# Auld Lang Sighin' (January mini-rants) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 1, 2025, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421 "2025-01-01T05:10:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2025, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/181 "2025-01-16T15:58:56Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Q: What time is garbage and recycling picked up at this august doghouse? > > A: It depends. > > Q: On what? > > A: On whether **Wolfpup** wishes to go somewhere, or is just planning to languish in his bathrobe all day. Holy crap, it’s the exact same thing for me. That and mail delivery. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/182 "2025-01-16T18:38:41Z")
Can I have a recall of today? I had arranged to be picked up to go grocery shopping this morning. While waiting for the transport I started down the front steps to pick up my morning paper and slipped. No ice or snow, just lost my footing. I was, after a bit of effort, able to pull myself upright but after doing so realized I had managed to twist my left knee. That’s my good knee, which means walking is now even more difficult than usual. I was able to complete the shopping, although it would have been nice if the driver who picked me up afterwards had come into where I was sitting in the store had come in to help carry the groceries to the bus (as they’re supposed to do). At least she did carry them to the house. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/183 "2025-01-17T08:36:54Z")
So we are taking advantage of some very cheap flights and hotel deals to go to Paris at the end of the month. Although we booked the flights with American Airlines, the outbound leg is actually on British Airways and we stop at Heathrow to change planes. About a 4 hour layover and we won’t be leaving the airport terminal. As of 08 January 2025, the UK implemented an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for people to enter the UK. They determined that this included people who were only transiting through an airport, even though such travellers were not going through border control to enter the UK. Seems like bullshit, but hey, their rules, and the airline made it clear that we would need the ETA to board the plane. So my wife and I registered our information and got the ETAs. Not difficult, but the ETAs are £10 each, just a bit over $13. So we paid $26 for the privilege of sitting inside Heathrow for 4 hours. Then I just read that the Brits have reconsidered this stupid requirement and people transiting airside no longer need the ETA. Fuck you, UK. I want my $26 back. > **[Government reverses visa rule for Heathrow transit passengers](https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/london-heathrow-airport-eta-visa-transit-passengers-b2681275.html)** > > Heathrow jubilant as ministers back down on plans to require visa from every passenger changing planes at Britain’s busiest airport ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/184 "2025-01-18T16:52:58Z")
Sorry to hear you’ve hurt yourself. You can join the slip and fall thread over here if you want: > [@Well, I fell on ice today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-fell-on-ice-today/1012871): > > This is aimed at those of you who live in climates that have snowy and icy winters. I generally am aware of whether or not I have slipped and fallen at least once each winter. Not like I write it down or anything. But if I DO slip and end up on the ground, I’m aware of that for the rest of the winter. And the opposite is true - I’m aware of whether I make it through an entire winter without ending up on my keister. And I think of that as a small victory. I would estimate that I slip and fa… ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/185 "2025-01-18T19:52:57Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > If the pup wishes to go somewhere that day, and the bins are blocking the driveway, they won’t be picked up until around 4:00 PM. You can’t place them a ~~few feet~~ meter from the driveway? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/186 "2025-01-18T20:04:12Z")
> [@needscoffee](#): > > You can’t place them a ~~few feet~~ meter from the driveway? Mostly it’s the fact that in winter, the driveway entrance is level and clear, whereas the sides may have some accumulated snow/slush winter bullshit. In summer it’s more realistic, but I still put it out in the driveway because it makes it easier for the poor sot controlling the robotic apparatus. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/187 "2025-01-18T22:13:01Z")
There was no ice involved. While we did have snow here last weekend, what was on the steps had melted away by Monday. I’m not sure how it happened, although it may have had something to do with not having a good grip on the railing as I was stepping down, or my knee just buckling. The fun part was trying to keep from going the rest of the way down the steps to the ground and getting my feet under me and my hands on the railing so I could pull/push myself up. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2025, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/188 "2025-01-19T00:35:09Z")
Mosquitos. It is summer here in the Southern Hemisphere, and there are mosquitos. Not the monster size _anopheles_, this are little bastards. They make up what they are lacking in size by sheer numbers. They are not as loud, either, but in large numbers, they certainly make up the volume. My complaint is this: you fucking little arseholes, just fucking do your fucking job: land. Bite. Drink blood. Fuck off. But no. A fucking full on research survey of my entire body is required, particularly of my head and ear region in order to choose an appropriate place to dine. I am somewhat unusual in that mosquito bites only itch for a minute or so, I am not very allergic. So I would be fine if the little shitheads just chose a spot, sat down and ate, and then left. But no. Circling around and around, buzzing my ears, I mean for fucks sakes ladies, it is 02:33 here! Let me sleep, and you can feast all you like! Just shut the fuck up! Let me sleep! ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/189 "2025-01-20T16:35:46Z")
