If you are traveling this weekend, here is some important information for you. The National Motorists Association has released a list of the Top Ten Speed Traps in the U.S.A.
Here they are:
1. Detroit, Michigan suburbs
2. Washington D.C.
3. Orlando, Fla.
4. Colorado Springs, Colo.
5. Houston, Tex.
6. Virginia Beach, Va.
7. Austin, Tex.
8. Baton Rouge, La.
9. Nashville, Tenn.
10. Fresno, Calif.
Just a hint, you may want to check out their website because they have some useful information about avoiding and fighting speeding tickets.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Warren Buffett is evil for giving away money
At least that's what some religious nutjobs are saying because the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation give money to (gasp!) Planned Parenthood and international birth control programs. According to the Catholics he has to repent because he is going to go to hell for giving money to them. Of course, they told him that in the 1990s when he spend millions on researching R-U-486.
What would be really nice is if someone could give those types of organizations enough money so they don't have to rely on federal money and the religious strings that come with it. Imagine a world where you can get birth control (and learn how to use it correctly) and have access to abortions. Wouldn't that be better than single moms living off of welfare and struggling to keep their kids fed and clothed and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS (not mention other sexually transmitted diseases)? These simple things can help people lead healthier, happier and more productive lives.
My other favorite thing is that at his press conference, reporters kept asking why he didn't give the money to his kids instead. His response: his kids should make their own way in life and he had already given them enough money (they are already in the top 1% wealth bracket). Besides, its his money and he can do whatever the hell he wants to with it.
It is really hard to believe that such a charitable act can make you and sinner and a bad father. Shouldn't we all be happy that he is giving money to a foundation that wants to fight disease and poverty?
My opinion? Warren Buffett is a bad ass.
What would be really nice is if someone could give those types of organizations enough money so they don't have to rely on federal money and the religious strings that come with it. Imagine a world where you can get birth control (and learn how to use it correctly) and have access to abortions. Wouldn't that be better than single moms living off of welfare and struggling to keep their kids fed and clothed and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS (not mention other sexually transmitted diseases)? These simple things can help people lead healthier, happier and more productive lives.
My other favorite thing is that at his press conference, reporters kept asking why he didn't give the money to his kids instead. His response: his kids should make their own way in life and he had already given them enough money (they are already in the top 1% wealth bracket). Besides, its his money and he can do whatever the hell he wants to with it.
It is really hard to believe that such a charitable act can make you and sinner and a bad father. Shouldn't we all be happy that he is giving money to a foundation that wants to fight disease and poverty?
My opinion? Warren Buffett is a bad ass.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
No more waiting
They did it. The Supreme Court wrote 132 pages of crap about redistricitng. I don't want to get too technical and boring, but they couldn't even agree with one another enough to have a majority. Most of the opinion is a plurality. In other words, parts of it they came to a similar result but for very different reasons.
Most of the Justices wouldn't know a gerrymander if it slapped them in the face. I take real issue with the fact that Texas had a court approved map (with a Republican majority) and they decided to mess with it mid-decade. That should be the first clue. Next, if you look at the map, it is clear that no true logic was used to draw this new map. Obviously it was computer generated to draw the lines in a way that goes beyond preserving a republican majority. The law is very clear on the point that a majority party may draw a map to preserve their majority. However, they may not dilute votes in the process.
The court did agree that the Latino vote was diluted, but did not come to the same decision about black voters. Souter and Ginsberg dissented because they thought that the black vote was diluted as well. Breyer is the only one that thought the whole thing was fucked from the get go and violated the Equal Protection Clause. Of course, he didn't use the bad language.
By the way, fuck you Tom DeLay. I hope they hate you just as much in Virginia. You give Texas a bad name. You are a criminal and a sissy. You managed to screw Texas with this new map, you steal money, and then you run away because you were afraid you might not be re-elected. I hope Ronnie Earle throws your sorry ass in jail.
