Mike's Random Thoughts of the Day.

[bossman]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

Thursday, February 1st, 2007

Hello. Goodbye.

It's cold outside. Really freaking cold. I live in an off-campus apartment about 6 blocks from the edge of campus, and, as parking is ridiculously expensive and few on the University of Minnesota campus, I typically take the bus to and from and around campus.

Let's face it. Being a bus driver, aside from sitting in a Recaro seat for 12 hours, probably freaking sucks. You deal with rude people, people who don't bath, people who talk to themselves, and more likely than not, criminals, on a typical shift basis. Because no one likes to sit out in the cold.

Now, before I get too off topic, I am not a morning person. I've been getting into a better pattern of getting up at six every morning. But no matter how crabby I feel, or how much I don't want to get going out in subzero weather at seven in the morning, even if the bus is late. I always say hello to the bus driver, and thank them when I get off. Yes, I'm paying to use the bus, but they're also getting me to my destination.

It absolutely astounds me how very few people say "hello" to each other anymore. Is it so hard to say "hello" or "good morning" to someone? Sure, you don't go about telling strangers "hello", but anyone that you interact with you typically greet somehow. Why should it be any different? I'd say probably six out of ten times, the bus driver doesn't even say hello back to me, or even acknowledge that I said something to them. When I say "thank you" as I exit the bus, I don't often get a response, either. I do occasionally get the bus driver who says "good morning" and "you're welcome" to me, but it's few and far between. It really gets me in a slightly upset mood, and I carry that with me until I put it behind me.

This applies not only to buses, but to life in general. I have found that Americans are some of the most unfriendly people in the world. The French were more polite! Even drive through food places often say "May (Can) I help you?" rather than "Hello, welcome to <insert name>, how may I help you."

So this is just a thought, but say "hello" and "thank you" to someone tomorrow. It may seem insignificant to you, but it may make their day better than it was before. It almost always makes me feel good when someone tells me it.

I won't make any exscuses for anybody but if other ppl are like me then sometimes they may just be very deep in thought or are distrustful of strangers.I normally don't talk to anyone I don't know on a familar basis unless we are talking about cars or something war related.But I wonder sometimes if it's just as rude to disturb someone's peace as it is to ignore a greeting.

[Special Ringpop]

True, but to that same extent, you don't need to trust anyone to exchange pleasantries, you know?

I know it isn't always the "macho" thing to do, but I don't know, it makes me feel better thinking that I am one of the few people who like such subtleties.

It isn't always appropriate, no, but for most social situations...clerks, drive-through workers, bus drivers, register workers, etc., I try to be friendly.

[sbigshot]

Originally Posted by reelbigfish241

but if you listen to them they really don't have any Beatles influence

My reference was to the name of the band.
Hello Goodbye is a song from The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour album.

Track Listings
1. Magical Mystery Tour
2. Fool on the Hill
3. Flying
4. Blue Jay Way
5. Your Mother Should Know
6. I Am the Walrus
7. Hello Goodbye
8. Strawberry Fields Forever
9. Penny Lane
10. Baby You're a Rich Man
11. All You Need Is Love

[the1337]

howdy dooody doooooooooooo

[reelbigfish241]

Originally Posted by sbigshot

My reference was to the name of the band.
Hello Goodbye is a song from The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour album.

Track Listings
1. Magical Mystery Tour
2. Fool on the Hill
3. Flying
4. Blue Jay Way
5. Your Mother Should Know
6. I Am the Walrus
7. Hello Goodbye
8. Strawberry Fields Forever
9. Penny Lane
10. Baby You're a Rich Man
11. All You Need Is Love

yeah I knew what you were talking about, I was referencing CameronJr9's comment



Something that's related to the politeness happened today and happens all the time. I will approach a table at work and ask them "How are you doing today?" and their reply is "Diet Pepsi" (or whatever they're drinking) That irritates the crap out of me.

[Si_Chick]

Originally Posted by reelbigfish241

yeah I knew what you were talking about, I was referencing CameronJr9's comment



Something that's related to the politeness happened today and happens all the time. I will approach a table at work and ask them "How are you doing today?" and their reply is "Diet Pepsi" (or whatever they're drinking) That irritates the crap out of me.

I can see how that's gotta be pretty irritating, but I'll admit I laughed. Obviously the person/peoples are total space cadets and aren't paying attention at all. I agree with what Mike is saying that common courtesy has seemed to just gone down the shitter, but sometimes, some things aren't worth getting your panties in a bunch over

[marc-o-lishuz]

Not to jack Mike's thread... but I don't know where to put this lol.

