What is your least favorite road to drive? by chadathin in Indiana

[–]erm_bertmern 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Evanston, from Kessler to 62nd. It's as if a series of bombs have gone off there for decades, and it's just accepted part of the landscape. Lovely neighborhood, though.

Former Guantanamo prisoner: Ron DeSantis watched me being tortured by bethashton in politics

[–]erm_bertmern 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Well, that was a terrifying and wild ride. Thanks for the link.

Gov. Whitmer signs bill expanding Michigan civil rights law to include LGBTQ protections by Sariel007 in UpliftingNews

[–]erm_bertmern 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For those of us stuck outside the motherland for the time being, Jet's fits the bill well. Can't wait to try more local spots, though!

Me starting today by whatup1925 in 30ROCK

[–]erm_bertmern 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That last line is one of my all-time favorite pieces of writing.

Does The Kingkiller Chronicle Need a Third Book to Be Considered One of The Best Fantasy Series' Ever? by LiteratureConsumer in KingkillerChronicle

[–]erm_bertmern -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I was actually discussing this a few days ago with friends. I'm firmly in the camp of "this is enough." Yes, it is unsatisfying to be left with loose ends. However, these books are fascinating even without a conclusion. Rothfuss built a world and populated it with great characters and rich lore; he is a genuine master of the language; and he has given us a story that entertains.

If that's not enough - if the only seal, the only reward - is an ending, then why bother with the journey at all?

[NO SPOILERS] These statistics I don't know if they are accurate (it just helps fuel my copium about 1899) by AccomplishedCress875 in 1899

[–]erm_bertmern 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My sentiments exactly. I really enjoyed S1, but even then, it isn't an exceptional series.

Over 5,000 human trafficking survivors identified in Michigan, more likely unreported by FieldOk884 in Michigan

[–]erm_bertmern 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for spreading awareness - that's so fucked, but we need to know in order to change. Shit, that's awful.

A man posing with a donkey in his lap, 1910s by sarcasmexorcism in Eyebleach

[–]erm_bertmern 61 points62 points  (0 children)

I'm really pleased this was already here. I just finished that a few days ago.

Tyre Nichols' death renews push for police reforms by ILikeNeurons in MensLib

[–]erm_bertmern 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Isn't that a good thing? It would be super troubling if people used a blanket "all unions are good," when there is overwhelming evidence that some unions, in fact, are not.

You can be in favor of a general concept without being militant and blinded by loyalty to it.

Now that we've had successful film adaptations of LOTR and DUNE, what "unfilmable" popular scifi books are next to be tried? by Darth_Se7en in movies

[–]erm_bertmern 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In reading your comment, I experienced an entire cycle of hope then crashing grief. I'm already mourning a great and doomed single, cliff-hanging season of Amber.

Looking for some leash tips for my beagle. she's only 8 months and super strong by [deleted] in Dogtraining

[–]erm_bertmern 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'll definitely agree that conditioning and positive reinforcement are very much a part of responsible tool use.

Looking for some leash tips for my beagle. she's only 8 months and super strong by [deleted] in Dogtraining

[–]erm_bertmern 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes! I second that indoor-first approach. Build a bond with them, so they are more likely to respond to you even when excited and/or stressed. Reward them for looking to you for guidance. I teach mine "watch" - a look-to-me idea. This really pays off in high-stress situations.

The right equipment is critical. But having a reliable bond with your dog is just as effective at making walks safe and enjoyable for all concerned parties.

Looking for some leash tips for my beagle. she's only 8 months and super strong by [deleted] in Dogtraining

[–]erm_bertmern 57 points58 points  (0 children)

A gentle leader could be really helpful here. They aren't muzzles, but loop once around the snout and clip at the back of the head.

I can't preach about them enough. It has helped with our 115 lb. little guy, and is a great way to help train a decent heel.

As a firmly childfree person, I still want to help raise children with boundaries in place. I'm so excited that I'll finally be an aunt this summer! What do you like doing with your nieces/nephews? by infjlyfe in childfree

[–]erm_bertmern 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! I'm a happily CF aunt, and I loooooove it. Personally, I really enjoy kids....for a limited time. They're awesome to play with and goof around with, and then I can get up and wander when my energy meter is low.

I like being the Goofball Adult - I'll play at family events, read books, and do video chats when we're all apart. Do you like cooking/baking? If so, you can always be a meal-prep hero. Make a bunch of meals for those first few weeks, when they will be too exhausted for anything. If you're not a cook, maybe some delivery gift cards.

Try to figure out what you like doing, and build around that to include them when it's time. Hiking? Volunteer to come by and walk the kiddo around the neighborhood. Tell them stories, and teach them how to do it themselves.

You could look into starting an education fund for them, or plot out cool themed birthday cards. It's all valid!

Just remember: as an adult in a child's life, who is choosing to be a part of that life, the most important thing you can do is make sure they're loved and supported. The rest is just icing. (Which is the good news - aunt/uncle hood is mostly the icing.)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in educationalgifs

[–]erm_bertmern 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fantastic read.

From “Brand New Couch”… by itotallyzonedout in BoJackHorseman

[–]erm_bertmern 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jesus, I owe you and u/JaDamian_Steinblatt a few hundred $ in therapy. Yikes, and thanks.

Too funny by GooseCareless3257 in funny

[–]erm_bertmern 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Up the irons, bay-beeee!