisine experience. With tract homes and industrial parks serving as a backdrop, park guests are seated in faux wrought iron chairs and asked to try their luck on everything from fish tacos to quiche. The mechanized flies employed are a technological wonder to behold and appear so-o-o-o lifelike, as when they take root on a vendor's bacon/weiner wrap cart.
Carousel of Politics: In one set, California senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer are masterly recreated by the Disney hands. Boxer and Feinstein are seen engaged in a patty cake match over who California's real Liberal is. At the end, the ride takes a tragic spin as ghost of former California governor Pat Brown walks out and beheads them. A must for the macabre teen considering a career in politics. ;-)
Continued:
533. Frankster - 2/24/2001 7:35:33 PM
Rave California: This ride, specifically aimed at Baby Boomer parents, has participants stand around in a replicated vacant warehouse ingesting the latest in designer drugs while listening to the latest in hip-hop and techno tunes. The complete family bonding experience comes to a hilt, when kids are seen outside its exit attempting to explain to their parents that what just flew overhead was not Tinkerbell, but a DC-10.
Power Grid: An odd name for a roller coaster, but given the electricity shortages of the past year, it is totally apropos. Does not operate during stage three alerts, which explains why it has yet to run.
How could you deprive yourself of this, Holly W. ?
;-)
534. joezan - 2/24/2001 11:10:05 PM
So, I go to a large, local chain furniture store this afternoon to buy my daughter a bed - she's outgrown her child's bed. I spied an ad the other day in the paper, and saw that this store had what appeared to be a very nice bed, for 50% off.
So, I get there, just barely make it through the door before being set upon by some maniac saleswoman, and ask to see the bed.
She takes me over to the beds, and starts trying to sell me. "No - I just wanna see this one here", I say, holding up the ad.
"Oh! We won't have that one in stock till sometime next week."
"Fine - I'll be back next Friday".
"But the sale ends today - it'll be back to its regular price by then".
"So...what am I supposed to do - buy it sight unseen?"
"Well...let me show you a couple of other very nice beds..."
Friggin' thieves.
535. JadeGold1 - 2/24/2001 11:30:04 PM
Cheap daddy.
536. joezan - 2/24/2001 11:46:59 PM
Hey - what can I say? I'm surrounded by Dutch Calvinists.
It's contagious.
537. jonesatlaw - 2/25/2001 11:50:36 PM
joezan- next time mention "fraudulent business practices" and false advertising. See if she finds one then.
538. joezan - 2/26/2001 12:14:22 AM
Yeah - classic bait-n-switch. I need to start sending the wife on the furniture expeditions - I've never had any luck.
Once, back in NY, I bought a coffee table on "final close-out sale", knowing I'd have to wait 6 weeks for delivery. But I did get to see the floor model, and it was (or would have been) the best bargain I ever got. Well, 6 weeks turned to 8, 10, 12.
I finally figured out I was never going to see this table, and asked for my money back.
We can't return money for close-out items - but we can work out an exchange, the guy explained.
Well, of course, anything else they had at that store at that price was crap.
So, I stood at the counter for over an hour, and explained my predicament to every customer who came by.
The manager finally cut me a check, and told me to never return.
As IF!, I said.
539. Frankster - 2/26/2001 11:37:37 AM
Rain. That's it, RAIN.
Speaking of downpours, missing the bowl comes to mind also. Wimmin ain't got to worry about that one. ;-)
Okay, the shower is overdue.
540. HollyW - 2/27/2001 10:05:11 PM
Suburban living grocery-store rant.
What is wrong with these people? Do they get a commission on how many damn plastic bags they unload? Yesterday, I do the mega grocery shop, the laying-in-of-supplies, and I'm unloading the bags into the car and find that one bag has nothing in it but a can of coffee and a jar of pickles. Another has just the eggs. Another bag is wrapped around the industrial-sized package of diapers which already has a handy little handle and doesn't need a fucking bag.
A couple weeks ago, I considered how I already have 5,000,000 plastic bags jammed into every receptacle in my home and so answered the "paper or plastic?" question quite cleverly with "paper".
I'm writing the check, I'm not paying attention, I go to grab my groceries...they are in paper bags, which are IN TURN neatly placed into plastic bags.
I suppose I should go to Cafe Utne with this problem, they will tell me to get a gross of string bags. Huh.
541. Fielding - 2/27/2001 10:09:27 PM
Did they at least not pack the tomatoes and the brie cheese under the watermelon? And did they charge you the correct prices? And were they able to figure out your change without asking for help?
542. HollyW - 2/27/2001 11:18:51 PM
Because they forgot if the watermelon should go ON TOP of the brie and tomatoes, or UNDERNEATH them, as they were picking their noses at that particular segment of training and couldn't attend fully, they just put each into a separate bag.
As for the change: seems to me that once upon a time you got your change first, then the bills. At least when I was in my youth and worked a cruddy cash-register job. Well, not anymore. So I get a pile of bills, and then a hillock of quarters, nickels, and pennies sliiiiding down them and bouncing off of the back of my hand and I do a little juggle and wrestle them into my wallet and the line behind me starts to glare because I'm taking so long and we are in the grocery store and everybody is annoyed about that already and I'm a deeply sensitive person who reacts to that negative energy SOOOOOO...
I have no clue if they gave me the right change, I just got the hell out of there.
543. Shannon - 2/28/2001 8:31:42 AM
Great rant, Holly. The Albertson's I shop at has gotten slightly better about the practice of putting one or two things in a bag. I used to have 20 bags with no more than three things in any of them.
My rant: American Express.
I have a personal Amex. Since getting it, I've gotten a corporate one, which I can use for anything I want (bill comes to me). So I decide to cancel the personal one. I get my November bill, and the annual fee is on it. I call and tell them I want to cancel. They say fine, they'll reverse the charge for the annual fee. I have gotten a bill every month since then, with the annual fee still on it. I have called every time. This month I get a late fee on top of it. I called the guy and he said "It takes three months to reverse a charge." WTF? Why would that be? And if that is true, why have the other three people I called not said so.
Other minor annoyances: One of the times I called, there was no answer at the 24-hour customer service line. And when you call, they tell you to punch in your account number. The recording then says "Hold while we access your information." When real person picks up, what do you think is the first thing they ask?
544. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 10:51:33 AM
This is for all you tofu eating vegetarians out there...I don't care if you feel superior to me because I eat the flesh of animals who have been cruelly raised as fodder for non-vegans...you are no better nor any worse than the rest of us. I have chosen to eat red meat just as you have chosen not to...you are free to wander the earth searching for something that tastes half-way decent while I sit here enjoying a tasty burger with mayo and cheese. You can look half starved while I look healthy and vibrant because I haven't denied my body the benefits of a modicum of natural fat. You can be cranky and attack me for eating meat all you want because I understand that crankiness...it is brought on by your craving a decent meal as you see everyone around you actually enjoying their food while you choke down roots, beans, dry rice, and soy bean products tricked out to resemble meat.
Yes, go right ahead and accuse me of being unsympathetic and smug about the way I eat...trust me, I know just what you mean because I listen to you do the very same thing.
And while I'm at it, I will put my cholesterol readings up against yours any day.
545. Wombat - 3/2/2001 10:55:04 AM
Mayo on a burger? Yuk.
546. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 10:56:39 AM
My husband eats mayo on fries...
547. Shannon - 3/2/2001 10:58:29 AM
When I waited tables, I encountered a fair number of mayo-fries people. Never got the appeal. I had a friend who used to put mayo on baked potatoes.
548. Fielding - 3/2/2001 11:00:13 AM
I do that sometimes. But it has to be good frites and good mayo.
549. Wombat - 3/2/2001 11:02:16 AM
The Belgians and Dutch put Mayo on fries.
550. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 11:07:45 AM
So do Germans.
551. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 11:08:56 AM
But it has to be good frites and good mayo.
Why eat it if it's not?
552. Fielding - 3/2/2001 11:19:11 AM
Vincent Vega: And you know what they call a... a... a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
Jules: They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with cheese?
Vincent Vega: No man, they got the metric system. They wouldn't know what the fuck a Quarter Pounder is.
Jules: Then what do they call it?
Vincent Vega: They call it a "Royale" with cheese.
Jules: A "Royale" with cheese! What do they call a Big Mac?
Vincent Vega: A Big Mac's a Big Mac, but they call it "le Big-Mac".
Jules: "Le Big-Mac"! Ha ha ha ha! What do they call a Whopper?
Vincent Vega: I dunno, I didn't go into Burger King.
553. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 11:49:48 AM
Le Whoppaire.
554. Indiana Jones - 3/2/2001 11:56:30 AM
Fielding: Have any rants about foot massages?
555. CalGal - 3/2/2001 12:27:38 PM
I like mayo on burgers, along with dijon mustard. I don't like catsup on anything. Ick.
556. Fielding - 3/2/2001 12:56:17 PM
IMO, the best thing to put on a burger is "saloon" sauce, which is a kind of spicy horseradish mayonaise.
The second best thing is jalapenos and cheddar.
Also, I like my burgers rare.
557. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 1:00:18 PM
Boy, you must like living dangerously...I used to like rare meat, even burgers medium rare, but wouldn't dare eat hamburger meat rare these days.
558. CalGal - 3/2/2001 1:01:26 PM
Overcooked beef is an abomination in the sight of God. Unless it's potroast, I suppose, but then unless it's on a sandwich potroast is a near abomination.
559. Fielding - 3/2/2001 1:04:23 PM
Indy:
Jules: Whoa... whoa... whoa... stop right there. Eatin' a bitch out, and givin' a bitch a foot massage ain't even the same fuckin' thing.
Vincent: Not the same thing, the same ballpark.
Jules: It ain't no ballpark either. Look maybe your method of massage differs from mine, but touchin' his lady's feet, and stickin' your tongue in her holyiest of holies, ain't the same ballpark, ain't the same league, ain't even the same fuckin' sport. Foot massages don't mean shit.
Vincent: Have you ever given a foot massage?
Jules: Don't be tellin' me about foot massages - I'm the foot fuckin' master.
Vincent: Given a lot of 'em?
Jules: Shit yeah. I got my technique down man, I don't tickle or nothin'.
Vincent: Have you ever given a guy a foot massage?
Jules: Fuck you.
Vincent: How many?
Jules: Fuck you.
Vincent: Would you give me a foot massage? I'm kinda tired.
Jules: Man, you best back off, I'm gittin' pissed.
560. Indiana Jones - 3/2/2001 1:05:53 PM
I like my beef lightly pink in the middle, but like Judith am now edging toward more done for safety's sake. When I eat beef at all, because I favor vegetarianism.
If I could find good, convenient veggie food, I'd probably eat chicken no more than once a week and beef hardly ever. I've gone for as long as a year without any meat other than seafood.
561. Indiana Jones - 3/2/2001 1:09:00 PM
Thanks, Fielding. That dialogue really rang home to me. Foot massages and back rubs--anyone tells you they're perfectly innocent, don't believe 'em.
562. Fielding - 3/2/2001 1:13:31 PM
J@H:
"Boy, you must like living dangerously...I used to like rare meat, even burgers medium rare, but wouldn't dare eat hamburger meat rare these days."
I have the impression that American beef is safer now than it has ever been, especially if you buy it from a butcher a quality restaurant.
(I'm not counting Mad Cow Disease as much of a possibility here. In anycase, I don't think cooking it more thoroughly will protect you from Mad Cow Disease).
563. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 1:17:16 PM
I'm not talking Mad Cow...I'm talking e-coli which can turn up anywhere, even in the best of restaurants. Restaurants are at the mercy of their suppliers...I live in a town devoted to beef and with very good to excellent restaurants and I still wouldn't order a rare burger in any of them.
564. CalGal - 3/2/2001 1:41:40 PM
Ecoli isn't going to kill you. Oh, now, there's a rant: I can't get a rare burger in California because some fuck awful parents in Seattle ignored their kid's 105 degree temperature for a week.
565. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 2:08:47 PM
Who said anything about dying? I'm not too crazy about my food making me sick in any size, shape, or form...
566. CalGal - 3/2/2001 2:33:29 PM
Oh, it's just a value thing, then. Okay. I mean, there are a million things that might possibly make you sick. The odds of picking up e coli are pretty slim in comparison.
567. PelleNilsson - 3/2/2001 2:35:36 PM
As some of you know I've only been to the US for ten days and that was 15 years ago. But I must say the hamburgers are superior to anything we get here in Europe. I also had some very nice shellfish, when I managed to escape from the convention centre not far from Petersburg, California. But the beer was doubtful and the coffee beyond the pale.
568. CalGal - 3/2/2001 2:38:12 PM
15 years ago you couldn't get good beer reliably, but now we have a bunch of microbreweries. I'm not sure that they all compare with European beer, but it beats what we used to get in cans as the norm.
Coffee--I have a friend who came out to California once and said the most astonishing thing about the state was that from the worst diner to the best restaurant the coffee was sublime. So are you sure you were in California?
It is true, however, that what Americans think of as coffee is apparently not what Europeans think. I wouldn't know, myself, since I only drink lattes.
569. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 2:41:19 PM
Of course e-coli can kill you.
Where did you get that it won't?
I find overcooked beef an abomination but I'm pretty well-versed on how poorly some restaurants store, keep and handle their foodstuffs.
570. PelleNilsson - 3/2/2001 2:44:46 PM
CalGal
No, no. I meant Petersburg, Florida. A brain fart if I ever saw one.
571. CalGal - 3/2/2001 2:47:12 PM
JG,
It can kill you. But it certainly doesn't have to, and is eminently treatable unless you are a moron who ignores symptoms. That was my point--many restaurants won't serve rare hamburger because of some useless parents.
572. CalGal - 3/2/2001 2:48:51 PM
In other words, JG, it's not like Ebola or herpes or AIDs or something oh, my god, I've got e coli! It's just a bug and the risk is low enough that you'll get it in the first place that I see no reason to stop eating beef for fear of death.
573. CalGal - 3/2/2001 2:50:40 PM
Pelle,
You know, I was thinking I would have remembered if you'd been in California. The fact that I didn't know of a Petersburg here didn't surprise me much--lord knows they all have strange names down south.
574. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 2:51:57 PM
Your outrage is misplaced, ValGal.
Shouldn't parents have a reasonable expectation the food served their children won't make them sick?
Who likes steak tartare or steak diane?
575. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 2:52:44 PM
the young and old folks have the most to worry about with e-coli and make up most of the fatalities.
576. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 2:54:18 PM
You can't even get an authentic caesar salad.
577. CalGal - 3/2/2001 2:54:49 PM
Shouldn't parents have a reasonable expectation the food served their children won't make them sick?
Yes, they should. We have agencies where they can report that sort of thing.
They should not have the reasonable expectation of holding the restaurant responsible when their child is sick for (I believe) five days and they don't take the kid into the doctor. The kid died because of incompetent parenting, not because he had e coli.
578. Fielding - 3/2/2001 2:56:03 PM
You are a lot more likely to get e. coli at Wendys or McDonalds than if you go to a good butcher or restaurant. I wouldn't eat a rare burger at Wendys. Actually, I wouldn't eat at Wendys at all unless I was pretty desperate.
579. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 2:56:20 PM
Don't get me started about Peking Duck.
580. PelleNilsson - 3/2/2001 2:56:38 PM
E-coli? You are worried abount E-coli? Friends, your digestive tracts are full of E-coli. You are walking reservoirs of the stuff. You can get sick by ingesting it, but in the overwhelming majority of the cases the effect is a mild "loosening of the bowels". Of the potential food risks E-coli is the lowest on my list and I would certainly not forego a juicy read steak because of it.
581. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:02:40 PM
Governor Gilmore, you blithering buffoon. You are a liar, you have always been a liar. No matter how many press releases you send out and how many times you repeat the lie, the FACT is that your much touted car tax relief is a budget buster, and that your insistence on proceeding with that cut in the face of declining revenues is exactly what you said you WOULDN'T do when you first proposed your tax cut stunt.
No matter how many times you say or write that the "irresponsible Senate" caused the General Assembly to adjourn because they wouldn't acceed to your stamping your foot and holding your breath til your pudgy beady-eyed face turns blue, the Senate negotiated in good faith and made offers of compromise. You, you lying sack of stale shit, are the one who absolutely refuses to budge on the issue.
All of which begs the question of why state government is cutting a local government tax in the first place. Had you proposed cutting a tax the state actually levies, instead of cutting a tax levied by local government, we wouldn't be in this fix in the first place, you hopeless imbicile.
I yearn for the day that you and your band of bible-thumping thugs leaves state government and wish you the obscurity you so richly deserve.
582. Fielding - 3/2/2001 3:04:33 PM
I love steak tartare.
583. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 3:17:30 PM
that I see no reason to stop eating beef for fear of death.
Again, who said anything about not eating beef? All I said was I would no longer eat rare hamburger. I probably eat more meat than most of you...
And I am the one who brought up e-coli. Pardon me but I have had amoebic dysentery once from something in the Philippines and have had food poisoning more times than I can count that I got everywhere from a bowling alley to the Officers Club on base in Korea to a fancy schmancy Italian Bistro in my home town so that is why I'm leery of getting something food-borne.
Eat whatever you want, raw or rare or still on the hoof, I couldn't care less. Just don't serve me any rare burgers.
584. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 3:18:39 PM
Laughing at bubbaette.
Virginia is Mississippi on the Potomac.
The sad truth is long after Gilmore has moved on, Virginians will find the bills coming due.
585. CalGal - 3/2/2001 3:22:23 PM
Judith,
I know that--I acknowledged it in my post to you. I was responding to JG.
586. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 3:22:52 PM
That is true of the USA, too, AB.
587. JudithAtHome - 3/2/2001 3:23:52 PM
Cal...okay...I just get antsy talking about food-borne situations.
588. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:34:15 PM
OH GREAT!!! Now I just got a press release that our lying sack of shit governor released sent out saying that MIRACLE OF MIRACLES!! He's found $72.3 million dollars in the Virginia Retirement System to use to pay for his fucking moronic car tax relief. How nice to know that I'll get an extra $20 shaved off my car tax and all it's gonna cost me is my goddamned retirement!!
Somebody ought to arrest that idiot.
589. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:38:24 PM
Jade
What really burns me about this impasse is that Gilmore has sent several letters now to state employees trying to blame the whole thing on the Senate. As if we were incapable of reading the newspapers -- as if we were incapable of formulating a coherent thought of on our own.
The thing that bothers me more than being lied-to is being lied-to by someone who thinks I'm too fucking stupid to know it's a lie.
590. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:40:06 PM
And of course the turd ball issues the press release on Friday afternoon. As if we state employees aren't going to get wind of his using our retirement as his political slush fund.
591. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:41:39 PM
I'd like to slap his pig-eyed face til his bloated head wobbles.
592. JJBiener - 3/2/2001 3:42:47 PM
Jade - You can't even get an authentic caesar salad.
Authentic caesars are so hard to find these days.
Don't get me started about Peking Duck.
Peking ducks should just mind their own goddamn business. The perverts.
593. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 3:43:24 PM
I could say 'I told you so.'
People are short-sighted, I guess. Let the $10 they save on the car tax be solace to them as they sit in traffic for 4 hours on I-95.
594. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 3:45:31 PM
At least Gilmore has a new job where lying is a requirement.
595. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:47:02 PM
I hope that by next January we run him out of Richmond on a rail.
596. JJBiener - 3/2/2001 3:47:31 PM
Bubbaette - As if we were incapable of reading the newspapers -- as if we were incapable of formulating a coherent thought of on our own.
Wait a minute. Look around your office. Think about the people you work with. If your office is like most, that desciption applies most of the people in the office. You can't fairly judge their intelligence based on your own. In any office, you are going to be the exception, not the rule.
597. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 3:49:23 PM
bubbaette:
Gilmore can't run again. His successor (and their successors) will be compelled to deal with the damage.
598. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:51:57 PM
Actually, JJ, I found that the people I work with are conscientious and thoughtful -- much more than at the last state agency I worked for.
Of course there are some of the living dead who should have been forcibly retired and who contribute nothing, but I suspect that's not uncommon in the private sector as well.
One of the things that really begining to get my goat is that neither side on the political landscape really seems to give a shit about good government or being a good steward of public resources. For both sides, it's "what publicity stunt and half-lie will get me a few points -- fuck the future" Impeach em all!
599. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 3:53:00 PM
Jade
And I don't doubt that Mark Earley will sell us down the river as well.
600. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 3:57:14 PM
Are you kidding, bubbaette?
Earley would be a disaster. Don't you think Warner will win?
601. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 4:09:01 PM
Jade
People don't know Warner from Warner Brothers. The only hope Warner has, IMO, is that people realize that Earley is a thumper in the extreme and that electing him to office is like voting for the Taliban in Richmond. My dad, a lifelong Republican, refuses to vote for Earley. That's not saying that he'll vote for Warner instead.
So in short, I'm not feeling optimistic for the future of Virginia.
602. JadeGold1 - 3/2/2001 4:13:04 PM
Best of luck, bubbaette. I'm not encouraged about Virginia's future either.
But they have nobody to blame but themselves.
603. bubbaette - 3/2/2001 4:16:02 PM
True -- base your vote on a cheap gimmick and you get a cheap gimmick in office. There's no way around it.
604. arkymalarky - 3/2/2001 7:41:29 PM
We need to vote on Rants of the Month or week or whatever. It's still very early, but Bubba gets mine.
605. CalGal - 3/2/2001 7:57:16 PM
I do not understand this obsession Virginians have with car taxes.
606. Dr.XavierTColtrane - 3/3/2001 2:24:42 PM
At the good doctor's office, everything is done as I want, but of course such is the nature of modern medicine that I must share some of the anciliary staff and functions with others in my profession. In particular, all lab printout results are tossed hither and yon in a common basket structure that is divided into sections. I pay no attention to the subdivisions as it has become apparent to yours truly that the lab techs placing results in the basket pay no attention either.
My normal procedure when I want a result quickly is to rifle through the stack looking for it. Otherwise, some of the help have the responsibility of bringing my results to me, but these shiftless lay-a-bys are so lackadaisical that with critical information I must fetch it or wait for them and their interminable sluggard's pace.
There is a little trollish man who has an office next to this stack and has nothing much to keep him busy. It is his general conduct to bound out of his office whenever I am looking for my results and bellow, "What do you think you're doing?"
This same busybody makes it a habit of chasing down gents from the men's room and shouting "You didn't wash your hands!" or "You left the water running!" or "You didn't flush!"
607. Dr.XavierTColtrane - 3/3/2001 2:31:39 PM
Needless to say, mind you, that the good doctor has never been guilty of the latter "crimes." So until now I have been on fairly convivial terms with this grue. But he went over the line yesterday when I was retrieving important results and he pulled his bureacuratic buffoonery.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Calmly I said, "Looking for something belonging to me."
"You don't have to go through Dr. Mumbledy-peg's results to find it." Dr. Mumbledy-peg is a colleague of mine which this wight is always sucking up to. Dr. Mumbledy-peg also has been known to keep personal photos of female patients in the altogether for his own viewing, so the good doctor understands why Dr. Mumbledy-peg likes his privacy.
This twit should consider himself lucky that I refrained from thrashing him for his insolence on the spot. He has certainly made an enemy of one of the few folk who at least tolerated his loathsome buggery until now.
608. anomieme - 3/3/2001 11:17:18 PM
Jonesatlaw:
CD Packaging....I can't believe this didn't start its own subthread. CD packaging causes stress. We should sue. Shirt pins. Guess where? Buy a new shirt -- play pin roulette for getting stuck.
Donut packs "Open here" Oh Really ???
Plastic bubble packs -- scissors, gloves and mask required.
Mankind will evolve plastic opening fingernails.....
609. joezan - 3/3/2001 11:23:24 PM
I figure we won't have to, because womankind already has.
610. concerned - 3/3/2001 11:24:02 PM
What's somebody who calls themself 'anomieme' doing in a 'rants' thread?
611. anomieme - 3/3/2001 11:29:08 PM
concerned,
It's almost like someone called "concerned" being in a political thread.
But it's nice to meet you.
612. concerned - 3/3/2001 11:36:17 PM
Chahmed, I'm sure.
613. Stumbo - 3/3/2001 11:40:43 PM
Ette:
Get a grip. A dollar is a dollar.
The extra $20 shaved off your car tax will (on average) cost you $20 shaved off your retirement, or off something else.
614. anomieme - 3/3/2001 11:41:59 PM
Listen,
I'm paying this Republican energy bill in California, so you'll understand my disdain of the conservative overture...
615. bubbaette - 3/5/2001 8:12:56 AM
Stumbo
Actually, no. Because Gilmore is having the state reduce a tax that is not actually levied by the state, but by local government, he had to promise to replace the lost revenue on the local level. And because the car tax was levied at different amounts by different jurisdictions, the folks living in the more impoverished rural areas who tended to levy at a lower rate will see their levels of service decline and their taxes increased to pay for car tax relief for more prosperous urban areas that levied a higher car tax.
In addition, by funding car tax relief by raiding the retirement system, he is also concentrating the costs on state employees.
Had the buffoon reduced a tax that the state actually levies, say the sales tax on groceries, he could have increased state income taxes and/or reduced spending to make up the difference. By reducing sales tax and increasing income tax he could have done away with a regressive tax in favor of a progressive tax.
By reducing a tax not levied by that level of government, he locked the state into a paperwork-intensive process with reams of reporting back and forth between individuals and their local government, local governments and the state government, state government back to local government, and local government back to individuals.
Of course as a Republican proposal, it returns more to the affluent who drive nice new cars and to affluent jurisdictions which had levied higher taxes to begin with. Well, duh, you might say, but remember that if the state is locked into replacing the revenues, then that money has to come from somewhere -- either higher state taxes or lower spending. So the taxes are raised or the spending reduce for those folks who can least afford it in order to provide tax relief to those who least need it.
616. alistairconnor - 3/5/2001 8:58:56 AM
That's funny, Bub, I wonder if your beloved governor got the idea from my beloved French finance minister, or was it the other way round?
They abolished the annual car tax this year. You guessed it, it's actually levied by the departements (about the size of a small US state), not the central government, so... same bureaucratic nightmare. And because it was proportional to car size, the benefit is proportionally greater to the rich...
But it wasn't a Republican decision. The minister in question calls himself a "socialist".
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
617. bubbaette - 3/5/2001 9:14:56 AM
That's a hoot! A bad idea, regardless of party, is still a bad idea.
The notion behind the car tax as a provider of local revenue in the first place was to pass some of the cost of local government on to people who are not property owners. Otherwise, the vast majority of local government revenue comes from real property taxes. The tax hits those with large new cars harder than those of us who drive beaters. I wonder how much the car dealers paid Gilmore for his "tax cut"?
618. JadeGold1 - 3/5/2001 9:20:26 AM
You have to remember an end to the car tax is wildly popular in Virginia. People don't understand the hows and whys of the car tax but they understand getting a bill in the mail every year that's payable in 90 days.
The first year I lived in Virginia, I had the misfortune of buying a new car (a loaded Mercedes). Getting that car tax bill was a surprise.
619. bubbaette - 3/5/2001 9:37:40 AM
Jade
The biggest problem with the car tax as I see it is that it is a lump sum payment due once or twice a year, depending on your locality. Northern Virginia had some of the highest levies in the state. My county, Henrico, also has fairly high levies.
But many people are starting to question the wisdom of car tax relief as the payments are coming due. The cost is being taken out of services for the mentally ill, state employees, school teachers, court and state government employees, and prisoners.
Of course, that tobacco-chewing, boot-scooting, gap-tooth scumbag, George Allen proved that you can do anything you want to state employees and prisoners.
620. Stumbo - 3/5/2001 9:39:31 PM
Ette:
Even if everything you've said is true, your rhetoric is still ridiculously overblown. (Then again, this is the thread for that sort of thing.)
Divide $72.3 million by the number of VA state employees, or even by the number of 'em who are retiring in the next few years. If that's all your "goddamned retirement" consists of, you have my sincere condolences, regardless of which party your governor belongs to.
BTW,
"The notion behind the car tax as a provider of local revenue in the first place was to pass some of the cost of local government on to people who are not property owners. Otherwise, the vast majority of local government revenue comes from real property taxes."
That makes it seem at first glance (pace AC) like the car tax was a right-wing idea -- and abolishing it, a left-wing one.
Then again, it's possible that a disproportionate share might fall on apartment-building owners, who might then pass the cost on to their poor renters, etc.
621. bubbaette - 3/6/2001 7:23:42 AM
Stumbo
So then raiding employees' pension fund to pay for politics is just peachy in your view? How much is too much to divert, in your opinion --1/10 of our retirement?, 1/4?, 1/2? How about 5% per year?
That makes it seem at first glance (pace AC) like the car tax was a right-wing idea -- and abolishing it, a left-wing one.
