downsides Apr. 13, 2011

The Perils of Being Verizon’s ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ Guy

By Nitasha Tiku

People pick inconsiderate times to utter your catchphrase, such as your grandmother’s funeral. “As her body was being lowered into the ground, he heard the hushed voice of a family friend: ‘Can you hear me now?’” [Atlantic]

Tags:

Show Leave a Comment

The Perils of Being Verizon’s ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ Guy

Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission.

Most Viewed Stories

Editor’s Picks

THE FEED

the group portrait

the group portrait

Give the Liberty Their Crown

By Emma Carmichael

How New York’s WNBA team became the hottest ticket — with the rowdiest crowd — in town.

the body politic

the body politic

The Return of the Marriage Plot

By Rebecca Traister

Why everyone is suddenly so eager for men and women to get hitched.

the inside game

the inside game

The Strike From Hell for ‘Union Joe’

By Gabriel Debenedetti

The UAW doesn’t want his help, but he will need theirs against Trump, who sees an opportunity.

Most Popular

The Language of Abortion Politics Is Evolving Again

A major abortion-rights group now pursues “reproductive freedom for all,” while Ohio Republicans insist on calling a fetus an unborn child.

tremendous content

tremendous content

Trump Is Secretly Worried About His Prison Jumpsuit

By Margaret Hartmann

Though he’s insisted he doesn’t “even think about” the prospect of prison time, he’s reportedly panicking Tom Wambsgans–style in private.

lachlan murdoch

lachlan murdoch

What We Know About Lachlan Murdoch, the New Head of Fox Corp.

The conservative heir apparent is taking over after the surprise resignation of his father.

early and often

early and often

Iowa-Obsessed DeSantis Is Tanking in Other Early States

New polls from New Hampshire and South Carolina offer bad news for the one-time powerhouse.

early and often

early and often

Shutdown Nears As Trump Tells House GOP to Defund the Government

Everything Kevin McCarthy does to placate right-wing hard-liners makes a deal even harder. Trump’s advice isn’t helping.

How to Order More Free Home COVID-19 Tests From the Government

By Margaret Hartmann and Chas Danner

U.S. residents can once again order four free tests, as the Biden administration has restarted the program.

Democratic Senator Accused of Cartoonish Corruption

Prosecutors say New Jersey’s Robert Menendez, already under investigation, accepted $400,000 in gold bars as a gift.

early and often

early and often

Cassidy Hutchinson Says Rudy Giuliani Groped Her During January 6 Rally

By Margaret Hartmann

Giuliani called the claims in the former Trump aide’s new book “totally absurd” and threatened to sue, but his finances may not allow it.

How the Rupert Murdoch Family Drama Inspired Succession

By Margaret Hartmann

All the ways the Murdochs (and other real dysfunctional dynasties) mirror the Roys, from Fox News scandals to fake therapy to family score-settling.

No, Democrats Aren’t to Blame for GOP Voters Loving Trump

A myth that won’t die.

Rupert Murdoch Surprisingly Steps Down As Head of Fox

By Benjamin Hart

It’s Lachlan’s time for the big job.

the national interest

the national interest

‘Biden or Bust’ Is a Risky Strategy to Save Democracy

By Jonathan Chait

The unconvincing case for complacency.

Why Upgrading to the iPhone 15 Is Like Buying a New Car

By John Herrman

Welcome to a world where next-generation smartphones have become classic depreciating assets.

Trump Isn’t Moderating on Abortion, He’s Just Shifting Tactics

By criticizing six-week state limits, Trump is acknowledging that abortion bans are unpopular and returning to incrementalism on the issue.

Dress Code or Not, the Senate Is a Bunch of Empty Suits

The Senate is a grotesque institution. Who cares how it dresses?

tremendous content

tremendous content

All of Ron DeSantis’s Crimes Against Good Etiquette

By Margaret Hartmann

A list of alleged slights and rude behavior that may hamper DeSantis 2024, from sloppy pudding eating to (possibly) kicking Tucker Carlson’s dog.

Columbia Finally Issues an Apology to the Victims of Robert Hadden

Survivors of the predator doctor are not satisfied with the university’s mea culpa.

Joe Biden and Eric Adams Don’t Seem to Be on Speaking Terms

The president met with Governor Hochul during his trip to New York this week — but not his mayoral antagonist.

early and often

early and often

Could the House and Senate Flip in 2024? The Odds Look Good

Democrats and Republicans switching control in the same election has never happened before, and it could mean renewed gridlock in Washington.

early and often

early and often

Second Republican Debate: Who’s In, Who’s Out, Who’s Boycotting

Six of the eight Milwaukee debaters will return, but two are on the fence. Once again, Trump plans to skip the debate and offer counterprogramming.

Lauren Boebert Can’t Shake the Beetlejuice Debacle

Like the musical’s title character, the story of Boebert’s act of vaping and groping in public just won’t die.

The Deion Sanders Hype Train Is Probably About to Derail

And that’s a good thing for college football.