Latest News
All the worldwide news is filled with horror stories about data centers cropping up everywhere, sucking up all available electricity and draining aquifers of critical fresh water. The problem with these data centers is that they require massive air conditioning, cooling, to keep operating. If cooling was not an issue, you could power the largest data center for 15% of what they currently use. Across America, data centers currently use about 6% of all electricity but they can quickly also gobble up 50-60% of all available water as well per location.
And here’s the problem: with advanced computing and the enormous data required to feed new AI systems, especially Quantum computing AI when it comes online, those demands on cooling will leap way past anything current electricity plants can provide.
The answer is space. Cold space with solar panels. Cooling solved and, if data centers or swarms of small data centers, are in sun-synchronous orbits, solar power becomes a solvable issue too. Okay, you ask, how many data centers as satellites, swarm or massive single satellites, will be needed and how far away will they be from the surface of Earth?
To give you an idea of the scope here, one company, SpaceX (who now own xAI who also control X) are one of six companies actively financing and planning such satellites in orbit. They recently filed to put 1,000,000 such satellites in an orbit between 312 miles and 1,250 miles up. Effectively that would be a belt of a million satellites visible day and night, ringing the Earth. Kiss your night sky goodbye. And remember, they are only one company of six companies with such plans, albeit that SpaceX is not a little more ambitious (and perhaps not totally serious about the quantity of an unproven tech swarm).
Now to be outdone, China has already begun in-space construction of a one squarekilometer (247 acres) huge solar array with a data center at the center. It’s a proof of concept for a new larger data center with a possible quantum computer at the center. That will make it the largest object in orbit, ever.
And the on-earth datacenters? What will become of them? Within 10 years they will probably be derelict, unused, employees fired. After taxpayers have paid for new power plants and costly power delivery infrastructure. Oh, and the water is used up, of course.
Peter Riva, a former resident of Amenia Union, New York, now lives in Gila, New Mexico.
Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton's American Legion Post 178 on Route 44.
Photo by Nathan Miller
MILLERTON — The American Legion Auxiliary’s chili, chowder and soup cook-off is celebrating its 20th year.
The annual event is set for Sunday, Feb. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Millerton’s American Legion Post 178 on Route 44.
Adults pay $12 for entry and children cost $5. Chili and chowder cooks who are competing in the cook-off enter for free.
The top ranked chili and the top ranked chowder or soup will receive a cash prize. A people’s choice selection will also receive a cash prize.
The cook-off will also feature raffle tables and dessert auctions. And the Daytona 500 NASCAR race will provide entertainment at the event.
All proceeds from the event support auxiliary activities and veterans projects including overseas care packages and assistance to local veterans.
Questions may be directed to Zandra Boice at 518-325-9889 or Charlene Mayville at 845-877-3734.
Keep ReadingShow less
Charles Lemmen
Feb 11, 2026
CANAAN — It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Charles Lemmen, 87, of Canaan, on Jan. 1, 2026, after a long period of declining health.
Chuck was a loving father and husband with an inspiring and unquenchable work ethic. He gave much back to his community through his volunteering, including to the Canaan Historical Society, the Falls Village Library, and Music Mountain. He was a voracious reader, especially historical works, a hobby eclipsed only by his love for classical music which he exercised at every opportunity. He also loved to travel, a penchant that took him to Italy, Scandinavia, and as far afield as Antarctica.
Chuck was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Barbara, his sister Gwendolyn Kraay, his brother Robert, and his grandson Kevin Whitley. He is survived by his daughters Barbara Lemmen (husband Geoff Nunes) and Nicola Whitley, his son Stuart Lemmen (wife Jen Margo), and his grandchildren Hannah Whitley, Sidney Nunes, Alex Nunes, and Elijah Lemmen.
He was born in Holland, Michigan, May 19, 1938, to Benjamin and Lucille (Vander Werf) Lemmen, where he also grew up. He graduated from Hope College in 1960 and Case Western Reserve University in 1968.
Chuck was a philosophy and logic professor, an insurance agent, and then a computer programmer for Edward R. Hamilton Bookseller in Falls Village for over 40 years.
He was a self-taught roofer, carpenter, vegetable gardener and builder which helped to raise his family of five over so many years.
Arrangements were handled by the Cremation Society of New England. A memorial service will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tanglewood or the Connecticut Food Bank.
Keep ReadingShow less
Edwin A. French III
Feb 11, 2026
NEW PRESTON — Edwin A. French III passed away on Jan. 31, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury after a brief illness. Born July 16, 1951, in North Adams, Massachusetts, he was the eldest child of the late Edwin and Barbara French II. He grew up in Greenwich and attended Greenwich Country Day, Rye Country Day, and Greenwich High School.
Ed served as a volunteer firefighter and later as a decorated Greenwich police officer, also playing bagpipes with the Emerald Society Police Band.
After retiring, he lived in Sherman, Kent and New Preston, Connecticut.
Independent and adventurous, he loved hunting, fishing, traveling, and sharing stories—especially of his motorcycle trip to Alaska. He was always ready to help friends and family.
He is survived by his sons; Steven (Francis) and Marc (Mary); his brothers David (Charlene) and Daniel (Cheryl); several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and his brother‑in‑law Steve Gerwin.
He was predeceased by his sister Faye Gerwin.
A private memorial will be held at the family’s convenience. Donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation at liverfoundation.org
Keep ReadingShow less
loading