Most of the Justices wouldn't know a gerrymander if it slapped them in the face. I take real issue with the fact that Texas had a court approved map (with a Republican majority) and they decided to mess with it mid-decade. That should be the first clue. Next, if you look at the map, it is clear that no true logic was used to draw this new map. Obviously it was computer generated to draw the lines in a way that goes beyond preserving a republican majority. The law is very clear on the point that a majority party may draw a map to preserve their majority. However, they may not dilute votes in the process.
The court did agree that the Latino vote was diluted, but did not come to the same decision about black voters. Souter and Ginsberg dissented because they thought that the black vote was diluted as well. Breyer is the only one that thought the whole thing was fucked from the get go and violated the Equal Protection Clause. Of course, he didn't use the bad language.
By the way, fuck you Tom DeLay. I hope they hate you just as much in Virginia. You give Texas a bad name. You are a criminal and a sissy. You managed to screw Texas with this new map, you steal money, and then you run away because you were afraid you might not be re-elected. I hope Ronnie Earle throws your sorry ass in jail.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
good news, weird news
Good news: The amendment to ban flag burning failed in the Senate. One vote short. Maybe they can table this bullshit until another election cycle. Personally I don't have much interest in burning a flag, but if I'm that pissed off at the government I should be able to burn flags until my heart is content. Besides, they can always nail you for doing dangerous shit and endangering people and property without calling it what it really is...
Weird news: Some random law firm contacted me today about hiring me and I haven't even sent out any resumes. I have no idea who they are or what they do, but I think I'll call back tomorrow and find out.
Weird news: Some random law firm contacted me today about hiring me and I haven't even sent out any resumes. I have no idea who they are or what they do, but I think I'll call back tomorrow and find out.
Monday, June 26, 2006
So we wait until Wednesday
There were rumors that the Supreme Court would release the ruling on redistricting today, but no. Wednesday is the next ruling day so we wait a little longer to see if they agree that what Tom DeLay did was illegal.
Speaking of Tom DeLay, there is some interesting maneuvering in his federal case in Austin. Tommy sent a draft letter to the Texas GOP chairwoman about the differences between withdrawing from the race (which he has done) and being named ineligible to run (because he moved to Virginia after the primary). Then he sent the so-called final draft. Tommy couldn't explain to the judge why he did that. Judge Sam Sparks is fed up with Tommy's shit. Once DeLay finished testifying, Sparks explained he could either leave or stay for the rest of the proceedings. "My recommendation is to run like a rabbit," Sparks quipped. I love Judge Sparks.
It sounds like DeLay is trying to get his withdrawal from the race changed to being named ineligible to run. What does this mean for the November ballot in lovely Sugar Land? Possibly a horrible precedent for candidate swapping when a candidate thinks they can't win the general election.
Speaking of Tom DeLay, there is some interesting maneuvering in his federal case in Austin. Tommy sent a draft letter to the Texas GOP chairwoman about the differences between withdrawing from the race (which he has done) and being named ineligible to run (because he moved to Virginia after the primary). Then he sent the so-called final draft. Tommy couldn't explain to the judge why he did that. Judge Sam Sparks is fed up with Tommy's shit. Once DeLay finished testifying, Sparks explained he could either leave or stay for the rest of the proceedings. "My recommendation is to run like a rabbit," Sparks quipped. I love Judge Sparks.
It sounds like DeLay is trying to get his withdrawal from the race changed to being named ineligible to run. What does this mean for the November ballot in lovely Sugar Land? Possibly a horrible precedent for candidate swapping when a candidate thinks they can't win the general election.
What a crappy job...Literally
Today as I was driving back to my hotel, I saw a sign advertising a service called Pet Butler. You can pay money to have someone come and make your yard a "cleaner and safer place." Or you can buy into this franchise so that you too can pick up dog shit for a living.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!
So I'm back in lovely Houston for the next three nights. By day, stuck in a small room with boxes and boxes of files. By night, the Best Western. High class living for me.
Since I have been through numerous small town and since it is Sunday here are some fun religious signs I have seen lately:
On a sign right by the cemetery: "We have a place for you"
On highway 71: "Read the Bible. It will scare the HELL out of you."
Cuero city limits: "Jesus is King of Cuero"
I really need a camera...
Since I have been through numerous small town and since it is Sunday here are some fun religious signs I have seen lately:
On a sign right by the cemetery: "We have a place for you"
On highway 71: "Read the Bible. It will scare the HELL out of you."
Cuero city limits: "Jesus is King of Cuero"
I really need a camera...
Finally, I get to watch some World Cup
I have been running around Texas non-stop since all of the World Cup action has started. Today, I finally got to watch a game. It was great to get breakfast in bed (thanks, sweetie!) and watch England kick some ass in Spanish. My Spanish is poor at best and they talk really fast, but it is so much more exciting than the boring English commentators that seem like they don't even watch soccer. I'm not holding my breath or anything, but I think I get to watch them play Portugal. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It is the little things that make life a good place to be. Go Beckham (or "Man Spice" as they like to call him on Spanish TV)!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
I miss Lloyd Doggett
Before Tom DeLay fucked over Texas with his fabulous redistricting plan, Lloyd Doggett was my representative. But after the new redistricting plan, Austin was divided into four sections that sweep across Texas in all kinds of strange and illogical ways. So now you can live in East Austin and share a district with people in Kenedy. People that live in downtown Austin don't really share thesame concerns. Our government really lives up to the promise of representation. So illegal.
Anyway, I just came across this bad ass video of him speaking on the House floor. I'm on the fence about the so-called death tax just because it doesn't seem right to tax someone multiple times for the same money (i.e. when you earn it, then when you invest it, and then when you die and you still have it). But he makes some really good points about how fucked up the republicans are as far as their never ending tax cuts for the rich. Usually, when I post a video, it makes my page all wonky. I just don't care.
Anyway, I just came across this bad ass video of him speaking on the House floor. I'm on the fence about the so-called death tax just because it doesn't seem right to tax someone multiple times for the same money (i.e. when you earn it, then when you invest it, and then when you die and you still have it). But he makes some really good points about how fucked up the republicans are as far as their never ending tax cuts for the rich. Usually, when I post a video, it makes my page all wonky. I just don't care.
All work and no play makes Pineapple a dull girl
First, I'd like to start with a traveling tip. Before you go to sleep make sure some idiot hasn't set the alarm to go off at 5:00 am. That really sucked. Other than the unexpected alarm, Sinton prooved to be just as boring today as it was yesterday. That place is just not a good place to visit. I can't wait to go back because I know I will. Let the boredom begin.
The drive to Victoria was quick and I always love to go to Nolan Ryan's birthplace. For all you non-Astro fans, that would be Refugio. Not the prettiest town, but the people are friendly.
As for Victoria, I would suggest just skipping it all together if possible. No offense to the people that like to live there, but it was awful. You get downtown and think what a nice place. The square has lots of old buildings with cute cafes and shops. Seems nice enough. If you do go there, I would strongly suggest never asking anyone for directions as the people there don't know the difference between left and right. They also have no idea what the streets are named. Next, don't leave the downtown square because the rest of Victoria is made up of run down strip malls. It was once a beautiful town. You can tell by the old houses surrounding the downtown area, but then "progress" happened.
After leaving Victoria somewhere before Wharton, I saw a sign that said "Free Samples." No hint of what kind of samples or where you might get them. Something to ponder.
The next place of any interest was Tom DeLay's hometown -- Sugar Land! What a crap ass place that is. Strip malls and big box stores. It is a place with no soul. No wonder he moved to Virginia. But if he still lived in Sugar Land it would have been tempting to put a burning bag of shit on his doorstep.
Now I am in Houston. I really hate this place. Nothing but traffic. It is just one big crowded freeway and everybody is always in the wrong fucking lane. The other thing is, people just abandon their cars in the middle of the freeway. What the hell is that? At least I get to go home tomorrow. However, its back to Houston on Sunday for another marathon work week and a sweep across Texas. It never ends.
The drive to Victoria was quick and I always love to go to Nolan Ryan's birthplace. For all you non-Astro fans, that would be Refugio. Not the prettiest town, but the people are friendly.
