- You’ve already heard about the vicious “swatting” (called a prank by some … but some prank!) that left an innocent young man dead. Here’s more on how it came about. I hope the two who arranged the swatting, plus the overly jumpy shooter, plus the authorities who failed to investigate the legitimacy of the call all pay for the evil they did — and change their ways. Fat chance, though.
- Erica Garner, who fought for justice for her father, is dead at 27.
- 100 things that became newly racist in 2017, the year of the self-righteous jackass.
- Another “smart” tech startup ignominiously bites the dust just four months after announcing its first product. I had no idea that introducing a product but having no way to get it to market without someone else instantly buying your company was an actual business plan.
- Michael Z. Williamson thinks it’s time to start shooting the bastards. (Tip o’ hat to R.)
- Dozens of Wyomingites rescue an elk herd that fell though ice.
- Therapy dogs are an increasing presence at airports. Good. Glad to see ’em. But you know, guys, if airports and flying hadn’t been turned into such a horror show, we wouldn’t be driven to the dogs. (H/T ML)
I like the article by Williamson, but I wonder just what he considers “legitimate work” by politicians. The US caste system he describes is mostly their doing.
Swatting is nasty and dangerous! Back in 2012, conservative bloggers were targeted for swatting attacks:
Conservative bloggers say they’re targets of dangerous ‘SWAT-ing’ prank
“Therapy dogs” are also being brought onto flights by people that just do not want to make arrangements for their dog when they are gone. They buy a “service animal” vest online, throw it on the dog, and make the airline take them. These non-service “service animals” can be disruptive on a flight, pooping, threatening other passengers, etc. http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/ct-fake-service-animals-on-planes-20161115-story.html
That was definitely happening, and may still be in a minor way. But airlines and other businesses caught on quickly; now therapy dogs are allowed in most places only if they’re officially certified as such. Those online services offering faux certification don’t count.
The world is going to the dogs. Beware of the Russian army’s latest deadly weapon.
Whotta way to go! Snuggled to death.
Dogs are everywhere now. Restaurants, stores, planes, you name it. Who’s to distinguish between a legitimate service animal and a phony one. They are never challenged. Can’t even go out to eat these days, without someone showing up with a damn dog.
About 10 years ago a store in Scottsdale lost a lawsuit over the removal of a woman and her dog. The judge ruled that the dog was legally entitled to go where ever the woman went. Additionally, if anyone claimed their animal was for therapy, then it must be believed, because it would violate the patient’s civil rights to provide proof of a medical condition. I wonder what the judge thinks of the logical extension of his decree?
If you can have your dog I should be able to have my;
http://usherp.org/2013/02/02/therapy-snakes-to-treat-depression/
What about my therapy alligator? Treats compulsive tax collection……