[psmith2.0]

That show never clicked with me. I liked the lead character and all the supporting ones, but, aside from a few episodes, I was never a huge fan. I never felt smart enough.

It was the sitcoms equivalent of listening to NPR, to me.

[kscherer]

I loved Frasier. Just a silly comedy with good, intelligent one-liners and reasonably thoughtful dialogue that lead to more of same.

A household of snobby, pretentious pricks with a blue-collar dad and dingy house keeper. Good stuff.

[psmith2.0]

I did like Martin, always there to bust the bubble of the snobby brothers and I liked Roz a lot as well. She always reminded me of a puppy.

A solid cast, for sure. I liked the supporting players more than the title character and his annoying brother.

[Anonymous Coward]

Animal news from Connecticut that might have been overlooked with all the world news.

[psmith2.0]

I love bears!!! Don’t wanna meet/know one like this,just being a thug. But they are so cute. 🐻🥰 they don’t even have to be small, truly cute cubs. Even full-grown, hulking grizzlies melt my heart (from a distance, or on a TV/computer screen). How they just lumber around all cute/silly, guided by their tummies, and eating everything/anything they can get their paws on. 😍

I fully realize if I lived in the remote Alaskan or Canadian wilderness in an off-grid cabin in the ass-end of nowhere, I’d probably feel a bit differently about the food-stealing, door-wrecking bastards. But I don’t, so I’ve got that luxury to be all “awwwww, hi baby! Did you get some din-din in your tummy?” instead. Ain’t my house that got all torn up!

We have black bears here, but not in these close-to-downtown suburbs. I’d have to travel 30-40 miles east of here and stroll around the mountains/woods with an Outback dinner - or a McDonald’s Happy Meal - in my backpack. Which I’m not gonna do.

No, I don’t want them busting into my house, occupied or not. I’m just saying I find them hopelessly adorable. My favorite animals. if I could have a polar bear cub, and it would never grow up and eat my face off as I slept, I would. “Come here, Blizzard…I’ve got a ham-and-seal sandwich for you!”

[kscherer]

Stupid bear! Didn't even shut the drawer. How rude!

[709]

Was that bear wearing bows on its ears? If I walked into that kitchen I'd promptly shit a pile of bricks. I've encountered a handful of black bears in woods around/north of here and they're pretty skittish, but fuck that. Bears are scary as fuck.

There's a great 70's 'monster' movie, Prophecy, that I still think about every time I'm in the woods near dusk. Scarred me deep as a kid, that one.

[turtle]

HAHAHA

That is awesome. I mean, it is like that bear knew where it was going. Staged even.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by psmith2.0 I love bears!!! Don’t wanna meet/know one like this,just being a thug. But they are so cute. 🐻🥰 they don’t even have to be small, truly cute cubs. Even full-grown, hulking grizzlies melt my heart (from a distance, or on a TV/computer screen). How they just lumber around all cute/silly, guided by their tummies, and eating everything/anything they can get their paws on. 😍 I fully realize if I lived in the remote Alaskan or Canadian wilderness in an off-grid cabin in the ass-end of nowhere, I’d probably feel a bit differently about the food-stealing, door-wrecking bastards. But I don’t, so I’ve got that luxury to be all “awwwww, hi baby! Did you get some din-din in your tummy?” instead. Ain’t my house that got all torn up! We have black bears here, but not in these close-to-downtown suburbs. I’d have to travel 30-40 miles east of here and stroll around the mountains/woods with an Outback dinner - or a McDonald’s Happy Meal - in my backpack. Which I’m not gonna do. No, I don’t want them busting into my house, occupied or not. I’m just saying I find them hopelessly adorable. My favorite animals. if I could have a polar bear cub, and it would never grow up and eat my face off as I slept, I would. “Come here, Blizzard…I’ve got a ham-and-seal sandwich for you!”

The come right into town here. A few times a year a bear will wander into Boulder at night, then as the town wakes up they'll scamper up a tree. Animal control will come by with a giant trampoline and a tranq dart.

