Hot DC

This is what happens when the HVAC fails in your data center and no one sees the alerts from the environmental monitoring system. It hit 118 degrees. Luckily, a server shut itself down; prompting a call from the plant so that someone could figure out what was happening. I've never seen tiles curl up like that. C'est la vie. (And we all have our trials and tribulations.)

Networked Devices at Home

I have marveled at how many devices I have on my network at the house. Beyond the usual smartphones, tablets, printers, game consoles, and even laptops; I now have my thermostat on my wireless. I can control the HVAC from anywhere via a webpage or app. It was pretty cool (no pun intended) to be on vacation and remotely change the heating/cooling schedule to save a few pennies since we were out of town. (I ended up not getting a Nest even though I still think it is neat.)

I had to get a new controller for my irrigation system - it was only as I was checking the thermostats program that I realized I should have asked about one with network connectivity. It would have saved a lot of running around the house - start zone 1, walk to check it, walk back to start zone 2, etc.

If I ever have to replace the cipher lock on my front door, maybe I need to upgrade to an August lock.

Green for Green

In my latest utility bill, KUB had a generous offer allowing me to support Green Power Switch Pure Solar. For a mere $8 per 50 kWh block, I can pay to have "green" power.

Seriously, why don't we let the markets work? At least this is optional compared to sending my tax dollars chasing after green solutions.

Utilities Bills vs. Technology Bills

I'm a geek, but maybe I am a frugal geek, because my utilities are much more expensive than my monthly technology cost unlike the findings in this article. If you don't like words, there is a good infograph there, too.

It helps that my company provides my smartphone service, but we have the basic internet service with Knology and no home phone. We don't spend a lot on apps or other services - including an on-line backup service. (I've been tempted, but I use a combination of Dropbox, Windows Live Mesh, and USB hard drives to do the heavy lifting there.) It also helps that my daughter is only three - she probably won't need her own smart phone for another 6 months. ;)

Another factor is that my house is one big energy sink when it comes to heating and cooling. My base usage is a small number compared to the heating and cooling costs. I need a smaller house.

Battery Powered Gloves

Speaking of gloves, how about a set of gloves with a built in heating capability. A little steep at $400, but you have to start somewhere.