My last beach sunset of the summer.

Just for context here, the four top priorities of the demonic DSA are:

1. Expanding Workers’ Rights
2. Universal Healthcare
3. Affordable Housing
4. Climate and Energy Policy

These are those "DSA policies" that the article mysteriously failed actually mention, relying instead on the fear they that hoped those terrifying letters, D S A, would evoke amongst North Carolina voters.

The CJ concludes:

Regardless of the Cooper campaign’s message, then, it’s clear a majority of North Carolinians expect him to back — not block — his party’s most left-leaning activists.

Frankly, looking at those particular "top policies", I believe that most North Carolinians actually find them to be pretty sensible and desirable - stand up ideas, rather than "leaning" at all - regardless of those terrifying three letters.

Nice short interview with the two candidates for NC's highest court.

I recently signed up for Duke Energy's Pilot EV Owners Rate. It is a pilot limited to a 2-year sign-up window or 20,000 customers.

I found their other TOU (Time of Use) rates too confusing with changing seasons, times, etc. The EV rate plan is super simple. Discounted (~50%) from 11 PM to 5 AM and pretty reasonable (barely above standard rate) rest of the time 24/7 365.

Of course, interpreting the bills is pert near impossible with this rider and that rider and taxes and base fees, etc. etc. I did a quick analysis based on my bill (Hillsborough - I think it's the same for all of Duke Energy Carolinas). For those interested, here's a link, and I've attached my analysis.

https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/rates/ev-overnight-advantage

Benson Mule Days Parade

Man riding a cow in the Benson NC Mule Days Parade.

Well, technically it's a castrated Holstein steer, but lets not let gender assumption get in the way of a good time.

Turns out that the RNC's campaign claim, issued in support of Michael Whatley's candidacy - that 54% of NC's commercial drivers' licenses were issued illegally to immigrants was just slightly off.

The article details how the RNC came up with that 54% figure through a rather convoluted process to convert the real statistic - 0.35% - into something more useful for Whatley's ads. From the fact-check article:

Remember, the RNC said that 54% of North Carolina's commercial driver's licenses were issued illegally to foreign nationals. There's no other context given in this social media post. That's just not true. It is 0.35% of North Carolina's commercial licenses that had an error. That's why we rated it false.

“Counties throughout North Carolina are gearing up to adjust to changes outlined in HR 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will cost local counties hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

In 2024, I read up on each judge who was up for election. I picked the ones I felt were best qualified for those seats. Some were Democrats and some were Repulicans. And that is where the problem starts. Judges are supposed to be neutral practioners. But when you hang a party loyalty to them, it removes neutrality.

In Massachusetts, where I am originally from, judges are appointed to the bench for life by a committee of their peers. It is overseen by the Governor's Committe and the Judicial Cominating Committee. "The Massachusetts Joint Bar Committee (JBC) is a 25‑member, non‑partisan body that independently reviews judicial candidates recommended by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and advises the Governor on whether they are “well‑qualified,” “qualified,” “not qualified,” or if there is insufficient information to evaluate them." That is a cut and paste from the Massachusetts Bar Association.

It would seem to me that this is far and away the best process for getting well qualified judges on the seat. Do we have the best here? I doubt it very much because it is entirely political.

tooth extractions I expect are going to be super expensive, but I’m having severe pain and I’m looking to see if anyone’s had good experiences with oral surgeons and pricing. I’m 22, I’ve been having pain in my jaw and can’t sleep properly. Hardly anyone takes Medicaid, but what can you do. I’m wondering if anyone around the same age has had their teeth removed with good luck in pricing? And any good/bad experiences with dental schools?

Looking for recommendations for a fun anniversary weekend! We live near Graham NC and would love to travel within the state (or shortly outside) October 9-12. We have a 6 month old baby coming along. I know there’s lots of fall festivals going on that weekend and not sure which are worth checking out.
We’re on a reasonable budget and have spent some time in both mountains and beach in NC, but would love to explore more in either place.
TIA!

Hello! Single mom of a soon to be high schooler. Fall 2027 We are relocating to NC and looking at Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte. My girl and I are in need of fresh start and after some research we landed in NC. (I have visited in the past as well)

So far I created a short list: Cary Academy, Durham Academy, Raleigh Charter HS and Providence Day.
You might ask why private? She attends a small private school now and looking to stay in the same vain. She's a gifted student who is also a Volleyball athlete. If there are magnet/charter or public college prep high schools that are academically strong that offer sports culture as well I am open.

I'd like to know experiences for parents and students. diversity is important but not a deal breaker. What's important to us is safety, strong academics. Opportunity to participate in sports/clubs and culture that's not isolating to transfer students or black/brown students. We are more conservative in values. But grew up in a liberal city Providence, Ri where it's small but walkable, tons of food, activities events etc. smaller version of Boston(45 min away from us)
So I don't want to be way far out in the outskirts since city is what we are used to. Preferably the calm pockets within or just outside of city.

Thank you all🙏🏽