Gumbo Grousing

Hey Metro, Brazil can run trains in the rain.

2010-02-25T20:53:00.002-06:00

Maybe you could ask them how it's done.

More Train on SUV Violence

2007-10-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Well it happened again, some poor innocent SUV was grabbed and brutally beaten by the Metro Rail.

SUV slain by Metro Rail

Video proves our trains mean business

2007-09-18T08:27:00.000-05:00

Some enterprising person put together security cam footage of a bunch of Metro rail accidents. Amazingly, it seems that placing the blame on car drivers for the incidents is valid. Although poor rail corridor design is a big part of the problem too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV2rdGX4JYc

Houston rated #1 in Mean Trains

2007-08-23T12:07:00.000-05:00

Houston has topped the national charts for mean trains. Our trains seeth with rage at the mere sight of a car and jump at the chance maim or kill a person. In the past, Metro's light rail has been carrying the load of mean train responsibilities by smashing every car and blind-drunk bum that crosses it's tracks. Recently, the Metro has entered a rough patch or slump in it's crash numbers which has not gone unnoticed by it's larger cousins, the freight trains. Not wanting to let the meanness title slip away the freight trains has upped their game to a level not seen before. Freight trains have not only started hitting, they're killing unwary citizens. They even whacked a celebrity. That's right, it's not just train racing teens facing fearsome freight fury, but NBA stars are no longer safe either. Even if you're 6' 10", 245# you have no chance against a determined 500 million ton train.

So, hobos and train robbers beware, Houston is not your kind of town. Keep your eyes peeled because there's a killer on the loose.

Police photo of suspect/person of interest.

Can a cartoon crush our city

2007-02-01T08:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Boston was supposedly brought to its knees by a viral marketing campaign that was effectively fancy graffiti. Maybe I'm more hip and cool than I thought because I recognized the cartoon character and thought the news story was a joke. To think the Boston bomb squads were called into action over 2-4 D-sized batteries and some LED lights is just plain stupid. I haven't seen all the data yet, but do you really think terrorists make bright, flashing bombs. If I ever need to blow up a bridge or something, I'll make sure not to disguise the bomb as a discarded cardboard box. Instead I'll make it flash wildly, so nobody notices.

Also, D-battery-sized wads of high explosive, detonated in an open area (not the same as a shaped charge or a capped bore-hole!), would do nothing. Someone who happened to touch it at the moment of explosion might get killed, but it wouldn't do much better than that. When you hear about suicide bombs going off in markets and mosques in Iraq, these involve large backpacks or even vehicles stuffed to the brim with explosives. And they still usually only manage to take out a dozen people even in a large crowd! While the average Joe may believe what they see on CSI, 24 or whatever joke of a cop drama is on this season, a real bomb-squad should have a hell of a lot better training than that.

I hope they can see this cause I'm doing it as hard as I can.

Wow, that rant got a bit long winded. Thank goodness idiocy like what happened in Boston couldn't occur here in Houston. Think again Mr. or Mrs. Condescending-Attitude-For-Those-Liberal-New Englanders. You see Houston has several running clubs that use flour to mark a course for the group. As it turns out Houston streets have been shut down numerous times due to "suspicious powdery white substances that OHMYGODITMIGHTBEANTHRAX!" The best way to spread anthrax is obviously to throw it on the ground outside, right? None of our incidents has made the National news or been a major issue for the city, but it could easily happen. All it takes it one Chicken Little with loose grip in reality and the whole bogus "We have to take every threat seriously" Homeland Security behemoth will swing it to action on the evening news.

Rain is the new Ice

2007-01-24T08:32:00.000-06:00

We've had a spot of rain over the last two days and it seems to scare Houston drivers nearly as much as Dr. Frank-hyped ice storms. Last night traffic was an infernal mess as people tried their darnedest not to modify their driving styles to the conditions. The Westpark Tollway was stacked up like IHOP's Paul Bunyan flapjack plate.

