One B

@ChangeWash Nobody in this state will change. It isn't that the programs fail it is that we just don't do them hard enough. Next time they will get it right I am sure with more money, more oversight, and more studies and planning. It is sure to work next time.

Due to Democrat management Sound Transit is already > $40B over budget (this number will increase). Today taxpayers in W.SEA, Ballard, Magnolia, QA learned they will get nothing for the high tabs & taxes they have paid. Don't worry, Dow Constantine will still get his $6M & a luxurious taxpayer-funded retirement. kuow.org/stories/st3-ca…

@Ellieinspace SLS needs to be taken out behind the shed and given the "Old Yeller" treatment. It has been clear for several years now that it was never going to make this happen.

NASA may be handing SpaceX the keys to the Moon!!! According to a Bloomberg article just posted today, instead of Boeing’s SLS rocket doing the heavy lifting, Starship could now dock with Orion in Earth orbit and take astronauts all the way to the lunar surface. Big win for SpaceX, bad news for Boeing, & a major shake-up for Artemis III. 🌕🚀

@realshlippi @Pirat_Nation I use FreeTube. It breaks every so often but it is worth dealing with. There is also a NewPipe port from Android but it is pretty rough and unstable.

@Pirat_Nation Is there a Linux alternative to smart TV software? If there was, you could just use an adblocking browser extension.

Linus Tech Tips called out YouTube's new 30-second unskippable ads on the TV app, asking "When will it be enough? Are we just going to go all the way back to cable TV with three-minute ad breaks? Can we not?"

@CedarPosts Until relatively recently it wasn't that rare to see them in WA on trucks, porches, etc. I find nothing shocking about it and don't remember it ever being note worthy before. Of course the changes since then are primary reasons we are looking to get the hell out of this state.

Last week liberals had a melt down over a Confederate Flag flying proudly in the wind on Lake Norman and visible from I-77. A couple of libs even called NC SHP and 911 to report the flag, then expressed outrage that the cops wouldn’t do anything. I realize this is a shock to Yankee transplants and West Coasters. But if you get off the interstates and drive across the Carolinas on secondary roads you’ll quickly realize these flags are pretty darn common. Trust me no one’s going to steal your children or burn a cross in your front yard. In the South people continue to fly the Confederate flag primarily as a symbol of Southern heritage, local pride, and regional identity, often honoring ancestors who fought in the Civil War. Others use it to represent rebellion, cherished rural lifestyle, or a desire for limited government. But be warned it is also a flashing reminder that FA/FO applies big time in rural Carolinas. Y’all come back now ya hear!

@DanaC206 @dobbstruview We are planning on scouting out what NH is like for this very reason. It would be a hell of a move but my wife works remote so her job would come with us.

@dobbstruview Thanks for the report. I think what I’d miss most is not being near the sea.

What is it like moving to Idaho? I received the following letter from a friend who moved out of Washington late 2025. Dear _____, As you know, my wife and I moved to Northern Idaho in the third quarter of 2025. The long dreaded move came as result of Washington’s increasingly confiscatory tax regime which is certain to get worse. Now nearly six months into the move, we have found the following: There is a sense of freedom in North Idaho, we have only seen when traveling abroad and visiting with American expats. American travelers express a sense of freedom to speak more directly and openly than they feel at home. This is a common occurrence and often observed by Americans living abroad; There is a friendliness among our neighbors, all of whom are conservative, most are openly Christian; County officials are friendly, accommodating and pleasantly communicative; Contractors and sub-contractors show up at the appointed day and time to do remodel work on the house; Gasoline prices are consistently one dollar less than across the line into Washington. Food, shelter and clothing are marginally less expensive and the sales tax is 6% versus 8+% in Washington; There are more churches, of various stripe, per capita, mostly conservative and bible oriented; Although there is a small, loud LGBT community they are considered a mentally ill element who should be watched cautiously, but are viewed sympathetically as needing treatment; The public school system has some woke-ism in the curriculum, driven mainly by Progressive teachers but the state appears to be dealing with that problem; Immigration into the state has changed. Until about five years ago, most refugees were from California but most are now from Washington. Several real estate agents have moved from Washington to Idaho to facilitate moving here, providing contacts with contractors and even assistance with registering vehicles and registering to vote; Real estate prices are inordinately high due to strong demand by Washingtonians, but taper off marginally the farther one gets out of the Coeur d’Alene general area; Having grown up, raised a family, owned several businesses in Washington, making the decision to move was difficult for us. We remain in close contact with our circle of friends across Washington and they come to visit us; We have settled in. Have moved all of our assets out of Washington, except for two pieces of real estate which are going on the market in April; by mid-year we expect to be entirely out from under Washington’s tax regime; Many people are posting on “X” their wishes, or intentions to move out of state to protect financial assets or to protect their children or grandchildren from the increasingly predatory Child Protective Services. Everyone has different circumstances. But, until the Washington political scene changes, one’s entire net worth is in jeopardy from the Legislature and, perhaps even more discouraging, the state’s declared war on the parent/child relationship mandates protecting children from State facilitated predators. Band-aid measures aren’t the solution. Washington needs an entire makeover. Thanks for posting this note. I hope it is helpful for those sitting on the fence about making a move. Sincerely, Tom

@bitchuneedsoap Quit USAA almost 17 years ago since the rates were never competitive. Everyone should drop them.

USAA. Founded by Army officers. Built to serve military families. Laid off almost 600 American employees in a single round while posting a record $7.9 billion profit. The Heritage Foundation flagged USAA for hiring H-1B workers through outsourcing firms like Tata and HCL. Patriotism is the brand. Outsourcing is the business model.

@benonwine Kid will probably be charged for being a racist toward these well meaning but totally misunderstood examples of cultural enrichment.

9-year-old lad walking home from football sees something not right. Three blokes trying to drag a girl into a van. Most people would freeze… he didn’t. Started shouting, ran straight at them, caused a scene. They panicked and ran off. She got away. Nine years old. Fair play to the kid that’s proper courage.

@VijayInWA Info like this is conspiciously absent from dinner conversation with my in-laws. They're dedicated WSJ readers also for implementing new taxes of all kinds yet complain about the cost of living. The way they act shows the cognitive dissonance has slowly broken their minds.

"Washington has been one of the fastest-growing states for decades. It conspicuously avoided the “blue-state disease” of low economic growth and population declines. The Seattle area is home to great companies from Microsoft and Amazon to Starbucks. Washington has been the Florida or Texas of the West Coast. A secret to the Evergreen State’s success has been that it has no income tax. But Democrats in Olympia are perilously close to enacting a “millionaire tax” of 9.9%. Washington would go from being one of nine states with no income tax to having the fifth-highest rate in the country. The tax has passed both legislative houses and Gov. Bob Ferguson says he’ll sign it. Supporters hope the state supreme court will uphold it, overturning or brushing aside a 1933 precedent under which it is plainly unconstitutional. The decision to enact an income tax bodes ill for Washington’s economic future. Eleven states have done so since 1960: West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Maine, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ohio, New Jersey and Connecticut. We found that every one of them significantly underperformed the rest of the nation in every economic measure we looked at, including share of the nationwide population, income, and state and local tax revenue. The 11 states in combination accounted for about one-third of national output in 1970. Today they account for slightly more than one-fifth. Since Ohio adopted its income tax in 1971, its share of nationwide domestic output has fallen by nearly half. Since Michigan adopted its income tax in 1967, its share of total state and local tax revenue nationwide has fallen by 53%. Pennsylvania’s share of national output declined 42% since its income tax of 1971; West Virginia has lagged national population growth by 56% since its income tax of 1961; and Rhode Island’s share of state and local tax revenue nationally has plummeted by a third since its income tax of 1971. In terms of the change in its share of the nation’s population, economic output and population, not one of the new income-tax states registers a positive number since the imposition of this tax. And the negative numbers are often highly negative. In every state that adopted an income tax, supporters promised the added money would be used to improve education. Washington is trying to play this card, saying the tax hike is for education, but the statements from lawmakers make it clear they want a new fund for any of their spending desires. When the Washington House approved the income tax, Rep. April Berg, chairman of the Finance Committee, triumphantly declared this plan “truly historic” because it will “make life more affordable for Washingtonians.” Many of them will not be Washingtonians anymore. Illinois added its income tax in 1969, and since then its share of the national population has sunk by 40%. By following suit, Washington will join the ranks of the incredible shrinking states." -- Wall Street Journal

@SenFettermanPA You're a feckless coward. You could have actually been principled and helped do something the vast majority of citizens want. I was almost duped by your "reasonable" statements but you chose to protect your "side." You cannot be trusted.

83% of Americans agree on voter ID. 71% of Democrats agree on voter ID. Keep it basic: PHOTO ID to vote. Stop turning this into a Christmas list and attacking vote-by-mail. If GOP wants real reform over a show vote––put out a clean, standalone bill and I’m AYE.

@Marlayna29 It is not the government's responsibility to make sure there is no poverty. People are allowed and should continue to be allowed to make stupid decisions with their money and pay the consequences. If you weren't trustworthy with your own money why would I trust you with mine?

@NovelY490152 That is some nice wood.

Da wood #ドット絵 #pixelart

@Leia1492 It is going to take us 14 months bail. The summer is going to be spent finishing house projects and starting to liquidate the things we don't need. Fall and spring will see two trips to other states to scope things out. Then around late May '27 we should be able to get out.

The 9.9% income tax is bad. But, that is not the worst. WA state has an Estate tax of 10-35%, with an exemption of $3M. Estates over $9M are taxed at 35%. The highest, in the nation. I live in Kirkland, WA. Zillow says the average price of a house is $1.6Million. These households also own, other assets. Soon, everyone will be subject to the Estate tax. These freaks, here, don’t get it, yet. I’m moving to ID.

@PixelArtJourney These challenges have been great fun since I found them. In no particular order: Bananas, deadly potion, and the cake with the chocolate mirror ganache... the reflectivity just works brilliantly.

Did you know I host a weekly pixel art challenge for fun? Here is a collection of a few older ones! (32x32) Anyone welcome to join us #weeklypixels #pixelart

Coming back the next day now I see the flaws. Haha. I forgot to redo an edit I hadn't saved when I took a break before posting. Whoops!

A bit late for the official Pie Day '26. I claimed Boysenberry and my wife said it looked like blackberry. Either way I think I have to take her and the kids out for pie à la Mode later... #pixelart #weeklypixels

@WeeklyPixels Well thank you very much! That is a nice way to start a Monday.

@OneBofMany You did an amazing job, looks really good!

@Pirat_Nation Just shave it. I've been shaving my head since since I was 22 and I'll be 46 soon. (Yeah I was thinning at 18.) A beard and good mustache takes it to the next level. Then put on a cowboy hat and some good boots. Never had a problem with women or feeling confident.

Scientists Built Working Hair Follicles in a Lab. They Could Cure Baldness Forever. Japanese researchers grew fully functional hair follicles in the lab using mouse cellscomplete with natural growth cycles, proper downgrowth, and successful transplants that regrow hair repeatedly.

@C_3C_3 It is a strange tactic unless they know it is a threat to them as well. Otherwise what better way would there be to ensure their control and power for the next couple decades than by successfully doing what the people want?

A bunch of corrupt eunuchs… Senate Republicans won’t pass election integrity. House Republicans won’t impeach corrupt Judges. Just once I wish the Republicans would actually do what their voters wanted. Just once.

@MAHA_Action This happened to us when the neighbor kids across the street came to play with our kids. My wife gave them snacks and milk and they were blown away by whole milk.

Dr. Ben Carson shares a funny story about kids trying whole milk for the first time. “But a couple of months ago, Secretary Rollins and myself were at a school in Pennsylvania” “We were serving the kids lunch.” “And so many of them wanted broccoli.” “But the thing that really was surprising is we, through the Dairy Association, provided each child with whole milk.” “Some of them had never had whole milk before.” “Enthusiasticly they said, ‘This is the best milk I’ve ever had.’” “They’ve been deprived from these things that give you strong bones, strong teeth, and strong membranes for neurotransmission.”

@Pirat_Nation Predictable and only a matter of time until an active connection will be req'd for use. Had a 65'' Samsung up and I never put it online for this concern. We chose to deprioritize TV in our house and now use a 32'' Dell monitor on a cart with a PC we can move out of the way.

Hisense TVs are now showing unskippable ads when you switch inputs or turn the set on. Some users are refusing to connect their Hisense TVs to the internet and are relying on external streaming boxes instead.

@rising_serpent Dear God in heaven I can't wait for Optimus robots to make all these jobs obsolete. If I live long enough to be a withered old man the last thing I want is a bunch of people who don't speak my language ignoring me as they did my Grandmother.

Do you ever ask yourself why the entire field of home health aides, nurses aides, home care companions etc is almost 100% African, Jamaican and Haitian? Like how did it happen and how did so many foreigners appear out of nowhere and take jobs that put them in control of old people?