Then again, it's possible that a disproportionate share might fall on apartment-building owners, who might then pass the cost on to their poor renters, etc.
Right wing or left wing, the car tax is a local tax, not a state one. And, as even the most math-impaired can figure, the newer and more expensive one's car, the greater the benefit from eliminating the tax. Those who are driving 7 year old cars (like me) derive very little benefit from the tax cut, particularly since the things we care about (road building and repair, quality education, salary and retirement, law enforcement) are raided to pay for it.
As far as my rhetoric being overblown, you should see the daily temper tantrums the governor is throwing -- in press releases, not to an obscure internet bulletin board.
622. Stumbo - 3/6/2001 2:27:26 PM
Ette:
"So then raiding employees' pension fund to pay for politics is just peachy in your view?"
And conversely: is raiding the bank accounts of car owners to pay for state employees' retirements equally peachy, in yours? (Once again: a dollar is a dollar.)
Extra-bonus rant: why don't people who quote posts lift a frigging finger to preserve emphasis? (This isn't only aimed at the post I'm responding to in this particular case, but at the apparent general attitude that a plain-text cut-and-paste job is sufficient.)
623. bubbaette - 3/6/2001 2:41:56 PM
And conversely: is raiding the bank accounts of car owners to pay for state employees' retirements equally peachy, in yours? (Once again: a dollar is a dollar.)
In this case, the car tax doesn't pay a dime towards state employees' retirement. Again, it is a local government tax. The car tax paid for local government services -- schools, road building, law enforcement (and retirement pensions for local govmt employees).
Suppose that the gov. had decided that to pay for his car tax relief, he would default on state bonds? After all, a dollar is a dollar.
624. Stumbo - 3/6/2001 2:56:23 PM
"In this case, the car tax doesn't pay a dime towards state employees' retirement. Again, it is a local government tax."
Except that local governments tend to run to superior ones, when they're out of cash. (I wish they wouldn't, but they do.) So, in the end, it boils down to the same damn thing.
625. bubbaette - 3/7/2001 8:17:34 AM
In this case you're dead wrong -- it's just the opposite. In order to pay for Gilmore's political boondoggle, items that had previously been state responsibilities are being pushed off on localities.
But don't let that stop you.
626. Stumbo - 3/7/2001 11:08:23 PM
Ette:
My point is that these are communicating vessels, so to speak. So it doesn't matter which particular tax pays for which particular piece of spending.
627. joezan - 3/8/2001 12:02:42 AM
So. Yesterday, I get this EXTREMELY URGENT letter from Time.
They want their $49.95. Now. I am already on their "Bad Credit" list, and if I want to "avoid further action", I will pay immediately.
Well, I know that I never renewed my sub that ran out in Dec. And I know that we have been tossing the twice-weekly offers that have been coming in since then.
So I call customer service, and ask what the heck is going on, and demand to know what they mean by "further action".
"Sir, are you saying you don't want to renew?"...
YES! Wasn't that clear enough when I didn't respond to any of your offers?
"Ok then, we will remove your name - it's all taken care of!"
But, DAMMIT! What did you mean...
"And, sir? Were you aware of our current offer - just $16.95 for a full year? This offer is available to our valued customers for many of our publications - SI, etc..."
NO! I don't want your crap! I want to know what you meant by "further action"!
"Ok - and are you a current AOL user?"
Click.
Unbelievable.
628. ScottLoar - 3/8/2001 5:29:11 AM
Ha! I cancelled MCI more than two years ago. I'm still getting a monthly minimum charge bill. I had telephoned, faxed, e-mailed and written. I did this first to entertain myself to know how long and by what means MCI could best understand.
I have long, long ago understood their understanding is beyond me.
629. JudithAtHome - 3/8/2001 10:56:40 AM
MCI will be available to take your calls in the first circle of Hell.
630. Raskolnikov - 3/8/2001 1:05:12 PM
Current pet peeve: 3D charts.
I am helping a colleague with a report that is just chock full of 3D pie charts. And not just a little shading to a standard 2D chart. The chart appears to be leaning backward at a 45 degree angle, while simultaneously exploding from the center. I understand that Excel is to blame.
The whole point of a chart is to make data easier to understand by representing it in graphical form. So the purpose of the fucking chart is defeated when you distort the perspective in a way that a slice in the "front" of the pie chart is bigger than a slice representing an identical number of cases that is unfortunately relegated to the back of the chart. And why bother using a pie chart at all if you are going to explode it in a way that it doesn't look like a pie?
I was also looking at the 3D Bar charts in the same report, and noticed that the charts are lying to me. In order to give a 3D effect, there are two horizontal lines at the top of every bar - one representing the "front" of the bar, and one the rear. I was trying to figure out which one matched up with the scale on the vertical axis, when I realized that neither of them do. The scale matches up with the "middle" of the bar.
I have to rant here because I am meeting with the colleague tomorrow, and don't want to bite her head off, so I need to get it out of my system. But I wish people would just learn to let a graph describe the data in as clear a way as possible, and not try to turn it into an aesthetic masterpiece. They aren't writing the fucking report using an attractive gothic font with 3D shading, so why screw uround with the graphs?
631. Raskolnikov - 3/8/2001 1:16:12 PM
Damn, I got a conversation link already? That was fast.
Hi mom.
632. ycmeehan - 3/8/2001 1:16:30 PM
We are with MCI, Judith, only because they offer the 9 cents a minute deal to France on Sundays. My husband hates MCI but puts up with it because I don't feel guilty at 9 cents a minute if I talk for hours to my family.
633. Fielding - 3/8/2001 1:19:18 PM
Rask:
You have to move quickly these days.
634. JudithAtHome - 3/8/2001 1:27:43 PM
YC:
That is a good rate to France and I don't blame you for staying with them. However, keep in the back of your mind that they are the minions of Satan....
635. PelleNilsson - 3/8/2001 2:04:01 PM
Raskonlikov
I couldn't agree more.The tendency to embellish graphics, to make them "visually attractive", is disgusting. Newspapers are the worst offenders.
636. arkymalarky - 3/8/2001 6:24:42 PM
My brother had to call the AR attorney general over MCI. They're relentless.
637. JudithAtHome - 3/8/2001 6:33:14 PM
Hey, Arky...howzit? I'm making pot roast and waiting for Keoni to get home.
638. arkymalarky - 3/8/2001 6:46:45 PM
Hey! Just winding down after work. You feeling better?
639. JudithAtHome - 3/8/2001 6:54:51 PM
Yes, and I think we're going to be able to attend a play on Saturday...I called and they gave me an aisle seat. (I feel so decrepit but this will be a good chance to test my new cane, the one with the tassel.)
640. LimeGirl - 3/8/2001 7:53:06 PM
Woo, I feel proud, because I just finished making a bunch of charts for a homework assignment, and not a single 3D chart in the bunch of them. I admit, I was tempted by the 'cone' representation, but I resisted.
641. CalGal - 3/8/2001 7:59:31 PM
You know the chart that drives me bugfuck is the "radar" chart--I can't remember what it used to be called, but that's what Excel calls it. I mean, what the hell is up with that? Who would ever use it? What sort of data can be meaningfully presented that way?
642. Frankster - 3/8/2001 9:33:08 PM
Rant one: I continue to get a bill from the local paper informing me that I owe them $19.00. The paperboy -- who has been servicing my place for five years -- tells me that he, as an independent contractor, is in charge of my account, and that he is the one I make payment to, as I have been doing. He tells me the newspaper company is the one that's got it all fucked up and to just ignore them.
Easy for him to say.
Rant two: Small time internet travel companies. I just received my tickets to Paris TODAY. This after waiting for nearly two months. Next time it's back to my travel agent, or one of the more well known ones such as Travelocity and skip the $40.00 savings. It isn't worth it at all. They should have been mailed the second after I gave them my credit card number on January 17th.
How do they expect to stay in business this way ?
643. JudithAtHome - 3/8/2001 10:22:41 PM
Frank:
Even a good site like Travelocity is having troubles...
644. Shannon - 3/8/2001 10:28:48 PM
I've never noticed the radar chart. That is pretty funky.
645. joezan - 3/8/2001 10:52:35 PM
Last year, I made a presentation in Lotus Freelance Graphics (like PowerPoint) comparing several aspects of our court's two treatment programs for juveniles, to be presented to our county commissioners.
I was told to "make it flashy", so I used the dreaded 3D bar charts - 12 of them - towards the end of the presentation.
But Freelance is a tricky program; you've almost got to print your presentation off as soon as you're done, because oftentimes it's screwed up when you re-open it.
Anyway, somehow the charts for two of the three programs I was comparing became associated, and, despite the fact that the figures were totally different, the charts, 4 for each program, were exactly the same. I never noticed until well after the presentation, while looking at my handouts.
But not one of the 12 commissioners noticed.
Thank GOD for bar charts.
646. joezan - 3/8/2001 10:53:14 PM
...for 3D bar charts.
647. Stephanie D. - 3/9/2001 11:52:35 AM
About the funky graphics screwing up quality of information: There's an excellent writer on this subject, Edward Tufte. He has several books with titles like The Visual Display of Quantitative Information and Envisioning Information, with beautifully clear explanations of the best way to present data graphically. He also talks about the real-world consequences of doing this badly, like misleading tables and charts that allowed the Challenger shuttle to launch. His books are also themselves very beautifully designed. Can't recommend them enough.
648. Raskolnikov - 3/9/2001 11:54:43 AM
well yeah, if you want your audience to miss the fact that your charts are hooey, nothing beats confusing graphs.
649. CalGal - 3/9/2001 12:31:39 PM
Stephanie,
Interesting. Thanks.
650. Raskolnikov - 3/9/2001 12:45:32 PM
I'll second the recommendation of Tufte. I have his "Visual Display" book at work, and tend to haul it out when disagreements over graphical presentation comes up.
651. PelleNilsson - 3/9/2001 1:21:48 PM
I have Tufte. I wanted to scan in what many consider the best graphic in the world: an illustration of Napoleon's march to Moscow and his retreat. But I cannot find the book. Last year in a sudden and uncharacteristic burst of energy I re-organised my books according to new and ingenious principles. Then we went for vacation and when we came back I had forgotten what these principles were. Since then I have had great problems in finding any book. The frustration! The anger!
652. Wombat - 3/9/2001 1:28:12 PM
I've got that book, too. I am sure with a little digging you could come up with a poster of the Grande Armee in Russia graph.
653. JudithAtHome - 3/9/2001 1:36:14 PM
Is that the one where he laid out the marches and included the weather in the the graphs?
654. PelleNilsson - 3/9/2001 1:40:10 PM
Wombat
Right you are. Here it is in a rather crude version. 
The thickness of the line shows the size of the army.
655. Raskolnikov - 3/9/2001 1:52:14 PM
I do love that graph.
656. Stephanie D. - 3/9/2001 2:05:18 PM
Was that his graph? I seem to remember it as being an 18th or early 19th c. graph that he discusses in detail.
Thanks to Tufte, I always make table borders 25% gray instead of full black and it's amazing what a difference that makes for readability.
657. PelleNilsson - 3/9/2001 2:39:34 PM
No, it is not his graph. It was made in the 19th century by a French engineer. Tufte uses it as example of a really great graph which displays a lot of information, yet is easy to understand.
658. arkymalarky - 3/9/2001 8:10:54 PM
Message # 651
Hahaha! Don't you hate when that happens? That's like hiding something important in a really great place--so great that when you forget where you hid it, you can never find it even after you move, and a hundred years from now someone is tearing down your house and locates it and makes a mint on The Antiques Road Show.
659. msgreer - 3/10/2001 3:08:18 PM
Some motherf***** wiped my entire checking account out using my ATM.I just found out a half hour ago when I tried to make a purchase using my ATM. My sister and brother-in-law have been using my card and fear someone was watching them. My bank can not be reached until Monday. Money can't be tranferred into the account until Monday. I will hold my breath no checks get returned. Grrrrrrrr.
660. Frankster - 3/10/2001 3:16:17 PM
I'm sorry to hear that msgreer. I hope there is some way to trace and catch the motherfuckers ... I'm still in the minority and still don't quite understand what good is a pin number without the actual magnetic strip. The caution many people take to protect their pin numbers is now understandable.
My thoughts are with you, msgreer.
661. msgreer - 3/10/2001 3:17:18 PM
Thanks, Frankster. I feel totally violated.
662. anomieme - 3/10/2001 8:19:35 PM
MsGreer,
Just checked in to see what you might be ranting about. I'm sorry. I hope it doesn't take too long to straighten out.
I got screwed by the California DMV, but in light of your problem and since it seems to be such a common problem here, it can wait for another time.
And besides, the DMV folks were very nice on the phone...
663. msgreer - 3/10/2001 10:26:24 PM
anomieme
My bank and Visa will take over from here. I am responsible for $50 on my Visa. My anger and depression comes in when I realize someone took a nice four figure number out of my checking account. Thanks for your concern.
664. msgreer - 3/10/2001 10:28:09 PM
On Monday I'll transfer money into my checking from another account. I'm still pissed. Now I am going to take a warm bath, have some nice tea and read.
665. ScottLoar - 3/11/2001 12:43:49 AM
Message # 654 is a superb example of elegant simplicity.
I've hear various quotes that 400,000 to 600,000 marched in, 20,000 straggled back.
666. janjon - 3/12/2001 4:23:14 PM
It is simple to understand except for the temperature bar. Was that temperature going in? retreating? Seems highly unlikely that it was somehow an average for both, unless in/out more or less were in synch timewise. Or, am I missing something.
667. joezan - 3/12/2001 10:39:26 PM
Bumperstickers...
What are people thinking sometimes?
I don't mind the simple, quick little message ones - even when I don't agree with the message.
Love Your Mother(earth)?
Hey...fine. You have an opinion - you're entitled to it.
Same with campaign stickers.
But why do people feel the need to advertise their rudeness and thoughtlessness - not to mention their asinine, juvenile senses of humor?
I saw one today (actually, the catalyst for this rant) that said:
If I wanted any shit from you, I'd squeeze your head!
The car that owned this sticker was driven by some mean looking old chain-smoking broad. And it was only the worst of a whole mess of stickers, almost all of which contained a curse word or two...Bitch On Board, for example.
Another one that really annoys me is the Bad Boy pissing on the Chevy logo, the Ford logo, the Dodge logo.
I mean, don't these idiots realize this Bad Boy guy has absolutely no loyalty to their cause?
But the worst - the absolute WORST - has got to be:
My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student
Friggin' idiots...
668. PelleNilsson - 3/13/2001 2:15:40 AM
janjon
The temperature relates to the retreat. In the original, full-size chart one can clearly see how the army is further decimated each time the temperature drops.
669. bubbaette - 3/13/2001 8:01:28 AM
The temp. chart should have some sort of scale on it. At what temp does it start and bottom out?
I was reading War and Peace the summer I took a class in Military Politics and have always been fascinated by this campaign in a "What in the Hell Was He Thinking" sort of way.
670. Wombat - 3/13/2001 8:22:53 AM
Napoleon wasn't the first to try...and he wasn't the last.
JoeZan:
The bumper sticker that never fails to infuriate me says: "Annoy a Liberal: Work Hard and Be Happy." In general, I hate the self-advertisement that bumper stickers represent.
671. bubbaette - 3/13/2001 8:55:46 AM
I ain't giving up my "How Would Jesus Drive?" bumpersticker. So there.
672. alistairconnor - 3/13/2001 9:17:51 AM
Joe :
Love Your Mother(earth)?
Hey...fine. You have an opinion - you're entitled to it.
So you don't agree with that? Well, you're entitled to your opinion, you motherf...
673. rubberducky - 3/13/2001 9:46:46 AM
aaaarrrgggghhhhh
Wingspanbank.com is a fucking scam.
i signed up with them in 1999 cuz everything was free. it was 'always' gonna be free, you see. online bill pay, statements, everything. it is a subsidiary of Bank One and, as such, there were no physical branches.
just looked at my statement yesterday and found out that now, if your average monthly balance falls below $1500 you get docked $10 for the fucking account and an additional $6.95 for the damn bill pay feature.
$16.95 in fees for a single MONTH!
insane bastards.
674. PelleNilsson - 3/13/2001 12:11:40 PM
Wombat
As you know, the first to try was Charles XII of Sweden in 1705 or thereabouts.
675. bubbaette - 3/13/2001 12:28:05 PM
Was Hitler the last?
676. AytchMan - 3/13/2001 7:04:25 PM
Let's just say he was the most recent.
677. joezan - 3/14/2001 7:36:19 AM
alistair:
So you don't agree with that? Well, you're entitled to your opinion, you motherf...
Ooops! Sorry...didn't intend to offend.
Forgot you were a greeny.
Actually, I used to have one of those stickers affixed to the bumper of my Renault.
I found myself forever having to wipe my exhaust deposits off of it, though. And eventually, after so many cleanings, you just couldn't read the damn thing anymore.
678. joezan - 3/14/2001 7:38:10 AM
...yours, however, is no doubt affixed to your bicycle.
679. alistairconnor - 3/14/2001 7:42:47 AM
Actually Joe, we still run two cars... My longest weekly trip is 10 miles each way, to the market and organic co-op (there are actually another couple of market towns slightly closer, but no organic co-op.)
In fact, over the last few weeks, I've been clocking up quite a few miles, in connection with campaigning for Green candidates. Ironic.
680. alistairconnor - 3/14/2001 7:44:49 AM
... and you didn't offend me, it was just a cheap joke on my part... I was worried I might offend you, but I thought you'd grasp the irony... someone who doesn't love mother earth is a ...
681. joezan - 3/14/2001 7:55:15 AM
I got it, ac. Even we non-green mf's have a sense o' humor, you know.
682. marshame - 3/14/2001 1:49:50 PM
I am very glad to see the demise of the "Baby on Board" signs. I never, ever understood the idea behind that one. Or maybe I do: Attention drivers: since I have a baby in the car, I wish you would not run into me. If I didn't have a baby in the car, then it would be fine with me for you to hit me, but since the little tyke's along, please run into someone else.
And what are we to do with those drivers who had the signs but - NO BABY!! Can some sort of penalty be exacted, for convincing people not to crash into them on false pretenses?
683. bubbaette - 3/14/2001 2:04:06 PM
I thought the purpose of the signs was so that you WOULD run into them. D'oh!
684. bubbaette - 3/14/2001 2:04:47 PM
On the other hand, it might have just been an announcement that the driver had mastered the mechanics of breeding.
685. ChristinO - 3/14/2001 2:11:22 PM
I always thought that it was in case of an accident the rescue teams would know to look for a child trapped in a carseat. You know like the stickers that go in the window of your kids' bedrooms so the firemfighters know where they are in the event of a disaster.
686. ChristinO - 3/14/2001 2:12:12 PM
probably also useful for firefmen.
687. JudithAtHome - 3/14/2001 2:13:08 PM
It's a good idea to post a decal on your front door telling firemen you have a pet inside, too, ChristinO.
688. ChristinO - 3/14/2001 2:16:58 PM
I hadn't thought of that since there's no room in my house without windows---well, except the closet---but it's a good idea.
689. seadate - 3/14/2001 2:19:36 PM
Notice to Firefmen: Fully Stocked Liquor Cabinet
690. Laura C - 3/14/2001 3:31:58 PM
Excuse me for interrupting...
Damn you, Juno.com. Damn you to hell and halfway back before you dwindle into an ashy pile of malevolent uselessness.
Yes, I actually read the new Service Agreement you so helpfully sent me. The one that says:
>You expressly permit and authorize Juno to (i) download to your computer one or more pieces of software (the "Computational Software") designed to perform computations, which may be unrelated to the operation of the Service, on behalf of Juno (or on behalf of such third parties as may be authorized by Juno...
>In connection with downloading and running the Computational Software, Juno may require you to leave your computer turned on at all times, and may replace the "screen saver" software that runs on your computer while the computer is turned on but you are not using it. The screen saver software installed by Juno, which may display advertisements or other images chosen by Juno, is an integral part of the Computational Software...
See, I have this funny idea that when I'm paying you for access, I shouldn't have to give you continuous access to my computer's processing power, my phone line, and my eyeballs. We will pass over in silence the privacy issues involved in your sporadically searching my hard drive at will and dialing in to report your findings.
Now I have to find a new ISP and give up an email address I've had since 1994, because I'm damned if I'll tolerate your officious and blatant intrusiveness. Take your computation software, fold it until it is all sharp points, and proceed as seems best to you.
Thank you; I feel better now.
691. Laura C - 3/14/2001 3:33:03 PM
And apologies for inadequately marking the two quoted paragraphs.
692. seadate - 3/14/2001 3:36:35 PM
great rants must be posted immediately with complete idsregard to markings.
693. seadate - 3/14/2001 3:37:11 PM
adn speling
694. JudithAtHome - 3/14/2001 3:43:05 PM
Laura C:
You can still use the e-mail program for free...that's what I did; not only did they try to stick me with that goofball proposal but they wanted me to pay $39.95 a month, too. I dropped JunoWeb and still have the e-mail for free.
695. Laura C - 3/14/2001 4:01:33 PM
Really, Judith? Thank you. That will work perfectly.
696. CalGal - 3/14/2001 4:08:44 PM
Laura,
Aytchman is on a never ending search for the perfect freebie ISP. Did you see the announcement a while back about Juno's using their computers for SETI? Cracked me up.
697. msgreer - 3/16/2001 6:06:43 AM
You can also post "living will in refrigerator" on or around your front door. Hemlock Society also provides a sticker "living will in glove compartment." No jokes abt. the refrig, folks.
It can come in handy.
698. JudithAtHome - 3/16/2001 8:25:18 AM
We can't have the Hemlock society here in Texas...GW has too many friends in the funeral buisness.
699. vw - 3/16/2001 11:49:48 PM
Without the threat of a presidential veto, abortion opponents said they will also try to add abortion language to spending bills, such as possibly imposing parental consent requirements on family planning funds and eliminating contraception coverage for federal employees. - By Juliet Eilperin THE WASHINGTON POST
So, which one of you butt-sucking Bush apologists is going to explain to me exactly what eliminating insurance coverage for contraception has to do with abortion? Please, one of you brain-trusts that have been crowing the glories of George Jr. since Nov. explain exactly how banning contraceptives is a fucking step forward in the war against the murders of the unborn?
Because its beginning to look a lot less like some kind of life and death battle for the souls of our most innocent and helpless members of society and more and more like were on the receiving end of a holy gang-bang
courtesy of the Religious Right and their favorite hand puppet GWB.
So please, set me straight. Justify for me cutting coverage of contraceptives to win the war against abortion (but still making sure that Viagra subscriptions are fully covered). Because from where I sit there is no explanation except one: that George W. Bush is going to shove his personal moral and religious beliefs down the throat of America and piss on the Constitution while the rest of you patriots sit around masturbating over the latest Clinton scandal.
Whew. I feel much better.
700. CalGal - 3/16/2001 11:54:01 PM
Yes, but it should go to Politics so we can spend the weekend arguing about it.
701. vw - 3/16/2001 11:57:26 PM
Well, I think I needed to get the "butt-sucking apologists" comments out of my system first.
I'm feeling a terrible urge to become activist again because of this shit.
702. vw - 3/16/2001 11:58:54 PM
Anyway, I thought they were babbling about the budget?
703. HollyW - 3/17/2001 12:22:18 AM
Nice rant, v.
Nurse's rant.
Listen, I don't care if you just had a heart attack and we both know that when you go home you are going to continue to put cheese on everything and forget to take your blood pressure pills. Today, you are eating salad, and you are gratefully taking your pills. That's all I'm concerned with. I'm not unreasonable.
And I don't care that you are diabetic and still eat two pieces of chocolate cake because you feel you can always even it out with a little extra insulin at bedtime, even though such behavior beats the shit out of your kidneys. I understand, I can't say no to chocolate cake either, and I am clearly brighter than you are.
But when you are in the hospital for the fourth time in six months because you can't breathe and get pissy because I refuse to unhook you from your IV so you can go out to smoke because the doctor said NO SMOKING PASS, and then tell me your sad story of how you are on disability because you can't breathe and therefore live in a shitty neighborhood where your kids are picking up bad influences because you can't afford better, I care. And you are wasting my fucking time.
Next time, put on the nicotine patch, grit your teeth, and at least pretend to make an effort. I don't care if you snipe at me all shift long from the withdrawal symptoms. And if you can't do that, work on your denial mechanism. "You know, it's all a conspiracy, that these cigarettes ruin your lungs. It's a government cover-up."
Stupid I can understand. Faking it I can accept. Blatantly undermining my every attempt to help you get better is an insult. So STOP IT.
704. CalGal - 3/17/2001 12:42:00 AM
Good rant.
Vikki,
You can always change the subject. In fact, I think right at the moment it is about the inconsistent legal status of a fetus.
705. CalGal - 3/17/2001 12:44:38 AM
Just checked. You're right. It's back on the budget. We neeed a social issues thread. How's bout you host?
706. Toenails - 3/17/2001 9:17:35 AM
What about Earthlink, AOL, etc. etc., who send me, every damned month, still-another CD inviting me to subscribe to their service?
Fine--except there is STILL no damned local access telephone number to call to hook up with them. They actually think I'm going to go online using a toll number?
Were I a stockholder in one of these outfits, I'd be asking questions about repeated mass-mailings of expensive CDs to people who, assuming they're in their right minds, wouldn't subscribe in a million years.
707. Toenails - 3/17/2001 9:22:06 AM
Re the Nurse's rant about smokers-on-oxygen:
This is eugenics-in-action, and it should be celebrated!
708. vw - 3/17/2001 9:40:19 AM
Cal,
What are a host's responsibilities? As you probably know from both here and TT I tend to post in spurts. Thats because my work and family life seems to fall into patterns where Im unbelievably busy one week or two and then have a lot of down time the next week. Would that interfere with the responsibilities if I was absent for a week at a time?
709. CalGal - 3/17/2001 9:49:46 AM
vw,
No, we have a fair amount of hosts who aren't around all the time. If you end up with the sort of thread that needs to be monitored for spam (like politics)--and that's a possible risk, given a subject like social issues--it could be resolved by having a co-host. But even in Politics, with ducky not always around, it pretty much resolves itself.
Think about it for a while--it's a thread I've thought we've been missing for a while. We tend to take over Current Events or Politics when we have a social issue, rather than have a spot for it. We just had a long discussion about threads in Suggestions (see link if interested) since we're not like TT, thread creation and deletion is often discussed heavily. Although the same cries of favoritism are inevitable.
710. altitude /w attitude - 3/17/2001 10:42:43 AM
HollyW
Repost#703
I wish I knew how to post one of those gifs of hands clapping. (I think that is what they are called) That was great.
Then there are those sitting in dialysis asking for the third cup of ice water in less than 4 hours. Eating a quart of wonton soup. Diabetic, morbidly obese, arrhythmias, with several grandchildren diagnosed with diabetes also. Why must you commit suicide in front of them and me? "I don't know how I gain 6 kilos, I don't drink much water." I know, the gremlins come in at night when you are sleeping with your mouth open and pour water in. Ice cream, soup, coffee, beer, juice, none of that adds fluid to your system. The doctors and nurses don't know what they are talking about.
Isn't there some kind of ethical responsibility for how my tax dollars get spent? Oh that only applies to the government. It is OK for John Q. Stupid Public to keep spending my money on repeat hospitalizations and extra treatments because he is unable to exercise a little self restraint.
Thank you.
711. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 10:46:18 AM
Message # 703 A tale of care abused. I have no sympathy and less empathy for those patients. Let'em indulge in their vices to death.
712. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 10:47:38 AM
I mean, how can a person elevate a piece of chocolate cake or a cigarette to so damned perilous a height?
713. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 10:53:41 AM
Ethics applied to economics:
a) those guilty of chronic, self-induced morbidity should pay their own medical costs;
b) those who chronically engage the time of police, fire and emergency services should pay the costs of those services
c) those adventurers (e.g. mountaineers, hikers, skiers, yachtsmen, kids out for a lark) who knowingly place themselves in harm's way should pay the cost of search and rescue.
714. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 10:56:15 AM
d) those who through foolishness or choice ignore the circumstances in which they place themselves (debtors, bankrupts) should pay the cost of their salvation - if other men are so inclined to save them.
715. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 10:59:09 AM
e) those whose habits enrage or denigrate the general public should be denied the company of that society.
716. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 11:00:44 AM
f) those who harm the general weal should be denied the direct benefits of that society.
717. joezan - 3/17/2001 11:30:17 AM
Loar's Six Commandments of Social Responsibility.
Frame them and hang them in every school, police station, hospital, and welfare office.
718. HollyW - 3/17/2001 12:43:45 PM
Yeah, but...then I wouldn't have a job!
719. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 12:59:38 PM
No, Holly, you'd have an easier job allowing better use of your educated skill and natural inclinations.
