# July Bugging the Shit out of you? Rant about it here. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 1, 2013, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315 "2013-07-01T04:03:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 30
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/581 "2013-07-29T06:14:50Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > If someone leaves their pet door unsecured at night, the raccoons could be getting in that way. Plus, raccoons is smart. I wouldn’t put it past them to have learned how to open a fridge. That’s an excellent point and one I’ve overlooked in the past too. Thank you. I’ve never had a pet - the cat that currently resides with me being my ward (long story) and being strictly of the indoor variety. I’m now imagining my neighbors scratching their heads trying to figure out how a ghost is not only consuming their deli meats but making the wrappers disappear. Either that or pointing the finger at each other for having a very, very serious sleep-eating problem. I didn’t mention it in the last post, but there were also a copious amount of crumbs accompanying the empty wrappers, so it really does look like the critters were having a picnic. ---
**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:** [July 29, 2013, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/582 "2013-07-29T12:41:47Z")
I had raccoons come through the pet door twice. (Our pet door opened to an enclosed courtyard but the little darlings were climbing a tree next door, coming in over the roof and down the downspout. Some sheet aluminum around that tree next door put a stop to it.) Both times they put all the cats’ food in the water dish and then left. I guess cat food isn’t good enough for them. I’m so glad I saw them before they figured out the refrigerator. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/583 "2013-07-29T12:59:10Z")
> [@Chef\_Troy](#): > > God damn it, I hurt my back AGAIN. Stupid entertainment center weighs a RIDICULOUS amount, stupid garage has a ridiculously high sill under its door, and stupid Cheffie thinks his strength is as the strength of ten even though his heart isn’t pure. Oh I feel your pain. Broken L3 here. Alternate heat and cold to reduce swelling, take Alleve every 4 hours for a day or two. Yes yes, Alleve is the Devil’s Painkiller but using it to reduce swelling and eliminate spasms for a few days won’t drill a hole in the wall of your tummy. Prolly. 😃 The very name. Entertainment Center. There’s NOTHING entertaining about them !!! ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/584 "2013-07-29T13:41:12Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > Both times they put all the cats’ food in the water dish and then left. I guess cat food isn’t good enough for them. I wonder if they learned that trick from a neighbor with dog food. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/585 "2013-07-29T15:31:17Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > \ Both times they put all the cats’ food in the water dish and then left. \ I’m picturing this as a Godfather-style warning - “Next time it could be your head. Just a friendly warning.” 😃 Can I join the aches and pains crew? We’re putting in a small patio in our back yard - I spent Saturday shovelling and levelling and tamping and more shovelling and wheelbarrowing, and Sunday hauling pavers around. I’m doing physio for a bad right shoulder and elbow, and my physiotherapist is going to be thrilled to hear that my right wrist is hurting now, too. 🙂 ---
**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:** [July 29, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/586 "2013-07-29T17:09:14Z")
Life is strange. For most of my life, I’ve not been much closer to an actual missing persons case than watching a drama on TV. The Regional VP at my husband’s office went missing Saturday afternoon; they finally found his truck on Sunday. He was in it, deceased. (The assumption in this case is that there was some sort of major personal medical situation that he did not survive.) My husband and I found out he was missing (before it was released to the public), because my husband provides the IT support for the office, and they were trying to track the VP’s cell phone. He was a hell of a nice guy, and will be missed. Completely separately, a long-distance friend of mine had a very close friend of hers go missing last week. The current situation is that they have found the missing woman’s car, and they have found an unidentified body (two separate locations). They are still waiting for autopsy results. Horrible. You know these sorts of things happen to real people, just not people you know. It’s sad, and a little scary. Hug your family, people. You never know what might happen. ---
**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:** [July 29, 2013, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/587 "2013-07-29T17:34:10Z")
> [@Ferret\_Herder](#): > > Brastrap extenders? They’re basically a bit of elastic with double-eye loops at a couple points along it to give you a bit more breathing room in a too-small bra. Ta, might look into those and see if they do them in a triple-hook version (told you I’m an odd size!) If I continue to gradually shift the weight, the old bras should fit okay. I’m more annoyed at having spent £50 on three bras in the meantime that will swiftly be too big for me, what a waste ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/588 "2013-07-29T17:55:59Z")