As for Victoria, I would suggest just skipping it all together if possible. No offense to the people that like to live there, but it was awful. You get downtown and think what a nice place. The square has lots of old buildings with cute cafes and shops. Seems nice enough. If you do go there, I would strongly suggest never asking anyone for directions as the people there don't know the difference between left and right. They also have no idea what the streets are named. Next, don't leave the downtown square because the rest of Victoria is made up of run down strip malls. It was once a beautiful town. You can tell by the old houses surrounding the downtown area, but then "progress" happened.
After leaving Victoria somewhere before Wharton, I saw a sign that said "Free Samples." No hint of what kind of samples or where you might get them. Something to ponder.
The next place of any interest was Tom DeLay's hometown -- Sugar Land! What a crap ass place that is. Strip malls and big box stores. It is a place with no soul. No wonder he moved to Virginia. But if he still lived in Sugar Land it would have been tempting to put a burning bag of shit on his doorstep.
Now I am in Houston. I really hate this place. Nothing but traffic. It is just one big crowded freeway and everybody is always in the wrong fucking lane. The other thing is, people just abandon their cars in the middle of the freeway. What the hell is that? At least I get to go home tomorrow. However, its back to Houston on Sunday for another marathon work week and a sweep across Texas. It never ends.
Rock on Kinky!
It is official. Texas is going to have the best governor's race ever! Kinky and Carole How Ever Many Names have both been certified. I still think that means they are both certifiable because no one in their right mind would want to be Governor of Texas. The Leuitenant Governor is the one with the real power. But anyway... What's is even more interesting is that Kinky got 25,000 more valid signatures than the crazy granny and she spent way more money getting people to sign her petition. Things ought to get good now that everyone is on the ballot. Let the shit slinging begin.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
more about fried eggs
My mom just called to tell me that she was reading the paper and saw that Jane Greig posted responses to some of her columns on the Austin American Statesman website. One of them was about frying eggs on the sidewalk. Guess what? She posted the email that I sent to her. If you are interested, click on the link to my email and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
so what have you seen today?
You know, when I started this blog I had no idea that it was going to be a travel blog. I always envisioned it to be more along the lines of ranting about all of the screwed up things in the world, politics, served with a side of humor. I guess it just proves that you never know what you are going to do until you do it. So on to today's adventures in travel.
Once again I have headed south. I just can't get enough. So this week it is a marathon to Cuero, Goliad, Sinton, Victoria and Houston. After working in Cuero, I started on my way to Goliad. As I was driving I saw one of the coolest things (actually five of the coolest things)-- bald eagles.
In Goliad, I had a little down time since the county clerk closes for lunch. I walked around the square and read all of the plaques about the history of Goliad. My favorite was the hanging tree. Talk about swift justice. After they found you guilty of a crime they would take you outside, throw a rope over a limb and hang you. Nice appeal system they had in the 1800s. And way to make a beautiful live oak tree super creepy.
So then, it was off to Sinton. As usual, there is nothing worth writing about Sinton. Tomorrow is another day, but my drive around town this evening suggests that anything interesting will have to wait until I'm heading towards Victoria. My travels continue...
Once again I have headed south. I just can't get enough. So this week it is a marathon to Cuero, Goliad, Sinton, Victoria and Houston. After working in Cuero, I started on my way to Goliad. As I was driving I saw one of the coolest things (actually five of the coolest things)-- bald eagles.
In Goliad, I had a little down time since the county clerk closes for lunch. I walked around the square and read all of the plaques about the history of Goliad. My favorite was the hanging tree. Talk about swift justice. After they found you guilty of a crime they would take you outside, throw a rope over a limb and hang you. Nice appeal system they had in the 1800s. And way to make a beautiful live oak tree super creepy.
So then, it was off to Sinton. As usual, there is nothing worth writing about Sinton. Tomorrow is another day, but my drive around town this evening suggests that anything interesting will have to wait until I'm heading towards Victoria. My travels continue...
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Insanity, Texas style
So, enough with the bitching. Back to one of my favorite topics: the race to the governor's mansion. By Wednesday, the state should certify Kinky and Crazy Granny for November's ballot. And then it is on like Donkey Kong. Things should only get better once they are certified (and probably certifiable). Let the craziness begin in true Texas form.
Monday, June 19, 2006
adventures in undergarments and ranching
I can't figure out if I'm coming or going. My big, summer long stint in North Texas has been called off. But I am on my way back to South Texas tomorrow. Oh, joy. I have mixed feelings about not getting the big North Texas job. The money would have been good, but the hours way too long. Even without the big, bad job hanging over my head, I have plenty to do and I'm on the eighth straight day of work. Although I have been working, strange shit has been happening.
Here is something that probably doesn't happen much at your job: I was on the computer doing my work thing and I hear this really loud moo. You heard me, a moo. I look up and a cow was standing at the sliding glass door mooing at me. I think it might have wanted to come in and play. Who knows what those cows are up to. It was almost as strange as the time one of the donkeys tried to come in the house with me. I also stepped in cow shit and ripped my favorite pants as I was leaving work that day. What a wonderful Saturday.
Sunday was a little bit better. Fun brunch with my dad. Long work hours. Crazy personal life. Not enough sleep.
But let's get to the fun underwear part of today. I had just gotten to work and I leaned down to pick up a pile of papers when pop! the wire on my bra snapped. Ouch! So, I had a whole day of work ahead of me with a wire digging into my ribs. After some thought I decided to put some toilet paper in my bra to keep the wire from poking me. Good thing they are undergarments because a bra with toilet paper hanging out of it is not a good look. What can I say? My life is charmed.
Here is something that probably doesn't happen much at your job: I was on the computer doing my work thing and I hear this really loud moo. You heard me, a moo. I look up and a cow was standing at the sliding glass door mooing at me. I think it might have wanted to come in and play. Who knows what those cows are up to. It was almost as strange as the time one of the donkeys tried to come in the house with me. I also stepped in cow shit and ripped my favorite pants as I was leaving work that day. What a wonderful Saturday.
Sunday was a little bit better. Fun brunch with my dad. Long work hours. Crazy personal life. Not enough sleep.
But let's get to the fun underwear part of today. I had just gotten to work and I leaned down to pick up a pile of papers when pop! the wire on my bra snapped. Ouch! So, I had a whole day of work ahead of me with a wire digging into my ribs. After some thought I decided to put some toilet paper in my bra to keep the wire from poking me. Good thing they are undergarments because a bra with toilet paper hanging out of it is not a good look. What can I say? My life is charmed.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
too much
I worked for over 15 hours today. I'm going to bed. Tomorrow is going to be another marathon day.
Friday, June 16, 2006
From one end of Texas to another...
I'm back in Austin. Whew! It has been a long day and I just found out that my summer is pretty much shot. Seven day work weeks until August 31st. No summer vacation this year. No fun birthday. Not much fun anything. Guess I'm going to have to pony up the $50 to save my free ticket on Southwest for the fall.
This time I am going to be in various small towns in North Texas. I guess it is a change in scenery. But not really because a courthouse is a courthouse is a courthouse. They all have big dusty books. Depending on internet availability, I may not be blogging much until September. But I've found that more and more motels in "small town" Texas do offer internet access. I'll just have to take it as it comes.
One strange thing I saw on the way home as I was between Beeville and Kenedy, there was a small sign that said simply, "GO WITH US." Go where? And who is "us"? My first thought was that, no I don't want to go. Next I started thinking that what I really need is a good digital camera so that I can write a coffee table book about weird shit in Texas. I know that I've seen a lot of Texas and that I've seen a lot of weird shit. That sounds like more fun than living in dusty courthouses...
This time I am going to be in various small towns in North Texas. I guess it is a change in scenery. But not really because a courthouse is a courthouse is a courthouse. They all have big dusty books. Depending on internet availability, I may not be blogging much until September. But I've found that more and more motels in "small town" Texas do offer internet access. I'll just have to take it as it comes.
One strange thing I saw on the way home as I was between Beeville and Kenedy, there was a small sign that said simply, "GO WITH US." Go where? And who is "us"? My first thought was that, no I don't want to go. Next I started thinking that what I really need is a good digital camera so that I can write a coffee table book about weird shit in Texas. I know that I've seen a lot of Texas and that I've seen a lot of weird shit. That sounds like more fun than living in dusty courthouses...