720. HollyW - 3/17/2001 1:39:50 PM
Well, Scott, I think you've found the solution to the nursing shortage, at any rate...
The three worst things you can do to yourself: Drink a lot. Smoke even a little. And get very, very fat.
If all my patients that did any one of those things were refused care and sent home, I'd be left with...maybe one?
721. ScottLoar - 3/17/2001 2:04:06 PM
Your description reveals you nurse American patients.
722. altitude /w attitude - 3/17/2001 3:50:05 PM
ScottLoar
Very well said!
The sad part is you go in to the field of health care to provide care. There are legitimate health care needs. There is pathologic physiology involved with long term illness. (fascinating stuff)
Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, SLE, to name a few long term illnesses. Most people with long term illness take care of themselves and are seen infrequently in an acute setting. We just happen to see the minority with great regularity. The frequent fliers. We had one patient who had been in the hospital over 150 times in 5 years at taxpayer expense. All related to alcohol abuse and tobacco, also purchased at taxpayer expense.
723. joezan - 3/17/2001 9:36:56 PM
Somewhere, somehow, someone has to just say to one of these leeches:
Sorry...no.
We are no longer going to be the ones to save your fat, stinking, baby ass. We're through receiving you after the medics pry you out of your recliner so that you can come here and suck on the public teat, while we wipe your fat, scabby ass and listen to you complain about the food and demand to be let out for a smoke. It's not doing you any good, and it's sure not doing society any good.
Just once.
It'd start a movement.
724. altitude /w attitude - 3/17/2001 11:22:57 PM
Ahhh yes but the morbidly obese move so slowly!
726. Fielding - 3/20/2001 4:49:48 PM
Post 725 was moved to "Ace's World", where it belongs.
728. AceofSpades - 3/20/2001 4:54:11 PM
Post 725 has been moved back to your lame thread(as Post 727), where it belongs.
729. Fielding - 3/20/2001 4:54:35 PM
Back to you.
730. janjon - 3/20/2001 5:06:16 PM
more fun than watching tennis.
731. Fielding - 3/23/2001 3:12:01 PM
What's wrong with watching tennis?
732. JudithAtHome - 3/23/2001 3:23:53 PM
It has a narcotic effect and falling asleep in front of the TV isn't as bad falling asleep in front of your computer. Those keyboard hits on your head are much worse than the ones on the couch.
733. Fielding - 3/23/2001 3:27:51 PM
I like watching tennis on TV, but I like watching it in person even more, but I like playing even more than that.
734. JudithAtHome - 3/23/2001 3:37:35 PM
Okay, Mr. Insurance-Man-In-My-Neighborhood, I've had it with you sending little postcards to my house trying to get me to drop my perfectly good car and homeowners insurance and wasting not only postage but paper products that could otherwise be put to use by you for customers you already have...the fact that I have called you twice and told you in no uncertain terms that I am not going to enroll in your insurance program and have asked that you stop sending these cards to my house has evidently fallen on deaf ears and I want to know how you expect me to feel confident in your abilities to be an overseer of my insurance needs if you won't even listen to my two requests?
735. christipeters - 3/23/2001 5:14:14 PM
Guess what, telemarketer, when you call my house and I say "I do not listen to telemarketing calls, please put me on your do not call list." the proper response is "yes, ma'am" followed by a click as you hang up the phone and call the next person on your list. It is NOT, "But why don't you listen to telemarketing calls...." (OK, so that's where I hung up).
See, my reasons are none of your damn business and the law requires you to comply with my request to be put on the do not call list. There is no requirement for me to explain the reasons behind my personal preferences to you.
Got that?
736. christipeters - 3/23/2001 5:14:50 PM
(ok, really going home now)
737. mgleason - 3/23/2001 5:23:45 PM
One nice thing FL does is issue a state-wide No Call list. It costs $5.00 per year to be on it, and it's worth it.
An anti-rant: we're going to hear Joe Walsh play tonight!
738. JudithAtHome - 3/23/2001 6:18:48 PM
I hope he's as good as he used to be! Maybe life's been good to him so far...
739. arkymalarky - 3/23/2001 7:04:04 PM
We've got that in AR too, MG. It's a great deal.
I'm incredibly envious of you. My friend and neighbor saw him several years ago and got a "Don't blame me, I voted for Joe Walsh" t-shirt which I would love to steal.
740. mgleason - 3/24/2001 4:00:30 PM
Judith and Arky,
It was a terrific show: Joe, a bassist, a keyboardist, and a drummer. He did old James Gang stuff in addition to lots of songs from his solo albums, including 'The Confessor,' which is one of my favorites. We had wonderful seats, in the center, about ten rows from the stage.
741. arkymalarky - 3/24/2001 4:45:05 PM
I love The Confessor, too. Bob would have loved the James Gang stuff.
(I had to let my color reflect my feeling)
742. Jon Ferguson - 3/24/2001 4:46:02 PM
You feeling seasick?
743. arkymalarky - 3/24/2001 4:47:56 PM
Envious.
744. Jon Ferguson - 3/24/2001 4:49:22 PM
Sorry, arky. This ain't Fielding you're talking to.
I should have said:
You feeling seasick? (g)
745. Jon Ferguson - 3/24/2001 4:55:36 PM
Or if I wanted Fielding to get it, I should have said:
Are you green because you're feeling seasick? (g) Get it? You meant green with envy, but I pretended that I thought you meant you were feeling seasick. Hahaha. Note for Fielding: (Green is a color. Fresh, healthy, well-watered grass is green. Green is also associated with envy and being nauseous.)
746. arkymalarky - 3/24/2001 4:55:49 PM
Ah. I get it.
747. arkymalarky - 3/24/2001 4:56:37 PM
I didn't add my haha's in 746.
748. mgleason - 3/24/2001 4:57:53 PM
Arky,
We were seated next to a very spruce fiftyish couple out on a date who did not seem to be your typical fans. She remarked that the audience seemed different from the one at the last performance they'd attended, Paul Anka's, so I smelled trouble. (I also smelled a bit of dope, which also bothered her.) Sure enough, they were outta there by the third song.
Their loss, y'know?
749. arkymalarky - 3/24/2001 5:03:05 PM
Haha! Do people like that just go without even paying attention who they will be listening to? Must be nice to have that kind of money to waste. Your gain, not having them next to you, I bet.
750. mgleason - 3/24/2001 5:06:08 PM
Oh, yeah. It was pretty much non-stop bitching from the moment they sat down.
751. Uzmakk - 3/24/2001 5:42:45 PM
There is not nearly enough ranting on this thread. What do I have to do, give ranting lessons?
752. Frankster - 3/24/2001 7:56:18 PM
Okay, Uz, you want a rant ? Here's one:
I beginning to hate a certain neighbor who recommended over a year ago that we talk to the owner of this complex to suggest that we ( he and I ) should take over the yard maintenance of this place in exchange for some creative freedom to do what we would like with it. Well, the owner agreed, dropped the maintenance guy, and turned over the reins to us.
...By the way, the lawn is an extremely fast growing fescue, and requires mowing every three to four days before it becomes too lenghthy to mow properly.
Since then, I have not only bought a ton of equipment such as a lawnmower and two weed eaters ( the first one was painfully not up to task ), but have broken my back to turn over and amend the clay laden soil around here, along with several dump runs that have cost me 15 smackers everytime. I haven't ever figured out what the expensive grass seed and rose bushes have cost me, and I've never asked the owner to be reimbursed. Let's just say it's a lot of money. I will charge the owner for the mulberry tree I just planted, because that was too big of a hit on my pocketbook ($98.00) and he did offer to pay for any tree I planted.
Continued:
753. Frankster - 3/24/2001 7:57:04 PM
Okay, here it is. Here's what I just "love" about this guy: Whenever I'm out there using my gas powered weedeater doing the edges, this idjit closes his door. I guess he can't bear the noise, or maybe, his conscience. Why not come out, and at the very least, offer to broom the clippings off the sidewalk ? After all, it was basically * his * idea that we drop the yard maintenance guy to begin with over a year ago so that * we * could take over. When is he going to begin doing his share ? I have done over 98% of the work so far without him ONCE offering to assist me while I'm out there working. Not once. The last time he mowed the lawn was the last time I went to Europe -- about a year ago.
... Let's see, he has bought one expensive box of grass seed, and he did buy a 75' hose, but my guess is that he bought the grass seed out of the guilt of having his friggin' dog stain the first lawn I planted, and the hose purchase was simply to replace one that was stolen which he used to wash his car with anyway. That's roughly about one-fortieth of what I have spent out of my pocket.
The other idjit neighbor (also a 40ish single male) has planted a jojoba tree at the edge of one lawn I planted, but refuses to prune it, claiming that that type of tree does not require pruning (What ?!?!). The tip of this tree is about eight feet in height, but the whole thing resembles a bush, with shooters preventing its potential to grow upward.
I will leave specific instructions with both of them while I'm in Europe as to the watering and maintenace of the place, so we'll see what happens while I'm gone. Maybe then they'll appreciate me, huh ? I hope they don't forget about watering the roses.
OTOH, maybe they would both do such a fucked up job, so...
Back to work...now you got me pissed thinking about it once more.
754. RickNelson - 3/24/2001 8:08:26 PM
You know what I hate? I hate not being able to think of something I hate! What the hell is up with that?!
Seems to me, there's plenty to hate. Drivers top my list of irritants, but I just can't bring myself to accept hating them. Politicians are next on the list, but they seem to have been groomed to perform that way, so I just end up pitying them. Murderers and the like, well this category could be the likely candidate. Its just, they all seems so damn pitiful.
Damn I hate not knowing what I hate!
755. Stumbo - 3/24/2001 8:09:04 PM
"Whenever I'm out there using my gas powered weedeater doing the edges, this idjit closes his door. [...] I have done over 98% of the work so far without him ONCE offering to assist me while I'm out there working."
Heh. I hate to tell you this, but it sounds like you are the "idjit."
756. Frankster - 3/24/2001 10:45:09 PM
Stumbo,
I didn't come here to get picked on, but I also realize I did leave that option for anyone to take a swipe at me wide open.
I live my life everyday trying to be the most principled, "man of his word", person I can be, but sadly, others don't live their lives that way. I still expect people to keep their word. Is that too much to expect, and is it naive of me to think so ? ... Don't answer that. :-)
Actually, I enjoy doing the yard ... What a theraputic release it is of sorts, and I really don't know if I would want anyone at this late a stage to come in and possibly screw up what I've achieved so far with it, but I just can't believe that after all this time, the guy's conscience hasn't kicked in.
Another thing that pisses me off about him is how he doesn't keep an eye on his dog. He's actually pretty good about picking up his dog's number twos, but he does absolutely nothing about the number ones -- which are the ones ruining the green consistency of this lawn.
He comes home, lets his dog out, and that's it. His dog runs out and pisses on the lawn, guaranteeing a burned out spot in a matter of days, and not once has he bothered to follow the bitch to dilute the area this bitch will piss in. Is he blind ?
...I better stop. I'm starting to get upset again over the whole thing.
757. Jon Ferguson - 3/24/2001 10:51:20 PM
Ummm. Has anybody, anywhere, ever followed their dog around with a hose in order to dilute its urine? How anal retentive is that?
758. Jon Ferguson - 3/24/2001 10:54:07 PM
Now let's hear from JJ (inflatable doll) and Fielding (goat) on the subject...
759. Jon Ferguson - 3/24/2001 10:54:28 PM
Oops. wrong thread.
760. Frankster - 3/24/2001 11:22:33 PM
Watching his dog for a * few * minutes after he lets it out is not much too ask for imo. This isn't anal retentive at all given the circumstances.
This guy witnessed me ( He lives right above the area I cleared ) with pic and shovel remove a pepper tree root system over the course of some six weeks whenever time permitted in order to plant this lawn. The hole I dug to remove this system was the size of a decent sized swimming pool, and not once did he lift a finger to help me dig or clear the area out. All he ever would say was how nice it would be to have a lawn there to throw some barbeques on occasion.
It benefits all of the tenants here to keep the place as nice as possible, particularly when it is basically ONE guy working to keep it looking attractive. The very least he (they) could do is not make my job harder. If this guy would just watch his dog for a couple of minutes after letting her out, the lawn would be in better shape sans the burned Frisbee sized spots which his dog's urine has managed. It was once so even, and now ... Doesn't he ever see me re-seed it on occasion ? He can't be that damn blind.
If he doesn't want to help, fine, but don't make my job harder because you're a lazy ass and an irresponsible pet owner.
How would * you * react if the neighbor's dog was killing off YOUR lawn -- a beautiful green lawn you have worked hard to achieve and maintain ?
761. JudithAtHome - 3/24/2001 11:36:55 PM
Frank:
In our village, they have passed an ordinance making it illegal for dogs to do their business on others lawns; it's a $60.00 fine if they do.
I think, considering all the work you do on the communal green space, it's little enough to expect the neighbors to do their part and to clean up after their pets.
762. Frankster - 3/24/2001 11:52:53 PM
Hi, Judith!
Yeah, I work on this yard almost EVERYDAY. You would think they would attempt the least they could do to better my effort.
Well, this guy comes home, opens the door, and his dog makes a bee line for the lawn. It's automatic. Why doesn't he just watch her for a couple of minutes and then spray the area with a water hose ?
The grass I originally used was Scotts Estates Tall Fescue at 12 smackers a box (about the size of a medium sized cereal box), and it turned out beautifully. Now that the rains have left, the spots are starting to return and I'm having to fill the bare spots with a brand that isn't as consistent or as green as the Scott's product I originally used.
... His friggin dog has left some areas so lumpy with bare spots. It makes me so mad when I see a new one coming out.
The worse part came when he tried to tell me one afternoon that those areas were caused by the soil amendments I used. This without me even bringing up the issue.
... I'm debating whether to go out at the moment. Should I, or shouldn't I ?
763. JudithAtHome - 3/25/2001 12:01:41 AM
You mean, go out and have a few drinks and dance with some ladies? Heck, yes...have some fun! It's Saturday night. We did...
We went to a play and to dinner with friends and the owner of the restaurant we went to gave us an excellent '98 Toscana Sangovese to have with our meal...
764. Frankster - 3/25/2001 12:06:34 AM
Great. It sounds like y'all had fun, Judith. I always gripe about not having met the "right" one, and yet I rarely go out to look for her. I can't have it both ways, can I ?
I should go out more. That is, I should go out, period!
I think I will go out for a drink!
765. Stumbo - 3/25/2001 5:57:54 AM
Frank:
I'm only slamming you for using a wrong term of invective. Had you written "this asshole," I would've whole-heartedly agreed with you.
766. joezan - 3/25/2001 8:43:41 AM
How about people who, when approaching a 4-way stop and noticing that you are going to get to your stop sign before they reach theirs, stop 20, 30 yards too soon, and then proceed to cross in front of you - without looking your way, of course - as if they're just being extra-careful by stopping way before they have to?
Do they think everyone else is stupid?
This is especially annoying when you and the moron are the only ones at the corner, and it wouldn't cost the moron one second to just stop when he/she is supposed to, instead of being a damned nose-picking line-cutter.
The same woman has done this to me at least 10 times over the past few years. As I'm going east, she's headed south, and our paths frequently cross at the same rural intersection on my way to work. But I've got her marked, and twice now I have just completely blown the stop sign ahead of her.
The last time - a few weeks ago - she saw me coming, and as I was crossing in front of her I turned to her, smiled, and waved as she leaned viciously on her horn, flipped me the bird and then furiously hit the (I suppose) 911 key on her cell phone to rat me out.
I felt great all day.
767. PelleNilsson - 3/25/2001 11:55:24 AM
Four-way stop signs is possibly the worst idea ever to emerge from the US. It was tried here for a while, then abandoned.
768. arkymalarky - 3/25/2001 12:54:35 PM
Joe's described clashes with people crack me up. I still laugh when I think about the one with the lobster pliers and "You snooze, you lose." Why does it seem you encounter more than your share of this particular type of boob, Joe?
769. joezan - 3/25/2001 2:43:44 PM
I think I just notice it more, arky.
There are millions of 'em out there, and I think we could put an end to all this lack of consideration if only us perfect folk would take the time to notice, and put the idiots in their place.
Whaddaya say - you with me on this?
770. Cellar Door - 3/25/2001 2:46:56 PM
I'm with you joe.
Now pass me those lobster pliers so I can get to work on CalGal.
771. joezan - 3/25/2001 2:51:18 PM
Pliers work a lot better on men, cellar.
But we'll think of something...
772. Cellar Door - 3/25/2001 2:53:31 PM
True.
Especially if the men in question are pierced.
Maybe in her case I should just stick to the bamboo shoots under the fingernails.
773. LimeGirl - 3/25/2001 6:05:23 PM
I have never noticed anyone doing that at 4-way stops. Mostly what I see at the 4-ways is people who don't go, and everyone just sits there, because the guy whose turn it is is not going.
My rant is: Spring quarter starts tomorrow. I am always very far ahead in planning my schedule, and know exactly what I want to take when. And I have registered accordingly. So today I went to check my schedule so that I know where all my classes meet, and the class that I so carefully picked that would cover two requirements at once, and fits neatly within my schedule, has been canceled. Had I known this from the start, I could have picked a different section, but now all the other sections are full. So I spend an annoying hour looking for classes that will fit my schedule, and will cover at least one of the requirements. Finally, I determine that all I'd better hope for is some credits towards graduation, since I do need some of those, although I'd wanted to save them for more fun classes, like poetry writing or something. But that is not to be. And now there's not enough time to find my books for the new class the cheapest way, because it needs to be a fast way.
774. CalGal - 3/25/2001 6:08:00 PM
Oh, how irritating. Can't they notify you ahead of time? And have you entered your Oscar predictions? No viewing experience necessary.
Someone's going to enter a rant about my reminders, but courage! there are only 2 more hours.
775. Autodaffy - 3/25/2001 8:14:08 PM
joe,
I have experienced something similar at a four-way. Coming to the intersection from the right of me is a line of cars; from my direction, just me. So the car with the right of way from the right goes, and the car behind it, perhaps feeling it unjust that it's now my turn without much waiting, hits a full stop before the intersection and accelerates through the intersection right after the car before her and before me.
776. joezan - 3/25/2001 11:33:07 PM
Auto:
That, too. That happens a lot in more congested areas, but most of my driving is done on rural roads, where these schmucks lack even that excuse.
And how about this one (which is more of a "country" thing, too - but no doubt happens everywhere):
You're flying down the highway and you see a car approaching a stop sign a couple hundred yards up, and he's gonna make a right onto the highway, in the same direction you're headed. There's not a soul in back of you for 3 miles, but the idiot has just got to get out there in front of you, forcing you to hit the brakes and slow down to 25 or so, to avoid creaming him.
Now, you can understand - and maybe even slow down out of courtesy to let him get out there - if you're on a busy road and you know the chances of anyone else letting him out are slim.
But with no one behind you?
Sometimes, I feel like I need to carry around a little sack of 4 oz. fishing sinkers for such occasions.
777. Shannon - 3/26/2001 12:25:45 AM
Joe, the similar annoying thing that happens here is when people cut you off making a right turn on red. I mostly drive in pretty high-traffic areas. I'm sympathetic if someone turning from a stop-signed cross forces me to slow down, because there's never going to be a good opening. But if you're going to get a green light in 30 seconds, don't jump out on the red and make me hit my brakes. Just wait your turn--that's why the light is there.
778. Frankster - 3/26/2001 12:41:07 PM
Speaking of driving, or drivers: I know it's going to come off as engaging in discrimination on my part, but so friggin' what ! Upon returning from breakfast about 30 minutes ago, I encountered an elderly man in the middle of an intesection with no clue that he was blocking traffic. Not a clue, and it took him a few seconds to realize I was to his left attempting to get by. My guess is that he was attempting some type of u-turn, but for all I know, he might have been trying to park there -- right in the middle of the intersection. He finally pulled over at a snail's pace.
I know I'm not the only one here who have witnessed little old people, barely able to look over their steering wheels, on the road with no peripheral vision and clue as to how they are driving, or for that matter, where they were. It's scary when you think about it.
If it isn't done now, testing should be mandatory for anyone over 60 to somehow test motor skills...I know, I know, it would cost too much to implement among other things...
Nothing against old people per se, as I expect to grow old myself, but a 1-800 number wouldn't be a bad idea to rid the road of these unfit drivers. ;-)
779. joezan - 3/27/2001 1:23:32 AM
Frank:
A couple of weeks ago I was looking for a parking space at Lowes - as were about 100 other poor suckers. And just about the time I resigned myself to parking 1/4 mile away, a car starts pulling out a mere 100 yards or so from the entrance, just a little ways ahead of me.
So, I stop and wait for him to pull out.
...and wait
...and wait, because the sob is about 80 years old, and enjoying making me wait - I know this.
Anyway, he finally pulls out, backing towards me - and stops.
Now, he's blocking the whole lane, and there are 4 or 5 cars in back of me. I start honking my horn.
No good.
I wait a few seconds, and honk again.
Again - no good.
So, I get out and start walking toward his car to see what's the problem, and he locks the doors (the windows were already closed), and continues looking straight ahead.
I walk back to my car, and I'm furious. I'm gonna pull up, and push this geriatric troublemaker's car out of the way, I'm thinking.
Just as I get back in the car, he takes off like a shot...
Because about *5* spaces up, someone else was pulling out. This old b****** was waiting there until someone -anyone - closer gave up a space, but was guarding his first space in case no one did.
What an idiot!
780. Frankster - 3/27/2001 1:31:25 AM
Joe,
The fear I have is that I might forget about these situations I've witnessed with senile drivers and do the same thing myself once I hit 70.
I dunno, but at some point they must realize that their reactions, peripheral vision, and hearing are just not conducive to being a good driver.
... I once saw an old geezer recently doing 40 in the number two lane of a busy freeway with nary a clue to the hazard he was becoming at that point. Where is the highway patrol when we need them ?
Okay, back to work. I have my taxes to do.
781. LimeGirl - 3/27/2001 2:21:46 PM
Dentists. I so hate going to the dentist. When they jab your gums with little pointy instruments, and then seem suprised that it hurts. You're jabbing me with a sharp object, of course it's going to hurt. When they try to talk to you when you've got headphones on and are obviously not interested in talking. When they try to instruct you on how you should take better care of your teeth, while they're jabbing you with more pointy things. No, I don't want to hear about the cavity I need filled while you're poking it with something, evidently gauging how bad it is by how much I jump each time. No, I don't want you to tell me how I should be flossing while you're scraping dental floss across my face. And no, I'm not flinching because my teeth are sensitive to the cold, it's because you're jabbing the vacuum thing into my gums.
782. joezan - 3/27/2001 6:32:43 PM
Lime:
As a person who has suffered for many years under the care of many dentists (SEVEN root canals), I whole-heartedly agree.
I am convinced that for most dental work a robot can be devised. And I'd choose it over the real thing any day.
783. Autodaffy - 3/27/2001 9:01:48 PM
Here is my number one, and it is never done by anyone older than me. The culprits are always young: approaching a red light or stopsign on a multilaned street, I begin to brake for the stop. While I am braking, an impetuous fuck cuts into my lane ahead of me, forcing me to stop even faster.
784. Toenails - 3/29/2001 2:27:09 PM
Here's a rant for you. We have a pond, a beautiful, fish-filled, tree-lined, sparkling pond.
Lots of people like to fish here, and we let them. We like it better if they ask first, so that we don't just look out the back window and there they are, in our backyard, but we let any and all visitors fish.
So why must they treat the place like it's the city dump? We get abandoned packaging for all sorts of bait and fishing gear, just tossed on the ground. We get cigarette butts, beer cans, soda cans and bottles, plastic containers with the remains of unused worms, plastic bobbers by the carload, (many left hanging from the trees in their day-glow splendor), and endless abandoned strings of fishing line.
Isn't it obvious that (a) this is a place of
considerable natural beauty; and (b) It's our damned BACK YARD?
Jeez!
785. robertjayb - 3/29/2001 2:33:40 PM
You need a big dog with strong territorial instincts.
786. christipeters - 3/29/2001 2:33:44 PM
Toenails - Sadly, the only cure for that is probably high fences and no trespassing signs. If anyone who wants to ins allowed to fish in your backyard, a certain portion of them will be littering jerks.
I suppose you could put up high fences and charge a fee for fishing. Maybe if they have to pay for it, they be more appreciative and careful. And if they're not, you can use the money to hire someone to clean up. (g)
(I sympathize. My folks went the fences and no trespassing sign route.)
787. ScottLoar - 3/29/2001 2:35:18 PM
Post signs, telling all who can read that the pond is private and trespassers will be prosecuted, or that the pond is private and they may fish but may not leave litter, please. Yes, tell me how that second suggestion works out.
Or, wait until Asians come and completely clear out the pond of all fish - large, small, edible and non - in one fine day.
788. Ronski - 3/29/2001 2:40:19 PM
I live in a truly bucolic setting. Our road is, nevertheless, constantly being littered with coffee cups, beer cans, and entire bags of trash. This, despite fines of five thousand dollars if you are caught (our town does not kid around).
789. bubbaette - 3/29/2001 2:43:37 PM
I live in an older suburb, and the only litter we get is from our next door neighbor's kids who evidently thow on the ground anything that they aren't using. Grrrrr.
790. PelleNilsson - 3/29/2001 2:50:26 PM
Over here, thanks to a sustained campaign starting in the late 60's, leaving litter behind is now at the same moral level as drinking and driving. It is simply not done.
791. Indiana Jones - 3/29/2001 2:58:46 PM
I'm with Pelle and just have a moral reaction against littering. I'd sooner pick my nose in public.
792. PsychProf - 3/29/2001 3:08:03 PM
I was walking on campus recently when a "visitor", having finished with his cigar, launched it Olympic style onto the green harbinger of our spring grass to be...having stopped in my tracks was not enough, so I marched over to the spent tobaccos new home, picked it up with a tissue held in my pocket for just such emergency, ,and gave him a facial expression just slightly characterizing the activities of my adrenals. My record setting dash to the nearest trash container seemed to impress upon him the gravity of his environmentally felonious act.
793. Ronski - 3/29/2001 3:09:04 PM
Pelle,
I was reading recently, I believe in the New York Times, about European efforts to convince Swedes that drinking specifically to get drunk (allegedly the preferred Swedish use of alcohol), as opposed to social drinking, must be abandoned if the country is ever to fully integrate with the rest of the continent.
Is this just baseless Scandiphobic propaganda, or what?
794. CalGal - 3/29/2001 3:12:09 PM
I thought that was the Irish.
795. PelleNilsson - 3/29/2001 3:17:35 PM
Ronski
That is the behaviour in the so called Vodka Belt which sweeps from Russia through Poland and then northwest to cover Scandinavis, except Denmark, and Finland.
I don't knowe about any "European efforts" to convince us to change the pattern. And, anyhow, what's the point of drinking without getting drunk?
796. PsychProf - 3/29/2001 3:18:53 PM
Buzzed but not bombed, Pelle...
797. PelleNilsson - 3/29/2001 3:24:42 PM
Precisely.
798. PelleNilsson - 3/29/2001 3:27:40 PM
Actually, the Russians are the worst. There, there is no social stigma involved in becoming totally sloshed and making a fool of yourself. Here it is frowned upon except in some sub-cultures like football huligans.
799. PelleNilsson - 3/29/2001 3:51:02 PM
What I really don't like are posters who put a question in a thread and then don't stay around for a decent time to see if any answer is forthcoming.
804. arkymalarky - 3/29/2001 5:16:53 PM
"I'm with Pelle and just have a moral reaction against littering. I'd sooner pick my nose in public."
Arkansas has got to be the trashiest state in the country, and it's a shame, since it's such a beautiful state. It's truly embarrassing. Of course, elevating littering to the moral/social level of picking one's nose, farting, belching, or performing virtually any other bodily function in public would have little to no effect here.
805. Fielding - 3/29/2001 5:36:22 PM
Posts 800 - 803 were moved to the cafe.
806. FlexyFlange - 3/29/2001 5:38:45 PM
Hello, Arky.
807. FlexyFlange - 3/29/2001 5:40:26 PM
Sorry, Fielding. I thought I was in the Mote Cafe.
808. Wombat - 3/30/2001 8:57:33 AM
Psych:
You could have given the cigar butt back to the gentleman and suggested that he dispose of it properly.
809. PsychProf - 3/30/2001 9:15:04 AM
Wombat...my way was more fun.
810. Shannon - 3/30/2001 9:18:32 AM
Cripes, can't politicians do anything USEFUL? That was a rhetorical question :-)
I'm looking throughy our legislative journal, and I swear 80% of what they've got listed involves prestige license plates. And the search feature doesn't work, of course, so I can't look for what I really want to see. Grrr.
