RAIL RAT

The Houston Metro Rail system was derailed by a none

other than a rodent last week; for the full story visit http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/3599683.html.

Unbelievable! I am oh so curious about dollar amount necessary to expunge this problem and most importantly the measures enacted to ensure this malfunction does not surface again. Funny a rat, who I would guess weighs no more than 10 pounds resulted in ultimate chaos in the 4th largest city in the United States by delaying transportation and bewildering repairmen.

A couple of years ago, I absolutely opposed the city spending so much money on such a small amount of rail. Conversely, I supported the funds being pumped into the roads people actually daily battle. For example, double decking Interstate 10; the top layer being a toll road was an ideal suggestion. For those of you who have never trekked this path in Houston, travel is comparable to the shuffle of a 100 year old tortoise. I believe not only would this have alleviated traffic around the city but it would also pay its own cost over a short span of time. Additionally, since crews already scheduled road construction on the main lanes of I-10; the logistics, equipment, resources, and interruptions to citizens could be shared.

It is not that I am opposed to light rail as a system! Other large cities devote accurate keenness to this form of transportation and most dealt with this quandary quite some time ago. There is; however, one huge difference between us and them. Inhabitants of other cities can live pleasingly without owning a personal vehicle as their transportation system affords them service to almost all major section of the city at ongoing hours. Unfortunately, our rail system allows travel to and from less than one (1) percent of the city, if that, and abides by a strict time schedule. Moreover, I fear Houston’s implementation strategy failed research and coordination.

1) The Dallas system should have been given stronger analysis. Dallas has a rail system? My point exactly! Houston should have anticipated that our participation would be comparable to the big “D” as they are the closest city to us both logistically and cultural. The Texan way of life should have been given accurate consideration! Have these officials heard the terms WIDE OPEN SPACES or TEXAS ROAD TRIPS?

2) The positioning and signage of the rail is deficient. How many wrecks occurred involving the system during the first year? Too many to remember the details of all – that is how many. In the beginning, collisions were reported daily as a result of drivers simply failing to see the tracks. I personally heard of numerous accidents long before I actually traveled the specific roads. Even knowing were to take notice and actively searching for the signs, I had a difficult time locating the actual signage before it would have been too late. I fear for visitors to the city. I believe the signage is insufficient considering all the commotion of the area. With all the hustle & bustle around it is really difficult to zero in on a small sign in the bunch.

Do I hate Houston’s rail system? No! Would I have used the monies to alleviate other transportation difficulties? Oh, most definitely. If I had my way, this rail rodent would never have made it to the morning news special. Instead, I would be able to arrive in midtown in less than 20 minutes on any given day by traveling my double decked interstate toll-way.

H2 – POWER OF THE FUTURE?

Projected power supply shortages rock debates across the world. Alternatives appear on the table at international and domestic meetings…what is the solution? Will one specific cure fix all or should we embrace multiple diverse measures to obtain the same goal?

Hydrogen (H2) is one proposal to clean up the earth while also solving the problem! Iceland is leading the way by striving to become the first “Hydrogen Economy”; they have made significant strides to free their land of fossil fuels while supporting renewable energy.

But of course, the debate around hydrogen is fierce. Opponents ask… will it take more energy to split the water and get the hydrogen out than will be generated using that same hydrogen? Will the potential savings from a reduction of transmission loss with a “Hydrogen Economy” equal or exceed the cost of distributing hydrogen to every point?

http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_print.cfm?a_id=181%3Cbr%3E

Dumpster Diving!?!

And you thought your job was bad!!!!! If you live in Seattle, don't discount the classified ad recruiting Dumpster Divers just yet, it could turn out to be a highly paid government position; however, I am assuming they gave it a more "PC" term such as Conservation Inspector. Last night, Fox News depicted fines given to businesses by the city resulting from their trash not complying with the mandatory percentage standards for recyclables. You ask what the consequences are for individual violaters? Their trash will simply not be picked up and they will be issued a nasty note left in view for their neighbors to see.

