FARK.com: (7430623) You might think that electrical outlet next to a picnic table in the park is there for public use. Think again. It's a trap

If you can read this, either the style sheet didn't load or you have an older browser that doesn't support style sheets. Try clearing your browser cache and refreshing the page.

		You might think that electrical outlet next to a picnic table in the park is there for public use. Think again. It's a trap (heraldtribune.com)		265
		More: Florida, picnic tables, Darren Kersey, Sarasota Police Department, National Coalition for the Homeless, pavilions, Anthony Frangioni

• • •

28684 clicks; posted to Main » on 12 Nov 2012 at 10:55 PM | Favorite | share:

Share this link:

URL:

http://fark.com/go/7430623

Bookmark:

Article Comments close

265 Comments (+0 »)

View Voting Results: Smartest and Funniest

Archived thread

First | « | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | » | Last | Show all

Carlip		2012-11-12 09:09:41 PM

Caught drinking from a public water fountain? You better believe that a taserin'.

sparkeyjames		2012-11-12 09:38:02 PM

The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

Babwa Wawa		2012-11-12 09:41:39 PM

dahmers love zombie		2012-11-12 10:12:53 PM

It is not difficult for homeless advocates to point out that people with money are treated differently by city officials: for those able to afford an electric car, Sarasota offers free electrical power at vehicle charging stations throughout the city, including one at City Hall.

Fark you, Sarasota. Oh, and the police report pretty clearly indicates that the homeless guy got charged because he told the cop to "find something better to do". Once again, a citizen is charged with Contempt of Cop. At least this time it didn't involve aggravated assault or murder.

/damn 95% of bad cops making the 5% look bad

SnarfVader		2012-11-12 10:18:17 PM

So, let me get this straight. The city is willing to charge your electric car for free but you better not charge your phone and be homeless. What a sad place.

Charlie Freak		2012-11-12 10:24:07 PM

Didn't I hear it costs less an $1/year to charge an iPhone? "In this bad economy" my ass. As long as they're not causing a disturbance and yield to anyone who has reserved the shelter, let them charge away.

This About That		2012-11-12 10:29:40 PM

I do not understand this seemingly irresistible urge to mouth off to a cop.

SnarfVader		2012-11-12 10:36:01 PM

This About That: I do not understand this seemingly irresistible urge to mouth off to a cop.

He wasn't so much mouthing off to a cop as mouthing off to a douchebag. That's practically a national sport these days.

sparkeyjames		2012-11-12 10:37:01 PM

This About That: I do not understand this seemingly irresistible urge to mouth off to a cop.

I think it's closely related to mouthing off to an asshole when one gets in your face.

MaudlinMutantMollusk		2012-11-12 10:41:10 PM

Why won't those homeless people just go away?

/don't they have anything better to do?

BarkingUnicorn		2012-11-12 10:44:06 PM

sparkeyjames: The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

Yeah, but it's just money. She's looking for an assisted-living place that will take her. Maybe they're full in Sarasota. Maybe she's a problem nobody wants.

This About That		2012-11-12 10:50:56 PM

OK, let's suppose this cop was an asshole (which he would kind-of have to be to roust a homeless guy for 2 cents worth of electricity. Still, self preservation requires an understanding of the situation. You have to understand it from the cop's point of view. The cop is going to win. The less sh*t you talk, the less his winning will cost you. That seems pretty simple. Now consider the case when a cop encounters s pet dog. The dog is not smarter than the cop, so he doesn't know what danger it is in, but it has mastered the art of reading voice tone and body language in humans. It sees a belligerent human and reacts correctly, warning the belligerent human away. Belligerent human shoots the dog, even if it weigh 2 pounds and is no real threat. This is because the copy has to win. Has to. If he doesn't he will be back with 20 cops and heavy weapons. So, unless it is your mission to lose in the game of life to cops, just shut the hell up and unplug your phone. Be smarter than the dog.You can usually (no, really, kids) assume that the cop is doing his in a difficult job, as he sees it. Even if you think he is a jerk, give him the benefit of the doubt. Usually he deserves it, and if he doesn't, you will lose anyhow. Beyond that, argue the point with the nice folks on your local city council.

This About That		2012-11-12 10:52:28 PM

And use the preview button fer chrissake.

HotWingAgenda		2012-11-12 10:59:22 PM

BarkingUnicorn: sparkeyjames: The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

Yeah, but it's just money. She's looking for an assisted-living place that will take her. Maybe they're full in Sarasota. Maybe she's a problem nobody wants.

Why on earth would anyone want a problem?

