Support
Contact
Ace:
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd at cutjibnewsletter.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd at cutjibnewsletter.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
Wednesday Morning Rant
It's the latest example of so-called "dynamic pricing" -- the hated practice introduced more than a decade ago by Uber and Lyft, hiking prices for rides during rainstorms -- that is nickel-and-diming consumers, even as relentless inflation has sparked an affordability crisis.Not at all. These are entirely different things, and they should not be conflated.
"Dynamic pricing" - or "surge pricing" as it is sometimes called - is a response to suddenly increased demand. Rain? Ballpark emptying out? End of a concert? Enjoy a higher price for your ride. There is more demand for rides, and the price goes up. The crucial difference between "dynamic pricing" and what Instacart is allegedly doing is that "dynamic pricing" applies to everyone trying to get a ride in that area at that time. Two people standing next to each other ordering an Uber will both get the surge price in that scenario. One guy won't get socked with a surcharge while the other guy doesn't. That is not at all like what Instacart is doing.
Instacart is showing different prices for the same goods at the same store at the same time. That's "dynamic" all right, but it ain't the same. There is no reason for it (besides the obvious one), and it doesn't apply evenly. Arbitrary and opaque pricing differences are completely counter to the entire concept of prices - and per Instacart, it is arbitrary:In response to a query by The Post, Instacart said its price "tests" are never based on the personal or behavioral characteristics of shoppers.That's even worse if true, since there's no way to end-run its filtering. When prices change arbitrarily or are hidden, markets fail to function properly and people get rooked - which is why it's illegal. It breaks the market. Like the Post however, Instacart also makes a false comparison - though unlike the Post, the company must know that it's false:
"Just as retailers have long tested prices in their physical stores to better understand consumer preferences, a subset of only 10 retail partners -- ones that already apply markups -- do the same online via Instacart," an Instacart spokesperson told The Post in a statement.Except that the price in any given store applies equally to everyone in that store. The price doesn't randomly change for every person who walks in the door. This is likely a violation of antitrust law. Goods must be offered to all competing customers on the same terms. If you offer a discount - say, for quantity purchase, or for paying cash instead of with a credit card, or for being a member of a club, etc. - that discount applies to anyone who meets the terms. Anyone buying 1000 units gets the 1000-unit discount, and anyone with the club card gets the club card price. That is not what is going on here if the study is accurate. Competing customers, purchasing the same items on the same terms from the same location and at the same time are charged different prices. The FTC ought to be very interested in this, but they aren't. And why should they be? As we see time and time and time again, federal regulators and investigators aren't there to do their stated jobs, they're there to protect the anointed and punish the disfavored. If confirmed, Instacart's behavior would make for a prosecutorial lay-up. Too bad there are more important things to do, like subverting the President, shielding the Clintons and defending Pfizer. Not even the low-hanging fruit is worth plucking if the only benefit is to Americans.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
WLNSSEODQY.
Posted by: Winston Wolfe at December 17, 2025 11:00 AM (0sNs1)
2
MONKEY!
Posted by: Formerly Virginian at December 17, 2025 11:01 AM (zjgNU)
3
Mannix!
*Jazzy music plays*
*Jazzy music plays*
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:01 AM (xcxpd)
4
Mannix!
*Jazzy music plays*
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:01 AM
* Jazzy hands flap *
*Jazzy music plays*
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:01 AM
* Jazzy hands flap *
Posted by: Duncanthrax at December 17, 2025 11:02 AM (0sNs1)
5
Willowed:
I was never sure if the Dean Martin drunk schtick was an act or real.
Posted by: ShainS
Act. What looked like bourbon was apple juice according to his daughter.
I was never sure if the Dean Martin drunk schtick was an act or real.
Posted by: ShainS
Act. What looked like bourbon was apple juice according to his daughter.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:03 AM (T+ixL)
6
I was known for being jazzy.
Posted by: Peter North, proud Canadian and irregular AoSHQ commenter at December 17, 2025 11:03 AM (Vp8JP)
7
Populism is fun! If you don't like it, don't shop there. They will get the message.
Posted by: Earl Schlobodowicz at December 17, 2025 11:03 AM (P7Iz+)
8
Grep.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:03 AM (UnA8+)
9
Caveat Emptor.
Posted by: It's Latin at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM (EYPJc)
10
IIRC Wendys is also trying this Instacart version of 'dynamic pricing' and yes Wendys is dead to me.
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM (2GVsD)
11
"Dynamic pricing" - or "surge pricing" as it is sometimes called - is a response to suddenly increased demand. "
This is literally economics 101. Increased demand leads to increased prices. Reduce the demand and prices go down.
This is literally economics 101. Increased demand leads to increased prices. Reduce the demand and prices go down.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM (0N4FZ)
12
Competing customers, purchasing the same items on the same terms from the same location and at the same time are charged different prices.
Is Instacart using the 'bad neighborhood' excuse? That a box of corn flakes costs $1.00 when it goes to Muffy Bradford at 1234 Whitebread Lane and $10.00 when it goes to Shani'qua Jaaa-cksonn at 1234 MLK Boulevard?
Is Instacart using the 'bad neighborhood' excuse? That a box of corn flakes costs $1.00 when it goes to Muffy Bradford at 1234 Whitebread Lane and $10.00 when it goes to Shani'qua Jaaa-cksonn at 1234 MLK Boulevard?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
13
Sounds to me like they're jacking the prices up on some things at some random times just to see what people are willing to pay for it. If they see the price and scroll away/back, the algo will know and report on it.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (5aZAZ)
14
This happens every day in so many businesses. And you do it too. Ever bought a car? Ever booked a hotel room? If you're in sales, ever given a lower price to move your product?
Much ado about nothing.
Much ado about nothing.
Posted by: Earl Schlobodowicz at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (P7Iz+)
15
Bitch, do you even history?
Nancy Pelosi Says Democrats Can’t Just Impeach Trump Because They Want To
Nancy Pelosi Says Democrats Can’t Just Impeach Trump Because They Want To
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (L/fGl)
16
Now do High Occupancy Toll lanes.
Posted by: Instantaneous at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (EYPJc)
17
Dynamic pricing: "Oh, you've selected a destination and dates for a flight? Here's the price..."
Posted by: t-bird at December 17, 2025 11:06 AM (KqZNZ)
18
Is Instacart using the 'bad neighborhood' excuse? That a box of corn flakes costs $1.00 when it goes to Muffy Bradford at 1234 Whitebread Lane and $10.00 when it goes to Shani'qua Jaaa-cksonn at 1234 MLK Boulevard?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
------
Where you at?
I'm on Martin Luther King!
RUUUUUUNNNN!
-Chris Rock
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
------
Where you at?
I'm on Martin Luther King!
RUUUUUUNNNN!
-Chris Rock
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:06 AM (5aZAZ)
Posted by: Ilhan Omar at December 17, 2025 11:06 AM (Dv3i1)
20
Hole in one!
Golf Legend Phil Mickelson: The Terrorists Were Not Affected by Australia’s Tough Gun Control Laws
Golf Legend Phil Mickelson: The Terrorists Were Not Affected by Australia’s Tough Gun Control Laws
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM (L/fGl)
Posted by: Hakeem Jeffries at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM (Dv3i1)
22
15 Bitch, do you even history?
Nancy Pelosi Says Democrats Can’t Just Impeach Trump Because They Want To
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (L/fGl)
=====
She knows that impeaching Trump in his first term didn't hurt him.
They had to instill panic over covid.
They had to shut down ballot counting across six states at the same time in the middle of the night to barely beat him.
She also knows that the 4 year legal battle against him led to him winning the presidency again.
Nancy Pelosi Says Democrats Can’t Just Impeach Trump Because They Want To
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (L/fGl)
=====
She knows that impeaching Trump in his first term didn't hurt him.
They had to instill panic over covid.
They had to shut down ballot counting across six states at the same time in the middle of the night to barely beat him.
She also knows that the 4 year legal battle against him led to him winning the presidency again.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM (GBKbO)
23
11 "Dynamic pricing" - or "surge pricing" as it is sometimes called - is a response to suddenly increased demand. "
Dynamic Tension is the key to muscle health and fitness.
Dynamic Tension is the key to muscle health and fitness.
Posted by: Charles Atlas at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM (oftw2)
24
20 Hole in one!
Golf Legend Phil Mickelson: The Terrorists Were Not Affected by Australia’s Tough Gun Control Laws
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM (L/fGl)
=====
They weren't supposed to be.
What's his point?
Oh, he's speaking like a normal person who loves his country, not like a politician who hates his own country. I get it.
Golf Legend Phil Mickelson: The Terrorists Were Not Affected by Australia’s Tough Gun Control Laws
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM (L/fGl)
=====
They weren't supposed to be.
What's his point?
Oh, he's speaking like a normal person who loves his country, not like a politician who hates his own country. I get it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:08 AM (GBKbO)
25
If you want to pay the same price, go to the store and buy the item.
You want to use Instacart, then comply with their terms of service.
I pay more in taxes because my poor neighbor pays less.
Isn't that the way this is supposed to work?
You want to use Instacart, then comply with their terms of service.
I pay more in taxes because my poor neighbor pays less.
Isn't that the way this is supposed to work?
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2025 11:08 AM (8SdDq)
26
POKER MONKEY
POKER MONKEY
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 17, 2025 11:08 AM (y9nCu)
27
Dynamic pricing - so, $20 might not be the same as in town?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (Dv3i1)
28
Mannix!
*Jazzy music plays*
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:01 AM
Music for the season which I have to figure out a way to download onto a playlist:
https://tinyurl.com/46y69hun
*Jazzy music plays*
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:01 AM
Music for the season which I have to figure out a way to download onto a playlist:
https://tinyurl.com/46y69hun
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (ufSfZ)
29
Is Instacart using the 'bad neighborhood' excuse? That a box of corn flakes costs $1.00 when it goes to Muffy Bradford at 1234 Whitebread Lane and $10.00 when it goes to Shani'qua Jaaa-cksonn at 1234 MLK Boulevard?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
In which case, one can argue that the higher price reflects to elevated cost of doing business in neighborhoods full of crime and shoplifting. Should that not be allowed?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
In which case, one can argue that the higher price reflects to elevated cost of doing business in neighborhoods full of crime and shoplifting. Should that not be allowed?
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (Riz8t)
30
Not instantly entirely clear on the anti-trust or legal issue here.
No special conditions - club card, temporary discount, sale - every customer on the same basis. Prices vary for different customers. Odd, but illegal?
If it's random, especially hard to see the legal problem.
But I'm probably glitching. Early, and focusing on Pooootin's remarks and the continuing surreal situation in European security blather.
No special conditions - club card, temporary discount, sale - every customer on the same basis. Prices vary for different customers. Odd, but illegal?
If it's random, especially hard to see the legal problem.
But I'm probably glitching. Early, and focusing on Pooootin's remarks and the continuing surreal situation in European security blather.
Posted by: rhomboid at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (U/Byj)
31
My question: Are the prices varied for DEI purposes? Or what? You didn't say.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (g8Ew8)
32
and yes Wendys is dead to me.
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM (2GVsD)
I hope I'm not dead to you.
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM (2GVsD)
I hope I'm not dead to you.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (BEQiS)
33
This happens every day in so many businesses. And you do it too. Ever bought a car? Ever booked a hotel room? If you're in sales, ever given a lower price to move your product?
Much ado about nothing.
----
No. The activities you cited involved "negotiation" to one degree or another. There's not any negotiation involved with clicking on a website. If you and I click on the same item, we're supposed to be offered the same price (all other things being equal).
Much ado about nothing.
----
No. The activities you cited involved "negotiation" to one degree or another. There's not any negotiation involved with clicking on a website. If you and I click on the same item, we're supposed to be offered the same price (all other things being equal).
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:10 AM (TN0g+)
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at December 17, 2025 11:10 AM (kfTpm)
35
I've never used Instacart so this doesn't directly affect me. But isn't that a 3rd party entity? Performing a service? If I am understanding this correctly, consumers are choosing to use them instead of going to the store directly where everyone would see the same prices, so anti-trust laws shouldn't apply.
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:11 AM (c2vsb)
36
That's horrible. When my dad was housebound I set up a Walmart account, there was better selection of some of things he needed via online than at the local store plus saved me some time. I noticed then that some of the non-perishable food items were much higher for the delivery option than in store, but they have to cover the delivery costs somehow, I just didn't buy those items.
But charging different instacart shoppers different prices, that seems like it should be illegal and for sure seems immoral, if they are not giving 'preferred' addresses a price break then they are gouging people who don't have the time or ability to do some price checking and refuse to buy whatever item(s) they are being overcharged for. I don't buy that this gouging is completely random. I'm sure they track whether someone passes on a normal purchase if the price is jacked up and take them off their list of marks.
But charging different instacart shoppers different prices, that seems like it should be illegal and for sure seems immoral, if they are not giving 'preferred' addresses a price break then they are gouging people who don't have the time or ability to do some price checking and refuse to buy whatever item(s) they are being overcharged for. I don't buy that this gouging is completely random. I'm sure they track whether someone passes on a normal purchase if the price is jacked up and take them off their list of marks.
Posted by: PaleRider at December 17, 2025 11:11 AM (hhkIi)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:11 AM (L/fGl)
38
I got hit by Uber surge pricing a couple of months ago, the normal price for a trip from mid-town/east side to Hoboken ranges between 50 and 60 dollars, one day it stormed in NYC and Uber priced the same trip at 200 bucks, I paid it, but I was not happy about it.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 11:11 AM (XV/Pl)
39
If her daddy's rich take her out for a meal,
If her daddy's poor, just do what you feel.
If her daddy's poor, just do what you feel.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2025 11:12 AM (8SdDq)
40
If you want to pay the same price, go to the store and buy the item.
You want to use Instacart, then comply with their terms of service.
-----
I disagree. If you and I were to both click on an online item, you and I should both be given the same displayed cost for that item (all other things being equal).
You want to use Instacart, then comply with their terms of service.
-----
I disagree. If you and I were to both click on an online item, you and I should both be given the same displayed cost for that item (all other things being equal).
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:12 AM (TN0g+)
41
No. The activities you cited involved "negotiation" to one degree or another. There's not any negotiation involved with clicking on a website. If you and I click on the same item, we're supposed to be offered the same price (all other things being equal).
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:10 AM (TN0g+)
-----
The point is that you and I could both go to Hyatt.com at the same time and look at the same type of hotel room for the same dates, and it's entirely possible if not likely that we'll be shown two different prices. No negotiation involved.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:10 AM (TN0g+)
-----
The point is that you and I could both go to Hyatt.com at the same time and look at the same type of hotel room for the same dates, and it's entirely possible if not likely that we'll be shown two different prices. No negotiation involved.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:12 AM (5aZAZ)
42
It's definitely not random. Random would offer them no advantage other than potentially market testing the prices faster - but in this day and age, it's quite obviously not random.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM (BEQiS)
43
If her daddy's rich take her out for a meal,
If her daddy's poor, just do what you feel.
That'll be enough out of you, Mungo Jerry.
If her daddy's poor, just do what you feel.
That'll be enough out of you, Mungo Jerry.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM (Riz8t)
44
Australia focuses on the real threats - Novak Djokovic didn't take the vaccine for covid, so not allowed*. Moslim** has terrorist sympathies, allowed. Throw some halal shrimp on the barbie for 'im!
*Even worse actually, one jurisdiction said he was allowed, another one said he wasn't. So he flew in, denied entry, and had to fly back out.
**Yes, I get red underlined for 'moslem'. I don't remember when this perfectly good spelling was changed, and I don't care.
*Even worse actually, one jurisdiction said he was allowed, another one said he wasn't. So he flew in, denied entry, and had to fly back out.
**Yes, I get red underlined for 'moslem'. I don't remember when this perfectly good spelling was changed, and I don't care.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM (Dv3i1)
45
Well, this sounds malicious, and crooked. But I don't use Instacart, and see no reason for its existence, other than to coddle the lazy. As for the shut-ins, and disabled individuals, there should be honestly-run shopping services for them, of course.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM (npFr7)
46
The point is that you and I could both go to Hyatt.com at the same time and look at the same type of hotel room for the same dates, and it's entirely possible if not likely that we'll be shown two different prices.
Posted by: ballistic
Why is that? Are they showing the different prices based on where the customer is located?
Posted by: ballistic
Why is that? Are they showing the different prices based on where the customer is located?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:14 AM (77rzZ)
47
People could just not use Instacart. That's an option isn't it?
Posted by: CM Delta at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (SJVBN)
48
Dynamic Tension is the key to muscle health and fitness.
Posted by: Charles Atlas at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM
True. Charles Atlas and Dr. Furter made me who I am.
Posted by: Charles Atlas at December 17, 2025 11:07 AM
True. Charles Atlas and Dr. Furter made me who I am.
Posted by: Rocky Horror at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (0sNs1)
49
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
Putin accused West of ‘hysteria’ insisting claims Russia wanted war were ‘a lie’
Maira Butt & Namita Singh
Wednesday 17 December 2025 16:06 GMT
The Independent UK
====
Alec Baldwin to the white courtesy phone, please!
Putin accused West of ‘hysteria’ insisting claims Russia wanted war were ‘a lie’
Maira Butt & Namita Singh
Wednesday 17 December 2025 16:06 GMT
The Independent UK
====
Alec Baldwin to the white courtesy phone, please!
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (8SdDq)
50
I'm wondering if you could game the system by going through VPN servers in different locations.
I'm wondering if you could game the system by going through VPN servers in different locations.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (y9nCu)
51
That study seems flawed on its face . Location ,distance can also be factors in pricing. I don’t use instacart but seems weird to have delivery fees based on the product you’re buying. I know other grocery stores I used for my mother had a flat fees.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (KDPiq)
52
People could just not use Instacart. That's an option isn't it?
Posted by: CM Delta at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (SJVBN)
Exactly what I was getting at in my comment at 35.
Posted by: CM Delta at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (SJVBN)
Exactly what I was getting at in my comment at 35.
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (c2vsb)
53
Music for the season which I have to figure out a way to download onto a playlist:
https://tinyurl.com/46y69hun
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression)
And now for something completely different.
https://is.gd/I5XlDn
https://tinyurl.com/46y69hun
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression)
And now for something completely different.
https://is.gd/I5XlDn
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (L/fGl)
54
While yes, it's tempting to say "LOL, eat shit, Shaniqua!", I still don't particularly like surge pricing.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (UnA8+)
55
Why is that? Are they showing the different prices based on where the customer is located?
Posted by: Bulg
Yeah
Use a vpn
Posted by: Bulg
Yeah
Use a vpn
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (tG1pe)
56
>In response to a query by The Post, Instacart said its price "tests" are never based on the personal or behavioral characteristics of shoppers.
------
Sure - pull the other one, it has bells.
------
Sure - pull the other one, it has bells.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (NgqoH)
57
54 While yes, it's tempting to say "LOL, eat shit, Shaniqua!", I still don't particularly like surge pricing.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (UnA8+)
=====
Surge pricing is supposed to increase supply in the face of increased demand by attracting more people to drive the Uber or whatever.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (UnA8+)
=====
Surge pricing is supposed to increase supply in the face of increased demand by attracting more people to drive the Uber or whatever.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
58
Let me get this straight. Grocery store which work on Reddit thin margins of 1-3.5% and interstate is bumping those efficient price up between 23-25%?
Sounds like a windfall profit tax rich area.
Sounds like a windfall profit tax rich area.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at December 17, 2025 11:17 AM (xvV+O)
59
Well, this sounds malicious, and crooked. But I don't use Instacart, and see no reason for its existence, other than to coddle the lazy. As for the shut-ins, and disabled individuals, there should be honestly-run shopping services for them, of course.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM
walmart and other grocery stores in my area all have delivery services, sometimes they are free based on your order. Sometimes they charge $5 or more depending on how far you are away from the store. They work great for the home bound people that we know and they don't jiggle with the prices like instacart does.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM
walmart and other grocery stores in my area all have delivery services, sometimes they are free based on your order. Sometimes they charge $5 or more depending on how far you are away from the store. They work great for the home bound people that we know and they don't jiggle with the prices like instacart does.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 11:17 AM (0N4FZ)
60
one day it stormed in NYC and Uber priced the same trip at 200 bucks, I paid it, but I was not happy about it.
