# MAY we have a new Mini-Rant thread? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 2, 2021, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217 "2021-05-02T07:28:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2021, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/161 "2021-05-13T16:35:45Z")
Can I just say how much I hate Verizon right now? I “upgraded” my service here from an older flip phone to a new smartphone. And the cell coverage STINKS, regardless of what their coverage map says. I’ve been going round and round with them for the last two days – they claim I cannot switch back to the older phone because it’s 3G and “they are retiring 3G.” If that was true, then how come I am only hearing about it now? It’s really important we get good coverage here at the house, because that’s where we use the phone – I’d been hoping to entirely get rid of our landline now that DirecTV doesn’t need it any more. So now I HAVE to pay $40 a month for shitty service, no going back? And can’t use the new phone as a hotspot either (as I’d also hoped), because the cell coverage sucks? WTF, Verizon. Assholes doth vex me. ---
**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:** [May 13, 2021, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/162 "2021-05-13T23:43:52Z")
Last year I bought a smartphone through Consumer Cellular. I had been using a pre-pay ATT&T flip phone and decided to keep that as an I’ve-fallen-and-I-can’t-get-up device because it’s easy to keep in my pocket all the time. It only costs $10 per month. Around the first of the year AT&T starting notifying me that 3G was going away and I needed to upgrade. I don’t care about that and just plan to keep the phone until they stop servicing it. But it appears that a couple of months ago they removed some filter that kept out porn spam texts. I had never gotten those in all the years I had the phone. Now I get at least one if not four or five a day. And they cost 25 cents as apposed to the normal 20 cents per text. That doesn’t bother me since I’m not using the phone and the cash rolls over each month so I’ve got plenty of money in it. But it does piss me off that they apparently think this tactic of wasting my money is going to make me upgrade. That’s asshole behavior AT&T. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/163 "2021-05-14T00:05:55Z")
Welp, I apparently bitched and moaned and whined enough they agreed to switch my service back to my old phone (though they did also forward me info that says they plan on getting rid of their 3G by December 2022). That kicks the can far enough down the road for now. I can get another Google Fi phone when the time comes and invest in a cell signal extender that should enable us to get better service here at the house. The extender will cost some bux, but Google Fi monthly service is WAY cheaper and comes without the constant upsell Verizon has committed itself to, so fine by me. ---
**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:** [May 14, 2021, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/164 "2021-05-14T00:15:09Z")
Good to hear. I’m a satisfied GoogleFi user, though I admit I go for the fancy phones. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/165 "2021-05-14T00:20:23Z")
I have a Pixel with the Google Fi service, which I like very much. But it travels with me, and it doesn’t matter if it gets decent cell reception at home since the Verizon phone has always taken care of that. If 3G is going away then we need to figure out a different plan for that if they can’t manage decent 4G at our home. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/166 "2021-05-14T02:47:31Z")
Today I passed up a fabulous opportunity to get our driveway resurfaced, cheap! Can’t imagine how I turned down two guys who looked like prison farm escapees, who just happened to be passing by, driving an unmarked pickup truck and offering great deals… ---
**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:** [May 14, 2021, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/167 "2021-05-14T04:07:01Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Mrs. Cheesesteak and I have ruined enough stuff this way that we now have an official procedure for using the microwave to keep things away from the pets. A dish towel must be wrapped around the handle. Way too stupid and obvious looking for anyone to think it’s supposed to be that way. My microwave’s door doesn’t HAVE a handle. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/168 "2021-05-14T08:20:48Z")
> [@Seanette](#): > > My microwave’s door doesn’t HAVE a handle. Sounds like a perfect application for one of those 3M adhesive utility hooks. Hang a loop of red ribbon on it to indicate something is inside! > [@Jackmannii](#): > > Today I passed up a fabulous opportunity to get our driveway resurfaced, cheap! > > Can’t imagine how I turned down two guys who looked like prison farm escapees, who just happened to be passing by, driving an unmarked pickup truck and offering great deals… Prison farm escapees are sometimes underrated. I had a trio of them come by offering my choice of front door window insert – one of those things that is usually ornate leaded glass. As it happened, I was just in the market for one, because the builder’s insert was basically plain window glass, but it was a non-standard size which were special order from Home Depot and quite expensive. My prison escapees had a whole truckload of different styles in the right size, at a reasonable price with free installation on the spot. I didn’t like many of them but they had one that was quite tasteful. It was the only time I’ve made a semi-major purchase from a door-to-door salesman, and was well worth it! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/169 "2021-05-14T10:09:55Z")
> [@Seanette](#): > > My microwave’s door doesn’t HAVE a handle. We all have our burdens to bear. A couple of days ago I told my son to put his dirty dish (with prominent chicken bone) in the microwave so the cats don’t attack it before we get the kitchen tidied up. The next day, surprise! Asparagus does not get better with age. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/170 "2021-05-14T10:18:48Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Today I passed up a fabulous opportunity to get our driveway resurfaced, cheap! > > Can’t imagine how I turned down two guys who looked like prison farm escapees, who just happened to be passing by, driving an unmarked pickup truck and offering great deals… Reminds me of the guy who came around a few years ago, offering to do yard work. I made the mistake of asking him to get rid of all the little maple seedlings that had taken root throughout the yard. When I wasn’t looking, he cut off all the branches from one side of the 10-ft. Japanese maple I’d planted in the front yard. When I confronted him about it, first he said he didn’t do it. Then he said I told him to do it. Then he said, “Aw, they’ll grow back.” ---
