The Soapbox

[scrapinpeg]

You know what's irritating? People who answer their own questions.

[introspective]

Here's a dilema: I am currently sharing a small unit with a person who is certifiable - for real. I've been very generous towards her. She is devoted to her Sabboth and chants her Torah daily and I never complain and I find it very nice. I generally wait for her to leave before I begin to offer my own daily prayers which I keep to a low roar and very appreviated. What can I do about her constant whining and complaining and get her to shut up? My hope is to move again and never never never share a space with anyone ever again in this lifetime.

[Epee_Pox]

Okay, people. If you're cooking meat over some coals or a gas range in your back yard, you are NOT HAVING A BARBECUE, okay? You are grilling outdoors. There is a huge difference between barbecuing and grilling. And if you can't tell the difference, you shouldn't be allowed to do either. Gah!

[Fencergrl]

The lack of shoulder checking while driving.... I was watching this car change lanes and almost hit someone. The other car swerves and this car proceeds in his chosen lane.

He then decides to change lanes again a few metres up the road... and almost hits another car. Now I'm in the lane beside him and decide I better get by this clown, when I notice the side of his car getting closer to mine, before he swerves back in his lane.

Normally when you see all the windows up in a car on a hot day, you assume he's got air conditioning. In this case I think it was so no one can hear the screams of his family in the back seat.

Another driver had me shaking my head.... he's pulling into traffic on a one-way street. He looks the opposite direction of traffic before pulling into it and hitting another car.

Come on people! This isn't that difficult. Don't proceed until you can actually see no one in your way!

[Have At You]

I hate it when people smoke around me. It's so inconsiderate. The smell is nauseating, and it's just gross to get a faceful of someone else's cigarette exhaust, whether you're trying to enjoy a nice meal or just walking down the street. Smokers suck.

[Fencergrl]

I just spent two hours on a long distance phone call because someone who I love dearly had her birthday forgotten.... by her kids, her husband and her ex- husband (who had the kids)... it was her 40th birthday.

People.... this matters. You don't have to make a big deal or spend lots of money but simply acknowledge someone's special day. It's important to tell the people around you that you care about them.

Little kids can't go out and do their own shopping so, as adults we have to ensure that they have the opportunity to get a little something for their parent.... even if they are no longer your spouse. Suck it up... it's part of being a good parent.

So listen up you teens out there.... even if it's not you mom or dad's birthday, it wouldn't hurt to do something nice or say you care ever so often. It'll mean the world to your parents.

[Inquartata]

Pish! I have never understood the importance of birthdays. It's not as if it's an accomplishment, or evidence of some extraordinary quality. Everyone has one, every year. Boooring.

And for what, really, is the day commemorated? For our mothers accomplishing something---going through the trauma of pushing us out, squalling, into a world we never made! It should really be a second Mother's Day!

Plus, why do even the distinctly UN-special need a "special day"? *cough*Egotism!*cough*

Bah. Bah, I say! And yet again, bah!

[Zilverzmurfen]

Someone needs a hug!

[Inquartata]

Don't get me started on hugging! Darned kids, with your public displays of affection! Why in my day...

[academe]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Don't get me started on hugging! Darned kids, with your public displays of affection! Why in my day...

For a picture of Inq. "in his day" follow this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Stevedallas_bc.jpg

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Pish! I have never understood the importance of birthdays. It's not as if it's an accomplishment, or evidence of some extraordinary quality. Everyone has one, every year. Boooring.

I actually agree with this.

I don't usually even tell people about my birthday. It just leads to uninteresting conversation.

[Fencergrl]

I have no problem with this. Some people feel differently, behaving in an appropriate manner in how much or how little one should react to a birthday keeps people from either getting their feelings hurt or in your case, annoyed. Just because you want to be low-keyed about your birthday doesn't mean that others feel the same. Or that your "take on" birthdays is the correct one for all to follow.

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Don't get me started on hugging! Darned kids, with your public displays of affection! Why in my day...

Daaaayamn! Who would turn down a hug from ZZ??? I mean, unless you prefer a hug from her brother...there's nothing wrong with that...but...have you SEEN her PICTURE?????

[Inquartata]

Note that she didn't actually offer, just implied that I needed one...

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

Originally Posted by Inquartata

Note that she didn't actually offer, just implied that I needed one...

Kids...please witness Inq. Realize that you'll never amount to anything if you wouldn't take ZZ's comment as an opportunity!

[Beloit Fencer of Old]

[u]Quake Triggers Tsunami in Indonesia
By ROBIN McDOWELL, Associated Press Writer
3 hours ago

JAKARTA, Indonesia - A massive earthquake shook Indonesia on Wednesday, killing seven people, injuring 100 and triggering a small tsunami that hit one city on the island of Sumatra, authorities said. Tsunami warnings were issued for much of the Indian Ocean region.

The 8.2-magnitude quake off Sumatra badly damaged buildings along the coast and could be felt in at least four countries, with tall buildings swaying as far as 1,200 miles away.[/

I thought that tall buildings only swayed 3-6 feet at the top.

[Have At You]

Should have posted this here...

Originally Posted by Have At You

How come it's six years after 9/11 and ground zero is still just a big empty hole in the ground? And they haven't even knocked down that one demolished building next to it yet? That's just pathetic. Where's the American can-do spirit, the gumption, the know-how? Where's the New York attitude? Where's the git-r-done builders and workers? It's pathetic and I am so ashamed of what it says about us. I'm angry. Rant off.

[scrapinpeg]

Yeah, that's pretty embarrassing. But you know what gets me? People who are embarrassed for other people.

[Nicksmom]

Kids that do not listen.
Do they think I was born yeaterday? Do they think STUPID is tattooed on my face? I say "you don't have enough room to practice there" And, I'm looked at like I have three f*&%ing heads. "You are going to get hurt or break something, you don't have enough room" Then the reply *huff* and Pretty soon...."I hurt my foot, I accidently kicked the coffee table, why didn't you tell me I was gonna get hurt" or *crash* "OOps...Mommy, your crystal angel just fell off the hutch, I didn't do it, my foil isn't anywhere near it"

[mrbiggs]

Originally Posted by Nicksmom

Do they think I was born yeaterday?

Don't worry. I'm pretty sure that none of them think you were born yeaterday.