Octopus Overlords

dbt1949 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:19 pm

Holman wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:32 pm The website Randomstreetview.com is far more entertaining than it seems like it would be.

I got Chiboygan Mi.

Brezje pri Dobrovi 17, 1356 Dobrova, Slovenia

Kinda of a pretty little place.

I've been playing with the site, and I'm getting Belgium, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Slovakia more than anything else. I've had hits in Cambodia, Australia, and Colombia too, and even one or two in the USA, but it's very Eurocentric. Easily half of my hits (out of maybe 40 refreshes) have been NW or Eastern Europe.

Maybe they're sourcing a Euro map app?

Isgrimnur wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:35 pm I got Lithuania.

Count your fuckin' blessings. The most beautiful people in the world there...

I got South Africa, on the R510 , on the way to Ga-Seleka

Kasey Chang wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 4:21 pm French primary school had put up signs warning parents NOT to toss their children over the 1.8m fence if their children are tardy.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/fr ... GMB75U7WI/

Here, I believe.

Holman wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:32 pm The website Randomstreetview.com is far more entertaining than it seems like it would be.

I've been hitting the random button, then trying to figure out the location based entirely on the picture. I've got about a 30% success rate so far, but probably 90% at guessing the exact region. I knew all that time with The Amazing Race wasn't wasted!

And as soon as I posted that I started getting nothing but roads in the middle of a plain or roads in the middle of a forest.

The best part is using WASD to look around (or holding down W to just follow the road).

Holman wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:26 pm The best part is using WASD to look around (or holding down W to just follow the road).

I never knew that. I always just click-dragged around.

I got some crazy place in Switzerland that looks like a ski slope.

Tower Records returns.....well in online form at least.

https://towerrecords.com

I can no longer stand the taste of milk.

I never drank a ton of milk, but enjoyed a glass with dinner a couple times a week. For the past 6 months or so, it has tasted absolutely terrible to me. I thought that maybe the brand we bought changed their process, but I’ve tried multiple brands and they all just taste foul. Best I can describe is that it no matter how fresh it is, it just tastes like it’s near spoiled.

I can only assume it’s something in my body chemistry that has changed. It’s so weird.

And here is a post for Blackhawk.....

Racing pigeon sells for record $1.9 million after frantic bidding war: "Total shock"

I think my favourite part of The Big Lebowski is the way The Dude will later in the film re-use words and ideas introduced to him by other characters. Such as when he and Walter are interrogating Larry Sellers and he casually threatens him, "We're gonna cut your dick off, Larry". On the face of it, it's not especially funny outside of the fact these are two grown men in the living room of a teenager. But in the context of the characters they've developed, it's absurd and hilarious. I think the funniest elements of this movie are the subtle character behaviours and background elements.

Like later in that scene when the neighbour overtakes Walter, grabs the crowbar, and starts attacking The Dude's car, and Walter is out of focus in the rear of the frame behind The Dude, pacing with his head in his hand, mortified by the chaos he's unleashed--which is at the core of Walter's insecure, overbearing, fat man character, but is almost always completely drowned out by his false bravado and attempt to be in control of every situation. The "This is what happens!" car smashing is what casual viewers remember about that scene, and it's not hard to understand why, with its absurd spectacle and hilarious vulgarity. But it's not what makes the scene, or film, great.




I always cry at the end when they scatter Donny's ashes. It's not because of Donny's death; he's an endearing but ultimately one-dimensional joke character played expertly by Buscemi. Rather, it's the dysfunctional but loving friendship between The Dude and Walter. Walter spins off this rambling, self-indulgent eulogy as The Dude stews in the background, once again fed up with Walter's self-absorbed bullshit. Walter then dumps out Donny's ashes from the coffee tin, which blow back on The Dude. And it's funny; but again, it's crass and simple. It's what most people remember, but it's not the heart of the scene. Walter realizes what's happened and apologizes, and walks toward The Dude trying to brush him off. The Dude just loses it on him, and all Walter can do is say "I'm sorry" repeatedly. The Dude is done. But then Walter self-consciously grabs him in a bear hug and The Dude relents and returns the embrace with one arm. I've had friends and relatives like Walter. In some ways, I am Walter.




I can't imagine a more perfect film that stands up better to repeated viewings. The Coen Brothers have done some amazing work, but about half of it also misses the mark for me. Lebowski though is truly lightning in a bottle, no doubt propelled to its level by the performances of Bridges and Goodman and the rest of the cast. I really don't ever tire of watching it, and that's rare for me. Each time I notice something new. There are so many cult films I've tried to appreciate, but just don't get. This one is something special.

Daehawk wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 10:15 pm And here is a post for Blackhawk.....

Racing pigeon sells for record $1.9 million after frantic bidding war: "Total shock"

This honestly doesn't surprise me. The people who race pigeons are pretty intense when it comes to their bloodlines, and a lot of them have a lot of money.

