THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Comic Discussion => QUESTIONABLE CONTENT => Topic started by: BenRG on 21 Oct 2018, 07:34

Title: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Oct 2018, 07:34
I think that we can all agree that Faye and Bubbles' little enterprise is not the money-spinner that they hoped. They are probably going to be only barely breaking even this month, if they're lucky. So, something is going to have to be done; there must be a bold new strategy if Union Robotics is to be a success! What do you think that they need to do?

The idea that really interests me is them (unwisely) trying to make themselves 'cool' by trying to leverage the more interesting aspects of their lives, such as by exaggerating their peripheral role in bringing down Corpse Witch and The VesperVenger. This has the unanticipated (and unwelcome) consequence of people coming to them to look for help with problem local petty criminals rather than to actually get robot repairs. Because this isn't exactly their area of expertise, they ask Roko (law) and May (criminal psychology) for advice and, somehow, the whole thing turns into a Vaudeville re-imagination of Heroes for Hire. 8-)

More sensibly, I really, really would like to see them asking May or maybe Melon to hand out fliers. This has unpredictable consequences as their 'marketing manager' has some unique ideas for drumming up custom.

What do you think they should do?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 21 Oct 2018, 08:30
Pay customers for referrals. Word of mouth is the most effective advertising. We've seen enough synthetics who need repair that it's a good chance almost every Union Robotics customer knows another potential customer.

The first year is almost guaranteed to be hard.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: JimC on 21 Oct 2018, 10:38
Cosmetic surgery.
quite a bit of business has been in that direction anyway, plus the overlap with the sprays.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: MrNumbers on 21 Oct 2018, 18:30
New comic.

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Carl-E on 21 Oct 2018, 18:48
Oh, Bubbles' eyes.  Poor girl, thought she knew what she was getting into...



Am I seeing Faye's teeth?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: SmilingCat on 21 Oct 2018, 20:03
Stress relief is important for a healthy, balanced life.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Bad Superman on 21 Oct 2018, 20:58
Am I seeing Faye's teeth?

Yes, you do.  :-D

And, while I do like Fayes approach, it doesn't solve their monetary problems.
Something has to happen soon, or they will be out of business… and don't forget, in that case, they will take Dora down with them.

I just hope they'll not just get saved in the last minute by a convenient deus ex machina.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Carl-E on 21 Oct 2018, 21:10
But if our favorite Deus Ex Machina needed repairs...

Wait, what am I saying - they have all the spare parts and labor they need! 



I still think Sam's sprays might be their saviour.  That, and word-of-mouth. 

Actually, Faye had a box of hands earlier - I wonder if Punchbot's arm parts have come in yet?  He's a CPA - probably could pay pretty well, especially if they beef up his punching arm a bit!  Maybe a sledgehammer attachment for the hand? 

As with auto garages, custom work is where the real money is. 
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BarShark on 21 Oct 2018, 22:08
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: lemonglamour on 21 Oct 2018, 22:11
let's not dismiss the fear a lot of trans people are feeling at a rollback in our civil rights.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: brasca on 21 Oct 2018, 22:20
Advertising that they bring down crime bosses might make them a target and why make a deal with Spookybot when you have Hannelore? 

I think a boutique is the best way to go since AIs seem to be interested in changing their appearances.  However, this will take time to set up so by all means commence sexual activity in the moment.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Tova on 21 Oct 2018, 23:11
Wouldn't it be amusing if this is the moment that they receive a deluge of customers?  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BenRG on 21 Oct 2018, 23:23
I'm pretty sure what Faye is doing is something called 'displacement'. In other words, she doesn't want to think about their problems so she's focussing on something that she knows that they will enjoy. It's an understandable reaction but it doesn't really fix any of their problems, does it?

Longer-term readers may remember that Faye once tried to tickle Bubbles' belly only to be dryly (if somewhat embarrassedly) informed that Bubbles never downloaded the software to have a 'ticklish' reaction. I'm wondering if panel 4 means that Bubbles finally got around to installing that app or if not having the software to respond doesn't stop her from being sensitive there. It's a useful thing to know for Faye if she wants to derail Bubbles' train of thought, obviously. :wink:

Wouldn't it be amusing if this is the moment that they receive a deluge of customers?  :mrgreen:

The shutters are closed but that wouldn't stop Melon walking in. I'm not even sure that she would understand the sight enough to be embarrassed, only honestly curious.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrillho on 22 Oct 2018, 00:12
I found today's comic with its themes of both 'we're broke!' and 'let's fuck so we can hide from our problems!' especially hilarious because that kinda sums up yesterday in my own life.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrillho on 22 Oct 2018, 00:13
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.

