John Voelcker
@johnvoelcker.bsky.social
Raconteur. Random cultural, political, sociological, science, tech, #EV, #LGBTQ, British car stuff. "Plucky and good fun."Contributing Editor, CAR and DRIVER, Green Car Reports, others; Cofounder, Tempting Fate Tours.
Welcome to Bluesky. Don’t be a jerk.
Welcome to Bluesky. Don’t be a jerk.
No surprise that my feeds have a lot of #Tesla in them.
Still. I did not see this one coming, the hed in particular.
#NSFW
Still. I did not see this one coming, the hed in particular.
#NSFW
X’s Grok AI Dubs Elon Musk Pee-Drinking ‘Blowjob Princess’
Musk's chatbot spirals into NSFW chaos when users discover it's programmed to flatter him
www.motorbiscuit.com
November 22, 2025 at 11:44 PM
"The Jeep Wagoneer S doesn't feel like it was crafted by anyone who wanted to make an EV, or was interested in them, or had even really driven them much before this."
@patrickgeorge.bsky.social lets loose on @insideevs.com.
I drove an early version; same software glitches. STILL ?? 10 mos later ??
@patrickgeorge.bsky.social lets loose on @insideevs.com.
I drove an early version; same software glitches. STILL ?? 10 mos later ??
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S: A Glitchy $74,000 Mess That Proves Stellantis Should Stick To Gas
The Jeep Wagoneer S packs a ton of power and up to 294 miles for the Limited trim. Unfortunately, it's sorely lacking in many other areas.
insideevs.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:32 PM
"The Jeep Wagoneer S doesn't feel like it was crafted by anyone who wanted to make an EV, or was interested in them, or had even really driven them much before this."
@patrickgeorge.bsky.social lets loose on @insideevs.com.
I drove an early version; same software glitches. STILL ?? 10 mos later ??
@patrickgeorge.bsky.social lets loose on @insideevs.com.
I drove an early version; same software glitches. STILL ?? 10 mos later ??
"Trump has been busier + more 'transformational' than Biden. He has greater strength as a communicator + unmatched ruthlessness—or shamelessness—in using power.
"Still, Trump is making the same sorts of mistakes, interpreting a narrow victory as a mandate for radicalism. The bill could come due."
"Still, Trump is making the same sorts of mistakes, interpreting a narrow victory as a mandate for radicalism. The bill could come due."
How Donald Trump is turning into Joe Biden
It’s about more than denying inflation
www.economist.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:22 PM
"Trump has been busier + more 'transformational' than Biden. He has greater strength as a communicator + unmatched ruthlessness—or shamelessness—in using power.
"Still, Trump is making the same sorts of mistakes, interpreting a narrow victory as a mandate for radicalism. The bill could come due."
"Still, Trump is making the same sorts of mistakes, interpreting a narrow victory as a mandate for radicalism. The bill could come due."
Also: The "U.S. peace proposal" to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine apparently uses Russian syntax in its language, a diplomatic gaffe that suggests it was not developed with Ukraine.
This is not a peace plan. It is a proposal that weakens Ukraine and divides America from Europe, preparing the way for a larger war in the future. In the meantime, it benefits unnamed Russian and American investors, at the expense of everyone else.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Trump Has a Recipe for War and Corruption, Not Peace
Who would benefit from the White House’s 28-point proposal for Ukraine?
www.theatlantic.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Also: The "U.S. peace proposal" to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine apparently uses Russian syntax in its language, a diplomatic gaffe that suggests it was not developed with Ukraine.
What Elon Musk posts in a month: Conspiracy theories, fringe politics and self-promotion www.nbcnews.com/tech/elon-mu...
A month of Elon Musk on X: Conspiracy theories, fringe politics and self-promotion
An NBC News analysis of one month of Musk’s social media posts shows what’s been on his mind, including a broad cross-section of fringe political topics.
www.nbcnews.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by John Voelcker
I expect it’s not by accident that Pope Leo today chose to speak of a great American Catholic of the left, Dorothy Day, & of the importance of standing up for dignity and for migrants & the poor.
