I knew there was an issue when my now six year old laptop opened up and showed a black screen. No back-screen of Vegas that I had loaded, no whirring of the hard drive, just black with a white arrow for the mouse pointer that moved when I touched the track pad, but which had nothing to click on.
This was the last of my "big laptop" computers that I purchased back in the day with heavy word processing and spreadsheet use in mind. Back when I was crunching numbers and words for political writing. It also wasn't cheap, just North of $1,300 when purchased.
It finally did boot up which allowed me to image the hard drive to my back-up drive but as a functional piece of electronics it's all but dead.
Time to move to something new, and something much smaller and much, much more portable.
I'm thinking about this. The HP 15t Touch
First, it's much smaller and much, much lighter than my old system. It's got a 1T hard drive which is important because I plan to download movies onto it for flights, and it's gotten good reviews from all but the Mac-Centric sites out there (for whom I ignore anyway when it comes to PC's) and it's economic to boot. ($349 on sale right now at various outlets)
The downside?
Sounds as if the display is not that great, nor is the touchscreen, two things that are pretty low on my 'must have' list. (although a good display is pretty high up on my "nice to have" list). And, as with any HP, it comes LOADED with bloat-wear out of the box which is going to mean the initial set-up could take a day or more as I strip the thing bare.
All-in-all however I think this might be a short decision making process for me. My computing needs have changed over the years from working in rather large external files to mostly online. I'm not a PC gamer (or any kind of gamer for that matter) so I can't justify spending a LOT of extra money for something that's going to make Link look just a little better and less twitchy. And these days computer tech is moving so rapidly that making a huge investment for something that's going to be obsolete in two years max just seems like so much wasted money.
I'm willing to listen if someone thinks up a better option for around the same amount of cash but, for now, I'm heavily leaning toward the HP. The wife's computer is an HP running Windows 10 and it's working pretty good for her.
Thoughts are welcome.
Showing posts with label Ghost in the machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ghost in the machine. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Friday, March 15, 2013
In case you're not thinking about taking advantage of Houston's weather this weekend....
....I give you a few items to ponder.
1. One of the problems the GOP faces is inept leadership. - Not only was McConnell stupid to make the "Golden Girls" statement, but it invites the "Angry White Men" response that the media will make hey with.
2. A second problem for the GOP is the side-show. - When party loyalists finally figure out that many of their so-called "pundits" are simply in it for personal gain (See: Hannity, Limbaugh, Josh Trevino etc.) then maybe they can free themselves from the Republican noise machine and it's embarrassing episodes.
3. Since the end of January, Paul Burka (the "Dean" of Texas' Lock Step Political Media) has gone from "Perry is done" to "Governor for Life" to "Perry is done" (again). During this same time he's attempted to redefine fiscal conservatism in a manner consistent with his Statist leanings, he's blown the analysis on the 2014 race for US Senate, he's continued to fan the flames on his poorly sourced, and unverified rumor that UT-Austin's Powers is about to be fired, he's joined the progressive herd in heaping praise on State Sen. Eltife, he's reported incorrectly (and inaccurately) on the politics of Medicare expansion and he's been a day late and a dollar short (providing neither insight or meaningful analysis) on a host of issues and yet, for many, he's still the go-to guy for political analysis in Texas.
4. DNA Dog Testing is a real thing.
5. Legitimate, business reporting outfits are running stories on Mila Kunis and where she invests.
6. ChronBlog is launching a "new" blog just for Baby Boomers.
7. The ponytailed man is telling us that the feds are now studying high-speed rail from OKC to Brownsville. - Of course, this has both the train-love and train-hate crowds in an uproar. If you want to lose some faith in the human race go look at the comment by user Peter whose high-sounding use of "facts" are really just non-sequiters and his opinions thrown in for good measure.
Now, if none of the above convinces you to turn off your TV sets and internets this weekend and get out and enjoy the beautiful weather I'm not sure what will.
1. One of the problems the GOP faces is inept leadership. - Not only was McConnell stupid to make the "Golden Girls" statement, but it invites the "Angry White Men" response that the media will make hey with.
2. A second problem for the GOP is the side-show. - When party loyalists finally figure out that many of their so-called "pundits" are simply in it for personal gain (See: Hannity, Limbaugh, Josh Trevino etc.) then maybe they can free themselves from the Republican noise machine and it's embarrassing episodes.
3. Since the end of January, Paul Burka (the "Dean" of Texas' Lock Step Political Media) has gone from "Perry is done" to "Governor for Life" to "Perry is done" (again). During this same time he's attempted to redefine fiscal conservatism in a manner consistent with his Statist leanings, he's blown the analysis on the 2014 race for US Senate, he's continued to fan the flames on his poorly sourced, and unverified rumor that UT-Austin's Powers is about to be fired, he's joined the progressive herd in heaping praise on State Sen. Eltife, he's reported incorrectly (and inaccurately) on the politics of Medicare expansion and he's been a day late and a dollar short (providing neither insight or meaningful analysis) on a host of issues and yet, for many, he's still the go-to guy for political analysis in Texas.
4. DNA Dog Testing is a real thing.
5. Legitimate, business reporting outfits are running stories on Mila Kunis and where she invests.
6. ChronBlog is launching a "new" blog just for Baby Boomers.
7. The ponytailed man is telling us that the feds are now studying high-speed rail from OKC to Brownsville. - Of course, this has both the train-love and train-hate crowds in an uproar. If you want to lose some faith in the human race go look at the comment by user Peter whose high-sounding use of "facts" are really just non-sequiters and his opinions thrown in for good measure.
Now, if none of the above convinces you to turn off your TV sets and internets this weekend and get out and enjoy the beautiful weather I'm not sure what will.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Short Haul Flights (12/04/2012)
No more travel for 2012......
Holiday Air Travel 4% More Expensive than in 2011 - Fuel prices were moderately higher, and given inflation this is not a terrible number.
Hawaiian Airlines to add Taiwan Flights - From a small regional carrier to a large regional carrier. Still want to fly on one of their 717's.
More from the deranged passenger files. - Given the state of things I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.
United improves on-time performance and is paying its employees $100 bonuses - This is a good thing which, of course, means that the chron.commenters are freaking out and praying that United falls into bankruptcy.
Speaking of United, still no word on their 2013 Mileage Plus plan. It's very late in the year and time to start making travel plans for 2013. Not having a roadmap to follow by the beginning of December is difficult. At this point I have to think that there will be minimal, cosmetic changes to the program due to the lateness of any news. Either that or they're really going to sock it to Premiers and just don't want to say anything for fear of customer flight.
I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of reading Trip reports where all you see are shots of airport lounges, hotels rooms, and plane interiors (with catering). It's not quite as tiresome as the please, please, please click my referral links nonsense, but it's a close second.
2013 Travel: Despite not having details about the 2013 MileagePlus program I've already booked some of our flights to start the new year. On the menu is a trip to Singapore a return trip to Las Vegas and a first time trip to Atlantic City via a flight into Philadelphia and then around an hour and a half train ride in. Outside of that I'm torn. We'd like to visit Hong Kong with a possible day trip to Macao. The problem there is that airfares right now are price prohibitive. As an alternate I'm considering Lisbon and possibly Amsterdam with one additional quick side trip to Denver on Dreamliner metal. Right now, given the current price environment, I'm just not sure.
What are your travel plans?
Holiday Air Travel 4% More Expensive than in 2011 - Fuel prices were moderately higher, and given inflation this is not a terrible number.
Hawaiian Airlines to add Taiwan Flights - From a small regional carrier to a large regional carrier. Still want to fly on one of their 717's.
More from the deranged passenger files. - Given the state of things I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often.
United improves on-time performance and is paying its employees $100 bonuses - This is a good thing which, of course, means that the chron.commenters are freaking out and praying that United falls into bankruptcy.
Speaking of United, still no word on their 2013 Mileage Plus plan. It's very late in the year and time to start making travel plans for 2013. Not having a roadmap to follow by the beginning of December is difficult. At this point I have to think that there will be minimal, cosmetic changes to the program due to the lateness of any news. Either that or they're really going to sock it to Premiers and just don't want to say anything for fear of customer flight.
I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of reading Trip reports where all you see are shots of airport lounges, hotels rooms, and plane interiors (with catering). It's not quite as tiresome as the please, please, please click my referral links nonsense, but it's a close second.
2013 Travel: Despite not having details about the 2013 MileagePlus program I've already booked some of our flights to start the new year. On the menu is a trip to Singapore a return trip to Las Vegas and a first time trip to Atlantic City via a flight into Philadelphia and then around an hour and a half train ride in. Outside of that I'm torn. We'd like to visit Hong Kong with a possible day trip to Macao. The problem there is that airfares right now are price prohibitive. As an alternate I'm considering Lisbon and possibly Amsterdam with one additional quick side trip to Denver on Dreamliner metal. Right now, given the current price environment, I'm just not sure.
What are your travel plans?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Short Haul Flights (11/09/12)
Very heavy Boeing news day today.....
Boeing on course to outsell Airbus - Something the could be short-lived based on information below.
777 Re-vamp decision could take more than a year. - The theory is this could push buyers to the Airbus A350-1000
Boeing shift from Military to Commercial markets cheered. - What with Military spending forecasts way, way down.
The switch will have consequences however - They're planning to lay off thousands of workers, mainly in job-starved California.
The 767 is nearing the end of it's useful life as a passenger plane. - Someone please tell US Airways about that. Their fleet is horrid.
Priceline Buys Kayak - Opening up the possibility that either Leonard Nimoy or George Takai gets to take part in an ad campaign.
Your US expedited immigration status is now good in Australia - Great news.
United INCREASES the value of it's top tier elite status - I'm sure 1K elites are very happy about this. Some good news from MileagePlus for a change.
A look at the 787 inaugural pre-flight festivities - Amazingly, there was no heckling of Smisek.
And finally....
American Airlines ventures into post-merger United territory - 58% on-time status. Ouch.
Boeing on course to outsell Airbus - Something the could be short-lived based on information below.
777 Re-vamp decision could take more than a year. - The theory is this could push buyers to the Airbus A350-1000
Boeing shift from Military to Commercial markets cheered. - What with Military spending forecasts way, way down.
The switch will have consequences however - They're planning to lay off thousands of workers, mainly in job-starved California.
The 767 is nearing the end of it's useful life as a passenger plane. - Someone please tell US Airways about that. Their fleet is horrid.
Priceline Buys Kayak - Opening up the possibility that either Leonard Nimoy or George Takai gets to take part in an ad campaign.
Your US expedited immigration status is now good in Australia - Great news.
United INCREASES the value of it's top tier elite status - I'm sure 1K elites are very happy about this. Some good news from MileagePlus for a change.
A look at the 787 inaugural pre-flight festivities - Amazingly, there was no heckling of Smisek.
And finally....
American Airlines ventures into post-merger United territory - 58% on-time status. Ouch.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Short Haul Flights (11/08/2012)
Getting this blog back to it's travel focus....
Romney wins! - Per an e-mail from Spirit airlines pimping their low fares. Of course, this has angered the sub-set of people in America with zero sense of humor. Not a fan of Spirit the airline but this was funny.
United breaks the seal on the Dreamliner - Smisek soon to announce that ALL of the companies problems are now solved. (provided you fly on the Dreamliner, some flights of which they've had to change to older planes because Boeing has had to delay delivery, causing people to cancel, and well....nevermind)
Coming Soon: An even BIGGER Dreamliner - Presumably with even bigger production delays.
United October Revenue down - Company blames Sandy. On-time performance below 70% target as well, airline blames (reason to be determined later)
Boeing looking at revamping 777 - The problem is that, given their production problems of late, airlines might decide to purchase the new Airbus A350-100.
Speaking of Airbus - The company has a cash flow problem right now. As usual, they're blaming the Germans.
This production delay thing seems to be spreading - Bombardier now having trouble with their new "C" series jet.
More flight cancellations to the NorthEast - As the Nor'Easter blows in. Hang in there y'all.
Southwest didn't have a good October either - Doesn't seem like many airlines did. I'm sure they're all hoping the Holiday travel season bails them out.
Delta takes a play from United - Using a city decision with another airline as an excuse to cut some unprofitable routes. We're now calling this "pulling a Smisek"
And finally.....
Have 250,000 Euros to spend? - If so, then you too can get an EU passport. (If you could sell it at cost on the open market after the purchase that would actually be a fairly cheap passport FWIW.)
Romney wins! - Per an e-mail from Spirit airlines pimping their low fares. Of course, this has angered the sub-set of people in America with zero sense of humor. Not a fan of Spirit the airline but this was funny.
United breaks the seal on the Dreamliner - Smisek soon to announce that ALL of the companies problems are now solved. (provided you fly on the Dreamliner, some flights of which they've had to change to older planes because Boeing has had to delay delivery, causing people to cancel, and well....nevermind)
Coming Soon: An even BIGGER Dreamliner - Presumably with even bigger production delays.
United October Revenue down - Company blames Sandy. On-time performance below 70% target as well, airline blames (reason to be determined later)
Boeing looking at revamping 777 - The problem is that, given their production problems of late, airlines might decide to purchase the new Airbus A350-100.
Speaking of Airbus - The company has a cash flow problem right now. As usual, they're blaming the Germans.
This production delay thing seems to be spreading - Bombardier now having trouble with their new "C" series jet.
More flight cancellations to the NorthEast - As the Nor'Easter blows in. Hang in there y'all.
Southwest didn't have a good October either - Doesn't seem like many airlines did. I'm sure they're all hoping the Holiday travel season bails them out.
Delta takes a play from United - Using a city decision with another airline as an excuse to cut some unprofitable routes. We're now calling this "pulling a Smisek"
And finally.....
Have 250,000 Euros to spend? - If so, then you too can get an EU passport. (If you could sell it at cost on the open market after the purchase that would actually be a fairly cheap passport FWIW.)
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Short Haul Flights (09/20/2012)
The back from vacation (but sick) edition.....
The issue over purging the dead from voter rolls is still very much alive ChronBlog's protestations to the contrary.
If you want to see the Colorado model in a real-world setting then take a peek at this glowing profile of US Senate candidate Paul Sadler (D-Tx) and the InterLeft's use of it. This report was so glowing of Sadler that his campaign thanked the Trib reporter for running it on Twitter.
I wonder if certain political groups will take umbrage with this incursion of corporate interests into politics? My early guess is "no".
Maybe Smisek should worry about the performance of his business rather than hosting political galas?
Oh, and United's revenue is falling as well.
Maybe it's just me, but the idea of an out-of-shape Mayor telling a city to "get healthy" screams hypocrisy.
There's a fine line between cheer leading and reporting. Currently, ChronBlog is trampling all over that line in it's rah-rah coverage of Trader Joe's. Speaking of that, where are their chastisements for TJ's not opening up in a "food desert" like they've done to Krogers and other grocers? Why is this company getting a pass?
Mixed economic results for Houston I'm surprised ChronBlog didn't lead with "We're better than Dallas!"
Fiona Apple busted for hash possession in Texas? Nah, you mean she's on drugs?
A French publication publishes anti-Mohammad cartoons More riots against Americans to come soon.
And finally ladies and gentlemen.
I give you the 1%
The issue over purging the dead from voter rolls is still very much alive ChronBlog's protestations to the contrary.
If you want to see the Colorado model in a real-world setting then take a peek at this glowing profile of US Senate candidate Paul Sadler (D-Tx) and the InterLeft's use of it. This report was so glowing of Sadler that his campaign thanked the Trib reporter for running it on Twitter.
I wonder if certain political groups will take umbrage with this incursion of corporate interests into politics? My early guess is "no".
Maybe Smisek should worry about the performance of his business rather than hosting political galas?
Oh, and United's revenue is falling as well.
Maybe it's just me, but the idea of an out-of-shape Mayor telling a city to "get healthy" screams hypocrisy.
There's a fine line between cheer leading and reporting. Currently, ChronBlog is trampling all over that line in it's rah-rah coverage of Trader Joe's. Speaking of that, where are their chastisements for TJ's not opening up in a "food desert" like they've done to Krogers and other grocers? Why is this company getting a pass?
Mixed economic results for Houston I'm surprised ChronBlog didn't lead with "We're better than Dallas!"
Fiona Apple busted for hash possession in Texas? Nah, you mean she's on drugs?
A French publication publishes anti-Mohammad cartoons More riots against Americans to come soon.
And finally ladies and gentlemen.
I give you the 1%
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Short Haul Flights (09/05/2012)
Moving quickly through a host of unimportant things.....
Remember way back when (OK a week ago) when the unions were claiming a "win" in court? - Those who said they really didn't win were right on the money. Either the unions have bad leadership or incompetents translating the legalese.
Please, Please, PLEASE!! click my referral links. - This is the problem:
On another note: A good Texas BBQ round-up from the same author. - Yes, he makes some huge mistakes (always order from the fatty end at City Market in Luling for example) but he gets it about as right as a foreigner can.
How does Texas' Lockstep political media love the Julian and Juan Castro? Let me count the ways:
1. Erin Ramshaw of the Texas Tribune gets doe-eyed. - Not that the Trib is really "news". (they're more news-ish) but this was so sugar-laced I almost had to prick my finger after reading it.
2. It's (temporarily) cured Wayne Slater of his Karl Rove obsession. Twice. - Of course, Wayne being Wayne will cause us to fire up the drinking game soon I'm sure.
3. Ever seen a grown man cry? - Look, Burka is bad and has been bad for a long time. It's rare he writes anything that could be considered viable public opinion any longer. He's mailing it in.
The sad thing is the speech itself, and Julian Castro's presentation of it, was not considered to be all that great. Certainly not as good as speeches by Rubio and (possibly) Ted Cruz. So the only conclusion is that Texas' Lockstep Political media is fawning over the brother's Castro is due to the fact that they are Hispanic, and Democrats and not due to the fact that they have any special talent (They have talent, for sure but, by all accounts it's nothing remarkable). If you don't understand why that's a problem you're part of the problem.
As the scientific method gets thrown further down the hill, we're being saddled with some bastardized science-lite that focuses on emotions and trickery more than the actual scientific method. This should concern the hell out of folks on both sides of the political aisle. Sadly, it really doesn't.
Is this the election where the false journalism mask of neutrality is stripped away? CNN is jumping in with the Dems and Fox News jumped in with the Republicans a long time ago. MSNBC is not even a news source, they're straight (progressive) opinion now so I exempt them from this conversation.
Speaking of Bad Media. I've long been a critic of so-called "fact-check" journalism. It's as useless as the Pulitzer Prize that was awarded to the partisans that run Politifarce. Now that it's on people's radar we're seeing just how ridiculous it really is. Time to move "fact-checkers" to the back rooms, checking the veracity of stories" where they belong.
Possibly the worst media: I described the changes to Chron.com as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Some witty idiot on Twitter took that literally and replied that the Chron is "not sinking to the bottom of the ocean." Judging by this Houston Press story: Yes they are.
And finally:
Republicans are wrong: Democrats didn't "remove" God from their platform. They replaced him with Obama. If you're not the party of Religion then this is probably not a bad thing.
Remember way back when (OK a week ago) when the unions were claiming a "win" in court? - Those who said they really didn't win were right on the money. Either the unions have bad leadership or incompetents translating the legalese.
Please, Please, PLEASE!! click my referral links. - This is the problem:
Overall, though, I prefer the Chase Ink Bold small business charge card and Chase Ink Plus business credit card which do offer referral credit to me.Of course he does, because he gets money for them. There's no way to tell if this is an honest evaluation of the program. These types of posts do a disservice to the reader.
On another note: A good Texas BBQ round-up from the same author. - Yes, he makes some huge mistakes (always order from the fatty end at City Market in Luling for example) but he gets it about as right as a foreigner can.
How does Texas' Lockstep political media love the Julian and Juan Castro? Let me count the ways:
1. Erin Ramshaw of the Texas Tribune gets doe-eyed. - Not that the Trib is really "news". (they're more news-ish) but this was so sugar-laced I almost had to prick my finger after reading it.
2. It's (temporarily) cured Wayne Slater of his Karl Rove obsession. Twice. - Of course, Wayne being Wayne will cause us to fire up the drinking game soon I'm sure.
3. Ever seen a grown man cry? - Look, Burka is bad and has been bad for a long time. It's rare he writes anything that could be considered viable public opinion any longer. He's mailing it in.
The sad thing is the speech itself, and Julian Castro's presentation of it, was not considered to be all that great. Certainly not as good as speeches by Rubio and (possibly) Ted Cruz. So the only conclusion is that Texas' Lockstep Political media is fawning over the brother's Castro is due to the fact that they are Hispanic, and Democrats and not due to the fact that they have any special talent (They have talent, for sure but, by all accounts it's nothing remarkable). If you don't understand why that's a problem you're part of the problem.
As the scientific method gets thrown further down the hill, we're being saddled with some bastardized science-lite that focuses on emotions and trickery more than the actual scientific method. This should concern the hell out of folks on both sides of the political aisle. Sadly, it really doesn't.
Is this the election where the false journalism mask of neutrality is stripped away? CNN is jumping in with the Dems and Fox News jumped in with the Republicans a long time ago. MSNBC is not even a news source, they're straight (progressive) opinion now so I exempt them from this conversation.
Speaking of Bad Media. I've long been a critic of so-called "fact-check" journalism. It's as useless as the Pulitzer Prize that was awarded to the partisans that run Politifarce. Now that it's on people's radar we're seeing just how ridiculous it really is. Time to move "fact-checkers" to the back rooms, checking the veracity of stories" where they belong.
Possibly the worst media: I described the changes to Chron.com as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Some witty idiot on Twitter took that literally and replied that the Chron is "not sinking to the bottom of the ocean." Judging by this Houston Press story: Yes they are.
And finally:
Republicans are wrong: Democrats didn't "remove" God from their platform. They replaced him with Obama. If you're not the party of Religion then this is probably not a bad thing.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Short Haul Flights (08/28/2012)
Still trying to catch up from last weekends travel......
Remember my post about how credit card referrals were damaging travel blogs? I offer the following into evidence:
View From the Wing 1
View From the Wing 2
One Mile at a Time 1
One Mile at a Time 2
In both cases the bloggers in question devoted more than 1/2 their daily blogging output to credit card referral deals. They're both averaging 2 credit cards posts for 1 travel post. The natives are starting to get restless.
Besides being a thinly veiled outlet for advocacy journalism, one of the complaints against the Texas Tribune is that they are too Austin focused. I'm not sure about that since they are a political reporting operation, but they sure do love them some Texas Longhorns.
Romney's big mistake was not making a birther joke, it was assuming that anyone on the left has a sense of humor.
Yes, Please, Please, Please draft Cecile Richards - Because what the Texas Democrats really need to do to show the State they are in line with their values is to nominate someone slightly to the left of Ralph Nader. Either the Texas Dems are happy with their plucky underdog status or they really don't get it. (I'm betting on the latter)
Speaking of the fringe left, David Crossley has finally wandered so far off the reservation that even Kuffer can't follow him. What you have lining up against the Metro referendum are all of the right enemies to have. Given that a "yes" vote is a good idea. Maybe this little snit-fit will cause Mayor Parker to reconsider some of her Metro board choices and make some serious replacements but I'm not holding my breath.
Apparently, the only things you need to know about Michael Williams is that he's pro voucher and previously was an elected chairman of the Texas Railroad commission. The fact that both of his parents were educators, and that he has a resume full of education experience that makes him qualified for the job, is only something one in Texas' lockstep political media would choose to report on were he of a more mainstream (read: liberal) frame of mind toward education issues.
So, the RNC protesters don't like Texas. This makes sense when you consider the Occupy and Code Pink movements don't like to have anything to do with anything that's remotely successful, including their own groups. Which is why they're dressing up as vaginas and had such a crime problem in their public park sit-ins.
And finally.....
So, you're a member of the media and you're not invited to a RNC delegate party. What to do? If you're one reporting member of Texas' lockstep political media the answer to that question is to make up a laundry list of things you imagine they might do and then suggest that surely they wouldn't, and then use that as the basis for your story. Yes, this is how far Texas political reporting has devolved over the last several years.
Remember my post about how credit card referrals were damaging travel blogs? I offer the following into evidence:
View From the Wing 1
View From the Wing 2
One Mile at a Time 1
One Mile at a Time 2
In both cases the bloggers in question devoted more than 1/2 their daily blogging output to credit card referral deals. They're both averaging 2 credit cards posts for 1 travel post. The natives are starting to get restless.
Besides being a thinly veiled outlet for advocacy journalism, one of the complaints against the Texas Tribune is that they are too Austin focused. I'm not sure about that since they are a political reporting operation, but they sure do love them some Texas Longhorns.
Romney's big mistake was not making a birther joke, it was assuming that anyone on the left has a sense of humor.
Yes, Please, Please, Please draft Cecile Richards - Because what the Texas Democrats really need to do to show the State they are in line with their values is to nominate someone slightly to the left of Ralph Nader. Either the Texas Dems are happy with their plucky underdog status or they really don't get it. (I'm betting on the latter)
Speaking of the fringe left, David Crossley has finally wandered so far off the reservation that even Kuffer can't follow him. What you have lining up against the Metro referendum are all of the right enemies to have. Given that a "yes" vote is a good idea. Maybe this little snit-fit will cause Mayor Parker to reconsider some of her Metro board choices and make some serious replacements but I'm not holding my breath.
Apparently, the only things you need to know about Michael Williams is that he's pro voucher and previously was an elected chairman of the Texas Railroad commission. The fact that both of his parents were educators, and that he has a resume full of education experience that makes him qualified for the job, is only something one in Texas' lockstep political media would choose to report on were he of a more mainstream (read: liberal) frame of mind toward education issues.
So, the RNC protesters don't like Texas. This makes sense when you consider the Occupy and Code Pink movements don't like to have anything to do with anything that's remotely successful, including their own groups. Which is why they're dressing up as vaginas and had such a crime problem in their public park sit-ins.
And finally.....
So, you're a member of the media and you're not invited to a RNC delegate party. What to do? If you're one reporting member of Texas' lockstep political media the answer to that question is to make up a laundry list of things you imagine they might do and then suggest that surely they wouldn't, and then use that as the basis for your story. Yes, this is how far Texas political reporting has devolved over the last several years.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Short Haul Flights (08/27/2012)
Includes a lot of things I missed while in Alaska.....
USADA has been after Lance for years. - They finally got their man, never mind that they ignored due process and the rule of law to do so.
The Agenda 21 nut-jobs now have a National face. - Maybe they can recruit Craig James?
Taxpayer funds to downtown developers to build homes for the well-off. - The Houston Way.
Randy Travis is either melting down or he has a new album coming out soon. - I haven't heard anything on the latter so I'm assuming the former.
You see, weather is a system. - Not just a series of single events. The problem with the AGW nuts is that they don't understand this.
The voice of Sesame Street's Count passed away.
Neil Armstrong passed away.
One man helped teach a generation to count, the other inspired Millions of people to dream. RIP to them both.
The debate over airlines and dress codes. - Airlines should be able to enforce them, but they should also be required to clearly spell out what is acceptable and what is not. It should not be arbitrary.
Samsung cribbed ideas from Apple. - OK then. (Still not buying an Apple device)
Houston Democrats gone wild. - In what could be the funniest story of the local election news cycle.
So much for Berger being "non-alarmist" - This guy is worse than the real meteorologists on TV.
Free Texas Prostitutes! - I can't see that being an election-year battle cry, but you never know.
Perry Derangement Syndrome continues. - Let me help the political writers at the Chron here for a second. Perry lost to Romney, it makes sense that the actual candidate for office get the majority of the attention, not the people who lost to him. Hope that helps.
The case against Chip and Pin technology in credit cards. - It's a case I agree with, especially on the consumer protection front.
Why, even lowest tier, elite status still matters. - I wrote a post similar to this a few weeks ago, although I don't think the reasons to remain loyal are as many as this writer. (There are a few advantages however) I also think the cards will continue to gain ground on elite status because it's so profitable to the airlines.
When the Houston Press criticizes anyone on thier falling journalism standards. - Hilarity ensues.
Sadler to Cruz: Go back to Canada. - Leave it to the Newsish Texas Tribune to "break" a non-story from an unserious candidate. Or, why it always helps to know your friendly news outlets.
Ron Paul Supporters are angry. - In related news, hurricanes have strong winds. If this is the biggest scandal you can find.....
And finally.....
The Chron's former teen columnist decides to whine. - A LOT. In a real newspaper she'd be a staff reporter, at the wreck that is the Chron she's given a byline. This concludes this week's "our newspaper sucks" rant.
USADA has been after Lance for years. - They finally got their man, never mind that they ignored due process and the rule of law to do so.
The Agenda 21 nut-jobs now have a National face. - Maybe they can recruit Craig James?
Taxpayer funds to downtown developers to build homes for the well-off. - The Houston Way.
Randy Travis is either melting down or he has a new album coming out soon. - I haven't heard anything on the latter so I'm assuming the former.
You see, weather is a system. - Not just a series of single events. The problem with the AGW nuts is that they don't understand this.
The voice of Sesame Street's Count passed away.
Neil Armstrong passed away.
One man helped teach a generation to count, the other inspired Millions of people to dream. RIP to them both.
The debate over airlines and dress codes. - Airlines should be able to enforce them, but they should also be required to clearly spell out what is acceptable and what is not. It should not be arbitrary.
Samsung cribbed ideas from Apple. - OK then. (Still not buying an Apple device)
Houston Democrats gone wild. - In what could be the funniest story of the local election news cycle.
So much for Berger being "non-alarmist" - This guy is worse than the real meteorologists on TV.
Free Texas Prostitutes! - I can't see that being an election-year battle cry, but you never know.
Perry Derangement Syndrome continues. - Let me help the political writers at the Chron here for a second. Perry lost to Romney, it makes sense that the actual candidate for office get the majority of the attention, not the people who lost to him. Hope that helps.
The case against Chip and Pin technology in credit cards. - It's a case I agree with, especially on the consumer protection front.
Why, even lowest tier, elite status still matters. - I wrote a post similar to this a few weeks ago, although I don't think the reasons to remain loyal are as many as this writer. (There are a few advantages however) I also think the cards will continue to gain ground on elite status because it's so profitable to the airlines.
When the Houston Press criticizes anyone on thier falling journalism standards. - Hilarity ensues.
Sadler to Cruz: Go back to Canada. - Leave it to the Newsish Texas Tribune to "break" a non-story from an unserious candidate. Or, why it always helps to know your friendly news outlets.
Ron Paul Supporters are angry. - In related news, hurricanes have strong winds. If this is the biggest scandal you can find.....
And finally.....
The Chron's former teen columnist decides to whine. - A LOT. In a real newspaper she'd be a staff reporter, at the wreck that is the Chron she's given a byline. This concludes this week's "our newspaper sucks" rant.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Short Haul Flights (08/16/12)
The "B fare class" edition....
City Proposal aims to bring more rooftops downtown. Shaina Zucker, HBJ - You would think, if the market was there, developers would be all over trying to build residences in the high-property value downtown area. Houston's new urbanist crowd has never let a little thing like logic stand in the way of building Houtopia.
November ballots will be rife with Houston bond issues. Shaina Zucker, HBJ. - That's $2.7 Billion dollars worth of bonds. Yes, that's Billion with a B. And contrary to Mayor Parker's 'no tax increase' statement the truth is that the bond issue authorizes one. Your mileage may vary as to whether that's reason enough to vote against the bond, but it is interesting that the Mayor feels the need to conceal the truth in such a manner.
American Airlines loses bid to toss pilot's contract. Sheryl Jean, DMN.com - It sounds like a loss, but a closer reading of the judges decision reveals it to really be somewhat of a win. If I'm with the pilot's union I'm seriously trying to get back to the bargaining table before AA submits a new filing (and wins).
Spindletop Dog Refuge for Pit Bulls: What went so horribly wrong? Craig Malisow, Houston Press - Horrible story. Just a horrible, horrible story. As someone who does some pit-bull rescue work I just don't know what to say about this right now. I do encourage everyone to read the story however, if nothing else to see that it's not the breed. The dogs can be salvaged, it's the people I'm not so sure about.
Axelrod: "Chains" comment not racial. McKenzie Weigner, Politico - Oh boy. Just Oh boy. This is the end-game of the ridiculousness that's surrounded the racism debate over the last six or so years.
Armed stripper accused of attempting to rob man. ABCLocal:KTRK - OK this recession has gone on long enough.
Houston Immigrants apply for deferred action program. James Pinkerton, Chron.com - They'd be silly not to.
Private firm planning bullet train between Houton and Dallas. AP via KHOU.com - They're saying that they won't be spending public money so good luck to them.
And finally:
U.S. Makes History, and a Houston Texan and Dynamo were key. Jose de Jesus Ortiz. Chron.com - Historic win by the US, friendly or no. It's just a friendly but maybe the U-23's missing the Olympics was the wake-up call that the US team needed?
City Proposal aims to bring more rooftops downtown. Shaina Zucker, HBJ - You would think, if the market was there, developers would be all over trying to build residences in the high-property value downtown area. Houston's new urbanist crowd has never let a little thing like logic stand in the way of building Houtopia.
November ballots will be rife with Houston bond issues. Shaina Zucker, HBJ. - That's $2.7 Billion dollars worth of bonds. Yes, that's Billion with a B. And contrary to Mayor Parker's 'no tax increase' statement the truth is that the bond issue authorizes one. Your mileage may vary as to whether that's reason enough to vote against the bond, but it is interesting that the Mayor feels the need to conceal the truth in such a manner.
American Airlines loses bid to toss pilot's contract. Sheryl Jean, DMN.com - It sounds like a loss, but a closer reading of the judges decision reveals it to really be somewhat of a win. If I'm with the pilot's union I'm seriously trying to get back to the bargaining table before AA submits a new filing (and wins).
Spindletop Dog Refuge for Pit Bulls: What went so horribly wrong? Craig Malisow, Houston Press - Horrible story. Just a horrible, horrible story. As someone who does some pit-bull rescue work I just don't know what to say about this right now. I do encourage everyone to read the story however, if nothing else to see that it's not the breed. The dogs can be salvaged, it's the people I'm not so sure about.
Axelrod: "Chains" comment not racial. McKenzie Weigner, Politico - Oh boy. Just Oh boy. This is the end-game of the ridiculousness that's surrounded the racism debate over the last six or so years.
Armed stripper accused of attempting to rob man. ABCLocal:KTRK - OK this recession has gone on long enough.
Houston Immigrants apply for deferred action program. James Pinkerton, Chron.com - They'd be silly not to.
Private firm planning bullet train between Houton and Dallas. AP via KHOU.com - They're saying that they won't be spending public money so good luck to them.
And finally:
U.S. Makes History, and a Houston Texan and Dynamo were key. Jose de Jesus Ortiz. Chron.com - Historic win by the US, friendly or no. It's just a friendly but maybe the U-23's missing the Olympics was the wake-up call that the US team needed?
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Short Haul Flights (08/08/2012)
Whether or not these are interesting is up to you.....
Chesapeake shuns gas, shrinks rig count. Zain Shauk, Chron.com - The issue is price and profitability. On the latter, there is none.
Texas fracking disclosure law leaves questions. Dan X. McGraw, Chron.com - It wasn't too long ago that this same publication was holding up Texas laws as a "model". Amazing how quick the ecomental lobby can change their minds.
Report: American/U.S. Airways merger raises anti-trust, consumer concerns. Sheryl Jean, DMN - The same is "reported" on almost every merger. It rarely means much. Probably the biggest argument against this is that American doesn't seem to want to.
American Express Gold Card 75,000 point bonus. Gary Leff, View from the Wing - There's been a LOT of talk on travel message boards about posts like this (for an extreme example, search 30,000 Starwood points and see how many hits you get) and questions of rather or not they "ruin" travel blogging. To my mind these posts aren't the biggest problem with travel blogging today, which I've outlined here and here.
Belafonte: Mitt's not my cup of tea. Caitlen McDevit, Politico - A lefty, has been celebrity doesn't like Mitt Romney, in related news it's hot in Houston during August. (The media has NOT distinguished themselves in election coverage this year, on either candidate.)
Dome vote is far away. Chris Moran, Chron.com - Not as far away as anything resembling leadership on this issue. That's strike two for Emmett FWIW.
Texas executes man despite concerns over IQ. Allan Turner, Chron.com From the story:
Bicyclist killed in NE Houston traffic accident. Carol Christian, Chron.com - Remember stories like these the next time you hear the idiots at Houston Tomorrow longing for more people commuting to work on their bikes. Bike paths? Yes. Bikes w/cars during rush hour? Obviously not.
And finally....
Train Spotter. The Apple Dumpling Gang, Chron.com - You have to give the gang this, no matter how wrong-headed they are, no matter how large the price-overruns become, no matter how impractical or useless the toy train is turning out to be, they're willing to be wrong until the bitter end. Much to be admired.
Chesapeake shuns gas, shrinks rig count. Zain Shauk, Chron.com - The issue is price and profitability. On the latter, there is none.
Texas fracking disclosure law leaves questions. Dan X. McGraw, Chron.com - It wasn't too long ago that this same publication was holding up Texas laws as a "model". Amazing how quick the ecomental lobby can change their minds.
Report: American/U.S. Airways merger raises anti-trust, consumer concerns. Sheryl Jean, DMN - The same is "reported" on almost every merger. It rarely means much. Probably the biggest argument against this is that American doesn't seem to want to.
American Express Gold Card 75,000 point bonus. Gary Leff, View from the Wing - There's been a LOT of talk on travel message boards about posts like this (for an extreme example, search 30,000 Starwood points and see how many hits you get) and questions of rather or not they "ruin" travel blogging. To my mind these posts aren't the biggest problem with travel blogging today, which I've outlined here and here.
Belafonte: Mitt's not my cup of tea. Caitlen McDevit, Politico - A lefty, has been celebrity doesn't like Mitt Romney, in related news it's hot in Houston during August. (The media has NOT distinguished themselves in election coverage this year, on either candidate.)
Dome vote is far away. Chris Moran, Chron.com - Not as far away as anything resembling leadership on this issue. That's strike two for Emmett FWIW.
Texas executes man despite concerns over IQ. Allan Turner, Chron.com From the story:
Marvin Wilson, the two-time armed robber who fatally beat and shot a Beaumont police informerI, for one, am glad that stupidity cannot be used as a defense for a heinous crime in Texas.
Bicyclist killed in NE Houston traffic accident. Carol Christian, Chron.com - Remember stories like these the next time you hear the idiots at Houston Tomorrow longing for more people commuting to work on their bikes. Bike paths? Yes. Bikes w/cars during rush hour? Obviously not.
And finally....
Train Spotter. The Apple Dumpling Gang, Chron.com - You have to give the gang this, no matter how wrong-headed they are, no matter how large the price-overruns become, no matter how impractical or useless the toy train is turning out to be, they're willing to be wrong until the bitter end. Much to be admired.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Short Haul Flights (06/08/12)
We'll notify you about schedule changes.......
Hey Ron, and endorsement would be nice. - The lack of such would prove once and for all the guy is not a Republican.
How did he possibly think he was going to get away with this? - Especially in today's quick information environment?
I agree, the Port needs new leadership. - I admit, however, to a healthy level of unease that the Parker administration is involved.
Burka the clown just keeps getting it wrong. - Perry's been on the wrong side before (TTC) and he survived OK. He'll survive this Dewhurst thing as well. To Burka, it's become a fact that what he wants to happen is what political reality should be. That's staying too long.
You have to hand it to Texas Dems. - They're going to ride that "demographic inevitability" thing until it drops. And drop it will, as the Lib/Dems slowly come to the realization that Hispanics don't vote as a bloc (like other groups Dems rely on)
The victory of Michael Quinn Sullivan. - That Straus is target #1 speaks volumes about his influence in the Texas Republican Party. That the media hates him is just one check mark in his pro column.
I give you the shortest speech ever. - Boyd Richie's "accomplishment" speech.
Why State Conventions? Because they fire up the base. No other reason is needed.
This could be the truest thing Jennifer Rubin has ever written. - Obama has been a disaster, but great for Republicans. This adds to my theory that, in America, the parties don't ascend to power because they've done something right, it's because the other party has messed things up so badly the people are tired of them.
True to form, the progressives vow to fight on. - A key marker of the progressive movement is that they are always fighting, or planning to fight, against their fellow countrymen.
Maybe Krauthammer is right and the Wisconsin recall results mean a gradual decline of public sector unions but I doubt it. In politics, bad ideas never really go away. They're just repackaged and worsened over time.
Funny how things change. - From inevitable to fish out of water almost overnight. It's still a long way to November.
Why, if it didn't matter in 2008, does race suddenly matter in 2012? Searching for excuses. Keep your white guilt to yourself Lupica.
and finally.....
Obama shows again how out of depth he really is. - There IS no 'quick fix' for Europe. Nor is there a quick fix for America. A candidate might say there is, a leader understands there's not. Zero is the former.
Hey Ron, and endorsement would be nice. - The lack of such would prove once and for all the guy is not a Republican.
How did he possibly think he was going to get away with this? - Especially in today's quick information environment?
I agree, the Port needs new leadership. - I admit, however, to a healthy level of unease that the Parker administration is involved.
Burka the clown just keeps getting it wrong. - Perry's been on the wrong side before (TTC) and he survived OK. He'll survive this Dewhurst thing as well. To Burka, it's become a fact that what he wants to happen is what political reality should be. That's staying too long.
You have to hand it to Texas Dems. - They're going to ride that "demographic inevitability" thing until it drops. And drop it will, as the Lib/Dems slowly come to the realization that Hispanics don't vote as a bloc (like other groups Dems rely on)
The victory of Michael Quinn Sullivan. - That Straus is target #1 speaks volumes about his influence in the Texas Republican Party. That the media hates him is just one check mark in his pro column.
I give you the shortest speech ever. - Boyd Richie's "accomplishment" speech.
Why State Conventions? Because they fire up the base. No other reason is needed.
This could be the truest thing Jennifer Rubin has ever written. - Obama has been a disaster, but great for Republicans. This adds to my theory that, in America, the parties don't ascend to power because they've done something right, it's because the other party has messed things up so badly the people are tired of them.
True to form, the progressives vow to fight on. - A key marker of the progressive movement is that they are always fighting, or planning to fight, against their fellow countrymen.
Maybe Krauthammer is right and the Wisconsin recall results mean a gradual decline of public sector unions but I doubt it. In politics, bad ideas never really go away. They're just repackaged and worsened over time.
Funny how things change. - From inevitable to fish out of water almost overnight. It's still a long way to November.
Why, if it didn't matter in 2008, does race suddenly matter in 2012? Searching for excuses. Keep your white guilt to yourself Lupica.
and finally.....
Obama shows again how out of depth he really is. - There IS no 'quick fix' for Europe. Nor is there a quick fix for America. A candidate might say there is, a leader understands there's not. Zero is the former.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Short Haul Flights (06/07/12)
No carry-on fees for this blog......
I get asked from time to time why, considering my liberal social views, do I identify Republican. The answer lies in economic policy, the answer can be found here. "Perry, Dewhurst, and Straus can claim credit for whatever they want, but I’m pretty sure they didn’t have anything to do with putting oil and gas in the ground" Kuffer is correct, they didn't put the oil and gas in the ground, but their economic ideology makes it profitable for companies to extract it and turn it into a marketable commodity. The Democrats would like to put a stop to that.
Speaking of Democrats, If all of the cabinet members are out politicking, who's minding the store? President Zero (coined by a wordsmith more canny than I) just keeps on keeping on.
For weeks, leading up to the recall election, we were told that it was very important, by each side, that the 'right side wins'. Now that one side has lost, despite throwing everything including the kitchen sink at the election, we're suddenly told that it didn't really matter in the first place. And so it goes.
Speaking of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is taking a (deserved) victory lap, the exit polls (from which Democrats are trying to claim some odd victory, were horribly mis-sampled, and the real big story might be out in California. I'd link to the Piers Morgan v. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz disaster but you've probably already seen that. Just a bad week for Dems.
Changing gears, I always worry when politicians, Democrat or Republican, try to tell the media how to do their job.
You knew this was coming right? Spending offsets are only good for TV sound-bytes. In reality they very seldom materialize.
The Democratic version of Jack Abramoff Of course, the MSM is not breaking out in hives over this one.
A tale of two State parties:
The Republicans are starting up their convention with run-off juice and high hopes. As well they should, in part because....
The Democrats are kicking off their convention with a "meh". Can't blame them, even when they have a decent candidate (Fertita, Sadler) they can't avoid a run-off against the political equivalent of paper-mache.
In a word: Weird
And finally.......
Houston's Top 100 restaurants As listed by Houston's only professional restaurant critic: Alison Cook. A must read if you dine out in Houston.
I get asked from time to time why, considering my liberal social views, do I identify Republican. The answer lies in economic policy, the answer can be found here. "Perry, Dewhurst, and Straus can claim credit for whatever they want, but I’m pretty sure they didn’t have anything to do with putting oil and gas in the ground" Kuffer is correct, they didn't put the oil and gas in the ground, but their economic ideology makes it profitable for companies to extract it and turn it into a marketable commodity. The Democrats would like to put a stop to that.
Speaking of Democrats, If all of the cabinet members are out politicking, who's minding the store? President Zero (coined by a wordsmith more canny than I) just keeps on keeping on.
For weeks, leading up to the recall election, we were told that it was very important, by each side, that the 'right side wins'. Now that one side has lost, despite throwing everything including the kitchen sink at the election, we're suddenly told that it didn't really matter in the first place. And so it goes.
Speaking of Wisconsin, Scott Walker is taking a (deserved) victory lap, the exit polls (from which Democrats are trying to claim some odd victory, were horribly mis-sampled, and the real big story might be out in California. I'd link to the Piers Morgan v. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz disaster but you've probably already seen that. Just a bad week for Dems.
Changing gears, I always worry when politicians, Democrat or Republican, try to tell the media how to do their job.
You knew this was coming right? Spending offsets are only good for TV sound-bytes. In reality they very seldom materialize.
The Democratic version of Jack Abramoff Of course, the MSM is not breaking out in hives over this one.
A tale of two State parties:
The Republicans are starting up their convention with run-off juice and high hopes. As well they should, in part because....
The Democrats are kicking off their convention with a "meh". Can't blame them, even when they have a decent candidate (Fertita, Sadler) they can't avoid a run-off against the political equivalent of paper-mache.
In a word: Weird
And finally.......
Houston's Top 100 restaurants As listed by Houston's only professional restaurant critic: Alison Cook. A must read if you dine out in Houston.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Short Haul Flights (05/24/12)
Taking a broader view today....
The DMN stumps for Dewhurst, but the poll numbers aren't backing up their theory.
Burka the Clown gets the story wrong, then posts telling you that his insiders have assured him he had it wrong, which means (in his world) that he was right all along. - This is the "best political reporter in Texas"?
Headline of the day (Part 1) - Only in Texas.
Headline of the day (Part 2) - And the Dallas/Houston spat continues.
How can this be so? - After all, we're constantly reminded that Education priorities of Texas Republicans are RUINING the State. Yet more students are taking math and science?
Texas Republicans "miffed" that Romney is ignoring them. - How many of them supported him again?
Redistricting and the 2012 election. - Good read.
I'm still no fan of Internet polling. (And have doubts about the accuracy of the Trib's newsish polling above all)- But you have to agree that the phrase "Republicans have the most faith in the judicial branch" sounds odd.
Today's reminder that not everyone in the public eye with a bullhorn is worthy of listening to. - They have a right to say it, we have a right to ignore it.
What if the Republicans gain power and blow it (again)? - Does the party get another chance if Romney becomes Bush spending spree II?
Facing death, the species transportus ridiculous goes into self preservation mode. - On a local level see: David Crossley.
The definition of insanity. - Because all of the past fuel mileage boosts have done the economy so much good right? (hint: wrong)
The White House tech people want you to interact with government like you do Facebook. - One presumes without all personal privacy information gathering?
Wait.....Dan Rather? - Who, amazingly, doesn't like the current campaign because the Republicans have been speaking too much.
The demise of the "Tea Party" congressional Freshman has been much exaggerated. - The media wanted them to suffer, they're not.
Civility. - Oh, and Obama ate a dog.....
And finally....
It will go to the voters to determine the fate of the Astrodome. - I will say "tear it down" but I've got a feeling Harris County is going to get itself obligated to spend money it doesn't have because County leaders won't make a leadership decision.
The DMN stumps for Dewhurst, but the poll numbers aren't backing up their theory.
Burka the Clown gets the story wrong, then posts telling you that his insiders have assured him he had it wrong, which means (in his world) that he was right all along. - This is the "best political reporter in Texas"?
Headline of the day (Part 1) - Only in Texas.
Headline of the day (Part 2) - And the Dallas/Houston spat continues.
How can this be so? - After all, we're constantly reminded that Education priorities of Texas Republicans are RUINING the State. Yet more students are taking math and science?
Texas Republicans "miffed" that Romney is ignoring them. - How many of them supported him again?
Redistricting and the 2012 election. - Good read.
I'm still no fan of Internet polling. (And have doubts about the accuracy of the Trib's newsish polling above all)- But you have to agree that the phrase "Republicans have the most faith in the judicial branch" sounds odd.
Today's reminder that not everyone in the public eye with a bullhorn is worthy of listening to. - They have a right to say it, we have a right to ignore it.
What if the Republicans gain power and blow it (again)? - Does the party get another chance if Romney becomes Bush spending spree II?
Facing death, the species transportus ridiculous goes into self preservation mode. - On a local level see: David Crossley.
The definition of insanity. - Because all of the past fuel mileage boosts have done the economy so much good right? (hint: wrong)
The White House tech people want you to interact with government like you do Facebook. - One presumes without all personal privacy information gathering?
Wait.....Dan Rather? - Who, amazingly, doesn't like the current campaign because the Republicans have been speaking too much.
The demise of the "Tea Party" congressional Freshman has been much exaggerated. - The media wanted them to suffer, they're not.
Civility. - Oh, and Obama ate a dog.....
And finally....
It will go to the voters to determine the fate of the Astrodome. - I will say "tear it down" but I've got a feeling Harris County is going to get itself obligated to spend money it doesn't have because County leaders won't make a leadership decision.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Short haul flights (05/16/2012)
So much to talk about so little time.....
Galveston bungles election. - And there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Interesting that a LOT of Democratic incumbents were those that were damaged by this.)
In which ChronBlog discovers it's hot in Houston. - Sometimes there's just nothing left to say.
Mayor Parker spends it all and then some in new budget. - She wants to dip into the entirety of the reserve fund.
Today's "Pot, meet kettle" award - The idea of Village Voice Houston chastising anyone about the quality of their journalism is funny in and of itself.
Somewhere, Mostyn is crying. - This is almost like the TWIA spiking the football after a touchdown.
The REAL inconvenient truth. - Not every country is as eager to lose their economic advantages as are the US and the EU.
Ezra Klein continues to amuse us. - At some point someone is going to realize that this guy is just not that bright.
Hear! Hear! - This proposal has the No Upgrades 100% support.
Why Greece matters. - And why there's precious little the US can do about it.
What?!? You mean the Tea Party fish aren't doing what they said? - You could knock me over with a feather.
W. sounding more presidential than ever. - His (mostly) silence speaks volumes, and proves him 10 times the statesman of the current WH occupant.
How you like us now? - Suddenly the Obama administration has a come to Jesus moment on clean coal. Funny how some bad polling numbers will do that.
As goes Texas, so goes Wisconsin - Rhetoric to the contrary the DNC is going to have to pick their battles this election cycle.
Anything you can do I can do better. - Remember when Obama was bemoaning Super PAC's as the death knell of democracy?
I'm mad too Barack - Obama campaign hearing that more and more from the middle.
Here come the anti-incumbent fighters. - It will be interesting to see if this group has much success. As a whole, people hate Congress, but LOVE their Congressmen.
Nope, still not a fan of "fact check" journalism. - It's lazy, and the "facts" are often heavily weighted by the opinion of the fact-checker. Politifarce indeed.
And finally....(probably most importantly however)
Bridgetown developer says tax abatement 'needed'. - If it truly is NEEDED, then it's probable that the entire project is not economically feasible and should be altered or scrapped.
UPDATE: Tax abatement granted - I'm guessing this type of abatement is OK with our progressive friends. It seems the 'correct' winners are getting selected.
Please return your tray-tables and seat-backs to their upright positions and enjoy your day.
Galveston bungles election. - And there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Interesting that a LOT of Democratic incumbents were those that were damaged by this.)
In which ChronBlog discovers it's hot in Houston. - Sometimes there's just nothing left to say.
Mayor Parker spends it all and then some in new budget. - She wants to dip into the entirety of the reserve fund.
Today's "Pot, meet kettle" award - The idea of Village Voice Houston chastising anyone about the quality of their journalism is funny in and of itself.
Somewhere, Mostyn is crying. - This is almost like the TWIA spiking the football after a touchdown.
The REAL inconvenient truth. - Not every country is as eager to lose their economic advantages as are the US and the EU.
Ezra Klein continues to amuse us. - At some point someone is going to realize that this guy is just not that bright.
Hear! Hear! - This proposal has the No Upgrades 100% support.
Why Greece matters. - And why there's precious little the US can do about it.
What?!? You mean the Tea Party fish aren't doing what they said? - You could knock me over with a feather.
W. sounding more presidential than ever. - His (mostly) silence speaks volumes, and proves him 10 times the statesman of the current WH occupant.
How you like us now? - Suddenly the Obama administration has a come to Jesus moment on clean coal. Funny how some bad polling numbers will do that.
As goes Texas, so goes Wisconsin - Rhetoric to the contrary the DNC is going to have to pick their battles this election cycle.
Anything you can do I can do better. - Remember when Obama was bemoaning Super PAC's as the death knell of democracy?
I'm mad too Barack - Obama campaign hearing that more and more from the middle.
Here come the anti-incumbent fighters. - It will be interesting to see if this group has much success. As a whole, people hate Congress, but LOVE their Congressmen.
Nope, still not a fan of "fact check" journalism. - It's lazy, and the "facts" are often heavily weighted by the opinion of the fact-checker. Politifarce indeed.
And finally....(probably most importantly however)
Bridgetown developer says tax abatement 'needed'. - If it truly is NEEDED, then it's probable that the entire project is not economically feasible and should be altered or scrapped.
UPDATE: Tax abatement granted - I'm guessing this type of abatement is OK with our progressive friends. It seems the 'correct' winners are getting selected.
Please return your tray-tables and seat-backs to their upright positions and enjoy your day.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Wheels down
Always fun flying around a weather front......
Quick business trip over. Back in town until next weekend when I'm off again.
In the interim, a fresh set of stuff to ponder.
Fight Brewing over O'Hare and Parallels with Intercontinental, Stephen Seagraves, badice.com - In which Stephen offers some much needed counter-balance to some of the more fanciful rhetoric surrounding the HOU/IAH issue. Good read. (Worth some time pondering because it discusses DEN, a real option that the 'm-word' pro-Southwest clan has missed.)
Former Chronicle Reporter Claims Discrimination, Chron.com - Kyrie "MeMo" O'Connor must be thrilled that this ex-employee of hers is raising this kind of stink. (Alternate headline: Former reporter/stripper accuses Chronicle of waging 'war on women')
Rumors about UT President's Job Spread Online, Joe Holley, Chron.com - The 'rumors' were started by "Texas bestest political reporter" running prematurely with an unsubstantiated rumor. As things progress it appears that Mr. Burka is going to have considerable egg on his face but, in true reporter fashion, He's doubling down. (Addendum: The question now is this: If Burka is considered the best political reporter in the State, what does this tell us about the sorry state of political reporting in Texas?)
Speaking of sorry reporting: One day after President Obama's controversial switch on Gay Marriage, The Washington Post issued an unflattering report on Romney's childhood antics that portray the candidate as anti-gay. The problem? The story is not standing up to scrutiny and is looking flimsier with each passing hour. The take-away from this is that news media outlets do work with oppo research teams and time stories to have the desired effect. Quite often it doesn't matter if the story in question is correct or not. In this case, based on what is looking like an erroneous story, Romney is already being shredded. How sad that it could be for something he didn't do. (At a minimum, you'd think the call would be for more research but, in this case, it's all hands on deck and guns ready as the Obama campaign team ramps up the troops.)
Chevron's Brazil Spill Shows Drillers Still Trip in Crises, Bloomberg via Fuel Fix at Chron.com - On the contrary, everything that Chevron did in this situation was correct, until those who aren't concerned about correct got in on the game and waged a war of environmental terror against the company. Yes, they didn't respond well to that. However, given the current mindset of global ecomentalists I would argue it's impossible to respond "correctly" to them. (The only "correct" responses being that you're going to suspend all operations, fire all of your employees and stop exploring and drilling altogether or that you're turning over all operations to the government. The problem is not oil and gas exploration, it's PRIVATE oil and gas exploration.)
Say this about Obama's Biden-forced gay marriage epiphany, It's given the Left an issue that's not the economy.
The Power of Marriage, Emily Deprang, Texas Observer
The Out Candidate, Kuffer, Off the Kuff,
4 openly gay candidates seek Texas House Seats, Daniel Williams, Dallas Voice
The true test will not be who's running, but who wins. Is America evolved enough on these issues to actually elect several LBGT candidates to office? In Texas, I'm not so sure. (The bigger issue is whether or not this will distract enough from the economy to provide Obama with a boost. I think no, because it's all going to come down to how the economy is doing in November)
Good to be back.
Quick business trip over. Back in town until next weekend when I'm off again.
In the interim, a fresh set of stuff to ponder.
Fight Brewing over O'Hare and Parallels with Intercontinental, Stephen Seagraves, badice.com - In which Stephen offers some much needed counter-balance to some of the more fanciful rhetoric surrounding the HOU/IAH issue. Good read. (Worth some time pondering because it discusses DEN, a real option that the 'm-word' pro-Southwest clan has missed.)
Former Chronicle Reporter Claims Discrimination, Chron.com - Kyrie "MeMo" O'Connor must be thrilled that this ex-employee of hers is raising this kind of stink. (Alternate headline: Former reporter/stripper accuses Chronicle of waging 'war on women')
Rumors about UT President's Job Spread Online, Joe Holley, Chron.com - The 'rumors' were started by "Texas bestest political reporter" running prematurely with an unsubstantiated rumor. As things progress it appears that Mr. Burka is going to have considerable egg on his face but, in true reporter fashion, He's doubling down. (Addendum: The question now is this: If Burka is considered the best political reporter in the State, what does this tell us about the sorry state of political reporting in Texas?)
Speaking of sorry reporting: One day after President Obama's controversial switch on Gay Marriage, The Washington Post issued an unflattering report on Romney's childhood antics that portray the candidate as anti-gay. The problem? The story is not standing up to scrutiny and is looking flimsier with each passing hour. The take-away from this is that news media outlets do work with oppo research teams and time stories to have the desired effect. Quite often it doesn't matter if the story in question is correct or not. In this case, based on what is looking like an erroneous story, Romney is already being shredded. How sad that it could be for something he didn't do. (At a minimum, you'd think the call would be for more research but, in this case, it's all hands on deck and guns ready as the Obama campaign team ramps up the troops.)
Chevron's Brazil Spill Shows Drillers Still Trip in Crises, Bloomberg via Fuel Fix at Chron.com - On the contrary, everything that Chevron did in this situation was correct, until those who aren't concerned about correct got in on the game and waged a war of environmental terror against the company. Yes, they didn't respond well to that. However, given the current mindset of global ecomentalists I would argue it's impossible to respond "correctly" to them. (The only "correct" responses being that you're going to suspend all operations, fire all of your employees and stop exploring and drilling altogether or that you're turning over all operations to the government. The problem is not oil and gas exploration, it's PRIVATE oil and gas exploration.)
Say this about Obama's Biden-forced gay marriage epiphany, It's given the Left an issue that's not the economy.
The Power of Marriage, Emily Deprang, Texas Observer
The Out Candidate, Kuffer, Off the Kuff,
4 openly gay candidates seek Texas House Seats, Daniel Williams, Dallas Voice
The true test will not be who's running, but who wins. Is America evolved enough on these issues to actually elect several LBGT candidates to office? In Texas, I'm not so sure. (The bigger issue is whether or not this will distract enough from the economy to provide Obama with a boost. I think no, because it's all going to come down to how the economy is doing in November)
Good to be back.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wheels up.
No, the blog isn't going on hiatus (I just took it off hiatus after all) but posting could be spotty for the next few weeks due to business/personal travel.
Until then, I'll try to keep abreast of things on my Diigo page so, if you're interested I'll be trying to keep that going. The Diigo feed is a good thing if you're interested in short takes on a lot of articles (rather than a longer-form blog post) and it's where I try shuffle and sort most of the days news.
In the interim, it seems that the United/Southwest kerfuffle has all but been decided, if you still think there's any way the City is NOT going to approve Southwest's request here's some more of the back-and-forth: (and various and assorted other quick links)
Tori Gattis is pro Southwest.
Stephan Seagraves is pro-United
The City Attorney weighs in on Southwest's side.
Remember when correlation didn't equal to causation? - Of course, you'd also have to remember when the scientific method was meaningful in science.
The comments to this editorial are why I don't write about education any more. - Everyone thinks they know the answers and, if you're answer is different then there's they say you just don't understand the issue. Education in Texas is rapidly turning into a circular firing squad with the children in the middle.
US SENATOR: It could be Dewhurst w/o a run-off. - THAT would anger a lot of tea party groups.
Patrick vs. Carona - You know you've failed if you've made State Sen. Zaffrini look like the calm, rational participant. My State Senator continues to embarrass. Unfortunately, given the political make-up of our district, there's no way he gets primaried out.
Next they'll be demanding we take off our underwear. - Just you wait. The TSA will overreact to this in time.
Today's election tempest in a teapot. - The problem that Obama has here is that he's spent the last few months trying desperately to convince anyone that the "wealthy" (read: those making over $100K/yr) are somehow un-American.
Are Airfares getting more expensive? The answer might surprise you.
This is a good trip report. - Keep it in mind because I'm going to try a similar trip report on a rather mundane business trip....in coach. Not because you don't know it by now, but b/c I think it will be funny to see the stark differences.
Until then, I'll try to keep abreast of things on my Diigo page so, if you're interested I'll be trying to keep that going. The Diigo feed is a good thing if you're interested in short takes on a lot of articles (rather than a longer-form blog post) and it's where I try shuffle and sort most of the days news.
In the interim, it seems that the United/Southwest kerfuffle has all but been decided, if you still think there's any way the City is NOT going to approve Southwest's request here's some more of the back-and-forth: (and various and assorted other quick links)
Tori Gattis is pro Southwest.
Stephan Seagraves is pro-United
The City Attorney weighs in on Southwest's side.
Remember when correlation didn't equal to causation? - Of course, you'd also have to remember when the scientific method was meaningful in science.
The comments to this editorial are why I don't write about education any more. - Everyone thinks they know the answers and, if you're answer is different then there's they say you just don't understand the issue. Education in Texas is rapidly turning into a circular firing squad with the children in the middle.
US SENATOR: It could be Dewhurst w/o a run-off. - THAT would anger a lot of tea party groups.
Patrick vs. Carona - You know you've failed if you've made State Sen. Zaffrini look like the calm, rational participant. My State Senator continues to embarrass. Unfortunately, given the political make-up of our district, there's no way he gets primaried out.
Next they'll be demanding we take off our underwear. - Just you wait. The TSA will overreact to this in time.
Today's election tempest in a teapot. - The problem that Obama has here is that he's spent the last few months trying desperately to convince anyone that the "wealthy" (read: those making over $100K/yr) are somehow un-American.
Are Airfares getting more expensive? The answer might surprise you.
This is a good trip report. - Keep it in mind because I'm going to try a similar trip report on a rather mundane business trip....in coach. Not because you don't know it by now, but b/c I think it will be funny to see the stark differences.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Short Haul Flights (05/02/12)
Today's flights brought to you by the good folks at FantasyLand.
Cities, Counties, drain on Funds. David Crossley, Houston Tomorrow - No, the reason Metro is running out of money is because they're dumping Billions into a poorly planned, at-grade, light rail system that won't serve 10% of the regions mass transit needs. He even says later in the article that people want more transit in the outlying areas and better bus shelters. Imagine the bus system we could have if Metro hadn't chased the down the rabbit hole of Crossley (and others) light-rail pipe-dream?
Rankin sues housing agency over unpaid severance. Mike Morris, Chron.com - Of course, a large part of the reason there's no money to pay his severance is due to his mis-management of the organization if the reports are accurate.
Talk show host Michael Berry won't be charged in Montrose hit-and-run. James Pinkerton, Chron.com - The key bit in this story is that the paint samples taken from the claimant's car did NOT match Berry's car.
Perry says God forgives people for "oops" moments. Will Weissert. AP via Chron.com - voters probably don't but God would have nothing to forgive.
Shumate speaks out about Polland controversy. Patti Hart, Chron.com - Meh, debates should not be moderated by party activists. Are journos any better? Probably not.
May Day protests show weak immigration movement. Kate Brumback & Peter Premgaman, AP via Yahoo! - Partly because they're so few illegal immigrants still here apparently.
Appeals court judge removes obstacle to defunding Planned Parenthood. Christy Hoppe, Dallasnews.com - You saw that coming.
Cruz drops half-million on broadcast TV ads, rebuts Dewhurst's China hit. Robert T. Garrett, DallasNews.com - He'd better, because I have a feeling that China spot is going to cut deep.
And finally, before we close the cabin door and you have to turn off all electronic devices......
Embry quits Statesman to become Straus press secretary. Emily Ramshaw, The Texas Tribune. ICBM eruptions notwithstanding, this is a good get by Speaker Straus. Embry was a solid reporter over at that AAS. Straus is going to need a strong bench this year methinks.
Cities, Counties, drain on Funds. David Crossley, Houston Tomorrow - No, the reason Metro is running out of money is because they're dumping Billions into a poorly planned, at-grade, light rail system that won't serve 10% of the regions mass transit needs. He even says later in the article that people want more transit in the outlying areas and better bus shelters. Imagine the bus system we could have if Metro hadn't chased the down the rabbit hole of Crossley (and others) light-rail pipe-dream?
Rankin sues housing agency over unpaid severance. Mike Morris, Chron.com - Of course, a large part of the reason there's no money to pay his severance is due to his mis-management of the organization if the reports are accurate.
Talk show host Michael Berry won't be charged in Montrose hit-and-run. James Pinkerton, Chron.com - The key bit in this story is that the paint samples taken from the claimant's car did NOT match Berry's car.
Perry says God forgives people for "oops" moments. Will Weissert. AP via Chron.com - voters probably don't but God would have nothing to forgive.
Shumate speaks out about Polland controversy. Patti Hart, Chron.com - Meh, debates should not be moderated by party activists. Are journos any better? Probably not.
May Day protests show weak immigration movement. Kate Brumback & Peter Premgaman, AP via Yahoo! - Partly because they're so few illegal immigrants still here apparently.
Appeals court judge removes obstacle to defunding Planned Parenthood. Christy Hoppe, Dallasnews.com - You saw that coming.
Cruz drops half-million on broadcast TV ads, rebuts Dewhurst's China hit. Robert T. Garrett, DallasNews.com - He'd better, because I have a feeling that China spot is going to cut deep.
And finally, before we close the cabin door and you have to turn off all electronic devices......
Embry quits Statesman to become Straus press secretary. Emily Ramshaw, The Texas Tribune. ICBM eruptions notwithstanding, this is a good get by Speaker Straus. Embry was a solid reporter over at that AAS. Straus is going to need a strong bench this year methinks.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Short Haul flights
A small compilation of some items around that I found to be of note: (Your mileage may vary)
Rachel Barrios-Van Os, The TT Interview. Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune - If the Texas Democratic Party is willing to put the wife of one of the worst state-wide candidates in recent history in charge of their shop Texas Republicans should dance a jig.
Burning Man looking for some love from D.C. Michelle Quinn, Politico
Texas gets stay in Planned Parenthood case. Peggy Fikac, Chron.com - I missed the part where the entirety of the women's rights movement got reduced to abortion and birth control access.
Drillers may frac first, disclose later under Federal Plan. Bloomberg via Chron.com - Funny that FuelFix got scooped by Bloomberg considering all of this is happening in Houston. Maybe if they spent less time with entertainment guides?
Of note:
Viewpoint A: Two respected political analysts say GOP is more responsible for gridlock. Michelle Arrouas, Chron.com
Viewpoint B: Norman Ornsteign to the press corps: Stop covering the GOP fairly to stop their success. Erick Erickson, RedState
It's a real problem in today's politicalspeak that liberal studies and orthodoxy are used to describe what is "mainstream". I would argue that the majorities of elected positions that Republicans hold at almost every level of government suggests that Democrats are more "outside the mainstream" than are Republicans, at the current time. You can reverse this argument if you confine your observations to areas inside the DC Beltway or to the media as a whole. (and no, I'm not referencing media "bias")
Delta Airlines is getting into the fuel business. Joshua Freed, USA Today - If successful, expect many copycats. I see this as a HUGE IF however.
Used Airbus for sale: One careful owner, contact Boeing. Tim Hepher, Reuters - I had no idea new plane dealerships also had used plane lots attached to them.
13 Undercover has a bone to pick with County Attorney. Wayne Dolcefino, KTRK.com - Chest-beating politicians who tout their "watchdog" qualities rarely turn out to be as advertised. More often than not these are re-election ploys.
And...before we close the cabin door.....
Some see border security bill as threat to ecology, preservation. Tony Freemantle, Chron.com - To be fair, some see breathing as a threat to ecology, preservation so there's that.
Please get ready for take-off by turning off all electronic devices. We hope you enjoy your day.
Rachel Barrios-Van Os, The TT Interview. Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune - If the Texas Democratic Party is willing to put the wife of one of the worst state-wide candidates in recent history in charge of their shop Texas Republicans should dance a jig.
Burning Man looking for some love from D.C. Michelle Quinn, Politico
Leaders of the anarchic festival in the Nevada desert — a tech-free gathering that Silicon Valley has increasingly embraced — were to meet with regulators and lawmakers Monday and Tuesday as they press their case that Burning Man needs some government love.What's wrong with America in paragraph form. Even our Anarchists are dependent on Big Government.
Texas gets stay in Planned Parenthood case. Peggy Fikac, Chron.com - I missed the part where the entirety of the women's rights movement got reduced to abortion and birth control access.
Drillers may frac first, disclose later under Federal Plan. Bloomberg via Chron.com - Funny that FuelFix got scooped by Bloomberg considering all of this is happening in Houston. Maybe if they spent less time with entertainment guides?
Of note:
Viewpoint A: Two respected political analysts say GOP is more responsible for gridlock. Michelle Arrouas, Chron.com
Viewpoint B: Norman Ornsteign to the press corps: Stop covering the GOP fairly to stop their success. Erick Erickson, RedState
It's a real problem in today's politicalspeak that liberal studies and orthodoxy are used to describe what is "mainstream". I would argue that the majorities of elected positions that Republicans hold at almost every level of government suggests that Democrats are more "outside the mainstream" than are Republicans, at the current time. You can reverse this argument if you confine your observations to areas inside the DC Beltway or to the media as a whole. (and no, I'm not referencing media "bias")
Delta Airlines is getting into the fuel business. Joshua Freed, USA Today - If successful, expect many copycats. I see this as a HUGE IF however.
Used Airbus for sale: One careful owner, contact Boeing. Tim Hepher, Reuters - I had no idea new plane dealerships also had used plane lots attached to them.
13 Undercover has a bone to pick with County Attorney. Wayne Dolcefino, KTRK.com - Chest-beating politicians who tout their "watchdog" qualities rarely turn out to be as advertised. More often than not these are re-election ploys.
And...before we close the cabin door.....
Some see border security bill as threat to ecology, preservation. Tony Freemantle, Chron.com - To be fair, some see breathing as a threat to ecology, preservation so there's that.
Please get ready for take-off by turning off all electronic devices. We hope you enjoy your day.
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