Wednesday Morning Rant [Joe Mannix]

Mania

There has been an industrial mania sweeping through in recent years: streaming. It is reminiscent of the tech bubble in that there is a lot of magical thinking involved. Trees grow to the sky, there are no limits to growth, number of customers is the most important thing, companies need to get big before they can get profitable, etc. The streaming market is crowded, unprofitable and is at the beginning of a reckoning. Yet throughout, there has also been the incumbent: Netflix. The desire to create a "Netflix Killer" has been a driving force along with the generalized mania.

Which brings us to Disney, and more specifically to Hulu. Hulu was supposed to be a "Netflix Killer" and is a joint venture between Disney and Comcast. It is also fairly successful as far as streaming platforms go. It has never made the money that was expected, but it's a big name with lots of users and it outperforms Disney's "Disney+" platform. Hulu is also the subject of one of the most mind-blowingly reckless deals I have ever seen.

The broad stokes of the corporate structure and the deal itself are laid out in The Hollywood Reporter. Disney owns two-thirds of the company and Comcast owns the remaining third. Per the terms of the joint venture, at a certain date (in January of 2024), either party can demand an ownership change - but only in one direction. Comcast can demand that Disney buy Comcast's share, or Disney can demand that Comcast sell its share to Disney. Either party can demand that Disney buy out Comcast. Bizarre, and very foolish.

But not satisfied with mere foolishness, Disney engaged in outright recklessness. Apparently, the companies agreed that if a sale is compelled, they will get third-party valuation for the enterprise to determine a price. That's sensible. What's insensible is the sweetener they tossed into the deal: that no matter what, Hulu is to have a minimum total valuation of $27.5 billion. If the third-party valuation comes in below that figure, Disney will have to pay Comcast based on the $27.5 billion anyway. That means that Disney will have to cut a check for at least $9.17 billion. That is so reckless that I can barely fathom it. Disney entered into a joint venture where the entire venture can be dumped back onto Disney at the whim at either party, and then Disney put a floor price on the future buyout.

And that buyout is probably going to happen. Iger has talked about plans to merge Hulu and Disney+ in investor calls and Comcast has indicated that expects to receive a "big check" from Disney when the date rolls 'round in January. This kind of reckless deal with massive downside risk happens only in a mania because the only reason to enter into a deal like that is if you are completely certain that it is a no-lose scenario.

It turns out that the masters of the universe are not immune to mania, and the bill is going to come due for Disney just as the bloom is coming off the streaming rose.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Sponge

Posted by: Adirondack Patriot at June 07, 2023 11:01 AM (lf83v)

2 Top 5?

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 07, 2023 11:01 AM (J2vNu)

3 I did not know this about Hulu merging with Disney+. I will be cancelling Hulu when it does.

Posted by: Jaimo at June 07, 2023 11:01 AM (DBrN4)

4 Tulips anyone?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:02 AM (ZCCyW)

5 Hey

Posted by: Ciampino -- French anthem: White Flag by Dido at June 07, 2023 11:02 AM (qfLjt)

6 I did not know this about Hulu merging with Disney+. I will be cancelling Hulu when it does.
Posted by: Jaimo at June 07, 2023 11:01 AM (DBrN4)
++++
No one knows what it will look like yet. It's all very vague, but from their investor call, it looks Disney is working under the assumption that they're going to be cutting that check no matter what and is trying to figure out how to make it work.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:03 AM (DU+/6)

7 I did not know this about Hulu merging with Disney+. I will be cancelling Hulu when it does.
Posted by: Jaimo at June 07, 2023 11:01 AM (DBrN4)

they did it a while ago, iirc. it's been a package to get hulu, dis+, and espn for a while as a single package.

Posted by: SturmToddler at June 07, 2023 11:03 AM (nXhwP)

8 Streaming is great in the you can immediately get whatever media you want.

But the fractured nature of the market means you need many services to get the actual media you want.

Generally too the quality of streaming specific shows/movies has been low.

So the model really isn't working all that well.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:03 AM (lc5cP)

9 Oh well....

Posted by: BignJames at June 07, 2023 11:04 AM (AwYPR)

10 Disney entered into a joint venture where the entire venture can be dumped back onto Disney at the whim at either party, and then Disney put a floor price on the future buyout.

It's all good man, they have an AI advisor and it told them that this was a great deal.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:04 AM (VXWhT)

11 All I ever stream is audio, and I would not pay for it.

Netflix, Disney, Hulu? Not a fucking chance.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 07, 2023 11:04 AM (u5TOl)

12 Disney figured they had the content to make it work then Kathleen Whatsername had explosive diarrhea all over their big properties.

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 11:05 AM (8erNz)

13 And of course there is the larger problem that most of the streaming providers - Disney, Netflix, etc want to offer media to its customers that they don't want. In theory this means some other provider could come into the market offering non-woke, non-gay, non-pedo media and claim a large market share

But...the nature of our corporatist economy doesn't allow that to happen.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:05 AM (lc5cP)

14 Generally too the quality of streaming specific shows/movies has been low.

So the model really isn't working all that well.
------------------
Yeah, after a long day in front of computer I really want to fuck around with another computer to find something to watch. I wish I didn't have to fucking pay for bundled cable and I'd be golden.

Posted by: Puddinhead at June 07, 2023 11:05 AM (fWTJL)

15 Holy Poop!
If any of the students in my Business Classes that did not earn an "A" from me put together a deal like that, and got all parties to sign, I'd have them come back and I'd change their grade.

Posted by: Diogenes at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (e4fEA)

16 All I ever stream is audio, and I would not pay for it.

Netflix, Disney, Hulu? Not a fucking chance.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 07, 2023 11:04 AM (u5TOl)
++++
I used to pay for Netflix. I used it seldom and Netflix hates me, so it was an easy thing to cut. I do pay for some specialty streaming (Rakuten Viki, which is for Asian programming. I like Korean shows).

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (DU+/6)

17 My guess is that streaming will become more of a commodity, much like video rentals.

I think that the hardware+software that runs the connections to the internet will also become important.

Roku's interface is great. Now imagine if it signs up for you when you want something, and cancels when you are done watching, maximizing entertainment value and minimizing cost.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (ZCCyW)

18 Streaming is great in the you can immediately get whatever media you want.

But the fractured nature of the market means you need many services to get the actual media you want.

So the model really isn't working all that well.
Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:03 AM (lc5cP)
---
The fact that you *need* (not really) different streaming services means you are paying several different bills every month, which, when added up, may end up costing more than subscribing to cable.

Of course, you can add/drop services on a whim, so you can pick and choose which services to subscribe to every month, more or less.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (YIVH2)

19 Schadenboner Level: Diamond

Posted by: HammerDog at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (0F2Yw)

20 >>But not satisfied with mere foolishness, Disney engaged in outright recklessness.

I mean, you are talking about a company that paid over 4 Billion dollars for one of the most valuable IP's in the world and then immediately set the IP on fire.

There's reckless and stupid and then there's Disney reckless and stupid.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (up/3i)

21 I did not know this about Hulu merging with Disney+. I will be cancelling Hulu when it does.
Posted by: Jaimo at June 07, 2023 11:01 AM (DBrN4)

they did it a while ago, iirc. it's been a package to get hulu, dis+, and espn for a while as a single package.
Posted by: SturmToddler at June 07, 2023 11:03 AM (nXhwP)

apparently, now that i read the content (is that allowed?) they haven't officially merged, but they have been bundled for a couple years.

Posted by: SturmToddler at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (nXhwP)

22 People are being turned off by Disney's not so secret gay agenda and other woke messaging in their films, park attendance is allegedly way down, they're having to close their Star Wars themed hotel to stop that money pit from sucking down any more cash, and now the Hulu deal rears it's ugly head. Has Disney created it's own perfect storm?

Posted by: Blanco Basura - Z28.310 at June 07, 2023 11:07 AM (Bd6X8)

23 Get Roku and watch stuff for free. No need to give money to companies who hate you. They have a wide variety of shows, some current, some not so current, but it's cheap entertainment.

Posted by: Moki at June 07, 2023 11:07 AM (JrN/x)

24
Disney has always been 6 degrees of separation from Hulu but with word of them even just perhaps forcing Disney+ on subscribers I cancelled.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:07 AM (enJYY)

25 19 Ouch! Sounds very painful.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:07 AM (QcZmm)

26 I use Netflix and BritBox sometimes, daughter does Netflix and borrows friends Disney+ sometimes...

Wife just steals stuff 😁

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 11:07 AM (8erNz)

27 And isn't the copyright for Mickey Mouse expiring soon ?

Posted by: It's me donna at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (bs+z0)

28 12 Disney figured they had the content to make it work then Kathleen Whatsername had explosive diarrhea all over their big properties.

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 11:05 AM (8erNz)
----
Is that the same as projectile diarrhea?

Posted by: Ciampino - Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (qfLjt)

29 Yeah, after a long day in front of computer I really want to fuck around with another computer to find something to watch. I wish I didn't have to fucking pay for bundled cable and I'd be golden.
Posted by: Puddinhead at June 07, 2023 11:05 AM (fWTJL)
++++
I had a similar experience in about 2016. I had gotten off of a long day of work (I work on computers), got home and wanted to watch some TV. My home theater PC wasn't working. More troubleshooting. Then it hit me: I am not an enthusiast anymore. This is a job, and I don't want to do that job at home if I don't need to.

I ripped it all out and replaced the whole mess with Roku systems. Easy. Works. Limited and a walled-garden, but it's a pretty big walled garden. I cut off telemetry so it isn't spying on me all that much, and left it on its own network.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (DU+/6)

30 Comcast went into the Democrats Propaganda starting with Barky

Posted by: Skip at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (uh53v)

31 The day Hulu becomes Disney+ is the day I drop Hulu.

Posted by: Anonymizer4 at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (vLK/J)

32
Of course, you can add/drop services on a whim, so you can pick and choose which services to subscribe to every month, more or less.

It is odd if you think about it that the point of a streaming service is that it controls some library of media as opposed to that media being available on all streaming providers and customers selecting a streaming service based on bandwidth/UI/cost etc.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (lc5cP)

33 There's reckless and stupid and then there's Disney reckless and stupid.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (up/3i)
---
Well, Disney has been in the business of setting a high bar for competition.

Why shouldn't they set a high bar for recklessness and stupidity as well?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 07, 2023 11:09 AM (YIVH2)

34 Brian Stelter is angry because "Tater on Twitter" is too close to an existing brand

Posted by: BourbonChicken at June 07, 2023 11:09 AM (44ww/)

35 Schadenboner Level: Diamond
Posted by: HammerDog at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (0F2Yw)
***

A schadenboner lasting more than four hours!!??
Hell, January is still six months away!

Posted by: Diogenes at June 07, 2023 11:09 AM (e4fEA)

36 I'm beginning to understand how Musk is positioning Twitter to take market share from all of these outlets, and is doing it in a way that will require very little capital outlay from him, outside of what was spent to purchase the platform.

It is a market segment that YouTube should have been able to capitalize on, but YT has gotten sidelined into performing Gatekeeping duties for the Deep State, and has lost sight of their of their original plan.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:09 AM (i9ffA)

37 Streaming deals were an amazing cash cow for a while. I still laugh that the lazy Markles couldn't get their butts in gear to get their kid animation series produced before Netflix decided to slash it, along with other shows that would be a money drain. We were spared a black little mermaid Mary sue going around and getting feminist history a la a progressive rush revere. Phew.

