tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post4620338769115321717..comments2024-03-25T15:17:04.488-07:00Comments on Captain Capitalism: Why Ikea is the Future of the US EconomyCaptain Capitalismhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05620212946121617985noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-85959447523314121902021-04-24T20:12:53.089-07:002021-04-24T20:12:53.089-07:00Everything I ever needed to know about IKEA I lear...Everything I ever needed to know about IKEA I learned from Tyler Durden.<br /><br />I have my own tools and acres of oak and cedar trees. With all these resources a man can build lots of furniture and sell some. There is plenty of firewood for the wood stoves, so no heating bills. A man can cook anything fast on a brick rocket stove. A brick oven for baking bread stuffs will turn out fresh loafs for about 25 cents worth of flour apiece.<br /><br />Growing food, fire cooking, and gardening is much more fun than most people know. Playing in the dirt and playing with matches is childhood reloaded.Nightbulbhttps://blog.nightbulb.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-39021262203604442812021-04-22T17:18:38.015-07:002021-04-22T17:18:38.015-07:00From the folks at Ikea https://www.youtube.com/wa...From the folks at Ikea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8N1JGOvhpYAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-74814474218152185982021-03-11T02:38:27.169-08:002021-03-11T02:38:27.169-08:00You should just DIY that, it would cost less time,...You should just DIY that, it would cost less time, money and satisfaction.<br /><br />I can give you my experience. I wanted to buy a kitchen, i've confronted different price estimates between stores including Ikea. I've ended with a better deal, cost effective, better in quality, no problems with lost items and bs of supply chain, by buying at a local carpenter's shop.<br /><br />By the way, having a bad buying experience, it's the cost of the consumer's laziness of not caring about the product the consumer wants to buy. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-54092050211922291372021-03-01T12:31:57.268-08:002021-03-01T12:31:57.268-08:00...making it much more noticeable in the last 5 ye...<i>...making it much more noticeable in the last 5 years...</i><br /><br />That would be around 2015. Those born in 1995 turned 20 years old that year. <br /><br />This fits my general observation that the Millennials are actually three generations. The early Millennials (born 80-87) are little different than Gen X and are quite functional. Thos born between '97-94 are somewhat less functional. Those born 1995 and after have significant issues. kurt9https://www.blogger.com/profile/02101147267959016924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-29911828834937898252021-02-26T07:04:04.141-08:002021-02-26T07:04:04.141-08:00Ikea offers low quality for a premium. There are m...Ikea offers low quality for a premium. There are much better options. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-48593876936079834532021-02-26T04:49:22.410-08:002021-02-26T04:49:22.410-08:00The world has operate like this ab initio. Everyon...The world has operate like this ab initio. Everyone fucks up. Even me. Even you. What matters is how we deal with it. Ikea clearly deals with it poorly.Quartzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02728493448992671955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-16183235131560564382021-02-24T21:35:53.015-08:002021-02-24T21:35:53.015-08:00Interesting points - some other data points to con...Interesting points - some other data points to consider (though I don't claim to have actually info/statistics for the entire USA) <br /><br />1. Boeing 737 Max<br />2. Texas utilities (don't know the whole story here - it's a little more complicated, I suppose)<br />3. Some recent personal experiences with LG appliances (a South Korean company - so I wouldn't say it's just US companies having issues)<br />4. There's some great working companies, or if they do have issues, the customer service is friendly and actually helpful - in my recent experience - for example Home Depot and some smaller family owned-businesses.<br /><br />Also, another point to consider - in general when people feel stressed, their fluid short-term intelligence may slightly drop - this may in part be what is accounting for some stuff. But the kicker is that this (hypothetically) could in some cases create a slight negative feedback loop.<br /><br />In any case, while what you're saying may be true, I certainly do wish the best for the US (and really the whole world).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-21788304824542294632021-02-23T16:37:05.502-08:002021-02-23T16:37:05.502-08:00I think you are dealing with the wrong end of the ...I think you are dealing with the wrong end of the chain. I support, and employ, small local businesses whenever possible. I may pay a little more, hell, I can afford it, but I find they will go out of their way to satisfy. They have to. Haven't been to a "Big Box" store in 6 months. Joe Barhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06391915646224551352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-8392755838093157452021-02-23T14:27:24.423-08:002021-02-23T14:27:24.423-08:00My kitchen cabinets and bookshelves come from IKEA...My kitchen cabinets and bookshelves come from IKEA, but if you're able, you should shop for furniture from other retailers and designers. Next time you have a major furniture purchase in the works, do check out places like Blu Dot, CB2, EQ3, Maiden Home, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. The cost may be competitive with IKEA or may be a bit higher, but it will be worth it in terms of quality, and better customer service. I think Wayfair's website is too overwhelming to sift through.Christinenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-10404681348934962172021-02-21T13:29:16.154-08:002021-02-21T13:29:16.154-08:00"We seem to be knee-deep in this phase right ..."We seem to be knee-deep in this phase right now, where everyone is college-educated with a gender-studies degree, yet very few are actually intelligent or wise."<br /><br />And most are unemployable. They can't even make coffee at Starbucks without messing it up.Ahuehuetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12733614363242347332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-42601936819740199432021-02-21T10:43:48.124-08:002021-02-21T10:43:48.124-08:00Props to Aaron. He mentioned he would never have h... Props to Aaron. He mentioned he would never have his James Bond Bachelor pad in, "Enjoy The Decline." Now he just has to get Eva Mendes over there. <br /><br /> When you are young, people say, "You're not the only person in the world." "It'a not all about you!"<br /><br /> Then you grow up and have problems and point the finger at the other people involved who sabotaged you, and you get, "What was your part in this situation?" "Don't blame others." "You need to stop blaming others and accept responsibility for yourself!"<br /><br />BUT....<br /><br />"I'm not the only person in the world." AND<br />"It's not all about me." <br /><br /> Extreme ownership of problems is some stupid shit, in my opinion. <br /><br /> By the guidelines of extreme ownership, the people who died in the Twin Towers on 9/11 are at fault because THEY CHOSE TO GO TO WORK that day. <br /><br /> The kids who got shot at Columbine? It's THEIR FAULT FOR GOING TO SCHOOL THAT DAY. <br /><br /> YEAH, I HATE THAT SHIT. <br /><br /> One upside of this economy is I will always be able to get a job doing whatever because I surpass so many people in appearance, attitude, and personality. TheTrophyOnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12713506738557725140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-47031121540196518922021-02-21T10:11:32.161-08:002021-02-21T10:11:32.161-08:00Supply chains are a wreck. Ordered some new applia...Supply chains are a wreck. Ordered some new appliances (wall oven, cooktop, etc.) as part of a minor kitchen remodel. Promised delivery dates came and went, and was wondering if they would ever arrive. They did finally arrive, about 4 months after ordering them.<br />Ahuehuetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12733614363242347332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-66536860528301916732021-02-21T08:36:22.708-08:002021-02-21T08:36:22.708-08:00Cappy mic drop your work is done.
Every incoming ...Cappy mic drop your work is done.<br /><br />Every incoming paid request just point them to this article.<br /><br />Should I .... Which side of IKEA do you want to be on?<br />Why did they....because they work for IKEA.<br />Should I believe....there is no IKEA couch.<br /><br />Long slow clap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-75612928146772080392021-02-20T19:02:15.610-08:002021-02-20T19:02:15.610-08:00Love reading your stuff Aaron. Have been doing it ...Love reading your stuff Aaron. Have been doing it a long time.<br /><br />BUT<br /><br />You are violating your own rules about living simple...you are building a new house thats expensive and that you say may require a small mortgage....meaning you are taking on debt in middle age. You own at least 3 or 4 cars and several motorcycles. You rent an expensive apartment. You travel a lot more than the average person which still costs money regardless of how cheap you do it. Thats just a few of the things that go against your own creed that i have heard a thousand times from you.<br /><br />You are making things too complicated for yourself man. You are building your own trap.<br /><br />Ryan from IllinoisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-9553172840300680192021-02-20T07:41:54.708-08:002021-02-20T07:41:54.708-08:00Sorry to hear that your experience was such a nigh...Sorry to hear that your experience was such a nightmare. <br /><br />Hope you find another villain's couch to go with the space-age bachelor-pad vibe. I always liked the midcentury modern look. <br /><br />Here's a bit of Space Age Bachelor Pad Music - but not from the 1950s/1960s...<br /><br />From Tikiyaki Airways, Captain Lush announcing that <a href="https://youtu.be/z25ZrH2Z6oI" rel="nofollow">the "No Drinking" sign has been turned off</a>, and again, that <a href="https://youtu.be/WQuShe7hJcI?t=10" rel="nofollow">the descent into Waikiki has begun</a>.<br /><br />"Thank you for drinking with Tikiyaki Airways!"Zendo Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00094772654735415974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-42007891142207469422021-02-20T07:13:37.600-08:002021-02-20T07:13:37.600-08:00This future is already here. People are worthless....This future is already here. People are worthless.<br />Your only as strong as your weakest link...good luck finding the link that isn't weak. he'll be the guy with the disgusted look on his face and if you look in his eyes you'll see a desperate desire to pull out a shotgun and kill every last shit stain he works with.<br />It's past time for a lot of over due late term abortions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-11080130873644197632021-02-20T01:24:51.202-08:002021-02-20T01:24:51.202-08:00"... as Ikea said half my couch was not in st...<i>"... as Ikea said half my couch was not in stock ..."</i><br /><br />So let's get this straight: you bought a bunch of boxes that yielded half of a couch, which wasn't going to be usable, and took it on faith that the supply chain would deliver your other half?<br /><br />Where were you in 2020? Mars? Epsilon Theta Three? On the bridge of the Heart of Gold after Marvin took it over?<br /><br />Because if there's one lesson you should have learned in 2020, it's Don't Trust The Damned Supply Chain.<br /><br />Let's change the tune!<br /><br /><i>"Why Captain Capitalism is the Future of Whinging About the US Economy"</i><br /><br />Major points:<br /><br />1. Why own your fuck-ups?<br />2. Always be blaming something else.<br />3. Blame humans, they're <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXYeARRyDWk" rel="nofollow">only human, after all</a>.<br />4. Especially blame humans who weren't around to save you from having to own your fuck-ups.<br />5. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZw23sWlyG0" rel="nofollow">Self-service is just another word for masturbating while shopping.</a><br />6. Also, blame another generation, it's fun and livens up the breaks between masturbating.<br />7. "Доверяй, но проверяй" only works when you trust the verification (and the Russian).<br />8. That sound of broken glass comes from the fire extinguisher being needed to put out the dumpster fire.<br />9. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1okpAj7Fhw" rel="nofollow">Johnny Mnemonic wants disease-free $10k hookers and room service</a>, but who can he trust?<br />10. What if every economic transaction means you fuck yourself in your own arsehole or pay someone else to do it?<br />11. Eventually maybe you'll lie to yourself enough about not minding the pain.<br />12. You then realise only cut-rate Bond villains want James Bond Couches.<br />13. <a href="https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/diderot/1769/regrets.htm" rel="nofollow">A few quotes from Diderot on the virtues of tossing out some old robe</a>, or maybe more of the ultra-self-service with the bliss of ratiocinated competence ... READERS, YOU DECIDE!<br /><br />Don't forget to collect your commemorative Dementia Joe Baizuo free cushioned butt ring!Post Alley Crackpotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-82242738429987696072021-02-19T15:37:00.431-08:002021-02-19T15:37:00.431-08:00Aaron,
Roadtrip down south and buy from Warren Bu...Aaron,<br /><br />Roadtrip down south and buy from Warren Buffet at Nebraska Furniture Mart (or Homemakers in Des Moines, he owns both of them).Chris in Iowanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-16148730506408328652021-02-19T12:08:20.026-08:002021-02-19T12:08:20.026-08:00All of your observations are spot-on. I've had...All of your observations are spot-on. I've had similar conversations recently with my girlfriend about how you can talk to 3 different people 3 different times who are all in the same organization and <i>should</i> have access to the exact same databases and logs of any/all prior interactions, yet none of them seem to know the most basic information about you or your issue, thus requiring several re-iterations of transmission of basic information which promptly seems to become lost. It seems to me that this experience used to be primarily limited to dealing with government bureaucracies, but has now started to reach saturation levels in the private sector, making it much more noticeable in the last 5 years because it's starting to happen way more often to the average person.<br /><br />Speaking of the average person who think real work is beneath them, I read a really interesting article at the Atlantic recently about a guy that studies civilizations and has come up with some common flaws across ALL civilizations which help explain why they all eventually collapse and fail, and one of them is: a bloated elite class with too few elite jobs to go around.