Visit http://wasteage.com/news/Seattle_recycling_law/index.html for details!

My confusion is this - the goal is to save the city $2 million a year by having a 60 percent recycling rate by 2010. During an economics class in college I recall evaluating if recycling was beneficial to the economy. Although I can not find the exact article we dissected, the following depicts some of the main points addressed. http://www.mises.org/story/1911

Will the fines (and the costs associated with enforcing them) really save the city? Factor in the budget increases necessary to sustain the program including but not limited to the following:

• Salaries for Inspection Workers
• Salaries for Management of Inspection Workers
• Salaries for people to enforce the fines given by Inspection Workers
• Computer, Cellular, Travel, & Office equipment & expenses related to fines
• Benefits for all employees
• Cost of HR to administer benefits to Employees
• Paper the fines are written on (irony huh?)
• etc.

Worse than HRC?

While watching "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" Sunday morning I realized that although I believed Hillary "nightmare for 2008" Clinton was the candidate I would least promote as our next President, a more alarming scenario exists - namely, Mark Warner! On Sunday, George interviewed this Democrat as he concluded his one and only term as the Governor of Virginia. Disqualified from succeeding himself under Virginia law, Warner is now entertaining the possibility of wooing the Democratic nomination and vying for the Presidency in 2008.

Democratic strategist and Kerry’s first presidential campaign manager, Jim Jordan, is quoted as saying “If he gets in, there is a real possibility that he emerges as the primary alternative to Hillary Clinton, and there’s a strong argument to be made that he would be the party’s strongest conceivable general election candidate.”

Other democrats have indicated that their dream ticket would be Clinton-Warner! Who is Mark Warner and what aroused my resistance to his potential candidacy? I must admit, prior to his inadequate performance on Sunday’s show, I was unfamiliar with his stance on international and domestic policy. Oh wait, after the interview, still uniformed…which is precisely my point. Although slight frustration was evident in George’s demeanor, Warner repeatedly failed to offer his firm opinion. Moreover, to most inquiries, his replies implicated an explanation that his preoccupation with running Virginia has not afforded him the opportunity to research the subject/question. He rationed that as he was certain each question deserved a response based on research and analysis, he believe his job responsibilities justified his consistent avoidance and inability to commit. Do our everyday lives and tasks afford us the right to exist as uninformed citizens?

My first reaction was astonishment that one would accept an invitation to be interviewed on a weekend show prided with acquainting national and foreign political issues to the general American public while their internal struggle and identification of a platform remained undetermined. What political advisor approved this? Was he confused? Did he misunderstand the broadcast to be on Virginia cable instead of nationally televised?

Also observed, the topics addressed lacked complication and were not intended to flummox the occupied Governor but rather were simple topics debated over holidays with family or provided as dinner conversation with friends...Alito, wiretapping, the Iraq War. Issues daily brought to light in the news, morning paper, not to mention the right side of any home page. Other red-blooded Americans could summarize their stance instantaneously; it is not a topic we dig deep for at each inquisition. So, why was he avoiding them? Is Warner anticipating that the American people will find his indecision so intriguing that they will be forced to keep him around until his views are as evident as an exposed piñata? Is he waiting to see what typecast remains unfilled as we near the Democratic nomination? Will he fake the future to get what he wants in the present?

I think these questions are easily explained after an examination of his past influence and record. He is a captivating businessman who uncannily managed to be in the right place at just right time. Positioned as a fiscal conservative while a centralist on social issue, he has attempted to avoid all-or-nothing confrontations with the Republican controlled legislation and govern from the center. Some maintain this strategy has enabled him to work across party lines; however, could this instead be another case of lip service to the elected officials just as he provided to the citizens of Virginia when he vowed not to impose new taxes during his tenure? Once elected, taxes did increase and according to The Wall Street Journal, the Virginia state budget expanded by 26% during Warner’s time in office.

A web page promoting his candidacy gives bullets to describe his achievements; I find most mediocre, to say the least. Below are a few examples.