811. arkymalarky - 3/30/2001 11:41:41 AM
Don't get me started on the idiots who populate small southern state legislatures. AR's has been in session for weeks and they haven't accomplished jack except to barely defeat yet another attempt to take the teaching of evolution out of the science classes. Evidently our last nationally publicized ass-whuppin' over that topic isn't within the memory of the current boobs in AR congress.
812. jexster - 3/30/2001 6:56:52 PM
Slobo Arrested! Authorities Closing in on Agent "RS"
Blagoslovi duse moja Gospoda i vsja vnutrenjaja moja Imja Svjatoje Jego, Blagosloven jesi, Gospodi.
813. arkymalarky - 3/30/2001 7:13:46 PM
Cool font, Jex.
814. jexster - 3/30/2001 8:20:34 PM
Why thanks Arky.
Its Chiller....its my
Grand Old Poopstain
font
Like the fine china, I reserve for special occasions such as the Inauguration of a Bastard Imbecile or Rosie's APB.
815. Toenails - 3/31/2001 4:44:00 PM
I have a rant against the new television commercials for investment firms and insurance companies, featuring the worst kind of mean-spirited "humor" --you've seen them, the kid who runs in excitedly to tell his parents he's been accepted to medical school, whereopon his grinning parents gaily inform him that he can't go, because "somebody wanted to do a little day-trading...."
There are several of these things constantly popping up, each one in worst taste than the one before. Canseco has one with an older and younger couple in a restaurant. The older man, obviously a parent, asks for a loan, which the younger man coldly refuses.
Then the check comes and older Mama grabs it before the younger man can--"Oh, no, not while we're around!" she says.
God, these are sickening images! I'd never do business with these companies.
816. marshame - 4/2/2001 1:22:58 PM
I saw a cool commercial yesterday. A serious looking person says something to the effect of, "the tobacco industry has decided to pull its ad campaign due to the discovery of information that cigarette smoking is injurious to your health. After all, the tobacco industry is only interested in what is true and what is good for the American public."
and then a sign pops up: April fools.
Very clever!!
817. JudithAtHome - 4/2/2001 1:28:03 PM
Marsha. that ad was great. It's done by truth.com
818. jexster - 4/3/2001 1:38:07 AM
Anaheim -- San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown brought down the house this weekend at the state Democratic convention with a sharp-tongued riff about George W. Bush.
Noting that the president recently said critics had "misunderestimated" him,
Brown deadpanned: "They elected the symbol of ebonics to the presidency of this nation.
"There ain't no brother in Oakland, or anywhere else, that would run the phrase or mix up the words the way this cat does," said Brown, with his trademark Cheshire Cat look. "It raises serious questions about whether he's really white."
819. christipeters - 4/3/2001 1:15:51 PM
AAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
OK, Mortgage Company, you are absolutely insane and I'm not gonna let you get away with it!!! My insurance only went up $50/yr and my real estate taxes went DOWN and you think you can justify a 40% increase in my monthly payments for "escrow reasons"!?!?!?!?
AAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
820. Toenails - 4/3/2001 1:24:02 PM
christipeters:
There are federal laws that closely regulate
the calculation of mortgage payments. If you
really think you're getting jobbed, you have
recourse. For starters, make the company show you its calculations and explain how it arrived
at the payment figure.
821. arkymalarky - 4/3/2001 7:28:08 PM
I thought that was by law suppposed to be included in the increased payment notice. Mine went up about 15 bucks a month, but there was a breakdown of the monthly costs included in the notice which was labeled as in accordance with the law (don't remember if federal, but assume so). It has gone down before, also.
822. concerned - 4/5/2001 12:15:38 AM
'Don't you hate litter bugs?'
IR1.
823. Uzmakk - 4/8/2001 10:10:40 AM
I hate people who, out of some bizarre conception of courtesy, disregard traffic rules. While they are being "courteous" to somebody who doesn't need their courtesy they are giving me a pian in the ass, and making a hazard of themselves.
824. Uzmakk - 4/8/2001 10:11:30 AM
pain in the ass, that is
825. seadate - 4/16/2001 1:43:19 PM
No rants during tax season?
826. Frankster - 4/17/2001 3:35:19 PM
What an incredible dumbfuck -- you motherfuckin' dumbfuck, Frank !!!!
I am still attempting to get my life back in order after returning from France, and while my vehicle is being serviced across town, I thought I'd take the time to get some errands run, among them, the turning in of my 35 mm film in for development.
I can't find my prized roll, the B & W one I took at Pere Lachaise and a few other places. That was the one I felt worthy of sharing here in the Mote, and now I can't find it. There is a possibility that I left it in my last room at the hotel and the chambermaid kept it for me ( Maybe the tip I left her in the ashtray will amount to something after all ? ). I"ll call later on and hope they did find it.
What an incredible dumbfuck for not being more organized. Shit!
Fuck!
Fuck!
Fuck!!!
(This was suppose to make me feel better. Why is my stomach still tied up in a knot ?)
Fuck!
Fuck!
Fuck! I am so damn pissed and disappointed in myself at this fuckin' moment !!! Damn!
I better get off the line in case the shop calls. Sorry 'bout the rant!
827. Ronski - 4/17/2001 3:40:33 PM
I thought I lost a roll of film in Utah, and since it was possibly to accompany a story I'm writing, I was feeling particularly stupid. But it was in the camera.
828. Frankster - 4/17/2001 3:45:37 PM
I found it !!!
I looked under a stack of papers on top of the TV set in the livingroom. I just moved them and there it was.
Now I remember. I misplaced a check the other day and shoved papers aside looking for it and buried the roll underneath them. I guess I didn't realize that I had done so much moving around in here since returning. I really need to straighten this place out.
( Oops, now I'm likely to be held to my statement about displaying them in here, right ? )
Sorry about the serious ranting. I just had to vent! Thanks for listening y'all.
Ronski -- I had to kill a roll a few minutes ago. I thought I had exhausted all my film.
829. ElliottRW - 4/17/2001 3:47:01 PM
Dang Frank, I guess you'll just have to go back and do some retakes.
830. seadate - 4/17/2001 3:48:49 PM
Frank,
You woulda saved yerself some grief if you'd removed yer butt from the chair and looked for it instead of bitchin' (hehe).
BTW, welcome back.
831. Frankster - 4/17/2001 3:58:19 PM
Elliot,
Oh, I plan to go back. Count on it! I think it's now time to go with a woman and explore the nightlife, or maybe take advantage of the passion of the Jardin of Luxembourg with her. The place is just so conducive to necking ... We can make out in the open just like everyone else there.
...Then again, why ruin the freedom and independence of doing Europe alone, huh ?
Seadate,
Thank you. I would have brought you something if I had had your address.
By the way, I had been looking for that damn roll for close to an hour. I just had to vent when it appeared it was gone for good.
What's this get-together y'all have planned, and where is it ?
( I think it's time to put something on the turntable to lift me up again. Aaliyah's Try Again seems apropos.)
I better get off line!
832. seadate - 4/17/2001 4:01:50 PM
Seeya Frank.
833. seadate - 4/20/2001 11:26:01 AM
Let's see ..... a topic of annoyance .... hmmmmmm.
834. seadate - 4/20/2001 12:45:32 PM
I despise incompetence. I can't think of a more pathetic state than incompetent. It's more pathetic than freaking *dead* .... I was in a technical discussion with a scientist earlier and our "handyman" hopped in the middle of the discussion to explain what pH is ..... good freakin' grief! This poor fellow has no concept of an exponential function and was offering his wisdom to a PhD Scientist and myself ...... AAAAAHHHHHH!
835. JudithAtHome - 4/20/2001 2:01:12 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion that incompetence may have played a part in the reasons I can no longer contact mt mechanic by phone. I need to have my car looked at for an air conditioning problem and the SOBs phone is answering as "no longer a working number". I drove past there just a week ago and everything was fine...I called information and they have no listing; none for his home number, either.
I hate to have to look for a new mechanic...or take my car to the dealership. This does not bode well for me.
836. labwabbit - 4/20/2001 2:03:41 PM
Ther iz nuthing worse then encompitant survices.
837. marshame - 4/20/2001 3:21:41 PM
Uzmak
Re your "I hate people who, out of some bizarre conception of courtesy, disregard traffic rules. While they are being "courteous" to somebody
who doesn't need their courtesy they are giving me a pian in the ass, and making a hazard of themselves."
Yes yes yes!! Example: I am stopped in the left lane, waiting for the ongoing traffic to pass so that I can make a left turn. This idiot facing me, STOPS in his left lane, and waves for me to make a left turn in front of him!!! Idiot idiot idiot!!! I sat there and glared at him until he figured out I wasn't going to go, so he excelerated and proceeded through the intersection. What a dummy!
As a point of information, if a person signals you to proceed, even though the rules of right of way are that you should yield, and you do proceed and an accident ensues, guess what, you're liable. Another driver cannot change the rules of the road at his (or her) personal discretion.
In Texas, they are reluctant to use turn indicators, as it is generally taken to mean "speed up, cause this guy's gonna try and get in front of me!" So it is very annoying to sit and wait for someone, who proceeds to turn without benefit of turn indicator.
I wonder if we could solve the state financial woes by giving tickets to people who don't properly signal?
838. marshame - 4/20/2001 3:22:00 PM
toys.
839. Jenerator - 4/20/2001 4:39:29 PM
Marsha,
This is weird soming from the Queen of Never Using a Blinker.;-)
Frank,
Welcome back. I got your sweet note. Please detail your trip asap. post some pics.
840. Frankster - 4/20/2001 4:50:10 PM
What sweet note ?
841. JudithAtHome - 4/20/2001 5:49:12 PM
Great news....my mechanic is still there; just changed his business phone # to a cell #.
842. Frankster - 4/20/2001 5:55:40 PM
Judith,
Since returning from Europe, I have had my checking account set back $420.00 due to my vehicle's problems. First the drive train went out ( Three u-joints ), and then the turn signal assembly konk out. That piece was $70.00 bucks alone, and I was not about to pay anyone to install.
...I for to mention the star screwdriver set I purchased to get to it (sigh).
(sigh) Why couldn't I have stayed in Paris ? I'm still struggling to get my life here in the states back in proper "order" this week.
843. Frankster - 4/20/2001 5:57:31 PM
konk = Konked
install it.
844. JudithAtHome - 4/20/2001 6:02:38 PM
It'll all work out, Frank...just keep thinking about what a wonderful time you had!
845. arkymalarky - 4/21/2001 12:40:37 AM
I hate incompetent and stupid people who are also arrogant assholes, especially the ones who think they're smart and who love to hear themselves drone on and on, mistaking glaze-eyed boredom for captivation.
Since you're in here Frank, did you get my email?
846. ScottLoar - 4/21/2001 3:36:35 AM
Then, Arky, you will also detest those flight attendants who drone on and on and on on the intercom relating their version of "important announcements" to a bound audience.
847. JudithAtHome - 4/21/2001 9:23:06 AM
Attention KMart Shoppers!
848. Jenerator - 4/21/2001 9:55:54 AM
What sweet note?
I guess it was a *different* Frank who sent me a birthday note from France? ;-)
849. JudithAtHome - 4/21/2001 1:06:17 PM
It was Francois!
850. Frankster - 4/21/2001 1:36:18 PM
Jen,
I was like a chicken with my head cut off most of the time, as I wanted to hit the streets as much as I could. I sent you a card, which I believe didn't have space to write anything on, so I scribbled something down on a hotel receipt I believe. I also sent you a "birthday book". Did you get that one and did the card arrive in time ?
I made the classic mistake with most of the things I sent to fellow Moties and friends here in San Diego -- I shopped early, only to find more tempting things as I bumped into more bookstores and gift shops with each new day. I bought so much early, that I didn't have room for a jacket I saw, also.
Arky -- No I haven't. I've been getting a lot of my e-mail of late on a very delayed basis. How are you ?
Judith -- I scanned close to 30 pictures last night, so I've sent one to PP to see if he can open it up. If he can't open it up, it appears that I might have to have the negatives burned onto a disc as I did the last time.
...There are too many pics with me in them. I might remove those.
It was Francois!
Hee-hee. It was Franck! :)
851. Frankster - 4/21/2001 1:37:21 PM
Oops, I didn't rant.
I have to go to work right now. There!
852. arkymalarky - 4/21/2001 3:34:10 PM
(ranting) You didn't!? Well, I just sent you another one before logging in here, so I hope they both arrive. Is your email the same as it's been?
853. msgreer - 4/21/2001 4:12:24 PM
Damn this man who hurt me so this time last year.
Last night he invaded my birthday celebration. I was with friends at a restaurant which went to me when we broke off. So I'm sitting there looking rather smashing if I say so myself and all of asudden I look up and he walks over. He shortly realizes this is my birthday night out with the girls. This morning I was woken up to two dozen long stem red roses from him..with a very intimate HB greeting. I refused to sign for them. I told the poor young delivery boy return them. Confused he said you don't want them? I mean what do men think? They can hurt your heart and all of asudden two dozen roses makes it all better? The problem was he never could give anything but presents. Big on presents. But never was he able to give himself. His emotional age is 2. It was a very painful breakup. So fuck him. Fuck his flowers and fuck him for breaking into my night. I feel better now.
854. JJBiener - 4/21/2001 4:48:00 PM
MsGreer - Fortunately not all men are that inconsiderate. Just far too many of them.
BTW, Incoming.
855. msgreer - 4/21/2001 5:11:40 PM
Got it and replied.
856. JJBiener - 4/21/2001 5:20:44 PM
MsGreer - Back atcha. The kitchen calls. Dinner won't make itself.
857. msgreer - 4/21/2001 5:28:19 PM
JJ
I'm heading out for my favorite salmon and spinach dinner, again.
858. labwabbit - 4/21/2001 5:34:40 PM
msgreer
owwwwch...
the cad..why the way you looked that night...two dozen roses and no less!
jus' kidding...
a good heart, one that I sense you have, can never be broken enough to stop working.
(besides, should've at least been a new Mercedes convertible anyway...haha)
859. JJBiener - 4/21/2001 9:39:19 PM
Lab - I can vouch for MsGreer's good heart.
860. Jenerator - 4/21/2001 10:49:15 PM
2 doz roses is a good start. If he's sincere, that kind of thoughtfulness should continue.
861. arkymalarky - 4/21/2001 10:59:45 PM
After a year and doing her the way he did? I'd say MsGreer made it a good finish. I'd love to have seen the look on his face when they came back. There's nothing worse than a man who's so egotistical that he thinks a woman is stupid enough to be charmed by something like roses after doing something ugly and hurtful.
862. JudithAtHome - 4/22/2001 11:07:50 AM
No kidding...it's not a good start, Jen...it's a good finish from msgreer by not falling for that crap men have been fed that flowers and presents are Bandaids for every situation. Like Arky said, it's an indication of the slugs ego: "Look how generous and romantic I am!"
Flowers are lovely expressions of romance but in this case, they are too little, too late.
863. JJBiener - 4/22/2001 12:28:06 PM
Flowers are a wonderful way of telling someone that you care about them and that you are thinking about them. I believe that is why women love to get flowers. They like to know that the man in her life is thinking about her. Flowers should not be used to say, "Gee, you really looked hot last. I know I screwed you over and hurt you, but I still want to get into your pants." It makes all of us guys look bad.
It is hard enough for us to remember to do these things for the right reasons. When one guys does it for the wrong reason, it screws all of us up.
864. arkymalarky - 4/22/2001 12:49:55 PM
Flowers are nice, but they're not nearly that big a deal compared to the host of other ways a good partner shows appreciation. I've gotten roses from Bob once, but he's considerate of me daily--much more so than I am of him, truth be known. I know women who always get something special on every little occasion, but their husbands are not real partners to them the rest of the time. They're not bad or abusive, just inconsiderate, incommunicative, and have expectations of their wives that I personally think are unreasonable considering the wives also work full time. I wouldn't trade places with them. Actions speak much louder than flowers and stuff in a relationship.
865. arkymalarky - 4/22/2001 12:51:38 PM
Out here, a dozen roses gets you a week in deer camp with the guys and all the beer you can drink, unmolested.
866. JudithAtHome - 4/22/2001 12:55:46 PM
Actions speak much louder than flowers and stuff in a relationship.
Should be emblazoned across the sky at every marriage ceremony...
867. labwabbit - 4/22/2001 1:32:53 PM
Out here, a dozen roses gets you a week in deer camp with the guys and all the beer you can drink, unmolested.
Hahaha...yer on to me.
Never was the gift-giving type...forgot ONE anniversary...and ONE birthday...haven't forgotten since I tell you. But everyone got used to me...I'm a dork when it comes to such rituals...but a loveable one (?)
I'm headed out to the sea in about 5...have a good day.
868. JudithAtHome - 4/22/2001 1:36:15 PM
I heard nice things about you yesterday from a lady with a charming French accent, Lab...were your ears burning?
869. labwabbit - 4/22/2001 1:47:42 PM
Judith,
were your ears burning?
I think they were reduced to ashes for quite some time now...but I'm afraid it wasn't due to compliments. (heh-heh)
I'm glad you guys had a great time. Sounds like a lot of fun.
Thanks for the message from that very charming lady...(I have much to say about her in the nicest way as well). I am hoping I may look forward to eventually meeting as many of you guys as possible in the next couple of years...
Time to go do some exploring...
870. Toenails - 4/23/2001 8:30:41 AM
Forget a birthday? ...Pretty bad, but forgetting anything is a never-to-be-forgotten act.
Twenty-five years ago, I ran out of gas while driving with my spouse. We were, oh, a hundred yards away from the nearest service station and the whole event was unremarkable.
But I'm still hearing about it, here in the
New Century, and being cautioned about not letting the fuel gauge get too close to "E".
My spouse is not a nag, not hypercritical, and in general, seems pretty secure. But apparently one's hold on security is sometimes tenuous.
871. Fielding - 4/23/2001 9:15:56 AM
A big welcome to seadate who has graciously agreed to cohost this thread.
872. christipeters - 4/23/2001 10:24:03 AM
"Flowers are a wonderful way of telling someone that you care about them and that you are thinking about them. I believe that is why women love to get flowers. They like to know that the man in her life is thinking about her. Flowers should not be used to say, "Gee, you really looked hot last. I know I screwed you over and hurt you, but I still want to get into your pants."
(applause! applause!)
What arky said, too.
873. msgreer - 4/23/2001 7:51:26 PM
christi
ain't that the truth.
874. lemwalker - 4/23/2001 8:20:52 PM
toenails,
Like the story. Ran out of gas going to get my Motherinlaw. Like 12 miles to nearest station. She was waiting in a cocktail lounge when we finally arrived. Had smoked a joint,and,with the verbal abuse and,all drove the wrong way out of town and got lost......But everybody lived.
875. Jenerator - 4/23/2001 9:02:47 PM
Judith, Arky,
I didn't realize that there was more to the story before I posted. I figured that the guy did something wrong and sent roses as an apology. I didn't know that he was a complete creep.
Msgreer, from what it sounds like, getting rid of him was the wise move.
876. Indiana Jones - 4/23/2001 9:23:20 PM
Toenails: But 25 years means there must be some compensations...
877. ycmeehan - 4/23/2001 9:36:59 PM
I believe that is why women love to get flowers. They like to know that the man in her life is thinking about her.
Personally, I much prefer to receive a book as a gift, especially one chosen because I am bound to like it. It takes more effort than ordering flowers.
878. JudithAtHome - 4/23/2001 9:41:36 PM
YC!
Just when I have to leave, too....
:-(
879. bubbaette - 4/24/2001 9:14:04 AM
I told muh darlin a few valentines'ago that I'd prefer a nice house plant to flowers and now I'm overrun with house plants. I need to put in a change of order.
880. JudithAtHome - 4/24/2001 9:15:20 AM
Try jewelry! Doesn't take up much space...heh.
881. bubbaette - 4/24/2001 9:33:37 AM
Judith
I've found that the best thing with Michael is to tell him exactly what I'd like for gift-giving ocassions. Otherwise, he'll give me a robe and a bottle of perfume.
882. seadate - 4/24/2001 10:21:05 AM
I'm superstitious about buying roses for an SO. IME, I get chewed out for the most recent FU and my weak attempt to redeem myself. How the hell do you say "I'm really sorry for (being late, wearing socks that don't match, locking the keys in the car, ..........)"? I have better luck swinging into a florist with the lady in the car (truck actually, hehe) for an imprompto single rose.
883. bubbaette - 4/24/2001 10:26:43 AM
I dunno, seadate. A heartfelt apology alone works for me.
884. bubbaette - 4/24/2001 10:27:43 AM
I've never really understood the single rose thing -- especially when you're on a date. What am I supposed to do with this thing -- carry it around?
885. JJBiener - 4/24/2001 10:31:03 AM
Bubbaette - You are such a romantic.
886. seadate - 4/24/2001 10:31:15 AM
Believe me, Bubb, I've tried it .... somehow they think I'm fakin' it I guess. Of course, it's always "heartfelt" ..... "I'm reeeeaaly sorry, honey. I love you sooo much. Um, will you stop bitchin' now?"
(JOKE!)
887. JJBiener - 4/24/2001 10:33:51 AM
YC - Personally, I much prefer to receive a book as a gift, especially one chosen because I am bound to like it.
Funny you should mention this. I just gave a book to a very good friend for a birthday present.
888. Frankster - 4/25/2001 4:35:13 PM
This morning while eating breakfast and taking care of some bills at my favorite diner, I noticed my phone bill had a $70.00 dollar charge for a DSL service I didn't have. After weaving through a maze of menus, I finally got to speak to a real person -- at least, I think she was -- to report the overcharge. He said he would attempt to connect me to the proper department. We wait, and wait, and then during this wait he begins going over my account and actually tried to sell me a package of services for my phone account. I'm calling to complain about an overcharge and he's trying to sell me a service I don't need ?! The next customer service rep was almost as bad.
... Is that what they mean by,chutzpah?
Not only that, but the server to my e-mail from that account has been down now for two days. Are they going to credit me for that ?
889. Frankster - 4/25/2001 4:35:56 PM
Toy check
890. JudithAtHome - 4/25/2001 4:40:12 PM
No.
891. JudithAtHome - 4/25/2001 4:40:48 PM
toys, Frank?
892. JudithAtHome - 4/27/2001 4:41:03 PM
When are you bozos out there going to get it that Dallas is NOT Fort Worth? There are 30 miles of road and a lifetime of difference between the two places. If you at ABC are doing a story from Fort Worth, don't sign off saying you are reporting from Dallas or people will get the idea you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground. How would you like it if I did a story from New York City and said it was originating from Jersey City?
There is such thing as Pride of Place...now get your Yankee asses out of Texas til you can learn to read a map!
893. ScottLoar - 4/27/2001 5:14:08 PM
Dallas-Fort Worth is a city separated by 30 miles of road. Who cares? Except those who live there. Many have been to both and find the miserable airport tolerable to either.
Dallas, soon to second Detroit as the American city gone away.
894. ScottLoar - 4/27/2001 5:17:26 PM
The landscape in and around both cities resembles the bombed-out Plain of Jars, bomb craters collecting rainwater turning to scum.
895. ScottLoar - 4/27/2001 5:18:20 PM
The only theatre left in Dallas is afternoon tea at - what's the name of that hotel? The old one.
896. glendajean - 4/27/2001 5:28:41 PM
Adolphus?
897. ScottLoar - 4/27/2001 5:29:57 PM
Yeah, that's it, Adolphus.
898. JudithAtHome - 4/27/2001 6:35:17 PM
Who cares, indeed...I happen to live here and I care. You obviously haven't been anywhere but the airport in a long time, Scott. Fort Worth is a great place to visit and we have one of the livliest downtown areas in the country.
But I'm sure this is falling on deaf ears; fine by me...it's your loss.
899. Frankster - 4/27/2001 6:40:17 PM
Judith,
Should I ever come visit, I'm gonna hold you and Keoni to that, ya hear Judith ?!;-)
Rant: My e-mail is still down. What's this "Server not responding " shit!?
900. JudithAtHome - 4/27/2001 6:43:21 PM
Franck:
WHEN you come visit, you can see for yourself! Downtown rocks...ask seadate.
901. Frankster - 4/27/2001 6:48:05 PM
Judith,
It's a deal. I hope Seadte can join us. :-)
902. Frankster - 4/27/2001 6:48:47 PM
SEADATE also!
903. JudithAtHome - 4/27/2001 6:52:49 PM
Franck:
Go to the Cafe and take that test...
904. arkymalarky - 4/27/2001 11:22:20 PM
If Frank gets to FW, I will make a special trip to be there. Or all of you can come here and party in the country.
905. JudithAtHome - 4/28/2001 1:48:11 PM
Note to my unlisted phone number mechanic:
Thanks you for showing up on a Saturday so that I might pick up my car...I understand the difficulty of getting parts you have ordered on time and I do appreciate you coming in so I wouldn't have to wait til Monday. However, you might have spared me the near cardiac arrest you could have brought on by telling me earlier than TODAY that you no longer take credit cards.
906. JudithAtHome - 4/28/2001 1:48:44 PM
Arky:
Sounds like a plan to me!
907. JudithAtHome - 4/28/2001 1:49:22 PM
Drop the s off thank you...I'm not THAT grateful!
908. Frankster - 4/28/2001 3:40:11 PM
Arky,
That has got to be one of the most flattering things conferred to yours truly ever -- EVER! I will do my best to make it to either place this year. You have my word on it!
Thank you for the very moving post.
909. arkymalarky - 4/28/2001 4:16:23 PM
I'll look forward to it, Frank, and I think you'll really enjoy this part of the country. It's generally underrated, imo. AR is really pretty with a lot of outdoor stuff to do almost any season, and Ft. Worth is a very nice city, which somewhat pains me to say, since my Dallas blood is deep and pure from both sides of my family.
910. Toenails - 4/28/2001 5:06:32 PM
Eureka Springs, AR was so neat I came pretty close to just buying one of those old gingerbread houses hanging off the side of the mountain and just staying.
Only problem, too many other turistas like me.
911. seadate - 4/30/2001 12:10:33 PM
I just hate it when real life get's in the way of Mote duties.
912. JudithAtHome - 4/30/2001 12:37:00 PM
Welcome back, BB!
913. seadate - 4/30/2001 12:43:44 PM
Thanks, LS.
914. christipeters - 4/30/2001 12:49:09 PM
You know, I love my new Subaru Forester, really I do. It is exactly what I was looking for in a vehicle, it's comfy, fun, and it's thrilling to have my first new car, BUT....
First there was the "the security system will only take an hour to put in, so there will be no problem putting it in the morning you are leaving for your trip" turning in to "oh, this takes a minimum of 4 hours to do so you need an appointment, does 2 weeks from now look good for you" AFTER I had driven over an hour to get to y'all.
Then there was the temporary plates expiring before you sent the regular license plates - which were only sent after I called and enquired. So I drove around worrying if I was going to be stopped for expired plates for two days. Somehow I was not amused when I got the notice from y'all that my new plates were in three weeks after I got my new plates.
So now, I go down for my third attempt to get the scratches on the hood fixed, having been assured that it won't take long and I should just drive down any sunny Saturday only to be told, "oh, you need an appointment for that, besides our color guy isn't here."
GGGRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
(Conclusion = great car, lousy dealer, making appointments for everything now and only dealing with the head manager from now on. Now that I've burned a few ears off, they get another chance. Blow this one, and I'm looking for another dealership.)
915. labwabbit - 4/30/2001 12:54:19 PM
Real Life? You're telling me that it really exists?
I don't believe it. Ha!I'm afraid I will have to side with the majority here and refuse to acknowledge, or accept, that which is just a theory...a wives' tale. Real life...shit.
Reality is just a figment of your imagination seadate. Capitulate to the truth. Do you realize just what pandemonium could insue here if that were true?
Get a grip will ya?
916. seadate - 4/30/2001 12:58:43 PM
White-knucklin' it, Lab.
917. labwabbit - 4/30/2001 1:01:40 PM
Haha.
918. Fielding - 5/1/2001 11:54:15 AM
You know what I hate? I hate Half and Half!
Half and Half is an unhealthy and unappeallingly oleaginous concoction of cream and milk, taking on the worst features of each. It is heavy and ponderous like cream, but without the rich luxurious quality that cream imparts. I'm not sure why somebody thought adding milk to cream would make it more healthy, but I'm sure that whoever it was has long ago died from a massive heart attack. The result is a substance which combines a highly processed flavor with enough fat and cholesteral to kill you on the spot.
Nothing bothers me more than being offerred Half and Half as milk. They offer Half and Half on airplanes. If you ask for milk, they give you this "I'm working sooo hard" look. Many fast food restaurants proudly dispense those little plastic containers of Half and Half, as if they convey a sense of class to the restaurant. If that's not bad enough, there is now an ameretto flavored Half and Half, which probably causes permanent damage to the nerves on your tongue.
The worst is that Half and Half is becoming an abominable but trendy yuppee food stuff (like Fresca -- but I digress). Yuppees walk into Starbucks in New York with half-pint containers, demanding that their lattes be made with Half and Half. Can anybody imagine something more disgusting than a Half and Half latte? I mean, a whole milk latte is pretty gross, adding cream to it seems even more gross, but Half and Half? That's the gastronomic equivalent of going to a John Tesh concert!
Think of Half and Half as liquid spam, except spam is probably better for you than Half and Half. How can a society that has banned public smoking still consume this stuff?
Bleah!!! :-(~~~~~~~~
919. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 12:10:33 PM
People who like it wear Pleather and use I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.
920. labwabbit - 5/1/2001 12:13:33 PM
Why if I had my way;
921. LimeGirl - 5/1/2001 12:24:49 PM
I like my half and half! It goes in my tea every morning. But only a tablespoon.
I do agree that walking into Starbucks with your own half and half is pretty bizzare.
922. Fielding - 5/1/2001 12:27:09 PM
With a name like LimeGirl, I would have figured that you would go for a more citrus approach.
923. seadate - 5/1/2001 12:29:10 PM
Fielding's term unappeallingly oleaginous also applies to maragarine. What a scam the American public has bought into for the last 20 years. It must've been a former weapons developer that thought "gee, let's take saturated fat and artificially flavor it. We'll sell it as health food!". Why can't people just buy *butter* if they want the taste of butter? What's next? Chocolate flavored Crisco? I can just see it. Cindy Crawford choking down a gulp and saying "I can't believe it's not fudge!".
924. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 12:31:32 PM
They call it margarine because the test product, "Golden Lard", didn't sell very well.
925. bubbaette - 5/1/2001 12:32:02 PM
evaporated milk goes well in coffee. I hate restaurants that serve margarine and coffee whitener instead of butter and milk/half and half.
926. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 12:33:40 PM
If a restaurant serves me little plastic tubs of margarine, I ask for butter and if they don't have it, I don't go back to the place.
927. seadate - 5/1/2001 12:34:45 PM
haha ... "The Golden Lard Cafe"
928. Uzmakk - 5/1/2001 12:40:45 PM
Should I switch to cream, Fielding? We generally by about 3 or 4 quarts of half and half at a time.
929. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 12:44:58 PM
I drink my coffee black but occassionally I like a special treat and add cream; if I'm going to alter my coffee, I want to use the real thing!
930. seadate - 5/1/2001 12:47:35 PM
Uzmakk's been using half and half as a spa treatment.
931. labwabbit - 5/1/2001 12:51:31 PM
Use to grease hydraulic shafts on the hay-baler with crisco and vaseline. Came in 10 gal buckets.
Didn't think anybody ate that shit.
It was either butter, real cream, or for frying/cooking, bacon/pork-elly fat. Oleo was used to mix with the oat feed to help keep the fould warm during the winter months.
When we moved in the city is when I first realized that they sold that stuff for human eating.
932. bubbaette - 5/1/2001 12:52:38 PM
I usually use 2% milk or evaporated milk, but will buy 1/2 and 1/2 for special dinners and the like. (To really gross our Fielding, I use any heavy cream in our coffee if there's any left over from my Christmas candy making.)
933. Fielding - 5/1/2001 12:56:39 PM
"Should I switch to cream, Fielding? We generally by about 3 or 4 quarts of half and half at a time."
Cream tastes so much better Half and Half that it is worth the extra few grams of fat. Nonetheless, for health reasons you would be better off switching to milk, or better yet, 2% milk.
Choose your tastebuds or your heart, but don't compromise! :)
934. seadate - 5/1/2001 1:00:29 PM
Bubb, do you have a preferred brand of evaporated milk? The only kind I've tasted had a whang to it.
935. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 1:01:27 PM
We use skim milk in cereal but if a recipe calls for cream, that's what we use...we use real butter in cooking and on toast but don't feel we're doing our hearts any harm because we use it in moderation. Both of us have excellent cholesterol readings so I don't think we're abusing fats.
936. bubbaette - 5/1/2001 1:03:56 PM
seadate
Store brand. I keep a couple of cans on hand in case we run out of 2%. I HATE coffee mate.
937. Wombat - 5/1/2001 1:03:58 PM
Heavy cream in coffee. Yum. And you'll be awake for your heart attack.
I haven't--knowingly--used margarine for years. I don't use much butter in cooking or eating, but when I do, it must be real.
Cool Whip. Now there's an abomination!
938. Fielding - 5/1/2001 1:05:18 PM
"(To really gross our Fielding, I use any heavy cream in our coffee if there's any left over from my Christmas candy making.)"
My objection is not to the cream. Cream is luxiourious. My objection is to a processed milk product, heavy but not creamy, that people use instead of milk or cream. Milk and cream are both great, when used properly.
939. LimeGirl - 5/1/2001 1:14:48 PM
I eat I can't believe it's not butter too.
I have quite a tolerance for low-fat stuff. I can't taste the difference in a lot of things, so why bother getting the good stuff when it doesn't make any difference to me? Fake butter, skim milk, half and half, non-fat mayo. Bring it on! The things I can't stand are low-fat cheese and anything sweetened with fake sweeteners. So I don't eat those.
940. seadate - 5/1/2001 1:17:27 PM
LimeGirl,
That's understandable. You're a student and have yet to develop taste.
(JOKE!!)
941. labwabbit - 5/1/2001 1:20:15 PM
How many of you actually had real cream and milk? I don't mean the homo-pasteur-processed type...I mean right from the cow...the vat...a ladle while still warm?
942. LimeGirl - 5/1/2001 1:22:33 PM
Haha! I may be a student, but I'm an old student! There's no hope for me, so I shall continue swilling half and half and all my other favorite fake foods!
943. bubbaette - 5/1/2001 1:22:40 PM
I was raised on a farm and we kept a dairy cow for a while.
944. seadate - 5/1/2001 1:29:34 PM
Lab,
Your question brings back memories. I stayed with an Ag prof for a summer while I was in college. She had a small farm and was up every morning milking the goats. Lotsa fresh milk and cream.
945. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 1:32:30 PM
My grandparents always had fresh milk and cream and my grandma made her own butter for years...
946. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 1:37:34 PM
My one treat I have a day: a latte made with real cream.
We finally got a decent espresso/cappucino maker for a wedding present, and I use it daily. There's a little corner market close to my home and I buy the "good stuff" for the latte's. Labwabbit, I think it IS straight from the cow, it separates in the bottle!
Anyway, I splurge on this (I deserve it!) and it makes my morning complete.
Half & Half isn't bad either.
947. ElliottRW - 5/1/2001 1:37:55 PM
For coffee, only fresh cream will do (for me). So I drink my coffee black here at work. I used to use margarine until I figured out that the trans fatty acids in margarine are worse than the saturated fats in butter. Now I prefer butter. I do like one trans-fat free spread, though, called Smart Balance. It's not bad.
948. JJBiener - 5/1/2001 1:38:46 PM
MILK COMES FROM COWS?!?! YECHH! I thought milk came from a factory like Coke.
(G)
949. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 1:41:24 PM
When my grandmother was alive, she used to make her mashed potatoes with a dollop of mayonnaise or heavy cream (in addition to the butter). Her potatoes were awesome.
950. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 1:43:56 PM
Jen:
We make espresso on the stove, like our Italian friend does...I have pots from one serving size all the way up to 6 serving size. A whole family of pots!
951. Uzmakk - 5/1/2001 1:48:42 PM
Fielding has shattered my self image. I thought I was a real man because we use nothing but butter and half and half, but now I discover that I must use real cream. re: the "processed taste" -- I cannot say that the stuff tastes "processed". It tastes like milk and cream. One can say that American Cheese tastes and feels, and looks processed, but I don't think one can say the same thing about half and half. Fielding, to some small degree, is being a prig.
952. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 1:49:54 PM
Judith,
Best coffee I had was in France made in a pot. If I were still a bachelorette, I'd get one. These days the auto maker makes life more simple.
Worst coffee I've ever had was Greek coffee. It was so thick and sludgy it tasted like dirt. Granted my Greek friend loves it, but it was way to strong for me. After my first sip, my teeth were temporarily stained brown.
953. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 1:50:50 PM
Don't worry Uzmakk, I still think of you as a man.
954. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 1:52:10 PM
I had Turkish coffee like that...I cut my friends Greek coffee with a little hot water and it is fine.
955. Uzmakk - 5/1/2001 1:53:14 PM
Jenerator:
I make spuds just like your grandmama, cept I use half and half and a shot of white pepper and whip them. They are awesome. I know because of the rave reviews of the chillens that come over for supper.
956. PelleNilsson - 5/1/2001 1:53:31 PM
Judith
Can you provide some details on making espresso on the stove? It sounds similar to how Turkish coffe is made.
957. Uzmakk - 5/1/2001 1:54:41 PM
My self image has been restored, Jenerator.
958. Fielding - 5/1/2001 1:54:59 PM
"Fielding has shattered my self image. I thought I was a real man because we use nothing but butter and half and half, but now I discover that I must use real cream. re: the "processed taste" -- I cannot say that the stuff tastes "processed". It tastes like milk and cream. One can say that American Cheese tastes and feels, and looks processed, but I don't think one can say the same thing about half and half. Fielding, to some small degree, is being a prig."
Sorry about that. This is the place for rants, and I was fed up with half and half. I didn't mean to put anybody down for having different tastes than me.
After all, Philistines are people too!
That was a joke) :)
959. Uzmakk - 5/1/2001 1:57:25 PM
:)
960. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 1:59:10 PM
Pelle:
You buy espresso gind coffee; take the Italian 3 part pot and unscrew the bottom from the top; remove the little funnel cup; fill bottom part of the pot with water up to the pressure hole; place funnel cup inside the bottom; pack the coffee into the cup part of the funnel; screw the top on; turn on the fire; wait for the water to come to a boil and to push up through the funnel into the top part....pour from the pot into a small cup and serve with a sliver of lemon rind to rub around the rim the cup. Viola! Coffee to die for...
961. seadate - 5/1/2001 2:01:26 PM
Triple espresso, please.
962. PelleNilsson - 5/1/2001 2:08:43 PM
Greek coffe is Turkish coffe but one is not allowed to say so. One has to let it rest for a while before drinking it so that the solids settle on the bottom.
Judith, my question was not referring to the taste but to the technique.
963. Uzmakk - 5/1/2001 2:10:41 PM
Don't get any coffee stains on my book, Pelle.
964. rubberducky - 5/1/2001 2:13:52 PM
...I was fed up with half and half.
i know i've never heard this sentence before in my life.
965. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 2:14:05 PM
Pelle:
I believe I posted the technique as thoroughly as possible...
I know Greek coffee and Turkish coffee are the same but with a Greek friend staying at my house, I don't bring up the point, believe me.
Italian espresso isn't made the same as Greek/Turkish coffee because ideally, it will have no sludge to settle at the bottom. Some residue is inevitable but not the thick stuff like in the other.
I also like French Press coffee and have 3 French presses but we only use then occassionally.
966. Ronski - 5/1/2001 2:31:12 PM
Addendum to the Devil's Drink posts:
I have compared light cream to Half and Half. Light cream is better. (Funny you don't see medium cream sold in stores, anymore, btw.)
My late partner was English, so we compromised on our accents and called Half and Half, Half and H-AH-f.
967. Toenails - 5/1/2001 2:37:31 PM
Back in the 40s, margarine was so politically unpopular that it looked like lard, because the Dairy Industry forced retailers to sell it still-white. The purchaser got a little yellow pill that could then be mixed up into the lardy margarine and would color it yellow.
A big technological advance was a plastic-enclosed pound of margarine, complete with yellow pill inside, that could be kneaded by hand, still in the plastic, and turned yellow before being opened and removed from its plastic covering.
You've gotta be an old fart to remember such stuff.
Even if you hate margarine, Judith, you've gotta worry about a bunch of state governments so beholden to the Dairy Industry that they'd deliberately inconvenience consumers in this manner.
968. JJBiener - 5/1/2001 2:45:33 PM
Toe - My boss grew up in Wisconsin in the 60's and he told me the same thing. The difference was they couldn't even sell it in a plastic tub. They had to sell it in a block in a plastic bag.
969. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 2:55:12 PM
Greek coffe is Turkish coffe but one is not allowed to say so. One has to let it rest for a while before drinking it so that the solids settle on the bottom.
My Greek friend would disagree with you. He'd probably say, "Oh, our coffee tastes like Turkish coffee, but it's much better." These are his restaurants.
Also, I was told to drink it quickly so that the solids would not settle.
My dining companion tried to add sugar to hers which made it even more sludgy.
970. Fielding - 5/1/2001 2:59:16 PM
My Greek friend would disagree with you. He'd probably say, "Oh, our coffee tastes like Turkish coffee, but it's much better."
Slightly off-topic, but I've always found it curious that while much of the world refers to anal sex as "Greek style", the Greeks themselves seem to refer to it as "Turkish style".
971. PelleNilsson - 5/1/2001 3:12:00 PM
Sorry, Judith, I missed your post about the technicalities. I know those pots. We used them when we lived in Algeria. I disagree about the lemon, though.
972. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 3:12:03 PM
Jen:
You will never get a Greek to say anything Turkish is better than Greek.
973. PelleNilsson - 5/1/2001 3:16:28 PM
Turkish (Greek) coffee as I know it - and, boy, do I know it! - is prepared with coffe and sugar and, often, cardamon. There are three degrees of sweetness which you have to specify when you order: murrah (bitter, without sugar), wazzat or mabsut (some sugar), helweh (sweet).
974. Frankster - 5/1/2001 3:16:44 PM
Coffee drinkers -- Yech !!!
Carry on, though. I enjoy reading what caffiene is capable of producing. ;-)
975. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 3:45:43 PM
Fielding,
THAT was funny!
Judith,
I agree, but who's right in their situation?
Pelle,
So then it sounds as though I had *Greek* coffee. It wasn't sweet at all and it was ipped quickly so that the sediments would not settle.
Frank,
You went to France and skipped the coffee? For shame my man. You must go back and have some. Bring me!;-)
976. Frankster - 5/1/2001 4:01:21 PM
Jen,
Both hotels I stayed in had "coffee" included in their "Continental Breakfast", but certainly not the type I'm accustom to.
I'm certainly no coffee connoisseur, but that shit sucked. I always had to "water" it down with orange juice.
...I did like the way their sugar cubes were wrapped though. They had different jet aircraft printed on their wrappers. Those French and their love of technology. :)
Incidently, what exactly is included in a "Continental Breakfast" ? My expectations have been trickfucked here and abroad. It's been my experience to have it rest at the discretion of the innkeeper.
977. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 4:07:08 PM
Frank,
You were robbed.
978. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 4:07:13 PM
Nope, Continental breakfasts are always coffee, OJ, and a roll.
979. Frankster - 5/1/2001 4:11:10 PM
Judith,
I'll give you just two examples:
In D.C., a Continental Breakfast was OJ, coffee, yogurt, and cereal.
In one hotel in France, it consisted of a roll, croissant, coffee, and OJ.
No wonder I was eating out. Besides, in either case, I wasn't going there for the food. :)
980. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 4:12:54 PM
To France or to your hotel??
981. Frankster - 5/1/2001 4:25:34 PM
To France.
I'll taste the food the next time I'm there. There's just so much to see and do. Who wants to sit around wasting valuble time nibbling on food ? ;-)
982. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 4:28:36 PM
How could you NOT eat in France??
What did you snack on?
The cuisine in France is superb. I'm shocked you didn't want to try it. That's like going to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and not trying the chocolate.
983. Frankster - 5/1/2001 4:36:14 PM
Jen,
Wrong! I do things in stages in cases like these, and the sampling of French cuisine is definitely on the agenda. As is, going there with a woman, sampling the night life ( which I have yet to experience ), etc.
It's all part of a long term plan. Besides, I need to upgrade my pallate a bit so I know what it is I 'm looking for. :)
Oh, I snacked on fastfood most of the time.
984. Jenerator - 5/1/2001 4:39:06 PM
Frank,
You short-changed yourself. Did you even try any of the pastries or bread or wine?
985. marjoribanks - 5/1/2001 4:41:18 PM
Frank,
Shocking revelation. French food is part of the culture, far more integrated into daily existence than it is here. It is also art. A restaurant or cafe experience is second to almost nothing when it comes to experiencing what the country is all about.
You "snacked on fast food"? Shame on you. I feel bad just hearing your story.
986. Frankster - 5/1/2001 5:02:47 PM
( Why am I jumping from thread to thread and forum to forum at the moment ? I should be hitting the bike trail )
Marjori,
I realized that before I went last year and this time I got to sit in on a couple of meals with family while there this time, but one, my hunger drive is rarely that great, and two, my pallate not that experienced. I'm kinda hickish in that regard. In my mind, a vacation like this is like going to a disco. I'm not there for the food or the drinks, I'm there to have a good time soaking up the music and atmosphere. The rest just isn't a priority.
... Travelling alone might have something to do with it also.
Jen,
All the pastries I had room for, but no go on the wine.
And to the both of you -- I just hate conforming. That's what's expected of one when in France. Play tourist by visiting all the museums and eat their food. ;-)
987. Fielding - 5/1/2001 5:02:49 PM
Frankster:
I'll taste the food the next time I'm there. There's just so much to see and do. Who wants to sit around wasting valuble time nibbling on food?
Let me put this into terms that you will understand.
That's like sleeping in the same bed as Chasey Lain and not having sex.
988. Frankster - 5/1/2001 5:04:28 PM
Fielding,
If I had Chasey Lain in bed with moi ...
Oh fuck, you've made your point. :(
989. arkymalarky - 5/1/2001 7:59:02 PM
Criminy, I think people on the Mote are the most finicky eaters I've ever seen. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
I ate lunch in a very small town nearby at one of the two cafes and asked for butter (everybody around here knows you're going to get margarine, but they say butter, just like when you ask for a coke and the waitresses ask what kind). Anyway, my margarine was brought out and when I opened it it was half gone. I'd noticed it didn't feel sealed when I pulled on the top, so I thought that someone had put a used butter tub in with the rest accidentally. Until I opened another, then another. Every single tub on the plate was used and half empty.
990. vw - 5/1/2001 8:02:13 PM
Shit ... don't tell me there's not an explanation?!?!? Youre not going to leave us hanging on the edge of the Mysterious Missing Butter Pat Half are you?
991. arkymalarky - 5/1/2001 8:04:39 PM
Hahaha. I didn't even ask for one, but it's no mystery. They were taking used butter pats off of tables and putting them back in the fridge and reserving them. No reason to waste perfectly good margarine.
992. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:06:05 PM
Arky:
Was this at a place where I've eaten? :-)
993. ElliottRW - 5/1/2001 8:07:22 PM
Thanks for changing the subject back to dairy products. For a while there I thought this had turned into the barrel-of-France thread.
994. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:10:32 PM
Okay, to continue in that vein, who has eaten soy cheese and why?
995. arkymalarky - 5/1/2001 8:11:18 PM
Elliott, this was nowhere near a dairy product.
Judith,
Hahaha! Would I do that to you? The truck stop serves only the finest, un-previously-used margarine! It has to maintain a reputation with a nationwide network of truckers. I can't remember, btw, did you have the western omelet there?
996. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:14:54 PM
Nope, that was Keoni...I think I had eggs over easy and they were great. I know I had a biscuit and some gravy, too.
997. ElliottRW - 5/1/2001 8:16:16 PM
Judith,
I've eaten soy cheese. I was trying to reduce the cholesterol in my diet. It wasn't worth it; now I skip the meat and eat the cheese. Not real cheese of course--I've been told you can't get that at an American grocery store--but the very best pasteurized approximation of cheese.
If you must eat soy, tofu can be delightfully prepared.
998. arkymalarky - 5/1/2001 8:18:47 PM
I thought one of y'all had the omelet. Those things are huge and yummy.
999. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:18:48 PM
Oh, I know all about tofu...my husband is Hawaiian, after all.
My cousin eats all sorts of stuff that is supposed to be good for you but I notice she's never excited about upcoming meals!
1000. arkymalarky - 5/1/2001 8:19:06 PM
Ha
1001. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:19:07 PM
She is nuts.
1002. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:19:57 PM
Jeez, I called my cuz nuts and still didn't get the damned thing!
Congrats Arky....
1003. arkymalarky - 5/1/2001 8:20:14 PM
Thank goodness I didn't take the time to put !!!!!
1004. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:21:17 PM
God!!!!
ONE tenth or whatever of a second!!!!
1005. ElliottRW - 5/1/2001 8:21:32 PM
The only way I'll ever get a millenial is to carry on a conversation with myself.
1006. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:23:25 PM
I did that earlier today, Elliot, and as a result, no one congratulated me at all. I only posted twice in a row but it was seen as a cheap attempt at immortality anyhow. Once Ace got one by posting 8 consecutive times...
1007. RosettaStone - 5/1/2001 8:28:29 PM
Get a life, JudysearchngforanIdentity.
1008. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:30:50 PM
Ha! Talk about a character in search of a idenity! You have so many, I'm surprised you can walk into a room without your neck going into spasm over the catcalls.
1009. JudithAtHome - 5/1/2001 8:31:59 PM
"An" idenity, as I'm sure you'd be more than happy to point out to me, being so outragIously educated.
1010. labwabbit - 5/1/2001 9:06:33 PM
Who are you?
Do-do do-do...
1011. Fielding - 5/1/2001 9:42:54 PM
My goal this morning was getting the thread to the millenial. Now I am satisfied.
Congratulations Arky!
1012. alistairconnor - 5/2/2001 5:53:16 PM
LWab,
A few weeks ago our farm milk supply "dried up" (they switched to raising calves) so we switched to another farm in the next village. They are organic, and I can't believe how creamy the milk is. I get a yoghurt pot of cream off the top of each bottle, which I use for cooking and such.
Actually I agree with Frank about French coffee.
... Up to a point. But not to the extent that I'd put orange juice in it!!
The coffee served in your common or garden cafés and restaurants is rarely freshly ground, and even if it is, it's generally of low quality. For example, every restaurant I've ever eaten at in Marseille serves the same brand of coffee, and it's awful. It must be a racket.
(Janjon will contradict me of course, and I've no doubt that the restaurants he eats at serve excellent coffee. And so they should, for the price.)
1014. labwabbit - 5/2/2001 6:24:58 PM
...and I can't believe how creamy the milk is. I get a yoghurt pot of cream off the top of each bottle, which I use for cooking and such.
Oui...once you have been weened on whole, un-accosted, un-civilized, milk everything else is just less. I have a very acute taste for fresh dairy products. I still would be able to tell you the difference between milk that is an hour old and two hours old. Use to prefer 'warm' milk on my shredded wheat or cornflakes right out of the vat on most mornings. (Of course that was between all the shoveling...) But that was in the days where toxins/chemicals were not so deeply entrenched in the food chain...or was it we weren't so aware. (Would share the oats and corn with the livestock too.)
One of the very few things I miss from living where I do now is the access to fresh dairy stuff.
Hell, we have what I call "mystery-milk" here. It is called DairyGold. This stuff has 30-40 day expiration life. What's up with that? Where I come from milk becomes bathwash after 2-3 days. People love it up here though...I remain suspicious heh.
1015. ScottLoar - 5/2/2001 6:27:54 PM
I wouldn't even have a mistress bathe in UVD milk that has a 30-40 day shelf life.
1016. labwabbit - 5/2/2001 6:37:35 PM
ScottLoar
You have a point. Whatever process is used, (and I suspect irradiation), it can't be good for life forms if life can't live in it.
Up to a year ago, I consumed about 2-3 gals per week of milk. Now I barely get by a quart a week...and that's mostly in coffee.
When I get back to Maine in a week or so, I'll be headed right to old-man Casavant's for a shot at some fresh....everything.
(Looking forward to a $2.00 shot of Beam as well ..heh)
1017. JudithAtHome - 5/5/2001 12:13:50 PM
This is of no interest to anyone but the people who live in my little village and I doubt they read the Mote but just in case any of them DO:
This village is about to explode in new development, both commercially and residentially and it has just started to tax property, meaning it is making money now unlike the past 60 years when we have been able to live here free from a tax burden. But living here free of taxes also meant not being able to revamp the sewer system or repave the roads, both entities which are beginning to show their age. So we have a lot of money coming in and needs to be met. Some wise person has proposed we hire a City Manager to plan and oversee a budget for our village rather than leave it to a city council and mayor which are elected every 2 years and only work part-time or in some cases, less than part of the time.
Sounds like a good idea? One that might be prudent? Hell no...not to those Luddites out there who fear change and think that by not spending the money for a qualified person who has a degree in city planning they are being smart and thrifty and will get new roads with that money....or those who think the new mayor, who has a full time job and has said publically he can only devote 15 hours a month to the office of mayor and has no expertise in bugeting or city planning, will suddenly be able to put forward a budget and plan for the next 12 years expansion in those 15 hours a month.
(cont'd)
1018. JudithAtHome - 5/5/2001 12:14:31 PM
(cont'd)
Those Luddites, in their infinite wisdom, decided to race around the village late yesterday stuffing mailboxes with yellow sheeted leaflets warning everyone who can read that if they vote YES on this proposal their property taxes will rocket up...and who were so proud of their work, they didn't sign it which is, I think, against the law. So our hopes for a well run village will probably have to be shelved but the expansion will continue and that will probably be noticed after the yahoos on the village council vote in the 14th fast food joint up on the highway and our little suburban community will start to resemble some nightmare conglomeration of cheap stores and garish strip malls. And of course, because we didn't have the sense to PLAN for it, our taxes will increase because we need new sewers and roads.
1019. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 5/5/2001 12:28:42 PM
Sounds like the village idiots are running (and ruining) the whole country, Judith.
We get what we pay for and vice versa! 
1020. JudithAtHome - 5/5/2001 12:43:13 PM
Thank you for the biggest laugh of the day, Wiz! I'm going down to vote later and wish I could blow this up and present it to the feebes who did those flyers.
1021. TheWizardOfWhimsy - 5/5/2001 12:45:07 PM
Go to Kinkos first, Judith!
::smmmooochhh::
1022. ycmeehan - 5/5/2001 1:49:02 PM
Message # 1017 Message # 1018
Judith,
It is of interest to me and I think that the Luddites should investigate similar situations somewhere else.
We live in the fastest growing area of the southeastern part of our state. Fifteen years ago, all the small villages and towns had to make decisions. Those that hired professional managers had their property values increase significantly. Those that did not had theirs decrease severely for the reasons you elaborate.
1023. JudithAtHome - 5/5/2001 2:03:49 PM
Unfortunately, YC, these Luddites have tunnel vision...they have no interest in anything more important than their own pockets and suggesting they get out more only scares them.
At a recent meeting, I spoke out and said maybe we should trust the people whose business it is to budget and plan for the future and one lady was openly nasty to me and said, "Not everyone agrees with you , missy!" quite snarkily...I was somewhat taken aback because it was the first thing I had opened my mouth about at any council meeting in more than a year!
1024. JudithAtHome - 5/5/2001 4:57:00 PM
Just returned from voting and a grand total of 124 people had turned out to vote thus far...results at 7pm CDT.
1025. Toenails - 5/6/2001 1:19:13 PM
I'd like to see laws that were more sympathetic to central cities attempting to avoid being hemmed in by surrounding suburban jurisdictions that usually choose to go their own way while suffocating the older city and cutting off its growth.
These suburban towns derive major benefits from their proximity to the older city but contribute very little to the city's welfare.
In most states, it's very difficult for the central city to annex these areas, because "democracy" is at work, and if the suburban area votes down annexation, that's the ballgame.
Then people complain when the core area deteriorates, loses its tax base and services, and/or becomes populated principally by poor people.
I think annexation votes should represent the will of the combined population of the city proposing to do the annexing and the prospective annexed area. If the annexees are thus outvoted, tough nuggies.
1026. JudithAtHome - 5/6/2001 1:27:21 PM
contribute very little to the city's welfare.
I live in an incorporated village right up against the city limits sign...every year, I pay a tremendous amount of money to the city schools and also to the county hospital through my county taxes. So it's not as though we are living here sucking the lifesblood out of the city. We have our own police force and our own fire department so we are not necessarily a drain on city funds.
This seems to work very well in Fort Worth...we have one of the most dynamic downtown areas in the state and we have a rich cultural side, too. So while what you say may be true of some areas, it doesn't always have to be.
1027. JudithAtHome - 5/6/2001 1:29:39 PM
And in case anyone's interested and didn't see it in the Cafe, the proposal my village was voting on was defeated 73 to 126. (Official count was from the newspaper.)
