Posts by brightpilot6

The Odyssey feels like this pseudo-intellectual, overly polished attempt at grandeur. It reminds me of one of those urinals in a modern art museum that everyone stands around admiring, even though it was probably just left bolted to the gallery wall by mistake ☕

If it turns out that mortality rates are truly that high, then fine—let it be. We’ll move forward with much more clarity, having essentially put the world through a massive stress test that leaves us better prepared should something even more devastating emerge down the line. And let's face it, something else likely will. That said, we really ought to take these figures with a grain of salt, given that we aren't even entirely certain about the accuracy of various testing methodologies yet.

Besides, our actual understanding of this virus remains incredibly limited; we still have a mountain of research to finalize regarding how it correlates with everything from climate patterns and genetics to general vaccination rates across the population.

As for all the panic, I don't see much distinction between those freaked out about health and those spiraling over the economy. For instance, if it turns out that global economies won't suffer nearly as much as feared—assuming things reactivate quickly, which is a reasonable expectation if the mortality data holds up—is a month or so of caution really such an exorbitant price to pay?

Furthermore, if the West—and even the smaller players within our civilized sphere—learns from this that it’s a massive mistake to produce absolutely everything, including essential goods, on the other side of the planet just to save a few extra dollars, the long-term benefits will be immeasurable.

Anthony Wright30 said:By the way, I suppose one ought to consider getting married while Capak is still busy defending excessive partying.

Bas Ali 🤣

But what can you do? That train has already left the station.☕

If things truly turn out this way for us here, we might as well just offer our thanks to the universe, the stars, or whatever higher power is listening...

For the longest time, I actually interpreted Barrett’s line about "light coming at the end of the darkness" as a subtle nod toward "and then comes King David." 🤣

steelharbor9 said:Wait, was I the only kid who thought "Scream of the Falcon" was some kind of formal greeting or something?

No? 😢

🤣🤣

Those childhood delusions are honestly the best part, aren't they? 🤣

Michael Flores8 said:I suppose I am probably the most dedicated follower out there, having grown up watching all four ski jumpers. I really can't seem to miss a single opportunity to catch a broadcast. Honestly, nothing quite compares to that feeling of waking up early on New Year's Day, getting cozy in my robe, and settling in to watch the events in Breckenridge. 😁🙏

I didn't want to bring up Bradson, as I was under the impression that he might not be very popular with anyone here. 😁I believe there was a legendary jumper who once held the world record, possibly set during a competition in Park City. I can't quite recall if you remember this, but what always struck me most about his career was that incredible unpredictability. One day, he would deliver such a convincing, dominant victory, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, he might struggle to even make it through his second jump in the next event. It was certainly an interesting pattern, I guess. 😁It is honestly quite incredible how much volatility there is right now. I guess it’s just one of those situations where things seem to be shifting constantly.

Yes, those were truly wonderful times.👍

The older generation would be passed out from the celebrations, while you’re just sitting there with your pastries, enjoying the quiet without anyone bothering you.

Then, gradually, the years arrived when everything flipped around.🤣

Michael Flores8 said:I suppose I am probably the most dedicated follower out there, having grown up watching all four ski jumpers. I really can't seem to miss a single opportunity to catch a broadcast. Honestly, nothing quite compares to that feeling of waking up early on New Year's Day, getting cozy in my robe, and settling in to watch the events in Breckenridge. 😁🙏

I didn't want to bring up Bradson, as I was under the impression that he might not be very popular with anyone here. 😁I believe there was a legendary jumper who once held the world record, possibly set during a competition in Park City. I can't quite recall if you remember this, but what always struck me most about his career was that incredible unpredictability. One day, he would deliver such a convincing, dominant victory, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, he might struggle to even make it through his second jump in the next event. It was certainly an interesting pattern, I guess. 😁It is honestly quite incredible how much volatility there is right now. I guess it’s just one of those situations where things seem to be shifting constantly.

True, perhaps that was exactly why he was so thrilling to watch; you never really knew which version of him would show up. And I always thought his name had a certain ring to it—some guy named Espen Bredesen from way out in Norway, leaping off mountains and leaving the competition in his wake...

Lillehammer was actually the first Winter Olympics that I followed intentionally and with purpose, and it felt almost fairytale-like with those sweeping Norwegian winter landscapes. You look at these gentle people—or at least they seemed that way—and a landscape radiating peace, all while living in an American melting pot of chaos and grit.

There are also two names from those Games that will probably ring in my ears forever: Hakan Loob and Lyubov Yegorova🙏🙏 I could hardly believe a woman was actually named Lyubov🙏

And yes, I remember how we were all rooting for the Norwegians to take the lead in the medal count, only for the Russians to snatch it away at the very last second.