CLAIM: “He ran strong in the cities and connected very well with in rural communities, including the rugged coalfields region of far Southwest Virginia.”

My take: He accomplished this by promising Broadband access in rural communities and his endorsement of NASCAR to the locals. Wow, enlightening?

CLAIM: “An able campaigner, walks a tight rope, navigates well among GOP land mines and is not known for having to apologize for public mistakes.”

My take: The only tight rope he walks is that of lack of knowledge and indecision. Of course he has not been charged to apologize for public mistakes, he avoids taking a stand or voicing beliefs.

The rebuttals to his “Campaign List” are as lengthy as my reservation list to Warner’s ability to run our nation. Although I would appreciate the confidence that the Democrats will get their act together and bring a qualified candidate to the table, I fell compelled to remind them that the time bomb is ticking LOUDLY!

Amazing Andrea!!!!!!!

a·maze

v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es
v.tr.
1. To affect with great wonder; astonish.
2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex.
v.intr.
To cause great wonder or astonishment: a sight that amazes.
n.
Amazement; wonder.

On Thanksgiving 2005, my friend (shown above) was admitted to the ICU for Adult Onset Leukemia; since that time she has been fighting for her life. Although, at times, the circumstances seemed very drear she has shown what an amazing girl she is and exemplifies the definition of STRENGTH. Click here to see an account of her progress.

http://weloveyouandrea.blogspot.com

I am thankful to all who have donated their blood, platelets, time, energy, thoughts and prayers to this dear girl and please keep it up as she has a long road ahead! Also, I ask that as you go about your day, think about how fortunate & blessed you are. Consider what you can do to help others who are afflicted or experiencing a difficult time in their life and ACT ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coffee & Personality

Recently, while staying at my brother’s home, I wondered why people like their coffee a certain way and if it says something about our personality? He enjoys his with the grounds included, in fact, after he makes a pot, I can leave the filter in place, run another pot of water and still think it is too strong. Ouch!

Are you Crazy for Coffee?

http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=20698

An English company doing market research found out that black coffee people are different from people who add sugar and/or cream - see above link. So if you go expresso or mocha or just straight black-- people around you are making decisions about your personality! The problem being you don't know if the other person perceives black coffee drinkers as uninteresting or as TOUGH! Anyway, drink up and take the following quiz to see if you match. They said I was "bound by tradition and stick with what I know!" Hummmmmmmm......really?????????????

http://coffeetea.about.com/library/quiz2/blquestion1.htm

Vertical Storage

I have fallen in love with everything vertical storage represents! Seriously, the more I dwell on it, I realize that although it surrounds me, I am just now taking notice in its beauty. Similar to that cell phone commercial where you see the bars in the background of EVERY photo, it has stalked me all along regardless of the consideration I provided. The advanced version of VS, which for those of you who do not know, MVS (Mounted Vertical Storage) is just the stuff dreams are made of…well, at least for us organizing gurus. FACT: I am obsessed with watching a show on TV entitled “Clean Sweep” where they take an OCC (out of control) room and organize it beyond belief. The rooms go from a pile of mush to a transformed super command center with “defined” areas.

I think my brain must have vertical storage. NO JOKE. I literally can feel the information enter VS units within my noggin which contain highly complex files, folders, tabs, and dividers on each category when introduced to someone/something. Is that normal? Am I the only one? If not standard, I might just commit myself; I ask you - is white my color? My computer is the same way...an organized system of folders, subfolders, sub-subfolders, on and on. I think SOME people’s brains must resemble the OCC rooms before they are clean swept – just piles of randomness waiting to be applied. Oh how I would love to enter and organize their brains so they could retrieve random dates and information when presented the task. SECRET WISH - I also sometimes want to know how others feel while they input/access information just as I would appreciate knowing how it feels to be shy.

NOT that I would want to live my life permanently as an introvert or anything but I would like to live a day in the life. Crazy you say? Yes, I know! My step-dad always told me that I needed to understand how people (who do not possess such a STRONG personality as my abundant gift) feel and process information so I could be sensitive to their concerns and needs. I have tried to envision this mind frame and significantly fail each time. While I try to “put myself in their shoes” it never works. Where do I begin? Honestly, I believe that I have given it a fair go, I have observed their behavior, asked questions about their feelings on certain items and situations, attempted to make correlations and theories and ever expand my repertoire on the subject but I am still not quite “getting it.” I guess I will just give myself an “E” for effort, a pat on the back, a cookie, whatever else and move on…

I suppose what my step-dad was trying to say is; I am not very sensitive, which can be better defined as I tell it like it is. Why not? I think everyone secretly wants to hear the truth, right? Besides if you get it all out there, nothing can sneak up from behind and bite you in the “you-know-what.” People NEED to hear the truth; however, others fail to enlighten them because it is NOT considered proper; I blame our society for this common misconception. Now, don’t get me wrong – by no means am I saying that we should express every thought that crosses our mind to every person in our path and of course I am still deciphering the appropriate boundaries for this problem. Notwithstanding, although it can be considered rude to comment on certain things, they need to be said and I believe saying them should not be attached to any stigma.

For example, a couple of months ago I went to visit my grandma (who I believe is the reason for the majority of my personality) and her first comment before I even crossed the door frame was “you have put on some pounds since last time you came to town.” Now, everybody pull up your jaws…was I offended? Heck NO. Some people would maintain that she should have kept that observation to herself but I am glad she said something. To her credit, I had gained, albeit 5 lbs. or so, but in one’s day to day life sometimes we tend to overlook these small additions to the scale. Having someone we know and love point them out to us, well, should make it all the easier for us to “cardio up.” Side note: When I asked my other grandma if she had noticed any weight gain she confirmed the observation but refrained from mentioning it; however, since I asked…

Now, if some random stranger had commented on my weight does that “cross the line?” I am still trying to figure this puzzle out; it is a tough call! Personally, I know I should probably train myself to not speak my mind so often; however, I think that particular task would be more difficult to undertake than others just learning to confirm to my mindset. Is that realistic? Uh, big fat NO but in my perfect Harp world you just never know! Allow me to conclude this random rant with one of my favorite lines from an old Scotch-Irish prayer “Lord, grant that I might always be right, for Thou knowest I am hard to turn.”

Photos for Laura

Per our conversation, attached are a few photos of the last sewing project – my cousin’s blanket. Sorry they are not the best but the blanket is already in the mail; however, I had taken a few with my camera phone to show the fabric choice to his mom. It is all bundled up here but you can see the color selections and softness…ah, maybe his feet will not hang out of his “blankie” anymore!

NIGHT OWL

Why is it that some people are destined to be night owls while others must bed down & early rise? Recently my best friend was pregnant and late each evening her little guy inside would start making his presence known; upon his arrival, it was the same story. Although she could not seem to figure out why his days and nights were confused, I just maintain he takes after his mother; she has always outlasted me staying awake during a late night movie, which is quite a feat.

Growing up I was always that kid that could never go to sleep at night. Even with the lights out, TV off, lavender bath – whatever, I would watch the digital clock swap numbers into the early morning hours only to spend the daylight hours exhausted and anxious for sleep. Fortunately, over the years, I have found clues to overcoming the second wind I usually receive at 10 o’clock in the evening.

No Projects – under no circumstances begin one. Once I get my mind on something late at night, I have a strong urge to complete it. During the day not so much dedication but oh the evenings – totally different devotion rises within. Above is a photo of the one I started last night, thank goodness it was a short one. As a child I would use the productive hours of the summer and winter holidays to paint. Well, that is the answer to my Grandma’s favorite question to ask… “Why do you not paint and draw anymore?” Simple answer, no more holidays now that I am a gainfully employed adult.

Keep the Lights ON – sounds weird but if I am in the quietness of dark, I have a hard time falling asleep. Theory is…if I am bored, my mind will begin to think and wander which is an oh so dangerous thing and could keep me awake the better part of the night.