> [@Cinnamon\_Imp](#): > > Ta, might look into those and see if they do them in a triple-hook version (told you I’m an odd size!) > > If I continue to gradually shift the weight, the old bras should fit okay. I’m more annoyed at having spent £50 on three bras in the meantime that will swiftly be too big for me, what a waste ☹ I know there are triple-hooks, as my mother uses them. If for some reason every milliner in Scotland has decided not to buy them I could send you some 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FrancisCastle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b4bc9f/32.png) [@FrancisCastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrancisCastle)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/589 "2013-07-29T18:00:41Z")
I’m so done with being preggo. 5-6 more weeks to go!! Yesterday I tried scrubbing the floor and had to stop because I felt short of breath and my belly hurt. Of course, I probably shouldn’t have attempted to do the entire house at once, but hey, I’m nesting! Haha Also, mom, I know you know that we aren’t the most financially secure family in the world. I do however pay my bills and I fully realize the cost of a new baby. You really don’t have to say negative things every time you call. Have you noticed I haven’t been answering lately? How I only respond to your questions with short, to-the-point texts? No? Yes, I may have a bit of an attitude, but you’re not helping the situation. ---
**Author:** ![Sario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sario/32/18580_2.png) [@Sario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sario)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2013, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/590 "2013-07-29T19:28:43Z")
> [@Indyellen](#): > > Life is strange. For most of my life, I’ve not been much closer to an actual missing persons case than watching a drama on TV. The Regional VP at my husband’s office went missing Saturday afternoon; they finally found his truck on Sunday. He was in it, deceased. (The assumption in this case is that there was some sort of major personal medical situation that he did not survive.) My husband and I found out he was missing (before it was released to the public), because my husband provides the IT support for the office, and they were trying to track the VP’s cell phone. He was a hell of a nice guy, and will be missed. > > Completely separately, a long-distance friend of mine had a very close friend of hers go missing last week. The current situation is that they have found the missing woman’s car, and they have found an unidentified body (two separate locations). They are still waiting for autopsy results. Horrible. > > You know these sorts of things happen to real people, just not people you know. It’s sad, and a little scary. Hug your family, people. You never know what might happen. My mother’s only brother went missing back in 03, they found a body that may be him about a month ago. ---
**Author:** ![Neidhart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Neidhart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neidhart)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/591 "2013-07-30T00:02:40Z")
Fair Oaks Mall has removed their fountain. Now no shopping mall in the DC area has one. Dammit, fountains are [pretty](http://mallsofamerica.blogspot.com/2005_06_01_archive.html) to look at. (Check out the one from Plymouth Meeting Mall; I wish I could have seen that in person!) I bet the real reason mall owners don’t like fountains is they take up space that could be filled with those kiosks where the salesladies try to buttonhole everyone walking past, like it was some Middle Eastern bazaar instead of a 21st century mall. The Post article I read said that the mall’s look was “dated”. That’s not a concept I understand. I remember clearly when it opened in 1980; it looked nice then and it still looked nice last year. To hell with change just for the sake of change. If something isn’t broken, then just fucking let it be. But no, everything has to be done over every year, to be all hippity-hop and nowitty-now or whatever. (This concept deserves a whole Pit thread but I’m too lazy right now - I’ll just mention that I stopped going to my local Giant supermarket when, less than two years after a major renovation, they started moving the sections around again.) Sometimes I just suspect I’ve lived too long. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/592 "2013-07-30T00:51:50Z")
> [@Neidhart](#): > > \ > I bet the real reason mall owners don’t like fountains is they take up space that could be filled with those kiosks where the salesladies try to buttonhole everyone walking past, like it was some Middle Eastern bazaar instead of a 21st century mall.\ I hate, hate, HATE those assholes. You’ve got a kiosk there; if I have any interest in what you’re selling, I’ll mosey on over - leave me the fuck alone! I’ve started calling them “mall spiders” - just standing there, waiting to pounce. ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/593 "2013-07-30T00:53:41Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I hate, hate, HATE those assholes. You’ve got a kiosk there; if I have any interest in what you’re selling, I’ll mosey on over - leave me the fuck alone! I’ve started calling them “mall spiders” - just standing there, waiting to pounce. They drive me up the wall, and they subtly insult you while trying to sell stuff to you! Fuck that, if you have to insult me to sell me something then you’re off my list. ---
**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:** [July 30, 2013, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/594 "2013-07-30T01:10:28Z")
I also love fountains; however, the Saturday mornings working at Fanny Farmer next to the Northtown Mall fountain? Absolute hell with a hangover. ---
