THE MORNING RANT: Did Alienating Their Conservative Customers Contribute to Nike’s and Starbucks’ Woes?

Starbucks and Nike are in corporate chaos, with declining sales and crashing stock prices. Both of these companies are scrambling to find remedies for their problems, with both having recently fired their CEOs.

Perhaps they might also consider apologizing to the half of Americans to whom they have made a point of showing their contempt.

There are a great many conservatives who were once loyal customers, but when these companies took a hard-left turn into woke activism in the last decade, we chose to vote with our dollars and stopped buying Nike and Starbucks products. Whether it’s called a boycott, or just a significant change in consumer behavior, these companies have a lot of former customers who are politically conservative.

What’s important to remember is that as satisfying as it is to deliver a quick financial kneecap to a woke corporation like we did to Anheuser-Busch (Bud Light), a smaller but persistent change in consumer behavior can still be devastating. While people didn’t cancel their already scheduled Disney vacations when the company decided to involve itself in Florida gender politics, a whole lot of families that would have otherwise scheduled a Disney vacation chose otherwise, and now Disney is reeling from declining park attendance.

Starbucks was a regular part of my life for years. It was a reliable, fresh cup of coffee while I was out running around, and the atmosphere of the shops had a certain special ambience. While it may have been a “boycott” that caused me to stop visiting Starbucks some years ago, it no longer even crosses my mind to stop there for a cup of coffee. My relationship with Starbucks now is like that with a former employer – it’s simply part of the past.

Laxman Narasimhan was fired last month as Starbucks’ CEO as its situation worsened and headlines like this became more common: “Starbucks Stock Plunges After Declining Same-Store Sales Weaken 2024 Outlook”

Meanwhile, these were typical headlines in the first half of 2024 about Nike:

“As Nike bleeds market share, investors worry over relevance” [Reuters – 3/21/2024]

“Nike warns of falling sales as upstarts crowd its business, stock sees worst day on record” [Axios – 6/28/2024]

Nike’s CEO, John Donahoe, was finally forced to resign a few days ago. “Nike CEO John Donahoe Stepping Down After Rocky Tenure”

Messrs. Narasimhan and Donohoe had the cards stacked against them. Their predecessors made it clear that those companies’ cultures embrace a hostility toward conservatives, and effectively told conservative consumers to take their business elsewhere. We did, and we never came back.

In case you’ve forgotten, here are some of Nike’s and Starbucks’ wokest hits:

NIKE

• Amidst the NFL flag protests, Nike stood proudly by Colin Kaepernick with an ad campaign featuring Kaepernick’s face and the quote, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.“

• Nike canceled its Air Max sneakers with a Betsy Ross flag on it after Kaepernick protested to Nike that anything historically patriotic is racist.

This is the flag that Nike deemed racist.

The good news is that a whole bunch of us decided to “believe in something” too, so we stopped spending our money on America-hating companies such as Nike.

STARBUCKS

This article at The Street details just how repugnant Starbucks’ political activism had become.

• To show its support for the riots of 2020, Starbucks pledged $100 million to BLM.

• The company bashed the Supreme Court’s abortion ruling, and even offered to reimburse travel expenses to incentivize its employees to terminate their pregnancies. (I gather that paying for an abortion is cheaper than the cost of maternity leave.)

• Coffee cups were festooned with rainbows to celebrate LGBTQ. As I’ve said before, when I am at a restaurant, I don’t want any sexual behaviors celebrated, be they straight, gay, or other.

• Most pernicious was the company’s commitment to racial discrimination in the name of DEI. Starbucks pledged to discriminate against white employees and job applicants so as to get to 40% “Bipoc” (Black – Indigneous – People of Color) in retail stores and to 30% Bipoc at its corporate offices. (It’s interesting that Starbucks feels that a higher ratio of white employees is needed for corporate “mind jobs” compared to front-line retail workers. There’s nothing racist about that… The National Center for Public Policy Research, brought a case against Starbucks for its racially motivated discrimination, but the case was dismissed.

Before woke business school graduates started destroying corporate America from within, management understood that it takes numerous new customers to make up for one formerly-loyal customer who becomes disaffected and takes his business elsewhere. No longer. In the executive suites of woke corporations like Starbucks, Nike, and Disney, it is now a sign of virtue for its executives to show how much they detest right-of-center Americans, and we have reciprocated their enmity by no longer purchasing their products.

Those companies could really use some revenue right now from the conservative former customers that they alienated, but actions have consequences – in this case they are well deserved consequences. We’re not coming back to rescue those companies that declared culture war against us. Get woke. Go broke.

[buck.throckmorton at protonmail dot com]

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 11:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:01 AM (v6JzV)

2 Yesss!!!

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:01 AM (v6JzV)

3 Good morning

Posted by: I'll choose a new nick later-Certified Dangerous Radical at September 27, 2024 11:01 AM (89Sog)

4 Yo

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 27, 2024 11:01 AM (Q4IgG)

5 Willowed:
Anyone have a suggestion for a similar sneaker (general purpose for wide feet)?
Posted by: 18-1

I'm 8/7.5 EE. Sucks. Apparently NB doesn't run wide anymore. I bought a shoe called Hoka bondi which runs wide. It felt weird at first - has a thick sole, almost bouncy, but once I got used to, they feel great.

Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:01 AM (KAi1n)

6 Ooops, not an Ace thread.

Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:02 AM (KAi1n)

7 It's not Nike's wokeness that turned me off on them (not that I ever bought their products anyway).

I wouldn't buy a Nike product because I don't want to subsidize slave labor in China or the CCP.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:03 AM (v6JzV)

8 Gun Owner Vs. Intruder With Shovel – It Ends How You Suspect

-
He had to dig his own grave?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:03 AM (L/fGl)

9 Nike should consider readopting their "Just do it" slogan. Its replacement, "You suck, and we want you dead", just doesn't seem to have the same appeal.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:04 AM (xCA6C)

10 8 Gun Owner Vs. Intruder With Shovel – It Ends How You Suspect

-
He had to dig his own grave?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:03 AM (L/fGl)

======

He shoots the shovel, it ricochets around and kills the shooter dead because guns are more likely to kill the gun owner than anyone else?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:05 AM (GBKbO)

11 I never liked Starbucks coffee. Burnt crap.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:05 AM (v6JzV)

12 Fuck 'em.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 27, 2024 11:06 AM (g8Ew8)

13 I think this is an example (or at least partly) of "Get Broke, Go Woke."

Both Nike and Starbucks have been facing strong headwinds for years. Nike in particular has been the victim of changing footwear tastes, increasingly problematic Chinese manufacture and trade/tariffs, and overall consumer fatigue towards the brand. Starbucks hasn't been much better off.

These companies were already looking around scratching their heads going "which way did he go?" So they did what a lot of companies in similar situations (eg, Victoria Secret) did: pull full stick on woke.

Fuck them all. Just fuck. Them. All.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:06 AM (iFTx/)

14 I confess that I still drink Starbuck's coffee, although I never go to their stores. I don't know who their replacement would be. Peet's appears to be SF-based, so I assume they're woke.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:06 AM (xCA6C)

15 Never take a shovel to gub fight.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at September 27, 2024 11:06 AM (FfOMr)

16
Never bought Nike, never stepped into a Starbucks.

Perfect boycott record.

Posted by: Divide by Zero at September 27, 2024 11:07 AM (RKVpM)

17 I'm sure the Biden economy is not helping Starbucks any. People are probably awakening to the fact that, while Starbucks is definitely quality coffee, it might not be wise to spend eight bucks for a product you can get for $2.50 at 7-Eleven or make at home for $0.75 with no appreciable drop in quality.

Posted by: tankdemon at September 27, 2024 11:07 AM (65zPH)

18 I buy nothing based on image. I think that's part of a conservative mindset.
I can't remember the last time either of these companies advertised the quality of their product. Nor most companies nowadays, for that matter.

Posted by: From about That Time at September 27, 2024 11:08 AM (4780s)

19 I will assist by continuing to not patronize either of these companies.

Posted by: fd at September 27, 2024 11:08 AM (vFG9F)

20 I'm sure the Biden economy is not helping Starbucks any. People are probably awakening to the fact that, while Starbucks is definitely quality coffee, it might not be wise to spend eight bucks for a product you can get for $2.50 at 7-Eleven or make at home for $0.75 with no appreciable drop in quality.

It's impossible for us to buy a home in this economy! We can't save any money!

*slurps down $8 coffee*

Posted by: Gen Z at September 27, 2024 11:08 AM (xCA6C)

21 McDonald's use to have the best coffee. Haven't had it in years, though.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:08 AM (v6JzV)

22 I never liked Starbucks coffee. Burnt crap.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus

Amen to that.

I long for the days when we didn't have any idea of the political leanings of companies.

I'd also like a pony and to be 25 again.

Not gonna happen.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:08 AM (WXNFJ)

23
Competitive sports promote aggression, male dominance, and the piece-rate mentality of western capitalism. Much better to have cooperative gatherings where everyone is celebrated for their unique contribution.

In such a world, Nike shoes would be obsolete.

Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:09 AM (j4U/Z)

24 Nike should consider readopting their "Just do it" slogan. Its replacement, "You suck, and we want you dead", just doesn't seem to have the same appeal.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:04 AM (xCA6C)
______

I think their slogan is still "Just Do It." Only now they're talking about sucking the ladydick.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:09 AM (iFTx/)

25 "People are probably awakening to the fact that, while Starbucks is definitely quality coffee, it might not be wise to spend eight bucks for a product you can get for $2.50 at 7-Eleven or make at home for $0.75 with no appreciable drop in quality."

Kroger Donut Shop K-cup - 30 cents.

Posted by: fd at September 27, 2024 11:09 AM (vFG9F)

26 My guess (and it's just a guess) is that politics has little to do with this. The economy stinks. We've been in a recession for a long while, no matter what the media says, and household budgets have tightened.

Posted by: Less Discretionary Income, Not An Exercise of Discretion at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (Pr4qS)

27 It certainly does not help to piss off half your potential clientele.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (y31cs)

28 Rush Limbaugh doing his "stand up for Betsy Ross" campaign after they tried to cancel the flag was one of the greatest things. I love that flag and what it symbolizes.

Posted by: Seasoned AOS Readers at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (LMOzE)

29 It certainly does not help to piss off half your potential clientele.

Whoa, do the business schools know about this?

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (xCA6C)

30 Perhaps they might also consider apologizing to the half of Americans to whom they have made a point of showing their contempt.

That's just crazy talk, Unperson.

Posted by: Nike and Starbucks at September 27, 2024 11:11 AM (kgE5c)

31 Just Doodoo It.

Posted by: Joe Biteum at September 27, 2024 11:11 AM (vFG9F)

32 26 My guess (and it's just a guess) is that politics has little to do with this. The economy stinks. We've been in a recession for a long while, no matter what the media says, and household budgets have tightened.
Posted by: Less Discretionary Income, Not An Exercise of Discretion at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (Pr4qS)

Maybe, maybe not. It is probably not the only factor. A good economy can cover a lot of sins/bad business practices. Hell, it can cause them since you figure- hey, we are flush, we can do this!

Then when things change the bad is revealed. Like the tide going out and all of a sudden you see the stuff that used to be below the waterline.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 27, 2024 11:12 AM (y31cs)

33 Virtually all huge companies are Leftist now. It took a village, and the education system, to produce the ownership and management that runs them.

Posted by: tubal at September 27, 2024 11:12 AM (PCK5/)

34 Nike should consider readopting their "Just do it" slogan. Its replacement, "You suck, and we want you dead", just doesn't seem to have the same appeal.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:04 AM (xCA6C)
---
Far too many companies seem to have this as their hidden, unspoken slogan.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 27, 2024 11:12 AM (7fElN)

35 Didn't liked Starbuck's overpriced and overcooked coffee so I was only there once or twice many moons ago. Also many moons ago, when I was still an avid distance runner, I tried a pair of Nikes: they were uncomfortable and fell apart very quickly. Went back to Adidas.

Posted by: Cosda at September 27, 2024 11:12 AM (0bnvu)

36 I absolutely will not buy Nike or Starbucks.

Posted by: Steve Stanton at September 27, 2024 11:13 AM (n614N)

37 “Republicans buy shoes, too.”

