Monthly Archives: June 2012

Things to do this weekend

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

The Texas Democratic Party State Convention is in town starting tomorrow. Here are some of the things I plan to do: Thursday The HDCC was instrumental in getting the House Democratic caucus to 74 members after the 2008 election. It … Continue reading →

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How about those new Latino Congressional districts?

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

In the end, not so much. Originally hailed by Latino leaders as a way to boost opportunities for their community, the newly redrawn Texas congressional map has led to a pair of white Democrats claiming the nominations in districts that … Continue reading →

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You sure you’re registered?

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Your voter registration could get cancelled without you realizing what’s happening. More than 300,000 valid voters were notified they could be removed from Texas rolls from November 2008 to November 2010 – often because they were mistaken for someone else … Continue reading →

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Today is budget day

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron has some questions about the Mayor’s proposed budget. I think the last question is the key one. What happens if the $34 million in additional property tax and $32 million in new sales taxes forecast by the city … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CNG garbage trucks

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

You won’t hear them coming. Waste Management [announced on Friday that] it is pushing forward on a nationwide plan to convert all of its 18,342 trucks from loud and smoky diesel engines to quieter and cleaner compressed natural gas-powered machines. … Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

That other guy in the Senate runoff

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Meet Grady Yarbrough. At 75, retired educator Grady Yarbrough finally has achieved some statewide notoriety. With a low-budget campaign targeting Hispanics and fellow African Americans, Yarbrough finished second in the Democratic primary race for U.S. senator, qualifying for a July … Continue reading →

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Metro floats compromise on mobility funds

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

As we know, Metro is preparing for a referendum this fall on the status of the general mobility fund, which is one fourth of the sales tax revenue Metro collects and which goes to Metro member cities for road projects. … Continue reading →

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Got any Bigfoot DNA?

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Please send it to Oxford if you do. In a project announced this week, Oxford University and Lausanne Museum of Zoology scientists appealed to museums, scientists and Yeti aficionados to share hair samples thought to be from the mythical ape-like … Continue reading →

Posted in Skepticism | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Why bother campaigning for the SBOE?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Here in Harris County, we were fortunate to have an active Democratic primary between three likable and well-qualified candidates for the nomination in SBOE district 6. All three actively campaigned, each garnered at least one endorsement from a Democratic organization, … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2012 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

How bad would a big hurricane be to Houston?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Very bad. I trust you are not surprised by this. When a really strong hurricane next blows through Houston, its winds – not its waters – pose the greatest threat to inflict damage unimagined by most living here. Tropical Storm … Continue reading →

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Ten things you should know about the demographics of Texas

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

From the Center for American Progress: 1. Communities of color are driving population growth in Texas. Texas is one of five states in the country where people of color make up the majority of the population. Between 2000 and 2009 Hispanic population … Continue reading →

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Can ban lawsuit moves back to Comal County

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

From last week: Travis County District Judge Scott Jenkins removed two state agencies from a lawsuit filed against New Braunfels by a coalition of businesses over the law banning disposable containers on the rivers — popular tubing routes. Jenkins dismissed … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for June 3

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

I want to be a designer of dinosaur sculptures when I grow up. Would you eat the Dark Vador burger if you were in a McDonald’s in France? Meet the young entrepreneur who squatted at AOL for three months while … Continue reading →

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Sullivan confirms he will step down in January

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

There will be one more election on the ballot this November. Houston City Councilman Mike Sullivan confirmed Thursday that he will submit his resignation next month as a result of his victory in the Republican Party primary for county tax … Continue reading →

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No one likes the new noise ordinance

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Look for more changes to come. The latest participants in the never-ending noise battle are local nightclub owners who feel they have been unfairly targeted after the Houston City Council updated the noise ordinance in October. They have been issued … Continue reading →

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Lake businesses hoping for a good summer

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Sure must be tough being so dependent on factors beyond your control. Central Texas lake-area businesses dependent on customers being in, on or near water want you to know three things heading into Memorial Day weekend: Last summer wasn’t as … Continue reading →

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“Zero waste” grocery store set to open

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Coming soon to Austin. The idea for a package-free organic grocery store started years ago when brothers Christian and Joseph Lane were discussing a simple business idea: refilling beer and wine bottles. From there, they decided to include other basic … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, glorious food | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Saturday video break: Superstar

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Song #65 on the Popdose Top 100 Covers list is “Superstar”, originally by Delaney & Bonnie and covered by The Carpenters. Here’s the original: I definitely know the song – it was a huge hit for The Carpenters, and you … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | Tagged , | 1 Comment

It’s just business

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

The fact that Continental Airlines once had a cozy relationship with the City of Houston doesn’t mean that United Airlines should expect the same treatment. Then two years ago, Continental got married, and it took a new name. Houston renewed … Continue reading →

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Retire #50!

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

I was enjoying this story about JR Richard, was was inducted into the Astros Walk of Fame at Minute Maid on Friday night, until I got to these paragraphs: The Astros have been more liberal than most teams in retiring … Continue reading →

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Roemer suspends his campaign

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

A moment of silence, please, for the end of the Buddy Roemer for President campaign. Today, I am no longer a candidate for President of the United States. After 17 months of a wonderful campaign, the lack of ballot access … Continue reading →

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Robocalls versus illegal street signs

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

I so love this. The cheap signs smashed into lawns and along the corners of busy intersections are hard to miss. “We Buy Junk Cars!” ”Cash for Your House!” ”Computer Repair.” The eyesores have vexed Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober for … Continue reading →

Posted in National news | Tagged , | 2 Comments

RIP, State Rep. Ken Legler

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Very sad news. State Rep. Ken Legler, R-Pasadena, passed away Friday, according to the Texas House speaker’s office. He was 54. The cause of death is believed to be a heart attack, according to his office. Legler was first elected … Continue reading →

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Friday random eight: School’s out

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

What the hell, it’s a short week and the last day of school was yesterday. 1. Be True To Your School – Beach Boys 2. Big School – team9 vs. Stereogum 3. Bitch School – Chris Cohoon 4. Schoolhouse Rock … Continue reading →

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The Oliver problem

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

sigh Lloyd Oliver had run for office at least five times – likely more, he said; he’s lost count – and been beaten each time, falling short of judgeships and congressional seats, getting trounced as both a Republican and a … Continue reading →

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Beating Bradley

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

The Statesman writes about the aftermath of the GOP primary for District Attorney in Williamseon County where voters resoundingly threw out John Bradley. Michael Morton wasn’t on the ballot, didn’t campaign and didn’t back a candidate, but the recently exonerated … Continue reading →

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It sure would be nice if The Lege would do something about the drought

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Don’t count on it, though. Most of Texas has emerged from its driest year on record, but the turn in weather likely will dampen legislative interest in the state’s water supply. Water planners, policy experts and scientists said Monday at … Continue reading →

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Alamo Drafthouse coming inside the Loop

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Charles Kuffner

Woo hoo! I am so thrilled to announce that we’re getting two new Alamo Drafthouse locations in Houston! I love living in Houston and I love the Alamo theaters here, and the expansion of the company in this wonderful city … Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments