Rant and Rave!

Rant "To the couple pushing a toddler in a stroller around Green Lake on Aug. 13. Your little boy was watching a DVD on his lap, complete with headphones for easy listening. Are you kidding me? Your child does not need an activity to keep him occupied while on a walk; the walk is the activity! If your child can't go for 60 minutes without watching TV, you have a big problem. Whatever happened to watching the scenery and talking about what you see? Please, at least give him a book to look at instead."

Rave "To Jennifer and the lobby staff at the Paramount Theatre. When I showed up for 'A Chorus Line' with tickets for the previous night's show by mistake, they were gracious, helpful and compassionate. Since there were seats available, we were able to enjoy the show. Their good customer service was in glaring contrast to the man in the box office who could think of no solution other than for me to buy two more tickets. My mistake, but the lobby staff saved the day."

Rant "To the lady at Sport Clips in Issaquah. I overheard her telling a customer that she routinely cuts people off on I-90 as she merges onto Highway 18 on her commute home. She said, 'It's sometimes backed up two miles; why should I wait that long?' Here's the answer: Because it's the right thing to do! I've always wondered what kind of person does this and never thought I'd hear someone 'out herself' in public this way. There really are people who think their time is more valuable than the rest of us."

Rave "To the Jubilee volunteers in Bellevue who donated time and materials to rebuild my rotted wood walkway in the blistering 95 degree heat Aug. 16. You guys (and gal) rock!"

Rant "To the people in the silver Mercedes who dined at the Northgate Stanfords on Aug. 14. You left your Airedale terrier in your vehicle with the windows cracked on one of the hottest days of the summer. I saw the poor thing was in complete distress, panting and salivating feverishly. I called animal control, who came and found you dining in the restaurant. When confronted you merely rolled down the windows and went back to finish your meal. Do you realize that even on overcast, cooler days, temperatures inside your car can reach 120 to 130 degrees in less than half an hour? Shame on you."

We woof our agreement!

Call in your rants and raves to 206-464-3279 or e-mail us at Rantandrave@seattletimes.com.