I wake up this morning and while fending off my cat’s attempts to claw my face off I’m hearing a beeping noise. So I drag myself out of bed, get dressed, and track the noise to my kitchen. My stove’s display is flashing what I presume is some sort of error code (F2) and is hot. I open the oven door and the heating element is glowing. Nothing I can do to the controls turns it off; I dig out the manual which is, of course, absolutely no help. Since the plug is behind the unit, which is too hot to move, I go to the breaker box and flip the power to the range off, which at least prevents the range from setting the house on fire. Now I have to decide if it’s worth trying to find a repairman (which of course will have to wait until tomorrow) or just start shopping for a new stove. The old one dates from when the house was built nearly forty years ago, so I suspect that getting it repaired will mean finding someone with access to discontinued parts. Shopping will be a PITA due to my mobility issues in getting out to the nearby Lowes. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/190 "2025-01-20T16:41:02Z")
> [@LurkMeister](#): > > I wake up this morning and while fending off my cat’s attempts to claw my face off I’m hearing a beeping noise. So I drag myself out of bed, get dressed, and track the noise to my kitchen. My stove’s display is flashing what I presume is some sort of error code (F2) and is hot. I open the oven door and the heating element is glowing. Nothing I can do to the controls turns it off; I dig out the manual which is, of course, absolutely no help. Since the plug is behind the unit, which is too hot to move, I go to the breaker box and flip the power to the range off, which at least prevents the range from setting the house on fire. > > Now I have to decide if it’s worth trying to find a repairman (which of course will have to wait until tomorrow) or just start shopping for a new stove. The old one dates from when the house was built nearly forty years ago, so I suspect that getting it repaired will mean finding someone with access to discontinued parts. Shopping will be a PITA due to my mobility issues in getting out to the nearby Lowes. Oh that is a wild predicament. I’ve never heard of anything like it. I use local appliance stores who are very helpful with taking the old one, installing the new one and training me how to use new fangled equipment lol. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/191 "2025-01-20T16:46:51Z")
A quick check shows that my Lowes does installation for a fee of just under $40, which includes haul-away of the old unit. However, I have to unplug it myself, which means dragging it out of it’s space far enough to reach the plug. This will also mean blocking most of my kitchen space. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/192 "2025-01-20T16:53:16Z")
> [@LurkMeister](#): > > I have to unplug it myself, which means dragging it out of it’s space far enough to reach the plug. I would think the odds are good that the installer would actually do that, likely that is something sort of risk abatement thing that is rarely enforced by the contractors who do the actual work. At a minimum, they’ll probably pull it out and then you can unplug it (since they have to pull it out anyway, if you were to pull it out, unplug it, and then push it back in to regain your space until the installation). ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/193 "2025-01-20T17:19:34Z")
> [@LurkMeister](#): > > I wake up this morning and while fending off my cat’s attempts to claw my face off I’m hearing a beeping noise. The cat was obviously trying to warn you of the danger. Of course, the cat is also probably responsible for breaking the stove in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/194 "2025-01-20T17:41:39Z")
> [@LurkMeister](#): > > My stove’s display is flashing what I presume is some sort of error code (F2) and is hot. I open the oven door and the heating element is glowing. Nothing I can do to the controls turns it off; What a scary and unusual problem! I’ve never heard of such a thing happening, but I must admit I’ve thought about it because obviously it’s theoretically possible. I’ve thought about it particularly in connection with the range glass top, which is a convenient place to temporarily park all kinds of stuff, like empty pots. Sometimes I’ve even left flammable material on there, or things like plastic trays that would create a horrible mess if melted on the stove top! Hope you can get it repaired but it sounds like it may be an expensive fix even if the right part could be found. Quite likely time for a new stove. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/195 "2025-01-20T17:54:49Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I am concerned that when the woman dies, I will be unable to properly comfort my beloved. It will be very difficult to hide my joy and relief that she is no longer around. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/yEH0tNjMVKU/maxresdefault.jpg "REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER (1978) | Clouseau Crashes His Own Funeral | MGM") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEH0tNjMVKU) ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/196 "2025-01-20T18:03:41Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Sometimes I’ve even left flammable material on there, or things like plastic trays that would create a horrible mess if melted on the stove top! And emit toxic fumes. So, don’t leave that kind of stuff there! ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/197 "2025-01-20T18:32:13Z")