ShobuZukuri		2012-11-12 10:59:50 PM

Because jackass just doesn't cover it.

Omahawg		2012-11-12 11:00:50 PM

MaudlinMutantMollusk: Why won't those homeless people just go away?

/don't they have anything better to do?

they all need to go home!

Scrotumnal Equinox		2012-11-12 11:01:52 PM

This About That: OK, let's suppose this cop was an asshole

Sorry, you lost me there. Too far fetched. Try to be more reasonable and realistic next time.

fanbladesaresharp		2012-11-12 11:02:27 PM

SnarfVader: So, let me get this straight. The city is willing to charge your electric car for free but you better not charge your phone and be homeless. What a sad place.

Because you're not a productive member of society when charging your car....that has 20 pounds of weed in the trunk.

Smingleigh		2012-11-12 11:02:36 PM

If we let a homeless person charge his or her phone with public electricity, what next? Can they moor their yachts on public piers? Should they land their planes on public airfields? It's a slippery slope, and there isn't an easy answer to the problem.

C_Canuk		2012-11-12 11:04:09 PM

This About That: OK, let's suppose this cop was an asshole (which he would kind-of have to be to roust a homeless guy for 2 cents worth of electricity. Still, self preservation requires an understanding of the situation. You have to understand it from the cop's point of view. The cop is going to win. The less sh*t you talk, the less his winning will cost you. That seems pretty simple. Now consider the case when a cop encounters s pet dog. The dog is not smarter than the cop, so he doesn't know what danger it is in, but it has mastered the art of reading voice tone and body language in humans. It sees a belligerent human and reacts correctly, warning the belligerent human away. Belligerent human shoots the dog, even if it weigh 2 pounds and is no real threat. This is because the copy has to win. Has to. If he doesn't he will be back with 20 cops and heavy weapons. So, unless it is your mission to lose in the game of life to cops, just shut the hell up and unplug your phone. Be smarter than the dog.You can usually (no, really, kids) assume that the cop is doing his in a difficult job, as he sees it. Even if you think he is a jerk, give him the benefit of the doubt. Usually he deserves it, and if he doesn't, you will lose anyhow. Beyond that, argue the point with the nice folks on your local city council.

Truer words never spoken.

Cop wants to fark your wife, well you just better hold her legs amIright? He's gonna do it anyway, so you might as well not give him reason to shoot you too. Infact offer up your daughter for dessert. You may not have any dignity but at least you'll be free to live exactly how the police tell you to.

whatshisname		2012-11-12 11:05:18 PM

"theft of city utilities will not be tolerated during this bad economy."

When things get better, knock yourself out. Hook straight into the 600V mains, run a car wash from a fire hydrant. But until things improve don't you dare take one single kilowatt-second from the city.

jtown		2012-11-12 11:05:38 PM

Carlip: Caught drinking from a public water fountain? You better believe that a taserin'.

That's the best taserin'. The minerals in the water really help conduct the electricity.

BarkingUnicorn		2012-11-12 11:06:58 PM

HotWingAgenda: BarkingUnicorn: sparkeyjames: The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

Yeah, but it's just money. She's looking for an assisted-living place that will take her. Maybe they're full in Sarasota. Maybe she's a problem nobody wants.

Why on earth would anyone want a problem?

To get paid. A job is just someone else's problem that he'll pay you to solve.

fanbladesaresharp		2012-11-12 11:07:23 PM

In his arrest report, Frangioni wrote that he told Kersey that the "theft of city utilities will not be tolerated during this bad economy."

Oh what the fark ever, Sgt. A-Hole. Perhaps you should unplug that coffee pot at the station. No one was using it, and it just sucks up taxpayer-paid city utilities.

Go bark up another tree. You busted a guy with no home or money. Well aren't you goddamn special.

fnordfocus		2012-11-12 11:07:41 PM

dahmers love zombie: Once again, a citizen is charged with Contempt of Cop. At least this time it didn't involve aggravated assault or murder.

Didn't yet.

I imagine the Sergeant won't be very happy the charges were dismissed. Let me know if Mr. Kersey is still alive in a few weeks.

James F. Campbell		2012-11-12 11:09:14 PM

This About That: I do not understand this seemingly irresistible urge to mouth off to a cop.

I don't understand this seemingly irresistible urge to lie down belly-up every time a city-sanctioned bully throws his weight around.

smitty04		2012-11-12 11:10:53 PM

Hollywood discovered that if you are helpful towards the homeless, they start congregating in your parks. Word travels fast.

