David Lidsky's Blog, page 335

‘Some temporary hardship’: Elon Musk admits his plan with Trump would harm the economy

The billionaire’s plan to cut $2 trillion in government spending under Donald Trump would be an economic disaster, but he won’t talk about who it would hurt most.

Generally, political campaigns try to put a positive spin on their economic proposals and downplay any potential costs. But with the U.S. presidential election in the final stretch, Elon Musk, who’s become Donald Trump’s loudest and most visible supporter in corporate America, has chosen a different tack: talking about the economic pain that his and Trump’s plans could inflict should Trump retake the Oval Office.

Ford will pause F-150 Lightning production through early 2025

As EV demand slows, Ford is adjusting production of its battery-powered vehicles like the F-150 Lightning.

Ford is pausing production of its F-150 Lightning—the electric version of its best-selling F-150 truck—until early 2025. It’s another sign of how the automaker is trying to adjust to slowing EV demand.

‘Now that’s what I call a cheese pull’: Chili’s sales are surging thanks to TikTok

The restaurant chain’s Triple Dipper appetizer is enjoying viral success on social media.

“Is Chili’s triple dipper worth it?” Irene Kim asks in a TikTok with nearly 450,000 views. She zooms in to show her selection of Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers, Big Mouth Bites, and Nashville Hot Mozz, accompanied with three sides of ranch. Taking a bite of the mozzarella stick, she says “now that’s what I call a cheese pull,” stretching the stick until it is almost out of shot. “For $16, worth it.” 

Tumblers sold at Wawa stores in 8 states are being recalled over dangerous metal straws: Here’s what to do if you bought one

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a notice for 60,000 plastic Halo tumblers after multiple people cut their fingers and mouths on the straws.

About 60,000 Halo tumblers sold at Wawa convenience stores in eight states and the District of Columbia are being recalled after four people cut their fingers and mouths on the metal straw, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Hello Kitty turns 50: Here’s how she became a global moneymaker

As Hello Kitty’s commercial success expanded beyond Asia, so did her personal profile.

Hello Kitty turns 50 on Friday. Befitting a pop icon at midlife, the bubble-headed, bow-wearing character’s fictional birthday has brought museum exhibits, a theme park spectacle, and a national tour. And that’s just in Japan, her literal birthplace but not the one listed in her official biography.

The 4 numbers that will define Joe Biden’s space legacy

The Biden administration’s legacy in space is one of global reach and using space as a soft power tool.

The Biden administration’s legacy in space is one of global reach and using space as a soft power tool, as evidenced by its leadership on initiatives such as banning destructive anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons testing and promoting the responsible use of space internationally through the Artemis Accords.

‘It just feels a bit much’: Boo baskets are the latest Halloween TikTok trend to spark backlash among parents

The trend began with a treat-filled basket left anonymously on a neighbor’s doorstep. It has already become something much, much bigger.

You’ve picked the perfect pumpkin, nailed your costume, and decked out your porch, but have you put together your “boo basket” yet?

Dropbox lays off 20% of its workforce as CEO blames ‘excess layers of management’ for stunted growth

The company is dropping a huge chunk of its head count as it has struggled to fend off competitors like Box and Google.

Dropbox is dropping a huge chunk of its head count.

Elon Musk wants everyone to have more kids—but a Trump presidency won’t help families

Though Trump has recently paid lip service to family policies, his track record indicates that issues like paid leave and steep childcare costs are not a priority.

Across social media and in interviews, Elon Musk has repeatedly aired his concerns about the declining birth rate, calling it “the biggest danger civilization faces” and urging his followers to have more kids. Musk, who has fathered at least 11 children, seems to have made this a personal mission. Just this week, the New York Times reported that Elon Musk has now quietly built a sprawling mansion in Austin in the hopes of creating a “family compound” for his many children and their mothers.

Robert Downey Jr. threatens to sue any future executives who use his AI replica

Downey has the right to deny any digital replica uses in film—even after his death—because of California’s new law.

Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up—even posthumously.