Thursday Thirteen - Data Centers

In light of Google’s recent purchase of 312 acres practically in my backyard, I wanted to learn a bit more about what might be moving in.  In researching data centers, I found surprising facts about these facilities.

Here are 13 things you might not know about data centers, gathered from facts.net and other reliable sources:

1. Data centers never sleep. They run 24/7, powering everything from emails to online gaming and video streaming. A few minutes of downtime can cost companies thousands.

2. Northern Virginia is the world's data center hub, especially around Ashburn, with more facilities than any other region on Earth.

3. The average large data center uses as much electricity as a small town, with hyperscale versions (like those owned by Google and Amazon) powering hundreds of thousands of servers.

4. Cooling is a massive energy drain, making up to 40% of a data center's power usage. Many now use liquid or immersion cooling to reduce noise and energy waste.

5. Extreme climates lead to creative solutions: Facebook uses Arctic air in Sweden, and others use seawater or recycled water to cool servers.

6. Some data centers are buried underground or housed in former military bunkers, maximizing both security and insulation.

7. Security is intense, often involving biometric scanners, surveillance, and armed guards. These aren't your typical office parks. I'm not sure a security force behind me is ideal.

8. Data centers are becoming more eco-conscious, with some reusing waste heat to warm nearby homes, offices, or even swimming pools. By the time Google builds, who knows what they will actually use?

9. Quantum computing and AI are reshaping how data centers operate, from processing power to predictive maintenance and energy optimization.

10. The world’s largest data center, in Langfang, China, is over 6 million square feet, making it bigger than the Pentagon.

11. Edge (Microsoft) data centers are smaller hubs built closer to users to cut down on lag. Think of them as digital relay stations.

12. Disguised as office buildings or warehouses, some facilities are intentionally low-profile for security and aesthetics.

13. The first data center emerged in the 1960s to support NASA’s Apollo missions. Our digital lives today evolved from moonshot thinking.

An AI tool helped me put this list together.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 913th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Important things that happened on June 19:

1. Juneteenth (1865): Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery. This marked the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, making it a pivotal moment in American history and a symbol of freedom. This day is now a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.

2. Lincoln’s Anti-Slavery Legislation (1862): President Abraham Lincoln banned slavery in U.S. territories. This was a crucial step toward the eventual abolition of slavery nationwide, reinforcing the principles of equality and human rights.

3. Rosenberg Execution (1953): Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed for espionage. Their trial and execution remain controversial, highlighting Cold War tensions and debates over justice and government secrecy. This case might be something to look into, given current events.

4. First Father's Day (1910): The first official Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington. It was created to honor fathers and their contributions to family life, eventually becoming a national holiday in the U.S.

5. Battle of the Philippine Sea (1944): A major WWII naval battle between the U.S. and Japan began. Known as the "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot," it was a decisive victory for the U.S., crippling Japan’s naval air power and shifting the war’s momentum.

6. King Louis IX’s Decree (1269): He ordered all Jews to wear a yellow badge in public. This was an early example of religious discrimination, foreshadowing later oppressive policies against Jewish communities in Europe. (When I saw this on the list, I gasped.)

7. French Postal Service Established (1464): King Louis XI formed France’s postal system. This was a significant development in communication, allowing for more efficient governance and trade across the country.

8. Continental Army Leaves Valley Forge (1778): George Washington’s troops ended their winter encampment. After months of hardship, the army emerged stronger and better trained, thanks to Baron von Steuben’s drills, leading to key victories in the Revolutionary War. (Some information says they left on June 18. I don't think it matters.)

9. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Organized (1934): The U.S. established the FCC. This agency regulates communications, ensuring fair competition and technological innovation in radio, television, and the internet. Unfortunately, it has been defanged and the fairness doctrine is no longer in place. It was abolished in 1987, and finally removed from the Federal Register in 2011.

10. Valentina Tereshkova Returns to Earth (1963): The first woman in space completed her mission. Her historic flight aboard Vostok 6 was a major milestone for women in science and space exploration, inspiring future generations.

11. James Gandolfini Passed Away (2013): The actor best known for The Sopranos died. His portrayal of Tony Soprano revolutionized television, setting new standards for character depth and storytelling in modern drama.

12. Great Britain Recognized Kuwait’s Independence (1961): Kuwait officially became independent. This ended British control and allowed Kuwait to establish itself as a sovereign nation, shaping its modern political and economic landscape.

