| Author | Message | ||
     Newneighbor Citizen Username: Newneighbor Post Number: 103 Registered: 3-2003 |
Last night, I was in the ice cream shop @ 7:30 patiently waiting my turn to be served. A woman, somewhere in her 40's, comes into the store, interrupts the couple being served in front of me and asks the employee if he's the only one working the store - she needed to pick up a cake. Once the couple in front of me was finished, the store clerk goes to get her cake. Part of me thought she maybe pre-paid and he's just going to give her the cake and that will be that. No, no. She had not prepaid so basically cut in line, she didn't ask me if I minded since she was in a hurry, etc., etc. Then upon walking out, I was GLARING at her and she said "Thank you for letting me go ahead of you" in this stolid tone - almost like it was acceptable. I was so stunned b/c she NEVER ASKED ME. I was so furious that I didn't even say anything to her b/c I was still in utter shock and there were other customers (ie. small kids) in the store eating their ice cream. While the clerk was getting my ice cream, I finally said something to him. I told him I was not as much angry with him b/c SHE put him in a funny position. So, I needed to get this off my chest. Woman: I don't know who you think you are but next time I see you, I WILL have something and PLENTY to say to you. Message to others: I can understand being in a hurry but there's nothing like manners and simply asking if you could jump ahead since you are in a hurry and it's been one of those days. I have had those days too but to simply disregard a person standing their patiently, it's utterly and absolutely unacceptable, disrespectful and rude. Watch out lady. | ||
| Pdg Citizen Username: Pdg Post Number: 402 Registered: 5-2004  |
and this belongs in the "Please Help" section, why?????? (People generally come here to help, not to be frightened by scary threats. I sure hope I don't look like the person you're now apparently after!) | ||
| Guy Supporter Username: Vandalay Post Number: 1495 Registered: 8-2004  |
I guess in more ways than one, that woman really takes the cake. | ||
| LilLB Citizen Username: Lillb Post Number: 1267 Registered: 10-2002  |
Newneighbor - this is one of my pet peeves - when people just go ahead of you without asking on the premise that their time is more precious than yours. Actually, I even hate it when they ask to get ahead of me because of their ever-so-important needs. It's a level of self-importance that I just can't tolerate. Newsflash -- my time is just as important as yours, so wait in line like everyone else. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2331 Registered: 9-2003  |
Related, self-important, rules-flouting around town behavior: parking illegally on Maplewood Avenue and in front of the Trattoria on the left side of the street illegally -- presumably "just for a minute". The rest of of us drones circle for legit parking, bite the bullet and walk to pick up our take out. Yeah, it's a drag to do the right thing and wait, but it is the right thing. | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 3107 Registered: 5-2001 |
Very occasionally, there are emergencies that justify such behavior in some venues, but I can't envision any that involve ice cream or pizza. | ||
| Ace789nj Citizen Username: Ace789nj Post Number: 239 Registered: 2-2005  |
People like that continue with their •••• until someone puts them in their place. Next time say something to them or just cut right back in front of them | ||
| Jhcmom Citizen Username: Jhcmom Post Number: 39 Registered: 1-2004 |
Another rule-flouting behavior in town is the making of a LEFT turn ino a parking spot on Maplewood Ave. - especially right in front of the sign that says "NO LEFT TURN!!" And why is there never a Police Officer around when people do this. I know if I were to attempt this, one would be waiting for me!!!! The last time my husband reminded someone that he had just made an illegal turn, he was told to go **** himself. (yes, I know this thread belongs in Soapbox, but I couldn't resist) | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2334 Registered: 9-2003 |
It does seem as though we could pick up some serious $$ if the police had the time to ticket for moving/parking violations. Especially on Fri night and all day Saturday...(peak times so to speak). | ||
| jet Citizen Username: Jet Post Number: 1023 Registered: 7-2001 |
Why rant here ? Rollup in the B&^*ts face & tell her where it's at . That's why people like her get away with crap like that, 'cause you let her ! Lifes short, don't be a doormat for the whole run . | ||
| Hank Zona Supporter Username: Hankzona Post Number: 5238 Registered: 3-2002 |
unfortunately, a police officer isnt always there to see the infractions, but I have seen them there and seen them doing something about it...truly remarkable are the idiots who actually see the police there and still do it. Good for your husband, jhc, for saying something. In my experience, noone has aggressively responded to me (I suppose it helps that Im bigger than them usually) and some have actually immediately pulled out of illegal parking spaces. But the idea is to make the people more aware that what they are doing isnt acceptable, and to make them aware that people see them doing it and its not something they can justify by thinking "everyone does it". Same goes for the woman in the ice cream store (by the way, we're Im from, we refer to these people as ***holes). We're all a part of a community...it's a community quality of life responsibility. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 6723 Registered: 5-2001  |
I have people attempt to cut in front of me all the time, especially in places like delis with high counters (I am short). I always say something. A very loud and firm, "I believe I was next" works every time. | ||
| Newneighbor Citizen Username: Newneighbor Post Number: 104 Registered: 3-2003 |
Sorry, yes, this should have been in soapbox. I also go to please help so I think I automatically defaulted. My bad. The funny thing is that I am a very independent person who is not afraid to share my opinion but for some reason, I was absolutely stunned into submission. Very strange. Amen on the parking thing. | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 3969 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hank, it's kind of like the ILLEGAL drop offs in front of Tuscan...Grrrr....if I opened my mouth as often as I wanted to everyone would refer to me as the b!tch (at least everyone who doesn't already). | ||
| las Citizen Username: Las Post Number: 928 Registered: 10-2003 |
Newneighbor - this is just the kind of thing that will eat you up for hours. And you know at the time that if you don't say something you'll kick yourself for it. After last night, I doubt you'll get stunned into silence again - you've pretty much seen it all! | ||
| Camnol Citizen Username: Camnol Post Number: 226 Registered: 3-2005 |
This summer, my husband and I were sitting on a bench in front of the Gate, waiting for our table. Some guy in a red Toyota coming up Maplewood Ave from Baker noticed that a car would be leaving an angled spot. We watched as the red Toyota stopped, right in front of the No Left Turn sign and blocked traffic, while he waited for the car to pull out. Traffic started coming down Maplewood Ave, so to make sure none of those cars took his spot, the guy pulled into the oncoming lane--blocking both sides of the street for a good 3 minutes, so he could pull illegally into the spot. Got out with his dinner companion and a bottle of wine and sauntered up to Samuri Sushi. We couldn't believe the nerve. I'm getting more and more frustrated by rude, entitled behavior and it seems to be everywhere. It's as though most people think that the rules are for other people, and they only follow them if punishment is involved. At our previous school (in deep suburbia) the princpal used to send pleading notes home, begging parents not to park and leave their cars in the drop-off line, yet it happened every day! Since there wasn't an official out there to grab the offenders by the ear, people did what they darn well pleased--screwing things up for the rest of us. Grrr. | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2944 Registered: 12-2004  |
I agree with everyone about everything here! When I first moved here, I didn't realize the left turn in to the parking spots in town was illegal. I did it once, and a cop was on my like white on rice. Never did it again. I've seen it happen so many times since then and nothing is done. Very frustrating! Here's another one of my favorites: Went to the grocery store yesterday to buy 5 items. Got on the "express" line, only to discover the arsehole in front of me had at least double the 12 item limit. The cashier didn't say a word and neither did the front-end manager who was at her podium one aisle away! Then why bother to create a special lane for small orders if no one enforces it. And I was with my kids and wasn't interested in getting in to a confrontation so I didn't say anything either. But then, it's not really my "job" is it? | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 12403 Registered: 1-2003  |
VIG, maybe it's better to be the bitch than the pushover. It might make little difference to you, and it would be for the rude people's betterment. It's true that we polite people get stunned into silence, and the rude people know -- on some level, probably unconscious -- that they are taking advantage of us. That's how they operate. | ||
| ess Citizen Username: Ess Post Number: 1050 Registered: 11-2001 |
It's one thing to allow someone to go ahead of you. It's quite another when they just push ahead without regard for anyone else. Infuriating. In situations like this, I usually do what Greenetree does and state, politely but firmly, "I believe I was next." There is no reason for the polite people in this world to get pushed around by the rude ones (of which, sadly, there are too many). | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 8575 Registered: 4-1997  |
It was the clerk's responsibility to ask her to wait in line. | ||
| summerbabe Citizen Username: Summerbabe Post Number: 52 Registered: 7-2005 |
Here's a driving annoyance that I've encountered many times and this seems like a good thread in which to discuss it. If you are driving down Maplewood Ave. headed towards town from the Jefferson Ave. blinking light, you clearly have the right of way going straight. The next person to have the right of way would be anyone making a right onto Maplewood Ave. from Durand. The LAST people to have the right of way are drivers making a left onto Maplewood Ave. from the train parking lot. And yet I cannot count the times these selfish people coming out of the train lot pull right out, making a left onto Maplewood Ave., disregarding everyone else at the intersection. I've been both on Maplewood Ave. going straight and had people pull right out in front of me during rush hour from that lot, and I've been the person making a right, letting the drivers coming down Maplewood Ave go first, and what happens? People from that train lot go instead! It's really unbelievably rude. I understand it gets backed up and you have a clusterf**k there at rush hour sometimes and people get impatient, but there are rules for a reason. Sorry, I had to vent. This happened again just the other night. | ||
| mantram Citizen Username: Mantram Post Number: 215 Registered: 8-2003  |
It is never very clear in the ice cream store as to who is being served, who is paying and who is waiting to be served. People stroll up and down taking their time to decide on a flavor and this creates confusion for the store clerks and the people in line. Although this was not exactly the case with newneighbor, I'd give the line cutter the benefit of the doubt. | ||
| sportsnut Citizen Username: Sportsnut Post Number: 2308 Registered: 10-2001  |
VIG - Did you see the police out in front of Tuscan yesterday morning? The cop turned on his siren and waited patiently until people dropped of their kids and moved on. Its the same thing at the Y. People will park in the handicapped spots when there are no spots available rather than park on the street and walk the 100 feet or so. I've even seen them park in the handicapped spots when there are spots available. Its annoying. | ||
| Newneighbor Citizen Username: Newneighbor Post Number: 105 Registered: 3-2003 |
Normally I'd completely agree with you on this one but in those instances, normally people glance in your direction as if to say, "you next or am I?" or they flat out ask. But in last night's case, he was the only clerk, she knew he was the only clerk b/c she asked and she did come in last interrupting him while he was scooping the ice cream for the people in front of me. She absolutely knew what she was doing... But Mantram, I agree with you. Most of us have manners and can get caught up in tight spaces regarding who's next. I'm glad I got this off my chest b/c I was so burning up about it. Thanks all for listening... | ||
| darrensager Citizen Username: Darrensager Post Number: 289 Registered: 11-2001 |
I flew back from Atlanta yesterday and when I got into the plane, I found someone sitting in my seat. I did a double check of my ticket to make sure that it was my seat before I said something. I politely said to the guy sitting in my seat, " I think that you're sitting in my seat. Are you supposed to be in 9D?" If you fly and you've been on a 737 with 6 seats across, the C and D seats are the aile seats, and there is a diagram above the seats to show which is which. The guy snapped back to me, "I'm in 9F" I said, "I do believe that you're in 9D. There's a guide up here that shows you're sitting in 9D." The guy stands up and looks at the guide, and says, "NO! This is 9F, you're in the window seat!" So, reluctantly I snapped back, "No, do you see this guide. The guy standing represents the aile, the little opening here represents the window. 9F is the window seat." I didn't like snapping at the guy but he was a jerk and needed to be put in his place. I was extremely pleasant the rest of the flight. Maybe next time he should be open minded. He took his window seat. | ||
| slipknot (slippy) Citizen Username: Zotts Post Number: 247 Registered: 7-2004  |
In regards to the train station, I often drive up on Maplewood and see the cars exiting the train station, but I tend to let them in since there is usually a line of cars waiting to get I just feel this is more polite. Since there is invariably a car waiting on Maplewood in town waiting for a car to pull out (they haven't got junior strapped into the car seat yet, but whatever). They'll have to wait anyway. I would prefer if the police would be more vigilan t with the speeders on our streets. It seems it would be simple to put up some cameras to take these pictures. On academy street the drivers are doing 40 in a 25mph zone by a school, that has got to be a big ticket there. | ||
| mickey Citizen Username: Mickey Post Number: 395 Registered: 10-2001 |
Cynical girl, I stopped going to the Trattoria for awhile after a confrontation with an I'm-so-important-SUV-drivin'-illegal- parkin' woman. I was legally parallel parking right near the ATM when she pulls right in front of the Tratt (on the left side of the street) and then WAILS on her horn at me as I was backing into my legal space. Seems my front end came a little close to her colossal illegally parked tank. (she apparently didn't care I was there first, ready to pull into my legal spot) When we got into the Trat, (and of course she got there first) I said, "I'm sorry if my legal parking inconvenienced your ILLEGAL parking." I was calm, but angry. She told me to mind my own business. I told her when her illegal parking made it dangerous for me to park legally it made it my business. Then she called me a bad name and left. Angelo heard this whole exchange and I told him it was very frustrating to find a legal spot only to see people pulling up in front all the time. He said I was right, but really he just shrugged it off. So, Angelo: how about a sign on your front door which says: Welcome to the Village Trattoria. We appreciate your business. Please park in legal spaces only, even for take out orders. | ||
| Case Citizen Username: Case Post Number: 1086 Registered: 2-2005 |
Darren - good for you! You've got to have fun with those situations... if the person reacts like he's right and you're an idiot then it is your DUTY AS AN AMERICAN to make him feel as stupid as humanly possible. This isn't sarcasm - I really mean it. | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2947 Registered: 12-2004 |
How about the cops just drive by more frequently during the hours when people are pulling this stunt (which is a lot of hours) and do something about it! My favorite are those folks who double park after they've let someone out to run in and get the food. Hey, drive around the block a few times until your party comes back out with the food--don't just sit there blocking the street! Or how about Trattoria starts delivering, then most people will have no reason to run in just to pick-up. Like Cynical Girl, I'm one of those idiots who drives in circles for hours searching for that illusive legal Friday evening parking spot. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 5724 Registered: 5-2001  |
I was the woman in the ice cream shop. I had to rush because the woman I cut off making a left from the train station parking lot and the guy I cut off making an illegal left into the parking spot were hunting me down. Please get out of my way at all times. Thanks. | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2948 Registered: 12-2004 |
 That's a good one mem. But clearly this person has no concept that there are actually other people inhabiting the planet with her. | ||
| blackcat Citizen Username: Blackcat Post Number: 488 Registered: 6-2001 |
I love the Trattoria but sometimes it does get bad just trying to pick up an order. Most people are polite if you ask if they've placed their order and are just waiting, etc. I asked the woman who was the only person standing waiting to give her name for pick up if she had let them know that she was here..they were busy and she politely was waiting for a break. So this schmuck walks in-doesn't look at anyone, goes right up to the counter and announces his name for his food. I said to the woman that was there first: Gee, isn't it nice to know we have the gift of invisiblity." The guy got flustered and said "Oh I didn't see you there waiting" I said "You didn't bother to look, that's why." I hate that entitlement attitude. If the woman in the ice cream shop was in a rush..she should have given herself more time...I feel bad for the clerk in that situation. You know he secretly wanted the customers to tell her off  | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 1893 Registered: 6-2002  |
mem, was that you in front of the Trattoria, too? Nothing worse than queue-cutters. I saw a VERY bad argument in Florida that nearly resulted in a fistfight over somebody cutting in line. (at the Astronaut Hall of Fame ... ) The cut-ees were British. Never, repeat never, cut in front of anybody from the UK. It is the only capital offense they stil have over there. I don't think I've ever seen such righteous rage in my life ... | ||
| Meandtheboys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 2949 Registered: 12-2004 |
CLK, is a "cut-ee" the person who does the cutting, or the person who is cut in upon? | ||
| CLK Supporter Username: Clkelley Post Number: 1894 Registered: 6-2002 |
The person who was cut upon. I.e., somebody cut in front of the Brits and learned to regret this choice. | ||
| jet Citizen Username: Jet Post Number: 1024 Registered: 7-2001 |
I will say this . This kind of behavior that is being discussed here grows exponentially once one crosses over the Millburn border. | ||
| doulamomma Citizen Username: Doulamomma Post Number: 953 Registered: 3-2002 |
I've posted this before, but I was in Starbucks in SO this summer - work day morning, long queue...some guy races in, tie not yet done, cell phone in hand & says in an important voice,"hey everybody - I'm late for my train - gotta jump in here" & he does - OMG I had to really reach deep (was with my kids) not to let him know how little I cared about his sceduling difficulties Once in the city I was in a cab (AM traffic, on my way to an interview) & we stopped at a light or for traffic...the door is opened & a frenzied woman hurls herself inside...she's overslept & is late for her important meeting at Calvin Klein - has been late a lot & can't be late again or else...still has sheet marks on her cheek & was puting on makeup...I had plenty of time & it was on the way so I said it was fine to go to her stop first...when she got out, the cab driver turned & said that it was good I had been calm & accomodating - he was a veteran NYC detective or officer & felt she was unbalanced & a potential threat - I just think she was just desperate ...kind of weird situation though | ||
| catmanjac Citizen Username: Catmanjac Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2004  |
When sighting illegal parking or moving violations, take down the license plate number and make/model of the car, and time and location of the incident. You can sign a summons at the police station. You may have to appear in court and identify the driver, but justice will be served. A word to the wise: Be very careful confronting a rude violator or pushy person. Several years ago a PATH police officer was shot because he asked a rider to put out his cigarette. There are crazies out there who wouldn't think twice about doing you harm. | ||
| Cynicalgirl Citizen Username: Cynicalgirl Post Number: 2336 Registered: 9-2003 |
I'm pleased to know I'm not the only one PO'ed by the Trattoria parking/pick up situation. I've largely stopped going there for Friday nights due to inability to park. Sometimes, though, we're really in the mood so I buck up and park way up the street or behind the bank. Mickey, I agree that it would be good if Angelo put some muscle behind the issue (or a cop started hanging there on Friday from 5:30 on to issue tickets/move them along). I absolutely LOATHE food/wine foraging in Maplewood on Friday night. | ||
| mickey Citizen Username: Mickey Post Number: 397 Registered: 10-2001 |
Cyn, food/wine foraging. It's exactly what I do! LOL.  |