[psmith2.0]

Careful, bear!

[turtle]

Out of context that look like some law enforcement people tossing a bear in the air with a tarp!

[drewprops]

Bear on a trampoline


...

[Ryan]

A bear came into my neighborhood last year. I lived about 3 miles into town from the wildland/urban interface but I'm assuming it came up an open space corridor that ran up from the south of town. Otherwise it would've had to come through lots of housing and an entire college campus.

Came across it while I was walking my dog, couple hundred feet off the trail. If the bear isn't causing issues they'll usually just leave them be until they wander off on their own and this was just looked like it was munching on a berry bramble.

[Anonymous Coward]

OK, not even remotely current daily news, but while browsing Ars Technica comments, I came across the How I made my shed the top rated London restaurant on Trip Advisor story. Is it true? Six years ago, pre-COVID, a lifetime ago, so who knows.

[drewprops]

I read that story about the shed-turned-restaurant (however many years ago) and I believed it at the time. It seemed super legit, and entirely plausible that an algorithm could be gamed. Gosh it was nice to be reminded of that bit of silliness!


...

[PB PM]

Originally Posted by psmith2.0 Careful, bear!

I have seen too many bears up close this year. Three while camping in the summer, nearly walked into our campsite, and another along a trail. Then on my way to work in a rural area I was working a mother black bear ran across the road, looked at me drive by, then her cub followed her crossing behind me. Had a similar encounter with a cougar/mountain lion last fall in the same place.

[psmith2.0]

Wow, kinda unsettling:

Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut off a plane’s engines mid-flight



We're so busy looking for/expecting the obvious perps/troublemakers, that it never occurs to us a disturbed airline employee might be the reason a plane falls out of the sky.

An off-duty pilot who was riding in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight en route from Washington state to San Francisco on Sunday is facing dozens of attempted murder charges after he tried to shut down the plane’s engines mid-flight, authorities say. The suspect, identified as Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph D. Emerson, 44, attempted to cut off fuel to the engines, but the quick action of the aircraft’s captain and first officer kept the engines from failing completely, the airline said, adding Emerson was subdued by the flight crew.

I'm sure he was. I hope they each got in a punch or three, for good measure. "Hey, gimme your wrist...**KA-POW!!**, oh sorry about your eye, my hand slipped!"

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN’s Josh Campbell. Investigators believe it may have been the result of a mental health episode...

Yeah, no shit. I assume he wasn't having a normal, great day, to be trying something like this. Having it be terrorism or "ideologically-motivated" isn't good, either. Just so we're all clear on that. Take out your beef on a battlefield, not killing a bunch of innocent civilians who've never wronged you. But we see where those threads/ideas go, don't we?

I'm just glad he was stopped/subdued and that everyone is okay. If I ever do go down in a plane, I certainly don't want it to be due to some disgruntled or disturbed sad-sack Southwest employee. I want the full-on "terrorist hi-jacker" scenario, players from Central Casting, wide-eyed and maniacally screaming all the usual shit, to where I know I'm screwed (and have all the motivation in the world to fight back, or die trying).

I'm done with air travel, though. Sadly, the 9/11 assbags aren't the reason. Our unhinged response to it, over the years, is. Flying is the biggest time-zapping, hurry-up-and-wait pain-in-the-butt I can think of. And to spend hundreds (or more) for the "privilege"? No thanks. I'm always up for a road trip, I'll just drive to wherever I need to go, thank you.

But, seriously...that's really scary, to think an unbalanced airline employee might be the reason things go sideways. How do you even prepare for/fight that? I remember there was a case, several years back, where they determined the pilot of a passenger plane deliberately crashed into a mountain or canyon, killing everyone? He'd had a bad run of luck (life, relationship, finances) and got on the plane that day with the plan to deliberately crash.

Almost makes drunk pilots seem preferable. At least they'll be overcompensating, trying to look/act normal and do everything by the book. I'll take my chances with them, over a suicidal, hateful nut.

