Month: February 2022

Veterinarians Ericka and Jay Johnson met 20 years ago while doing a wild tortoise survey. So the couple decided that their ceremonial walk down the aisle wouldn’t be complete without their 20-year-old sulcata tortoise, Tom Shelleck, accompanying them as ring bearer. The couple was married last year at Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens in Arizona.

To make sure they made it to the altar, a floral basket containing the rings was attached to the top of Tom’s shell.

“Jay and I are both exotic animal veterinarians and tortoises have always been at the center of what brought us together,” Ericka said according to The Metro.

The couple encouraged Tom to walk down the aisle by lining the walkway with strawberries, a sulcata’s favorite treat.

Having Tom accompany them during their big moment was adorable but it also allowed them to really savor the moment. It took the bride, groom and Tom three minutes to walk down the aisle, where it takes most people just a few seconds.

---

“We were timing him when we’d practice to see how long it would take and we ended up having to have two songs played so that we’d have enough time, and we still almost ran out of songs,” Ericka said.

“When it was time for him to go down the aisle I had my twin nephews place strawberries down for him to follow,” Ericka added. “He’s very outgoing and always hungry.”

Tom is clearly an important part of the couple’s life and it makes sense. A sulcata tortoise, much like a marriage, is a lifetime commitment. A sulcata can live more than 70 years and an adult can weigh anywhere from 79 to 200 pounds.

The only tortoises that are larger than a sulcata are the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise. The Aldabra giant tortoise can weigh up to 550 pounds and live for up to 150 years.

Ericka was a little worried that Tom would get distracted by mistaking some of their guests’ freshly painted toenails for fruit. But he made it all the way to his destination without veering off course. “Fortunately that didn’t happen,” she said.

After the big day was over, Tom stood out as one of the most memorable parts of the wedding. “A lot of people were talking about it and we made some funny jokes like ‘the bride is supposed to be the center of attention but it’s the ring bearer,’” Ericka said.

“The day after the wedding I had several people text me like ‘Hey, do you have any pictures of Tom?’” Ericka joked.

Ericka and Jay are a great example of how a couple can make a wedding truly an expression of their love by sharing what’s important to them. Tortoises brought them together and now their dearest Tom Shelleck was able to lead them to the altar where they could make the ultimate commitment to one another.

Plus, let’s face it, it’s important that Tom agreed to the marriage because he’s going to be right by their side for another 50-plus years, so he better approve of the arrangement.

When we think of Black Wall Street, we are often struck with the devastating images of the Tulsa Massacre. But Tulsa’s colony town of Greenwood forged by visionary business pioneers, has such a richer history.

The following is a very nonexhaustive list of why Black Wall Street should be celebrated, and how it defied the odds.

---

It all started from 40 acres and a grocery store.

Ottawa “O.W.” Gurley purchased the oil-rich land in 1905, where he built the People’s Grocery store. From there, it became a thriving empire, one that contributed to Tulsa’s booming population.

According to Forbes, “between 1910 and 1920, Tulsa’s population nearly quadrupled to more than 72,000 and the Black population rose from below 2,000 to almost 9,000.”

This small plot of land soon advanced to rival even New York City. Can you imagine a small town in Oklahoma matching the Big Apple?!

It wasn’t just in Tulsa.

Besides Greenwood in Oklahoma, there were thriving Black Wall Streets in Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi and Virginia, to name a few.

Just how wealthy were the residents? REALLY wealthy.

We’re talking stylish multi-millionaires driving around in luxury cars kind of wealthy.

To put it in perspective: In the entire state of Oklahoma, there were only two airports, yet six families in Greenwood owned private planes.

If it stood today, Greenwood’s worth is estimated to be somewhere in the billions.

It was completely self-contained.

With its own hospital, school and bank, along with hundreds of businesses, dozens of restaurants, and two movie theatres, the town really wanted for nothing.

The dollar circulated almost a year before leaving the district, which is pretty astounding. To this day, no other community has accomplished that. The longest is somewhere around 45 days.

In fact, many residents earned their money entirely within the city, rather than working in white neighborhoods, helping the city become more affluent.

Greenwood’s Little Rose Beauty Salon helped pave the way for black beauty influencers.

