[Round-Up] Cool Or Not Cool?

Now and then we here at FIPS present you, the reader, with some kind of questionable sitch -- babies in bars, cats in bodegas, dancing like a stripper on the subway -- and ask you to weigh in: Is this shit COOL or NOT COOL? Here's how you ladies and fellas responded in the comments section!

CHAIN STORES IN PARK SLOPE: SPLIT DECISION

After a bunch of you bitched about the opening of Petco's Unleashed on 7th Avenue, Erica posed the question of chain stores in Park Slope. She writes, "Here's the thing ppl: I get this desire to support local businesses cause there are a crapload of em around here that I totally, and completely love. But also: I went into Petco Unleashed last weeked and I encountered the following: a bazillion choices; clean, bright, airy aisles, great business hours, free delivery."

When asked if this shit was cool or not cool, the decision was surprisingly split down the middle.

Commenter Jorge explains why he falls in between: "It's a matter of balance.  I have no problem with having some big chain exposure in the neighborhood, especially if its clustered in one area.  Would a part of me LOVE a Gap, Banana Republic, and J Crew in the vicinity of the Barclays Center?  Of course.  How there's not a six-story Baby Gap at the Atlantic Center is beyond me. On the other hand, its a friggin crime when a business as well-regarded and frequented as Park Slope Stationers gets squeezed out in favor of the American Apparel of hamburgers, Five Guys.  That's the type of chain movement I don't want."

THE PROSPECT PARK FOOD TRUCK RALLY:  COOL

When the Grand Army Plaza Food Truck Rally was first announced, some local business owners were PISSED. Melissa Murphy, owner of Sweey Melissa Patisserie told the Brooklyn Paper: “I am paying so much money on rent, and there is a truck parked right outside my door on most days,” she said. “The fact that the community is supporting these non-local vendors is beyond ignorant.”

This debate was such a hot topic that it inspired an event: The Food Trucks vs. Brick & Mortars panel discussion. 

Most of you seemed to be OK with the trucks. Commenter Trucks says, "This rally is a destination.  It attracts people who may or may not be patronizing businesses in Park Slope.  Assuming that it takes business away from particular businesses is a very limited view of the situation." 

CATS IN BODEGAS: COOL

Almost every single one of you said hells yes to cats in bodegas. Why? Commenter MC says, "I'm allergic to cats, and I don't like them at all...  but they're damn good at keeping rodent populations down.  I'd much rather see a cat in a bodega than find rat turds/piss/hair all over everything."

Gogo Gowanus thinks the felines are typically more welcoming than the homosapiens that work there: "I'm with everyone else here so far - totally cool.  Not only for keeping away mice, but giving many otherwise faceless bodegas a little character.  Very often the cats are more welcoming and appreciative of your business than the guy behind the counter on his cell phone."

BANNING SMOKERS FROM...WELL, EVERYWHERE: NOT COOL

Back in May, smokers were officially prohibited from lighting up in parks, beaches and pedestrian plazas, and face up to $50 per violation. Banning smokers from bars and restaurants back in 2002 seemed like a good idea, but was this taking it too far? Most of you said yes. South Slope Boo Ya says, "One thing that New Yorkers have always had pride in is our civil liberties.  It's what separates us from the rest of the country and keeps us on the front stage with the rest of the world.  We think differently, act differently, and exist with more moxie because we've historically been afforded the right to do as we please.  I understand the intention behind the ban, but feel it a bit stifling." I think my favorite reaction, however, was from commenter c'mon: "Man-up a little second hand nicotine will do you good, sounds like you're all as about as much fun as a sand filled vagina."

GETTING INTO A FIST FIGHT DURING YOUR COOP SHIFT?: COOL

When Erica's favorite Slope novelist Amy Sohn tweeted about a rumored fight between two cashiers at the Coop, The Twitterverse fluttered with reaction. @HeyThereKiller wrote, "I'd like to think that it started with the words, GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY KOMBUCHA, YOU CUNT!" But is this kind of behavior OK? Erica says hells yes, as did most of you. Commenter Zzzhhhttt writes, "I'd work more shifts if I could slap a few biznitches around." 

 

V-CHATTING IN A COFFEE SHOP: NOT COOL

Screaming babies, a study group, a few friends holding conversation on a couch -- it's expected noise when one ventures out into public, right? But when it comes to v-chatting the person often speaks SUPER LOUD and because we're only hearing one side of the convo we can't even eavesdrop. Most of you agreed that this shit was not cool. Commenter V-chip says, "Not cool.  The only defense against this is sitting as close to the V-chatter as possible, taking out your cell phone and talking really loud.  In fact, if you pretend that you're talking to the V-chatter, the V-chatter will stop immediately."

 

BANNING ISRAELI PRODUCTS: SPLIT DECISION

It started with some hummus. The debate on whether or not the Coop should boycott Israeli products because of their occupancy in Palestine has been going on for YEARS. Thetruthhurts writes, "I'm 100% in favor or the ban. We already see billion of our tax money go to Israel so they can occupy, murder, destroy and oppress on our dime. What else do they want? I don't buy anything from these people and never will. BTW, 1967 borders already. Quit being such a nazi to the palestinean and maybe I'll think about buying any of these garbage." Commenter get off your high horse feels differently. "Getting all high and mighty and analyzing a conflict as grey as the middle east conflict and saying that Israel is "bad" and this whole thing is simple is ridiculous. These situations are never black and white. To make a statement as bold as banning Israeli products is as extreme as some of the wackos is the middle east right now..."