[psmith2.0]

Originally Posted by PB PM I have seen too many bears up close this year. Three while camping in the summer, nearly walked into our campsite, and another along a trail. Then on my way to work in a rural area I was working a mother black bear ran across the road, looked at me drive by, then her cub followed her crossing behind me. Had a similar encounter with a cougar/mountain lion last fall in the same place.

All I see here are deer crossing the road in certain rural, wooded areas (the partial stretch of highway between my house and my Dad/stepmom's house, 14 miles down into Georgia. Coming back from dinner last night, I was on high-alert for roadside deer, who seem drawn to headlights and can be counted on to do the dumbest thing imaginable at the worst time. I cruise through the national park/memorial battlefield at about 15mph after sundown, with my high-beams on, just so I can see/prepare for the hoppy, run-out-into-traffic critters.

To be so cute, it's a shame they act so dumb.

"Deer, stay on the shoulder and eat your grass, until I pass by. Then do whatever you want."

I'd be devastated if I ever hit one (and possibly injured, or worse, should a full size adult come up over my hood and into my windshield. that's why I crawl through there at night, because that's the scenario I imagine. I saw seven last night, well off the road, so not too bad. There were drives home, back during summer, where dozens would be congregated by the highway, just standing on the shoulder, while some ventured out into the road. I have to stop, put on the horn and just drive through at 3-4mph, then looking at me like "who's this?". It's bad enough I'm already on high-alert for vengeful, headless Civil War ghosts and shit , now I gotta come to a complete stop for deer too? Makes me vulnerable to sword/musket attack!

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by psmith2.0 Wow, kinda unsettling: Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut off a plane’s engines mid-flight We're so busy looking for/expecting the obvious perps/troublemakers, that it never occurs to us a disturbed airline employee might be the reason a plane falls out of the sky. I'm sure he was. I hope they each got in a punch or three, for good measure. "Hey, gimme your wrist...**KA-POW!!**, oh sorry about your eye, my hand slipped!" Yeah, no shit. I assume he wasn't having a normal, great day, to be trying something like this. Having it be terrorism or "ideologically-motivated" isn't good, either. Just so we're all clear on that. Take out your beef on a battlefield, not killing a bunch of innocent civilians who've never wronged you. But we see where those threads/ideas go, don't we? I'm just glad he was stopped/subdued and that everyone is okay. If I ever do go down in a plane, I certainly don't want it to be due to some disgruntled or disturbed sad-sack Southwest employee. I want the full-on "terrorist hi-jacker" scenario, players from Central Casting, wide-eyed and maniacally screaming all the usual shit, to where I know I'm screwed (and have all the motivation in the world to fight back, or die trying). I'm done with air travel, though. Sadly, the 9/11 assbags aren't the reason. Our unhinged response to it, over the years, is. Flying is the biggest time-zapping, hurry-up-and-wait pain-in-the-butt I can think of. And to spend hundreds (or more) for the "privilege"? No thanks. I'm always up for a road trip, I'll just drive to wherever I need to go, thank you. But, seriously...that's really scary, to think an unbalanced airline employee might be the reason things go sideways. How do you even prepare for/fight that? I remember there was a case, several years back, where they determined the pilot of a passenger plane deliberately crashed into a mountain or canyon, killing everyone? He'd had a bad run of luck (life, relationship, finances) and got on the plane that day with the plan to deliberately crash. Almost makes drunk pilots seem preferable. At least they'll be overcompensating, trying to look/act normal and do everything by the book. I'll take my chances with them, over a suicidal, hateful nut.

Also turns out he hadn't slept in 40 hours and had taken a big dose of magic mushrooms.

I'm 1000% in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics and in fact had a ketamine session at a clinic just this morning that took me into outer space, but taking a substance like that and then trying to hijack a plane? Yeah you can fuck off straight to prison.

[kscherer]

Originally Posted by Ryan Also turns out he hadn't slept in 40 hours and had taken a big dose of magic mushrooms. I'm 1000% in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics and in fact had a ketamine session at a clinic just this morning that took me into outer space, but taking a substance like that and then trying to hijack a plane? Yeah you can fuck off straight to prison.

