http://www.myballard.com/forum/ A forum for the Seattle neighborhood of Ballard en Sun, 26 May 2013 05:18:33 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-53228 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:49:02 +0000 LoveThyNeighbor 53228@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>click </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52674 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:24:58 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 52674@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Of course I mean that it was great that you couldn't ma... I mean that you had success with the unruly patron &gt;:) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52586 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:15:05 +0000 BlackSheep 52586@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Wait...did you mean it's great news that I couldn't make it to the gathering? Mean. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52585 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:14:01 +0000 BlackSheep 52585@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Sure, Crank - I'll pay you in whatever blood I can squeeze out of this here turnip... </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52563 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:18:34 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 52563@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>BlackSheep, that is great news. I'll send you a bill ;) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52559 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:12:43 +0000 BlackSheep 52559@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Mr. Crankypants - I had the opportunity to put your suggestion to use last night...on an adult! It worked. :)</p> <p>Jules, sorry I couldn't make it to the gathering, but I work Friday nights. :( </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52446 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:38:40 +0000 Bamber 52446@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Oh Mamasings! I am always so very grateful for those moments. It seems that every time one of my kids is having a terrifying meltdown - some mom will come up to me and tell me it's all going to be ok. I'm always afraid that someone is going to come scold me...but so far, that hasn't been the case. I'm always overwhelmed when someone takes a moment to say, "Hey! I've been there, and it's going to be ok" It means more than anything. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52442 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 04:21:11 +0000 eric 52442@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>all things equal, "your" children don't really interest me much! i wish them well and all but if i see an out of control kid in public i certainly don't think, "ooh good, little Madyson (or Brooklynn) is learning how to act in public!"...all too often i see a kid tearing it up with a parent nearby cooing at how cute it is. *shudder*</p> <p>i think its all connected to the giant strollers somehow. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52426 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 01:57:01 +0000 Mamasings 52426@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>THis doesn't sound like the type of parent you're talking about, but I'd like to encourage you all, especially if you don't have kids, to consider the idea that the naughty parent in question might simply be overwhelmed. Someone once told me that parenting means making the right choice over the easy one every day - 24/7. When you are tired, overwhelmed, or just fried, doing that becomes that much harder, and it's possible you are just catching that parent in one of those moments. </p> <p>I'll always remember being at Freddy's when my son was 2. He was throwing a fit and on the verge of hysteria, and I absolutely had to get diapers. I was just trying to make it out alive and on the verge of losing it, when a nice older lady came up to us, and started chatting to my son, distracting him while I made my selection and avoiding a meltdown. She could have given us a dirty look, but she didn't....she helped. I will always be greateful to her. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52312 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:28:52 +0000 julesage 52312@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>*mini hijack* blacksheep: can you make the gathering tonight? id love to meet you after all of this time....;) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52283 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:47:37 +0000 BlackSheep 52283@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>This parent was too into her date to pay attention. A sitter would have been a sterling idea. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52265 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:43:58 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 52265@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Give it a shot, BlackSheep. Make some eye contact and be calm, stay down at his level so he's paying attention to you and not so threatened by you looming over him. It really does work.</p> <p>I think something we all need to remember is that different parents have different parenting styles. To the casual observer, it may seem like the parents are ignoring the kid who is all over the place, touching everything and interfering with other patrons. Perhaps this is a parent who allows the child to explore and experience his environment and learn about it. It's not intentionally rude on the part of the parent and it's not (always) the parent being oblivious to what the kid is doing. It's just how they choose to raise the child, in an atmosphere free of "don't touch that!" It's kinda weird, but many kids I see raised this way are often well-behaved, more-so than the kid whose mom is constantly reigning them in and telling them "no" every two minutes.</p> <p>Of course, this is all just my observation and your experience may differ. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52260 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:27:36 +0000 BlackSheep 52260@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Thanks for the suggestions, Mr. Crankypants - it doesn't happen often, but like I said, I don't have a lot of time to think about it when it's in progress, so I think I need to practice that one! The kid I'm thinking of was completely out of control (as in maybe not quite right in the head), so I'm not sure I'd have had any luck, but maybe it would have triggered some sort of response from mom.</p> <p>Bamber, I talked to my boss about the last "incident" (after it was over - I honestly didn't have time to deal with it when it was in progress), and she was surprised at the thought that we would bear some responsibility for keeping the child at one table from disturbing the diners at another table. She really didn't get it, as she loves kids and tends to not be bothered by much. I could see her being just fine with the kid running up to her table, and I think she also sees parenting as being the job of the parent. When I suggested to her that people may stay away if that becomes our image (see the Barking Dog reviews), you could see the wave of starting-to-get-it crossing her face. "Oh, I guess I should have said something..." </p> <p>Although our restaurant is really casual, a lot of people see it as a date-night place, and it just pains me to see dates ruined because people can't control their kids! And I'm not talking about kids having breakdowns - we all know that happens (to all the parents who take them outside for a talk, thank you, I love you). I mean kids touching stuff/people/food at tables other than their own, when the parents don't say ANYTHING about it. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52173 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:59:06 +0000 Bamber 52173@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>And when I say that children shouldn't be expected to act as adults, I'm not implying that they should be entitled to run about like little monsters. Quite the contrary. The only point I'm trying to make is that kids are kids, and yes, they are going to test their parents; yes, there are going to be outbursts; and sometimes kids can be downright nightmares in public. As a parent, that's one of the most mortifying experiences a parent can go through. </p> <p>Again, it's a learning experience. We ALWAYS clean up after our kids. In fact, the hub and I have talked about going out with a DUSTBUSTER, for crying out loud, because yeah - it sucks when your kid leaves crumbs on the floor. Do we clean it up? You betcha, as best we can. </p> <p>I can acknowledge that not everyone behaves this way - I'm sorry that you have such a hard time dealing with it. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52166 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:45:59 +0000 Bamber 52166@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Um - I'm not negating any of your experiences, Moto. In your post you stated to clean up after my kids, park my stroller outside, yada yada. Already do all that, thx. Don't lump me into the group of parents that you are apparently pissed off at. Just because I have kids doesn't make me "one of those people"...</p> <p>Nope, having kids doesn't mean I'm entitled to a seat at the cafe. Having kids doesn't mean I'm entitled to anything. Just because you or I, or anyone buys a cup of coffee at the cafe, doesn't entitle you or anyone else to take up a four-top all day at the cafe either. Just ask the cafe owner - doubt he likes it very much either. You're talking to me about entitlement - but in the same breath the camper is somehow entitled to sit at the cafe all day while others walk in and out unable to find a seat? </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52160 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:29:50 +0000 motorrad 52160@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Bamber-You are making lots of excuses and I seem to get the feeling you were negating my experiences. Thankfully Blacksheep and others chimed in. Parents need to take responsibility and quit making excuses for their bratty kids. If you are not going to teach your kids to clean up after themselves then you do it, just don't leave it for me. But maybe you are the type that expect to be bussed after even when sans kids.</p> <p>The fact I don't have children has no bearing on whether or not I like kids. What I don't like is parents too lazy to discipline or control their brats. People are expected to control their dogs and have them behave appropriately in public, lord knows that has been covered. What is wrong with expecting the same from children? Funny how it is always other people's kids. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-52010 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:59:00 +0000 mickey 52010@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Bamber - No, I'm not intending to lump all parents in together. My "get a clue" comment is directed at those who *can't be bothered* to teach their children about boundaries. And there seem to be A LOT of them. Some parents I've asked to keep their kids quieter while in a cafe (or the public library, for that matter) try to turn it around and imply that I'm just a meanie who dislikes children -- which has to be the most tiresome and ineffective tactic to use with someone who works with kids, and has worked with kids since 1979! </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51976 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:45:44 +0000 Bamber 51976@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Mickey - that's the point I was getting at. Kids shouldn't be expected to act as adults, because they're not, and they should be taught how to behave. They need to be taught that. I'll agree there are a lot of rotten parents out there - but your comment *almost* reads as if you're lumping all parents into the "get a clue" category. That's just how I'm reading it and I could be misinterpreting (as is easy to do on the internets.)</p> <p>If you and Blacksheep work out in the public - you see far more than I do. I do have to say though - that when I'm out and about, it's rare for me to see kids running amok. As a parent, it's just as annoying to me when there are unruly kids running about with no parental supervision, or no parental care or concern. I just haven't come across it much, honestly. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51956 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:52:29 +0000 mickey 51956@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Bamber - I don't think anyone expects children to act like adults, but we do expect parents to take responsibility for their children while in public places. If your children are running around, shrieking, and preventing other customers from being able to enjoy their time at that venue, then you need to either take the kids home or teach them about manners.</p> <p>When I was growing up, my parents took us out in public all the time. We went out to dinner once a week -- sometimes to nice, adult restaurants. We found out pretty quickly that if we did not behave properly in public places, we would get a ride home and get to stay with the babysitter after that. We learned not to run around shrieking and acting like monkeys. And all my friends were raised the exact same way. I'm sorry, but parents today act like they are the first group of humans to ever have children, and many of them have decided to spoil them rotten and let them act up in public all the time. To those parents I say, "get a freaking clue." </p> <p>By they way, I work with kids... </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51949 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:36:36 +0000 Bamber 51949@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>And cc - I've never asked but my husband has. If we were without kids - the table camper was usually more than happy to let us sit. With kids? Entirely different scenario... </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51947 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:34:23 +0000 Bamber 51947@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Ouch Blacksheep - you are in the trenches most every day - I'm sure you do see your fair share of out of control kids. Your post flashed me back to my second job working at Little Caesar's inside K-Mart (cringe). I'd forgotten how parents thought we were babysitters and would often let their kids hang out unattended. Several times we had parents scream at us because their child got hurt falling out of a chair or swinging on something they weren't supposed to. Apparently we were supposed to be watching their kids while they shopped. *eye roll*</p> <p>I agree 100% with what Mr. Crankypants stated. You are well within your rights to talk to a child who is interfering with your ability to do your job. I wonder if your boss would have any suggestions for unruly kids as well? </p> <p>The thing about kids - people who don't have them or don't spend time around them (and even people that DO have them) expect them to act like adults. But kids aren't adults. Going out in public is a learning process. We take our kids out to teach them how to behave (well...MOST parents do, I realize not ALL do...) I can completely empathize with how hard (not to mention annoying) unruly kids would be in your place of business - and having to deal with it on a daily basis. I remember being downright tired of it too. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51941 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:24:52 +0000 SPG 51941@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>stopgoo:"SPG - Way to go buddy. you talk about people being mocked and how it is a bummer, and then within 2 hours on the same thread you put down 'republicans' as not funny. oh, i get it...its not okay to mock, unless its republicans. that makes sense..."</p> <p>I guess I really need to either brush up on my writing skills or dumb it down even further. Did I say it was only okay to make fun of republicans? What I said was that the type of humor that picks on someone for being different than yourself borders very closely on bullying. Comedy that satirizes the powerful can be quite funny by bringing them to our level, while bullying isn't that funny to most people. Republican attempts at comedy shows have never been a success because they've always tended to come off as bullying, while the Daily Show continues to be wildly successful for over a decade now. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51928 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:56:15 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 51928@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>BlackSheep: I've had pretty good luck with kids by leaning down to their level and very calmly and firmly saying "Hey. This isn't a good place to run around and play, okay? Thanks!" I try to make sure to do this in view of the parents, and to speak to the child as if s/he is a regular person (which they are). I don't put on a baby-talk voice, I don't shout. I just very clearly state that this isn't the place for this behavior. And I thank them. I think I can claim about 80%+ success rate with this method. I've never had a parent get on my case about it, as they are most often very embarrassed that they didn't think of it first. The key, really, is to treat the kid like a person and make sure you're not a jackass about it. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51917 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:31:19 +0000 BlackSheep 51917@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>"And where do all you kidless people hang out where there are kids running amok everywhere?"</p> <p>At work! I have had kids crank up the stereo, run up to other (occupied) tables, scream at the other customers, try to *touch the food* I'm putting on other tables - all while the parents completely ignore the kids. </p> <p>I never know what to do in that situation, as I don't want to be parenting other people's kids, but they won't do it, and I can't have the other customers grossed out and/or annoyed by what those kids are doing. </p> <p>But when I'm waiting on 10+ tables, I don't have time to think of a solution, so I usually just try to ignore the kids the best I can, but it is really unfair to people trying to have a nice dinner.