Someday I will put here a title

For something like computers, this looks like how pricey "gAmiNG" laptops look all fancy but fall apart in about the same timeframe as the lower end laptops for students. But if you've ever handled the sort of laptops for banks or businesses, you'd wonder why laptops can't all be like this. People swear by Lenovo Thinkpads for a reason. Dell's Latitude (general productivity) and Precision (has the power of a gaming laptop but far less bs) lines, HP's probooks, all feel really nice and last for-fucking-ever. But you can't buy them in a store even if you wanted one.

So the trick is to buy what big organizations are buying, but you likely gotta get 'em secondhand when the orgs are done with them. For basic clothes, mil surplus might be a good port of call, for technology see an e-waste recycler or sometimes government auction (you just gotta know what to ask for; ThinkPads, Dell Latitude/Precision, HP Probook/Zbook). Otherwise try to thrift old, pre-enshitification items. The blanket I had as a kid is still going strong and has lived to bury multiple sets of newer bedding (which have worn thin and torn). Kitchen items, see if you can shop at a restaurant supplier.

Just. A fun thought idea.

"We know it looks like a butt plug, just drink the water, it's hot outside"

Tealdeer: According to Thames Water the design was one of several created by unspecified "international experts" and was selected by equally ambiguous "focus groups".

To be honest I think the issue is less with the actual design than the execution. The plastic white base is kind of ironic given the stated goal of reducing plastic waste, but it's noticeable and it looks clean and also evokes an office water cooler, which are good ideas for encouraging people to actually use the fountains. As long as it stay clean, of course.

The blue water droplet in theory is a good idea. It's bright and distinctive and let's people know there's water here in a way that transcends language barriers.

Convo in Yue Qingyuan's head:

Resentful ghost: They see right through you; they see you as nothing more than filth.

Yue Qingyuan: Ah, I see. I am very grateful that they are tolerating me although they see me for what I am, a pile of dirt.

Resentful ghost: ...

*ten seconds later*

Resentful ghost: You are a monster.

Yue Qingyuan, a bit wistfully: I...know I am not allowed this mercy, but I cannot wait for the day I am neutralized like every other beast.

Resentful ghost: ...