Sooooo..... [Archive] - Page 30 - Lounge of Tomorrow

Kevy Baby

07-19-2010, 02:50 PM

It would never occur to me to call anybody about a dead animal in or near the road unless it was a hazard (like something deer sized) or a domestic animal.Just as we were leaving the house for a party on Saturday, we heard a scream then a thud out on the street. We went to investigate and found one of the neighborhood cats had been hit by a car (not one of ours thankfully).

We moved it out of the road and then when back inside to call animal control. I couldn't find the number for them, so I was able to call the local police (the dispatch line, not 911) to report the incident and have animal control come pick the critter up.

All-in-all kind of put a damper on Saturday's festive mood :(

wendybeth

07-19-2010, 03:42 PM

I think it wasn't too badly decomposing. He just looked like he was sleeping. It was freezing up there!! As well as raining. I'd imagine someone in the household called. We left so I don't know how long it took for them to remove it. I am curious, though, myself.

We'd like to maybe go live up there eventually. Removal of dead animals in a timely manner would be tops on my list.
Only large dead animals like moose, bear or deer get taken away by Fish and Game or animal control- everything else pretty much lays where it died until it gets picked up by a private citizen or eaten by other animals. I'm impressed that California takes the time and money to clear away small animal remains- that would bankrupt our state, considering how many wild critters we have up here that end up as roadkill, etc.

CoasterMatt

07-19-2010, 04:16 PM

Not to mention all the starving families...

MouseWife

07-19-2010, 04:55 PM

Can you imagine deer or a bear??? I find...well, thankfully, nothing in a long time.

LOL Matt, well, I'd wonder if people {if they catch it in a timely manner, knowing how the animal died} take the deer or moose to eat?

True about the picking up of all animals draining the budget.

In CA, what money?

Alex

07-19-2010, 04:58 PM

I'm impressed that California takes the time and money to clear away small animal remains

At least in this part of California I've never seen any evidence they do.

MouseWife

07-19-2010, 05:03 PM

Maybe they want us to put them in the trash?

I hope I don't have to find out any time soon.

BarTopDancer

07-19-2010, 05:05 PM

At least in this part of California I've never seen any evidence they do.

The only time I've ever seen an animal removed was a few years ago - it was a very large raccoon that was dead on a very large public sidewalk. I suspect it was a health hazard more than anything since it wasn't in an area where the decomposition would remove it without people coming in contact with it or consumption by other animals would occur.

Mousey Girl

07-19-2010, 05:26 PM

this is making me remember the dead cows on the side of the road, waiting for the Tallow Works truck to pick them up. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Kevy Baby

07-19-2010, 05:49 PM

I'm impressed that California takes the time and money to clear away small animal remains...At least in this part of California I've never seen any evidence they do.It depends on where you live. In the city I live in, Brea, they like to keep the city squeaky clean (no parking on ANY city street from 2 a.m - 6 a.m. - crap like that), so they take the time to clean up even the small road kill like cats. In the more rural areas, and probably most other cities, they don't do this.

In the slums like where Alex lives, they leave road kill so people have something to eat.

BarTopDancer

07-19-2010, 07:00 PM

this is making me remember the dead cows on the side of the road, waiting for the Tallow Works truck to pick them up. EWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

And that made me remember the dead cow in the ditch being fed on by CA Condors or Vultures that Erica and I saw on the way back from the Grand Canyon.

CoasterMatt

07-19-2010, 07:39 PM

And that made me remember the dead cow in the ditch being fed on by CA Condors or Vultures that Erica and I saw on the way back from the Grand Canyon.
Which in turn reminds me of the last time I went to Hometown Buffet.

RStar

07-19-2010, 09:57 PM

Which in turn reminds me of the last time I went to Hometown Buffet.

Yeah.

HomeTown Barfette. I have had to call a code V many a time on my way out that door....

MouseWife

07-20-2010, 05:30 AM

Yuck. This weather is bringing out a lot of roadkill. Animals out all hours.

Hometown Barfette? Too true! I like the variety as I always have trouble deciding what to get, this way I can get a bit of everything {a bit!}. But, you stand there a moment to watch...all of those dirty hands on all of the serving utensils? Or, visit the bathroom and see who washes their hands when they finish?

My son went a couple of days ago with some friends. They said never again. They said it was like Chuck E. Cheese. Not good.

RStar

07-20-2010, 06:43 AM

MouseWife

07-20-2010, 07:09 AM

Hometown Buffet and roadkill should never be in the same post :eek:

Oops! My bad.... ;)

Moonliner

07-20-2010, 08:26 AM

Hometown Buffet and roadkill should never be in the same post :eek:

Really? You must frequent nicer eating establishments than I do.

alphabassettgrrl

07-20-2010, 09:17 AM

I feel like a slug this morning. But I have tickets tonight to the symphony at Hollywood Bowl! One of my favorite venues.

Kevy Baby

07-20-2010, 09:22 AM

HomeTown Barfette. I have had to call a code V many a time on my way out that door....And yet, you (apparently) keep going...

SzczerbiakManiac

07-20-2010, 10:06 AM

Anytime I go to a buffet, I eat everything with my knife & fork because I don't feel like washing my hands after every trip to the line.

A friend of mine once described a lousy buffet as, "It's wasn't so much 'all you can eat' it was more like 'all you can stand'."

Alex

07-20-2010, 10:20 AM

I just don't care that much about germs or worry about stray infections. Maybe someday I'll die from catching e. coli of the salad tongs at Sweet Tomatoes but so far it is working fine for me.

HomeTown Buffet (or the sister restaurant Old Country Buffet) is a place I haven't been to in many years but it does have sentimental attachment from when I was a kid.

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2010, 10:47 AM

Dilemma: Get the bike helmet that is both more stylish AND offers the most head protection? Or the one that is dorkier, but is half the weight and has way more vents making it far more comfortable. Grrrr.

blueerica

07-20-2010, 11:03 AM

Which of the two would result in better helmet hair once it's off your head?

Betty

07-20-2010, 11:11 AM

Go for the safest one. It won't matter what it looks like or how hot or cool you are if it doesn't protect your head when bonk it.

(said from the viewpoint of a Mom whose son has had 2 bike injuries - one without a helmet that resulted in a trip to the ER via ambulance and once with a helmet that knocked out several front teeth.)

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2010, 11:17 AM

Which of the two would result in better helmet hair once it's off your head?Both awful, not a factor.

Go for the safest one. It won't matter what it looks like or how hot or cool you are if it doesn't protect your head when bonk it.
The "less safe" one is still probably perfectly safe. Especially since the biggest safety gain from the "more safe" one is the back of the head. Seeing as I'm not planning on doing many backflips on my road bike, the odds of a back of the head impact are vanishingly low. So really, it's style vs. comfort. The "safer" factor is just a convenient justification for favoring style.

Alex

07-20-2010, 11:31 AM

My helmet philosophy was:

1. Wear one when I'm sharing space with cars.
2. If I'm not sharing space with cars I probably am not wearing one, but I accept that this decision could kill me.

Generally this is followed a few weeks later by

3. "Why do I always forget how much I hate riding bikes and think I'll start doing so. I'll just walk and wear a helmet."

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2010, 11:46 AM

Most of my commute is on a dedicated bike trail, but ~30% is still on streets, much of which without even a painted bike lane. Plus any local riding I do at lunch time is all streets.

I consider myself a skilled, and aware, rider. I've never worn a helmet, even as a kid, and I used to ride daily, often on streets. Never come close to injuring myself. But I can't control the drivers and I've already had to test my brakes a couple times as idiots have turned right in front of me, so I'm reluctantly admitting that my risk exposure is great enough to warrant a helmet. And there's the whole responsible-for-another-human-being thing to consider.

I'm leaning towards style. A helmet does me no good if I'm unwilling to wear it. The 1/2 lbs weight difference hardly seems relevant, and a few vents aren't going to keep me from sweating.

ETA: Oh, and I absolutely love biking, always have. It's been a month and not for a moment have I wanted to get back in a car, or even a bus, instead. The day I learned that a bike commute was a real possibility was a glorious day in my life.

Kevy Baby

07-20-2010, 12:09 PM

(said from the viewpoint of a Mom whose son has had 2 bike injuries - one without a helmet that resulted in a trip to the ER via ambulance and once with a helmet that knocked out several front teeth.)I often think back to my childhood where I rode my bike everywhere and without a helmet. And yet, I am alive today (which, upon hearing some of the stories of my youth, Susan wonders how that is possible).

I consider myself a skilled, and aware, rider. I've never worn a helmet, even as a kid, and I used to ride daily, often on streets. Never come close to injuring myself. But I can't control the drivers and I've already had to test my brakes a couple times as idiots have turned right in front of me, so I'm reluctantly admitting that my risk exposure is great enough to warrant a helmet.And therein lies the rub: it is not because of your actions that you need a helmet, it is for the drivers out on the highway that you need to defend yourself from. The fact that you had the right-of-way doesn't mean much when you are lying on the pavement with your head split open.

BarTopDancer

07-20-2010, 12:34 PM

I often think back to my childhood where I rode my bike everywhere and without a helmet. And yet, I am alive today (which, upon hearing some of the stories of my youth, Susan wonders how that is possible).

I think most of us have how did we ever survive our childhood moments. Especially these days when so many things we used to do are now illegal.

We used to ride in the bed of a pick up truck with a camper shell playing monopoly from HB to LA and lay down in the back of a station wagon on camping trips. My friend used to ride on the "shelf" in her moms Corvette because there wasn't enough room for everyone. Then there's the time we did donuts in the mall parking lot after taking her 8 y/o brother to see Boyz in the Hood (we were 14, friend's bf was 16). A cop stopped us, asked what we were doing then told us to go home. Bikes with no helmets, skates with no pads.

Great song (spoiled for post length).

We were born to mothers who smoked and drank
Our cribs were covered in lead based paint
No child proof lids no seat belts in cars
Rode bikes with no helmets and still here we are, still here we are
We got daddy’s belt when we misbehaved
Had three TV channels you got up to change
No video games and no satellite
All we had were friends and they were outside, playin’ outside

Chorus
It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

School always started the same every day
The pledge of allegiance then someone would pray
Not every kid made the team when they tried
We got disappointed and that was all right, we turned out all right

Chorus

Bridge
No bottled water, we drank from a garden hose
And every Sunday, all the stores were closed

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2010, 12:56 PM

And there's the whole responsible-for-another-human-being thing to consider.Yes. Indeed, there is.

My father rode motorcycles for most of his life and I daresay he is very skilled at it. One day he was cruising slowly down a side street and dog jumped out from behind a car. He broke his collarbone and it's given him issues for the rest of his life. If he hadn't been wearing a helmet he would have cracked his head open.

It doesn't have to be a busy street to be dangerous.

As for "well I didn't die", yeah, it's quite possible to not die from not wearing a helmet. It is also quite possible to die. Odds are pretty good that you'll be ok, but not THAT good, and as was said above, you're at the mercy of other people, unpredictable elements that they are.