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
Pope at Jubilee Audience: Peace calls for taking a stand where human dignity is trampled - Vatican News
During his Jubilee Audience on Saturday morning, Pope Leo XIV reflects on Servant of God, Dorothy Day, an American Catholic, who dedicated her life to ...
www.vaticannews.va
November 22, 2025 at 1:14 PM
I expect it’s not by accident that Pope Leo today chose to speak of a great American Catholic of the left, Dorothy Day, & of the importance of standing up for dignity and for migrants & the poor.
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news...
ROTFL.
Also ... [facepalm].
Also ... [facepalm].
Mamdani isn't requiring NYC students to 'learn Arabic numerals.' They already do
You can't introduce something that has already been in use for centuries.
www.snopes.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:38 PM
ROTFL.
Also ... [facepalm].
Also ... [facepalm].
The U.S. spends 10x more on gambling than music, Netflix + cinema combined; 20 million Americans have or are at high risk for an online gambling problem. Young men: especially vulnerable.
Prediction market Kalshi named Donald Trump Jr., as a strategic adviser days before it entered sports betting.
Prediction market Kalshi named Donald Trump Jr., as a strategic adviser days before it entered sports betting.
The Next Opioid Crisis | No Mercy / No Malice
Today you can “trade” on the outcome of thousands of future events, from the Fed decision next month to the Grammy Awards in February. Without leaving the house, you can wager on Taylor Swift’s weddin...
www.profgalloway.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:04 PM
The U.S. spends 10x more on gambling than music, Netflix + cinema combined; 20 million Americans have or are at high risk for an online gambling problem. Young men: especially vulnerable.
Prediction market Kalshi named Donald Trump Jr., as a strategic adviser days before it entered sports betting.
Prediction market Kalshi named Donald Trump Jr., as a strategic adviser days before it entered sports betting.
"Nothing is certain in autos these days, but if we had to bet on it, we'd put down a wager that we'll see a hybrid version of the new Outback for 2027. Hedging our bet, maybe 2028."
Here's why; my piece for @caranddriver.bsky.social to accompany the full 2026 Subaru Outback review.
Here's why; my piece for @caranddriver.bsky.social to accompany the full 2026 Subaru Outback review.
www.caranddriver.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:35 PM
"Nothing is certain in autos these days, but if we had to bet on it, we'd put down a wager that we'll see a hybrid version of the new Outback for 2027. Hedging our bet, maybe 2028."
Here's why; my piece for @caranddriver.bsky.social to accompany the full 2026 Subaru Outback review.
Here's why; my piece for @caranddriver.bsky.social to accompany the full 2026 Subaru Outback review.
"Speakers included mixed-martial-arts promoter Dana White + actor-comedian Russell Brand. Attendees heard health advice from Silicon Valley multimillionaire Bryan Johnson, known for anti-ageing ‘biohacks’ (e.g. plasma transfusions from his teenage son) + his view that his generation may never die."
About that exclusive, "closed-to-press" MAHA summit last week with RFK and JD Vance: I got in.
Here's what I saw. 🧵 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Here's what I saw. 🧵 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
November 22, 2025 at 1:12 PM
"Speakers included mixed-martial-arts promoter Dana White + actor-comedian Russell Brand. Attendees heard health advice from Silicon Valley multimillionaire Bryan Johnson, known for anti-ageing ‘biohacks’ (e.g. plasma transfusions from his teenage son) + his view that his generation may never die."
Reposted by John Voelcker
We spent a year investigating billionaires for @washingtonpost.com.
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
November 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
We spent a year investigating billionaires for @washingtonpost.com.
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
We found: the wealthiest 100 Americans gave $1.1 billion to influence the 2024 elections — 140x more than they did in 2000. And almost all of that giving boosted Republicans.
washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Reposted by John Voelcker
Massive shoutout out to whoever handles the Royal Canadian Air Force’s social media account. They responded to every single comment on their already very solid Trans Day of Remembrance post and they responded like this…
November 22, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Massive shoutout out to whoever handles the Royal Canadian Air Force’s social media account. They responded to every single comment on their already very solid Trans Day of Remembrance post and they responded like this…
It is not just so-called "scientific orthodoxy" that vaccines save lives. It's ESTABLISHED, PROVEN FACT.
And yet the @nytimes.com pussyfoots around saying it's a scientific fact. WTF.
And yet the @nytimes.com pussyfoots around saying it's a scientific fact. WTF.
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 22, 2025 at 2:01 AM
It is not just so-called "scientific orthodoxy" that vaccines save lives. It's ESTABLISHED, PROVEN FACT.
And yet the @nytimes.com pussyfoots around saying it's a scientific fact. WTF.
And yet the @nytimes.com pussyfoots around saying it's a scientific fact. WTF.
Could a professional biker pass through both open trailers of 2 trucks moving at 40 mph in perfect synchronization—during a window of less than 1 second?
Red Bull athlete + mtn bike star Matt Jones is now the first human to jump through 2 autonomous trucks moving toward each other at full speed.
Red Bull athlete + mtn bike star Matt Jones is now the first human to jump through 2 autonomous trucks moving toward each other at full speed.
The Impossible Gap: Autonomous trucks enable death-defying Red Bull stunt
Scania & Plus SuperDrive power Matt Jones' world-first jump between two moving autonomous trucks requiring superhuman precision
www.freightwaves.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Could a professional biker pass through both open trailers of 2 trucks moving at 40 mph in perfect synchronization—during a window of less than 1 second?
Red Bull athlete + mtn bike star Matt Jones is now the first human to jump through 2 autonomous trucks moving toward each other at full speed.
Red Bull athlete + mtn bike star Matt Jones is now the first human to jump through 2 autonomous trucks moving toward each other at full speed.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson oversaw a toxic, chaotic + dithering response to the COVID pandemic, with a delay to locking down the country resulting in about 23,000 more deaths, a report by a public inquiry concluded.
I think I've heard that song before ...
I think I've heard that song before ...
www.reuters.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson oversaw a toxic, chaotic + dithering response to the COVID pandemic, with a delay to locking down the country resulting in about 23,000 more deaths, a report by a public inquiry concluded.
I think I've heard that song before ...
I think I've heard that song before ...
In the village of Nebbiuno, perched on the Piedmont hills overlooking Lake Maggiore, Anna Possi is pulling espressos at Bar Centrale—just as she has done every day since 1958.
Despite having recently celebrated her 101st birthday, Italy's longest-serving barista shows no sign of slowing down.
Despite having recently celebrated her 101st birthday, Italy's longest-serving barista shows no sign of slowing down.
www.reuters.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:59 PM
In the village of Nebbiuno, perched on the Piedmont hills overlooking Lake Maggiore, Anna Possi is pulling espressos at Bar Centrale—just as she has done every day since 1958.
Despite having recently celebrated her 101st birthday, Italy's longest-serving barista shows no sign of slowing down.
Despite having recently celebrated her 101st birthday, Italy's longest-serving barista shows no sign of slowing down.
I'm late posting this, but yesterday morning at the #LAAutoShow, the 3 finalist vehicles in each of the 3 NACToY categories (car, truck, utility) were announced.
Ram, Nissan take 2 finalist spots each in NACTOY awards
Dodge, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Ram, Hyundai, Lucid vehicles picked as finalists for closely watched annual auto awards.
www.freep.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I'm late posting this, but yesterday morning at the #LAAutoShow, the 3 finalist vehicles in each of the 3 NACToY categories (car, truck, utility) were announced.
A filing on November 17th showed Peter Thiel’s hedge fund sold off its entire $100 million stake in Nvidia during Q3-2025.
This one sale shrank the fund’s holdings by two-thirds + netted a very, very large profit.
It also sold 76 percent of its holdings in #EV maker #Tesla.
DISCUSS.
This one sale shrank the fund’s holdings by two-thirds + netted a very, very large profit.
It also sold 76 percent of its holdings in #EV maker #Tesla.
DISCUSS.
Peter Thiel Dumps Nvidia and Slashes Tesla Stake—Is the AI Bubble About to Pop? | Investing.com
Market Analysis by covering: NVIDIA Corporation, Tesla Inc. Read 's Market Analysis on Investing.com
www.investing.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Except, now, not.
SMDH.
SMDH.
November 21, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Except, now, not.
SMDH.
SMDH.
One of the most famous Volkswagen buses in the world has a new chance at life.
John Voelcker (he/him) on Instagram: "Azul, the "miracle VW bus" that survived the devastating Palisades fires in LA 10 months qgo, became famous in a news photo seen round the world. It has now been ...
9 likes, 0 comments - thejohnvoelcker on November 20, 2025: "Azul, the "miracle VW bus" that survived the devastating Palisades fires in LA 10 months qgo, became famous in a news photo seen round the ...
www.instagram.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:44 PM
One of the most famous Volkswagen buses in the world has a new chance at life.
Oh. I see.
[GIFT LINK]
[GIFT LINK]
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
wapo.st
November 20, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Oh. I see.
[GIFT LINK]
[GIFT LINK]
The Massachusetts legislature is considering 3 proposed bills to obstruct development of new battery energy storage systems.
Bills would impose a permit moratorium period, setbacks from populated + eco areas, and hand veto power over construction of energy storage facilities to local govts.
Oh.
Bills would impose a permit moratorium period, setbacks from populated + eco areas, and hand veto power over construction of energy storage facilities to local govts.
Oh.
Massachusetts Bills Could Impede New Battery Projects | Norton Rose Fulbright
The Massachusetts legislature is considering three proposed bills that would significantly obstruct development of new battery energy storage systems.
www.projectfinance.law
November 20, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The Massachusetts legislature is considering 3 proposed bills to obstruct development of new battery energy storage systems.
Bills would impose a permit moratorium period, setbacks from populated + eco areas, and hand veto power over construction of energy storage facilities to local govts.
Oh.
Bills would impose a permit moratorium period, setbacks from populated + eco areas, and hand veto power over construction of energy storage facilities to local govts.
Oh.
"Even when visionaries drive off a cliff, sometimes they come back for another lap."
Everyone in the auto biz for 15+ years has a story about the cars of Henrik Fisker. Now Rob Hoffman has tackled one route into Fisker's odysseys: here's 'Misfire,' his podcast on Fisker. Honored to be interviewed.
Everyone in the auto biz for 15+ years has a story about the cars of Henrik Fisker. Now Rob Hoffman has tackled one route into Fisker's odysseys: here's 'Misfire,' his podcast on Fisker. Honored to be interviewed.
Fisker: The Beautiful Failure
open.spotify.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:22 PM
"Even when visionaries drive off a cliff, sometimes they come back for another lap."
Everyone in the auto biz for 15+ years has a story about the cars of Henrik Fisker. Now Rob Hoffman has tackled one route into Fisker's odysseys: here's 'Misfire,' his podcast on Fisker. Honored to be interviewed.
Everyone in the auto biz for 15+ years has a story about the cars of Henrik Fisker. Now Rob Hoffman has tackled one route into Fisker's odysseys: here's 'Misfire,' his podcast on Fisker. Honored to be interviewed.
Since 2017, 18 separate last-mile package distribution facilities—you know 'em as Amazon warehouses—have opened in #NYC.
A new report by NYC comptroller Brad Lander found that in 78% of areas near those warehouses, vehicle crashes that caused injuries have risen by double-digit percentages.
A new report by NYC comptroller Brad Lander found that in 78% of areas near those warehouses, vehicle crashes that caused injuries have risen by double-digit percentages.
Fast Shipping. Slow Justice: Traffic, Worker, and Climate Hazards in Last Mile Delivery
Executive Summary The rise of e-commerce has led to an exponential increase in the volume of freight and package deliveries in New York City. In 2019, there were more than 1.8 million packages deliver...
comptroller.nyc.gov
November 20, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Since 2017, 18 separate last-mile package distribution facilities—you know 'em as Amazon warehouses—have opened in #NYC.
A new report by NYC comptroller Brad Lander found that in 78% of areas near those warehouses, vehicle crashes that caused injuries have risen by double-digit percentages.
A new report by NYC comptroller Brad Lander found that in 78% of areas near those warehouses, vehicle crashes that caused injuries have risen by double-digit percentages.
Reposted by John Voelcker
Trump and RFK Jr's CDC just added a page that is full of disinformation about vaccines and autism.
November 20, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Trump and RFK Jr's CDC just added a page that is full of disinformation about vaccines and autism.