Root-Root-Root for the Home Team... or Don't.

I love this time of year! The weather is getting warmer, the grass is greener, the flowers are starting to bloom and best of all, baseball season is here! You're probably thinking ‘all of those things sound pleasant, so what could they possibly have to do with this blog?’ Well...

A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook friends to give me some ideas for new blog posts about who should not be allowed out in public. I got a ton of wonderful responses and I can tell my friends have some pent up anger... you're welcome for the cathartic activity.

Anyway, one of my roommates promptly responded "Dodger Fans." I just about died laughing! (Just so you know, I am a San Francisco Giants fan. I also live with a bunch of ladies, who, if they ever cut themselves, I'm sure would bleed orange and black!) 

From: http://bleacherreport.com/gallery/Atlanta+Braves+v+San+Francisco+Giants,+Game+2

I got to thinking in the midst of my laughter... maybe they (Dodger fans) really shouldn't be allowed out in public, and I'm not just saying that because I would rather eat worms than cheer for them! 

Here's my reasoning: Bryan Stow. 

If you don't know the name or don't know the story, you're probably not a Giants fan and I suppose I can forgive you for that; everyone has their flaws.

Bryan Stow is a father, a husband and a Giants fan. Until last year he was also a paramedic, but he is no longer someone that is responsible for helping save the lives of others. Instead, Stow, is in a health care facility recovering from brain damage that he endured after a brutal attack on opening day last year at Dodgers' stadium.

He proudly sported his team’s colors and rooted for them as they took on the Dodgers that day. As he was leaving he was attacked in the parking lot and beaten to within an inch of his life by two Dodger fans. They too were husbands and fathers (maybe they should go on my poor parenting post too. I hate to think what they do at their kid's games). 

Now, I love my team as much as the next person, but I am in no way willing to cause another person physical harm because they cheer for another team (yes, even Dodger fans)! Don't get me wrong, I'll probably give you a stink-eye, maybe heckle you a little bit, but that's it. Physical violence is completely unacceptable. 

Bryan Stow on Opening Day at AT&T Park 2012

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first, nor will it be the last, instance of violence or threats to fans or athletes, because people are such incredibly poor sports and often they are just plain stupid… yeah, I said it. 

Some other instances of CRAZY fans:

• Death threats via Twitter to San Francisco 49er, Kyle Williams.

From: http://divadeesdiscussions.com/2012/01/23/san-francisco-fan-threatens-49ers-wide-receiver-when-tweeting-goes-too-far/

     - First, these came from 49er “fans.” Ok, I can understand being incredibly disappointed and pissed off but to threaten another human being’s life is just ridiculous! 

     - Second, clearly these people were not pro athletes, and heck, they probably never even made it further than their high school team… reserve your judgment, because you clearly weren’t good enough to ever know what that kind of pressure is like.

     - Three, via Twitter, really?! Cowards. 

     - Oh, and even if you added an apostrophe to 'you're' it would still be wrong. Figure it out

• Raider Fans in "The Black Hole", ‘nough said.

Jed Jacobsohn - Getty Images

I will say this, I know that not every fan is a nut! Plenty of us, Dodger fans included, can go and sit through a game (yes, it's only a game) without getting into an altercation. However, my point is: If you can’t control yourself at sporting events YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC. No one should have to be worried about what they wear, or when they choose to clap during a game. 

One more person who isn’t specifically mentioned, but that SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC: John Steigerwald, I'm looking at you! Blaming a victim for his attack because he was wearing an out of town jersey?! And publishing your stupid comments while he is fighting for his life? Class-less. Find a new profession. 

Phuckin Phelps

It is Easter Sunday. I thought it might be fitting to talk about something religious today, but I was having a really hard time thinking of anything having to do with religion that I thought shouldn't be allowed out in public. I typically believe in the First Amendment and peoples' rights to free speech or to exercise their chosen religion. Then, it hit me!

I apologize in advance to people who are truly religious. Please know that I understand that the following is not a reflection of the way the vast majority of Christians think.

There is a "church" based out of Topeka, Kansas called Westboro Baptist Church (WB).

Its leader: Fred Phelps.

Its message: God Hates F-gs (Once again, I apologize. It makes me physically cringe to write that and I wouldn't if it weren't relevant).

This group is best known for picketing military funerals, especially those of openly gay service people. Just last year the Supreme Court of our United States ruled that they have the right to do so because they are using their freedom of expression to make their political beliefs known. I typically do not have problems with others' First Amendment rights, but this group makes my blood boil! What many people probably don't know, is that this group does not just target the funerals of military personnel. This group has stooped to new lows by picketing the funerals of civilians who have nothing to do with their hateful message.

Westboro Baptist clergy members at Bri's memorial
Photo by Candice Towell

Four years ago I walked through the February snow with frozen tears stuck to my cheeks to say a final goodbye to a dear friend of mine, Brianna Denison. A week before, Bri's body was found in a field in southern Reno, NV. A month before that, I had gotten the news that she was missing. Someone had taken her as she slept on a friend's couch.

Now, Brianna was not a member of the U.S. Military, nor was she gay. Even though she had neither of these two things in common with people Phelps' group typically targeted, many of the thousands of people who came to pay their respects to her that evening, were forced to walk by a small group of the WB minions who held signs filled with messages of hate and fear. 

Phelps' reasoning for sending his members to Bri's memorial service was crazy to say the least. WB claimed that reason for Bri's murder was punishment from God for one of their members being injured at a Reno protest months prior. He was hurt by counter protesters, and WB felt that the Reno Police Department did nothing to stop it. This, to them, meant that RPD tolerated homosexuality, therefore the entire city of Reno did, and so everyone in the city was a candidate for God's wrath. What a bunch of crap!

Shielding Angels
Photo by Candice Towell

The crazy may have fooled some people, but what this group really wanted was attention. They used the publicity from a high profile kidnapping/murder case, and a city's grief, to make the news. Congratulations, a-holes, you made the news!

Thankfully, the majority of the coverage they got was actually about the counter protest. A group called Shielding Angels (pictured right) showed up and formed a makeshift barrier between the WB members and memorial attendees. This way mourners would not have to see the disturbing signs at the end of an ordeal that was already so greatly disturbing.

To the Shielding Angels: Thank you.

To Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist "Church": 

YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC! 

How dare you come to funerals to promote your stupid agenda! Have some courage; don't prey on the dead and the grieving. Don't try to rationalize a senseless act committed by a sick freak by claiming that it was God's wrath, especially because you knew nothing about Bri! She was one of the most kind hearted people I have ever known, and yes, tolerant of people from all walks of life. 

My only suggestion to you nuts: If you think America is too tolerant of homosexuals and is doomed, why don't you leave?!

Perhaps a one way ticket to the the Sun?
Photo

Seriously. Just go away.

Save Your Compliment; I'll Take Cash Instead

Roommate, E: "$0 on $109!"

Me: "Wait. $0 on $109?!"

We continued on like this for a few more minutes. Same words, with a few added expletives each time.

Let me explain. My roommate, E, is a server at a place we will just call Better Than Sizzler, Too Cheap for Stark's. This was a conversation that we had this past week, and the week before, and... Actually we have this conversation far too often! The above amounts we were discussing were people's check amounts and the tip they left her, or didn't leave. NOT OK.

If you are not shocked by those figures, perhaps you are thinking, 'Maybe she didn't deserve a tip. Maybe she's a horrible server.'

Photo

Maybe your mind went where mine did, and so I asked her, "Were you mean to them?" I know she can get a little sassy sometimes! 

"Nope!" In fact, E further explained that as she dropped the check, this group had complimented her on her "great service
!" Not just quickly or in passing, but that they had made a point to stop her and tell her what a good job she did. They then proceeded to give her NOTHING as a tip. 

To these people and anyone else who thinks it is ok to give a compliment, rather than a tip that will pay the rent, aka cash: YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC!

... Or anywhere for that matter. Photo credit

As someone who has worked in the restaurant industry, I can't tell you how extremely annoying the above scenario is! It's also annoying when people simply have no idea how to tip so here are a few tips (excuse the pun) if you ever dine out:

• According to itipping.com leaving between 15-20% is appropriate. You're welcome. 

I tend to go with: 15% as a "WOW, you really suck! I'd leave you nothing, but that's rude." 20% as a "Good job! Thanks!" and 20+% "You were amazing and friendly! Thank you SO much!"

