On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:29:36 -0400, George wrote:

> blake murphy wrote:
>> On Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:32:53 -0700 (PDT), Bobo Bonobo® wrote:
>>
>>> On Mar 29, 9:24 pm, "Ed Pawlowski" > wrote:
>>>> "Sqwertz" > wrote in message
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Oh, we forgot to mention employee parking. I love it when the store
>>>> employees take the first few spots too. They are instructed not to in most
>>>> stores, but some park close anyway and tie up a spot for 8 hours and the
>>>> elderly have to walk further in the rain or cold. Just plain ignorance and
>>>> yes, I've complained. There is a bank branch in the supermarket and a bank
>>>> employee parked in one close to the door. Meantime, an old lady had to walk
>>>> much further. I told the manager and she sent the person out to move her
>>>> car.
>>> Good for you. If a few more citizens were proactive like that, things
>>> would improve.
>>>
>>> --Bryan
>>
>> that's right. america needs more people butting into other people's
>> business.
>>
>> blake
>
> Depends, I rather like things being done on a sensible, minimalist one
> to one basis rather than demanding that the government do everything for
> everybody.

who the **** has suggested the government police where employees park?

your pal,
blake

On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:19:24 GMT, brooklyn1 wrote:

> "Nancy Young" wrote:
>>
>> Leaving a store a few days ago I actually noticed a woman
>> drive into the parking lot and park, say, 10 spaces from the
>> first filled spot. She got out and briskly walked to the store.
>> It was such a rare sight, it caught my eye. Get some
>> exercise on the way to the store? What a concept!
>>
>>
> She probably had a nice car and wanted to park away from everyone else so no
> one dinged her car... but even though there can be a thousand other spaces
> some clod in an old clunker will park right next to her, real close, so when
> they swing open their door they will ding her car... probably will return
> ten minutes later and wop her car with a cart... by the time that nice lady
> returns no one will be parked near her car, but it will have a few dings.

what in god's name fuels these paranoid fantasies? get a ****ing grip on
yourself.

blake

On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:31:02 +0200, Giusi wrote:

> "Dimitri" ha scritto nel messaggio>
>>> Funny, I haven't noticed that in years, now that you mention it.>> I used
>>> to see the cross parkers all the time, though usually>> towards the far
>>> part of the lot.
>>> nancy
>>
>> Plastic doors don't dent.
>>
>> Dimitri
>
> Apologies to Nancy whose particulars were snipped.
>
> I don't get what the problem is, although I face it all the time. I am not
> young, not big, not particularly anything, but I have no problem with
> allowing people with physical problems, including advanced pregnancy or even
> hidden problems, like stroke damage or inadequate heartbeats, an advantage
> in parking. Twice last week I could barely make it down the street in front
> of the supermarket because so many people were parked slanted in on the no
> parking side of the street. It left one lane to be shared with both
> directions of traffic. When I reached the parking lot a car was parked in
> the driveway leaving one lane for both directions. I went down the ramp to
> the covered parking and it was almost empty.
>
> I'm usually a fairly gentle person, but when I see the cops ticketing those
> scofflaws I smile really big. It just doesn't happen enough.

i hear *schadenfreude* is still legal.

your pal,
blake

On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 22:41:48 -0400, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

> "blake murphy" > wrote in message
>>
>> i think someone upthread mentioned that parking in a marked handicapped
>> space is a violation of the law, kind of a different thing. (i don't know
>> that *providing* them is mandated - could be.)
>>
>> i guess the store would have to think about how many customers were ****ed
>> versus pleased at the policy.
>
> Handicapped spots are required by Federal law. There is a formula as to how
> many are needed based on the total number of parking available. States
> determine how much the fine is for abusing them, often in the $200+ range.
>
> The "children" spots are a gimmick the stores do and there is no way to
> enforce how they are used.

that's pretty much what i thought. you are right that the fines for
handicapped violations tend to be stiff.

your pal,
blake

On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:21:31 -0700 (PDT), maxine wrote:

> On Mar 30, 6:34*am, Stan Horwitz > wrote:
>
>> Why would an expectant mother need preferential parking? Most expectant
>> mothers I have known were perfectly capable of walking to a store from
>> any location in a parking lot and that includes a colleague of mine who
>> is due next month who walks a few blocks to her car at work every day
>> without a problem.
>
> Those last few weeks you feel like you're off-balance, the kid is
> sitting on your bladder, and for too many of us, there's swelling and
> a host of other "discomforts" to put it mildly.
>
> You're right, it's not always necessary, but when a mother-to-be is
> having problems, it's a kindness.
>
> maxine in ri
> former mother-to-be, currently awaiting the last colleges' responses

wish your kids good luck, maxine.

your pal,
blake

On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:39:54 -0700, Bob Terwilliger wrote:

> maxine wrote:
>
>> Noone asks to have handicaps or get old.
>
> Oh, I don't know about that: There are plenty of people who celebrate
> getting a disability because (in California, at least) it means they'll have
> a guaranteed income for the rest of their lives without lifting a finger.
>
> Bob

you're welcome to cut your legs off with a chain saw and join them.

blake

On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:01:41 -0600, Pennyaline wrote:

> cshenk wrote:
>> "Stan Horwitz" wrote
>>
>>> Why would an expectant mother need preferential parking? Most expectant
>>> mothers I have known were perfectly capable of walking to a store from
>>> any location in a parking lot and that includes a colleague of mine who
>>> is due next month who walks a few blocks to her car at work every day
>>> without a problem.
>>
>> If it's her first with no others in tow, it's not really needed. I do know
>> I needed them at the very end just before labor. Say, last 2 weeks? I
>> could walk of course, but not 'fast' and any distance became somewhat hard
>> to manage. Has to do with how the hips adjust in the later stages (so I was
>> told).
>
> All of the joints "soften" during pregnancy, preparing to allow the
> pelvic bones to separate to allow delivery. Pregnancy also puts a
> greater strain on the cardiopulmonary system, and the enlarged and heavy
> uterus compresses the vena cava, pelvic blood vessels and the urinary
> bladder. It also inhibits effective breathing by limiting diaphragmatic
> excursion. Feet and legs swell. The gait is a waddle. The body is off
> balance. Walking can become very hard, indeed.
>
> However, it is wonderful to hear from men who, based on their
> observations, have determined that activity during pregnancy is no big
> deal for "most expectant mothers." Keep up the good work, guys.

yep. let them walk a mile with swollen feet in another's moccasins.

your pal,
blake

On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:29:46 GMT, brooklyn1 wrote:

> "Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
> ...
>> brooklyn1 wrote:
>>>
>>> "Pennyaline" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> >
>>> > All of the joints "soften" during pregnancy, preparing to allow the
>>> > pelvic
>>> > bones to separate to allow delivery. Pregnancy also puts a greater
>>> > strain
>>> > on the cardiopulmonary system, and the enlarged and heavy uterus
>>> > compresses the vena cava, pelvic blood vessels and the urinary bladder.
>>> > It
>>> > also inhibits effective breathing by limiting diaphragmatic excursion.
>>> > Feet and legs swell. The gait is a waddle. The body is off balance.
>>> > Walking can become very hard, indeed.
>>> >
>>> > However, it is wonderful to hear from men who, based on their
>>> > observations, have determined that activity during pregnancy is no big
>>> > deal for "most expectant mothers." Keep up the good work, guys.
>>>
>>> Hey, as long as they can bring beer and satisfy a guy's sexual urges on
>>> demand they can park wherever, even supply them an elecric golf cart. LOL
>>
>> Sheldon, this is so unlike you. Why did you pass up
>> the opportunity to comment on the size of the boobs
>> of pregnant women?
>
> That was my first thought but I'm already on enough S lists... I think what
> I wrote is chauvanistic aplenty. LOL

so you're going to rest on your laurels? don't forget, there are younger,
more obnoxious assholes coming up through the ranks. well, younger,
anyway.

blake

On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:28:23 -0400, T wrote:

> In article >,
> ost says...
>>
>> "Jean B." > wrote:
>>
>>> And her excuse: "I have
>>> children in the car!" I was thinking of the wonderful
>>> example she set for those children....
>>
>> And going even farther away from the OP:
>>
>> Our grocery chain has not only handicap parking spots (required by
>> law, of course), but about 8 spaces near the front of the store for
>> "Customers With Children".
>>
>> Those spaces should be a free for all, IMO. It's discriminatory,
>> for one. OTOH, it's nice to have right at th thoroughfare to the
>> store so that kids can open up their cars doors and bolt right into
>> traffic before their parents can walk around to the other side of
>> thew store to grab their hands.
>>
>> Second of all, my mother has children. What's to keep her from
>> parking there? They may be 40+ years old and live in other states,
>> but she is a customer with children.
>>
>> Third: It's a waste of 8 perfectly prime parking spaces weekdays
>> from 8AM to 3PM.
>>
>> And for some reason, even the parents with children don't park
>> there. Weird.
>>
>> -sw
>
> Typical of the precious snowflake argument I hear in marriage equality
> hearings and forums.
>
> I see it as Darwinian evolution.

i guess it is odd that we haven't heard from anyone who crawls ten miles
through the snow to get to the grocery store.

your pal,
grampa

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> Andy wrote:
> > Nancy Young said...
> >
> >> I did feel bad for the guy who would park his nice sports
> >> car all the way out in the lot to keep away from other cars
> >> and someone would make a point of parking their beater
> >> car right next to him. Two cars in the middle of nowhere.
> >
> >
> > The parking lot oasis?
>
> Good description!

Maybe more than you think? Was there one of those little tiny parking
lot trees there? On a hot day, I'll often pick my parking spot out in
the boonies based on where the little trees are. Some shade is better
than none. So yeah, cars are parked in clumps, to take advantage of the
shade.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

In article >, "biig" >
wrote:

> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...

> > On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:16:10 -0400, "biig" > wrote:
> >
> >>The children thing at the grocer is stupid.
>
> I didn't write that....my post started with "I think the parking spots
> for expectant mothers is wrong"....Sharon

This is a known defect in Outlook Express. There is a fix out for it.
I think it's called OE quotefix, or something like that. Either that or
you can do it the old fashioned way, just add the quote marks yourself.

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> Dimitri wrote:
>> "Nancy Young" > wrote
>
>>> Funny, I haven't noticed that in years, now that you mention it.
>>> I used to see the cross parkers all the time, though usually
>>> towards the far part of the lot.
>>> nancy
>>
>> Plastic doors don't dent.
>
> I was thinking that.

Well, that's not true. Plastic car parts do too dent, and they abrade and
can't be buffed out. Plastic car parts can't easily be repaired like metal
so they're replaced, and they typically cost more than their metal
counterparts... it's impossible to do body work on plastic parts that can't
easily be detected, not even paint will adhere like the factory job so even
when it's a new plastic part, say a door, they still need to paint, but not
only will it not be a perfect match it won't adhere for very long because
the coefficient of expansion of the repair paint won't match that of the
body part and it can't be baked onto plastic like with metal... factory
paint application on plastic is done with state of the art cold chemical
bonded primers, unavailable to private body shops. The warmer the weather
the more readily plastic car parts will dent, in cold and freezing weather
plastic parts crack/shatter.

My tenant has one of those little late model Buicks, a G6?, last summer a
shopping cart at Lowes rolled into the rear (Lowes has pretty large and
heavy carts), the plastic bumper dented and that huge multi-function plastic
lighting lens cracked... both needed replacement, $1,400. The car is leased
(so had to be repaired) and she has $1,000 deductible for collision... that
little love tap cost her a grand. The car is black. The black paint the
body shop used on the plastic bumper is already becoming slightly chalky in
spots, because it was obviously meant to be baked onto metal... in about 3-4
years it'll look like crap... fortunately for my tenant the lease will have
expired before then, but someone else will have to suffer those
consequences. I learned quite a lot about about plastic car parts helping
her deal with that accident damage. She was put through the wringer, the
insurance adjuster didn't want to believe her about the Lowes cart because
she had no witnesses, she didn't even see it happen. I went with her to
Lowes and took pictures of how the Lowes cart lined up perfectly with the
dent and impact point on that shattered lens. After her car fiasco was over
I deleted my copy of the pictures or I would post them, I'm pretty sure she
must still have the copies I sent her. When she arrived home after the
accident the first thing I did was take pictures, she doesn't own a camera.
I told her to get one, even the cheapest throw-away and leave it in her car
but I'll bet she didn't.

Didja know that John Deere tractors and other agri vehicles are now made
with all plastic body parts... of course they do that because plastic is far
less expensive to manufacture, but the selling gimmick is they don't rust,
well that's true, but when hit they shatter and can't be repaired like rust.
Now tractors don't normally get out in traffic so collisions are rare
(certainly not with shopping carts), but kicking up stones and hard clods of
dirt is common. I don't carry collision on my tractors but I do have fire
and theft with my homeowners. All farm equipment, if used, acquires dings
and rust spots but it's very inexpensive to repair, most can be done
oneself... it's pretty easy to reach the underside of a tractor body, it's
all exposed, so tapping out a small ding with a soft mallet is something
anyone can do in minutes. And touch up paint is readily available at any
dealer and matches perfectly because each brand of tractor comes in only one
color, year after year after year... I'm glad my Kubotas are all metal...
that was the main reason I didn't buy the John deere, I always wanted a
bright green Deere.. now I'm used to Kubota orange. Kubota also gives twice
the tractor for your dollar. Those little JD garden tractors you see lined
up at the big box hardwares aren't made by Deere, they are cheap crap that
lease the Deere name and paint.

Plastic parts dent the same as metal, when either is impacted the material
is stretched and leaves a dent... that's all a dent is, stretched material.
Metal auto body parts are more malleable than plastic so can be stretched
further before a fracture occurs, especially in colder weather. Plastic
auto body parts are only cost efficient in very low impact collisions (like
with a Spalding pink rubber ball) where the material can absorb the impact
and pop back before it's stretched beyond its point of no return. But a
shopping cart is no Spalding, a shopping cart is more like a baseball, it
will definitely dent a plastic car door the same as it will a metal car
door.

Fiberglass body parts can be repaired, but not plastic.


I am reasonably careful not to park
> too close to cars, but you know how that goes. Still,
> my car is 4 years old and pretty much pristine as far as dings go. Years
> ago you had no chance of that.
>
> I did feel bad for the guy who would park his nice sports
> car all the way out in the lot to keep away from other cars
> and someone would make a point of parking their beater
> car right next to him. Two cars in the middle of nowhere.
> nancy

Steve Pope wrote:
> Ed Pawlowski > wrote:
>
>> I park far away for the same reason. OTOH, there is the clod that
>> has a very nice car and parks at an angle across two spots to avoid
>> getting hit.
>
> I once had a coworker who would park his Truck across two spaces
> like that when he went to Dodger Stadium. I don't think anyone
> in L.A. actually resented it. It was one of these "you do what
> you need to do" things.


I don't have a problem with people doing that, or with the piston heads
who park their fancy cars diagonally across two spaces..... so long as
they do it out in the far reaches of the parking lot.

"Bob Terwilliger" > wrote in message
...
> Steve wrote:
>
>> Our grocery chain has not only handicap parking spots (required by
>> law, of course), but about 8 spaces near the front of the store for
>> "Customers With Children".
>>
>> Those spaces should be a free for all, IMO.
>
> So park there. Do you really think a store would enforce that policy to
> the point of towing their customers' vehicles?


My local store has a Starbucks inside. Outside are two prime parking
spaces, wider than usual and as close as the handicap spots. There is a
sign that says "Reserved for Starbucks Customers ONLY." I park in them ever
chance I get. So far, no tow trucks.

Paul

Dan Abel wrote:
> In article >,
> Kathleen > wrote:
>
>
>> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. Walking
>> more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
>> my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
>> stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful for
>> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger at
>> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>
> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for a
> handicapped placard?

Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a second
person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages and
disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third trimester that
the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always believed that
widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and childbirth would
vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry pregnancies
uncomplainingly to term.

But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
person in the group.

"Paul M. Cook" wrote
>
> My local store has a Starbucks inside. Outside are two prime parking
> spaces, wider than usual and as close as the handicap spots. There is a
> sign that says "Reserved for Starbucks Customers ONLY." I park in them
> ever chance I get.
>
That's the best way to keep those spots empty, erect signage that indicates
they're reserved for idiots who will pay $5 for a $1 cuppa.

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:19:24 GMT, brooklyn1 wrote:
>
>> "Nancy Young" wrote:
>>>
>>> Leaving a store a few days ago I actually noticed a woman
>>> drive into the parking lot and park, say, 10 spaces from the
>>> first filled spot. She got out and briskly walked to the store.
>>> It was such a rare sight, it caught my eye. Get some
>>> exercise on the way to the store? What a concept!
>>>
>>>
>> She probably had a nice car and wanted to park away from everyone else so
>> no
>> one dinged her car... but even though there can be a thousand other
>> spaces
>> some clod in an old clunker will park right next to her, real close, so
>> when
>> they swing open their door they will ding her car... probably will return
>> ten minutes later and wop her car with a cart... by the time that nice
>> lady
>> returns no one will be parked near her car, but it will have a few dings.
>
> what in god's name fuels these paranoid fantasies? get a ****ing grip on
> yourself.
>
> blake

In article >,
Pennyaline > wrote:

> Dan Abel wrote:
> > In article >,
> > Kathleen > wrote:
> >
> >
> >> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
> >> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. Walking
> >> more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
> >> my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
> >> stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful for
> >> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger at
> >> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
> >
> > That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for a
> > handicapped placard?
>
> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a second
> person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages and
> disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third trimester that
> the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always believed that
> widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and childbirth would
> vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry pregnancies
> uncomplainingly to term.
>
> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
> person in the group.

You've totally lost me there. I don't know the medical lingo, but
here's what I read:

"I had horrible sciatica...Walking more than a few steps felt like
having lightning run to ground through my right leg"

That sounds pretty disabled to me. Why shouldn't she get a handicapped
placard, whether she is pregnant or not? If it is related to the
pregnancy, which is sounds like it is, then it would seem that the
doctor would make the eligibility for a limited period, assuming that
the disability would go away once the pregnancy did.

Why on earth would a disabled person not be eligible for a handicapped
placard just because they were also pregnant?

--
Dan Abel
Petaluma, California USA

On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:25:22p, Paul M. Cook told us...

>
> "Bob Terwilliger" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Steve wrote:
>>
>>> Our grocery chain has not only handicap parking spots (required by
>>> law, of course), but about 8 spaces near the front of the store for
>>> "Customers With Children".
>>>
>>> Those spaces should be a free for all, IMO.
>>
>> So park there. Do you really think a store would enforce that policy to
>> the point of towing their customers' vehicles?
>
>
> My local store has a Starbucks inside. Outside are two prime parking
> spaces, wider than usual and as close as the handicap spots. There is a
> sign that says "Reserved for Starbucks Customers ONLY." I park in them
> ever chance I get. So far, no tow trucks.
>
> Paul

It's doubtful they would tow you. Essentially, they are meant for short
term parking only. We have the same here. We also have some close parking
spaces that are specifically labeled 15 minute parking only. From what
I've observed, most people seem to comply. There is a Starbucks inside the
Safeway where I often shop, and they have "Starbuck spaces". I usually buy
a beverage from them while shopping, so I feel perfectly in my right to
park there and also do my general shopping, though I know that wasn't the
original intent.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

"Dan Abel" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Pennyaline > wrote:
>
>> Dan Abel wrote:
>> > In article >,
>> > Kathleen > wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>> >> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. Walking
>> >> more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
>> >> my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
>> >> stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful
>> >> for
>> >> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger
>> >> at
>> >> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>> >
>> > That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for a
>> > handicapped placard?
>>
>> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
>> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
>> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
>> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a second
>> person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages and
>> disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third trimester that
>> the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always believed that
>> widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and childbirth would
>> vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry pregnancies
>> uncomplainingly to term.
>>
>> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
>> person in the group.
>
> You've totally lost me there. I don't know the medical lingo, but
> here's what I read:
>
> "I had horrible sciatica...Walking more than a few steps felt like
> having lightning run to ground through my right leg"
>
> That sounds pretty disabled to me. Why shouldn't she get a handicapped
> placard, whether she is pregnant or not? If it is related to the
> pregnancy, which is sounds like it is, then it would seem that the
> doctor would make the eligibility for a limited period, assuming that
> the disability would go away once the pregnancy did.
>
> Why on earth would a disabled person not be eligible for a handicapped
> placard just because they were also pregnant?
>
>
Most doctors today will validate handicapped parking applications for a
hangnail, it's no skin off their nose and they don't want to get sued. But
you'd be amazed at how many who are eligible for handicapped parking who
won't avail themselves because they're embarrassed to park in those spots,
and don't want their friends, relatives, and/or neighbors to know. Some
will get the placards but rarely if ever use them and certtainly not where
there's a chance anyone who knows them or their vehicle might see. I know
quite a few people who golf who have serious medical problems but won't park
in the handicapped spots even though they're entitled... and parking space
at golf courses is at a premium but they'd rather park way out in the
boonies and walk like a quarter mile hauling all their gear rather than let
their league mates know they're handicapped... some are even too embarrassed
to take a cart, their egos won't permit it so they walk, I kid you not. I
know because I don't golf but I know these people otherwise, and I also get
to attend many of the celebratory golf functions as an invitee.

On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:35:28p, Pennyaline told us...

> Dan Abel wrote:
>> In article >,
>> Kathleen > wrote:
>>
>>
>>> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>>> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. Walking
>>> more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
>>> my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
>>> stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful
for
>>> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger
at
>>> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>>
>> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for a
>> handicapped placard?
>
> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a second
> person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages and
> disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third trimester that
> the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always believed that
> widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and childbirth would
> vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry pregnancies
> uncomplainingly to term.
>
> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
> person in the group.
>

Many women are unhindered by their pregnancies and continue to work right
up until the last several days before giving birth. AFAIC, if they can
work and move about in an office complex with no difficulty, they can park
in a regular space. Having said that, however, those women who have
difficult pregnancies at any stage should request a temporary disability
placard. They aren't difficult to get, and should certainly be entitled to
a disability space. Designating spaces just because someone happens to be
pregnant undeserved advantage to some.

I haven't seen any spaces designated for mothers who have children along
with them, but I think that's a crock.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

"Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
5.247...
> On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:35:28p, Pennyaline told us...
>
>> Dan Abel wrote:
>>> In article >,
>>> Kathleen > wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>>>> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. Walking
>>>> more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
>>>> my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
>>>> stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful
> for
>>>> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger
> at
>>>> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>>>
>>> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for a
>>> handicapped placard?
>>
>> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
>> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
>> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
>> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a second
>> person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages and
>> disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third trimester that
>> the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always believed that
>> widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and childbirth would
>> vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry pregnancies
>> uncomplainingly to term.
>>
>> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
>> person in the group.
>>
>
> Many women are unhindered by their pregnancies and continue to work right
> up until the last several days before giving birth. AFAIC, if they can
> work and move about in an office complex with no difficulty,

And just how do you tell if they are move without difficulty? Not all women
complain about being pregnant that does not mean they are not having
difficulty. Some women work because they can't sit at home & go nuts.
Working is a great diversion and some people simply need the money so they
put up with their discomfort....

Come on you're smarter than that...

Dimitri

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:25:22p, Paul M. Cook told us...
>
>> "Bob Terwilliger" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Steve wrote:
>>>
>>>> Our grocery chain has not only handicap parking spots (required by
>>>> law, of course), but about 8 spaces near the front of the store for
>>>> "Customers With Children".
>>>>
>>>> Those spaces should be a free for all, IMO.
>>> So park there. Do you really think a store would enforce that policy to
>>> the point of towing their customers' vehicles?
>>
>> My local store has a Starbucks inside. Outside are two prime parking
>> spaces, wider than usual and as close as the handicap spots. There is a
>> sign that says "Reserved for Starbucks Customers ONLY." I park in them
>> ever chance I get. So far, no tow trucks.
>>
>> Paul
>
> It's doubtful they would tow you. Essentially, they are meant for short
> term parking only. We have the same here. We also have some close parking
> spaces that are specifically labeled 15 minute parking only. From what
> I've observed, most people seem to comply. There is a Starbucks inside the
> Safeway where I often shop, and they have "Starbuck spaces". I usually buy
> a beverage from them while shopping, so I feel perfectly in my right to
> park there and also do my general shopping, though I know that wasn't the
> original intent.
>
I hate to one-up you folks but I can uncategorically state that I have
never, ever been in a Starbucks nor do I ever intend to go into one. I
only drink Louisiana's national coffee, Community, and only the dark
roast variety with no other additives, no sugar, no milk, no froth, none
of the frou-frou that goes with "coffee" today. So there! Hah!

On Tue 31 Mar 2009 05:55:46p, George Shirley told us...

> Wayne Boatwright wrote:
>> On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:25:22p, Paul M. Cook told us...
>>
>>> "Bob Terwilliger" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> Steve wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Our grocery chain has not only handicap parking spots (required by
>>>>> law, of course), but about 8 spaces near the front of the store for
>>>>> "Customers With Children".
>>>>>
>>>>> Those spaces should be a free for all, IMO.
>>>> So park there. Do you really think a store would enforce that policy
>>>> to the point of towing their customers' vehicles?
>>>
>>> My local store has a Starbucks inside. Outside are two prime parking
>>> spaces, wider than usual and as close as the handicap spots. There is
>>> a sign that says "Reserved for Starbucks Customers ONLY." I park in
>>> them ever chance I get. So far, no tow trucks.
>>>
>>> Paul
>>
>> It's doubtful they would tow you. Essentially, they are meant for
>> short term parking only. We have the same here. We also have some
>> close parking spaces that are specifically labeled 15 minute parking
>> only. From what I've observed, most people seem to comply. There is a
>> Starbucks inside the Safeway where I often shop, and they have
>> "Starbuck spaces". I usually buy a beverage from them while shopping,
>> so I feel perfectly in my right to park there and also do my general
>> shopping, though I know that wasn't the original intent.
>>
> I hate to one-up you folks but I can uncategorically state that I have
> never, ever been in a Starbucks nor do I ever intend to go into one. I
> only drink Louisiana's national coffee, Community, and only the dark
> roast variety with no other additives, no sugar, no milk, no froth, none
> of the frou-frou that goes with "coffee" today. So there! Hah!

I don't buy any of the specialty drinks, and I only drink iced drinks. I
really hate hot beverages. From Starbucks I order an Iced Americano, which
is nothing more than several shots of espresso, a modicum of water, and
ice, to which I add half-and-half before leaving the store.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

On Tue 31 Mar 2009 05:53:53p, Dimitri told us...

>
> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
> 5.247...
>> On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:35:28p, Pennyaline told us...
>>
>>> Dan Abel wrote:
>>>> In article >,
>>>> Kathleen > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>>>>> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies.
>>>>> Walking more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to
>>>>> ground through my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my
>>>>> husband really stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was
>>>>> incredibly grateful for things like preferential parking, and the
>>>>> option of having the bagger at the grocery store help me load my
>>>>> purchases into the van.
>>>>
>>>> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for
>>>> a handicapped placard?
>>>
>>> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
>>> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
>>> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
>>> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a
>>> second person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages
>>> and disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third
>>> trimester that the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always
>>> believed that widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and
>>> childbirth would vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry
>>> pregnancies uncomplainingly to term.
>>>
>>> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
>>> person in the group.
>>>
>>
>> Many women are unhindered by their pregnancies and continue to work
>> right up until the last several days before giving birth. AFAIC, if
>> they can work and move about in an office complex with no difficulty,
>
> And just how do you tell if they are move without difficulty? Not all
> women complain about being pregnant that does not mean they are not
> having difficulty. Some women work because they can't sit at home & go
> nuts. Working is a great diversion and some people simply need the money
> so they put up with their discomfort....
>
> Come on you're smarter than that...
>
> Dimitri

I'm not asking to be the judge, Dimitri. I would expect a pregnant woman
to have sense enough to request whatever special accomodations she needs.
I wouldn't question it.

A co-worker of mine has severe RA, yet doesn't give into it and those who
don't know about it would not know by watching this person in their job. I
have suggested several times that they get a disability placard for their
car, but they would rather not.

I believe people should do what they need to do.

My point is that some pregnant women need special accomodation and some do
not. Those who do should have a disaability placard and use those spaces.
I don't believe that the spaces dedicated to pregnant women are necessarily
used fairly.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

Dimitri said...

>
> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
> 5.247...
>> On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:35:28p, Pennyaline told us...
>>
>>> Dan Abel wrote:
>>>> In article >,
>>>> Kathleen > wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>>>>> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies.
>>>>> Walking more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to
>>>>> ground through my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my
>>>>> husband really stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was
>>>>> incredibly grateful
>> for
>>>>> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the
>>>>> bagger
>> at
>>>>> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>>>>
>>>> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for
>>>> a handicapped placard?
>>>
>>> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
>>> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
>>> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
>>> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a
>>> second person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages
>>> and disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third
>>> trimester that the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always
>>> believed that widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and
>>> childbirth would vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry
>>> pregnancies uncomplainingly to term.
>>>
>>> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
>>> person in the group.
>>>
>>
>> Many women are unhindered by their pregnancies and continue to work
>> right up until the last several days before giving birth. AFAIC, if
>> they can work and move about in an office complex with no difficulty,
>
> And just how do you tell if they are move without difficulty? Not all
> women complain about being pregnant that does not mean they are not
> having difficulty. Some women work because they can't sit at home & go
> nuts. Working is a great diversion and some people simply need the money
> so they put up with their discomfort....
>
> Come on you're smarter than that...
>
> Dimitri


One of the morning news talking heads worked till Friday and there were baby
pictures on Monday! She's a shrimp of a woman and I can guess that start to
finish it had to be a difficult pregnancy but on camera she was as vibrant
and perky as ever. FOX did do her a favor by stopping her field reporting,
letting her sit at the news desk.

Andy

On Mar 31, 8:38*pm, "brooklyn1" > wrote:
> "Dan Abel" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > In article >,
> > Pennyaline > wrote:
>
> >> Dan Abel wrote:
> >> > In article >,
> >> > *Kathleen > wrote:
>
> >> >> And that's great. *But not every pregnancy is easy. *I had horrible
> >> >> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. *Walking
> >> >> more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
> >> >> my right leg. *I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
> >> >> stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful
> >> >> for
> >> >> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger
> >> >> at
> >> >> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>
> >> > That's why they have handicapped spots. *Did you ask your doctor for a
> >> > handicapped placard?
>
> >> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
> >> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
> >> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
> >> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a second
> >> person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages and
> >> disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third trimester that
> >> the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always believed that
> >> widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and childbirth would
> >> vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry pregnancies
> >> uncomplainingly to term.
>
> >> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
> >> person in the group.
>
> > You've totally lost me there. *I don't know the medical lingo, but
> > here's what I read:
>
> > "I had horrible sciatica...Walking more than a few steps felt like
> > having lightning run to ground through my right leg"
>
> > That sounds pretty disabled to me. *Why shouldn't she get a handicapped
> > placard, whether she is pregnant or not? *If it is related to the
> > pregnancy, which is sounds like it is, then it would seem that the
> > doctor would make the eligibility for a limited period, assuming that
> > the disability would go away once the pregnancy did.
>
> > Why on earth would a disabled person not be eligible for a handicapped
> > placard just because they were also pregnant?
>
> Most doctors today will validate handicapped parking applications for a
> hangnail, it's no skin off their nose and they don't want to get sued. *But
> you'd be amazed at how many who are eligible for handicapped parking who
> won't avail themselves because they're embarrassed to park in those spots,
> and don't want their friends, relatives, and/or neighbors to know. *Some
> will get the placards but rarely if ever use them and certtainly not where
> there's a chance anyone who knows them or their vehicle might see. *I know
> quite a few people who golf who have serious medical problems but won't park
> in the handicapped spots even though they're entitled... and parking space
> at golf courses is at a premium but they'd rather park way out in the
> boonies and walk like a quarter mile hauling all their gear rather than let
> their league mates know they're handicapped... some are even too embarrassed
> to take a cart, their egos won't permit it so they walk, I kid you not. *I
> know because I don't golf but I know these people otherwise, and I also get
> to attend many of the celebratory golf functions as an invitee.

My Mom was like that. Never wanted a handicap plaque even tho her
doctor offered it to her. She was active all her life and was not
going to give in just because her body decided it didn't want to work
right anymore<g>. She's 95 now, confined to bed or a chair, one side
doesn't work, but she still does her exercises on the parts that do
work several times a day. As her neighbor said "She's a tough old
bird."

maxine in ri

"brooklyn1" > wrote in message
> Most doctors today will validate handicapped parking applications for a
> hangnail, it's no skin off their nose and they don't want to get sued.

CT is going to crack down on that. Doctors will sign off and give their
license number on the application and they will be logged so trends or abuse
can be spotted.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
>
> "brooklyn1" > wrote in message
>> Most doctors today will validate handicapped parking applications for a
>> hangnail, it's no skin off their nose and they don't want to get sued.
>
> CT is going to crack down on that. Doctors will sign off and give their
> license number on the application and they will be logged so trends or
> abuse can be spotted.
>
Doctors already give their MD license number on the application, always
have. I doubt CT will succeed in such stupidity, no politician is going to
jeapardize their political career second guessing MDs... I mean most small
town politicians only have a High School diploma, maybe only a GED.
Handicap stickers aren't permanent anyway.... initially doctors usually give
a six month provisional and thereafter the term in most states is for three
years, and can be withdrawn at any time. I've no idea why anyone would want
to deny someone handicapped parking, that just demonstrates extreme
ignorance, I mean like the most extreme ignorance possible, we're talkin'
Pinhead City here. There aren't nearly enough handicapped parking spaces
now. The strip mall where the supermarket is located where I shop in town
has well over 500 parking spots, only six spots are designated
handicapped... my bank only has one, same for my post office. When I drive
to the new Lowes there has to be at least 1,000 parking spots in that huge
lot, there are maybe 20 handicapped spots... and it's pretty much the same
all over... even the Walmart Superstore near where I live must have 2,000
parking spots but hasn't more then 25 handicapped spots. And the vast
majority who have the tags and are legitimately handicapped don't park in
the designated spots anyway... so wtf are you talking about cracking down,
what's to crack down, maybe if they had testicales CT politicos would crack
down on crack dealers, CT ain't anywhere near No.1 on the safefest state to
live list. Maybe next thing CT politicians will dare is try to close down
VA hospitals. I know one thing about CT, their state troopers are the most
cowardly wusses in all New England, always have been... real good at hiding
behind the bushes watching for grandmas doing 60 in a 55, but they're
ascared shitless of the truckers doing 80, because the trucking companies
have CT politicos in their back pocket... the cops in the big hats are told
to leave the trucks be. But the CT politicos ain't ascared of the cripples.
LOL I've driven more miles on the CT TrnPke since1958 than most folks whose
home is in CT, I know of what I speak. CT has only two VA hospitals, not
nearly enough for so populous a state, folks there need to be very ashamed:
http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/s...te=CT&dnum=ALL

"Andy" > wrote in message ...
> Dimitri said...
>
>>
>> "Wayne Boatwright" > wrote in message
>> 5.247...
>>> On Tue 31 Mar 2009 02:35:28p, Pennyaline told us...
>>>
>>>> Dan Abel wrote:
>>>>> In article >,
>>>>> Kathleen > wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
>>>>>> sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies.
>>>>>> Walking more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to
>>>>>> ground through my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my
>>>>>> husband really stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was
>>>>>> incredibly grateful
>>> for
>>>>>> things like preferential parking, and the option of having the
>>>>>> bagger
>>> at
>>>>>> the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>>>>>
>>>>> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for
>>>>> a handicapped placard?
>>>>
>>>> Pregnancy isn't a disability unless there's a medical condition during
>>>> or related to it that doesn't allow the pregnant woman to work.
>>>> Pregnancy is a generally obvious condition with generally obvious
>>>> effects, the most obvious of which is the significant growth of a
>>>> second person inside the body of the first. There are both advantages
>>>> and disadvantages to that, and it is usually during the third
>>>> trimester that the disadvantages become the most pressing. I've always
>>>> believed that widely held beliefs and mythologies about pregnancy and
>>>> childbirth would vanish instantly if men were also expected to carry
>>>> pregnancies uncomplainingly to term.
>>>>
>>>> But seriously, Dan, you are either winding us up or the most unfeeling
>>>> person in the group.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Many women are unhindered by their pregnancies and continue to work
>>> right up until the last several days before giving birth. AFAIC, if
>>> they can work and move about in an office complex with no difficulty,
>>
>> And just how do you tell if they are move without difficulty? Not all
>> women complain about being pregnant that does not mean they are not
>> having difficulty. Some women work because they can't sit at home & go
>> nuts. Working is a great diversion and some people simply need the money
>> so they put up with their discomfort....
>>
>> Come on you're smarter than that...
>>
>> Dimitri
>
>
> One of the morning news talking heads worked till Friday and there were
> baby
> pictures on Monday! She's a shrimp of a woman and I can guess that start
> to
> finish it had to be a difficult pregnancy but on camera she was as vibrant
> and perky as ever. FOX did do her a favor by stopping her field reporting,
> letting her sit at the news desk.
>
> Andy
>

So you're saying "it had to be a difficult pregnancy" because "she's a
shrimp of a woman"? Since when does being diminutive in stature mean you
have a lesser ability to carry and bear children?

Jinx

In article >,
Kathleen > wrote:

I have no problems
> > with that at all. I *do* have a problem for preferred parking for just
> > "people with children" etc. It's not right IMO

I wonder if you have ever had to try and hold tight to three
pre-schoolers, whilst pushing a shopping cart, holding on to your purse,
surounded by idiots who treat the parking lot like a F1 racetrack.


David

In article
>,
Dan Abel > wrote:

> In article >,
> Kathleen > wrote:
>
>
> > And that's great. But not every pregnancy is easy. I had horrible
> > sciatica in the third trimester with both of my pregnancies. Walking
> > more than a few steps felt like having lightning run to ground through
> > my right leg. I mostly tried not to shop at all - my husband really
> > stepped up - but when I absolutely had to, I was incredibly grateful for
> > things like preferential parking, and the option of having the bagger at
> > the grocery store help me load my purchases into the van.
>
> That's why they have handicapped spots. Did you ask your doctor for a
> handicapped placard?

A good idea. Even better would be to have your groceries home
delivered, or at least use the pickup facility where they will load your
stuff into your car for you. No sweat.

Before I thought of getting a Handicap Parking sticker, I used to just
ask the checkout person to get one of their staff to wheel my shopping
cart to my car for me - they always cheerfully obliged, and loaded all
my stuff into the car.

BTW since I lived 50km from the supermarket home delivery was not an
option

david

George Shirley wrote:

> I hate to one-up you folks but I can uncategorically state that I have
> never, ever been in a Starbucks nor do I ever intend to go into one. I
> only drink Louisiana's national coffee, Community, and only the dark
> roast variety with no other additives, no sugar, no milk, no froth, none
> of the frou-frou that goes with "coffee" today. So there! Hah!


Hear, hear, George! I have not bought a Starbuck's product since the early
90's, I was going to visit a friend in St. Louis and for a gift I went down
to the the Loop and bought some of their stuff from the very first
Starbuck's to open up in Chicago...Starbuck's was this new "exotic" thing.
Hard to believe now, they are thick on the ground, and I take some
schadenfreude in their recent troubles. They ran off a coupla very nice
locally owned coffee places in my neighborhood...

I have a local coffee place on the corner, their prices are half of Starsux
and they have that old friendly 70's counterculture vibe...

I like my coffee with chicory, "Lousiana - style"...


--
Best
Greg

"The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other
people's money."~~~~Margaret Thatcher

Wayne Boatwright confides:

> I don't buy any of the specialty drinks, and I only drink iced drinks. I
> really hate hot beverages. From Starbucks I order an Iced Americano,
which
> is nothing more than several shots of espresso, a modicum of water, and
> ice, to which I add half-and-half before leaving the store. I like to tip
the cute Latino barista a coupla dollars, too...he has the sexiest long
eyelashes!
>


Well, you being an unmitigated fool and and all, Lil' Wayne, it figgers that
you'd be wasting yer coin at Starbuck's....

If you saved your money instead of spending it on over-priced foofie coffee
you could put some money in the bank for a "rainy day" - like the next time
your AC goes out in the hot AZ summer. That way you would have a few
hundred bux to fix it insteand of begging friends for a "loan" and coming
here to poor-mouth besides...but then you are supremely irresponsible and so
you will *never* learn.


--
Best
Greg

"The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other
people's money."~~~~Margaret Thatcher




..

Jinx Minx said...

>> One of the morning news talking heads worked till Friday and there were
>> baby
>> pictures on Monday! She's a shrimp of a woman and I can guess that start
>> to
>> finish it had to be a difficult pregnancy but on camera she was as
vibrant
>> and perky as ever. FOX did do her a favor by stopping her field
reporting,
>> letting her sit at the news desk.
>>
>> Andy
>>
>
> So you're saying "it had to be a difficult pregnancy" because "she's a
> shrimp of a woman"?

I'll thank you not to quote me out of context, again. I didn't say that!!!
I was guessing.


> Since when does being diminutive in stature mean you
> have a lesser ability to carry and bear children?


I never said that!!! Do not put your words in my mouth.

She, all of 5' tall delivered a 7 lb. 18 inch tall second son. I'd imagine
that HAD to hurt.

Andy

On Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:20:41 +1100, David
> wrote:

>In article >,
> Kathleen > wrote:
>
> I have no problems
>> > with that at all. I *do* have a problem for preferred parking for just
>> > "people with children" etc. It's not right IMO
>
>I wonder if you have ever had to try and hold tight to three
>pre-schoolers, whilst pushing a shopping cart, holding on to your purse,
>surounded by idiots who treat the parking lot like a F1 racetrack.
>
>
>David

You are correct, and it goes even further, of course...I am just
tagging on here, David.

And now, I am about to climb up on a very tall soap box, AND use a
mike.....

The spaces provided by groceries and other stores for the convenience
of pregnant women or those with young children in tow are quite
different from handicapped spaces. The former are provided on private
property for the convenience of customers whom the store wishes to
encourage to shop there, the latter are provided according to laws to
enable the handicapped to shop most anywhere.

Private facilities are entitled to offer customer incentives. Period.
Their couponing, cash or discount rewards, special sales, additional
hours to take advantage of sales, etc, are part of their business
plans to encourage some segment of their customers and potential
customers with convenience and benefits.

This absolutely idiotic whining about a few special parking places is
a poorly disguised, and yet typical these days, jab at those who
decide to have families. "It's not right" is a perfect example of what
I mean. Of course it's right. It's a company catering to its clientele
and unless all this moaning and raised hackles are going to be
equally instigated for every frequent flier program, discount, free
shipping if you spend $100+or good customer privilege any and all
companies offer, then I say stuff a sock in it. And stay out of the
express line, too. You don't like it? Go shop someplace that caters to
the child free. Can't find a place? Tough shift. Really.

People are so ****ing jealous that anyone else - *especially* a parent
or pregnant woman - gets *any* benefit or courtesy, however minor,
even one that is so "no skin off my nose" as half dozen parking
places, that it really shows how perfectly idiotic they are.

Any company worth its salt knows that it is cheaper and easier to keep
a current customer happy than it is to go out and drum up a new one.
That is what marketing is all about. There isn't a company out there
that doesn't do it in some way. Why single out a few parking spaces?
These stores know who's spending the bucks and they want to encourage
these spenders. This isn't the Big Government leaning over your
shoulder, it's plain old Marketing 101. Suck it up.

Boron

On Wed 01 Apr 2009 03:03:47a, Boron Elgar told us...

> On Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:20:41 +1100, David
> > wrote:
>
>>In article >,
>> Kathleen > wrote:
>>
>> I have no problems
>>> > with that at all. I *do* have a problem for preferred parking for
just
>>> > "people with children" etc. It's not right IMO
>>
>>I wonder if you have ever had to try and hold tight to three
>>pre-schoolers, whilst pushing a shopping cart, holding on to your purse,
>>surounded by idiots who treat the parking lot like a F1 racetrack.
>>
>>
>>David
>
> You are correct, and it goes even further, of course...I am just
> tagging on here, David.
>
> And now, I am about to climb up on a very tall soap box, AND use a
> mike.....
>
> The spaces provided by groceries and other stores for the convenience
> of pregnant women or those with young children in tow are quite
> different from handicapped spaces. The former are provided on private
> property for the convenience of customers whom the store wishes to
> encourage to shop there, the latter are provided according to laws to
> enable the handicapped to shop most anywhere.
>
> Private facilities are entitled to offer customer incentives. Period.
> Their couponing, cash or discount rewards, special sales, additional
> hours to take advantage of sales, etc, are part of their business
> plans to encourage some segment of their customers and potential
> customers with convenience and benefits.
>
> This absolutely idiotic whining about a few special parking places is
> a poorly disguised, and yet typical these days, jab at those who
> decide to have families. "It's not right" is a perfect example of what
> I mean. Of course it's right. It's a company catering to its clientele
> and unless all this moaning and raised hackles are going to be
> equally instigated for every frequent flier program, discount, free
> shipping if you spend $100+or good customer privilege any and all
> companies offer, then I say stuff a sock in it. And stay out of the
> express line, too. You don't like it? Go shop someplace that caters to
> the child free. Can't find a place? Tough shift. Really.
>
> People are so ****ing jealous that anyone else - *especially* a parent
> or pregnant woman - gets *any* benefit or courtesy, however minor,
> even one that is so "no skin off my nose" as half dozen parking
> places, that it really shows how perfectly idiotic they are.
>
> Any company worth its salt knows that it is cheaper and easier to keep
> a current customer happy than it is to go out and drum up a new one.
> That is what marketing is all about. There isn't a company out there
> that doesn't do it in some way. Why single out a few parking spaces?
> These stores know who's spending the bucks and they want to encourage
> these spenders. This isn't the Big Government leaning over your
> shoulder, it's plain old Marketing 101. Suck it up.
>
> Boron

I find it interesting that the upscale markets in our area do not find it
necessary to cater to any subset groups, apart from the requisite
handicapped spaces. It's also refreshing to shop in these stores that are
free of running and screaming/crying children. Of course, they are
catering to those of us who are DINCs, and it is well appreciated by those
who shop there. Their marketing focus is on high quality and personal
service where, IMHO, they all should be.

--
Wayne Boatwright

"One man's meat is another man's poison"
- Oswald Dykes, English writer, 1709.

Boron Elgar > wrote in
:


>
> People are so ****ing jealous that anyone else - *especially* a parent
> or pregnant woman - gets *any* benefit or courtesy, however minor,
> even one that is so "no skin off my nose" as half dozen parking
> places, that it really shows how perfectly idiotic they are.
>
> Any company worth its salt knows that it is cheaper and easier to keep
> a current customer happy than it is to go out and drum up a new one.
> That is what marketing is all about. There isn't a company out there
> that doesn't do it in some way. Why single out a few parking spaces?
> These stores know who's spending the bucks and they want to encourage
> these spenders. This isn't the Big Government leaning over your
> shoulder, it's plain old Marketing 101. Suck it up.
>
> Boron
>
>

I usually don't do me too posts, but great post Boron. You've said quite a
few things I was thinking. And FWIW I have no children, and have never been
pregnant.

--
Rhonda Anderson
Cranebrook, NSW, Australia

Core of my heart, my country! Land of the rainbow gold,
For flood and fire and famine she pays us back threefold.
My Country, Dorothea MacKellar, 1904

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:58:08 -0400, "biig" > wrote:
>>
>>"sf" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> On Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:16:10 -0400, "biig" > wrote:
>>>
>>>>The children thing at the grocer is stupid.
>>
>> I didn't write that....my post started with "I think the parking
>> spots
>>for expectant mothers is wrong"....Sharon
>
> My attribute was correct. You wrote: Babies R Us always had spots
> near the door for expectant mothers. That was nice. The children
> thing at the grocer is stupid.
>>>
>>> Just bringing them to the grocer is stupid. I used to make play dates
>>> so I could shop alone
I will say again..I did not write the part about Babies R Us....Sharon

Gregory Morrow wrote:
> George Shirley wrote:
>
>> I hate to one-up you folks but I can uncategorically state that I have
>> never, ever been in a Starbucks nor do I ever intend to go into one. I
>> only drink Louisiana's national coffee, Community, and only the dark
>> roast variety with no other additives, no sugar, no milk, no froth, none
>> of the frou-frou that goes with "coffee" today. So there! Hah!
>
>
> Hear, hear, George! I have not bought a Starbuck's product since the early
> 90's, I was going to visit a friend in St. Louis and for a gift I went down
> to the the Loop and bought some of their stuff from the very first
> Starbuck's to open up in Chicago...Starbuck's was this new "exotic" thing.
> Hard to believe now, they are thick on the ground, and I take some
> schadenfreude in their recent troubles. They ran off a coupla very nice
> locally owned coffee places in my neighborhood...
>
> I have a local coffee place on the corner, their prices are half of Starsux
> and they have that old friendly 70's counterculture vibe...
>
> I like my coffee with chicory, "Lousiana - style"...
>
>
Not me, no chicory. It ain't Louisiana style, it's poor folks surviving
the War of Northern Aggression style. It was either chicory or roasted
ground up acorns to make "coffee" back then. Same thing came about
during the great depression according to my FIL. He always liked white
label Luzianne coffee because it had chicory in it, I thought it tasted
terrible myself.

Community dark roast reminds me of the coffee we used to drink in
sidewalk cafes in France but not as good as good Turkish coffee.