Good times…

Posted by: Crazy at September 27, 2024 11:13 AM (YsQhU)

38 Remember when Coke said "We will only hire law firms that will lose lawsuits for us"?

Actually they said they wouldn't hire any law firms unless they were 40 percent black.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at September 27, 2024 11:13 AM (WPL6O)

39 Been boycotting Starbucks for a while, and I used to work there at corporate HQ once upon a time. I stopped buying Nike gear too, though their clothing is pretty good for what it is, their shoes are too narrow for my feet.

So...easy to not shop at the woke, for me. It's been way harder not to buy Costco's Cold Brew Mochas. Those things are like crack, you. Fucking diet....

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 11:13 AM (xcxpd)

40 Ijust bought running shoes last weekend. I went with Asics, which were very comfortable and work very well, but weren't cheap. It didn't even occur to me to look at Nikes.

Starcluck's? Overpriced on top of all the things Buck mentions.

Gillette? After their anti-male campaign of a few eyars ago, I don't buy their razor blades any more, and try to avoid anything with their name on it or made by Procter & Gamble. I have vintage Gillette razors, and love them; but buying those didn't put any money in Gillette's coffers.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2024 11:14 AM (J2vNu)

41 Also, Starbucks coffee isn't all that expensive, if you just want a cup of coffee, as opposed to one of its many sugarbomb concoctions: And comparing it with non-equivalents, like k-cups (which are just brown-colored water) isn't all that telling.

Posted by: If you're drinking k-cups, you are not really a coffee drinker at September 27, 2024 11:14 AM (Pr4qS)

42 I get a Starbuck’s when I am traveling on the road. Nothing otherwise.

Posted by: tubal at September 27, 2024 11:14 AM (PCK5/)

43 I just don't understand why so many people go to Starbucks-type coffee shops so frequently. You know you can make your own coffee that's just as good, right?

I did frequent one fancy coffee shop (New World Coffee, I think) that was on the corner of my block. But that was because these two hot chicks were also there in the morning, and I'm a predator.

The money that people spend on coffee and crappy pastries at these Starbucks-type places is nuts. It adds up to thousands of dollars a year.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (iFTx/)

44 I don't prefer either of their products. Nike shoes are too narrow for my feet, and their clothes are overpriced and never discounted. Starbucks coffee tastes like burnt acidic swill, even with half cream/sugar/flavoring added.

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (z+ik4)

45 Nike products have diminished in quality and durability significantly over the last decade. The glue on the shoes fails as soon as they get wet. The clothing is cheap polyester and shreds at the first sign of friction.

Starbucks is closing stores left and right here in Seattle. The quality of the product has remained steady, but the quality of employees has taken a nasty downturn. No one wants to pay $7 for a cup of coffe served by a purple haired, face pierced, tattooed, non gender specific rhino.

Posted by: nurse ratched at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (BApYz)

46 Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 11:13 AM (xcxpd)

*fistbump*

Brotherhood of the EEE shoe default, unite!

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (y31cs)

47 And comparing it with non-equivalents, like k-cups (which are just brown-colored water) isn't all that telling.

Let me guess: the Beatles suck too.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (xCA6C)

48 Apologizing to me and most conservatives won't do any good. Never been in a Starcucks and have never bought a child slave labor made Nike product.

Both companies are run by the worst leftists. They say great thing and then do terrible things. I hope they both crash and burn down to delisitng.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable a Clear and Present Danger at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (17s+e)

49 Their "Open Society" is only "open" to the hard leftists. Everyone else will eventually be forced to comply (if we don't stop them somewhere along their march through the institutions).

Christians, whites in particular, are deemed racist xenophobes, and not accepting open nudity and sexual perversions, even pedophilia, means "we" are haters, not accepting them "coming for our kids". They are already trying to force "transitioning" (mutilating) the kids without parental consent, or not even informing the parent.

It's demonic ... Budweiser and others did not lose enough market share ... yet.

Posted by: illiniwek at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (Cus5s)

50 The old corporate model hired from within, with almost all employees starting at the bottom; customer-facing, sales, production floor.
Aptitude tests, internal training and such lead to promotion.

New corporate model said they can safely skip all that and hire these bright, shiny faces fresh from college.
Because, no coincidence, the college-educated crowd at the SCOTUS said all that old stuff that worked was racist.

The new, untested way, it worked for a while as there was still a lot of residual institutional momentum.

However, hiring people who don't know the company leads to people not doing what is best for the company.

And especially hiring people who's formative culture is schooling lead only to them duplicating what they know.
If you keep hiring dogs, don't complain when you're infested with fleas.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (/lzai)

51 Proctor and Gamble own's Gillette, and a whole bunch of other lines of products.
We've weaned ourselves off many of them.
I note that Costco and many of the grocery store chains have and are running specials on many PG lines.
May PG rot.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (150B1)

52 I know the answer! Me! Me! Call on me!

Yes.

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (p4NUW)

53 I never liked Starbucks coffee. Burnt crap.
Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:05 AM (v6JzV)

though their chai tea latte, no water, is the best thing next to coffee on a cold morning.

Posted by: SturmToddler at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (v6XNT)

54 Starbucks and Nike are in corporate chaos...

They should be, but then again I don't care. I will never again ever buy their product.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (W/lyH)

55 The money that people spend on coffee and crappy pastries at these Starbucks-type places is nuts. It adds up to thousands of dollars a year.

Yes, but where else can you go to pay for the privilege of standing in a long line, then waiting for your order?

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (xCA6C)

56 Starbucks hot chocolate was actually good. Starts out sweet and smooth, ends with a slightly dark chocolate flavor that's not saccharine sweet like Dunkin' hot chocolate. They also had a keto "pink drink" that is good, and these little keto friendly egg bite things. But I can make these things at home.

Apparently they sell cake pops that are popular. Someone joked that it's one bite of a smashed up cake for $5, and I laughed, they are not wrong!

The Starbucks near me are trying to entice people with cheaper deals on Friday. Between Biden gutting my budget and their policies, nope.

Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (LMOzE)

57

Just self-identify as the oppressed minority of your choice and shoplift Nike and Starbucks as reparations!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (x0n13)

58 Let me guess: the Beatles suck too.
Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (xCA6C)

Well...let's say over-rated...

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 11:17 AM (xcxpd)

59 I only ever bought Starbucks at the Chicago airport on my way to Haiti. On the last couple trips a McD's opened on the concourse. better coffee. Haven't been in a number of years

Posted by: lurking grandma at September 27, 2024 11:17 AM (sujqA)

60
Coke seems to be doing their best to get a boycott against their product up and running.

I don't know why I'm surprised by this, but I should expect it by now.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 27, 2024 11:17 AM (eDfFs)

61 Nike's use and support of slave labor will not be forgotten (reported in the federalist):

https://tinyurl.com/2ejz7bp6

Posted by: Draki at September 27, 2024 11:17 AM (jX1l4)

62 46 Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 11:13 AM (xcxpd)

*fistbump*

Brotherhood of the EEE shoe default, unite!
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 27, 2024 11:15 AM (y31cs)

Preach!

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 11:17 AM (xcxpd)

63 Went back to Adidas.

All day I dream about Starbucks?

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 27, 2024 11:18 AM (PmqP5)

64 Haven't tried it recently but a few years back McDonald's served a good tasting coffee. For pocket change.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:18 AM (gdH0L)

65 People complaining about paying $3 for a gallon of gasoline while waiting in line to pay $5 for a cup of coffee.

Posted by: Have you noticed? at September 27, 2024 11:18 AM (DobEs)

66 Sitting in line at a Starbucks drive through for 10+ minutes to purchase sugar water that turns you into a fat POS with your car idling and burning gas..........how much are you actually paying for that bullshit?

Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (IlL6s)

67 Never take a shovel to gub fight.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory

Cornpop was a bad dude.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (IG4Id)

68 >>Gillette? After their anti-male campaign of a few eyars ago, I don't buy their razor blades any more, and try to avoid anything with their name on it or made by Procter & Gamble.

Gillette fills an important niche market for gay pubic hair razors. P&G is like Kraft, and it's hard to avoid their products since they've bought up so many.

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (z+ik4)

69 Haven't tried it recently but a few years back McDonald's served a good tasting coffee. For pocket change.
Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:18 AM (gdH0L)

Their coffee is decent. Usually.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (dGCAG)

70 The money that people spend on coffee and crappy pastries at these Starbucks-type places is nuts. It adds up to thousands of dollars a year.

Yes, but where else can you go to pay for the privilege of standing in a long line, then waiting for your order?
Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (xCA6C)
_____

Exactly. I'm not waiting in line for coffee no matter how good it is. But that's true of me generally. I don't wait in fucking lines. It's very very rare that there's anything at the end of that line that's worth the wait and being herded like cattle.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)

71 For Starbucks, the work from home trend is a big factor. A lot of their business is/was from commuters and people popping out of the office for a treat. Work from home destroys that clientele.

Posted by: J. Frank Parnell at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (eb5mD)

72 70 Exactly. I'm not waiting in line for coffee no matter how good it is. But that's true of me generally. I don't wait in fucking lines. It's very very rare that there's anything at the end of that line that's worth the wait and being herded like cattle.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)

======

You would make a very poor Englishman, sir.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (GBKbO)

73 If you're drinking k-cups, you are not really throwing away $5 every day.

Posted by: fd 49 at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (vFG9F)

74 denounced the United Nations General Assembly as a “swamp of antisemitic bile”
--------

And that's on their best day

Posted by: ... at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (LCr8f)

75 I just don't understand why so many people go to Starbucks-type coffee shops so frequently. You know you can make your own coffee that's just as good, right?

I drink a lot of coffee, so I've always made it at home. But I'd also get coffee if I was out doing something, usually when looking at books at B&N, because it always had a Starbucks colocated. Then my countryman decided to lock me in my own home for more than a year. That broke damn near all my preexisting consumer habits. So I wonder if in addition to the crap economy, nationwide false imprisonment hasn't permanently hurt their business.

Posted by: Covid Policy Broke A Lot Of Things at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (Pr4qS)

76 McDonald's gives free refills on Senior Coffee if you're 29+. Save your cup.

Posted by: Captain Frugality at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (DobEs)

77 72 70 Exactly. I'm not waiting in line for coffee no matter how good it is. But that's true of me generally. I don't wait in fucking lines. It's very very rare that there's anything at the end of that line that's worth the wait and being herded like cattle.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)

======

You would make a very poor Englishman, sir.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (GBKbO)

...and a horrible socialist.

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (z+ik4)

78 Is McDonald’s woke??

Posted by: tubal at September 27, 2024 11:21 AM (PCK5/)

79 77
You would make a very poor Englishman, sir.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (GBKbO)

...and a horrible socialist.
Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (z+ik4)

========

What's the difference?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:21 AM (GBKbO)

80 Yes, but where else can you go to pay for the privilege of standing in a long line, then waiting for your order?
Posted by: Archimedes

And listen to some imbecilic pea-brain order a venti caramel frappuccino with non fat coconut milk exactly 2 1/2 cups of sugar with 4 chocolate drizzles, 6 1/2 pump of caramel drizzle, 3 expresso shots mixed in, extra whip cream, as well as birthday cake pop mixed in with a bit of strawberries on top, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, pump of vanilla, one pump of hazelnut, banana slices mixed in, chocolate shavings coating the bottom, cinnamon dolce and just a pinch of matcha powder.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:21 AM (WXNFJ)

81 Starbucks burns their coffee. I may have been in there once or twice, with someone else who liked their shit. Have never gone into one on my own volition.

And I have never owned anything Nike branded. I simply don't want my back, or my ass, or my feet being a billboard for some asshole company's crap.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 27, 2024 11:21 AM (WRCWw)

82 73 If you're drinking k-cups, you are not really throwing away $5 every day.
Posted by: fd 49 at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (vFG9F)

If you're wearing them, you should be collecting bills every day.

