Owen
@owenpick.bsky.social
Seattle based, (mostly) earnest poster.
This really makes a pluralistic society seem inevitable. Let's all hope we're just living through the dying gasps of reaction.
Those claiming Dems should retreat on racial justice aren't hard-headed realists, they're pushing against the electoral tide rather than leaning into it. The story of Gen Z isn't about racist backlash or red-pilled young men. It's the most racially progressive generation in American history. 🧵
November 15, 2025 at 7:12 AM
This really makes a pluralistic society seem inevitable. Let's all hope we're just living through the dying gasps of reaction.
Reposted by Owen
![4-panel vertical comic. (1) 100 Years Ago [two people standing next to bicycle with small car nearby] PERSON 1: It’s too dangerous riding a bike with these cars around. I should get a car, too. (2) 50 Years Ago [two people between smaller car and bigger car] PERSON 2 with short hair: Small cars are less safe in collisions with larger vehicles, so I should get a bigger one. (3) Today [two people between big car and even bigger car] PERSON 1: Everyone has huge SUVs now. If I don’t get the biggest one, I’m putting my family at risk. (4) Soon [two people next to large armored car with spiked clubs attached] PERSON 2: If I don’t install more whirling spike clubs, I’ll be destroyed by all the other drivers who...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiby6can6k76yzfmv2czxs4pu2l7zie7bqbrpswi7h3ifmiadkuqvu@jpeg)
I think Oswalt's post is a good example of how it's really challenging to do moderation well.
It's obvious to anyone that it's a completely appropriate joke. But yes, it's graphic.
So how do you handle that at scale? Honestly seems like a better solution is a "graphic" labeler.
It's obvious to anyone that it's a completely appropriate joke. But yes, it's graphic.
So how do you handle that at scale? Honestly seems like a better solution is a "graphic" labeler.
November 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I think Oswalt's post is a good example of how it's really challenging to do moderation well.
It's obvious to anyone that it's a completely appropriate joke. But yes, it's graphic.
So how do you handle that at scale? Honestly seems like a better solution is a "graphic" labeler.
It's obvious to anyone that it's a completely appropriate joke. But yes, it's graphic.
So how do you handle that at scale? Honestly seems like a better solution is a "graphic" labeler.
Reposted by Owen
my most woke opinion is that any truck/SUV over 4,000 pounds should require a commercial drivers license, increased insurance/registration, more expensive parking, and higher punishments for traffic violations
"my least woke opinion is---"
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
November 14, 2025 at 4:10 PM
my most woke opinion is that any truck/SUV over 4,000 pounds should require a commercial drivers license, increased insurance/registration, more expensive parking, and higher punishments for traffic violations
Reposted by Owen
well, that's (another) dealbreaker for Josh Shapiro in 2028 www.eenews.net/articles/rgg...
RGGI exit ends Pennsylvania’s only major climate policy
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) signed the deal Wednesday to leave the regional cap-and-trade system, ending a four-month budget impasse with Republicans.
www.eenews.net
November 14, 2025 at 3:10 PM
well, that's (another) dealbreaker for Josh Shapiro in 2028 www.eenews.net/articles/rgg...
As an old man now, it's a bit disorienting to hear people describe Wilson as young.
November 14, 2025 at 7:29 AM
As an old man now, it's a bit disorienting to hear people describe Wilson as young.
IMO Occam's Razor on Harrell's comments is that he has MAGA donors whose brains are genuinely cooked about elections.
November 14, 2025 at 2:49 AM
IMO Occam's Razor on Harrell's comments is that he has MAGA donors whose brains are genuinely cooked about elections.
Reposted by Owen
This morning transit advocates from around Central Puget Sound gathered together to bring one message to the Sound Transit board: "build the damn trains."
This afternoon the board is holding its first retreat since the announcement of the $30-$40 billion shortfall through 2046.
This afternoon the board is holding its first retreat since the announcement of the $30-$40 billion shortfall through 2046.
November 13, 2025 at 7:35 PM
This morning transit advocates from around Central Puget Sound gathered together to bring one message to the Sound Transit board: "build the damn trains."
This afternoon the board is holding its first retreat since the announcement of the $30-$40 billion shortfall through 2046.
This afternoon the board is holding its first retreat since the announcement of the $30-$40 billion shortfall through 2046.
This is excellent.
A 20 mph upper limit really is significantly different than 25.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
A 20 mph upper limit really is significantly different than 25.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
Bothell Advances Citywide 20 MPH Residential Speed Limit » The Urbanist
# Lowering speed limits on residential streets to 20 mph has already been implemented in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma, and has been associated with a significant drop in high-end speeding...
www.theurbanist.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:49 AM
This is excellent.
A 20 mph upper limit really is significantly different than 25.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
A 20 mph upper limit really is significantly different than 25.
www.theurbanist.org/2025/11/11/b...
Ok... Someone help me understand this...
Why do people think "longitude lines are long" or that the word "long" is helpful for remembering they run North // South?
I thought the person I was talking to about this was completely making stuff up and yet it's also all over the internet too.
Why do people think "longitude lines are long" or that the word "long" is helpful for remembering they run North // South?
I thought the person I was talking to about this was completely making stuff up and yet it's also all over the internet too.
November 12, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Ok... Someone help me understand this...
Why do people think "longitude lines are long" or that the word "long" is helpful for remembering they run North // South?
I thought the person I was talking to about this was completely making stuff up and yet it's also all over the internet too.
Why do people think "longitude lines are long" or that the word "long" is helpful for remembering they run North // South?
I thought the person I was talking to about this was completely making stuff up and yet it's also all over the internet too.
Reposted by Owen
Often, Seattle playgrounds go dark at sunset due to a lack of lighting while the nearby parking lots are well lit
November 12, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Often, Seattle playgrounds go dark at sunset due to a lack of lighting while the nearby parking lots are well lit
Totally normal behavior to make a slur popular like it's a hot brand of shoes.
Right?
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
Right?
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
November 12, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Totally normal behavior to make a slur popular like it's a hot brand of shoes.
Right?
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
Right?
www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
Hmm... Good time to check back in on r/SeattleWA. I'm sure the news is being well received...
The r/SeattleWA sub is handling the impending loss with about as much dignity as you'd expect
November 12, 2025 at 3:06 AM
Hmm... Good time to check back in on r/SeattleWA. I'm sure the news is being well received...
I really can't be over-emphasized how bad Harrell was.
He's almost single handedly made nearly every important policy category worse. Name a category and it's almost trivial to name something he messed up badly.
And on the flip side, he's done virtually nothing positive.
He's almost single handedly made nearly every important policy category worse. Name a category and it's almost trivial to name something he messed up badly.
And on the flip side, he's done virtually nothing positive.
November 12, 2025 at 2:32 AM
I really can't be over-emphasized how bad Harrell was.
He's almost single handedly made nearly every important policy category worse. Name a category and it's almost trivial to name something he messed up badly.
And on the flip side, he's done virtually nothing positive.
He's almost single handedly made nearly every important policy category worse. Name a category and it's almost trivial to name something he messed up badly.
And on the flip side, he's done virtually nothing positive.
Very faint aurora in the northeast.
November 12, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Very faint aurora in the northeast.
Looking at the station placement for the Federal Way extension is so depressing...
Just shoot from the cuff... I feel like a much better plan than jamming three frequent routes through the downtown tunnel would be to terminate the suburban routes outside the tunnel.
Just shoot from the cuff... I feel like a much better plan than jamming three frequent routes through the downtown tunnel would be to terminate the suburban routes outside the tunnel.
November 11, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Looking at the station placement for the Federal Way extension is so depressing...
Just shoot from the cuff... I feel like a much better plan than jamming three frequent routes through the downtown tunnel would be to terminate the suburban routes outside the tunnel.
Just shoot from the cuff... I feel like a much better plan than jamming three frequent routes through the downtown tunnel would be to terminate the suburban routes outside the tunnel.
Given that we only have a little money... This would be a great project to try an "EIS first" approach
1. Do the initial design alternatives
2. Pick a design
3. Start official planning processes like EISes
4. Then start chasing dollars
1. Do the initial design alternatives
2. Pick a design
3. Start official planning processes like EISes
4. Then start chasing dollars
Cascadia Forges Ahead on High-Speed Rail Despite Headwinds » The Urbanist
# Leaders from across the Pacific Northwest recently gathered at the Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference in Seattle and reaffirmed their commitment to building high-speed rail linking the corridor...
www.theurbanist.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:22 AM
Given that we only have a little money... This would be a great project to try an "EIS first" approach
1. Do the initial design alternatives
2. Pick a design
3. Start official planning processes like EISes
4. Then start chasing dollars
1. Do the initial design alternatives
2. Pick a design
3. Start official planning processes like EISes
4. Then start chasing dollars
The r/SeattleWA sub is handling the impending loss with about as much dignity as you'd expect
November 11, 2025 at 7:54 AM
The r/SeattleWA sub is handling the impending loss with about as much dignity as you'd expect
Reposted by Owen
A developer is offering to do 1/3 more affordable units than required—and 130% more than have been produced in the 18 year history of Evanston’s policy—for zero actual budget outlay from the city, and Council is saying do less
Kelly says she asked about seeing it at the 15%, less tax discounted level, rather than the 20% level. Developer guy behind me sighs *heavily*.
Kelly should propose big projects she likes. Pitch proactive upzonings of the sites. Or hell, support quadplexes everywhere. Oh wait.
Kelly should propose big projects she likes. Pitch proactive upzonings of the sites. Or hell, support quadplexes everywhere. Oh wait.
November 11, 2025 at 2:36 AM
A developer is offering to do 1/3 more affordable units than required—and 130% more than have been produced in the 18 year history of Evanston’s policy—for zero actual budget outlay from the city, and Council is saying do less
Reposted by Owen
SEATTLE!!!
We’ve now taken the lead by 91 votes! 🤯 This thing is certainly not over! Over 1,000 ballots have been challenged, so if you haven’t tracked your ballot yet get on it! Our trusty volunteers have been working hard to "cure" ballots so they count! We're so close!
We’ve now taken the lead by 91 votes! 🤯 This thing is certainly not over! Over 1,000 ballots have been challenged, so if you haven’t tracked your ballot yet get on it! Our trusty volunteers have been working hard to "cure" ballots so they count! We're so close!
November 11, 2025 at 12:16 AM
SEATTLE!!!
We’ve now taken the lead by 91 votes! 🤯 This thing is certainly not over! Over 1,000 ballots have been challenged, so if you haven’t tracked your ballot yet get on it! Our trusty volunteers have been working hard to "cure" ballots so they count! We're so close!
We’ve now taken the lead by 91 votes! 🤯 This thing is certainly not over! Over 1,000 ballots have been challenged, so if you haven’t tracked your ballot yet get on it! Our trusty volunteers have been working hard to "cure" ballots so they count! We're so close!
Hahahaha.
Turns out when you elect reactionaries you're probably self-selecting for incompetence.
Turns out when you elect reactionaries you're probably self-selecting for incompetence.
JUST IN: Washington's Growth Management Hearings Board has invalidated the Seattle City Council's ordinance legalizing housing in a small slice of SoDo near the sports stadiums, siding with the Port of Seattle in its appeal against the move.
November 11, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Hahahaha.
Turns out when you elect reactionaries you're probably self-selecting for incompetence.
Turns out when you elect reactionaries you're probably self-selecting for incompetence.
I'm just a nobody on the internet but... I think any Senate vote to reopen the government has to address the executive impoundment crisis.
Literally none of the budget matters at all until that's resolved and it's ludicrous to wait on the courts.
Literally none of the budget matters at all until that's resolved and it's ludicrous to wait on the courts.
November 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
I'm just a nobody on the internet but... I think any Senate vote to reopen the government has to address the executive impoundment crisis.
Literally none of the budget matters at all until that's resolved and it's ludicrous to wait on the courts.
Literally none of the budget matters at all until that's resolved and it's ludicrous to wait on the courts.
Reposted by Owen
The CPL Final is in the middle of a snowstorm in Canada, true North American soccer heritage...how could it get any better?
HOW ABOUT A FREAKIN' BICYCLE KICK EQUALIZER!!!
HOW ABOUT A FREAKIN' BICYCLE KICK EQUALIZER!!!
November 9, 2025 at 11:28 PM
The CPL Final is in the middle of a snowstorm in Canada, true North American soccer heritage...how could it get any better?
HOW ABOUT A FREAKIN' BICYCLE KICK EQUALIZER!!!
HOW ABOUT A FREAKIN' BICYCLE KICK EQUALIZER!!!
Reposted by Owen
Eddie Lin is going to make a very good land use committee chair.
November 7, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Eddie Lin is going to make a very good land use committee chair.
The fu....!?!?
I was told public restrooms weren't feasible in Seattle.
I was told public restrooms weren't feasible in Seattle.
November 9, 2025 at 6:49 PM
The fu....!?!?
I was told public restrooms weren't feasible in Seattle.
I was told public restrooms weren't feasible in Seattle.