Another classic Lebowski moment is when he rubs the pencil on the the note to get a clue and it turns out to be a dick pic. That is funny enough, but the payoff is when the cops search him and find the picture. The innocent pervert.

It's the "this doesn't surprise me" look on the sheriff's face.

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 8:17 pm

Holman wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:32 pm The website Randomstreetview.com is far more entertaining than it seems like it would be.

I've been hitting the random button, then trying to figure out the location based entirely on the picture. I've got about a 30% success rate so far, but probably 90% at guessing the exact region. I knew all that time with The Amazing Race wasn't wasted!

I miss the old Geoguessr game. You need an account now.

Holman wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:32 pm The website Randomstreetview.com is far more entertaining than it seems like it would be.

Dropped me on a Gelling Road, Hunua. It's a farm road in New Zealand, between Auckland and Hamilton. Pretty place!

The next one dropped me in Iceland, staring at an off-road minivan. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a lift kit. Apparently popular in the country there. Cool!

It's not entirely random -- I just got the exact same location as one I saw yesterday (a person in the image is unmistakable).

Daehawk wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 7:10 pm

dbt1949 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 6:19 pm

Holman wrote: ↑Mon Nov 16, 2020 5:32 pm The website Randomstreetview.com is far more entertaining than it seems like it would be.

I got Chiboygan Mi.

Brezje pri Dobrovi 17, 1356 Dobrova, Slovenia

I honestly thought you were speaking Klingon at first...

AWS260 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 10:32 am It's not entirely random -- I just got the exact same location as one I saw yesterday (a person in the image is unmistakable).

I usually get someplace in the Czech Republic, it seems.

Oh my god... I went to Randomstreetview.com and it showed me the view ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE. I could see a man in the window, his face blurred. I knew he must be me... but he was wearing a rainbow sweater I've never seen before. He was pointing with both hands down and to the left. Sitting next to that very same window, I looked where he must have been pointing and saw a sealed brown box. I yelled at my wife if she knew where it came from, and she said she had no idea. I opened it up... inside was THE VERY SAME SWEATER! There was a note reading, "Put me on and look out the window." So I did... I pulled on the sweater, and then walked over to the window. Just then my wife walked into the room, and I pointed at the box to show her. I turned to look out the window and a Google street view camera car drove by!!!

Yes, but were you wearing pants?

WE TRACED THE CALL! IT'S COMING FROM INSIDE YOUR PANTS! GET OUT NOW!

Sudy wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 3:30 pm Oh my god... I went to Randomstreetview.com and it showed me the view ACROSS THE STREET FROM MY HOUSE. I could see a man in the window, his face blurred. I knew he must be me... but he was wearing a rainbow sweater I've never seen before. He was pointing with both hands down and to the left. Sitting next to that very same window, I looked where he must have been pointing and saw a sealed brown box. I yelled at my wife if she knew where it came from, and she said she had no idea. I opened it up... inside was THE VERY SAME SWEATER! There was a note reading, "Put me on and look out the window." So I did... I pulled on the sweater, and then walked over to the window. Just then my wife walked into the room, and I pointed at the box to show her. I turned to look out the window and a Google street view camera car drove by!!!

I am going to learn how to install an upvote system into the forum, then I will install it, then I will upvote your post, and then I will uninstall the upvote system.

I would like a chance to upvote it as well. Don't be too hasty.

My Dad is a legit registered genius but a complete technophobe.

He was over once and I was showing him Google Street View. We started down his block and scrolled up and up and up until we got to his house. In the pic for his house he was unmistakably present and walking down the driveway to his truck.

Of course his face was blurred but he FA-REEKD-A THE FUUUCK out. He told me to figure out how to get it taken down.

We still like to show it to him to taunt him. He pretty much hates the internet.

Im on Google Street View. It was not long after my wife died and Im going to one of the stores we went to to get something. Just as Im pulling into the parking spot the Google car passes by me. I look at it sometimes ...the blur.

I just learned that one of my favorite local restaurants is going toes-up. The 99 is a regional chain with around 100 outlets. People like to bust on them for mass-produced food in a generic family-style setting. But we like our local restaurant for prompt, friendly service; generous portions of reliably palatable food at good prices, including multiple low-calorie dishes; a something-for-everyone kind of menu; and Sean, the bartender who remembers your name and takes a few minutes to catch up with you every time you visit.

The chain is only closing two restaurants "with more to be announced," and I'm sure there will still be lots of 99s in business, but I'm going to miss our local one.

for mass-produced food in a generic family-style setting

Sounds like every chain sit down place...Applebees, O'Charley's, TGiFs, etc etc ...bland over priced food. I could swear all their food is pre packaged and frozen for each entree.

Daehawk wrote: ↑Tue Nov 17, 2020 11:47 pm

for mass-produced food in a generic family-style setting

Sounds like every chain sit down place...Applebees, O'Charley's, TGiFs, etc etc ...bland over priced food. I could swear all their food is pre packaged and frozen for each entree.

