# Hell o' Weenies (October Mini-Rants)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948>\
**Category:** The BBQ Pit\
**Created:** [October 1, 2023, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948 "2023-10-01T07:02:08Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 27

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/521 "2023-10-27T00:28:14Z")

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> [@LurkMeister](#):
>
> I had looked online and in addition to finding information on checking for things like a blocked drain I found a place I can order a replacement seal - for $213!

Wow! I have a Samsung dryer with a strangely fragile vent screen; when the cover (really just a flimsy piece of plastic) broke off, I figured it wouldn’t be a big deal to replace it. WRONG! - Even if I went to a discount appliance parts site, the entire vent screen assembly was upwards of $84. Turns out that the cover is a separate piece, and I was able to pick up a new one for $15.

> [@digs](#):
>
> My lights set on Auto don’t come on if it’s grey and rainy.

Same here…on the '09, it has to be _dark_ for the automatic lights to work; on the '21, it’s heavy dusk. Even with cloud cover and rain, if there’s any ambient daylight the automatic lights won’t work. I have noticed, however, that in automatic mode the '21’s dash lights will illuminate even when the headlights stay off. Maybe this explains what we’re seeing on the roads…people are glancing at the illuminated dash, and think that means the headlights are on.

Either that, or some drivers are just plain stupid.

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/522 "2023-10-27T00:44:29Z")

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> [@WolfpackJeep](#):
>
> people are glancing at the illuminated dash, and think that means the headlights are on.
> 
> Either that, or some drivers are just plain stupid.

Not necessarily either/or. Could (and IMO likely is) both in some cases.

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/523 "2023-10-27T02:55:04Z")

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> [@LurkMeister](#):
>
> I took a more careful look at the seal on my freezer while clearing some of the contents and it looks like there may be a gap on the one side which would be causing the heavy frosting. I had looked online and in addition to finding information on checking for things like a blocked drain I found a place I can order a replacement seal - for $213!

There are plenty of places selling appliance parts online. Once you know the part number, shopping around is easy.

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**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/524 "2023-10-27T04:40:11Z")

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> [@wolfpup](#):
>
> So I’m looking at the year-to-date spending, and holy Hannah! My wine and liquor spending! Jesus H. Christ on a pogo stick!! To put it in order-of-magnitude perspective, we’re talking “lease on a new Mercedes” level.

Me, reading my 2020 year-end statement: “We spent **how** much on meal delivery??”

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**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/525 "2023-10-27T11:45:37Z")

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> [@WolfpackJeep](#):
>
> > [@digs](#):
> >
> > My lights set on Auto don’t come on if it’s grey and rainy.
> 
> Same here…on the '09, it has to be _dark_ for the automatic lights to work; on the '21, it’s heavy dusk. Even with cloud cover and rain, if there’s any ambient daylight the automatic lights won’t work.

What cars? In Auto mode, aren’t your daytime running lights (DTRL) always on at a minimum? That’s the way it is on my 2010 Lexus. (I think my wife’s 2004 Prius is the same, but I’m not as sure about that.)

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/526 "2023-10-27T12:06:09Z")

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> [@digs](#):
>
> My lights set on Auto don’t come on if it’s grey and rainy. Not til it’s Very Dark Grey out.
> 
> Wish I could adjust them.

No need. Just get in the habit of turning on your headlights every time you drive. There are no laws against driving with your headlights on in the daytime (that I’m aware of).

Of course, you’ll also need to get in the habit of turning them off every time you get out of the car. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of jump starts to develop that one.

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/527 "2023-10-27T12:28:35Z")

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> [@commasense](#):
>
> What cars? In Auto mode, aren’t your daytime running lights (DTRL) always on at a minimum?

The '09 is a Grand Cherokee; the '21 is a Wrangler. Neither has daytime running lights.

> [@Seanette](#):
>
> Could (and IMO likely is) both in some cases.

😄

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/528 "2023-10-27T12:58:34Z")

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> [@kaylasdad99](#):
>
> There are no laws against driving with your headlights on in the daytime (that I’m aware of).

Years ago, AT&T encouraged their employees to drive with their lights on. Being new and realizing it was a good idea, I started doing it. I was immediately pulled over.

The officer immediately told me I hadn’t done anything wrong like speeding, but it turns out one of my headlights was burned out (it was summer, and with DST I very seldom was driving after dark). Got a fix-it ticket, and had to go to the police station after it was fixed to get it signed off.

So not illegal, but did cause me some heartburn.

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**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/529 "2023-10-27T13:27:55Z")

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'19 4 Runner and '19 Subaru Ascent. Neither have daytime running lights. Only about maybe a third of the cars that I see do it seems.

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**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/530 "2023-10-27T14:01:14Z")

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> [@kaylasdad99](#):
>
> Of course, you’ll also need to get in the habit of turning them off every time you get out of the car. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of jump starts to develop that one.

I’m very forgetful and used to have this problem fairly frequently, but I’m pretty sure most modern cars will automatically kill the headlights if you park with them on. Everything is computerized now, so that’s not hard to do.

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**Author:** ![gregorio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/fbc32d/32.png) [@gregorio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gregorio)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/531 "2023-10-27T15:08:32Z")

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Meh, here in Canada where daytime running lights are the law, the idiots don’t turn on their main lights in low lighting conditions or sometimes even at night(!).

