# unfortunate events we seem unable to eliminate **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 2, 2018, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911 "2018-11-02T21:43:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2018, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/61 "2018-11-07T02:03:40Z")
L. Rust Hills had an article in The New Yorker in 1968 that was eventually reprinted in Reader’s Digest. It’s a classic. [http://www.kestenbaum.com/Articles/Ice\_Cream.htm](http://www.kestenbaum.com/Articles/Ice_Cream.htm) ---
**Author:** ![epbrown01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7ba0ec/32.png) [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2018, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/62 "2018-11-07T02:47:55Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > In reality, unfortunate events are what make life non-boring. Without them, there would be nothing to shape our personalities, and we would all be cookie-cutter drones shambling through a drab monochromatic dystopia. We need to have stuff to push back against, to keep our pushing muscles in shape. Not at all. Humanity simply redefines misfortune, scaling up what used to be molehills into mountains. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2018, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/63 "2018-11-07T03:49:30Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > The was an excellent moment from an episode of _Mom_. Why does this make me horny? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Brawndo\_with\_Electrolytes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dc4da7/32.png) [@Brawndo\_with\_Electrolytes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brawndo_with_Electrolytes)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2018, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/64 "2018-11-07T08:06:33Z")
Hey is there any way we could talk more about dogs though? dogs eating dogs dog shootings the persistent dogginess my goodness would you look at all the dogs all the best dogs yo wassup dog pack o’wild dogs ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/65 "2018-11-07T17:27:44Z")
> [@Brawndo\_with\_Electrolytes](#): > > dog shootings Sure! [In the past five years, at least six Americans have been shot by dogs](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/10/27/a-dog-shoots-a-person-almost-every-year-in-america/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ed9c44e3c7a5) ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2018, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/66 "2018-11-07T19:59:56Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > We may not be able to eliminate _all_ drunk driving fatalities, but we have eliminated half of them since 1982 (.[pdf](https://www.responsibility.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Alcohol-Impaired-Driving-Fatalities-1982-2016.pdf)). > > 1982 = 21,113 U.S. drunk driving fatalities > 2016 = 10,497 U.S. drunk driving fatalities > > About 350,000 lives have been saved. I gotta blow the whistle on this one. The 350,000 number would only be valid if in 1983 the number of fatalities dropped to the 2016 number and stayed that way for the subsequent 35 years The actual number of lives saved would be something like half that, depending on the rate of decrease, or more precisely, the \*shape \*of the decrease. Still a good thing, though. ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/67 "2018-11-18T15:08:29Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > But it’s a great place to raise children! > > Anyway, the OP is very selfish for ignoring starvation in Yemen. ☹ im afraid my focus was on domestic problems we have. please feel free to detail all those things around the world for which we have no recourse, for which we can only wring our hands and say, “I wish they would just stop that.” Sort of like the way we feel about poor on poor violence in our cities. ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/68 "2018-11-18T15:21:20Z")
but press bias is worse: > **[Dog bites and the media: Researcher Karen Delise weighs in - DogTime](https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/9218-dog-bites-and-the-media-researcher-karen-delise-weighs-in)** > > For more than two decades, Karen Delise has been researching dog bites and how the media reports them. She is the founder and director of research for the National Canine Research Council, and her background includes 29 years of service with the... [/QUOTE] Reading that piece, the author seems to be saying that ‘family’ dogs (living inside with a family) never bite or kill anyone. That simply is not true. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/69 "2018-11-18T15:54:09Z")
> [@BrotherCadfael](#): > > I gotta blow the whistle on this one. > > The 350,000 number would only be valid if in 1983 the number of fatalities dropped to the 2016 number and stayed that way for the subsequent 35 years The actual number of lives saved would be something like half that, depending on the rate of decrease, or more precisely, the \*shape \*of the decrease. > > Still a good thing, though. Or it could be more if the decrease was front-loaded and decreased much faster than the population increased, since in my opinion you should project the lives lost to be proportional to the population. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/70 "2018-11-18T19:42:04Z")
> [@crucible](#): > > but press bias is worse: > > [https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/9218-dog-bites-and-the-media-researcher-karen-delise-weighs-in](https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/9218-dog-bites-and-the-media-researcher-karen-delise-weighs-in) > > Reading that piece, the author seems to be saying that ‘family’ dogs (living inside with a family) never bite or kill anyone. That simply is not true. Seriously? That’s all you took away from the linked interview? > [@](#): > > **Q: Could you explain the difference between a resident dog and a family dog since this comes into play as a factor in many dog bites?** > > A: Family dogs are dogs whose owners afford them opportunities to learn appropriate behavior and to interact with humans on a regular basis in positive and humane ways, and who give them the tools necessary to live harmoniously in our world. > Resident dogs are dogs whose owners maintain them exclusively on chains, in kennels, or in yards; and/or obtain them for negative functions (such as guarding, fighting, protection and irresponsible breeding). Because resident dogs are maintained in ways that isolate them from regular, positive human interactions, they cannot be expected to exhibit the same behavior as family dogs. > > **Q: It seems to me that the media often mistakenly calls dogs involved in bites “family dogs” when they are in fact resident dogs. Do you find this to be the case?** > > A: Yes, unfortunately this misrepresentation of the dogs involved in serious incidents as “family dogs” either misrepresents or ignores altogether the circumstances that contributed to what happened. This kind of news coverage contributes to the myth that dogs are “unpredictable” – when exactly the opposite is true. I can confidently predict that the overwhelming majority of dogs will never seriously injury anyone, and I can confidently predict that the more than 75 million dogs living in the U.S. today will never be involved in a dog bite-related fatality. IOW, the main problem are dogs that have not been property trained and/or socialized nor do they simply attack out of the blue; you’ve been told this several times but it doesn’t seem to sink in. None of it means “resident dogs are always at fault.” ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/71 "2018-11-18T23:22:42Z")
