As new data centers threaten to ride the legislative fast track into our region’s communities, we might want to consider the behind-the-scenes fantasies that appear to be driving this latest frenzied AI gold rush. By piecing together the hyperbolic language of AI investment campaigns, the inflated announcements from developers, and the mythologically derivative names chosen by tech bros for their latest projects, we can glimpse what appears to be the emergence of a world view that could very well influence at least one direction our collective future might take.
Category Archives: General
Data Mining and Our Communities: What is Going on in Pennsylvania?
On July 15th, Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University hosted a Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit which, behind all its star-powered hype, was essentially a branding exercise. Pennsylvania, apparently tired of being Energy Producer Number Two, is now positioning itself to “dominate” in the field of data center construction, eager to use the over $90 billion it has been promised, for construction of the computers needed to operate AI and crypto-mining operations – as well as the dirty energy facilities it will take to run them.
Bob’s Path
It all started back about 70 years ago, when Bob Simcox was five. At that time his family lived in Farrandsville a little over a mile from the Donut Hole trailhead. On this particular day, his older brother had left the house to meet up with friends at the trailhead, and Bob didn’t like being left behind.
Near Requiem for Earth Day
So here we are, struggling to find even a modicum of hope in celebration of Earth Day 2025. We’ve come a long way from April 22, 1970, when the first Earth Day was celebrated, launching what would become a worldwide environmental movement.
Shelter from the Storm: Part Two
“LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA IS COMING, SOON!” This post by the president appeared on Truth Social this past Thursday. It turns out he isn’t announcing some imminent religious Rapture or asking us to celebrate an end to war. Instead, he wants to prepare us for the major escalation of his trade war planned for April 2nd when he intends to impose additional tariffs that, analysts say, will impact trillions of dollars in trade.
Shelter from the Storm: Part One
Two weeks ago my little family – two adults and two cats – hurriedly made our way down the cellar steps to our basement shelter room. That afternoon we’d followed the radar as severe storms advanced across Pennsylvania.
An eternal struggle calls for everlasting vigilance
There are more than 770,000 people homeless today, and about 60% of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck. Meanwhile, many of the top 1% have lower tax rates than a majority of Americans. We need change.
The delicate balance and incredible value of our forests
Rural communities rely on our woods. They’re the beautiful backdrop to our lives. They make our way of life possible
Ellen Gerhart, Shakespeare, and the Mariner East Pipeline
Back in 2013 Energy Transfer, a partner of Sonoco, began laying the groundwork for what would become the Mariner East II pipeline. The pipeline would travel west to east, carrying natural gas liquids from the Marcellus fields of western Pennsylvania to Marcus Hook, near Philadelphia, where the gas would be exported to Scotland to make plastics.
Good and evil in politics: The two-party system
You know, in the big scheme of life, it always comes down to two sides. Good and evil. Right and wrong. Heroes and villains.
Politics is no different.
Rural Progressive Voices 