Audio (MP3): 20180829 - The 5 gallon bottle was empty

Today when I was driving to work I was thinking about the water cooler there. Yesterday morning when I got in the 5 gallon bottle was empty. At one point in my career I would’ve thought, “who do I have to blow to get somebody to change the water?”

Yesterday I didn’t think that at all. I just changed the water bottle so I could fill my glass.

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In 2017, four US states generated more than 30% of their electricity from wind

Last week, as President Trump made bizarre and wandering remarks about “windmills” being an inferior source of energy, the Department of Energy (DoE) released the 2017 Wind Technology Report (PDF), showing that wind energy had an extremely successful year.

In four states—Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, and South Dakota—wind contributed 30 to 37 percent of each state’s entire electricity generation. These are fairly unique cases, because the states are sparsely populated and benefit from areas with high wind speeds. But the fraction of wind-generated electricity is growing in many other states, too. Fourteen states had more than 10 percent of their energy come from wind. On a wider scale, wind contributed just 6.3 percent of national generation, although that’s up from 5.7 percent in 2016.

Wind turbines are my favorite thing to see while road-tripping.

Renewable energy is the future, there’s no way around it.

#windpower #lettherebehope

Verizon throttling could trigger FTC investigation of deceptive practices

Thirteen Democratic members of Congress on Friday asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Verizon’s recent throttling of the Santa Clara County Fire Department while it was fighting California’s largest-ever wildfire.

“Throttling directly violates core net neutrality principles,” the letter, led by US Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), said. “In light of the repeal of net neutrality, we urge you to investigate whether Verizon’s practices were ‘unfair or deceptive’ pursuant to Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.” The letter was sent to FTC Chairman Joseph Simons.

So the Santa Clara County Fire Department had an “unlimited” data plan but Verizon throttled their service after they used 25GB. Throttled them while they were fighting fires. Fires that’ve left 14 dead so far.

#goteam #netneutrality

Audio (MP3): 20180828 - Stop keeping score

What I mean by this is something along the lines of:

Last time I came home you didn’t look up from the TV so the next time you walk in I’m not going to stop watching it either.

Scorekeeping is a way for me to exert control in a situation where I feel like I have none. When I feel helpless, putting marks on the blackboard helps me claim some power.

I will punish you when you hurt me, give you the silent treatment when you don’t pay attention to me. Won’t fold your laundry because you were more interested in your phone at dinner than talking to me.

That kinda bullshit.

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In the amenities they forgot to list:

~ Includes that 70s smell

#photos #forlease

I don’t know about you guys but when I see an underutilized bulletin board, I also see my oyster.

#photos #thestruggleisreal

Driving home I saw a guy walking down the street wearing black combat boots, black jeans, black button-up short-sleeve shirt, black gloves, and black sunglasses.

He had short, gray hair.

As I was drove by I was tempted to yell, “The Matrix isn’t real.”

But I didn’t. Because then I would’ve been a fashion bigot and I already was half an hour ago.

#thematrix #fashion

I probably would’ve liked Pearl Jam more if bassist Jeff Ament wouldn’t have worn that stupid hat all the time.

#pearljam #fashion Source →

Audio (MP3): 20180827 - On racism, bigotry, and prejudice

Racist

n.  A person who believes a particular race is superior to others.

Bigot

n.  One who is strongly partial to one’s own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.

Prejudice

n.  An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.

Just so I’m clear…

A racist hates your race. A bigot hates anyone who doesn’t agree with them. And if you’re prejudice then you’re an ignorant hater.

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We just ate at the place across the street from our picture together. If you need a place for great food in downtown Geneva, you can’t go wrong with barrel + rye.

It was Sunday and after 7pm. Food so good you’ll eat every bite and waddle out like a true emperor penguin.

Sunday nights in Ottumwa seemed almost dreadful. I spent too many nights in a restaurant way back in the 90s. Wishing to be somewhere, anywhere else.

We become willing and open to something more, and the world opens up and invites us out to a party we could only dream of.

#photos #sara #goodeats