Monthly Archives: July 2007

Don’t mess with Borris

Posted on July 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s a life lesson for you: Don’t try to steal stuff from State Rep. Borris Miles. Houston State Rep. Borris Miles, D-District 146, used a pistol to wound one of two men he told police were trying to steal materials … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | 7 Comments

My pneumonia experience

Posted on July 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

So a little more than two weeks ago, I came down with a fever. It was nasty – I spent an entire weekend alternating between freezing cold and boiling hot, and I had no energy at all. I also had … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in See, I do have a life! | 8 Comments

On the SOB battle

Posted on July 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Interesting article on the ongoing city-versus-SOB battle, which is still pending in the courts after the latest reprieve for the SOBs. I think these paragraphs get at one of the main things that bugs me about this. For a decade, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 1 Comment

Spoiler alert level: High

Posted on July 9, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I know that I will have to be very careful about seeing spoilers online for the last Harry Potter book when it comes out. But I had no idea people had experienced this sort of thing when the previous one … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Books | 1 Comment

The Chron’s Noriega story

Posted on July 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

As expected, here’s the Chron’s meet-Rick-Noriega story. Not a whole lot new for those of us who have been following this closely, but a good intro for those who haven’t. Fresh off his wife’s victory onto the Houston City Council, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | Comments Off on The Chron’s Noriega story

Border sheriffs say “Where’s our money?”

Posted on July 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I’m equal parts amused and confused by this story. Running for re-election, Gov. Rick Perry repeatedly praised border-county sheriffs and their deputies for being “on the front lines” of a violent battle to keep criminals out of Texas. But a … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in National news | 2 Comments

Astro Weeds

Posted on July 8, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Apparently, the site of the former AstroWorld has become an overgrown eyesore that has attracted the city’s attention. This week, the city gave the owners 30 days to clean up the former AstroWorld location or possibly face fines up to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 1 Comment

If it’s so great, why don’t you run for it?

Posted on July 7, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I see that some people are just full of advice for Rick Noriega now that he’s a statewide candidate. Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman Juan Maldonado told the Guardian that the minds of many party leaders in the Rio Grande … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 9 Comments

Kyle Janek’s Future Plans

Posted on July 7, 2007 by admin

From the Examiner News via Carl Whitmarsh. Janek is my state Senator and I heard some buzz that there was a Democrat considering running for this seat if Janek vacated it. This article does not definitively answer the question, “will … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 3 Comments

Send Bush A Birthday Card

Posted on July 6, 2007 by admin

He turns 61 today. I read that he had his party on Wednesday with family and friends in attendance, along with golfers who were in town for the AT&T National. One of them gave him a golf bag with the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in National news | 1 Comment

Real preservation laws coming soon?

Posted on July 6, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

I’m fairly certain this story didn’t make it into the Chron since it’s nowhere to be found on the site, but my own copy was drenched by the time I got to it. I’m sure it will get more coverage … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Comments Off on Real preservation laws coming soon?

Houston Crime: On the Uptick … Still

Posted on July 6, 2007 by admin

One late pinch-hitting assignment for Kuff here as regains his strength. Greg Wythe here, reporting from the greater Sharpstown-Gulfton community. I’ve got a few more pointed thoughts penned over at my own blog, but it strikes me that this bit … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Comments Off on Houston Crime: On the Uptick … Still

Noriega in the Star-Telegram

Posted on July 6, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Now that Rep. Rick Noriega has officially announced his intent to form an exploratory committee to run for Senate, expect to see a lot of stories about who he is and why he’s running. Here’s one from the Star Telegram: … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 3 Comments

Home again

Posted on July 5, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Just wanted to let everybody know that I was discharged from the hospital today, and am back home resting up. I’ll tell the full story later, but for now I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the well-wishes, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in See, I do have a life! | 13 Comments

Oswalt’s in

Posted on July 5, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

Because Smoltz is out. Astros ace righthander Roy Oswalt is heading to the All-Star Game to replace Atlanta Braves righthander John Smoltz, who must skip the game because of right shoulder discomfort. Oswalt will join teammate Carlos Lee at the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | 1 Comment

Increased safety at railroad crossings is a good thing

Posted on July 5, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

Unfortunately, I’m sure this story will be met with another uproar about irresponsible parenting: Weeks after his daughter, niece and two of their friends crashed into a train and died, Doug Moyers is readying himself for a mission: upgrading safety … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on Increased safety at railroad crossings is a good thing

Who Wants To Run Against Nick Lampson?

Posted on July 5, 2007 by admin

Sounds like not so many Republicans want to be a contender this time around. Bob Dunn at Fort Bend Now rates the Rs commitment to running in the Republican primary for 22 this way: Shelley In Pink: 100% Dean Hrbacek: … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | Comments Off on Who Wants To Run Against Nick Lampson?

Have You Seen SICKO?