This morning everyone must had been hiding under their blankets because the roads were deserted. A near record minimum commute time was recorded. Thanks you big babies.

Icy Weather Driving Tip

2007-01-18T08:50:00.000-06:00

Houston has no real road clearing ability whether the weather turns wintry. If there's ice, you are left to fend for yourself relying only on your reflexes and luck that no bonehead wipes you out. Since it's a dog eat dog situation out there at the best of times, I'd like to share a little Houston driving tip not in the hopes that it will save injury or death, but rather than it will keep my insurance premiums from spiking do to an avalanche of claims.

People hate the Houston bike lanes. I can't quantify the amount of whining I've heard about them. "The lanes are too narrow now." "Bikes belong on the sidewalk." "Only _____ (insert derogatory name here) ride bikes." "How much money was wasted building that?" Heck even bikers hate the bike lanes due to the way they were built. They are too narrow, riddled with potholes and garbage because they are never cleaned. That is where we can turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. When the roads get icy just drive in the bike lanes. There's plenty of traction to be found on the crushed cement, gravel, sand and broken glass. All the nails and screws lying there will serve to automatically create studded tires for you free of charge. Just watch out for the occasional cinderblock and you'll be laughing on the way to the office as you speed past regular law abiding commuters.

Great Ice Storm of 2007, part deux

2007-01-18T08:26:00.000-06:00

Well some ice did arrive Wednesday morning and no roofs collapsed under the weight, power lines weren't brought down by fallen tree branches and no one got frostbite. However, people did manage to wreck there cars.

It seems Houston drivers have a proficiency for creating auto accidents whether dry, wet or frozen. They have the ability to abandon the rules taught in drivers education courses about 3 seconds after walking out the door. They speed, change lanes quickly and follow much too close to the car in front, add in some mildly slick conditions and you get numerous 10+ car pileups. It's so predictable that I have friends who start a betting pool for the number of crashes involving 5 or more cars every time the weather looks a little sketchy. It simply boggles the mind that this type of behavior behind the wheel never gets modified through experience. Perhaps cars are just too safe these days and give drivers a sense of invulnerability.

So until we get some real herd thinning-type weather, I salute your bravado speeding pickup truck driver.

The Great Ice Storm of 2007

2007-01-16T08:30:00.000-06:00

Dear Lord there was panic in the streets, hundreds of thousands of people stranded in their unheated, powerless homes with no hope of rescue or relief.

Well not really. Here's the only documented evidence of ice in the Houston metro area

If the local Houston news could manage to ratchet up their weather scaremongering hype machine anymore it would rip a whole in the fabric of time and space. One channel was giving out evacuation shelter information. Do they seriously think that a little frost is the end of the world?

Study Results

2006-12-22T14:54:00.000-06:00

It turns out I'm less nerdy than my coworkers! Unfortunatley, statisticians can make the numbers say anything they want.

Thank goodness for family vacations

2006-12-19T09:06:00.000-06:00

Well the masses have finally started their annual holiday vacations and I can get to and from work without any backups, hand gestures or road rage induced gun fights. Thanks everyone I really appreciate it. Don't bother coming back to work on the 27th or Jan 2nd, I won't miss you.

Also, as a preemptive measure, I'd like to request that all you couch potatoes stay there after New Year's. Don't come to my gym and sweat it all up with your dreamy resolutions about becoming an Adonis or hot bikini babe. You'll be much more comfortable at home drinking beer and eating nachos and meat lover's pizza just like you've been doing for the last 11.5 months.

What were they thinking?

2006-11-09T15:12:00.000-06:00

So your party decides to run a write-in candidate for whatever reason. Ok, it's because the incumbent waited too long to quit hoping that the corruption investigation against him would blow over just like all the previous times. Well, you can only go to the well so many times Tommy Boy.

Anyway, back to the point. A successful write-in campaign needs a few things; money, support and a SHORT, EASY TO SPELL NAME. "John Doe" would be ideal. Shelly Sekula-Gibbs is nearly the antichrist of write-in names. It's too long. It's one of those stupid hyphenated names. It takes too long to put into the voting machine. Seniors wig out enough just getting in the same room as an electronic voting machine; now ask them to figure out how to add a super-sized name...

