# Auld Lang Whines (January Mini Rants) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 1, 2019, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038 "2019-01-01T13:02:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2019, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/81 "2019-01-16T13:11:47Z")
> [@CharmaChameleon](#): > > Yeah, Nava, in April, 1972, Barcelona was bloody cold. A month later Valencia and Palma (de Mallorca) were both bloody boiling. That’s okay, because the _sangria_ was mighty tasty (not to mention more than effective). Monday as I flipped through radio channels, one of the news that came up was that electric bills for January are expected to be about 4x the October values: the yearly rise is the smallest problem, we’re having unusually cold temperatures. It is really weird to walk around Barcelona seeing people in the kind of coats normally reserved for places with snow, until you see a thermometer and it says “2º C”. BRRRRRRR! Definitely not normal, and specially not normal for several continuous weeks. I’m very glad I put in a heat pump as part of last year’s reno of the flat, and even gladder that the previous owner did a reno of his own that makes it possible to close off most of the flat and heat/cool only the parts you’re really using. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2019, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/82 "2019-01-16T14:04:50Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > FML. A not great day at work (computer shit), and extra long commute, and what do I come home to? One of the bloody smoke detectors or whatever it is, RIGHT OUTSIDE MY BEDROOM DOOR, is giving the I want a battery NOW chirp and I can’t get at it and even if I could I’m not sure I remember how to get it off to do anything with. I’m also not sure if I have a good 9-volt and I’m too tired to go out to get one. > > Why can’t things like this happen in the MORNING when I can make arrangements to get it taken care of? But, oh, NOOOOOOOO, it always, always, ALWAYS HAPPENS AT NIGHT. I’ve had the one in my bedroom pull this shit at one in the morning, and THAT one is on a 20-foot ceiling! Oh, that happened to me when I was visiting my family on Christmas Eve. At 2:30 AM. In the bedroom I was staying in. Which has a 12 foot ceiling. I had no idea if we had batteries or where they were, it’s not my house. So I went to the laundry room and grabbed the tall ladder, took down the beeping smoke detector and stuck it in the garage where no one could hear it. I dealt with it the next day, ---
**Author:** ![slalexan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@slalexan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slalexan)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2019, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/83 "2019-01-16T14:31:40Z")
Well this morning was shitty. It was slippery out due to all the freezing drizzle the area had, my child was being a butt and did NOT want to go to daycare, I left the house late for work, and it looks like I have a UTI. Just great. Then I came into work and the office admin came by and told us that one of our coworkers, who has been off on medical and sick for a long time, passed away this morning. Just a real shit day. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Girlfriend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.girlfriend/32/193_2.png) [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2019, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/84 "2019-01-17T00:39:26Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > My 19 year old cat is also dealing with failing kidneys, and the vet has us giving her water in an IV. That may be an option for you? I’m taking him to the vet every few days for fluids now. He tolerates the car rides and the vet isn’t charging me an arm and a leg for the visits. The vet had said at first I might be able to do it at home myself but it’s a two person job and I don’t have anyone to help me. So far he’s doing OK, I just worry that he’s not going to get enough fluids between visits. **slalexan** I’m sorry to hear about your co-worker. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2019, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/85 "2019-01-17T00:55:55Z")
Welp, good news I’m getting a new car. Bad news, I don’t want or need one.( Mr.Wrekkers idea) Worse news, I had to clean my copious crap out of the Escape today. Cold as shit. Why couldn’t we wait til spring? Hmmm? ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2019, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/86 "2019-01-17T04:25:04Z")
At least he didn’t present it to you as a surprise with a big red ribbon on top. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2019, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/87 "2019-01-17T04:33:27Z")
Has anyone really ever got a car like that? It couldn’t be more of a surprise anyway. He’s been in Texas since NewYears day. Apparently he bought this new car completely online from his phone. He’s a nut. I go get it Friday, sight unseen. Don’t even know what color it is. ---
**Author:** ![WolfpackJeep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpackjeep/32/2921_2.png) [@WolfpackJeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WolfpackJeep)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2019, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/88 "2019-01-17T14:47:44Z")
It wasn’t a surprise, but when one of my coworkers (and her husband) went to pick up her new Lexus, the dealer had placed a big ribbon on it. She has a framed photo of it in her cube. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/89 "2019-01-18T00:06:51Z")
> [@Inigo\_Montoya](#): > > Our organization just updated the client management software. It was time, the old stuff was like 10 years old. Apparently the software works fine with a tiny database (aka: demo). But now, for now, every little navigation click results in about a 45 second wait. And a few random waits when all you’re doing is typing a note. Oh, I know it’ll all get worked out eventually, even if it means rolling back the upgrade. But in the meantime we’re just sitting around noticing there really isn’t any increased functionality in the 10 years newer version. So why exactly did we do this? Don’t waste those 45 seconds! Use them to phone the person who chose to install this software update to report that it isn’t working right. Do it every time (“It still isn’t working”) , and encourage everyone else to do so as well. When he stops answering his phone, half of you go down the hall to his office to tell him in person, while the other half call his boss to pass the info on to him. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/90 "2019-01-18T00:43:38Z")
> [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](#): > > Don’t waste those 45 seconds! > Use them to phone the person who chose to install this software update to report that it isn’t working right. Do it every time (“It still isn’t working”) , and encourage everyone else to do so as well. When he stops answering his phone, half of you go down the hall to his office to tell him in person, while the other half call his boss to pass the info on to him. Might be more annoying to have an email copied so you can paste ‘n’ send in a couple of seconds. Every time, by everyone … with a cc to his boss. When the boss’s In Box fills up before noon, someone might get told to fix it. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/91 "2019-01-18T15:17:42Z")
I’m either in the middle of the worse cold I’ve ever had or I’m reaching the age where I just can’t slough it off as easily. I’ve been down and out, essentially for three days now. Tuesday at work I started to feel a little feverish with a scratchy throat. By 6:00 I could barely open my eyes, my sinuses were so impacted. Congested chest, dry hacking cough, stabbing pain in the back of the throat. I’ve had no appetite and everything I have eaten just gave me heartburn. I went to work yesterday but I only lasted a few hours. I’m out again today and I feel just as miserable as ever. I’ve had a few fever moments. I went to the supermarket on Tuesday afternoon to get cold medicine and when I got home, somehow, I’d bought some sushi too. Don’t remember grabbing that. Last night around midnight, I couldn’t take the heartburn anymore and I couldn’t find a roll of Tums I knew I had somewhere, so I ran to the store to get some more. When I got there I pulled out my money to pay and there was my missing roll of Tums, the wrapper loose so I proceeded to spill them all over the floor. I can barely remember the last three days. I’m betting you’ll have to convince me next week that I actually wrote this post. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/92 "2019-01-18T22:14:04Z")
I’m working on a new work of art, and I assembled the frame backwards. I start with 1/4" plywood, then assemble the frame around it, then assemble the actual artwork within the frame. I didn’t notice until I finished the frame, that I put it together backwards. If I had continued, I could have hung the art on the wall, and the art would be on the back side of it. So now I have to take the frame apart and redo it the right way. Shit. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/93 "2019-01-18T22:19:05Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > I’m either in the middle of the worse cold I’ve ever had or I’m reaching the age where I just can’t slough it off as easily. I’ve been down and out, essentially for three days now. Tuesday at work I started to feel a little feverish with a scratchy throat. By 6:00 I could barely open my eyes, my sinuses were so impacted. Congested chest, dry hacking cough, stabbing pain in the back of the throat. I’ve had no appetite and everything I have eaten just gave me heartburn. I went to work yesterday but I only lasted a few hours. I’m out again today and I feel just as miserable as ever. > > I’ve had a few fever moments. I went to the supermarket on Tuesday afternoon to get cold medicine and when I got home, somehow, I’d bought some sushi too. Don’t remember grabbing that. Last night around midnight, I couldn’t take the heartburn anymore and I couldn’t find a roll of Tums I knew I had somewhere, so I ran to the store to get some more. When I got there I pulled out my money to pay and there was my missing roll of Tums, the wrapper loose so I proceeded to spill them all over the floor. > > I can barely remember the last three days. I’m betting you’ll have to convince me next week that I actually wrote this post. Dude. Call your doctor. I am not a doctor/nurse/other medical professional, but I don’t think you have a cold. At best you might have a bad case of flu, and that could kill you. Better yet, hie thee to an urgent care clinic. Now. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/94 "2019-01-18T22:25:07Z")
On the 4th day, still sick? See the doctor. Lots of fluids, otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/95 "2019-01-18T23:14:42Z")
The cough is becoming productive. All the flem in my lungs is starting to shake loose, so I think I’m good. I’ve ridden this out before - granted I was younger, but I eat dirt on a daily basis so my immune system is strong. ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/96 "2019-01-18T23:45:53Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > …I eat dirt on a daily basis so my immune system is strong. Looking forward to your appearance on Dr. Oz with your \*\*\*“Down ‘n’ Dirty Immune Boost”! * * * ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2019, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/97 "2019-01-18T23:48:42Z")
I thought I’d gotten hit with a super-strong flu (in the middle of a day of meetings). Turns out it was a reaction to a new shingles vaccine. Was shivering, sweating, nauseous for 24 hours then snapped back to feeling great! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/98 "2019-01-19T03:06:53Z")
It’s raining, it’s pouring the old man is snoring! Storming outside, Mr.Wrekker is home and…a…sleep.🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/99 "2019-01-19T03:10:29Z")
Sciatica is the worst. It’s like my entire lower right side is on fire. I have to shower sitting down. I can hardly sleep at night sometimes. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2019, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038/100 "2019-01-19T06:08:23Z")
I just called up a detention center that contracts with ICE to say “Give this poor woman her medicine!” because someone sent me this link: > **[Carmen Puerto Diaz](http://blog.ilw.com/gregsiskind/2019/01/18/carmen-puerto-diaz/)** > > \[UPDATE\] – Newsweek has written about the case. \[UPDATE\] – I’m pleased to tell folks that a lot of advocacy work from a lot of people paid off and Mrs. Puerto Diaz is home! ICE dr… I pit myself for doing this when I don’t know what to say in these situations, and probably just making a pest of myself. I pit the stupid shutdown as an abstract thing for probably screwing up communications and leading to this woman’s situation. And I pit the whole network of ICE prisons for existing, really. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auld-lang-whines-january-mini-rants/827038.md?page=6)