13. Execution of Emperor Maximilian (1867): The Mexican emperor was executed. His death marked the collapse of the Second Mexican Empire and reinforced Mexico’s resistance to foreign intervention.

*AI helped me create this list.*

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 912th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Today, for Thursday 13, I write about Anne Frank.

1. Anne Frank's full name was Annelies Marie Frank. She was born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany. If she had lived, she would be 96 years old today.

2. Anne received her famous diary on June 12, 1942, as a birthday gift. She would go on to fill it with immortal words that still reach hearts today.

3. Her family moved to Amsterdam in 1933 to escape Nazi persecution, which referred to the systematic oppression, discrimination, and violence carried out by Adolf Hitler's regime against Jewish people and other targeted groups. As antisemitic policies intensified in Germany, Jewish families, including the Franks, sought safety in other countries.

4. She and her family went into hiding on July 6, 1942, after her sister Margot received a call-up notice. They hid in a secret annex above her father’s business for over two years.

5. Anne aspired to be a journalist or writer, and her diary reflects her literary talent. She wrote about daily life, emotions, and hopes for the future in her diary. Her diary was originally an autograph book, which she repurposed for writing.

6. She celebrated two birthdays while in hiding, receiving books and poems as gifts.

7. The annex housed eight people, including the Frank family, the van Pels family, and dentist Fritz Pfeffer.

8. Anne wrote letters to an imaginary friend named "Kitty", which became a key part of her diary. She revised her diary in hopes of publishing it after the war, inspired by a radio broadcast.

9. The annex was discovered on August 4, 1944, and all residents were arrested. The raid was carried out by members of the German Security Service (Sicherheitsdienst), who entered the building between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. They questioned Victor Kugler, one of the helpers, before discovering the entrance to the hidden annex. The eight people in hiding, along with two of their helpers, were taken into custody. During the arrest, SS officer Karl Silberbauer emptied Otto Frank’s briefcase, scattering Anne’s diary papers on the floor. Later, helper Miep Gies collected the papers and kept them safe, eventually giving them to Otto Frank after the war.

10. Anne and Margot were sent to Auschwitz, one of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II. Located in German-occupied Poland, Auschwitz was a complex of camps where prisoners were subjected to forced labor, inhumane conditions, and mass executions. It became a central site of the Holocaust, with over a million people, mostly Jewish victims, perishing there. Upon arrival, prisoners were often separated, with many sent directly to gas chambers. Anne and Margot were later transferred from Auschwitz to Bergen-Belsen, where they tragically lost their lives.

11. Anne died of typhus in Bergen-Belsen in February 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated. Bergen-Belsen was liberated by British forces on April 15, 1945. When the British 11th Armored Division arrived, they found approximately 60,000 prisoners, most of them severely malnourished and suffering from disease. The soldiers also discovered thousands of unburied corpses, revealing the horrific conditions of the camp. Despite immediate relief efforts, many survivors continued to succumb to illness in the days following liberation.

12. Her father, Otto Frank, was the only survivor of the annex residents. Otto published Anne’s diary in 1947, fulfilling her dream of becoming a writer.

13. Her diary has been translated into over 70 languages, making it one of the most widely read books in the world.

The annex is now the Anne Frank Museum, visited by millions each year.

Anne’s story remains one of the most powerful accounts of resilience and hope ever written. 

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 911th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Today, it's all about those memes . . . 

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 910th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Here are 13 weird laws in Virginia:

1. Single people cannot have sexual relations. According to this Virginia law, any person, not being married, who voluntarily shall have sexual intercourse with any other person, shall be guilty of fornication, punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $250. (There are a lot of people who have committed this crime, I'm sure.)

2. Until 2004, it was illegal to work on Sundays. This old blue law (laws designed to restrict or ban some or all Sunday activities mostly for religious reasons) stated that “On the first day of the week, commonly known and designated as Sunday, no person shall engage in work, labor or business or employ others to engage in work, labor or business." That certainly didn't fit in with the loss of the blue laws, which happened in the 1980s. All the stores have been open on Sundays since the blue laws were eliminated. I remember when this happened.

4. Don’t use an X-Ray machine for shoe fitting. It’s unlawful for any person to use any X-ray, fluoroscope, or other equipment or apparatus employing roentgen rays, in the fitting of shoes or other footwear. This section shall not apply to any licensed physician nor surgeon in the practice of his profession. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 Misdemeanor which is punishable by a fine of up to $500. I have no clue why this is a thing.

