editor

The iPhone appeared on AT&T's network long before AT&T's latest upgrade. It was consumer complaints, bad publicity, and the FCC that pushed AT&T into its upgrade. The big reason AT&T got the iPhone instead of Verizon was because it uses a global standard, so Apple only had to make one version of the phone to cover every market. These days, Verizon has a few phones with a Frankenstein GSM chip in them, but that still leaves the Verizon phone unusable in Japan, Korea, and many other parts of Asia, while the iPhone continues to work perfectly in those countries (I speak from first-hand use). Now that it has more experience in the mobile sector, Apple was ready to make a Verizon-version of the iPad but Verizon refused to be reasonable on data rates. With the AT&T version of the iPad you get 250 megs of data for $14.99/month, or unlimited data for $29.99/month and no contract. Verizon wouldn't do an unlimited plan, and wanted to charge $40/month (likely on contract) for the 250 megs. I don't blame Apple for laughing and walking away. Verizon's shot itself in the foot twice on this.

It's a good point. In a lot of cities the "Main" street is "main" in name alone. It's an antiquated notion to think of it as a thoroughfare. Modern mobility design allows for the "local" and "though" streets at intervals. This is what Houston has now. Main is a "local." Louisiana and Smith are "through." Same thing in Chicago's CBD where Wabash is "local" and LaSalle is "through." And in Seattle where 1st and 4th are "local" and 2nd/3rd are "though." Just because it's a street doesn't mean it is intended to be used as a raceway. It's a means of getting from point A to point B. Sometimes point B isn't that far away.

Too bad it will never look like this. I've never understood why companies pay architecture firms millions of dollars for new buildings based on renderings that 99.999999% don't show what the building will really look like. Of the thousands of "renderings" I've seen over the years, maybe in one or two cases the finished building looked like the sketch. The worst are the ones that have all kinds of crayon swirls and half-finished lines across them. I don't believe that this building, when it's finished, will have balcony railings and a shade at the top that glow in the dark. More plausible:

Did anyone else see that study that came out last month about AT&T reliability and speed being off the charts? I guess a couple of years of people complaining was enough to get it to upgrade its network substantially. I was surprised to see it besting Verizon in most markets. There was one place where AT&T reliability was around 95%, while Verizon was in the 60's. Unfortunately, I don't think Houston was part of that study. I'm surprised T-Mobile doesn't get better reviews in Houston. In most markets where T-Mobile ate an incumbent carrier (Primeco/Aerial in Houston, Voicestream in Minneapolis, etc...) the service is considered superior.

I think you're talking about two different groups of people there. There is a group who believes that Houston isn't as metropolitan as it should be. There is also a very strong, vocal, and intensely local group who love Houston the way it is, warts and all. I don't think the two groups overlap all that much, though sometimes I'm of two minds. When I lived in Houston, sometimes I would wish for a modern subway that would whisk me from downtown to the Galleria. And then I'd see (and photograph) someone riding a horse along 288, and think, "This is a perfect moment. Don't change anything, Houston."

Houston police officers have a message for airport travelers: have a good trip, but don’t forget to lock your vehicles and hide your valuables. “Criminals are looking for easy targets such as unlocked vehicles and valuable items they can see before they break in,” said HPD Lieutenant Jerry Kiker. Several times during March, police officers from the HPD Airport Division distributed theft reduction report cards on motorists’ windshields, giving them pass or fail grades as to whether they left vehicle doors unlocked, windows opened or cracked, and if valuables were in plain view. “I’ve been at the airport a long time,” said Lieutenant Kiker. “I believe it’s one of the safest places to be, but almost anywhere in the city where there are a lot of vehicles left unattended, there is a possibility of a burglary occurring. We’re trying to do what we can to prevent that,” he said. Burglaries of Motor Vehicles (BMVs) are among the most easily preventable of crimes. Citizens are encouraged to lock their vehicles and hide their belongings to remove any temptation to would-be thieves. “We want everyone to secure their property, so they don’t become victims of crime,” said Lieutenant Kiker. The effort is part of the Houston Police Department’s ongoing March on Crime Campaign. Working together, Houston police and the public can help “Keep Houston Safe.” For more safety information, visit our website at www.houstonpolice.org and click on the “Keep Houston Safe” logo.

I know a town in New York where people have trouble obeying a particular red light. So when it turns red there's also a white strobe behind the red lens to grab your attention.