1028. seadate - 5/6/2001 1:40:15 PM
Judith,
You know my cynicism toward government, but I'll yap anyway. I lived in a small township (village) about 5 miles from where I now reside. We had a part-time mayor, shared PD and a volunteer fire department. I payed just under $900 per year to this exclusive township. They built a big, expensive city hall, a water tower and are still notorious for setting up speed traps.
I Never would've voted to increase the number of employees at this little place.
1029. JudithAtHome - 5/6/2001 1:51:02 PM
But I think we need a person who at least knows how to manage money to oversee this expected windfall we received when the military base turned over all this prime property to us. These people on the council haven't a clue at how to plan development sites...they actually think a Sonic drive-in is a good idea because they are always so busy; completely escapes them that a decent chain restaurant with liquor taxes would drag in more in a hour than Sonic would in a day.
1030. seadate - 5/6/2001 1:53:25 PM
So, now my ex resides in the same house with the same bad-ass hot tub, 3-1/2 baths, three car garage, with the CASH (ouch!), voluteer FD, Barney Fife PD, in the same little township, with the same taxes ...... I showed her!
1031. seadate - 5/6/2001 1:56:10 PM
they actually think a Sonic drive-in is a good idea because they are always so busy
haha. I'm swayed easily to your line of thinking when you put it that way.
1032. JudithAtHome - 5/6/2001 1:58:19 PM
I know you're easy...but thankfully, you have a grip on reality that I like a lot.
1033. seadate - 5/6/2001 1:59:51 PM
With a surreal lifestyle.
1034. JudithAtHome - 5/6/2001 2:03:32 PM
Exactly; part of the charm.
By the way, maybe when you get up this way again, you can meet Ann, the friend who didn't arrive at the fest til after we left.
1035. seadate - 5/6/2001 2:04:49 PM
You made my day with that last post, Judith (the reality part, not the "easy" jab).
1036. seadate - 5/6/2001 2:05:48 PM
X-post. You're on.
1037. seadate - 5/6/2001 2:08:41 PM
Gotta split. Takin' a coupla girls sailing if the weather holds. Man I'm getting old ... I feel like I should adpot 'em both ...... 'til the bikinis come out, anyway.
1038. JudithAtHome - 5/6/2001 2:09:11 PM
Cool!
Okay...I didn't do what I said I was going to do, get ready for the party. So now Keoni is home and we're going to be late cause neither one of us is ready to go...catch ya later!
1039. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:48:17 AM
Why do schools have to schedule every blooming thing they do in the month of May?! If I had more than one high school age kid and was teaching I think I'd disappear. Between my job and Mose's stuff, there are about 50 things scheduled, crammed into about 3 weeks. I've gotten through one week of it and have my eye on about May 25. That's the day following the last scheduled event, afaik.
My neck feels like it's in a vise and someone's steadily tightening it. I don't handle lots of stuff well. I like my stuff one at a time--slowly.
1040. joezan - 5/7/2001 7:28:23 AM
Take it to the Sex Thread, arky.
1041. PelleNilsson - 5/7/2001 9:02:18 AM
Hahaha!
1042. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 11:22:21 AM
Arky,
I have this week to teach Vietnam, Nixon, Ford and Carter.
Next Monday and Tuesday are the eoc tests.
I have an 8 page review sheet that covers material from 1877-1996.
I'm angry with the other teachers for having put me so far behind! I was doing what I was told and spending inordinant amounts of time on certain chapters (1 month on WWII, 3 weeks on cold war, etc.)
I am afraid I will have an unusually high amount of failures, and that means my grading system will be audited.
In other words, in addition to all of the teaching, reviewing, grading, and bubbling scantrons for the year, I will have even more work.
Oh, and because I came in at semester, I have to look up all 150 of my students and find out their 1st semester averages!
1043. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 11:41:33 AM
What is the EOC test?
1044. Fielding - 5/7/2001 11:58:49 AM
Jen:
"I have this week to teach Vietnam, Nixon, Ford and Carter."
Sounds like a rough week.
Monday - Vietnam from US perspective (Anticommunism, Containment, South Vietnamese government, etc.)
Tuesday - Vietnam from Vietnamese and US civil protest perspective
Wednesday - Election of 1968, Bobby Kennedy, Chicago riots, Southern Strategy, reallignment of American Presidential Elections. Nixon: Supreme Court, China.
Thursday - Watergate and Ford
Friday - Carter. Ask everybody in the class to say the word "Malaise" and then let them leave early.
I don't envy you. :)
1045. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 12:04:52 PM
Fielding,
That's not a bad breakdown!! You did my homework for me!;-) The only problem is, is that classes here are taught in "blocks". In other words, I will meet with today's classes on Wednesday and Friday. Tomorrow's classes I meet again only on Thursday....soooooooooooo, I have two or three days to teach all of that AND review.
Judith,
End of course. It's a state given exam that's standardized. ALL of my students have to take this. If they score an 85 or above, they don't have to take the final exam.
Chances are, they'll be taking the final, too.
I feel like a bad teacher.
1046. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 12:09:35 PM
Oh, you mean the tests George Bush is so proud of....see, you will know better next year. Most teachers just "teach the test" and let the other stuff you've been trying to do go by the wayside. That way, they get good outcomes on the state tests and look like all their students are learning when in reality, the students know the test but not the background or context.
You're not a bad teacher...this is a lousey system.
1047. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 12:17:18 PM
lousy...
1048. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 12:18:30 PM
...although I do see ads for things like Rid-It for kids who picked up head lice at school.
1049. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 12:24:16 PM
I don't have any problems with standardized tests. I think that they're valuable for assessing knowledge. However, I do not like the block system because each class is one hour and thirty minutes, every other day. Try keeping classrooms full of teenagers focused for longer than 20 minutes on any subject; it's almost impossible; especially if you have some "bad" kids.
I guarantee you, even if I were to teach the test, I'd have at least a 30% failure rate.
I gave an OPEN BOOK and NOTE test in which over half the class failed. It was 20 questions straight from the book and from the notes I gave.
Kids these days do not concentrate, they're pathetically lazy!
1050. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 12:26:03 PM
Oh, and I forgot to mention. We cannot teach the E.O.C. test. We're not allowed to see it until test day and it's administered by someone else in faculty. By state law we have to switch classes.
I'm administering the geography eoc.
1051. JJBiener - 5/7/2001 12:26:36 PM
Jen - Don't forget the laws of testing. If you give an open-book test, the kids will forget their books. If you give them a take-home test, they will forget where they live.
1052. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 12:27:40 PM
Oh, and I forgot to mention. We cannot teach the E.O.C. test. We're not allowed to see it until test day and it's administered by someone else in faculty. By state law we have to switch classes.
I'm administering the geography eoc.
1053. JJBiener - 5/7/2001 12:28:39 PM
Jen - By the way, the block classes work very well for some kids. My daughter and my niece both do very well in them. Other kids do better in regular classes. School systems should offer both options and allow kids to learn as they learn best.
Yes, I am a dreamer. I know that.
1054. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 1:03:52 PM
JJ,
I agree that block classes can be give. They're better in the sense that the teacher can go deeper with the material, but it is hard to keep the students focused for longer than 20-30 minutes at a time. Maybe I'm disenchanted here because of the overall lack of effort. I'm sure I'd still have lazy kids even if the classes were 55 minutes.
1055. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 1:12:38 PM
Are you going to get yor certificate, Jen? Are you going to become a full time teacher?
1056. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 1:24:43 PM
Judy,
I'm not sure. If I get certified, I'll only be making something like $800 a year more.
I *love* the hours of teaching and on some levels it's extremely gratifying to help these kids, but the overall lack of effort is really quite tiresome. Also, kids are so disrespectful these days. I have one kid in my W. History class who told me today "Miss, you need a new look!!" This is from an Hispanic who's 50 pounds overweight and sports a dyed orange hairdo.
When I told him that I wasn't interested in his personal comments, he called me a bitch.
So, I got to kick him out of class.
1057. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 2:04:53 PM
Maybe you'd like teaching younger kiddos; the ones who haven't become jaded yet and who are eager to learn.
1058. Jenerator - 5/7/2001 3:53:15 PM
They'd have to be really young and the lesson planning is overwhelming because their attention span is even shorter.
Maybe I'll go to a community college.(?)
1059. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 4:14:04 PM
Yes, you'd think someone spending money to go to class would be meore intersted in paying attention, wouldn't you?
1060. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:34:33 PM
They (the educational PTBs) really know how to work on getting someone to want to stay in teaching. I made a choice many years ago. I could let myself get burned out jumping through hoops others created for me and trying to make silk purses out of sows' ears, or I could teach kids what I think they need to know to go forward with as many choices as possible and establish my own expectations--piss on state exams--and flunk them, with no rancor or hard feelings at all, if they don't meet them. At progress report time a couple of weeks ago, two of my 23 English students were passing. I know for a fact, though, that they all can pass the AR End of Level test they'll take next year. Whether they do or not is in their hands now. That's been the case for me, in general--enough kids will do well on the tests and I keep low stress. I like the kids at this school a lot, but there's more apathy and laziness here than anywhere I've ever worked. A big part of it is the environment created by the system. They can revel in it if they choose, but not with a passing grade in English.
The same principle of teaching for state test success isn't true for math, btw, where there are so many concepts tested and students come in so far behind, so Bob gets very stressed over state tests. He has kids coming into Alg I and even Alg II who still can't do fractions and percent.
1061. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:36:46 PM
On discipline, I'm very quick and direct coming down on disrespectful kids. I'm not there to be talked to like that, and I will put a stop to it, generally in a very public, clear, and unpleasant fashion. I don't care what the administration's position on it is. After the principal informed me I was putting a kid with behavioral problems back in my room after he was out three days with no one dealing with him, I informed the kid in front of the principal that I'd put up with all I intended to and that if I removed him from my room again he wouldn't be back, and that if I cared to I would push for that now, because I had a right to request his dismissal pending family conference. The principal just looked at him and told him he'd just been given his last chance.
1062. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:39:41 PM
BTW, Jen, I was told not to quit teaching after the first year, and though I thought I would rather flip burgers again than teach those snotty bratty teenage thugs, I followed that advice, and I'm glad I did. Looking back, I have some very fond memories of those kids, but few of my principal, whom I fault for not giving the support and guidance a first year teacher often needs.
1063. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:45:16 PM
You know, Jen, the most frustrating thing to me about your posts is that all the pressure is being put on you, zero on the ones who are supposed to be performing on the tests. OTOH, in some states the stress on the kids, even in elementary school, to do well on the state tests is overwhelming. It's silly, when there are already much better designed national standardized tests to help determine students' levels and problem areas.
1064. JudithAtHome - 5/7/2001 6:45:20 PM
Arky:
I left you a note in the Cafe earlier today...
:-)
1065. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:49:21 PM
"Take it to the Sex Thread, arky."
If you'd posted that before I left for work it might have shifted the tone of my entire day.
PS--I love block scheduling for me (just not at this particular school) but I think it's not good for low-functioning kids with attention spans the length of my black lab's and retention about as long as hers.
1066. arkymalarky - 5/7/2001 6:49:49 PM
Cool. Heading there now.
1067. Frankster - 5/12/2001 2:09:13 AM
Spam. That's it - Spam. I just checked one e-mail account to find the 1-800-flowers spam in it again. I don't know how many times I've had that one and a couple of others like it infiltrate both of my e-mail accounts this last week.
My mother lives here in this city, and I buy them fresh!
1068. seadate - 5/12/2001 2:11:04 AM
attaboy
1069. msgreer - 5/12/2001 7:25:01 AM
I feel horrible. I went to a UCP benefit last night and came home with food poisoning. I was on the phone with a friend and bow it hit. And it hasn't gone away and I am pissed and I look like I have been through WWIII. I WANT TO GO OUT TODAY! IT IS BEAUTIFUL HERE. Geez, I thought that rant would help but it didn't. It is a bathroom, stay in day and I am not happy. I do have a good friend downstairs...that is if she'd let me in her place.
1070. phillipdavid - 5/12/2001 9:52:02 AM
Jenerator,
When I told him that I wasn't interested in his personal comments, he called me a bitch.
This is probably unwanted advice, but here it is anyway:
I believe the key to succesful teaching is establishing a personal relationship with the students. For eight years what I have seen is that if the kids don't think you like them, they won't work for you. All day long kids are looking for relationship -- they want some personal interaction, want to know they are connected to you in some fashion --and they continually test the depths, so to speak, to divine the quality of relationship that exists.
The kind of comment you quoted happens 20 times a day in different fashions, and what they really mean is that the kid is testing the waters to see how far he is willing to wade in. If you recognize, respect and respond in a very human way, I believe the kids will mirror back the quality of energy you put forth to them.
One of my deepest beliefs about classroom education is that the quality of relationship developed with the students determines the quality of education possible for the students.
That being said, we both know classrooms are replete with kids that are just hard to like. But I know that if they don't think I like them, the game is lost, period.
1071. JJBiener - 5/12/2001 10:17:31 AM
MsGreer - I am sorry to hear you still aren't feeling well. Take care of yourself. I just sent you another email.
1072. JJBiener - 5/12/2001 10:18:57 AM
phillipdavid - It is good to see you posting again. We have missed you. I think your advice is sound.
1073. JudithAtHome - 5/12/2001 10:20:28 AM
Wise remarks...everyone remembers their favorite teacher and invariably that teacher had the quality PD just described.
1074. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 10:44:43 AM
The favorite teacher of a lot of problem kids (for some reason I've always liked a lot of the ones that drove other teachers crazy, and they've liked me--kind of like my affinity for Rose ;-)) is often the one who sets clear limits and makes it plain that there's nothing personal, no residual effects, etc, of discipline, but certain lines are not crossed, and that you're a person with feelings and you don't intend to be walked all over. It adds a security and consistency that a lot of kids, especially in the environment Jen's in, don't get anywhere else.
When a principal and counselor help a school establish that tone, no matter how poor and disadvantaged the kids may be, the system works. Otherwise, each teacher is on his or her own in establishing that feeling in the classroom, and usually only has about four months in which to manage it. For a first year teacher without community and administrative support, it can seem an insurmountable feat. It's no surprise under those conditions, which prevail now in so many schools, that the teacher shortage (and the administrative shortage, for that matter) has become a crisis.
1075. seadate - 5/12/2001 11:29:50 AM
Jen, all this wisdom would cost you at least $75/hour elsewhere.
1076. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 11:39:33 AM
And would be worth every penny, of course...right?
1077. JJBiener - 5/12/2001 11:40:52 AM
It is worth every penny she is paying for it now. At $75/hour I think there might be some question.
(G)
1078. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 11:44:39 AM
Ahem. My didn't we wake up the wiseenheimer one this morning?
1079. joezan - 5/12/2001 12:09:47 PM
Jen:
Good advice from both pd and arky.
However, I would add that your approach has got to be based to a great extent on the particular kid you are dealing with.
With a lot of kids, the water-off-my-back, it's-only-words approach will result in continued - even escalated abuse...especially when it's a male student/female teacher. It is a control thing, and if you give any indication at all that you are intimidated, I can guarantee you things will get worse.
But, sometimes it's just that the kid is having a bad day.
Unfortunately, you don't always know all of your students, or the particular circumstances, well enough to make that distinction.
In either case, though, the behavior is totally unacceptable, and the worst thing you can do is to ignore it.
My approach would be to show absolutely no emotion - no surprise, no anger, no hurt feelings - and calmly tell the kid that (whatever higher authority) will hear about it, and that if it happens again you will make sure that he receives the maximum consequence.
Don't argue. Don't let him shuck 'n' jive. Just inform him of exactly where you stand, then go about your business.
1080. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 12:27:30 PM
I agree never to argue with a student, and whether it's the kid or the kid's day it's unacceptable behavior.
I would also add that girls can be way worse than boys on a female teacher, especially if she's single or newly married like Jen and under 40 or so. The worst, most frustrating problems I ever had with kids was a little clique of 9th grade girls when I was about 24 and had just married. These weren't thugs or "bad" students. Most had good grades and came from "good" families. I've seen it happen to other teachers plenty, too. You just have to dig in your heels until they see they're not going to win, they're not going to reduce you to tears or make you quit in disgust, and you're not going to compete with them for the boys' attention. I've not noticed this phenomenon in junior and senior girls.
1081. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 12:31:43 PM
And the most frustrating thing about a situation like that is that the administrators and parents don't see the situation, because they're "good" kids. These are the same type of girls that are likely to bully other girls, too. They're like a little pack in a school.
BTW, they can also sometimes get it in for male teachers, especially if they're young and single or newly married. My brother taught choir his first year, though he wasn't certified and hated the thought. The principal who hired him said not to worry, there were never more than 4 or 5 kids in it anyway. Well, word got out that a young, single, good looking man would be choir director and when he walked into class the first day there were 85 girls. It was the worst semester of his teaching career and by semester most decided that they despised him and quit choir. You know he just cried over that.
1082. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 12:47:42 PM
BTW, all teachers get tested and have things to deal with, of course, and every situation is different. When I first took this new job I had a couple of girls who wanted to try get my goat and the fact that they didn't succeed frustrated them immensely. One of them cried outside my classroom for about an hour, and that was kind of the turning point, I guess, because they both are on my newspaper staff and will be on the yearbook staff next year, even though I will be gone. They're sharp girls and very conscientious workers and students, but very strong-willed and outspoken, and so am I. I usually do very well with kids like that after an initial adjustment period.
1083. Ms. No - 5/12/2001 2:52:30 PM
I'm very fond of the "pop quiz" as a disciplinary measure.
1084. arkymalarky - 5/12/2001 3:36:11 PM
Bob absolutely hates class interruptions, whether it be kids, teachers, board members, parents, or administrators, so anybody who comes into his room is asked a math question. Works like a charm, except on me, because he knows he's got a 30 minute drive home with a hornet if he does me like that.
He and I both enjoy creative ways of dealing with stuff like that--it makes up for the low pay.
1085. joezan - 5/14/2001 11:16:24 PM
Just now, this very minute, I grabbed a hunk o' beef jerky, and sat down to lurk the Mote.
One bite, and a cap that has been in my mouth for 26 years came out.
SHIT!
1086. joezan - 5/14/2001 11:47:07 PM
A joke my brother e-mailed me:
This guy is flying down the highway doing 90 mph. Cop pulls out behind him, catches up and pulls him over. When he gets to the car, the guy is sitting there calmly. He looks up at the officer and asks:
How can I help you, sir?
The cop replies:
"Do you realize you were going 90 in a 55? Just give me your license and registration."
OK - but I have to tell you - they're locked in the glove box along with my .44 Magnum, fully loaded except for one bullet
"What the hell are you doing with a loaded gun in your car?"
Well, you see, says the guy, calmly - ...it was for my wife -she's in the trunk.
"Alright! Get your hands on top of your head, and after I open the door, get out of the car - slowly!"
The guy gets out, and the cop cuffs him and puts him in the cruiser. Not wanting to disturb any evidence, he calls an All Units. Within 2 minutes, ten cops are there, including the Captain, who takes over the scene. He gets the story from the arresting officer, and goes over to the cruiser to talk to the guy.
"Ok - give me the keys to your car", demands the Captain.
What for?, asks the guy, seemingly at a loss.
"Don't give me any crap! You know what for - the gun in the glove box - the dead wife in the trunk...the officer told me all about it..."
WHAT????!!! That liar? I bet he tried to tell you I was doing 90 mph, too!
1087. seadate - 5/15/2001 2:18:53 PM
What reeeeeeally pisses me off is luxury car companies that are apparently producing cars with turn signals as optional equipment.
1088. msgreer - 5/15/2001 2:21:05 PM
seadate
Surely you jest.
1089. msgreer - 5/15/2001 2:21:36 PM
Btw, checked your email lately, seadate?
1090. seadate - 5/15/2001 2:27:56 PM
Got it MG. email coming back at you.
1091. Wombat - 5/15/2001 2:30:51 PM
1)Sometimes I feel like I am the only driver on the roads (in suburban MD) who still uses turn signals. Like I am supposed to read other people's minds...
1092. seadate - 5/15/2001 2:36:14 PM
'course many of these same folks will liberally use the one fingered signal when you dont' read their mind.
1093. bubbaette - 5/15/2001 2:47:59 PM
I have a bumper sticker on my car that says "Visualize Using Your Turn Signals".
1094. seadate - 5/15/2001 2:50:28 PM
hahaha, I hear bumper stickers are the primary mode of self-expression on the redneck riviera.
1095. bubbaette - 5/15/2001 3:00:33 PM
Of course there's always the one-fingered salute.
1096. ElliottRW - 5/15/2001 3:10:37 PM
Ümlåüts änd öthër fųņņũ chäráctërs cråmp mũ stũlë.
1097. glendajean - 5/16/2001 10:24:25 AM
I hate trash emails, both those forwarded by friends (I never open them) or those lately being sent to me by people trying to sell credit cards, second mortgages and anti-snoring devices.
Usually I have a hard time understanding hackers who plague us with viruses or who break into systems to wreak havoc. But I am afraid I'd have little sympathy for anybody knocking Helen875 with her no application fee come-on out of business.
1098. seadate - 5/16/2001 11:19:15 AM
Right, GJ. If it isn't bad enough sifting through the garbage (including the "I love you and if you love me you will forward this to 10 people you love, then, in 10 days, you will get angel emails from 10,000 people who love you from all over the cyberworld"), my hotmail boxes fill with this crap within a couple of days rendering those accounts useless for any "important" messages.
Seadate's action plan: reply by a factor of 10 to every poo-poo email. Massive freakin' retaliation is the only bullet remaining. The next person that sends me one of these 900k 5 year-old images is gonna get it back from several accounts.
1099. Jenerator - 5/16/2001 11:23:14 AM
Seadate,
Your post cracked me up! I didn't realize that the "send this e-mail to 10 of your friends or the chain will be broken" mail went to guys, too.;-)
Yer probably gettin' them from all yer wimmin "friends".
1100. seadate - 5/16/2001 11:32:19 AM
Jen, yep ... they're all tryin' to fix me up. I'm a big boy doggonit! I've taken "search and destroy" to a freakin' art form!
hehe, joking. Just seemed like a smart-ass ranting response. Y'know ... I *have* taken "smart-ass" to art form level .... I'm even worse irl.
1101. rubberducky - 5/16/2001 11:37:58 AM
when i get one of those 'send-this-to-80-people-and-get-a-free-bag-of-M&Ms-cuz-they-are-tracking-it' e-mails, i always reply to the 'friend' and ask that they be sure and tell me when it arrives or they contact you and to not send me anything like that until they do.
of course, i never get another one from them again
1102. seadate - 5/16/2001 11:41:09 AM
Ya know what grates me? The way people immediately classify who you are, your likes/dislikes, tastes, background, marital status, how you'd do on a drug screen, education, sexual preferences, wealth/poverty, how well you "fill out", hand-eye coordination .......
based on what type vehicle you choose to drive!
1103. Ms. No - 5/16/2001 11:44:01 AM
How many times have you gotten the message recently that tries to make you feel guilty for being angry about form-mails and forwarded chains?
You know the one that asks "Why a forwarded email?" and then goes on to say it's because someone was thinking of you but had nothing original to say or didn't have time to write you a personal note or any other of some 40 excuses for why you should be ashamed of yourself for being offended by angel-spam?
My preference?
Next time you're thinking of me be a real friend and delete that spam rather than passing it on.
1104. seadate - 5/16/2001 11:44:23 AM
My dream car = a psychadelic 1972 vw bug with a surfboard permanently mounted to the top.
1105. seadate - 5/16/2001 11:46:03 AM
angel-spam
very nice, Ms. No.
1106. Ms. No - 5/16/2001 11:48:27 AM
Let's start a movement!
N.A.P.S.
Netizens Against the Proliferation of Spam
Then we can exhort people to "Take A Nap!!!"
1107. glendajean - 5/16/2001 11:50:36 AM
The worst thing about forwarded spam is that often you have to scroll down forever to get to what it is they wanted you to see. I never open them anymore. And I certainly don't open the commercial spam.
1108. seadate - 5/16/2001 11:52:15 AM
The contingent 'round here can be
S.N.A.P.S.
Southern Netizens Against the Proliferation of Spam.
Exhortation = "Take a Nap or I'll Kick Yer Angel-Smellin' Ass!!!"
1109. rubberducky - 5/16/2001 11:56:37 AM
one thing to keep in mind is to NEVER click the 'unsubscribe' link.
all this does is tell the spammer that they have an active e-mail reader and you will get more spam guaranteed. those e-mails are treated as money in the bank for spam list gatherers.
1110. seadate - 5/16/2001 12:00:47 PM
On the current topic, I've just opened an appropriately named email account.
Anyone wanting to send me any spam, please send to gargagebox2001@yahoo.com.
1111. Fielding - 5/18/2001 5:04:28 PM
Four-eyes.
1112. ElliottRW - 5/18/2001 5:12:26 PM
Man, Fielding. That's got to be at least as good as a millenial.
1113. christipeters - 5/18/2001 6:16:34 PM
I no longer open any email unless I recognise the email address it is sent from. I got sucked in by an email with "It's me, are you mad at me?" in the subject line and it was porn. Seriously pissed me off. As far as the chain mail emails, I just don't send them on to anybody else.
1114. msgreer - 5/20/2001 12:55:17 PM
MY DAUGHTER'S FATHER SHOULD BE USED FOR TARGET PRACTICE.
1115. christipeters - 5/20/2001 4:14:37 PM
I'd oblige ya, MsG, but I let the ex keep all the guns.
1116. msgreer - 5/20/2001 7:23:02 PM
christi
Works for me. Just make sure it is a slow painful event. How are you kiddo? Been awhile.
I hate to post and run but my back pain is so intense I need to go to bed. Talk to you later, sweet lady.
1117. msgreer - 5/20/2001 7:25:05 PM
And in case Big Brother is lurking, as far as I know there is no law being broken here. You can't arrest someone for a thought. If you knew my daughter's father you would probably do it yourself. It's a good thing I'm going to law school! Kiss Kiss cp.
1118. JJBiener - 5/20/2001 7:34:35 PM
MsGreer - If someone could be arrested for what they thought, I would never see daylight again. I was a foster parent for a long time and I have seen what people are capable of. As my grandfather used to say, "Some people just need killing."
1119. Jenerator - 5/22/2001 11:18:35 AM
Arky,
Are teenagers just plain stupid, lazy, or both?
I gave my 1st period final today. Not even one of them passed. The lowest grade was a 19 and the highest was a 61.
I asked by a show of hands who studied and not one of them raised an arm. The overall consensus was, "We didn't study Miss (they call everyone Miss), it wasn't that important."
All of my A students are now B students and so on.
This is pathetic! I swear, I must have been an exemplary student, I was always on time, always brought supplies, I was courteous and I never, ever talked back to the teachers. I actually wanted to do well in school.
1120. msgreer - 5/22/2001 12:37:58 PM
Jen
I was talking to a woman who teaches 10th grade English Lit. She was so upset. She said the kids don't want to read. They can't write book reports.
They can barely write a sentence.She says she spends most of her time taking away pagers and cell phones. I give it to teachers. I could not do your job. Thank God there are teachers like the ones who reside on theMote. It is my firm belief a good teacher can make all the difference in the world to a kid. I know one teacher did for me in high school and yet another when I took Anatomy and Physiology. Hang in there, Jen. I have nothing but respect for teachers. I hate to run and post but I have decided to give up my anger toward my daughter's father. After all he has to live with himself. Now I am off for a day of pampering, getting some sleep and going out tonight.
1121. seadate - 5/22/2001 1:55:08 PM
MS, it's good to see the voice of reason surfacing wrt the attitude toward the ex. If you get a chance, take a dip in that pretty water for me if you get a chance. There's a possibility I'll soon be delivering a boat with friends up the Atlantic side of Florida.
1122. JudithAtHome - 5/22/2001 1:58:45 PM
Jeez, why don't you assholes who run this backward little village I live in give us some advance notice before you turn the water off? Cretins!!
1123. Fielding - 5/22/2001 1:59:35 PM
msgreer:
"I hate to run and post but I have decided to give up my anger toward my daughter's father. After all he has to live with himself."
I've seen you allude to this several times, but never with details. Is this something that you've discussed before?
1124. seadate - 5/22/2001 2:15:01 PM
Hello, LS. Another day of bathing at the fire hydrant?
1125. JudithAtHome - 5/22/2001 2:20:45 PM
Hey, BB!
Nah, it looks like even that is kaput...looks like the old water well for me tonight!
1126. msgreer - 5/22/2001 2:24:11 PM
seadate
I can only hold onto anger for so long.
And don't you worry, when I watch the sunset tonight I'll take a walk along the beach and run my feet through the Gulf of Mexico for you. A boat on the Atlantic side, huh? When is this taking place?
1127. vw - 5/22/2001 2:35:04 PM
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!
Thanks, I needed that.