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:21 AM (z+ik4)

83 Been to Starbux once

Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (Y75Ef)

84 BRCC

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (W/lyH)

85 McDonalds coffee is very good, about $2.60 here with tax.

Posted by: waelse1 at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (gT03T)

86 Brotherhood of the EEE shoe default, unite!
Posted by: Aetius451AD

It sucks getting old, I'm now 4E... and I have been a 7.5 since I was 13... Those put me in the 'try and find a pair of sneakers' zone since HS.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (150B1)

87 Starbucks coffee? Yeah, if it's my last last last resort for my caffeine fix. All of their coffees taste like burnt ass to me. Plus the expense. I make a better cup-o-joe at home. When traveling, in the mid-Atlantic region where I live, if I need a hit of 'feine, I stop at Sheetz. Numerous times Sheetz has no-charged me on coffee. Thanks Sheetz!

Nike? Their running shoes have sucked for a long time for me. Their QA/QC sucks with the defective products they market that I have experienced. Haven't purchased any of their products since the late 2000's. They produce crap.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (WYskd)

88 Proctor and Gamble own's Gillette, and a whole bunch of other lines of products.
We've weaned ourselves off many of them.
I note that Costco and many of the grocery store chains have and are running specials on many PG lines.
May PG rot.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 11:16 AM (150B1)
---
Yep. I check my household goods products to see if they are part of the P&G family. If so, I put it back on the shelf.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (7fElN)

89 On the MR thread we had a pizza war. Now, we've got a coffee war.

When will there be an end to war?

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (v6JzV)

90 79 77
You would make a very poor Englishman, sir.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (GBKbO)

...and a horrible socialist.
Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (z+ik4)

========

What's the difference?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:21 AM (GBKbO)

You don't need the Koran to be a socialist.

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (z+ik4)

91 Bought Nike until they came out gay. That was late last century.
Never entered the door of a Starbucks, the thought of it, (I am a Utilitarian) is offensive.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (gdH0L)

92 McDonald's gives free refills on Senior Coffee if you're 29+. Save your cup.
Posted by: Captain Frugality

This is how I learned I was 29: Standing at the counter at McDonald's looking at the menu trying to decide what I wanted, the young lady at the register was trying to be helpful by telling me: "I know what you want! A senior's coffee!!"

I almost jumped the counter to beat her with my walker.

Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (WXNFJ)

93 Coke seems to be doing their best to get a boycott against their product up and running.

I don't know why I'm surprised by this, but I should expect it by now.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 27, 2024 11:17 AM (eDfFs)

There's an investor class that dictates how ALL these companies operate, and while it's certainly taken a hit recently, people are more aware of it, but the bottom line is, there is no such thing as brand identity anymore.

It's all one giant swamp. Or as Mike Benz calls it, the blob. Curtis Yarvin coined the term, The Cathedral, to emphasize the "intellectual" side of all this, but I just like to call things what they are: It's fascism.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (dGCAG)

94 Posted by: Less Discretionary Income, Not An Exercise of Discretion at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (Pr4qS)

It is discretion on my part regarding Starbucks. That used to be my once-a-week treat. Then the CEO of the time, a little over 10 years ago, said that pro-life/traditional marriage money was tainted and I decided to not trouble him with handling my tainted money.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (s9EYN)

95
Her Majesty wrote off SBUX when they went anti-police. Me? Their cuppa ordinary joe tastes awful.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (Fikj9)

96 Exactly. I'm not waiting in line for coffee no matter how good it is. But that's true of me generally. I don't wait in fucking lines. It's very very rare that there's anything at the end of that line that's worth the wait and being herded like cattle.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)

======

You would make a very poor Englishman, sir.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (GBKbO)
_____

But a good Chinaman! The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (iFTx/)

97 It it were just a few lefty companies like Starbucks and Nike, I'd just avoid them and move on. The problem, though, is that virtually ALL corporate entities have embraced Marxist virtue signaling. It's become so pervasive that simply choosing not to do business with communists is almost impossible.

I don't have a solution to this problem, but I know my attitude toward big business has changed profoundly in the past few years. I now value them for the employment they provide, but other than that I say "fuck 'em."

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (paSBy)

98 28 Rush Limbaugh doing his "stand up for Betsy Ross" campaign after they tried to cancel the flag was one of the greatest things. I love that flag and what it symbolizes.
Posted by: Seasoned AOS Readers at September 27, 2024 11:10 AM (LMOzE)

I truly miss Rush.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (g8Ew8)

99 70 Exactly. I'm not waiting in line for coffee no matter how good it is. But that's true of me generally. I don't wait in fucking lines. It's very very rare that there's anything at the end of that line that's worth the wait and being herded like cattle.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:19 AM (iFTx/)

======

You would make a very poor Englishman, sir.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (GBKbO)
---
We started a revolution just to avoid standing in lines like cattle.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (7fElN)

100 96 But a good Chinaman! The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (iFTx/)

=======

*flashbacks to driving behavior in India*

*curls up into a ball*

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (GBKbO)

101 While I don't doubt that these companies going woke contributed to their decline, another factor that can't be ignored is product quality.

Nike shoes hurt my feet. I can't wear them, so I don't buy them. The most comfortable sneakers I've found to wear come from New Balance. Are they woke? I have no idea. Maybe, maybe not. I'll cross that bridge etc. etc.

As for Starbucks, I don't drink coffee so they were never appealing to me to being with. The Wifey drinks coffee and used to be a Starbucks fiend, hitting the drive-thru several times a day. It got pricey at $8 each, so she started making coffee at home with a coffee maker that grinds whole beans, and then adding her own flavored syrups or creamers. Very quickly she realized just how bitter-tasting Starbucks coffee is, and has since moved on to local mom and pop coffee shops that are much better in quality and even lower in price.

Posted by: Stu Podaso at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (fQmeC)

102 It's very very rare that there's anything at the end of that line that's worth the wait and being herded like cattle.

Being herded like cattle is underrated. Seriously. From grocery stores to construction zones, it seems to me that more and more the people who create lines are doing so haphazardly at best.

I don’t like lines, and try to avoid situations that require them. But when you do make a line, tell me where I need to be.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (PmqP5)

103 Those bastards!

Trump War Room
@TrumpWarRoom
MSNBC: "It's men. The real struggle for the Harris campaign is young men, all the men, men of color, White men."

-
Give me some men who are stouthearted men
Who will fight for the right they adore
Start me with ten who are stouthearted men
And I'll soon give you ten thousand more

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (L/fGl)

104 King Harv puts on a pair of Pumas and chips away everyday into Starbucks market penetration.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (W/lyH)

105
I decided to not trouble him with handling my tainted money.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (s9EYN)

________

Say it taint so!

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (Fikj9)

106 Fourbux coffee blows. Fuck 'em.

Nike is all down with the the struggle; but totes OK to have all that sweet Chinese slave labor to keep their margins high. Fuck them too. And Kap can suck a bag of dicks. Asshole.

Posted by: Heavy Meta at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (U6eaE)

107 I buy San Francisco Bay French Roast beans online from !!Amazon!!… 20 some bucks for 2 pounds… excellent coffee.. no idea about their Woke status, though I assume they are.

Posted by: tubal at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (PCK5/)

108 and now Disney is reeling from declining park attendance.

To be fair, a lot of that is that Disney decided to make their parks unaffordable for a middle-class family with kids on vacation, and chose instead to focus on adult Disney-obsessed weirdos.

Kids who aren't exposed to Disney don't take their kids to Disney parks.

Posted by: Yemen! at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (uxCna)

109 Us conservatives will give up our NFL and Starbucks when the tyrants these bastards support politically and donate to put bullets in the back of our heads at the edge of a ditch.

Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (IlL6s)

110 But a good Chinaman! The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade

See also: Israel

Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (WXNFJ)

111 McDonalds coffee is very good, about $2.60 here with tax.
Posted by: waelse1 at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (gT03T)

I was meeting with a client once a week, and a Mickey D's. We'd get coffee, and he'd open up about things right there in the "dining" room.

Two large coffees: $4.22.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (dGCAG)

112 IMO

Here's why/how these progs and 'libruls' think:
I call it the tyranny of certainty

They are certain they are correct on all things. The Left can't understand opposing views. It can't even accept that there might be opposing views. This is why the Left sticks with bad ideas long after those ideas are shown to be bad.

Some compnies pull back from DEI. Caterpillar I think is a recent example. But the truly hard-headed will plow ahead.

And Camperdick was, at his best, an average QB. Stop lionizing this stupid hairtree MFer.

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (/7KEl)

113 >>and the atmosphere of the shops had a certain special ambience.
____
I always thought they were imbued with an overwhelming amount of self-importance of both server and patron. "Barristas" as coffee-pourers who looked down at you for ordering simple black coffee. And snobby, in-a-hurry customers. I always felt out of place there. I for one won't miss them when they're gone.

Posted by: Frasier Crane at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (bNf8H)

114 Patriots, a national/federal equivalent to state ballot initiatives/referendums/propositions is needed. All members of congress (and family members) must have any/all stocks held in blind trusts. 20 yr ban on lobbying after retirement. Hand counting & national holiday of voting. Many more ideas to thwart the foxes guarding the henhouses. Let’s do this!!!

Posted by: Pete Cook at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (/O7dq)

115 But a good Chinaman! The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (iFTx/)

=======

*flashbacks to driving behavior in India*

*curls up into a ball*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (GBKbO)
_____

True. I've been to India. Streets are pure Death Race 2000.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (iFTx/)

116 Yep. I check my household goods products to see if they are part of the P&G family. If so, I put it back on the shelf.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at September 27, 2024 11:22 AM (7fElN)

The only P&G products I allow the Mrs. to buy are Tide, Bounty and Charmin. I hate giving my money to P&G, but sometimes in marriage, battles need to be chosen wisely.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at September 27, 2024 11:27 AM (WYskd)

117
Has Damarius Sweetdick started appearing on milk cartons?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 27, 2024 11:27 AM (Fikj9)

118 115 True. I've been to India. Streets are pure Death Race 2000.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (iFTx/)

=======

I have 10.5 more hours of 2001 because we spent New Years there, my dad and I.

He got invited to a conference. He decided to take me along.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:27 AM (GBKbO)

119 >>and now Disney is reeling from declining park attendance.

Take your kids to Vegas instead of Disney's parks. There are less perverts there, and they can learn how to solve math / probability problems.

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:28 AM (z+ik4)

120 He could've been somebody. He had his window to be good. But he threw it away for his virtue-signaling ego.

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:28 AM (/7KEl)

121 Speaking of culture wars. Ever notice how 95% of tv adds feature girls doing everything from skate boarding to fixing up cars and racing cars and putting out fires. When was the last time in a TV commercial did you see a 10 to 16 year old straight hetero boy be the feature of the commercial and in a positive light. Loads of daughters representing the child in the families. Boys are invisible in media today unless they are soy and being presented as allys to a favored group.

Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at September 27, 2024 11:28 AM (uBBbP)

122 Nike's success is owed to signing Michael Jordan before he was a superstar, and piggybacking off that goodwill for decades. But woke and BLM is killing off the universal goodwill of sports stars, like it's killing off the goodwill of movie stars.

Influencers during the pandemic had strategically placed shelves in their backgrounds to show off their Nike shoe collection. And I marveled that I could go to the poorest parts of NYC, when I still traveled there, and could find people walking around in pristine Nike shoes. There is still a cachet for Nike, but the people willing to buy it blindly can't make up for everyone else that's dropped them like a rock.

Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:28 AM (LMOzE)

123 I used to work for a major beverage company. In times of economic trouble, people look for things they can do without. Beverages are near the top of that list.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (2UnvF)

124 Us conservatives will give up our NFL and Starbucks when the tyrants these bastards support politically and donate to put bullets in the back of our heads at the edge of a ditch.
Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:25 AM (IlL6s)

Us whats? Conservatives? What's that??

There's nothing left to conserve. Except sportsball. And franchise food and drink establishments.

And there goes that theory.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (dGCAG)

125
True. I've been to India. Streets are pure Death Race 2000.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (iFTx/)

_________

I once asked HM where she learned to drive. "From our chauffeur when I grew up in India."

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (Fikj9)

126 Oregon has a teensy problem - a big chunk of the Oregon economy is dependent on Nike and Intel, both of whom are collapsing.

Oh well, they can always raise taxes on "rich" people gain (in Oregon, you qualify as "rich" if you make more than $125,000 a year).