Maybe next time they can pick someone with a longer name like Minesh Thirugnanasampanthan. Don't laugh, that's a real name.

And so the mighty have fallen

2006-11-09T15:11:00.000-06:00

I'm happy the mid-term elections are over. My home was receiving a large number of calls and mailings. Most of these came from databases that were not updated. You see I moved to a new precinct, district and county back in June, but the politicians didn't seem to mind calling and mailing me even though I couldn't vote for them. I tried several times to resolve the error to no avail. It became very tiresome.

So, I am pleased as punch that the person that bothered me the most was unable to win his seat. So long sucker, and don't try to mount a comeback because I'm sure all the bad karma you've accumulated will wipe out your next campaign too.

Costly Highway Kills an Illegal?

2006-07-14T13:54:00.000-05:00

Mass hysteria in Boston and the National news outlets ensued this week after a chunk of the Big Dig tunnel in Boston, MA fell and crushed a car killing a women. Now that the "Oh my goodness, we paid how much for shoddy construction!?" hand waving and teeth gnashing is over, it's been reported that the victim's body will be shipped back to Costa Rica. There has been no information on whether she was in the country legally or illegally. Very interesting. Don't get me wrong, she didn't deserve to be killed because she may possibly have been here on the sly. I'm just saying, it would be interesting to find out.

Also, regarding the Big Dig accident, the ceiling panels that fell were not installed in the main tunnel because they were deemed overly expensive and unnecessary. The section of tunnel where they are located connects the main tunnel with the Ted Williams Tunnel that runs to the airport. Apparently it was one of the pieces built earlier than the audits that showed the huge cost overruns on the project. Which explains why the panels were not used on the rest of the construction. So the engineers will undoubtedly be removing all the remaining panels due to safety concerns and sending them off to a landfill. I just love to see my tax dollars spent so wisely. Let the finger pointing and litigation begin.

BTW, I'm still all for Annexing Mexico.

Access to medical care in Houston is all wet

2006-07-05T07:48:00.000-05:00

I'm really bummed out by all this continuous rain since I like to do outdoorsy things and hate mud. The mosquito issue I'll save for another day. However, all this rain and minor street flooding has shown some problems with access to the Texas Medical Center. The Medical Center is vital to the city on a day to day basis, but in an emergency getting there is could be a life and death issue. Unfortunately, there is no really direct highway access to the Medical Center and all ambulances and visitors (except life flight) must travel a fair distance on surface streets. The recent rain has shown that in many cases the Medical Center can become a island. Numerous streets surrounding the Center flood and block traffic at the slightest amount of rain. Even the MetroRail is stymied by street flooding in the Med Center. Shouldn't access to the Medical Center be a top priority when flood control and street improvement budgeting is done each year? I realize millions are spent on flood control for the Med Center each year, but who cares if you can't get there?

Here are locations that are repeat offenders for flooding, if you know of others please list them in a comment or send me an email.

Holcombe at Grand Blvd
University at Main

No longer zip77077

2006-07-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like I no longer reside in zipcode 77077. I'll continue to watch the goings on from my lair hidden deep within the Katy prairie.

I can't wait to hypocritically bemoan traffic and sprawl while contributing to it.

Metro planning

2006-06-19T22:43:00.000-05:00

I know it's been said before, but it bears repeating. What kind of moron designs a mass transit system without taking into account the normal heavy rain events that occur in Houston? MetroRail is next to useless anytime if does more than drizzle. All the weather and traffic collision issues would never have happened if the train was elevated or underground. Thanks for a saving us a buck or two by putting it at street level.

Can you spell "weltschmerz"?

2006-06-02T07:22:00.000-05:00

That is the word the killed the hopes for the runner-up in this year's National Spelling Bee. Which leaves me asking, "If it is the National Spelling Bee, why was the runner up Canadian?" That's right, CNN.com reported that the second place finisher was a Canuck.

