# First Rants Thread of 2015 - January Minirants **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 1, 2015, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681 "2015-01-01T15:55:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**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 18, 2015, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/181 "2015-01-18T00:25:44Z")
> [@Lacunae\_Matata](#): > > \*Actually, the all-time favorite was probably the woman who called the cops on me when there was a spider in the hot tub. If the man who had actually signed for and paid for the room had contacted me, I perhaps would have discounted, at least, but I couldn’t very well “refund” someone who hadn’t paid me in the first place, right? Instead, I gave her the local non-emergency number for the police department, pointed the responding officer to the correct room, and then shared a cup of coffee and a laugh with the officer a few minutes later, after he took the report and told her that it was a civil matter. Maybe it’s just because I’m buzzed off half a bottle of wine, but that’s freaking hilarious. My favorite refund of the day was the guy whose tennish-year-old son started pitching a crying fit while I was booking his dad a room at a hotel across town. No kidding. They boy started \*sobbing \*while his dad was giving me his information because he didn’t want to leave. I almost told the kid to shut the hell up and grow a pair, but I make it a habit not to tell other people how to raise their children. The way the dad acted, this was not the first time this kind of thing happened. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![MagicEyes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@MagicEyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MagicEyes)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/182 "2015-01-18T01:37:42Z")
> [@WolfpackJeep](#): > > I was driving through a poorly lit area on my way home tonight, when suddenly some little flicks of silver showed up on the road ahead of me. Turns out it was some douchebag jogger in a black outfit…I was seeing some tiny reflective strips on his sneakers. We have perfectly good sidewalks in this neighborhood; in fact, they’re usually deserted at that time of the evening. Why the hell would this entitled asshat prefer jogging in the middle of the street??? I nearly ran over someone who was dressed completely in black, standing in the middle of the street close to the intersection in the dark (not crossing the street, just standing there). I turned onto the street and saw him barely in time to stop. There are a lot of people around here who go running or walk around at night wearing all black. I’m surprised more of them don’t get run over. ---
**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:** [January 18, 2015, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/183 "2015-01-18T03:33:43Z")
On my more cynical days, I think maybe someone’s hoping to play the insurance settlement/lawsuit lotto. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/184 "2015-01-18T04:26:41Z")
Thing is, winter clothes tend to come in two fashions: sky resort or dark. But if I was going to be walking or running on the tarmac, I’d rather go sky resort than dark. My quilted jacket is white, the quilted coat is navy: I accesorize the coat with gloves and a hat in the brightest colors I could find, fashion be damned. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/185 "2015-01-18T06:57:52Z")
Thursday afternoon at 2 pm we had to put our beloved dog down. He was a huge wonderful loving smart and the best ever German Shepherd dog that we adopted almost 10 yeats ago when he was only 2. We are wrecked. It was completely out of the blue - the evening before he was fine - next day was hell on earth. I still can’t process it. And I keep hearing his tags jingling - my husband swears he felt him lick his face Friday morning. The house just ain’t right anymore. My son is devasted - he couldn’t even say goodbye. My lap is so empty… ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/186 "2015-01-18T13:53:04Z")
**{{Missy2U}}** So sorry to hear that. I had to go through a similar thing last year, so I know how you feel. ---
**Author:** ![Helena330](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/helena330/32/531_2.png) [@Helena330](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helena330)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/187 "2015-01-18T18:58:16Z")
Oh man, **Missy2U** , I’m so sorry. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/188 "2015-01-18T20:52:15Z")
> [@MagicEyes](#): > > I nearly ran over someone who was dressed completely in black, standing in the middle of the street close to the intersection in the dark (not crossing the street, just standing there). I turned onto the street and saw him barely in time to stop. There are a lot of people around here who go running or walk around at night wearing all black. I’m surprised more of them don’t get run over. I see a lot of them. And worse they wear hoodies, yapping on their cell or texting and jaywalking. If i didnt have antilock brakes by now I’d at least be a ace. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/189 "2015-01-18T22:02:34Z")
I’m so very, very sorry, **Missy2U**. It’s hard enough when you see it coming, but when it happens suddenly, it’s near unbearable. Hugs to you and your family. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2015, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/190 "2015-01-18T22:43:34Z")
Just got around to reading through this thread which I somehow failed to subscribe to (that would be my rant), but Hey **SeaDragonTattoo** , that is a very adorable kitty, even with the antlers. How about an update on the current status of your new Feline Overlord? Settling in well? ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/191 "2015-01-19T05:18:04Z")