Before there were the multimillion dollar brands like Carol’s Daughter, Shea Moisture and Fenty Beauty, there was the Little Rose Beauty Salon, owned by Greenwood’s Mabel B. Little.

Located right in the heart of Greenwood’s business district, the beloved beauty parlor was filled with customers on Thursdays for “Maid’s Night Out.” Young women who worked in white homes would come to receive the magic of self-care, then strut their stuff down Greenwood Avenue. Washing, setting and waving hair was a particularly strong skill Little possessed, having learned it from her aunt.

It had an elite school.

The Booker T. Washington school prepared its students to succeed in college with a rigorous, well-rounded curriculum.

Freshman year was dedicated to a core program of English, science, art and music, with an emphasis on algebra, Latin and ancient history. In their second year, sophomores studied economics and geometry, followed by chemistry and trade-oriented subjects in junior year. The final year had seniors learning physics and trigonometry, vocal music, art and bookkeeping.

And talk about an appreciation for education: Greenwood teachers were among the town’s highest paid workers.

(Oddly enough, as a native Texan I know there’s an arts high school by the same name in Dallas county.)

Black Wall Street produced the country’s first African American female bank owner.

Though she didn’t live in Oklahoma, I’m not sure if you can talk about Black Wall Street without mentioning Maggie Walker.

Formerly a teacher, Walker started her career at Richmond, Virginia’s Independent Order of Saint Luke, a society that aimed to help freed slaves gain economic independence. Steadily rising through the ranks, she eventually chartered the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in Richmond, Virginia.

The bank was completely staffed by African American employees, and offered a safe space for residents to manage their money without mistreatment. I mean, when the choice is either to cover up your hair with wax paper to enter a white-owned store or be welcomed as an equal, it’s kind of a no-brainer.

A bronze statue of Maggie Walker currently honors her legacy in downtown Richmond near the city’s own Black Wall Street.

There’s a Black Wall street app.

The digital platform, inspired by the prosperity Black Wall Street achieved, aims to provide financial education and empowerment to Black and Latinx users. Using the slogan “Black Cash Matters,” the app has adapted the concept of Black Wall Street, and aims to end Black Americans being “systematically refused access to the financial system and the victims of institutionalized predators,” according to its website.

When it first launched on June 1, 2021, creator Hill Harper told CNBC that the app’s ultimate goal is to “create a whole ecosystem, and eventually a marketplace where the recirculation, the circulation of dollars through this digital wallet, allows job creation, business creation and job growth.”

John W. Rogers, great grandson of Greenwood’s real estate mogul J.B Stradford, eloquently said, “Greenwood shows that when we are left to our own devices and don’t have a knee to our neck, we can achieve extraordinary things.”

Though the tragedy of the Tulsa Massacre is one part of the story, and an important one, this sentiment is equally invaluable. The legacy left behind by Black Wall Street is one of achievement, and its residents proved what can be done when people are indeed able to pursue their happiness.

Black History Month is here and at Upworthy, we embrace inclusivity and diversity. We want to highlight some local artisans and celebrate their work and culture. Supporting artisans not only helps them financially but it also helps promote equality and strengthens our economic diversity. At Upworthy Market, you can be assured that your purchases directly supports local artisans who craft their own products. Read personal stories by the creators and view their artisan collections below.

---

1. Rita Addo’s Story

“I am a designer by profession. I do my designing with African concepts in mind. Growing up, I loved to sketch things on paper. It was a natural talent, I guess. The carvers who collaborate with me use traditional tools. As the demand grows, I’m able to give work to more carvers, which generates more income for them and their families. It is possible one or two carvers who show a keen interest can make a career out of this. The workshop also provides local women with a constant supply of wood scraps for cooking. With the sale of my jewelry, women in the neighborhood who enjoy stringing beads also get to earn some money when there is an increase in demand. We use mainly wood, recycled aluminum sheets and recycled plastic beads.” – Rita Addo

View Artisan Collection

market.upworthy.com

2. Ila Suleyman’s Story

“I was born into a family of artists who have carved and crafted wood and leather products for several family generations. I have been told the crafts that we do date back to more than a century ago, but it was my great-grandfather who took on the craft and made a real venture out of it. I have since introduced new materials in my collection by exploring the use of other natural materials such as wood and some recycled materials. These are designed and crafted by me with assistance from my childhood friend Deri, who has become my partner in the workshop, along with a staff of five.” – Ila Suleyman

Ila’s West African jewelry traces its roots deep into the past. Exquisite beadwork harkens back to an ancient form of currency. Cowrie shells carry with them symbolic value. Religious, spiritual and nature-inspired motifs are featured in the handiwork of West African jewelry artisans, who now infuse new techniques and materials into their creations.