How so?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: SmilingCat on 22 Oct 2018, 00:22
I'm pretty sure what Faye is doing is something called 'displacement'. In other words, she doesn't want to think about their problems so she's focussing on something that she knows that they will enjoy. It's an understandable reaction but it doesn't really fix any of their problems, does it?

If it helps them de-stress so they're in a more balanced frame of mind to approach the rest of their problems, then yeah, it might.

One fling after hours does not a compulsive desire to run from their problems make.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Carl-E on 22 Oct 2018, 01:58
Yet.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: traroth on 22 Oct 2018, 05:52

One fling after hours does not a compulsive desire to run from their problems make.

Your are  order not in the words right.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: oddtail on 22 Oct 2018, 06:17

One fling after hours does not a compulsive desire to run from their problems make.

Your are  order not in the words right.

It's technically incorrect, but "An X does not a Y make" is a common expression in English, though, from what I understand. Living language does not necessarily always make sense from a prescriptivist perspective.

Or, you already knew that and were simply joking, in which case the joke went over my head, and I apologise ;)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: efindumb on 22 Oct 2018, 06:30

One fling after hours does not a compulsive desire to run from their problems make.

Your are  order not in the words right.

It's technically incorrect, but "An X does not a Y make" is a common expression in English, though, from what I understand. Living language does not necessarily always make sense from a prescriptivist perspective.

Or, you already knew that and were simply joking, in which case the joke went over my head, and I apologise ;)

"it sounded better in my head" is a perfectly acceptable excuse, plus you did have a point.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: efindumb on 22 Oct 2018, 06:34
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.

How so?

Any number of reasons. Jeph is getting on my nerves lately and I may just chuck reading the comic due to it. It's distracting, it's got nothing to do with it, could easily be put elsewhere so it doesn't take away from what draws people to the site. We get it, he is pissed off about everything. That's what twitter is for, which he rants on all of the time...

But since I dared to question his holiness Saint Jeph nobody will likely read this because the mods will delete it.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Undrneath on 22 Oct 2018, 06:44

Any number of reasons. Jeph is getting on my nerves lately and I may just chuck reading the comic due to it. It's distracting, it's got nothing to do with it, could easily be put elsewhere so it doesn't take away from what draws people to the site. We get it, he is pissed off about everything. That's what twitter is for, which he rants on all of the time...

But since I dared to question his holiness Saint Jeph nobody will likely read this because the mods will delete it.

If you don't like it you are welcome to not read. It is Jeph's comic he can do with it what he wants.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrillho on 22 Oct 2018, 06:53
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.

How so?

Any number of reasons. Jeph is getting on my nerves lately and I may just chuck reading the comic due to it. It's distracting, it's got nothing to do with it, could easily be put elsewhere so it doesn't take away from what draws people to the site. We get it, he is pissed off about everything. That's what twitter is for, which he rants on all of the time...

But since I dared to question his holiness Saint Jeph nobody will likely read this because the mods will delete it.

Pretty dim view of Jeph and the mods there. I'd like to also say an inaccurate one, but that'd be getting into semantics.

I haven't read a newspost before you flagged it in years, and not through deliberate choice but accidentally, because of how easy it is just not to scroll that far. I recommend the same tactic if his news posts are that big an issue for you.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Tormuse on 22 Oct 2018, 09:12
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.

How so?

Any number of reasons. Jeph is getting on my nerves lately and I may just chuck reading the comic due to it. It's distracting, it's got nothing to do with it, could easily be put elsewhere so it doesn't take away from what draws people to the site. We get it, he is pissed off about everything. That's what twitter is for, which he rants on all of the time...

But since I dared to question his holiness Saint Jeph nobody will likely read this because the mods will delete it.

Pretty dim view of Jeph and the mods there. I'd like to also say an inaccurate one, but that'd be getting into semantics.

I haven't read a newspost before you flagged it in years, and not through deliberate choice but accidentally, because of how easy it is just not to scroll that far. I recommend the same tactic if his news posts are that big an issue for you.