Runner-up was Finola Mei Hwa Hackett, a 14-year-old Canadian, a confident speller during two days of competition who stumbled on "weltschmerz," which means sadness over the evils of the world.

Don't get me wrong, I love Canada and its denizens, but why are they allowed in an event to find out who is the best speller in our country? Are they now US citizens? Should they be? Maybe the Mexican illegal immigration problem can be handled the same way. Let's just Annex Mexico. Viva la Imperialista!

Texans have big hearts, except for Dallas

2006-05-31T08:20:00.000-05:00

The Chronicle has an article today describing the Texas hurricane emergency evacuation plan. On the eve of hurricane season we finally are moving towards a unified plan on how to deal with all the possible displaced people if the worst comes. Each coastal city is paired with an inland city to handle evacuees. This sounds like a good and sensible plan except for the fact that Dallas is rolling around on the floor kicking its feet in a tantrum screaming, "You can't make us take those people."

I think everyone expects better from our city managers. Although if the worst happens and people are sent to Dallas against the city's will I'm sure there will be room and care available for them. That being said, I would have hoped that people from such a stalwart section of the Bible Belt acted like the Christians they claim to be.

Memorial Day moment of silence filled with muzak

2006-05-29T18:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, everyone should thank a veteran today. Heck, buy them dinner or give them a warm hand shake and hug. They are true heroes and should be treated as such everyday not just today. This brings me to a little observation at a "unnamed" grocery store this morning. As I'm cruising through the dairy section hoping to find tubes of oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough at the other side, the store PA starts broadcasting a message by someone in the office with good intentions. He asked all the shoppers and employees to stop for a moment of silence. Great idea, but remember to turn off the music that's constantly playing over the PA all day long. Somehow Big Audio Dynomite's "The Globe" doesn't seem like a proper salute to our American heroes.

Well at least is wasn't some American Idol pseudo-star screeching out the next "big" hit.

Privacy Evaporation, thanks W

2006-05-15T12:10:00.000-05:00

President Bush stated last week that the NSA phone call record database was to be used only for stopping terrorism. "We're not mining or trolling through the personal lives of millions of innocent Americans." Well that lasted all of 5 minutes. ABC News is now reporting that a senior federal law enforcement official told one of their reporters they are monitoring ABC phone calls. Now that they’ve gone this far, who should they tap/monitor next? Personally, bloggers with negative opinions of the program should be next. They are bunch of rabble rousing troublemakers after all.

Let's look into a quick chronology on privacy matters and where the Republicans stand.

Pre 9/11: Justice Department, ATF, NSA, CIA, etc. = Jack booted thugs who invade our privacy and infringe on our constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Post 9/11: Justice Department, ATF, NSA, CIA, etc. = You're the good guys, do whatever you want, just don't tell us about it so we don't have to feel nauseous.

Can Tom Delay's resignation bring about a revolution?

2006-05-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

Back in elementary school history we all were taught that we should have some say in the government that levies taxes upon us. Come on, you all no the battle cry, "No taxation without representation!" So what are the good citizens of Tom Delay's district to do if/when he resigns prior to the election? Do they continue to toe the line and pay their "tea taxes"? No way! Real patriots, defenders of the democratic ideal and Texans will refuse this ill treatment. But short of coup d'état what recourse do they have?

I suggest they pay a pro-rated version of their federal income taxes. They will still have a senator so I guess paying at a 50% rate during the congressional vacancy is reasonable and just.

Tom, if you're not gone yet, get to stepping because your absence is going to pay for a lot of shiny new plasma screen TVs next year.

Where has all the quality gone?

2006-05-08T13:01:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of looking for a new home to buy and am having difficulty finding anything I want to plunk my hard earned and borrowed dollars on. Ideally I'd like a 3 car garage to accommodate a wood shop and allow 2 cars to be parked inside. However, I've decided to broaden my horizons and look at any nice home in my price range on the west side of town. The problem is that all the new houses are built at about the same quality level. Even if I throw an extra $100K or $200K in the pot the homes only get bigger not better. I'd like a high-end 2100-2500 sq. ft home, but it appears that they don't exist in Houston. Where have the craftsmen gone? Where is the pride in one's work? Why do people settle for shoddy craftsmanship?

Everyone blames unskilled illegal labor for this problem, but that's not the case. There are just no skilled craftsmen or cabinetmakers working the home building trade in Houston that are affordable for the middle to upper middle class. (Hint: this is why I have my own wood working equipment.)

Am I too old or is it too loud?

2006-05-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

I love movies and seeing them in on the big screen is the best way to experience them. However, I haven't been too excited about Hollywood's offerings over the last 12-18 months so I haven't been to the theater much recently. Last night I went to see a "blockbuster" summer movie at a local multiplex. Normally the previews are loud and obnoxious and last night was no exception. The trouble started when the movie began to roll and the sound/volume was cranked up even further. It was painfully loud to me and I have a family history of hearing loss (i.e. if it bugs me, your ears may be bleeding). During action sequences it was too loud even with covered ears. I looked around, but didn't see anyone else other than my wife and I suffering or showing signs of discomfort.

I wanted to go ask the management to turn down the volume but I would have missed part of the movie. I should have left and asked for my money back, but that would have ruined the evening. Sitting through rock concert level sound was painful and ruined the evening. How should a no-win situation be like this handled? In the end an evening that was supposed to be relaxing and fun left me tense with a feeling of being abused. Is there a satisfactory outcome even possible when things like this happen?

Dear lord, I hope this isn't a sign I'm getting old.

How secure are your files?

2006-05-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

This is an amazing bit of information regarding your computer's password security and has nothing to do with grumbling about Houston. It seems that most passwords can be cracked relatively quickly without NSA intervention. I don't feel so lame for having such a long passkey now.

Houston's wind plan as stated, looks like a loser

2006-05-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

On further investigation the designated site for the project isn't too great. Kenedy County is shown to have a Class 3 wind potential by Texas State Energy Conservation Office. Class 3 is defined as having commercially marginal viability.

This map seems to show that the intercoastal waterway and barrier islands would be the place in Kenedy County to locate the wind farm. Class 3+ might make the grade for me to grudgingly accept the expense. However, should the city be in the electric biz? I don't really think so.

BTW, Texas currently makes 2,009.4 MW of electricity from the wind. I like that and I'd like to see more renewable energy sources come on line ASAP. But why would Houston need to be buying its own wind farm? Shouldn't more energy efficient building codes be implemented first? Those wouldn't cost taxpayers a penny. Also, tax breaks could spur residential solar energy production which would drive electricity prices down a bit and protect against price spikes. The more I think on the topic the more this project seems like a cash handout instead of a comprehensive plan to reduce energy costs.

Houston to enter the the wind farm business, maybe...

2006-05-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

About 10^2 bloggers have beat me to this story, but here's the scoop. The city, i.e. Bill White, is going through the motions to set up a wind farm in order to help control it's energy bills. This is a commendable goal considering the huge jump in natural gas prices over the last year. However, on closer inspection it seems that Mayor White's old pal Michael Zilkha of Horizon Wind Energy may be on the receiving end of a huge windfall (ugh, I know it's a bad pun) from this deal. This sort of partnership/"make your friends rich" gimmick is generally how things get done in government, but I don't like it one bit and would love for someone to review the legalities of the venture. Unfortunately, that won't happen until a huge amount of taxpayer money disappears.

Now let's ask some questions regarding the project.

Should the city look for ways to insulate itself from energy price spikes? Yes, a general top down review of all services, staff and assets should be completed, followed by a realistic, common sense conservation program implemented. For example, one of the energy savings strategies being implemented by my employer is to replace every fluorescent light in it's buildings with newer more energy efficient fluorescent lights. The savings are there otherwise they wouldn't be going to the trouble.

Should the city be looking at renewable energy to solve the problem? Yes, why not. London, England is promoting new construction using solar shingles. Why can't we?

Should the city really be in the energy generating business?Hmm, that's a tough one. I know New York City has a number of large generators but they are more to solve grid and emergency problems rather than save money. If it can be proved and windmills aren't going to be a money pit like MetroRail, I could be persuaded to give them my approval.

For more information on the story check out blogHouston

Can changing your departure time reduce your commute?

2006-04-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't hate, HATE, sitting in traffic? I certainly don't enjoy it and have significantly altered my work hours to avoid the 9-5 grind to and from the office. I haven't calculated the amount of time I save and due to the amount of sloth in me, will never get around to it. Fortunately, Brandon Hansen of Northwest Houston isn't such a lazy good for nothing like me. He has totally geeked out and analyzed how varying his departure time affects the length of his commute. We're talking chart and graphs with some mathematics thrown in to top it off. It's really good work. You may want to read his findings to help plan your commute and get a little bit of your day back.

Here is the Slashdot.org posting that alerted me to his study:

"OmniNerd has an interesting traffic article demonstrating how leaving early for work may cost you time. Brandon Hansen uses a year's worth of data collected on his urban drive to and from work along with statistical analysis to show the effects of varying departure times and considering external factors like nearby school districts' schedules. In the end, a minor shift in his departure time results in saving driving hours equivalent to over a third of the vacation time given annually by his employer."

Civil Servant Fit Club, some follow up

2006-04-23T01:08:00.000-05:00

HPD physical fitness test for hiring.

Starting Point
(Counter Clockwise)
The Physical Agility Test consists of two separate timed events.
The first event is a timed obstacle course that must be completed within 90 seconds or less. The course consists of an 800 foot run (6 total laps). During the first lap, the applicant must pull himself/herself up and look over a 7 and one-half foot wall for 10
seconds, complete a 5’3” running jump, and climb a 3’6” wall.

Immediately upon completion of the obstacle course the applicant must do 6 push-ups and 30 sit-ups within 120 seconds. Should the applicant fail any of the events, the entire test must be retaken. Two additional attempts may be given after a failure; should the third attempt fail, the applicant must wait 30 days before retaking the test.

At the current time, I have not found any information on how often fitness is evaluated after entering the force.

It looks like HFD applicants have a little tougher requirements for qualification.

Starting Point
(Counter Clockwise)
The Physical Agility Test consists of two separate timed events.
The first event is a timed obstacle course that must be completed within 90 seconds or
less. The course consists of an 800 foot run (6 total laps). During the first lap, the
applicant must pull himself/herself up and look over a 7 and one-half foot wall for 10
seconds, complete a 5’3” running jump, and climb a 3’6” wall.
Immediately upon completion of the obstacle course the applicant must do 6 push-ups
and 30 sit-ups within 120 seconds.
Should the applicant fail any of the events, the entire test must be retaken. Two
additional attempts may be given after a failure; should the third attempt fail, the
applicant must wait 30 days before retaking the test.

Civil Servant Fit Club

2006-04-23T00:19:00.000-05:00

Since Houston infamously was named "The Fattest City on Earth" a couple years running not too long ago, a friend brought forward the interesting idea to compare which city had the fattest police, firemen, etc. I thought this was a great thing to ponder after seeing most local parks patrolled by officers in cars or gators. (Gators are souped up golf carts which somehow makes them less embarrassing to be seen driving.) Most teenagers could easily out run these Harry Callahan wannabees if they had to use their own power to get around. It's like a force of Ironsides, but it was a donut or kolache that put'em in the wheelchair.

Well, enough complaining about others when I can't lose the extra 10 clinging to my middle. Now let's focus on Houston, forget the rest of the country. Which group of civil servants is the most fit? I'm interested to see of the Harris County Constables are fitter than HPD or if the Fireman can out muscle the Metro Police. Does anyone out there have a source for this info? I'd really like to see it broken down in to male, female, avg height, and avg weight. Please if you have the info or a lead on where to find it drop me a line and I'll try to compile it.

