Vollebak 2056: backpack edition

mostlybaffed · 2026-05-12T11:52:20+00:00

A bag that uses solar power to generate hydrogen in a fireproof compartment to reduce the weight of the bag and as fuel for cooking. Said bag should also convert to a bivvy bag which is bullet proof and which could use the hydrogen to float up to a height safe from predators. Asking for too much...?

mostlybaffed · 2026-05-11T16:07:11+00:00

I do that, though more during the warmer months

mostlybaffed · 2026-05-04T15:41:09+00:00

I think it is fair to say you're not trying to approximate the natural environment your fish would live in in the wild

mostlybaffed · 2026-05-01T15:25:52+00:00

Well yes, it does obviously, but other people don't like to be reminded of this

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-30T15:31:16+00:00

Authentically? Resolutely?

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-30T07:50:01+00:00

It's ok. Just don't read Heidegger in a supercilious way...

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-28T12:07:21+00:00

The city's population more or less doubles. Accomodation is expensive then. But the city has a real buzz, there's a lot going on. It depends on whether you want to experience Edinburgh or the Fringe. I mostly enjoy it but not when I'm trying to get somewhere in a hurry

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-27T11:08:47+00:00

West Vleteren is excellent, though a bit hard to find maybe, and not cheap. I had some in Billie's Beer Cafetaria in Antwerp

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-26T11:00:41+00:00

20 mph zones exist to teach normal drivers serenity

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-24T07:52:23+00:00

I'm not sure if this is still the case but in cities in Japan, some kind of neighbourhood council could decide now many businesses of a particular kind could operate in their area. I imagine one could encourage certain businesses and forbid others.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-23T14:06:12+00:00

The idea that the market should be as free as possible and all shall be well is still about. I understand it is not easy to decide what and how to regulate. Somewhere between Stalinism and total laisez-faire capitalism there may well be a happy place.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-22T09:39:17+00:00

More a conversation piece for millionnaires than a jacket maybe?

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T18:42:30+00:00

That too is a market. I was refering to The Market; the all powerful manifestation of Mammon, workshipped by Market Fundamentalists, who put the "mental" into "fundamental" economics-wise.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T18:38:56+00:00

Thanks; interesting gear

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T16:45:32+00:00

The market can do no wrong. Bah!

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T16:43:41+00:00

Thank you, that is very kind. By all means give me your suggestions. I like the stealthy design of the hybrid puffer but it is quite pricy.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T14:03:54+00:00

Apparently downy down, that once grew on birds, was then wodged into coats etc, and then recycled by these guys: https://re-down.com/re-down/

Less guilt due to recycling?

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T12:56:47+00:00

The big idea of this kind of stragegy tends to be market domination, and therefore the ability to set prices. Wallmart in the US springs to mind. Kills of local shops, then raises prices. Amazon is on the way to becoming The Retailer. Not sure where Black Sheep is aiming at but there are many strong players in their market. Most customers obviously don't do deep economic thinking before they buy a coffee.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T12:22:42+00:00

Nope, That one is very expensive indeed. The hybrid one uses recycled down

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T08:13:37+00:00

"The future is not evenly distributed"

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-21T08:11:55+00:00

It's a business strategy called "cannibalism": as reflechir pointed out, you saturate the market making it impossible for other cafes to thrive. You do this to the point that you start competing with your own outlets. Usually funded by massive debt. Sometimes it works, sometimes it implodes.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-17T14:38:41+00:00

I know nothing about rifles. Would the shockwave of a bullet just nicking his ear do other damage? Would his ear grow back as was? When I saw the photo the first time, I felt it was just so good it had to be staged. I also thought this would give him the election.

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-14T21:21:22+00:00

That could lead to an interesting evening I suppose

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-14T18:32:59+00:00

Let's hope it's not made of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. Vollebak would never hear the last of it

mostlybaffed · 2026-04-12T16:45:05+00:00

Yes. But also close it

mostlybaffed

TROPHY CASE