1128. msgreer - 5/22/2001 2:38:34 PM
Fielding
I don't believe I've gone into detail on theMote regarding my daughter's father. In a nutshell, when he realized he had a challenged kid with seizures he wanted out of the marriage..fine by me. But my daughter has been through alot of trauma in her life, been hospitalized for five years once to get her seizures under control. My ex is worth 60 Million Dollars and his folks are worth 10 times that much. So when my daughter, who just received another injury to her brain and now has sustained new brain damage and when I spend days with her in the hospital praying she will be able to come off life supports and when she needs certain medical attention and he says to me, you better get use to it, Jennifer can't have everything you want her to have..we are talking money here, fielding..only money. He hasn't seen his daughter since she was three months old by his choice...well I get angry. I took care of my daughter by myself and it is a choice I do not regret. But he is responsible re our divorce decree to pay for all health matters. To add salt on an already open wound, some years back, without telling me, he called the residence she lives in. Told them his daughter qualifies for Medicaid and told them to put the papers through. When I found out a year later I asked him why? He said she was too expensive to cover her insurance wise. Well, now that falls under the category of too bad. She was able to come off life supports but now with the new brain damage she needs help. And I found the right doctor and clinics and they do not take Medicaid. Are you getting this? Needless to say if he had kept her on his insurance policy this would not be happening. I spent most of my morning emailing him. Fruitless endeavor. So, like I always do I will pay for my daughter's expenses. Having said that, I made sure both his parents signed our divorce papers..I knew him well enough to know he would play control games re money. So he said sue me I said fine.
1129. msgreer - 5/22/2001 2:39:48 PM
And I will serve his parents with papers too. So when I write about target practice it is letting off steam. The pain and hurt is so intense sometimes I need to scream. This is the Rant Thread right?
1130. Ms. No - 5/22/2001 2:41:57 PM
MsGreer,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jennifer's injury. My best wishes to both of you and a kick in the ass to all "parents" who neglect their responsibilities.
1131. msgreer - 5/22/2001 2:50:43 PM
Ms.No
Thank you. I have always said there should be a special house for parents who neglect their parental responsibilities. Abit of kick him in the ass gossip..he's married to his sixth wife. And she's a dandy too. Actually sold her two children to her ex. Yes, she was with my ex along time ago..I was number 2..anyway, he told her I don't want kids. Not mine or yours. So you know what this piece of work did, she gave custody of her two kids to her ex for $250,000 each. That is a half a million dollars, cash under the table. I am so glad I kicked his ass out. There are times when money is important and needed and I am blessed but living with "those types of people", well, it is not my style. And I didn't take one cent of alimony. I did make sure Jennifer was covered and he can go tell his sorry sad story to the judge. Now, I have wonderful plans for the day and evening. Just got back from those intense days with my daughter. I can be there for her and I will but this will be here struggle, her brain and her life. They don't calll me the tiger mother for nothing.
1132. ElliottRW - 5/22/2001 3:03:24 PM
msgreer,
I hear you.
1133. seadate - 5/22/2001 3:06:42 PM
MS, some things I will never understand. When I was married, my wife miscarried twins. We were understandably devastated. Shortly afterward we were watching a local news story about some horribly abusive parents. Why?
From interchanges with her on the Mote, Jennifer is just a Doll! Maybe life has short-changed her on some fronts, but her spirit and a fine mother are a pretty formidable combination.
1134. msgreer - 5/22/2001 3:16:19 PM
With the guardianship I have, plenary, Jennifer can sue her father and grandparents. My name is not on the papers. It says Jennifer S******** vs SLS, then J S******** vs. her grandfather and J. S******** vs. her grandmother. As far as I know the grandparents have been served and I imagine they have called his wife and he soon will know. He's out of town on a business trip.
1135. seadate - 5/22/2001 3:24:35 PM
Don't f*** with a mother tiger's cub.
1136. msgreer - 5/22/2001 3:24:52 PM
seadate
I am so sorry. I don't have the answer to why. I don't think I ever will. And you have captured my daughter, seadate. She is a knockout.
1137. PsychProf - 5/22/2001 3:26:56 PM
Seadate...sorry about your loss.
1138. seadate - 5/22/2001 3:28:23 PM
Seven years ago ..... still eats me up.
1139. seadate - 5/22/2001 3:30:19 PM
btw, thanks MS and Prof.
1140. msgreer - 5/22/2001 3:30:47 PM
seadate
I don't think a parent ever gets over the loss of a child.
1141. Ms. No - 5/22/2001 3:32:09 PM
Some wounds will always pain us. The loss of a loved one may become less intense over time, but it never just goes away.
1142. Frankster - 5/22/2001 3:40:37 PM
Seadate,
It's happened, bud. A post from you, or better put, a revelation about your life, which won't leave me with a smile or chuckle as so many of your posts have to this point. I am sorry to hear about your loss, and my heart goes with you.
Hang in there, msgreer!
Rant: I have only one phone line so I must get off for the moment as I am expecting a return call from a drain cleaning service any minute(?) now.
1143. JudithAtHome - 5/22/2001 3:51:34 PM
seadate:
I know what you mean. Sad to see how little some people value life and how dear it is to others, or would be...how heartbreaking.
1144. janjon - 5/22/2001 3:54:31 PM
MSGreer's ex-husband is living testimony as to why the estate tax should be confiscatory. What a worm.
1145. Fielding - 5/22/2001 3:54:56 PM
msgreer:
That is just awful. My heart goes out to you and your daughter.
I don't know anything about Florida Domestic Relations law, but it sounds to me like your daughter should have a case for punitive damages. Also, you could probably publicize this to your ex and his family's social circle. I'm sure that they'll love it when members of their country club get subpoenaed to testify in a nonpayment of child support case.
1146. msgreer - 5/22/2001 3:59:31 PM
Fielding
I am ahead of you on that.
And I am not a vindictive person but when it comes to my daughter, well, all rules get tossed aside. I hired my daughter's NY lawyers to handle the case. And you can be sure, considering their social stance in NY, it will make the papers.They also have a home on the east coast of Florida. Personally, I wouldn't call the papers. But I know her NY lawyers. I never thought I would say this but they deserve it. There is something to be said for what goes around comes around.
1147. msgreer - 5/22/2001 4:01:31 PM
janjon
You said it.
1148. msgreer - 5/22/2001 4:03:28 PM
God, I'm exhausted. Thanks for listening to me scream.
1149. janjon - 5/22/2001 4:05:20 PM
I'll have to scrounge out copies of the NY Post and the Daily News for the next few days and see whether it hits the fan.
1150. Jenerator - 5/22/2001 4:06:26 PM
msgreer,
Your ex-husband deserves to be pitied. What a truly pathetic man, and I hate to say that because he is the biological father of your child. I cannot imagine how much hatred, disappointment and frustration you must constantly have to face. Up against a brickwall like that, I'd say pray. Pray for relief, pray for a miracle, pray that God would break that poor slobs' heart. I think that spoiling yourself tonight is a great thing to do, too!
I sincerely hope that he changes his ways. Btw, his last name wouldn't be Moon, would it? If so, we need to talk!
Seadate,
My heart goes out to you, friend.
1151. seadate - 5/22/2001 4:08:56 PM
Thanks Jen, et al.
1152. JudithAtHome - 5/22/2001 4:20:03 PM
Jen:
Prayer won't help this jerks heart...he needs to be hit where he will feel it, in the bank account.
1153. seadate - 5/22/2001 4:26:13 PM
ego, Judith.
1154. seadate - 5/22/2001 4:27:25 PM
One of my favorite sayings: "Grab 'em by the balls and thier hearts and minds will follow".
1155. janjon - 5/22/2001 4:27:51 PM
nah - in the newspapers. Money, even of the type you can envision necessary for the type of treatments MsGreer has mentioned, isn't really very relevant to this yoyo. Unless, as is likely, a lot of his $60million is tied up in trusts.
Of course, maybe he's of the generation after the one that is skipped (for estate tax planning purposes), which means, indeed, that he's got the whole ball of wax outright.
If so, his grandparents would turn in their graves (hopefully) were they to know what a shit their wealthy grandson is.
One of the perils of sophisticated estate planning. Every third generation has to have free access to the money.
1156. JudithAtHome - 5/22/2001 4:28:23 PM
That, too, but I'll bet he "feels" more from a money hit. The people with the most always do...
1157. msgreer - 5/22/2001 5:00:39 PM
I'm back. Let me put to rest one money issue. When I got divorced I had my daughter's grandparents set up a trust for her. My daughter, who does not know how many nickels there are in a quarter, is worth alot of money. As for her father and parents, my guess is they will settle.They'll talk to their son tonight and say settle the damn thing. Don't you bring us into it but we shall see. They don't understand me. I walked away without taking their money. But for people like this money is the thing that gets to them. None of them are exactly emotionally stable. Boy, I give myself credit for getting out of that one in a hurry.
Jen, even her father could use prayers but he doesn't believe in prayer. I do.
1158. Jenerator - 5/22/2001 5:06:10 PM
..he needs to be hit where he will feel it, in the bank account.
Unless msgreer has the dream team for lawyers, chances are the upcoming lawsuits might only make a small dent.
I'm seriously wondering if she married my ex-boyfriend. The 1st year we dated, he receieved 4 mil from his parents. When he turned 35, he got an additional 40 mil. His family is worth more. He cheated on me and married the girl he cheated on me with. She had a daughter. The last I heard, they went through a nasty divorce and when she went for child support, he hired *the* best attorneys money could buy and got his child support payments down to 350 a month. The jerk has millions in his bank accounts but only pays a minimal amount for his own daughter.
1159. msgreer - 5/22/2001 5:15:51 PM
Jen
I don't know if my daughter's lawyers are the dream team but you know what...they have one big thing going for them. Humiliation. Utter and complete. His mother would rather die before her club friends knew what was going on. No, these are not nice people and would rather spend thousands of dollars in legal fees just to "win" but I know their one weakness. And that is to be exposed to their friends.
It doesn't occur to them this is not about winning. We are talking about their flesh and blood.
1160. Frankster - 5/22/2001 5:18:24 PM
Y'all certainly know how to pick 'em.
Joke!
Joke!
Joke!
(I'm sorry. I just couldn't help it after reading about these "men".)
1161. Jenerator - 5/22/2001 5:20:02 PM
msgreer,
*Now* you're on to something. Is his last name Moon?
1162. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 6:11:53 PM
Seadate - I know what you went through. I went through it myself 15 years ago. My daughter was stillborn at 22 weeks. It is something you learn to deal with, but you never get over it.
After that we took in foster children. I know stories of abuse that will curl your hair. It is unbelievable what some parents are capable of.
1163. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 6:16:08 PM
MsGreer - When I was a foster parent and I was holding a two-year-old boy who was screaming in terror in the middle of the night, I used to come up with appropriate punishments for parents who caused such trauma to their own children. I will spare you the gory details, but I think some of them would be appropriate for your ex.
1164. Frankster - 5/22/2001 6:22:45 PM
After that we took in foster children. I know stories of abuse that will curl your hair. It is unbelievable what some parents are capable of.
JJ -- Don't be so liberal with your use of the term,parents--please. I see it all the time, particularly where I grew up, and it just tears at me. If receiving punches could make these "parents" better parents, I'd gladly volunteer to beat the shit out of some of them.
My heart goes out to you also, by the way.
1165. Fielding - 5/22/2001 6:24:54 PM
JJ:
That is so upsetting. (shudders)
Are you still in touch with these kids? I am interested in how they grew up.
1166. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 6:27:37 PM
Frank - I am afraid you misunderstood. The purpose was never to make them better parents. It was to kill them in slow, painful and rather creative ways. It was payback for the hurt they caused to innocent children. I am not a violent man by any means. I do however make exceptions.
Thanks for the thought.
1167. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 6:29:14 PM
Fielding - I adopted one of them. Another one is grown and calls from time to time. Mostly I just hear what is going on with them through the grapevine.
1168. Frankster - 5/22/2001 6:44:53 PM
JJ,
Re:1166
I guess I did misunderstand. I just noticed the incongruence of your statement and reacted.
About 12 years ago, I had to babysit four nephews, who were all under the age of five at the time. At some point, they all became interested in the same object -- as they always seem to do -- and the grabbing and crying over it began. At one point, the youngest one ( three years of age ) did something ( I've forgotten what it was ) which compelled me to softly tap him with an open hand on his tush to get his attention. That still knaws at me to this day. Not only because he wasn't mine to discipline that way, but because I wasn't resourceful or patient enough to come up with a more appropriate alternative. That one incident has me oftening questioning myself as to whether I'll ever be a good parent in that regard.
...By the way, that nephew today, as well as the rest of them, is college bound with a 4.0 GPA. I guess somewhere along the line I had some positive influence on them during my sitting days, huh ? I believe the one who now resides in Hawaii, was attempting to get into the Naval Academy the last I heard.
1169. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 6:50:51 PM
Frank - Trust me. You will be a great parent. The fact that you can question your actions and your desire to be a good parent are key. A tap on the butt with an open hand is necessary sometimes. When a child is in diapers, they can't feel it, but they can hear it. It gets their attention. You will do fine.
1170. Frankster - 5/22/2001 7:05:39 PM
Thanks, JJ. I hope so. I often wonder if I really can or will be ... I wonder if everyone about to enter the parenthood arena enters it with this much second-guessing and doubt about their abilities ?
... I just hope I am never like my old man in any of the following: never at home, mentally and physically abusive, an alcoholic, noncommunicative, a womanizer, etc., etc., etc.
Hell, I know I won't. Count on it!
1171. msgreer - 5/22/2001 7:39:46 PM
Okay. We're on to the next level. Knew this was coming. They have hired a PI and I am being followed. They've done this before. What a waste of money. It doesn't bother me, but it's not fun for my friends. So this guy is sitting outside my door in his car. I thought I was being followed. So I will take him to see the sunset and let him watch me take a walk in the water for seadate.
1172. msgreer - 5/22/2001 7:41:59 PM
JJ
Check your email. Well, I am off for the evening, with my escort.
1173. Frankster - 5/22/2001 7:44:33 PM
msgreer,
Sheesh! What will a PI possibly accomplish ? Why don't you moon him ? ;)
What do people -- such as your ex -- do for fun just out of curiousity ? Drown puppies ?
1174. msgreer - 5/22/2001 7:55:36 PM
Frank
I'm glad I checked this thread before I left. Thanks for the laugh. I haven't been laughing much but drowning puppies. What do they do for fun, they have the ex-daughter-in-law followed thinking it will somehow upset me and I will back down. I think we need a Laughter Thread.
Thanks, Frank. You lifted my spirits. And as for mooning, he should be so lucky!
1175. msgreer - 5/22/2001 7:55:39 PM
Frank
I'm glad I checked this thread before I left. Thanks for the laugh. I haven't been laughing much but drowning puppies. What do they do for fun, they have the ex-daughter-in-law followed thinking it will somehow upset me and I will back down. I think we did a Laughter Thread.
Thanks, Frank. You lifted my spirits. And as for mooning, he should be so lucky!
1176. Frankster - 5/22/2001 8:10:48 PM
msgreer,
My earlier post (1160) was my attempt at humor, MS. I was actually a bit serious this time, given your description of your ex's way of handling this whole matter, particularly now with a PI to boot ... What does it say about a person with that kind of money who won't provide for his own flesh and blood. What an incredible pathetic excuse for a human being, simply pathetic.
Drowning a puppy probably isn't a reach for him I would think.
1177. Ms. No - 5/22/2001 8:46:30 PM
msgreer,
Call the cops and report the strange man casing your neighborhood. Shake 'em up a bit.
1178. Shannon - 5/22/2001 8:56:22 PM
Frank, I'd think most parents do lots of second-guessing.
I just broke up a battle between mine. They are now both playing in their own rooms with the door closed. That went far too well.
See, when things seem good, you just wait for the other shoe to drop.
1179. Jenerator - 5/22/2001 10:01:08 PM
Ditto to Ms No's suggestion. Better yet, have him follow you to the nearest police department and report him with him right outside.
1180. Adrianne - 5/22/2001 10:12:49 PM
Frank
That you recognize the motivation behind the swat and really regret hitting your nephew shows that you really will, most likely, be a good parent.
This, though:
A tap on the butt with an open hand is necessary sometimes.
is completely false. There is never, ever, a good reason to hit a child. I could post a nifty little rant about that, actually.
1181. arkymalarky - 5/22/2001 10:19:30 PM
Sorry to hear about the situation, MsG. Hope everything goes your way.
Jen,
One thing I like about teaching in a small school, especially in a town that cares, is that a teacher, and even a whole school, can establish and maintain a reputation of requiring work from its students. I don't really have that right now and it's very frustrating. I've railed on mine, not for discipline problems, but because I can't get them to keep their dadgummed heads off the desks. I'd almost feel better if I caught more of them cheating--at least it would mean they cared enough to take that much effort to improve their grades.
These kids are pleasant, and the whole school's not like that; they just don't put a lot of focus on their lower level kids, and I have to have time and some consistency to see any improvements in their attitudes. One semester won't cut it. One thing I think we have accomplished is that their writing and reading comprehension has improved as a group and they'll probably mostly pass the end-of-level test next year. I'll be back in a much better district by then, though.
I also try to remember that when I started twenty years ago most of these same kids would have already dropped out of school. Kids aren't different or worse, we just keep them as captive audiences for much longer than we used to. I don't have a problem with that per se, but many schools around here are graduating them despite the fact they haven't done jack to earn a diploma. Where I'm going the kids know for a certainty they will fail if they don't do the minimum that's expected. I'm realistic in an "average" class, but they're going to know they've earned even a D by the time they're done.
1182. arkymalarky - 5/22/2001 10:19:50 PM
My one 10th grade English class, btw, had only 2 grades that weren't either Fs or Is--a B and a C--in progress reports. I informed them that if that was to change they would come up to where I expected them to be. Period. Most have, a few will fail, to which my response is I'm flattered I've made them enjoy 10th grade English so well they're anxious to take it again.
1183. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 10:25:38 PM
Ad - I am not advocating hitting a child. I am talking about a tap on a diaper. It is what my parents would call a potch un tuchus. It is a way of getting a child to pay attention and nothing more. The child can't feel it, but he can hear it. It is reserved for things like wandering into the street and other things that will result in harm to the child.
1184. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 10:34:34 PM
Frank - Everyone who enters the arena of parenthood has doubts. Well, that's not quite true. Good parents have doubts so they work hard to be good parents. A parent who has no doubts and never questions his actions is most likely not a very good parent.
Parents who grew up in abusive households usually have two reactions. Either they are just as abusive as their parents or they break the cycle completely. I can't imagine that you would ever be abusive. I think the only problem you might have is being too much of a pushover.
When the time comes, you will be a great father. If you have any questions, come here. There will be plenty of advice to go around. Or contact me directly. I would be glad to share my experience.
For a fee, of course. (G)
1185. JJBiener - 5/22/2001 11:11:44 PM
MsGreer - You know, I have never considered myself to be naive. I guess I just don't have any experience with people like your ex and his family. I have no idea how people can act like they do.
1186. wonkers2 - 5/22/2001 11:29:44 PM
They are extreme narcissists.
1187. ElliottRW - 5/23/2001 12:44:13 PM
JJ to Frank -- I think the only problem you might have is being too much of a pushover.
This is a difficult call for all parents. PsychProf posted some great tips in parenting that can help with this. I'll paraphrase a few of my favorites here:
These tips (and significant amounts of practice, planning, and mistakes) have given me the confidence to discipline my kids effectively, without fear that I'll go overboard.
1188. CalGal - 5/23/2001 1:00:06 PM
Either they are just as abusive as their parents or they break the cycle completely.
That's not true. There are plenty of ways to continue the cycle without being "just as abusive" as their parents. But then, this is a parenting discussion.
1189. CalGal - 5/23/2001 1:02:29 PM
As for MsG's situation--are you saying that your ex husband was able to switch your daughter off of his policy and onto Medicaid without your knowledge?
1192. seadate - 5/29/2001 4:14:59 PM
Sorry to post and run last week, gang.
JJ, I just read your posts from last week. Maybe we should create a Vigilante thread.
MS, thanks for the walk on the beach. Re: the PI ... Invite several friends over, set up lawn chairs in your front yard, fix everyone tropical drinks with umbrellas in them, everyone should loudly make fun of and continue pointing at him, put a lawn sprinkler out so that he has to run his windshield wipers to see, have the children throw water balloons at his car ..... If he leaves to go get a Big Mac or the go to the restroom, put nails along the curb ... after he returns, everyone (including yourself) should leave, if he doesn't have a flat, go to a (men's) gay bar (I'm assuming he's straight) and introduce him around .... to be continued.
1193. msgreer - 5/29/2001 4:48:58 PM
seadate
You're cracking me up. Gay bar. I love it. Nails under his tires. I mean just visualizing this makes me laugh. I can't wait for the next chapter in how to entertain this PI.
1194. seadate - 5/29/2001 4:56:52 PM
MS, it has to do with wiring and medium (non-lethal) voltage.
1195. msgreer - 5/29/2001 4:59:06 PM
I love to laugh, seadate, and you are making my day. Thanks.
1196. seadate - 5/29/2001 5:00:22 PM
And, of course butyric acid if a dead skunk isn't readily available.
1197. msgreer - 5/29/2001 5:03:01 PM
I can't stop laughing. I'm about to go out and doubt I can ever look at this guy the same way.
As it is he went all over town with me today. Now he has to go to the hospital and wait while I see a client. Good God. All in all, I rather be sailing.
1198. JJBiener - 5/29/2001 5:06:46 PM
MsGreer - You and me both. I would much rather be sailing than here at work. Ugh!
1199. seadate - 5/29/2001 5:07:47 PM
MS,
imo, the power of money is overrated and belly laughs underrated.
MS, if you'd rather be sailing, here's a dose ... I sailed on a J24 (competes with us in mid-week races) Saturday, a 35 foot Benneteau Sunday, a J30 Sunday night, 35 Benneteau Monday, and spent Monday night at anchor with friends on their 30 foot Sea Ray.
1200. msgreer - 5/29/2001 5:12:05 PM
seadate
What are you trying to do? Drive me crazy? I have an idea, let's go sailing.
1201. msgreer - 5/29/2001 5:12:59 PM
JJ
Hi there. Having a good afternoon at work are you?
1202. JJBiener - 5/29/2001 5:17:09 PM
msgreer - Not particularly. It has been worse, but it could definitely be better. I had lunch with a recruiter today. He is a good guy so that was fun. Plus he bought. Greek food is always welcome.
1203. JJBiener - 5/29/2001 5:20:25 PM
msgreer - BTW, have you checked your email lately?
1204. msgreer - 5/29/2001 5:22:11 PM
Yes I have, JJ.
1205. JJBiener - 5/29/2001 5:23:23 PM
msgreer - Just making sure you got my email.
1220. Fielding - 5/29/2001 6:19:19 PM
Posts 1190-1191 and 1206-1219 were moved to The Inferno.
1221. JudithAtHome - 5/29/2001 6:21:15 PM
Makes for a short page, huh?
1222. Fielding - 5/29/2001 6:25:29 PM
Only until you fill it up.
1223. JudithAtHome - 5/29/2001 6:28:06 PM
I'm about to go off on a rant about the treachery of getting older, so that hangovers last for what seems an eternity but I feel too shitty to put forth the effort.
1224. Fielding - 5/29/2001 6:30:14 PM
Everyone loves apathy rant. I was about to post one, but then I thought: "Why bother?"
1225. JudithAtHome - 5/29/2001 6:31:34 PM
Yeah, I wanted to start the the National Apathy Party but I figured no one would join...
1226. JJBiener - 5/29/2001 9:11:51 PM
Judith - I always wanted to start the National Procrastinators Party, but I never got around to it.
1227. labwabbit - 5/29/2001 9:25:25 PM
...ask me if I care.
heh
1229. Fielding - 5/30/2001 12:08:54 PM
Someone's got it in for me, they're planting stories in the press
Whoever it is I wish they'd cut it out but when they will I can only guess.
They say I shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy,
She inherited a million bucks and when she died it came to me.
I can't help it if I'm lucky.
People see me all the time and they just can't remember how to act
Their minds are filled with big ideas, images and distorted facts.
Even you, yesterday you had to ask me where it was at,
I couldn't believe after all these years, you didn't know me better than that
Sweet lady.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your mouth,
Blowing down the backroads headin' south.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I ran into the fortune-teller, who said beware of lightning that might strike
I haven't known peace and quiet for so long I can't remember what it's like.
There's a lone soldier on the cross, smoke pourin' out of a boxcar door,
You didn't know it, you didn't think it could be done, in the final end he won the wars
After losin' every battle.
I woke up on the roadside, daydreamin' 'bout the way things sometimes are
Visions of your chestnut mare shoot through my head and are makin' me see stars.
You hurt the ones that I love best and cover up the truth with lies.
One day you'll be in the ditch, flies buzzin' around your eyes,
Blood on your saddle.
Idiot wind, blowing through the flowers on your tomb,
Blowing through the curtains in your room.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
1230. Fielding - 5/30/2001 12:09:05 PM
It was gravity which pulled us down and destiny which broke us apart
You tamed the lion in my cage but it just wasn't enough to change my heart.
Now everything's a little upside down, as a matter of fact the wheels have stopped,
What's good is bad, what's bad is good, you'll find out when you reach the top
You're on the bottom.
I noticed at the ceremony, your corrupt ways had finally made you blind
I can't remember your face anymore, your mouth has changed, your eyes
don't look into mine.
The priest wore black on the seventh day and sat stone-faced while the building
burned.
I waited for you on the running boards, near the cypress trees, while the springtime
turned Slowly into autumn.
Idiot wind, blowing like a circle around my skull,
From the Grand Coulee Dam to the Capitol.
Idiot wind, blowing every time you move your teeth,
You're an idiot, babe.
It's a wonder that you still know how to breathe.
I can't feel you anymore, I can't even touch the books you've read
Every time I crawl past your door, I been wishin' I was somebody else instead.
Down the highway, down the tracks, down the road to ecstasy,
I followed you beneath the stars, hounded by your memory
And all your ragin' glory.
I been double-crossed now for the very last time and now I'm finally free,
I kissed goodbye the howling beast on the borderline which separated you from me.
You'll never know the hurt I suffered nor the pain I rise above,
And I'll never know the same about you, your holiness or your kind of love,
And it makes me feel so sorry.
Idiot wind, blowing through the buttons of our coats,
Blowing through the letters that we wrote.
Idiot wind, blowing through the dust upon our shelves,
We're idiots, babe.
It's a wonder we can even feed ourselves.
1231. labwabbit - 6/1/2001 6:05:58 PM
This is really an inferno of rants...
1232. vw - 6/2/2001 6:57:14 PM
To the previous owner of my new home:
I am going to hunt you down and beat the snot out of your lazy ass for painting over the wallpaper in the upstairs hallway.
1233. joezan - 6/2/2001 10:57:22 PM
vw:
You think that's bad?
After we'd been in our house about a year, we got sick of the medicine cabinet in the downstairs bathroom. It was huge in height and width, and to make matters worse it was surface-mounted and six inches deep. Basically, it looked like it took up half the bathroom. So we decided to replace it with a much smaller, recessed cabinet.
When I unscrewed the monstronsity from the wall, there was the original cabinet, minus the mirror and hinges. On its glass shelves were a half-full tube of toothpaste, some old toothbrushes in a cup, and a couple of used disposable razors.
Now, that's lazy.
1234. vw - 6/3/2001 9:34:26 AM
WOW! Okay, that beats mine. But, I've only been in there since Friday, so I might yet find a "trump" example of dumb-assery!
1235. Shannon - 6/3/2001 12:51:29 PM
Our bathroom has paint over the wallpaper. They didn't bother to take the toilet out, so there's no paint behind the tank. Very impressive.
I've decided I hate wallpaper, after the hell I went through taking down the wallpaper in the hall bathroom. Ugh. Good thing I was going for a textured-type paint job.
1236. JudithAtHome - 6/3/2001 1:03:46 PM
In the Philippines, we stayed in a hotel where the wall decor was plain wallpaper that had been stenciled in a contrasting color with a patterned roller...the roller path went around the headboard of the bed, the nightstand, the sink, and even a chair which sat against one wall. We moved the chair and there was a patterned outline of it.
1237. Frankster - 6/4/2001 5:22:44 AM
All of your accounts had me rolling on the floor for the last few minutes. Yours takes the cake, Joe. That is just too funny.
And, Judith, having spent time with you and Keoni, I can only imagine the look on both of your faces at seeing that outline of the chair. LOL!
Okay, here's mine ( I don't think it's so much laziness as it is prioritizing ) :
The previous tenant(s) of this apartment I'm currently living in was a young married couple, who at one point during their tenure here decided to get a dog, and subsequently had a dog door installed on the front door so the dog could come and go as it pleased.