5. You are not allowed to drive a golf cart on the highway. Virginia code 46.2-916.2 states that “No public highway shall be designated for use by golf carts and utility vehicles if such golf cart and utility vehicle operations will impede the safe and efficient flow of motor vehicle traffic.” This law, however, does not apply to state employees provided the golf cart or utility vehicle is being operated on highways with speed limits of no more than 35 miles per hour.

6. Being in possession of a radar gun is illegal. Virginia Code Section 46.2–1079 makes it illegal on the highways of the state to operate any device or mechanism, passive or active, that can detect or purposely interfere with the measurement and use of radar, LIDAR, or any other speed detection equipment used by law enforcement. Additionally, a person cannot sell them, and they cannot possess them.

7. No one is allowed to keep a skunk as a pet, at least not in Prince William County. There is also illegal to keep a raccoon, skunk, wolf, squirrel, fox, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, or any other warm-blooded animal, poisonous snake or tarantula which can normally be found in the wild, as a pet.

8. Referring to any other brand of ham as "Smithfield" is against the law. Virginia takes its cured meats very seriously. Unless it's been smoked and processed within the Smithfield area, you could get fined for trying to label a generic ham as "Smithfield."

9. Certain walking sticks or canes are unlawful in Virginia Beach. I have no idea why or which ones.

10. Parking on railroad tracks is forbidden. One would hope this would be self-evident, but perhaps not.

11.  Washing a mule on the sidewalk in Culpeper is illegal. While it’s unclear why this law was originally enacted, it’s likely tied to historical concerns about sanitation or public obstruction

12. In Virginia, owning a pet skunk is illegal due to concerns about disease transmission, particularly rabies. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) strictly prohibits keeping skunks as pets without special permits or licenses. Skunks are considered wild animals, and their natural defense mechanism, which stinks terribly, can make them difficult to care for. Additionally, if someone is caught illegally possessing a skunk, they may face fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense.

13. The state has several laws that regulate public displays of affection, including kissing on the lips in certain public places. While this law isn't widely enforced today, it was originally intended to maintain public decorum and prevent disturbances in areas with high foot traffic. Virginia has a history of morality-based laws, some of which still exist in the legal code. Many of these laws were enacted decades ago and remain technically valid, even if they are rarely applied in modern times.

Sources:

14 Weird Laws In Virginia That Are Sure To Baffle You

14 Surprising (But True) Laws You’ll Only Hear About in Virginia

The 8 Weirdest and Strangest Laws in Virginia (2025)

Code of Virginia Code - Article 5. Obscenity and Related Offenses

*This idea for this came about with the assistance of an AI tool and then the article was curated and written by a human.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 909th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Today, we offer up a list of 13 notorious traitors and their betrayals, in no particular order.

1. Benedict Arnold – A celebrated American general during the Revolutionary War, Arnold switched sides and plotted to surrender West Point to the British. His betrayal was discovered, but he escaped and fought for the British.

2. Judas Iscariot – One of Jesus’ twelve disciples, Judas betrayed him to the authorities for 30 pieces of silver, leading to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.

3. Aldrich Ames – A CIA officer who secretly worked for the Soviet Union, revealing the identities of American spies and causing multiple deaths. He was arrested in 1994.

4. Robert Hanssen – An FBI agent who sold classified U.S. intelligence to Russia for over 20 years, compromising national security. He was caught in 2001 and sentenced to life in prison.

5. Mir Jafar – An Indian noble who conspired with the British East India Company to betray his own army at the Battle of Plassey, leading to British control over Bengal.

6. Wang Jingwei – A Chinese politician who initially fought against Japan but later collaborated with the Japanese during WWII, leading a puppet government.

7. Louis Riel – A Canadian leader who led the North-West Rebellion against the Canadian government. He was convicted of treason and executed in 1885.

8. Ephialtes of Trachis – A Greek traitor who revealed a secret path to the Persian army during the Battle of Thermopylae, leading to the defeat of the Spartan forces.

9. Harold “Paul” Cole – A British double agent who worked for the Nazis during WWII, exposing resistance networks and causing the deaths of many operatives.

10. John Brown – An abolitionist who led the raid on Harpers Ferry in an attempt to start a slave rebellion. He was captured and executed for treason against Virginia.

11. John Anthony Walker Jr. – A U.S. Navy officer who spied for the Soviet Union for nearly two decades, providing them with crucial military intelligence.

12. Douglas Chandler, Robert Best, and Mildred Gillars ("Axis Sally") – Americans who broadcast Nazi propaganda during WWII, attempting to demoralize Allied troops.

13. Richard Rich – A key figure in the trial of Sir Thomas More, Rich provided false testimony that led to More’s execution under Henry VIII.

Sources: 

List of people convicted of treason – Covers historical figures who were officially convicted of treason. 

The Most Infamous Cases of Betrayal in US History – Focuses on American traitors and spies.

15 Most Infamous Traitors in History – A broader look at notorious traitors across different eras.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 908th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Do you remember these items that I grew up with, most of which are now either gone or just shadows of themselves?

 

1. Did you look up numbers in telephone books, those thick directories that everyone had by the phone?

2. Was an 8-track tape player in your vehicle, along with those bulky tapes? They were the predecessors to cassettes.

3. How about those rotary dial phones? Your finger did the dialing. And you can slam that thing down very satisfactorily on a call gone wrong.

4. And then there were TV antennas (rabbit ears) that ultimately looked somewhat alien because there was tinfoil attached to them to try to get a clear picture. Do you remember adjusting them this way and that? And do you remember having to get up to change the channel on the television set?

5. Before there was Google, there was the World Book Encyclopedia, or Brittanica, as the case may be. That's where you went for all of your information. No typing in and clicking search. You had to at least know the alphabet and have some idea of how to find something.

6. Did you ever use a pay phone to call for a ride home? They used to be everywhere - in the stores, on the street corners. I wonder where Superman changes clothes these days?

7. Floppy disks were the storage method of choice in the early days of computers. They seemed high-tech at the time, especially when they went from the 5 1/4 inch to the 3.5-inch disks.

8. Did your first car have an ashtray and a cigarette lighter?

9. I used to roll carbon paper into a typewriter so I'd have a copy of my work. Do they even make that anymore?

10. My mother and grandmother collected S&H Green Stamps. I remember licking stamps and putting them in the books for whatever reward my mother wanted. There was a little catalog to pick things from, and she could get a toaster or a blender, stuff like that. I think they were no longer a thing by the time I married, though.

11. Did you attend the movies at the drive-in theater? I remember going to see many shows at them, most of which I was supposed to sleep through, but I watched through half-closed eyes. There are still some drive-in movie theaters, but they’re rare.

12. When it was raining outside, the gym teacher would pull out the reel-to-reel projector and show some film on health. Do you remember the flap-flap sound the film made when it broke?

13. I carried a metal lunchbox with a thermos occasionally, though I mostly bought my school lunches at the cafeteria. I seem to remember a Scooby Doo lunchbox, but maybe that was my brother's. Or possibly one that I coveted that belonged to someone else. (Which is another way of saying I don't really remember what was on my lunchbox.)

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 907th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

 

Here is a list of some weird items you can buy online, links included.

1. Mini Hand Squirrel – Tiny vinyl squirrel finger covers that turn your hand into a bizarre woodland creature. Find it here.

2. Rubber Chicken Purse – Make a fashion statement that says, “Yes, I am clucking fabulous.” Bonus: doubles as an impromptu comedy prop. Check it out.

3. Toilet Timer – Give your bathroom philosopher friends a subtle nudge. Sand runs out in five minutes, but existential pondering is forever. See it here.

4. Bacon Strip Bandages – Heal your wounds while making everyone question whether you’ve cooked yourself. Not edible, but undeniably hilarious. Get them here.

5. Anatomy Swimsuit – Science meets beachwear! Impress your fellow swimmers while deeply confusing lifeguards. Take a look.

6. Cat Tongue Brush – Want to bond with your cat like a real feline parent? This brush lets you groom them by “licking” them. Results may include deep regret. Find it here.

7. Urinal Shot Glasses – Because nothing makes taking a shot more appealing than miniature plumbing fixtures. Cheers? Check them out.

8. Handerpants – Underwear for your hands. Because traditional gloves were too mainstream. Fashion crime or genius invention? You decide. See them here.

9. Hot Dog Soap – Nothing says “refreshing” like rubbing a soap bar shaped like a meaty snack all over yourself. Try explaining this to house guests. Get it here.

10. Human Face Stress Balls – Squish away stress with these unsettlingly realistic face-shaped stress balls. Perfect for lighthearted therapy or creeping out co-workers. Find them here.

11. Shrek Toothpaste Cap – Every morning, the mighty Shrek emerges to bless your dental hygiene journey. Because brushing should be an ogre-sized adventure. Check it out.