NO TV – well at least not on a station I remotely enjoy. If I am the least bit interested I will wait and see who won the game on ESPN, what the ingredient is in the secret formula on the late night infomercial, the precise construction of the bridge on A&E, the dynamics of a certain war on the History Channel, how the redesigned room turned out on HGTV, or why that person gained 750 pounds on TLC (that was last night.)

READ – People wonder how I can read so many books. Well, now you have it from the source, I read to sleep. Actually, it is the one method I have learned over the year that is most successful; it is my secret weapon. If I really think I might be tempted to stay awake, I pick a boring book.

Oh, but my favorite category which I seem to have entered into in my age, is the night owl/early riser combination. Who knew! So now not only do I want to stay up late, I have an extremely hard time sleeping past sunrise (even on the weekends.) No one warned me that this would happen, do recovery groups exist for this illness? And finally my fearful question…in another 30 years will I be able to sleep at all?

And you’re still SINGLE?

So I heard it again last night… “Why are you still single?” Although, I have to admit it is not as bad as the alternatives…”What is wrong with you?” OR “You must have an asterisk!” Why is it that if people meet an intelligent and oh so fun girl who is close to 30 and never married they automatically assume there is something wrong with her rather than just realizing the assiduousness and confidence it took to get her in this stage of her fabulous life without making the horrible mistake of jumping over the fence with someone she knows is not a life match. Guys I date actually admit to me that one of the first questions that crossed their mind after they met me is…Why is this girl still single??? (AKA what is wrong with her)!!! Seriously, is today’s 30-year-old female the old maid of the century just as years ago it was sad if you were not sporting a ring by the end of your teens?!

The funny thing is, it I am fine with my station in life…as my grandmother always tells me “There are worse things than being single.” It seems to be society, family, & friends that just can not understand how I manage to get through the day with not only being single but being without a significant boyfriend to sport at parties and events. However, it doesn’t really bother me, I can always find a date and have always been fine on my own; I am that person who would rather shop by myself, enjoys going to the movies on my own, and will go crazy if I am not given some “alone time” at some point during the day. I do not need anyone to quote “complete me”, I just want to find someone who has their own life and will keep up with and challenge me.

My friend’s husband calls me “The Catch” as I am a girl who would rather get tickets to a ball game than flowers, who is a cleaning machine and actually enjoys it, thinks the Monday Night Football theme music ranks with the classics, can really cook but cringes at the thought of shopping at a home or kitchen store, on and on. Although, the other night one of my guy friends was giving me a hard time about being emotionally neglecting all because I do not like to hold hands. Some of my gal-friends have said that although I am an outrageous flirt, they think guys have a hard time knowing I really like them because I am so independent and do not do the normal girly things. So below is how I view a few things…

HOLDING HANDS

Why? Seriously, what is the point, especially when walking? Wouldn’t it be easier and traffic flow a lot easier if we just focused on walking and not being intertwined. All that happens is you get clammy hands and have to contort your body to scratch your nose, take a drink, etc. If were given 10 fingers to utilize, why not paint a picture, knit a blanket, but please don’t waste the productivity taking another 5 useful organs away from another person. I know you like me, you are with me, which is all I need for my emotional stability

SITTING NEXT TO EACH OTHER

Okay, so the point of the evening is to “watch” the movie, right. It only reasons that sitting next to each other could prove to be a distraction resulting in an intermission (if you know what I mean.) If I am allowed to sit by myself, I can sit in any position I so choose without worrying about how you are feeling and should I want to fidget (which is only expected) your comfort will not be altered and when I reposition, you're still as cozy as a rock star. If you decide to shake your leg, pop you jaw, or what ever the flavor of the day is, I am not affected. Ah, the beauty of solidarity but yet with the presence of another. Once again, I know you like me, we are watching the movie/TV/whatever together not alone.

So maybe that is not how others feel about these age-old traditions and yes, I have been told that I think like a guy. WHATEVER, I chalk it up to good ole common sense.

Then again, maybe I have just not met the right person...maybe someday I will want to hold hands and constantly cuddle! Who knows!