Peoria County Bison-tennial (bicentennial)

Peoria County is celebrating their Bison-tennial (bicentennial). They are producing fiberglass buffalo decorated by artists. Neat Idea.

Artificial Intelligence

I typed in my Google Search Bar the following: "write an article about AI". Here it is below. Took 10 seconds. I used Gemini to draw the image.

AI Overview

Artificial Intelligence: Reshaping Our World

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to science fiction; it's a rapidly evolving force transforming nearly every aspect of our lives. From automating repetitive tasks to tackling complex problems, AI-powered systems are impacting industries like healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment.

AI in Action:

• Everyday Convenience: AI is encountered daily through voice assistants, navigation apps, and personalized recommendations on streaming services.
• Healthcare Advancements: AI is revolutionizing healthcare with applications such as AI-guided surgical robotics, which offer enhanced precision and potentially fewer errors. Machine learning algorithms improve diagnostic accuracy by analyzing datasets and identifying potential health issues early on.
• Transportation Transformation: AI is playing a crucial role in developing autonomous vehicles, improving road safety, and optimizing traffic flow by analyzing real-time conditions.
• Beyond These Examples: AI is being integrated into a vast array of other sectors, including agriculture, telecommunications, production, and more.

The Power of AI:

The core strength of AI lies in its ability to learn and adapt. AI systems can process large amounts of data and learn from experience, allowing them to make better decisions and perform tasks faster and more accurately than humans in certain contexts. This translates to increased efficiency and the potential to solve previously unsolvable problems.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the benefits of AI are undeniable, it's important to acknowledge potential challenges and ethical considerations. Some concerns include:

• Job Displacement: Automation powered by AI may lead to job displacement in certain sectors, raising questions about the future of work and the need for retraining and reskilling.
• Privacy Concerns: The use of personal data in AI applications raises important questions about data privacy and security.
• Misuse and Bias: The potential for AI to be misused or perpetuate existing biases in data requires careful consideration and the development of robust ethical guidelines.

The Future of AI:

AI is an inevitable technological force that will continue to evolve and integrate further into lives. What seems like a "special AI feature" today may soon become a baseline expectation for any software. The future holds the potential for AI to drive innovation, improve productivity, and address some of the world's most pressing challenges. However, responsible development and ethical considerations will be crucial to ensure that AI benefits humanity as a whole.

As AI continues to shape the world, understanding its potential and its implications is vital for navigating the future it is helping to create.

Utah Senator Mike Lee's comments after the Assassinations in Minnesota.

 

Utah Senator Mike Lee's comments after the assassinations in Minnesota.

What a pathetic worthless scumbag. 

Wind turbines gently turning, Illinois, Illinois,

 

Wind turbines gently turning, 

Illinois, Illinois, 

Giants in the prairie, 

learning How the future freely flows.

Blades that slice the summer air, 

Illinois, Illinois, 

Whispering a hopeful prayer 

For the power it employs.

Wind Turbines east of Bloomington, Illinois at the Twin Groves Site.

AI Overview


Wind turbines in Illinois vary in size and capacity. Large utility-scale turbines can have a capacity of 2-3 MW, with a tower height of around 80 meters (260 ft) and a rotor diameter of about 80 meters. Some wind farms, like Twin Groves, have turbines with 240 operating turbines that stand 280 ft (80 m) tall with 120-foot (39 m) blades. Smaller, community-scale turbines can be as low as 0.66 MW.

Examples of Turbine Sizes in Illinois:

Twin Groves Wind Farm:
240 turbines, each 280 feet (80 m) tall with 120-foot (39 m) blades.

Mendota Hills Wind Farm:

Originally 63 turbines at 214 feet (65 m) tall with 171-foot (52 m) rotors; later reduced to 29 turbines with increased capacity.

Small Turbines:
Examples include a 0.66 MW turbine at Bureau Valley School District and a 2.5 MW turbine at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.

Large turbines:
A 1.5 MW wind turbine typically has a tower 80 meters (260 ft) high and a rotor with a 80 meter (260 ft) diameter.

Factors Influencing Turbine Size:

Hub Height:
The height of the turbine's tower affects wind resource assessment.

Capacity Factor:
Higher capacity factors (the percentage of time a turbine is producing at its maximum output) can lead to more efficient energy production.

Land Availability:
The amount of land available for a wind farm can influence the number and size of turbines used, according to Arcadia.

Cost:
Larger turbines can produce cheaper electricity due to economies of scale, but also have higher individual costs.

Note: Turbine sizes and configurations vary depending on the specific wind farm and its location.

Will County Court House

 

The Courthouse above was new when I worked there in 1973 to 1977.  I was surpised to see that it was demolished.

The photos below show the old and "new Courthouse in Will County (Joliet) IL.

Will County Court Houses over the years

https://www.willcountycourts.com/Circuit-Court/Will-County-Court-Facts

The New New Court House in Joliet below.

Happy Birthday, Army!

 

Go, Army!    And Take the Navy With You!

“Y’all come back, hear.”

 A Lesson in Southern Lingo

A training video included instructions on how to say goodbye to customers. 

“Y’all come back, hear.”, a famous southern saying. 

______________________

I was born and raised in the south - South Dakota and South Chicago.

My wife was from Georgia.  She would cringe when I practiced my southern accent on her relatives.

Her aunt was a gracious older lady with a sweet southern accent.

After meeting her, as we were leaving, I said "Y'all come back , now, hear" in my best southern accent, which as my wife told me, was cringeworthy.

The little old lady never missed a beat and said, "Oh, sorry, I did not understand you. It is because you are not supposed to say "Y'all, 

you are supposed to say, "Youz Guys". She said this in an excellent soutasida Chicago accent.  

I don't know where or when she picked up the accent, but she nailed it. Very funny - I was had by an older aunt. 

Craig