Posted by: The ARC of History! at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (uxCna)

127 Thx Buck. Kaepernick leveraged a decent season into a nice NFL contract and a Nike ad deal. This of course made him think he was intelligent along with his girlfriend the social justice activist. He made good bank but blew up his career which went downhill when NFL defenses learned how to defend against him. He never adapted. Now he's just your average race hustler. Boo hoo

Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (BVwxa)

128 Nike killed themselves with woke and over priced shoes produced in a sweat shop.

Starbucks killed themselves through woke and turning their drive through from a coffee grab and go to a full service bistro with interminable wait times.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:30 AM (tT6L1)

129 127 Thx Buck. Kaepernick leveraged a decent season into a nice NFL contract and a Nike ad deal. This of course made him think he was intelligent along with his girlfriend the social justice activist. He made good bank but blew up his career which went downhill when NFL defenses learned how to defend against him. He never adapted. Now he's just your average race hustler. Boo hoo
Posted by: Smell the Glove at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (BVwxa)

Apparently defenses figured him out the same time that Harbaugh went to Michigan.

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:31 AM (kqvk9)

130 Take your kids to Vegas instead of Disney's parks. There are less perverts there, and they can learn how to solve math / probability problems.
Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:28 AM (z+ik4)

When last I drove down The Strip it was as crowded as buy one get one free night at the whorehouse.

The most disappointing thing to me though, they've replaced all the neon lights with flashing digital video screens.

No thank you. And I don't gamble.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:31 AM (dGCAG)

131 Nike products have diminished in quality and durability significantly over the last decade. The glue on the shoes fails as soon as they get wet. The clothing is cheap polyester and shreds at the first sign of friction.
----
That whole culture of trading "vintage" Jordans?

Nike shoes were NFTs before there were NFTs.

Cheap crap that is always looking for the next, bigger sucker.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 27, 2024 11:31 AM (/lzai)

132 Oh well, they can always raise taxes on "rich" people gain (in Oregon, you qualify as "rich" if you make more than $125,000 a year).
Posted by: The ARC of History! at September 27, 2024 11:29 AM (uxCna)

*knock* "Is Mr. Rich home?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. Rich moved out of state and didn't leave a forwarding address"

Posted by: Roy at September 27, 2024 11:31 AM (z+ik4)

133 Hmmm lights flickering. Got quiet outside...

My internet was interrupted!

Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (y31cs)

134 128 Nike killed themselves with woke and over priced shoes produced in a sweat shop.

Starbucks killed themselves through woke and turning their drive through from a coffee grab and go to a full service bistro with interminable wait times.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:30 AM (tT6L1)

“We’re not dead yet!”

“Yes you are!”

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (kqvk9)

135 Oregon has a teensy problem - a big chunk of the Oregon economy is dependent on Nike and Intel, both of whom are collapsing.

Yeah, Intel decided it would be a good idea to get out of the chip-making business, while remaining...a chip-making business. Genius!

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (xCA6C)

136 I hate you and please buy my product. Commanders are in a similar situation.

Posted by: Pudinhead at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (c711F)

137 Nike's HQ is near Portland, OR. Starbucks HQ is in Seattle.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (/U5Yz)

138
Where did the magic 40% black participation number come from? Nationally I thought the number was 13%.

Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (j4U/Z)

139 I, myself, could live without Nike and Starbucks for the rest of my life.

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (64Zez)

140 There's an investor class that dictates how ALL these companies operate, ...
... .
Posted by: BurtTC
-----------------------

FWIW, Fidelity is one of Musk's big investor's.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (gdH0L)

141 Has Damarius Sweetdick started appearing on milk cartons?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at September 27, 2024 11:27 AM (Fikj9)

He's been caught.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (dGCAG)

142 I had Starbucks this morning, I will confess. A small soy cafe misto.

But I have a nespresso so I can make decent coffee at home, too. I was just running late to my 6a class.

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (pZEOD)

143 I like Panera. All you want coffee in a variety of flavors.

Posted by: Captain Frugality at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (DobEs)

144 Where did the magic 40% black participation number come from? Nationally I thought the number was 13%.

Clearly you have not been paying attention to TV ads.

Posted by: Archimedes at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (xCA6C)

145 137 Nike's HQ is near Portland, OR. Starbucks HQ is in Seattle.
Posted by: Maj. Healey at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (/U5Yz)

That explains a LOT.

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (64Zez)

146 flashbacks to driving behavior in India*

*curls up into a ball*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (GBKbO)
_____

True. I've been to India. Streets are pure Death Race 2000.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (iFTx/)

Bali, Saigon, Bangkok, or anywhere in Southeast Asia. Satan's roads.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (g8Ew8)

147 142 I had Starbucks this morning, I will confess. A small soy cafe misto.

But I have a nespresso so I can make decent coffee at home, too. I was just running late to my 6a class.
Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (pZEOD)

Burn the Heretic!!!

Posted by: tubal at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (PCK5/)

148 This is how I learned I was 29: Standing at the counter at McDonald's looking at the menu trying to decide what I wanted, the young lady at the register was trying to be helpful by telling me: "I know what you want! A senior's coffee!!"

I almost jumped the counter to beat her with my walker.
Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (WXNFJ)

I bring a small step stool with me in the event I need to do that.

Posted by: thatcrazyjerseyguy at September 27, 2024 11:34 AM (iODuv)

149 Normally, if I get coffee out, it’s from a local place. They just aren’t open until 6a.

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:34 AM (pZEOD)

150 So if I want Chick Fillay do I still have to wash someone's feet?

Posted by: Just got here at September 27, 2024 11:34 AM (DobEs)

151 Where did the magic 40% black participation number come from?

In the Democrat south, you were considered a successful plantation if you owned forty slaves.

Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (PmqP5)

152 There's an investor class that dictates how ALL these companies operate, ...
... .
Posted by: BurtTC
-----------------------

FWIW, Fidelity is one of Musk's big investor's.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (gdH0L)

There are people who don't trust Musk, and I don't blame them. I don't know that he's a "good guy," except that the attacks on free speech pissed him off.

He sure does like his government and investor money, but does he have enough of his own to tell everyone else to F off?

I dunno.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (dGCAG)

153 133 Hmmm lights flickering. Got quiet outside...

My internet was interrupted!
Posted by: Aetius451AD at September 27, 2024 11:32 AM (y31cs)

Relax. It always happens a few minutes before the FBI shows up.

Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (j4U/Z)

154 Business 101: never encourage your customers to try a competitor's product. They might like it.

Successful businesses think about customer acquisition cost. It can be expensive to acquire a customer.

But it is hideously expensive to re-acquire a customer.

Posted by: ameryx at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (zIAqm)

155 >>> To be fair, a lot of that is that Disney decided to make their parks unaffordable for a middle-class family with kids on vacation, and chose instead to focus on adult Disney-obsessed weirdos.

Speaking of overpriced goods... one of the top trendiest items to be seen with in the park is the Loungefly Disney themed mini backpacks. They have one for pretty much every Disney character, it's like funko pops. The bags start--start!--at $40, and can easily climb up to $80-120. For a stupid little bag.

People learned to their horror that on a really hot Florida day, the fake pleather will melt! Imagine paying $120 for a bag and then it starts melting on you.

Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (LMOzE)

156 TIME
@TIME
Exclusive: Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce a bill that would cap the cost of childcare at just $10 a day for families earning under $400,000 annually

-
It takes a village of rainbow farting unicorns to raise a child.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (L/fGl)

157 150 So if I want Chick Fillay do I still have to wash someone's feet?
Posted by: Just got here at September 27, 2024 11:34 AM (DobEs)

That was last year… this year it’s ass kissing…

Posted by: tubal at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (PCK5/)

158 @124 BurtTC-whatever the F we call ourselves these days..........I don't give a shit my views have always been the same. Call it GoFuckYourselfIsm for all I care.

Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (IlL6s)

159 Pier you get a pass because Piper

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (/7KEl)

160 This is how I learned I was 29: Standing at the counter at McDonald's looking at the menu trying to decide what I wanted, the young lady at the register was trying to be helpful by telling me: "I know what you want! A senior's coffee!!"

I almost jumped the counter to beat her with my walker.
Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (WXNFJ)
---------------

You should have done it. At the very least, you'd have pulled something and then been able to sue for damages.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (tT6L1)

161 115 But a good Chinaman! The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (iFTx/)
--------------
You will never see a line in Eastern Europe. They just mob.

Posted by: Pudinhead at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (c711F)

162 Community Coffee, packaged in Baton Rouge, is pretty darned good. If they are woke, not notoriously so.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (r3G7K)

163 Intel just secured contracts w/ DoD, IBM, and Amazon.
And they've been dating Nvidia.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (gdH0L)

164 flashbacks to driving behavior in India*

*curls up into a ball*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:24 AM (GBKbO)
_____

True. I've been to India. Streets are pure Death Race 2000.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (iFTx/)

Bali, Saigon, Bangkok, or anywhere in Southeast Asia. Satan's roads.
Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 27, 2024 11:33 AM (g8Ew

____

Yup, been there too. But I think India is the worst when you figure in the amount of cars and big vehicles, the speeds, the pure IDGAF mentality, and the dozens of very large animals (cows, etc) wandering around like they own the place.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (iFTx/)

165 There is also Biden's runaway inflation. Even Demonrats are probably having to limit the # of $6 coffees they buy each week and think about whether its worth paying double or so for sneakers to support Nike's ad campaigns.

Posted by: PaleRider at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (CKOCg)

166 He sure does like his government and investor money, but does he have enough of his own to tell everyone else to F off?

I dunno.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (dGCAG)

Hey, if the gov’t is going to just hand out money, why not get yourself a slice?

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (kqvk9)

167 Kaperdick was a dumb and fundamentally deficient QB. He sucked at his read progressions and his footwork was atrocious in the pocket. As others said, it took about a year to figure him out and he was done. Harbaugh did a one year wonder work with him, then was exposed.

Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (WYskd)

168 Ditch to-go coffee. Invest in a quality thermos.

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (/7KEl)

169 The looting of Nikes is not helping. Those shoes will be circulating in the feral yute community for years.

If only they made work boots.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (7leMO)

170 SBUX has a very loyal following of leebtards and normies who GNF about their woke policies, maybe even patronize them to support the #Woke.

But when you figure in the fact that a lot of blue hair tiktokers have little disposable income, that their coffee is over-roasted and turns off many coffee snobs, also that so many other outlets now offer the SBUX signature lattes for much cheaper...the erosion of what little conservative customer base they enjoyed cuts deep.

Posted by: kallisto at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (dCxaZ)

171 There are people who don't trust Musk, and I don't blame them. I don't know that he's a "good guy," except that the attacks on free speech pissed him off.

He sure does like his government and investor money, but does he have enough of his own to tell everyone else to F off?

I dunno.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024

A lot of his money is in stocks, it’s not in his basement. I mean he probably has more money in his bank account than I do! But he apparently lives very frugally. Like a poor person.

Wouldn’t it be fun to swim through gold coins, though, like Scrooge McDuck? Just once?

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (pZEOD)

172 I’ve boycotted Nike for six years now. I used to buy at least $700 of their product every year.

Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (D6PGr)

173 Did Starbucks build too many locations?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (63Dwl)

174 Starpukes $7 burnt black water has NEVER been good.

Posted by: Truck Monkey Report at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (1FWWQ)

175 164 Yup, been there too. But I think India is the worst when you figure in the amount of cars and big vehicles, the speeds, the pure IDGAF mentality, and the dozens of very large animals (cows, etc) wandering around like they own the place.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (iFTx/)

========

In all honesty, the cows do own the place.

They're holy.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)

176 I think Piper is just joshing us, because there's no way to compute running late and getting a coffee at Starbucks to save time.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (tT6L1)

177 I forgot a P

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (/7KEl)

178 "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

100% vapid.

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (64Zez)

179 I blame this tiny bluetooth keyboard

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (/7KEl)

180 TIME
@TIME
Exclusive: Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce a bill that would cap the cost of childcare at just $10 a day for families earning under $400,000 annually

-
It takes a village of rainbow farting unicorns to raise a child.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (L/fGl)
***

Another politician dumber than horse shit.
A month after this is law, day care centers will be run by Achmed, Mustafa, and Jasmine.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (W/lyH)

181 I was miffed when they got rid of the seasonal Christmas designs for lame December/winter coffee cups.

Jerks.

Posted by: kallisto at September 27, 2024 11:39 AM (dCxaZ)

182 178 "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

100% vapid.
Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (64Zez)

========

"I believe that the world should be just 500,000,000 humans, and we must kill the rest to strike balance."

"Well, as long as you believe in something."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:39 AM (GBKbO)

183 "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

100% vapid.
Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (64Zez)

Easily one of the more stupid slogans in the last few years.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (W/lyH)

184 So if I want Chick Fillay do I still have to wash someone's feet?
---
That's one of the bigger corruptions the left has wrought:
They have completely debased any trust that one is acting in good faith.

The Olds that run all these corporations still bitterly cling to the notion that, even when wrong, most folks have good intentions.

These kids that they have been hiring to run their companies for the last 20 years? They don't have good intentions--they have Marxist intentions.
So the Olds get suckered and conned into all this racial BS because they still want to believe these earnest Youngs have good intentions.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (/lzai)

185 167 Kaperdick was a dumb and fundamentally deficient QB. He sucked at his read progressions and his footwork was atrocious in the pocket. As others said, it took about a year to figure him out and he was done. Harbaugh did a one year wonder work with him, then was exposed.
Posted by: Ganowicz Commie Exterminators, LTD. at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (WYskd)

It was at least 2 years. Possibly 3. No, not salty at all about GB’s playoff games during that time.

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (kqvk9)

186 My gripe against S-bux back in the day was, the coffee was served too hot. Like they were using it to cool the control rods in a nuclear reactor.

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (/7KEl)

187 Yup, been there too. But I think India is the worst when you figure in the amount of cars and big vehicles, the speeds, the pure IDGAF mentality, and the dozens of very large animals (cows, etc) wandering around like they own the place.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:36 AM (iFTx/)

========

In all honesty, the cows do own the place.

They're holy.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)
__

Yup. Half the country is literally starving, and there's big fat juicy steaks just wandering around everywhere. Better hope they never import any Haitian invaders ...

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (iFTx/)

188 159 Pier you get a pass because Piper
Posted by: Don Black at September
Well thank you! It’s rare for me to get coffee out, honestly. I just needed it this morning. I have been dragging today for some reason - but going to go for a walk and recharge via solar energy. 😂

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (GMx4K)

189 Who thinks there was undue pressure from the feds to force various businesses to adopt "woke" practices or face financial ruin?

I do.

The ability to get business loans, access to credit and so forth was predicated on adopting the entire "woke" DEI philosophy the junta has been pushing.

Not only businesses are going from "woke to broke" but the entire country is too.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (Q4IgG)

190 In line to get a beer at the Czech Ag Society dance a fellow tried to cut front with some excuse. He was told, bluntly, to go to the end of the line. Or else, was heavily implied.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (gdH0L)

191 >>> @TIME
Exclusive: Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce a bill that would cap the cost of childcare at just $10 a day for families earning under $400,000 annually

Democrats: let's try to do something, anything, with stopping to think about the consequences of our decisions!

Child care is already understaffed and overpriced. The middle class will pay for this, good and hard. She is going to absolutely blow it up and she doesn't realize it. (Or she does...)

Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (LMOzE)

192 92 This is how I learned I was 29: Standing at the counter at McDonald's looking at the menu trying to decide what I wanted, the young lady at the register was trying to be helpful by telling me: "I know what you want! A senior's coffee!!"

I almost jumped the counter to beat her with my walker.
Posted by: Tonypete at September 27, 2024 11:23 AM (WXNFJ)

hahahaha
You did not!

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (64Zez)

193 Has Damarius Sweetdick started appearing on milk cartons?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

Who can afford milk in this economy?

Posted by: Stu Podaso at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (fQmeC)

194 Kaperdink's problems started when he grew out his 'fro.

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (/7KEl)

195 Did Starbucks build too many locations?
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (63Dwl)

Krispy Kream has entered the chat.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (W/lyH)

196 Some people are just haters. Even when Musk identified more as a Democrat I highly respected his visionary personality. It’s that visionary trait that made America great.

Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (D6PGr)

197 109
‘ Us conservatives will give up our NFL…’
Speak for yourself.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (3zwqi)

198 Yes, Starbucks is a pain. They should stick to coffee and pastry. I no longer get pastry there bc it's so expensive and tastes like it was made in a factory three days ago.
I have to ASK for a stir stick, which is kept safely out of our hands, in order to minimize waste.
The only good thing is the BYO mug idea and charging for cups never happened.

I like their espresso so I buy it, but I spend way less on their products.

Posted by: PJU at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (RRCAT)

199 James Talarico
@jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie.”

-
Crucify him!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (L/fGl)

200 I used to buy Nike shoes. Very comfortable. I have a couple of old pairs. I will use them till they die. I won't buy any more.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (+H2BX)

201 186 My gripe against S-bux back in the day was, the coffee was served too hot. Like they were using it to cool the control rods in a nuclear reactor.
Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (/7KEl)

I don’t mind molten lava for temp. I do mind that whoever is in charge of their flagship roast BURNS THE DANG BEANS.

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (kqvk9)

202 Some people are just haters. Even when Musk identified more as a Democrat I highly respected his visionary personality. It’s that visionary trait that made America great.
Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (D6PGr)
----------------

Same and well said.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (tT6L1)

203 176 I think Piper is just joshing us, because there's no way to compute running late and getting a coffee at Starbucks to save time.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal

Absolutely no one in line at the drive though at 530am on a Friday morning. 😂

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (GMx4K)

204 158 @124 BurtTC-whatever the F we call ourselves these days..........I don't give a shit my views have always been the same. Call it GoFuckYourselfIsm for all I care.
Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (IlL6s)

That's part of the problem though, continuing to see this as a left/right, conservative/liberal thing is overlooking the massively powerful elite class, the mix of politicians, academics, business class, investors, corporate media, etc. are fascists, and don't fit into the old paradigm.

Which is why you have people like RFK Jr. and Nicole Shanahan wanting to connect with Team Trump, and form a new coalition to fight the real enemy here.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (dGCAG)

205 You will never see a line in Eastern Europe. They just mob.

My flight to the Cairo airport was delayed, risking missing my connecting flight to New York, and I was confronted with a huge crowd at the check-in counters when I got to Cairo.

I paid an Egyptian $20, and told him "get me to the front of this line".

He did.

Posted by: The ARC of History! at September 27, 2024 11:42 AM (uxCna)

206 >Speaking of culture wars. Ever notice how 95% of tv adds feature girls doing everything from skate boarding to fixing up cars and racing cars and putting out fires. When was the last time in a TV commercial did you see a 10 to 16 year old straight hetero boy be the feature of the commercial and in a positive light. Loads of daughters representing the child in the families. Boys are invisible in media today unless they are soy and being presented as allys to a favored group.

My youtube commentators are saying that when army recruiting ditches Emma-with-two-moms for a typical recruit (white hetero midwest or southern) then they are expecting another war. A bit conspiracy-minded but maybe correct.

When I was in, 2010s, every Sgt Maj from brigade to division was black. Now the army is saying it won't have quotas for NCO promotion.

Posted by: Bourbonchicken at September 27, 2024 11:43 AM (cf/0E)

207 This is how I learned I was 29: Standing at the counter at McDonald's looking at the menu trying to decide what I wanted, the young lady at the register was trying to be helpful by telling me: "I know what you want! A senior's coffee!!"

I almost jumped the counter to beat her with my walker.
Posted by: Tonypete
---
To be fair, the onion on your belt might have given you away.

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at September 27, 2024 11:43 AM (/lzai)

208 Nike products have diminished in quality and durability significantly over the last decade. The glue on the shoes fails as soon as they get wet. The clothing is cheap polyester and shreds at the first sign of friction. . . .

Posted by: nurse ratched at September 27, 2024

***
My second pair of running shoes, way back in the '70s, were Nike racers. After the lead-heavy leather Converse shoes I'd worn for the last year, they felt like feathers. They lasted quite a while. But there are plenty of solid competitors to Nike out there now.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2024 11:43 AM (J2vNu)

209 Dunkin' Donuts, UnderArmor, Carhartt...all woke. Fuck them.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at September 27, 2024 11:43 AM (/U5Yz)

210 In all honesty, the cows do own the place.

They're holy.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (GBKbO)

You can smell 'em the minute you get off the airplane. At least their farts.

Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:44 AM (j4U/Z)

211 Nike pissed me off in the 1980s by no longer making the International shoes I liked. Ended up with New Balance. Never went back. Keep It Simple.

Posted by: Pudinhead at September 27, 2024 11:44 AM (c711F)

212 Exclusive: Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce a bill that would cap the cost of childcare at just $10 a day for families earning under $400,000 annually

-
It takes a village of rainbow farting unicorns to raise a child.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (L/fGl)

They want to get hold of everyone's kids to indoctrinate them.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 27, 2024 11:44 AM (r3G7K)

213 People who always claim they are a victim are just a self fulfilling prophecy. They are their own worst enemy. The problem is our society started rewarding and empathizing with these people.

Misery definitely does like company.

Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:45 AM (D6PGr)

214 Wouldn’t it be fun to swim through gold coins, though, like Scrooge McDuck? Just once?
Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:37 AM (pZEOD)

I'm more of a silver coin guy myself. I don't have enough to swim in them though.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:45 AM (dGCAG)

215 OK this happened to me one time:

I was walking thru a parking lot, headed back to my truck after shopping, and a lady pulled up next to me in her car, rolled down the window and asked me "Where is your Starbucks?"

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:45 AM (/7KEl)

216 I never liked Starbucks coffee. Burnt crap.

That didn’t take long. It’s the very first thought I have every time I see the Starbuck’s name. I like a strong dark roast and don’t mind a bitter finish. But, Starbucks tastes like someone got stoned and left the beans in the roaster too long. I don’t understand the appeal.

Posted by: Stale, Pale, and Male at September 27, 2024 11:45 AM (GlekL)

217 >>> Half the country is literally starving, and there's big fat juicy steaks just wandering around everywhere. Better hope they never import any Haitian invaders ...
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:40 AM (iFTx/)

Ok I'm a horrible person, but I totally laughed at that. I can picture Haitian migrants butchering a cow on the side of the road, Indians in one of their crowded buses looking on horrified. It's like the Napoleon Dynamite shooting the cow scene but in Bollywood format.

Good thing they have a caste of built in slaves, I guess, so they don't have to import a bunch. Or are they suffering from natural population decline too like most other countries?

Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:45 AM (LMOzE)

218 I gave up on the nfl when the Redskins capitulated to the mob. Fuck 'em. I've gained my Sundays back.

Posted by: Truck Monkey Report at September 27, 2024 11:46 AM (1FWWQ)

219 "Walk a mile in my shoes..."

(which are totally not stolen Air Jordans *wink*)

Posted by: Public Service Ad fostering more white guilt at September 27, 2024 11:46 AM (Y1sOo)

220 >>> 179 I blame this tiny bluetooth keyboard
Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:38 AM (/7KEl)

Oh sure, blame the equipment.

*sulks*

Posted by: Don Black's tiny bluetooth keyboard at September 27, 2024 11:46 AM (FnneF)

221 Real men make their own coffee using an Aeropress, invented and manufactured in the USA.

The rest of you with your child slave labor coffee disgust me.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 27, 2024 11:46 AM (7leMO)

222 >>>That's part of the problem though, continuing to see this as a left/right, conservative/liberal thing is overlooking the massively powerful elite class, the mix of politicians, academics, business class, investors, corporate media, etc. are fascists, and don't fit into the old paradigm.

Which is why you have people like RFK Jr. and Nicole Shanahan wanting to connect with Team Trump, and form a new coalition to fight the real enemy here.
Posted by: BurtTC
--------------------

"massively powerful elite class, the mix of..."

It's ANACRONYM, the Godzilla of DC.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:46 AM (gdH0L)

223 I've probably been to Starbucks 2, maybe 3 times in my life. All in CA, where it was the rage back in the early 2000's. I wasn't all that impressed with the coffee. I was impressed in amount of shit you could get put into a cup of it.