> [@LurkMeister](#): > > The old one dates from when the house was built nearly forty years ago, so I suspect that getting it repaired will mean finding someone with access to discontinued parts. One possible cause could be a bad control panel. A few years ago, my oven had a failed relay for the main heating element. The relay failed in the open position and would not close, thus the element did not get power. I suppose a relay could fail in the closed position and keep the element on all the time like what you are experiencing. There are companies that repair these control boards. [I used this one](https://circuitboardmedics.com/appliances/). It was a couple of hundred dollars, but they sent the replacement board within two days. So don’t discount the possibility that parts are unavailable, a good appliance repairman should be able to troubleshoot the stove and know if parts are available or not. In my case, I replaced the board myself. If you are handy with DIY repairs it may not be too hard, but if not, try the repairman first. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/198 "2025-01-20T19:01:35Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > Hope you can get it repaired but it sounds like it may be an expensive fix even if the right part could be found. Quite likely time for a new stove. After a little thought and some online research I opted to buy a new stove. Consumer Reports recommended an LG model that Lowes had on sale. so I ordered it for delivery and installation tomorrow. Of course, the delivery window is 8am to 8pm, but I didn’t have any plans for the day anyway. > [@Dag\_Otto](#): > > Of course, the cat is also probably responsible for breaking the stove in the first place. I wouldn’t put it past him. I keep having to remind him that if he trips me and I break my neck he’s on his own for opening the cat food cans. After he finishes eating me, of course. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2025, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/199 "2025-01-20T20:01:19Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > What a scary and unusual problem! I’ve never heard of such a thing happening, but I must admit I’ve thought about it because obviously it’s theoretically possible. I’ve thought about it particularly in connection with the range glass top, which is a convenient place to temporarily park all kinds of stuff, like empty pots. Sometimes I’ve even left flammable material on there, or things like plastic trays that would create a horrible mess if melted on the stove top! They make protective mats for stove tops. The idea being to prevent scratching the glass while using the surface as a storage or prep surface. In small kitchens that extra 2-1/2 x 3’ counter space is invaluable. I have one. It sits on the stovetop 99.999% of the time and is removed on the rare occasion I want to use the stove. It appears to be a sheet of neoprene wet-suit material. Rubbery foam on the bottom, smooth nylon cloth on the top, ordinary cloth tape & stitching around the perimeter. I bought it earlier this year and I’m pretty sure it was this one: **[Range Kleen StoveShield Smooth-Top Range Cover - Kohls](https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-5856130/range-kleen-stoveshield-smooth-top-range-cover.jsp)**. As you see, the ad copy suggests it _might_ be made of heat-proof material that would survive a rogue runaway burner. But I’m sure as hell not going to test it. I now see other folks make silicone mats that would serve the same purpose and are more hi-temp tolerant. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2025, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421/200 "2025-01-21T15:16:59Z")
I am currenty visiting my sister and sister in law. I love them very much and I know they are just doing what they think is right. So far- Unable to conceal my back problems from them, I admitted that I had back probems and then gave them the minimum amount of information to answer their questions. From this, they have concluded (and constanty repeated) My back problems (about which they know almost nothing) were caused by my wearing bad slippers around the house. My sister can make some very good educated guesses about how much I spent on slippers. She has literally zero other information about them. She has brought up the subject repeatedly, at great length, and very passionately many times. I was asked if the physical therapist had given me any exercises to do. I said yes and described it. My sister and SIL, neither of whom have any medical training, know as I siad next to nothing about my back problems, and obviously were not there when I talked to my physical therapist, were convinced that I had misunderstood and was doing the excercise incorrectly,. I repeated to them as calmly as I could that they knew nothing about my back problems, had no medical training, and were not present for the conversation. They insisted that the exercise must be done standing and not while seated. I said, as actually happened, I had specifically asked for an exercise that could be done while sitting down. They continued to insist I was wrong. I repeated that I had asked the physical therapist for an exercise that could be done sitting down. My sister smugly said “Then, you didn’t ask the right questions.”. At that point, I lost control. I slammed my mouse (it was in my hand at the time) on the table and began shouting and cursing at my sister. My sister and SIL order all their groceries online. They want me to do so as well. My sister assumes I do not order my groceries online because I feel it would be too diffiult, The actual reason is that I fear she would take an interest in what groceries I order and end up trying to take more control of my life. She had me order the groceries I needed this week using her Kroeger app. I mostly succeeded. I accidentally ordered one box of cereal instead of two. When the groceries were delivered, my SIL said “Remember Doc, these two boxes of cereal are not just for you.” I said that yes, they were. I had ordered two boxes because I knew I would eat them both. She countered that I had only ordered one box. Rather than suggesting I had made an error in ordering, she said in a condescending tone “The word does not revolve around you, Doc.” I felt attacked an replied in an angry tone “I never said that it did.” This made her angry and she said that I needed to watch my tone. Good times. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-sighin-january-mini-rants/1012421.md?page=11)