I can understand that; I’ve hit it myself. but I can also understand that drivers will want more money to drive during a storm than not, and that Uber will want to encourage more drivers to get out and pick up riders when there are more people trying to get rides.
For that matter, when I’m one of those riders, I also want more drivers out when there are more people using the service.
I can understand that; I’ve hit it myself. but I can also understand that drivers will want more money to drive during a storm than not, and that Uber will want to encourage more drivers to get out and pick up riders when there are more people trying to get rides.
For that matter, when I’m one of those riders, I also want more drivers out when there are more people using the service.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 11:18 AM (EXyHK)
Posted by: ShainS -- Bamboo Ruminant and GayFontoPhobe at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (/aHTH)
62
Unhinged rants are politics, a lot of the time.
Posted by: tubal at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Tbj3s)
63
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
Putin accused West of ‘hysteria’ insisting claims Russia wanted war were ‘a lie’
Why is this a surprise? He's run into a cul-de-sac of his own making and he's lashing out because he can't figure out how to escape. It's what dictators do.
Putin accused West of ‘hysteria’ insisting claims Russia wanted war were ‘a lie’
Why is this a surprise? He's run into a cul-de-sac of his own making and he's lashing out because he can't figure out how to escape. It's what dictators do.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Riz8t)
64
61 Shouldn't white people pay more than others for reparations?
/
Posted by: ShainS -- Bamboo Ruminant and GayFontoPhobe at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (/aHTH)
=====
I just feel comforted that the people getting most of the reparations are Somalians who don't have any ancestors who were American slaves instead of the descendants of American slaves.
/
Posted by: ShainS -- Bamboo Ruminant and GayFontoPhobe at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (/aHTH)
=====
I just feel comforted that the people getting most of the reparations are Somalians who don't have any ancestors who were American slaves instead of the descendants of American slaves.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (GBKbO)
65
I dunno, if you are dumb and lazy enough to use some racket like Instacart, you get what you deserve. Or, if you just like the service, then know you are paying for it. I would say just get off your ass and go get your own groceries.
It's like Uber eats and all that shit. You are paying a 20% premium -- easy -- to get your food delivered. If you're OK with that, then so be it. If you're not, then don't use the service.
It's like Uber eats and all that shit. You are paying a 20% premium -- easy -- to get your food delivered. If you're OK with that, then so be it. If you're not, then don't use the service.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (iFTx/)
66
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Riz8t)
You should preface your posts on this subject with
Full Disclosure ………
You should preface your posts on this subject with
Full Disclosure ………
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (KDPiq)
67
**Yes, I get red underlined for 'moslem'. I don't remember when this perfectly good spelling was changed, and I don't care.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM (Dv3i1)
I prefer the term "mohammedan". First, all the right people get offended. But more importantly, that's the term that Winston Churchill used in his books. Good enough for the greatest Briton in history (mostly because he was half American), it's good enough for me.
**Yes, I get red underlined for 'moslem'. I don't remember when this perfectly good spelling was changed, and I don't care.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM (Dv3i1)
I prefer the term "mohammedan". First, all the right people get offended. But more importantly, that's the term that Winston Churchill used in his books. Good enough for the greatest Briton in history (mostly because he was half American), it's good enough for me.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (y9nCu)
68
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
Putin accused West of ‘hysteria’ insisting claims Russia wanted war were ‘a lie’
Maira Butt & Namita Singh
Wednesday 17 December 2025 16:06 GMT
The Independent UK
====
Alec Baldwin to the white courtesy phone, please!
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (8SdDq)
Putin's not wrong, you know.
Putin accused West of ‘hysteria’ insisting claims Russia wanted war were ‘a lie’
Maira Butt & Namita Singh
Wednesday 17 December 2025 16:06 GMT
The Independent UK
====
Alec Baldwin to the white courtesy phone, please!
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (8SdDq)
Putin's not wrong, you know.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (npFr7)
69
I'm wondering if you could game the system by going through VPN servers in different locations.
Order from Sweden and have it delivered to Hoboken? I suspect they could code the algorithm to catch that. Also, the whole point of something like Instacart is that you're willing to pay for convenience. How much time and how many VPN connections and shopping carts are you willing to experiment with to save a buck fifty?
Order from Sweden and have it delivered to Hoboken? I suspect they could code the algorithm to catch that. Also, the whole point of something like Instacart is that you're willing to pay for convenience. How much time and how many VPN connections and shopping carts are you willing to experiment with to save a buck fifty?
Posted by: Oddbob at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (3nLb4)
70
52 People could just not use Instacart. That's an option isn't it?
Posted by: CM Delta at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (SJVBN)
Exactly what I was getting at in my comment at 35.
By that logic, landlords would be able to charge different rents for people of different races. After all, they don't HAVE to rent the property.
Posted by: CM Delta at December 17, 2025 11:15 AM (SJVBN)
Exactly what I was getting at in my comment at 35.
By that logic, landlords would be able to charge different rents for people of different races. After all, they don't HAVE to rent the property.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:21 AM (Riz8t)
71
This is likely a violation of antitrust law. Goods must be offered to all competing customers on the same terms.
======================
If this is in fact the law, and in my superficial contacts with antitrust law I never heard antitrust law expressed this way, I bet it has never been litigated.
If it isn't enforced, it isn't really law, because companies will do what they think they can get away with doing.
======================
If this is in fact the law, and in my superficial contacts with antitrust law I never heard antitrust law expressed this way, I bet it has never been litigated.
If it isn't enforced, it isn't really law, because companies will do what they think they can get away with doing.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 17, 2025 11:21 AM (5ZDo1)
72
Do restaurants that deliver usually charge more for the food that they deliver than the food that is consumed on the premises?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)
73
I just feel comforted that the people getting most of the reparations are Somalians who don't have any ancestors who were American slaves instead of the descendants of American slaves.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,
Like, stop talking, you're making my brain hurt! They're Black, so, like, pay them!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison,
Like, stop talking, you're making my brain hurt! They're Black, so, like, pay them!
Posted by: Grad Student at Prestigious University at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (Dv3i1)
74
While yes, it's tempting to say "LOL, eat shit, Shaniqua!", I still don't particularly like surge pricing.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (UnA8+)
=====
Surge pricing is supposed to increase supply in the face of increased demand by attracting more people to drive the Uber or whatever.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
_
Surge pricing does work. The reverse is true too: duing off-hours, the fares are much cheaper. What significantly increases the fares are government-added taxes and fees and charges. Take an Uber and look at the final bill. Easily 20% goes right to the gaping maw of government.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:16 AM (UnA8+)
=====
Surge pricing is supposed to increase supply in the face of increased demand by attracting more people to drive the Uber or whatever.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:17 AM (GBKbO)
_
Surge pricing does work. The reverse is true too: duing off-hours, the fares are much cheaper. What significantly increases the fares are government-added taxes and fees and charges. Take an Uber and look at the final bill. Easily 20% goes right to the gaping maw of government.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (iFTx/)
75
If I were going to get grocery delivery I would set it up with Safeway or Kroger, not use an outfit like instacart. But if I were using instacart I would expect that the delivery surcharge has some rationality, based on how far they have to drive to get the order to me, and maybe some weight and volume factor.
What Mannix wrote does not sound like that, it sounds like instacart just 'randomly' inflates the prices of some items for some of the shoppers. In today's world I'm sure instacart can tell if a price spike results in a customer passing on that item or just making their normal order and they keep a list of the marks vs the tuned in customers.
What Mannix wrote does not sound like that, it sounds like instacart just 'randomly' inflates the prices of some items for some of the shoppers. In today's world I'm sure instacart can tell if a price spike results in a customer passing on that item or just making their normal order and they keep a list of the marks vs the tuned in customers.
Posted by: PaleRider at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (hhkIi)
76
I just donated to a GoFund account for the first time with a CC. I was charged a 16.5% ‘tip’.
Holy crap.
Holy crap.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (KDPiq)
77
Holy shit autocucomber is fucking with me today. Better start proofreading before posting.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (xvV+O)
78
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Riz8t)
You should preface your posts on this subject with
Full Disclosure ………
Because you disagree? Tough.
You should preface your posts on this subject with
Full Disclosure ………
Because you disagree? Tough.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (Riz8t)
79
20% goes right to the gaping maw of government.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (iFTx/)
Kamala?
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (iFTx/)
Kamala?
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (BEQiS)
80
**Yes, I get red underlined for 'moslem'. I don't remember when this perfectly good spelling was changed, and I don't care.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM
---
I'm sitting right here.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM
---
I'm sitting right here.
Posted by: The United Negro College Fund at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (EYPJc)
81
77 Holy shit autocucomber is fucking with me today. Better start proofreading before posting.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (xvV+O)
=====
I just bank on the keyboard until the red squiggles go away.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (xvV+O)
=====
I just bank on the keyboard until the red squiggles go away.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (GBKbO)
82
Do restaurants that deliver usually charge more for the food that they deliver than the food that is consumed on the premises?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)
By rights, they should charge less. No dishes to wash, no tables to bus.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)
By rights, they should charge less. No dishes to wash, no tables to bus.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (npFr7)
83
GoFundMe is predatory
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (WeQvm)
84
Do restaurants that deliver usually charge more for the food that they deliver than the food that is consumed on the premises?
Oddly, I think many charge less. I think the theory is that delivery is less work than in-person service. Also, the delivery person often gets paid jack, in the hope of making it up in tips. Which, they often do, at least when delivering pizza to drunks.
Oddly, I think many charge less. I think the theory is that delivery is less work than in-person service. Also, the delivery person often gets paid jack, in the hope of making it up in tips. Which, they often do, at least when delivering pizza to drunks.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (EXyHK)
85
That's even worse if true, since there's no way to end-run its filtering. When prices change arbitrarily or are hidden, markets fail to function properly and people get rooked - which is why it's illegal. It breaks the market.
What are you some kind of Marxist commie? Anything corporations do to make money is free market capitalism. Go march in Red Square already.
What are you some kind of Marxist commie? Anything corporations do to make money is free market capitalism. Go march in Red Square already.
Posted by: Tongue firmly planted in cheek at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (TbWk/)
86
Did Trump speak last night?
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (BEQiS)
87
Do restaurants that deliver usually charge more for the food that they deliver than the food that is consumed on the premises?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)\
____
Yes, and it's not even close. One reason is because when you eat inside the restaurant, you usually spend quite a bit on drinks. That's almost pure profit to the restaurant. Delivered orders don't have that easy revenue stream.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)\
____
Yes, and it's not even close. One reason is because when you eat inside the restaurant, you usually spend quite a bit on drinks. That's almost pure profit to the restaurant. Delivered orders don't have that easy revenue stream.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (iFTx/)
88
"Dynamic pricing" - or "surge pricing" as it is sometimes called - is a response to suddenly increased demand. "
This is literally economics 101. Increased demand leads to increased prices. Reduce the demand and prices go down.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM
And yet blue state attorneys general are forever launching price gouging investigations over this. All of which are quietly dropped after the splashy headlines run and the sheeple have read them.
This is literally economics 101. Increased demand leads to increased prices. Reduce the demand and prices go down.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM
And yet blue state attorneys general are forever launching price gouging investigations over this. All of which are quietly dropped after the splashy headlines run and the sheeple have read them.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (bFu5X)
89
It can be lunch time
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (RpkZ3)
90
Do restaurants that deliver usually charge more for the food that they deliver than the food that is consumed on the premises?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)
By rights, they should charge less. No dishes to wash, no tables to bus.
It's my guess that they don't give the same size portions in the carryout.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:22 AM (77rzZ)
By rights, they should charge less. No dishes to wash, no tables to bus.
It's my guess that they don't give the same size portions in the carryout.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (Riz8t)
91
It's a write off, Jerry.
They just write it off.
They just write it off.
Posted by: Kramer at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (EYPJc)
92
By that logic, landlords would be able to charge different rents for people of different races. After all, they don't HAVE to rent the property.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:21 AM (Riz8t)
Not exactly a direct analogy. If there happened to be a 3rd party service called "Instarent" who provided a service on behalf of the renter, and Instarent itself was charging different amounts, then that would be a direct analogy. And Instarent should be free to charge whatever it wants because it's an optional service.
Renter and landlord direct relationship is the same as shopper and grocery store direct relationship.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:21 AM (Riz8t)
Not exactly a direct analogy. If there happened to be a 3rd party service called "Instarent" who provided a service on behalf of the renter, and Instarent itself was charging different amounts, then that would be a direct analogy. And Instarent should be free to charge whatever it wants because it's an optional service.
Renter and landlord direct relationship is the same as shopper and grocery store direct relationship.
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (c2vsb)
93
Just wait until muzzie mayor Mamdami opens the NY run grocery stores. That ought to be fun.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (Dv3i1)
94
Let's leave "hotel rooms" and other such things that searching for might be more nebulous out of the discussion and focus on commodity items instead.
So something simple like 16 ounces of orange juice, and whatever the most popular brand of that might be: why would it be ok that TJM clicks on instacart and gets quoted one price and Bulg clicks on instacart and gets quoted a different price? Leave delivery charges and taxes out of the equation.
So something simple like 16 ounces of orange juice, and whatever the most popular brand of that might be: why would it be ok that TJM clicks on instacart and gets quoted one price and Bulg clicks on instacart and gets quoted a different price? Leave delivery charges and taxes out of the equation.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (TN0g+)
95
People could just not use Instacart. That's an option isn't it?
Posted by: CM Delta
True, but the problem, if I understand it correctly, is that the discriminatory pricing is illegal already, and if it spreads, would be a massive problem. You wouldn't want your hotel room to be priced according to your zip code or your monthly spending, yes? What if Instafart decides that whitey must pay more?
Posted by: CM Delta
True, but the problem, if I understand it correctly, is that the discriminatory pricing is illegal already, and if it spreads, would be a massive problem. You wouldn't want your hotel room to be priced according to your zip code or your monthly spending, yes? What if Instafart decides that whitey must pay more?
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (mlg/3)
96
It's a write off, Jerry.
They just write it off.
Posted by: Kramer
What was the context in which Kramer said this? What was he talking about?
They just write it off.
Posted by: Kramer
What was the context in which Kramer said this? What was he talking about?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (77rzZ)
97
By rights, they should charge less. No dishes to wash, no tables to bus.
I think it’s a wash with the take out packaging costs.
I think it’s a wash with the take out packaging costs.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (KDPiq)
98
This week I was in a tiny mom&pop electric store and asked about their whats-its at N size and they had three: priced at x, y, and z. I said o.k., I'll think about it. This is the kind of store where it would be entirely unsurprising for an owner to say, "I'll let you have that one for this lower price" without any indication that that would be extended to other people. I guess that's dynamic?
Posted by: m at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (RuTUS)
99
Dude, do you even history?
John Harwood
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
John Harwood
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (L/fGl)
100
Huh, how about that?
>>@gCaptain
·
Dec 16
>>Russia Deploys All Eight Nuclear Icebreakers for First Time to Keep Arctic Export Routes Open
>>@gCaptain
·
Dec 16
>>Russia Deploys All Eight Nuclear Icebreakers for First Time to Keep Arctic Export Routes Open
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (viF8m)
101
78 Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:19 AM (Riz8t)
You should preface your posts on this subject with
Full Disclosure ………
Because you disagree? Tough.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (Riz8t)
I am curious. Are you Ukrainian, or have Ukrainian friends/relatives?? You have always been passionate about that war.
You should preface your posts on this subject with
Full Disclosure ………
Because you disagree? Tough.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (Riz8t)
I am curious. Are you Ukrainian, or have Ukrainian friends/relatives?? You have always been passionate about that war.
Posted by: tubal at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (Tbj3s)
102
100
Posted by: m at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (RuTUS)
103
Is Instacart using the 'bad neighborhood' excuse? That a box of corn flakes costs $1.00 when it goes to Muffy Bradford at 1234 Whitebread Lane and $10.00 when it goes to Shani'qua Jaaa-cksonn at 1234 MLK Boulevard?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
In which case, one can argue that the higher price reflects to elevated cost of doing business in neighborhoods full of crime and shoplifting. Should that not be allowed?
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (Riz8t)
_____
I actually think it's the other way around. I think what IC is really doing is charging what the customer will bear. They are probably trying to identify "marks" (most likely affluent people) who aren't as price-sensitive as others, and then charge those people more money.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:05 AM (ufSfZ)
In which case, one can argue that the higher price reflects to elevated cost of doing business in neighborhoods full of crime and shoplifting. Should that not be allowed?
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:09 AM (Riz8t)
_____
I actually think it's the other way around. I think what IC is really doing is charging what the customer will bear. They are probably trying to identify "marks" (most likely affluent people) who aren't as price-sensitive as others, and then charge those people more money.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
104
Putin's not wrong, you know.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (npFr7)
===
Да, конечно!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:20 AM (npFr7)
===
Да, конечно!
Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (6/Q3k)
105
Renter and landlord direct relationship is the same as shopper and grocery store direct relationship.
Posted by: Doof
Wow, Doof, you're being amazingly unobtuse today. You must've stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Posted by: Doof
Wow, Doof, you're being amazingly unobtuse today. You must've stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (77rzZ)
106
By that logic, landlords would be able to charge different rents for people of different races. After all, they don't HAVE to rent the property.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:21 AM (Riz8t)
Not exactly a direct analogy. If there happened to be a 3rd party service called "Instarent" who provided a service on behalf of the renter, and Instarent itself was charging different amounts, then that would be a direct analogy. And Instarent should be free to charge whatever it wants because it's an optional service.
Renter and landlord direct relationship is the same as shopper and grocery store direct relationship.
I'm not sure why an intermediary makes a difference. Can you elaborate?
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:21 AM (Riz8t)
Not exactly a direct analogy. If there happened to be a 3rd party service called "Instarent" who provided a service on behalf of the renter, and Instarent itself was charging different amounts, then that would be a direct analogy. And Instarent should be free to charge whatever it wants because it's an optional service.
Renter and landlord direct relationship is the same as shopper and grocery store direct relationship.
I'm not sure why an intermediary makes a difference. Can you elaborate?
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
107
Why is that? Are they showing the different prices based on where the customer is located?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:14 AM (77rzZ)
-----
Location, browsing history and cookies and stored data on your machine, etc. etc. etc.
Hell, hit expedia.com on your laptop at the same time as your phone all on your home wifi and I'd bet even money you get two different prices for the same thing.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:14 AM (77rzZ)
-----
Location, browsing history and cookies and stored data on your machine, etc. etc. etc.
Hell, hit expedia.com on your laptop at the same time as your phone all on your home wifi and I'd bet even money you get two different prices for the same thing.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (5aZAZ)
108
Yes, I get red underlined for 'moslem'. I don't remember when this perfectly good spelling was changed, and I don't care.
-----
Writing the word moslem seems to be event-free for me.
-----
Writing the word moslem seems to be event-free for me.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (TN0g+)
109
If stupid people want to pay more, I say let them.
Delivery of a service that should expand your customer base and hence your sales this bringing greater revenue and profit. I can see varying delivery charges based on location but not varying prices on the same thing at the same retailer.
Delivery of a service that should expand your customer base and hence your sales this bringing greater revenue and profit. I can see varying delivery charges based on location but not varying prices on the same thing at the same retailer.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (xvV+O)
110
I prefer the term "mohammedan". First, all the right people get offended. But more importantly, that's the term that Winston Churchill used in his books. Good enough for the greatest Briton in history (mostly because he was half American), it's good enough for me.
I like "Mussleman," myself.
I like "Mussleman," myself.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (ufSfZ)
111
>>Russia Deploys All Eight Nuclear Icebreakers for First Time to Keep Arctic Export Routes Open
Posted by: JackStraw
Global Warming will be the death of us all, in a few short years, about 150 or so if this keeps up!
Posted by: JackStraw
Global Warming will be the death of us all, in a few short years, about 150 or so if this keeps up!