View Artisan Collection

market.upworthy.com

3. Akwele Suma’s Story

Akwele Suma Glory is a multi-award-winning and dynamic mixed media artist. She developed her trademark style, which includes her choice of materials, concept and techniques that allow her audience to see beyond her physical works. Akwele has also distinguished herself in ethnic jewelry design for more than a decade. Her work with mixed media has made art lovers admire her flair and profound perception, which are rooted in her strong faith in God. Akwele’s work is a continuous process of experimentation, research and development, and this has earned her a number of awards nationally and internationally for both her paintings and jewelry collections.

View Artisan Collection

market.upworthy.com

4. Abdul Aziz Mohamadu’s Story

“In 2000, I went into carving and since then I have never regretted it. I am now self-employed and there are five assistants working with me. In addition, I have taught seven other people how to carve, and they are also on their own now and doing well. When I get large orders, I call on them for their assistance. I look forward to training more people in this craft and also to continuing with my paintings.” – Abdul Aziz Mohamadu

Today, Abdul spreads love to the five assistants who work with him, as well as the seven other individuals he has trained in the craft of carving. Even as his work has attained incredible success—being featured in exhibits in Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin—his journey is far from over.

View Artisan Collection

www.novica.com

5. Robert Aidoo-Taylor’s Story

“I am a self-taught artist. I never took any classes or attended courses. I use manual tools to carve my pieces from wood and then I paint them myself. I enjoy working alone, and my inspiration comes from nature. In 2012, however, I started experimenting with various materials including wood, waxed linen and synthetic cords to add diversify to my products. From these and other media, I now make bangles, bracelets and necklaces.” – Robert Aidoo-Taylor

View Artisan Collection

www.novica.com

Welcome to Tokyo, where street cleaning meets street art, thanks to the litter-collecting Gomi Hiroi Samurai.

If you happen to be roaming the streets in Japan, you might find this group sporting ceremonial kimonos and dishing out some amazing moves as they gracefully pick up cans, cigarettes and any other piece of trash along their path, collecting it all in stylish wicker baskets.

The ancient Samurai were once known for their deadly yet beautiful fighting skills, used for justified defense. That same principle applies … this time with a modern-day, conservationalist twist.

---

Wielding tongs instead of swords (most of the time, anyway) and shouting “moral no nai kokoro wo seibai!” (“punish hearts with no morals!”), the Gomi Hiroi Samurai know only one enemy: rubbish.

@gomihiroisamurai テーブルクロス引きかッ✋💥#ゴミ拾い侍 #ゴミ拾い #pickuptrash #ポイ捨て ♬ なにをやってもあかんわ (WM night out mix) – 岡崎体育

The epic way of shooting makes these TikTok videos feel more like something out of a Kurosawa film. Everything from the dramatic profile angles delivered by professionally trained actors, to the percussive battle drum music, to the ULTRA ultra closeups, it’s pure grade entertainment.

@gomihiroisamurai もしかして、スパイダー〇〇❓#ゴミ拾い侍 #ゴミ拾い #pickuptrash #スパイダーマン #spiderman ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – 【公式】ゴミ拾い侍（一世一代時代組）

Someone was clearly channeling their inner Scorpion from Mortal Kombat here. And it was indeed a flawless victory.

@gomihiroisamurai なんでこんなに酷いのぉ。#ゴミ拾い侍 #ゴミ拾い #pickuptrash #ポイ捨て ♬ なにをやってもあかんわ (WM night out mix) – 岡崎体育

As one person commented, “to quote a famous philosopher (Little Richard), ‘it ain’t what you do. It’s the way how you do it.’”

Though their stylish out-of-this-world performances certainly do raise environmental awareness, for these ecosamurai, the main intention is simply to uplift people’s spirits.

Group promoter Rikiya Takahashi said in an interview that “we hope to make people smile, and believe this will cleanse both their minds and their cities.”