</p> <p>Does anybody have any suggestions for how to handle this? I've told kids to go back to their table, but some of them are just so out of control... </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51817 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:23:02 +0000 Roadkill 51817@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Laptop coffee guy...hmm, I've been him before. Only long enough until my battery runs out though. Sometimes I need to get the F out of my house. Currently looking for work, working on my resume, jobs search, etc...I actually find that I tend not to dick around on the internet if in a public situation, and accomplish more, personally. Change of scenery is nice. And that can't always be the gym or the bar. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51815 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:18:02 +0000 Roadkill 51815@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>lol @ the "gay" whine. Classic.</p> <p>I used to work at a gas station on an interstate. Middle of nowhere. Truck drivers tend to crap their pants. They leave gifts. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51810 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:53:07 +0000 stopthebuzz 51810@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <blockquote><p>I had to laugh with this one.<br /> Has anyone ever asked if they could share a big table and only one is seated? I sometimes wonder about that. </p></blockquote> <p>Absolutely! If I want to sit and the only available seat is at a table occupied by a camper, I'll ask to sit there. And guess what! Every time that person has said, "yes." Who would have thought that actually asking for what you want would lead to getting it? </p> <p>but clearly, whining on the internet is a much better approach. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51807 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:50:58 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 51807@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>onederfullone: amen, brother. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51792 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:07:44 +0000 cc 51792@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I had to laugh with this one.<br /> Has anyone ever asked if they could share a big table and only one is seated? I sometimes wonder about that. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51743 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:14:24 +0000 onederfullone 51743@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>*highjack*</p> <p>We were out having dinner one night and it was pretty crazy, my kids, in the mid grade school ages were the only ones seated, quiet, not being total pains, while many were loud, jumping around, being mostly 'normal' I guess you could say.</p> <p>Anyhow, I was being eyed quite a bit through-out dinner by an elderly lady with her husband, and I could tell that she was quite impressed with the incredible restraint shown by the children at our table, especially in comparison to the others.</p> <p>When they finished up their dinner and were leaving she came over to me and said, "I just had to say that I'm really impressed with how well behaved your sweet children are! How do you accomplish that?"</p> <p>I looked at her and said "Thank you ma'am, I found out that they don't like to be whipped." </p> <p>Of course, some folks just don't understand good humor, so I had to explain that for years, we told the kids, nope, the last time we went there you miss-behaved, or no way, the last time we went there you threw a fit when it was time to go...and so on.<br /> I never had to hit my children, but they did learn consequence to behavior, good and bad.</p> <p>So, before I turn off my hi-jack, I wish that more parents taught their kids that, we'd be in much better shape as a society. It's called accountability. Learn it, teach it, expect it. We might see folks paying more attention to others someday.</p> <p>*end highjack*</p> <p>Most comedy to me is about pointing out things that are typical. Look at Jerry Seinfeld, made a career out of incredible observation, and making fun of normal stuff. I appreciate it because it didn't rely on vulgarity, or racial lines, etc. Just a slice of what is funny about people in general. I see the OP doing much the same thing, in the same vein as the commercial did it. A+ </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51734 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:29:17 +0000 OingoBoingo 51734@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Maybe 'progressive' coffee houses can have cubicle style desks, not unlike the library, with space for the computer, eats and a cuppa. They don't need a 'view' so they can be placed next to a wall as they interact with their computer.<br /> Tables and chairs seem, at least to me, to be an invitation for social interchange rather than the self centered 'couch slob' who strews his garbage all over the place to better view a screen. The caveat for the kids should be a clean and safe place to play away from mainstream traffic. Perambulators need their own place maybe outside?<br /> Slipping the thread a bit but I was amazed that special areas on mass transit in Sweden had places for perambulators with seamless access from the curb onto the bus. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51731 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:25:00 +0000 Bamber 51731@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Motorrad - the problem with the "campers" is a much deeper discussion of a complete lack of common courtesy en masse - either people have forgotten, or were never taught. </p> <p>Walk into any cafe on a weekend morning and they are full of people chatting and drinking their coffee. They will finish up and move on within 15-30 mins. Campers will hang about for hours, and could care less that they've been taking up a table for 4 and you are standing there waiting to use said table. It wouldn't even occur to them that perhaps it's time to move on. Completely void of common courtesy.</p> <p>And where do all you kidless people hang out where there are kids running amok everywhere? I've heard this quite frequently and honestly - I've never seen it. Yes, at times when we're out there might be, heaven forbid a child crying or upset - but adults get upset too. Kids are still learning how to control their emotions and their feelings and yep - you might see or hear a child when you are out in public. </p> <p>What DO I see much, much, MUCH more frequently? People talking loudly on their cell phones. People sitting at cafes for hours on end. Unleashed dogs running AMOK in the park (oh yes...I went there...:P)</p> <p>My point it is - EVERYONE has their problem and an issue they are frustrated with. The OP pokes fun at self-centered people who need to learn to chill a second and realize there is a whole world of people out there, not just what is 2 inches in front of their face. None of us are perfect. We all have problems. I'm sure my child has had a melt-down in public. I'm sure I've talked on my cell phone somewhere inappropriate. IF you want to make a post as funny as the OP about these things, please do! I might even laugh! </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51722 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:58:24 +0000 great idea 51722@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>wow. hate kids much?</p> <p>I think having actual bodies sit in the seats takes precedence over someone with their crap strewn about. I would even say the kids are ENTITLED to sit down. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51692 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:07:17 +0000 motorrad 51692@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Everyone has a 'type' to complain about. I am single. I go to the coffee shop to work sometimes. If there is not a table for two I will sit at a table for 4. Likewise if a table for 2 is in a place I do not like. I see people stay and have conversations for as long as I am on my computer. Does that make it OK to sit? </p> <p>Just because you are with someone or have kids does not make you more deserving of a place to sit. Often people with kids think they are entitled. I wish you would teach your kids to behave while in public. Keep your kids seated at your table under your 'control' and supervision and stop letting them run around bothering others. And for CRYING OUT LOUD clean up after your little punks. And carry a lock to chain your stroller up OUTSIDE!!!! Do you have to take up space inside? That is rude. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51690 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:03:19 +0000 BallardTrees 51690@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>How do the cafe owners in Europe survive financially? When I was there for a while, quite a long time ago, people seemed to sit in cafes for hours, not eating or drinking that much, and the cafes seem perfectly fine with that. People with recent experience in Europe, or who are from there, does this impression ring true to you? </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51688 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:41:43 +0000 plasticbags 51688@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>On the topic of inconsiderate people:<br /> Has anyone every been irritated by the people at Red Mill who occupy a table during the 20 mins it takes their food to be prepared while others are forced to stand around with their food without a table? I've witnessed people with trays of food ask table squatters if they can share the table and been told no. I wish I could come up with a catchy song about it. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51687 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:39:28 +0000 teigyr 51687@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I thought it was funny though has PBR become poseur now? </p> <p>Dunno. I've been unintentionally (and maybe intentionally) insulted SO many times. I'm (ready for this...) Republican. Really. But I try to be logical. I was (and am, sometimes) a cyclist. In SPANDEX. I've put on makeup while driving though that was a long time ago. I even get excited about mail delivery. I think there's nothing wrong with bringing up peculiarities. What we do in public IS under our control and if we do silly things, maybe we should be made fun of sometimes. I make fun of myself, other people can too. It's not like making fun of a physical deformity or a lifestyle though the campers seem to have made a lifestyle out of it :)</p> <p>And BR, I'm about to agree with you! Stereotypes DO exist and sometimes it's not a bad thing to make fun of them. I giggle internally when I see the really low baggy pants where the underwear is covering the bottom and the pants are around the knees. I can't help it. I'm sure the baggy-pants person is giggling internally at my striped kneesocks or really glaringly bright running shoes. It's ok. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51678 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:09:02 +0000 malia 51678@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I found this hilarious! I have a friend who owns a coffee shop who had to discontinue wifi because of the campers. Income tripled once the wifi was removed. Sad, how some people simply don't think about the effect of their behavior on other people...... </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51677 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:03:19 +0000 allisonw 51677@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>BR, this.</p> <p>"See, I just saw it as a funny way of pointing out rude behavior. You're in a coffee shop for a couple of hours taking up a four seater table as the coffee shop continues to get busy.