METRO ADDS NEW HYBRID BUSES TO ITS FLEET Park & Ride patrons will soon experience that “new car” ambiance as METRO rolls out 20 new MCI commuter hybrid buses. The 45-foot buses arrived in February and are currently undergoing routine quality-control testing before being deployed into revenue service. The new hybrids are part of METRO’s ambitious bus replacement program – calling for 100 new buses to be added to the fleet each year- and its initiative to go green. The vehicles run on clean diesel and use an electric motor to optimize performance – technology that cuts down METRO’s fuel consumption and reduces the emissions of pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, an ozone precursor. The 55-seat capacity coach vehicles will be used for Park & Ride service and offer patrons cushioned seating, as well a smooth, quiet ride. To date, METRO has more than 262 hybrid vehicles – local and commuter – in its fleet.

People listen. And you're not the only one to advocate this position. But not enough people think it's worth the money. Simple as that. For example, the city I'm about to move to is getting its first light rail line. Two days ago the city council voted unanimously to put the light rail line underground in the downtown area because the members thought it would slow down buses. The cost: $2.007 billion for the entire project. This is a town of 100,000 people that doesn't mind investing in infrastructure. At the time the rail line was built in Houston, it was a struggle to get what is there now. Considering the epic political battle, I'm surprised the line got built at all. Back on topic: Sorry I'm a couple of days late with this. It came in on Tuesday: ------------------- METRO TO RELEASE VIDEO OF LIGHT-RAIL TRAIN/BUS ACCIDENT Preliminary results of METRO’s investigation of Monday’s light-rail accident involving a METRO bus reveal the bus operator ran the red light. The image on the left is a still shot captured from the bus’ front view security camera, clearly showing the red traffic light. METRO investigators say the light was red for about 10 seconds before the bus operator, Debra Harrison, entered the intersection. Two vehicles off to the right of the bus were stopped at the light long before Harrison passed the intersection. Harrison has been with METRO for 10 years and is now suspended without pay, pending completion of the investigation. Harrison has been involved in five accidents since April 2007, four of which were deemed non-preventable (found not at fault) and one preventable. The latter was a minor accident. Harrison was counseled for a speeding violation in November 2008 and reprimanded for turning right on red in November 2009 – not allowed in the downtown business district. Issues have been raised with regards to the timing of the traffic signal lights at the intersection of the accident at Main and St. Joseph Parkway. Though no changes have been made to the timing of the traffic signals since March 2009, METRO will review all records to ensure there were no systemic glitches. The traffic signals were reviewed following the rail and bus accident on Feb. 8, 2010, and were determined to be working properly. In its continuing investigation, METRO will determine what other safety measures it can implement at the intersection, as well as any augmentation to its training standards, to improve safety. METRO already has flashing red in-pavement lights at the intersection, and others along the corridor, to indicate the traffic signal has turned red.

This morning while watching the morning news on WGN-TV I saw something really cool. In between the usual parade of lame window replacement commercials and weak carpet replacement commercials was an ad for Houston tourism featuring ZZ Top: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvEdMpeUENA Judging from the comments on the commercial's YouTube page, it looks like it's about a year old, but it's the first time I've seen it up here in Chicago. I think it's pretty well done. This time of year we always get A LOT of tourism ads running in this market. This year the stand-outs have been Montana; Saint Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida; and Saint Louis. Spain, Turkey, and Orlando have been pretty weak. Much to the consternation of a particular group of angry HAIFers who think Houston shouldn't have a tourism industry, I think the ad is done well enough for people to actually consider checking out Houston this year. Hopefully this is one in a series of ads and more will pop up here soon.

Statement from Metro: ------------- METRO is single-tracking rail service for northbound travel between the Downtown Transit Center and the UH-Downtown station. Patrons can board a train heading northbound via the Downtown Transit Center northbound platform. Patrons can board a southbound train at the Downtown transit center southbound platform. A bus bridge is in place for patrons traveling the stretch between the Downtown Transit Center and the UH-Downtown station. METRO buses are picking up patrons on Travis for northbound travel and Fannin for southbound travel. Eighteen people have been transported to various area hospitals, reportedly with non-life threatening injuries resulting from an accident involving a METRORail train and METRO bus this afternoon at Main at St. Joseph.

Another release came in last night from the Harris County DA's office: --------------- Court Withdraws Ruling in Death Penalty Case (Houston, Tx) State District Judge Kevin Fine on Tuesday withdrew his March 4 ruling that found the Texas capital murder statute violates due process provisions of the U.S. Constitution. That ruling had effectively barred prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against John Edward Green Jr. on his capital murder charge in the robbery and killing of a Houston mother. However, the judge Tuesday ordered both sides to submit legal briefs on the issue in about one month. An evidentiary hearing could follow, further postponing a trial that had been set to begin with jury selection on March 31. Prosecutor Kari Allen states, "It is refreshing that a Judge was willing to rescind an order. However, it is unfortunate that we will not be able to proceed more quickly with the actual trial of the case." Chief Appellate Prosecutor Alan Curry will be tasked with reviewing the court's ruling and drafting the State's response to the court order. Curry says, "We believe that the law in this area is well-settled, and we are confident that a review of the State's brief will clarify that the death penalty can be fairly and properly sought in the state of Texas."

