Jeff Kirk
@jeffreymkirk.bsky.social
Law / politics / public policy wonk, urbanist, watch / 20th-c. design / sneaker collector, proud guncle, Wahoo. @kirker on That Other Site.
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Pinned
Jeff Kirk
@jeffreymkirk.bsky.social
· Jan 9
How popular are Uber and Lyft here? It took a state Supreme Court ruling to find out.
The Washington Supreme Court ruled that the government should disclose trade secrets unless doing so would cause substantial and irreparable harm. Researchers want to use the Uber and Lyft data to see if the companies are serving communities of color...
www.seattletimes.com
To introduce myself: I'm Jeff. Longtime tech startup vet, current strategist / analyst for the gig economy, and possibly the only person to be sued by both Uber & Lyft and win.
Strong supporter of social justice, consumer advocacy, and an even stronger opponent of Emperor Cheeto & Darth Musk.
Strong supporter of social justice, consumer advocacy, and an even stronger opponent of Emperor Cheeto & Darth Musk.
Since I'm guessing quite a few people are still wondering what happened last week with Sonder & Marriott, I wrote an explainer.
There's still a lot not yet known, though I assume a lot will come out during their bankruptcy proceedings. #sonder
There's still a lot not yet known, though I assume a lot will come out during their bankruptcy proceedings. #sonder
Sonder: The Trials & Tribulations of the Biggest Short-Term Rental Flameout to Date
In one of the short-term rental industry’s first post-pandemic upsets, Sonder – a boutique STR startup in major urban locales, one worth nearly $2 billion when it went public in 2022 – went out of bus...
jeffkirk1.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Since I'm guessing quite a few people are still wondering what happened last week with Sonder & Marriott, I wrote an explainer.
There's still a lot not yet known, though I assume a lot will come out during their bankruptcy proceedings. #sonder
There's still a lot not yet known, though I assume a lot will come out during their bankruptcy proceedings. #sonder
Wow indeed, and also why Trump just idiotically put *himself* into a position of violating the First Amendment.
Legitimate criticism – of Trump or anyone else – is ALWAYS protected speech, whether Darth Cheeto chooses to admit it or not.
Legitimate criticism – of Trump or anyone else – is ALWAYS protected speech, whether Darth Cheeto chooses to admit it or not.
September 19, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Wow indeed, and also why Trump just idiotically put *himself* into a position of violating the First Amendment.
Legitimate criticism – of Trump or anyone else – is ALWAYS protected speech, whether Darth Cheeto chooses to admit it or not.
Legitimate criticism – of Trump or anyone else – is ALWAYS protected speech, whether Darth Cheeto chooses to admit it or not.
He’ll try.
But he’ll fail.
Again.
But he’ll fail.
Again.
That was fast -- even faster than i predicted.Court throws out Trump's doggerel defamation lawsuit against NY Times for its failure to even make any "legitimate legal claims." It was all a screed of crazy mischaracterizations, not even a theory of knowing falsity over years.
He will try to resubmit.
He will try to resubmit.
September 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
He’ll try.
But he’ll fail.
Again.
But he’ll fail.
Again.
This is nearly as stupid as declaring wind turbines as a national security threat. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/u...
Can Trump Actually Designate Antifa a Terrorist Group? Here Are the Facts. - The New York Times
The president made the same declaration in 2020, but nothing came of it. His new declaration came amid broader threats against liberals after the Charlie Kirk killing.
www.nytimes.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:57 PM
This is nearly as stupid as declaring wind turbines as a national security threat. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/u...
This is nearly as stupid as declaring wind turbines as a national security threat. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/u...
Can Trump Actually Designate Antifa a Terrorist Group? Here Are the Facts. - The New York Times
The president made the same declaration in 2020, but nothing came of it. His new declaration came amid broader threats against liberals after the Charlie Kirk killing.
www.nytimes.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:21 PM
This is nearly as stupid as declaring wind turbines as a national security threat. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/u...
Sure as fuck *seems* like Attiah was fired solely for reposting one of Charlie Kirk's own tweets – entirely appropriate for someone who believed literally all Black women in professional jobs are "DEI hires."
I figured the Post had hit bottom by now. VERY clearly not.
I subscribed to her Substack.
I figured the Post had hit bottom by now. VERY clearly not.
I subscribed to her Substack.
Some personal news:
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
I've been fired from the Washington Post in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Thread incoming.
substack.com/@karenattiah...
The Washington Post Fired Me — But My Voice Will Not Be Silenced.
I spoke out against hatred and violence in America — and it cost me my job.
substack.com
September 15, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Sure as fuck *seems* like Attiah was fired solely for reposting one of Charlie Kirk's own tweets – entirely appropriate for someone who believed literally all Black women in professional jobs are "DEI hires."