I'm just baffled by how someone could read this far into the comic and apparently be unaware that Jeph is interested in civil rights...  or that his interest in civil rights might be part of what draws people to his comic.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: bhtooefr on 22 Oct 2018, 09:14
I'll just point out that BarShark registered this morning. (efindumb did not, though.)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrudd on 22 Oct 2018, 10:18
Some of us still come here for the comic even after having met the artist - joking - not joking

As for his news feed - been there, saw that, got a migraine, didn't go back
Twitter I keep away from - I liken it to a mob of blind people shining laser pointers everywhere.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrillho on 22 Oct 2018, 11:10
Moderator Comment I think we are going into sketchy territory here and it certainly isn't discussion of this week's comics. A complaint was raised and has been addressed and further discussion can be via PM with mods or in the moderation discussion thread in Discuss if the people so desire. Let's get back to the storylines.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 22 Oct 2018, 12:52
Administrator Comment After first reassuring our trans* members that the people who own and operate this place are solidly on the side of their civil rights.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: SmilingCat on 22 Oct 2018, 14:16

One fling after hours does not a compulsive desire to run from their problems make.

Your are  order not in the words right.

It's technically incorrect, but "An X does not a Y make" is a common expression in English, though, from what I understand. Living language does not necessarily always make sense from a prescriptivist perspective.

Or, you already knew that and were simply joking, in which case the joke went over my head, and I apologise ;)

"it sounded better in my head" is a perfectly acceptable excuse, plus you did have a point.

Fun fact, it sounded just as bad in my head and I wrote it anyway, as a whimsical excuse to seriously abuse the "an X does not a Y make" idiom. I sometimes like to abuse language/talk like Yoda.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: 94ssd on 22 Oct 2018, 15:08
I absolutely agree with Punkbot's statement. The Sex Pistols suck.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 22 Oct 2018, 15:10
It reminds me of a variation on the "two problems" joke I once heard.

If you have a problem and think "I'll use multithreading", htonow.h otp lsv m reeeybaw
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: shanejayell on 22 Oct 2018, 16:07
Faye, business at work. You can mess around at home.

 :-D :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrillho on 22 Oct 2018, 16:13
Faye, business at work. You can mess around at home.

 :-D :laugh: :laugh:

...If you can get away with it...

...I definitely endorse messing around at work
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: ADGood on 22 Oct 2018, 20:34
Faye, business at work. You can mess around at home.

 :-D :laugh: :laugh:

...If you can get away with it...

...I definitely endorse messing around at work

Well, it is where they keep all the fanciest power tools. 
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: MrNumbers on 22 Oct 2018, 20:45
I feel like there's a missing comic between today and yesterday

Because I was thinking "how do you use a concrete saw for sex"
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: SmilingCat on 22 Oct 2018, 20:51
Because I was thinking "how do you use a concrete saw for sex"

Very carefully.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: sitnspin on 22 Oct 2018, 21:31
Power tools vibrate. A lot. Anything can be used as a sex toy if you are creative enough.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: OldGoat on 22 Oct 2018, 21:38
Wouldn't it be amusing if this is the moment that they receive a deluge of customers?  :mrgreen:

Having been self-employed for the past several years, I can state with confidence that this would be very typical of the shit the Fates like to throw at you.  Get it on while you can, Ladies.  When the big wave hits you won't know whether to "shit or go blind."  And then the phone won't ring for weeks on end.


Your are  order not in the words right.

Syntax murdering nerd amusement excellent is.

Power tools vibrate. A lot. Anything can be used as a sex toy if you are creative enough.

https://www.ohjoysextoy.com/
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: brasca on 22 Oct 2018, 22:23
If Dethmole does a cover of Art of Noise’s “Close”Bubbles is sure to have a place.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: cybersmurf on 22 Oct 2018, 23:23
The concrete saw is going to be a regular, without us ever seeing what Bubbles does with it.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BenRG on 22 Oct 2018, 23:24
So, today's strip makes me think that Faye and Bubbles have decided to do various odd-jobs for extra revenue. It seems a fairly sensible option (which is one of the reasons I didn't think of it whilst setting up the poll). However, I still wonder if it might lead to adventure, especially if (like Disney's Kim Possible) they aren't too careful about the wording of their ads. for example, consider what this ad seems to communicate as opposed to its intent:

Quote
Local Troubleshooters
If you've got a problems, call us! We've got the tools and we can do anything!
Call xxxxx-xxx-xxx or twitter @fayeandbubzUR

There are two or three perfectly valid interpretations of this advert, only one of which is accurate and the others could lead Faye and Bubbles to several unexpected outcomes!