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (Dv3i1)
112
I actually think it's the other way around. I think what IC is really doing is charging what the customer will bear. They are probably trying to identify "marks" (most likely affluent people) who aren't as price-sensitive as others, and then charge those people more money.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
Exactly.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
Exactly.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (npFr7)
113
John Harwood
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (L/fGl)
==================
Oh? Well then, giving billions to insurers and having them funnel the money into the personal accounts of House members is A-OK. Barely an inconvenience to all us not-in-on-it taxpayers.
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (L/fGl)
==================
Oh? Well then, giving billions to insurers and having them funnel the money into the personal accounts of House members is A-OK. Barely an inconvenience to all us not-in-on-it taxpayers.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (yNGcr)
114
By that logic, landlords would be able to charge different rents for people of different races. After all, they don't HAVE to rent the property.
Constitutionally that's correct, and it's one of the reasons the 1964 Civil Rights Act is considered to be problematic.
Constitutionally that's correct, and it's one of the reasons the 1964 Civil Rights Act is considered to be problematic.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (QZThv)
115
I am curious. Are you Ukrainian, or have Ukrainian friends/relatives?? You have always been passionate about that war.
Not a bit. I callz 'em as I sees 'em.
Not a bit. I callz 'em as I sees 'em.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (Riz8t)
116
I actually think it's the other way around. I think what IC is really doing is charging what the customer will bear. They are probably trying to identify "marks" (most likely affluent people) who aren't as price-sensitive as others, and then charge those people more money.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
Exactly.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (npFr7)
================
Which is not only lawful, but smart.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
Exactly.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:29 AM (npFr7)
================
Which is not only lawful, but smart.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (yNGcr)
117
99 Dude, do you even history?
John Harwood
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (L/fGl)
======
Did anyone say that it would make things worse?
Can Harwood investigate that real quick?
John Harwood
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (L/fGl)
======
Did anyone say that it would make things worse?
Can Harwood investigate that real quick?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (GBKbO)
118
Writing the word moslem seems to be event-free for me.
___
Maybe it's the browser. I'm using the European based Vivaldi.
___
Maybe it's the browser. I'm using the European based Vivaldi.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (Dv3i1)
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (EYPJc)
120
>They are probably trying to identify "marks" (most likely affluent people) who aren't as price-sensitive as others, and then charge those people more money.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
It's exactly what they are doing, hence their strong denial that they would never, ever, use customer financial data and location in their pricing algorithms...swearsies.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:27 AM (iFTx/)
It's exactly what they are doing, hence their strong denial that they would never, ever, use customer financial data and location in their pricing algorithms...swearsies.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (NgqoH)
121
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM (BEQiS
I thought it was yesterday as well, but apparently it's tonight.
I thought it was yesterday as well, but apparently it's tonight.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (6jy2V)
122
94 So something simple like 16 ounces of orange juice, and whatever the most popular brand of that might be: why would it be ok that TJM clicks on instacart and gets quoted one price and Bulg clicks on instacart and gets quoted a different price? Leave delivery charges and taxes out of the equation.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (TN0g+)
Because one lives in the wealthier neighborhood and therefore has proven he's more responsible because he has a better job and manages money better, and should be thus rewarded.
The other should be punished for his failures.
(This post is probably sarcasm, unless you agree with it.)
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:26 AM (TN0g+)
Because one lives in the wealthier neighborhood and therefore has proven he's more responsible because he has a better job and manages money better, and should be thus rewarded.
The other should be punished for his failures.
(This post is probably sarcasm, unless you agree with it.)
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (UnA8+)
123
All's well in Oz.
When asked about Islamic violence, Aussie minister defends "multiculturalism," says government has "criminalized the Nazi salute" to protect citizens
When asked about Islamic violence, Aussie minister defends "multiculturalism," says government has "criminalized the Nazi salute" to protect citizens
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (L/fGl)
124
Not sure dynamic pricing at the same store, but to me Uber for instance costing more during a storm seems reasonable to me.
Posted by: Skip at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (RpkZ3)
125
What they are doing is price discrimination at it is patently illegal.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (QPpHv)
126
By that logic, landlords would be able to charge different rents for people of different races. After all, they don't HAVE to rent the property.
Constitutionally that's correct, and it's one of the reasons the 1964 Civil Rights Act is considered to be problematic.
Which is a yuuuge new can of worms.
Constitutionally that's correct, and it's one of the reasons the 1964 Civil Rights Act is considered to be problematic.
Which is a yuuuge new can of worms.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (Riz8t)
127
I use Instacart all the time. Guess I am lazy….OR what little downtime I have, I don’t want to spend going to Mobile to get bulk products for my business. I will say my business account has different pricing than my personal. But I pay more for the business membership. I also had to prove I am a legit business to get it. I definitely add personal stuff to the order (it gets separated), and it’s worth it to me. I run a small business that operates 7 days a week. I homeschool. I am not on the couch eating bon bons. Right now I am developing a New Years ad as I check in with y’all.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (ZdaMQ)
128
Eric Daugherty
@EricLDaugh
·
12m
🚨 BREAKING: DA Fani Willis just went BERSERK during her testimony about her persecution into Donald Trump, she is losing it 🤯
"It's a DUMB*SS QUESTION!"
======
We may be getting at least one more Fani Willis thread out of ace!
@EricLDaugh
·
12m
🚨 BREAKING: DA Fani Willis just went BERSERK during her testimony about her persecution into Donald Trump, she is losing it 🤯
"It's a DUMB*SS QUESTION!"
======
We may be getting at least one more Fani Willis thread out of ace!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (GBKbO)
129
Also in Oz -
Avner’s, a Jewish-owned bagel bakery in Sydney, has closed effective immediately following the Bondi chanukah massacre and escalating antisemitic threats.
The owners say police and security agencies warned the bakery had become a potential target, and that they were unable to guarantee their safety, making it unsafe to continue operating as a publicly Jewish business.
Avner’s, a Jewish-owned bagel bakery in Sydney, has closed effective immediately following the Bondi chanukah massacre and escalating antisemitic threats.
The owners say police and security agencies warned the bakery had become a potential target, and that they were unable to guarantee their safety, making it unsafe to continue operating as a publicly Jewish business.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (Dv3i1)
130
If I understand the complain, which I probably don't, I could see how corpo-commies could use this pricing scheme to effect a techno-communist economy; to each his own according to his kulak status. I imagine the techno-commies are drooling at the thought of punishing middle-class Americans for existing, and exempting the good and pure 1%ers who bow to the Globo-blob. Yes, that's a bit sweaty of a conspiracy, but plausible.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (mlg/3)
131
I'm glad I've never used instacart. If they go with 'digital price tags' in grocery stores, I'd shop elsewhere. Even if that means going to the fucking Plaid Pantry.
Frankly, I do most of my shopping at Costco nowadays.
Frankly, I do most of my shopping at Costco nowadays.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (xcxpd)
132
Hard to believe that the reporter missed this obvious distinction, but that is more and more the case with news reporting.
Plus, the notion that Uber introduced dynamic pricing is way off. Airlines have been doing this for decades, and nearly all theaters that offer live performances do this as well.
Plus, the notion that Uber introduced dynamic pricing is way off. Airlines have been doing this for decades, and nearly all theaters that offer live performances do this as well.
Posted by: Henry O. at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (X5Mi4)
133
for a prosecutorial lay-up.
If these businesses were even tried let alone convicted they'd all quit in a hurry. vs. Individuals who keep offending right thru parole.
If these businesses were even tried let alone convicted they'd all quit in a hurry. vs. Individuals who keep offending right thru parole.
Posted by: DaveA at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (FhXTo)
134
Surge pricing makes sense. Does one demand that the driving time after the game or concert be the same as the driving time when there is no event? The deal with surge pricing is when it gets to a point of gouging.
Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (xvV+O)
135
What the market will bear.
Posted by: Like your Economics teacher used to tell you at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (EYPJc)
136
>>Global Warming will be the death of us all, in a few short years, about 150 or so if this keeps up!
Also a pretty strong indicator of why Trump was so focused on Greenland. Obviously, Putin gets it.
Also a pretty strong indicator of why Trump was so focused on Greenland. Obviously, Putin gets it.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (viF8m)
137
iSlime
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (BEQiS)
138
The pogrom seems well underway in Australia.
Posted by: tubal at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (Tbj3s)
139
I'm sitting right here.
Posted by: The United Negro College Fund at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (EYPJc)
Hey, at least the UNCF is run by black folks and had been since it was founded. NAACP was founded and run by pasty white commies for over 60 years, before the organization had a black President in the mid 70s.
I'm sitting right here.
Posted by: The United Negro College Fund at December 17, 2025 11:23 AM (EYPJc)
Hey, at least the UNCF is run by black folks and had been since it was founded. NAACP was founded and run by pasty white commies for over 60 years, before the organization had a black President in the mid 70s.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (y9nCu)
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (Ws9M3)
141
The perfect response to "Dynamic pricing" .. haggling
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (RHGPo)
142
“They believed in freedom because they believed that things are real.”—Larry P. Arnn
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (EXyHK)
143
Writing the word moslem seems to be event-free for me.
___
Maybe it's the browser. I'm using the European based Vivaldi.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (Dv3i1)
I usually go with "muzzie", but "mohammedan" is a fine choice. Pisses them off because they claim that it implies they worship mohammed (which of course they do, even as they insist they don't). Deranged fucktards, all of them.
___
Maybe it's the browser. I'm using the European based Vivaldi.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (Dv3i1)
I usually go with "muzzie", but "mohammedan" is a fine choice. Pisses them off because they claim that it implies they worship mohammed (which of course they do, even as they insist they don't). Deranged fucktards, all of them.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (npFr7)
144
I use Instacart all the time. Guess I am lazy….OR what little downtime I have, I don’t want to spend going to Mobile to get bulk products for my business. I will say my business account has different pricing than my personal. But I pay more for the business membership. I also had to prove I am a legit business to get it. I definitely add personal stuff to the order (it gets separated), and it’s worth it to me. I run a small business that operates 7 days a week. I homeschool. I am not on the couch eating bon bons. Right now I am developing a New Years ad as I check in with y’all.
I figured it was just a matter of time before someone bridled at the assumption that all Instacart users are stupid and/or lazy.
I figured it was just a matter of time before someone bridled at the assumption that all Instacart users are stupid and/or lazy.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (Riz8t)
145
The owners say police and security agencies warned the bakery had become a potential target, and that they were unable to guarantee their safety, making it unsafe to continue operating as a publicly Jewish business.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (Dv3i1)
Israel is behind this I just know it.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (Dv3i1)
Israel is behind this I just know it.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (BEQiS)
146
125 What they are doing is price discrimination at it is patently illegal.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (QPpHv)
-----
You don't think Instacart has an entire legal team that vetted this, and they agreed that it's legal?
They're just probing for rubes. Instacart quoting you a price of $3.95 for a can of baked beans when the beans are $1.25 in the store isn't illegal by any stretch of the imagination. They're just seeing if you're dumb enough to buy the beans at a ridiculous markup.
Just like if you tried to charge $30 when it's $20 in town. You might get some takers who don't want to go all the way to town, but some will keep on truckin.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (QPpHv)
-----
You don't think Instacart has an entire legal team that vetted this, and they agreed that it's legal?
They're just probing for rubes. Instacart quoting you a price of $3.95 for a can of baked beans when the beans are $1.25 in the store isn't illegal by any stretch of the imagination. They're just seeing if you're dumb enough to buy the beans at a ridiculous markup.
Just like if you tried to charge $30 when it's $20 in town. You might get some takers who don't want to go all the way to town, but some will keep on truckin.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (5aZAZ)
147
And yet blue state attorneys general are forever launching price gouging investigations over this. All of which are quietly dropped after the splashy headlines run and the sheeple have read them.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM
blumenthal was famous for that when he was the AG for conneticut. Whenever he could he would hold a press conference to announce yet another criminal investigation into what ever was news worthy at that moment in time. When he resigned to run for his senate seat the interim AG quietly closed over 300 active criminal investigations he had personally launched.
There was never a TV camera in the state that blumenthal would not try to hog while he was AG.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM
blumenthal was famous for that when he was the AG for conneticut. Whenever he could he would hold a press conference to announce yet another criminal investigation into what ever was news worthy at that moment in time. When he resigned to run for his senate seat the interim AG quietly closed over 300 active criminal investigations he had personally launched.
There was never a TV camera in the state that blumenthal would not try to hog while he was AG.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (0N4FZ)
148
145 The owners say police and security agencies warned the bakery had become a potential target, and that they were unable to guarantee their safety, making it unsafe to continue operating as a publicly Jewish business.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (Dv3i1)
Israel is behind this I just know it.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (BEQiS)
====
Tucker's brother...is that you?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (Dv3i1)
Israel is behind this I just know it.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:34 AM (BEQiS)
====
Tucker's brother...is that you?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (GBKbO)
149
San Francisco Hillel Set Aflame, Building Destroyed, Shabbat and Chanukah Events Canceled
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (RHGPo)
150
I saw The Fucking Plaid Pantry open for the Partridge Family at Encino Heights in '68.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (ufSfZ)
151
Probably.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (Ws9M3)
Thank you. At least SOMEONE here is informed.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:33 AM (Ws9M3)
Thank you. At least SOMEONE here is informed.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (BEQiS)
152
I'm not sure why an intermediary makes a difference. Can you elaborate?
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
Just my view / opinion, but I'm seeing the intermediary as a service. An optional service used for convenience. Not a necessary monopoly. Their market behavior should be met with market reaction - not government intervention. Market reaction could be reflected in a variety of ways. Maybe people just stop using their service. Maybe a competitor arises. Let the market decide.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:28 AM (Riz8t)
Just my view / opinion, but I'm seeing the intermediary as a service. An optional service used for convenience. Not a necessary monopoly. Their market behavior should be met with market reaction - not government intervention. Market reaction could be reflected in a variety of ways. Maybe people just stop using their service. Maybe a competitor arises. Let the market decide.
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (c2vsb)
153
Just wait until muzzie mayor Mamdami opens the NY run grocery stores. That ought to be fun.
Posted by: Chuck Martel
All the nothing you can eat for free!
Posted by: Chuck Martel
All the nothing you can eat for free!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (L/fGl)
154
I saw the other day that Keir Starmer said NATO must stop Russia from invading Europe (something nobody with an IQ over 50 thinks is remotely possible, given how Ukraine's gone). Putin replied that Starmer can't even stop rubber boats full of Muslims from coming and raping everyone.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (QZThv)
155
Deranged fucktards, all of them
==============
I think that might be the proper English translation of their actual name
==============
I think that might be the proper English translation of their actual name
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (yNGcr)
156
Also note the pricing is based on store price model. Instacart up charges it. It happens in stores, too. The Publix next door to my studio has higher prices on somethings as the one 3 miles down the road near my house. So it’s not national account pricing - it starts at the store level.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (ZdaMQ)
157
The Trump administration is quietly authorizing millions of dollars in refugee resettlement funding, including to organizations operating at the center of the illegal immigration crisis. According to Federal Register notices published on September 22, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement intends to award nearly seven million dollars in replacement grants to two nonprofit organizations involved in refugee case management and integration services. One of those awards directs more than two and a half million dollars to a St. Paul based organization operating in Minnesota, the focal point of the Somali fraud investigations.
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (RHGPo)
158
NAACP was founded and run by pasty white commies for over 60 years, before the organization had a black President in the mid 70s.
___
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People?
A real bang-up job you did there, commies.
___
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People?
A real bang-up job you did there, commies.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (Dv3i1)
159
John Harwood
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
--------------
lol gf
If only there were unanimous historical examples of the results and concomitant corruption, graft, & destruction of fascistic government-controlled redistribution of wealth schemes designed as "rights" -- especially in healthcare insurance and practice -- which would have definitively predicted this nightmare.
@JohnJHarwood
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
--------------
lol gf
If only there were unanimous historical examples of the results and concomitant corruption, graft, & destruction of fascistic government-controlled redistribution of wealth schemes designed as "rights" -- especially in healthcare insurance and practice -- which would have definitively predicted this nightmare.
Posted by: ShainS -- Bamboo Ruminant and GayFontoPhobe at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (bnb+L)
160
And yet blue state attorneys general are forever launching price gouging investigations over this. All of which are quietly dropped after the splashy headlines run and the sheeple have read them.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM
blumenthal was famous for that when he was the AG for conneticut. Whenever he could he would hold a press conference to announce yet another criminal investigation into what ever was news worthy at that moment in time. When he resigned to run for his senate seat the interim AG quietly closed over 300 active criminal investigations he had personally launched.
*cough*
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at December 17, 2025 11:24 AM
blumenthal was famous for that when he was the AG for conneticut. Whenever he could he would hold a press conference to announce yet another criminal investigation into what ever was news worthy at that moment in time. When he resigned to run for his senate seat the interim AG quietly closed over 300 active criminal investigations he had personally launched.
*cough*
Posted by: Chuck Schumer, investigator extraordinaire of gas price gouging at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (Riz8t)
161
One of those awards directs more than two and a half million dollars to a St. Paul based organization operating in Minnesota, the focal point of the Somali fraud investigations.
____
WTAF?
____
WTAF?
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (Dv3i1)
162
Insurrection Barbie
@DefiyantlyFree
More people were killed in the Sudan in the last three weeks than the whole war in Gaza. Have you heard a peep? Nope. Why? Because it doesn’t further the case of dismantling western civilization.
@DefiyantlyFree
More people were killed in the Sudan in the last three weeks than the whole war in Gaza. Have you heard a peep? Nope. Why? Because it doesn’t further the case of dismantling western civilization.
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (RHGPo)
163
Plus, the notion that Uber introduced dynamic pricing is way off. Airlines have been doing this for decades, and nearly all theaters that offer live performances do this as well.
Posted by: Henry O.
Airlines and hotels charge different rates depending upon when you book, but they don't charge different rates to people who book at the same time.
Posted by: Henry O.
Airlines and hotels charge different rates depending upon when you book, but they don't charge different rates to people who book at the same time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (QPpHv)
164
Because one lives in the wealthier neighborhood and therefore has proven he's more responsible because he has a better job and manages money better, and should be thus rewarded.
The other should be punished for his failures.
(This post is probably sarcasm, unless you agree with it.)
Posted by: XTC
*0% For Well Qualified Buyers has entered the chat
The other should be punished for his failures.
(This post is probably sarcasm, unless you agree with it.)
Posted by: XTC
*0% For Well Qualified Buyers has entered the chat
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (T+ixL)
165
"This is likely a violation of antitrust law. Goods must be offered to all competing customers on the same terms."
I think you're referring to the Robinson-Patman Act. It's useless because there are so many exceptions, limitations, etc. As there should be in a free market. Buyer beware. If person X can negotiate a better price on a good or service, or can get a better price because he's a good customer or whatever, then person X should get that better price.
I personally think everyone should know by now that sales and retail -- and especially services like Instacart or Uber eats -- is Thunderdome and you are getting fleeced. If you are OK with that, then fine. But know that you're paying a substantial premium.
I think you're referring to the Robinson-Patman Act. It's useless because there are so many exceptions, limitations, etc. As there should be in a free market. Buyer beware. If person X can negotiate a better price on a good or service, or can get a better price because he's a good customer or whatever, then person X should get that better price.
I personally think everyone should know by now that sales and retail -- and especially services like Instacart or Uber eats -- is Thunderdome and you are getting fleeced. If you are OK with that, then fine. But know that you're paying a substantial premium.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (iFTx/)
166
They're just probing for rubes. Instacart quoting you a price of $3.95 for a can of baked beans when the beans are $1.25 in the store isn't illegal by any stretch of the imagination. They're just seeing if you're dumb enough to buy the beans at a ridiculous markup.
-----
That's not what some of us are questioning. We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment? (Leave delivery fees and taxes out of the calculation.)
-----
That's not what some of us are questioning. We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment? (Leave delivery fees and taxes out of the calculation.)
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
167
The perfect response to "Dynamic pricing" .. haggling
Posted by: SMOD
Website: $350 because you can afford it.