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**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/532 "2023-10-27T15:54:11Z")

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> [@tofor](#):
>
> I’m very forgetful and used to have this problem fairly frequently, but I’m pretty sure most modern cars will automatically kill the headlights if you park with them on. Everything is computerized now, so that’s not hard to do.

In the rare times I forget and leave them on, my car will turn them off.

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**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/533 "2023-10-27T16:06:41Z")

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> [@Atamasama](#):
>
> A lot of modern cars (including my car, I love my little car) have the option for automatic lights.

& some modern cars have front-only DRLs so people are driving at night not realizing they have no rear lights on for the car behind them to see them. Stoopit design!

> [@tofor](#):
>
> I’m pretty sure most modern cars will automatically kill the headlights if you park with them on.

Yes, & I hate it; even if that’s the default, give me the option to override. I don’t want to leave my car running when all I’m trying to do is illuminate something at night. Her car (Dodge) automatically kills all power 30 sec or a minute after you turn it off, even if you’re still sitting in it. Get somewhere early & want to sit in your car, you must turn it back on to accessory mode to listen to the radio…& then remember to turn it off again when you finally do want to get out. It also turns everything off if _either_ front door is opened. My car keeps the radio on until the _driver’s_ door is opened  
.

I drive thru Joisey often enough, they also have cheap gas but are the _only_ state in this fine nation that you can’t pump your own gas. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve pulled in to the second pump & turned it off waiting for them to come over. The pump jockey finishes with the first car in front of me & now wants me to pull up; I am _not_ turning on my car to move it up 15’ for your convenience; especially when there is enough room for the car after me to go around me to pull up to the front pump.  
There are also places that only let you fill up in one direction so if there’s a line to fill up if you have your filler connection on the left side I would circle around to the other side of the island; nope, they come over & yell at you, you must be facing the direction traffic is going on the road. WTF???

> [@LurkMeister](#):
>
> I found a place I can order a replacement seal - for $213!

Have you considered a replacement sea lion instead?

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**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/534 "2023-10-27T16:08:18Z")

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Yeah that one is annoying. Do they not notice that all the guages are dark? I assume it is drivers that are just clueless.

Day time running lights are a good system, but I got on tha habit long before of turning on my lights whenever I started the vehicle. “Lights on for life” used to be a thing you would see a lot, Canadian weather being what it is.

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**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/535 "2023-10-27T16:24:16Z")

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> [@FluffyBob](#):
>
> Yeah that one is annoying. Do they not notice that all the guages are dark? I assume it is drivers that are just clueless.

My gauges get _dimmer_ when I turn the headlights on. I have sometimes started driving at night with headlights out, but always from a brightly lit parking lot. Then I get out on the road and at some point there aren’t as many street lights and I realize things seem a bit dark. That could never happen when leaving from my nice dark house. I blame light pollution for headlights out.

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**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:** [October 27, 2023, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/536 "2023-10-27T16:31:13Z")

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My car is just modern enough that it dings at me if I turn it off with the lights still on.

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**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/537 "2023-10-27T17:31:36Z")

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> [@InternetLegend](#):
>
> Me, reading my 2020 year-end statement: “We spent **how** much on meal delivery??”

Really bad habit of mine. Bad for the budget, bad for my health. I’m working on it. But it’s really hard. I have had to come to terms with the fact that I use food for emotional regulation, and knock that shit off.

Incidentally, I read today that the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced symptoms of PTSD. I’ve been shifting away from red meat as well, so hopefully that’s an added benefit.

* * *

I have just a metric fuckton of things to do today. I just worked five hours with no break and you would think I would feel better, but no, man, there is so much shit. I’m uploading a document to one government system while replying to an email conversation with another. I’ve got two outstanding applications mostly complete.

At least quarterlies and semi-annuals are done. Before I took over the federal grants, this used to be a chill time of year. No more.

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**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/538 "2023-10-27T18:16:03Z")

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The revolving door of new people at work continues. New guy started last week; nice enough guy. Seemed to get along with everybody, pleasant, liked what we do and seemed to enjoy it.

But…I guess someone higher up either noticed his 3" high “SS” neck tattoo, or someone pointed it out to them.

I’m surprised it wasn’t noticed before as I did right away, but someone observed that we work with people with a lot of tattoos, so maybe nobody bothered to take a closer look. Either that or they didn’t know what it was.

Anyway, he got called to the office mid-afternoon yesterday and walked out of the building carrying his hardhat not long after.

So we’re shorthanded still.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2023, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/539 "2023-10-27T19:43:07Z")

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> [@WolfpackJeep](#):
>
> The '09 is a Grand Cherokee; the '21 is a Wrangler. Neither has daytime running lights.

I’ve never owned a Jeep, but according to [this site](https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/turn-on-and-off-daytime-running-lights.25353/):

> How do you turn on and off the daytime running lights? I have a Wrangler unlimited and the running lights are not on. Do they not have them

> Go to your settings In Uconnect and go to lighting. Turn them on.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [October 27, 2023, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hell-o-weenies-october-mini-rants/990948/540 "2023-10-27T20:25:49Z")

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> [@Sicks\_Ate](#):
>
> But…I guess someone higher up either noticed his 3" high “SS” neck tattoo, or someone pointed it out to them.

Was it covered up with a high collar on a brown shirt perhaps?

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