However, onto the point of today's strip, which is poor Claire still stressing out. Yes, that's her stressed-out smile in panel 2. It's worrying that it literally doesn't occur to her to take a break. I'm also more than a little worried about the fact that she wants to appear like a 'real student'. I'm guessing that she's fast approaching the 'bend before you break' moment here!
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Cornelius on 22 Oct 2018, 23:34
You mean something like:

Quote
If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire Union Robotics

Claire does need a break.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: oddtail on 23 Oct 2018, 01:46
The concrete saw is going to be a regular, without us ever seeing what Bubbles does with it.

Nothing concrete, at least.

*badum-tss*
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: efindumb on 23 Oct 2018, 09:35

After first reassuring our trans* members that the people who own and operate this place are solidly on the side of their civil rights.


Got it. Complaining about Jeph post now equates to an attack on supporting civil rights and is transphobic. Sorry for daring to go against the tide again and am unwelcome. Please delete my account then.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Dawiyd on 23 Oct 2018, 10:01
In lighter subject matter, I badly need a coffee shop near that sells a $12 WTF size Latte. Funny details like this are among many things i love about QC.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: pwhodges on 23 Oct 2018, 10:30
Got it. Complaining about Jeph post now equates to an attack on supporting civil rights and is transphobic. Sorry for daring to go against the tide again and am unwelcome. Please delete my account then.

How perversely wrong can you be?  It's nothing to do with complaining about it's being a post by Jeph - he merely pointed out a hateful thing that the US government is aiming to do and suggested that people might like to protest about it in whatever way they feel able to.  I would suggest that this cannot be viewed as a bad thing unless you also hold and support the views which he's warning of, or at the very least think that protesting against them is not appropriate.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: theMarc on 23 Oct 2018, 10:37
I was going to come in here and make a joke about the comic, but apparently the topic of the day is to complain about easily-ignored newsposts, which has drained my joviality, so nevermind, I guess.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 23 Oct 2018, 11:53
I think most people would be happier joking about the comic. Please go ahead!

I liked this one because it's classic QC wackiness.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Thrudd on 23 Oct 2018, 12:31
Pintsize: Déjà vu
Bubbles: And now for something completely different.
Pintsize: This is Déjà vu all over again.

May: Are you embarrassed easily?
Pintsize: I am. Well not really.
May: Do any of these words (farts) embarrass you?
Pintsize: Shoe, megaphone, grunties, trouser cough.
May: Now lets go on to something far ruder.
Pintsize: Wankle rotary engine.

May: That reminds me of a question I had that I wanted to ask much earlier on but got ...
Pintsize:  BUTTS
May:  :grumpypuss:
May: Where was I?
Pintsize: This feels like Déjà vu all over again.
May: Oh yes, what type of power source does this concrete saw use? A two stroke Briggs and Stratton or maybe a four stroke by Motomaster? 
Pintsize: She said stroke, heh heh heh heh ...... 

Bubbles: :facepalm:
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: DSL on 23 Oct 2018, 12:39
In lighter subject matter, I badly need a coffee shop near that sells a $12 WTF size Latte. Funny details like this are among many things i love about QC.

Probably near you is a shop that will sell you a WTF-sized coffee drink, maybe even an espresso, for considerably less than 12 bucks, and you can keep the thermal mug (which we used to call a "pitcher"). As a bonus, you can buy gasoline out front for your car.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: dutchrvl on 23 Oct 2018, 12:45

After first reassuring our trans* members that the people who own and operate this place are solidly on the side of their civil rights.


Got it. Complaining about Jeph post now equates to an attack on supporting civil rights and is transphobic. Sorry for daring to go against the tide again and am unwelcome. Please delete my account then.


So here is what happened: an admin posts a message stating that the people who own and operate this place support trans* members and their civil rights.

And what you somehow interpreted from that post, apparently, is that your criticism was equated to an attack and transphobic. :psyduck:


Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: dutchrvl on 23 Oct 2018, 12:50
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.

How so?

Any number of reasons. Jeph is getting on my nerves lately and I may just chuck reading the comic due to it. It's distracting, it's got nothing to do with it, could easily be put elsewhere so it doesn't take away from what draws people to the site. We get it, he is pissed off about everything. That's what twitter is for, which he rants on all of the time...

But since I dared to question his holiness Saint Jeph nobody will likely read this because the mods will delete it.

Jeph has a history of posting news messages about all kinds of topics underneath his comic since the beginning. In fact, a lot more frequently than nowadays.
Was it always a problem for you, even when it was not about societal/political issues? Sincere question by the way, I'm just trying to understand what it is that irks you about them. For example, I personally did not care for the posts he used to have about his private/personal life, while I have no problem and actually appreciate a post every once and a while that shows thoughts on societal/civil rights matters.

Anyway, whatever the reason, I'm confused why anyone who is only interested in the comic would read what's underneath, especially if you feel distracted by it. Simply scroll to the end of the comic and no further?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Oct 2018, 12:56
After that much caffeine you shouldn't need a car. You can just run to work faster.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 23 Oct 2018, 13:15
If Bubbles is doing productive work on the counter, does that mean she is counterproductive?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: A small perverse otter on 23 Oct 2018, 14:14
Are we gonna talk about the post UNDER the comic?


And how Silly it is.

It's not silly.  It's terrifying.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Oct 2018, 14:38
What is Bubbles doing with the cement saw, anyway? Cutting the bar in half?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Pilchard123 on 23 Oct 2018, 15:03
Making noodles (https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NoodleImplements).
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: bhtooefr on 23 Oct 2018, 19:31
After that much caffeine you shouldn't need a car. You can just run to work faster.
Upside: ENERGY LEGS
Downside: You'll have so many babies.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Cornelius on 23 Oct 2018, 22:34
So, this week is Claire's quest for a place to study, it would seem. Right now, I'm just wondering what Tai will have organised in the library, by the time Claire makes it there.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: OldGoat on 23 Oct 2018, 23:21
Rene, you're STILL an asshole.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BenRG on 23 Oct 2018, 23:23
I'm hoping that Claire gets over her misgivings and stays at The Secret Bakery for a while. I've got a feeling that, when she wakes up, Brun may be the source of some plain-spoken observations about when certain things are dumb that Claire needs to hear.

Meanwhile... It's been a long journey and I've been trying to give her all the slack I can but Renee is finally coming across to me as just plain nasty right now. I mean... Brun is supposed to be her close friend and she knows that she's a vulnerable person but still she feels able to be cruel to her. I'm wondering if Jeph is sowing the seeds for Brun to move out without a second thought when the time comes.

Regarding breads, all Claire has to do is buy as much as she wants multiplied by three and give the excess to Brun, who will then anoint her as her new Best Friend Forever (and I think that they're close to that anyway). She shouldn't give any to Roko though, she might misinterpret that as a romantic overture.

What is Bubbles doing with the cement saw, anyway? Cutting the bar in half?

I suspect that she's going to carry out the promised overhaul on the espresso machine. The concrete saw is to cow it into submission and cooperation.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: traroth on 24 Oct 2018, 04:04
What is Bubbles doing with the cement saw, anyway? Cutting the bar in half?

You would be amazed at what she can do with it!

Clean dishes
Repair cars
Treat acne
Knead dough
Cut fruits
Wax shoes
Cut concrete
Make fire
Destroy tanks
Hunt game
Play music
Defuse nuclear weapons
Style hair

...and that's just a small sample!
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: traroth on 24 Oct 2018, 04:12
JJ and poking sticks (http://www.alicegrove.com/page/213)...
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: jwhouk on 24 Oct 2018, 05:01
Wait a minute:

Claire.

And Brun.

...the latter who has a (very strange) relationship with Clinton.

Claire's brother.





This... will not end well?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: dutchrvl on 24 Oct 2018, 06:03
JJ and poking sticks (http://www.alicegrove.com/page/213)...

Not to mention this one (https://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1210)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Milayna on 24 Oct 2018, 12:27
Seems like teasing to me.

Oh, did you hear about the Halloween party where everybody showed up dressed as old-timey seamen? It was totally lame, spoiled by too many Cooks.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: War Sparrow on 24 Oct 2018, 15:37
Good comment/ post count indicator synergy.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: DaiJB on 24 Oct 2018, 18:59
You mean something like:

Quote
If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire Union Robotics

Claire does need a break.

Or maybe:
Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer Union Robotics.

...And, yes, Claire really needs a break. If she doesn't slow down soon, Marten will have to tranquilize her...
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Is it cold in here? on 24 Oct 2018, 19:38
Brun is supplying her some perspective.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Cornelius on 24 Oct 2018, 22:57
Indeed, though you have to wonder what kind of person her former boss was.

Or maybe:
Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer Union Robotics.