Seems like they never considered some of us drink coffee "black."

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (Q4IgG)

224 James Talarico
@jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie.”

This guy is a pasty-faced little dweeb. I suspect when the day comes when he is standing before the throne, he will have some 'splaining to do about this comment.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (W/lyH)

225 I like Hokas. They are probably woke and made by slave labor, too, though.

Posted by: Piper at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (GMx4K)

226 Daily Wire
@realDailyWire
.@michaeljknowles vs. student on no-fault divorce:
"I don't think there's an individual right to do wrong."

-
Dude, it's an emanation from the right to privacy!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (L/fGl)

227
In all honesty, the cows do own the place.

They're holy.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

I laugh when I remember McDonald's moving away from beef tallow for their fries when the Hindus asked them to due to their love of cows.
Hindus don't buy McDonald's burgers and now Mickey is trying to sell me lousy fries.
Nope.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (150B1)

228 >>> @jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie

False.. I didn't own a cat.

Posted by: Jesus, who sadly can't put his name on a Coke can at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (LMOzE)

229 At the risk of being pilloried, I sometimes go to Starbucks. Whether business has gone down or not, I can't
tell since I go there quite infrequently, but this is a blue area so it's probably not affected that much. Several weeks ago I did meet an older man (probably in his late 70's ) there wearing a MAGA hat. I told him admired him for wearing that in a Starbucks.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (MQJVv)

230 Nike pissed me off in the 1980s by no longer making the International shoes I liked. Ended up with New Balance. Never went back. Keep It Simple.
Posted by: Pudinhead

Nike Cortez w/Red Swoosh
Official shoe of high schoolers everywhere.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (Qnwun)

231 Nike also lost a lot of their big celebrity endorsers and sports leagues based either their own decision or the endorser.

Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (D6PGr)

232 And it's always been my suspicion that the $1.50 donut at Starbux is just a resell of the 25 cent donut from the grocery store on the other side of the parking lot

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (/7KEl)

233 213. Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:45 AM (D6PGr) Yup. The glorifying of folks because they are a victim of something, be it crime, terrorism, bad parents, phobia, or racism is an evil force in society.

Posted by: PaleRider at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (CKOCg)

234 McDonald's use to have the best coffee. Haven't had it in years, though.

Posted by: Bulgaroctonus

It's still good. I drink tea in the morning, but if I'm out and about I get a McD coffee and a sausage biscuit. Great breakfast!

Posted by: PJU at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (RRCAT)

235 Bad news means good news to the stock market I guess

Posted by: It's me donna at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (IyPmt)

236 Left unsaid is whether or not there is in fact a pullback in consumer spending as a whole. Starbucks is often called Fivebucks for a reason, and a switch to McD's or gas station coffee (some of which is rather good) is a way to spend a couple dollars less. Per day, which adds up.
Same with shoes and Nike. To see if they've suffered the consequences of wokeness or if consumers are retreating to less expensive shoes in general would be interesting.

TPTB will go to great lengths at the moment to say anything other than people are struggling financially or that we may be on the cusp of a recession, and fancy shoes and overpriced coffee aren't necessary.
At all.

Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (FCbAQ)

237 "New Balance shoes are the shoes of white people."

Posted by: Maj. Healey at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (/U5Yz)

238 Instead of a Starcluck's, last Sat. I visited an old-time local Italian bakery/ice cream/coffee shop in the city proper. Mint chip gelato and an espresso (a tiny cup, as they usually are). The gelato was rich and great. The coffee was vicious but good, except they don't seem to have sweeteners out for you to put in it. Next time I go, I'll bring a few.

Their shop was established decades ago and operated in my childhood neighborhood, though my family never visited them. They moved to the new area years ago. The old location still has their name in tiles at the entry to what was their shop.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (J2vNu)

239 DEI! DEI everywhere you look!

U.S. military official confirms China's new nuclear sub sank during construction

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (L/fGl)

240 The msm is celebrating that inflation is over today. A key Fed benchmark says so.

Are you still paying 200% more for food than you were in 2020? That’s just white supremacy talking. Inflation is over and everything is grrrrreat.

Vote Kamala to keep the good times going.

Posted by: No Bueno at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (yo1J3)

241 Believe in something. Even if it's nothing.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (63Dwl)

242 @jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie
----------------

That's quite the stupid hot take. Might even border on blasphemy.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (tT6L1)

243 212 Exclusive: Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce a bill that would cap the cost of childcare at just $10 a day for families earning under $400,000 annually

-
It takes a village of rainbow farting unicorns to raise a child.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:35 AM (L/fGl)

They want to get hold of everyone's kids to indoctrinate them.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 27, 2024 11:44 AM (r3G7K)

ITS FUNNY CAUSE THE MINIMUM WAGE IS $20 PER HOUR.

Posted by: Ben Rothliesbergergler at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (uBBbP)

244 My list.
AB, Starcucks, Targhey, Nike, Duhsney, I'm sure I am missing a few.

Posted by: Minnfidel at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (ewjUl)

245 236 Left unsaid is whether or not there is in fact a pullback in consumer spending as a whole. Starbucks is often called Fivebucks for a reason, and a switch to McD's or gas station coffee (some of which is rather good) is a way to spend a couple dollars less. Per day, which adds up.
Same with shoes and Nike. To see if they've suffered the consequences of wokeness or if consumers are retreating to less expensive shoes in general would be interesting.

TPTB will go to great lengths at the moment to say anything other than people are struggling financially or that we may be on the cusp of a recession, and fancy shoes and overpriced coffee aren't necessary.
At all.
Posted by: OneEyedJack at September 27, 2024 11:48 AM (FCbAQ)

BEST
ECONOMY
EVER
JACK

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (kqvk9)

246 Real men make their own coffee using an Aeropress, invented and manufactured in the USA.

The rest of you with your child slave labor coffee disgust me.
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at September 27, 2024 11:46 AM (7leMO)
***

Red-blooded 'Murican men and womenz make their coffee in a French Breville coffee maker. They make that machine surrender to their every coffee whim.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (W/lyH)

247 James Talarico made a dumb comment. Trump and Vance are both Christians; Why would they ridicule Jesus, but obviously Mr. Talarico thinks that Jesus would endorse all of his political opinions.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (MQJVv)

248 really, this keyboard is the size of a license plate

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (/7KEl)

249 Some people are just haters. Even when Musk identified more as a Democrat I highly respected his visionary personality. It’s that visionary trait that made America great.
Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:41 AM (D6PGr)

99% of the hate he gets these days is because he took away their toy: twitter, and made it a free speech platform again.

Those who question his willingness to cozy up to the money people are coming at it from a different angle, and I think mostly don't have much to say about that at this point, other than to question whether there's sincerity to his free speech stance.

I think there is, but some don't.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (dGCAG)

250 jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie

I bet James doesn’t even believe in Jesus.

Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (D6PGr)

251 240 The msm is celebrating that inflation is over today. A key Fed benchmark says so.

I must have missed that

Posted by: It's me donna at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (IyPmt)

252 U.S. military official confirms China's new nuclear sub sank during construction
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (L/fGl)
--------------

Umm, someone got the "assemble then put in water" part backwards.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (tT6L1)

253 240 The msm is celebrating that inflation is over today. A key Fed benchmark says so.

Are you still paying 200% more for food than you were in 2020? That’s just white supremacy talking. Inflation is over and everything is grrrrreat.

Vote Kamala to keep the good times going.
Posted by: No Bueno at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (yo1J3)

Just gotta wait for my wages to catch up!

Oh, you mean they won’t? Well, shoot…

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (kqvk9)

254 I boycott Starbucks for their absurd prices more than politics.

Also Starbucks didn’t bow down to the Hamas mob which demanded it leave Israel. So gotta give them credit there.

Posted by: No Bueno at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (yo1J3)

255 Ubislop is another that went full DEI.

In the past year their stock declined from $30/share until yesterday it like $9.46/share.

The Board has launched, finally, an investigation.

Meanwhile Ubislop France's workforce is going on strike over the order to return to the offices and cease remote work.

Posted by: Anna Puma at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (C/v00)

256 The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade

Same in Russia. When the plane lands, still moving fast and not taxiing, they unstrap and run to the door. The first time it happened, I thought they were just pushy. Then I saw the customs area after we deplaned. Holy crap, I longed for the DMV after seeing that line.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (lTGtQ)

257 @204 BurtTC-my family has been conservative before the word was co-opted by the very country club, checked pant Republicans we were trying to replace in the first place. From Goldwater to Reagan. Now "conservative" is associated with "preserving the status quo" which it was never about. Not my fault or many other conservatives that a bunch of progressive limp dick cunts fooled others into believing they were "conservatives". I ran my fucking RNC card through the shredder with the nomination of retard George W.
I agree with JJ Sefton's left, middle, right paradigm......its a crock of shit. Youre either for ordered liberty or some form of tyranny. Youre not talking to some rah rah sis, boom bah go team Republican here. I just assume put 100% of Dems and 97% of Repubs on a plane and fly it into a fucking mountainside.

Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (IlL6s)

258 Believe in nothing. Pretend it's something.

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (/7KEl)

259 True. I've been to India. Streets are pure Death Race 2000.
Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:26 AM (iFTx/)

Paris at rush hour, same dealio.

Driving around the rest of France was fine, but Paris at rush hour was a whole different deal.

No rules of the road, just who was the most aggressive driver won. Like 40 near wrecks in 30 minutes kind of thing.

Once I figured out that I needed to be the most aggressive SOB driving in Paris, it was okay. Plenty of near wrecks but they backed off centimeters short of an actual crash, instead of me.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (eDfFs)

260 218 I gave up on the nfl when the Redskins capitulated to the mob. Fuck 'em. I've gained my Sundays back.
---------------
Imma eyeing betting Cardinals to beat Commanders this weekend in Arizona. Kyler Murray is probably pissed that the Commander QB seems to have an NFL Halo around him while Kyler gets hit and tackled. I suspect this is the week that Jayden discovers pro level hits and tackles.

Oh, and I am a lifelong Redskin Fan.

Posted by: Pudinhead at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (c711F)

261 good one

@sstopp2
6h
If your TV hadn't told you that there was a pandemic, you would never have known

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (64Zez)

262 The woman buys Starbucks coffee at Barnes and Noble. Fir some reason, she thinks it is not Starbucks ( because a franchise?). Anyway, I told her they like to kill babies and give money to godless commies.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (ufFY8)

263 False.. I didn't own a cat.
Posted by: Jesus, who sadly can't put his name on a Coke can at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (LMOzE)

I won't hold that against you, dude, nobody's perfect.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (dGCAG)

264 255 Ubislop is another that went full DEI.

In the past year their stock declined from $30/share until yesterday it like $9.46/share.

The Board has launched, finally, an investigation.

Meanwhile Ubislop France's workforce is going on strike over the order to return to the offices and cease remote work.
Posted by: Anna Puma at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (C/v00)

Ubi has had problems aside from all that. When’s the last time anyone at that company had an original idea? They re-iterate the same 4 franchises every year.

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (kqvk9)

265 I see Rho Khanna is all about putting the little guy out of the child care business and turning child care into the equivalent of a feed lot.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (tT6L1)

266 jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie

I bet James doesn’t even believe in Jesus.
Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (D6PGr)

Don't now if he believes or not, but he certainly thinks the democrat party can do it better than Jesus can.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (W/lyH)

267 I wouldn't call it a boycott, just mutual derision. They don't like me and I certainly don't seek or care about people who don't like me so it only makes sense that we would avoid each other.

Posted by: Gomjabber at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (gx8aE)

268 >>>This guy is a pasty-faced little dweeb. I suspect when the day comes when he is standing before the throne, he will have some 'splaining to do about this comment.
Posted by: Diogenes
--------------------

You are generous. He went down. Down, down, down to sulfur lake.

Posted by: Braenyard at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (gdH0L)

269 >>> I laugh when I remember McDonald's moving away from beef tallow for their fries when the Hindus asked them to due to their love of cows.
Hindus don't buy McDonald's burgers and now Mickey is trying to sell me lousy fries.
Nope. Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (150B1)

OH! You reminded me! There is a new thing going around that cheeseburgers are the new Christian white supremacy. Jews, Muslims and Hindus can't eat them, and Asians probably can't because they have lactose intolerance. So your cheeseburger eating equals hate.