I have to say - I find it so sad that people can actually wax poetic about being beaten with a belt. As someone who was actually hit until my teen years, threatened with more than that, and witnessed a belt beating on my brother, I cannot understand it. What a sad legacy to pass on to your children.

blueerica

07-20-2010, 01:03 PM

Soooo... I just used the term "shocker" over the phone to Jason at work. Without thinking, clearly.

Now to see if anyone that overheard knows what that is...

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2010, 01:50 PM

Well, I did some in-store helmet browsing. Much to my surprise, the "dorkier" option actually ended up looking less dorky on my than the "stylish". Go figure.

Alex

07-20-2010, 01:55 PM

While I don't wax poetic about it, and if I ever had children wouldn't do it myself, I don't really view my parents application of corporal punishment as damaging in any way. But neither do I hold the view that it can't be damaging.

As for the risks thing, any individual aspect of risk abatement is hard to argue against, I just question when we've gone to far in trying to eliminate all risks.

When I was a kid we used to dig a pit in a nearby wild area and then build ramps to jump over the pit with our bikes. We all survived. None of us ever even owned a helmet. Many of us got hurt to some degree or another. And there was never any parental supervision (where we were if someone was seriously hurt it would have taken 20 minutes to even get to somewhere possible to call for help).

THere was serious risk (we were also generally swimming in the nearby creek without supervision as well) and it was all easily avoidable and it would be hard for me to fault a parent prohibiting the entire thing on safety grounds (or making us take it to a specially built bike park with padded walls and body armor and a 1:1 parent to child ratio). But I also can't help but feel that something important is also lost if that kind of unstructured, unsupervided group play is taken away.

Is there any reason to let kids ride in a car without a seatbelt? Not really (though sitting on my dad's lap "driving" the car up and down the street in front of my house when I was four is one of the strongest positive memories I have). Is it child abuse to leave you six year old in the car while running into the convenience store for five minutes? Not really.

Alex

07-20-2010, 01:57 PM

Soooo... I just used the term "shocker" over the phone to Jason at work. Without thinking, clearly.

What was the complete sentence?

"I really enjoyed that shocker you gave me last night, left me tingling for hours, will you do it again when I get home?"

is more interesting than

"Did you see that story about the shocker the utility worker got when she fell alseep in his cherry picker and coworkers played an unacceptable prank on her?"

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2010, 02:48 PM

Alex, agreed re: risk. Hell, I DID take some pretty serious spills on my bike, with a chipped front tooth to show for it. No biggie.

In a lot of ways I think it's more important as an adult to worry about safety equipment than as a kid. My reflexes, reaction time, maneuverability, and ability to recover from injury are significantly reduced from what they were 20 years ago. Plus I have a longer way to fall with a lot more mass and momentum to increase the impact force.

But really the deciding factor for me is regularity. Most everyone is going to survive the occasional ride to the store or day of jumping over flimsy plywood ramps unscathed. But repeat daily over a long period of time, and one's odds of injury become less and less comforting.

DreadPirateRoberts

07-20-2010, 03:08 PM

Not to put a damper on it, but you and your family depend on your income, and if you get hurt, it's not only you who would be affected.

Kevy Baby

07-20-2010, 03:15 PM

I have to say - I find it so sad that people can actually wax poetic about being beaten with a belt. As someone who was actually hit until my teen years, threatened with more than that, and witnessed a belt beating on my brother, I cannot understand it. What a sad legacy to pass on to your children.Have you ever heard someone recall with fond memories being beaten? I know I haven't.

blueerica

07-20-2010, 03:46 PM

What was the complete sentence?

"I really enjoyed that shocker you gave me last night, left me tingling for hours, will you do it again when I get home?"

is more interesting than

"Did you see that story about the shocker the utility worker got when she fell alseep in his cherry picker and coworkers played an unacceptable prank on her?"

Me: "Did you get The Shocker?"

Background: a running gag on Sealab 2021 is a fictional chain restaurant, Grizzlebees. Their claim to fame is that they're the home of "The Shocker" - which looks as one with a slightly dirty mind might imagine. Incidentally, if you order The Shocker, you get a free Tossed Salad.

Jason and his co-workers went to Applebee's for lunch.

BarTopDancer

07-20-2010, 03:46 PM

Have you ever heard someone recall with fond memories being beaten? I know I haven't.

I *think* she was referring to the lyrics I posted. I've heard the actual song (which I don't think you need to hear for the message and I didn't link cause the message would be lost in the context - country music isn't popular around these parts) and I don't think he's waxing poetic about it... I think he's referencing it to how times have changed and it can seem that the theme to parenting these days is threats without follow through and the child threatening to call the police on their parents for a spanking on the butt for doing something dangerous.

Times are different now. It's not all bad and it's not all good.

Ghoulish Delight

07-20-2010, 04:49 PM

Me: "Did you get The Shocker?"

Background: a running gag on Sealab 2021 is a fictional chain restaurant, Grizzlebees. Their claim to fame is that they're the home of "The Shocker" - which looks as one with a slightly dirty mind might imagine. Incidentally, if you order The Shocker, you get a free Tossed Salad.

Jason and his co-workers went to Applebee's for lunch.

http://failblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/922516b2-8364-4fc6-b4cc-139d17b2b800.jpg

Alex

07-20-2010, 04:53 PM

Have you ever heard someone recall with fond memories being beaten? I know I haven't.

I have, usually in conjunction with bitching about any attempt to interfere with their right to beat their own children.

But again, I don't consider all corporal punishment to be "beating" the child.

But I am excessively proud of the fact that I was so able to tighten my butt cheeks that my mom once broke a hairbrush on it.

Cynthia

07-20-2010, 05:02 PM

Ok, so my Mom had this HUGE leather belt with a big brass buckle with an enameled smiley face on it (70's man) it was this bit of theater she played on us that we had to walk down the hall to her bedroom, get the belt and bring it back, then she would slap her wrist while she laid the guilt on, by the time she actually bent us over it was a relief. I was six or seven when I realized there was only the sound of the belt snapping that made us jump, she hardly touched us, no welts, no pain . . . did not tell my sister for another year. :evil:

Cadaverous Pallor

07-20-2010, 05:56 PM

Have you ever heard someone recall with fond memories being beaten? I know I haven't.As BTD said, I was referring to the lyrics she posted.

Ok, so my Mom had this HUGE leather belt with a big brass buckle with an enameled smiley face on it (70's man) it was this bit of theater she played on us that we had to walk down the hall to her bedroom, get the belt and bring it back, then she would slap her wrist while she laid the guilt on, by the time she actually bent us over it was a relief. I was six or seven when I realized there was only the sound of the belt snapping that made us jump, she hardly touched us, no welts, no pain . . . did not tell my sister for another year. :evil:Again, I don't get this as being a fun anecdote. Threatening a child with violence, even if you don't actually hurt them...it's bizarre.

Alex - yeah, half of me wants my kid to go jump bikes over pits unsupervised. In fact, I'd bump it up to 80% of me. I do hope I can give my kids some space to wander and do things on their own.

With a GPS cellphone pinpointing their location at all times, of course. ;)

Alex

07-20-2010, 07:38 PM

To counteract the "parents didn't care" stories. I do recall an incident with a very high parental freaking quotient.

At one point we lived in a house that was only a few blocks from a new highway that was being built through Vancouver (for those few who might know, SR500) and it we all played a lot, particularly in the early stages when all they'd done was clear the right of way leaving behind tons of dirt clods just perfect for battles. Part of that was a new overpass to span a nearby creak (for those same people, Burnt Bridge Creek just east of St. Johns) and it hadn't been completed but all framed out into a solid structure.

One of my sisters (both younger than me, so around 8 and 6) was having a big birthday party and suddenly it was noticed that the 8 year and all her friends had disappeared. Slow panic built on the initial assumption they were just out playing somewhere nearby. Then full panic when they weren't found.

Then truly full panic when they were all found sitting out in the middle of that overpass, feet dangling over the edge of nothing, about 60 feet above the creek (which they'd likely miss if they fell and it would only be a few feet deep anyway).

This was the same sister who, a few years later had instructions to be home before dark at a time of year when it got dark around 7pm. She comes sauntering home at 10pm to a completely freaked out family saying "I didn't know it was dark." When asked where she was that she didn't know it was dark? "At Leverich Park." There is nowhere indoors at Leverich Park.

But back on the not caring side, I once fell out of the tree in our front yard. I don't know how high I was but I was well above the roof of our two-story plus attic house. The parental concern I got? "Next time don't fall."

SzczerbiakManiac

07-20-2010, 09:52 PM

The World's First Ice Cream Truck for Dogs (http://eater.com/archives/2010/07/19/the-worlds-first-ice-cream-truck-for-dogs-in-england.php)

RStar

07-20-2010, 10:25 PM

But I am excessively proud of the fact that I was so able to tighten my butt cheeks that my mom once broke a hairbrush on it.

I'm trying hard not to picture that.....

3894

07-21-2010, 06:24 AM

"I didn't know it was dark."

One of my kids is like this. It's how I earned my black belt in Momitude. Or is that Mommage?

One m or two - momage ... mommage? The art, science, and technology of professional-caliber moming ... or is that spelled momming?

MouseWife

07-21-2010, 08:10 AM

Ok, so my Mom had this HUGE leather belt with a big brass buckle with an enameled smiley face on it (70's man)

Ours had no smiley face. Before the belt {concurrent?} she actually had a horsewhip. I think I was too young to ever have had it used on me but I remember it being used on the older ones. She would use whatever was at hand. The belt was always handy. She wore it all of the time.

The horsewhip disappeared. I always thought maybe my older brother got rid of it so she couldn't use it on us {he suffered a lot at her hands, compared to my other brother who is her favorite}. I finally asked him a few years ago and he said he didn't. Maybe it was my dad? I remember he'd been in Vietnam at the time, maybe when he came back he found it? Wow. Interesting thought.

When we used to visit her and the kids were younger, I'd tell them they'd better watch out, Ninja Grandma was going to get them with her flying sandals. Whacha!! I said that in front of her. Funny, she says she never hit us. Okay, not funny.

I'm not the best mom. I hope someday my kids remember nice things about me. I do have nice memories of mine. I think I'll try and click into that mode....what she did nice.

I am trying to co-ordinate her 85th birthday party. *chuckle* Don't want to go into THAT kind of theme, eh?

Alex

07-21-2010, 08:31 AM

Like I said above, the occasions of my being spanked as a kid are not cherished memories, but I do think that my mom handled it about as well as possible if corporal punishment is going to be part of the parenting ouvre (and I have no problem at all with it not being so, I am not one to argue that a lack of corporal punishment will result in flawed children).

1. It was an extremely rare occurrence and only in response to truly significant incidents. I'd say I was spanked maybe four times between the age of 5 and 12. I only remember the actual trigger for two of them, one was when I'd been aiming my (loaded) BB gun at one of my sisters (just for fun, no intent to shoot, but still...) and the other was when I was caught stealing money.

2. It was never done in anger or the heat of the moment. It was always a "go to your room for a couple hours while we think about this" thing. Then when the deed was done it was explained what it would be and that is what it was.

3. As there was never any feeling that it was being done in anger there was also never any fear that serious, lasting pain was being sought. It was never the case that we were spanked so hard that sitting afterward would be uncomfortable.