Or, to keep advertising costs a little lower: "Have tools, will travel."
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BenRG on 24 Oct 2018, 23:42
There is so much cute in today's strip. First there is the way that Claire and Brun react to each other. Those smiles and the body language really communicates just how close friends that they've become. Then there is the way that Brun visibly tries to find something helpful to say. Obviously, "Try not to get the answers wrong" feels inadequate for some reason! Socialisation is clearly having a positive effect on her!

Brun isn't the type to tease or even tell a false story. So, clearly, using a harpoon was a starting necessary job aptitude. That's worrying, when you think about it.

Finally, this may be the shipper in me, but I think that it's significant that Claire is "Clinton's sister" to Brun. Obviously, he is of considerable importance in her mind!
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: cybersmurf on 25 Oct 2018, 02:43
The concrete saw is going to be a regular, without us ever seeing what Bubbles does with it.

Nothing concrete, at least.

*badum-tss*


Ouch. I did deserve that one.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Gyrre on 25 Oct 2018, 04:48
Twitter I keep away from - I liken it to a mob of blind people shining laser pointers everywhere.
That's probably one of the best descriptions I've seen of it. Even when politics aren't involved.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: traroth on 25 Oct 2018, 08:18
I like "expolained"...
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Dawiyd on 25 Oct 2018, 09:07
In lighter subject matter, I badly need a coffee shop near that sells a $12 WTF size Latte. Funny details like this are among many things i love about QC.

Probably near you is a shop that will sell you a WTF-sized coffee drink, maybe even an espresso, for considerably less than 12 bucks, and you can keep the thermal mug (which we used to call a "pitcher"). As a bonus, you can buy gasoline out front for your car.

Haha. I live in East Africa. Coffee grown, but not widely sold prepared.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Zebediah on 25 Oct 2018, 18:27
Comic’s up. It’s a distraction.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: MrNumbers on 25 Oct 2018, 19:11
I worried about Clinton being Marigold 2.0, but Clinton's had a lot of really fantastic character growth. I actually enjoy him getting screentime now.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: zisraelsen on 25 Oct 2018, 19:15
I love little animations like that in usually-still-life comics.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Milayna on 25 Oct 2018, 21:06
After claiming her victory, Brun kneeled, and pulling a handle of bourbon from the shelf, the owner tapped it to each of Brun's shoulders: "I now proclaim you a Tender of the Stock and Consoler of the Patrons. Rise, and don your uniform, Barkeep."

Remind me of what Claire was sworn to secrecy about? Or Was it someone else sworn not to tell her?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: brasca on 25 Oct 2018, 22:26
I love little animations like that in usually-still-life comics.

It can be a little unsettling.  I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: St.Clair on 25 Oct 2018, 22:34
Twitter I keep away from - I liken it to a mob of blind people shining laser pointers everywhere.
That's probably one of the best descriptions I've seen of it. Even when politics aren't involved.

My first reaction to Twitter, back in the day, was to think of the scene in Apollo 13 where an irritated Jim Lovell rips off his medical sensors.  Like him, I have no need or desire to provide "the entire Western world" with a constant stream of updates about my inane shit (perhaps literally!) or to read about anyone else's.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: jesslc on 25 Oct 2018, 23:09
After claiming her victory, Brun kneeled, and pulling a handle of bourbon from the shelf, the owner tapped it to each of Brun's shoulders: "I now proclaim you a Tender of the Stock and Consoler of the Patrons. Rise, and don your uniform, Barkeep."

Remind me of what Claire was sworn to secrecy about? Or Was it someone else sworn not to tell her?
As far as I remember:
Renee was sworn to secrecy (by Elliot) to not tell anyone about Elliot's crush on Clinton. Renee almost gave it away to Claire by saying "I don't know who he has more of a crush on Brun or.." but she managed to stop herself there. When Claire was telling Marten later that Renee couldn't say who because she'd been sworn to secrecy, Marten suggested that maybe the Elliot's crush was Clinton. And then Claire's loud excitement over the possibility caused Bubbles to break down the door.  :lol:

I don't think there was anything where Clinton swore Claire to secrecy about his crush on Brun. Mainly he just wanted her to not interfere. (Which I guess also involves not talking to Brun for him. But hopefully Dora managed to get into Claire's head that she should just be chill about it).

---

Personally - as one of those people drawn to this comic because I care about civil rights - I appreciated Jeph's newspost. Also I have a question, but I should probably go to Discuss for it.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: BenRG on 25 Oct 2018, 23:18
As someone said over on Patreon yesterday, it is impossible to study and ship at the same time. This leaves Claire in a considerable dilemma! :laugh:

It's pretty clear that Brun likes spending time with Clinton. You can see this from the way her face lights up in panel 1, which is probably when she sees him entering The Secret Bakery. Was meeting up with Clinton the reason why she dragged herself, half-conscious, out of bed this morning? I find myself wondering just how long those two have been dating without knowing it!

In panel 3, Claire obviously sees the way Brun and Clinton are smiling at each other and was able to do the math. So, the time has come (in order to maintain her self-image) to feign being a somewhat-prima-donna student and make a sudden, tetchy exit and leave the lovebirds to it. I sort of hope that, before she leaves, she lets Brun know that there is no reason why she cannot tell Clinton if she finds him attractive and, indeed, she is allowed to ask him out.


EDIT
*Squints* Oh! That person on Patreon was quoting Jeph's footer! I don't always notice them, hence the confusion.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: oeoek on 26 Oct 2018, 00:03
Was meeting up with Clinton the reason why she dragged herself, half-conscious, out of bed this morning? I find myself wondering just how long those two have been dating without knowing it!

Sleepdating! I love the concept!
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: traroth on 26 Oct 2018, 00:47
They are just being mean to poor Clinton! All he wanted was a macchiato...

(Actually, I like BenRG today's over-interpretation...  :wink:)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Case on 26 Oct 2018, 03:53
That's Scholarship!  :clairedoge:
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: ihaveavoice on 26 Oct 2018, 04:19
I love how Brun's immediately just like, "Welp, dunno why Clinton is such a distraction for Claire, but clearly he has to go." Keeping her friend steady on her study course!

And I interpreted that little smile as her enjoying the fact that she and Claire were sitting together at the table and no social protocols had to be observed, there wasn't any conversation to navigate, but they were just comfortably existing in each other's space. Not two strangers awkwardly sharing a table, but two new friends just chilling and doing their own thing at the same time. (Also maybe it's fun for her to be a study spectator? lol) It seems like a thing that Brun might rightly take a moment to bask in, considering how much harder she often has to work at social interactions than the people around her do.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Nepiophage on 26 Oct 2018, 06:16
JJ and poking sticks (http://www.alicegrove.com/page/213)...

Not to mention this one (https://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1210)

Or this https://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=751 (https://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=751)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: DSL on 26 Oct 2018, 06:31
I don't always get along with my sisters, but I don't think I've ever greeted either with "What are you doing here?"
At least, not since we all became adults.

Their various ex-husbands, now ...
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: jesslc on 27 Oct 2018, 00:14
I don't always get along with my sisters, but I don't think I've ever greeted either with "What are you doing here?"
At least, not since we all became adults

Who says they're adults?
I mean - reaching the age of maturity doesn't automatically make you become a mature adult. Clinton was 21 at one point (near-ish to his intro) so he's probably not more than 22/23 in comic now. People are often still maturing at that age.

Also Claire and Clinton had a rather antagonistic relationship from the start. It was possibly played up for comic effect but she did chase him out of Coffee of Doom that one time. And when required to say something nice about him at the lake house she said something along the lines of "Even though he's a jerk he's still a good brother". They've been getting along with each other better in the more recent comics but I think being antagonistic to each other has definitely been their long term default. And when you're surprised - as Clinton appears to be - you're more likely to resort to default behaviour.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Smallest on 27 Oct 2018, 14:23
I don't always get along with my sisters, but I don't think I've ever greeted either with "What are you doing here?"
At least, not since we all became adults.

Their various ex-husbands, now ...

I mean, it sounds mostly like he was surprised, since that's somewhere mostly he goes?

I'd definitely say it if I saw my brother, but then again, he lives 3+ hours including a ferry ride away, so it would be pretty confusing.

(edit- 2 hours are on the ferry, the other(s) are driving to/from the terminals and waiting in line)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Gyrre on 27 Oct 2018, 23:48
Twitter I keep away from - I liken it to a mob of blind people shining laser pointers everywhere.
That's probably one of the best descriptions I've seen of it. Even when politics aren't involved.

My first reaction to Twitter, back in the day, was to think of the scene in Apollo 13 where an irritated Jim Lovell rips off his medical sensors.  Like him, I have no need or desire to provide "the entire Western world" with a constant stream of updates about my inane shit (perhaps literally!) or to read about anyone else's.
It gets really spoopy if you start look at scuttled CIA and FBI projects for monitoring the citizenry.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Theta9 on 28 Oct 2018, 06:38
It gets really spoopy if you start look at scuttled CIA and FBI projects for monitoring the citizenry.
If the government doesn't trust the people, why doesn't it just dissolve them and elect a new people?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Oct 2018, 07:21
Governments have tried that in the past. It usually doesn't go well.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Milayna on 28 Oct 2018, 19:14
I think the guy whose introduction is "what are you doing here?" shouldn't be telling anyone to "chill out"

That said, well, it's not like the Old Clinton can die all at once. Still going to be some squabbling.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Baleanopter on 28 Oct 2018, 19:59
I don't always get along with my sisters, but I don't think I've ever greeted either with "What are you doing here?"
At least, not since we all became adults.
Isn't that what one usually says to someone one expected to be someplace else, or one did not at all expect to be where the someone was?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Case on 28 Oct 2018, 20:02
I wonder what sense the common dickbat uses for orientation (in lieu of echolocation) ?
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: cesium133 on 28 Oct 2018, 20:09
Ejaculocation.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: ZoeB on 28 Oct 2018, 20:27
Oh crikey, I'm even more of a geek than I thought I was. I've read critiques of Asimov and of course weak and strong anthropic principles, but was disappointed to realise the references Clinton made were to works not written in this universe.

I wonder if he's read

 Using Meta-Genetic Algorithms to tune parameters of Genetic Algorithms to find lowest energy Molecular Conformers
ZE Brain, MA Addicoat 
Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems

Or

Meta-Genetic Algorithms, Molecules, and Supercomputers
MA Addicoat, ZE Brain
Poster, SC10 Conference on High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: jesslc on 28 Oct 2018, 21:17
I don't always get along with my sisters, but I don't think I've ever greeted either with "What are you doing here?"
At least, not since we all became adults.
Isn't that what one usually says to someone one expected to be someplace else, or one did not at all expect to be where the someone was?
The lack of any greeting or her name is what makes it sound antagonistic. If I bumped into my brother in an unexpected location I would probably say "Oh hey Hamish! What are you doing here?" or if I'm particularly surprised it might end up like "Hamish?? What are you doing here?"

Of course we can't read tone of voice through the comic - Clinton could just be surprised - but leaving out the social niceties and her name and skipping straight to asking for an explanation for Claire's presence, well (to me, at least) it come across as accusatory in tone (a sort of "justify your presence here to me now!")
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: St.Clair on 28 Oct 2018, 21:52
Oh crikey, I'm even more of a geek than I thought I was. I've read critiques of Asimov and of course weak and strong anthropic principles, but was disappointed to realise the references Clinton made were to works not written in this universe.

Whereas I was wondering, and came here to ask, whether any of those names are actual researchers in the field.  (Not really being up on current developments, though I did recognize prior refs like Officer Basilisk.)
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Scarlet Manuka on 28 Oct 2018, 23:59
If the government doesn't trust the people, why doesn't it just dissolve them and elect a new people?
Getting that much hydrofluoric acid would be expensive, and the military needs that money for defense.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: ZoeB on 29 Oct 2018, 03:04
Whereas I was wondering, and came here to ask, whether any of those names are actual researchers in the field.  (Not really being up on current developments, though I did recognize prior refs like Officer Basilisk.)

A recent international conference in AI was held in Iskenderun, Turkey. That's the only reference I got in the names.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: traroth on 31 Oct 2018, 02:15
It gets really spoopy if you start look at scuttled CIA and FBI projects for monitoring the citizenry.
If the government doesn't trust the people, why doesn't it just dissolve them and elect a new people?

We don't get often a Bertold Brecht quote in those forums...
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: Theta9 on 01 Nov 2018, 07:42
If the government doesn't trust the people, why doesn't it just dissolve them and elect a new people?

We don't get often a Bertold Brecht quote in those forums...
I actually got it secondhand from Robert Anton Wilson.
Title: Re: WCDT strips 3856-3860 (22nd to 26th October 2018)
Post by: DSL on 01 Nov 2018, 08:19
If the government doesn't trust the people, why doesn't it just dissolve them and elect a new people?

We don't get often a Bertold Brecht quote in those forums...
I actually got it secondhand from Robert Anton Wilson.

Dividing seems to be as effective as dissolving.