Daily Archives: May 24, 2007

Still waiting to vacate

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

So all the pieces seem to be falling into place for that long-awaited motion to vacate the Speaker’s chair. According to BOR, Republican Rep. Todd Smith has filed two resolutions that would allow for a secret ballot in the event … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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More endorsements for Noriega

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Melissa Noriega has racked up a bunch more endorsements for the June 16 runoff for City Council. Early on, she received the endorsements of Noel Freeman and Andy Neill. Earlier today, her campaign sent out a press release announcing the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2007 | 1 Comment

We have TiVo again

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Our replacement TiVo unit arrived on our doorstep late this afternoon. It’s all set up now, so when Olivia comes home from school tomorrow she can see one of her beloved Noggin programs again. Of course, she won’t have many … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in TV and movies | Comments Off on We have TiVo again

Goodbye SB419, hello HB1919

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The bad news is that SB419 did not make it through the House. The good news is that it’s still alive as an amendment to another bill. Pete has an email from Sen. Eddie Lucio’s office, which lays it out: … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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What about the red light camera bills?

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

And the other legislation mentioned in the sidebar to the strip club fee story is about red light cameras. Red-light cameras Multiple bills: To formally authorize use of cameras to catch red light violators, regulate their use and require cities … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 1 Comment

Is SB1317 dead?

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

The strip club fee story has a little sidebar on it entitled “Other bills of particular interest in the Houston area”, which includes this tidbit: Clean air The measure: To prohibit Houston and other cities from using city nuisance laws … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment

Strip club fee passes the Senate

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

I confess, I hadn’t paid very close attention to Rep. Ellen Cohen’s bill to raise money for sexual assault prevention by imposing a $5 per customer fee on strip clubs because I didn’t think it would make it through. Clearly, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | 1 Comment

Budget deal reached

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

With all the other legislative activity going on as the session winds down, I’d almost lost track of the one thing the Lege must do, which is pass a budget. They’re almost there, according to the conference chairs. Senate Finance … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | 1 Comment

Aaron and Bonds

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Hank Aaron says he won’t watch Barry Bonds break his record. Aaron doesn’t plan to see the milestone homer in person, wherever it might happen. “No, I won’t be there,” he said. Asked why, Aaron said: “I traveled for 23 … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball | Comments Off on Aaron and Bonds

WiFi woes?

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Dwight notes that EarthLink is rethinking its municipal WiFi commitment. Following a quarter in which it posted a loss of $29.96 million broadband provider EarthLink said it is reviewing four of its Wi-Fi deployments in Philadelphia, Anaheim, Milpitas and New … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Technology, science, and math | Comments Off on WiFi woes?

A satisfying driving experience

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Houstonist has a question for you: “What is the most satisfying driving experience in Houston?” I’d call it a toss-up between going eastbound on Memorial from 610 to downtown, especially once you get past the last traffic light just before … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 2 Comments

One more step towards independence for the Woodlands

Posted on May 24, 2007 by Charles Kuffner

Back in December, a deal was struck between the Woodlands and the city of Houston to take future annexation off the table in return for financial considerations. That deal depended on the Lege passing bills to make it happen. That … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Elsewhere in Houston | Comments Off on One more step towards independence for the Woodlands