Can't find a parking spot? Get a hybrid ... or a baby.

pioneer press ^ | 03/02/2011 | Bob Shaw

[george76]

New types of restricted slots are popping up in local parking lots, but not everyone's a fan.

When confronted with politically correct parking, Alyson Yaman was fed up. "It's pretentious," Yaman said after lugging her 18-month-old daughter past several empty parking spaces reserved for "fuel efficient" cars and "car pools."

What, for example, does "fuel efficient" mean?

[AGreatPer]

Lighten up. What did you do when you were a kid? I know, you don't remember. You sound like one of those miserable magpies.

The sound of children is music to me.

[dragnet2]

I will say that a lot of people have handicaps you cannot see - heart problems, diabetic neuropathy.

Good grief...We need a disabled parking sign for those with temporary health issues, like sprained ankles, migraine headaches, arthritis acting up, sore backs, gout, and painful feet, and the overweight who are having difficulty walking in to buy more food...

[rockrr]

When I see those “Hybrid only” parking spots I try to take two of them ;-)

[reg45]

I have an Accord hybrid. It drives like a regular car but gets about 20% better fuel economy and I can park in the high efficiency spaces.

[zeugma]

What, for example, does "fuel efficient" mean?

Indeed. Which is more "efficient"?

1.  a minivan that gets 25 MPG with 6 passengers

2. a hybrid that gets 40 MPG, but only has one passenger?

[j-damn]

This is so moronic. People should just ignore it just like those idiots who park their giant size SUVs in the COMPACT spots, which actually are physically smaller.

Able bodied people should park in the furthest spot away anyway and walk for the exercise.

I’ve also noticed that if municipalities want to make some dough, just put a cop outside any establishment selling liquor and ticket all the lazy drunks who insist on parking their car right on the curb, clearly marked FIRE LANE or NO PARKING. Seriously, dipsos, can you not read?

[AGreatPer]

I just re-read how I replied to to and I appoligize. It reads like an attack. I didn't mean that.

Here is a little tip that I use when kids are annoying in a super market. And they are.

Stop and just stand there looking at something.
It is amazing how fast people go through a store.
I find if I just STOP the world seems to just pass me by.

[Cyber Liberty]

I had a total hip replacement last June. I’ve recovered to the point I can walk a straight line and look like nothing’s wrong. Throw a ball in front of a few feet and the pain of trying to twist my gait avoid it is rough business.

I like kids too, but I can’t stand there for long to wait them out. I just try to go to the store when there aren’t that many people. That’s when the young Mommies are out in force, too. I used to carry my cane just to ward them off.

[BobL]

I know it’s illegal to park in a Wheelie Space without a permit...but what about the others?

Here in Texas, if it ain’t a Wheelie Space and it is open, I take it. I DARE any supermarket to challenge me (and thus lose my business)...and they’re not that stupid.

[AGreatPer]

I now use the riding machine. I avoided it using a walker for a long time but found out I can get to the back of the store but can't make it back.
I put my pride aside and use it.
I hate this gettin' old stuff. Nobody told me it was gonna hurt.
Sounds like I'm complaining. Not. It goes with the territory. Appreciate what I have. Family and friends.

[Cyber Liberty]

I should have mentioned I’m a crank that just turned 53...I hate the getting old business, too.

[Balding_Eagle]

Just stop for a moment. I couldn;t agree with you more.

This idea that children should be polite and thoughtful of their elders is just soooooooooo old fashioned.

May your ideas spread to encompass the entire populace.