Officers from the Houston Police Department’s South Central Patrol Division teamed up with members of the Greater East End Management District to help clean two vacant lots in east Houston today (March 4). While the trash was being removed, officers from went door-to-door, educating residents about illegal dumping. Today’s initiative took place in the 5200 block of Avenue J and the 500 block of North Sidney. In addition to being an eyesore and potential health hazard, the dumping of trash can lead to other serious crimes. Citizens are encouraged to contact police at 713-884-3131 to report illegal dumping.

District Attorney Responds to Ruling on Constitutionality of Texas Death Penalty Law Houston Tx - Today, the judge of the 177th District Court, in the case of the State of Texas v. John Edward Green, Jr., declared Art. 37.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which authorizes the death penalty, to be unconstitutional. District Attorney Patricia Lykos stated, "Words are inadequate to describe the Office's disappointment and dismay with this ruling; sadly it will delay justice for the victims and their families. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and other appellate courts have consistently rejected the same issues raised in the Green case. The decision of whether to seek the death penalty is a solemn and profound responsibility. After a deliberative and thoughtful process this Office reached the conclusion to prosecute Mr. Green for the horrific capital murder he committed and to ask the jury to assess the death penalty. We respectfully, but vigorously disagree with the trial judge's ruling, as it has no basis in law or in fact. We will pursue all remedies." Kari Allen, the lead prosecutor in the Green case, commented on the judge's ruling: "It subverts the State's effort to seek justice for the multiple victims in this case. An innocent woman was executed in front of her two children after she complied with the killer's demands. Her sister, who was visiting with her from California, was shot twice as she attempted to comply."

No one has the "right" to invade any other person's personal space. That appears to be what's happening here. And the police officer has an obligation to be in control of the scene. That's his job. This person doesn't have the right to interfere with that job. He has the right to ask questions, if done in a civil manner and in a way that doesn't put the cop on the defensive. But the cop also has a right not to answer those questions. The tape is meaningless. A crime scene can legally still exist even if it hasn't been cordoned off. All it does is keep the looky-loos at bay. If waving a bloody arm in front of the cop distracts or prevents the cop from doing his job, then no. I think we need an injection of RedScare here.

I don't know if this is new, or just new to me, but maybe other people didn't know this, either -- the archives of Port of Houston magazine going back to 1923 are online. I was searching for something entirely unrelated to Houston and came across this link: http://www.portarchive.com/1981/02-February%20Page%2023%20to%2048.pdf It's a PDF of Port of Houston magazine from February, 1981. You can access the entire magazine collection here: http://portarchive.com/ This looks like it would be a good tool for all of the Houston history researchers on HAIF. Check out this ad from June, 1924: The text at the bottom reads, "The Above Photographs Illustrate Some of the Attractive Appointments of the New Home of the Second National. This Bank is Located in its Own Building, at the Corner of Main St. and Rusk Ave., and is One of the Most Elegant and Completely Equipped Banking Rooms in the South."

I think when the head of a company testifies before a congressional committee, it's pretty safe to call it a "scandal." That said, maybe AIG and Stanford can sponsor a couple of stadia around town. What could possibly go wrong?

My thoughts are along the lines of yours. I don't understand why this guy had to run across the street and stick a camera into the action. He couldn't just stay on his porch? Or say 15 feet back? He is correct that he has the right to film what's happening on the street. But he doesn't have the right to rush up to a police scene and demand answers like he's Walter Cronkite or something. It's dark, the cop is working with another person, so I can understand how the cop might fear for his safety when some guy comes rushing to the scene who's not part of what's going on. Some people just look for trouble.

Every now and again I get e-mailed press releases from the University of Houston chapter of "Students for Sensible Drug Policy." Normally I don't post their stuff here because they usually only send notices of events a few hours before they happen. I need more lead time than that. But that's another matter. This afternoon I received a release from this group that linked to a video alleging to show a Houston police officer arresting a man for video taping police activity on his street. The person being arrested keeps repeating that he has the constitutional right to make the video. And he may be entirely correct. However, the problem is that the video has no context. The person who uploaded it to YouTube edited out the beginning of the video. So we don't see the officer telling the guy to stop taping. We hear the narrator (arrestee) stating that the cop is handcuffing him for interfering with police business, but again -- without the beginning of the tape it's impossible to tell who is right and who is wrong. Was the guy interfering? We can't tell. One thing I will say is that the officer appears calm and professional the entire time and as far as the viewers can tell, the video taping was never stopped by the police. In fact, the camcorder was handed off to another individual to continue recording the event. So I include the video here as a piece for those of you interested in Houston police, and maybe someone out there has more information than what is shown in the YouTube posting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMpGYGzTmOc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMpGYGzTmOc Update Here's a statement from the UH student group about what happened: -----------