It's in the same fast-casual category as those, yes. Most of their entrees are in the $10-15 range, which is cheap-to-average. Your order arrives quickly because much of the food is produced in central kitchens and reheated at the outlet. It's standard fare that will taste the same at any 99, although it does have a New England bent that sets it apart from the national chains. But our local outlet was a welcoming place with a pleasant, friendly bar. I'll miss their marinated steak tips, pork tenderloin, and chipotle rice bowls. But mainly I'll miss another go-to restaurant when we want something quick and cheap. You know that place you go after a movie, when you just want quick ordinary food and a decent draft? That's the 99.

I think they're closing this one because it's outside the mall, and the mall is dying.

Kraken wrote: ↑Wed Nov 18, 2020 12:23 amthe mall is dying.

My grandkids will some day ask me what a mall was, and I'll reply "It was like Amazon, only more expensive. You had to drive there and walk around and it could take up half a day. You went more to look at people than to buy things, though. Because we never bought anything, they had to close."

In the late 90s, in high school, I was probably at the mall once a week. Usually to see a movie at the attached theatre, but also to eat in the food court and check out the music and electronics stores.

Now, I honestly can't remember the last time I went to a traditional, indoor mall. I'd be surprised if I've been in one in the past few years. A small part of it is that, while still in an urban area, I don't own a car. But it's only a short bus ride to the nearest mall. It just doesn't have most things I want or need though, and I don't consider it a fun experience in itself. Walmart is cheaper and faster, and if I need something higher quality I shop online. I've never been good at shopping for clothing, but most of the brick and mortar stores I'd use tend to be located in strip malls or standalone locations.

I never really understood the allure of malls though. I guess if you're thin and enjoy/can afford expensive, trendy clothes it's a paradise.

I put on a pair of pants today for the first time since I attended a funeral early last April. That's 7+ months without pants. Since then it's only been shorts and occasionally pyjama pants.

They don't fit as well as they used to.

When you don't keep your clothing broken in, it tends to shrink.

For the last 30 years I thought the malls main function was so seniors, mainly women, could walk around inside it for 200 laps.

Sudy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:51 am In the late 90s, in high school, I was probably at the mall once a week. Usually to see a movie at the attached theatre, but also to eat in the food court and check out the music and electronics stores.

The malls (we had two, across from one another) were social centers when I was in h.s. in the late '70s. We used to cruise the parking lots on our motorcycles, looking for chicks who wanted rides. Inside, there were record stores, head shops, arcades, food courts, and of course teenage girls. So many girls. Of course there was no internet then. If you wanted to meet people or acquire things, you had to go out, and malls were where people went.

I haven't seen any point to them since retail went online.

Not too long before my wife passed I had lost some weight. My clothes were a bit looser. Then after she passed I dropped weight like mad due to that I guess. I loved my weight. I was back to normal. I actually went out and got more smaller clothes at the thrift stores in 2019. Then late that year Im guessing the depression hit me and over winter I swelled up....more than ever. Now my old normal clothes barely fit me. I want that slimmer me back so for the last month Ive watched carbs and what I eat. Im hoping by warm weather again next year I can get back into those new thrift store duds.

Sudy wrote: ↑Wed Nov 18, 2020 7:51 am I never really understood the allure of malls though. I guess if you're thin and enjoy/can afford expensive, trendy clothes it's a paradise.

I think it's pretty clear you haven't been to a mall in a while. Most malls (around here, anyway) are anchored by department stores, and there are usually at least one or two low-cost options (Sears, JC Penney, Ross, etc.). When you get into the malls, there are plenty of options, including big and tall options (for men) or plus-sized options (for women). Sure there are also plenty of options for expensive or trendy clothes, but there are also options for Old Navy and the like.

I was being silly of course, but as an overweight dude with an overweight wife and who grew up with an overweight mother, I know the majority of the clothing stores aren't for us. Some things aren't even a question of lifestyle or health predicaments. Mrs. Nym can rarely if ever find a bra in her size in a store. I'm on the cusp of believe unable to easily find shoes (size 13). But I know this problem isn't unique to us. Shaq struggles with it too. (I mean, not the bra part in specific... that I'm aware of.)

In Toronto/Canada a lot of our department anchor stores have disappeared, though most malls still have at least one. I remember when many had three. Even some of the discount stores have gone... though you'll see more of them as you venture out from the main city into working class towns. But sometimes it just feels like it's mall boutiques or Walmart or nothing. I get a lot of my clothing at Mark's Work Wearhouse, which started more as work/industrial wear but has expanded into mid-to-high quality casual wear. But it's a midsize satellite/standalone style of store.

I haven't shopped much in the U.S. for over a decade... I know there are always a few more options there, though your retail has been hit just as hard as ours, if not more.