Monthly Archives: April 2009

Where the stimulus funds are going

Posted on April 24, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I didn’t get to this last week, but City Controller and Mayoral candidate Annise Parker announced the creation of a new website that would track what stimulus dollars are coming to Houston and how they’re being spent. The website is … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Budget ballyhoo | Comments Off on Where the stimulus funds are going

It would be OK with me if all those who favor it decide to leave

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I ask a question about secession. Is that really what the GOP base is about these days? I get an answer. Do you think Texas would be better off as an independent nation or as part of the United States … Continue reading →

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It would be OK with me if all those who favor it decide to leave

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I ask a question about secession. Is that really what the GOP base is about these days? I get an answer. Do you think Texas would be better off as an independent nation or as part of the United States … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Show Business for Ugly People | Comments Off on It would be OK with me if all those who favor it decide to leave

The Senate fundraising scorecard so far

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s what you see for candidates for the US Senate in Texas for the 2009-10 election cycle. I’ve removed the two incumbents plus candidates from previous cycles who are sitll filing finance reports. Republicans Name Raised Spent Net Cash Debts … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2010 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Senate fundraising scorecard so far

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Here’s what you see for candidates for the US Senate in Texas for the 2009-10 election cycle. I’ve removed the two incumbents plus candidates from previous cycles who are sitll filing finance reports. Republicans Name Raised Spent Net Cash Debts … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2010 | Comments Off on The Senate fundraising scorecard so far

Everyone has an opinion on Kay and Rick

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Former Congressman Martin Frost thinks Rick Perry has a good shot at winning his primary against Sen. Hutchison. Perry, who won with less than 40 percent in a four-way general election field in 2006, is not popular with the general … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2010 | 2 Comments

Everyone has an opinion on Kay and Rick

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Former Congressman Martin Frost thinks Rick Perry has a good shot at winning his primary against Sen. Hutchison. Perry, who won with less than 40 percent in a four-way general election field in 2006, is not popular with the general … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2010 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Everyone has an opinion on Kay and Rick

House hearing set on Keller impeachment resolution

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Mark your calendars for Monday, April 27, for that’s when HR480, the resolution filed by State Rep. Lon Burnam back in February that called for the House to begin the impeachment process against Judge Sharon Keller, gets a hearing. From … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, That's our Lege | Comments Off on House hearing set on Keller impeachment resolution

House hearing set on Keller impeachment resolution

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Mark your calendars for Monday, April 27, for that’s when HR480, the resolution filed by State Rep. Lon Burnam back in February that called for the House to begin the impeachment process against Judge Sharon Keller, gets a hearing. From … Continue reading →

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Sometimes the clock is your friend

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve said many times by now that the slow pace of this legislative session will threaten the prospects of many a bill. In some cases, that’s a good thing. After months with little or no action, Texas lawmakers are stirring … Continue reading →

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Sometimes the clock is your friend

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I’ve said many times by now that the slow pace of this legislative session will threaten the prospects of many a bill. In some cases, that’s a good thing. After months with little or no action, Texas lawmakers are stirring … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Sometimes the clock is your friend

HISD: Not must-see TV

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Earlier this month, HISD agreed to broadcast its monthly meetings on its cable access station. While the promise of making their meetings more transparent to the public was appealing, it would seem there’s still a few bugs in the system. … Continue reading →

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HISD: Not must-see TV

Posted on April 23, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Earlier this month, HISD agreed to broadcast its monthly meetings on its cable access station. While the promise of making their meetings more transparent to the public was appealing, it would seem there’s still a few bugs in the system. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Comments Off on HISD: Not must-see TV

Prius problems

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Really interesting cover story in the Press about issues Prius drivers have had with their previously-beloved vehicles. Seems they have this strange habit of accelerating at unpredictable times, with the extra bonus of the brakes not working too well. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Prius problems

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Really interesting cover story in the Press about issues Prius drivers have had with their previously-beloved vehicles. Seems they have this strange habit of accelerating at unpredictable times, with the extra bonus of the brakes not working too well. I … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 1 Comment

Mutombo says his career is over

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Aw, rats. Perhaps the biggest highlight of Dikembe Mutombo’s career came during the 1994 playoffs when he was lying on the floor holding a ball in the air in joy after leading the Denver Nuggets to a titanic playoff upset … Continue reading →

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Mutombo says his career is over

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Aw, rats. Perhaps the biggest highlight of Dikembe Mutombo’s career came during the 1994 playoffs when he was lying on the floor holding a ball in the air in joy after leading the Denver Nuggets to a titanic playoff upset … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Other sports | 2 Comments

