OpenSATX: Data For The People, By The People
San Antonio’s Code for America Brigade, dubbed OpenSATX, got off to a robust start on Saturday at CodeAcross, held at Rackspace headquarters. About 50 participants, comprising city staff, Rackers,...
View ArticleOut For a Walk
A man is out for a walk in his neighborhood in an affluent niche of Silicon Valley, a lovely historic district home to a vibrant downtown scene, surrounded by loads of charming old homes lovingly...
View ArticleThe World Sounds Different Today
When I was 10 months old, I survived a week-long bout of spinal meningitis that left me with a moderate-to-severe hearing impairment. When I was about three or four years old, I was outfitted with my...
View ArticleIf your child were born deaf, would you get them a cochlear implant?
The question was posed on Quora: If your child were born deaf, would you get them a cochlear implant? This was my reply. Absolutely. I speak to this issue as someone who lost the bulk of his hearing...
View ArticleTales from the Checkstand: Lemonade
On the first or second day of a 3-4 day forecasted heatwave, with temps expected to rise as high as the mid-90s, two young gentlemen, 12-ish in age, approach my checkstand carrying two YUUUUGE bags of...
View ArticleTales from the Checkstand: Feelings
A man approaches with a striking arrangement of perfect roses in a very pretty and unique vase from our Floral Department. He’s a well-built stocky guy: short, blond, well-groomed, tight t-shirt,...
View ArticleTales from the Checkstand: Go West!
Young guy places in front of me a six pack of “Go West!” IPA for purchase. I say, “Oh, the Pet Shop Boys must make this beer.” Blank look. “The Pet Shop Boys?” Blankness. “The band?” Shakes head....
View ArticleTales from the Checkstand: Contact
A couple of weeks ago, a customer came through my line who left a lasting impression. An older woman, very short, a little taller than the height of the credit card machine on the platform in front of...
View ArticleMerry Phishing Scam To You
Another day, another phishing scam. The reason we keep getting these is because they work. And they often work because aside from some details that can take a technical eye to notice, they look so...
View ArticleWord on the Street: Soup
In my new job, I have the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe as they visit “my downtown.” Today is my first on the job and I am in training all...
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