You: $150
Website: $350
You: $170
Website: $350
You: ...
Website: Thank you for your payment of $350
You: WTF? Mastercard, cancel that payment!
Website: I can't do that, Dave.
Posted by: SMOD
Website: $350 because you can afford it.
You: $150
Website: $350
You: $170
Website: $350
You: ...
Website: Thank you for your payment of $350
You: WTF? Mastercard, cancel that payment!
Website: I can't do that, Dave.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (mlg/3)
168
Plus, the notion that Uber introduced dynamic pricing is way off. Airlines have been doing this for decades, and nearly all theaters that offer live performances do this as well.
Posted by: Henry O. at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (X5Mi4)
Hotels, too.
Posted by: Henry O. at December 17, 2025 11:32 AM (X5Mi4)
Hotels, too.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (npFr7)
169
I am ignorant of such things, since I don't use Instacart or anything like that, but is delivery factored into the pricing? I could see delivery time/distance/location being part of the pricing differential.
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (MZ+PY)
170
This has to be one of the stranger "problems" I've ever seen.
So a business... sets its prices..... according to its own rules? And those prices vary?
How is this anybody's business except the business and its customers?
So a business... sets its prices..... according to its own rules? And those prices vary?
How is this anybody's business except the business and its customers?
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (Ws9M3)
171
Tucker's brother...is that you?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (GBKbO)
The more it looks like Jews are being oppressed worldwide, the more they have to go into hiding, the less Jews everywhere are able to live and practice freely or openly, and the less support they have from Western governments, the more it looks like they need Israel. Think about it.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:35 AM (GBKbO)
The more it looks like Jews are being oppressed worldwide, the more they have to go into hiding, the less Jews everywhere are able to live and practice freely or openly, and the less support they have from Western governments, the more it looks like they need Israel. Think about it.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (BEQiS)
Posted by: And you failed it at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (EYPJc)
173
nobody told anyone that "Obamacare would solve everything"
___
The jedi mind trick doesn't work on people who can easily remember stuff from 5 minutes ago.
___
The jedi mind trick doesn't work on people who can easily remember stuff from 5 minutes ago.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (Dv3i1)
174
22.95 same as in town
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:38 AM (BEQiS)
175
Surge pricing is a different category than what instacart is doing, because it is market driven and does not discriminate based on the nature of the user, but only on the timing of the order.
I believe that in a society that espouses democratic ideals, allowing pricing based only on the personal characteristics of the purchasor is far too socially corrosive to be tolerated. To put it another way; over time the practice will cause problems for all, while providing profits for only a few.
I believe that in a society that espouses democratic ideals, allowing pricing based only on the personal characteristics of the purchasor is far too socially corrosive to be tolerated. To put it another way; over time the practice will cause problems for all, while providing profits for only a few.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 11:38 AM (uWKK8)
176
...I'm seeing the intermediary as a service. An optional service used for convenience. Not a necessary monopoly. Their market behavior should be met with market reaction - not government intervention. Market reaction could be reflected in a variety of ways. Maybe people just stop using their service. Maybe a competitor arises. Let the market decide.
Posted by: Doof
I'm still not getting it. A monopoly is not what's being charged here. Market price signals can easily be transmitted through intermediaries. I shall ponder.
Posted by: Doof
I'm still not getting it. A monopoly is not what's being charged here. Market price signals can easily be transmitted through intermediaries. I shall ponder.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (Riz8t)
177
I use Instacart all the time. Guess I am lazy….OR what little downtime I have, I don’t want to spend going to Mobile to get bulk products for my business. I will say my business account has different pricing than my personal. But I pay more for the business membership. I also had to prove I am a legit business to get it. I definitely add personal stuff to the order (it gets separated), and it’s worth it to me. I run a small business that operates 7 days a week. I homeschool. I am not on the couch eating bon bons. Right now I am developing a New Years ad as I check in with y’all.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (ZdaMQ)
Nah, you're not lazy. You are choosing to use their service. You weighed out your options and determined what you are are willing to pay someone else to do instead of doing it yourself.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:31 AM (ZdaMQ)
Nah, you're not lazy. You are choosing to use their service. You weighed out your options and determined what you are are willing to pay someone else to do instead of doing it yourself.
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (c2vsb)
178
We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment?
Because Instacart is tired of hearing about Prometheus?
Because Instacart is tired of hearing about Prometheus?
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (QZThv)
179
Putin replied that Starmer can't even stop rubber boats full of Muslims from coming and raping everyone.
Posted by: Ian S.
--
Guy's got a point
Posted by: Ian S.
--
Guy's got a point
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (dE3DB)
180
Да, конечно!
Posted by: San Franpsycho
Are you able to type the Cyrillic directly, or do you write it in Word and cut-and-paste it here?
Posted by: San Franpsycho
Are you able to type the Cyrillic directly, or do you write it in Word and cut-and-paste it here?
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (77rzZ)
181
I figured it was just a matter of time before someone bridled at the assumption that all Instacart users are stupid and/or lazy.
Posted by: Archimedes
I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Archimedes
I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
182
*0% For Well Qualified Buyers has entered the chat
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (T+ixL)
====================
You make a good point. If lower costs of credit are available for the affluent, why shouldn't the inverse also be true? Charge the rich more for convenience.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (T+ixL)
====================
You make a good point. If lower costs of credit are available for the affluent, why shouldn't the inverse also be true? Charge the rich more for convenience.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (yNGcr)
183
She probably deserved it. I wonder what she was wearing.
New York wins lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia for not making cars harder to steal 🤡
New York wins lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia for not making cars harder to steal 🤡
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (L/fGl)
184
You don't think Instacart knows the per capita income of the ZIP code you're ordering from?
Posted by: I gotta ask at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (EYPJc)
185
"As we see time and time and time again, federal regulators and investigators aren't there to do their stated jobs, they're there to protect the anointed and punish the disfavored."
They are either in on the take, or they are too stupid and poorly trained to do their jobs properly.
They are either in on the take, or they are too stupid and poorly trained to do their jobs properly.
Posted by: Diogenes at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (2WIwB)
186
$200 for a cab ride sounds excessive
Posted by: Don Black at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (ZxPkt)
187
I did watch the video related to the Instacart scandal.
And it does look sleazy (again, see above about me never using Instacart), but the people doing the investigation really seemed pissed off by the pursuit of profit more than the lying.
And there was lying, like about Target using Instacart. They don't, they have a competing service. But Instacart was listing Target items without an agreement, etc.
Instacart should burn for this.
And it does look sleazy (again, see above about me never using Instacart), but the people doing the investigation really seemed pissed off by the pursuit of profit more than the lying.
And there was lying, like about Target using Instacart. They don't, they have a competing service. But Instacart was listing Target items without an agreement, etc.
Instacart should burn for this.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (xcxpd)
188
A $27 cheeseburger from DoorDash vs $6 at Wendy's isn't a lesson in economics.
It's an IQ test.
Posted by: And you failed it
And they passed because they used SNAP for free.
It's an IQ test.
Posted by: And you failed it
And they passed because they used SNAP for free.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (T+ixL)
189
Nah, you're not lazy. You are choosing to use their service. You weighed out your options and determined what you are are willing to pay someone else to do instead of doing it yourself.
Actual free market capitalism, who knew?
Actual free market capitalism, who knew?
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (QZThv)
190
*0% For Well Qualified Buyers has entered the chat
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (T+ixL)
Has it though
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (T+ixL)
Has it though
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:41 AM (BEQiS)
191
"Oh, you are actually about to buy it! Well, that changes everything..."
Posted by: t-bird at December 17, 2025 11:41 AM (KqZNZ)
192
Also note the pricing is based on store price model. Instacart up charges it. It happens in stores, too. The Publix next door to my studio has higher prices on somethings as the one 3 miles down the road near my house. So it’s not national account pricing - it starts at the store level.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (ZdaMQ)
_____
Yea. There is as much as a 25% different in price for certain scotches at 3 different liquor stores within a few miles of each other, all in affluent towns in NJ. I know which store has the cheapest Laphroaig, which has the cheapest Lagavulin, which the cheapest Balvenie.
And oddly, they are different stores: the store with the cheapest Lagavulin doesn't have the cheapest Balvenie.
As I said above: BUYER BEWARE. Do some research and shop around and you'll cut your overall costs -- on everything -- at least 10% a year.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:36 AM (ZdaMQ)
_____
Yea. There is as much as a 25% different in price for certain scotches at 3 different liquor stores within a few miles of each other, all in affluent towns in NJ. I know which store has the cheapest Laphroaig, which has the cheapest Lagavulin, which the cheapest Balvenie.
And oddly, they are different stores: the store with the cheapest Lagavulin doesn't have the cheapest Balvenie.
As I said above: BUYER BEWARE. Do some research and shop around and you'll cut your overall costs -- on everything -- at least 10% a year.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:41 AM (iFTx/)
193
I figured it was just a matter of time before someone bridled at the assumption that all Instacart users are stupid and/or lazy.
Posted by: Archimedes
I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Piper
Neigh!
Posted by: Archimedes
I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Piper
Neigh!
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (T+ixL)
194
That's not what some of us are questioning. We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment? (Leave delivery fees and taxes out of the calculation.)
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
=====
The same way it's okay if the person at the farmer's market stall selling turnip greens thinks a person looks like an easy mark and marks the greens up on the spot just to see if they'll pay it.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
=====
The same way it's okay if the person at the farmer's market stall selling turnip greens thinks a person looks like an easy mark and marks the greens up on the spot just to see if they'll pay it.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (5aZAZ)
195
Many $200 cab rides, just stealing a car and then ditching it becomes plausible.
Posted by: tubal at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Tbj3s)
196
Archimedes even dresses like Zelenskyyy. He's a shill.
Posted by: Russian/Penguin Alliance at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (oftw2)
197
Doof- competitors are Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Shipt. So clearly people beside me use it. I am not keeping all of them in business!
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (ZdaMQ)
198
Putin replied that Starmer can't even stop rubber boats full of Muslims from coming and raping everyone.
Posted by: Ian S.
UK Boat Migrant Crossings Hit Daily High, Total for 2025 Passes 40,000
Posted by: Ian S.
UK Boat Migrant Crossings Hit Daily High, Total for 2025 Passes 40,000
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (L/fGl)
199
Airlines and hotels charge different rates depending upon when you book, but they don't charge different rates to people who book at the same time.
Not always. If I contact an airline for a price, and then shop around, when I return to the original airline, the price is usually higher than when I started. Someone who started at the same time I returned would presumably get the lower price, but I wouldn't.
I believe that in a society that espouses democratic ideals, allowing pricing based only on the personal characteristics of the purchasor is far too socially corrosive to be tolerated. To put it another way; over time the practice will cause problems for all, while providing profits for only a few.
I've always opposed having businesses told by the government who they must allow to use their wares. You've put the counterargument in a very compelling way.
Not always. If I contact an airline for a price, and then shop around, when I return to the original airline, the price is usually higher than when I started. Someone who started at the same time I returned would presumably get the lower price, but I wouldn't.
I believe that in a society that espouses democratic ideals, allowing pricing based only on the personal characteristics of the purchasor is far too socially corrosive to be tolerated. To put it another way; over time the practice will cause problems for all, while providing profits for only a few.
I've always opposed having businesses told by the government who they must allow to use their wares. You've put the counterargument in a very compelling way.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Riz8t)
200
A $27 cheeseburger from DoorDash vs $6 at Wendy's isn't a lesson in economics.
It's an IQ test.
Posted by: And you failed it at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (EYPJc)
Aside from the number being off, the problem with this logic is that the $27 (or whatever they're charging) isn't JUST for the cheeseburger. It's also for the convenience of not having to go get it, of having it dropped at your door.
Now, you can argue that's not a very wise use of one's money, but the person who ordered food delivery obviously sees value in being able to sit on their fat ass, and have the food shoved into their face without any more effort on their part.
It's an IQ test.
Posted by: And you failed it at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (EYPJc)
Aside from the number being off, the problem with this logic is that the $27 (or whatever they're charging) isn't JUST for the cheeseburger. It's also for the convenience of not having to go get it, of having it dropped at your door.
Now, you can argue that's not a very wise use of one's money, but the person who ordered food delivery obviously sees value in being able to sit on their fat ass, and have the food shoved into their face without any more effort on their part.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Ws9M3)
201
Caroline Ellison has been moved from federal prison to community confinement. That means the former Alameda Research CEO is either in home confinement or a halfway house. Ellison served about 11 months of her two-year prison sentence. Caroline Ellison, the former cryptocurrency executive and [ nerdy four-eyes ] ex-girlfriend of Sam Bankman-Fried, has been quietly moved out of federal lockup after serving roughly 11 months of her two-year prison sentence, Business Insider has learned.
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (RHGPo)
202
Always dress down when you go to the car dealership.
Posted by: Like grandad told you at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (EYPJc)
203
OK, I'm calling it a day. Hope you all have a lovely week.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing (aka Eloquent Depression) at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (ufSfZ)
204
Archimedes even dresses like Zelenskyyy. He's a shill.
Can he play "Fur Elise" with his dick like Zelensky?
Can he play "Fur Elise" with his dick like Zelensky?
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (QZThv)
205
I'm still not getting it. A monopoly is not what's being charged here. Market price signals can easily be transmitted through intermediaries. I shall ponder.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (Riz8t)
I used the word monopoly because of the discussion of anti-trust laws.
To me, instacart is similar to Tag and Title shops. I use a local one, and I realize I am paying for their service. There are a few of them here. They all charge different prices. I could go to the MVA / DMV myself, but I choose to pay for the convenience of not having too.
Another example might be legal services. Do all lawyers charge the same amount? Do lawyers charge every client the same amount? Services are optional and/or negotiable.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (Riz8t)
I used the word monopoly because of the discussion of anti-trust laws.
To me, instacart is similar to Tag and Title shops. I use a local one, and I realize I am paying for their service. There are a few of them here. They all charge different prices. I could go to the MVA / DMV myself, but I choose to pay for the convenience of not having too.
Another example might be legal services. Do all lawyers charge the same amount? Do lawyers charge every client the same amount? Services are optional and/or negotiable.
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (c2vsb)
206
A $27 cheeseburger from DoorDash vs $6 at Wendy's isn't a lesson in economics.
Self imposed idiocy tax.
Self imposed idiocy tax.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (L/fGl)
207
I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
And if Instacart did not exist, how would you handle the shopping chores?
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
And if Instacart did not exist, how would you handle the shopping chores?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (npFr7)
208
Now, you can argue that's not a very wise use of one's money, but the person who ordered food delivery obviously sees value in being able to sit on their fat ass, and have the food shoved into their face without any more effort on their part.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Ws9M3)
But I can’t afford to buy a house !!!
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Ws9M3)
But I can’t afford to buy a house !!!
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (KDPiq)
209
OT
I am outside XCel's blackout zone, but I fully expect them to cut my power anyway
I am outside XCel's blackout zone, but I fully expect them to cut my power anyway
Posted by: Don Black at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (ZxPkt)
210
Delivery services are one of the few things good that came out of the Covid scam. I use Walmart for about 90% of my groceries being a bit crippled up. I have Walmart Plus,costs me $100 a year and then there's no delivery charge, normally $10. And you get a steaming service free. If I was more mobile, I wouldn't use it but when you have to walk a mile to get a gallon of milk and are to stupid and stubborn to use the electric go karts it's handy.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (gm9Sb)
211
Have 5 different people walk into a car dealership and inquire about the same car and see if ANY of them get quoted the same deal. I'll wait.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (5aZAZ)
212
Wall Street Mav @WallStreetMav
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Gunther Eagleman @GuntherEagleman
@Grok, what is the Muslim population in these countries?
Grok @grok
Based on 2024-2025 estimates from sources like World Population Review and Pew Research:
- Poland: ~0.02% (6,800 Muslims)
- Austria: ~8% (720,000)
- Norway: ~3.2% (176,000)
- France: ~10% (6.7 million)
- Sweden: ~7% (700,000)
- UK: ~6% (3.9 million)
X: https://bit.ly/44TIPHV
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Gunther Eagleman @GuntherEagleman
@Grok, what is the Muslim population in these countries?
Grok @grok
Based on 2024-2025 estimates from sources like World Population Review and Pew Research:
- Poland: ~0.02% (6,800 Muslims)
- Austria: ~8% (720,000)
- Norway: ~3.2% (176,000)
- France: ~10% (6.7 million)
- Sweden: ~7% (700,000)
- UK: ~6% (3.9 million)
X: https://bit.ly/44TIPHV
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (P5BPp)
213
Actual free market capitalism, who knew?
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (QZThv)
I thought it was AoSHQ policy that free markets are bad.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 11:40 AM (QZThv)
I thought it was AoSHQ policy that free markets are bad.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (Ws9M3)
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:46 AM (xcxpd)
215
Airlines and hotels charge different rates depending upon when you book, but they don't charge different rates to people who book at the same time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (QPpHv)
----
This is patently false.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (QPpHv)
----
This is patently false.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:46 AM (5aZAZ)
216
DOT put express lanes on the freeways around here a couple years ago. Recently, there was great outrage because they instituted dynamic pricing on the tolls. Not peak or non-peak, but changing by the hour, if not minute. DOT's rationale was, I shit you not, they were trying to discourage use of the express lanes.
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (MZ+PY)
217
208 Now, you can argue that's not a very wise use of one's money, but the person who ordered food delivery obviously sees value in being able to sit on their fat ass, and have the food shoved into their face without any more effort on their part.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Ws9M3)
But I can’t afford to buy a house !!!
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (KDPiq)
====
The problem is insurance and housing:
https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/
1999468528966205504
A weirdly large spike which happened with the election of Joe Biden when he opened up the borders, which I'm sure is completely unrelated because the supply/demand curve is racist and should be forgotten as an artifact of imperialism over black bodies and no more.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (Ws9M3)
But I can’t afford to buy a house !!!
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (KDPiq)
====
The problem is insurance and housing:
https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/
1999468528966205504
A weirdly large spike which happened with the election of Joe Biden when he opened up the borders, which I'm sure is completely unrelated because the supply/demand curve is racist and should be forgotten as an artifact of imperialism over black bodies and no more.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (GBKbO)
218
Archimedes even dresses like Zelenskyyy. He's a shill.
Can he play "Fur Elise" with his d*** like Zelensky?
Nope. The extreme length makes it difficult to control over the keyboard.
Can he play "Fur Elise" with his d*** like Zelensky?
Nope. The extreme length makes it difficult to control over the keyboard.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (Riz8t)
219
But I can’t afford to buy a house !!!
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (KDPiq)
Now you got me wondering if these services deliver to homeless encampments.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (KDPiq)
Now you got me wondering if these services deliver to homeless encampments.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (Ws9M3)
220
All's well in Oz.
When asked about Islamic violence, Aussie minister defends "multiculturalism," says government has "criminalized the Nazi salute" to protect citizens
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM
Yet, they have not criminalized Islam or Muslims, who are essentially modern-day Nazis.
When asked about Islamic violence, Aussie minister defends "multiculturalism," says government has "criminalized the Nazi salute" to protect citizens
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM
Yet, they have not criminalized Islam or Muslims, who are essentially modern-day Nazis.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (P5BPp)
221
AFAIK
q up
20$ same as in town +
(rolls dice on counter for all to see) 3$
legal
20$ same as in town +
(rolls dice under counter no one sees) 5$
illegal violation of long established anti-trust law
20$ same as in town +
(doesn't like your face) 6$
illegal violation of anti-discrimination law
q up
20$ same as in town +
(rolls dice on counter for all to see) 3$
legal
20$ same as in town +
(rolls dice under counter no one sees) 5$
illegal violation of long established anti-trust law
20$ same as in town +
(doesn't like your face) 6$
illegal violation of anti-discrimination law
Posted by: DaveA at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (FhXTo)
222
198 Putin replied that Starmer can't even stop rubber boats full of Muslims from coming and raping everyone.
Posted by: Ian S.
Hah, Putin is such a liar.
Surely he knows that Starmer is actively involved in bringing those moslims over and covering up the raping.