Ok, so I'm in the photocopy room minding my business copying my files when the head honcho of Kodak's finance department walks in and gets some coffee. To my surprise, he calls me by my name and says hello! I totally didn't expect him to know me because there are tons of people where I work.
Well, all I can muster was a half-assed grin and a "hey".

FFAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!

Why no small-talk, Marc? Why so stupid when put in a room with your boss' boss' boss' boss, Marc? Inferiority complex ftl

[/threadjack + selfrant]

[uscgbeachbum]

Originally Posted by marc-o-lishuz

Not to jack Mike's thread... but I don't know where to put this lol.

Ok, so I'm in the photocopy room minding my business copying my files when the head honcho of Kodak's finance department walks in and gets some coffee. To my surprise, he calls me by my name and says hello! I totally didn't expect him to know me because there are tons of people where I work.
Well, all I can muster was a half-assed grin and a "hey".

FFAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!

Why no small-talk, Marc? Why so stupid when put in a room with your boss' boss' boss' boss, Marc? Inferiority complex ftl

[/threadjack + selfrant]

Oh man. You

[reelbigfish241]

Originally Posted by Si_Chick

I can see how that's gotta be pretty irritating, but I'll admit I laughed. Obviously the person/peoples are total space cadets and aren't paying attention at all. I agree with what Mike is saying that common courtesy has seemed to just gone down the shitter, but sometimes, some things aren't worth getting your panties in a bunch over

it is funny when I try to justify Diet Pepsi as a feeling...




waiting patiently for Mike's next rant...

[Special Ringpop]

Friday, February 2nd, 2007

Blinkity Blink Blink:

Hi. You know that black lever on the left side of your steering wheel column? You know, the one that often controls cruise control or your wipers? Yeah, that's called your blinker, and it's there for a reason. That reason is simple: USE IT.

"But the sound is annoying in the car." Boo effing hoo. Get over it. It's on for 10 seconds tops, live with it and think about other drivers.

My father came to visit me today, and on our way back from Famous Dave's Barbeque Shack, I was nearly knocked off by five SUV's trying to merge onto the freeway, who decided that swerving quickly into the non-exit lane (aka my lane) took importance over their blinker.

We all know our horns are wimpy, and no one in an SUV would ever take heed. However, hearing an angry 50 year old Serbian man screaming obscenities out the window in below zero weather will definitely make them think twice about not using their blinker again.

Your vehicle is too big. You don't need a freaking tank to drive your kids to school. If you use an SUV for its real purpose; great, you're fine in my book. But part of only an SUV (any vehicle) really, is driving it properly.

And as far as I'm concerned, you can kiss my pale *** ass if you don't use your blinker, and don't be surprised when this queen makes you feel bad about your existence come summer if you cut me off without using a blinker, because I will not hold back.

That is all for today :).

EDIT: I am a very friendly person, and I hope these last few blogs haven't really made anyone think contrary. I just have high standards for manners, and while I know it goes both ways, I give people the benefit of the doubt first. I don't mean to whine or rant, but such little things in daily life could make such a profound difference if people would just start to think about others for a change :).

[Gonzo]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

However, hearing an angry 50 year old Serbian man screaming obscenities out the window in below zero weather will definitely make them think twice about not using their blinker again.

Haha. Never leave home without one! Your dad sounds like a champ.

Great stuff Mike, keep it coming!

[reelbigfish241]

people not using their blinkers is one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it when people don't use them. gahhhhhh!!!

I use my blinker as much as possible because of my LED flasher bulbs

[Si_Chick]

Do you actually know anyone that complains about the sound that it makes?!?!
That's just ridiculous, if you don't like that sound you shouldn't be driving!
I agree, I'm enjoying this thread (maybe too much!), keep it comin' !

[Special Ringpop]

Glad to see all the positive feedback. I'll definitely keep posting. I seriously have a hard time not finding something to jot down that I noticed throughout the day, rant or rave, there'll be positive coming, as well, no worries.

Also, feel free to continue facilitating discussion; I love hearing other people's opinions.

Thanks for all the kind words from everyone; I'll keep posting (and if you have any suggestions, etc., feel free to PM me)

[Special Ringpop]

Originally Posted by Si_Chick

Do you actually know anyone that complains about the sound that it makes?!?!
That's just ridiculous, if you don't like that sound you shouldn't be driving!
I agree, I'm enjoying this thread (maybe too much!), keep it comin' !