Mayor White, you may need to revisit your traffic management program

2006-04-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

Holcombe/Bellaire Blvd signals have been unbearable in the evenings this week. It should not take 30 minutes to travel from Bertner to Fannin. I realize maintaining traffic signals is probably a complex affair, but it seems like every time a gnat farts in Wyoming a signal goes out on Bellaire or Holcombe. Tomorrow should be a double mess with the possibility of rain. Even a trace amount kills a light somewhere on that street between 610 and Alameda.

Please Mr. Mayor remember all that anti-congestion know-how and bravado you expressed during your election? How about showing a little of it now? Oh and while you're at it, tell the Texas Medical Center to hire real police for traffic management instead of the security guards they are currently using. HPD officers seem to have a better grasp on the idea that they are there to expedite the movement of vehicles.

Sidewalks and Signals Update

2006-04-20T12:06:00.000-05:00

Maybe I was a bit harsh about the signals yesterday, five minutes is a long time today it took 2 min. 20 sec. and 3 min. 5 sec. the two times I crossed Fannin at University. It felt longer, but three minutes plus is unacceptable. Do you realize the chaos that would be caused if cars had to wait on a light that slow? Mayor "I'll sync the lights" White would need bodyguards.

Now on to sidewalks that stink, I haven't been around the entire Medical Center but there are some areas where the walkways need replaced.

These sidewalks need improvement:
1. Both sides of John Freeman Boulevard
2. Main between Holcombe & Dryden
3. Bertner from Hermann Hospital to St. Luke's Hospital

Let's take a walk

2006-04-19T13:04:00.000-05:00

That's just what I did at lunch today in the Texas Medical Center. I love to walk and appreciate urban areas that cater to pedestrians. The Medical Center has the highest concentration of people afoot in the entire city. It is also the largest employer in town, so there are a lot of shoes a flappin' around here. Given this information you would think that sidewalks and traffic signals in the Medical Center would be optimized for the pedestrian. Think again.

In most areas the sidewalks are adequately wide to handle the flow of people; however, certain sections are very narrow and tend to be below grade. Besides causing a traffic jam when it rains they become mini-reflecting pools unsuitable for use except by ducks. Hopefully the constant construction and influx of more jobs will stimulate a rapid expansion of the sidewalks.

Now let's talk about traffic signals. These things are screwed up beyond belief thanks to MetroRail. If you are crossing Fannin anywhere between Methodist Hospital and Children's Hospital expect to get a tan in the process. It can take up to 2 minutes for the lights to cycle through and give the walk signal. Throw in a passing train and you can be standing on the corner waiting for 5 or more minutes. To add insult to injury, occasionally the police hand out Jaywalking tickets to the tune of up to $200. They had a big push on tickets last summer claiming it was a safety issue and that on average 25% of pedestrians were breaking some ordinance or other. Maybe they should look at the root of the problem instead of trying to curb the symptom. Fix the signals so that people can cross the streets in a reasonable amount of time!

That's just not right!

2006-04-18T22:05:00.000-05:00

This blog is only 24 hours old and it's already on the recieving end of some nasty smack-talk from a fellow blogger. So I don't have all the functions turned on yet, is that so wrong?

Well, he's an ok guy I guess for a native Houstonian and it seems our blogs have a parallel focus. Check his thoughts on the way things should be over at Houston City Watch.

Is this thing on?

2006-04-18T00:31:00.000-05:00

tunk, tunk, tunk.
testing... testing...

...screeaaacchccTTTZZZZaup...

oh, well that's a fitting start to a blog about things I don't like much. Honestly, I like a lot, but no one ever really talks about good things. Generally topics will be news items or things I notice about my town, Houston. I'll be genuinely shocked if anyone reads this and if you do, let me know so that I can develop of huge ego and some megalomaniacal tendencies.