Category Archives: general

31-Years-Owned 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

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This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is a classic example of Mercedes’ celebrated W113 “Pagoda” series. Powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this model delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The car is finished in white complemented by Cognac MB-Tex upholstery, offering a timeless and elegant look.

The vehicle comes equipped with a gray convertible soft top and a removable hardtop painted to match the body color. Other exterior features include 14″ steel wheels with painted covers and 185 HR 14 Pirelli P300 tires, a driver-side mirror, and US-market headlights. The W113 SL was designed by renowned automotive designers Friedrich Geiger, Béla Barényi, and Paul Bracq, making this car a valuable collector’s piece.

The seller purchased the car in 1994 and is now offering it with an owner’s manual, service records, the original factory radio (which has been removed), a car cover, a hardtop stand, and a clean Utah title in their name. It’s important to note there is a noticeable color difference on the driver-side door, suggesting it may have been repainted before the seller’s purchase. Additionally, dents and dings are present on the body, and the condition of the soft top is documented in the accompanying gallery.

Braking is handled by power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. A thorough service was performed in September 2022, which included replacing the front and rear brake pads, a front rotor, wheel bearings, and a brake fluid flush. The same service also covered an oil and coolant change, along with the replacement of the valve cover and fuel hoses, ensuring the car’s mechanical components remain in good working order.

Inside, the cabin features bucket seats upholstered in Cognac MB-Tex, which extends to the door panels, creating a cohesive interior design. While an aftermarket CD stereo has been installed and powers on, it currently does not play CDs. Other interior appointments include an analog clock, a floor-mounted gear shifter, and a heater. The seller notes some wear to the seats, broken ventilation and heater control knobs, and a loose center console. The original factory radio is included with the sale for restoration or collection purposes.

The classic two-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in a cover and features a chrome horn ring. The instrument cluster houses a 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The odometer shows 45,000 miles but has rolled over; the seller has added approximately 2,000 miles since ownership.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through the aforementioned four-speed automatic transmission. The engine—Mercedes’ M130 inline-six—is factory equipped with Bosch fuel injection and produces 180 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque.

Chassis number 11304412008365 is clearly displayed, and the title lists the VIN as 280SL008365. This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is currently offered in Salt Lake City and represents a wonderful opportunity to own a beautifully preserved piece of Mercedes-Benz history.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-mercedes-benz-280sl-161/

‘Tulsa King’ Star Neal McDonough Would Love To Reprise His Role As Malcolm Beck In ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff: “He Would Wreak Havoc”

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On-screen, Neal McDonough is one of Hollywood’s most dependable (and most chilling) bad guys. Off-screen, McDonough is happily married to producer Ruvé McDonough and is a loving father to their five children. Much to the delight of audiences, he has found his place within the Taylor Sheridan universe with roles on two of the creator’s iconic shows: *Yellowstone* and *Tulsa King*.

“To be so blessed to be in not just one, but two Taylor Sheridan shows, I don’t take that lightly,” said McDonough. While he admits to being “introverted” in his everyday life, he loves to take on characters that allow him to “be anything and no one can judge me for it.” “That fearlessness, I think, is something Taylor really likes about my acting approach,” he observed.

### From Yellowstone to Tulsa King

While McDonough’s *Yellowstone* character Malcolm Beck was a ruthless, violent, egomaniacal businessman, his *Tulsa King* character Cal Thresher is a different type of power-hungry figure. Cal is an oilman who, after growing bored with his billions, sets his sights on building a cannabis empire. However, after getting involved with the volatile Jackie Ming (Rich Ting) and running afoul of Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone), Thresher manages to untangle himself from the business and stay alive in the process.

After licking his wounds, Thresher devises a new plan to stay on top: becoming the Governor of Oklahoma.

“He just wants to amass as much power as he possibly can to do whatever he feels like doing,” said McDonough when asked about Thresher’s gubernatorial run. “Who has more power in the great state of Oklahoma than the Governor? It’s the next logical step for him, but he’s aware that he’s a bit out of his depth.”

One person who can help him is Margaret Devereaux (Dana Delaney), a respected horse rancher and Manfredi’s girlfriend.

“She’s someone Cal needs on his side for the political side of Oklahoma, but also for the mobster side of Oklahoma,” explained McDonough. “Cal needs her on his team until he gets elected, and then, well, he can do whatever he feels like.”

—

### DECIDER Interview with Neal McDonough

**DECIDER:** You feel very at home in the Taylor Sheridan universe. How did your experience on *Yellowstone* prepare you for *Tulsa King*?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** First of all, to be so blessed to be in not just one, but two Taylor Sheridan shows—I don’t take that lightly. I’m one of those actors who likes to swing for the fences. In real life, I’m much more of a shy, introverted type of person. But when I get into a character, I can be anything I want and no one can judge me for it. That fearlessness, I think, is something Taylor really likes about my acting approach.

It really worked well with my character in *Yellowstone*. I had some great scenes with Kevin Costner too. Certain things have been said about Kevin as of late because of *Horizon* or because of this or that. I’m just going to put the fact out there that Kevin Costner might be the greatest screen actor of all time. He is so dialed into his characters. When you watch the nuances of his characters, it’s like you’re watching Robert Redford. They are very similar in how they listen so well to everything that’s going on in the scene. You can’t take your eyes off them. I love watching Kevin so much. So, I wish nothing but success for Kevin Costner moving forward. You’re definitely not alone there.

It was a great challenge for me to bounce from a crazy, maniacal character like Malcolm Beck in *Yellowstone* to this really polished, well-to-do Oklahoman Cal Thresher in *Tulsa King*. As Cal Thresher, I get to go nose to nose with Sylvester Stallone. He’s such a talented guy. He knows exactly what to do in front of a camera. He’s so prepared with this character, with his dialogue, with everything.

—

**DECIDER:** You recently said that Cal Thresher was “one of the most misunderstood characters” you’ve played in a long time. Can you elaborate on that for me?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** He came out hot right out of the gate. As time progressed, he was trying to be that tough guy. He’s got billions of dollars at his fingertips so he can basically do anything he wants. In Season 2, he slowly learns that he’s not really cut out for the marijuana business.

My wife Ruvé and I were talking after Season 2 ended. I didn’t think I was going back, and then we were with [101 Studios CEO] David Glasser one day, and Ruvé said to me, “Share your idea with David because it’s a great idea.” So, I said, “David, I want to come back next year, and I want to be the governor of Oklahoma.” He stared at me and didn’t really say anything. He was like, “That’s interesting.”

Three weeks later, I got a call. “Congratulations, you’re back on *Tulsa King*. Here’s the first script, and Cal Thresher is running for governor.” So I must thank Ruvé for getting me Seasons 3 and 4 on *Tulsa King*.

Malcolm Beck and Cal Thresher might look and speak the same, but their intentions are vastly different. I love playing with the minutiae of characters. Cal is interesting. While he wants power like many characters on *Tulsa King*, he doesn’t want it at all costs.

—

**DECIDER:** Why is running for Governor a better fit for him than the weed business?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** There are two reasons:

One, there is the altruistic reason of wanting to “help out my great state of Oklahoma.” That is part of it for Cal.

The other part of it is that he just wants to amass as much power as he possibly can to do whatever he feels like doing, especially to Dwight Manfredi. That’s the approach that I took.

At times this season, it seems like Cal is this All-American, fantastic guy, but there are scenes where, as I walk away, you see a mischievous look on my face—like a cat with a mouse in its mouth. That was the season for me. Cal is slowly gathering the power to get what he wants.

I look forward to everyone watching this season because it won’t disappoint.

—

**DECIDER:** I love those scenes between Cal and Margaret, especially when they meet to discuss his floundering campaign. Margaret offering to “hand him the keys to the governor’s office” in return for Cal selling her back her ranch is a very savvy bargain. Does Cal respect this move or is he hurt that she’s manipulating him?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** Oh no. He expected it. Cal knew there was going to be a price to be paid to get her on his side. She is so well-connected. She’s someone Cal needs on his side for the political side of Oklahoma, but also for the mobster side of Oklahoma. She knows both very, very well. Cal needs her on his team to build his campaign until he gets elected and then, well, he can do whatever he feels like.

—

**DECIDER:** I also love that Cal is so bothered when Margaret points out that he’s not as beloved or funny as he thinks he is. Where does his insecurity stem from?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** That’s just great writing. You can see that Cal doesn’t really fit into the mobster world, although he has jumped into it with both feet. He’s a billionaire who got bored in his 50s and decided it looked like fun being a mobster like Dwight. He soon realized that wasn’t for him, but he loved the power.

Who has more power in the great state of Oklahoma than the Governor? It’s the next logical step for him, but he’s aware that he’s a bit out of his depth—which is unsettling for a man like him.

