Monthly Archives: June 2007

On not seeing the congestion for the cars

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

So we heard about the upcoming increase in toll road fees, and now we find out that for one road at least, it’s really gonna cost you to drive it. Harris County Commissioners Court’s decision Tuesday to fight congestion on … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 2 Comments

Not so clever Hans

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Unlike Steve Murdock, here’s a Bush appointee who shouldn’t get the job he’s being picked for. The 2003 Texas redistricting plan, engineered by Tom DeLay and blessed by the U.S. Justice Department, was a boost for Republicans. The new district … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in National news | Comments Off on Not so clever Hans

Steve Murdock gets a new gig

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

State demographer Steve Murdock is getting a new gig. President Bush has nominated the state demographer of Texas, Steven Murdock, to be director of the Census, the White House said Monday. Murdock would replace current Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in National news | Comments Off on Steve Murdock gets a new gig

Dyslexia and crime

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Grits notes my post about the failure to treat dyslexia in the schools, and observes that I didn’t comment on the connection between dyslexia and crime. That would be because it wasn’t in the article, and I didn’t know any … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | 2 Comments

An interchange? What a concept!

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Back in the 80s when I was a student at Trinity, I remember thinking how quaint (and more than occasionally frustrating) it was that there was no direct interchange between US 281 and Loop 410. I’m pleased and slightly amazed … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 2 Comments

Framed!

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Okay, so yesterday we learned that HPD officers are still ticketing cars that have license plate frames, even though the existing somewhat-unclear law on the subject was changed to exempt most such frames this past session. The law doesn’t take … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 2 Comments

County bonds coming

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Get ready for a bond proposition on the November ballot, courtesy of Commissioner’s Court. Commissioners Court originally thought the bond package would total $500 million to $600 million when it goes before voters in November. But pressing needs have come … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 2 Comments

“Where’s Orlando?” update

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Professors R-Squared remind me that it’s time to check up on our County Treasurer, Orlando Sanchez, and his campaign promise to actually do something with that generally useless office he ran for. I did this last on March 21, at … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 1 Comment

Chet Edwards?

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Right of Texas is reporting that Rep. Chet Edwards of Waco is contemplating a run for Senate. I’ll be honest, this is the first time I’ve heard Edwards’ name in connection with any statewide run – former Rep. Jim Turner … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 3 Comments

Abbott’s opinion sought on Craddick’s power

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Well, this ought to be interesting. Two lawmakers asked the Texas attorney general Monday for an advisory opinion on the legality of House Speaker Tom Craddick’s handling of an attempt to unseat him last month. During the final days of … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Abbott’s opinion sought on Craddick’s power

Money will be raised, primaries will be fought. Film at 11.

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

There’s not really a whole lot of actual news in this Chron story about the beginning of Legislative Fundraising Season for 2008 – Tom Craddick has a lot of money! And a lot on the line! People will be primaried! … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | Comments Off on Money will be raised, primaries will be fought. Film at 11.

Dyslexia

Posted on June 19, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

This is a very good article on the needs of dyslexic students in Houston and how they are not being met by HISD, but I have the nagging feeling that something is missing. Can you tell what it is? Hundreds … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | Comments Off on Dyslexia

Philly’s WiFi experience so far

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

There’s good news and not-so-good news in this story on Philadelphia’s experience with municipal WiFi as provided by EarthLink. Testing by the Houston Chronicle and a private consulting company show that the first phase of Philadelphia’s project works — most … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Technology, science, and math | Comments Off on Philly’s WiFi experience so far

Draft Rick Noriega

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Well, now that we’ve got one Noriega safely elected, it’s time to start thinking about another. I’ve talked about Rick Noriega and his consideration of a run against Sen. John Cornyn next year. The prospect of such a candidacy is … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 6 Comments

Girl Scouts

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

So I confess I didn’t know much about the Girl Scouts, but after being sent this WaPo story by my friend Hope, and being assured that they don’t have the same abhorrent politics as the Boy Scouts, I could see … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Society and cultcha | 11 Comments

Move that brewery

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Nancy Sarnoff reports that big changes may be in the works for the Saint Arnold Brewery. The Saint Arnold brewery has become something of a tourist attraction in Houston. But its outer-loop location has the owner thinking a closer-in spot … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 3 Comments

A few questions for the Cockroach Lady

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Remember the story about the Houston Museum for Natural Sciences offering a twenty-five cent per-bug bounty on live cockroaches for an upcoming exhibit? Been wondering how it turned out? Well, wonder no more, as SciGuy Eric Berger asks entomologist Nancy … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on A few questions for the Cockroach Lady