Maybe one day someone will make the Rush Revere books a real animated series and use AI to create Rush's voice so he can play the teacher. A girl can dream.

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:09 AM (+mkOR)

38 Holy Poop!
If any of the students in my Business Classes that did not earn an "A" from me put together a deal like that, and got all parties to sign, I'd have them come back and I'd change their grade.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (e4fEA)
++++
LOL. They put together one of the most rancid deal structures I've ever seen, and Disney went for it. For Comcast, it was a no-brainer. For Disney, it was non-brainer.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (DU+/6)

39 Dittos on the Roku approach to entertainment consumption. Just pay for 'net access and you'll find infinite content.

Posted by: Big Roku fan at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (qxqry)

40 Disney entered into the deal because they thought the money would just keep rolling in. They probably would have been right, but they decided to Go Woke. They are feeling the pain of that decision.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (H9sxy)

41 Yeah, the problem at $10/mo on top of your net access...most people won't pay for more than one or two. If even that.

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (8erNz)

42 Streaming is great in the you can immediately get whatever media you want.

But the fractured nature of the market means you need many services to get the actual media you want.
Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:03 AM (lc5cP)

Yeah... streaming would have been great if there'd been at most 2 providers and their prices were reasonable but everyone wanted more money and they killed the goose.

Look, I'm not saying that ALL western business executives are functionally retarded but I can't name three who aren't.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (VXWhT)

43 30 Comcast went into the Democrats Propaganda starting with Barky
------------------
Comcast is Evil. Disney is Fucked and Discovery/Warner (aka AT&T) is just dumb.

Posted by: Puddinhead at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (fWTJL)

44
Talking about streaming, word is Amazon may get into the phone service provider game for its Prime customers at $20 a month. That's a helluva good price.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (enJYY)

45 Either party can demand that Disney buy out Comcast. Bizarre, and very foolish.

--------

Out: The Art of The Deal.
In: The Art of The Steal.

Posted by: ShainS -- Oppression Scientist and Your AI Interpreter at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (SMtf7)

46 For those that might see some MFM bullshit spin about Spain having its hottest spring on record, and second driest, here's what's hidden in an AFP report...

"At the time, AEMET said it was Spain’s driest and hottest April since records began in 1961." [I recall the report about Japan's hottest May had records at least going back to the 1890s but 1961!!??]

"The average temperature was “14.2 degrees Celsius (57.5 degrees Fahrenheit), which was 1.8C hotter” than normal, the agency said." [It's been 12C - 14C overnight in Toronto lately and believe me it's not freaking hot! And 1997 was the previous "record".]

I believe there could be a drought but spare me the b.s. that it's like a freaking desert out there FFS.

Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (Vwz3I)

47 I ripped it all out and replaced the whole mess with Roku systems. Easy. Works. Limited and a walled-garden, but it's a pretty big walled garden. I cut off telemetry so it isn't spying on me all that much, and left it on its own network.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (DU+/6)

I use Roku at home, for much the same reasons you do. I am quite pleased with it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (i9ffA)

48 I have Hulu and like it, but I'll drop it the day Disney takes full control, if it happens.

Posted by: Biergood at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (FQWHA)

49 Comcast is Evil. Disney is Fucked and Discovery/Warner (aka AT&T) is just dumb.

Making friendly with our globo-homo oligarchs is a higher priority for every large business then making their customers happy.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (lc5cP)

50 @36

>>I'm beginning to understand how Musk is positioning Twitter to take market share from all of these outlets, and is doing it in a way that will require very little capital outlay from him, outside of what was spent to purchase the platform.

If Musk can somehow create a system whereby someone can plop their but on a couch, pick up a remote, point it at a TV and seamlessly click away and access Twitter content, he will become a trilionaire.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (up/3i)

51 >>It turns out that the masters of the universe are not immune to mania, and the bill is going to come due for Disney just as the bloom is coming off the streaming rose.

In 2015 Sony finally stopped making Betamax cassettes nearly 40 years after they lost the VCR war. At some point before 40 years you need to realize the girl just isn't into you.

I think it was the name that killed them. When you name your product Beta anything it is going to end in tears.

Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:12 AM (ZLI7S)

52 Yeah, Roku’s good. I only use it for TCM and MeTV, but it’s easy to use.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:12 AM (QcZmm)

53 "It turns out that the masters of the universe are not immune to mania, and the bill is going to come due for Disney just as the bloom is coming off the streaming rose."

...and somewhere in Beverly Hills, Bob Chapek and Michael Eisner are sitting at a power breakfast together laughing and laughing and laughing.

Posted by: Darrell Harris at June 07, 2023 11:12 AM (/iWhV)

54 Disney destroyed their IP. They have an incredible library they don't market, and a bunch of recent garbage no one wants to watch that they do.

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 11:13 AM (8erNz)

55 Streaming deals were an amazing cash cow for a while. ...
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:09 AM (+mkOR)
++++
Only sort of. There are gigantic revenues, but the costs are out of this world, too. Netflix lost money every year of its existence as a streamer until 2017, and while free cash flow is sometimes positive the past few years, it's inconsistent. On good years where it is positive, the effective yield is below 2%.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:13 AM (DU+/6)

56 >>I'm beginning to understand how Musk is positioning Twitter to take market share from all of these outlets, and is doing it in a way that will require very little capital outlay from him, outside of what was spent to purchase the platform.

He's been saying it all along although most didn't listen. Twitter is just a means to an end for him.

Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:13 AM (ZLI7S)

57 31 The day Hulu becomes Disney+ is the day I drop Hulu.
Posted by: Anonymizer4 at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (vLK/J)

Well it is not D+ yet, but Hulu is currently 2/3 (or 60% - I've seen both numbers) owned by Disney.

Posted by: moon_over_vermont at June 07, 2023 11:14 AM (lioXr)

58 For Comcast, it was a no-brainer. For Disney, it was non-brainer.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (DU+/6)

I had to reread your post, because my first thought was, "What the f*ck? That makes no sense."

A part of me thinks you made this up, because nobody is that stupid and arrogant.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:14 AM (ZCCyW)

59 Talking about streaming, word is Amazon may get into the phone service provider game for its Prime customers at $20 a month. That's a helluva good price.

Every time I talk with Verizon or ATT they offer some price that is a fraction of what the final price will actually be. Line fee? Oh so I can get the rate you are offering if I have NO phones. Yeah....maybe McDonalds can offer a price for a hamburger that doesn't include beef too with an upsale if you actually want the beef?

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:14 AM (lc5cP)

60 And of course there is the larger problem that most of the streaming providers - Disney, Netflix, etc want to offer media to its customers that they don't want. In theory this means some other provider could come into the market offering non-woke, non-gay, non-pedo media and claim a large market share
Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:05 AM (lc5cP)

Why does cable cost so much? Cuz they keep making you pay for shit you don't want.
Why does "paid" streaming cost so much? Cuz they pay out big bucks for shit their customers don't want.
Why do books, particularly e-books, cost so much? Cuz they pay out big bucks for shit their customers don't want.

All that works, to some extent, when people have a lot of disposable income, expect to have more in the future, and believe that the future is fairly predictable and relatively secure. Oops.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:14 AM (VXWhT)

61 Sounds like a hot streaming pile.

Posted by: Roy at June 07, 2023 11:15 AM (BPhwD)

62 Michael Eisner...gotta go watch The Princess Bride again...

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 11:15 AM (8erNz)

63
If Musk can somehow create a system whereby someone can plop their but on a couch, pick up a remote, point it at a TV and seamlessly click away and access Twitter content, he will become a trilionaire.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM

I can do that now. Two ways through my Fire Stick. FireFox which has discontinued support but still works, or some Bing thing. They both can browse the web.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:16 AM (enJYY)

64 What happened to Daily Wire? They released two or three movies a couple of years ago but nothing since. They even claimed that children's programming was coming. They gave the impression that they were taking the plunge into streaming.

Posted by: Mark1971 at June 07, 2023 11:16 AM (xPl2J)

65 27 Donna, just the copyright for the earliest, Steamboat-Willy version.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:16 AM (QcZmm)

66 In 2015 Sony finally stopped making Betamax cassettes nearly 40 years after they lost the VCR war. At some point before 40 years you need to realize the girl just isn't into you.

I think it was the name that killed them. When you name your product Beta anything it is going to end in tears.
Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:12 AM (ZLI7S)
++++
Beta was the industry standard in broadcasting. Beta, then the next version of Beta, then Digi-Beta, etc. They made *bank* in the pro market, and every TV station in America, Canada, Japan and several other markets ran on Beta. It was only when tapeless acquisition became feasible and affordable that Beta became irrelevant. Flash-based and hard-drive-based acquisition - especially in the field - wasn't really ready for prime time until the 2010s.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:16 AM (DU+/6)

67 word is Amazon may get into the phone service provider game for its Prime customers at $20 a month. That's a helluva good price.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (enJYY)

It's a tough business, and customer service is important. My cable company got into it and I just laughed. Their current CS is unbelievably bad!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:16 AM (ZCCyW)

68 Didn't Daily Wire produce "What Is A Woman"?

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (72qIu)

69 >>In 2015 Sony finally stopped making Betamax cassettes nearly 40 years after they lost the VCR war

I think they only lasted that long because they were a superior Audio Tape alterative.
Kinda like Super VHS. A failure, but embraced by a niche market for a purpose not envisioned.

Posted by: garrett at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (wOOO7)

70 Nolte at Breitbart is sounding the alarm. Apparently Disney, via their long reach with owning studio catalogs like Fox, is cutting and censoring old films on streaming like the Oscar winning " The French Connection" for modern sensibilities. They censored the Oscar winning performance of Gene Hackman in the film because his misanthropic character says the R word.

I remember when Hollywood cut down companies like CleanFlix (now PureFlix) for allowing people to censor the R word in films they bought, as a matter of artistic integrity and free speech for movie creators everywhere. Now they are doing it themselves, because in the woke era feelings trump art.

Buy your hard copies of your fave films and books now. You can't trust anything on streaming is the original.

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (+mkOR)

71 I had to reread your post, because my first thought was, "What the f*ck? That makes no sense."

A part of me thinks you made this up, because nobody is that stupid and arrogant.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:14 AM (ZCCyW)
++++
My jaw dropped when I read the details in that Reporter article.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (DU+/6)

72 Streaming seems like a good thing that some people will really enjoy but most won't.

Like electric cars. And solar panels. And windmills. And veggie burgers. And recumbent bikes (psychopaths deserve nuce things I guess?)

It's like whatever new tech comes to a state of maturity where it can just barely be deployed gets FORCED on everyone by people looking to create "generational wealth". Often using the government as the driver.

Idk if the meme of "generational wealth" js the causr of this or a symptom of something else but it rrally does not work when a large number begin pursuing the dream.

Large numbers of ppl securely in the IQ deadspot pursuing generational wealth is very bad juju.

The only security in life is a healthy polity and not a stack of currency, or a stock portfolio or 57 rifles and a lot of bullets.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:18 AM (kHyhZ)

73 Streaming services have also rendered the old Hollywood model of paying actors incredible sums of money for box office sales obsolete. Add that to the fact that anyone with a decent amount of tech can produce streaming content better than what's out there and you have a fun time watching the wreckage.

As for Hulu, I was never impressed with them. At the time I tried having an account, they had nothing I was interested in and even with paying for the service I got 2-3 minutes of programming with 5+ minutes of ads.

