This episode is a wild ride, folks, as our host delves into the world of data centers, tax breaks, and the water they use. But don't worry, it's not just about the tech – it's about the politics, the economics, and the environmental impact of these massive facilities. Buckle up and get ready to have your mind blown.

This episode is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of technology and governance. Our host takes us on a journey to Douglas County, Colorado, where a data center tax break sparked a heated debate. We learn about the intricacies of tax exemptions, the importance of public hearings, and the surprising ways in which data centers use water. But it's not just about the numbers – it's about the people and the communities affected by these decisions.

As our host digs deeper, we discover the complexities of the water-cooling systems used by data centers. It turns out that these systems don't use much water on site, but they do demand a lot of electricity, which in turn uses water at power plants elsewhere. This raises questions about the true environmental impact of these facilities and the need for transparency in their operations.

So, if you're curious about the hidden costs of data centers, the politics of tax breaks, and the environmental implications of our technological advancements, tune in to this episode. Our host will guide you through the twists and turns of this complex issue, and you'll come away with a newfound appreciation for the importance of critical thinking and transparency in our decision-making processes.

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This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who's ever wondered why gas prices seem to skyrocket during times of crisis. The speaker takes a deep dive into the Jones Act, a 100-year-old law that's supposed to protect American shipping, but is actually causing more harm than good. With a personal anecdote from his experience as the under Secretary of Homeland Security, the speaker reveals how this law is standing in the way of getting fuel to the people who need it most.

The Jones Act requires that any goods traveling between two US ports be on a ship built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Sounds patriotic, but in reality, it's led to a tiny fleet of just over 100 qualifying ships. The speaker argues that this law is outdated and is causing prices to rise for people living in coastal communities, who are already struggling to make ends meet. He also touches on the recent waiver of the Jones Act, which was meant to help during the war, but was narrowed down to a specific list of goods and added a new layer of bureaucracy.

The speaker also tackles the topic of Proposition 116, a ballot measure that's supposed to fund schools, but may actually be a sneaky way to abolish the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR). He shares his concerns about the way the state is handling tax revenue and how it's affecting seniors living on fixed incomes.

If you're curious about how the Jones Act is affecting your wallet and the state's handling of tax revenue, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and personal experiences.

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In a shocking twist, the speaker takes a hard look at the consequences of hiding the truth from students. We're talking about the recent decision by the University of Michigan to stop giving letter grades to first-semester freshmen, opting for a pass or no credit system instead. But is this really about giving students a break, or is it about avoiding the harsh realities of academic performance?

The speaker argues that by hiding the truth from students, we're not building their capacity to handle hard things, but rather delaying the inevitable. We're essentially giving them a comfortable letter grade instead of the honest one they deserve. This approach has been tried before, and the results are alarming. In Michigan, 74% of undergraduate grades were in the A range just two years ago, but that number has dropped to 58% in the past decade. Meanwhile, a report from the University of California, San Diego, reveals that a quarter of students in a remedial math class had a 4.0 GPA in high school math.

The speaker also draws parallels between this issue and the struggles of the German car industry, which has been undercut by Chinese manufacturers that have learned to build cars faster, cheaper, and with more technology. The lesson is clear: when we hide the truth, we're not helping our students or our industries. We're just delaying the inevitable.

If you want to understand the consequences of hiding the truth from students and the implications for our education system, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's thought-provoking analysis.

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This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who's ever driven on Colorado's highways. The speaker takes a closer look at a new system being used to enforce traffic laws, but what they find is unsettling. It's a system that can do more than just catch reckless drivers - it can also potentially invade your privacy.

The speaker delves into the world of Wally, a system installed on C-470 that's designed to catch drivers who weave in and out of the express lanes. But what they discover is that this system is capable of doing much more than just that. It can identify and track every vehicle on the road, and even count the number of people inside your car. The speaker raises questions about the implications of this technology and how it's being used.

