Weak and unimaginative.

Ah, okay, I didn’t get the reference. Pretty sure it was Simpsons MacGyver.

It’s an interesting form factor, and it isn’t like they saved that gotcha for 3/4 of the way through the article.

As a gamer, there isn’t too much I can do about it, except buy games from other stores where the developers offer their games. As a developer, if I’m worried about Valve becoming abusive, it makes sense for me to use more than one marketplace, or a different marketplace than Valve altogether. Since Valve doesn’t seem to have a lot of exclusivity deals, this either means it costs more for developers to maintain multiple distribution channels, or they don’t think it benefits them to have multiple distribution channels. That said, the continued existence of those other distribution channels leaves the option to leave if they don’t like Valve’s behavior.

As a gamer, all I can do is support other stores, and I do.

Now, I get the appeal to authority, and the arguments against it. Obviously they wanted the cachet of the Nobel name for their economics prize, but economists often worry about the wrong thing. Yes, stagnant capital is bad for the economy, and a stagnant economy is bad for society, but having a vibrant economy doesn’t necessarily mean society is benefiting. Most economists don’t worry too much about that, and many businesses don’t, either. And that’s where the problems come in.

While companies are going about making profits, they rarely worry about the world or society they operate in. This is why they will happily pollute the planet, underpay their employees, or produce goods and services that maximize profits rather than better suit their customers’, and society’s, needs. Hence, fossil fuel companies desperately hanging onto their current profit model while storms rage and cities flood, or light bulbs being made to burn out (or, in the case of LEDs, just a certain component so they can be easily ‘recycled’). And this is where society needs to have strong government to step in and curb the ravenous hunger of capitalism and direct that energy in ways that help society.

So, for good or ill, more housing needs to be built, even if that means housing prices are stagnant or even drop. Food has to be affordable, or people with less income need to be supported so they aren’t starving. People need to be educated well, so they don’t make imprudent choices and have better opportunities in life. Healthcare needs to be accessible, so society is happier, healthier, and can also further drive that economy.

Keep capitalism for what it is good for (or find a way to replace it with something better, preferably without burning civilization down), which is finding innovative ways to get things done, and looking for new and interesting things to make society better. And use government to set limits and direction, such as incentivizing needed housing that isn’t profitable.

Nothing says self-sufficient like having to bring in troops from other countries.

Sure, 10% would be a pretty big deal, but 1% in the right places is enough for a different outcome. As this article shows

Given the fact that Stein’s share of voters in 2016 exceeded Trump’s margin of victory over Hillary Clinton, Clinton would have won Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and thus the presidency, if Stein had not been in the race.

Now, I won’t assume that all those voters would have voted for Hillary had Stein not run, but it’s clear that third-party voting can have an impact on who wins, even if they have no chance to win themselves. But the GOP seems to think this could help them, and is willing to spend money on that chance.

I don’t think it even makes a point, but it will salve their conscience, allowing them to firmly believe they stood against genocide while actually doing nothing more than this token gesture that at best has no impact on anything.

Hungary is no longer listed as a member of the IDU. There appears to be no press release about that change. Whatever the reason, this puts a spotlight on their motives or competence.

Land of the free and all that. Free from paid healthcare, a decent public education, a strong voice in government, an impartial justice system, employee rights… With all this freedom, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else.

I’m pretty sure you can’t live to retirement eating boiled steak and kidney pie. Remember, even fish and chips is an imported food. Their national beverage comes from halfway across the world. I’m pretty sure the only reason the British did so much conquering is because anything was better than staying home. And, of course, eating any of these things doesn’t preclude you from being a bigot. Bigots aren’t often known for their critical thinking skills.

The picture’s been updated, I guess they realized their mistake.

I don’t even like sweet potatoes but like that there’s enough salty/sharp stuff

I like sweet potatoes, but I get you. I don’t understand this thing where people add marshmallows. It’s already sweet! Now, bake a sweet potato, mash it, and add a little bit of salt and some hot sauce to preference, that definitely works for me.

The punishment was easy, so the intent wasn’t as great. You know, the difference between a bullet to the head and repeated bashing with a rock. I’m sure in all these instances, the lack of effort was a relief to the target of the action.

This is the sound of an animal with no natural predators.

I personally don’t get expecting someone to put his livelihood on the line to say out loud what people want to hear. If Markiplier’s lack of endorsement of piracy is what was going to stop you from pirating, I don’t know what to say. If it’s what it takes to make you stop supporting him, that’s your choice.

For me, it sounds like he is saying, “My corporate overlords want me to say that piracy isn’t the option. Heck, I don’t know how it works, but it isn’t too hard…uh…but I know only a little about it. They’re standing behind me, aren’t they?” I like him well enough, but have only watched his channel on other people’s devices. If he was more senior, he might say different things, not unlike some developer studio leaders. He might not, hard to say. It won’t have any bearing one way or another on my actions.

I have a coworker that says we need more CO2 in the atmosphere. 🙄

The name implies it’s a sugar alcohol, but it appears to have an impact on dopamine and serotonin, so that could be helping you.

I agree. It would be like a composer who couldn’t play an instrument writing a symphony. Just because he doesn’t have the capability to produce the final outcome doesn’t mean his vision for how the various pieces fit together isn’t an artistry in itself.

That is a very powerful image, moreso than many of the other images I’ve seen of that event. It certainly isn’t because of the people in it, but the timing to capture that gesture and the overall framing add something that is lacking in other pictures I’ve seen. No doubt that is the reason they selected it. Now they will have to use a lesser option.

This is the single biggest reason I don’t want my own instance. It would either be an instance of one or it would be a giant hot mess (or both). I don’t have the time or energy to moderate a bunch of other people. It’s enough trouble moderating myself.