As a backpacker, I grab a bunch of those square jams off the caddy and I hoard Starbucks’ sriracha packets whenever they turn their backs (they’re both light and make crappy dried food taste way better)...

Fair, in my personal opinion, but to do ANY business overseas, as countless US companies and individuals do, it’s nigh on impossible to criticize that nation’s policies. As such, they are not unlike a private citizen at all and any cowardice applies to every single international business, or they’re no longer an…

While I hear you, I think we’re both coming from an incredible position of privilege being able to speak freely as we do in the US. If I were to speak my mind on this while visiting my brother in Shanghai, however, I’d be picked up and put on a plane immediately, at BEST. My brother would then be put under…

Yes. Thanks for this. 

I’d agree with that but, having family in China, even I don’t have a choice; I have to keep my opinions on China anonymous lest I never be allowed back and/or create difficulty w/the gov’t for my brother’s family.

Of course, hence the deep moral compromise of doing business in China. But they’re asking *players*, who are *overseas* (though obviously in Japan). That’s a different situation from the thing that started all this.

Yup, agree. See reply above. I think it still stands in most cases, especially here because how fraught the region is over this*, but YMMV.

Now, I’d thought they were playing today’s game in China (since they were in Japan on the 8th) — my bad — but even stepping into it when you’re in a third country poses similar, if not identical problems.

As a kid with dreams of traveling the world, my parents gave me some priceless advice: When you’re in any country other than your own, you’re a guest, so keep your mouth shut. If you criticize or embarrass that nation or anyone in it, right or wrong, you’re in trouble.

Whew, you hit deep into the fashion reference stands on that one. Well done. 

Wait’ll you see the score...

Annnnnd, 13-0. Racism don’t pay, folks. 

Definitely. You’ll have few allies, and fewer still after Fox News follows Trump’s talking points and starts saying “yeah, he’s the baddie now, it was HIM!”

Generator. It sucks but there’s a bunch that are very affordable now. Like $150-500 gets you a lot.

Holding out for a Presidential pardon? He’s likely complicit in some of this shitshow and, if so, knows he’ll be adrift on his own if he bails out.

Doing business up in Oregon’s beer mecca (Willamette Valley’s hop country) this summer... These beers and countless more are taking off up here. Citrus IPAs w/less hops and a variety of actual, flavorful lagers are everywhere and getting very popular.

The reporting on this (and most studies) is further evidence that journalism schools should teach and/or require training in science, statistics, and research methodologies (ie, studies & polling).

Yeah, nice looking and pretty utilitarian ride. I’d be happy with the power — 250hp/295 torque is pretty damn good.

They re-greyed everyone a few months back. No idea why, but having been here for 15 years, I thought maybe I’d get a nod...

Though I’d agree wholeheartedly with that last sentence, 20+ years of ad experience and measuring effectiveness with car manufacturers (including GM) says otherwise; It depends on a) the objective, b) available resources, and c) execution. If it’s awareness they’r building, it works. If it’s a sales-focused piece, it…