I figured the Post had hit bottom by now. VERY clearly not.
I subscribed to her Substack.
I figured the Post had hit bottom by now. VERY clearly not.
I subscribed to her Substack.
"The point is to make nuclear energy appear cool while rendering high-level concepts digestible for a mainstream, very online audience." Great!
"Last fall Boemeke donated $5 million to nuclear causes with her husband, Airbnb cofounder and DOGE appointee Joe Gebbia." Buh-bye.
"Last fall Boemeke donated $5 million to nuclear causes with her husband, Airbnb cofounder and DOGE appointee Joe Gebbia." Buh-bye.
Can This Model Make Nuclear Energy Hot?
www.nytimes.com
August 13, 2025 at 5:31 PM
"The point is to make nuclear energy appear cool while rendering high-level concepts digestible for a mainstream, very online audience." Great!
"Last fall Boemeke donated $5 million to nuclear causes with her husband, Airbnb cofounder and DOGE appointee Joe Gebbia." Buh-bye.
"Last fall Boemeke donated $5 million to nuclear causes with her husband, Airbnb cofounder and DOGE appointee Joe Gebbia." Buh-bye.
Gosh, who could've possibly imagined that TACO Trump would chicken out yet again on a core policy stance in the face of the real-life consequences of his idiotic behavior?
"Cancelling" FEMA (along with the NOAA) was one of the most idiotic Trump calls – and there are A LOT of contenders.
"Cancelling" FEMA (along with the NOAA) was one of the most idiotic Trump calls – and there are A LOT of contenders.
After Texas Disaster, Trump Shifts His Tone on FEMA
www.nytimes.com
July 12, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Gosh, who could've possibly imagined that TACO Trump would chicken out yet again on a core policy stance in the face of the real-life consequences of his idiotic behavior?
"Cancelling" FEMA (along with the NOAA) was one of the most idiotic Trump calls – and there are A LOT of contenders.
"Cancelling" FEMA (along with the NOAA) was one of the most idiotic Trump calls – and there are A LOT of contenders.
I apologize, yet again, for my double-inbred third cousin's delusional ramblings, esp. since these are unusually batshit. How literally any person in Austin – which has zero connection to Kerrville or the Guadalupe River – could've caused anything here is a mystery outside of Charlie's addled mind.
Charlie Kirk blames 'DEI fire chief' for Texas flood deaths
The right-wing pundit shared conspiracies about Austin's Joel G. Baker on a recent podcast.
www.chron.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I apologize, yet again, for my double-inbred third cousin's delusional ramblings, esp. since these are unusually batshit. How literally any person in Austin – which has zero connection to Kerrville or the Guadalupe River – could've caused anything here is a mystery outside of Charlie's addled mind.
In case some of y'all are wondering what the actual fuck is going on rn in MacArthur Park: Trump's trying to claim it's a "MS-13 hotbed."
It's a PARK FFS! Are the "gangbangers" hiding in the bushes? Using scuba gear to hide in the water?
🤦♂️
It's a PARK FFS! Are the "gangbangers" hiding in the bushes? Using scuba gear to hide in the water?
🤦♂️
July 7, 2025 at 6:40 PM
In case some of y'all are wondering what the actual fuck is going on rn in MacArthur Park: Trump's trying to claim it's a "MS-13 hotbed."
It's a PARK FFS! Are the "gangbangers" hiding in the bushes? Using scuba gear to hide in the water?
🤦♂️
It's a PARK FFS! Are the "gangbangers" hiding in the bushes? Using scuba gear to hide in the water?
🤦♂️
Patrick continued, gnashing his teeth with barely concealed rage: “I try and I try and try and no one cares goddammit. Even my childhood friends! Like me, they got worked up into a lather thanks to Nancy Reagan’s iconic efforts with D.A.R.E."
Sobbing tears one might describe as 'crocodile-like...'"
Sobbing tears one might describe as 'crocodile-like...'"
THC dustup shows how Abbott-Patrick dynamic has shifted to governor's favor
When Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick goes after political figures who get in his way, he almost never lets his adversary off the ropes. How his latest battle …
www.statesman.com
June 30, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Patrick continued, gnashing his teeth with barely concealed rage: “I try and I try and try and no one cares goddammit. Even my childhood friends! Like me, they got worked up into a lather thanks to Nancy Reagan’s iconic efforts with D.A.R.E."
Sobbing tears one might describe as 'crocodile-like...'"
Sobbing tears one might describe as 'crocodile-like...'"
Reposted by Jeff Kirk
A joy to march in NYC Pride with the people's champ Tish James 🏳️🌈
June 29, 2025 at 7:45 PM
A joy to march in NYC Pride with the people's champ Tish James 🏳️🌈
I know WaPo's op-ed has gone down the shitter as of late, but I can only assume that's true for whatever polling methodology they're using nowadays.
Any poll that ranks Dulles at 17th (!) while not ranking Austin, period (!!!), is clearly fatally flawed: most just picked their personal small fave.
Any poll that ranks Dulles at 17th (!) while not ranking Austin, period (!!!), is clearly fatally flawed: most just picked their personal small fave.
The 50 best airports in America, ranked
Find out which U.S. airports travelers love most, based on reader reviews, transportation data and our own expert analysis.
wapo.st
June 29, 2025 at 10:11 PM
I know WaPo's op-ed has gone down the shitter as of late, but I can only assume that's true for whatever polling methodology they're using nowadays.
Any poll that ranks Dulles at 17th (!) while not ranking Austin, period (!!!), is clearly fatally flawed: most just picked their personal small fave.
Any poll that ranks Dulles at 17th (!) while not ranking Austin, period (!!!), is clearly fatally flawed: most just picked their personal small fave.
His dad founded Starbucks. This part is ... enlightening: "The ownership thing felt really nepo to me. That’s a word I never want to be associated with.”
One wonders how he rationalized this horseshit given the following: "One spring day in Manhattan, Schultz answered the door at his home..."
One wonders how he rationalized this horseshit given the following: "One spring day in Manhattan, Schultz answered the door at his home..."
Trips, gifts, scoops: The billionaire’s son driving fellow NFL reporters mad
His dad is billionaire Howard Schultz. His passion is NFL news. Why are other reporters so mad?
www.washingtonpost.com
June 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
His dad founded Starbucks. This part is ... enlightening: "The ownership thing felt really nepo to me. That’s a word I never want to be associated with.”
One wonders how he rationalized this horseshit given the following: "One spring day in Manhattan, Schultz answered the door at his home..."
One wonders how he rationalized this horseshit given the following: "One spring day in Manhattan, Schultz answered the door at his home..."
This is one of the better explainers I've read on the inherent problems with Tesla's robotaxi program (and @jmbooyah.bsky.social is one of its writers - she knows her shit). Most of Tesla's $1T valuation is predicated on its "masterful" autonomous tech.
Problem being that it's a pathetic joke.
Problem being that it's a pathetic joke.
‘Lidar is lame’: why Elon Musk’s vision for a self-driving Tesla taxi faltered
The company’s rollout of its new driverless cars has gotten off to a wobbly start – and rival Waymo remains well ahead
www.theguardian.com
June 29, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This is one of the better explainers I've read on the inherent problems with Tesla's robotaxi program (and @jmbooyah.bsky.social is one of its writers - she knows her shit). Most of Tesla's $1T valuation is predicated on its "masterful" autonomous tech.
Problem being that it's a pathetic joke.
Problem being that it's a pathetic joke.
I figured it had to be a true affront to fashion to drive the iconic Ms. Wintour out entirely.
Concurred that Mrs. Betty Bowers called it. I wouldn't want the stink of that tacky-ass mob-wife look on any cover I oversee, either.
Concurred that Mrs. Betty Bowers called it. I wouldn't want the stink of that tacky-ass mob-wife look on any cover I oversee, either.
Now we know why Anna Wintour threw her office keys onto the desk, grabbed her handbag, slid on her sunglasses, and marched out of the building.
June 29, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I figured it had to be a true affront to fashion to drive the iconic Ms. Wintour out entirely.
Concurred that Mrs. Betty Bowers called it. I wouldn't want the stink of that tacky-ass mob-wife look on any cover I oversee, either.
Concurred that Mrs. Betty Bowers called it. I wouldn't want the stink of that tacky-ass mob-wife look on any cover I oversee, either.
Seems Hungary wants no kings, either. Or assholes trying to erase the queer community.
THIS is the way.
❤️
THIS is the way.
❤️
Budapest Pride Parade Was Bigger Than Ever, Despite Orban’s Ban
www.nytimes.com
June 28, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Seems Hungary wants no kings, either. Or assholes trying to erase the queer community.
THIS is the way.
❤️
THIS is the way.
❤️
And this is a perfect case in point why I usually avoid social media on days like this one: the Chicken Littles start flying around with their heads cut off.
If you’re unaware, Griswold is the case that legalized “the pill” nationwide. No, we are not going to criminalize family planning FFS.
If you’re unaware, Griswold is the case that legalized “the pill” nationwide. No, we are not going to criminalize family planning FFS.
Make no mistake- Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell are all going down, and fetal personhood is a certainty. The only path to Redemption is through the next two elections. I'm having waking nightmares about red States cooperating with Trump when he tries to declare them suspended or postponed.
June 27, 2025 at 7:07 PM
And this is a perfect case in point why I usually avoid social media on days like this one: the Chicken Littles start flying around with their heads cut off.
If you’re unaware, Griswold is the case that legalized “the pill” nationwide. No, we are not going to criminalize family planning FFS.
If you’re unaware, Griswold is the case that legalized “the pill” nationwide. No, we are not going to criminalize family planning FFS.
Posting this in full bc Justice Sotomayor is – or, rather, was – famous for always stating she "respectfully" dissented from a given ruling.
But our wise Latina jurist knows full well that there's nothing to respect here.
"I dissent" has evolved into her own means of protest, saved for the worst.
But our wise Latina jurist knows full well that there's nothing to respect here.
"I dissent" has evolved into her own means of protest, saved for the worst.
June 27, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Posting this in full bc Justice Sotomayor is – or, rather, was – famous for always stating she "respectfully" dissented from a given ruling.
But our wise Latina jurist knows full well that there's nothing to respect here.
"I dissent" has evolved into her own means of protest, saved for the worst.
But our wise Latina jurist knows full well that there's nothing to respect here.
"I dissent" has evolved into her own means of protest, saved for the worst.
While I am extremely displeased with today's birthright citizenship ruling, it doesn't change the reality that Trump is – as per usual – wrong.
Birthright citizenship is not a "hoax," nor did the Court decide anything about its constitutionality. This was a ruling against nationwide injunctions.
Birthright citizenship is not a "hoax," nor did the Court decide anything about its constitutionality. This was a ruling against nationwide injunctions.
June 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
While I am extremely displeased with today's birthright citizenship ruling, it doesn't change the reality that Trump is – as per usual – wrong.
Birthright citizenship is not a "hoax," nor did the Court decide anything about its constitutionality. This was a ruling against nationwide injunctions.
Birthright citizenship is not a "hoax," nor did the Court decide anything about its constitutionality. This was a ruling against nationwide injunctions.
It's been a minute since WaPo sold its soul, so I figured at least its op-ed section might've gotten less pussified about criticizing anything vaguely "leftist."
Nope. 🤦♂️
My lesson for the week: never assume. (Unlike the Post, I think its continued Trump ass-kissing should be read by all.)
Nope. 🤦♂️
My lesson for the week: never assume. (Unlike the Post, I think its continued Trump ass-kissing should be read by all.)
Opinion | Zohran Mamdani’s victory is bad for New York and the Democratic Party
New York cannot take its greatness for granted. Mismanagement can ruin it.
wapo.st
June 27, 2025 at 1:25 AM
It's been a minute since WaPo sold its soul, so I figured at least its op-ed section might've gotten less pussified about criticizing anything vaguely "leftist."
Nope. 🤦♂️
My lesson for the week: never assume. (Unlike the Post, I think its continued Trump ass-kissing should be read by all.)
Nope. 🤦♂️
My lesson for the week: never assume. (Unlike the Post, I think its continued Trump ass-kissing should be read by all.)
Am I the only one out there who *likes* start-stop tech? Even before I had a car that has it, I routinely turned my car off wholly at lights I know last at least 3-4 minutes.
OTOH I admittedly ended up with a rental Navigator last week with start/stop, and got a truly pathetic 14 mpg for the week.
OTOH I admittedly ended up with a rental Navigator last week with start/stop, and got a truly pathetic 14 mpg for the week.
Should the Government Stop Subsidizing a Car Feature That ‘Everyone Hates’?
www.nytimes.com
June 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Am I the only one out there who *likes* start-stop tech? Even before I had a car that has it, I routinely turned my car off wholly at lights I know last at least 3-4 minutes.
OTOH I admittedly ended up with a rental Navigator last week with start/stop, and got a truly pathetic 14 mpg for the week.
OTOH I admittedly ended up with a rental Navigator last week with start/stop, and got a truly pathetic 14 mpg for the week.
This is the best article I've seen thus far on the Waymo vs. Tesla robotaxi battle, and specifically their vastly different technical approaches. $TSLA bulls remain in denial just how far behind Tesla now is: nearly a decade behind Waymo, and unlike Google, Tesla doesn't keep $100B in cash on hand.
The Waymo and Tesla competition just reached a crossroads
All eyes are on Austin.
www.sfgate.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM
This is the best article I've seen thus far on the Waymo vs. Tesla robotaxi battle, and specifically their vastly different technical approaches. $TSLA bulls remain in denial just how far behind Tesla now is: nearly a decade behind Waymo, and unlike Google, Tesla doesn't keep $100B in cash on hand.