That Putin, he'll say anything! It's what dictators do!
Posted by: Ian S.
Hah, Putin is such a liar.
Surely he knows that Starmer is actively involved in bringing those moslims over and covering up the raping.
That Putin, he'll say anything! It's what dictators do!
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:48 AM (Dv3i1)
223
That's not what some of us are questioning. We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment? (Leave delivery fees and taxes out of the calculation.)
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (ZdaMQ)
224
Not always. If I contact an airline for a price, and then shop around, when I return to the original airline, the price is usually higher than when I started.
Have done that quite a few times. If you show interest, those search criteria are saved for quite a while. If you can switch IPs and browsers, and swoop in on the flight, you can get the better price.
Have done that quite a few times. If you show interest, those search criteria are saved for quite a while. If you can switch IPs and browsers, and swoop in on the flight, you can get the better price.
Posted by: t-bird at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (KqZNZ)
225
Have 5 different people walk into a car dealership and inquire about the same car and see if ANY of them get quoted the same deal. I'll wait.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (5aZAZ)
Generally based on whether you're a dude or a chick.
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (5aZAZ)
Generally based on whether you're a dude or a chick.
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
226
Why are most individual attacks today on American Jewish people are by African-Americans? Worse than the KKK back in the day.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (KDPiq)
227
I thought it was yesterday as well, but apparently it's tonight.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (6jy2V)
Ah
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM (6jy2V)
Ah
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (BEQiS)
228
Airline and hotel room prices are determined by the number of remaining seats or rooms. They will raise the price as that number decreases or the date approaches, and prices then fall when the possibility of unsold slots starts to rise close to the date. Thus is not the same as charging different prices for two customers who book at the same time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (QPpHv)
229
I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
And if Instacart did not exist, how would you handle the shopping chores?
My daughter used to live in midtown Manhattan, and had no car. When she first moved there, she and my wife walked to the grocery store, which was not close, because there was no parking. They lugged all the groceries home, and said "never again". They thought about taking an Uber, but that was very expensive.
From then on, she used a delivery service, not for one or two items, but after she'd developed a list of things she needed.
In some situations, division of labor makes sense.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
And if Instacart did not exist, how would you handle the shopping chores?
My daughter used to live in midtown Manhattan, and had no car. When she first moved there, she and my wife walked to the grocery store, which was not close, because there was no parking. They lugged all the groceries home, and said "never again". They thought about taking an Uber, but that was very expensive.
From then on, she used a delivery service, not for one or two items, but after she'd developed a list of things she needed.
In some situations, division of labor makes sense.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (Riz8t)
230
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
You forgot the towel rack on the trunk lid.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
You forgot the towel rack on the trunk lid.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (npFr7)
231
All's well in Oz.
When asked about Islamic violence, Aussie minister defends "multiculturalism," says government has "criminalized the Nazi salute" to protect citizens
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM
Yet, they have not criminalized Islam or Muslims, who are essentially modern-day Nazis.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (P5BPp)
You really have to marvel at the suicidal behavior of these formerly first world nations.
As much as we bicker and argue about things here in Amerka, it really does seem to be just about the last bastion of freedom on the planet.
Well, here and Qatar.
When asked about Islamic violence, Aussie minister defends "multiculturalism," says government has "criminalized the Nazi salute" to protect citizens
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Now With Pumpkin Spice! at December 17, 2025 11:30 AM
Yet, they have not criminalized Islam or Muslims, who are essentially modern-day Nazis.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (P5BPp)
You really have to marvel at the suicidal behavior of these formerly first world nations.
As much as we bicker and argue about things here in Amerka, it really does seem to be just about the last bastion of freedom on the planet.
Well, here and Qatar.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:51 AM (Ws9M3)
232
Generally based on whether you're a dude or a chick.
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
-----
Correct, and also based on how long the car has been sitting on the lot, has the salesman made quota yet that month, are they tired of that car being in the showroom, is the finance manager in a good mood, did the secretary blow the GM earlier that morning....et cetera.
I'm trying to say that what Instacart is doing here isn't something new, revolutionary, or particularly evil on its face. As always, when you get your wallet out you should watch where the money goes.
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
-----
Correct, and also based on how long the car has been sitting on the lot, has the salesman made quota yet that month, are they tired of that car being in the showroom, is the finance manager in a good mood, did the secretary blow the GM earlier that morning....et cetera.
I'm trying to say that what Instacart is doing here isn't something new, revolutionary, or particularly evil on its face. As always, when you get your wallet out you should watch where the money goes.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:51 AM (5aZAZ)
233
216 DOT put express lanes on the freeways around here a couple years ago. Recently, there was great outrage because they instituted dynamic pricing on the tolls. Not peak or non-peak, but changing by the hour, if not minute. DOT's rationale was, I shit you not, they were trying to discourage use of the express lanes.
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (MZ+PY)
Same thing here in Western WA
Posted by: Ex Rex Reeder at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (MZ+PY)
Same thing here in Western WA
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:51 AM (xcxpd)
234
Why does the Instacart idea bother me when I’m totally cool with Amazon doing almost the exact same thing for video rentals/purchases. They offer huge discounts that vary on a user-by-user basis. If Bob will buy at “10% off” while Carl won’t buy unless it’s 50% off, Amazon will give them each those different offers. Is this fair to Bob?
Posted by: wooga at December 17, 2025 11:52 AM (OQLo+)
235
I know a guy who owns many AirBNBs. When certain protected classes call for reservations, he explains so sorry, unit is being refit for a better stay next time.
He learned the hard way.
He learned the hard way.
Posted by: No Soup For You at December 17, 2025 11:52 AM (m8zKa)
236
Australia focuses on the real threats - Novak Djokovic didn't take the vaccine for covid, so not allowed*. Moslim** has terrorist sympathies, allowed. Throw some halal shrimp on the barbie for 'im!
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM
Australia has also banned some anti-Islam YouTubers.
Candace Owens (2024-2025)
Hillel Fuld (2025)
Milo Yiannopolous (2019)
Yet, they allow ISIS brides no problem.
YouTube: https://bit.ly/49esVKs
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 11:13 AM
Australia has also banned some anti-Islam YouTubers.
Candace Owens (2024-2025)
Hillel Fuld (2025)
Milo Yiannopolous (2019)
Yet, they allow ISIS brides no problem.
YouTube: https://bit.ly/49esVKs
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 11:52 AM (P5BPp)
237
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (ZdaMQ)
Correct.
By the way, those shoes that you said were $995 -- I got them for $50. The store said the $995 price tag was for people they knew would pay that amount.
*ducks and runs away*
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (ZdaMQ)
Correct.
By the way, those shoes that you said were $995 -- I got them for $50. The store said the $995 price tag was for people they knew would pay that amount.
*ducks and runs away*
Posted by: Doof at December 17, 2025 11:52 AM (c2vsb)
238
You forgot the towel rack on the trunk lid.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (npFr7)
Heh, I never heard it called a towel rack before.
I sometimes long for a new car with a manual transmission, but one of the few left is the Honda Civic Z (or whatever). And that one comes with the towel rack.
No thank you.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (npFr7)
Heh, I never heard it called a towel rack before.
I sometimes long for a new car with a manual transmission, but one of the few left is the Honda Civic Z (or whatever). And that one comes with the towel rack.
No thank you.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (Ws9M3)
239
Every year, the cost of my health insurance increases substantially. (I don't have dental, vision, etc. separately & I'm not on Medicare.)
>Shots - Health News
ACA shoppers face sticker shock as Congress dithers on health care, December 15, 2025
BS. Paying nothing or almost for years. How can it be so shocking for up to (an additional) $1,000 spread out over the year for premium plans?
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) made special Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies available for people receiving unemployment compensation, allowing them to get lower-cost (even $0 premium) health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace starting July 1, 2021, and these enhanced subsidies were later extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Anyone who received unemployment benefits at any point in 2021 qualified, regardless of their yearly income.
Benefits: This meant access to significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, often resulting in $0 monthly premiums for benchmark Silver plans.
Then Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) extended these "enhanced subsidies" through 2025, continuing the benefit for the unemployed "and others."
>Shots - Health News
ACA shoppers face sticker shock as Congress dithers on health care, December 15, 2025
BS. Paying nothing or almost for years. How can it be so shocking for up to (an additional) $1,000 spread out over the year for premium plans?
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) made special Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies available for people receiving unemployment compensation, allowing them to get lower-cost (even $0 premium) health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace starting July 1, 2021, and these enhanced subsidies were later extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Anyone who received unemployment benefits at any point in 2021 qualified, regardless of their yearly income.
Benefits: This meant access to significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, often resulting in $0 monthly premiums for benchmark Silver plans.
Then Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) extended these "enhanced subsidies" through 2025, continuing the benefit for the unemployed "and others."
Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (NFX2v)
240
My daughter used to live in midtown Manhattan, and had no car. When she first moved there, she and my wife walked to the grocery store, which was not close, because there was no parking. They lugged all the groceries home, and said "never again". They thought about taking an Uber, but that was very expensive.
From then on, she used a delivery service, not for one or two items, but after she'd developed a list of things she needed.
In some situations, division of labor makes sense.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (Riz8t)
I still walk groceries home almost every other day, since we are also now short cars after the fall. I also use Amazon's new free delivery service (which has given me unbelievable produce deals, probably to get me hooked).
So, it's one big weekend shop, and then oopsies and sales the rest of the week in small quantities for a fam of 6.
From then on, she used a delivery service, not for one or two items, but after she'd developed a list of things she needed.
In some situations, division of labor makes sense.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (Riz8t)
I still walk groceries home almost every other day, since we are also now short cars after the fall. I also use Amazon's new free delivery service (which has given me unbelievable produce deals, probably to get me hooked).
So, it's one big weekend shop, and then oopsies and sales the rest of the week in small quantities for a fam of 6.
Posted by: Nova Local at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (tOcjL)
241
Have 5 different people walk into a car dealership and inquire about the same car and see if ANY of them get quoted the same deal. I'll wait.
Posted by: ballistic
Sticker prices are already framed by legislation. This isn't about negotiation. It's about the listed price. FAIL, as the kids say.
Posted by: ballistic
Sticker prices are already framed by legislation. This isn't about negotiation. It's about the listed price. FAIL, as the kids say.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (mlg/3)
242
Have 5 different people walk into a car dealership and inquire about the same car and see if ANY of them get quoted the same deal. I'll wait.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (5aZAZ)
Generally based on whether you're a dude or a chick.
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
______
I was in car sales for years. It's how I put myself through college and law school. The reality is in the modern world the buyer comes in knowing almost exactly what he wants. And based on my experience, it's very hard to spot the "mark" from appearance alone. Or really to tell much of anything from appearance alone.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:45 AM (5aZAZ)
Generally based on whether you're a dude or a chick.
But I'm guessing car dealers will see some young fella, especially if he's wearing expensive sneakers, and guide him toward the "sports" car with the 4 cylinder engine, that has the glass pipe noisemakers on it, and upcharge the hell out of him.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (Ws9M3)
______
I was in car sales for years. It's how I put myself through college and law school. The reality is in the modern world the buyer comes in knowing almost exactly what he wants. And based on my experience, it's very hard to spot the "mark" from appearance alone. Or really to tell much of anything from appearance alone.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (iFTx/)
243
The same way it's okay if the person at the farmer's market stall selling turnip greens thinks a person looks like an easy mark and marks the greens up on the spot just to see if they'll pay it.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (5aZAZ)
In that case, we're talking about personal 1 on 1, face to face transactions, and we don't want to have a government minder standing over every single interaction. Also presumably there will be other small vendors available for the same product, which can be easily compared.
But with something like Instacart, we're looking at a computer algorithm with vast power that deals with tens of thousands of individuals a day, and the bargaining power between an individual and that kind of mechanized computing power is not even close to equal. It does not help anyone to make shopping for every individual kumquat a 2 hour exercise in price matching.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:42 AM (5aZAZ)
In that case, we're talking about personal 1 on 1, face to face transactions, and we don't want to have a government minder standing over every single interaction. Also presumably there will be other small vendors available for the same product, which can be easily compared.
But with something like Instacart, we're looking at a computer algorithm with vast power that deals with tens of thousands of individuals a day, and the bargaining power between an individual and that kind of mechanized computing power is not even close to equal. It does not help anyone to make shopping for every individual kumquat a 2 hour exercise in price matching.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (uWKK8)
244
228 Airline and hotel room prices are determined by the number of remaining seats or rooms. They will raise the price as that number decreases or the date approaches, and prices then fall when the possibility of unsold slots starts to rise close to the date. Thus is not the same as charging different prices for two customers who book at the same time.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (QPpHv)
-----
This is correct in part but it also willfully ignores all of the other factors they use in deciding what price to show you at the time of booking.
As I have said in this thread before, hit Expedia on your laptop and your phone, at the same time, from the same network, and pull up the same product (flight, hotel room) and I would bet you even money that you don't get the same price on both devices.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 11:50 AM (QPpHv)
-----
This is correct in part but it also willfully ignores all of the other factors they use in deciding what price to show you at the time of booking.
As I have said in this thread before, hit Expedia on your laptop and your phone, at the same time, from the same network, and pull up the same product (flight, hotel room) and I would bet you even money that you don't get the same price on both devices.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (5aZAZ)
245
I always feel I leave about 2k on the table when buying a car. I have a price in mind and if the dealer takes it I’m good. I’m almost positive I could squeeze out a lower price but just want to get the F out of there.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (KDPiq)
246
225 "Hey, kid. I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't include the rustproofing for $496 and these custom floor mats for $195. Think of it as an investment". "Hey,Chuck, run down to O'reilly's and get some of those $10 floor mats and a couple cans of that spray shit. Give the spray shit to Jose. He knows what to do".
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (gm9Sb)
247
This has to be one of the stranger "problems" I've ever seen.
So a business... sets its prices..... according to its own rules? And those prices vary?
How is this anybody's business except the business and its customers?
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (Ws9M3)
Yeah. I'm with the people that say the free market will take care of this one way or another.
So a business... sets its prices..... according to its own rules? And those prices vary?
How is this anybody's business except the business and its customers?
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (Ws9M3)
Yeah. I'm with the people that say the free market will take care of this one way or another.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (g8Ew8)
248
207 I didn’t bridle that much, because I don’t have the energy. It was maybe just a little prickly that quickly went into this is why I use it. 😊
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
And if Instacart did not exist, how would you handle the shopping chores?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (
I would probably just order it all on Amazon, which would take a little bit longer since I couldn’t get it all from the same place at the same time.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:39 AM (ZdaMQ)
And if Instacart did not exist, how would you handle the shopping chores?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:44 AM (
I would probably just order it all on Amazon, which would take a little bit longer since I couldn’t get it all from the same place at the same time.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (ZdaMQ)
249
DogeDesigner @cb_doge
Javier Milei on Censorship in UK
"Since the socialists came to power, they have been jailing people for posting on social media, and the journalists here would like that too, because they don't like that they have lost the monopoly of the microphone and the ability to use that tool to extort and smear, to defame without any cause.
Social media makes them accountable, and they don't like it. Now the people are doing it organically because they realized many of them are criminals."
X video: https://bit.ly/3KBJSoX
Javier Milei on Censorship in UK
"Since the socialists came to power, they have been jailing people for posting on social media, and the journalists here would like that too, because they don't like that they have lost the monopoly of the microphone and the ability to use that tool to extort and smear, to defame without any cause.
Social media makes them accountable, and they don't like it. Now the people are doing it organically because they realized many of them are criminals."
X video: https://bit.ly/3KBJSoX
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (P5BPp)
250
I'm trying to say that what Instacart is doing here isn't something new, revolutionary, or particularly evil on its face. As always, when you get your wallet out you should watch where the money goes.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:51 AM (5aZAZ)
Agreed.
I remember some guy at some time saying something about a sucker and his money and the parting of their ways.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:51 AM (5aZAZ)
Agreed.
I remember some guy at some time saying something about a sucker and his money and the parting of their ways.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (Ws9M3)
251
If dynamic pricing is illegal, the biggest offender is...the US government. I get a much smaller return on the money I paid in to SS and Medicare than someone who paid in much less. Is that fair? I'm oppressed, is what I am.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (Riz8t)
252
A federal judge on Tuesday turned down preservationists’ request to halt President Donald Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom project, concluding that allowing below-ground construction to continue in the coming weeks was unlikely to produce irreparable harm to those opposed to the plan.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s request for a temporary restraining order, but said he would hear arguments early next year about whether to issue a longer-term preliminary injunction against the project.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon denied the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s request for a temporary restraining order, but said he would hear arguments early next year about whether to issue a longer-term preliminary injunction against the project.
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (RHGPo)
253
But with something like Instacart, we're looking at a computer algorithm with vast power that deals with tens of thousands of individuals a day, and the bargaining power between an individual and that kind of mechanized computing power is not even close to equal. It does not help anyone to make shopping for every individual kumquat a 2 hour exercise in price matching.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (uWKK
------
It's still 1000% Your Fault if you're dumb enough to pay a wildly inflated price for a product or service.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (uWKK
------
It's still 1000% Your Fault if you're dumb enough to pay a wildly inflated price for a product or service.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (5aZAZ)
254
>202 Always dress down when you go to the car dealership.
Posted by: Like grandad told you at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (EYPJc)
I'm an absolute dick when negotiating the price of a car. You either want to sell the car or you don't. If you do, you're going to take a haircut on the sticker price. And you'll give me the out the door cost before I discuss financing. And don't give me that 'I have to discuss with my manager' nonsense.
Posted by: Like grandad told you at December 17, 2025 11:43 AM (EYPJc)
I'm an absolute dick when negotiating the price of a car. You either want to sell the car or you don't. If you do, you're going to take a haircut on the sticker price. And you'll give me the out the door cost before I discuss financing. And don't give me that 'I have to discuss with my manager' nonsense.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (NgqoH)
255
223 That's not what some of us are questioning. We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment? (Leave delivery fees and taxes out of the calculation.)
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (ZdaMQ)
In the expose Consumer Reports did with The Post, they had a room full of people, all in the same place, shopping the same store, at the same time. And there was a big variation of price on the same items.
Instacart is basically testing price gouging on its customers
https://youtu.be/osxr7xSxsGo.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:49 AM (ZdaMQ)
In the expose Consumer Reports did with The Post, they had a room full of people, all in the same place, shopping the same store, at the same time. And there was a big variation of price on the same items.
Instacart is basically testing price gouging on its customers
https://youtu.be/osxr7xSxsGo.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (xcxpd)
256
There is an argument to be made that the sorts of pricing seen in delivery services--especially where groceries and such are involved--could be seen as having particular predatory impact on the disabled or individuals otherwise physically hampered from shopping in person. One wonders if there's an ADA case an adventuresome litigator might be tempted to push...
Posted by: Brother Tim (102mm/W59), Keeper of the Tim Continuum at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (OUMaO)
257
Did Trump speak last night?
Posted by: ...
He was at some Hannukah thing last night, and spoke. Tonight at 9pm, Trump Standard Time, is his address to the nation.
Posted by: ...
He was at some Hannukah thing last night, and spoke. Tonight at 9pm, Trump Standard Time, is his address to the nation.
Posted by: t-bird at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (dfgzq)
258
Well whether Putin wanted war is disputable. I'd argue he did, failing some diplomatic solution that left him with Ukraine.
But what wasn't disputable is this: European leaders are, in point of fact, little piggies. Grasping, obsequious lickspittle piggies, snuffling greedily at the globalist trough.
Nothing "unhinged" about that part of Putin's statement. They're all demonstrably piggy AF.
But what wasn't disputable is this: European leaders are, in point of fact, little piggies. Grasping, obsequious lickspittle piggies, snuffling greedily at the globalist trough.
Nothing "unhinged" about that part of Putin's statement. They're all demonstrably piggy AF.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (BI5O2)
259
I’m almost positive I could squeeze out a lower price but just want to get the F out of there.
Posted by: Opinion fact
Buying a car is one of the most unpleasant experiences one can go through. I hate it.
Posted by: Opinion fact
Buying a car is one of the most unpleasant experiences one can go through. I hate it.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (77rzZ)
260
@186
>>$200 for a cab ride sounds excessive
Sure is, but when your car is parked in Hoboken and a rain storm has brought NYC MTA to it's knees, what are you going to do, swim to Hoboken?
>>$200 for a cab ride sounds excessive
Sure is, but when your car is parked in Hoboken and a rain storm has brought NYC MTA to it's knees, what are you going to do, swim to Hoboken?
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (XV/Pl)
261
1 ) no shop has prices listed
2 ) every shop has a price listed and honored
Which economy do you wish to live in?
2 ) every shop has a price listed and honored
Which economy do you wish to live in?
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (mlg/3)
262
Social media makes them accountable, and they don't like it. Now the people are doing it organically because they realized many of them are criminals."
____
All the journalists I know are the most honest, upright, hardworking truth-tellers. What Milei is saying is straight out of an authoritarian's playbook.
____
All the journalists I know are the most honest, upright, hardworking truth-tellers. What Milei is saying is straight out of an authoritarian's playbook.
Posted by: Jake Tapper at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (Dv3i1)
263
I just bank on the keyboard until the red squiggles go away.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE HE MISSPELLED "BANG" IN A WAY THAT WOULDN'T MAKE A RED SQUIGGLE.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE HE MISSPELLED "BANG" IN A WAY THAT WOULDN'T MAKE A RED SQUIGGLE.
Posted by: BEN ROFLCOPTER at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (CLARQ)
264
The problem is insurance and housing:
https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/
1999468528966205504
A weirdly large spike which happened with the election of Joe Biden when he opened up the borders, which I'm sure is completely unrelated because the supply/demand curve is racist and should be forgotten as an artifact of imperialism over black bodies and no more.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (GBKbO)
____
The insurance graph is odd because not only is there a yuge spike starting with Biden (for reasons which are obvious), there are also earlier spikes and falls that don't seem to correspond to anything.
I wonder what data is being used for this chart. I'm always skeptical when I see things like this. My own insurance hasn't gone up much at all. Certainly not that big a spike.
https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/
1999468528966205504
A weirdly large spike which happened with the election of Joe Biden when he opened up the borders, which I'm sure is completely unrelated because the supply/demand curve is racist and should be forgotten as an artifact of imperialism over black bodies and no more.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:47 AM (GBKbO)
____
The insurance graph is odd because not only is there a yuge spike starting with Biden (for reasons which are obvious), there are also earlier spikes and falls that don't seem to correspond to anything.
I wonder what data is being used for this chart. I'm always skeptical when I see things like this. My own insurance hasn't gone up much at all. Certainly not that big a spike.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (iFTx/)
265
How many more times are we going to hear "Muhammad Al Al bib Muhammad bin aluakbar Muhammad" murdered people before the real backlash kicks in?
Posted by: fuxupwichyou at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (B5hSh)
266
Sticker prices are already framed by legislation. This isn't about negotiation. It's about the listed price. FAIL, as the kids say.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (mlg/3)
-----
Didn't say anything about sticker price, hoss.
I said "Quoted the same deal."
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM (mlg/3)
-----
Didn't say anything about sticker price, hoss.
I said "Quoted the same deal."
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (5aZAZ)
267
I would probably just order it all on Amazon, which would take a little bit longer since I couldn’t get it all from the same place at the same time.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (ZdaMQ)
As a business owner, do you have employees that could be given the task of doing a shopping run?
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (ZdaMQ)
As a business owner, do you have employees that could be given the task of doing a shopping run?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (npFr7)
268
Why does the Instacart idea bother me when I’m totally cool with Amazon doing almost the exact same thing for video rentals/purchases."
Because we view groceries as necessities, while we view video rentals as discretionary entertainment. Now it may be argued that some high end foods, as well as cookies, cakes, and pies are just discretionary luxury items. I believe that's long been the justification for extra alcohol taxation.
Because we view groceries as necessities, while we view video rentals as discretionary entertainment. Now it may be argued that some high end foods, as well as cookies, cakes, and pies are just discretionary luxury items. I believe that's long been the justification for extra alcohol taxation.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (uWKK8)
269
10 IIRC Wendys is also trying this Instacart version of 'dynamic pricing' and yes Wendys is dead to me.
-------------
Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
-------------
Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
270
I always feel I leave about 2k on the table when buying a car. I have a price in mind and if the dealer takes it I’m good. I’m almost positive I could squeeze out a lower price but just want to get the F out of there.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (KDPiq)
Agreed. I did my research (which is nothing more than going to more than one site and looking at what they say the price should be), went to the dealer, selected the vehicle I wanted, presented them with the printout of the agreed price and the value of my trade-in, and walked out with the keys.
People like me, they don't haggle, or play markup games, but I'm guessing there's some trick or two they know that I don't that could have gotten me a few more bucks in my pocket.
I don't care. The whole process took about an hour.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 11:54 AM (KDPiq)
Agreed. I did my research (which is nothing more than going to more than one site and looking at what they say the price should be), went to the dealer, selected the vehicle I wanted, presented them with the printout of the agreed price and the value of my trade-in, and walked out with the keys.
People like me, they don't haggle, or play markup games, but I'm guessing there's some trick or two they know that I don't that could have gotten me a few more bucks in my pocket.
I don't care. The whole process took about an hour.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Ws9M3)
271
The sticker price of the can of beans is what you get if you walk into the store and buy it yourself. Instacart shows you something different because A) you're using a service to get the beans and B) They want to see if you're dumb enough to eat a 300% markup. This isn't difficult...
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (5aZAZ)
272
AOC's Puerto Rico Trip Highlights the Hollow Core of Performative Socialism
AOC rails nonstop against “the rich,” yet drops tens of thousands in campaign cash on luxury hotels, upscale catering, and elite venues on a Puerto Rico trip.
Socialism for you, first-class living for her.
The hypocrisy writes itself. Nicolás Maduro look-alike.
With all the romance of the Ton-Ton Macoute
AOC rails nonstop against “the rich,” yet drops tens of thousands in campaign cash on luxury hotels, upscale catering, and elite venues on a Puerto Rico trip.
Socialism for you, first-class living for her.
The hypocrisy writes itself. Nicolás Maduro look-alike.
With all the romance of the Ton-Ton Macoute
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (RHGPo)
273
Wall Street Mav @WallStreetMav
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (T+ixL)
274
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
Did they go wee-wee-wee all the way home?
Did they go wee-wee-wee all the way home?
Posted by: stu-mick-o-sucks at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (w9Wax)
275
This sort of rapacity is something I DO believe the Boomers started. I often defend the bastards of my age group, not on grounds of character, but merely of accuracy. A lot of the BS we were full of was fed to us, and most my age were docile sheep about it.
But when it comes to the attitude that customers and employees exist to be ripped off, well, that does come from when the rip-off generation got into managment.
But when it comes to the attitude that customers and employees exist to be ripped off, well, that does come from when the rip-off generation got into managment.
Posted by: Eeyore at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (s0JqF)
276
But what wasn't disputable is this: European leaders are, in point of fact, little piggies. Grasping, obsequious lickspittle piggies, snuffling greedily at the globalist trough.
See! Common ground.
See! Common ground.
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (Riz8t)
277
"Tell you what, I'll throw in the fuzzy dice on the rearview for free."
Posted by: Car dealer who knows how to close the deal at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (vSSIL)
278
273 Wall Street Mav @WallStreetMav
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (T+ixL)
=====
Maybe Polish fathers still take care of business when their daughters are raped.
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (T+ixL)
=====
Maybe Polish fathers still take care of business when their daughters are raped.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (GBKbO)
279
254 I'm an absolute dick when negotiating the price of a car. You either want to sell the car or you don't. If you do, you're going to take a haircut on the sticker price. And you'll give me the out the door cost before I discuss financing. And don't give me that 'I have to discuss with my manager' nonsense.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (NgqoH)
The last dealership I bought from, they adamantly refused to sell to me, and so I basically had to look like the lamest person on earth and get multiple family members involved before they finally agreed to do so.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (NgqoH)
The last dealership I bought from, they adamantly refused to sell to me, and so I basically had to look like the lamest person on earth and get multiple family members involved before they finally agreed to do so.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (UnA8+)
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (ZdaMQ)
281
Now, let's do plumbers and HVAC guys.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (Wg6v7)
282
As I have said in this thread before, hit Expedia on your laptop and your phone, at the same time, from the same network, and pull up the same product (flight, hotel room) and I would bet you even money that you don't get the same price on both devices.
Posted by: ballistic
--
There's an article that says mobile users get charged more
Posted by: ballistic
--
There's an article that says mobile users get charged more
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (gDlxJ)
283
Tucker's brother...is that you?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
That Shaft is one bad Tucker Brother!
Tucker's brother...is that you?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
That Shaft is one bad Tucker Brother!
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (pkeXY)
284
269 10 IIRC Wendys is also trying this Instacart version of 'dynamic pricing' and yes Wendys is dead to me.
-------------
Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
Strangely good with french fries
-------------
Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
Strangely good with french fries
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (xcxpd)
285
Negotiate for a car in first week of January.
Posted by: Kingsman at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (ehY6c)
286
Homeowners Insurance has gone up tremendously in Hurricane zones even though we haven’t had one hit in 8 years in my area. I moved out of the zone and my insurance was cut in half for a higher priced home.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (KDPiq)
287
261 1 ) no shop has prices listed
2 ) every shop has a price listed and honored
Which economy do you wish to live in?
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (mlg/3)
--
The prices in the grocery store are listed and honored. When you hire someone else to go to the grocery store for you, those prices are subject to negotiation with the person or entity you've selected to make your grocery run.
2 ) every shop has a price listed and honored
Which economy do you wish to live in?
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (mlg/3)
--
The prices in the grocery store are listed and honored. When you hire someone else to go to the grocery store for you, those prices are subject to negotiation with the person or entity you've selected to make your grocery run.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (5aZAZ)
288
"unhinged rant"
That is opinion trying to slip by as a fact. My assumption is the writer is a liar whenever they try this trick.
That is opinion trying to slip by as a fact. My assumption is the writer is a liar whenever they try this trick.
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (Dv3i1)
289
Didn't say anything about sticker price, hoss.
I said "Quoted the same deal."
Posted by: ballistic
The deal begins with a sticker price.
I said "Quoted the same deal."
Posted by: ballistic
The deal begins with a sticker price.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (mlg/3)
290
You see this cat, Shaft is a bad motha-
(Shut your mouth!)
But I'm talkin' about Shaft!
(Then we can dig it!)
(Shut your mouth!)
But I'm talkin' about Shaft!
(Then we can dig it!)
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (RHGPo)
291
>Buying a car is one of the most unpleasant experiences one can go through. I hate it.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (77rzZ)
I called a second dealer about a similarly equipped car while sitting at the sales desk of dealer number one.
Posted by: Bulg at December 17, 2025 11:56 AM (77rzZ)
I called a second dealer about a similarly equipped car while sitting at the sales desk of dealer number one.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (NgqoH)
292
Never buy a new car. Never place a bet on a game until the game is underway. Stuff you learn about real markets.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (Wg6v7)
293
How many more times are we going to hear "Muhammad Al Al bib Muhammad bin aluakbar Muhammad" murdered people before the real backlash kicks in?
Posted by: fuxupwichyou at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (B5hSh)
It sure looked like slaughter, what he did to Joe Bugner and Jerry Quarry, but I wouldn't call it murder.
Posted by: fuxupwichyou at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (B5hSh)
It sure looked like slaughter, what he did to Joe Bugner and Jerry Quarry, but I wouldn't call it murder.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (wCwnN)
294
A federal judge on Tuesday turned down preservationists’ request to halt President Donald Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom project, concluding that allowing below-ground construction to continue in the coming weeks was unlikely to produce irreparable harm to those opposed to the plan.
=
hahah
=
hahah
Posted by: runner at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (g47mK)
295
>>Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
It was perfectly hinged and Putin is exactly right.
It was perfectly hinged and Putin is exactly right.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (viF8m)
296
You see this cat, Trump is a bad motha-
(Shut your mouth!)
But I'm talkin' about Trump!
(Then we can dig it!)
(Shut your mouth!)
But I'm talkin' about Trump!
(Then we can dig it!)
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (RHGPo)
297
>285 Negotiate for a car in first week of January.
Posted by: Kingsman at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (ehY6c)
Last week of December. There is a hefty incentive to book the sale by the end of Q4.
Posted by: Kingsman at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (ehY6c)
Last week of December. There is a hefty incentive to book the sale by the end of Q4.
Posted by: Heavy Meta at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (NgqoH)
298
What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 ... England: 117.2
Well, I think we can figure out what is NOT going on in Poland.
I wonder if the EU expects them to get their numbers up?
Poland: 1.3 ... England: 117.2
Well, I think we can figure out what is NOT going on in Poland.
I wonder if the EU expects them to get their numbers up?
Posted by: t-bird at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (dfgzq)
299
It's still 1000% Your Fault if you're dumb enough to pay a wildly inflated price for a product or service.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (5aZAZ)
Agreed. I order a good bit of things on Amazon but I try to make sure that what I find is cheaper than if I tried to find it locally. And that isn't even counting the time and transportation expense if I had to hunt some of the things down. (I have Prime because it pays for itself 2 or 3 times over with the no shipping charges. )
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 11:55 AM (5aZAZ)
Agreed. I order a good bit of things on Amazon but I try to make sure that what I find is cheaper than if I tried to find it locally. And that isn't even counting the time and transportation expense if I had to hunt some of the things down. (I have Prime because it pays for itself 2 or 3 times over with the no shipping charges. )
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK8)
300
Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
Strangely good with french fries
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (xcxpd)
----
I had Wendy's for the first time in decades earlier this year. Naturally I bought a Frosty (chocolate, of course), and dipped my fries in it, just like I did when I was a kid. Great stuff.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
Strangely good with french fries
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (xcxpd)
----
I had Wendy's for the first time in decades earlier this year. Naturally I bought a Frosty (chocolate, of course), and dipped my fries in it, just like I did when I was a kid. Great stuff.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ESVrU)
301
‘ i want Hunt’s ketchup, not Heinz, Hal.’
‘I can’t do that, Dave.’
‘I can’t do that, Dave.’
Posted by: Eromero at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (o2ZRX)
302
That's not what some of us are questioning. We're simply asking why it would be ok to list the price for TJM as $3.95 and list the price as $1.25 for Bulg if they both were to pull up Instacart at the same moment? (Leave delivery fees and taxes out of the calculation.)
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
----
Yes, thank you for the clarifying question!
This has been a frustrating topic because so many here aren't willing to keep the discussion to a single commodity item available at the same time and the same date under the same terms and instead have gone out of their way to invoke rental agreements, airlines, cab rides, and hotel rooms. This topic originated about Instacart, which provides exactly ZERO of those services.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 11:37 AM (TN0g+)
Are TJM and Bulg neighbors shopping at the same store? Remember, pricing starts at the store being shopped and Instacart up charges.
----
Yes, thank you for the clarifying question!
This has been a frustrating topic because so many here aren't willing to keep the discussion to a single commodity item available at the same time and the same date under the same terms and instead have gone out of their way to invoke rental agreements, airlines, cab rides, and hotel rooms. This topic originated about Instacart, which provides exactly ZERO of those services.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (TN0g+)
303
The deal begins with a sticker price.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (mlg/3)
----
Yeah and the birth of a child begins with someone getting a boner.
There's a lot in between, though.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (mlg/3)
----
Yeah and the birth of a child begins with someone getting a boner.
There's a lot in between, though.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (5aZAZ)
304
300 Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
Strangely good with french fries
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (xcxpd)
----
I had Wendy's for the first time in decades earlier this year. Naturally I bought a Frosty (chocolate, of course), and dipped my fries in it, just like I did when I was a kid. Great stuff.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ESVrU)
*fistbump*
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
Strangely good with french fries
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:00 PM (xcxpd)
----
I had Wendy's for the first time in decades earlier this year. Naturally I bought a Frosty (chocolate, of course), and dipped my fries in it, just like I did when I was a kid. Great stuff.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (ESVrU)
*fistbump*
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (xcxpd)
305
II just destroyed both ends of a car deal end of October. I had boughy from them before which helped.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (BEQiS)
306
295 >>Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
It was perfectly hinged and Putin is exactly right.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (viF8m)
I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
It was perfectly hinged and Putin is exactly right.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:02 PM (viF8m)
I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK8)
307
273 Wall Street Mav @WallStreetMav
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
--------------
England must really like rape.
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
--------------
England must really like rape.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (Wg6v7)
308
>>Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
... I always figured the "little piggies" in the Beatles song "Pigies" to be the media, while the bigger piggies are the 'elites'
... I always figured the "little piggies" in the Beatles song "Pigies" to be the media, while the bigger piggies are the 'elites'
Posted by: SMOD at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (RHGPo)
309
This topic originated about Instacart, which provides exactly ZERO of those services.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (TN0g+)
=====
Instacart is a cab ride taken by your groceries.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (TN0g+)
=====
Instacart is a cab ride taken by your groceries.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (5aZAZ)
310
Sure is, but when your car is parked in Hoboken and a rain storm has brought NYC MTA to it's knees, what are you going to do, swim to Hoboken?
Posted by: Thomas Bender
There are a couple ferries across, as well as private jitneys that operate through the Lincoln Tunnel. You don't need to pay $200!
Posted by: Thomas Bender
There are a couple ferries across, as well as private jitneys that operate through the Lincoln Tunnel. You don't need to pay $200!
Posted by: Prudence Dictates at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (oftw2)
311
306 I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
======
Eh.
Putin is nostalgic for the days of the Soviet Union. Calling Stalin a traitor to the communist cause probably doesn't sit well with Putin in any form.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
======
Eh.
Putin is nostalgic for the days of the Soviet Union. Calling Stalin a traitor to the communist cause probably doesn't sit well with Putin in any form.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (GBKbO)
312
Ten years ago I needed a ride from a motel to the airport. Tucson. Middle of a Sunday morning. I planned to use Uber until I saw the prices at that time! Few Uber were drivers up early on a Sunday morning. Took a cab. Saved 15-20 bucks IIRC, believe it or not..
Posted by: Gref at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (5rh/l)
313
As a business owner, do you have employees that could be given the task of doing a shopping run?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (npFr7)
No- we are very small. My employees are instructors with the exception of one of my best friends who works the front desk and follows up on leads for me. Her husband is the biggest plastic surgeon in the area, she does NOT need to work for me. lol. But by the time I pay what I would pay for them to do it, Instacart is cheaper.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 11:57 AM (npFr7)
No- we are very small. My employees are instructors with the exception of one of my best friends who works the front desk and follows up on leads for me. Her husband is the biggest plastic surgeon in the area, she does NOT need to work for me. lol. But by the time I pay what I would pay for them to do it, Instacart is cheaper.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (ZdaMQ)
314
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin calls European leaders ‘little pigs’ in unhinged rant against Kyiv’s allies
Did they go wee-wee-wee all the way home?
Posted by: stu-mick-o-sucks at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (w9Wax)
The man's right. When he's right he's right.
And there's probably not an human on this planet who is more hinged than Vlad the Pooter. I suspect the word "unginged" in that article was a wee bit of editorializing.
Did they go wee-wee-wee all the way home?
Posted by: stu-mick-o-sucks at December 17, 2025 11:59 AM (w9Wax)
The man's right. When he's right he's right.
And there's probably not an human on this planet who is more hinged than Vlad the Pooter. I suspect the word "unginged" in that article was a wee bit of editorializing.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (wCwnN)
315
Negotiate for a car in first week of January.
Posted by: Kingsman
Last Friday of September while it's raining. After eating a bowl of garlic.
Posted by: Kingsman
Last Friday of September while it's raining. After eating a bowl of garlic.
Posted by: weft cut loop at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (mlg/3)
316
y'all pay fo yo shit? lol
Posted by: hood rats "instacarting" at CVS at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (Y1sOo)
317
Never buy a new car. Never place a bet on a game until the game is underway. Stuff you learn about real markets.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (Wg6v7)
I bought one new vehicle in my life. Had no complaints about the dealership, or the vehicle. But that was 40 years ago.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:01 PM (Wg6v7)
I bought one new vehicle in my life. Had no complaints about the dealership, or the vehicle. But that was 40 years ago.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (npFr7)
318
Last week in Dec. for auto buy; first week in Jan. Okay, use both weeks and have price in mind.