@gomihiroisamurai 2年前の動画。#ゴミ拾い侍 #ゴミ拾い #pickuptrash #ポイ捨て #鬼滅の刃 #kimetsunoyaiba ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – 【公式】ゴミ拾い侍（一世一代時代組）

However, Takahashi added, “we hope to create an environment where having morals can be thought of as cool. We perform only with the hope that people will think the act of picking up trash is cool. At the root of that is a quintessential Japanese stylishness.”

The Samurai moral code, otherwise known as bushido, upholds the virtues of righteousness, courage, benevolence, respect, sincerity, honor, loyalty and self-control. It might have not been the group’s original mission, but it seems like these environmental warriors give bushido new life.

@gomihiroisamurai 子連れゴミ拾い侍。LAメンバーのカズ@kazkobayashi1 #ゴミ拾い侍 #ゴミ拾い #pickuptrash #ポイ捨て #子連れゴミ拾い侍 #LA ♬ We Will Rock You – Remastered 2011 – Queen

Thanks to their huge following on social media, what started out as a small group has rapidly expanded. You’ll now see the litter-collecting samurai all around the country. It goes to show that when you get creative, doing what’s right can actually be really fun.

Two years after he released his fifth album Igor, which eventually gave him a Grammy award for Best Rap Album, Tyler The Creator returned with his sixth album Call Me If You Get Lost. The project stands as a 16-track effort with contributions from Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Uzi Vert, Pharrell, Brent Faiyaz, Lil Wayne, and more. Months after releasing that project, Tyler The Creator received another Grammy nomination for the album, one that found him in the Best Rap Album category for the 2022 Grammy show. Later on, Tyler The Creator announced the full dates for a tour in support of Call Me If You Get Lost and it features a strong lineup of opening acts.

Who Are Tyler The Creator’s Tour Openers?

The opening acts for Tyler’s 2022 tour in support of Call Me If You Get Lost are Kali Uchis, Vince Staples, and Teezo Touchdown. Kali and Vince both released projects within the last couple of years. The former shared her sophomore album, Sin Miedo (Del Amor Y Otros Demonios), in 2020 while Vince dropped his self-titled third album last year. Teezo Touchdown, on the other hand, has yet to release a project. In addition to his eccentric and extremely unique appearance, the Texas native has steadily released singles over the past two years that have helped to boost his stock. Altogether, these opening acts are sure to provide a good show with Tyler for his upcoming tour.

You can see the full dates for Tyler’s upcoming tour below and purchase tickets for a show near you here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Bioshock Infinite is an odd game. At the time of its release, it was praised for stunning visuals, engaging combat, and a story that makes you think. Unfortunately, as time has gone on it has not aged particularly well. It’s still considered a very well made game, but there are noticeable flaws in it — likely from a crunch filled development — that have made its flaws stand out more.

One moment, that some saw as a flaw but is in reality just hysterically funny, is during the Burial At Sea DLC when the player is in Paris. As the player walks around town they see a child dancing in the streets in a circular motion, holding a baguette, as French children do.

This moment is bizarre, extremely funny, and ultimately harmless to the overall experience of Bioshock Infinite. It also went viral and became a bit of a meme. Every once in a while we see it pop back up again and people wonder to themselves why it is this child has decided to dance around a pole with bread. We all love bread, but do any of us love it so much we dance? Turns out, the reason for why this child has chosen to dance is a result of a common challenge for many developers. Technical limitations.

Turns out the person who put dancing baguette boy in the game was a developer named Gwen Frey. Frey is now a founder for the development studio, Chump Squad, but at the time they were responsible for placing all of the background characters in Bioshock. This meant placing nameless characters throughout the world so it wouldn’t feel oddly empty in places like Paris.

One challenge of Frey’s job is making characters appear natural. If they were all just standing around doing nothing that would seem eerie and weird. So they need animations such as walking, talking, and yes dancing. However, since Frey was working on the DLC there wasn’t a huge budget to create new animations for random background NPCs. So Frey did what anyone would do in this situation and that’s re-use older animations.

The animation that Frey happened to choose was a moment from the base game of Bioshock Infinite when one of the main characters, Elizabeth, danced alongside some NPCs. The problem that Frey came across was that the animation needed some tweaking. Adults randomly dancing around a pole in Paris seemed strange, so they opted for children, but the children came with a whole new set of technical problems.

As Frey banged their head against a wall trying to find the perfect solution to create a non-boring background for Paris, inspiration struck them. Ditch the second child and replace them with…a baguette! With that decision, Frey was creating what they thought was going to be a largely unnoticed background character. Instead, they created a meme that lives on to this day. So what was their plan if anyone ever asked about the dancing baguette boy?

Bread is great indeed Frey.

For as much attention as NLE Choppa has gotten for some of his social media antics and possible NBA YoungBoy feud of late, the number-one reason to stay tuned to the charismatic Memphian is still his music. Just two weeks ago, he released his new album, Me Vs. Me, rightfully putting the focus back on his musical output after threatening to quit rap to become a herbalist and hawking chlorophyll drinks online.

After dropping a strong run of singles from the album including “Too Hot” with fellow Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo, “Stompin,” and “Trap Phone,” he followed up today with another new video for the salacious standout, “Lick Me Baby.” On the song, he invites a female companion to to give up her inhibitions and the video follows that theme, with Choppa living a life of leisure surrounded by beautiful women. Scenarios he finds himself include giving CPR to a drowning victim (because he gets to touch her chest), shooting a parody sex tape, and dreaming about twerking women while a woman twerks next to him.

Watch NLE Choppa’s “Lick Me Baby” video above.

Me Vs. Me is out now via NLE Choppa Entertainment and Warner Records.

NLE Choppa is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Multiple times per week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts and ratings) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable.

10. The Power of the Dog (Netflix film)

It’s approaching Oscar time, baby, and it sure seems as though this movie will be a big contender. Benedict Cumberbatch’s a whistling rancher who’s running on sheer toxic masculinity. He terrorizes his brother and sister in law (Jesse Plemons and Kristen Dunst), and expect acting nods as well some Jane Campion love from the Academy.

9. And Just Like That… (HBO Max series)

True, this Sex And The City revival ended up playing out like a horror show, and the Che Diaz backlash was only part of the occasion. The reappearing Peloton and Steve Brady receiving a metaphorical knife went a long way, too, but no one could ever accuse this season of being boring. Will the world see more? We should find out pretty soon.

8. Peacemaker (HBO Max series)

John Cena’s horribly patriotic The Suicide Squad character is here in a show that’ll win you over with its sheer campiness and devotion to fun. Remember, we’re receiving this one because James Gunn grew bored during the pandemic and knew that people needed to see Cena dance in his tighty whities and feel some unconditional love from Eagly.

7. In From The Cold (Netflix series)

The criminally underrated Margarita Levieva (Scandal, The Deuce, Adventureland) portrays a maybe-Russian spy in this role that seems handcrafted for her. She’s fluent in Russian and Soviet-born, after all, and Levieva finally gets to be a leading lady in a project where she can let her no-nonsense and ass-kicking skills fly. There are more than a few gory moments in this one, but the final twist pays off serves as a perfect layup for a second round.

6. Ozark (Netflix series)

The Byrde family’s taking their final money-laundering lap, and Netflix’s first half of the fourth season goes to Ruth Langmore with plenty of f-bombs along the way. Marty and Wendy sure are in a heaping helping of trouble, even though they survived the bloodshed of the most recent season finale. Don’t expect things to stay quiet for them, though. And one of the loudest calls will come from inside the house.

5. Murderville (Netflix limited series)

Will Arnett returns to TV to lampoon procedural shows, which almost lampoon themselves at this point. Fortunately, he’s getting improvisational with celebrity guests, who will attempt to solve murders, All involved will have to think quickly and improvise the heck out of this thing, and that means that Annie Murphy, Conan O’Brien, Ken Jeong, Kumail Nanjiani, Marshawn Lynch, and Sharon Stone are your guinea pigs.

4. Raised By Wolves (HBO Max series)

If you were confused by Westworld and loved it, then good news: you’ll want to give this Ridley Scott show a chance. The Mother character is still doing everything she can to reboot humanity in unfriendly terrain, and the sci-fi-trippiness continues here with (probably) more bloodletting amid a truly intellectual ride. Just let go and let the story sweep you away for this one.

