Friday Fun Post: What Are Your Pet Peeves?

Email Print posted by ihavenobias 04/25/2008 01:14:39 PM EST

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We all have them, and while many are common, many are uniquely specific and individual.

So I want to know, what are your pet peeves?

An obvious one I can think of is an obnoxious movie theater-goer.  This person not only talks during the movie, but yells out his feelings at certain points.

Like right after SpiderMan got hit in the head and this fool yelled "DAMN, Spidey!".  Really? Choosing the wrong movie at the wrong theater at the wrong time of day made this more likely, but still.

I have a pretty high self awareness, and my public filter is pretty strong.  For example, I avoid walking in the middle of the sidewalk downtown, or standing on the left side of the escalator if I plan on just standing there (those of you in big cities understand).

And if I *have* to use my cell phone in public, I always keep it as short and quiet as possible.

So a lot of my pet peeves have to do with people who, as I refer to it, "have no filter".  They do and say whatever they want, no matter how rude or obnoxious in public.  Having a dumb, loud cell phone conversation on the train, bus or restaurant?  Of course.

Rustling that bag of popcorn as much as possible and talking during the movie?  Yep.

Walking (slowly) in the middle of the sidewalk in crowded area with people regularly tring to squeez by?  Or, two or more obnoxious people walking side by side by side so that no one can get by?  Check.

A lot of these are common, so I'll include one that may be specific to me.  It bothers me when people eat cakes, pies and cookies (and other baked goods) without milk.  Don't get me wrong, this is not by any means high on my list of things to worry about, obviously.  Part of the point of this thread is to talk about those quirky and stupid things that bother us, often times for no apparent reason.

Many of them will make no sense to others, and many of them will be completely irrelevant.  Why should I care what you drink with your chocolate cake? But come on, how could I let it go when some girl the other day said "I hate milk. I drink orange juice with my chocolate cake."

Ok, that's just gross.  She may as well have said she likes to drink orange juice right after she brushes her teeth, or that she like to chew tin foil (if she has fillings).
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Friday Fun Post: What Are Your Pet Peeves? | 92 comments (92 topical, 0 hidden)
I don't like milk either... (none / 0)
I drink water with my sweets. Hahaha! My pet peeve is when people drive the speed limit...who the hell does that?

by AnaKasparian on 04/25/2008 01:44:58 PM EST

Interesting... (none / 0)
...but typical of the youth.  Mine would be the opposite.  You're driving the speed limit and the young woman in the car behind you tailgates you.  You look up in the rear view mirror, see her obviously frustrated face, wonder why she doesn't change lanes, and (being a bit of bastard) slow down just a bit!

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 01:55:17 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Speeding (none / 0)
My rule is that it's always ok to drive 1-9 miles per hour over the speed limit (average about 5 or so) depending on where you are.  On the expressway, make it 10-15 depending on the circumstances. You know, if you're in the middle of some no-name place with no cars, why not 15 over?

But yes, I have no patience for tail-gaters, can't stand them.  I also have a problem with people who use their horns constantly. 


A horn should be used sparingly, like a strong spice.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:16:21 PM EST

[ Parent ]
ha ha (none / 0)

Thanks for reminding me of the bumpersticker I am going to make:  I Brake for Tailgaters!

Because I do. 

by desertpear on 04/25/2008 05:14:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]
You obviously have never (none / 0)
gotten a speeding ticket because you are so young. You might change your tune once you do, they can cost you thousands of dollars depending on the state.

by mijoh on 04/25/2008 02:54:52 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I've never had a speeding ticket (none / 0)
But I *did* have my car booted in Chicago.  It was a horrible experience, and too long to get into the whole story now.

I will say it was because of multiple "street cleaning" tickets.  The signs were easily a block away and not all that visible. Since I mostly walked or used the train, I managed to not see my car until it was too late and had a boot on it.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:29:27 PM EST

[ Parent ]
let me make an obvious point (none / 0)
Ana has never had a speeding ticket because she's smokin' hot.

by hazmat on 04/25/2008 04:52:34 PM EST

[ Parent ]
That never hurts (none / 0)

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:12:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Water with baked goods? (none / 0)
Oh you poor thing.  You just don't realize how fresh basked chocolate chip cookies (or fresh baked any cookie, or pie or whatever) taste about 1,000 times better with a cold glass of milk.

Speaking of dairy products, I can't stand people who go to an ice cream parlor (or whatever you call them) and order a plain flavor, like vanilla, chocolate, etc.

It's tantamount to ordering a hamburger with no cheese or other toppings.  Thankfully God invented many delicious toppings and things to mix in ice cream, ranging from oreos to snickers and cheesecake and strawberry glaze to you name it (cookie dough and the list goes on and on).

Seriously, plain vanilla? Only acceptable to give context to how plain and boring it is, and or with a slice of warm pie, etc. 

BTW Ana, water is not as bad as orange juice.  Seriously, who drinks orange juice or soda with desert? That's just gross.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:14:11 PM EST

[ Parent ]
dessert (none / 0)
not desert.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:22:28 PM EST

[ Parent ]
The driving theme (none / 0)
It also amazes me that so many people are unaware of simple laws that come in to play every day.  First of all, let me make clear - I'm not some law and order guy.  Like Ana, I've been known to bust them now and then!  But I'm aware of what I'm doing and I realize the potential consequences.  So my peeve here is not about people who break the law but those who clearly don't KNOW the law.

Prime example.  Making a left turn at an intersection controlled by a left turn arrow.  The arrow goes off (not to red, just OFF) and the car in front of you stops behind the restraining line and refuses to pull into the intersection to make their left turn when safe.  If this is YOU please note - it is legal to proceed after the arrow goes off UNLESS there is a sign which states "left turn on arrow only" or the arrow doesn't just go "off" but a red light replaces it.  Please make your fucking turn.  Please.

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 02:02:10 PM EST

the list goes on (none / 0)
Over time I've become more accepting to the annoying ways of humans, but some things that come to mind that I just can't stand:

 - people blowing their noses in the shower - freak'n disgusting!
 - old men picking their mouth with a toothpick and making that unbearable slurping sound.  Table manners anyone?
 
In the past things like bluetooth headsets, oversized glasses, fixed gear bicyclists, fuzzy boots, flip flops, people drinking out of plastic sports bottles, and any other ridiculous trend drove me bonkers.

by rev24 on 04/25/2008 02:02:20 PM EST

I used to totally agree on flip-flops (none / 0)
especially with a frat boy look (you know what I mean).

I still don't like the frat boy look, but at the same time, what *can* you wear in hot weather?  Not those ugly rubber things with the holes in them?!

So Rev, what do you wear, regular shoes or Jesus sandals or what? It's pretty warm down there in CA.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:20:05 PM EST

[ Parent ]
i wont lie about the flops (none / 0)
After a tropical trip I started wearing flops when I'm too lazy to put on socks around the neighborhood and after surfing.  When possible, I still do my best not to expose the feet and mostly stick to slip-on vans.  That whole rubber crok phenomenon is beyond me too.

by rev24 on 04/25/2008 04:39:51 PM EST

[ Parent ]
BTW (none / 0)
What did you mean by giant glasses?

If you're referring to these, I agree 100%.  Granted, a lot of hot girls (annoyingly) wear them, along with a lot of girls who *want* to be hot (but aren't).

Either way it makes them look stupid and bitchy.

Certain fashion trends are relatively timeless, while others are clearly dated, and at some point we look back on them and realize just how ridiculous we looked (think tight rolled pants).  These giant glasses are a perfect example of something we'll look back on with disgust.  At some point people will wear them on Halloween and people will laugh and say "oh my God, that's so early 2006!" or whatever year.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:20:39 PM EST

[ Parent ]
100% right on the Glasses (none / 0)
I just don't get it.... but before the end of the day I thought I'd write down one more pet peeve.  Nosie *ss San Franciscans who tell you to pick up your dog's sh*t when your dog is either peeing or you have a bag in your pocket ready to go.  A bus driver once yelled at me for this when he was stopped and I went completely ape sh*t on him.  I know it's not good to rage, but sometimes when people get up all in your business it's hard not too. 

BTW - I take it you were a pegger back in the day!  It's all coming back now - "are you waiting for a flood to rise?"  What was just as absurd was the saftey-pinned pants leading into the super baggy skateboading pants before the whole sagging got big.  Now for the last several years we've seen the tight pant trend infiltrate the mainstream so I wonder what's next?  Personally, I think's it's time to bring back the hammer or maybe spandex....

by rev24 on 04/25/2008 08:05:14 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Pegger? (none / 0)
At first I had no idea what you meant, then I thought maybe you meant BMXer (or something) and now I have to admit I just have no idea what that means.

Skater?  Either way, I was never any of those things. If you recall, I used to be a fat kid.


I tight rolled because it was somehow fashionable in about 5th grade or so.  As were IOU shirts and sweatshirts.  Oh, and Z Cavarrici (these and IOU deserved hyperlinks to images, but I couldn't find them).



by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:16:41 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Jesus, I hate those (none / 0)

ugly fucking shoes with the holes in them.  Plastic half-clogs that all my daughter's friend's wear. 

A thousand years from now, archeologists will ask "what kind of a sick society would wear these?" 

by gdoud on 04/26/2008 01:50:01 AM EST

[ Parent ]
People (none / 0)

by ProfRich on 04/25/2008 02:49:52 PM EST

Too Specific (none / 0)
Next time I want you to be as vague as possible.  I know you can do it.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:20:43 PM EST

[ Parent ]
yes (none / 0)
I am SO with Professor on this one.

by desertpear on 04/25/2008 05:18:07 PM EST

[ Parent ]
So says the recluse (none / 0)
;)

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:21:35 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Turn signals. (none / 0)
Use them.  That's my big one.  It's a simple flick of the wrist to help out your fellow man and let them know your intentions.  Do it.
People who try to impress you with big words, and use them wrong.
The thing ihavenobias mentioned about walking slow and in the middle of the sidewalk, that drives me crazy.  Especially when its a big family, and there's a bunch of snot nosed little kids running all over the place circling the fat ass adults who move at about .5 mph... Ahh!
People who don't walk on escalators.  Don't just stand there, it's not a rest stop.  The point is to escalate your speed.
People who get chatty with cashiers when there's a huge line.  Keep it moving old lady.
People (mostly women) who carry around tiny dogs all the time.
All of my cell phone pet peeves kind of go without saying at this point, but it's really annoying when a group of people are together somewhere, yet they're all having separate cell phone conversations.  But here's a solution to all of the other cell phone grievances;  eaves dropping.  It's free, it's fun, and it's guilt free, because they're having a loud conversation in public.
People who make noise when they chew.  It makes me want to stop eating forever.
But unlike bias, I sometimes enjoy people yelling in movies.  If the movie sucks, and the crowd has reached that conclusion together, it can be fun for all.

by Spencer on 04/25/2008 03:25:31 PM EST

Turn Signals (none / 0)

There's a saying in the South, Spencer, that if you see a driver with a southern plate using his turn signal, it's because it is broken and continuously on.

Another reason you might hate the South is that if you are not a little chatty with the cashier, you could well be considered rude. 

Tiny dogs are often sweet, even though I don't have one. Just something warm and alive to snuggle up with when you are lonely or when your babies have all grown up.

by Verified1 on 04/25/2008 04:05:06 PM EST

[ Parent ]
That's disappointing (none / 0)
Really, people in the south (generalization obviously) don't use turn signals?  That sucks, I hate that.

It can be downright dangerous too.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:21:28 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Well alright (none / 0)
I talk to cashiers, I would say, more than most people.  But the key there was the "line" part.  Don't hold things up for everyone else.  Bounds of reason, as Cenk says.
And I like small dogs (so long as they aren't yappy), but not at sporting events, or the mall, or Target, or in the car parked next to me, etc..

by Spencer on 04/25/2008 04:48:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Meaningless Cell Phone Conversations (none / 0)
My fave is when other passengers on planes call family/friends to say their plane has landed at the airport and they will see them in five minutes inside the terminal. I want to grab them by the throat and say through clenched teeth...can you not wait 5 FREAKING MINUTES????
 
I once sat next to a man on a northbound long-distance Amtrak train who had a 45 minute cell phone conversation with a friend, describing in detail each Amtrak station through the DC corridor. Prayer alone kept me from throttling the SOB who (thank you God) finally got off and met his friend at the station in Maryland.
 
The other one is when people leave their televisions on when they have visitors. Or leave their televisions on all day, whether or not they are watching it, whether or not they are even in the same room. 

by Verified1 on 04/25/2008 03:58:29 PM EST

How about (none / 0)
text messaging during a movie in the theater?

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:21:56 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Pet Peeve #1 (none / 0)

People littering out of their cars.

I want to kill them. No jury in the world would convict me. 

by designs on 04/25/2008 04:26:20 PM EST

Good one (none / 0)
That is obnoxious. 

How about people driving by with bass so loud it shakes your car or house?  They think they're so cool, but really, they just look like dorks.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 04:27:25 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Ihavenobias (none / 0)
looks like a lot of peeves on cars and phones.  And then there is milk and cookies.

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 04:43:43 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Ok (none / 0)
How about waiting in a long or slow grocery line and someone in front of you starts complaining that the graps are 97 cents a pound, NOT 99.

Or they argue because their expired dollar off coupon won't be accepted.

One of these days I'm going to get the person's attention and tell them I'll GIVE them a dollar out of my pocket if they stop complaining and keep the line moving.

One of these days...

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:15:03 PM EST

[ Parent ]
YES! (none / 0)
I would give ask the court to give you money if I was on the jury.

by Spencer on 04/25/2008 04:50:31 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Another pet peeve (none / 0)
is when I type everything wrong.

by Spencer on 04/25/2008 04:51:49 PM EST

[ Parent ]
For once and for all (none / 0)
Is there a spell check function at TYT.com?  If there is, I haven't been able to find it.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:39:52 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Switch To Mozilla (none / 0)
and install the dictionary/spellcheck plugin. Works in frame on all text boxs, forms U name it.

by MRFred on 04/25/2008 06:06:32 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I used to use Mozilla (none / 0)
But it started blocking a lot of stuff. I know, I know, I only have to figure out how to change the settings, but still.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 06:07:42 PM EST

[ Parent ]
With Explorer (none / 0)
download google tool bar and enable it (go "view".  go "toolbars".  Go "google".)

One of the Google functions is a spell-check button that will work on any web page on which you type text.

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 08:33:57 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Don't drink the cool aide... (none / 0)

and use Internet Exploder..and the Google "spy" bar that tracks your browsing.

Blocks? Look ate the  ABP settings... 

by MRFred on 04/25/2008 10:20:50 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Thanks (none / 0)
But now we need some kind of tech-nerd duel to clear this all up.  In insist one of you slap the other with a shit glove to get things started.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:17:53 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Cool-aide? (none / 0)

Well now we know Fred didn't grow up in the hood.

Is he scared of getting sued by the Kool-Aid people or something?  Is he glancing nervously at his walls waiting for a giant, red (but happy) pitcher to bust in with a summons? 

by ProfRich on 04/26/2008 01:09:31 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Good catch (none / 0)
Somehow I missed that.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 01:27:44 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I hide little easter eggs (none / 0)

in my posts occasionally. Think about it....


 

by MRFred on 04/26/2008 11:40:13 PM EST

[ Parent ]
elevator peeve (none / 0)
people who charge into the elevator while your trying to get off.

by hazmat on 04/25/2008 04:54:34 PM EST

Yes! (none / 0)
I have to deal with this at least twice a day.  In fact, it  just happened a minute ago.
There's a lot of elevator peeves.

by Spencer on 04/25/2008 05:00:42 PM EST

[ Parent ]
That reminds me (none / 0)
of another train pet peeve. Rush hour trains can be pretty obnoxious, especially when people push past you to get on.

And I remember the local Chicago trains that would jam packed in the morning.  I mean, some days it would get to the point where you couldn't move, yet some fool at some downstream stop would always *try* to squeeze in, much to the annoyance of everyone else crammed in beyond belief on board.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:12:14 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Do you mind if (none / 0)
I call it "train peeveTM"

by hazmat on 04/25/2008 06:42:28 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Do I get royalities (none / 0)
or whatever they're called?

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 07:52:07 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Here's one (none / 0)
At a counter, like at a store, McDonald's, any place like that where you queue up, if I'm third or fourth in line and the person in front of me leaves a 5 foot gap between themselves and the next in line, that drives me up the wall.  I'm not sure exactly why but it aggravates me far out of proportion to the offense.  The same goes if I'm in a car waiting in traffic and the car in front of me leaves a gap length longer than a few feet, like a whole car length or more.  I find myself wanting to shout "Close up the g**d*mned line!".

by bfaul on 04/25/2008 05:00:49 PM EST

I have mixed feelings on the gap (none / 0)
In line I understand, in traffic, it depends.  As a general safety rule, people *would* be better off in cars if they didn't get so damn close to each other (goes back to the tail-gating thing).

And what if you're considering going over into the other lane?  It's a lot harder if you're jam packed like a sardine in a can.

But I understand your sentiment.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:10:18 PM EST

[ Parent ]
True (none / 0)
Well, I don't claim that it has a necessarily rational basis, but it does bug me.  I do usually leave enough room to veer out of the lane if I need to.

by bfaul on 04/25/2008 05:29:21 PM EST

[ Parent ]
people with poorly trained children (none / 0)

or dogs.  But people who let their kids do things like run free in restaurants drive me nuts.

I think Ben's hair and mustache might be starting to be a pet peeve of mine.

by desertpear on 04/25/2008 05:21:48 PM EST

Yes! (none / 0)
I can't believe it took so long for someone to bring up obnoxious kids.

Bad parents (and as a result, their obnoxious kids) can ruin many, many things.  I know you're an animal lover so that means you either love or hate zoos (depending on which maybe), but Cheryl and I really like a couple in the area.

And obviously there are a lot of kids there, and there's nothing worse than a crowded place full of screaming kids.  Not to mention the mom's who think a stroller is a VIP pass to block as much viewing space as possible.

I remember being at the Shedd Aqaurium and having to squeeze through a walkway because three moms lined up side by side by side with their strollers.  Talk about obnoxious.

And of course eating at a restaurant with obnoxious kids, especially if they run around.  Obviously it's not the kids at fault...are you the type that says something to the parents?

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:32:08 PM EST

[ Parent ]
worse than that (none / 0)
Children crying in a restaurant, and parents doing nothing about it. I don't get mad at the kids, I get mad at the parents.

by KenTX on 04/25/2008 05:39:19 PM EST

[ Parent ]
But do you say anything to the parents or kids? (none / 0)
Also, what about crying kids in movie theaters?  Is there an age under which children shouldn't be allowed?

I understand it's hard for new parents to ever leave the house sometimes and that always finding a babysitter is cost prohibitive or not an option.  Still, I question bringing kids under a certain age (I don't know, under 3 or 4?) to the theater to begin with.

I mean, come on, they really DON'T know what's going on.  If the movie is Teletubbies 5, I get it.  But even if it's say, Shrek, I'm not sure I do get it.

I'm flexible on the age thing, as someone might be able to convince me that a 3 year old *can* appreciate it.  But you'll have a hard convincing me that a 2 year old needs to see any movies in a public theater.  Which reminds me, someone brought a baby to a 9pm showing of Texas Chainsaw Massacre once (the remake with the sexy Jessica Biel).

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:56:08 PM EST

[ Parent ]
The problem is... (none / 0)
... we aren't allowed to beat our children anymore.

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 08:38:08 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Uh-oh (none / 0)
Is this thread going to devolve into a discussion of pros and cons of spanking?

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:24:58 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Slight correction (none / 0)

I am not sure "trained" is the right word here.  Example: do you say your parents trained you or raised you?

But I concur.  I am a teacher, if mom and dad aren't around I have no problem telling the little bastards to cut the shit out.  I am a professional at that.  My wife loves going to amusement parks with me for that reason. 

by ProfRich on 04/25/2008 05:44:36 PM EST

[ Parent ]
A friend of mine (none / 0)
who is an insane grammar buff with credentials to back it up regularly reminds me that we "raise" cattle but we "rear"children.

I can't bring myself to say "rear" in that way, but hey.

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 05:49:53 PM EST

[ Parent ]
At Catholic orphanages (none / 0)
they rear the children.

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 08:39:21 PM EST

[ Parent ]
My pet peeves... (none / 0)
Bloggers who think they know everything...

Children ages 10-15...

Work ...

Damn, Im in the wrong busisness!!!!

:)

by bobo1 on 04/25/2008 05:41:48 PM EST

Hmm... (none / 0)
I'm not sure that "work" qualifies as a pet peeve.  Kids 10-15 maybe. ;)

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 06:06:40 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Bobo (none / 0)
It's human nature.  We all think we know more than the guy that disagrees with our point of view.  It's one of the reasons we demonize others who don't agree with us on issues like abortion.  One side is said to "hate women" or to "want to repress them".  The other side is said to be "amoral" or "murderers".  ; It's much less traumatic to demonize the other than to consider we may not be 100% correct about something.  Abortion is a wonderful example because most people on both sides are good people.  It's just that neither side is 100% right and both sides possess a part of the truth.  But I can only say these things because I know it all....

It's another day in paradise...

by happyhominid on 04/25/2008 08:44:59 PM EST

[ Parent ]
When I talk about abortion (none / 0)
Condensed Version:

I explain that *both* extremes don't argue it properly.  On the one side people say "it's murder and wrong" as if that's all they need to say.

On the other said you often her "it's a choice", again, as if that's all they need to say.

I always start by asking "is the expected parent financially and emotionally prepared to care for a child, and if not, what kind of life with that child have in most cases?"  I also ask how likely it is for a non-white baby to be adopted, because many try to argue that adoption is ALWAYS an option, which is pure and utter BS for many non-white babies who end up languishing in foster care.

Which is why I bring up the need to improve foster homes and adoption services (which would make people more comfortable with giving up a child).

And of course, I talk about reducing unintended pregnancies in various ways. 

Put it all together, and you have a comprehensive argument for why abortion should be legal.  And it's not all based on one slogan or emotion.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:22:24 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Don't see it this way (none / 0)

I am not a big abortion guy but you begin by describing how one extreme sees it (pro-life) and then go on to explain how the other side sees it and propose this is a new third way. 

In the last 25 years or so I have listened to or read literally thousands of people explain that there should be no discussion of abortion and no other factors matter and it should be illegal.  I have heard zero explain we should promote and advance abortion.  The other side just says it should be an option and these are the reasons why.

I think you have bought into their fraiming of this issue: that there is somehow people who hate abortion and people who like it.

There are not people who like it. 

by ProfRich on 04/26/2008 01:13:20 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Whoah (none / 0)
That was some super miscommunication Rich.

In no way did I suggest (or *mean* to suggest) that anyone LIKES abortion.

I'm referring to why people think abortion should be legal.  And my argument is that the obvious place for both sides to come together is on how to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies.

Rather than yelling about "abortion is murder" or "it's my choice", THAT is where the debate needs to be, how to reduce abortions and improving the quality of life of babies that are born.

That's the massive failure of pro-lifers, that they (generally) have a singular focus on making abortion illegal rather than working to improving foster care, minority adoption, parenting classes and other resources and of course, comprehensive sex education (which can include abstinence).

Do you still disagree?

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 01:26:30 PM EST

[ Parent ]
In a sense, I do (none / 0)

As far as I can tell (and I don't go to the meetings or anything) but pro-choicers (thats a funny word) already do support all those things.  I just think the pro-choice side is pretty reasonable (even if you believe they are wrong) and the pro-life side is dogmatic and unreasonable (even if they are right).

What I am hearing is pro-lifers and pro-choicers are both unreasonable lets use common sense and find some middle ground but what is unreasonalbe about pro-choicers?

The already do support education, adoption, prevention, counseling etc.  It just seems to me what you should be saying is pro-lifers are unreasonable and should really adopt a more realistic approach.  I think pro-choice folks tend to already be there.  Talking about pro-choice people as if they are militant, uncompromising and unrealistic just feeds into the right wing framing. 

by ProfRich on 04/26/2008 03:14:12 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Oh no (none / 0)
More miscommunication.  Maybe I'm just doing a poor job explaining myself here.

I totally agree that most pro-choicers are for the things I mentioned (although I don't hear as much about improving foster care) and that most pro-lifers are dogmatic and unreasonable.

You are preaching to the choir with that, trust me.

What I'm trying to say is, I think we (we as in pro-choicers) don't always do a good job of framing the debate because many of us just say "it's a choice".  Yes, it IS a choice and *should* be a choice, but that argument is less appealing and less comprehensive than it could and should be.

Again, I realize that many people DO make a  comprehensive argument, but many don't IME.  And in fairness, it may well be because pro-lifers often only say "it's murder!" or end sentences with "it's in the Bible" and "God says so", etc, which closes down any hope of a reasonable discussion.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 03:22:05 PM EST

[ Parent ]
In my experience (none / 0)

The pro-choicer you are describing is a myth created by the pro-lifers to destroy any middle ground or hope for compromise.  Its why they use words like "abortionist".

by ProfRich on 04/26/2008 04:14:35 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Whatever you say baby killer! (none / 0)
You tell that to yourself when you're burning in the hellfire with the other atheists and libs!

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 04:25:15 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Oh, I will (none / 0)

I will.

If hell is the only place I can go to escape all these religious nutjobs then sign me up.   I won't be seeing and "CHOOSE LIFE" license plates down there. 

by ProfRich on 04/26/2008 04:34:33 PM EST

[ Parent ]
All joking aside (none / 0)
I can't imagine atheists are legion in Texas.  Although more common in Austin I'm sure!

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 04:36:50 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Actually (none / 0)
The most famous atheist in US History (at least for being an atheist) is from Austin.  Maedline Murray O'Hare.  And Sara Weddington, who argued Rowe v. Wade, is a law professor at UT.

by ProfRich on 04/26/2008 04:45:46 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I'll keep that in mind (none / 0)
It's a bonus.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 07:40:19 PM EST

[ Parent ]
pet peeves (none / 0)
my service dog has a sign on his back stating "working dog -- do not pet" in both english and japanese (i live in japan).  i am constantly amazed by the number of people who try to pet or otherwise distract him by "barking" or allow their children to do the same. 

by 1xx3xy on 04/25/2008 09:56:36 PM EST

That (none / 0)
That would be pretty aggravating, yes.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:25:24 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Pet Peev? (none / 0)
Where to begin?
  1. "Just for Fun" stuff...
  2. Really fat people in airplanes.. AND
  3. Chubby women in bare midriff outfits,( usually found in )
  4. Walmart (who just happen to drive)
  5. Jacked up pickup trucks.
  6. Perfectly healthy people who use the electric carts in grocery stores.
  7. Toilet paper dispensers in public restrooms with the roll spool torqued to several hundred foot-pounds.
  8. "Country" music in general and its singers who have face lifts, one Kenny Rogers comes to mind.
  9. Billy Mays and those insipid commercials for Oxy anything
  10. Commercial radio, particularly the automated "Jack" stations...makes you want to poke your eardrums out with a dull pencil.
  11. Old people  who dye their hair really really dark, ( like Larry King) who in the frack do they think they are fooling?
  12. People who fart in elevators. See #9
  13. Decaffinated expresso drinks....
  14. Blogers with two "o" s in there nicks...
  15. Tourists
  16. "Conservative" talk show host trying to out Limbaugh, Limbaugh. Half assed assholes really suck...
Thats just a few...

 

by MRFred on 04/25/2008 10:17:13 PM EST

3 & 5 jumped out at me (none / 0)
If you don't have the body to pull it off, don't dress that way.  It's really that simple.  It makes them look LESS attractive than they would otherwise.


And I can't stand jacked up pick-ups. 

by ihavenobias on 04/25/2008 11:13:10 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Billy Mays (none / 0)

His energy is sickening.  But the radio wave remote light switch thingamajig I've seen him pushing lately is kind of a cool idea.  I just couldn't buy it because he's involved.

Just one question though; "People who fart in elevators. See #9", and #9 is "Billy Mays and those insipid commercials for Oxy anything".  Is there a story here somewhere?  I'll never look at Billy Mays the same way again.

by Spencer on 04/26/2008 04:09:36 AM EST

[ Parent ]
TV commericals in general (none / 1)
They just get louder and more obnoxious every year.

Soon, they will figure out a way to have a virtual hand reach out and grab you by the balls, and squeeze until you agree to purchase the product.

by KenTX on 04/26/2008 06:59:54 AM EST

[ Parent ]
I don't know Ken (none / 0)

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:26:59 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Oooops (none / 0)
should be 11

by MRFred on 04/26/2008 11:42:48 PM EST

[ Parent ]
The phrase "pet peeve" (none / 0)

by Weapon X on 04/25/2008 11:32:46 PM EST

I had to call it something (none / 0)

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 12:16:45 AM EST

[ Parent ]
And teenagers (none / 0)
When I was a teenager (not all that long ago, relatively speaking), I knew adults hated us and discriminated against us, but could never explain why. Now that I am considered an adult (despite all evidence to the contrary), I know why. I'm jealous. Damn teenagers and their endless energy, good health, no responsibilities and ability to go days without sleep!

by Weapon X on 04/25/2008 11:37:53 PM EST

Let's see... (none / 0)
Chatty Cashiers,  To quote George Carlin "Would you give me my fucking change?"

300 religious bumper sticker guy.  "OK you loves God, we get it."

People parking in the fire lane at Wal-Mart.  "LAZY ASS!  How much more convienent would you like things to be.  Wanna Drive-Thru?"

Drive-Thru's.  "How may you help me? GET MY FUCKING ORDER RIGHT!"

Pop-Up Ads.  Not just because they are annoying.  The fact they exist means that SOMEONE must actually be clicking on them.  The stupidity is astounding.

I am sure I can think of more.

by richardshort2001 on 04/26/2008 12:49:25 AM EST

Funny (none / 0)
On the 300 bumper stickers.  I have to say, I'm not a big fan of bumper stickers, even if I agree with them.

While I've never had a super nice car, I still think of bumper stickers as junk and clutter. 

I'd hate to have my car keyed or have my windshield busted over a phrase on my bumper.  It's just not worth it.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 01:31:39 PM EST

[ Parent ]
I just saw some things that gave me new peeves. (none / 0)

The stud piercing that some people get right above their lip.  I can't talk to them without thinking "Hey, you got some shit on your face."  ::makes wiping face motion::  Don't get me wrong, I'm all for piercings, but that's really distracting. 

The hipster staff of damn near every record store.  Some of them are cool if you can attain "regular" status, but up until then, they seem to look at every choice I make with absolute derision.

Vegetarians/Vegans who pimp it all the time.

Cell phones with annoyingly catchy song ringtones.  I've been singing Return of the Mack all day because of this, and I'm about to put a drill to my temple.

And when I sneeze five times in a row (it's allergy season), I don't need five individual "bless you"s, which I then have to say thank you for.  Two will suffice, after that it should be assumed.

I saw something above about pop up ads, and I thought of something similarly annoying.  Flyers on my car.  "Loose up to 300lbs using herbal blah blah blah!  I tried it, and it works!" or "Work from home using this obvious pyramid scheme!".  How does this advertising campaign work?  And worse yet, I get religious flyers on my car pretty often.  If you're choosing a faith based on something stuck to your windshield...  Well, good luck with that I guess.

And bloggers/writers who end a declarative sentence with an ellipsis.  Are all of your thoughts unfinished?  How about don't write them until they are.

And women, please, don't tattoo your boobs.  They don't need drawings on them to keep me entertained.

by Spencer on 04/26/2008 03:54:54 AM EST

You covered a lot of ground there (none / 0)
1)-I agree on the stud piercings.  And I also laugh at cliche tattoos (hello tribal armband or that symbol on a girl's lower back).

2)-I'm with a vegetarian (and for some totally and completely random reason, the 2 girls before her were vegetarian, but weren't hippie animal rights types either) but she doesn't push it and is pretty lax which I like.  She never eats animal flesh, but other than that, she's game for anything.


Personally, it's vegans that get to me, not vegetarians. I know there are nice vegans who mind their own business, but I've known many obnoxious vegans. I mean, by their very nature they're more likely to be obnoxious because they're more extreme in ideology and eating practices. I could never date a vegan.  A fregan though? Now we're having a conversation. ;)


3)-I agree on the sneeze/bless you thing, that's annoying.


4)-Nobody likes pop-ups. Oh, and I never get religious flyers on my car, but then again I don't live in Colorado Springs Colorado either.  I guess you have to move, eh?


5)-I'm sure I must have used an ellipsis in that way before but I can't remember when...


6)-An easy way to turn me off (usually in porn) is to show me a hot body tainted with an ill placed tattoo, and or a woman who ruined everything by going nuts with them, as shown here in a NON-work safe way. The sad thing is, she used to have an great body (even less work-safe).

Yeah, yeah, a few of you might prefer her with tattoos, but you're crazy. I mean look, the bottom line is that they're just flat out *distracting*.

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 11:38:02 AM EST

[ Parent ]
Cenk groupies (none / 0)
drive me a little batty.  Let HIM say of courrrrse etc and you come up with your own style.

by Chinese Democracy on 04/26/2008 01:55:28 PM EST

That would be pretty much everyone on this forum. (none / 0)

We all use the occasional Cenkism.

by Spencer on 04/26/2008 06:00:41 PM EST

[ Parent ]
You are 100% right, 0% wrong (none / 0)
;)

by ihavenobias on 04/26/2008 07:39:11 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Friday Fun Post: What Are Your Pet Peeves? | 92 comments (92 topical, 0 hidden)
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