The part I strongly disagree with was the use of a hairbrush (most of the time) as opposed to the hand, but I figure that was an improvement on the cycle since she grew up with it being a wooden spoon (a lot more angular momentum in that tool).

But it was still a shock one time when at a friends house and we were doing something we shouldn't have been and got caught by his dad who simply grabbed him, threw him over a knee, and just went to town on him (also making it clear that if it weren't for the law I'd probably be next in line). The savagery was appalling to me. And while I can understand how to many people it isn't all that different from what my mom did to me, I personally never felt they were the same thing.

Ghoulish Delight

07-21-2010, 08:50 AM

Yeah, definite difference between intent to inflict pain vs. intent to inflict embarrassment and communicate disappointment. My sister and I were spanked, but never was it more than a firm pat, not even close to being painful. Huge difference there.

MouseWife

07-21-2010, 09:01 AM

I think it is different. To be punished for a clear reason? Not out of anger? Parents did do what they thought was best and most likely what they were taught. I really feel sad for my mom, wondering what the heck she went through. She told me little things here and there, I do think it was from her mom she got all of that.

Yeah, I think my situation was not typical. I just feel lucky to have had sisters to take care of me. They saved me on more than one occassion.

Alex

07-21-2010, 09:06 AM

Oh, it was painful to get spanked by my mom. There was never a feeling of relief that it wasn't as bad as we'd imagined. It just didn't cause injury beyond stinging for a brief while.

Not Afraid

07-21-2010, 10:13 AM

The Yardstick was the "tool" of choice for spanking.

It's funny that I can remember various spankings, but I can never remember what they were for. Kind of beats the "she'll never do THAT again" lesson.

MouseWife

07-21-2010, 10:46 AM

True. I don't think anything I was ever hit for made any difference. I think all of us just learned to run out the door faster than she could take off her belt. That screen door was flung open so many times with a person running out. We used to run down to the school.

Or, if you'd see her eyes squinch up and her say 'Oh really???' Run....

cirquelover

07-21-2010, 11:01 AM

My Grandparents had a razor strap that they used, which was mildly better than picking out your own switch. My Grandfather was going for the pain element though. The worst one I remember was when I was in the bathtub and my butt was wet. That hurt like a son of a .... I'm pretty sure I never made him mad when I was in the bath again.

My parents didn't stop to think about a punishment, it was usually just an impulse smack or worse. My Dad could be set off by the drop of a hat, literally. i remember throwing my Brownie beenie down the stairs so that it was with the rest of my stuff and my Dad flew up those stairs like lightening. I didn't sit for awhile and was too embarassed to go to Brownies that day.

I think I have given my son a "pat" on the butt a few times but I only remember doing so twice, both times he was putting himself in a dangerous situation. I would never leave a mark on my child like others had done to me. We use logical reasoning with zach and when that doesn't work priveleges go away.
I would never do to my child what was done to me.

I don't really blame my Mom though, after all My Grandfather did much worse things to her than she ever did to me. I don't think she knew any other way.

Wow, that was much longer than I intended it to be, sorry :blush:

Alex

07-21-2010, 11:27 AM

Kind of beats the "she'll never do THAT again" lesson.

Maybe you remembered at the time and now not doing THAT is so ingrained you don't even have to remember why you don't do that.

MouseWife

07-21-2010, 11:43 AM

I don't really blame my Mom though, after all My Grandfather did much worse things to her than she ever did to me. I don't think she knew any other way.

Wow, that was much longer than I intended it to be, sorry :blush:

This all really has me thinking, yet again, about this subject. I can't say I've never spanked my kids. But, to think of the damage what has happened to my spirit, my soul, I'd never ever want to do that to my kids.

A lot to think about.

Strangler Lewis

07-21-2010, 12:09 PM

A couple of "funny" stories on this subject.

My father and his siblings fled Germany in the 1930s as kids and never saw their father again. Years later my father and my aunt, who was four years younger, had a disagreement about my grandfather's behavior. My father's story had always been that he was beaten regularly and that when my grandfather came home, he would ask my grandmother (re the three boys) "Which one, how many and which end of the belt?" My aunt insists that this was ridiculous and that nothing like this ever happened. My aunt insisted, however, that my grandfather was an alcoholic, which, for some reason, my father insisted was out of the question. Personally, I think they were both right.

My father also caught it quite a bit in school. In the German schools, the teachers would call you up to the front and brace your hand with their left hand so that you couldn't recoil when they slapped you with the right. When my father came to America and was reunited with my grandmother, he lived in Harlem and went to high school with a lot of black kids. Years later, my father would point to that as a comparatively civilized time because if one of the black kids got out of line, he would compliantly hold out his hand to be whacked by the teacher's ruler without, as he endlessly retold the story, "throwing her down the stairs."

My father was strange.

Without getting into personal specifics, I would observe that parental discipline has the same problems on the microcosmic level that the criminal justice system has on the macrocosmic level: it doesn't occur in a perfect vacuum of justice. The reactions towards the real or imagined transgressions varies with other factors such as the stress or the happiness level of the person dispensing the justice.

Betty

07-21-2010, 12:24 PM

I swatted my kids on the butt once or twice. They only time I remember why was when one was a toddler and let go of my hand and ran into the street. Letting go and running was getting to be a bad habit and into the street was it! Reasoning and time outs go only so far with toddlers in some circumstances. It certainly wasn't hard enough to leave a mark - and there were diapers in between.

My husband was hit regularly until he was a teenage I think. It didn't do him a bit of good. It only ended when he asked his Mother, in a very monotone voice - are you done yet? It wasn't effective as anything but a way for her to focus her anger. He was an out of control teen before, during and after and beating him didn't improve things at all. She would do other things too like pinch his tongue with her fingernails if he said something bad.

She's not like that anymore - not with her nephew that she was guardian of or her grandchildren. She will agree that it was ineffective... and she seems a bit embarassed by it.

She's still got a wicked tongue though and I always feel it's better to have her on my side of anything because there's no going against her.

alphabassettgrrl

07-21-2010, 12:28 PM

katiesue

07-21-2010, 12:39 PM

My Mom was big on dragging you around by one arm. When I was in 4th grade I remember her dragging me 3 blocks. I don't remember what I had done, we were in the middle of moving and she and my dad had some big blow out. I must have wanted to stay with him but she drug me the whole way to the old house.

A few years ago she did something similar to one of her students (she was a kindergarten teacher). The other teacher who reported it to us, they wanted us to make her retire, was horrified but I thought "oh yea trademark Mom move".

She was also big on using the back of the brush. My dad never did more than yell at us, and that was pretty rare.

Maddie's never been spanked although a few times I was pretty close. She's done a few things that made me crazy and I just had to leave the room or drop her at her dads for a while till I cooled off so I wouldn't say anything to her in anger.

Alex

07-21-2010, 12:44 PM

An example of when a spanking was probably deserved (if such can be deserved) but didn't happen.

I eventually reached an age where I decided I was both tougher than my mom and faster than her. So one time we were out in the back yard and she did something I didn't like so I hit her (considering my age it couldn't have been that hard, but still it was hitting her).

Turns out I was neither tougher than her, nor faster. For I did not easily let her drag me the block and a half back home after she caught me.

Kevy Baby

07-21-2010, 12:45 PM

The Yardstick was the "tool" of choice for spanking.Same in my house - wooden yardstick. One broke during mid-punishment on me and THAT was my fault as well.

MouseWife

07-21-2010, 04:59 PM

GD- which helmet did you decide on?

Both my helmets are the usual dorky ones, with all the vents. I crashed on a mountain bike trail a few weeks ago, and just recently inspected my helmet. I cracked it in at least three places. Just goes to prove that even the "lesser" level of protection can do its job, since my head was not seriously hurt in the crash, though I hit hard.

Very good point! I was wondering about this...at the time of your crash the emphasis was on your shoulder, right? But, right after weren't you a little dazed? Imagine if you weren't wearing a helmet?

Important I think to mention, is making sure it fits properly. I've seen my son wear his and it is obviously not properly fit. Not good.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-21-2010, 09:18 PM

All this talk about spankings makes me want to share as well...though it's one of very few things that makes me uncomfortable to think about. The very fact that I thought it was normal and good behavior is the most unsettling part.

Unlike NA, I remember very clearly why I and my brothers received violent punishment. It always had to do with lying. It didn't matter what we did, what mattered was that we were truthful.

Quite a few things of mine were broken in the process, usually because they were thrown across the room at me and I dodged them. Can you imagine an electric razor being thrown at you? Ok, I'm sure she was aiming at the floor near me and gave me plenty of warning by hefting it slowly, but still, pretty scary when you hear the chunk noise it makes when it hits the carpet and breaks. That could have been your foot.

One time my mom was defrosting ground beef in the microwave and threw it at me. Then she made me clean up all the bits of meat in the carpet.

Most of my spankings were more like chasings and throwings. If you ran around the room enough mom would give up and not hit you. Dad never gave up.

I have a very strong memory of being spanked by my dad at the age of 4 until I peed my pants. My mom went for a walk to get away from the situation so my dad had to be the one to help me out of my cold, wet corduroy pants.

I did learn my lesson - don't get caught lying. Also - don't make dad mad. He'd get so mad at inanimate objects he'd break them. You'd come home and wonder what happened to the wooden stool in the bathroom. You know, the one I used to stand on to brush my teeth when I was tiny. Oh, dad was working on the pipes under the sink, got frustrated and threw the stool.

Yeah, I thought everyone was like this. There's a point where I detach from it and it makes me so sad, thinking about a child, any child, in this situation.

I'm well aware that these weren't punishments so much as they were my parents using us to blow off steam. It's horrifying.

Morrigoon

07-21-2010, 10:04 PM

My parents only had to spank me maybe 3 times.

They used the "Go get the wooden spoon" thing, as well as describing in rather vivid detail how much the spanking was going to hurt (it never hurt like they described it, of course), and typically, by the time they were done describing it, you were promising to be good, or devising some way NOT to go to the kitchen for that spoon.

Frankly, I think they did a great job of rarely having to employ corporal punishment, while still leaving the understanding that there could be real consequences to our actions.

I was only ever slapped in the face once, and I totally earned it. I was a mouthy teen and called my mom a b!tch. Bad idea. Only one slap, but the point was made.

My mom could get her point across in other ways, however. Being the youngest and only girl, I never got it like the legendary stories of my brothers. One failed to do the dishes so long that he awoke one morning to them being broken against the wall by his bed, another came home from school one day to find the un-emptied kitchen trash dumped on his bed. I neglected to do the dishes for too long and found.... everything unplugged from the back of my CPU (yawn... but I knew what she was saying!)

While things may have been less than perfect for my brothers, I think my own disciplinary-upbringing was just fine. Admirable, in some ways. In our house, "there are no rules until you break them", which forced us to think ahead about the consequences of our behavior and what is and is not responsible. So in high school, I could stay out till 3 or 4 am going to Rocky Horror and Denny's, but I had to make sure my parents knew where I was and when I'd be home. If I'd taken off without telling anyone where I was, I probably would have earned a curfew.

alphabassettgrrl

07-21-2010, 10:05 PM

...at the time of your crash the emphasis was on your shoulder, right? But, right after weren't you a little dazed? Imagine if you weren't wearing a helmet?