**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:** [May 14, 2021, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/171 "2021-05-14T11:08:46Z")
Where he thinks it should be is wherever it isn’t. Doesn’t matter where I put it, he drags it. I’m going to have to break down and get a cat fountain, aren’t I? ---
**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:** [May 14, 2021, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/172 "2021-05-14T12:31:54Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Can’t imagine how I turned down two guys who looked like prison farm escapees, who just happened to be passing by, driving an unmarked pickup truck and offering great deals… I’ve told this story here before, but back when I moved into this house I had also decided to buy a new mattress. So when I heard the doorbell ring and saw a big box truck parked on the street, I assumed the mattress had arrived…instead, when I opened the door I was greeted by a young man who was eager to tell me about the mobile furniture showroom he and his partner had brought into the neighborhood. As he’s telling me about the quality, priced-to-move items available, his partner is opening the back of the truck to reveal various pieces of furniture stacked inside. Since I was still unpacking and arranging my own furniture, I politely declined his offer. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/173 "2021-05-14T13:33:46Z")
> [@panache45](#): > > Reminds me of the guy who came around a few years ago, offering to do yard work. I made the mistake of asking him to get rid of all the little maple seedlings that had taken root throughout the yard. When I wasn’t looking, he cut off all the branches from one side of the 10-ft. Japanese maple I’d planted in the front yard. When I confronted him about it, first he said he didn’t do it. Then he said I told him to do it. Then he said, “Aw, they’ll grow back.” It could’ve been worse. [https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/northern-california-man-charged-deadly-throat-slashings-77665417?cid=clicksource\_4380645\_1\_heads\_hero\_live\_headlines\_hed](https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/northern-california-man-charged-deadly-throat-slashings-77665417?cid=clicksource_4380645_1_heads_hero_live_headlines_hed) ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2021, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/174 "2021-05-14T17:37:22Z")
> [@Catamount](#): > > Connor the Cat has a fun new hobby: dragging the water bowl across the room. I wouldn’t mind except when he does it the water gets all. over. the. floor. I had a heavy ceramic water bowl. He dragged it across the floor. I put it on a mat. He dragged the mat across the floor. I replaced it with a dog water bowl with a rubberized ring. He drags _that_ across the floor. > > There’s nothing I can do short of nailing the damn thing down. He’s sixteen pounds (muscle, not fat) and very strong. I had a cat that did that. I finally resorted to hammering three small nails into the floor, fixing the water bowl into a specific location. ---
**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:** [May 14, 2021, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/175 "2021-05-14T23:52:05Z")
Bloody cat. I think he pooped in the carrier right as I pulled into the garage, but he definitely threw up all over the carrier so, of course, I had to wash his feet off and he managed to get ick all over my shirt before I got him into the sink. And now he’s walking around screaming at the top of his lungs. He’s lucky I love him. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2021, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/176 "2021-05-15T03:56:24Z")
Oven is on the fritz again, after being out of commission for 3 months earlier this year (heating element replaced). At least this time the fix looks simple - the door spring has sprung for good - just swap out the door springs. New springs should be here mid-next week. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2021, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/177 "2021-05-15T04:44:28Z")
He did his best, poor guy. He tried to hold it until he got home. Our FIV cat peed on me once and seemed rather embarrassed. Or maybe he was just upset because he knew I’d be washing his butt with a washcloth instead of my tongue. There is a lady in the neighborhood who makes and sells decadent pies to fund her dog rescue addiction. I ordered one for Mother’s Day and she had to text me back and say she couldn’t do it because she had a dog involved accident that involved bruised ribs and a badly sprained arm. My reaction was “Oh, NO! I’m so sorry you are hurt and of course I understand that you can’t make the pies you had committed to doing.” Not so for the wonderful neighbors on Nextdoor. They were slamming her for the inconvenience of having to figure something out a week in advance. I’m one of the mods, so I try to be restrained but I just couldn’t. My mod powers were put on suspension and there were discussions as to if I would actually be fired over this. Sadly, it seems as though being a Nextdoor mod is like being an HOA/POA association officer. The only way to get out of this is to die, or to get someone drunk enough to take my place. We are going to need a whole lot more beer. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2021, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/178 "2021-05-15T11:50:54Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > Or maybe he was just upset because he knew I’d be washing his butt with a washcloth instead of my tongue. Um, seriously, do you actually wash your cat’s but with your tongue? ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2021, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/179 "2021-05-15T18:56:00Z")
Giving your cat a bath isn’t that hard, its picking the hair of your tongue that’s a bitch. ---
**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:** [May 15, 2021, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217/180 "2021-05-15T23:52:59Z")
> **[Amazon.com : PDX Pet Design Licki Your Cat Brush : Pet Supplies](https://www.amazon.com/PDX-Pet-Design-Licki-Brush/dp/B01M0UXYHE)** > > Amazon.com : PDX Pet Design Licki Your Cat Brush : Pet Supplies [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-we-have-a-new-mini-rant-thread/941217.md?page=10)