<br /> That's rude. And I'm a democrat. ;-) " </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375&page=2#post-51674 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:53:20 +0000 cdpenne 51674@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I thought they were originally a beer add. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51657 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:59:22 +0000 stopgo 51657@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>SPG - Way to go buddy. you talk about people being mocked and how it is a bummer, and then within 2 hours on the same thread you put down 'republicans' as not funny. oh, i get it...its not okay to mock, unless its republicans. that makes sense... </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51655 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:55:34 +0000 Bamber 51655@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>LOL Pennygirl! (Did you get yourself to the doc, btw?)</p> <p>I still stand by my previous posts. If you are doing something worthy of ridicule, I'm going to ridicule you, or laugh at others who do. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51653 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:51:31 +0000 BallardTrees 51653@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I felt sad after reading the orginal post. When I hear or see anything that smacks (to me) of ridicule, I get bummed out. I am writing this to offer another perspective, I guess. There are ways to make fun of human behavior that can be OK, such as focusing on your own dorkiness, for example.</p> <p>The PEMCO ads, which the post seems to be parodying, are done in a sort of "We get it. You are one of us" tone, which is kinder and gentler than ridicule.</p> <p>Let the flaming begin! </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51649 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:43:38 +0000 pennygirl 51649@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Bamber...</p> <p>I love the word 'douche'. Purely because it means something different in the UK. </p> <p>When I first moved over here and I heard people being called 'douche' or 'douche-bag', I imagined they were serial irrigators of the internal parts. Yes, I've been drinking. Happy St Patrick's Day :-) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51647 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:33:34 +0000 Nora Bell 51647@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>See, I just saw it as a funny way of pointing out rude behavior. You're in a coffee shop for a couple of hours taking up a four seater table as the coffee shop continues to get busy.<br /> That's rude. And I'm a democrat. ;-) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51643 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:25:37 +0000 Bamber 51643@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I'm going to have to disagree..</p> <p>The OP isn't mocking someone because he's "different", he's mocking a douche. Someone who sits around and is so self-important they can't see or think about anyone but themselves. Someone who is gay doesn't have a choice but to be gay. A douche doesn't have to be a douche. And we can make fun of douches (and douchettes, for that matter!) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51629 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:47:57 +0000 SPG 51629@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Bamber: "Woah SPG....weird...I don't think the poster was saying any of that."<br /> Me, earlier: "to me it came off as the type of 'humor' that paints anyone different as 'gay'. " Notice I said "type of".</p> <p>I didn't say that the OP directly questioned anyone's sexual orientation, but that the brand of humor is similar in tone to the type that mocks anyone different and usually brands them as not manly enough. I think a lot of people look silly in and out of coffee shops, but I don't feel the need to publicly mock them because they aren't exactly like me. It's just not the flavor of comedy I prefer and even any good joke isn't funny if you read too much into it.<br /> I don't really have the time to get too deep in to it right now, nor do I want to sidetrack this too much and come off as the spoil sport, I just thought that it came off more as a bully type of humor by picking on the different, than a real satirical jab at the powerful. It's the basic reason why republicans are rarely funny when they attempt humor...they come off as bullies. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51586 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:10:07 +0000 20feet 51586@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Crankypants that site is hilarious!! Thanks for sharing a bit of laughter. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51578 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:58:40 +0000 BriarRose 51578@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>SO Allison where do you draw the line at laughing at others? Only those who are different? Those who are conforming? Those who wear expensive clothing? I tend to find most people amusing, including myself. Stereotypes do exists you know. </p> <p>I laugh at neo seattlites who wear fleece and look like they are going camping when they get groceries. I laugh at those who think umbrellas are somehow uncool so they look like drowned rats when it rains. I laugh at people who drive HUGE strollers and have wretchedly nasty children. I laugh at bicycle pants, especially on cops. (ring ring oh dude pull over) I laugh at those who pay huge prices for pretty organic food. I also laugh at those who ‘work’ in coffee shops. Which of those laughs are ok with you? I do believe you volunteered to be the thread cop. Please list what we can’t and cant laugh at. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51572 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:49:17 +0000 stopgo 51572@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>spg. i hear you man. as soon as someone does something to tick another person off, people tend to go straight for appearance and criticize based on general stereotypes. pretty shallow and low. it's really not terribly different than generalizing about someone for being gay, or whatever. and see how people just pile on? I guess it is okay as long as you are in the majority and not in the group being criticized. this forum should be ashamed of itself. shame on you forum. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51557 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:24:31 +0000 Bamber 51557@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>And there's nothing "different" about the cool hipsters taking up space, they're everywhere! And personally, I don't care if you're cool, hip, nerdy, or gay...if you're taking up space in the coffee shop for so long that no one else can enjoy it - time to move on! </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51556 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:24:22 +0000 pennygirl 51556@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>SPG...</p> <p>You been drinking?!!! (St Patrick's Day - it allows for wacky posts, I believe) :-) </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51554 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:21:49 +0000 Bamber 51554@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Woah SPG....weird...I don't think the poster was saying any of that. More of knocking on the cool hipsters that hang out taking up space in the coffee shop all day and have little regard for anything more than 2 inches in front of their face. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51548 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:15:40 +0000 allisonw 51548@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I didn't see the nerdy "gay" thing you're talking about else I would not have laffed. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51545 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:13:18 +0000 SPG 51545@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Back to the original post... I can't get work done in a coffee shop and I don't care if people sit there on laptops or not. Somehow the original post didn't strike me as that funny, but more like a sad attempt to mock someone different. I'm probably just reading too much into somebody's passive aggressive complaint about not finding a seat at the coffee shop, but to me it came off as the type of 'humor' that paints anyone different as 'gay'. He knows how to use a comp-you-ter? NERD! He gots some fancy clothes without grease stains? FAGGOT! Let's beat him up! </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51532 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:10:37 +0000 skeptic53 51532@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>@Mr. Crankypants: Thanks for the link! Great site! And great avatar, also! </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51529 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:58:59 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 51529@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>I used to work at a company in Redmond (no, not that one) that was both manufacturing and office in the same building... For a couple years we had a guy we called "The Mad Bomber" who would strike <em>every single payday</em>. He'd first fill up the toilet with layers and layers of TP, then he'd take a massive poop, followed by even more TP, and sometimes more poop. Nasty. </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51524 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:52:30 +0000 Mr. Crankypants 51524@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Another work horror story site that's loads of fun, especially for those of us in the retail/customer service biz: <a href="http://notalwaysright.com/" rel="nofollow">http://notalwaysright.com/</a> </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51523 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:51:49 +0000 Bamber 51523@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>Oh my word - 20 feet, I'm DYING!</p> <p>I really only worked with the public when I was fresh out of high school, working at Little Caesar's. We had some sort of "guarantee" that if you didn't like the pizza, you could get a refund, yadda yadda....you would not BELIEVE the number of people that would eat the entire pizza - and then ask for a refund. Or...they'd get the wrong pizza, eat the whole thing - then complain and demand another one.</p> <p>That LC did go out of business...hmm....LOL!</p> <p>And not client related - but potty related - I worked downtown where several offices shared a restroom on one floor. We were high up - so only our businesses on the floor used the same restroom - no customers or anything. The bathroom was clean and fine, until one day a clothing manufacturer moved in - it was the design people that worked on our floor. The women were always immaculately dressed to the nines and perfect looking. But as soon as they moved in - our common bathroom became TERRIBLE. They NEVER flushed - especially when leaving a huge dookie, or worse yet - some other "female" thing. I mean...these women did it ALL THE TIME. I could go in to detail about how gross they were, but I won't. And then...as soon as the business left a year later - the bathroom was fine and dandy once again. What up with THAT? </p> http://www.myballard.com/forum/topic.php?id=4375#post-51515 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:36:54 +0000 skeptic53 51515@http://www.myballard.com/forum/ <p>The "camper" issue goes back probably as far as there have been cafes. When I was in college, almost 40 years ago, there were several places people liked to go for breakfast. If you didn't get there right when they opened, you had to stand in line, watching people who had long ago finished eating. They'd be sipping coffee and leisurely reading the Sunday paper, working the crossword, etc while a dozen or so folks shot optical daggers at the backs of their heads.</p> <p>Anybody remember "Still Life in Fremont"? Major campground despite signs on the table asking people not to do so. </p>