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Cutting in Line

91X sometimes has these concerts where tickets are only 91 cents. And it usually consists of some pretty good bands.

I went to one years ago, but can't remember the band.

The other night, it was Ida Maria at the Casbah. Not to be confused with Anya Marina, the former DJ (who has a great new CD out right now).

Ida has a song that's getting a lot of buzz. It's called "I Like You Better When You're Naked." And really, who can argue the point?

She sang it on The Tonight Show and dedicated it to Hugh Jackman, who looked embarrassed as he sat there.

It's a great punk tune, with a great bass line and snappy drums. Everyone can relate to lyrics, about how you try to say clever things to someone you find attractive and they don't come out right, etc.

Anyway, I told the few friends I was going to meet there, that shows at the Casbah always seem to sell out (I believe the capacity is around 125). Doors opened at 8:30 p.m. and I told one friend I'd get there at 8:00. I wasn't doing anything earlier in the evening, but I wasn't going to show up before that, just on principle.

There were already about 50 people in line. And two of my friends showed up about 10 minutes later, and hopped into line with me.

I started asking them what the etiquette was on that. One friend preferred I bring up the topic at another time, as she didn't feel comfortable. I told her I didn't mind if the people behind us heard, because I want them to know that I am thinking about them, and not just letting my friends "cut" in line.

To me, I always thought of cutting in line as someone just walking up and cutting in front of you. Or not knowing where the line started, etc. It could also mean that you run into someone you weren't expecting to run into. Both parties act surprised, utter cliches like "What are you doing here?" and give great big hugs. The one in line will say "Stay here with us," as the person uncomfortably looks at the people standing behind them.

As I waited for my friends, I saw two different cars pull up and let a person out to jump in line. The driver then parked the car and joined them five minutes later. Obviously, nobody would have a problem with that. But...what if that car had five people? And what if those five people got to jump in line with the person that held their space, and the show sold-out just after they got their tickets. And the people behind them couldn't get in?

At concerts and clubs, all of this seems to be acceptable. But what would happen if you were at Disneyland, waiting in a long line. And five of your friends came up to join you? I'm guessing the people behind you would throw a fit.

Yet, if those five friends of yours were in line to start with, and then decided to go grab an ice cream and come back in line...nobody would object.

And, even though most people seem to agree that it's okay to hold a persons place in line...I think we all agree that you look like an idiot if you're standing in a parking space, holding it for a car you're expecting.

And we've all thought about just parking there, even if that means knocking the person down that won't move.

Although, the thought of getting my car keyed always keeps me from doing it.

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The couple next door were next: a thick stack of no-fault eviction papers were left taped to their door.

91X sometimes has these concerts where tickets are only 91 cents. And it usually consists of some pretty good bands.

I went to one years ago, but can't remember the band.

The other night, it was Ida Maria at the Casbah. Not to be confused with Anya Marina, the former DJ (who has a great new CD out right now).

Ida has a song that's getting a lot of buzz. It's called "I Like You Better When You're Naked." And really, who can argue the point?

She sang it on The Tonight Show and dedicated it to Hugh Jackman, who looked embarrassed as he sat there.

It's a great punk tune, with a great bass line and snappy drums. Everyone can relate to lyrics, about how you try to say clever things to someone you find attractive and they don't come out right, etc.

Anyway, I told the few friends I was going to meet there, that shows at the Casbah always seem to sell out (I believe the capacity is around 125). Doors opened at 8:30 p.m. and I told one friend I'd get there at 8:00. I wasn't doing anything earlier in the evening, but I wasn't going to show up before that, just on principle.

There were already about 50 people in line. And two of my friends showed up about 10 minutes later, and hopped into line with me.

I started asking them what the etiquette was on that. One friend preferred I bring up the topic at another time, as she didn't feel comfortable. I told her I didn't mind if the people behind us heard, because I want them to know that I am thinking about them, and not just letting my friends "cut" in line.

To me, I always thought of cutting in line as someone just walking up and cutting in front of you. Or not knowing where the line started, etc. It could also mean that you run into someone you weren't expecting to run into. Both parties act surprised, utter cliches like "What are you doing here?" and give great big hugs. The one in line will say "Stay here with us," as the person uncomfortably looks at the people standing behind them.

As I waited for my friends, I saw two different cars pull up and let a person out to jump in line. The driver then parked the car and joined them five minutes later. Obviously, nobody would have a problem with that. But...what if that car had five people? And what if those five people got to jump in line with the person that held their space, and the show sold-out just after they got their tickets. And the people behind them couldn't get in?

At concerts and clubs, all of this seems to be acceptable. But what would happen if you were at Disneyland, waiting in a long line. And five of your friends came up to join you? I'm guessing the people behind you would throw a fit.

Yet, if those five friends of yours were in line to start with, and then decided to go grab an ice cream and come back in line...nobody would object.

And, even though most people seem to agree that it's okay to hold a persons place in line...I think we all agree that you look like an idiot if you're standing in a parking space, holding it for a car you're expecting.

And we've all thought about just parking there, even if that means knocking the person down that won't move.

Although, the thought of getting my car keyed always keeps me from doing it.

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