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Revenue-related (Sales)
Webcams
Austin traffic
These are live traffic cameras around Austin, Texas. Click on the link to see the image taken every 5 minutes. Be patient. Some cameras go out-of-service for days at a clip.
Nantucket
Other beaches and waterfront
Other cams
Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) | GenAI
Other links
Sailing Cruisers
These are people who owns 50-60 foot sailboats and are cruising around the world. They tell their stories on YouTube. Hover over each to a tooltip of my thoughts describing them and how they are unique and interesting to me. In paranthesis is their approximate current location or situation. More information about these interesting world travelers.
Birds
Making a habitat for birds in my yard is one of the most interesting and satisfying things I have done. During mosquito season (April-November), I do not frequently maintain a bird bath, but the birds love it when I do. Put a rock in the middle so they have something to stand on. Here are some items I prefer.
During migration season in Austin, Texas, mid-April to mid-May, I use this link to track nighly movements. Yes, they fly at night to avoid predators. The website uses satellite data to predict the density of birds flying over.
Mosquitoes
To be clear, leaving any standing water e.g., a bird bath, a saucer under pot (which I don't use), or water on any object including agave leaves, will accelarate mosquito growth. I have a massive invasive bamboo forest at the west border of my property which I know promotes mosquito growth since water and dew on the bamboo leaves or collect in the downed leaves.
I may try a monthly service to reduce mosquitos but for now use a Thermacell Patio Shield (which has a 15 foot radius and uses a self-charger and replaceable liquid cartridges) or Skeeter Screen incense sticks which smell nice away and last many hours. Note the Thermacell is not effective when there is a breeze but having said that, mosquitoes are bad flyers and can't fly in a breeze.
Gardening in Austin, Texas
I've lived in Austin since 2013, experimenting with various plants, vegetables, and grasses in the extreme heat and drought. Here's what has worked or thrived.
I buy tomato plants from Barton Springs Nursery and get them in raised beds by end of February. By June when temperatures are over 95 degrees, the tomatoes stop producing which why it is important to start them early as partially grown plants. I lay welded wire fence sheets on the raised beds when both growing vegetables like spinach from seed and tomatoes to keep the squirrels out.
Plant Bluebonnet seeds in the fall by pushing the seeds into the ground. I collect seed pods around the neighborhood after they bloom in April.
My house came with primarily St. Augustine grass which is not drought tolerant. There is also zoysia in patches which is more drought tolerant. During off season, I overseed with rye grass which looks nice but fades quickly with the heat. This year I am experimenting with seeding Buffalo grass in the front yard which is drought tolerant and native to Texas. I have tried seeding Bermuda grass but it has been difficult to establish. The ultimate solution seems to zero landscape portions of the yard with native plants and rocks and leave the grass were is grows well.
For shade areas, I pot elephant ears. I have had success with caladium.
During the months of November through February, I have had great success in my raised beds with spinach and lettuce of any varietal. I also consistently add bags of new soil to the raised beds at the beginning of each season.
Travel & Non-stops
Military etc.
Naval aviation
Blue Angels are a premier flight demonstration squadron of U.S. Navy. They fly F/A-18 Super Hornets. In the spring, they practice in El Centro, California where a YouTuber captures some sick footage.
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