Important I think to mention, is making sure it fits properly. I've seen my son wear his and it is obviously not properly fit. Not good.

Yeah, I got my bell rung and I don't remember the immediate aftermath. No lingering concussion symptoms, so I didn't worry about it.

I didn't notice at the time, I don't think. I knew the shoulder was going to hurt, and that the hip was going to be colorful but wouldn't really hurt. I just wanted to get back to the trailhead before it really started to hurt and I couldn't do it.

Yes, proper fit is the big deal. And that it meets crash standards. I have a new helmet now. :)

MouseWife

07-22-2010, 07:53 AM

Very important to replace the old one! This is why people aren't supposed to buy used car seats and the like. I never thought of it but they could be compromised.

The whole topic of our childhoods....pretty heavy. I'm sad to hear so many had variations of 'Non Dr. Spock' techniques.

Alex

07-22-2010, 08:08 AM

It's horrifying.

You're right, it is horrifying. I can hardly imagine a less acceptable justification for hitting a person (let alone a child), regardless of actual damage done than simply being angry or frustrated.

Fortunately, as I said, I never felt that from my mom (stepdad was never the issuer of physical punishment) and most of the time felt she was a pushover (my childhood was full of month-long groundings that would be forgotten in two days when she was reminded that having us confined to the house was more of a punishment for her than for us).

Only one person in our house was ever prone to violent outbursts and that was me. And whatever bit of cranial chemistry was causing that seems to have flipped off like a light switch in April 1985 which is the last time I ever hit somebody in anger.

CoasterMatt

07-22-2010, 09:13 AM

Now you just hit them for fun, right Alex?

Alex

07-22-2010, 09:55 AM

More likely than hitting for anger. But yes, except for one occasion of self defense, any hitting has been for fun or lighthearted.

Not Afraid

07-22-2010, 10:45 AM

I'm going to change the name of this thread to the Sooooooo Spank Me!

CoasterMatt

07-22-2010, 11:01 AM

Gagballs not included.

MouseWife

07-22-2010, 11:51 AM

I'm going to change the name of this thread to the Sooooooo Spank Me!

LOL Oh, as we've aged, the meaning totally changes!!!

"Whip me, beat me, make me feel cheap!!!"

I have no idea where I got that but it's been in my head for 3 decades!!

Does anyone recognize that?

Alex

07-22-2010, 11:57 AM

Yes, but I'm pretty sure you weren't there.

MouseWife

07-22-2010, 12:45 PM

Yes, but I'm pretty sure you weren't there.

ha ha I'm not going to ask.........:D

JWBear

07-22-2010, 03:42 PM

I remember it as "Whip me, beat me, make me write bad checks". But I don't remember where it came from.

Mousey Girl

07-22-2010, 05:12 PM

Gemini Cricket

07-22-2010, 07:07 PM

Ze French are glad to die for love...

JWBear

07-22-2010, 07:53 PM

Great! Now I've got that song stuck in my head. Thanks a lot Brad!

MouseWife

07-22-2010, 08:06 PM

I remember it as "Whip me, beat me, make me write bad checks". But I don't remember where it came from.

:blush: That is how it started, you are right. How we changed it, I don't know.....:blush:

Mousey Girl~ That was sooo smart.

I wish I could look back and say I always made the right choice.

Ghoulish Delight

07-22-2010, 10:51 PM

I pulled kind of an asshole move on my bike yesterday, but dude totally deserved it.

Some jackass decided it would be a good idea to pause in his jog, stand on the bike path and have a cell phone conversation, with his back to traffic. Particularly galling considering the 20 feet of space to his right that is not on the bike path.

So when I passed him I came as close as I could without actually clipping him. I think my sleeve might have brushed his shoulder.

I know, dick move. But he started it.

I didn't bother looking back to see his reaction.

wendybeth

07-22-2010, 11:38 PM

My mom used the flyswatter on the backs of our thighs. She also yelled a lot. I don't remember the yelling, but she still feels bad about it.

When The Boy was 3ish, we had an episode where I was going to spank him, I had grabbed his belt out of anger. I caught myself before I used it, dropped the belt and walked away. I knew that if I had started with it I was angry to the point that I would not have stopped. I had to come up with more creative ways to punish him. this meant taking away privledges, toys, ect... It was much more effective and I felt a whole lot better about myself as a mom.
My mom had a wicked temper- seven kids (single parent) and loads of prescription drugs did not help. She was fun when she was in a good mood, but scary and violent as hell when she wasn't. Very Mommy Dearest, only without the money. When you're raised by someone like that, you fear that maybe the monster will come out in you as well, but thankfully it hasn't happened in the 15 years I've been a mom.

I've only had to spank Tori twice- both times only one swat, and not hard. The first time, it was shortly after she lost her hearing and ran from me in a crowded hospital parking lot- she almost got hit by a car. I figured I would rather she understood the importance of not running from mommy than have her get run over, and it worked. She never did it again. The second time she was mouthing off to her Grandma- she was seven and starting to get a bit lippy, and I had to told her that if I caught her doing it again she would get a swat. She didn't think I could hear her (I was in the bedroom), but I did....Again, it was one swat, not hard, but her feelings were so hurt it could have been 100 lashes and I wouldn't have felt worse. (I'm glad I felt bad- I suspect the parents that spank their kids a lot often derive some sort of release or satisfaction from it). I told her that she was hurting Grandma's feelings in much the same way, and that pretty much put a stop to that. Oddly enough, I've never had to ground her or give her a time out- she's such a good kid that it's never even really came up. I know we're not out of the woods yet- next year she can (maybe) date.......:eek:

RStar

07-23-2010, 04:01 AM

Strangler Lewis

07-23-2010, 06:08 AM

Yikes. Hope everything turns out okay.

Not Afraid

07-23-2010, 07:36 AM

Good thoughts for your wife, Bob!

innerSpaceman

07-23-2010, 08:23 AM

Healing vibes from here as well.

scaeagles

07-23-2010, 08:38 AM

Big drag. Hope nothing major.

cirquelover

07-23-2010, 08:59 AM

I hope you got some food in you and a good nights sleep. I also hope things turn out fine for your wife. I'll be thinking of you two.

Ghoulish Delight

07-23-2010, 09:17 AM

Scary stuff! Hope they get her fixed up.

alphabassettgrrl

07-23-2010, 09:52 AM

Yikes! I hope your wife feels better soon and they figure out what happened.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-23-2010, 09:55 AM

Best of luck, Bob.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-23-2010, 09:58 AM

Disneyphile

07-23-2010, 11:15 AM

I hope your wife recovers quickly and the tests turn out fine! You're in my thoughts. :)

MouseWife

07-23-2010, 11:52 AM

Bob, my thoughts are with you and your wife today as well. I hope you've rested and they have information for you soon.

Greg~ That's what he gets. Happens to my husband all of the time and he always, um, just stays firm in his direction? One time, I was so fed up. We were walking up the trail at Torrey Pines. Some parts were narrow but, actually, these parts had room for two people. These sets of people, dressed similar {meaning, they looked like they were not dressed for a hike, as were the majority of people on the trails}. They would not move. At first I was like, oh, they are busy in their conversation. Or, we were coming around a corner. They took up the whole path. After a few times I stayed to the right and pushed on through. Did not say excuse me. I was pissed. Respect is not given to those who don't deserve it.

Jenni~ My dad just made us sit on the couch and chill for a bit. Not that you need it, but, do you guys ever watch 'Super Nanny'? I love her way. I wish I'd have seen her show. My kids were good, but, I wish I had known how to be more, um, hmm, structured? Without feeling like I was taking over? I hated how it was my moms way or no way.

Anyways, yes, I think she approaches the time out like you stated. To give them time to think about why they were put in time out. And, not in a corner. After the time passes, I forget if you have to make them explain if they understand why there were there and you are supposed to hug and end on a positive note.

Betty

07-23-2010, 01:43 PM

Ghoulish Delight

07-23-2010, 01:44 PM

Bad....but then I don't stand on the road talking on a cell phone.

Betty

07-23-2010, 01:45 PM

Betty

07-23-2010, 01:48 PM

Bad....but then I don't stand on the road talking on a cell phone.

I meant it a bit differently - if you were on your bike and a little into a cars path.

I know people can be jerks - pedestrians, bike riders and cars alike. I just don't think it really helps to be jerks back even if they deserve it. People can get hurt too easily... without health insurance (or with actually) you could totally alter the course of someone's life just to get back at them. Unintentional consequences, etc.

Ghoulish Delight

07-23-2010, 02:03 PM

I don't equate what this guy was doing to being "a little into a cars path." If you want an equivalent, try picturing a bike stopped in traffic lanes with the rider on a cell phone. This wasn't a guy walking down the path and not moving over (which I never expect or demand), or standing at the side with a leg on the path. He was standing fully on the path, on a cell phone, with his back to traffic. HE was posing a hazard, and if my barely-risky little move woke him up to that, then I've done a good thing. If it didn't, oh well.

He deserved to get a scare. I wasn't going fast enough to do any serious harm, even if I had miscalculated (the odds of which were very low). The only risk was if he, not having been paying attention, took a step the wrong way. But then, even if I HADN'T done what I did, that would have been a risk because of where I was standing. I didn't create the hazard, he did, I just decided to point the hazard out to him in a way that I hoped would get his attention (because I guarantee you if I had just said something I would have just gotten a dirty look).

Alex

07-23-2010, 02:23 PM

I'm not sure why it was such an offensive thing. Sure, he shouldn't just stand there, but it relative terms it doesn't really matter if he's standing still or if he's an 80-year-old woman out for her morning constitutional at the breakneck speed of 0.4 miles an hour. Even if he'd still been jogging with his back to you you'd have had to go around him.

So while I can see being a bit annoyed I don't see how what he was doing in any way was worse for you than what he'd have been doing anyway.

Ghoulish Delight

07-23-2010, 02:27 PM

Kevy Baby

07-23-2010, 02:29 PM

I pulled kind of an asshole move on my bike yesterday, but dude totally deserved it.That was a bit of a dick move on your part. And I would have done the exact same thing.

I've been up for 24 hours. After 8 hours at work I had to take my wife to the ER because her foot swelled up like a balloon and she was having chest pains. After 12 hours in the ER they transferred her to the hospital. I just got home. It was 11:30 yesterday morning when I last ate, so I'm going to grab a bite, and get some sleep. Tomorrow I'll be back at the hospital as she will go through more test on her heart.I hope your wife is better soon and the tests show it is nothing too serious.

And I hope you can get some rest so you can take good care of her (and you).

Mousey Girl

07-23-2010, 02:35 PM

Seems to me the "time outs" I was given as a child weren't helpful at all. (They called it "standing in the corner" when I was a kid.) I've always thought that the concept of time out has been misused. If you've got a child that is too hyped up or busy having a tantrum to listen, then it's time for a time out - a cool off period. Maybe that's what I'd call it. "Let's take a moment to cool off." Instead of being a punishment, more of a lesson in counting to 10 before saying or doing something rash. This might be helpful for me as well...