Posted by: NR Pax at June 07, 2023 11:18 AM (fYtPt)

74 An interesting contrast to the streaming industry, the video game industry also got a ton of pressure to go woke and it MOSTLY shrugged it off. It would be interesting to identify why...but perhaps in part because there are MANY companies and if one screws over their customer base enough those customers will just go to the non-woke alternatives.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:18 AM (lc5cP)

75 ... I remember when Hollywood cut down companies like CleanFlix (now PureFlix) for allowing people to censor the R word in films they bought, as a matter of artistic integrity and free speech for movie creators everywhere. Now they are doing it themselves, because in the woke era feelings trump art. ...
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (+mkOR)
++++
Everything will be bowdlerized. This is one reason I dislike streaming and prefer physical media. The Man can't come corrupt my physical discs and private library.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:18 AM (DU+/6)

76 @63

>>I can do that now. Two ways through my Fire Stick. FireFox which has discontinued support but still works, or some Bing thing. They both can browse the web.

It should be more basic than that, the content is on a grid/timeline and you can channel surf it like you would a cable set-top box.

Basically, Musk has all of the elements (twitter, Starlink) in place to completely disrupt the system.

That is, if he is allowed to disrupt the system.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at June 07, 2023 11:18 AM (up/3i)

77 I saw Hot Steaming Pile open for the Peruvian death metal band Anal Vomit. The mosh pit was unbelievable!

Posted by: Diogenes at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (e4fEA)

78 Buy your hard copies of your fave films and books now. You can't trust anything on streaming is the original.
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (+mkOR)
---
Indeed. Don't be surprised if key episodes of a series you enjoy on streaming is suddenly removed due to "problematic" content.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (YIVH2)

79 Watched Doomcock about this . He is saying that a source says Disney at the moment has something like $300m in operating cash. In order to by our Comcast they'll have to sell off many things including Lucasfilm. After what Kennedy did to it it ain't going to be worth much. Disney ain't looking good.

Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (OhpJy)

80 It's a tough business, and customer service is important. My cable company got into it and I just laughed. Their current CS is unbelievably bad!

I don't think Verizon, the gorilla in the industry, has particularly good customer service.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (lc5cP)

81 I think it was the name that killed them. When you name your product Beta anything it is going to end in tears.
Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:12 AM (ZLI7S)

Porn killed Betamax.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (kHyhZ)

82 It really is amazing how these brilliant executives think that valuations in the current mania can only go up, and that all the various real estate busts, oil patch busts, dot com bubbles popping, etc can never happen to the latest fad that they are involved in. It would be just awful if the Hulu debacle hurts Disney and its investors.

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (9E3tX)

83 BabylonBee:
Newsom Says It's Cruel And Unusual To Fly Immigrants To California

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (RHGPo)

84 47 I ripped it all out and replaced the whole mess with Roku systems. Easy. Works. Limited and a walled-garden, but it's a pretty big walled garden. I cut off telemetry so it isn't spying on me all that much, and left it on its own network.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM (DU+/6)

I use Roku at home, for much the same reasons you do. I am quite pleased with it.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:11 AM (i9ffA)
----
How do you access the Internet?

Posted by: Ciampino -- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:20 AM (qfLjt)

85 Didn't Daily Wire produce "What Is A Woman"?

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:17 AM (72qIu)

Yes, but that is a documentary. They were going to get into the entertainment business.

Posted by: Mark1971 at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (xPl2J)

86 Breaking news, on topic as to how other platforms are focusing on pushing "the narrative" and have lost all sight of actually giving their customers what they want: "YouTube scrubs all RFK video from their site; Instagram bans before he can post anything."

They have all become gatekeepers for the Deep State, and little more. If I was Musk, I'd be burning up the phone to RFK right now. (disclaimer - I don't think RFK is any great shakes, but it's hilarious to watch how deeply he upsets the Deep State)

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (i9ffA)

87 Watched Doomcock about this . He is saying that a source says Disney at the moment has something like $300m in operating cash. In order to by our Comcast they'll have to sell off many things including Lucasfilm. After what Kennedy did to it it ain't going to be worth much. Disney ain't looking good.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (OhpJy)
++++
Disney has lots of options. It doesn't have the money to write the check to Comcast, but it has plenty of ways to raise it. It's a gigantic company with positive equity. It's not doing great at the moment, but there is still tons of value there. They have access to the bond market, they can do a stock issue, sell assets, suspend the dividend, etc.

It isn't going the way Disney wanted and this forced buyout of Hulu is probably going to hurt, but it isn't going to be a mortal blow.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (DU+/6)

88 65 27 Donna, just the copyright for the earliest, Steamboat-Willy version.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:16 AM (QcZmm

Thanks

Posted by: It's me donna at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (bs+z0)

89 He's been saying it all along although most didn't listen. Twitter is just a means to an end for him.
Posted by: JackStraw

Thank you. I thought I read somewhere that Musk wanted Twitter to be a multimedia site where people can watch news and weather reports for their area, national news and sports, entertainment, and educational programs. No one else could confirm that.

Posted by: Madamemayhem (uppity wench) at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (Wy1BU)

90 Watched Doomcock about this . He is saying that a source says Disney at the moment has something like $300m in operating cash. In order to by our Comcast they'll have to sell off many things including Lucasfilm. After what Kennedy did to it it ain't going to be worth much. Disney ain't looking good.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (OhpJy)
---
Someone should buy Lucasfilm for $1, expunge all Star Wars content created after Return of the Jedi and turn it over to the non-woke fans.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 07, 2023 11:22 AM (YIVH2)

91 I don't think Verizon, the gorilla in the industry, has particularly good customer service.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (lc5cP)

No idea. I use T-Mobile and I am very pleased with their customer service, especially since I used to be a Sprint customer until they bought them out. Sprint CS was awful beyond compare...maybe the worst I have ever experienced.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:22 AM (ZCCyW)

92 How do you access the Internet?
Posted by: Ciampino -- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:20 AM (qfLjt)
++++
Roku connects up like any other Smart TV system: via WiFi or ethernet cable, using your existing internet connection.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:22 AM (DU+/6)

93
I've never had an issue with Amazon service. Even a 'chat' session with whoever, wherever in the world is quick and easy. I want something, they give it to me.

I imagine they have a database where they grade customers on length of time as member, number of complaints, dollar value of transaction, average yearly spending, stuff like that. If your graded A+ you get what you want.

I was doing this kinda stuff with software back in the late 80's. It pays to know who the 'good guys' are and who aren't.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (enJYY)

94 Death to the Disney corporation. Good riddance to bad trash.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (pohLc)

95 How do you access the Internet?
Posted by: Ciampino -- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:20 AM (qfLjt)

cable service from Optimum, which is the new name for Suddenstink to make you forget how bad their service was. Unfortunately that's the only viable option where I live.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (i9ffA)

96 "...Musk wanted Twitter to be a multimedia site..."

Yes, he has tweeted that intention.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (72qIu)

97 They have all become gatekeepers for the Deep State, and little more. If I was Musk, I'd be burning up the phone to RFK right now. (disclaimer - I don't think RFK is any great shakes, but it's hilarious to watch how deeply he upsets the Deep State)
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (i9ffA)

There is a lot I disagree with with RFK , but he would certainly be an improvement over Biden or Kamala

Posted by: It's me donna at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (bs+z0)

98 He's been saying it all along although most didn't listen. Twitter is just a means to an end for him.
Posted by: JackStraw

It is so strange. He is open about what he is doing and everyone just can't hear him.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (kHyhZ)

99 I've never had an issue with Amazon service. Even a 'chat' session with whoever, wherever in the world is quick and easy. I want something, they give it to me. ...
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (enJYY)
++++
I've had a mixed bag with Amazon service. Sometimes it's brilliant, sometimes it's an insane web of conflicting departments and I feel like Kafka navigating The Castle.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:24 AM (DU+/6)

100
The Chosen.
Crowd funded.
Free to stream.
High quality.
Well written.

Posted by: Check it out at June 07, 2023 11:24 AM (qxqry)

101 Is that the same as projectile diarrhea?
Posted by: Ciampino - Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:08 AM

That takes a more experienced, disciplined sphincter.

Posted by: Anne H. at June 07, 2023 11:24 AM (a3Q+t)

102 Globalist New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced that he would not run for president because he wants all never-Trump Republicans to rally behind a candidate to stop Trump from winning the GOP Primary.

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:24 AM (RHGPo)

103 I've never had an issue with Amazon service. Even a 'chat' session with whoever, wherever in the world is quick and easy. I want something, they give it to me.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:23 AM (enJYY)

I have had similar experiences with Amazon CS. They seem to know what they are doing, although as you point out that service is based on revenue from the particular customer.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:25 AM (ZCCyW)

104 I'm hoping someone can answer this... I'm hearing through grapevines (cue California raisins) that universities are "Preparing for the U.S. Supreme Court Affirmative Action ruling to come down". Is this like roe v Wade, there are hints the court will strike it down so they are preparing for actual changes? Or is this unneeded hysteria?

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:25 AM (+mkOR)

105 100
The Chosen.
Crowd funded.
Free to stream.
High quality.
Well written.
Posted by: Check it out at June 07, 2023 11:24 AM (qxqry)

This is true.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (pohLc)

106 They censored the Oscar winning performance of Gene Hackman in the film because his misanthropic character says the R word.

Am I the only one who doesn't know what the R word is?

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (eOEVl)

107 speaking of people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw donuts: seen a t zero hedge:

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie launched his 2024 presidential campaign in New Hampshire on Tuesday with a sharp-tongued assault on the frontrunner, calling Trump a "lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog."

Posted by: gnats local 678 at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (B1FKF)

108 Is this like roe v Wade, there are hints the court will strike it down so they are preparing for actual changes? Or is this unneeded hysteria?
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:25 AM (+mkOR)

A little of both...

Posted by: It's me donna at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (bs+z0)

109 Roku's interface is great. Now imagine if it signs up for you when you want something, and cancels when you are done watching, maximizing entertainment value and minimizing cost.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:06 AM (ZCCyW)
++++
It does. The streamer has to support it, but many of them do. You give your credit card info to Roku, and they broker the deal. Sign up or cancel right from the set-top box, using the username/password of your Roku account.

I don't do this because some streamers will limit you to watching only on Roku if you do it, and I might want to use a phone or a PC (when I'm on the road, for example). That isn't universal, either.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (DU+/6)

110 4 Tulips anyone?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:02 AM (ZCCyW)

Yeah?

Posted by: VP Harris at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (53oGX)

111 This appears to be a bad deal for Disney. I'm good with that.

Posted by: DanMan at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (DB6tu)

112 Am I the only one who doesn't know what the R word is?
Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (eOEVl)

I don't either but I didn't want to look stupid

Posted by: It's me donna at June 07, 2023 11:27 AM (bs+z0)

113 I cut the cord a decade ago and at the time I was like there is a limit to how many streaming services I will pay for. Today, it is clear the market is hopelessly fractured, oversaturated and due for a shakeout. What comes out of that is hard to predict but I will take a chance and say that FAST (free ad supported television streaming) is going to be one of the winners with ROKU being one of the big winners as they have a dominant growing installed base, makes bank on advertising through their OS, and have fully embraced FAST. Another winner should be YoutubeTV. Right now it is one of the few, maybe only, cable style consolidator service that is growing. However the wild card here is Disney is planning on making ESPN a standalone service - price will be drive how widely it is adopted and how it may impact cable style services. Amazon streaming isn't going anywhere because it is part of Amazon Prime, is growing its sports footprint, and if they pull off offering satellite internet and cell phones plans (this is in discussion right now) they only get stronger. The rest, except Netflix, are hosed as fair as I can predict and will be forced to consolidate, go FAST, or remain niche.