• Research appropriate tipping for different countries and different situations (bars, salons, spas, hotels, etc.)

Don't forget to tip when you order to go! Yes, someone is still making your food and putting it all together for you, sometimes when they could be taking another table.

• The economy may be in a slump, but if you still dine out, the service has not changed. 

Let me repeat that, THE SERVICE HAS NOT CHANGED. Since this is true, it is not appropriate to tip less than you would have 8(ish) years ago. The people on the restaurant staff are being affected by the economy too and they probably don't wait tables for fun. 

• What I'm really trying to stay is: if you cannot afford to tip appropriately, that's sad, but you really need to live within your means so stay home and cook your own meal!

zazzle.com

I hope none of you are non tipping offenders, but if you are here's a not so fun fact: while a fairy doesn't die every time you don't tip, your server is actually paying for you to eat if you don't. Let me explain (I'm feeling like Kevin Hart right about now): Many restaurants require their servers to tip out a certain percentage of their sales, not the cash they have in their hand. This means that if you don't tip your server, your dinner check is still included in the amount that they have to tip out! 

One more thing: don't EVER snap your fingers at your server (or anyone)! That is a very quick way for your order to magically "get lost" and you to get the worst service of your life, and no one will feel bad!

In conclusion, I feel that all people should be required to work in a restaurant for at least 6 months in high school. This way, people will know what it's like and perhaps have some empathy for the people who serve them, because servers are people too. If you can't remember that, or to tip appropriately, do us all a favor and STAY HOME!

When Plan B Fails: Parents Who Were Not Meant To Be

I stopped at Target after work this weekend to pick up a few essentials and on my way out of the parking lot I noticed one of my all time, biggest pet peeves: bad parenting. I don't have any kids of my own yet so I really can't understand how tough it is to be a parent, but some of the people I see out and about, should not be allowed out in public. The particular sight in the parking lot was that of a younger (but not "16 and Pregnant" young) mother almost dropping her baby and its carrier as she struggled to light a cigarette! 

Really, lady?! 

Photo from craptasticmommy.com

A: You shouldn't be smoking around your infant 

B: Your child is more important than your nicotine fix.

I gave her my best stink eye as I drove by thinking about the dangers of second hand smoke, the potential harm she was causing her child, and whether or not it was grounds for calling CPS...?

Unfortunately, this Marlboro Mommy is not the only careless parent I have ever seen. She actually reminded me of another incident I witnessed this past Fall. 

It was a mild, but sunny day in late October. I was leaving Subway struggling to find my keys in my ginormous purse and balance my drink. I glanced at the truck parked next to me with, the back window tinted and the rest rolled up all the way. I saw a small dog bouncing around in the cab, what a jerk! Who leaves their dog in the car with all of the windows rolled up on a sunny day? I couldn't believe my eyes as I focused my eyes on the car seat with a tiny, sleeping, human BABY!!! I panicked.

Photo from adamgoldfein.com

I looked around to see if I could find the owner of the car. I didn't see anyone obvious so I just stood there staring at the car, hoping someone would notice that I had noticed their negligence. After a few minutes I got in my car to see if I was overreacting to the temperature; no, thought it wasn't hot out the car was definitely warm from the sunshine. 

I figured the irresponsible parent must be in Subway so I just stared at everyone in line and kept staring back at the truck. As I prepared to get out of my car and go make a huge scene in Subway/call the police, a man who looked like he was in the beginning stages of a meth addiction, came out staring at me like I was the one in the wrong! He and I stared at each other long and hard as he sat in the truck with the door propped open. Finally satisfied that at least he had noticed his child, I drove away. 

Picture from myinnershakti.com

I'm not entirely sure why, but I began to cry hysterically on my way home. I sat in my driveway and called the person I usually call when I'm feeling conflicted, my mom (don't judge me, you probably do too!) 

I felt like I coward, completely spineless. How could I have just driven away without saying anything to this man about him being such an idiot?!  Didn't he know that children, especially infants, die of heat stroke? Didn't he care? What would have happened if I had confronted him? Was the baby still sitting there? Why didn't I get his license plate number to report him? I rambled on hysterically for a few minutes as my mom tried to calm me down. Sensing that I wasn't going to be satisfied until I knew the baby was no longer sitting in a warm car, she told me to go back and see. If it was, she told me NOT confront the idiot but to simply call the police (one never knows how someone is going to react, especially when you challenge their parenting skills, or lack thereof). I sped back to Subway. The truck, the baby, and the idiot were gone. 