Posted by: Kingsman at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (ehY6c)
319
>>I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
It's one thing to know the west ran a color revolution in Ukraine. It's another thing to know why.
Both of Trump's impeachments were centered around Russia/Ukraine. Not a coincidence.
It's one thing to know the west ran a color revolution in Ukraine. It's another thing to know why.
Both of Trump's impeachments were centered around Russia/Ukraine. Not a coincidence.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (viF8m)
320
I saw the other day that Keir Starmer said NATO must stop Russia from invading Europe (something nobody with an IQ over 50 thinks is remotely possible, given how Ukraine's gone). Putin replied that Starmer can't even stop rubber boats full of Muslims from coming and raping everyone.
===
He has to be watching DJT hot takes !
===
He has to be watching DJT hot takes !
Posted by: runner at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (g47mK)
321
Twenty years ago pundits argued that this would be the century of the Anglosphere.
Posted by: mr tmz at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (rJ48h)
322
300 Steak and Shake fries are great.They went back to beef tallow. Should be stores up in MO, Perfesser. Sadly, the one I went to didn't have malt vinegar but still good.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (gm9Sb)
323
We charge white males more. We also put something extra in their food.
We charge white males more. We also put something extra in their food.
Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (iTNuP)
324
Actually, buying a car is the most straight forward of big money purchases a person could do.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
325
300 Steak and Shake fries are great.They went back to beef tallow. Should be stores up in MO, Perfesser. Sadly, the one I went to didn't have malt vinegar but still good.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (gm9Sb)
---
We do have a Steak and Shake here in town, but I'm rarely in that part of town so I tend to forget about it.
Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (gm9Sb)
---
We do have a Steak and Shake here in town, but I'm rarely in that part of town so I tend to forget about it.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (ESVrU)
326
321 Twenty years ago pundits argued that this would be the century of the Anglosphere.
Posted by: mr tmz at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (rJ48h)
=====
Pretty sure they were arguing Chinese hegemony.
Posted by: mr tmz at December 17, 2025 12:05 PM (rJ48h)
=====
Pretty sure they were arguing Chinese hegemony.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (GBKbO)
327
I try to make sure that what I find is cheaper than if I tried to find it locally.
I’m willing to pay more for local if it is already available locally, just on the theory that if I want to be able to buy stuff locally in the future, it’s best to incentivize it now.
I’m willing to pay more for local if it is already available locally, just on the theory that if I want to be able to buy stuff locally in the future, it’s best to incentivize it now.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (EXyHK)
328
I also wonder what's going on with Instacart and their shoppers. Three times now in the past six months I've gotten moldy bread. Do the stores keep old food for them?
Their AI customer service will refund you if you send a picture, but something is wrong.
Their AI customer service will refund you if you send a picture, but something is wrong.
Posted by: Random PJ at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (RRCAT)
329
The Obamas said "at some point you've made enough money" and are now worth a billion.
Key word: "you"
Key word: "you"
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (BEQiS)
330
I know a guy who owns many AirBNBs. When certain protected classes call for reservations, he explains so sorry, unit is being refit for a better stay next time.
He learned the hard way.
Posted by: No Soup For You at December 17, 2025 11:52 AM
Our old vfw post in connecticut did that with the hall rental years back. The place would literally be trashed when certain groups rented out the hall. We would hire off duty cops to slow down the violence and the underage drinking but it would never stop completely. Finally said nope after one night when two ambulance calls were made. One stabbing and one beer bottle smashed over a guys head.
He learned the hard way.
Posted by: No Soup For You at December 17, 2025 11:52 AM
Our old vfw post in connecticut did that with the hall rental years back. The place would literally be trashed when certain groups rented out the hall. We would hire off duty cops to slow down the violence and the underage drinking but it would never stop completely. Finally said nope after one night when two ambulance calls were made. One stabbing and one beer bottle smashed over a guys head.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (0N4FZ)
331
1 ) no shop has prices listed
2 ) every shop has a price listed and honored
Which economy do you wish to live in?
Posted by: weft cut loop
1) Market in Hyderbad with haggling
2) Stores in US
Since I'm not in the market for a goat, a wife, or a little boy, I pick #2.
2 ) every shop has a price listed and honored
Which economy do you wish to live in?
Posted by: weft cut loop
1) Market in Hyderbad with haggling
2) Stores in US
Since I'm not in the market for a goat, a wife, or a little boy, I pick #2.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (T+ixL)
332
Serkis played Snoke in Star Wars (or voiced the AI) , and then played a character in Andor too.
Posted by: runner at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (g47mK)
333
311 306 I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
======
Eh.
Putin is nostalgic for the days of the Soviet Union. Calling Stalin a traitor to the communist cause probably doesn't sit well with Putin in any form.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (GBKbO)
I think Putin misses the might and power of the Soviet Union, but I never got the impression he was a Communist idealist.
He's a tzar, the first tzar since the October Revolution.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
======
Eh.
Putin is nostalgic for the days of the Soviet Union. Calling Stalin a traitor to the communist cause probably doesn't sit well with Putin in any form.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:04 PM (GBKbO)
I think Putin misses the might and power of the Soviet Union, but I never got the impression he was a Communist idealist.
He's a tzar, the first tzar since the October Revolution.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (xcxpd)
334
I remember the latest and greatest discrimination against women was charging them more for dry cleaning than men.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (KDPiq)
335
Today's fake "outrage" from the confederates on "our side" is directed towards...[spins wheel].../tick.../tick...Kash Patel...
Today's fake "outrage" from the confederates on "our side" is directed towards...[spins wheel].../tick.../tick...Kash Patel...
Posted by: Soothsayer at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (DUeFe)
336
Instacart cheated me years ago, and I quit it. It does not honor in store sales. I originally ordered bottles of soda. My shopper texted me a picture of a major sale on cans. I agreed to get that instead. However, cans were not on sale at the Instacart web page. They paid the sale price but charged me full. They refused to refund the difference. Instacart pays the store and you pay Instacart, so you never get store sales only what Instacart chooses to put on sale on their website. I left. I still shop online for delivery, but I'm able to pay the store directly (different supermarket). They honor their in store sales as shown in their circular, and once in a while I get an additional online discount.
Posted by: hadsil at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (Xht4H)
337
I wonder if the EU expects them to get their numbers up?
___
Poland is making the rest of the EU look bad. Can't have that.
I wonder what the rate in England is for the combo of rape/murder/sell-meat-in-kebab-shop is? (yes, this horror did happen)
___
Poland is making the rest of the EU look bad. Can't have that.
I wonder what the rate in England is for the combo of rape/murder/sell-meat-in-kebab-shop is? (yes, this horror did happen)
Posted by: Chuck Martel at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (Dv3i1)
338
324 Actually, buying a car is the most straight forward of big money purchases a person could do.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
-------
It's also one of the most comically opaque processes on the face of the earth, if you actually dig into how dealerships make money on cars.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
-------
It's also one of the most comically opaque processes on the face of the earth, if you actually dig into how dealerships make money on cars.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (5aZAZ)
339
I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
I saw Drinker's take on that one. Sheesh.
Has me wondering if Seth Rogan has a son with "mental health problems," and access to knives.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
I saw Drinker's take on that one. Sheesh.
Has me wondering if Seth Rogan has a son with "mental health problems," and access to knives.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (wCwnN)
340
Their Frosty's are pretty damned good. Not like a McDonald's 'Shake.'
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
We'll have a guy there to repair that damn machine next week ... promise
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 11:58 AM (Wg6v7)
We'll have a guy there to repair that damn machine next week ... promise
Posted by: Taylor Corp at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (3sXRv)
341
This topic originated about Instacart, which provides exactly ZERO of those services.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (TN0g+)
If it helps, my friend and I tested this. We are getting the exact same prices.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (TN0g+)
If it helps, my friend and I tested this. We are getting the exact same prices.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (ZdaMQ)
342
327 I try to make sure that what I find is cheaper than if I tried to find it locally.
I’m willing to pay more for local if it is already available locally, just on the theory that if I want to be able to buy stuff locally in the future, it’s best to incentivize it now.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (EXyHK)
This is my long standing practice, especially with single site restaurants...
I’m willing to pay more for local if it is already available locally, just on the theory that if I want to be able to buy stuff locally in the future, it’s best to incentivize it now.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (EXyHK)
This is my long standing practice, especially with single site restaurants...
Posted by: Nova Local at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (tOcjL)
343
I was in car sales for years. It's how I put myself through college and law school. The reality is in the modern world the buyer comes in knowing almost exactly what he wants. And based on my experience, it's very hard to spot the "mark" from appearance alone. Or really to tell much of anything from appearance alone.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM
The nice thing about working for an auto company is getting the employee discounts. Which are usually a certain percentage below MSRP. So there's no hassle at all.
Go in there with your employee discount paperwork for the vehicle you want and that's that. All the salesperson has had to do for me is setup a test drive for me to confirm I like the vehicle I plan to buy and then input my information into the computer.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM
The nice thing about working for an auto company is getting the employee discounts. Which are usually a certain percentage below MSRP. So there's no hassle at all.
Go in there with your employee discount paperwork for the vehicle you want and that's that. All the salesperson has had to do for me is setup a test drive for me to confirm I like the vehicle I plan to buy and then input my information into the computer.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (P5BPp)
344
Rapes per 100,000. What is going on in Poland?
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
Posted by: rickb223
I'm sure it has nothing to do with Poland refusing to import mohammedans.
Poland: 1.3 / Austria: 25.5 / Norway: 42.1 / France: 62.7 / Sweden: 84.4 / England: 117.2
Polacks don't play.
Posted by: rickb223
I'm sure it has nothing to do with Poland refusing to import mohammedans.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (aTUmd)
345
There is no reason not to get a great deal on a car anymore. The info on pricing is all out there. Customer has a HUGE advantage now. They try to make it miserable to keep their footing but that's about all they have.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (BEQiS)
346
Steak and Shake fries are great.They went back to beef tallow. Should be stores up in MO, Perfesser.
There was a S&S across from my hotel in Springfield while traveling for Thanksgiving, so I thought I’d try it. The fries were good. The garlic burger was even better.
There was a S&S across from my hotel in Springfield while traveling for Thanksgiving, so I thought I’d try it. The fries were good. The garlic burger was even better.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at December 17, 2025 12:08 PM (EXyHK)
347
Andy Serkis is overrated.
You think he came up with Gollum's voice himself? He didn't. A radio broadcast from decades ago did.
Andy Serkis is overrated.
You think he came up with Gollum's voice himself? He didn't. A radio broadcast from decades ago did.
Posted by: Soothsayer at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (DUeFe)
348
299 Agreed. I order a good bit of things on Amazon but I try to make sure that what I find is cheaper than if I tried to find it locally. And that isn't even counting the time and transportation expense if I had to hunt some of the things down. (I have Prime because it pays for itself 2 or 3 times over with the no shipping charges. )
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
Amazon generally has me over a barrel because a lot of the things I get from them, there's about zero chance of me finding it locally where I am.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:03 PM (uWKK
Amazon generally has me over a barrel because a lot of the things I get from them, there's about zero chance of me finding it locally where I am.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (UnA8+)
349
I don’t know why some people refuse to consider the context of the Ukraine-Russian war as a border war.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (KDPiq)
350
>>I think Putin misses the might and power of the Soviet Union, but I never got the impression he was a Communist idealist.
>>He's a tzar, the first tzar since the October Revolution.
There was a time Putin was interested in joining NATO. Back in the early 2000s. He was not met with open arms.
>>He's a tzar, the first tzar since the October Revolution.
There was a time Putin was interested in joining NATO. Back in the early 2000s. He was not met with open arms.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (viF8m)
351
I think he watched Andy Serkis' new take on Animal Farm.
He probably saw that the US media is still melting down over Trump calling someone "piggy".
He probably saw that the US media is still melting down over Trump calling someone "piggy".
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (QZThv)
352
Speaking of garlic, I was in an "upscale" supermarket on Monday, and they had Alberta-grown "organic" garlic for $3.29 per 100 grams. Roughly $10 USD per pound. No, I didn't buy any, not being a garlic fan.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (npFr7)
353
I bought one new vehicle in my life. Had no complaints about the dealership, or the vehicle. But that was 40 years ago.
-------------
Same here. I bought a F-150 in 1974. Ford's response to high gas prices was adding another tank to the truck. It was a $1,000 cheaper than a Toyota truck.
-------------
Same here. I bought a F-150 in 1974. Ford's response to high gas prices was adding another tank to the truck. It was a $1,000 cheaper than a Toyota truck.
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (Wg6v7)
354
Actually, buying a car is the most straight forward of big money purchases a person could do.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
___
Nowadays, yea. Everything is online (including dealer prices and costs). You should know within a few bucks what's a good deal and what isn't before you ever go to the dealer. You still gotta watch out for upcharges and bullshit, but it ain't nearly like it was back in the day.
Things are different for certain cars (exotics and rarer cars), but otherwise car shopping is easy now. You can probably do it all over the phone.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
___
Nowadays, yea. Everything is online (including dealer prices and costs). You should know within a few bucks what's a good deal and what isn't before you ever go to the dealer. You still gotta watch out for upcharges and bullshit, but it ain't nearly like it was back in the day.
Things are different for certain cars (exotics and rarer cars), but otherwise car shopping is easy now. You can probably do it all over the phone.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (iFTx/)
Posted by: Aliassmithsmith at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (00DEY)
356
>Pretty sure they were arguing Chinese hegemony.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (GBKbO)
James Bennett "The Anglosphere Challenge:..." got a lot of run when it was published in 2007.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (GBKbO)
James Bennett "The Anglosphere Challenge:..." got a lot of run when it was published in 2007.
Posted by: mr tmz at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (rJ48h)
357
There was a time Putin was interested in joining NATO. Back in the early 2000s. He was not met with open arms.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (viF8m)
I remember...
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (viF8m)
I remember...
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (xcxpd)
358
Well I'm glad a reporter did this story. People at least now may learn that instacart does this. Instacart probably has a line in the terms of service that most people barely skim if the read at all that says they can vary prices arbitrarily and so are legally protected. But it feels like they are gouging marks.
Piper puts enough of a premium on her time that she isn't worried about a bit of random price inflation and will notice and switch services if she starts getting gouged on evertyhing.
But I'm sure many folks that use a service like this start because their health is declining so not having to drive and walk the store is worth it initially. If the brain then declines as well, and I'm thinking of my dad (dad did no online stuff but for a younger or just more tech savvy person) the instacart practice seems like it could really harm those folks if instacart is probing to see if they notice ridiculous prices and then charges them 23% more just because they can when the customer fails to notice the gouging.
Piper puts enough of a premium on her time that she isn't worried about a bit of random price inflation and will notice and switch services if she starts getting gouged on evertyhing.
But I'm sure many folks that use a service like this start because their health is declining so not having to drive and walk the store is worth it initially. If the brain then declines as well, and I'm thinking of my dad (dad did no online stuff but for a younger or just more tech savvy person) the instacart practice seems like it could really harm those folks if instacart is probing to see if they notice ridiculous prices and then charges them 23% more just because they can when the customer fails to notice the gouging.
Posted by: PaleRider at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (hhkIi)
359
I think Putin misses the might and power of the Soviet Union, but I never got the impression he was a Communist idealist.
He's a tzar, the first tzar since the October Revolution.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (xcxpd)
There are arguments that can and have been made, that a benevolent dictator (or monarch) is a better system of government than corrupt democracies.
Now, I'd like to take a shot at fixing THIS democracy before we go back to the old ways, but for the Rooskies, I'm not sure they'd be any better off with something other than what they have now.
He's a tzar, the first tzar since the October Revolution.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (xcxpd)
There are arguments that can and have been made, that a benevolent dictator (or monarch) is a better system of government than corrupt democracies.
Now, I'd like to take a shot at fixing THIS democracy before we go back to the old ways, but for the Rooskies, I'm not sure they'd be any better off with something other than what they have now.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (wCwnN)
360
@338
>>It's also one of the most comically opaque processes on the face of the earth, if you actually dig into how dealerships make money on cars.
What's opaque about it?
A person buying a car has all of the tools at their disposal to make an informed purchase.
And nothing is final until you sign on the line that is dotted and if a person allows themselves to be pressured into making a deal, then that's on them.
I've never had a bad experience buying a car.
>>It's also one of the most comically opaque processes on the face of the earth, if you actually dig into how dealerships make money on cars.
What's opaque about it?
A person buying a car has all of the tools at their disposal to make an informed purchase.
And nothing is final until you sign on the line that is dotted and if a person allows themselves to be pressured into making a deal, then that's on them.
I've never had a bad experience buying a car.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (XV/Pl)
361
troll isn't even trying, he must be tired of shit pebbles
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (xcxpd)
362
OT: did anyone else play Steal the Bacon as kids? My coworkers have never heard of it.
Posted by: Jordan61 at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (DRSnL)
363
There was a time Putin was interested in joining NATO. Back in the early 2000s. He was not met with open arms.
Perhaps because NATO decision to go to war must be unanimous. What do you think the odds are of Putin agreeing to go to war with himself? It would have made NATO utterly impotent against the very reason it was created.
Yes, NATO decisions, including going to war or undertaking major operations, require consensus (unanimous agreement) among all member countries, meaning no formal voting occurs, but individual nations still decide their own military contributions voluntarily. While Article 5 triggers collective defense with an attack on one, implementation (like troop deployment) is national, and for non-Article 5 missions, allies consult until agreement is reached, though debates exist about acting without full consensus
Perhaps because NATO decision to go to war must be unanimous. What do you think the odds are of Putin agreeing to go to war with himself? It would have made NATO utterly impotent against the very reason it was created.
Yes, NATO decisions, including going to war or undertaking major operations, require consensus (unanimous agreement) among all member countries, meaning no formal voting occurs, but individual nations still decide their own military contributions voluntarily. While Article 5 triggers collective defense with an attack on one, implementation (like troop deployment) is national, and for non-Article 5 missions, allies consult until agreement is reached, though debates exist about acting without full consensus
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (Riz8t)
364
There was a time Putin was interested in joining NATO. Back in the early 2000s. He was not met with open arms.
According to Mike Benz, that's because the State Department and George Soros spent most of the 90s and early 2000s trying to destabilize the Russian government and buy all the distressed former Soviet assets. State wanted Ukraine to join NATO immediately to keep the pressure on for their various ops, but Bill Clinton wouldn't go along because why immediately antagonize Russia instead of trying to get them on our side?
According to Mike Benz, that's because the State Department and George Soros spent most of the 90s and early 2000s trying to destabilize the Russian government and buy all the distressed former Soviet assets. State wanted Ukraine to join NATO immediately to keep the pressure on for their various ops, but Bill Clinton wouldn't go along because why immediately antagonize Russia instead of trying to get them on our side?
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (QZThv)
365
Amazon generally has me over a barrel because a lot of the things I get from them, there's about zero chance of me finding it locally where I am.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (UnA8+)
most of the stuff my wife wants falls into that category.
Posted by: XTC at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (UnA8+)
most of the stuff my wife wants falls into that category.
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (uWKK8)
366
Actually, buying a car is the most straight forward of big money purchases a person could do.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
-------
It's also one of the most comically opaque processes on the face of the earth, if you actually dig into how dealerships make money on cars.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (5aZAZ)
_______
Many if not most dealers make more money on service and warranty repairs than sales. The profit margins on the sales side are usually very low, even on very expensive cars. As I said above, I was in the business for many years. The dealer cost for cars isn't nearly as low as most people think it is.