The company behind Wally, Bliss Way, claims that their system is designed to improve safety, but the speaker isn't convinced. They point out that the system's capabilities go far beyond what's necessary to enforce traffic laws, and that the state of Colorado may be using it to collect more data than they're letting on. The speaker also questions the company's payment structure, where they're paid a flat fee for every ticket collected.

If you're curious about the implications of this technology and how it's being used, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's full investigation. They'll take you through the details of the system, the company behind it, and the potential risks involved.

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This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they're safe from the reach of the Chinese Communist Party. The speaker delves into a report from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which reveals that three Chinese state-owned carriers are still deeply embedded in the US internet infrastructure, despite being kicked out of the American phone business years ago. This is not just a matter of selling phone service; it's about the Chinese government's ability to quietly surveil and manipulate American internet users.

The speaker explains that the FCC's actions, while well-intentioned, don't go far enough. Revoking a license doesn't pull the equipment out of the wall or sever the network relationships. The Chinese carriers can still collect data and push hidden software changes, making it difficult for the US to regain control. The speaker also highlights the case of TP-Link, a Chinese company that controls a significant portion of the American home and small business router market, and has been linked to compromised routers used in attacks on government agencies and defense contractors.

The speaker also touches on the Internet of Things (IoT) army that's quietly installed in our homes, from smart cameras to garage door openers. These devices can be used to track our movements and collect data, which can be used against us. The speaker emphasizes that we've essentially installed this surveillance system for ourselves, one Amazon shipment at a time.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the extent of the Chinese Communist Party's reach into the US internet infrastructure. The speaker provides a clear and concise explanation of the issue and offers practical advice on how to protect yourself. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that will leave you wondering what's really going on in your own home.

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In a shocking twist, a recent move by the Denver City Council has left many wondering about the true intentions behind the proposed charter amendment. The amendment, which was set to be voted on last night, would remove the requirement that commissioners overseeing public safety be US citizens. But that's not all - it's just one part of a larger package of changes that also includes the removal of a good moral character standard for police officers and the uncapping of the command structure.

This episode delves into the details of the proposed amendment and the potential implications it could have on the city's governance and public safety. The speaker breaks down the language of the amendment, pointing out the discrepancies between what's being presented to voters and what's actually being changed. They also explore the city's priorities, including a recent decision to eliminate a training academy for police officers and the impact it could have on public safety.

The discussion also touches on a recent controversy in the WNBA, where two men declared themselves women and were met with a lukewarm response from the league. The speaker offers their analysis of the situation and the potential motivations behind the league's actions. They also highlight the importance of clear communication and transparency in decision-making, particularly when it comes to issues of identity and inclusivity.

If you're interested in learning more about the proposed charter amendment and the implications it could have on Denver's governance and public safety, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's in-depth analysis and discussion.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a wild ride, folks, as our host shares a personal story of frustration and bureaucratic red tape, all while diving into a fascinating topic that's got everyone talking: data centers. But don't worry, it's not all about the host's knee surgery and email woes – although, let's be real, those are pretty entertaining. Today, we're talking about a $19 million tax abatement for a data center in Douglas County, Colorado, and the host is not happy about how it's being handled.

The host starts off by sharing a humorous anecdote about their recent knee surgery and the ensuing email drama with their employer. But things quickly take a turn as they dive into the topic at hand: a data center in Douglas County that's getting a $19 million tax break. The host is concerned that the decision to grant this abatement was made behind closed doors, without any public discussion or transparency. They point out that even in Texas, where data centers are a big deal, the government is taking a more transparent approach.

The host does some digging and discovers that the Douglas County Commissioners have put the tax abatement on the consent agenda, which means it's essentially a done deal. But the host is not buying it, and they're calling out the commissioners for their lack of transparency. They're asking listeners to call their commissioners and ask them to pull the item off the consent agenda, so that the public can have a say in the decision.

So, if you're as curious as we are about how this data center deal went down, and you want to know more about the host's hilarious email exchange with their employer, tune in to this episode to hear the whole story.

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