3. Pam & Tommy (Hulu series)

Pam & Tommy is a gloriously decadent show that doesn’t shy away from tough issues like consent and double standards and misogyny, but it never forgets that people are always watching this show through sheer voyeuristic tendency of their own. Yep, poor Pamela Anderson gets caught in the crossfire of Tommy Lee and Rand Gauthier’s ridiculous beef, but it’s still undeniably a blast to watch the story unfold.

2. All Of Us Are Dead (Netflix series)

Clearly, there are some Squid Game parallels in this K-drama series that shot to the top of Netflix’s global charts in less than one week. There are zombies, as well, as high school students try to fight their way out of a terminally dire situation where no one is coming to rescue them. It’s stressful to watch but bingeworthy as hell.

1. Euphoria (HBO series on HBO Max)

The Zendaya-starring, mascara-streaked phenomenon hit the fan this weekend, but don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of theories and questions for you to chew on as well as details on all of the songs featured while we wait for the next episode. Surely, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel soon, right? Please.

The 2022 NBA All-Star Draft will take place this Thursday on TNT, as Kevin Durant and LeBron James will select their teams for the second straight year. Like the 2021 edition, Durant will be drafting a team he won’t be playing on, as his sprained knee will continue to keep him out of the February 20 exhibition game.

Along with Durant’s absence, Draymond Green announced when reserves were selected that he also wouldn’t be able to play, as he battles a back issue that’s kept him out the past couple of weeks and will continue to do so through the All-Star break. That meant Adam Silver had two players to select to replace Durant and Green, one from each conference, and he selected two up-and-coming point guards to take those spots.

Spurs guard Dejounte Murray will replace Green, while last year’s Rookie of the Year, Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, will replace Durant. Moving into the East starting lineup will be Jayson Tatum to take Durant’s spot with the starters.

Murray has been terrific this season for the Spurs, averaging 19.6 points, 9.2 assists, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, doing a bit of everything for San Antonio. Ball is posting similar production with 19.6 points, 7.5 assists, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game in Charlotte, as his continued growth as a lead guard has the Hornets above .500 and in a play-in spot in the East. There will be plenty of others who felt they had earned a shot at being a replacement pick, but both of these selections are deserving and will bring some more youth to the festivities.

Recently, news broke that Cancun-loving Republican Senator Ted Cruz had gotten into crypto. But unlike other Bitcoin groupies who just want to rave about the limitless possibility of digital currency to uninterested strangers at the bar or on Twitter, Cruz suggested the new frontier of financial tech might be the thing that could save Texas. Or at least, its failing power grid.

According to Cruz and other proponents, making Bitcoin miners stakeholders in the state’s current power play may actually help with overload problems — which is what led to the ERCOT grid shutting down during a terrible blizzard that left hundreds dead and millions without power. Cruz seems to think that simply incentivizing Bitcoin mining companies — all of whom use a ridiculous amount of energy to power their warehouses full of supercomputers — to shut down their tech when demand is high will fix the state’s energy problems. The trouble with that theory? It seems to be BS.

Dozens of Bitcoin mining and blockchain companies are flocking to Texas because of the state’s loose energy laws. They claim they’re lowering energy costs for residents by harnessing unused power. They also say they have the ability to power down immediately when the energy demand is high, helping to stabilize the grid. Of course, the problem with that theory is the Bitcoin industry isn’t regulated, so companies operating in Texas aren’t required to stop using hundreds of megawatts-worth of energy — in some cases, enough to power an entire city — just because the Texas legislature asks them nicely.

In an interview with KVUE, cryptocurrency expert and Texas A&M Professor William Magnuson said that Cruz’s plan to rely on Bitcoin miners to save Texas won’t work.

“We know that the Texas grid is unstable,” he said. “How do we know that cryptocurrency miners are acting responsibly? How do we know if cryptocurrency miners will power down their facility when the electricity grid is struggling? There is no central database that keeps track of where all the Bitcoin mines are located. We don’t know where many of them are except [through] press releases. We need our government regulators to step in and clarify the rules that apply to cryptocurrency.”

If Texas doesn’t even know how many Bitcoin mining companies are in the state, it’s doubtful they could even enforce an energy cap in the first place. All that to say, we hope Cruz has booked his flights to Mexico this winter because it sounds like Bitcoin is about to earn him even more bad press.

(Via KVUE)