12. Baguette Pillow – The dream of cuddling a loaf of bread is finally a reality! Perfect for the carb enthusiast who refuses to sleep in anything less than full French bakery luxury. See it here.

13. Throw Throw Burrito – A dodgeball card game where soft burritos become projectiles. Finally, a reason to pelt your loved ones with food without starting a family feud. Get it here.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 906th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May 1, marking the transition from spring to summer. Traditionally, it was a fire festival, with large bonfires lit to honor the sun and encourage fertility, growth, and protection for the coming season. In early Irish customs, cattle were driven between two fires as a ritual to safeguard them from disease before they were sent to summer pastures.

The festival is deeply connected to nature and renewal, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies, often represented by the Green Man and the May Queen. People would dance around the Maypole, weave floral crowns, and engage in joyous celebrations to welcome abundance and prosperity. Beltane was also believed to be a time when the veil between the human and supernatural worlds was thin, allowing fairies and spirits to roam freely.

Modern Pagan and Wiccan communities continue to celebrate Beltane with bonfires, feasts, and rituals that honor passion, creativity, and the life-giving forces of nature. It remains a vibrant and meaningful holiday for those who embrace the rhythms of the earth and the cycles of renewal.

Here are other things than have happened on May 1:

    1. 1006 – A supernova is observed by Chinese and Egyptian astronomers in the constellation Lupus.

    2. 1308 – Albert I, King of Germany, is assassinated by his nephew John of Swabia.

    3. 1328 – The Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton ends the Wars of Scottish Independence, recognizing Scotland as an independent state.

    4. 1753 – Carl Linnaeus publishes Species Plantarum, marking the formal start of plant taxonomy.

    5. 1924 – Iodized salt is first sold in the United States to combat iodine deficiency.

    6. 1931 – The Empire State Building is officially dedicated in New York City.

    7. 1941 – Citizen Kane, often considered the greatest film ever made, premieres in New York City.

    8. 1961 – The first major airplane hijacking in the U.S. occurs, forcing a flight to detour to Cuba.

    9. 1971 – Amtrak begins service in the United States.

    10. 1991 – Baseball player Rickey Henderson steals his 939th base, breaking the MLB record.

    11. 1999 – The body of British mountaineer George Mallory is discovered on Mount Everest, 75 years after his disappearance.

    12. 2004 – The European Union expands to include 10 new member states.

    13. 2011 – Pope John Paul II is beatified in Vatican City.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 905th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

For today's Thursday Thirteen, let's go to dinner with fictional characters!

1. Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle) – The sharpest mind in the room, always thinking ten steps ahead.

2. Kinsey Millhone (Alphabet Mysteries series by Sue Grafton) – Practical, independent, and an expert at asking the right questions.

3. Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) – Glamour, mystery, and a charismatic host who knows how to entertain.

4. Dumbledore (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling) – Wise, enigmatic, and full of deep insights with a twinkle of mischief.

5. Tyrion Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin / Game of Thrones TV series) – Witty, shrewd, and guaranteed to keep the conversation entertaining.

6. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery) – Spirited, imaginative, and an engaging storyteller who sees magic in everyday life.

7. Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien) – Profound wisdom, a touch of magic, and grand adventures in every word he speaks.

8. Jo March (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott) – Passionate, fiery, and fiercely independent, with a deep love for literature and debate.

9. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean film series by Disney) – Unpredictable, amusing, and a wild card who may or may not cause trouble.

10. Winnie the Pooh (Winnie-the-Pooh series by A.A. Milne) – Gentle, lovable, and bringing a sense of warmth, kindness, and simple wisdom.

11. The Mad Hatter (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll) – Whimsically chaotic and delightfully odd, sure to shake up the dinner conversation.

12. Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling) – Quirky, insightful, and wonderfully peculiar, seeing the world through a unique lens.

13. Charlotte (the spider) (Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White) – Thoughtful, kind, and a true master of words, bringing quiet wisdom to the table.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 904th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Today I thought I'd something a little different. Here's a list of songs that might represent various aspects of my life.

1. Childhood: "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music

2. High School: "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

3. Getting Married: "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg

4. College Journey: "Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey

5. Infertility Journey: "Send in the Clowns" by Judy Collins

6. Career as a Newspaper Reporter: "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles

7. Love for Playing Guitar: "Superstar" by The Carpenters

8. 41 Years of Marriage: "Still the One" by Orleans

9. Motivational Anthem: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

10. Dream of Traveling to England, Ireland, and Scotland: "England Swings" by Roger Miller

11. Friendships: "You've Got a Friend" by Carole King

12. Future Aspirations – Writing a Novel: "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen

13. Final Reflection: "Too Much Time on My Hands" by Styx

What do you think? Sound like the me you know?

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 903rd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

 

As the country enters a new phase of . . . something, I wanted to take a look back and how things have changed. In particular deregulation has led to a plethora of problems in many different areas of life.

1. Reduced inspections have led to more food-borne illnesses, increased use of harmful pesticides, and antibiotic overuse in livestock. This affects all of us as it reduces food and agriculture safety measures. Expect to hear more about listeria, e-coli, and other food-borne illnesses in the future.

2. Looser environmental protection regulations have resulted in more pollution, deforestation, and harm to wildlife.

3. Weakening unions and safety regulations have led to more injuries and reduced worker protections, reducing workplace safety and creating a dwindling of labor rights.

4. Deregulation contributed to financial crises, predatory lending, and economic instability. The crash in 2008 is a good example of how banking and financial stability is necessary for a strong economy.

5. Reduced oversight of airlines and other transportation services has led to lower air and transportation service quality, more accidents, and hidden (and not so hidden) fees.

6. Fewer regulations have led to soaring drug prices, reduced consumer protections, and healthcare disparities. For example, a drug I used to pay $13 for now costs me $60, and it is an older drug that shouldn't cost that much. It is hard to trust the pharmaceutical industry when I personally know that a generic from one company is not the same as a generic drug from another company.

7. In energy and utilities, price volatility, unreliable service, and market manipulation (e.g., Enron scandal) have become more common. Electricity rates, for example, have climbed significantly in recent years.

8. Because we apparently no longer have a strong Consumer Protection Agency, companies face fewer restrictions on deceptive business practices and data collection.

9. Deregulation led to media consolidation, limiting diverse viewpoints and increasing costs. Did you know there are only 5 major publishing houses for books now?

10. Housing & Infrastructure – Predatory lending practices, housing bubbles, and weakened building safety regulations have led to problems within the housing industry. Remember those apartments/condos that collapsed in Florida?

11. Deregulation has resulted in skyrocketing tuition costs and predatory lending with regards to student loans. Efforts to stop this have been rolled back by the current administration. Deep cuts to the Department of Education (which the administration is trying to kill) have raised concerns about reduced oversight and support for borrowers.

12. Fewer regulations mean higher premiums and fewer consumer protections with regards to insurance. Premiums have no ceiling and climb ever higher. Soon some places, especially those along coastal areas or other places prone to hurricane hits or flooding, will not be able to obtain insurance even if they can afford the high premiums.

13. Deregulation has allowed companies to collect and sell personal data freely. After all, who is going to stop them?

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 902nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Thursday Thirteen

Here are 13 historical events led by women that shaped history:

1. 1848 – The Seneca Falls Convention: The first women's rights convention in the U.S., organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. 

2. 1893 – New Zealand Grants Women the Right to Vote: The first self-governing country to do so.

3. 1903 – Marie Curie Wins the Nobel Prize: The first woman to receive a Nobel Prize, for her work in physics.

4. 1912 – The Founding of the Girl Scouts: Juliette Gordon Low established the Girl Scouts of America.

5. 1920 – The 19th Amendment in the U.S.: Women finally gained the right to vote after decades of activism.

6. 1932 – Amelia Earhart’s Solo Flight Across the Atlantic: She became the first woman to achieve this feat.

7. 1943 – The Women’s Army Corps is Created: Women officially joined the U.S. Army during WWII.

8. 1955 – Rosa Parks Sparks the Civil Rights Movement: Her refusal to give up her bus seat led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

9. 1963 – Equal Pay Act Signed in the U.S.: A major step toward closing the gender wage gap.

10. 1973 – Billie Jean King Wins the “Battle of the Sexes”: She defeated Bobby Riggs in a historic tennis match, proving women’s athletic prowess.

11. 1981 – Sandra Day O’Connor Becomes the First Female U.S. Supreme Court Justice: A landmark moment for women in law.

12. 2016 – Hillary Clinton Becomes the First Woman Nominated for U.S. President by a Major Party: A milestone in American politics.

13. 2021 – Kamala Harris Becomes the First Female U.S. Vice President: Breaking barriers in leadership.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 901st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.