Do Stop Signs Mean Anything?

Are the ones outlined in white optional? They sure seem to be around here!

When I was a kid and learning to ride my bike in the street, I was taught that one was supposed to signal- using standardized hand signals, obey traffic rules (including stopping at stop signs, red lights etc... )

If that is the case- everyone is to stop at stop signs, why then do they give me dirty nasty looks when I honk at them?

I am all for biking. Really. I am also all for safety and not giving this poor mama a heart attack.

Is there a polite way to remind cyclists to stop?