—

**DECIDER:** I also think Dwight is a bit insecure about Cal. Cal comes from money, is respectable (maybe not liked) in his community, and would make a respectable partner for Margaret. Do you think Dwight should be jealous of Cal?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** Of course he is. Cal’s a very put-together guy who comes from everything Dwight didn’t come from. There are parts of Cal that wish he were more like Dwight, but that goes both ways. Dwight says certain things to belittle Cal because he’s intimidated by Cal to a certain degree. Dwight won’t admit it, but that feeling is there. That’s something I get to play with at times. The season was quite a lot of fun for me.

—

**DECIDER:** With most of your projects, there’s a comment made about your eyes. In *Tulsa King*, Dwight refers to Cal as having “X-ray eyes.” In *Justified*, Raylan compares Quarles’ eyes to those of a “husky.” Are those written into the script?

**NEAL MCDONOUGH:** The writers are smart. I’m not the best-looking dude in the world, but on camera, my eyes just pop. If my character is evil, my eyes will be an icy, cold blue. If my character is a good man, my eyes look like light blue, beautiful skies. I think my eyes enhance any character I play, good or bad.

Look at *The Last Rodeo*. There isn’t an evil bone in Joe Wainwright’s body. He’s that All-American guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. Then there’s Malcolm Beck in *Yellowstone*. I wouldn’t want to be in a dark alley with Malcolm Beck. He would scare the heck out of anybody.

Malcolm Beck was such an underrated *Yellowstone* antagonist. I loved playing Malcolm. I wish there was a way to bring Malcolm Beck back to the new *Yellowstone* spinoff so he can wreak havoc. We talked about it before. I think it would be a blast for the viewers to see Malcolm Beck come back with a cane or one arm that doesn’t work anymore or maybe half of his face paralyzed. He could come back to take his revenge on Rip and try to destroy his life. Cole Hauser is a dear friend of mine, so we could have a lot of fun with that dynamic.

—

### Love for Cowboy Culture and Westerns

You obviously love cowboy culture. Were you inspired by your time on *Yellowstone* and *Tulsa King* to make *The Last Rodeo*?

My dad and his family were big into horses. As a kid, I would ride every week at Meltpet Farms in Cape Cod. I still have my dad’s saddle, which he gave to me when I was probably eight. He spent a lot more time with me on horses than with my brothers, and I just loved it.

As my career started to build, Ruvé and I were invited to the Kentucky Derby a couple of times, and we made sure to bring my dad with us. Growing up, I watched a lot of Westerns after church on Sundays. There was always a John Wayne film on. *The Cowboys* is probably my favorite film of all time. I might be from southern Massachusetts, but I’ve always just loved the West.

As I got older, the Western was a genre I really wanted to explore. Ruvé and I produced our first film called *The Warrant* with Gary Wheeler at INSP, which was my first real Western. As soon as we saw the film, Ruvé told me, “You have a face meant for a cowboy hat.”

So, we went from *The Warrant: Breaker’s Law* to *Yellowstone* to *Tulsa King* to *The Last Rodeo*.

In a few weeks, we’re about to start filming a new Western called *The Angel and The Bad Man* with me, Zachary Levi, and Tommy Lee Jones. After that, we’ll start working on a Western that I wrote called *The Wicked and The Righteous*. We plan to film that in late spring, early summer.

I love the power of a good Western and the All-American themes the genre explores. It’s such an exciting time in my life. I can’t wait to go to work every day.
https://decider.com/2025/10/20/tulsa-king-neal-mcdonough-yellowstone-malcolm-beck-interview/

Salvaged Materials Redefine This 807-Square-Foot Home in an Italian Village

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Architecture + Design

A Canopied Bedroom and Light Oak Define This Retreat on Paris’s Left Bank

Using a palette of fine materials and neutral colors, Valériane Lazard created an aesthetically refined home that combines chic details and timeless craftsmanship.

The Swedish Forest and Sea Became the Soundtrack for This Minimalist Boathouse

Designer Kajsa Melchior refreshes a 100-year-old home to reflect the serene surroundings.

This Upper West Side Pied-à-Terre Isn’t Trying to Be a Bright, Sunny Apartment

A dramatic color palette and moody pairings give this Manhattan home a soul of its own.

What Happens When You Hire Two Friends to Renovate and Decorate Your Apartment?

Art-world insider Dan Tanzilli tapped architect Jon Powell and interior designer Bachman Brown Clem to transform his Manhattan home.

Inside the Soulful London Home of Christian Louboutin’s Favorite Designer

From textiles bought in auction to family heirlooms, architect Tarek Shamma transformed a dated apartment into one infused with warmth and stories that span continents.