<br /><br />We seem to be knee-deep in this phase right now, where everyone is college-educated with a gender-studies degree, yet very few are actually intelligent or wise.Hockeyguynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-33812620715042163492021-02-19T06:01:59.925-08:002021-02-19T06:01:59.925-08:00The other is issues though have to do with the fac...The other is issues though have to do with the fact that most of these people employed know they are merely a human resource, so what point is there doing the job well? I'm sure just about every MBA out there thinks 'any monkey can do these lower level jobs' and they make sure you know that. The results in service to the consumer speak for themselves. This mentality as you well know has seeped into almost every public and private sector institution with a handful of exceptions. <br /><br />Besides, Bob the parts guy at the lawn store, who has been there 30 years and loved by customers because he knew his stuff and could find that weird part for your Japanese tractor or chainsaw, was simply costing them too much anyway. A Texannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-75596436957097894892021-02-19T01:14:55.867-08:002021-02-19T01:14:55.867-08:00Mega-cool rant, Aaron. I've never lived in the...Mega-cool rant, Aaron. I've never lived in the Third World but that's how I imagine it is. That is, you want something and hear, "Yes, yes! No problem, no problem!" and then just get excuses.<br /><br />I hope someone forwards this to "the firm in question". Maybe you then WILL get your couch and you can recite Gert Fröbe,<br /><br />"No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"<br /><br />Keep up the good work.Klausnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-16667973299615443042021-02-18T18:11:02.530-08:002021-02-18T18:11:02.530-08:00The condition of the US economy had been devolving...<br />The condition of the US economy had been devolving slowly but surely from about 1965, to pick a reasonable start date, to roughly the turn of the century, about a 35 year time frame. For those who remember, the mid 60’s was a time when the word inflation, defined by the general public to mean rising prices, began to circulate widely. <br /><br />Then around the time of the dot-com bust, the decline took a sharp downturn from it’s slow & steady descent due to enormous govt interventions led by the Smirking Chimp. This continued until the 2008 bust, and, once again, the downturn took another steep dive when the boy president Herbert Hoover Obama & Co. started their massive financial & freedom restricting interventions which continued for 8 long years. <br /><br />Then it was the idiot-savant’s turn. Orange Man not only continued Barry’s interventions but accelerated them(!) despite his claims to the contrary. Then the absolute topper came with govt’s edicts regarding the phony virus which, in fact, actually destroyed the economy. Note: hat tip to DJT (sarc) for setting a record by being the 1st ever president to attempt to intentionally take down the entire U.S. economy.<br /><br />Now, is it any wonder why we find ourselves trapped in an situation which resembles a burning, smoking, shot-up WW1 bi-plane spiraling into the ground. I know that Cappy knows that this problem didn’t start yesterday. But at this point in time to expect the kind of good customer service that many had come to expect 30 or 40 years ago is a bit naive. It just ain’t gonna happen. And the reality is that it’s going to get worse...much much worse. We have devolved into a 2nd world nation and the next step is 3rd world status. Venezuela here we come. Enjoy the ride.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-29402737980386926192021-02-18T16:32:29.170-08:002021-02-18T16:32:29.170-08:00I bought a spice rack off the Ikea website 2 month...I bought a spice rack off the Ikea website 2 months ago, and the tracking says that the order hasn't even been picked and packed yet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-47036772491805241612021-02-18T16:12:25.475-08:002021-02-18T16:12:25.475-08:00absolutely 100% true. and it's been true for ...absolutely 100% true. and it's been true for quite a while to be honest, but it has really picked up speed this last year. They don't even pretend to care that they are useless. And let's not even talk about government offices that you "need" to do business with (DMV, county clerk, etc). JHC<br /><br />I have lately wondered if while you are enjoying the decline if you had ever expected the decline to be this fast (and clearly picking up speed)? LGCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8358039.post-53307406604935448062021-02-18T16:10:52.851-08:002021-02-18T16:10:52.851-08:00Son, you wrote a book on "enjoy the decline&q...Son, you wrote a book on "enjoy the decline", you just didn't plan on it hitting while you were around to see it. Welcome my friend. I advise you to leave such dreams behind you, and accept reality. If you think your minor "misorder" is bad, you're in for a doosey! Good luck escaping. If I see you in my "abouts" we can talk, I'll even buy you a beer. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00122184571845443895noreply@blogger.com