They conveniently left out a lot of black and brown people when thinking about what Christians might chow down on a cheeseburger.

Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (LMOzE)

270 I recall sometime in the 2010s that Starbucks took a stand in favor of 2A rights, so I made a special effort to visit their shops even though I do not like their over-roasted coffee. (They had some other caffeinated drinks that were quite tasty.). That didn't last long, though, and they adopted some nonsense (I think it might have been "talk about racism") so I stopped spending my money there.

Posted by: Emmie at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (xAC7C)

271 258 Believe in nothing. Pretend it's something.
Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (/7KEl)

Burmashave.

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (64Zez)

272 Real men make their own coffee using an Aeropress, invented and manufactured in the USA.

Real men make their own coffee by roasting whole beans in a cast iton skillet, crushing said beans with the handle of their SAA 1873 Colt, then boiling then in a plain coffee pot.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (Qnwun)

273 DEI! DEI everywhere you look!

U.S. military official confirms China's new nuclear sub sank during construction
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (L/fGl)

And we just found out that workers on our subs and aircraft carriers intentionally made bad welds.

Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (D6PGr)

274 The leftist view is that Jesus was a communist. So Republicans who don’t believe in communism but are religious are hypocrites.

Leftist view not my view.

Posted by: No Bueno at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (yo1J3)

275 I buy coffee beans from Sam's Club. Red bag, $17 for 40 oz. Bag says it is a Phoenix based outfit. When out, coffee is from the gas station. We have coffee machines here with beans on the top that grind it for your cup. Circle K/ Maverick/Zip trip.

Posted by: free tibet at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (qBzGp)

276 Imma eyeing betting Cardinals to beat Commanders this weekend

Commanders.

What a fag name.

Only the Guardians are more homo.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (ufFY8)

277 The Kid From Brooklyn on Starbucks

https://tinyurl.com/tjpa63xe

Posted by: Maj. Healey at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (/U5Yz)

278
Please God, let Ace's first post today be about Nathan Wade.

Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (j4U/Z)

279 274 The leftist view is that Jesus was a communist. So Republicans who don’t believe in communism but are religious are hypocrites.

Leftist view not my view.
Posted by: No Bueno at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (yo1J3)

=======

"Jesus said give to the poor, so that means that you must submit all your freedoms to an unaccountable administrative state."
-It's science

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (GBKbO)

280 "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

Says the jerk that decided to market himself as an anti-America trash talker. He believes in making money by any means necessary.

Posted by: illiniwek at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (Cus5s)

281 You don't have to be conservative -- merely straight -- to reconsider sipping hot liquid from tiny cap-hole of a thick cylinder festooned with rainbow colors and "Love is Love."

Posted by: SloPitch Whiffer at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (wzAuc)

282 271 258 Believe in nothing. Pretend it's something.
Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (/7KEl)

Burmashave.
Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (64Zez)

Wall Drug

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (kqvk9)

283 James Talarico made a dumb comment. Trump and Vance are both Christians; Why would they ridicule Jesus, but obviously Mr. Talarico thinks that Jesus would endorse all of his political opinions.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 11:50 AM (MQJVv)

To him, Jesus is just a name he once saw on a bumper sticker.

Posted by: Napoleon XIV at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (AiZBA)

284 @jamestalarico
“I think if Donald Trump and JD Vance met Jesus today, they would ridicule him as a single, childless hippie
----------------

That's quite the stupid hot take. Might even border on blasphemy.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (tT6L1)

Anyone willing to bet that Talario doesn't have a grandly capacious asshole?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at September 27, 2024 11:55 AM (r3G7K)

285 "Jesus said give to the poor, so that means that you must submit all your freedoms to an unaccountable administrative state."
-It's science
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (GBKbO)

Yeah, but he didn't say make them poor

Posted by: It's me donna at September 27, 2024 11:55 AM (IyPmt)

286 280 "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything."

Says the jerk that decided to market himself as an anti-America trash talker. He believes in making money by any means necessary.
Posted by: illiniwek at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (Cus5s)

=======

"I believe that I can fly."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison, terrorizing teenagers with Michael Myers at September 27, 2024 11:55 AM (GBKbO)

287 I've not purchased a Nike product in decades (New Balance for me!) and I actively shun the burnt crap that Starbucks "brews". The last time I went to a Starbucks was 20 years ago in college when I was...involved...with a girl who worked at one - she would give me free pastries that they would otherwise throw out at the end of the day.
Ahh the days of casual s.... uhhh... pastries.

Posted by: Defenestratus at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (i0ZCM)

288
I don't get the Starbucks coffee is burnt thing. Their coffee is fine.

If you don't like dark roast, don't drink dark roast. As a general proposition, I like dark roast.

The problem with Starbucks is that they're too expensive. McD sux. Dunkin Donuts is okay.

Homemade in a thermally insulated mug is the best.

Posted by: naturalfake at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (eDfFs)

289 >U.S. military official confirms China's new nuclear sub sank during construction
----

I'm no expert on submarines, but it seems to me that first you build it, THEN you put it in the water

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (/7KEl)

290 The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade

Same in Russia. When the plane lands, still moving fast and not taxiing, they unstrap and run to the door. The first time it happened, I thought they were just pushy. Then I saw the customs area after we deplaned. Holy crap, I longed for the DMV after seeing that line.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (lTGtQ)
__

Same in India. I took my mom there. Some Indian dude practically runs her over getting off the plane. She yells at him, calling him a "motherfucker," etc. He glares at her. She glares back and says "what? what?" Then he looks away. "I thought so," she says. I was ready to jump in to defend my mom, but I realized I didn't need to. She got this.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (iFTx/)

291 I agree with JJ Sefton's left, middle, right paradigm......its a crock of shit. Youre either for ordered liberty or some form of tyranny. Youre not talking to some rah rah sis, boom bah go team Republican here. I just assume put 100% of Dems and 97% of Repubs on a plane and fly it into a fucking mountainside.
Posted by: JROD at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (IlL6s)

I think the biggest gripe against the traditional conservatives is that they were more than willing to tell other people what to do. In addition to loving war, but that's another discussion for another day.

To a large extent, the dichotomy is a construct, designed to keep the people fighting AGAINST each other, instead of fighting the elite classes that would hold all of us down if they could.

I don't care if some guy sux cox, if he's for bringing an end to the fed, he's on my side.

Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (dGCAG)

292 These CEOs are in a no win situation. Most multinationals see at least as much business from the Rest of the World as they do the US market, and the rest of the world *hates* America. Any hint of American patriotism in the marketing and they'll lose customers overseas; any anti-American sentiment and they'll lose customers at home. Being staunchly apolitical *now* is too late.

Honestly I think the first of these companies to release a marketing blitz likening their company to a teenager that goes away to college, becomes an insufferable ****, then grows up and realizes Dad was right all along will earn back a lot of goodwill.

Posted by: Daniel Ream at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (FMBjj)

293 James Talarico made a dumb comment. Trump and Vance are both Christians; Why would they ridicule Jesus,

the leebtards find the idea of a celibate Jesus as ridiculous, so they make up fantasies about him being gay with the apostles and Mary Magdalene being his babymomma

Posted by: kallisto at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (dCxaZ)

294 >>> 263 False.. I didn't own a cat.
Posted by: Jesus, who sadly can't put his name on a Coke can at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (LMOzE)

I won't hold that against you, dude, nobody's perfect.
Posted by: BurtTC at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (dGCAG)

See??? Nobody 'owns' a cat.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (FnneF)

295 Commanders.
What a fag name.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt

I take it you're not a fan of that movie "Master and Commander".

Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (KAi1n)

296 If you're drinking k-cups, you are not really throwing away $5 every day.
Posted by: fd 49 at September 27, 2024 11:20 AM (vFG9F)

Costco dark roast. ~$40 for 120. I have 4 per day which comes out to $1.33 of fresh coffee when I want it.

I've had everything from submarine engine-room coffee complete with lube oil slick to Jamaican Blue Mountain. K-cup is fine.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (T7iTv)

297 288
I don't get the Starbucks coffee is burnt thing. Their coffee is fine.

If you don't like dark roast, don't drink dark roast. As a general proposition, I like dark roast.

The problem with Starbucks is that they're too expensive. McD sux. Dunkin Donuts is okay.

Homemade in a thermally insulated mug is the best.
Posted by: naturalfake at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (eDfFs)

It’s not their dark roasts, it’s their Pike’s Place (medium roast). Those beans are burned.

Posted by: DoublySymmetric at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (kqvk9)

298 And on another note, the hymn singing Protestant Christians might enjoy this hymn and may know it. The words are very meaningful. Reposted from Daily Tech Thread.

A hymn by Charles Tindley who had some big troubles in his life. (Take Your Burden to the Lord) and "Leave it There" Orchestral Music and Lyrics

And that's what I am going to do today.

Prayers for the people in the storm and others with big burdens today. May the Lord lead you out:

https://tinyurl.com/mpr2dkkc

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (MQJVv)

299 Totally apropos to nothing at all...
While enjoying a Diogenes Flat White from my French made Breville coffee maker, Mrs D pointed out that the reason everyone in Mayberry was so happy is that no one was married. In fact the only guy there who was was the town drunk. As I sip my coffee, I find a lot of wisdom in that.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (W/lyH)

300 300

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (64Zez)

301 I take it you're not a fan of that movie "Master and Commander".
Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (KAi1n)

Fantastic movie.. Unlike the team

Posted by: It's me donna at September 27, 2024 11:58 AM (IyPmt)

302 Second the motion for getting Asics. I don't run but I like to walk and had to find a new pair that would accommodate my hard plastic orthotic inserts. I tried the Hoka brand but my heels kept slipping up out of the shoe. My old sneakers were also Asics and they lasted a good long time. Which is a good thing because as others have said they're pretty pricey. These also came in wide and the salesperson put me a full size larger than I would normally wear. I was doubtful but my toes have lots of room and they feel great right out of the box.

Posted by: tankascribe at September 27, 2024 11:58 AM (HWxAD)

303 >>> 273 DEI! DEI everywhere you look!

U.S. military official confirms China's new nuclear sub sank during construction
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 11:49 AM (L/fGl)

And we just found out that workers on our subs and aircraft carriers intentionally made bad welds.
Posted by: Sebation Melmoth at September 27, 2024 11:53 AM (D6PGr)

I'm sure that's nothing to worry about.

/////

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 27, 2024 11:58 AM (FnneF)

304 278
Please God, let Ace's first post today be about Nathan Wade.
Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (j4U/Z)

That'd be worth putting some money on.

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 11:58 AM (64Zez)

305 Peet's sucks. Can't drink that stuff.

Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:59 AM (KAi1n)

306 Please don't pour Starbucks on my cat.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at September 27, 2024 11:59 AM (ufFY8)

307 290 The mainland Chinese don't care about lines. Sure, they sorta form them, but then they push and shove and elbow their way to the front. Biggest and strongest wins. Fine by me. I was a foot taller than 99% of the Chinese there. I won.

Posted by: Doctor Elric the Blade

Same in Russia. When the plane lands, still moving fast and not taxiing, they unstrap and run to the door. The first time it happened, I thought they were just pushy. Then I saw the customs area after we deplaned. Holy crap, I longed for the DMV after seeing that line.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 27, 2024 11:51 AM (lTGtQ)
__

Same in India. I took my mom there. Some Indian dude practically runs her over getting off the plane. She yells at him, calling him a "motherfucker," etc. He glares at her. She glares back and says "what? what?" Then he looks away. "I thought so," she says. I was ready to jump in to defend my mom, but I realized I didn't need to. She got this.
---------
This is why the world needs Hitler.

Posted by: Pudinhead at September 27, 2024 11:59 AM (c711F)

308
Who can afford Nike and Starbucks?

Posted by: Frank Barone at September 27, 2024 11:59 AM (+oR7L)

309 Prayers for the people in the storm and others with big burdens today. May the Lord lead you out:

https://tinyurl.com/mpr2dkkc
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (MQJVv)

A wonderful hymn.

Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (W/lyH)

310 Harris Threatened To Storm The Homes Of Legal Gun Owners — And Supported A Handgun Ban

-
Wait. I thought AR-15s were the problem.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (L/fGl)

311 Did the Chinese sub sink, or did they just take off in it ?

Posted by: It's me donna at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (IyPmt)

312 It's all well and good to pick on Nike and Starbucks; but, if you want to see where the problem started go check out who has bowed to the Human Rights Campaign.
Ignore that their initials are HRC because she's a drunk shrew.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (150B1)

313 Posted by: kallisto at September 27, 2024 11:56 AM (dCxaZ)

They should make up their minds. Was he gay or was he having sex with Mary Magdalene? It just sounds dumb to claim both. Since the Gospel writers never mention either I'll go with he remained celibate to have time to fulfill his mission from God.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (MQJVv)

314 Nood.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (tT6L1) at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (tT6L1)

315 Redskins could have re-branded as 'the Braves'

they actually were The Braves before Preston Marshall moved the team from Boston to Washington

Posted by: Don Black at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (/7KEl)

316 >>> 295 Commanders.
What a fag name.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt

I take it you're not a fan of that movie "Master and Commander".
Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (KAi1n)

That's not a sportsball movie.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (FnneF)

317 > U.S. military official confirms China's new nuclear sub sank during construction
--------
The mysterious incident that TWZ previously reported that occurred at China’s Wuchang Shipyard in the spring of this year resulted in the sinking of the country’s latest nuclear-powered attack submarine, according to U.S. officials. The boat in question, originally identified as a conventionally powered submarine, was the first of the new Type 041 Zhou class SSNs.

Citing unnamed U.S. officials, a report in The Wall Street Journal today describes an attempt by the Chinese authorities to cover up the accident, involving a submarine “likely” carrying nuclear fuel when it sank. The boat had been undergoing its final fitting out before going to sea.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (Q4IgG)

318 Costco dark roast. ~$40 for 120. I have 4 per day which comes out to $1.33 of fresh coffee when I want it.

I've had everything from submarine engine-room coffee complete with lube oil slick to Jamaican Blue Mountain. K-cup is fine.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic [/i

I drink Kirkland Pacific Bold K-cups from Costco. Occasionally they're on sale and I stock up.

Posted by: Maj. Healey at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (/U5Yz)

319 I'm fudging a bit on our nearby coffee shop. It's like a coffee shop is required to have a rainbow somewhere to be legit, but this shop only has one small sticker and otherwise just exudes an atmosphere of "we think everyone is cool" so I haven't boycotted them. They did mask during Covid, though, so that's a point against them.

There's a bakery nearby that I no longer visit because not only do they have a more prominent rainbow sticker, but the owner had (still has?) a Corey Booker for Pres bumper sticker and that's way beyond understandable.

Posted by: Emmie at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (xAC7C)

320 I take it you're not a fan of that movie "Master and Commander".
Posted by: SFGoth at September 27, 2024 11:57 AM (KAi1n)

That was a good movie.
Better than Guardian and Commander by far.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (ufFY8)

321 295 Commanders.
What a fag name.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt

I take it you're not a fan of that movie "Master and Commander".
--------------
Pretty sure they named the team after Joe Biden's dog. Their love of Smell The Glove is epic.

Posted by: Pudinhead at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (c711F)

322 Nood

Posted by: IC - #FJB at September 27, 2024 12:01 PM (YiKO5)

323 319 Sorry, that's "Cory."

Posted by: Emmie at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (xAC7C)

324 278
Please God, let Ace's first post today be about Nathan Wade.
Posted by: Auspex at September 27, 2024 11:54 AM (j4U/Z)

And Ace's first post today is:

Darrius "Sweetdick" Honeycum Is Scheduled to Testify About His Affair with Fani Willis and Connections to the Biden Administration Today -- But He's Gone Missing

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (64Zez)

325 "Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything"

Ok when is the last time a left sacrificed anything?

Well, if you ignore the likes of Seth Rich.

Posted by: 18-1 at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (oZhjI)

326 Auspex for the win.

Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (64Zez)

327 Go to the Nike online store.
Look at the models.
They have embraced ugly.

Went to a Nike outlet w/my son a few years ago. Walking through the maze of the checkout line, it wrapped around mannequin on ~3ft pedestal. No head, but the body shape was Stacey Abrams (not kidding), wearing yoga gear. Gross.

Posted by: Lizzy at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (scDBq)

328 Also important is that there are alternatives.

Beyond the Alphabet Smut stuff, I seem to recall Starbucks was also anti-military. Strong-anti, as in not supporting the troops and veterans. Similar to Target, who love to donate, but won't for veterans.

At the same time, Michelle Malkin was raising awareness for Dunkin' Donuts. They were more pro-veteran, and they were an alternative to Starbucks for your daily cup of joe.

As far as Nike - they were synonymous with black culture in the 90's. And they were expensive, especially for a group that leaned towards the poorer side. I don't know how good the shoes actually were, but they defined the term "Sweat Shop" before Foxconn and Apple took over. Maybe it would be good if Nike went under; how much harm have they done, money taken from groups that could have used the money for food and education rather than as a status symbol? Maybe Kamala Harris can pull reparations from Nike first as a trial before trying to wreck the real economy.

Posted by: Another Anon at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (QNMaY)

329 a Corey Booker for Pres bumper sticker and that's way beyond understandable.

In fairness, he's more qualified then Kamala

Posted by: 18-1 at September 27, 2024 12:03 PM (oZhjI)

330 These CEOs are in a no win situation. Most multinationals see at least as much business from the Rest of the World as they do the US market, and the rest of the world *hates* America.

Fuck them. Ask your shareholders what they want. If they want DEI, fine. Let the company go broke.

If they don't, fuck what anyone else wants.

Posted by: rickb223 Gold & Silver Spot Prices at September 27, 2024 12:03 PM (Qnwun)

331 All of my coffee is from beans I grind myself, and some I roast myself. Take it from me, Starbux is burnt.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at September 27, 2024 12:03 PM (lTGtQ)

332 269 >>> I laugh when I remember McDonald's moving away from beef tallow for their fries when the Hindus asked them to due to their love of cows.
Hindus don't buy McDonald's burgers and now Mickey is trying to sell me lousy fries.
Nope. Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at September 27, 2024 11:47 AM (150B1)

OH! You reminded me! There is a new thing going around that cheeseburgers are the new Christian white supremacy. Jews, Muslims and Hindus can't eat them, and Asians probably can't because they have lactose intolerance. So your cheeseburger eating equals hate.

They conveniently left out a lot of black and brown people when thinking about what Christians might chow down on a cheeseburger.
Posted by: LizLem at September 27, 2024 11:52 AM (LMOzE)

Wait...Jews and Muslims can't eat cheeseburgers?
It's ""beef""....

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 12:03 PM (xcxpd)

333 Darrius "Sweetdick" Honeycum Is Scheduled to Testify About His Affair with Fani Willis and Connections to the Biden Administration Today -- But He's Gone Missing
Posted by: m at September 27, 2024 12:02 PM (64Zez)

Uh oh.

Posted by: Dr Pork Chops & Bacons at September 27, 2024 12:04 PM (g8Ew8)

334 Posted by: Diogenes at September 27, 2024 12:00 PM (W/lyH)

Spouse and I sang it today during our devotional time and it made me feel so much better. I'm going to adopt as my "theme song". I even had a laugh and so did spouse because spouse is not a very good singer. He sings with vigor but is not always in tune. Then I went over to the church to get ready for our rummage sale, and since I was alone I sang it over there as well.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 12:04 PM (MQJVv)

335 329 a Corey Booker for Pres bumper sticker and that's way beyond understandable.

In fairness, he's more qualified then Kamala
Posted by: 18-1 at September 27, 2024 12:03 PM (oZhjI)

Sucks dick better too. Allegedly.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Vote but also buy ammo at September 27, 2024 12:04 PM (xcxpd)

336 Bad welds. Reminds me of new pilots want to learn to fly but not interested in landings.

Posted by: Humphreyrobot at September 27, 2024 12:05 PM (likVb)

337 EU Releases Report - Europe Is Too “White” and “European”

-
Europe is too European. Got it.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 12:07 PM (L/fGl)

338 So many people saying Starbucks coffee is burnt.
Wrong.

The beans are roasted and distributed to each franchise.

Coffee sitting in the pots coats the sides of the pots with tannin.
Tannin imparts a bitter taste to the coffee.
The problem is that the pots aren't cleaned with vinegar to remove the tannin shellaced onto the sides when the coffee sits in the pots.

Lazy ignorant workers.

Posted by: Speller at September 27, 2024 12:07 PM (pSotA)

339 And I have a political laugh when I go to church, because there's a person down the street that has six Trump "Take Back America" signson the edge of his property. The people next to him have one Harris/Walz sign. I saw the Harris/Walz sign first, so I think the Trump guy wanted to make his point strongly. I hope they don't get in a fist fight.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at September 27, 2024 12:08 PM (MQJVv)

340 Captain Kirk for president!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at September 27, 2024 12:08 PM (L/fGl)

341 Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing Nike and Starbucks

Posted by: eric at September 27, 2024 12:09 PM (RqJez)

342 338 So many people saying Starbucks coffee is burnt.
Wrong.

Actually, you get the same burnt flavor if you buy their bagged coffee and brew it yourself. Starbuck's roasts at a higher temperature. It scorches the coffee and produces a burnt taste. What's more, they do it on purpose to give their coffee a unique flavor profile.

Posted by: eric at September 27, 2024 12:17 PM (RqJez)

343 I'm not a conservative, but I also don't buy Nike and a whole host of other companies' products for the same reasons. Just make a good product, don't lecture me on the current social fads or mental illnesses you support.

Posted by: ragnarokpaperscissors at September 27, 2024 12:42 PM (sBGiW)

344 My household has not bought anything from Nike since the Kaep. thing. Starbucks is bitter burnt crap and only women like it because bitter works when you add it to a milkshake.

Posted by: Brian at September 27, 2024 01:00 PM (sOehV)

345 For decades I have stopped doing business, as much as is reasonable, with companies that diss conservatives. That list is getting really long.

But, most conservatives I talk with value convenience over principle. So Bud Light, Target, Nike, Starbucks, Kelloggs, etc. still get their biz.

Posted by: Crouching Chigger at September 27, 2024 01:03 PM (R0yLY)

346 Not buying stuff is fun. "No thank you, fuck off".

Posted by: Tech Sgt. Chen at September 27, 2024 01:13 PM (Z8Yh2)

347
Stopped at a local coffee chain here, Kuppa Joy, on the way in to the shop (I didn't feel like grinding my awesome King Harv beans for coffee this morning). The place was packed with people, at 9am. Staff is cheerful young students with not a single face piercing. An unabashedly proud Christian coffee shop. I'm not big on companies bringing their religion into the workplace, but KJ strikes a good balance between their values and avoiding the temptation to be preachy. I have no problem spending money there, even though I'm not particularly religious.

On the other hand, Starfucks is always half-empty with sullen, morbidly obese, pierced baristas wearing nuclear-colored hair and pseudo-prison tats who get pissy if you order a large coffee instead of a "grande".

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at September 27, 2024 01:18 PM (y9nCu)

348 I hope Nike and Starbuck's are someday remembered with the fondness we all have for "Jim's Horse Bridles" and "Roe & Gary Vacuum Tube Store."

Posted by: jimmymcnulty at September 27, 2024 02:05 PM (upQFr)

349 For this VFW, the day that Starbucks preferred hiring illegals over veterans was the turning point...

Posted by: Danimal28 at September 27, 2024 02:59 PM (klw0w)

350 check

Posted by: Troll at September 27, 2024 05:25 PM (d8zPm)

351 So, how many of you who've moved on from Nike and Starbucks because of their political activism still watch the NFL?

To each his/her own, but some consistency would be appreciated.

Posted by: Bea Arthur's Dick at September 27, 2024 07:06 PM (Qt4kF)

352 Went to a local Starbucks a couple of months ago after almost two year absence. None of the coffee condiments (cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg) were on hand. I asked why: "COVID".

In 2024? They just decided to cost costs. Never going back again.

Posted by: Ash is a damn robot! at September 28, 2024 09:58 AM (kvDvI)

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