More Is More in This Spanish TV Star’s Manor House in La Mancha

Josie, the stylist and personality, restored an 18th-century mansion inherited from his great-aunts.

A 1910 New Orleans Craftsman With-Shh!-Secret Art

Brooklyn-based firm Jesse Parris-Lamb balances depth with levity in the cypress-bedecked home.

A Designer Transforms Her Grandmother’s 807-Square-Foot Penthouse in Athens

With just a few deft moves, the renovation by Stene Alexopoulos preserves this apartment’s unique postwar atmosphere and its cherished family memories.

Inside a Renovated London Town House Full of Yellow Moments and Sunny Motifs

With cheerful colors and contemporary furniture, interior designer Anahita Rigby transformed a townhouse in Chelsea into a light-flooded family home.

In Her Paris Home, Ghia’s Founder Traded Glossier-Pink Tiles for Chocolate Marble

Mélanie Masarin turned her 620-square-foot pied-à-terre into a warm jewel box.

This LA Home Is a Love Letter to Color (Cherry Red! Split Pea Green!) and Collecting

With designer Leah Ring at the helm, every room reflects its owners’ creative lives — right down to the silk bedroom curtains.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/salvaged-materials-redefine-this-807-square-foot-home-in-an-italian-village

8 WWE Superstars who could enter a tournament to crown the new World Heavyweight Champion

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Seth Rollins was kicked out of The Vision on last week’s WWE RAW, and it is believed that the creative team had to book the shocking angle to write The Visionary off television due to his reported shoulder injury. If that is indeed the case, the World Heavyweight Championship could be vacated this week.

Last week, CM Punk became the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Title by defeating Jey Uso and LA Knight in a Triple Threat Match. With Rollins seemingly out of the picture, The Second City Saint’s opponent could be decided by a tournament. Since Punk has a guaranteed title shot, his place is secured in the bout for the vacated World Heavyweight Championship.

To decide who faces “The Best in the World,” these eight superstars could participate in a tournament to potentially earn an opportunity to compete for the world title:

### 8. AJ Styles
AJ Styles recently locked horns with his longtime rival, John Cena, at WWE Crown Jewel. Despite being unable to secure the victory, The Phenomenal One’s performance was nothing short of incredible and had fans buzzing. The veteran’s inclusion in a potential tournament to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship would add more prestige and credibility to the competition, while giving Styles the major spotlight he deserves.

### 7. Gunther
Gunther was last seen at WWE SummerSlam 2025, where he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to CM Punk. The Ring General has been sidelined due to a nose injury since then. If the Austrian is cleared to compete, his inclusion in the potential tournament would be a no-brainer. Not only would he receive an opportunity to regain the World Heavyweight Title, but it could also be against the man who dethroned him.

### 6. LA Knight
LA Knight is on a quest to win his first world title in WWE. If there is a tournament that could get him closer to his goal, The Megastar will find a way to be in it. Moreover, CM Punk has been mocking Knight for never winning a world title. Therefore, the former United States Champion may have extra motivation to participate in the tournament, as he could get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against his rival.

### 5. Jey Uso
After seemingly parting ways with Roman Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel, Jey Uso will likely refocus on his goal of regaining the World Heavyweight Title. While he failed to become the number one contender last week, a tournament could be the second chance he needs to get back to the top. Moreover, The YEET Master is one of the most popular stars on the red brand, making his participation in the potential tournament very likely.

### 4. Jimmy Uso
Jimmy Uso has something to prove to fans and to his family—that he can be a successful singles star as well. Big Jim’s inclusion in the potential tournament to get a shot at the World Heavyweight Title could add more drama, especially if Jey Uso is involved as well.

### 3. Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker seemingly has his sights set on the World Heavyweight Championship. The Dog of WWE held up the title after turning on Seth Rollins. With The Visionary sidelined, Breakker is the top heel of the red brand. Hence, if there is a tournament that could crown a new World Heavyweight Champion, the 27-year-old is likely to participate.

### 2. Bronson Reed
Bronson Reed could serve as Bron Breakker’s insurance policy to ensure the World Heavyweight Title stays in The Vision. The Aus-zilla scored one of the biggest wins of his career at WWE Crown Jewel, defeating Roman Reigns in an Australian Street Fight. He could now carry this momentum into the potential tournament to determine CM Punk’s opponent for the world title.

### 1. WWE Superstar Roman Reigns
The current situation has presented a perfect opportunity for Roman Reigns to re-enter the title picture. The OTC has been at odds with The Vision since the faction’s formation and also has unresolved issues with the number one contender, CM Punk. Therefore, his inclusion in the potential tournament for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship makes perfect sense.

—

With Seth Rollins sidelined and the World Heavyweight Championship possibly vacated, this tournament could shake up the WWE landscape and provide fresh matchups as one superstar rises to claim the top prize on the red brand. Fans can expect intense competition and high-stakes drama in the coming weeks.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/8-wwe-superstars-enter-tournament-crown-new-world-heavyweight-champion

Apple stock reaches new all-time high price, and still climbing

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After a tumultuous 2025, Apple has surpassed its all-time high stock price in mid-day trading, driven by strong sales from the iPhone 17 launch. This achievement comes despite challenges such as tariff headwinds and concerns about how Apple’s artificial intelligence compares to the competition.

Apple’s stock has experienced a wild year. Investors have responded positively to the company’s latest advancements in hardware as well as its strategic political actions. The combination of successfully navigating tariff obstacles and a strong iPhone 17 release cycle has propelled Apple’s stock to new heights.

At the time of publication, AAPL is trading at $262.42, up $10 for the day. This breaks both the previous record closing price of $259.02 and the intraday trading peak of $260.10 set on December 26, 2024.

Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/20/apple-stock-reaches-new-all-time-high-price-and-still-climbing?utm_source=rss

United Homes Group stock plunges as all but one director resigns from board

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United Homes Group (NASDAQ: UHG) experienced a significant drop in its stock price, sinking 40% in early Monday trading. This sharp decline followed the announcement that six of the company’s seven board directors plan to resign.

Four of these directors specifically cited Chairman Michael Nieri’s refusal to step down as the reason for their decision. The intended resignations come amid growing concerns about the company’s leadership and future direction.

Further details on the company’s response and next steps are awaited as investors react to the developing situation.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4505607-united-homes-group-stock-plunges-as-all-but-one-director-resigns-from-board?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

Brian Armstrong Says Crypto Is for Everyone, Not Just the Wealthy

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**Brian Armstrong: Crypto Is for Everyone, Empowering Small Investors Worldwide**

Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, has dismissed the notion that cryptocurrency is exclusive to the wealthy. Emphasizing accessibility, Armstrong explained that anyone can start using crypto with just a few dollars and an internet connection, making it an inclusive digital economy open to all.

**Crypto Empowers Small Investors**

Armstrong highlighted that cryptocurrency enables small investors to buy, save, and trade without the need for large amounts of capital. With just a smartphone and internet access, users can begin managing their money through digital assets. “It’s never too late” to enter the crypto space, he stressed.

He further noted that billions of people globally still lack access to traditional banking services. Decentralized finance (DeFi) offers a solution by making lending, borrowing, and saving more affordable and accessible, especially for those in remote or underbanked regions.

DeFi removes border barriers by giving users in small towns the same financial tools available to individuals in major cities. This financial inclusion promotes independence, particularly in countries where banks charge high fees or are difficult to reach.

**Coinbase Simplifies the Crypto Experience**

To support small and everyday investors, Coinbase is creating easy-to-use products designed to simplify the crypto experience. The platform offers decentralized exchange (DEX) trading, lending, and borrowing options—all while handling complex technical processes behind the scenes.

Armstrong emphasized that these tools are developed to reduce confusion and make crypto feel like money, not just technology. Users can earn rewards, lend assets, or take loans directly within the app, making money management straightforward and accessible.

**Crypto’s Future: As Natural as the Internet**

Drawing a parallel to the early days of the internet, Armstrong predicts that crypto will become a seamless and integral part of daily life. Initially confusing for many, internet usage eventually became natural and ubiquitous. He believes the same will happen with cryptocurrency, where people will use it without even realizing.

**Regulations and Partnerships Bring Stability**

Armstrong acknowledged that clear regulations are now fostering trust and stability in the crypto market worldwide. He pointed to the GENIUS Act in the United States and the MiCA framework in the European Union as key examples of legislation that empowers companies to innovate legally.

He also noted that traditional banks are entering the crypto space through partnerships and new product launches. This signals a growing acceptance and integration of crypto tools within conventional finance.

**Looking Ahead: Bitcoin and Financial Inclusion**

Predicting Bitcoin’s potential to reach $1 million by 2030, Armstrong attributes this possibility to its limited supply and increasing institutional demand. However, he emphasized that the true value of cryptocurrency lies in giving people control over their finances.