Posted by: Lost In Space at June 07, 2023 11:27 AM (a175k)

114 The R word — Republican?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:27 AM (QcZmm)

115
Porn killed Betamax.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM

Lack of porn killed Betamax.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:27 AM (enJYY)

116 To Restore Faith in Public Health, We Need Truth Commissions

Importantly, the Norfolk Group isn’t calling for a stacked deck inquiry that’s primarily about pointing fingers, but rather, an objective fact-finding process to learn what was done right during COVID, what was mistaken, and how to best prepare policies to deploy next time.

.. unfortunately, Joe Biden has turned all of that over to WHO so this will go no where

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (RHGPo)

117 Is this like roe v Wade, there are hints the court will strike it down so they are preparing for actual changes? Or is this unneeded hysteria?

-------------

Expectations have been that it will be struck down for two years now. The question is does it really matter?

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (sX1BW)

118 Is the "r word" retard?

There are a bunch of AWFL types that want to make it a similiar taboo word to the "n word"

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (lc5cP)

119 The Chosen.
Crowd funded.
Free to stream.
High quality.
Well written.
Posted by: Check it out

Just started this recently. It's very good. I'm not a Bible expert, so not sure how close it stays to the source, but enjoying it very much.

Posted by: Biergood at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (FQWHA)

120 Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie launched his 2024 presidential campaign in New Hampshire on Tuesday with a sharp-tongued assault on the frontrunner, calling Trump a "lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog."

He's running for veep. He's trying to out-attack dog Nikki Haley.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (eOEVl)

121 It's a tough business, and customer service is important. My cable company got into it and I just laughed. Their current CS is unbelievably bad!

I don't think Verizon, the gorilla in the industry, has particularly good customer service.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM

We have had verizon for 20+ years and have never had an issue with their customer service. I guess we were lucky.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (ncXxy)

122 People haven't accepted that there are hardly any "business-people" in the c-suites of Corporations anymore.

Even they don't know why they are there. Most would never ask the question "Why am I here?".

The best you get are people who seek to provide value by maximizing the numbers relevant to stock price.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (kHyhZ)

123 That is so reckless that I can barely fathom it. Disney entered into a joint venture where the entire venture can be dumped back onto Disney at the whim at either party, and then Disney put a floor price on the future buyout.

I think the "forced to buy" made sense initially. IIRC, Hulu was a three-way partnership between Disney, Comcast, and Fox. It was Disney's purchase of Fox that gave them 66.6% control and started the fuse on the "forced buy out of the minority share" issue. Maybe Iger forgot about this part of the Hulu deal when he overpaid for Fox. Maybe he should pay more attention to their contracts instead of fighting laws preventing the grooming of children. Anyway, I hope the independent arbitrator does his best Dr. Evil impersonation and says "Hulu is worth One Hundred Billion Dollars".

Die Mouse, Die.

Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (xttsV)

124 >>Thank you. I thought I read somewhere that Musk wanted Twitter to be a multimedia site where people can watch news and weather reports for their area, national news and sports, entertainment, and educational programs. No one else could confirm that.

That and more. Musk is planning to make Twitter the cornerstone of what he is calling App X which he is modeling on the Chinese app WeChat. A sort of one stop platform for everything from financial services to communication to content including things like Tucker's show.

The guy is building his own internet/communication system with Starlink. I'm not going to bet against him.

Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (ZLI7S)

125 @106

>>Am I the only one who doesn't know what the R word is?

Popeye Doyle was fond of the word, Rapscallion, and used it wantonly.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (X7woe)

126 Modelo Especial is now the number one selling beer: Sales figures topped $333 million in May - a 15% rise in the same period last year - as Bud Light sales fell to $297 million amid Dylan Mulvaney backlash

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (RHGPo)

127 Am I the only one who doesn't know what the R word is?
Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (eOEVl)

I don't either but I didn't want to look stupid

For me, that's a settled issue, so I don't worry about it.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (eOEVl)

128 I bought a Roku for my missus because she finds it easy to use. On the contrary, I am a techno geek and love my set up, but it took 3 remotes to get it right (5.5 audio, external devices and video).
The Roku is one remote. Her speed.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (72qIu)

129 Radius? Rapscallion? Rhyton? Rutabaga?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:30 AM (QcZmm)

130 To Restore Faith in Public Health, We Need Truth Commissions

Across our culture there is an absolute refusal to look at some event or decision, examine what worked and what didn't, and LEARN from it.

A truth commission on COVID would show our elites are at best completely incompetent...at best.

So...there is amazing opposition to this even though it would be the best thing that could happen on so many levels.

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:30 AM (lc5cP)

131 Lack of porn killed Betamax.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:27 AM (enJYY)

Hah. Yes. Poor drafting on my part.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:30 AM (kHyhZ)

132 Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:26 AM (DU+/6)

I realize that Roku will broker purchases. What I meant was that in the future I hope to see a massive library that Roku manages...signing up and canceling with the many streaming services automatically, so the interface is seamless. They will have algorithms that minimize cost, based on a wish list...

A fellow can dream!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:30 AM (ZCCyW)

133 Watched Doomcock about this . He is saying that a source says Disney at the moment has something like $300m in operating cash. In order to by our Comcast they'll have to sell off many things including Lucasfilm. After what Kennedy did to it it ain't going to be worth much. Disney ain't looking good.
Posted by: Smell the Glove at June 07, 2023 11:19 AM (OhpJy)

Nah. They've got a great ESG rating. They can borrow all the money they need to dig themselves a bigger hole.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:30 AM (VXWhT)

134 Just a reminder: We have to give up cars and cows because limiting carbon emissions is the number one priority.

https://tinyurl.com/3ybhxxwp

Posted by: Methos at June 07, 2023 11:31 AM (kOpft)

135 >>He's running for veep. He's trying to out-attack dog Nikki Haley.

He's a paid hitman. He won't last till Iowa.

Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:31 AM (ZLI7S)

136 I think a lot of the deal with Disney stems frim how Hulu was created. It was 1/3rd Disney, 1/3rd Fox and 1/3rd NBC Universal. It was always meant to be where each could only own 1/3rd of the company.

When Disney purchased Fox there was a lot of talk about how they would be forced to sell the Hulu part of Fox because of the way the original deal was structured, but they renegotiated this new deal with Comcast.

After the Fox purchase, Comcast also started to accuse Disney of attempting to tank Hulu, and of getting low ball valuations, and it's a possibility they were caught doing that and that's why they put a floor in.

At this point Disney may just want Hulu 100% because few people associate it with Disney, so they can use it to try and get around the hate for their pedo friendly company.

BTW if anyone does get these streamers, keep an eye put around Black Friday, last 2 years you were able to get Hulu for $1 and then $2 a month for the year, just gotta use different emails to sign up.

Posted by: Rbastid at June 07, 2023 11:31 AM (7pK0U)

137 This type of buyout is actually not that uncommon or crazy. It all depends on the incentives and relative bargaining leverage that the various parties have at the time of contracting. A lot of deal terms that make sense at the time they are negotiated end up turning out foolish or disastrous.

I suspect that, at the time of this deal, Disney wanted a guaranteed ability to buy CC out and become the sole owner, at almost any cost. Including valuation "floors" for buyouts is common in deals like this. There is huge value in being sole owner that transcends mere dollars and cents. Remember, at the time everyone thought Hulu would be the next big thing, so putting a "floor" on the valuation was most likely not considered a big risk.

Posted by: Elric Blade at June 07, 2023 11:31 AM (iFTx/)

138 The guy is building his own internet/communication system with Starlink. I'm not going to bet against him.
Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (ZLI7S)

And even that is subsidiary to Mars.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:31 AM (kHyhZ)

139 Expectations have been that it will be struck down for two years now. The question is does it really matter?

The CW is that Grutteresque racial preferences will be banned, but that the universities will try to continue them by subterfuges like "holistic measures". I believe in this case the CW is correct.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:32 AM (eOEVl)

140 122 People haven't accepted that there are hardly any "business-people" in the c-suites of Corporations anymore.

Even they don't know why they are there. Most would never ask the question "Why am I here?".

And you may ask yourself, "Well, how did I get here?"
And you may ask yourself, "How do I work this?"

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:32 AM (RHGPo)

141 Someone should buy Lucasfilm for $1, expunge all Star Wars content created after Return of the Jedi and turn it over to the non-woke fans.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel

They don't have to 'do' anything. Just ignore it, and apologize to every motherfucker that owned Toys R Us Stock.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at June 07, 2023 11:32 AM (jzzG8)

142 Disney has lots of options. It doesn't have the money to write the check to Comcast, but it has plenty of ways to raise it. It's a gigantic company with positive equity.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:21 AM (DU+/6)

Imagine how much they could raise by selling Star Wars fans the opportunity to punch Kathleen Kennedy in the face.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:32 AM (VXWhT)

143 I-uh, uh-I-uh, s-s-stubbed uh, uh-s-stubbed my, my-uh, my-uh-my-uh, uhhmmmmmm

yeah

Posted by: John Fetterman at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (vwCZJ)

144 A lot of deal terms that make sense at the time they are negotiated end up turning out foolish or disastrous.

-------------

And deal terms are just that. Terms. But terms always leave a lot of room for negotiation. As always the winners are the experts and the lawyers and the managerial class. The system finds a way to make sure as many people can get paid as possible.

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (sX1BW)

145 I think if there is one criticism I can level at Roku it's that (on the set I own) if you want to hook up supplemental sound devices like a sub woofer it has to be a Roku sub woofer.
At least that's the way it is with the tv I bought.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (72qIu)

146 ... I think the "forced to buy" made sense initially. IIRC, Hulu was a three-way partnership between Disney, Comcast, and Fox. It was Disney's purchase of Fox that gave them 66.6% control and started the fuse on the "forced buy out of the minority share" issue. Maybe Iger forgot about this part of the Hulu deal when he overpaid for Fox. Maybe he should pay more attention to their contracts instead of fighting laws preventing the grooming of children. Anyway, I hope the independent arbitrator does his best Dr. Evil impersonation and says "Hulu is worth One Hundred Billion Dollars". ...
Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 11:29 AM (xttsV)
++++
Ah, okay. I didn't know about the Fox angle, though I should have thought of it because I know Fox was involved in Hulu, too. Fox's third of Hulu almost certainly contributed to the buyout price Disney paid for the enterprise.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (DU+/6)

147 I-uh, uh-I-uh, s-s-stubbed uh, uh-s-stubbed my, my-uh, my-uh-my-uh, uhhmmmmmm

yeah

Never not funny.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (eOEVl)

148 The one thing I don't like about Roku is that if you want to use wireless headphones, you have to connect them to the app on your phone and not directly to the box.

It's possible they've changed that, it's been a while since I fired it up.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at June 07, 2023 11:34 AM (H9sxy)

149 Ruminant? Rhubarb? Rickshaw?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:34 AM (QcZmm)

150 And you may ask yourself, "Well, how did I get here?"
And you may ask yourself, "How do I work this?"
Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:32 AM (RHGPo)

This moment does happen occasionally for them.

