Oliver 🏳️🌈
@ojc.bsky.social
🇺🇸🇬🇧🏳️🌈 | Tend to talk about climate, bikes, transit, infrastructure, politics | Opinions my own.
📍Worcester MA
📍Worcester MA
Reposted by Oliver 🏳️🌈
“Car bloat”—increasingly oversized automobiles—worsens road safety, affordability and the environment.
Here are some of the stories I wrote in 2025 examining the trend and proposing solutions. 🧵
In @vox.com, I likened car bloat to secondhand smoke (which helped bring down the US tobacco industry).
Here are some of the stories I wrote in 2025 examining the trend and proposing solutions. 🧵
In @vox.com, I likened car bloat to secondhand smoke (which helped bring down the US tobacco industry).
Gigantic SUVs are a public health threat. Why don’t we treat them like one?
The anti-tobacco playbook could help turn the US public against their beloved oversized cars.
www.vox.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:08 PM
“Car bloat”—increasingly oversized automobiles—worsens road safety, affordability and the environment.
Here are some of the stories I wrote in 2025 examining the trend and proposing solutions. 🧵
In @vox.com, I likened car bloat to secondhand smoke (which helped bring down the US tobacco industry).
Here are some of the stories I wrote in 2025 examining the trend and proposing solutions. 🧵
In @vox.com, I likened car bloat to secondhand smoke (which helped bring down the US tobacco industry).
Exactly.
Let’s be clear what this is about: Ensuring MAGA-fueled platforms can disseminate propaganda, misinformation & hate globally & elect authoritarian governments — including Nazi-aligned governments — in Europe.
We must get these fascists out of power. They’re a global menace.
We must get these fascists out of power. They’re a global menace.
U.S. Bars 5 European Tech Regulators and Researchers
www.nytimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Exactly.
Jesus fucking Christ, do these people hear themselves?
“Like Prime, but with human beings.”
December 24, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Jesus fucking Christ, do these people hear themselves?
Two words:
BUILDERS
REMEDY
(Evidently the existing stick in the legislation was not sufficient)
www.boston.com/news/local-n...
BUILDERS
REMEDY
(Evidently the existing stick in the legislation was not sufficient)
www.boston.com/news/local-n...
10 towns remain defiant of MBTA Communities Act as year-end deadline looms
The clock is ticking for these communities as they weigh the consequences of standing firm against the law.
www.boston.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Two words:
BUILDERS
REMEDY
(Evidently the existing stick in the legislation was not sufficient)
www.boston.com/news/local-n...
BUILDERS
REMEDY
(Evidently the existing stick in the legislation was not sufficient)
www.boston.com/news/local-n...
Another shameful act by Trump to add to the list. The EU are our allies and we’re treating them like absolute garbage. 😡
We strongly condemn the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on five European individuals, including former Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Link to full statement: link.europa.eu/NtMX4K
Link to full statement: link.europa.eu/NtMX4K
December 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Another shameful act by Trump to add to the list. The EU are our allies and we’re treating them like absolute garbage. 😡
Reposted by Oliver 🏳️🌈
Hoping that this is read as "IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSIT" because it should be.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/22/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/22/m...
For many New Englanders, working in Boston means an exhausting commute - The Boston Globe
People aspire to have a good job, an affordable home, and an easy commute. Possessing all three in Greater Boston is a fleeting luxury.
www.bostonglobe.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Hoping that this is read as "IMPROVE PUBLIC TRANSIT" because it should be.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/22/m...
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/22/m...
Reposted by Oliver 🏳️🌈
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
December 23, 2025 at 1:28 AM
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
We could fix this if we collectively recognize the problem, which is car dependency and awful land use policy.
“Americans are increasingly hungry for Italian piazzas, Spanish plazas, French places, & similar squares around the globe. But the joy of experiencing life in these public squares leaves some travelers disappointed when they return to the States.”
Don’t let ANYONE tell you it HAS to be that way.
Don’t let ANYONE tell you it HAS to be that way.
Americans are hungry for community. So why don’t we have more European-style squares? | CNN
As travel abroad has become common for more Americans, many have enjoyed Europe’s vibrant squares. Why doesn’t the United States have more of that kind of gathering spot and is change afoot?
www.cnn.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:33 AM
We could fix this if we collectively recognize the problem, which is car dependency and awful land use policy.
Must watch. Disgusting. Shameful.
And this is what that pathetic stooge Bari Weiss tried to kill on behalf of the Trump administration.
Streisand effect this:
And this is what that pathetic stooge Bari Weiss tried to kill on behalf of the Trump administration.
Streisand effect this:
I just uploaded @jasonparis.bsky.social 's recording of the segment CBS News pulled from "60 Minutes" to YouTube:
WATCH: Segment CBS News Pulled From "60 Minutes"
YouTube video by Phil Lewis
www.youtube.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Must watch. Disgusting. Shameful.
And this is what that pathetic stooge Bari Weiss tried to kill on behalf of the Trump administration.
Streisand effect this:
And this is what that pathetic stooge Bari Weiss tried to kill on behalf of the Trump administration.
Streisand effect this:
This vetocracy that we have in MA local government is *clearly* not working.
The Commonwealth needs to legislate and remove the excessive power that the towns and cities have to stop construction of desperately needed mixed use multifamily buildings.
The Commonwealth needs to legislate and remove the excessive power that the towns and cities have to stop construction of desperately needed mixed use multifamily buildings.
"Public meetings aren’t going anywhere, and citizen input will always have a place. But there have to be limits — and the views of nearby homeowners who show up for meetings can’t be the last word on whether Massachusetts gets the housing it needs."
December 21, 2025 at 3:54 PM
This vetocracy that we have in MA local government is *clearly* not working.
The Commonwealth needs to legislate and remove the excessive power that the towns and cities have to stop construction of desperately needed mixed use multifamily buildings.
The Commonwealth needs to legislate and remove the excessive power that the towns and cities have to stop construction of desperately needed mixed use multifamily buildings.
Reposted by Oliver 🏳️🌈
WOW: The DOJ has DELETED an image from its release of the Epstein files that shows photos of Trump in a drawer.
Yesterday, we noted that this image — file 468 — likely slipped through the cracks while officials were attempting to hide materials pertaining to Trump.
Now, it’s gone.
Yesterday, we noted that this image — file 468 — likely slipped through the cracks while officials were attempting to hide materials pertaining to Trump.
Now, it’s gone.
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
WOW: The DOJ has DELETED an image from its release of the Epstein files that shows photos of Trump in a drawer.
Yesterday, we noted that this image — file 468 — likely slipped through the cracks while officials were attempting to hide materials pertaining to Trump.
Now, it’s gone.
Yesterday, we noted that this image — file 468 — likely slipped through the cracks while officials were attempting to hide materials pertaining to Trump.
Now, it’s gone.
This wins it for me..
The world’s richest man gleefully and callously snatching food, vaccines, and AIDS medication from the world’s poorest people. Utterly grotesque.
The world’s richest man gleefully and callously snatching food, vaccines, and AIDS medication from the world’s poorest people. Utterly grotesque.
December 19, 2025 at 2:21 PM
This wins it for me..
The world’s richest man gleefully and callously snatching food, vaccines, and AIDS medication from the world’s poorest people. Utterly grotesque.
The world’s richest man gleefully and callously snatching food, vaccines, and AIDS medication from the world’s poorest people. Utterly grotesque.
Induction stoves are way better than gas imo.
And I always prefer things to not be poisoning the air I breathe.
And I always prefer things to not be poisoning the air I breathe.
What are gas stove manufacturers trying to hide? Warning labels
What are gas stove manufacturers trying to hide? Warning labels
The gas industry is opposed to labels that warn consumers of the potential harms of gas stoves.
buff.ly
December 19, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Induction stoves are way better than gas imo.
And I always prefer things to not be poisoning the air I breathe.
And I always prefer things to not be poisoning the air I breathe.
Reposted by Oliver 🏳️🌈
Yep, this. It’s really anti-freedom to be forced to pay for and use a car. Folks should be free to choose the option that’s best for them, or even be able to switch it up
I know it's too much to read the words that many of us write, but what we are actually mad about are systems that force people into car dependency and policy choices that mean living somewhere walkable and bikeable with robust public transit is ridiculously expensive. We want to fix this!
December 17, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Yep, this. It’s really anti-freedom to be forced to pay for and use a car. Folks should be free to choose the option that’s best for them, or even be able to switch it up
If you haven’t seen Sky’s Ed Conway’s data journalism you’re really missing out. Consistently great reporting and explanations, eg:
📽️Donald Trump wants you to know he's targeting Venezuela because of illegal drugs.
But what if this were really about something else altogether...?
Dig into the murky world of crude oil refining and you find another, even more intriguing explanation...
Full primer 👇 youtu.be/Pgwny1BiCYk?...
But what if this were really about something else altogether...?
Dig into the murky world of crude oil refining and you find another, even more intriguing explanation...
Full primer 👇 youtu.be/Pgwny1BiCYk?...
The real reason Venezuela matters
YouTube video by Sky News
youtu.be
December 15, 2025 at 6:33 PM
If you haven’t seen Sky’s Ed Conway’s data journalism you’re really missing out. Consistently great reporting and explanations, eg:
Reposted by Oliver 🏳️🌈
To think these MAGA mfers had the gall to claim Democrats were reveling in Kirk's death, when every major D figure immediately condemned it and called for calm.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
To think these MAGA mfers had the gall to claim Democrats were reveling in Kirk's death, when every major D figure immediately condemned it and called for calm.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
Oh..
And before anyone asks, they had a 20 year exemption for new construction and had to recently make it a permanent exemption for all new properties.
And yes, construction falling off a cliff is a disaster and makes things *worse* for tenants and especially ppl who don't yet have housing.
And before anyone asks, they had a 20 year exemption for new construction and had to recently make it a permanent exemption for all new properties.
And yes, construction falling off a cliff is a disaster and makes things *worse* for tenants and especially ppl who don't yet have housing.
Following the adoption of strict rent control in 2022, St. Paul saw an immediate 79% drop in new rental permits, while Minneapolis (without rent control) saw new permits increase 300%.
Over the next two years, rent growth was lower in Minneapolis (0.7%) than St. Paul (1.8%).
Over the next two years, rent growth was lower in Minneapolis (0.7%) than St. Paul (1.8%).
December 15, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Oh..
And before anyone asks, they had a 20 year exemption for new construction and had to recently make it a permanent exemption for all new properties.
And yes, construction falling off a cliff is a disaster and makes things *worse* for tenants and especially ppl who don't yet have housing.
And before anyone asks, they had a 20 year exemption for new construction and had to recently make it a permanent exemption for all new properties.
And yes, construction falling off a cliff is a disaster and makes things *worse* for tenants and especially ppl who don't yet have housing.
To think these MAGA mfers had the gall to claim Democrats were reveling in Kirk's death, when every major D figure immediately condemned it and called for calm.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
To think these MAGA mfers had the gall to claim Democrats were reveling in Kirk's death, when every major D figure immediately condemned it and called for calm.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
And this is the kind of hideous statement this utter monster knocks out.
Oh cool! NYC is joining the contactless / express transit pay world!
I really love this system. It makes using transit so easy, especially for tourists. Been great when I've used it in London and Boston.
Just show up with your smartphone or tap-to-pay credit/debit card.
I really love this system. It makes using transit so easy, especially for tourists. Been great when I've used it in London and Boston.
Just show up with your smartphone or tap-to-pay credit/debit card.
On the last day of 2025, we're saying goodbye to the MetroCard. It's time to tap and ride!
Sign up for a free OMNY account online, at vending machines in subway stations, or at a store near you. Learn more at omny.info 🚇 🚌
Sign up for a free OMNY account online, at vending machines in subway stations, or at a store near you. Learn more at omny.info 🚇 🚌
December 15, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Oh cool! NYC is joining the contactless / express transit pay world!
I really love this system. It makes using transit so easy, especially for tourists. Been great when I've used it in London and Boston.
Just show up with your smartphone or tap-to-pay credit/debit card.
I really love this system. It makes using transit so easy, especially for tourists. Been great when I've used it in London and Boston.
Just show up with your smartphone or tap-to-pay credit/debit card.
Hero. Ahmed Al Ahmed. Incredible bravery.
Disarmed a gunman and was shot twice.
Disarmed a gunman and was shot twice.
A bystander seen in a widely circulated video disarming a gunman during a deadly shooting rampage at a popular Australian beach is being heralded as a hero who saved lives.
Bystander shown in videos disarming gunman during Australian beach shooting commended for bravery
A bystander seen in a widely circulated video disarming a gunman during a deadly shooting rampage at a popular Australian beach is being heralded as a hero who saved lives.
bit.ly
December 14, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Hero. Ahmed Al Ahmed. Incredible bravery.
Disarmed a gunman and was shot twice.
Disarmed a gunman and was shot twice.
Everyone would also be:
- Happier
- Healthier
- Richer
All we have to do is choose to build the infrastructure.
- Happier
- Healthier
- Richer
All we have to do is choose to build the infrastructure.
“Dutch people cycle an average of 2.6km each per day. If this pattern was replicated worldwide, annual carbon emissions would drop by 686 million tonnes.
This mammoth figure exceeds the entire carbon footprint of most countries, including the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Australia.” @euronews.com
This mammoth figure exceeds the entire carbon footprint of most countries, including the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Australia.” @euronews.com
Cycling like the Dutch would slash the world’s carbon footprint
If everybody cycled like the Dutch, we could offset the UK or Australia’s entire carbon footprint.
www.euronews.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Everyone would also be:
- Happier
- Healthier
- Richer
All we have to do is choose to build the infrastructure.
- Happier
- Healthier
- Richer
All we have to do is choose to build the infrastructure.
I’m so angry about this.
That continent was drenched in blood for centuries.
The EU is one of the greatest achievements for peace, collaboration, stability, and prosperity in world history and these MFers want to destroy it.
Just sickening.
That continent was drenched in blood for centuries.
The EU is one of the greatest achievements for peace, collaboration, stability, and prosperity in world history and these MFers want to destroy it.
Just sickening.
December 12, 2025 at 1:52 AM
I’m so angry about this.
That continent was drenched in blood for centuries.
The EU is one of the greatest achievements for peace, collaboration, stability, and prosperity in world history and these MFers want to destroy it.
Just sickening.
That continent was drenched in blood for centuries.
The EU is one of the greatest achievements for peace, collaboration, stability, and prosperity in world history and these MFers want to destroy it.
Just sickening.
December 12, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Maybe it’s not a great idea to pump an explosive gas into our houses when there are good clean alternatives?
Good grief, hopefully no one got hurt. #electrifyeverything #passongas
December 11, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Maybe it’s not a great idea to pump an explosive gas into our houses when there are good clean alternatives?
Regime change in Venezuela?? Have we learned nothing? 🤦♂️🤦♂️😡
The U.S. and Venezuela are on the brink of war? Did the FIFA Peace Prize mean nothing to Trump?
December 10, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Regime change in Venezuela?? Have we learned nothing? 🤦♂️🤦♂️😡