> [@aruvqan](#): > > How about a nice huge hunk of [granite](http://www.creggangranite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/post01a.jpg)? Save money on repairs 😃 And very nice looking as well. However, there is the problem of me hitting the danged thing twice while backing out. (white painted brick columns) There is NO reason for people to be hitting it from outside the yard, they are in a set-in off the street and covered with reflectors. Today, I was walking the hounds to the dog park and an unleashed dog attacked ME. Not the dogs, but ME. I don’t know what was going on in his mind, but the owner thought that I was at fault. Too bad idiot owner, I got your license plate number and called the police. KEEP YOUR AGRESSIVE DOG LEASHED, YOU FUCKHEAD!!! ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/192 "2015-01-19T08:40:35Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > Just got around to reading through this thread which I somehow failed to subscribe to (that would be my rant), but Hey **SeaDragonTattoo** , that is a very adorable kitty, even with the antlers. How about an update on the current status of your new Feline Overlord? Settling in well? Rockitt is fitting into the household just as well as I thought he would. Not besties with anyone yet, but lots of sniffing, a little ear licking, and general tolerance abounds. He’s making himself at home, and has been taking Chico’s boxes for nap time here and there: [http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/0f1a5fdb3d8f7d5b9835b7854a8ec01a.jpg](http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/0f1a5fdb3d8f7d5b9835b7854a8ec01a.jpg) He likes to hang out on the bed as long as I’m in it: [http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/a77460ccf931e64b3522c7f50b2079f8.jpg](http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/a77460ccf931e64b3522c7f50b2079f8.jpg) He slept the first night on the back of the couch: [http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/ae2cc316d7ef380cffc44ce878baf723.jpg](http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/ae2cc316d7ef380cffc44ce878baf723.jpg) And I played with that image a bit with a photo editor: [http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/2accd9ff0338bf3c2cf09188f6b27ab7.jpg](http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/19/2accd9ff0338bf3c2cf09188f6b27ab7.jpg) He’s just a doll. {{{and much to \*\*Missy[\B], I hope you can tell from post #92 my heart goes out to you and your family}}} ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/193 "2015-01-19T11:31:11Z")
> [@Missy2U](#): > > Thursday afternoon at 2 pm we had to put our beloved dog down. He was a huge wonderful loving smart and the best ever German Shepherd dog that we adopted almost 10 yeats ago when he was only 2. We are wrecked. It was completely out of the blue - the evening before he was fine - next day was hell on earth. I still can’t process it. And I keep hearing his tags jingling - my husband swears he felt him lick his face Friday morning. The house just ain’t right anymore. My son is devasted - he couldn’t even say goodbye. My lap is so empty… I’m so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such a wonderful companion who was lucky to have people who loved him so very much. ---
**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:** [January 19, 2015, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/194 "2015-01-19T12:31:59Z")
> [@EmilyG](#): > > I know that drinking alone at home in the middle of the afternoon is wrong but I want to do it anyway. Every so often I like to drink all day, but you’ve gotta get up too damn early to really do it right. ---
**Author:** ![Indyellen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/indyellen/32/4176_2.png) [@Indyellen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indyellen)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/195 "2015-01-19T17:53:50Z")
Yes, I’m whining. I’m posting this here because almost no one I know IRL reads SDMB. I’ve got to get it out. I am probably as depressed as I have ever been without being actively suicidal. I’m on the max dose of my depression meds. I don’t think it’s hormonal (although I suppose it could be). If someone looks at me sideways, I start crying. I don’t want to work, I just want to be in bed. I’ve had a lot happen in the last month: my father had a stroke and I had to suddenly go to Texas for 2 weeks; my mother decided to go spaz out over celebrating Christmas after I got back, my daughter is having flare-ups of her bipolar, and my husband and I are having communication issues. I even messed things up so my therapist didn’t know I was at the office for an appointment and left without seeing me, which I found out from the other therapist in her office. I’ve disappointed a good friend of mine, due to not being able to handle a favor she asked me to do; I should have turned it down, but I didn’t and then I screwed up. I just feel empty inside. I have moments when that feeling is less than others, but that’s my standard. I’m worried about my dad, but it’s not on my mind 24/7. I’m functioning, and other than being weepier than usual, I don’t think my family knows anything is up - I cover well. I just had to tell someone about it. I don’t see my therapist until next week, and I’ll discuss it with her, but I had to get it out while I could. ---
**Author:** ![TheFaerie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c57346/32.png) [@TheFaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheFaerie)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/196 "2015-01-19T18:01:56Z")
{{{ **Indyellen** }}} Hang in there. You got us to whine at! ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/197 "2015-01-19T20:05:09Z")
Thanks for the update, **SeaDragonTattoo** ; that is one adorable fur baby you got yourself. **Indyellen** , hope things improve for you. As said, we are here to be whined at any time. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/198 "2015-01-19T20:15:32Z")
If I were the flaked-upon friend, **Indyellen** , and was told be the flake-er what you just told us, I’d be more than sympathetic and understanding. Hugs/chocolate/booze/ **aruvqan** ’s wish list all around. Sounds like it’s been a rough weekend/Monday for a lot of folks here. ---
**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 19, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/199 "2015-01-19T21:38:16Z")
Fourteen books. I now have to replace fourteen books thanks to a cover-nibbling mouse. I also found mouse droppings on the top shelf of my wall-o-books. (None fresh, thank your deity of choice.) I caught those little bastards two years ago and I’m still finding damage they did. :mad: Fuck mice. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2015, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681/200 "2015-01-19T22:04:18Z")
This is the mini-est of rants compared to others, but FML: Today was Martin Luther King Day, so I didn’t take my garbage out to the curb, figuring the trashmen would have the day off. Well, guess who works on MLK Day? Yup, the trashmen. I can never figure out their holiday schedule. Either I take it out and they don’t pick it up that day, or I leave it in the garage and they’re out making pickups. I never guess right. :mad: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-rants-thread-of-2015-january-minirants/708681.md?page=11)