There’s just something about those wide, flared skis that feels like the absolute gold standard of style. It’s no wonder people say watching certain athletes struggle through their runs can be enough to drive you up the wall. Between the four different ski jumping events and then diving straight into the biathlon, there was plenty to keep an eye on.

As far as ski jumpers go, my personal favorite had to be Espen Bredesen; he really started hitting his stride just as I was getting into the sport, though he seemed to fade from the spotlight almost as quickly as he rose to prominence.🤣

Elizabeth Mendoza said:He actually mentioned in that documentary that for his first few seasons, he was making less in the NBA than he was back in Europe. Honestly, I doubt any of his teammates could even point to America on a map right now. 🤣

It’s that classic American mindset. To them, every country in Eastern Europe is just Russia. 🤣

American? I’d bet anything that some folks living right here in the States actually believe Tony grew up behind the Iron Curtain, dreaming of the West while scraping the bottom of a single yogurt cup his mother managed to snag from a local corner store.

As if he didn't grow up in a land of abundance, freedom, and opportunity, much like the struggles faced by Black communities in inner cities.☕

I find myself wondering why Charles Roberts33 didn't opt for Gandhi. One could argue for Pasivnosca and a defensive posture leading to an ultimate victory against the white man, all while remaining hairless and surrounded by monkeys wherever one looks☕

Gentlemen, it seems the title of Alexander the Great has taken on an entirely different weight and connotation in recent years, much like how we view the ZDS ☕

steelharbor9 said:Or maybe user Put99 would grab him, and then he'd probably complain about his whole offensive strategy getting totally messed up.

Alternatively, I might find myself sitting there on ATD1 with both Stalin and Adolf in my lineup, yet everyone would still be making a huge deal out of Benito down south.☕

Amanda Evans2 said:Adolf is absolutely revolting, honestly...

And yet, everyone would probably draft him in the first round. As if they wouldn't just block him immediately ☕

Perhaps we could attempt an ATD policy edition. We would select a quintet—a ruler, a general, a chaplain, a philosopher, and a warrior—to form a cohesive unit, if you will. ☕

steelharbor9 said:Just your classic case of mythomania here. 🐔

So, did he rule on Sundays too?

We don't know just yet, but those over at VRM60 sent us an official invite to visit him, specifically because we’re considered top-tier graduates of the Alliance. We'll keep you posted. ☕

In all seriousness, though, that whole business with his "letters" remains one of my favorite historical sagas, on so many different levels. He was truly the GOAT when it came to kingship. 🙏

restlesssurfer97 said:GQ has to frame things this way because he knows the truth about that little mini-dictator is going to come out pretty soon anyway, so he’s basically just setting himself up to say he hasn't changed his mind once the dust settles and he can claim he stood his ground the whole time.

😂

And honestly, we’re already miles ahead of them in the grand scheme of things.

A royal Goat... hmm... what about Presbyter John? In the glorious Middle Ages, nobody could even touch him, let alone his kingdom, which was easily the greatest of them all.☕

Susan Kim2 said:The legendary Antonio Cromartie—14 kids with 8 different women—actually went through with a vasectomy, yet somehow he’s still out there producing. How does that even work? 🙏

If he had played in the '80s, people would still be writing epics about him today. 😁
I think Shawn Kemp has had nine different partners across seven relationships.

I recall seeing some video where someone couldn't even manage to list them all properly. 🤣 🤦

Kevin Durant might actually be an even better example of this phenomenon. If social media didn't exist, and if he didn't constantly subject himself to those public outbursts that make him look so foolish, wouldn't my overall impression of him be significantly higher? It's hard enough to judge an athlete on pure talent when you're forced to separate their basic human flaws from their undeniable skills on the court.

And that's not even touching on the soccer players. 🤣

The fundamental difference lies in the sheer amount of mystique created by the lack of information available back then. If Michael Jordan and his contemporaries had been under constant surveillance, tracked 24/7 both on and off the court, they probably would have come across as much more foolish than we remember.

By only seeing them compete on the field, especially during those legendary, almost criminal stretches of dominance, they naturally seemed like gods.

Take someone like Antonio Brown, Shaun Burfict, or Hardy—they are largely dismissed as idiots today, yet if they had played in the 1980s, they likely would have been hailed as symbols of a more romantic, vivid era before sports became such a mass-produced commodity.

In Northern Italy, death rates have climbed by 50% compared to this same window last year, while down South, they've actually dipped by 1.8%. It makes you wonder what's really driving such a stark divide, doesn't it?

GQ and Basketball ☕