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A motte is a stone keep on a raised earthwork common in early medieval fortifications. More pertinently, it's an element in a rhetorical move called a "Motte-and-Bailey", originally identified by philosopher Nicholas Shackel. It describes the tendency in discourse for people to move from a controversial but high value claim to a defensible but less exciting one upon any resistance to the former. He likens this to the medieval fortification, where a desirable land (the bailey) is abandoned when in danger for the more easily defended motte. In Shackel's words, "The Motte represents the defensible but undesired propositions to which one retreats when hard pressed." On The Motte, always attempt to remain inside your defensible territory, even if you are not being pressed.
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Spain plays too cautiously and loses the match.
Lamine Yamal gets his WC goal but only after the match is out of reach.
Spain red card around the 70th minute.
Messi principally attacks the box through the center, knowing that Spain will be protecting the wings to prevent crosses.
Winning goal for Messi or Alvarez either after the 80th minute or in the second half of extra time. No penalties.
Mamdani is spotted in Trump’s luxury box mid-conversation with the POTUS, both laughing heartily.
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Spain plays too cautiously and loses the match.
Lamine Yamal gets his WC goal but only after the match is out of reach.
Spain red card around the 70th minute.
Messi principally attacks the box through the center, knowing that Spain will be protecting the wings to prevent crosses.
Winning goal for Messi or Alvarez either after the 80th minute or in the second half of extra time. No penalties.
Mamdani is spotted in Trump’s luxury box mid-conversation with the POTUS, both laughing heartily.
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