The guy was off-duty and riding in the jump seat. Still, his pilot's license is a goner.

And, yes, good luck in jail, buddy.

This action may well trigger yet another FAA regulation.

[psmith2.0]

Originally Posted by Ryan Also turns out he hadn't slept in 40 hours and had taken a big dose of magic mushrooms. I'm 1000% in favor of decriminalizing psychedelics and in fact had a ketamine session at a clinic just this morning that took me into outer space, but taking a substance like that and then trying to hijack a plane? Yeah you can fuck off straight to prison.

Exactly. Legalize whatever, I don’t give a shit. But with that newfound “woo-hop!” comes a boatload of heightened, expected responsibility and maturity you can’t do that stuff and wind up in a plane’s cockpit. I can’t slam 11 Buds and then as mk for a tour (and expect to get it, them having no idea what I might want or get up to).

When the whole “legalize everything!” stuff directly kills dozens of innocent flyers, I have to kinda re-think some things.

People are too stupid, irresponsible, short-sighted and entitled-acting to police themselves. Somebody high as a bat on the latest legalized substance probably isn’t gonna rat himself out or fo the right thing and call in sick and opt to not operate a passenger jet today. I know he was off-duty, but nobody could get the sense maybe he wasn’t fully dialed in? And he was allowed up where all the important stuff goes on? Some people need to answer for that too.

Take/do whatever you want, but once you do, you’re just a regular, ridin’ in the back passenger, with no special access or consideration, seeing as how you have the knowledge/ability to bring down a plane.

[Ryan]

Yeah, I'm curious how he managed to board. IME it's pretty damn obvious when someone is strung out on psychedelics.

I can barely even _walk_ when I'm under their influence much less try to take over a plane.

[psmith2.0]

Yeah, I think some heads will roll. The fool should’ve never been let into the cockpit. Thise who did are probably in a little hot water. I would hope.

[psmith2.0]

**"Overreactors Anonymous? Yes, please hold" news**

Florida man bashes woman's head into tree stump because she woke him up on her way to the bathroom: deputies

I'd expect no less.

PS - Florida.

There's a reason nearly every episode of Cops was filmed/set there. Plenty of unhinged dickwits to ensure ongoing episodes. The shows write themselves. Just turn on a camera and ride around in the back of a squad car for 12 minutes...somebody, somewhere, is gonna be doing something stupid at any moment, guaranteed...running naked through Target, throwing an alligator on their stepmom, selling meth at church, fighting the Taco Bell drive-thru menu/speaker from their bicycle, etc.

[kscherer]

Originally Posted by psmith2.0 selling meth at church …

I knew that preacher was a bit off!

[PB PM]

Originally Posted by psmith2.0 selling meth at church...

That doesn't just happen in Florida.

[psmith2.0]

Bet it happens more/most. They’ve got the franchise.

Don’t start defending that nutball haven. It’s too late.

[PB PM]

I’m not defending Florida, or anywhere in the US, you’re all nuts. Just stating a fact. In my younger stupid days I worked at a church, and interned at another, believe me there is plenty of drug dealing going on at many of them. In the words of Ob-wan, ‘“You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy“ than your local churches.

[psmith2.0]

Well aware. And the wildest, most partying/“anything goes” girls in high school were almost always the preacher’s daughters. I know. Kinda picked up on that a super-king time ago.

“B…b…but, your Dad!”

“Yeah, Daddy ain’t here…”

PS - Not always, of course (churches and daughters). But enough that both quit being a surprise after a point.

“Oh, okay…”.

Now,a preacher’s daughter in Florida?! Forget about it. That’s just a potent stew of blowjobs, tanlines, pills, booze, alligators, wrecked golf carts, mall security, court dates, pregnancy tests and tearful apologies.

[Ryan]

Between a church and a strip club, pick the strip club. At least they aren't lying to you.