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Stupid Republicans!
And obviously some Democrats too. Let's get real about the whole idea of a constitutional ban on flag burning. The word is that the Senate is one vote shy of the required 2/3 vote. Just in time for the 4th of July. How patriotic of them! I bet the so-called Founding Fathers are rolling in their collective graves. This amendment goes against everything that this country was based on and it degrades the Bill of Rights. They may as well delete the whole First Amendment since it is basically ignored by the government anyway. If you don't like flag burning, then don't do it. If you don't like abortion, then don't have one. If you don't like gay marriage, then don't marry someone of the same gender. What I do with my life is my business, not the government's.
Bush once again showed us how speaking before thinking is a bad idea. Way to make fun a blind person today.
And thanks for appointing John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. After yesterday's ruling that police don't have to knock if they have a warrant, pretty soon they won't need a warrant if they suspect there might be a criminal in a five mile radius. Maybe that's what the Senate will take up after they are done with this flag burning amendment. They can have a no warrant amendment and just delete the Fourth Amendment. The government just ignores it anyway. The new head of the CIA doesn't seem to think that there is such a thing as probable cause or warrants. They must be a figment of my imagination.
I can't take much more...
Bush once again showed us how speaking before thinking is a bad idea. Way to make fun a blind person today.
And thanks for appointing John Roberts and Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. After yesterday's ruling that police don't have to knock if they have a warrant, pretty soon they won't need a warrant if they suspect there might be a criminal in a five mile radius. Maybe that's what the Senate will take up after they are done with this flag burning amendment. They can have a no warrant amendment and just delete the Fourth Amendment. The government just ignores it anyway. The new head of the CIA doesn't seem to think that there is such a thing as probable cause or warrants. They must be a figment of my imagination.
I can't take much more...
Enough already with the trips to South Texas!
Here is my stupid day:
1. I had to drive through San Antonio. If you have ever driven there, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, don't start now.
2. It has been another fun day in Alice. It is always fun to be sent on a wild goose chase. I won't bore you with the details (unless you ask for them). Basically they sent me back to do something that they thought was wrong, but I was right to begin with. It could have been cleared up with one phone call instead of a trip to Alice. Time wasted that I will never get back. I wish I could bill them double for my time as a penalty for stupidity.
3. On my way to George West, I heard the word of the day on some Corpus Christi radio station. It was the word "garbage." The radio announcer even spelled it out "g-a-b-a-g-e." If you don't see the problem, you must have had the same spelling teacher.
4. I go to Beeville tomorrow. An exercise in futility since they have a really horrible index. Another stupid day, but at least I don't have to drive through San Antonio again.
Don't you wish you could be more like me?
1. I had to drive through San Antonio. If you have ever driven there, then you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, don't start now.
2. It has been another fun day in Alice. It is always fun to be sent on a wild goose chase. I won't bore you with the details (unless you ask for them). Basically they sent me back to do something that they thought was wrong, but I was right to begin with. It could have been cleared up with one phone call instead of a trip to Alice. Time wasted that I will never get back. I wish I could bill them double for my time as a penalty for stupidity.
3. On my way to George West, I heard the word of the day on some Corpus Christi radio station. It was the word "garbage." The radio announcer even spelled it out "g-a-b-a-g-e." If you don't see the problem, you must have had the same spelling teacher.
4. I go to Beeville tomorrow. An exercise in futility since they have a really horrible index. Another stupid day, but at least I don't have to drive through San Antonio again.
Don't you wish you could be more like me?
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
It is so cool to come out of the closet
One of my favorite shows as a child was The Electric Company. I really loved the episodes of Spiderman. It had the best theme song that ended with "nobody know who you are!" I guess they are going to have to change that to "everybody knows who you are." What the hell were they thinking? I just don't know how you can be a superhero without a hidden identity. I hope they don't jump the shark like Dallas did when they killed off Bobby for one season. Then the next year he was alive and the previous season had all been Pam's very vivid dream. It would really suck if it were all Mary Jane's dream.
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