If you live in or around Mason County, you’ve almost certainly heard about the data center proposal, probably more than you ever wanted to. It’s been the focus of social media threads, local news stories, TV segments, backyard conversations, city and county meetings, and even a few spirited public meetings. Many seem to have a... Continue Reading →
The Merits of Soft Power: Lessons from the “Civilization” Game Series for Elon Musk and DOGE
Introduction It seems you can’t read a paper, watch the news, or scroll online without seeing comments and reactions to the efforts of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency to cut government spending. I take no issue with the existence of DOGE. I suspect it is something that was long overdue. I am... Continue Reading →
Snowed in Rants and Observations
Snow has been on the ground and our constant companion for going on a couple of weeks now and they say more may be on the way. Last week we were snowed in at our house for about 3 days before we could get one of our vehicles dug out and cleared enough to venture... Continue Reading →
Tikory Tickory Tok: Self-Checkout Shenanigans in The Age of Tik Tok
I was told by someone recently (almost proudly it seemed) that they get their news from Tik Tok. In full disclosure, I am not a user of Tik Tok so I am going only on my assumptions here, but this claim did not inspire confidence in me as to this person’s news literacy. I am... Continue Reading →
Retiree License Plate Games and the Rise of AI
One of the simple pleasures I enjoy when traveling is tracking state license plates on my phone. There are several apps available that allow you to track license plates as you encounter them in your travels. I have been tracking state license plates over the last year and I am proud to report that there... Continue Reading →
Never Wrestle with a Pig and Other Rules for the Internet
If you have spent any time online over the last few years, you have seen firsthand both the wonders and the horrors of even a minimal online presence. The internet and social media have given us access and platforms that were historically reserved for a very select few or those with the resources to push... Continue Reading →
