Monthly Archives: June 2007

The final “Sopranos” tonight

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I have no idea what will happen in tonight’s finale of The Sopranos. You can find various predictions here and here, among other places. I’m kind of partial to the idea that Tony will be rescued by the FBI in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in TV and movies | Comments Off on The final “Sopranos” tonight

What’s the deal with baby dealers?

Posted on June 10, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Was it just me, or did anybody else who read this Press story about shady adoption “facilitator” Jennalee Ryan have a flashback to shady would-be uterus broker Whitney Broach? If the name Whitney Broach doesn’t ring a bell, think back … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Society and cultcha | Comments Off on What’s the deal with baby dealers?

Early voting: Quote this!

Posted on June 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

It’s come to my attention that Roy Morales has used a couple of quotes from this blog on his latest mailer. As the mailer was done in the same clownish style as the recent HCRP video, I won’t bother linking … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 4 Comments

An overview of TEAM

Posted on June 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

In my last post about Texas’ screwed-up statewide voter registration database, Texas Election Administration Management (TEAM), I noted that Racy Mind had promised an in-depth look at how it came to be. She has now delivered on that promise – … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Show Business for Ugly People | Comments Off on An overview of TEAM

Tech recycling comes to Houston

Posted on June 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

This is cool. Buoyed by new legislation that sets up a program for the recycling of computer equipment in Texas, Round2 Technologies Inc. has opened a Houston branch office. The Austin-based technology recycler’s new Houston facility at 2121 Brittmore, provides … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 2 Comments

False alarm clampdown contemplated

Posted on June 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I wholeheartedly endorse this concept. Hoping to curb a growing problem with false alarms, city officials are considering an increase in burglar-alarm fees and fines. Houston police say false calls cost the city $9 million a year. That’s $5 million … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on False alarm clampdown contemplated

West 11th park officially out of the woods

Posted on June 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Though I had already concluded it was the case that the West 11th Street Park was out of the woods, it was still nice to see this post from Jeff Balke, which I had missed during my enforced home Internet … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on West 11th park officially out of the woods

Texas Film Commission bill signed

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The State of Texas wants you to make your movie here. Texas, a rejected suitor that has watched 32 film projects consider the state’s charms only to waltz away, taking big economic benefits with them, is putting millions into a … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Texas Film Commission bill signed

The Beatles are coming!

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

To I-10 and Shepherd in the next few months. Beatles statues are now up at Sculpturworx on Summer Street near Sawyer in west Houston and they were created by a man who’s left his mark on other parts of southeast … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 1 Comment

Watts goes all in

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I don’t know how Mikal Watts will do as a candidate, and I don’t really know where he stands on the issues (though this helps a little), but I see he’s serious about running, and that counts for something. San … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 2 Comments

How would you run this marathon?

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I don’t have the attention span to sit through a Star Wars marathon (never mind the free time for such an undertaking), but if I did I’d probably watch them in “chronological” order, which is to say Episodes I through … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in TV and movies | Comments Off on How would you run this marathon?

Temporary arthouse construction pictures

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

If I’d known that stina was going to find all these pictures of the temporary arthouse construction, I might not have bothered to take one myself. Well, okay, I probably would have anyway, since we all know I like taking … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Temporary arthouse construction pictures

Why you should listen to your attorney

Posted on June 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

You know how people who are involved in lawsuits are advised by their attorneys not to say anything about the case while the litigation is pending? This would be the reason why. It was a Perry Mason moment updated for … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters | 1 Comment

Ellen Cohen retires from HAWC

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The following is a press release from the Houston Area Women’s Center: June 7,2007, Houston – Today State Representative Ellen Cohen announced that she will retire from her role as President and CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center effective … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Ellen Cohen retires from HAWC

Tax breaks for historic buildings passed by Council

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Back in March, we heard about a proposal before City Council to grant tax abatements to commercial buildings deemed “historic”. Yesterday, Council passed that ordinance. The council approved a permanent, 100 percent tax abatement for commercial structures whose owners accept … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Tax breaks for historic buildings passed by Council

Early voting: The wrong question

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I first saw this pathetic attack ad by our friends at the Harris County GOP a couple of days ago, but I didn’t bother blogging about it because life is too short to deal with stupid stuff like that. But … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 1 Comment

Early voting: Candidate forum Saturday

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Thanks to Andy Neill for forwarding this to me: The civic group “Volunteers Organized to Exercise Responsibility” (V.O.T.E.R.) will be holding a candidate forum this Saturday June 9th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on Early voting: Candidate forum Saturday