That is pretty much the way I use it now. The Boy has some major anger issues. I can usually tell when he is getting ready to explode. If I can't diffuse him fast enough I send him to his room until he can talk to me in a normal voice, and be rational about what is upsetting him.

LSPoorEeyorick

07-23-2010, 03:10 PM

Bob, wishing your wife good health.

On the topic of parental punishment... I very rarely received physical punishment, which I appreciated because my mother had rage issues and I fear for what would have happened to my siblings and I, had she not broken the cycle of physical abuse in her family. She was always very proud to have broken that cycle, and urged us to break the cycle of verbal abuse with our own children.

I rarely needed to be punished, because I very much did not want to be punished. I was frequently on the receiving end of her verbal rages (directed at whoever was nearest, during times of stress - hostessing, holiday or vacation prep especially.) Having experienced that, and having seen how she came down on my mischievous older brother, I knew how much rage she was capable of releasing when someone hadn't even done anything to deserve it. And it made me very, very eager to please. You probably see the results of this in me still today.

Once she dealt with what was causing all the rage (she's a survivor of all kinds of pretty terrible abuse at the hands of her family) she was very clear about mistakes she'd made, and very apologetic to us as adults.

katiesue

07-23-2010, 03:39 PM

Bob I hope your wife is feeling better. And that you got some rest.

innerSpaceman

07-23-2010, 03:43 PM

My dad used to beat me with a belt.

But I don't think I was supposed to grow up to like that kind of thing. :evil:

Gemini Cricket

07-23-2010, 05:16 PM

Sore throat and trouble breathing turned out to be bronchitis. Great. But I'm on antibiotics now. I only need to take it for 3 days. Cool! I've never had that before. Usually it's 10 days or two weeks...

Azithromycin

I'm not posting this on Facebook because I think my cast mates would be pissed at me. But what did I know? I just went to the doc today.

All kinds of phlegm coming up. Yuckers.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-23-2010, 05:35 PM

Gemini Cricket

07-23-2010, 05:43 PM

CP ~ I love your avatar pic. Theo's look says, "Not now, Mom. I'm thinking."
:)

Alex

07-23-2010, 06:47 PM

It was the combination of the 3 (standing in lanes, on a phone, back to traffic), demonstrating a general lack of attention to what was going on around him, thus making him a greater hazard than another slow-moving individual.

Still not seeing how an inattentive person standing still is a greater hazard that an inattentive person jogging. And even if it is, how increasing the risks of injury all around is at all an acceptable response. Presumably it wouldn't be a justified dick move to tailgate six inches off the bumper of a driver you notice is driving 50mph instead of 65mph because he's on the phone.

Alex

07-23-2010, 06:48 PM

Don't you hate it when you want to buy a gift card but you can only get values of $25 or $50, but what you really want to buy is in between? Grrr. I mean, hello, $25 doesn't buy you much at all these days.

So give cash. It's better anyway.

Morrigoon

07-23-2010, 07:12 PM

MouseWife

07-23-2010, 07:27 PM

Good point, Morri.

I think it was cool. Er, okay. I mean, he didn't hit him with a stick.

Maybe next time he'll be careful. To crash on a bike is quite painful. To be hit by a bike?

Kevy Baby

07-23-2010, 07:28 PM

alphabassettgrrl

07-23-2010, 08:43 PM

Cricket, I hope the antibiotic does its thing and makes you better.

Alex

07-23-2010, 09:22 PM

Alex: a person standing has the potential to suddenly move in any direction, whereas a person already moving in a particular direction is likely to continue on that route or within 180 degrees of such.

And a person standing still talking on the phone is likely to suddenly sprint in a random direction? Not really any more likely and not really any more of a problem if you're giving them as much room as you should and maybe a bit more because you can tell they're not paying attention. When you see a bad/distracted driver do you do what you can to harass them or give them extra space?

And if you're strafing them close enough to almost clip them then, a single exuberant hand motion is enough to cause trouble for either of them.

Regardless, the point to me is that GD intentionally increased the risk of a situation simply because he was annoyed by the action of another person on the path/road and that, to me, is just another version of stupid road rage we'd otherwise generally condemn. If I started pretending to lunge in front of cyclists I see doing stupid stuff (and on the streets of San Francisco I certainly see a lot of that) because they deserve the scare--regardless of the risk of injury I'm creating--would that be ok because they were being stupid?

I guess my point is that I agree with GD. What he did was a dick move. And I'll even concede that the pedestrian deserved a dick move. I just don't go along with giving a grinning thumb's up that because someone deserved a dick move, he was accommodated.

Morrigoon

07-23-2010, 09:42 PM

I'm not justifying, I'm just answering your question about why a standing distracted person is more dangerous than a walking one.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-23-2010, 10:35 PM

I just don't go along with giving a grinning thumb's up that because someone deserved a dick move, he was accommodated.Why not? You got me scratching my head here.

RStar

07-23-2010, 10:43 PM

Thanks, guys!

GC- I hope you're feeling better soon!

I Only got 2 hours sleep and then 7 phone calls. Went back to the hospital, wifey had an elcetrocardiogram, and more blood tests. The tests(for all the results we hear about through the nurses) have been pretty good. She will get a stress test tomorrow, so she will still be in the hospital at least until then.

I had 3 picnic tickets to World of Color tonight that I didn't get to go to.:( Bummer, I was looking forward to seeing it as I haven't been able to go yet.

I'm going to get some sleep now.

I'm so sick of hanging out at hospitals.....

Alex

07-23-2010, 10:46 PM

Why not? You got me scratching my head here.

Because, regardless of whether it was deserved, you're still the dick (as conceded in the phrase "dick move"). And because regardless of whether the phone talker deserved to be scared, GD did it a way that significantly increased the risk of what he did not deserve, which is to be injured (let alone the risk GD took of injuring himself as an unintended collision could easily do).

Ghoulish Delight

07-23-2010, 11:46 PM

The person I put at most risk was myself. I was not going particularly fast at all, and I was leaning such that my body, not my bike, was what passed closely to him. Had he moved the most likely outcome would have been our shoulders bumping and me probably taking a spill.

And I agree with 'goon. Someone who is actively using the path is someone who affords far more predictability than someone who is clearly thinking about anything other than who might be sharing the path with them. Between a jogger or slow walker and the dude on the phone, each of them is about equally likely to keep doing what they're doing. But IF they were to suddenly decide to do something different, the most likely things for the former are fairly predictable. Slow down, move off the path, stop in place. The most likely sudden change of state for dude on the cell phone? I have no idea.

Yes, dick move. And had I been going faster I wouldn't have done it. But I honestly do not feel I put anyone other than perhaps myself at significantly greater risk of serious injury than he had already put himself.

Alex

07-24-2010, 05:34 AM

Well, I'll drop it after this as I've clearly ended up getting more serious on this than was intended by my initial response. We disagree and I think you're rationalizing taking retaliatory action simply because you were annoyed and felt it your job to teach him a lesson. Sounds like the beginning of most road rage incidents you hear about.

The most likely outcome may truly have been bumped shoulders (which is still more than the guy deserved, and also an assessment of your skill at almost, but not quite, hitting people that will just have to be conceded) but another outcome now significantly more likely in the situation you created than if you'd just given as much as space as possible is a sudden poorly timed last step that has you simply running him down.

But I'm worn down. Good job, you were a dick! http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/thumbs_up.gif http://messenger.msn.com/MMM2006-04-19_17.00/Resource/emoticons/wink_smile.gif Your brand of street justice should inspire a TV show, perhaps starring a young, less asphyxiated, David Carradine.

Betty

07-24-2010, 06:44 AM

Yes, dick move. And had I been going faster I wouldn't have done it. But I honestly do not feel I put anyone other than perhaps myself at significantly greater risk of serious injury than he had already put himself.

2 Questions:

1. With a new baby, why would you purposely put yourself at risk of injury just to teach someone a lesson (one that they may not even get because they'll just be thinking you're a dick instead of thinking it was their fault)

2. Is this what you would teach your son to do?

Cadaverous Pallor

07-24-2010, 07:20 AM

2 Questions:

1. With a new baby, why would you purposely put yourself at risk of injury just to teach someone a lesson (one that they may not even get because they'll just be thinking you're a dick instead of thinking it was their fault)

2. Is this what you would teach your son to do?I know my husband wouldn't put himself in a highly risky situation. The slight risk here sounds like no biggie to me.

Seeing as how GD's dick moves are few and far between (insert joke here) (insert, ha, I get it!) and this one is so insignificantly small (bwahahaha) I have no issue with this at all. Mountains and molehills. I might not sit Theo down and say "now when someone is being an idiot and standing in the middle of a road, you need to be a dick about it" but I'd be fine with him experiencing this since we're usually not dicks. We are human, after all.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-24-2010, 07:20 AM

Strangler Lewis

07-24-2010, 07:21 AM

Strangler Lewis

07-24-2010, 07:22 AM

Oh, and every time we mention something we've done that's not exactly honorable, even if we agree that it wasn't the most honorable thing to do, are we going to have to answer to "Is this what you'd teach your son to do?" :rolleyes:

The better question is always, "If God asked you what you did today, would you tell him about this?"

alphabassettgrrl

07-24-2010, 07:45 AM

CoasterMatt

07-24-2010, 07:52 AM

I'm goin' to Knott's Berry Farm. Xcelerator and boysenberry punch, here I come!

Strangler Lewis

07-24-2010, 08:17 AM

So what's an appropriate reaction to the guy being a dick? One of the problems we have is that those people continue to be dicks because there's no feedback to convince them they shouldn't be. And yes, I do agree that the guy was, since there was no good reason other than inattention and stupidity for him standing in the bike trail, in traffic, rather than moving just a few feet and being out of the way.

He's so caught up in his own gak that he doesn't see how he created a situation in which other people would be angry and retaliatory. So other than smacking him on the side of the head and hanging up his phone call and explaining to him why you beat him, what's a person to do?

Ignoring it is not a good answer. For the most part, we do that, and it's a recipe for getting more of the same. Which is unpleasant at best.

I guess you get off your bike, smile at the offender and say "Isn't wonderful in life when teachable moments arise? Let's have one."

The sad reality is that such people are assholes, know they're assholes and don't care.

My own commuter rage used to come on the 41 Union bus in San Francisco. Or, more aptly, trying to get on the 41 Union bus to go downtown in the morning. In a perfect world, during commute hours, people would step to the rear and stand two abreast. Invariably, however, the first person forced to stand would head back to the rear exit in the middle and spread out. The remainder of the standing area ahead of him would also be filled in single file. Generally, if the bus driver yelled back, "Step to the rear," the standees would look around and, perhaps, shift their weight a bit, but that would be it.

Standing on the bottom step trying to board, I yelled back urging collegiality and citizenship a number of times to no avail. I'd have to step off and wait for the next one.

Most mornings I walked.

innerSpaceman

07-24-2010, 08:18 AM

Betty

07-24-2010, 08:25 AM

Oh, and every time we mention something we've done that's not exactly honorable, even if we agree that it wasn't the most honorable thing to do, are we going to have to answer to "Is this what you'd teach your son to do?" :rolleyes:

Not at all - I've just had experiences with people on bikes being dicks so it's a pet peeve of mine I guess. (and people in cars and people on foot etc... like I said - it's a pet peeve apparently.) Sorry if that came off sounding like a personal attack.

Betty

07-24-2010, 08:30 AM

Yes.

Otherwise, what's the fun in it for us?? :D

I hadn't thought about it like that... good point. :p :D

Alex

07-24-2010, 09:25 AM

So other than smacking him on the side of the head and hanging up his phone call and explaining to him why you beat him, what's a person to do?

I'd say the good response is shouting "please don't just syand in the trail" while giving him what space you can and going on your way.

I agree that it isn't a huge example of dickishness, but I also don't think the cell phone talker was being that big of a dick either.

No need to cry out about who'll think of the children. I just don't see much utility in responding to rudeness with rudeness.

3894

07-24-2010, 10:12 AM

So, I'm a little shell-shocked at the moment. Hubbo and I are at a coffee place this morning. I tell him my order, then go to get us a table. I see an abandoned newspaper on a table. I pick it up, looking at the big front-page photo of a rainy street, wondering how much rain we got this last round when ...

whomp! some man grabs my arm hard, socks me in the shoulder, then yells, "That's MY paper!"

Time elapsed from picking up the newspaper: no more than 15 seconds.

Long story short: It was an old man but very quick and strong and crazy. I decided not to file assault charges. The coffee place is very aware of what happened. The shift manager said, "He's done this before." My answer: "In that case, I won't be back."

Gn2Dlnd

07-24-2010, 11:56 AM

I'm sorry, I just don't like it when someone touches MY paper for more than 12 seconds.

P.S. They can't kick me out because they've all touched MY paper too, and I have a list of names.

P.P.S. Otherwise, it was great meeting you. How was your coffee?

3894

07-24-2010, 12:04 PM

Gn2Dld, When I grabbed your pipe out of your mouth and ... Well, I hope the ER docs didn't have to go in too far andthat you'll soon be sitting and walking again comfortably.

Gn2Dlnd

07-24-2010, 01:24 PM

Happens every day. No worries.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-24-2010, 02:31 PM

The better question is always, "If God asked you what you did today, would you tell him about this?"If the God that I used to grok asked me, then I'd tell him. What are you going to do, lie to God? He'd chuckle and say, "Yeah, that was a dick move. But that jerk deserved it, and he felt a little sheepish afterwards, even as he cussed you out to the other person on the phone. See, I don't go smacking people around for being jerks, and they need some sort of response. Like ABG said in the thread. Just remember to not take the dickishness with you and apply it to others, right? I'm glad you were out biking."

The shift manager said, "He's done this before." My answer: "In that case, I won't be back."This is kind of a bummer because there's not much they can do with these types. Take it from me, I've seen all types - religious zealots, homeless smelly guys, loudly racist little old ladies, just plain crazies. Usually they don't touch people and when you want to call the cops it's all about physical contact, unless they are REALLY verbally abusive. Even when they do things that merit a call (such as grabbing someone or refusing to leave private property), they usually bail as soon as they have made their disturbance. Either that or the cops show up, talk to them, and can't do anything about it. Plus, you can call the cops on a guy like that a hundred times and they'll still show up the next day as if nothing happened and do it again. It's a never ending battle.

alphabassettgrrl

07-24-2010, 02:33 PM

The sad reality is that such people are assholes, know they're assholes and don't care.
...
I'd have to step off and wait for the next one.

Most mornings I walked.

That's why this stuff makes me crazy.

Not Afraid

07-24-2010, 03:46 PM

After my dog walks this morning, I spend all day in the raised bed garden doing some planting and then in the back. I'm covered in dirt, sweaty and completely disheveled. I feel good!

MouseWife

07-24-2010, 09:50 PM

So many posts...

I kind of feel bad for GD because he says he did a dick move when the other guy was obviously being a dick and not thinking about what he was doing. I think people like this float around in their own worlds and want us all to watch out for them. I think he must have had plenty of time to see GD coming {or anyone else, not just GD 'cause I know him} and have stepped out of the way. If not, he shouldn't have just stopped dead in his tracks, either.

Just because a bike is a 'vehicle' doesn't mean peds then get a free pass.

NA~ sounds like you and the Mister had a great day around the homestead.

Bob~ I hear you, hospitals are not fun. I hope your wifes' and your time there wraps up soon.

Alex

07-24-2010, 10:02 PM

Work prevented really getting out last weekend but stuck to the goal and got out for a day drive up to Tuolumne Meadows today. Good adventure as we were not prepared for the very cold thunder storm that blew through while we were a mile away from cover. Nice lightning storm and nice adventure (once we were back in the car and Lani was freezing any more.

A few mediocre photos.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4825362121_44e9cbbb23_b.jpg

A quick stop for the obligatory Half Dome viewing. While sitting here taking this picture a woman was completely misunderstanding the scale of things and suggesting they just walk down to the valley floor and back up. I was about to pipe up to make sure they were actually aware of how far that would be when her friend vetoed the idea. Hopefully they didn't change their mind later.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4825971848_82d7037ae6_b.jpg

A crappy washed out photo, but the meadows were beautiful as always and the deer, marmots, and squirrels were plentiful. At this point we were enjoying the lightning and thunder going by to the east. Little did we know that it was about to turn towards us, with us having no more protection than shorts and t-shirts.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4825363007_521aba3cb7_b.jpg

Lembert Dome at the start of our hike. Note the distinct lack of waterfalls.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4825363505_3465817a39_b.jpg

Lembert Dome about 75 minutes later. Note what is no longer a distinct lack of waterfalls. And this was while we were at Parson's Lodge and about to decide to go ahead and walk back to the car because it wasn't raining that hard. Soon it was raining very hard indeed and I'd guess the temperature dropped at least 15 degrees from the low '70s.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4825973334_fb7f377645_b.jpg

Finally back to the car, which was holding icy evidence of what we'd just trudged through for the last 0.75 mile or so. Not far at all, until you're freezing in hail while trying to use an armpit as the only source of cover for one's camera.

MouseWife

07-24-2010, 10:34 PM

Alex~ Awesome shots!! I especially love the one with the critters wandering about.

I did see on the halfdomecam webpage a beautiful shot of Half Dome, it looked like there must have been thunderstorms.

While awesome and beautiful, not so fun in shorts and a tee.

You are so very fortunate to live close enough for a day trip.

Thanks for posting!

{The first one, what is that so close up? Rock? Love the detail.}

Disneyphile

07-24-2010, 10:51 PM

I'd say the good response is shouting "please don't just syand in the trail" while giving him what space you can and going on your way.I agree. First though, I would have used my horn (gasp!) from a bit away to notify him that I was coming. He might have stepped out of the way. And, if not, then I would have just shouted as I passed.

That would have left Mr. Phone Guy being the sole dick in the matter. And, I wouldn't have attempted any risk to myself in the process. (Well, other than possibly getting punched in the face by all these people who apparently punch people in their faces for having bike horns/bells.) Plus, I'd rather not consciously do dickish things. I feel there's enough bad energy in the world already and I would like to not add to it as much as I can. But, that's just me. YMMV.

Love your Tuolomne Meadows photos. We might have to trek up there next summer. Ken and I have been talking about camping there for some time now.

lashbear

07-24-2010, 10:52 PM

I've been up for 24 hours. After 8 hours at work I had to take my wife to the ER because her foot swelled up like a ballon and she was having chest pains. After 12 hours in the ER they transfered her to the hospital. I just got home. It was 11:30 yesterday morning when I last ate, so I'm going to grab a bite, and get some sleep. Tomorrow I'll be back at the hospital as she will go through more test on her heart.

I Only got 2 hours sleep and then 7 phone calls. Went back to the hospital, wifey had an elcetrocardiogram, and more blood tests. The tests(for all the results we hear about through the nurses) have been pretty good. She will get a stress test tomorrow, so she will still be in the hospital at least until then.

I'm so sick of hanging out at hospitals.....
OMG. The Lashpair send their thoughts and best healing vibes to your wife and of course to you !!

PM Lashstoat if you need an ear with someone who's been through that mill recently.

RStar

07-25-2010, 12:01 AM

Thanks Bear!

Great shots Alex! That's beautifull country up there.

Well, we got home a little while ago. Turns out that wifey has nothing more than a heart murmer and diabetic neuropathy. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayer!

So now I'm going to sleep for the next 18 hours....

alphabassettgrrl

07-25-2010, 12:14 AM

Alex- great shots! I like the first one, with the rocks in the foreground.

R- glad it's something that sounds manageable!

Disneyphile

07-25-2010, 02:07 AM

Well, we got home a little while ago. Turns out that wifey has nothing more than a heart murmer and diabetic neuropathy. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayer!:snap:

Glad to hear she's ok, and that you're both back home! Rest well! :)

Alex

07-25-2010, 06:22 AM

The first shot is a brass relief map of Yosemite Valley that's at Olmsted Point. So in the foreground is the brass version of Half Dome.

MouseWife

07-25-2010, 08:57 AM

Ah, I didn't even think of that. {being a brass relief map}

Bob~Glad that it has been straightened out and that you are home together now to sleep. :0)

blueerica

07-26-2010, 07:52 AM

RS, wowza - I missed your post from a few days ago!

Glad to hear she's doing okay.

In other news, J and I ended a fabulous weekend in the hospital. This time torn muscle on the left side of his rib cage (or so we think at the moment).

Now that I think of it... it had been a few months since we'd been to a hospital, and what a treat to do it in beautiful Park City! :)

Ghoulish Delight

07-26-2010, 08:00 AM

In other news, J and I ended a fabulous weekend in the hospital. This time torn muscle on the left side of his rib cage (or so we think at the moment).

Glad to hear the honeymoon is going well.

JWBear

07-26-2010, 08:12 AM

Soooo.... I had a dream last night where Lisa and I drove out into the desert near Salton Sea to go to an art museum. Just inside the entrance to the museum were large windows that overlooked a room there 6 or 8 men were playing something that looked like a mixture of handball and basketball; wearing only jockstraps and elbow and knee pads. Needless to say, I wanted to stay and watch; but Lisa dragged me into the exhibits. The artwork consisted of walls covered in vintage advertising from the 50's and 60's (this probably came from watching Mad Men last night). I finished looking at the art, and decided to go back and watch the men playing that strange game. But when I got back to the entrance to the museum, the court had been replaced by a zoo.

Kevy Baby

07-26-2010, 06:09 PM

I'm still 100% with GD on the a-hole situation.

alphabassettgrrl

07-26-2010, 06:56 PM

The downside of the cyclist-buzzing-the-a-hole is that cars do the same thing to bikes, since they think bikes shouldn't be there. They think the bikes "started it".

My day: car repairs, had to change lunch choices when the desired restaurant was closed, a massage, and researching bark collars.

BarTopDancer

07-26-2010, 07:45 PM

Kevy Baby

07-26-2010, 08:21 PM

... and researching bark collars. Is the husband acting up again?

CoasterMatt

07-26-2010, 08:30 PM

VKBM!! I had the exact same thought.

alphabassettgrrl

07-26-2010, 09:01 PM

Ha! It's usually me that's difficult. He's the diplomatic one. :)

Bark collar purchased. Hound is likely to live longer now.

MouseWife

07-26-2010, 09:13 PM

LOL I hope the dog collar works. I mean, what do you do with a dog that doesn't stop barking????

True about the cars scaring the bicyclists.

But....but....I still can't help but :D ................:blush:

Kevy Baby

07-26-2010, 09:16 PM

He's the diplomatic one. :)I've met the hubby - he's a sweetie

MouseWife

07-26-2010, 09:19 PM

I went to a Hollywood Show this past Saturday, up in Burbank. I wish I could remember the names of all of the people who were there but wow. The women were awesome, their old photos beautiful. Some were from silent films. The men, old western fellas. I wish I remembered their names. I was so in awe of them.

BUT the people I took my photo with....Joe Lando and William Shockley from Dr. Quinn. Another guy from old westerns, too. Denny someone. Bought my daughter an Adams Family movie poster signed by Christopher Lloyd {not there}.

Anywho, that William Shockley is one tall smooth drink of liquor. I don't drink so I can't say which one but ahuh, I'd drink that one.

LOL And we talked about Chris Cornell. What could be a better few minutes down on my life?

alphabassettgrrl

07-26-2010, 10:14 PM

I've met the hubby - he's a sweetie

Awww, thank you!

Ghoulish Delight

07-27-2010, 01:50 PM

So, for those who haven't seen it elsewhere, my long hair has been a source of frustration now that I'm biking 18 miles/day. If I'm not wearing a helmet it's constantly blowing in my face. If I am wearing a helmet it's hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable.

So, even though I was still quite enjoying the long hair experience, it had to go.

Anyone recognize this guy? I think I ran into someone who looked a lot like him a little over a year ago.

http://static.pixelpipe.com/8dc92346-7f88-4dd1-a8d7-8aafd6514398_m.jpg

Alex

07-27-2010, 02:06 PM

Seth Rogan? Is that you?

Ghoulish Delight

07-27-2010, 02:18 PM

Really? You're the 2nd person to make that comparison. I don't get it, especially since his hair is super curly. The smile I guess?

Well, if I really do look like Seth Rogen....I'm in for an excellent greeting when I get home to CP tonight.

Alex

07-27-2010, 02:30 PM

Yeah, it is very general and he's had his hair shorter at times, de-emphasizing the jewfro.

Don't know if I'd see it in person, but in that photo I do.

http://www.scifiscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/seth_rogen2.jpg

Gn2Dlnd

07-27-2010, 02:35 PM

I got more of a Galafianakis vibe.

RStar

07-27-2010, 04:07 PM

I would have stood there looking at you thinking "I know this guy, but who is he?" ;)

Cadaverous Pallor

07-27-2010, 07:45 PM

Well, if I really do look like Seth Rogen....I'm in for an excellent greeting when I get home to CP tonight.

I got more of a Galafianakis vibe.Galafiarogen! Mmmm, excellent greeting...

Ghoulish Delight

07-28-2010, 02:41 PM

tea. earl gray. hot.

Alex

07-28-2010, 02:54 PM

I know it's been asked before, but why did he have to specify he wanted his tea hot, but not how much tea he wanted?

JWBear

07-28-2010, 02:56 PM

Soooo.... I'm sitting here listening to Xavier Cugat's version of "Brazil" while eating Chex Mix.

There's something wrong with this picture, but I can't put my finger on it.

RStar

07-28-2010, 02:59 PM

tea. earl gray. hot.

What does Captain Picard have to do with it?

Ghoulish Delight

07-28-2010, 03:01 PM

I know it's been asked before, but why did he have to specify he wanted his tea hot, but not how much tea he wanted?
By the 24th century, Starbucks is but a distant memory, and with it the concept of different size servings of tea or coffee. You want tea, you get a standard sized cup of tea. No options.

However, iced tea does still exist, thus the need to specify "hot".

The bigger question is, why didn't the designers of the replicators implement some sort of user preference or macro function. We know they have voice recognition technology, it should be pretty simple to have "tea" spoken by Picard default to a hot cup of earl gray.

Alex

07-28-2010, 03:09 PM

Because the same system is used universally. And he'd be sitting on the can and only get through the first syllable of "TP please" before getting a hot Early Gray colonic.

Ghoulish Delight

07-28-2010, 03:15 PM

Little know fact: common side effects of earl gray colonics include strange baldness patterns and an insufferable tendency to quote Shakespeare.

Motorboat Cruiser

07-28-2010, 03:44 PM

Little know fact: common side effects of earl gray colonics include strange baldness patterns and an insufferable tendency to quote Shakespeare.

I remember seeing something about that on Oprah.

JWBear

07-28-2010, 04:10 PM

VAM!

Gemini Cricket

07-28-2010, 04:13 PM

I said 'Hey, Dirty! Baby, I got your money!'

Kevy Baby

07-28-2010, 04:26 PM

Nobody puts baby in a corner

Kevy Baby

07-28-2010, 11:21 PM

I am Sofa King tired

lashbear

07-28-2010, 11:28 PM

Less Bed, More Sleep Kevy.

3894

07-29-2010, 05:07 AM

So, my older daughter has an article about the animator Grim Natwick and his creation Betty Boop at Mice Age (http://micechat.com/betty-boop-grim-natwick/). I'm so proud.

DreadPirateRoberts

07-29-2010, 07:06 AM

nice article!

Congratulations!

blueerica

07-29-2010, 08:08 AM

I said 'Hey, Dirty! Baby, I got your money!'

Thanks, Mr. Earworm.

Ghoulish Delight

07-29-2010, 08:17 AM

I've worked here for 6+ years. I just rode the elevator for the first time. This is a 2 story building, there's no need for me to be taking the ADA-required elevator. Today I walked past it and decided to see what the inside looks like.

It felt very strange. Now, back to the stairs.

Alex

07-29-2010, 08:53 AM

We just moved to a new building. We're on the second floor. People think it is kind of odd that I'm using the stairs.

But that may be because it requires me to use my badge five times.

Ghoulish Delight

07-29-2010, 08:59 AM

There was a brief period where we had to use our badge to use the stairs. That was annoying, but not enough to make me use the elevator.

Our elevator is rarely used, though there are a couple people who seem to use it regularly.

Alex

07-29-2010, 09:02 AM

To use the elevator I have to use my badge:

To get in the building
To get in the door on my floor

To use the stairs it is:

To get in the building
To get in the part of the ground floor that has the stairs
To get in the stairwell
To get out of the stairwell on my floor
To get in the door on my floor

It shouldn't matter, it isn't like using the badge is a real effort. But it is kind of like how any place for lunch that is more than 2.5 blocks away is too far for serious consideration.

Ghoulish Delight

07-29-2010, 09:06 AM

This may be the greatest news in the history of man. Should this (http://www.dailypilot.com/news/tn-dpt-0714-innout-20100713,0,3665226.story) come to fruition, I will be working exactly half way between an In-n-Out and a Sonic, with about .5 miles to each.

A simple 2 mile round trip journey will be all that is required to assemble perfection (Double Double animal style, Tots, Strawberry Creamslush). It's almost too wonderful to imagine.Okay, my brain just froze.

Now there's news that Sonic just got approval for another location. This one would be 1/4 mile from the new In-n-Out.

That seems excessive. Plus, it'd replace a Long John Silvers which, while admittedly is horrible food, is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine.

Alex

07-29-2010, 09:38 AM

BarTopDancer

07-29-2010, 09:46 AM

Okay, my brain just froze.

Now there's news that Sonic just got approval for another location. This one would be 1/4 mile from the new In-n-Out.

There is a Sonic and an In-n-Out across the street from each other down the street from my office.

---------

In other news the Disney Discount Warehouse has 50th golden Mickey ears 2/$5 if anyone is interested.

Ghoulish Delight

07-29-2010, 10:02 AM

There is a Sonic and an In-n-Out across the street from each other down the street from my office.

It wouldn't be that weird if they hadn't just built a Sonic a mile away too.

blueerica

07-29-2010, 10:16 AM

What I love about Long John Silvers is that I've only eaten there once (in the PNW we had them but we also had the much superior--at least 20 years ago--Skippers) and that was in Singapore.

I just loved travelling 10k miles to finally end up eating there.

I've never been to a Skippers. When we moved to Utah, I saw a Skippers and wanted to check it out one night for dinner. After pulling into the parking lot and upon closer inspection, the location was closed.

The property has yet to become anything else. I'm surprised that no one's managed to turn it into another restaurant.

Ghoulish Delight

07-29-2010, 10:17 AM

I've always preferred H. Salt fish, but the LJS's is closer to work.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-29-2010, 10:47 AM

In other news the Disney Discount Warehouse has 50th golden Mickey ears 2/$5 if anyone is interested.Hah, we need to come up with some sort of art project for these.

MouseWife

07-29-2010, 11:25 AM

Well, since 'We don't need no stinkin' bahges!' at my job, I will go back to the topic of tea.

Is it incorrect to ask 'How long would you like it to steep?' {is that the right spelling for tea steeping?}

See, people like to say I can't cook or anything. My sis in law brought me some tea and I asked her 'How long should I let it steep?' Brought out a bout of laughter from the peanut gang. While I flipped them off I felt I was right in asking as I wanted it to be the taste she wanted me to have.

Opinions?

CP~you'll come up with some reason for the ears. I can't wait to see what.

BarTopDancer

07-29-2010, 12:08 PM

We have a 2 story building and no elevator. Badge to get in doors but once you're in, you're in.

Hah, we need to come up with some sort of art project for these.

montage!

They had vinylmation for awhile but it's gone. Lots of cute kids clothes. I'm waiting for the 55th stuff to start trickling in... but with the 50th ears just showing up I think I'll just go buy it at the park rather than waiting 5 years.

alphabassettgrrl

07-29-2010, 04:01 PM

I tend to take the stairs any time I can. At my hubby's work, I use the elevator so that the receptionist can use her badge to punch the button for his floor. If I took the stairs I'd have to have my own badge, and of course I don't work there.

Is it incorrect to ask 'How long would you like it to steep?' {is that the right spelling for tea steeping?}

Sounds correct to me. I guess people aren't used to proper English. What kind of tea? :) And yes, steep is the correct word and spelling.

lashbear

07-29-2010, 07:54 PM

Is it incorrect to ask 'How long would you like it to steep?' {is that the right spelling for tea steeping?}

See, people like to say I can't cook or anything. My sis in law brought me some tea and I asked her 'How long should I let it steep?' Brought out a bout of laughter from the peanut gang. While I flipped them off I felt I was right in asking as I wanted it to be the taste she wanted me to have.
That's quite correct. If you want to avoid the derision of the peanut gang, you could ask "How strong would you like it?" or you could always ask if your SIL is "A Jiggler Or A Dangler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcCf3asey2g)"* There is also This classic Jiggler Dangler ad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUXJWBFNdK8). There is also the slightly racist feeling 1982 version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38ePrHVBAvI).

*Jigglers like to repeatedly dip their teabags in and out of the water in an effort to achieve a strionger cup of tea in a shorter time. Danglers are the ones that just let the tea quietly steep on it's own without human intervention. A weaker cup results, but at least you don't 'bruise the leaves'. If you haven't checked out both the links yet, please do so, as they are fine 80's kitsch examples of Aussie Advertising.

Not Afraid

07-29-2010, 08:05 PM

Hey, have those die-cast ride vehicles from the 50th shown up at the warehouse? I have a complete set I'm going to get rid of some day soon. I'm hoping they haven't been available for a while.

BarTopDancer

07-29-2010, 08:14 PM

I haven't seen them. It's mostly kids clothes and bags.

Ghoulish Delight

07-29-2010, 08:35 PM

Today I learned that there exists a cheat that would allow one to continue a game of Super Pitfall on NES after losing all of one's lives.

Consider my world rocked.

lindyhop

07-29-2010, 09:04 PM

I work on the 3rd floor and prefer to take the stairs. The biggest issue is that the stairwells have become the preferred location for people to conduct private cell phone conversations. So I get a little exercise while feeling like I'm intruding in someone's private life. Most conversations are in Farsi, Vietnamese, Armenian, or something else I don't understand so my discomfort isn't really necessary.

alphabassettgrrl

07-29-2010, 11:33 PM

The Long Beach aquarium had a members' party tonight with a Polynesian theme. We went, we ate, and we got up to dance and made fools of ourselves. It was great fun! We should do this more often.

Ghoulish Delight

07-30-2010, 08:55 AM

"I have so much fart I could explode"

http://graphjam.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/129182728761425800.png

Alex

07-30-2010, 09:01 AM

You're on a date? At work? HR will not approve.

Ghoulish Delight

07-30-2010, 09:02 AM

I'm in love with my job.

Alex

07-30-2010, 09:06 AM

HR still won't approve. They don't approve of anything. Also, your job filed a sexual harassment complaint because your beard tickles it thighs.

Ghoulish Delight

07-30-2010, 09:10 AM

It needs to lighten up. Maybe an earl gray colonic would mellow it out.

Alex

07-30-2010, 09:11 AM

That would work if the job you love is your coworker who spends the day sleeping on the can.

Ghoulish Delight

07-30-2010, 09:17 AM

Speaking of which, apparently management finally got through to him, he's been much much better since his last reported "talking to".

Alex

07-30-2010, 09:25 AM

Not to mention your beard tickling his thighs is probably helping keep him awake.

From amusing graph to inappropriate workplace imagery in four incomprehensible steps.

Cadaverous Pallor

07-30-2010, 09:28 AM

Wheee, what a rollercoaster of banter!

Now my thighs tickle.

blueerica

07-30-2010, 10:30 AM

The Long Beach aquarium had a members' party tonight with a Polynesian theme. We went, we ate, and we got up to dance and made fools of ourselves. It was great fun! We should do this more often.

Oooh! I miss being over there. Jason and I were members of the LB Aquarium...

Alex

07-30-2010, 02:07 PM

So, I may have a brain tumor.

At lunch I was out walking around a bit randomly. Our office just moved, and though it is only a few blocks down Mission from where we were before it is like being in a whole new city in terms of discovering all the small stores and eateries and what not.

In walking I passed a clothing store advertising a big sale. On a whim, with no particular need, I entered the store, actually just browsed around, tried on a shirt, and bought a couple. Still subnormal in that I was probably only in there for 10 minutes total. But still, definite sign of a brain tumor.

If I drop dead on the way home tonight, please point Lani to this post.

Ghoulish Delight

07-30-2010, 02:12 PM

I thought I felt a shift in the universe.

Prudence

07-30-2010, 03:41 PM

The Long Beach aquarium had a members' party tonight with a Polynesian theme. We went, we ate, and we got up to dance and made fools of ourselves. It was great fun! We should do this more often.

I wish I'd known you were going! We thought about it, but didn't go because we figured we wouldn't know anyone there.

alphabassettgrrl

07-30-2010, 06:04 PM

I wish I'd known you were going! We thought about it, but didn't go because we figured we wouldn't know anyone there.

Awww!! Yeah, it would have been fun! I'll post ahead of time next time. :)

We didn't know anyone there, but that's ok.

Betty

07-30-2010, 06:59 PM

GD that is one fan-fvcking-tastic avatar you've got there. I love it! :)

Ghoulish Delight

07-30-2010, 11:33 PM

Courtesy Dave Mead's portraits (http://davemead.bigcartel.com/) from the 2009 beard championships in Anchorage.

Mousey Girl

07-31-2010, 04:29 AM

I just got home from a girls night out... The Boy was babysitting. We had no idea it was after 4 until he woke up, came outside and then disappeared. He went home to pass out in his own bed (he was sleeping on the couch). We had a blast & a guy who had been smiling at me previously, finally worked up the guts to ask my name and #. All in all, a very good night.

CoasterMatt

07-31-2010, 10:19 PM

I moved a LOT of stuff in the house today- took down the entire sound system, moved the tv, couch, and table out of the living room; moved a dresser out of the house.

Put the tv, couch and table, along with a new storage cabinet back in to the living room.

I think I can wait till tomorrow to put the sound system back together.

Prudence

07-31-2010, 10:58 PM

Cosmos likes to keep a clean litter box and he takes his duties very seriously. Just now he was busy covering Sputnik's poop *as it came out*. I can't say I blame him. She is one stinky kitten!

Cadaverous Pallor

07-31-2010, 11:15 PM

Cosmos likes to keep a clean litter box and he takes his duties very seriously. Just now he was busy covering Sputnik's poop *as it came out*. I can't say I blame him. She is one stinky kitten!Yeech, I don't post about my baby's poop, can I ask for radio silence on cat poop? :p

Alex

08-01-2010, 07:12 AM

This weekend's trip was to Muir Woods National Monument and Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands. Both places that we've somehow never been to before, though I have been in the Muir Woods parking lot several times because the Dipsea Trail crosses through it.

Muir Woods is a nice collection of redwoods but way too many people to really enjoy it. Also, I'm just never all that impressed by redwoods. Yes, they're really, really tall but it is hard to get that sense of them since they don't mind being close to each other. I find the girthiness of sequoias strikes a chord of awe much better.

The lighthouse was nice, but of course since I am not allowed to get nice pictures of Golden Gate Bridge, the overcast never burned off.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4849536342_e90f2ed1ea_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/4847990251_26128020b9_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4847989949_04ea07fd1c_b.jpg

Also, I really need to tear down my camera and find the three dust specks. But I keep forgetting.

Not Afraid

08-01-2010, 09:17 AM

The blue sail under the bridge looks completely fake, like someone drew an animated sail on your pic.

And, on the subject of poop, if I was forbidden to talk about poop, i probably wouldn't have much to say!

Alex

08-01-2010, 09:22 AM

I'm sorry. I asked them to move but they ignored me.

alphabassettgrrl

08-01-2010, 09:42 AM

I like that first shot of the cliffs, Alex. Gorgeous!

Kevy Baby

08-01-2010, 10:13 AM

And, on the subject of poop, if I was forbidden to talk about poop, i probably wouldn't have much to say!Well, that's pretty shìtty

Cadaverous Pallor

08-01-2010, 11:50 AM

And, on the subject of poop, if I was forbidden to talk about poop, i probably wouldn't have much to say!I don't think you've talked about sh!t actually coming out of something's ass.

Morrigoon

08-01-2010, 12:00 PM

Alex: I actually dig that shot of the Golden Gate. Especially since it looks like that most of the time ;)

Not Afraid

08-01-2010, 02:23 PM

I don't think you've talked about sh!t actually coming out of something's ass.

How about the time Thurston had a turd sticking to his butt because it was attached to a string that was still in his anus? Or the time Aloysius ate tinsel, pooped and a turd "chased" him around the house sticking to the tinsel that was still in his butt?

I've got poop stories to last all night!

Not Afraid

08-01-2010, 02:27 PM

In other news, I made myself a very thorough To Do list last night so I would get up and start cracking on it. I just finished rearranging furniture in the LR/DR area. All well and good except that wasn't on the To Do list.:rolleyes:

BarTopDancer

08-01-2010, 03:40 PM

Just put it on the to-do list then cross it off. Problem solved.

SzczerbiakManiac

08-01-2010, 03:48 PM

I find the girthiness of sequoias strikes a chord of awe much better.

Really? Y'all are just gonna let that one slide?

CoasterMatt

08-01-2010, 05:20 PM

I just put up blood red blackout curtains in the living room. This is the test set for one window. We both immediately decided that the other window in the room needs the same treatment, now.

lashbear

08-01-2010, 06:15 PM

Also, I really need to tear down my camera and find the three dust specks. But I keep forgetting.
Hehehehe. My Laptop screen's so grimy, I didn't notice !! Time for a screen-wipe.

Cadaverous Pallor

08-01-2010, 07:04 PM

Just put it on the to-do list then cross it off. Problem solved.I do this all the time. It's one of those things that, while I'm doing it, I realize that I am indeed a crazy person.

My to-do list is looooong and getting loooooooonger.

Morrigoon

08-01-2010, 07:07 PM

Alex

08-01-2010, 07:08 PM

I use To Do lists as a tool for procrastination. Once something is on there it can only be worked on when I'm specifically doing stuff on my To Do list.

Step 2: Make sure that my scheduled time to work on my To Do List is always tomorrow.

It's a very effective time management system.

Not Afraid

08-01-2010, 07:17 PM

Somewhere in my moving shyt around I lost my To Do list.

BarTopDancer

08-01-2010, 07:19 PM

I do this all the time. It's one of those things that, while I'm doing it, I realize that I am indeed a crazy person.

My to-do list is looooong and getting loooooooonger.

It makes me feel more productive. But if I actually get a to-do list going and knocking stuff off my list the day is usually a productive one.

These days I've taken to cleaning the shower when I am taking a shower.

Also, I just got a new vacuum so vacuuming is no longer a horrid chore.

Alex

08-01-2010, 07:38 PM

You clean your shower with a vacuum?

Prudence

08-01-2010, 09:04 PM

We picked up a shot glass at the mission gift store that reads "Just a Swallow." The Rat feels it is a very smutty sort of thing to be selling at a mission.

BarTopDancer

08-01-2010, 10:01 PM

Shark Week looks amazing on my new TV. But the episodes currently airing called Air Jaws show the sharks eating seals. I know it happens but it breaks my heart to see it yet I can't look away.

lashbear

08-02-2010, 01:03 AM

Next Sunday is my last shift with the mouse, and thankfully, I'm on the train. So if anyone wants to come see me (and y'know, take pictures and stuff), I'll be there 5pm-11pm (1130, but with the walk time and all... Really 11).
Last as in "Last Ever" or Last as in "Last for the week" ?

Pursuant to that, how many LoTters does it take to fill the LB? Will there be marathon laps in the lap of luxury?

These days I've taken to cleaning the shower when I am taking a shower.
You'd like Flylady (http://www.flylady.net). She does lots of stuff like that.