Another chance to slap the Governor

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Lege has had a few opportunities to express its opinion about Governor Perry and his “leadership” this session. Passing the unemployment insurance bill, inserting the budget amendment that would strip funding from the Texas Enterprise Fund in the event … Continue reading →

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Another chance to slap the Governor

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Lege has had a few opportunities to express its opinion about Governor Perry and his “leadership” this session. Passing the unemployment insurance bill, inserting the budget amendment that would strip funding from the Texas Enterprise Fund in the event … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in That's our Lege | Comments Off on Another chance to slap the Governor

Another contender for At Large #1

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The following press release hit my Inbox today: Lonnie Allsbrooks announced his intent to become candidate for At-Large Position 1 for the City of Houston. Lonnie Allsbrooks, a successful small business owner from the Heights, has decided to run for … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2009 | Comments Off on Another contender for At Large #1

Another contender for At Large #1

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The following press release hit my Inbox today: Lonnie Allsbrooks announced his intent to become candidate for At-Large Position 1 for the City of Houston. Lonnie Allsbrooks, a successful small business owner from the Heights, has decided to run for … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2009 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Is it that bogged down already?

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

As we know, the long-awaited Katy Freeway managed lanes opened this weekend. This story about its first day of rush-hour operation gives it positive reviews, but what interests me is this: [Lisa Castaneda, a transportation engineer for the Harris County … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | 5 Comments

Is it that bogged down already?

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

As we know, the long-awaited Katy Freeway managed lanes opened this weekend. This story about its first day of rush-hour operation gives it positive reviews, but what interests me is this: [Lisa Castaneda, a transportation engineer for the Harris County … Continue reading →

Posted in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Is it that bogged down already?

Go Solar Texas

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

You won’t see this ad in Houston, but it is running in other parts of the state in support of solar energy and legislation to promote solar energy in Texas. In honor of Earth Day today, ACT Texas gives us … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Go Solar Texas

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

You won’t see this ad in Houston, but it is running in other parts of the state in support of solar energy and legislation to promote solar energy in Texas. In honor of Earth Day tomorrow, ACT Texas gives us … Continue reading →

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You sure you can afford that attorney?

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I haven’t really paid much attention to the Allen Stanford case, but this story about his plea to unfreeze some of his assets so he can pay for his legal representation caught my eye. “All of Allen Stanford’s money, all … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | 5 Comments

You sure you can afford that attorney?

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I haven’t really paid much attention to the Allen Stanford case, but this story about his plea to unfreeze some of his assets so he can pay for his legal representation caught my eye. “All of Allen Stanford’s money, all … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on You sure you can afford that attorney?

Texas secession: Views differ

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Looks like Rick Perry has found his audience for secession talk: Ron Paul Nation. If you don’t feel like sitting through that (can’t say I blame you), Bud Kennedy gives the capsule review: [Paul calls] secession “very much an American … Continue reading →

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Texas secession: Views differ

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

Looks like Rick Perry has found his audience for secession talk: Ron Paul Nation. If you don’t feel like sitting through that (can’t say I blame you), Bud Kennedy gives the capsule review: [Paul calls] secession “very much an American … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Show Business for Ugly People | 1 Comment

Keep your eye on the ball, Tom

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this: So how does a former ambassador gird for a possible battle with the ever-black-hatted, cigar-chomping Kinky Friedman for the Democratic nod for governor? Campaign honchos who faced the finger-in-the-eye-of-the political-establishment candidate in … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2010 | 2 Comments

Keep your eye on the ball, Tom

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I have three things to say about this: So how does a former ambassador gird for a possible battle with the ever-black-hatted, cigar-chomping Kinky Friedman for the Democratic nod for governor? Campaign honchos who faced the finger-in-the-eye-of-the political-establishment candidate in … Continue reading →

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Either way, they still get paid

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron returns to the theme of inadequate representation of death row inmates. Texas lawyers have repeatedly missed deadlines for appeals on behalf of more than a dozen death row inmates in the last two years — yet judges continue … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | 1 Comment

Either way, they still get paid

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

The Chron returns to the theme of inadequate representation of death row inmates. Texas lawyers have repeatedly missed deadlines for appeals on behalf of more than a dozen death row inmates in the last two years — yet judges continue … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Either way, they still get paid

The Freeland Historic District

Posted on April 21, 2009 by Charles Kuffner

I drive down White Oak every day to take the girls to preschool, so I’ve been going past a bunch of houses that have signs with “save our bungalow” messages on them, but I wasn’t sure what all the fuss … Continue reading →

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