Ed versus Charles

Posted on June 18, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I’m kind of looking forward to seeing a GOP primary battle for County Judge next year, especially if it’s going to take the tone that’s evident in Kristin Mack’s column from Friday. That would make it about the exact opposite … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 2 Comments

A way forward for the HPD Crime Lab

Posted on June 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Op-ed writer Ellen Marrus has a straightforward solution for the HPD Crime Lab. If officials behind the HPD lab are feeling the heat, they can take comfort in knowing they are not alone. Crime labs throughout the United States are … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on A way forward for the HPD Crime Lab

More discussion of Kotkin and “Opportunity Urbanism”

Posted on June 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Tory Gattis responds to some of the criticism of his Opportunity Urbanism op-ed that was in last Sunday’s Chron, including one of the charges leveled by Lisa Falkenburg. He’ll get another chance to do some responding after seeing David Crossley’s … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on More discussion of Kotkin and “Opportunity Urbanism”

Happy Father’s Day, you old coot

Posted on June 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Olivia was born when I was 38, and Audrey arrived just before I turned 41. That makes me a little young for this crowd, but I can still relate. Paul McCartney had a baby when he was well past 50. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in See, I do have a life! | Comments Off on Happy Father’s Day, you old coot

Victory

Posted on June 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I can’t tell you how good this feels. Melissa Noriega, a Houston educator whose campaign had strong funding and key support, easily defeated retired Air Force officer Roy Morales in Saturday’s runoff for the Houston City Council At-Large Position 3 … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on Victory

The long march for Dome redevelopment financing continues onward

Posted on June 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Another story about another step forward in obtaining financing for the Astrodome redevelopment project. A company that aims to reinvent the Astrodome as an upscale luxury hotel has gotten preliminary approval to obtain financing for the $450 million project, county … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on The long march for Dome redevelopment financing continues onward

From the “Timing Is Everything” Department

Posted on June 17, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

From Thursday’s Chron, in an article on the new red light camera legislation: Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack said cameras might deter some people from running red lights and improve safety. “But you want to have compliance without trying to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Comments Off on From the “Timing Is Everything” Department

Off to Melissa’s election night party

Posted on June 16, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Polls are about to close, so if you haven’t voted by now, it’s too late. Turnout was miserable, with the weather not helping. I’m off to Melissa Noriega’s election night party. I’ll try to post updates as I can. Here’s … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 3 Comments

Today’s the day – Vote!

Posted on June 16, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

This is it. If you haven’t voted yet, you have until 7 PM to correct that oversight. You can find your polling location here. Please vote for Melissa Noriega, and please bring a friend or ten along with you. Thank … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on Today’s the day – Vote!

Here are the vetoes

Posted on June 16, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Governor Perry officially broke out his veto pen yesterday. Gov. Rick Perry made his final rulings Friday on legislation approved by Texas lawmakers, vetoing 49 bills that came out of the five-month session. The Republican governor had until Sunday to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment

Coaches, schmoaches

Posted on June 16, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

First, congrats to the Spurs for winning yet another NBA title, and making it look easy. I don’t care what anyone says, four titles in nine years is a dynasty. Well done, guys. Second, for those of you who thought … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Other sports | 5 Comments

Will the dissing ever end for Pluto?

Posted on June 16, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Jeez, what’s a vowel planet got to do to get a little respect around here? Is this really the end for Pluto? The former ninth planet was demoted yet again Thursday when scientists determined it no longer even reigns as … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Comments Off on Will the dissing ever end for Pluto?

It’s not about Roy

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Thus says Miya: I am a little surprised that the Morales campaign has decided against being interviewed on TV for a pre-election profile. A little refresher, a profile piece is where we spend about 90 seconds of news time to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 1 Comment

Right message, wrong messenger

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I said yesterday that I believe a special master is needed to oversee the review of the many questionable convictions brought about by the problems with the HPD crime lab. I think it would be a good idea for someone … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on Right message, wrong messenger

Mikal Watts talks

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

RG Ratcliffe had a conversation with Senate hopeful Mikal Watts, and it makes for some good and thoughtful reading. I am, obviously, not as impressed as some at Watts’ self-proclaimed “pro-life” stance, though I’ll give him credit for being consistent … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 1 Comment

First Houston, now Conroe

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

As we know, the city of Houston struck a deal with The Woodlands a few months ago to take any future annexations off the table. That deal was later codified into legislation, which has since been signed into law. One … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on First Houston, now Conroe

Still more red light cameras coming

Posted on June 15, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

With Governor Perry expected to sign the bill to authorize red light cameras (SB1119), expect to see them pop up in places outside of Houston soon, if they’re not already there. Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved red-light cameras in The … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 1 Comment