Concluding, Armstrong reaffirmed Coinbase’s mission: to create equal access to financial services for everyone, ensuring that cryptocurrency remains an inclusive, empowering tool for people around the globe.
https://coincentral.com/brian-armstrong-says-crypto-is-for-everyone-not-just-the-wealthy/

“Everyone I saw 100% loves their country”: Steve Kerr explains why peaceful protest matters after attending anti-Trump “No Kings” rally

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On Friday, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr announced that the team would not hold practice on Saturday.

He also shared that he plans to attend the “No Kings” protest in San Francisco.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-everyone-i-saw-100-loves-country-steve-kerr-explains-peaceful-protest-matters-attending-anti-trump-no-kings-rally

Thousands of demonstrators pack downtown SLO for ‘No Kings’ protest

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Several thousand people gathered downtown Saturday for the “No Kings” rally. The event drew an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 attendees, according to the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party. In response, police closed streets at Monterey and Osos Streets near the San Luis Obispo County Government Center to accommodate the crowd.

County Supervisor Jimmy Paulding and other local Democratic leaders spoke at the event, addressing the participants on key issues. Additionally, a leader of the Democratic Party at Cal Poly engaged the crowd via the electronic jumbo screen.

The San Luis Obispo rally was one of approximately 2,000 similar demonstrations held nationwide, reflecting a widespread movement across the country.
https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/thousands-of-demonstrators-pack-downtown-slo-for-no-kings-protest/215242/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thousands-of-demonstrators-pack-downtown-slo-for-no-kings-protest

Where do you stand on the ‘non-pro’ MacBook Pro debate? [Poll]

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The Debate Over the “Non-Pro” MacBook Pro: Is It Worth It?

There’s been an ongoing debate recently about what some refer to as “the non-pro MacBook Pro,” or what John Gruber calls “the no-adjective M-series chip.” The crux of the discussion is whether it makes sense to buy the base model MacBook Pro instead of the significantly cheaper but similarly-specced MacBook Air.

John Gruber clearly came down on the side of “no.” He argues that the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the no-adjective M-series chip has always been an oddity in the MacBook lineup.

A History of the “Pro”-But-Not-Pro MacBook

This “Pro”-but-not-pro positioning dates back to the Intel era, when Apple offered a 13-inch MacBook Pro without a Touch Bar. That model was even recommended in 2016 by Phil Schiller for users who were waiting for a MacBook Air with a Retina display—the first Retina MacBook Air didn’t arrive until late 2018.

In many ways, this base model feels more like a MacBook “Pro” rather than a true MacBook Pro. The genuinely pro-spec’d MacBook Pros now come equipped with M-series Pro and Max chips and are available in both 14- and 16-inch sizes.

According to Gruber, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro with the no-adjective M-series chip is aimed at people who probably would be better off with a MacBook Air but mistakenly believe they “need” a laptop with “Pro” in its name.

Another Perspective: Why Some Users Choose the Base MacBook Pro

Fintech investor Brian Stuckey disagrees with Gruber’s assessment. He writes:

“I’m a cognizant MacBook Pro no-adjective user because the CPU/GPU is more than enough for me. I buy over Air for: XDR display, battery life, much better speakers, SD/HDMI ports.”

Stuckey highlights that the base model MacBook Pro offers these advantages without the added cost of the more powerful chips, which he doesn’t need.

Breaking down some of these benefits:

  • XDR Display: Significantly higher maximum brightness, HDR support, and ProMotion technology.
  • Speakers and Microphones: Much better speakers coupled with significantly improved microphones.
  • Battery Life and Charging: Longer battery life accompanied by faster charging capabilities.
  • Ports: Inclusion of SD card and HDMI ports, which the MacBook Air lacks.
  • SSD Storage Options: While both the 13-inch MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro offer RAM options of 16GB, 24GB, or 32GB, the Air maxes out at a 2TB SSD, whereas the MacBook Pro can be configured with up to a 4TB SSD.
  • Display Option: The nano-texture matte display is available only on the MacBook Pro.

Gruber’s Response and Final Thoughts

Gruber responded by pointing out that he used the word “probably” in his original post and maintains his view that, for most buyers, the base MacBook Pro is the wrong choice.

What’s Your Take?

Are these benefits enough to justify the higher cost and heavier weight of the base MacBook Pro compared to the MacBook Air, even if you don’t need a more powerful chip?

Please take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Highlighted Accessories

Image credit: Apple

https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/20/where-do-you-stand-on-the-non-pro-macbook-pro-debate-poll/