Miss BCM

Tumbling since 2012. 'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.' — Maya Angelou My other blogs: Decodream Colors of the World The Art Cabinet Theatre Wings

[anny-and-love]

[HD] Roxy Music - Avalon (Live 1982)

[thoughtkick]

“Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to. It’s not for them.”

— Joubert Botha

[aaaangel444]

[hope-for-the-planet]

The DIY Solar Revolution Is Coming to U.S. Balconies

As utility bills climb, a growing number of states are adopting "balcony solar" — portable, affordable kits that can knock up to 20 percent

I've previously posted stories about balcony solar in Germany and Utah. Now 28 US states and Washington DC have bills in the works to move DIY balcony solar out of the legal gray area it currently occupies and fully legalize it. You can track the bills' progress state by state here.

These are solar panels that can be plugged directly into regular household outlets in order to offset household electricity use with no utility approval, expensive installation, etc. Depending on the size of the panel and local energy prices, they can save up to $40-$50 a month and pay for themselves in as little as two years--and there are organizations like Bright Saver that work to provide free panels to low income families!

From the article:

For Phillips, balcony solar is more than a means to save money; it’s a step toward a healthier future. She’s a third-generation native of the Bronx, an area disproportionately burdened by noxious pollutants. “I was actually hospitalized with an asthma attack last year,” Phillips said. ​“For me, anything that we can do to green our power grid, to reduce pollution, is a matter of justice — especially for people who live where I live.” Phillips has been talking to friends and family about her mini power plant. ​“Everybody wants one,” she said. States simply need to pass their portable solar bills to open the floodgates, Phillips noted. “I can’t wait to see solar panels peeking out of everyone’s balcony.”

[radical-revolution]

[psikonauti]

Nabil Anani (Palestinian, b. 1943)

Palestinian Folklore, 2020

Acrylic on canvas

[perfectfeelings]

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

[dawn4ngel]

[bbcwhereareyou]

[punchholesinthesky]

[radical-revolution]

[goldbracelet11]

So beautiful.

I love the differences

[lavender-tome-collector]

Cate Blanchett VOGUE Germany, April 2026

[no-longer-another-bondi-blonde]

[sardonyxlestrange]

Went to the No Kings protest today and met so many cool individuals! I wish I got to take more pictures and videos. I was so surprised my town had a big crowd, but it was great. I have more faith in my people.

[agarthanguide]

Some of my favorites from the No Kings March

[saywhat-politics]

[lavender-tome-collector]

[sobcat]

[robertreich]

I'm reminded of these wise words from Mr. Fred Rogers on what would have been his 98th birthday. We are all in this together. Let's renew ourselves to the fight for the common good. It's all the more important during these difficult times.