Nosey Parkers

I first came across this phrase while working with my counterparts in Canada when I found they all had a folder in their home with a variation of the name such as:

noZparker.not

noparkering

stay-out-you-nosy-parker

With a quick internet search I soon found many historical references to this derogatory nickname that covers everything from busybody up to capitol murder and anything in between.

In addition to the old fashion Nosey Parkers who should mind their own business I have discovered a new breed that deserves the same name with a different twist, the people who park their cars with the nose half way across the sidewalk. They must be worried about some car hitting them in the butt but that hardly ever does happen in the real world and the price is paid by the poor pedestrian who can’t get around all those hood ornaments adorning the sidewalks around town. It might make sense at 7-11 but Wal-Mart?

Some people think they need to touch the curb with the tires. This may be loosely based on the idea of parking on a hill with the tire turned into the curb but in a flat parking lot it is not necessary. Some people will force the tire to touch the curb at all costs in spite of obvious damage to the license plate and bumper. But even when there is plenty of clearance why would it be necessary to take up most of the side walk? They must have to use that same sidewalk to get in the same building. I try to find the silver lining of the situation with a scientific appreciation of the bug collection in the radiator grill.

I myself am a frequent parker and though I love to complain about other people’s parking skill and lack thereof, I equally hate having to admit that I am guilty too when it comes to bad parking. One can only assume the Nosy Parkers of the world know what they are doing and don’t need a lecture or good advice. Even if they are unaware of their crime how can we tell them without being a Nosey Parker in return. In fact the real nosy parker in all of this is the one who declared the cheese was cut in the first place.