It's why so much communication and interaction is weird within Corps.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:34 AM (kHyhZ)

151 Imagine how much they could raise by selling Star Wars fans the opportunity to punch Kathleen Kennedy in the face.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:32 AM (VXWhT)
That would be brilliant. Instead of a kissing booth, they could set up a Smack a bitch booth. The line would extend for miles.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:34 AM (pohLc)

152 Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie launched his 2024 presidential campaign in New Hampshire on Tuesday with a sharp-tongued assault on the frontrunner, calling Trump a "lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog."

He's running for veep. He's trying to out-attack dog Nikki Haley.
--
Is he running to be Desantis' VP? Because that's not a great job application otherwise.

Posted by: Methos at June 07, 2023 11:34 AM (kOpft)

153
Thanks Canada - but maybe you could quit smoking. Due to the shitful air quality the city of Philly and surroundings is basically 'shelter in place'. Stay inside, close windows, run A/C if you have it.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:34 AM (enJYY)

154 If Disney already controls 2/3s of Hulu, why do they care if Comcast has the other 1/3rd? They can always outvote them.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:35 AM (eOEVl)

155 104 I'm hoping someone can answer this... I'm hearing through grapevines (cue California raisins) that universities are "Preparing for the U.S. Supreme Court Affirmative Action ruling to come down". Is this like roe v Wade, there are hints the court will strike it down so they are preparing for actual changes? Or is this unneeded hysteria?
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:25 AM (+mkOR)

The source of their fear comes from a 2003 majority opinion by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (an infamous opinion for both sides, I should add) in which she wrote "The Court expects that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest approved today."

Now in practical terms it meant "yeah this is blatantly unconstitutional but let me put that ruling off until I know I won't be around anymore." But 20 years have already passed, and this Court is increasingly likely to use that opinion to make good on Justice O'Connor's forcast.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:35 AM (i9ffA)

156 I visited my sister and BIL last weekend and showed them how to connect their TVs to their existing wifi. They had no idea it could happen.
I pulled out my iPad and checked their download speed (about 6 kb I think). BIL says they are waiting for a fiber connection to be available eventually.
Sister already had Amazon Prime from mailing packages.
Pulled up Top Gun Maverick for free and they were blown away. Streamed with no issues.

Posted by: DanMan at June 07, 2023 11:35 AM (DB6tu)

157 I suspect that, at the time of this deal, Disney wanted a guaranteed ability to buy CC out and become the sole owner, at almost any cost. Including valuation "floors" for buyouts is common in deals like this. There is huge value in being sole owner that transcends mere dollars and cents. Remember, at the time everyone thought Hulu would be the next big thing, so putting a "floor" on the valuation was most likely not considered a big risk.
Posted by: Elric Blade at June 07, 2023 11:31 AM (iFTx/)
++++
Right, I get that. But it is a huge risk and a staggering amount of money and if it hadn't been for streaming mania, this deal wouldn't have been made. You do something like this only if you are 100% certain it's a winner - and if you're *that* sure it's a winner, the joint venture makes less sense in the first place. This is mania behavior, not rational behavior. Manias are real and they're spectacular.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (DU+/6)

158 In the US the recent bad wildfires were caused by illegals. In OZ the recent bad wildfires were caused by environmentalists (yes just like in State of Fear)

So what is causing these Canuck wildfires?

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (lc5cP)

159 He's running for veep. He's trying to out-attack dog Nikki Haley.
--
Is he running to be Desantis' VP? Because that's not a great job application otherwise.

That's my assumption, but what do I know?

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (eOEVl)

160 Apparently Disney, via their long reach with owning studio catalogs like Fox, is cutting and censoring old films on streaming

Not just streaming, not just Disney, and not just recently.
In Three Days of the Condor, the John Houseman character is going over a list of possible reasons for Turner to go rogue. One of them is "Is he a homosexual?" which has been edited out of the DVD release for a number of years.

Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (xttsV)

161 I’m a troglodyte and have never streamed anything.

Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (MNhXM)

162 set up a Smack a bitch booth.

African Dodger.

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and David Ogilvy. at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (xSwrI)

163 At least that's the way it is with the tv I bought.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (72qIu)

I run everything through my receiver, so all Roku does is provide the signal to it. It adds a bit of complexity, but nothing that is too irritating.

Except for when the brats f*ck with it and I have to fix it. Then there is much cursing.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (ZCCyW)

164 Back when I was a kid, every time my parents took us out on some errand, whenever one of the kids wined about being tired, my dad would say "If you can't walk through the mall, you can't go to Disneyworld." Being the oldest, at some point, I shut up because I did very much want to go to Disneyworld. Well guess what? We never ended up going.

I guess where Im going with this is I blame my younger brother on me never getting to go to Disneyworld, and now that Im an adult and Disney sucks ass, Im probably never going to go.

Jeff, this is all your fault.

Posted by: Joe, living dangerously at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (JCybQ)

165 I was really hoping Sununu could rescue us.

Posted by: Woe is me at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (qxqry)

166 "So what is causing these Canuck wildfires?"

They're saying lightning strikes.
So, wrath of...
never mind...

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (72qIu)

167 Christie just wants to be able to use W. H. Taft’s bathtub.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (QcZmm)

168 >>> Am I the only one who doesn't know what the R word is?

Oh my goodness! I meant to type Disney censored the N word, not the R word. I'm so so sorry. Sorry for the confusion.

Do I get put in the barrel as a time out, with a dunce cap on my head as punishment?

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (+mkOR)

169 Rumplestilskin ?

Posted by: JT at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (T4tVD)

170 The Court expects that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest approved today.

-------------

O'Connor was right. The left was able to use these past 20 years to build up a system that makes the Court's ruling meaningless. So they probably don't care what the Court rules.

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (sX1BW)

171 Paramount is for sale, including CBS.
ESPN (and probably including ABC) is for sale.
CNN is for sale, or maybe given away.
Fox is for sale.

The entire broadcast industry is for sale, maybe excepting NBC. Most of the streamers are for sale.

Scripted entertainment and networks appear to be going in different directions right now.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (42JEZ)

172 118 Is the "r word" retard?

There are a bunch of AWFL types that want to make it a similiar taboo word to the "n word"
Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (lc5cP)

Yeah, it's retard.

It's already downrated/censored/etc. across a wide variety of indexes and search platforms.

Go to gfycat or giphy or any other gif search/hosting site and look for the "Retard alert" gif from South Park, and tell me what happens.

Posted by: ballistic at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (oXNqT)

173 I was really hoping Sununu could rescue us.
Posted by: Woe is me at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (qxqry)

Never fear!
Mike Pence is here.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at June 07, 2023 11:38 AM (AiZBA)

174 Reddit Announces Layoffs and Hiring Slowdown

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:38 AM (RHGPo)

175 Reddit Announces Layoffs and Hiring Slowdown
Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:38 AM (RHGPo)
++++
Shame.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:38 AM (DU+/6)

176 I guess where Im going with this is I blame my younger brother on me never getting to go to Disneyworld, and now that Im an adult and Disney sucks ass, Im probably never going to go.

--------------

Well, you saved a lot of money.

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 11:38 AM (sX1BW)

177 Generally too the quality of streaming specific shows/movies has been low.

Have you seen network TV and theatrical releases lately? The quality of everything is mostly low.

Posted by: Ian S. at June 07, 2023 11:39 AM (ZGrMX)

178 Yeah, Jeff sucks.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:39 AM (eOEVl)

179 Hard to fault leftards for not liking the word retard, since most of them are fucking retarded.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:39 AM (pohLc)

180 Have you seen network TV and theatrical releases lately? The quality of everything is mostly low.

----------

Its all been down hill since Red Dawn (the original and only)

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 11:39 AM (sX1BW)

181 I think if there is one criticism I can level at Roku it's that (on the set I own) if you want to hook up supplemental sound devices like a sub woofer it has to be a Roku sub woofer. At least that's the way it is with the tv I bought.
Posted by: gourmand du jour

Since about 2020 you can use 3rd party hardware.
https://tinyurl.com/5n4zaj9m

Posted by: Lost In Space at June 07, 2023 11:39 AM (a175k)

182 This leggy, chilly brunette in a velour dress is enjoying some time outdoors and so isn't streaming anything from anyone today:
https://tinyurl.com/4yves3kw

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:40 AM (DU+/6)

183 90 Someone should buy Lucasfilm for $1, expunge all Star Wars content created after Return of the Jedi and turn it over to the non-woke fans.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 07, 2023 11:22 AM (YIVH2)

Slight disagreement. Rogue One can stay.

Posted by: NR Pax at June 07, 2023 11:40 AM (fYtPt)

184 Thanks Canada - but maybe you could quit smoking.
--------------
We can quit any time we want!

Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 07, 2023 11:40 AM (Vwz3I)

185 Yeah, if it's got a headphone jack I can route it over to my 5.5 audio with sub woofer.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:40 AM (72qIu)

186 This leggy, chilly brunette in a velour dress is enjoying some time outdoors and so isn't streaming anything from anyone today:

Very nice. She looks unenhanced.

Posted by: Archimedes at June 07, 2023 11:41 AM (eOEVl)

187 158 In the US the recent bad wildfires were caused by illegals. In OZ the recent bad wildfires were caused by environmentalists (yes just like in State of Fear)

So what is causing these Canuck wildfires?
Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (lc5cP)

Blackface?

Posted by: Inogame at June 07, 2023 11:41 AM (53oGX)

188 This lovely lady is disappointed in any mania not focused on her...

https://tinyurl.com/4frntrje

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at June 07, 2023 11:42 AM (ZCCyW)

189 I think if there is one criticism I can level at Roku it's that (on the set I own) if you want to hook up supplemental sound devices like a sub woofer it has to be a Roku sub woofer.
At least that's the way it is with the tv I bought.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:33 AM (72qIu)
++++
Sort of, and non since "Roku Ready" became a thing. Roku is standards-compliance. If your TV supports HDMI ARC (most modern sets do), you can plug it into any soundbar or receiver you want. If it doesn't, the mid-tier and higher Rolu boxes have optical audio outputs, and many TVs had optical outputs, too. Those can also be used for receivers and soundbars.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:42 AM (DU+/6)

190 I think Mannix just posted a non-AI generated hot-chick photo.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:42 AM (kHyhZ)

191 I wish, I wish...I wish Disney would go out of business.

Walt is dead, let the woke monster that Disney is now join him.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy Ammo, food, water at June 07, 2023 11:42 AM (xcxpd)

192 A truth commission on COVID would show our elites are at best completely incompetent...at best.

Has there been a Truth Commission, anywhere, ever, that was actually about finding the truth and not just the new Ins taking revenge on the old Ins? In this case though, I’m probably OK with that.

Posted by: Oddbob at June 07, 2023 11:42 AM (nfrXX)

193 The whole issue with the missus is she refused to get involved with more than one remote.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:43 AM (72qIu)

194 So what is causing these Canuck wildfires?
Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:36 AM (lc5cP)

Red Green?

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:43 AM (i9ffA)

195 So what is causing these Canuck wildfires?

I blame Lincoln.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (QcZmm)

196 The whole issue with the missus is she refused to get involved with more than one remote.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:43 AM (72qIu)
++++
Me, too. I have a universal remote with punch-through capability (so the volume *always* controls the receiver, etc.) and a couple of macros. Took a bit to set it up, but not too bad and it works brilliantly.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (DU+/6)

197 I guess where I'm going with this is I blame my younger brother on me never getting to go to Disneyworld, and now that I'm an adult and Disney sucks ass, Im probably never going to go.