**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:** [July 30, 2013, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/595 "2013-07-30T01:33:32Z")
If I had to stab a guess, I would say that mall fountains are a bitch to maintain. Crabtree took theirs out years ago; it was positioned in front of a glass-enclosed elevator, and provided a really cool view for the passengers. Its space is mostly occupied by a makeshift open lounge, complete with a smallish flatscreen for viewing sports. I think Triangle Shopping Center still has an indoor “water feature” (it’s more like a waterfall), though it was under heavy renovation the last time I saw it. Seems like it was always reeking of either bleach or swampiness; there was also a scummy layer around the edges. My rant: the plastic mat under my computer chair is severely cracked, and I can’t decide if I should just buy a new mat, or get a real chair with those slick plastic sliders on the legs. ---
**Author:** ![deltasigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@deltasigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deltasigma)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/596 "2013-07-30T01:41:10Z")
> [@WolfpackJeep](#): > > My rant: the plastic mat under my computer chair is severely cracked, and I can’t decide if I should just buy a new mat, or get a real chair with those slick plastic sliders on the legs. I have [one of these](http://www.costco.com/Anji-Mountain-Bamboo-Chair-Mat-48%22-x-42%22-Rectangle%2c-Roll-Up---Natural.product.11492220.html) and really like it. It rolls up too so it comes in a manageable package and is easy to move. [Here are other options an sizes](http://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?catalogId=10701&langId=-1&keyword=chair+mat&storeId=10301&refine=14436). ---
**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:** [July 30, 2013, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/597 "2013-07-30T01:45:46Z")
> [@Neidhart](#): > > Fair Oaks Mall has removed their fountain. Now no shopping mall in the DC area has one. > > Dammit, fountains are [pretty](http://mallsofamerica.blogspot.com/2005_06_01_archive.html) to look at. (Check out the one from Plymouth Meeting Mall; I wish I could have seen that in person!) > > \ > > The Post article I read said that the mall’s look was “dated”. That’s not a concept I understand. I remember clearly when it opened in 1980; it looked nice then and it still looked nice last year. To hell with change just for the sake of change. If something isn’t broken, then just fucking let it be. But no, everything has to be done over every year, to be all hippity-hop and nowitty-now or whatever. Dang, I remember going to that mall when it opened. It was nice. So where are they going to put that “build a house in 24 hours” contest thingy they used to hold every year now that the fountain’s gone? (Or am I conflating this with another mall … after a while, they all run together.) I wonder if the Mall at Manssass still has its fountains. ---
**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:** [July 30, 2013, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/598 "2013-07-30T03:28:23Z")
> [@Neidhart](#): > > I bet the real reason mall owners don’t like fountains is they take up space that could be filled with those kiosks where the salesladies try to buttonhole everyone walking past, like it was some Middle Eastern bazaar instead of a 21st century mall. > [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I hate, hate, HATE those assholes. You’ve got a kiosk there; if I have any interest in what you’re selling, I’ll mosey on over - leave me the fuck alone! I’ve started calling them “mall spiders” - just standing there, waiting to pounce. > [@Flutterby](#): > > They drive me up the wall, and they subtly insult you while trying to sell stuff to you! Fuck that, if you have to insult me to sell me something then you’re off my list. Excuse me. Could I ask you a question? Certainly. Can I kick you in the crotch? ---
**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:** [July 30, 2013, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/599 "2013-07-30T03:52:56Z")
So, I found out that the long distance friend’s friend IS the body they found; foul play is suspected. Sucks. Then, I got an email from a coworker which said, “Did you hear that G’s (another coworker) mother passed away at 7:30 tonight?” More suck. Look, universe, it’s still only Monday. Can you lighten up a bit? Please? ---
**Author:** ![madrabbitwoman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c37758/32.png) [@madrabbitwoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madrabbitwoman)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2013, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315/600 "2013-07-30T07:09:48Z")
So my student didn’t turn up because he “forgot” yeah right- (gnashing of teeth). Tonight I will be talking to his mother. The I will be talking to him - about consequences. For his poor mum who is embarrassed and has to figure out what to do with him, me I’m out several hours of prep time, photocopies, the fact that if he does not turn up I DON’T GET PAID. Having to walk to the library and back again, half a dozen text messages trying to hunt him down. It was not his fault that I was already having a shitty day or that I count on the added income - but it sure as fuck didn’t help. Oh and I have to try and sound like a competent professional when his mum calls - gah :smack: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315.md?page=29) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-bugging-the-shit-out-of-you-rant-about-it-here/662315.md?page=31)