Oznog		2012-11-12 11:11:47 PM

Charlie Freak: Didn't I hear it costs less an $1/year to charge an iPhone? "In this bad economy" my ass. As long as they're not causing a disturbance and yield to anyone who has reserved the shelter, let them charge away.

Electricity costs about $0.10/KWH here. The iPhone battery is 3.7v at 1.44 amp-hrs, or 0.0053 KWH. Let's say the charging process is only 50% efficient- he still only used all of A TENTH OF A PENNY of electricity here, presuming it was a full charge. $0.0010656, to be exact.

I hope this measure against the freeloading homeless has fixed your budget crunch. Asshole.

shtychkn		2012-11-12 11:11:58 PM

C_Canuk: This About That: OK, let's suppose this cop was an asshole (which he would kind-of have to be to roust a homeless guy for 2 cents worth of electricity. Still, self preservation requires an understanding of the situation. You have to understand it from the cop's point of view. The cop is going to win. The less sh*t you talk, the less his winning will cost you. That seems pretty simple. Now consider the case when a cop encounters s pet dog. The dog is not smarter than the cop, so he doesn't know what danger it is in, but it has mastered the art of reading voice tone and body language in humans. It sees a belligerent human and reacts correctly, warning the belligerent human away. Belligerent human shoots the dog, even if it weigh 2 pounds and is no real threat. This is because the copy has to win. Has to. If he doesn't he will be back with 20 cops and heavy weapons. So, unless it is your mission to lose in the game of life to cops, just shut the hell up and unplug your phone. Be smarter than the dog.You can usually (no, really, kids) assume that the cop is doing his in a difficult job, as he sees it. Even if you think he is a jerk, give him the benefit of the doubt. Usually he deserves it, and if he doesn't, you will lose anyhow. Beyond that, argue the point with the nice folks on your local city council.

Truer words never spoken.

Cop wants to fark your wife, well you just better hold her legs amIright? He's gonna do it anyway, so you might as well not give him reason to shoot you too. Infact offer up your daughter for dessert. You may not have any dignity but at least you'll be free to live exactly how the police tell you to.

Pick your battles. Before you're argue with a cop, ask yourself: is this the hill a want to die on?

Phone charging, no.

Wife raping, yes.

Apos		2012-11-12 11:12:02 PM

HotWingAgenda		2012-11-12 11:12:18 PM

BarkingUnicorn: HotWingAgenda: BarkingUnicorn: sparkeyjames: The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

Yeah, but it's just money. She's looking for an assisted-living place that will take her. Maybe they're full in Sarasota. Maybe she's a problem nobody wants.

Why on earth would anyone want a problem?

To get paid. A job is just someone else's problem that he'll pay you to solve.

Ah, but that's a mutual solution (need labor, give money), not person A just dumping all her issues on person B to solve for her.

Britney Spear's Speculum		2012-11-12 11:12:35 PM

Wulfman		2012-11-12 11:13:35 PM

C_Canuk: Cop wants to fark your wife, well you just better hold her legs amIright? He's gonna do it anyway, so you might as well not give him reason to shoot you too. Infact offer up your daughter for dessert. You may not have any dignity but at least you'll be free to live exactly how the police tell you to.

Yeah, fight that fight. But so long as the officer is not held personally accountable in situations like this, people will do the cost/benefit and realize it's usually better to stfu and do whatever they're told. So in all seriousness, how does that get changed?

shtychkn		2012-11-12 11:13:38 PM

fanbladesaresharp: In his arrest report, Frangioni wrote that he told Kersey that the "theft of city utilities will not be tolerated during this bad economy."

Oh what the fark ever, Sgt. A-Hole. Perhaps you should unplug that coffee pot at the station. No one was using it, and it just sucks up taxpayer-paid city utilities.

Go bark up another tree. You busted a guy with no home or money. Well aren't you goddamn special.

Enough money to pay for phone service it seems.

styckx		2012-11-12 11:14:39 PM

1 2 3 4 NEXT PAGE

4 pages about charging a cell phone? No thanks..

madgonad		2012-11-12 11:14:47 PM

Charlie Freak: Didn't I hear it costs less an $1/year to charge an iPhone? "In this bad economy" my ass. As long as they're not causing a disturbance and yield to anyone who has reserved the shelter, let them charge away.

Probably pretty close.