I think people trying to get "a good deal" makes them over-complicate this simple financial transaction.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:06 PM (XV/Pl)
-------
It's also one of the most comically opaque processes on the face of the earth, if you actually dig into how dealerships make money on cars.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:07 PM (5aZAZ)
_______
Many if not most dealers make more money on service and warranty repairs than sales. The profit margins on the sales side are usually very low, even on very expensive cars. As I said above, I was in the business for many years. The dealer cost for cars isn't nearly as low as most people think it is.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (iFTx/)
367
There was a time Putin was interested in joining NATO. Back in the early 2000s. He was not met with open arms.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (viF8m)
I was wondering what happened with that.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 17, 2025 12:09 PM (viF8m)
I was wondering what happened with that.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (snZF9)
368
Now, I'd like to take a shot at fixing THIS democracy
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (wCwnN)
LMAO well THERE'S your problem. I had no idea you were an idealist
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (wCwnN)
LMAO well THERE'S your problem. I had no idea you were an idealist
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (BEQiS)
369
361 troll isn't even trying, he must be tired of shit pebbles
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (xcxpd)
=======
4+ GDP with slowing government spending, mass deportations, and low employment numbers is different, for sure. Throw in wage growth outpacing inflation, and it's just confusing.
Unless you realize that government numbers are bullshit and mass deportation of an excess population actually has a lot of positive effects.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (xcxpd)
=======
4+ GDP with slowing government spending, mass deportations, and low employment numbers is different, for sure. Throw in wage growth outpacing inflation, and it's just confusing.
Unless you realize that government numbers are bullshit and mass deportation of an excess population actually has a lot of positive effects.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (GBKbO)
370
Steal the bacon is the game my dad played with us whenever mom made bacon....
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (xcxpd)
371
@354
>>You can probably do it all over the phone.
Not only that, they will deliver your car to you and pick up your trade-in.
I mean, it's so easy even a cave man can do it.
>>You can probably do it all over the phone.
Not only that, they will deliver your car to you and pick up your trade-in.
I mean, it's so easy even a cave man can do it.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (XV/Pl)
372
ACE IS UP
ACE IS UP
Posted by: fourseasons at December 17, 2025 12:14 PM (3ek7K)
373
I was in car sales for years. It's how I put myself through college and law school. The reality is in the modern world the buyer comes in knowing almost exactly what he wants. And based on my experience, it's very hard to spot the "mark" from appearance alone. Or really to tell much of anything from appearance alone.
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM
It's prolly a good thing you went into law, because I would think the first rule of finding the "mark" is to look at the chestal region. Does the person have tits or not?
Posted by: Elric The Blade at December 17, 2025 11:53 AM
It's prolly a good thing you went into law, because I would think the first rule of finding the "mark" is to look at the chestal region. Does the person have tits or not?
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:14 PM (wCwnN)
374
352 Speaking of garlic, I was in an "upscale" supermarket on Monday, and they had Alberta-grown "organic" garlic for $3.29 per 100 grams. Roughly $10 USD per pound. No, I didn't buy any, not being a garlic fan.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (npFr7)
my wife, who believes in organic food, is annoyed when I say "organic means that this produce got old and started to look dodgy."
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 17, 2025 12:10 PM (npFr7)
my wife, who believes in organic food, is annoyed when I say "organic means that this produce got old and started to look dodgy."
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:14 PM (uWKK8)
375
I've only bought one new car in my life. Was working for Ford Aerospace in early '89 -- and all Ford employees could buy a new car at 2% below dealer's cost (no haggling).
I miss that old '89 Ford Escort (the one persistent issue I had was its fuel filters frequently getting clogged) ...
I miss that old '89 Ford Escort (the one persistent issue I had was its fuel filters frequently getting clogged) ...
Posted by: ShainS -- Bamboo Ruminant and GayFontoPhobe at December 17, 2025 12:14 PM (WO8bP)
376
OT: did anyone else play Steal the Bacon as kids? My coworkers have never heard of it.
Posted by: Jordan61 at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (DRSnL)
But of course.
They're not muslim by chance? Because I bet they called it something different...
Posted by: Jordan61 at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (DRSnL)
But of course.
They're not muslim by chance? Because I bet they called it something different...
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:14 PM (BEQiS)
Posted by: Mechanics at December 17, 2025 12:14 PM (mlg/3)
378
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (XV/Pl)
I believe the trade in is where the potential to get a different price is today. Yeah you have blue book but condition is subjective and other factors.
I believe the trade in is where the potential to get a different price is today. Yeah you have blue book but condition is subjective and other factors.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (KDPiq)
379
LMAO well THERE'S your problem. I had no idea you were an idealist
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (BEQiS)
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (BEQiS)
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (wCwnN)
380
I mean, it's so easy even a cave man can do it.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (XV/Pl)
I miss the Geico caveman commercials. They were great…
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:13 PM (XV/Pl)
I miss the Geico caveman commercials. They were great…
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (OW907)
381
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (wCwnN)
It's finally all making sense.... 😅
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (wCwnN)
It's finally all making sense.... 😅
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (BEQiS)
382
A person buying a car has all of the tools at their disposal to make an informed purchase.
And nothing is final until you sign on the line that is dotted and if a person allows themselves to be pressured into making a deal, then that's on them.
I've never had a bad experience buying a car.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (XV/Pl)
-----
Not trying to say it's a bad experience, but the average car buyer has much less of a clue about the nature of how cars are priced and sold than they think they do. There's all kinds of funny math, floorplan, dealer holdbacks, incentives on the dealer side, etc. It's not that you can't go in and get a "good deal" but you're probably not getting a really smokin' one unless you're a very savvy consumer.
And nothing is final until you sign on the line that is dotted and if a person allows themselves to be pressured into making a deal, then that's on them.
I've never had a bad experience buying a car.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:11 PM (XV/Pl)
-----
Not trying to say it's a bad experience, but the average car buyer has much less of a clue about the nature of how cars are priced and sold than they think they do. There's all kinds of funny math, floorplan, dealer holdbacks, incentives on the dealer side, etc. It's not that you can't go in and get a "good deal" but you're probably not getting a really smokin' one unless you're a very savvy consumer.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (5aZAZ)
383
IIRC Wendys is also trying this Instacart version of 'dynamic pricing' and yes Wendys is dead to me.
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM
I put that statement into Grok:
No, Wendy's is not implementing the same kind of "dynamic pricing" as the recent Instacart controversy.
Wendy's Situation (from 2024)
Wendy's CEO mentioned testing dynamic pricing starting in 2025, using new digital menu boards. This sparked backlash with media calling it "surge pricing" (like Uber hikes during peak demand). Wendy's quickly clarified:
They have no plans to raise prices during busy times.
Instead, it focuses on offering discounts and value deals during slower periods (e.g., off-peak happy hour-style promotions).
They explicitly stated they will not implement surge pricing.
As of late 2025, there's no evidence they've rolled out any price increases tied to demand — it's framed as customer-friendly flexibility for lower prices.
Posted by: Anna Puma at December 17, 2025 11:04 AM
I put that statement into Grok:
No, Wendy's is not implementing the same kind of "dynamic pricing" as the recent Instacart controversy.
Wendy's Situation (from 2024)
Wendy's CEO mentioned testing dynamic pricing starting in 2025, using new digital menu boards. This sparked backlash with media calling it "surge pricing" (like Uber hikes during peak demand). Wendy's quickly clarified:
They have no plans to raise prices during busy times.
Instead, it focuses on offering discounts and value deals during slower periods (e.g., off-peak happy hour-style promotions).
They explicitly stated they will not implement surge pricing.
As of late 2025, there's no evidence they've rolled out any price increases tied to demand — it's framed as customer-friendly flexibility for lower prices.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (P5BPp)
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 12:17 PM (Riz8t)
385
Someone took our Nood away!
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at December 17, 2025 12:17 PM (xcxpd)
386
OK I'd call that an aborted launch process...
Posted by: Tom Servo at December 17, 2025 12:17 PM (uWKK8)
387
Amazon generally has me over a barrel because a lot of the things I get from them, there's about zero chance of me finding it locally where I am.
That's why I stay with them. But their customer service is now mostly AI and completely frustrating to deal with. I read once what every entrepreneur dreams of is a biz with subscription fees and AI customer service.
That's why I stay with them. But their customer service is now mostly AI and completely frustrating to deal with. I read once what every entrepreneur dreams of is a biz with subscription fees and AI customer service.
Posted by: Random PJ at December 17, 2025 12:17 PM (RRCAT)
388
The ol Fake o Spades
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:17 PM (BEQiS)
389
$5 says that ace made a change after posting and didn't realize that the status auto-changed back to draft.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (GBKbO)
390
Fine, I'll post it here:
As a homeowner, the only renting I want to do is Eastern European laydees, so this deportation thing isn't helping me at all.
As a homeowner, the only renting I want to do is Eastern European laydees, so this deportation thing isn't helping me at all.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (wCwnN)
391
Did I just break the blog? I swear ace had a new post up and I commented on it but it disappeared.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (0N4FZ)
392
> What is going on in Poland?
----
they insist on staying Polish in every way
homogeneity makes for peace
----
they insist on staying Polish in every way
homogeneity makes for peace
Posted by: Don Black at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (ZxPkt)
393
389 $5 says that ace made a change after posting and didn't realize that the status auto-changed back to draft.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (GBKbO)
That’s COB talk. Speak English.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (GBKbO)
That’s COB talk. Speak English.
Posted by: Opinion fact at December 17, 2025 12:18 PM (KDPiq)
394
$5 says that ace made a change after posting and didn't realize that the status auto-changed back to draft.
It's what the industry calls "dynamic posting"
It's what the industry calls "dynamic posting"
Posted by: t-bird at December 17, 2025 12:19 PM (dfgzq)
395
They honor their in store sales as shown in their circular, and once in a while I get an additional online discount.
Posted by: hadsil at
Instacart now publishes store flyers. So they do honor our sales now. But they’re still going to be a little bit of a difference because of the markup.
Posted by: hadsil at
Instacart now publishes store flyers. So they do honor our sales now. But they’re still going to be a little bit of a difference because of the markup.
Posted by: Piper at December 17, 2025 12:19 PM (nioq/)
396
391 Did I just break the blog? I swear ace had a new post up and I commented on it but it disappeared.
Yes, but don't worry.
*picks up stones*
Yes, but don't worry.
*picks up stones*
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 12:19 PM (Riz8t)
397
Virtual stores:
Add things to your cart you want, but don't like the price on.
Add one thing that does have a price you're willing to pay.
Begin the checkout process.
Remove all the items that you didn't like the price on.
Make the one purchase, or remove it too and close the site.
Send the "No Sale" message to them often. They'll get the message (at least if they're monitoring things like that.)
Add things to your cart you want, but don't like the price on.
Add one thing that does have a price you're willing to pay.
Begin the checkout process.
Remove all the items that you didn't like the price on.
Make the one purchase, or remove it too and close the site.
Send the "No Sale" message to them often. They'll get the message (at least if they're monitoring things like that.)
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at December 17, 2025 12:19 PM (O7YUW)
398
As of late 2025, there's no evidence they've rolled out any price increases tied to demand — it's framed as customer-friendly flexibility for lower prices.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (P5BPp)
------
They have detectors on the drive-thru menu boards that sniff for marijuana smoke coming from the car and which automatically doubles all the prices.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (P5BPp)
------
They have detectors on the drive-thru menu boards that sniff for marijuana smoke coming from the car and which automatically doubles all the prices.
Posted by: ballistic at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (5aZAZ)
399
Who broke the NOOD?
Posted by: Discerning Gent at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (oftw2)
400
I made a brilliant comment on the new Ace post and it disappeared into the ether… I can’t duplicate that wisdom it’s a shame
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (OW907)
401
One day Dairy Queen will embrace dairy again. I have a dream!
Posted by: Pudinhead at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (Wg6v7)
402
$5 says that ace made a change after posting and didn't realize that the status auto-changed back to draft.
It's what the industry calls "dynamic posting"
------
Yeah, just like the airlines and hotel chains do with their posting.
It's what the industry calls "dynamic posting"
------
Yeah, just like the airlines and hotel chains do with their posting.
Posted by: Crusader at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (TN0g+)
403
False noods spends a night in the barrel.
Posted by: rickb223 at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (T+ixL)
Posted by: fourseasons at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (3ek7K)
405
400 I made a brilliant comment on the new Ace post and it disappeared into the ether… I can’t duplicate that wisdom it’s a shame
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (OW907)
======
Comments about colors on graphs aren't that wise.
Posted by: LinusVanPelt at December 17, 2025 12:20 PM (OW907)
======
Comments about colors on graphs aren't that wise.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison, seeing life through the shadows with Otto Preminger at December 17, 2025 12:21 PM (GBKbO)
Posted by: Archimedes at December 17, 2025 12:21 PM (Riz8t)
Posted by: Don Black at December 17, 2025 12:21 PM (ZxPkt)
408
As a homeowner, the only renting I want to do is Eastern European laydees, so this deportation thing isn't helping me at all.
I would also accept Mexican weather girls.
I would also accept Mexican weather girls.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 12:21 PM (QZThv)
409
OT: did anyone else play Steal the Bacon as kids? My coworkers have never heard of it.
Posted by: Jordan61 at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (DRSnL)
---
That's a thing?
I figured the first person who attempted it was disappeared and never seen again.
Posted by: Jordan61 at December 17, 2025 12:12 PM (DRSnL)
---
That's a thing?
I figured the first person who attempted it was disappeared and never seen again.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at December 17, 2025 12:22 PM (ESVrU)
410
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (wCwnN)
It's finally all making sense.... 😅
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (BEQiS)
If I'm being serious (for once), I don't believe we WILL fix our system, but I'm also not willing to stop trying.
Sometimes it feels like we're those guys on the western front, being told to assault that German machine gun position, climbing up over the walls, with a brief sense of relief that the guns don't open up right away.
No, they're waiting for us to get further into no-man's land, so we don't have the ability to crawl back to the trench. They'll wait for us to get slogged down in the mud, before the bullets start ripping our chests open.
I'm still willing to go up over the wall. Knowing what's to come.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:15 PM (wCwnN)
It's finally all making sense.... 😅
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:16 PM (BEQiS)
If I'm being serious (for once), I don't believe we WILL fix our system, but I'm also not willing to stop trying.
Sometimes it feels like we're those guys on the western front, being told to assault that German machine gun position, climbing up over the walls, with a brief sense of relief that the guns don't open up right away.
No, they're waiting for us to get further into no-man's land, so we don't have the ability to crawl back to the trench. They'll wait for us to get slogged down in the mud, before the bullets start ripping our chests open.
I'm still willing to go up over the wall. Knowing what's to come.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:22 PM (wCwnN)
411
@382
>> It's not that you can't go in and get a "good deal" but you're probably not getting a really smokin' one unless you're a very savvy consumer.
You're not going to get a "good deal" on a new car, really, the only "good deal" is paying MSRP or something slightly below MSRP and adding in whatever incentives the manufactures has, your trade in is going to be valued at the black book by the dealer as a base and then he's going to pick it apart and probably offer you 10-20pct less, financing is straight forward, you are either going to bring your own cash, however that is or you are going to finance through the dealer and they are going to finance it above prime and their own points.
The bottom line is, what do you ultimately want to pay for this vehicle.
And all of important questions can be derived before you step foot onto the showroom floor.
>> It's not that you can't go in and get a "good deal" but you're probably not getting a really smokin' one unless you're a very savvy consumer.
You're not going to get a "good deal" on a new car, really, the only "good deal" is paying MSRP or something slightly below MSRP and adding in whatever incentives the manufactures has, your trade in is going to be valued at the black book by the dealer as a base and then he's going to pick it apart and probably offer you 10-20pct less, financing is straight forward, you are either going to bring your own cash, however that is or you are going to finance through the dealer and they are going to finance it above prime and their own points.
The bottom line is, what do you ultimately want to pay for this vehicle.
And all of important questions can be derived before you step foot onto the showroom floor.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at December 17, 2025 12:25 PM (XV/Pl)
412
I would also accept Mexican weather girls.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 12:21 PM (QZThv)
Absolutely, but they have jobs. I suspect they'll take one look at me, and do some of that "dynamic pricing" we're hearing about.
I want a woman who's afraid ICE is going to show up at any moment, so I can court her the same way my grandpappy courted granma.
Posted by: Ian S. at December 17, 2025 12:21 PM (QZThv)
Absolutely, but they have jobs. I suspect they'll take one look at me, and do some of that "dynamic pricing" we're hearing about.
I want a woman who's afraid ICE is going to show up at any moment, so I can court her the same way my grandpappy courted granma.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:25 PM (wCwnN)
413
I'm still willing to go up over the wall. Knowing what's to come.
Posted by: BurtTC at Decem
Funeral industry can always use an extra body.
You know I'm kidding, I get it, but it's quite possible I'm more worn out by this country than you are.
Posted by: BurtTC at Decem
Funeral industry can always use an extra body.
You know I'm kidding, I get it, but it's quite possible I'm more worn out by this country than you are.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:26 PM (BEQiS)
414
I'm still willing to go up over the wall. Knowing what's to come.
Posted by: BurtTC at Decem
Funeral industry can always use an extra body.
You know I'm kidding, I get it, but it's quite possible I'm more worn out by this country than you are.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:26 PM (BEQiS)
Maybe. It's been a tough year for me personally. I'm trying to be optimistic. I'm trying not to let the shit get me down.
Doesn't mean I'm not aware of the how badly the odds are stacked against us.
Posted by: BurtTC at Decem
Funeral industry can always use an extra body.
You know I'm kidding, I get it, but it's quite possible I'm more worn out by this country than you are.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:26 PM (BEQiS)
Maybe. It's been a tough year for me personally. I'm trying to be optimistic. I'm trying not to let the shit get me down.
Doesn't mean I'm not aware of the how badly the odds are stacked against us.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:31 PM (wCwnN)
415
Not even the low-hanging fruit is worth plucking if the only benefit is to Americans.
-------
Don't be unpleasant, peasant, you may be up for an audit.
-------
Don't be unpleasant, peasant, you may be up for an audit.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 17, 2025 12:31 PM (Mb4p6)
416
Ok, apparently the new thread is back.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 17, 2025 12:31 PM (Jn9oG)
417
>>>The Publix next door to my studio has higher prices on somethings as the one 3 miles down the road near my house. So it’s not national account pricing - it starts at the store level.
Posted by: Piper
----
That's been going on since the last century.
But the price at that specific store is the same for everyone.
Wait until the price display is an electronic phone reader and it changes as each different customer observes it. Until then pricing at that store is the same.
It's an uptown downtown thing.
Posted by: Piper
----
That's been going on since the last century.
But the price at that specific store is the same for everyone.
Wait until the price display is an electronic phone reader and it changes as each different customer observes it. Until then pricing at that store is the same.
It's an uptown downtown thing.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at December 17, 2025 12:37 PM (Mb4p6)
418
Nancy Pelosi Says Democrats Can’t Just Impeach Trump Because They Want To
___
True. They need to set up all the lies, false witnesses and slander first. These things take time. You can't just conjure up some military fatass out of nowhere.
___
True. They need to set up all the lies, false witnesses and slander first. These things take time. You can't just conjure up some military fatass out of nowhere.
Posted by: ... at December 17, 2025 12:59 PM (BEQiS)
419
This doesn’t bother me as long as the customer is selected at random (I.e., no “black people get lower prices” or “poor people pay less” nonsense). Neutral price testing on a temporary basis is reasonable and non-discriminatory.
Posted by: OnPoint at December 17, 2025 01:01 PM (RK/h9)
420
In our forseeable AI-panopticon future the price of a hamburger will be based on your income, location, credit score and your blood sugar level. But the chip in your head will ensure that you'll LOVE it !
Posted by: Zek at December 17, 2025 01:46 PM (5FPX4)
421
Arbitrary and opaque pricing differences are completely counter to the entire concept of prices
Now do airline ticketing...
Now do airline ticketing...
Posted by: LCMS Rulz! at December 17, 2025 01:54 PM (bufu1)
Processing 0.07, elapsed 0.0809 seconds.
15 queries taking 0.0204 seconds, 430 records returned.
Page size 248 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.
MuNuvians
MeeNuvians
Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Primary Document: The Audio
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica
New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network
Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes
Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse
Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party"
Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad
Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up
Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat