Illustration by John Cuneo
Making a living is tough enough without these irritants, distractions, and provocations.
July 2006
By William Swanson
| Merely Annoying: | Asinine: | Hanging Offense: | Sign of the Coming Apocalypse: |
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Girl Scout cookies
This venerated shakedown long ago crossed the annoyance threshold. The cookies are grotesquely overpriced and, let’s be honest, with the exception of the Caramel deLites, they’re mediocre at best.
Coughing, sneezing, runny nose
Why sick days and urgent care were invented. Use them.
Hypochondria
Co-workers who are really sick rarely bore us with the details. They stay home and either get well or die.
Not washing hands
Hygiene 101. Too many people must have skipped the class.
Kids
Hey, we’re parents too, but whoever invented Take Your Daughter/Son to Work Day should have stayed home with the tots.
Religion
Pray on your own time, in your own space. Verily, we say unto you: We’re not interested.
Cell phones
George Bush may want to listen to your private conversations, but we sure don’t. Turn ’em off!