Cats stealing my food My Penguins doing really, really shitty Flyers fans ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [November 18, 2018, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/72 "2018-11-18T23:58:46Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Cats stealing my food > My Penguins doing really, really shitty > Flyers fans That almost looks like a haiku. ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/73 "2018-11-20T13:07:00Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Cats stealing my food > My Penguins doing really, really shitty > Flyers fans how about those Sabres, 'eh? ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/74 "2018-11-20T13:20:29Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Seriously? That’s all you took away from the linked interview?IOW, the main problem are dogs that have not been property trained and/or socialized nor do they simply attack out of the blue; you’ve been told this several times but it doesn’t seem to sink in. None of it means “resident dogs are always at fault.” of course, we all know that dogs not treated well, not trained well, etc. are far more likely to kill both old and new people than those who simply live quietly in a home. I agree that when the static life of a family dog is not subject to unusual stimulation, the chance of an attack is almost zero. One simply should not ignore the many stories of dogs, never before dangerous, suddenly attacking a dog being walked past the front door; the dog in a home with adults suddenly snapping when a baby or small children are introduced into their space; of dogs, thinking they are protecting their human family, attacking someone leaving a package at the door. We all know those things happen, and they are all the more tragic because there was no reason to believe the dog could be, ever would be, vicious. Well, the same can be said for people, I suppose. They, too, can suddenly ‘rage’ when they have ‘had it’. All that adds up to my assertion that the possibility of a dog injuring me or anyone is can be eliminated by eliminating the dog. Same goes for guns. Naturally, the thing we should do, to protect everyone’s rights, is to regulate ownership of dogs. License dependent on certification of training. Have at it. ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/75 "2018-11-20T13:21:29Z")
I didn’t anticipate this thread would wander off this way. I’d still like people to look at the OP and respond in kind, if they want. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/76 "2018-11-20T13:32:57Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > We may not be able to eliminate _all_ drunk driving fatalities, but we have eliminated half of them since 1982 (.[pdf](https://www.responsibility.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Alcohol-Impaired-Driving-Fatalities-1982-2016.pdf)). > > 1982 = 21,113 U.S. drunk driving fatalities > 2016 = 10,497 U.S. drunk driving fatalities > > About 350,000 lives have been saved. Don’t get me wrong; I think this is excellent news. But does this necessarily mean the number of drunk drivers has decreased? Or the number of crashes due to drunk drivers has decreased? Today you are much more likely to survive a vehicle crash due to safer vehicles (air bags, crumple zones, etc.) and advanced medical techniques for saving the lives of injured people. ---
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/77 "2018-11-20T16:50:46Z")
> [@rat\_avatar](#): > > As a breed american staffordshire terriers are very friendly if people don’t result to BS alpha roles and other bullshit. You know, I really don’t like dogs, but we have two in our home. We have a lab mix and what is probably a pure AmStaff. They wrestle hard all the time. The AmStaff is covered in bites and superficial scratches, the lab is unscathed. If he wanted to, the AmStaff could eat the lab, but he doesn’t. He loves to play so much, he’s willing to deal with the bites and the other assholish taunts delivered by the Lab. When we’re out for walkies, guess which one is friendly to strangers. I’m sure we could have trained both critters better but this is the best dog I’ve ever known, I almost wish I liked him. Of course, the reason they’re so infamous is not because they bite particularly frequently, it’s that when they decide it’s time to hurt you, they have the ability to focus and the equipment to finish the job. Still, if I had to have a dog (and The Missus told me I did) I would pick the Pit Bull any day. Also: Thread Drift Women who beat their kids Volcanos Bear attacks–seriously, bears are the ultimate peril, and they’re everywhere! ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2018, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/78 "2018-11-20T23:49:30Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > We may not be able to eliminate _all_ drunk driving fatalities, but we have eliminated half of them since 1982 (.[pdf](https://www.responsibility.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Alcohol-Impaired-Driving-Fatalities-1982-2016.pdf)). > > 1982 = 21,113 U.S. drunk driving fatalities > 2016 = 10,497 U.S. drunk driving fatalities > > About 350,000 lives have been saved. around 1996 was when seat beats became mandatory and probably account for a large portion of that drop. ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2018, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/79 "2018-11-21T15:01:53Z")
-Death -Taxes -People putting on the toilet paper roll the wrong way ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2018, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911/80 "2018-11-21T16:07:10Z")
> [@Hermitian](#): > > -People putting on the toilet paper roll the wrong way Ours stands on end in a paper towel holder by the sink. Keeps the cats from shredding 'em. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unfortunate-events-we-seem-unable-to-eliminate/823911.md?page=5)