Yeah, I do, haha. There is actually several people on the board that I remember having complained about how loud the turn signal "click sound" is on the Civics.

I'll admit, it is louder and a bit more...clicky than some other cars I've driven, but who cares? It's not on long enough to make it turn into a torture device.

[Gonzo]

The worst was when the relay broke in my Jetta. If you clicked the turn signal it would blink once then stop. I'm really anal about situational awareness in a car so I wanted the people behind me to know I was turning so I had to manually click the turn signal stalk. Talk about ghetto. Thank goodness it is an automatic...

That went on for about a week until I was able to take her into the shop. They wanted some ridiculous amount for an install but my dad and I were able to wrestle the thing out and put the new one in. About a month later there was a recall for the specific part.

Oh yeah, and they recalled the same part again just a month or so ago, looks like I'll be driving by the ole dealership again soon.

[Special Ringpop]

Saturday, February 3rd, 2007

Shop 'Til You Drop:

I'll admit it. I really dislike grocery shopping. Knowing that I eat more than Star Jones and Sally Struthers combined means that I will not be able to leave the store without a forklift, and having to put down the rear seats in my Si to fit everything.

Okay, so I exaggerate. Truth be told, I'm 20 years old and I live by myself. I'm have a good body (it'd be even better if I bothered working out). I've always had a high metabolism.

I went grocery shopping today because I realized that I was running dangerously low on snacks, and I was completely lacking in Kettle Corn pop corn, which is something that is not acceptable under any circumstances.

So I got in the shower and promised myself not to make anybody cry once I give them hell for letting their kids run amok when I am at the grocery store, and that I'd keep my temper. I ventured out into the 25 below zero Minnesota winter to go to the nearest Super Target, because I've found that Rainbow employees are bordering on profound mental retardation and move slower than a Model T. I let my car warm up for about fifteen minutes before leaving, as a side note, because the car was so cold, the clutch was like taffy, and didn't want to be pushed in our let out.

I kept my smile twisted on until I realized that the parking lot was full and every cart sans one cart. The cart who has one wheel missing a few chromosomes. No worry. I wouldn't let this get me down.

Until I remembered just how rude people are in grocery stores. I udnerstand the aisle is tiny. I'm, sorry, but maybe you wouldn't have to move over if you didn't bring your damn cart down the narrow aisle as it is, because about eight others do the same, and between you talking on your cell phone (see backdated entry) and blocking a man from his food source, you are putting yourself in profound danger.

I'm a patient person, when people use their brains. Really, I am. I just don't understand the need for you to be talking on your cell phone and blocking traffic for about five others, who were smart enough to leave their cart parked on the main floor, out of people's way. People bang into you and your cart and don't bother to say "I'm sorry" or even "oops".

This is even worse with people who aren't originally from the country. I don't mean this with any disrespect, but if your market from Zimbabwe was a free for all, that's great, but this is Super Target. This is civilized. You do not block the aisles for longer than you need to while you converse with someone you ran into.

So in short, when you're using a grocery cart, the same rules apply to it as you would driving a car. Have respect for your other drivers, and when its crowded, realize that others are just as irritated as you are, and there is no reason for you to leave your manners behind. If you must take your cart down an aisle, don't block other people's path if you can, and try to get your items as efficiently as possible.

I know this isn't as "interesting" as the prior few days, but let me tell you, I could not WAIT to get home and post about it.

[reelbigfish241]

I also hate when people walk with their carts down the wrong side of the aisle.

Also when people leave their carts all over the parking lot. My old car got hit by a wal-mart in 65 mph winds. It left a hole in my bumper.

Another thing that pisses me off is when people come flying out of the aisles with the cart and don't even look!

I've always thought I was the only one who thought that the way people control their carts reflects the way they drive.

[Gonzo]

When I'm bored I drift my shopping cart around corners.

But yeah I always keep it in an appropriate spot when parking and don't run amok aimlessly.


I hate grocery shopping in Chicago though since I've no car. Lugging groceries back and taking them on the el is no fun. At home I don't mind it, especially when I go shopping with my dad. We enjoy cooking so it's fun to pick stuff out, plus he pays though lately I have been paying more and more somehow. Must be a dirty trick.

[firmhonda]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

And as far as I'm concerned, you can kiss my pale *** ass if you don't use your blinker, and don't be surprised when this queen makes you feel bad about your existence come summer if you cut me off without using a blinker, because I will not hold back.

+ rep for that comment and this entire thread..

You crack me up bro..