It still makes me physically ill to think about the possibilities of what could have happened if he decided to sit down and have his sandwich inside or I hadn't stared him down long enough to make him come out to the truck. I'm still mad at my cowardess, but I unfortunately can't take it back all I can do is hope that he learned, the baby is ok, and that if it happens again the person who see it will report him.

Now, I try not to pass too much judgement on those I don't truly understand, but in the case of bad parenting, I can't help it! Parents are supposed to be responsible for caring for their children and putting their needs above their own. I feel like if I, as a childless 24 year old, can tell that something is wrong, they should be able to also.

Finally, though not a smoker, I can empathize with the fact that it's probably a difficult habit to kick, but if you're going to smoke as a parent, you shouldn't be anywhere near your child! Secondly, I do have two younger nephews, and a handful of young cousins so I understand that waking up a sleeping baby is not ideal. However, if you can't wait until after your baby is done napping to get food,  at least go to a place with curbside take out so you don't have to leave your infant in the car!

I would tell bad parents that they should not be allowed out in public, but I'd really rather they are out where I can see them. 

Picture from rehobothwatch.com

I will say this, "Next time I will not hesitate for an instant to call the police if I see you endangering or neglecting your child!"

How Is This Fair?

I don’t know whether to be happy or bummed that people just weren’t that annoying since last time I posted! I went about my week with minimal annoyance, aside from getting pulled over for playing with my earring (long story, but he was just doing his job and I didn’t get a ticket, so I’ll spare RPPD).

The only thing that really bugged me this week was flipping through channels and having to see Kim Kardashian’s pretty face! I was not annoyed because I’m jealous of her airbrushed beauty or the life she leads (though, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat envious). It just reminded me of how much I dislike her. Obviously, I don’t know her, and she may actually be a pleasant person, but I really am starting to think that SHE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED OUT IN PUBLIC.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am as guilty as most females my age, of sitting down in front of the TV and getting my fix of one of the Kardashians’ shows. I can deal with her being shallow, materialistic, and one of those celebrities who you just don’t see giving back. However, what I can’t deal with is her complete disrespect for the institution of marriage and rubbing that disrespect in the public’s face. My dislike for Kim K. really didn’t start until the “Fairytale Wedding Special” and subsequent 72-day marriage! How dare she.

Some of you reading most likely know someone who has had a marriage fail, I do too, so please don’t think I am judging all people who have had a marriage end in divorce; I’m not. If you gave it your all and it didn’t work out, so be it. 72 days is not enough time to give it your all. And, yes, I’m judging because it makes me mad!

There are same sex couples in the country, and in the world, who have been together for 20+ years and are not yet able to enjoy the right to get legally married and have it recognized at a federal level. Though things are looking up (this week the US Circuit Court of Appeals took a big step in the right direction by declaring that Prop 8 is indeed unconstitutional) there is still a long road ahead.

Phyliss Siegel & Connie Kopelov: Together 23 Years and Counting
Michael Appelton Photo

So, to Kim K., Kris Humphries, and every other straight person who makes an absolute mockery out of the institution of marriage: First, count your blessings that you can actually get married. Two, maybe you all shouldn’t be allowed out in public...

Kim's pic for the NOH8 Campaign. Ironic?
Adam Bouska Photo

Welcome to my blog!

If you haven't already guessed what this blog is about, I will be picking a person each week that should probably not be allowed in public based on a specific annoying, rude, or otherwise bad behavior they exhibit. Yes, these will be real people that I have encountered or that people I know tell me about. My hope is that this will not simply be a place to rant about things that bug me, but that you will be able to relate to some of the things I write about; maybe they are bugging you too, or maybe you are guilty of the behavior I'm talking about. Don't be ashamed if you are. The first step to solving problems is to realize that they exist. Perhaps by bringing attention to these particular behaviors, I can help rid them from the world around me and maybe I can even offer some solutions that are not simply staying at home and out of the public eye.

Happy reading.

- Maya

PS: Be on your best behavior when out and about, or you could end up on my blog.