#NeedsMoreLikes

[Sally_Mahoney]

Website finds cheap knockoffs of pricey designer furniture

The whole point of branding is to build trust (which admittedly they can then mark up on). If you choose to buy a knock-off product, you are explicitly opting out of that trust, and are on your own. Maybe the knock-off is 95% as good, maybe it’s 5%. I’ve generally found knock-offs of expensive brands to be not worth it. They’re entirely preying on a particular kind of customer, the kind who thinks they can scam the system by getting a cheaper knock-off. Pro-tip: that’s how scammers get you, by…

[Sally_Mahoney]

GOP consultant gives sinking Trump some sage advice: "Sir, you need to shut up" (video)

This is of course what Trump ought to do to help his campaign, but a terrible recommendation. Because if a candidate needs to be silent for people to vote for them, rather than showing the electorate who they are and what they stand for, they should lose. It’s kind of the whole point of democracy and making an informed choice.

[MerelyGifted]

Heavy-MFin’-duty and deserves all the likes:

Kenan Thompson shares how Project 2025 screws over everyone

(source: LA Times; By Joel Edward Goza) Opinion: The ideas in Project 2025? Reagan tried them, and the nation suffered Aug. 25, 2024 3 AM PT Opinion: The ideas in Project 2025? Reagan tried them, and the nation suffered Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s conservative playbook that would overhaul much of the federal government under a second Trump administration, has sparked fear and concern from voters despite the former president’s attempt to distance his campaign from the plan. But wh…

[hecep]

Joel Goza

[gero]

Another truck dramatically stuck under the 11-foot8+8 bridge

And on the pedestal these words appear: “11’8”+8", devourer of trucks: Look on my works, ye over-height, and despair!" No thing beside remains. Round the stout construction Of that colossal bridge, boundless and covered in wreckage The lone and unlevel street stretch’d far away.

and

Another truck dramatically stuck under the 11-foot8+8 bridge

All together now: And did this bridge in ancient time Crush rented trucks like rusty cans And was debris of Budget vans On Durham’s pleasant underpasses seen! And did the Countenance Divine, Shine forth upon the H-beam strong? And did the railroad build it there, Within the specs of ancient time? Bring me the crash bar of burning gold Bring me the water curtain of desire Bring me the unworkable suggestions! Bring me the bingo card of fire! I will not cease from Mental Fight, Nor sh…

[Sally_Mahoney]

The Economist: Hard Right election win in Germany takes it into "uncharted territory"

True… these modern democratic systems are meant to function on all of us agreeing to a set of shared principles. As soon as some group decides to nope out of that, the system can become unstable. What did Sir Terry say? “All right," said Susan. “I’m not stupid. You’re saying humans need… fantasies to make life bearable.” REALLY? AS IF IT WAS SOME KIND OF PINK PILL? NO. HUMANS NEED FANTASY TO BE HUMAN. TO BE THE PLACE WHERE THE FALLING ANGEL MEETS THE RISING APE. “Tooth fairies? Hogfathers? L…

[Mindysan33]

[Sally_Mahoney]

Liz Cheney makes stunning announcement: "I will be voting for Kamala Harris" (video)

It is. Without making any excuses for anything she’s done, it is always a good idea to appreciate it at least a little bit when someone changes their mind and publicly acknowledges that your side made a better choice than theirs. Not too much, but more than zero.

[MerelyGifted]

09/10/24 Debate play by play thread

The pen is more powerful than the salad.

[Sally_Mahoney]

Down-in-the-dump Trump calls for ABC to lose its license for fact-checking him (video)

Donald Trump’s call for ABC News to lose its license for fact-checking him is a disturbing attempt to silence the media and suppress the truth. It’s a classic authoritarian move that undermines the principles of a free press and a democratic society.

[L0ki]

I Am Cynical Enough...

I am cynical enough that if a billionaire offered me something, I would tell them to get out of my sun.