I went once around the age of ten. You didn't miss much. The Great America amusement park was 1000 times better.

Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (xttsV)

198 I like the midget comedian who was ranting against the PC nonsense that midget was an offensive word and dwarf or little person is what should be used. He said another midget came up to him and said ‘ midget is just like using the N word’
He replied back ‘ midget please’

Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (MNhXM)

199 I saw someone offering to hot glue all your remotes together.

And...I can't say that wouldn't solve the problem of "damn I have the wrong remote where is the one In want"

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (lc5cP)

200 One remote to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (H9sxy)

201 The losers at Business Insider picked up on Taylor Lorenz's tweet, casting doubt on Carlson's future, claiming:

Tucker Carlson is in trouble, if his first livestream is anything to go by.
The first episode of his Twitter stream debut lacked the shine of his Fox News glory days.
Without the chyron and quick cuts, Carlson must now compete with the likes of Alex Jones — and he's losing.

.. Tucker is about news and views, its not a porn site

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (RHGPo)

202 I guess where I'm going with this is I blame my younger brother on me never getting to go to Disneyworld, and now that I'm an adult and Disney sucks ass, Im probably never going to go.

I went once around the age of ten. You didn't miss much. The Great America amusement park was 1000 times better.
Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (xttsV)

My friend and his family just got back from Universal. Said they had a great time.

Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (MNhXM)

203 To be born mentally retarded is no one's fault. To become a libtard requires hard work.

Posted by: zombie oscar wilde at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (Vwz3I)

204 I like the midget comedian who was ranting against the PC nonsense that midget was an offensive word and dwarf or little person is what should be used. He said another midget came up to him and said ‘ midget is just like using the N word’
He replied back ‘ midget please’
Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (MNhXM)

Those Lollipop Guild guys are TOUGH.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at June 07, 2023 11:46 AM (AiZBA)

205 I blame Lincoln.
------------
He did invent the log.

Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 07, 2023 11:46 AM (Vwz3I)

206 I guess where I'm going with this is I blame my younger brother on me never getting to go to Disneyworld, and now that I'm an adult and Disney sucks ass, Im probably never going to go.

I went once around the age of ten. You didn't miss much. The Great America amusement park was 1000 times better.
Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 11:44 AM (xttsV)

My friend and his family just got back from Universal. Said they had a great time.
Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (MNhXM)

I drank SO much butterbeer there...would do so again.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy Ammo, food, water at June 07, 2023 11:46 AM (xcxpd)

207 ... Tucker Carlson is in trouble, if his first livestream is anything to go by.
The first episode of his Twitter stream debut lacked the shine of his Fox News glory days.
Without the chyron and quick cuts, Carlson must now compete with the likes of Alex Jones — and he's losing. ...
Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (RHGPo)
++++
65.3 million people have tuned in so far. Maybe the slick production (and he will get there - it takes to dial all that in, and he's on a brutal schedule to get moving) isn't worth as much as the content it supports.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (DU+/6)

208 I got Url banned -site on blacklist- when I tried to click on the lovely lady who enjoys mania focused on her. What a shame!

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (Keyt1)

209 Once had an achondroplastic dwarf as a coxswain. Cruel little bastard. Enjoyed his work.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (kHyhZ)

210 200 One remote to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (H9sxy)

Sometimes I think I'd sell my soul for something like that.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (i9ffA)

211 The whole issue with the missus is she refused to get involved with more than one remote.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:43 AM (72qIu)
===============
My wife's solution is to bring me the remote and ask me to find a show for her to watch.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (L2Kt0)

212 205 I blame Lincoln.
------------
He did invent the log.

log!
log!
it's big
it's heavy
it's wood
log!
log!
it's better than bad
it's good!

(couldn't resist)

Posted by: anachronda at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (sGtp+)

213 I have two kids under 7 and my life's goal is to avoid going to Disney World.

For the money spent I could fly my whole family to Tahiti for a week.

Posted by: ballistic at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (oXNqT)

214 Christie just wants to be able to use W. H. Taft’s bathtub.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at June 07, 2023 11:37 AM (QcZmm)

Fucking driveway broom and a hose.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (jrFDm)

215 Tucker Carlson is in trouble, if his first livestream is anything to go by.
The first episode of his Twitter stream debut lacked the shine of his Fox News glory days.
Without the chyron and quick cuts, Carlson must now compete with the likes of Alex Jones — and he's losing. ...
Posted by: SMOD

65 million is losing? What would the number have to be, there sport?

Posted by: weft cut-loop at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (jzzG8)

216 182 This leggy, chilly brunette in a velour dress is enjoying some time outdoors and so isn't streaming anything from anyone today:
https://tinyurl.com/4yves3kw
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:40 AM (DU+/6)

nipples

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy Ammo, food, water at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (xcxpd)

217 People don't tune in Carlson for slick production and brainless entertainment, they have that shit from a thousand places. They tune in Carlson for some thoughtful and honest information and opinion.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:49 AM (pohLc)

218 Fucking driveway broom and a hose.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (jrFDm)
++++
Sounds ... kinky. And painful.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:49 AM (DU+/6)

219 For the money spent I could fly my whole family to Tahiti for a week.
Posted by: ballistic at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (oXNqT)

Go to Port Aransas and tell them it's Tahiti.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 11:49 AM (i9ffA)

220 My wife's solution is to bring me the remote and ask me to find a show for her to watch.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (L2Kt0)

You poor bastard. It's a lose-lose situation.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at June 07, 2023 11:49 AM (AiZBA)

221 Speaking of streaming and woke… I’m slow to catch the news but Dallas Jenkins the guy who makes The Chosen is catching flak because a crew member brought a pride flag on set and folks spotted it. I watched his 20 minute YouTube video in his defense this morning. He’s a bit too defensive….Dude, you’re making a TV show about Jesus… it would behoove you to be a little more careful…a pride flag where you’re recreating the Gospels??

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at June 07, 2023 11:49 AM (FQ+mV)

222 >118 Is the "r word" retard?

There are a bunch of AWFL types that want to make it a similiar taboo word to the "n word"

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (lc5cP)

Mrs. Meta gets upset when I user the 'r word'. To be fair I only bust out that level of pejorative when I'm talking about my junior Senator or my neighbor who decides to mow his lawn at 5 pm on a Sunday.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (NgqoH)

223 Hey, Gaetz and Boebert on with Bannon now says bigK breached their agreement, so...

they're going to 'demand' a new agreement with bigK.

Got that? No vacate the chair for these severe conservative MAGA reps, no sirreEEEEeeeeEEe!11

Boebert looks uncomfortable as Bannon looks on saying ho-ho-hol-hold... as you know his great tick incredulously.

We're in fine hands.

Posted by: micky at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (3byMq)

224 There was some sort of shenanigans going on between Roku and Hulu last week with Hulu claiming that my Roku device was no longer among their devices that got Hulu. And I would have to get a new one if I wanted their content.

To which I thought...blow me.

Anywho I decided to wait a week to see who would win the dick-punching contest. And sure enough, this week Hulu works on my Roku device again.

Not sure who won. But, I've been rethinking my streaming channels and Hulu may get the hook if they don't come up with some more of their good stuff soon.

Posted by: naturalfake at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (fb7jX)

225 The whole issue with the missus is she refused to get involved with more than one remote.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:43 AM (72qIu)
===============
My wife's solution is to bring me the remote and ask me to find a show for her to watch.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (L2Kt0)
---
Some time ago I bought a "novelty" remote that looks like the Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver. It's a universal remote that can handle up to thirty or so different remote functions just by waving it around in certain patterns. Kind of nifty, but not really as useful as you might think.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (YIVH2)

226 92 How do you access the Internet?
Posted by: Ciampino -- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:20 AM (qfLjt)
++++
Roku connects up like any other Smart TV system: via WiFi or ethernet cable, using your existing internet connection.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:22 AM (DU+/6)
----
OK it was the 'existing Internet connection' that I was asking about, the other is just a LAN connection. So you still have to pay someone else for Internet access.

Posted by: Ciampino --- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (qfLjt)

227 I watched Tucker on the twitter last night, thought it was very good. Very dark subject matter, of course.
But honest reporting.

Posted by: gourmand du jour at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (72qIu)

228 Sorry ahead of time for the wall of text, but streaming today reminds me a lot of the video game industry pre-80's crash:

1) Company makes money hand-over-fist with a very successful product. (Atari)
2) Competitors move in with their own versions of this product and fight the original company for exclusive content. (Coleco/Mattel)
3) People who work and/or make lots of money for the original company leave and become direct competitors. (Activision)
4) The big company firehoses money at the wall in the hope that something will stick. Some of these fail hilariously. (ET/Pac-man)
5) There are now so many competing products that it's impossible for any of them, big company included, to win. Consumers, irritated by this and the big company's missteps, stop buying any of them. Streaming is here.
6) The big company and its entire market collapses in a huge flaming wreck and massively burns anyone associated with it to the point that they want no part of it ever again.

The key differences are that all of the streamers are using exclusivity as their one selling point (like if every game company had its own box) and Netflix hasn't completely collapsed (yet).

Posted by: MrUNIVAC at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (aQzQB)

229 I bought a Roku for my missus because she finds it easy to use. On the contrary, I am a techno geek and love my set up, but it took 3 remotes to get it right (5.5 audio, external devices and video).
The Roku is one remote. Her speed.
Posted by: gourmand du jour

I have been using Roku since their first box hit the market. Today I have a TCL 75" Roku TV hooked up to my AVR with a 3.1 speaker setup and via the magic eARC I use nothing but my ROKU remote. I have fussed with other interfaces, and while they work, some quite well, none of the are as simple, robust, performant, and flexible as the ROKU platform. And then you toss in their ever expanding free content - it is modern TV. Going forward ROKU, because of their huge growing user base, could very be the platform where all the services that are going to get clobbered in the coming shakeout will land, not as wholly independent streaming services, but as part of the ROKU media services.

Posted by: Lost In Space at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (a175k)

230 104
'Is this like roe v Wade, there are hints the court will strike it down so they are preparing for actual changes?'

I think the Court used up all their courage overturning Roe v. Wade. Even that decision surprised me.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (yvHe0)

231 >>> Walt is dead, let the woke monster that Disney is now join him.

He would claw himself out of his frozen tomb and lay vengeance to everyone at Disney if he saw what they were trying to do to kids today using his name.

I'm glad Illumination isn't going woke, yet. (Some environmentalism in the Dr Seuss Lorax film and some feminism in Mario, but it's tame.) But their films don't have that deep meaning for adults layered into an entertaining kids film, like Pixar did at its height. I watched a classic Pixar film recently and cried. We may never get back to that golden era, but at least the classics remain forever, as much as Disney might want to censor them.

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (+mkOR)

232 If one of the females around here asked me to choose something for them to watch I would simply put on Forged in Fire and leave with the remote.

Posted by: Thesokorus at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (kHyhZ)

233 Fucking driveway broom and a hose.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at June 07, 2023 11:48 AM (jrFDm)
++++
Sounds ... kinky. And painful.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:49 AM (DU+/6)

I figured they wash the elephants at the circus this way.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at June 07, 2023 11:52 AM (jrFDm)

234 OK it was the 'existing Internet connection' that I was asking about, the other is just a LAN connection. So you still have to pay someone else for Internet access.
Posted by: Ciampino --- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (qfLjt)
++++
Right, okay. And yes, that is an "extra" cost but most people carry an internet connection anyway. For those who don't, the cell phone rules the day and that's what Chromecast or similar are for. I don't love that approach myself, but it does generally work.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:52 AM (DU+/6)

235 I always had a chance that I might listen to Tucker’s show when he was on Fox but never did . Now there is no chance I will ever hear Tucker since he’s on Twitter. Again, troglodyte.

Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:52 AM (MNhXM)

236 207 ... Tucker Carlson is in trouble, if his first livestream is anything to go by.
The first episode of his Twitter stream debut lacked the shine of his Fox News glory days.
Without the chyron and quick cuts, Carlson must now compete with the likes of Alex Jones — and he's losing. ...
Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:45 AM (RHGPo)
++++
65.3 million people have tuned in so far. Maybe the slick production (and he will get there - it takes to dial all that in, and he's on a brutal schedule to get moving) isn't worth as much as the content it supports.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:47 AM (DU+/6)
==============
Yeah, that's a strange comment. The production values look pretty good to me and now that he has 70-odd million views I imagine he will be able to finance any studio bells and whistles he wants to add in the future.

Post-Tucker, I suspect his total views so far exceed a month of FNC viewership, aggregating all shows together.

Posted by: Huck Follywood at June 07, 2023 11:53 AM (stUOf)

237 Fox news average viewership primetime at the beginning of the year was 2.26 million. If Tucker is losing, what the fuck do you define Fox as at the height of their viewership?

Posted by: weft cut-loop at June 07, 2023 11:53 AM (jzzG8)

238 And...I can't say that wouldn't solve the problem of "damn I have the wrong remote where is the one In want"
Posted by: 18-1
--------

Then...there's the attempt to use the cordless phone to control the TV.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at June 07, 2023 11:53 AM (MbWzp)

239 lc5cP)

Mrs. Meta gets upset when I user the 'r word'. To be fair I only bust out that level of pejorative when I'm talking about my junior Senator or my neighbor who decides to mow his lawn at 5 pm on a Sunday.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (NgqoH)

I prefer the H word

Half Tard.

Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (MNhXM)

240 The Biden whistleblower first went to the FBI in 2017. That was during the Russia collusion hoax and before the Ukraine idiocy and well before they helped bury and lie about the Hunter laptop.

The FBI is trying to cover up for a hell of a lot more than Biden.

Posted by: JackStraw at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (ZLI7S)

241 There are a bunch of AWFL types that want to make it a similiar taboo word to the "n word"

Posted by: 18-1 at June 07, 2023 11:28 AM (lc5cP)

That's retarded.

Posted by: I'm keeping this word. Tis a fine word. at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (fiChp)

242 I watched a classic Pixar film recently and cried. We may never get back to that golden era, but at least the classics remain forever, as much as Disney might want to censor them.

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (+mkOR)

--------

"Our eventual "AI" Safety Bot Overlord will censor them for our own good, citizen!"

Posted by: ShainS -- Oppression Scientist and Your AI Interpreter at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (BcMd9)

243 He did invent the log.

Logs equal exponents.

Posted by: clutch at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (wHHf8)

244 He would claw himself out of his frozen tomb and lay vengeance to everyone at Disney if he saw what they were trying to do to kids today using his name. ...
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (+mkOR)
++++
Man, I wish I knew the source of the "Walt Disney's Cryogenics" urban legend. It's hilarious.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (DU+/6)

245 118
'There are a bunch of AWFL types that want to make it a similiar taboo word to the "n word"'

Sadly, my wife is an AWFL in this instance. It makes it tough for me because so many people earn the term.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (yvHe0)

246 Now there is no chance I will ever hear Tucker since he’s on Twitter. Again, troglodyte.

You could just click on a link when someone posts it here. No more complicated than checking a Mannix Babe.

Posted by: Oddbob at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (nfrXX)

247 So here's a pretty, smiling woman in modest attire who enjoys nature and doesn't feel the need show off her nipples on the internet to get attention from men:

https://tinyurl.com/mnfnnps6

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (Keyt1)

248 Man, I wish I knew the source of the "Walt Disney's Cryogenics" urban legend. It's hilarious.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (DU+/6)

I did it.

Posted by: Ted Williams' Frozen Head at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (AiZBA)

249 ... But their films don't have that deep meaning for adults layered into an entertaining kids film, like Pixar did at its height. I watched a classic Pixar film recently and cried. We may never get back to that golden era, but at least the classics remain forever, as much as Disney might want to censor them.
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:51 AM (+mkOR)
++++
Pixar was special. It's specialness did not survive the Disney acquisition or the subsequent firing of John Lasseter.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (DU+/6)

250 >>> The first episode of his Twitter stream debut lacked the shine of his Fox News glory days.
Without the chyron and quick cuts, Carlson must now compete with the likes of Alex Jones — and he's losing. ...

I'm sure after the first week, when the novelty of Tucker being back has worn off, the numbers on Twitter will drop. But the aura of authenticity, that despite less frills he gets to actually speak truth without Fox censoring him, will keep the numbers higher than anything Fox can produce.

Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (+mkOR)

251 You could just click on a link when someone posts it here. No more complicated than checking a Mannix Babe.
Posted by: Oddbob at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (nfrXX)

The link in already in the side bar.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (pohLc)

252 There has been an industrial mania sweeping through in recent years: streaming.
---------
I'm now well-positioned to make that long-awaited killing in tulips!

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (fxrF8)

253 "And isn't the copyright for Mickey Mouse expiring soon ?"

I think the copyright for the "Steamboat Willie" style Mickey Mouse was going to expire soon, so Disney put out a videogame.. last year?... with Mickey Mouse and all his friends done in that style.

Which mean they're still using that particular copyrighted character, which means the clock on the copyright expiration is reset.

... according to my ignorant layman's understanding of copyright laws and copyright maintenance.

Posted by: FeatherBlade at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (ou9hh)

254 So here's a pretty, smiling woman in modest attire who enjoys nature and doesn't feel the need show off her nipples on the internet to get attention from men:

https://tinyurl.com/mnfnnps6
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (Keyt1)

Very nice.
That other one was just a shoe ad.

Posted by: Diogenes at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (e4fEA)

255 235 Posted by: polynikes

You don't have to sign up to do read-only on twitter. And specifically Tucker's video has been plastered on everyone's (some) feeds so its out there, but why not just go to the horses mouth twitter.com/tuckercarlson

Posted by: micky at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (3byMq)

256 to see who would win the dick-punching contest.

Always bet on Ewok!

Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 07, 2023 11:57 AM (a3Q+t)

257 I'm sure after the first week, when the novelty of Tucker being back has worn off, the numbers on Twitter will drop. But the aura of authenticity, that despite less frills he gets to actually speak truth without Fox censoring him, will keep the numbers higher than anything Fox can produce.
Posted by: LizLem at June 07, 2023 11:56 AM (+mkOR)
++++
This is my guess, too. I suspect his total viewership will be higher than it was on Fox. He was pulling in what? Something like 6 million viewers on Fox? Even if his drop-off is 90%, he *still* hasn't lost ground.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:57 AM (DU+/6)

258 I think the copyright for the "Steamboat Willie" style Mickey Mouse was going to expire soon, so Disney put out a videogame.. last year?... with Mickey Mouse and all his friends done in that style.

--------------

It will last as long as Congress wants it to last. Keep that ESG score up high enough to ensure Congress keeps extending.

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 11:57 AM (sX1BW)

259 Reddit Announces Layoffs and Hiring Slowdown
Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 11:38 AM (RHGPo)

/r/AmITheUnemployedOneHere

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:57 AM (VXWhT)

260 Showing off your nipples is a guaranteed way to get attention from men. Like the sun rising every morning, works every time.

Posted by: Xipe Totec at June 07, 2023 11:58 AM (pohLc)

261 to see who would win the dick-punching contest.

Always bet on Ewok!
Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 07, 2023 11:57 AM (a3Q+t)
-----------
Or Peter Dinklage.

Posted by: Captain Obvious, Laird o' the Sea, Radioactive Knight at June 07, 2023 11:58 AM (fxrF8)

262 I can't wait to cancel Hulu after Disney is forced to lose money on it.

Posted by: insurgens ad opus at June 07, 2023 11:58 AM (+3Vw/)

263 You could just click on a link when someone posts it here. No more complicated than checking a Mannix Babe.
Posted by: Oddbob at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (nfrXX)

There was a reason I never watched him or any other pundit even if they were on Fox but there was always a chance that flipping through the channels I might stop. I don’t accidentally click on Mannix babe links.

Posted by: polynikes at June 07, 2023 11:58 AM (MNhXM)

264 Man, I wish I knew the source of the "Walt Disney's Cryogenics" urban legend. It's hilarious.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 11:54 AM (DU+/6)

Call me...he's my neighbor.

Posted by: Ted Williams at June 07, 2023 11:59 AM (ZCCyW)

265 Being GenX, "retard" rolls quite naturally off the tongue. The more sensitive souls around have to be told it has nothing to do with the developmentally disabled, for whom I have nothing but sympathy, but describes people who deliberately do or say stupid shit. The distinction, however, usually goes over their delicate little heads.

Posted by: "Retard" and "fag" are crucial parts of the American lexicon at June 07, 2023 11:59 AM (fiChp)

266 /sock no more

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at June 07, 2023 11:59 AM (AiZBA)

267 Talking about streaming, word is Amazon may get into the phone service provider game for its Prime customers at $20 a month. That's a helluva good price.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (enJYY)

I wonder if it'll do better than the Fire Phone did?

Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at June 07, 2023 11:59 AM (ZSK0i)

268 So Comcast ‘wins’? Ugh. That really takes the joy out of Disney getting smacked.

Posted by: Legion of Boom at June 07, 2023 12:00 PM (j39rs)

269 Posted by: FenelonSpoke at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM (Keyt1)

Nice try. Can't take her politics seriously though. ;-P

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at June 07, 2023 12:00 PM (YRsIm)

270 Would be great for the Court to strike down current US copyright law and just say, we don't know what "limited" means, but we know it does not mean life plus 70 years. You don't get two lifetimes.

Posted by: SH (No more Roe) at June 07, 2023 12:00 PM (sX1BW)

271 Yeah, that's a strange comment. The production values look pretty good to me and now that he has 70-odd million views I imagine he will be able to finance any studio bells and whistles he wants to add in the future.

Post-Tucker, I suspect his total views so far exceed a month of FNC viewership, aggregating all shows together.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at June 07, 2023 11:53 AM (stUOf)

Production values are the kind of thing where you can start off competent and then slowly improve over time, as experience with a new crew accumulates.

Posted by: Tom Servo at June 07, 2023 12:00 PM (i9ffA)

272 6) The big company and its entire market collapses in a huge flaming wreck and massively burns anyone associated with it to the point that they want no part of it ever again.

...

Posted by: MrUNIVAC

Yeah, but follow through on the analogy:

7) Another outfit in a different market decides there's something to salvage, and does their own take with a somewhat different paradigm to avoid the real problem that brought it all down (floods of low quality product)

Other companies, seeing the success of the reworked concept, follow suit, and the industry is reborn

Posted by: Brother Tim sez Max Headroom for President! at June 07, 2023 12:00 PM (OUMaO)

273 Fen posting babe pics!! Yes she is pretty

Posted by: LinusVanPelt at June 07, 2023 12:00 PM (FQ+mV)

274 Also, what is odd, I get Netflix for ‘free’ from Comcast. Which is a competitor to Hulu. Hmm.

Posted by: Legion of Boom at June 07, 2023 12:01 PM (j39rs)

275 Spiro and TrickyDick live just down the way. Go long on formaldehyde.

Posted by: micky at June 07, 2023 12:01 PM (3byMq)

276 Also, what is odd, I get Netflix for ‘free’ from Comcast. Which is a competitor to Hulu. Hmm.
Posted by: Legion of Boom at June 07, 2023 12:01 PM (j39rs)
++++
If people want Netflix more and the profit margins on cable are higher, it still can make sense even if the other division (Hulu, in this case) doesn't like it.

