# Ba-dee-ya, Rantin' in September (monthly mini rants) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 1, 2022, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706 "2022-09-01T04:10:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/201 "2022-09-23T17:20:25Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > Either they were very quiet, or they haven’t shown up yet. I’m betting on the second. Or they showed up and now there are pieces of them strewn about the crawlspace and ducts. [![](https://video-images.vice.com/articles/59760e286eace24056ea8646/lede/1500913369567-3442367056_55c0c1744c_b.jpeg) ](https://video-images.vice.com/articles/59760e286eace24056ea8646/lede/1500913369567-3442367056_55c0c1744c_b.jpeg) ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/202 "2022-09-23T17:22:45Z")
Nah, then I would have gotten a threatening call from Mr Squirrel. “Hello, this is Cathode.” 'You called about a squirrel in the buidling?" “Yes, I did.” “Well- I’m still here. And. I’m. Coming. For. You!” ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/203 "2022-09-23T17:24:16Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > Nah, then I would have gotten a threatening call from Mr Squirrel. I’m sure he sounds like Liam Neeson. ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/204 "2022-09-23T17:25:46Z")
Almost forgot, I did my laundry. I always check the dryer to makes sure I don’t leave any change or anything else behind. I put my medicare card and my Covid vaccination card (both in plastic protectors) through the washer and drier. The vaccination card should be okay. The medicare card was torn in half. I cannot find the other half. I will need to get a new card. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/205 "2022-09-23T17:57:46Z")
If you have your Medicare ID number, that should be acceptable to most providers until you get a new card. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/206 "2022-09-23T18:50:20Z")
When do you have to get Medicare? I have Medicaid at 61. It covers everything. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/207 "2022-09-23T18:53:38Z")
I turn 65 in February and I’ve been getting stuff in the mail about Medi…,whatever almost daily. One of these days I’ll open and read one of them ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/208 "2022-09-23T19:03:53Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > If you have your Medicare ID number, that should be acceptable to most providers until you get a new card. I’ve had Medicare for a while, and I’ve never had to show the card to anyone. I did input my Medicare number online when I signed up for Medicare Part B, but that’s it. Same deal as my Soc. Sec. card… I’ll input the number when needed, but have never had to show my card (which is good; I have no idea where it is). ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/209 "2022-09-23T19:21:39Z")
I don’t remember my number. I can think of a few places to call where I might be able to get it. I had Medicare/Medicaid while I was on disability. Now, my insurance situation is very confusing and I’m not sure what I have. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/210 "2022-09-23T19:33:03Z")
I was under the impression you had to accept medicaid by a certain age. I have to work 6 more years before I am able to retire and collect social security. ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/211 "2022-09-23T19:54:02Z")
Squirrel update I heard people walking (heavily) up and down the stairs a few times. I foolishly assumed that maintenance had dealt with things. I went out to the vestibule to get my mail. I heard unidentifiable noises. I saw the squirrel. When I last saw him, he had been on the third floor landing. Now, he was between me and my unlocked apartment door. He started pushing on my door. I foolishly yelled and advanced on a frightened, cornered animal. He went left. and tried scrambling for freedom. I quickly entered my apartment and shut the door. I placed a second call to management. I got an answering service. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/212 "2022-09-23T20:01:05Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I placed a second call to management. I got an answering service. Ahh, the squirrels got to management! ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/213 "2022-09-23T20:22:49Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > I placed a second call to management. I got an answering service. I placed a third call to management. Whoever answered made a lot of scratching noises and frenzied squeaks. I fear they are onto me. * * * All joking aside, even a squirrel can be dangerous if it is acting aggressively or erratically (those teeth really do hurt, I’ve been bitten by one by accident when feeding by hand). You never know if it might have a disease. I hope it gets resolved for you. ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/214 "2022-09-23T20:30:11Z")
I’m less concerned about the person who gets bitten than I am over the fact that any wild animal who bites a human has to be killed for rabies testing. If I thought I could do it safely (NOTE- I know I cannot so don’t worry about it happening), I would pick the poor critter up and deposit him outside. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/215 "2022-09-23T20:47:29Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’ve been bitten by one by accident when feeding by hand Every person I’ve known who fed squirrel(s) by hand has eventually been bitten. ---
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/216 "2022-09-23T21:06:07Z")
I’m an exception. Have had squirrels take peanuts out of my fingers, was lucky enough to not get bitten. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/217 "2022-09-23T21:07:03Z")
Mark my word. ---
**Author:** ![Noelq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noelq/32/16438_2.png) [@Noelq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noelq)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/218 "2022-09-23T21:15:43Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Mark _ **my word.** _ Done! ---
**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:** [September 23, 2022, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/219 "2022-09-23T21:17:41Z")
Yeah, this is the reason I don’t hand feed squirrels. I’ve had friendly dogs (including my own) accidentally bite me. I can easily see squirrels accidentally biting the hand that feeds them or feeling you owe them food and getting mad (I’m not joking. My Dad’s Quaker Parrot LOVED me. But if I spent more than 15 minutes in the same room as the bird and wasn’t paying him constant attention, he would get mad and bite me). Either way, the squirrel would then have to be killed to test for rabies. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2022, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706/220 "2022-09-23T23:22:43Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Every person I’ve known who fed squirrel(s) by hand has eventually been bitten. Back in the 80s I fed the tame squirrels in Court Square downtown on my lunch break. They would sit on your legs while you fed them. One day they went into a feeding frenzy over Doritos and I got bit by one. It didn’t hurt but bled like crazy. They have razor-sharp little teeth. My co-workers talked me into going to Urgent Care where they gave me a tetanus shot and said I could get the rabies shots if I wanted but there had been no cases in years. I opted not to do that. And I quit feeding the squirrels. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ba-dee-ya-rantin-in-september-monthly-mini-rants/970706.md?page=12)