John Voelcker

This vehicle was ... interesting.

A good explanatory thread on the current (but frequently changing) state of play around SNAP benefits.

And hungry children.

"Shocking" number of white clergy run as Democrats in 2026 "We're tracking about 30 white clergy who are running for office as Democrats around the country."

Progressive faith leaders are finally, FINALLY pushing back on the political dominance of the Christian right.

"We're tracking about 30 white clergy who are running for office as Democrats around the country. That's shocking," said the director of progressive Christian group Vote Common Good.

To be fair, Axios covered in full the response from his social-media people who said, "Yeah, he follows people who have really big social-media accounts" or thereabouts.

And someone running his social-media account also apparently liked a p0rn-star post. OOOOHHHH.

Also, see Jesus + prostitutes ...

Stefanik's playbook in N.Y. governor's race: Tie Hochul to Mamdani Stefanik's gambit pulls back the curtain on a big part of Republicans' emerging 2026 strategy.

So who do YOU think is more toxic for a state politician to be associated with? NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani, who won't have any effect on voters' lives outside the city, or Donald Trump, whose actions will + do?

(Predictably, the @nypost.com parrots a Republican talking point in its cover line.)

Trump scrambles for minerals to break dependence on China Look under almost every element of Trump's foreign policy, and you'll find minerals.

Worth the read.

#rareearths #minerals

Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out, Andrew Cuomo I wrote about the end of Cuomo-ism for The New York Times. Here's the column: Back on Aug. 8, at 5:40 p.m., the retirement-aged nepo baby and disgraced former governor of New York tweeted at the much...

Yup, THIS. Once again, @espiers.bsky.social pulls no punches.

[SNORT]

Something something Epstein Files something something ...

YouTube video by The Hall of Advertising IKEA - Lamp (2002, USA)

youtu.be/jU-cori12KU

A lesser-known Farmers' Almanac will fold after 2 centuries, citing money trouble The 208-year-old Maine-based Farmers’ Almanac says it will publish its planting guidance and weather predictions for the final time, citing financial challenges.

Downright confusing, this.

The one you're thinking of? This is not it.

IRS Kills Off Popular Free Direct File Option For The 2026 Tax Filing Season While the IRS hasn’t officially confirmed that the program is dead, the website indicates that the program is closed—and states have been notified that it will not be in place for 2026.

While the IRS hasn’t officially confirmed that Direct File is dead, the IRS website indicates that the program is closed and past users will have to file a special form to get their previous tax return.

"But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars."

― Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

So ... how's that waning Dutch aristocracy Hudson Valley psychodrama coming along ??

The "comment" from the allegedly bigoted founder of @barstoolsport.bsky.social is perhaps the most ... unusual.

ICE targets NYPD officers with ads claiming the agency offers ‘respect’ A new federal recruitment push plays on morale issues in the NYPD and tensions under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

ICE advertises for #NYPD officers to join their unidentified, masked crusaders who tackle + abduct nonwhite people in public + hustle them into unmarked vans.

ICE claims this will allow NYPD officers to gain the "respect" they don't receive now.

Reasonable minds may differ with this assertion.

How China kills 'Made in Germany' Chinese automakers offer the same features for half the price. European premium brands suddenly look overpriced. Analysis of the value shift.

A thought piece on the #China part of the #EV transition ... and its meaning for Germany.

Discuss.

Meta is earning a fortune on a deluge of fraudulent ads, documents show Meta projected 10% of its 2024 revenue would come from ads for scams and banned goods, and it internally estimates that its platforms show users 15 billion scam ads a day, company documents show.

Meta projected 10% of its 2024 revenue would come from ads for scams + banned goods. The social-media giant internally estimates its platforms show 15 billion scam ads a day.

Among its responses to suspected rogue marketers: charging them a premium for ads + issuing reports on 'Scammiest Scammers.'

What makes you believe anyone will bother to plug in a large pickup truck with 300+ miles of gasoline range + only 120-150 miles of electric range?

[shudder]

Seen elsewhere:

"You'd think a company that could offer someone a $1 trillion pay package could start a meeting on time. Is that too much to ask?"

ROTFL.

Exclusive | Ford Considers Scrapping Electric Version of F-150 Truck Once hyped as a ‘smartphone that can tow,’ production of money-losing EV pickup may be shut down for good.

BREAKING: Ford may end production of its F-150 Lightning #EV pickup truck due to slow sales + losses on the program.

Toyota, Honda + Suzuki are spending billions of dollars to build new cars and factories in India, a sign of the country's growing importance as a manufacturing hub as Japanese automakers redraw global supply chains to reduce dependence on China.

What's wrong with a transaxle in the living room?

Aside from it's some fancy-schmancy new technology, not like a proper differential with straight-cut gears just as THE GOOD LORD INTENDED.

Behind the Curtain: Elections jolt Democratic resistance to life Democrats now believe, for the first time since Trump won, they can stand up to the president and beat him.

"Several people close to Trump, who retain some emotional detachment, had been telling us privately that warning signs are everywhere.

"They argue Trump projects supreme confidence, and genuinely feels it — but that the polls show a clear, consistent backlash against almost everything he's doing."

I drove past that building regularly when it was still the dealership, back when I lived in SF in the 1980s + again around 2000. Recognized it immediately.

Thank you for being willing to let us help you in your new-vehicle search! We look forward to assisting you toward the best selection! Let's get started! First, enter your ZIP code, date of birth, household income, credit rating + "Social" so we can find you the PERFECT VEHICLE for your lifestyle!

And don't forget the nitrogen tire fill !!

[slams door]

I think that depends whether you offer them food + coffee in the vestibule?