Posted on July 5, 2007 by admin

I saw it yesterday. Seeing it on the Fourth of July didn’t exactly make me want to wave the flag. I cried during it and I cried afterwards. Our health care system is a mess and I left the movie … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in TV and movies | 5 Comments

Teen’s death brings about attention for hate crime bill

Posted on July 4, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

The tragic David Ritcheson story has been unfolding for a few days now, and as mentioned on PinkDome and Houstonist in the last couple days, Ritcheson’s recent death has brought a federal hate crime bill into the spotlight. From the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | 3 Comments

Rick Noriega On the Fourth Of July: Announces His Intent To Form A Senate Exploratory Committee

Posted on July 4, 2007 by admin

Texas State Representative and Lt. Col. Rick Noriega speaks today about the Fourth of July and his intent to form an exploratory committee for U.S. Senate: On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by delegates to the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | Comments Off on Rick Noriega On the Fourth Of July: Announces His Intent To Form A Senate Exploratory Committee

Happy Fourth!

Posted on July 4, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

Happy Fourth of July on behalf of myself and I’m sure Kuff as well. This week, my feed reader has been full of calls for impeachment and a general lack of patriotism. I know a lot of us have a … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Skepticism | Comments Off on Happy Fourth!

Waving At Sugar Land

Posted on July 4, 2007 by admin

And, Sugar Land waves back at Houston, joining in on the red light camera craze. Red-light cameras, already a fixture in Houston and other Texas cities, will be going up at busy Sugar Land intersections. By a 5-0 vote Tuesday, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 1 Comment

Day labor center will live to see another year

Posted on July 3, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

The controversy over Houston’s day labor center has been squelched, for now. The center will stay open completely on donated funds, not taxpayer money. ”The funding has been raised, and the center will stay open for at least this next … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 3 Comments

Google making me sick-o

Posted on July 3, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

Oh, poor HMO’s, is Michael Moore picking on you? Don’t worry – Google is here to help: The healthcare industry is no stranger to negative press. A drug may be a blockbuster one day and tolled as a public health … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in TV and movies | 2 Comments

Rep. Pete Gallego: Texas Needs Rick Noriega As Our Senator

Posted on July 3, 2007 by admin

Rep. Pete Gallego, who represents Texas House District 74, one of the border districts, released a statement yesterday explaining why he supports Representative and LTC Rick Noriega for U.S. Senate. This is especially meaningful as there was buzz this spring … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | 2 Comments

Houston City Hall Water Crisis Averted

Posted on July 3, 2007 by admin

After much deliberation and two “tags” it looks like enriched water won’t be sold at Houston City Hall after all. For now. Prices for drinks at City Hall are going to go up no matter what, so Council Members and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | 2 Comments

A tale of two cities (and their police departments)

Posted on July 2, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

This billboard is located just off 59 between Fountain View and Chimney Rock. It isn’t the first time Dallas PD has tried recruiting in Houston, but this is the first time I’ve noticed the $10,000 bonus. Embarrassing, to say the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | 5 Comments

The trash man cometh – just maybe not today

Posted on July 2, 2007 by Tiffany Tyler

I’ll also be guest blogging while Kuff is laid up. I usually blog over at Houstonist, and I’m thrilled to be called up (to continue the baseball metaphor) to Off the Kuff. I can’t promise the magic of Hunter Pence, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on The trash man cometh – just maybe not today

Vote for Roy O!

Posted on July 2, 2007 by admin

Roy Oswalt is in the final vote for the MLB All-Star team. Help send Roy O to San Francisco for the big game by voting for him here (click on Vote Oswalt) by 5 p.m. on Thursday. Surely the gazillion … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Comments Off on Vote for Roy O!

Rick Noriega To Announce Senate Exploratory Committee Soon

Posted on July 2, 2007 by admin

(I’ve been wondering why Kuff hadn’t jumped all over this. Now I know it is because of the affliction. Cross posted from musings.) Looks like the Mid-Cities Democrats got the scoop from State Representative and LTC Rick Noriega that he … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2008 | Comments Off on Rick Noriega To Announce Senate Exploratory Committee Soon

EPIDEMIC!

Posted on July 2, 2007 by admin

Kuff is the second person I know with pneumonia. Maybe not an epidemic, but definitely not good. I was all set to be a guest blogger when he goes out of town soon and now I find myself brought up … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Administrivia | Comments Off on EPIDEMIC!

OffTheKuff = OutWithPneumonia

Posted on July 2, 2007 by admin

Well, it looks like the vile enemy pneumonia has sidetracked this blog’s namesake. He’ll be on injured reserve for a few days. Guest bloggers have been given the bat signal, so blogging will resume in however much of an OnTheKuff … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Administrivia | 3 Comments

Philosophical Questions Department

Posted on July 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The following was on the marquee at Jimmy’s Ice House near White Oak and Studewood this week. Which would you rather be? Yes, yes, ignore the spelling error. I’m thinking that since the job of a lightning rod is to … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | 1 Comment

Keel to stay on as parliamentarian

Posted on July 1, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Former State Rep. Terry Keel, who came in as a late-session replacement parliamentarian/rules enforcer for House Speaker Tom Craddick, will return to that post next session. Terry Keel, whose work as stand-in parliamentarian was key to Tom Craddick’s survival as … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Keel to stay on as parliamentarian