NYT obituary for Steve Gilliard

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

It’s here, though I’ll also point you to Kos since his archives will be freely available for a lot longer than the Times’ will be. Other than a minor subtraction error (2007 – 1966 = 41, not 42), it’s well … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Blog stuff | Comments Off on NYT obituary for Steve Gilliard

Temporary art in the Heights

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

This is very cool. So as I’ve mentioned a few times, one of my best friends is co-owner of a construction company called Numen Development that uses shipping containers as the basis for their structures. Three months ago, they got … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Temporary art in the Heights

Restraining order extended in Farmers Branch

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Still no decision on an injunction, but we’re getting there. A temporary restraining order granted last month will remain in effect until June 19, U.S. District Judge Sam Lindsay ruled. Lindsay will decide by then whether to issue a temporary … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in National news | Comments Off on Restraining order extended in Farmers Branch

When lawns get out of hand

Posted on June 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Stories like this just make me shake my head. Linda A. Ballew spent four nights in the Harris County Jail for ignoring court orders related to a long-running dispute about her overgrown lawn before she finally agreed to cut the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 1 Comment

“Just be yourself”

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Why does this article about Joel Kotkin’s talk to the Greater Houston Partnership give me an after-school special vibe? Just be yourself, Houston. That was the essence of the message delivered to the Greater Houston Partnership on Tuesday by urban … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 3 Comments

Three!

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Today is Olivia’s third birthday. If I had a working Internet connection at home, I’d have some pictures of her opening presents to show you, but alas, that will have to wait till Thursday. She did get a “Go, Diego, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in See, I do have a life! | 3 Comments

HB1919 still needs your help

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

How typical of the Texas Association of Business. Parents of children with autism cheered when Texas lawmakers revived a dead bill they say will give families hope, save some from bankruptcy and reduce long-term costs for taxpayers. But the Texas … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on HB1919 still needs your help

Early voting: The one-trick pony

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

So here’s a story in the Chron about the runoff, and that can mean only one thing: Roy Morales gets to talk about his one issue. Melissa Noriega, who nearly won the race for the At-large 3 seat outright in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 4 Comments

Bradford still part of K-Mart lawsuit

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

It’s been almost two years since we last had an update on the K-Mart Kiddie Roundup story. Former Houston police Chief C.O. Bradford’s request to be severed from a lawsuit related to an infamous crackdown on street racing has been … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in K-Mart Kiddie Roundup | Comments Off on Bradford still part of K-Mart lawsuit

Fixing TEAM

Posted on June 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Color me skeptical about this. The state elections director tried to assure skeptical voting officials Monday that a problem-ridden centralized voter information system would be fixed in time for the 2008 presidential elections. “Although we are having tough growing pains, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Show Business for Ugly People | 1 Comment

No safe harbor for SOBs in Harris County

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Last month, the Chron published an editorial calling on the local adult establishments to “drop their legal actions and find suitable properties for relocation”, which made me wonder why they thought unincorporated Harris County would be any more welcoming. Looks … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 1 Comment

Comcast: We hope we don’t suck

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve been dealing with a dead high-speed Net connection all day today, so this strikes a chord with me. Comcast Corp. is taking steps to improve customer service — long a point of criticism for the cable industry — as … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Technology, science, and math | 3 Comments

Early voting Day Two

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Before we get to the picture, some deep thoughts from our illustrious County Clerk. “With only two candidates, one is bound to get a majority; unless we have an even 50-50 tie, and that’s not very likely,” said Harris County … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | Comments Off on Early voting Day Two

Fox versus Crosby conclusion

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Yesterday, I mentioned that an update to the Fox 26 story on sex offenders in Crosby was supposed to be broadcast last week. I’m not sure if there was a miscommunication about that, or if they just postponed it for … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on Fox versus Crosby conclusion

Houston: The European car commercial backdrop city

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I like this. Houston Film Commission executive director Rick Ferguson said many European companies want to film here because of the the uncluttered skyline and architecture. A German-language BMW commercial was filmed in Houston in April. Auto companies, in particular, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in TV and movies | 1 Comment

Another football league?

Posted on June 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Via King Kaufman, who does an interview with one of the investors, we have this NYT article about a proposed Friday night football league called the United Football League (UFL), which would play in the fall and thus compete with … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Other sports | 9 Comments

An overview of parks funding

Posted on June 4, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

One of the big things the Lege did accomplish this time around was to provide more funding for state parks, both in terms of removing a cap on the amount of revenue from the sporting goods tax that could be … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment