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Re: hi jimmya, i didn't like your arrogant parting goodbye to moi -- "strange
Well, pricklypear, "strange little bird" was basically in jest, primarily because some of the concepts of many of your "final" blogs didn't seem to have much of a rhyme or reason to them. It wasn't necessarily a personal attack. And as far as my "cell phone example," I used two women for two reasons: first, yes, there are many guys talking and/or texting with these phones as well. But every one guy I see doing it, I see at least twenty women. So the odds are still in that favor. And secondly, it seems to me, over the years, that whenever anybody generalizes about the negative behavior of someone else, even stand-up comics, they almost always use he and him and his. As soon as someone says she or her, people get upset, as you've just demonstrated! So, I thought it was about time to turn the tables for once. What's good for the goose is good for the gander, wouldn't you say, little bird? 
posted by
JimmyA
on November 4, 2013 at 7:25 AM
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Re: Re: Re:
True, Kabu, and unfortunate! 
posted by
JimmyA
on November 4, 2013 at 7:15 AM
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Re: Attitude elementary, my dear Watson!
I'm sure it is, Mr. Holmes, I'm sure it is!
posted by
JimmyA
on November 4, 2013 at 7:15 AM
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hi jimmya, i didn't like your arrogant parting goodbye to moi -- "strange
little bird" so i've made it a point not to read your posts, but you're forgiven when in fact you've no idea my person and the way others in my life perceive me. strange is the last word they'd use. quiet yet warm, loving and joyful is more like it. at any rate, good post i'll be coming back to read you again. i did note that your choice of cell phone example was two women talking re their choice of party dresses. i see just as many guys on their phones talking about Lord knows what. i'd hate to discriminate against men who might exchange recipes and love to cook. so i'd use a less gender specific example.
love always,
pear
posted by
Carolyn_Moe
on November 4, 2013 at 6:30 AM
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Re: Re:
plenty in Canada plenty in Australia...
posted by
Kabu
on November 3, 2013 at 6:47 PM
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Attitude elementary, my dear Watson!
posted by
Straightforward
on November 3, 2013 at 3:50 PM
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Re:
I'm not so sure anymore, Bill, and the evidence to the contrary appears to be expanding! I'll bet those aliens don't throw cigarette butts out of their spaceship windows! That could potentially set whole worlds ablaze . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:33 AM
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Re:
You're welcome, calia. I had a feeling that I would have a lot of people on my side with this one, and that's probably because we've all come across people with this particular attitude from time to time. I know some folks believe that "an eye for an eye" is probably wrong, but I guarantee that if you place some of these dog owners in that hot car for a spell so they can feel what their dog feels, that may dissuade them from doing that in the future! Maybe . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:31 AM
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Re:
I'm not exactly sure, lustor, although I know many people will have various theories. One could be gun control, or a lack thereof. Another could be the potential frustration many people are feeling toward the government in general. Or it could be that some people just do not take their fellow man into consideration when perpetrating such stunts! Either way, it affects us all . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:27 AM
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Re: I find it duplicitous
It is indeed, WhiteHat. And I believe the other word to describe these people is probably hypocrite. We will never be "one community" as long as there are people out there who not only perpetrate such acts, but are extremely uncaring about it at the same time! It's not necessarily a "good vs. evil" scenario, but more like "common sense vs. inconsideration" . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:14 AM
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Re:
Good for you, adnohr! Years ago, my wife would probably have been immediately intimidated by such a response, but no longer, especially when it comes to animals. And like you said, anything that could potentially harm another person, or a defenseless animal, should be everybody's business! And "idiotic behavior" is probably a major understatement as well . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:10 AM
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Re:
Not just yet, Annicita. I'm just about done with this particular tirade, but there are plenty more on the horizon! Can we share it, or do I need to build my own . . . ?
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:06 AM
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Re:
Very true, Kabu. Believe me, this isn't necessarily a "blanket assessment." There are many people out there who do care, and who do try to take others into consideration throughout their day. If people just stopped for a second and thought about the possible detriment of their potential action, it would be a boon for us all! But I guess every bunch of juicy, delicious grapes has to have that odd couple of clunkers! And I can also probably assume that Canada has its share of citizens sporting this same attitude. It does seem pretty universal . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 10:04 AM
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Re: It can be a fine line can't it?
I think "fine," Jeff, is an understatement! There are many people out there who can't take constructive criticism, nor can they handle anyone scolding them or pointing out something they may be doing wrong! People with such attitudes can be a danger to us all . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:59 AM
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Re:
They seem, FSI, to be the most common, and potentially the most dangerous! I can't help but wonder how many fires were started by such a seemingly simple action, and how many car accidents there have been because of those texting drivers! Why these people do these things with no regard for others is what brings our entire society down a notch or two . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:57 AM
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Re: Jimmy
I think, Naut, that you may have just invented a new word, or at least a new acronym. And it looks as if it is easy to pronounce too! It sounds like an alien robot that may be found in some Arthur C. Clarke science-fiction novel! Hey, they want these robots to have and show human emotions, don't they? They might as well start with this one . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:54 AM
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Re:
I think I understand, Naut, but I believe there's a big difference between a fictionalized movie and real life! No, you obviously can't make a citizens arrest, but at the same time, you shouldn't feel like a "tattletale" if you were to actually report some of these terribly distracted drivers! You could end up saving someone's life . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:49 AM
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Re:
Good question, C C T. "Natural Selection" relies on survival of the fittest, although there seems to be very little evidence of that accomplishing anything in today's society! And as far as people doing "unusual" things while driving, I think I've seen it all by now! Thanks for "unscrewing" me . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:45 AM
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Re:
Unfortunately, Justi, I have seen that too! A woman parks her car and hurriedly runs into a store, thinking her baby will be safe for those odd two or three minutes, and that's usually when disaster strikes! Yes, the cigarette butt-tossing and the texting are seemingly the most common . . . and the most infuriating! But again, if you were to actually say something to these people, you know what their reaction and response is going to be! Does it start with our government's attitude towards its citizens? Possibly! And if that is indeed the case, where do we go from here . . . ?
