# Aw, Dang! Syne: January Minirants **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 1, 2013, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745 "2013-01-01T11:31:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 33
**Author:** ![Anne\_Neville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/641 "2013-01-30T21:45:55Z")
Something terrible should be done to fucking telemarketers who call houses where there are sleeping babies, babies who have FINALLY gone down for their naps. Poopy diapers should probably be involved. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/642 "2013-01-30T22:24:54Z")
> [@Anne\_Neville](#): > > Something terrible should be done to fucking telemarketers who call houses where there are sleeping babies, babies who have FINALLY gone down for their naps. Poopy diapers should probably be involved. Put the phone next to the now-screaming baby. That’ll learn 'em. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/643 "2013-01-30T22:34:57Z")
> [@Anne\_Neville](#): > > Something terrible should be done to fucking telemarketers who call houses where there are sleeping babies, babies who have FINALLY gone down for their naps. Poopy diapers should probably be involved. They should have to deal with the night time care of the baby, who is now so tired that s/he can’t get to sleep. Yes, this happens, though it seems contradictory…babies can get too tired to fall asleep and stay asleep easily. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/644 "2013-01-30T23:53:03Z")
> [@Baracus](#): > > I know it is normal for parents to help their kids out with science fair projects and stuff, but come on, do you really expect us to think that little Johnny the third grader had the first fucking clue what was going on in “his” project to insert fluorescence genes into bacteria? > [@Morgyn](#): > > You never know. Child prodigies start somewhere, after all. Word. I have it on good authority that Doogie Howser delivered himself via c-section. I think it’s in his Wiki or something. ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/645 "2013-01-31T01:26:44Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Wish it was. Tomorrow I get to call and put myself on the transplant list. Dialysis will begin probably late spring, early summer. Sends hugs. If it helps you at all, almost everyone I know has an organ donation card. While we do plan to use our organs up in our quest to live a long and happy life, sometimes bad things happen. If they do, we want others to use what is left over. We don’t need it anymore. I don’t know much about kidney failure in humans, only cats. Why aren’t you starting dialysis now? The very first thing I start with kidney cats is forcing fluids. Kind of a mini-dialysis. Sub Q fluids, water in their food, no kibble, flavors in their water. Anything to help them keep flushing their kidneys out. Are you able to do anything like that? Please don’t get mad at me because I’m ignorant, I’m trying to offer up helpful suggestions based on my experiences with cats. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/646 "2013-01-31T01:46:25Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > ^That would depend on whether the examination involves a scalp massage 😃 You’d better hope they’re not into retrophrenology. Hugs and good wishes for \*\*Miss Take \*\*and **Dunkelheit**. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/647 "2013-01-31T02:12:07Z")
> [@SpazCat](#): > > That’s most likely an ADA violation. In fact, if there’s not room for a wheelchair, it most definitely IS a violation Report their ass. ADA does not play around (as my Internationally Corporate Employer found out when they got in trouble for ADA violations. You would not \*\*believe \*\*the kerfuffle, backtracking, and new regulations that came out of that.) I probably should say something to someone about it, except it was at a truck stop in Arizona, so I’m having trouble getting up the oomph after the initial anger. > [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Tax protesters are the actual worst. > > Caller: “The IRS is charging me $20,000 in penalties and I didn’t even do anything wrong!” > Me: “Oh? What did you file with them?” > Caller: “I filed a 1040 Non Resident form–” > Me: “Well, ARE you a US resident?” > Caller: “I’m a citizen of the Republic of California!” > Me: “You’re a resident of something that existed for six days in 1846?” > Caller: “. . .yes.” > Me: “Do you have a Social Security card?” > Caller: “Yes.” > Me: “Do you vote in Federal elections?” > Caller: “Yes.” > Me: “Then you’re a US resident and you filed frivolous tax returns with the IRS. I can’t help you. Set up a payment plan or they’ll levy you. Have a nice day.” :eek: Seriously? Somebody thought they were a non-resident because they live in California?? good lord ---