Nevermind that not one kitchen cabinet or drawer closed properly because of bad hinges and years and years of caked on paint, and nevermind that the whole place was painted in a cheap flat white paint with a brown dust clinging to the crevices of the stucco everywhere one looked or that the curtains looked as though they had not been replaced in 20 years. I've spoken in here in the past about the elbow grease and money I've sunk into the place to make it acceptable, and maybe the former tenants were of the opposite mindset, which was that of the common transient tenant, and therefore not too preoccupied with how the place looked or functioned, or what people thought of the place. But, I digress. Back to the front door.
Continued:
1238. Frankster - 6/4/2001 5:23:23 AM
Continued:
This door. The front door. The door which this young couple paid money to have a dog door installed on, had NO doorstop. You know --"door stop" -- the thin piece of wooden strip which borders most door frames and prevents the door from continueing a few inches beyond the door latch ? It's the wooden border which provides the "thud" one hears after the door latch catches, and also provides a seal to combat drafts.
Before I installed some for this door, I could literally make out who was at, or walking by my front door from the middle of the livingroom. That is, I didn't need to approach the door to look through its peep hole -- I could literally make them out by just looking through the 3/8 to 1/4 inch door lenght gap surrounding the door...Not only that, but bugs would crawl in frequently at night, and the cold nights were almost unbearable at times because of the drafts these gaps helped facilitate.
...What was this couple thinking ?
All this talk reminds me of one of my favorite 60s sitcoms, Green Acres,more particularly, the Douglas farmhouse.
1239. Frankster - 6/4/2001 5:24:00 AM
G'night!
1240. CharlieL - 6/7/2001 3:53:58 PM
Here's my rant:
What is it with thread names that begin with foreign characters? Couldn't this thread be "A Barrel of Rants?" What's up with the A? It has to be "Å Barrel of Rants?" I don't even know how to pronounce that! It's as bad as Spinal Tap putting an umlaut over the "n!"
OK, I feel much better now...
1241. JudithAtHome - 6/7/2001 4:12:05 PM
Isn't it obvious? Fielding is Spinal Tap...or one of them.
1242. msgreer - 6/7/2001 6:54:13 PM
I would like to scream about my daughter's father and his parents. We settled the case having to do with money. They settled. But it left my daughter with such anger toward her father. We were ready to go to court today. I got my daughter ready...took her to meet the judge, see his chambers because he was never going to hold these proceedings in court. She got to talk to the judge and ask all sort of questions. But in the middle of the night her father and his parents settled the first case. It left my daughter with such anger. She wanted to tell her dad what she was feeling. Again, he let her down. Her NY lawyer came into town. He allowed her to scream and rant. He was calm with her. He was wonderful. He allowed her the anger she felt. Now we shall see if the bastard wants to test guardianship. I was glad to see my daughter react in her own way. She is a good kid and I am proud of her.
1243. JJBiener - 6/7/2001 7:44:48 PM
MsGreer - It is unbelievable to me that people like that can be so cruel. It is so far beyond my experience I don't even know how to react.
1244. msgreer - 6/7/2001 7:48:19 PM
Just continue to be a good friend, JJ.
1245. CharlieL - 6/8/2001 4:38:45 PM
My thoughts are with you, MsG.
1246. Raskolnikov - 6/8/2001 4:41:35 PM
You know, I have seen Spinal Tap 6-7 times, and never noticed that there was an umlaut over the n. The film still has surprises.
1247. msgreer - 6/8/2001 6:24:29 PM
CharlieL
Thank you. Thank you very much.
1248. msgreer - 6/8/2001 6:36:45 PM
CalGal
Don't be so petty as to use my name to describe a "bitch" when you could just as easily and more truthfully use your own name. In case anyone is wondering why the rant, check Finances and Careers.
1249. msgreer - 6/8/2001 6:38:33 PM
CalGal
You owe me an apology...and everyone knows it. A public apology, Cal.
1250. CharlieL - 6/8/2001 10:46:04 PM
MsG, no one is wondering why the rant.
1251. rubberducky - 6/8/2001 10:55:13 PM
i actually agree with CharlieL
this thread should obviously be called A Bärrel of Ränts!
1252. angel-five - 6/8/2001 11:06:03 PM
Well, the Å symbol in science stands for an angstrom. Which is a really really small distance -- 10 -10 meters. So I guess it could be taken to indicate something ironic about the content of the thread, but, nah.
1253. Erinyes - 6/8/2001 11:12:45 PM
I thought it (Å) was so it would show up first in the list.
1254. msgreer - 6/9/2001 12:36:02 AM
Charlie
Thank you, again. I thought I was alone.
1255. msgreer - 6/9/2001 10:48:05 AM
Charlie
Let me say that a different way. I don't think I am alone but not all Moties are willing to say so in public.
rubberduck thanks to you too.
1256. CharlieL - 6/11/2001 4:29:05 PM
MsG, CG is well-known to argue an issue to death, frequently switching sides to argue against what she has said earlier, all the while denying she has ever done so.
The game gets tired quickly.
1257. msgreer - 6/11/2001 5:32:03 PM
CharlieL
I know that about Cal. But with me CalGal posts have been so personal, uncalled for and nauseating not to speak of hurtful. I don't mind having a civil disagreement with anyone..or even a heated one. That is not the point. I am talking about unprovoked, very personal attacks about me. That is different than arguing an issue to death and switching sides in the middle. She does that to hear herself talk.
Explain her displaced anger at me, CharlieL..enlighten me.
1258. christipeters - 6/11/2001 6:00:20 PM
MsG: advice - skip 'em. just 'cause a post is there, doesn't mean you have to read it. i've found the best thing to do with an insult tossed at me is to refuse delivery.
1259. msgreer - 6/11/2001 6:19:35 PM
cp
yes, you are right but what i am asking is why is cal doing this to me and others? what the heck is her problem?
1260. rubberducky - 6/11/2001 6:41:43 PM
i thought The Inferno was the official bitch-about-CalGal thread.
in any event, thread host(s), most of the preceding half dozen posts should be moved there according to Message # 1
1261. JudithAtHome - 6/11/2001 6:51:53 PM
I have a rant about the grocery store I shopped at today:
If you HAVE to remodel, which you actually don't need to do, could you please just shut down for 3 days and DO it? Stop with all this mickey mouse turning shelves and stacking things in unusual ways and moving entire sections across the store and calling it "Remodeling" just because you are building new refridgeration units. Twice I nearly broke my toe on pallets sticking out in what are no longer aisles but trails...there are electrical cords strung everywhere; huge sheets of ballooning black plastic are cutting off entire sections of the store, with comic (not) little "Please pardon our mess while we serve you better!" signs all over the place.
You can serve me better by clearing up this miserable hell hole and stocking the shelves once again with groceries.
1262. CalGal - 6/11/2001 7:03:13 PM
Couldn't you just trip and sue?
1263. arkymalarky - 6/11/2001 7:37:18 PM
My mother did that, and it didn't work.
Really, she did fall, but it was after a remodeling, and she broke her elbow, but so far no settlement, and this was months ago. Her lawyer told her he didn't think she'd get anything, even though she stepped back and tripped over something left in the middle of an aisle. So Bob and I are putting our early retirement, Mose's Ivy League education, and our trip around the world on hold.
1264. Shannon - 6/11/2001 9:04:03 PM
Judith, the Albertson's I used to shop at has been doing the remodel crap for months. In the meantime, a new one has opened nearby, so I've been going there. I could just go to Winn-Dixie instead, but I have even more rants about them.
1265. Frankster - 6/11/2001 9:56:52 PM
Judith,
I agree with you wholeheartily.I once worked for a store that actually spray painted part of the interior as customers shopped one evening. As one might imagine, the place not only wreaked with paint odor, but the lack of ventilation actually created a paint cloud/fog which situated itself in the center of its high ceiling. One could actually see a friggin' cloud of paint hovering inside this place.
There was absolutely no reason to expose both employees and customers to such conditions for the sake of a few dollars. No reason.
Oh, and just as in your case, there was absolutely no reason to remodel the place. The store had recently been expensively remodeled right before this painting took place, but the new corporate heads decided a new different look.
1266. tiggeriffic - 6/13/2001 5:28:47 PM
Just an observation...... but looking back on the recent renovations that have occurred in my two local supermarkets I have come to the conclusion that the REASON they insist on making such a public and ANNOYING spectacle of the renovations is to then justify the price hike in goods afterwards... both my local grocery stores have went thru major "unneeded" renovations only to follow up immediatly afterwards by hiking the prices sky high... and now complaints are met with.... "we have to pay for the costs of renovations that were implemented to serve you better"....... you could have served me better by leaving things the way they were and keeping your costs at a level where I am not forced to decide whether its Heinz OR veggies.... cuz its getting tough to afford both....
ok I'm not usually a cranky person honest...
1267. arkymalarky - 6/13/2001 5:31:08 PM
The reason for the renovation of my grocery store was simple--the opening of a Wal-Mart Superstore. And the grocery store couldn't afford to shut down for fear of losing customers in that time--of course, I'm sure they did anyway.
1268. JudithAtHome - 6/13/2001 5:31:36 PM
I totally agree with you!! They aren't even waiting for the place to be gussued up to raise the prices at my store...they are already hiking a few.
1269. grannypatsy - 6/14/2001 3:03:04 AM
I think this is more of a wine than a rant but I really dislike the heading The Good Life.OTOH I do like the new games.
1270. ScottLoar - 6/14/2001 6:05:24 AM
I like the new title, but think it could be improved by Slouching Towards the Good Life.
1271. CharlieL - 6/14/2001 12:27:15 PM
Maybe they'll change the title tomorrah...
1272. LimeGirl - 6/14/2001 1:17:11 PM
Here's my rant of the day: Co-workers who cannot manage to stand up when they need to move to an area halfway across the room. No, what they do is shuffle their feet so that their chair rolls across the room with them. It's such a slow, painful process to watch, because it takes twice as long as it would otherwise.
1273. seadate - 6/14/2001 1:42:11 PM
Tropical storms appearing early in the season really rock my boat.
1274. Shannon - 6/14/2001 1:43:09 PM
I'm with you on that one, seadate.
1275. seadate - 6/14/2001 1:45:31 PM
Did you get any flooding, Shanon?
1276. Shannon - 6/14/2001 1:49:49 PM
No water in the house--it stayed just below the foundation line. Another few minutes of hard rain Thursday night and we'd have been done for. 4 or 5 houses on my street flooded, about 10 in the subdivision I think.
How'd the boat hold up?
1277. seadate - 6/14/2001 1:58:27 PM
Good to hear you dodged the bullet.
The boat floated well. Some rain got inside. No big deal, all things considered.
1278. Frankster - 6/14/2001 2:04:29 PM
Seadate!
What you up to, dude !? How's your trip going ?
Rant ? Young attractive girls who have, and thus use it with an incredible amount of frequency, the term,"dude" in their vocabulary.
...For that matter, any woman who needs to use it.
(I hope it's just a regional, or beach thang )
Shannon - I think it's time to start shopping for a nice boat. ;-)
1279. seadate - 6/14/2001 2:25:28 PM
Trip's over, Frank. We went west rather than east.
Dood.
1280. PsychProf - 6/14/2001 2:27:00 PM
Any good Sea stories?
1281. seadate - 6/14/2001 2:42:41 PM
~36 hours from Key West to St Petersburg. Calm seas, no traffic, big moon, several porpi escorts. I'll have some pics for you, Prof.
1282. Frankster - 6/14/2001 2:49:33 PM
Any good Sea stories?
Forget that! Any good cabin stories ?
several porpi escorts.
I know why seagulls might follow a boat, but I've always wondered what porpi get out of escorting a boat ? I guess I have a lot to learn about the sea, huh ?
1283. JudithAtHome - 6/14/2001 3:44:20 PM
They like the conversation, Franque!
1284. PsychProf - 6/14/2001 3:49:03 PM
CabinPeepers...
1285. ycmeehan - 6/14/2001 6:14:53 PM
I have done it again. Posted three innocuous comments in three different threads and they stopped, are still stopped.
This is depressing and darn right discouraging. I hate it when that happens.
1286. christipeters - 6/14/2001 6:57:07 PM
Yes, YC, it's all your fault!
&;op
1287. msgreer - 6/18/2001 7:15:44 PM
Son of a bitch. Bush has refused a stay of execution of a retarded man. He will be put to death tomorrow on the same gurney McVeigh died on.
There but for the grace of God goes my daughter.
1288. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:21:38 PM
The grace of god and her failure to kill anyone. But you know, that's so easy to do, really.
Gosh, they killed Timothy McVeigh. There but for the grace of God, a Ryder truck, and a burning need to kill a ton of people go I.
1289. JJBiener - 6/18/2001 7:23:01 PM
MsGreer - First, I agree with you that a person who is mentally challenged should not be put to death. Bush is wrong not to stay the execution. The prosecutor was wrong to seek it and the judge and/or jury was wrong to impose it. It violates all of the principles on which our justice (sic) system is based.
That said, your daughter would never be in that position. She is not capable of committing an act like that. She is far too kind to harm another person.
1290. wabbit - 6/18/2001 7:32:06 PM
msgreer,
Garza is mentally retarded? Or do I have the wrong person?
1291. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:35:29 PM
Does she mean the Florida shrub? Garza's not retarded.
1292. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:36:27 PM
I should say that I assumed that who MsG meant, anyway. If not, I am confused.
I know there was an attempt to ban executions of the mentally retarded in Texas, but it was the current governor who vetoed it, not Bush.
1293. msgreer - 6/18/2001 7:39:25 PM
wabbit
Garza is mentally retarded. And as for my daughter, JJ, of course she wouldn't kill anyone but look at her upbringing. Look at all she had and still has. Loving mother, supportive family and a very wealthy father. She has the best this country has to offer.
1294. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:42:43 PM
Garza is mentally retarded? Are you serious? I just saw him speaking on TV today. He's a drug lord, isn't he? Or do I have him confused with someone else?
1295. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:43:43 PM
It wasn't Jeb Bush after all--he just signed a law banning execution of the retarded.
1296. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:45:25 PM
No, Garza is not retarded, according to the NYTimes.
1297. msgreer - 6/18/2001 7:45:28 PM
Cal
The Florida man who was retarded spent 22 years in jail for a murder and rape he did not commit. DNA proved his innocence. And showed who the real killer was.
iiibbb and I were talking about this case earlier in this thread.
1298. Indiana Jones - 6/18/2001 7:47:34 PM
Gosh, they killed Timothy McVeigh. There but for the grace of God, a Ryder truck, and a burning need to kill a ton of people go I.
NATLBSB
1299. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:47:48 PM
That may be, but you are definitely confusing things. The governor of Texas just vetoed a ban on executing the retarded. President Bush, on the other hand, just said recently that he did not think the retarded should be executed.
1300. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:48:29 PM
Of course, Bush opposed bans on executing them when he was governor. But he's President now.
Indy,
Thanks.
1301. wabbit - 6/18/2001 7:53:10 PM
I guess I've got three things semi-confused here. I knew Jeb Bush had signed a law banning execution of anyone who is mentally retarded, but I thought it was the current Texas gov who refused not to execute a retarded person and that Garza was a "drug kingpin" who had twice appealed his sentence, on grounds of improper jury instruction and racial bias.
1302. CalGal - 6/18/2001 7:57:17 PM
Yes, that's right--or at least that's my understanding, too. I hadn't known that about Jeb Bush when I first responded, which is why I assumed MsG had been talking about Jeb.
1303. ScottLoar - 6/18/2001 8:59:31 PM
Imprisonment has only temporarily retarded Garza's earnest habit of eliminating competition.
1304. msgreer - 6/20/2001 1:39:16 PM
Cal
I was wrong about Garza. I had his case mixed up with someone else.
1305. janjon - 6/20/2001 1:45:21 PM
Garza, among other things, had his 20 or 21 year old son-in-law killed for having bungled some sort of drug deal.
1306. msgreer - 6/20/2001 1:48:45 PM
all around great guy, janjon.
1307. seadate - 6/20/2001 1:51:47 PM
Greetings, MS.
1308. msgreer - 6/20/2001 1:52:50 PM
hi seadate. what's up?
1309. seadate - 6/20/2001 1:56:29 PM
the temperature. How's the land of white sand?
1310. msgreer - 6/20/2001 1:58:47 PM
fantastic. I went to Siesta Key Beach on Father's Day to watch the sunset and connect with my dad. You need to come here, seadate. This place is perfect for you. You don't need shoes. The sand is cool all year round.
1311. msgreer - 6/20/2001 2:00:08 PM
yes yes I know you were just here, so to speak..but Siesta Key Beach, well, it is another world. You know the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Now add white sand, no shoes, and a glass of wine.
1312. msgreer - 6/20/2001 2:00:46 PM
more pictures, please.
1313. seadate - 6/20/2001 2:03:46 PM
I remember seeing Siesta Key on the charts as we passed by. All the cool places out that way ....
1314. msgreer - 6/20/2001 2:06:10 PM
So do you want to go sailing with me today? I'll bring the food and wine. Anything special you want music wise?
1315. msgreer - 6/20/2001 2:07:10 PM
and no ponies allowed.
1316. seadate - 6/20/2001 2:08:48 PM
The porpi pics didn't come out very well. I'll send a few. That boat is so fine. Most people who drop that much cash on a boat will buy a much larger vessel ... one of the reasons I wouldn't be surprised if it's the finest 40 foot cruiser in the country. Possibly the world.
1317. msgreer - 6/20/2001 2:11:52 PM
Sounds like you had a great trip.
1318. seadate - 6/20/2001 2:13:40 PM
haha, ponies. I'm racing tonite. We've continued our winning ways. My team took a 2nd and a 1st in my absence. The worst we've placed in the last 6 weeks is 2nd. I hope the boasting doesn't jinx us.
1319. iiibbb - 6/20/2001 2:36:18 PM
email from a friend of mine today
I was riding to work yesterday when I observed a female driver cut off
another driver, who had to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid hitting her.
This evidently angered the driver enough that he hung his arm out his
window and flipped the woman off.
"Man, that guy is stupid" I thought to myself. I ALWAYS smile nicely and
wave and here's why:
I commute 25 miles each day to and from work. Of these, 16 miles each way
is bumper-to-bumper. Most of the bumper-to-bumper is on an 8 lane highway
so if you just look at the 7 lanes I am not in, that means I pass
something like a new car every 40 feet per lane. That's 7 cars every 40
feet for 32 miles. That works out to be 982 cars every mile, or 31,424
cars.
... passed on from a friend of mine
Even though the rest of the 32 miles is not bumper to bumper, I figure I
pass at least another 4000 cars. That brings the number to something
like 36,000 cars I pass every day.
Statistically, half of these are driven by females, that's 18,000.
In any given group of females 1 in 28 has PMS. That's 642. (Note from
me: that assumes that PMS lasts only one day. hmmm...)
According to Cosmopolitan, 70% describe their love life as dissatisfying
or unrewarding. That's 449.
According to the National Institute of Health, 22% of all females have
seriously considered suicide or homicide. That's 98.
And 34% describe men as their biggest problem. That's 33.
According to the National Rifle Association 5% of all females carry
weapons and this number is increasing.
That means that EVERY SINGLE DAY, I drive past at least one female that
has a lousy love life, thinks men are her biggest problem, has seriously
considered suicide or homicide, has PMS, and is armed.
... I think not.
1320. iiibbb - 6/20/2001 2:36:46 PM
toys?
1321. JJBiener - 6/20/2001 5:10:21 PM
MsGreer - Boy, I thought I was a flirt. I am in the presence of a master. (G)
1322. msgreer - 6/20/2001 7:24:54 PM
JJ
Look whose talking. (g)
1323. Frankster - 6/20/2001 7:43:23 PM
Rant! When radio stations cut their songs short in order to fit in commercials and stick to their friggin' timetable and playlists.
Yesterday, they cut off the long version of, Tuesday Afternoonby The Moody Blues...I wanted to stick my fist through the radio!
1324. IrvingSnodgrass - 6/21/2001 12:58:35 AM
I posted this rant in the Sports thread the other day, but the ad referred to is still bugging me every time I see it...
I often watch ESPN International, which features one of the stupidest, most irritating ads I have ever seen. It goes like this:
"Watch NHL Hockey, the truly international sport. Players hail from every corner of the globe: Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Russia, Lithuania, Canada and the US."
Seems to me that that's just a tiny corner of the globe: northern white folks. The vast majority of us live elsewhere.
1325. don s. - 6/21/2001 1:38:21 AM
Fraaank, they did you a favor.
1326. Frankster - 6/21/2001 3:25:50 AM
Hahahaha!
I happen to like the long version of that song, Don, so I'm always disappointed when I hear the second part coming on, only to have them trucated it with a quick fade out to a commercial or deejay speak.
I haven't heard the extended version in years.
1327. IrvingSnodgrass - 6/21/2001 3:28:23 AM
Fraaaank:
I hear the extended version all the time. In fact, it's the only version I ever hear.
I have the album.
1328. Erinys - 6/21/2001 3:38:29 AM
Well, Irving, hello! you get what you get when you look at ads.
Now I will rant.
Listen, you GodFearing Bitches, just because you have kids and can't travel at whim anymore, that is not any reason to Start Pulling Bible Quotes and telling my best friend she is a materialistic money-slut for going to Lake Tahoe.
You'd dump your kids for a week in a NY minute if you had the chance to go.
You made her cry tonight, you evil-snatch suburban sourpusses; so she has ambitions other than yours, she's a bad person?
I hope your toilet hisses every time you flush; I hope your grout has an unhealthy pall about it; I hope your pool liner breaks; I wish upon you every plumbing problem known to man, including your dear hubby getting it up. Bitches.
1329. Frankster - 6/21/2001 3:59:31 AM
Irv,
I guess I should add that album as another one I have to get. What are they singing in one part of that second part ?
Is it:
Evening's time to get away, Evening's time to get away ... ?
Do you get to listen to a lot of American and British tunes out there ?
1330. IrvingSnodgrass - 6/21/2001 4:42:28 AM
Fraaaank:
Yeah, I always heard it as "Evening, time to get away." The album is called "Days of Future Passed," and is well worth it.
Western music rules here, though Indonesian music is getting better, and more popular.
1331. arkymalarky - 6/21/2001 9:31:00 AM
That is a great album. You would love it, Frank.
1332. JudithAtHome - 6/21/2001 9:58:59 AM
I hope your grout has an unhealthy pall about it
This has to be one of the coolest curses ever...
1333. Dusty - 6/21/2001 10:07:07 AM
Frankster
Maybe the DJ just realized it was Wednesday.
1334. bubbaette - 6/21/2001 10:07:28 AM
My bathroom sink faucet is malfunctioning. Who have I offended and how do I make amends?
1335. JudithAtHome - 6/21/2001 10:12:08 AM
Home Depot...go there and donate cash.
1336. Ms. No - 6/21/2001 1:07:53 PM
Erinys,
Where do we go to beat these fools about the head and shoulders? Lead the way!!!
1337. tiggeriffic - 6/22/2001 1:22:06 AM
Ok I am NOT a professional ranter but i think I can give it a shot ..... ( its either give it a shot here or actually go outside load a gun and shoot the damn dog) ... and WHAT damn dog am I a normally soft hearted and canine loving person threatening???, an incredibly stupid, old, smelly, dog of defective kidneys that should I make the mistake of breaking down and letting in my house is guaranteed to leave puddles from kitchen to attic.... It belongs to my father in law and gets regularly dumped at my house so that he may enjoy a few days of freedom when ever he so desires..... My husband cheerfully volunteers the kennel and promptly forgets the nightly ritual whereby darkness falls and the dog starts to bark .... STEADILY and MINDLESSLY into the night..... unending... until I am forced to KICK my husband from my side of the bed where I have been lying for hours trying to tune him out... causing him to finally wake up and mumble..... "what?".... I glare at him thru the darkness until he stumbles to the window .... yells SHUT UP!!!!!!!!.... then turns and falls back into bed and sleep in the same motion....
Silence shall reign for perhaps 20 mins and then we repeat the entire scene.... sitting here now with a pounding headache and a bottle of tylenol in front of me... I wonder...... if I were to get the gun..... WHOM do I aim it at? ....
thank you ... I feel much better now :) .....
1338. arkymalarky - 6/22/2001 1:28:01 AM
Hahaha. That sounds so familiar, but it's my husband who's kept awake by barking dogs. Our idiot labrador finally has gotten old enough (I can't say smart enough) to quit the barking in the middle of the night. But if she only knew how many times I'd saved her from being toast....
1339. tiggeriffic - 6/22/2001 1:33:55 AM
hmmmmmmmm this dog is part lab as well..... I wonder if that could be the problem.... and the only thing that is saving this dog from being flower fertilizer is that there is no yard light..... and I don't want to go stumbling around chasing a black dog in the dark.....
1340. arkymalarky - 6/22/2001 1:37:14 AM
Yep. Verrry familiar. And if he/she's like Sasha, she didn't learn to poop out of the yard until she was about 5, so once you step in a big pile of lab poop after trying to chase a black dog in the middle of the night, your chances of sleeping go from slim to none. Labs can be bad to bark incessantly. Not that they're by any means the only breed that can have that tendency.
1341. bubbaette - 6/22/2001 10:48:36 AM
To the self-important attorney at the Attorney General's Office:
Sahib
This miseable supplicant is exceedingly humiliated by her stupidity in approaching your most exalted personage for a response to a legal question involving her most wretched agency.
Certainly an esteemed and exalted personage such as your self cannot be troubled with telephone calls from such an insignificant worm as this miseable supplicant. Surely the Commissioner himself should put pen to paper to beseech your worthy assistance in answering questions about the applicability of the Administrative Process Act to policy development in our wretched agency's lowly programs.
This miserable supplicant will henceforth inscribe all inquiries from this lowly agency on purfumed and gilded vellum to be presented to your most worthy and esteemed personage on a silver tray. This miserable supplicant will approach your exalted personage only on hands and knees and will gratefully accept any response, be it an answer to the most unworthy question or the planting of your esteemed foot in the ass of this miserable supplicant.
This miseable supplicant humbly begs for your pardon of her most unworthy self.
1342. arkymalarky - 6/22/2001 11:22:08 AM
Every time Bubba posts a rant, my first thought is "Go ahead and send it!"
1343. bubbaette - 6/22/2001 11:46:12 AM
It's mighty tempting. I left a message for the A.G. rep that I usually deal with asking a question. She forwarded it to this jackass since he covers the program in question. The jackass never returned this or my subsequent call (I called at the suggestion of my regular A.G. contact) but instead fired off a nastygram to the Deputy Commissioner saying that all questions must be in writing and including the following:
"Please provide me with a list of staff that you feel ought to be able to contact me directly along with the responsibilities of each such person. Please keep the list as short as possible and restricted to upper management to the extent possible."
Republican asshole punk.
1344. arkymalarky - 6/22/2001 11:56:44 AM
Oooooh, you've just got to send it! What a self-importand drip! Wouldn't it be nice if a million bucks just dropped in your lap and you could stick that sucker in mail--certified, of course, to make sure butthead gets it.
1345. arkymalarky - 6/22/2001 12:00:33 PM
What makes me maddest about people like that is that your job can be peachy and you can love what you do and who you work with, and something like that just blows my mood and makes me willing--for the duration of my anger, which can be considerable sometimes--to chuck it all to get one asshole.
1346. bubbaette - 6/22/2001 12:17:59 PM
Yeah. The consolation is the 6 or 7 regular people at the A.G.'s office I've worked with in this and previous jobs (most of whom are this jackass's superiors) have gone out of their way to be helpful.
So anyhow, in the real letter I include the following in the first paragraph:
I apologize for contacting you and respectfully request your consideration of this inquiry.
I am the _________ agency's legislative liaison and regulatory coordinator and work in the directors office. Although my job responsibilities do not include the day-to-day operation of the _________ Act and the Council, I do provide assistance with regulatory development and legislative tracking. While I will place in writing all inquires related to regulations, the press of business during the legislative session may necessitate telephone inquiries about pending legislation.
I plan to cc the colleague in the A.G.'s office who referred me to this jackass in the first place along with a copy of his nastygram.
1347. arkymalarky - 6/22/2001 12:33:33 PM
Sounds good, especially sending the copy of his pomposity to the one who referred you to him. Couldn't you subliminally stick "you're an asshole" in there someplace? Maybe in code or something?
1348. bubbaette - 6/22/2001 12:48:06 PM
I don't think there'll be any doubt about my feelings toward the bozo, but it will be appropriately worded and vetted through channels.
1349. Jenerator - 6/22/2001 1:52:32 PM
Bubba,
I just want you to know that I still highly resent your job. Don't they know that we *need* you in here!?
The Mote | Mote Archive
back to top