A typical basic phone, like most prepaid ones that a homeless man might have, use 1/400th of a kilowatt/hour per charge. And a kilowatts/hour costs about ten cents. The officer wasted more money in gas stopping his car than the homeless guy would have cost the city in a month of charging.

sycraft		2012-11-12 11:15:14 PM

Dear retards at the city: If you don't want people using outlets, don't put them out in public. You can't go and put one out in the open in a public park and then say it isn't public. Either disconnect and remove the outlet, or just deal with the hundred-ish dollars a year it costs you to operate it.

gibbon1		2012-11-12 11:15:21 PM

Charlie Freak: Didn't I hear it costs less an $1/year to charge an iPhone? "In this bad economy" my ass. As long as they're not causing a disturbance and yield to anyone who has reserved the shelter, let them charge away.

In a perfect world the Judge would solemnly listen to both sides of the case and then toss the cop in jail for contempt. There is actually a common law concept which is the court doesn't bother with trifling things.

BarkingUnicorn		2012-11-12 11:15:45 PM

HotWingAgenda: BarkingUnicorn: HotWingAgenda: BarkingUnicorn: sparkeyjames: The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

Yeah, but it's just money. She's looking for an assisted-living place that will take her. Maybe they're full in Sarasota. Maybe she's a problem nobody wants.

Why on earth would anyone want a problem?

To get paid. A job is just someone else's problem that he'll pay you to solve.

Ah, but that's a mutual solution (need labor, give money), not person A just dumping all her issues on person B to solve for her.

And this woman's having a hard time finding such a mutual solution. Either there's no one available to take her problem and her money, or her problem is bigger than her money.

wildcardjack		2012-11-12 11:16:20 PM

I just had a multi million dollar product idea. Thanks Fark!

Perducci		2012-11-12 11:17:03 PM

In his arrest report, Frangioni wrote that he told Kersey that the "theft of city utilities will not be tolerated during this bad economy."

"During this bad economy" must be the new "In this post 9/11 world".

Zombalupagus		2012-11-12 11:17:17 PM

ModernLuddite		2012-11-12 11:17:40 PM

When I left south Florida, the mayor of Tampa was arresting people feeding the homeless, and arresting the homeless for being in public parks, where the people were feeding the homeless. She also shut down all the soup kitchens.

I would describe Pam Iorio as a "coont".

Mija		2012-11-12 11:18:05 PM

sparkeyjames: The thing that disturbs me most about this article is that there is a disabled homeless person
living in a public park. Does not Social Security disability cover a person who is disabled by a stroke?

You cannot live on the small amount that disability pays. In many staes you have to wait years for housing assistance. If you have a criminal record of any kind you could be denied. I have worked with the homeless. Don't you forget either that Republicans don't even want the homeless to have help with phones. Without a phone you cannot get help or work.

gregscott		2012-11-12 11:18:57 PM

So the gummint will buy you a cell phone, because it's a modern necessity because of the death of the public phone. However, they'll lock you up if you charge it. I wonder if they lock up picnickers who use that outlet to power their boom box? As others have pointed out, the cost of the arrest itself (much less incarceration) exceeded the cost of the electricity. I hope ACLU forces this city to make public outlets available to everyone to charge portable devices at multiple points throughout the city, to promote public safety. And more than a few more at the airport.

Maktaka		2012-11-12 11:19:06 PM

sparkeyjames: This About That: I do not understand this seemingly irresistible urge to mouth off to a cop.

I think it's closely related to mouthing off to an asshole when one gets in your face.

You know who else enjoys shouting at assholes?

seoulbeats.com

danielscissorhands		2012-11-12 11:19:37 PM

Dear Subby,

Stupid cops + Florida = Florida tag.

Mock26		2012-11-12 11:19:41 PM

Smingleigh: If we let a homeless person charge his or her phone with public electricity, what next? Can they moor their yachts on public piers? Should they land their planes on public airfields? It's a slippery slope, and there isn't an easy answer to the problem.

First the homeless, then the hippies, then the conservatives, and before you know it the terrorists will be powering terrorist weapons in our public parks!

Gyrfalcon		2012-11-12 11:20:00 PM

HempHead		2012-11-12 11:20:57 PM

Oznog: Charlie Freak: Didn't I hear it costs less an $1/year to charge an iPhone? "In this bad economy" my ass. As long as they're not causing a disturbance and yield to anyone who has reserved the shelter, let them charge away.

Electricity costs about $0.10/KWH here. The iPhone battery is 3.7v at 1.44 amp-hrs, or 0.0053 KWH. Let's say the charging process is only 50% efficient- he still only used all of A TENTH OF A PENNY of electricity here, presuming it was a full charge. $0.0010656, to be exact.

I hope this measure against the freeloading homeless has fixed your budget crunch. Asshole.

If you own a Tesla, you can charge it free at the city hall.

Displayed 50 of 265 comments