**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/648 "2013-01-31T03:16:17Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Seriously? Somebody thought they were a non-resident because they live in California?? > > good lord Sounds like they were one of those idiot “Freemen on the Land” types who was trying to use random shit that looks like loopholes to get out of paying taxes. They were probably trying to claim that California wasn’t really a US state due to some quirk and so they didn’t have to pay taxes because they knew the Magic Words to say - and the IRS was calling them out on the bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![MissTake](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misstake/32/3189_2.png) [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/649 "2013-01-31T04:28:34Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > Sends hugs. If it helps you at all, almost everyone I know has an organ donation card. While we do plan to use our organs up in our quest to live a long and happy life, sometimes bad things happen. If they do, we want others to use what is left over. We don’t need it anymore. > > I don’t know much about kidney failure in humans, only cats. Why aren’t you starting dialysis now? The very first thing I start with kidney cats is forcing fluids. Kind of a mini-dialysis. Sub Q fluids, water in their food, no kibble, flavors in their water. Anything to help them keep flushing their kidneys out. > > Are you able to do anything like that? Please don’t get mad at me because I’m ignorant, I’m trying to offer up helpful suggestions based on my experiences with cats. Thanks to you and others for the hugs. Even virtual ones help. Ideally, I would like a kidney from someone still alive and kicking. The transplant has less of a chance of rejection and timeframes are easier to work with. For me, the problem lies with my blood type - I’m A-, if I remember correctly. The letter is not as much of a deal as the negative. My kidneys still have some function (10 - 15%), so I don’t qualify for dialysis yet. Basically, the doc said they have to be completely toast to begin. I’m more upbeat than I was yesterday. Still sucks, but it is what it is. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/650 "2013-01-31T14:14:37Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Ideally, I would like a kidney from someone still alive and kicking. Ah yes. Like the Monty Python bit. “We’ve come for your liver.” You could go door-to-door asking. “Pardon me, but do you happen to have a spare kidney? One you’re not using perhaps? A kid who has an extra?” ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/651 "2013-01-31T14:21:10Z")
At Five Guys yesterday the foursome in front of me took well over 5 minutes to order. Not only hadn’t they been there before, which was forgiveable, but they were chit chatting amongst themselves and the cashier. Then after I ordered I went to the bathroom, which was lockable since only one person could be in there at once. As soon as I got in someone tried to open it, and they came back every few seconds to try again. After the third time I shouted out “occupied!” which made them stop for a few more seconds but then they started again with trying to open the door. Eventually they _did_ open it (even though it was locked) and retreated when they saw that it was, indeed, occupied. When I was done, I walked out and noticed it was the same guy who was goofing around at the cashiers. As I was walking out, they were complaining amongst themselves about the food price and how they could have just gone to a casual sports bar for around the same money. In the spirit of the stairwell I should have said “feel free to do so next time!” ---
**Author:** ![slumtrimpet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@slumtrimpet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slumtrimpet)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/652 "2013-01-31T15:13:10Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Thanks to you and others for the hugs. Even virtual ones help. > > Ideally, I would like a kidney from someone still alive and kicking. The transplant has less of a chance of rejection and timeframes are easier to work with. For me, the problem lies with my blood type - I’m A-, if I remember correctly. The letter is not as much of a deal as the negative. > > My kidneys still have some function (10 - 15%), so I don’t qualify for dialysis yet. Basically, the doc said they have to be completely toast to begin. > > I’m more upbeat than I was yesterday. Still sucks, but it is what it is. More hugs from a stranger coming your way. I too have a genetic kidney disease, although not the same as yours and not as dire for me. My brother, on the other hand, has been in ESRD for more than 30 years and has been on dialysis that long also. He’s pretty much at the end of his game now though and it’s not fun place to be, not for him and not for his sisters. I assume you’ve heard of the [Paired Donation Matching Scheme](http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/about_transplants/organ_allocation/kidney_%28renal%29/living_donation/paired_donation_matching_scheme.asp)? Could that be an option for you? ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/653 "2013-01-31T16:01:54Z")
Goddammit kid, just stop it! My ‘willful’ son is not impressed that things have changed in our house. God forbid, instead of Daddy picking him up after school, I am. This has resulted in him just being non-compliant and stubborn. I am just done with it. Gimme a break, kid! You have to do your homework, I am not doing it for you. Sitting there for an hour not doing anything isn’t helping your case. My patience is wearing very thin. (Though I did not lose it on him. I think I deserve an award.) ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/654 "2013-01-31T17:12:51Z")
I went to bed at 9pm last night. Had just got to sleep when SLAM BANG _“SCREAM!!!”_. Of course, when I hear slamming and a woman scream in the stairwell right next to my bedroom, my first thought is to grab my phone and call the police. Then I hear a woman laugh, and a mix of laughter, screaming and slamming moving down the stairs and out the door. I get up, get dressed and walk out there. Nothing. No blood, no victim, just the kid from next door walking back up the stairs. He said they were playing with a basket on the way out. I told him that his guests need to ‘fucking dial it back’. These same people had ‘guests’ drive up to the back door (where they can’t get in) and then sit there honking repeatedly until my neighbors come down (from the third floor) and let them in. At 8:50 and 9:10 each night (no big deal but still), 5:50am and 10:50pm. As I said in my email complaint to property management: There are these cool new inventions called Cell Phones. There is no excuse to sit out there honking to attract the attention of someone on the third floor, especially that early in the morning or late at night. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/655 "2013-01-31T17:22:53Z")
> [@MissTake](#): > > Ideally, I would like a kidney from someone still alive and kicking. The transplant has less of a chance of rejection and timeframes are easier to work with. For me, the problem lies with my blood type - I’m A-, if I remember correctly. The letter is not as much of a deal as the negative. That’s, like, half my family; in my father’s side it’s the A+ who are the weirdos (and we all got the positiveness from our moms)… _yells paternal-side-wise_: hey guys, anybody mind sparing a kidney? … … I think the response will take some time… ---
**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 31, 2013, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/656 "2013-01-31T19:20:02Z")
Yesterday we set a record high of 64 degrees. Granted, it was at 12:30am, but still… Today it’s currently 22, snowing, and a windchill of 4. Dammit, I want my January thaw back! The cold is making my joints hurt. It’s hard to convince myself to get out of this chair and do something. I think my cat has the right idea, he’s burrowed down under the covers on the bed. Has anyone come up with a name for the February rants thread yet? We’re running out of time! ---
**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/657 "2013-01-31T20:24:35Z")
How about 28 Days…Of Rants? Oh, and **(((((MissTake)))))** ---
**Author:** ![madrabbitwoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@madrabbitwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madrabbitwoman)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/658 "2013-01-31T21:27:16Z")
Can I slip in a very small anti rant? Too bad I’m going to anyway. [http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151256144932654&set=a.293216467653.144564.600312653&type=1&theater¬if\_t=photo\_comment](http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151256144932654&set=a.293216467653.144564.600312653&type=1&theater¬if_t=photo_comment) I think it might be a she and I haven’t found a suitable name yet (or been able to take a decent pic) but the household is starting to feel right again. ---
**Author:** ![Cinnamon\_Imp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/58956e/32.png) [@Cinnamon\_Imp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cinnamon_Imp)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/659 "2013-01-31T21:54:56Z")
Oh hello there Charlotte! 🙂 ('swhat my bunny was called as a kid) ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745/660 "2013-01-31T22:48:34Z")
> [@Dr.Girlfriend](#): > > Has anyone come up with a name for the February rants thread yet? We’re running out of time! Februranty? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745.md?page=32) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aw-dang-syne-january-minirants/645745.md?page=34)