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:43 AM
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Re:
I have a feeling, lovelylady, that many of us have been in similar situations, and have faced similar reactions. These people just don't understand what they're doing wrong! I can't help but wonder sometimes how many poor dogs ( or animals in general ) have been mistreated along these lines simply because they have a stupid, uncaring owner. I ( and my wife ) are glad you said something. Someone has to speak up for these defenseless animals . . . 
posted by
JimmyA
on November 3, 2013 at 9:38 AM
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ÿNever mind outer space; is there intelligent life on earth Jimmy 
BC-A, Bill’s R®st
posted by
BC-A
on November 2, 2013 at 1:38 PM
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The dog in a hot car thing irks me to no end. Great post, man, thanks :)
posted by
calia14
on November 2, 2013 at 11:53 AM
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and now we have some idiot shooting up LAX how does something like that happen
posted by
Lanetay
on November 2, 2013 at 8:16 AM
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I find it duplicitous
That the same people who are always talking about the world being one big community will usually be the ones perpetrating the kinds of acts you describe. It means that when they pontificate about how we should all act like we are "one community," they are simply trying to sound like they are important.
It is sad
posted by
WhiteHat_TroubleMaker
on November 2, 2013 at 7:01 AM
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Sorry if they can't take it, but as far as I'm concerned, that kind of idiotic behaviour IS my business, and like your wife, I WILL say so, and loud enough that others hear it too. A 'screw you' won't shut me up either.
posted by
adnohr
on November 1, 2013 at 11:09 PM
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it's ok...hope you feel better now...can i have my soapbox back?
posted by
Annicita
on November 1, 2013 at 8:35 PM
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Sometimes things do just get one down and they absolutely need to be addressed like you have here. Selfish self centered behavious , a screw you! Mind your own business mentality is just what the country doesn't need. Pulling together will get us all much further.
posted by
Kabu
on November 1, 2013 at 6:38 PM
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It can be a fine line can't it?
posted by
jollyjeff
on November 1, 2013 at 5:30 PM
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You are exactly right that there is that mentality with some people...I tend to see those flicking their cigarettes out of their vehicles and those on cellphones the most.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on November 1, 2013 at 5:19 PM
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Jimmy
LOL! And I just figured out a way to make it even easier - just yell, "SYMYOB!" 
posted by
Nautikos
on November 1, 2013 at 4:41 PM
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I tend to concentrate on those doing the right things, so I miss much of what this post is about, though I do get frustrated with those texting and driving, I have seen some citizens reading books and magazines while driving, but what am I to do, make a citizens arrest? And heaven knows that I do not want to live in a state run by tattletales. I have seen movies like that and they never turn out well.
posted by
UtahJay
on November 1, 2013 at 12:25 PM
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I'll unscrew you Jimmy I am, pretty sure it is illegal to leave a dog in a hot car here and one could expect a hefty fine. Did you see that guy on the computer eating his breakfast as he drove. Another was cleaning his teeth, perhaps he was going to the dentist. A fine here for using a mobile whilst driving ,but one sees it everyday. Excuse me I am just going to to put some clay on my nose as the Sabretooth tiger charges. How did some ancestors survive?
posted by
C_C_T
on November 1, 2013 at 12:15 PM
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The real problem with all this is: The government is saying to all those they are supposed to be representing 'Screw you and mind your own business'! I love this post. Of all those I hate most are throwing out cigarettes and texting. As for the animals we need to take markers and make 8x10 posters that say something like I don't really want this dog so call the animal control for me! Stick this up on the front of the car as if they had done so, maybe they will see it differently. These people know better they are simply arrogant. Now if someone sees a little baby in the car they should immediately call the police.
posted by
Justi
on November 1, 2013 at 12:03 PM
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I loved this post Jimmy. Yes, I too have gotten the "Screw you, mind your own business!" reaction. My thought? No, I won't mind my own business, and I sure as hell wouldn't "Screw you!" or myself, for that matter!
My Dad used to be a good one for throwing lit cigarette butts out the car window. It irked me no end. But, being a kid, had a I said anything to him I would have gotten the...well, you know.
People who leave their animals-ANY animal-unattended in a car infuriate me no end, so I'm with your wife all the way on this one. Many years ago, I was out walking with Margaret and we happened to walk past a local bar. This was a particularly sweltering summer day, and outside, tied to the post of a street lamp, was a dog. No water anywhere in sight and the owner was nowhere to be found.
I was livid! I marched straight into the bar and demanded to know if anyone had left their dog tied up out front without so much as a drop of water to drink.
Finally, a guy stood up and told me the dog was his. What was my problem, he wanted to know?
I asked the bar tender to please give the idiot in question a bowl of water for the dog, and please hurry. I had no idea how long the poor thing had been tied up like that.
I got funny looks from the bar tender and the other patrons, and a "Drop dead yourself or I'll kill you" look from the dog's owner...but the dog got his water.
posted by
lovelyladymonk
on November 1, 2013 at 12:01 PM
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