Or it's insane. Expecting sanity from mega-corps is often a bad move.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 12:02 PM (DU+/6)

277 OK it was the 'existing Internet cisonnection' that I was asking about, the other is just a LAN connection. So you still have to pay someone else for Internet access.
Posted by: Ciampino --- Inquiring minds are asking at June 07, 2023 11:50 AM (qfLjt)
++++
Right, okay. Andthe yes, that is an "extra" cost but most people carry an internet connection anyway. For those who don't, the cell phone rules the day and that's what Chromecast or similar are for. I don't love that approach myself, but it does generally work.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

Having Internet access has become a fundamental utility so it is somewhat pointless to add that into the cost of streaming services unless you are strictly coming from traditional cable TV costs and don't have internet access. Still I do toss in my internet costs when evaluating what streaming runs me each month. Based on my understanding of cable tv prices and their endless fees I find that my streaming media service costs are substantially less than cable even when you include internet access fees. Streaming media today is modern TV and the rapidly declining number of cable subscribers is a data point that supports this perspective.

Posted by: Lost In Space at June 07, 2023 12:02 PM (a175k)

278 NOOD LICHT

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at June 07, 2023 12:02 PM (DU+/6)

279 I am personally putting a 48-hour rule on participating in discussion of this Florida white-woman-shoots-black-woman-thru-door case. First because my sprained ankle hurts too much, and second because Ben Crump is involved.

Posted by: JEM at June 07, 2023 12:02 PM (8erNz)

280 It must really suck to be Taylor Lorenz.
Gone are the days of being able to cancel anybody on Twitter (because she HAD special access to do it herself)

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 12:03 PM (RHGPo)

281 So here's a pretty, smiling woman in modest attire who enjoys nature and doesn't feel the need show off her nipples on the internet to get attention from men:

https://tinyurl.com/mnfnnps6
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at June 07, 2023

***
* Wolfus makes "Call me" gesture with thumb and little finger *

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 07, 2023 12:03 PM (J2vNu)

282 So here's a pretty, smiling woman in modest attire who enjoys nature and doesn't feel the need show off her nipples on the internet to get attention from men:

https://tinyurl.com/mnfnnps6
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at June 07, 2023 11:55 AM

Very nice.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at June 07, 2023 12:03 PM (5sOEG)

283 A world population nearing 10 billion people by the middle of this century is “unsustainable,” U.S. special climate envoy John Kerry declared Wednesday, before setting out his future plans for planet earth.

.. could John just ... just remove himself from the equation

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 12:04 PM (RHGPo)

284 I’m slow to catch the news but Dallas Jenkins the guy who makes The Chosen is catching flak because a crew member brought a pride flag on set and folks spotted it. I watched his 20 minute YouTube video in his defense this morning. He’s a bit too defensive….Dude, you’re making a TV show about Jesus… it would behoove you to be a little more careful…a pride flag where you’re recreating the Gospels??
Posted by: LinusVanPelt

It's a trap!

Posted by: Admiral Ackbar at June 07, 2023 12:04 PM (vcOmj)

285
He's a paid hitman. He won't last till Iowa.
Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane

He won't last past the closing of the Iowa State Fair -- he's only there for the corn dogs, elephant ears, and deep fried Snickers bars.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at June 07, 2023 12:04 PM (pNxlR)

286 170
'The left was able to use these past 20 years to build up a system that makes the Court's ruling meaningless. '

A democrat president with a democrat attorney general can make sure we always have affirmative action.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 07, 2023 12:05 PM (yvHe0)

287 There was a reason I never watched him or any other pundit even if they were on Fox but there was always a chance that flipping through the channels I might stop.

If you don’t want to watch Tucker Carlson, then by all means, don’t watch Tucker Carlson. My point was only that no special access or skills are needed if you do.

Posted by: Oddbob at June 07, 2023 12:05 PM (nfrXX)

288 231 >>> Walt is dead, let the woke monster that Disney is now join him.

He would claw himself out of his frozen tomb and lay vengeance to everyone at Disney if he saw what they were trying to do to kids today using his name.

I will throw money at the Kickstarter to make that movie happen.

Posted by: NR Pax at June 07, 2023 12:05 PM (fYtPt)

289 whoever linked the story about the smoke from Canada...this is the time of year Mexico burns it's fields to get ready for the next crop. That smoke typically hits Houston about the same time the heat of summer hits.

Posted by: DanMan at June 07, 2023 12:05 PM (DB6tu)

290 Richard Hanania @RichardHanania
Muslims in Montgomery County protesting against LGBT books in school. The other side appears all white, mostly women. [video]

Selling immigrants on hating liberals would be the easiest thing in the world to do if conservatives had a real interest in winning.

Richard Hanania @RichardHanania · 18h
Muslim girl gives stirring defense of religious freedom that could’ve been written by Moms for Liberty. Man followers her speech with an Allahu Akbar. [video]

Here’s Glendale, CA today. Armenians. There’s often very little momentum behind these things though because conservatives won’t publicize since they feel uncomfortable being on the same side as immigrants. They only love the inner city. [video]

Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 07, 2023 12:05 PM (Vwz3I)

291 Even they don't know why they are there. Most would never ask the question "Why am I here?".

And you may ask yourself, "Well, how did I get here?"
And you may ask yourself, "How do I work this?"
Posted by: SMOD

There is water at the bottom of the ocean...

Same as it ever was
Same as it ever was

Posted by: Barnacle Bill the sailor at June 07, 2023 12:06 PM (vcOmj)

292 Some folks don't understand. Hulu is ALREADY two thirds owned by Disney. They will be forced to buy the remaining third from Comcast in January.

What is funny is that Disney is pulling content from Hulu to try and lower its valuation, and Comcast has stopped providing cash to Hulu, because, why not, we will be getting a $9.2B check in six months.

Disney is pulling apart the sofa to find more change; they need cash, badly.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at June 07, 2023 12:06 PM (ufFY8)

293 "Gender-affirming care" is to health as "Elizabeth Warren" is to Indian.

Posted by: SMOD at June 07, 2023 12:07 PM (RHGPo)

294 221
'The Chosen is catching flak because a crew member brought a pride flag on set and folks spotted it. '

Judas?

Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 07, 2023 12:10 PM (yvHe0)

295 This kind of reckless deal with massive downside risk happens only in a mania because the only reason to enter into a deal like that is if you are completely certain that it is a no-lose scenario.

I know they make a half billion dollars on a movie once in a while, and I know that they get income from cruises, merchandizing, and the parks, but Disney is not made of money and this does seem like a fairly aggressive move in a questionable field.

Eventually someone is going to figure out how to make solid money out of streaming but they haven't yet.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at June 07, 2023 12:11 PM (0hOvj)

296 Tucker Carlson is in trouble, if his first livestream is anything to go by. The first episode of his Twitter stream debut lacked the shine of his Fox News glory days.
Without the chyron and quick cuts, Carlson must now compete with the likes of Alex Jones — and he's losing. ...
Posted by: SMOD

I watched Tucker for the quality of his commentary and lively on air personality. The FOX production values had nothing to do with that. The massive first show hits is not sustainable, lots of curiosity at play there, but he is going to generate a huge audience with almost no overhead costs that should only get stronger as people get familiar with how to find him on Twitter. What is the limit of his audience size? My best guess is his Fox numbers plus some extra since you don't need a cable subscription to watch him; so let's say 2.5 to 4 million, 5 million when Joe Biden trips.

Posted by: Lost In Space at June 07, 2023 12:12 PM (a175k)

297 Without the chyron and quick cuts

The horror. The. Horror.

Posted by: Chuck C at June 07, 2023 12:12 PM (xttsV)

298 They wanted to make a big deal about Johnathan Roumie playing Lonnie Frisbee in Jesus Revolution. Rumor has it that Frisbee died of AIDS, which they could somehow connect to Roumie playing Jesus in The Chosen. There are folks that just want to cancel The Chosen.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at June 07, 2023 12:13 PM (ouTlx)

299 Selling immigrants on hating liberals would be the easiest thing in the world to do if conservatives had a real interest in winning.

While true, we don't want anyone to hate anyone. We want people to love liberty and justice.

Here’s Glendale, CA today. Armenians. There’s often very little momentum behind these things though because conservatives won’t publicize since they feel uncomfortable being on the same side as immigrants. They only love the inner city.

Horse.
Shit.

There's little momentum behind these things because they get crushed in the news, get no coverage, and almost nobody even knows they happen.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at June 07, 2023 12:14 PM (0hOvj)

300 The Disney / Comcast deal sounds like the old Time -Warner buyout of AOL at the peak of Internet bubble. Shareholders be damned.

Posted by: bang-a-gong at June 07, 2023 12:53 PM (hfuoS)

301 I was just going to say that bang-a-gong!

And yes, I did buy some stock and lost my shirt. lol.

Posted by: PJ at June 07, 2023 01:10 PM (G1dq6)

302 In 2015 Sony finally stopped making Betamax cassettes nearly 40 years after they lost the VCR war. At some point before 40 years you need to realize the girl just isn't into you.

I think it was the name that killed them. When you name your product Beta anything it is going to end in tears.
Posted by: JackStraw channeling Bane at June 07, 2023 11:12 AM (ZLI7S)

Beta SP became the standard of the television broadcast industry for many years. The BetaCam became the industry standard for news acquisition. What killed the consumer Betamax was the stubbornness of Sony to initially introduce a consumer deck that would record more than an hour on an L500 tape. VHS (Video Home System) was designed by JVC as a larger cartridge holding more tape. AND, a choice of recording at a slower speed, giving consumers a choice (not especially a wise one) of fitting more material, time wise, on a given tape. By the time Sony introduced the Beta ll decks that could record Beta 1 (fastest speed based on their 3/4" decks) or 1/2 speed, Beta 2, the battle was won by VHS. Consumers wanted quantity over quality. That simple. We in the broadcast industry continued to use the Beta SP system for years.

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy now with twice the crazy at June 07, 2023 01:36 PM (Zvtjl)

303 Look, I'm not saying that ALL western business executives are functionally retarded but I can't name three who aren't.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at June 07, 2023 11:10 AM (VXWhT)

Well there's Elon Musk.

And then there's...Warren Buffett? (Is rent seeking a smart thing?).

Plus...uh...uh...uh...

...I got nothing.

Posted by: Minuteman at June 07, 2023 02:33 PM (LaNzR)

304 Yeah, but follow through on the analogy:

I wanted to, but I hit the character limit.

I'm not sure if the Nintendo plan would work for streaming though. With video games, it's basically pay-to-play - give us 30% of your sales (and in Nintendo's case, agree to a whole bunch of anti-competitive and probably illegal rules), and you can sell your games into our massive market.

How would the content creators profit from putting their stuff on the eventual streaming revival?

Posted by: MrUNIVAC at June 07, 2023 03:21 PM (aQzQB)

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