METRO’s 402 Quickline Bellaire route now has a new bus station, extending service to residents of the city of Southside Place and the city of West University. The new Stella Link station sports the same modern look as the other eight along the route, and is equipped with the same amenities, which include landscaping, public art, digital next-bus arrival information and improved lighting. The nine-mile express route offers a speedy trip on Bellaire Blvd. from Ranchester to the Texas Medical Center Transit Center, with limited stops aboard uniquely marked hybrid-vehicles equipped with added amenities. The 402 Quickline Bellaire launched June 1, 2009, and is one of several Signature Bus Services METRO plans to roll out in the future. The cost to ride is just $1.25 – the same as other local routes - with free transfers to local buses or rail with a METRO Q Fare® Card.

The Harris County Community Services Department has officially launched the much anticipated H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easy) program. Through the program, Harris County has recently purchased more than 40 foreclosed homes, offering them to qualified first-time buyers at greatly discounted prices. While many of those homes have either sold or have pending offers, Harris County Community Services continues to purchase homes, replenishing the inventory weekly. The new H.O.M.E. program, funded by a HUD Neighborhood Stabilization grant, offers foreclosed homes for re-sale to qualified families at 20 percent below Harris County's purchase price. The program also pays a 3 percent real estate commission and 6 percent toward the buyer's closing costs. The homes are located primarily in newer Harris County subdivisions beyond Houston city limits. "I think the real estate agents and buyers out there will be pleased with the quality of these recently built homes. In many cases buyers are paying 40-50 percent below what the same house sold for when it was new," said David Turkel, Director of Harris County Community Services. The goal of the program is to help employed low to middle income people purchase vacant foreclosed homes they can afford; thereby stabilizing local housing markets that are being impacted by high foreclosure rates. A family of 4 earning as much as $76 thousand a year may qualify for this program. "Putting hard-working, credit-worthy families into vacant homes that might otherwise be vandalized will help stabilize property values and prevent neighborhood deterioration," Turkel said. The County continues to purchase homes as those in the H.O.M.E. inventory are sold; in a program that is expected to last at least two years. To find out if you qualify and to view the latest homes for sale go to www.harriscountyhome.hctx.net. Homebuyers may have access to the program through a licensed real estate agent or an attorney. The H.O.M.E. program welcomes the participation of all licensed real estate agents.

COUNCIL MEMBERS COSTELLO AND GONZALEZ ASKING FOR PUBLIC FLOODING AND DRAINAGE FEEDBACK THROUGH SURVEY Survey to guide Flooding and Drainage Committee in identifying flooding issues and concerns February 12, 2010 - Houston, TX. Houston residents are being asked to fill out a short five question survey about their personal experiences with flooding and drainage. Houston City Council Flooding and Drainage Committee Chair Stephen C. Costello and Vice-Chair Ed Gonzalez are encouraging citizens to complete the survey in order to gain information on the current and long term needs of the city’s drainage infrastructure and storm water management capabilities. This survey will be used by the committee for informational and guidance purposes only; all constituent requests should be directed to 3-1-1 and requests for infrastructure improvements must go through the normal CIP process. The committee is asking for first-hand accounts of flooding related issues, such as past property damage and whether problems have improved or worsened. Responses from the survey will give the committee a broad perspective of neighborhood flooding and drainage problems throughout Houston. To participate, residents may fill out the survey online: http://www.houstontx.gov/council/1/floodingsurvey.html or request a copy by email: atlarge1@cityofhouston.net The Flooding and Drainage Committee is charged with considering regulatory and permitting functions affecting flooding and drainage incorporated in Code of Ordinances Chapter 19 (Floodplain) and 47 (Storm Drainage Discharge); long-range planning for funding of drainage infrastructure; communication with affected stakeholders, including recommendations concerning coordination with other entities such as the federal and state government, Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties and the Harris County Flood Control District.

http://televisionbroadcast.com/article/94564

Got this e-mail from ------------------------------------ OFFICES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS SUE LOVELL EDWARD GONZALEZ ANOTHER STEP IN PRESERVING HOUSTON HISTORY Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Heights chooses to save historic sanctuary building February 11, 2010 - Council Member Sue Lovell, chair of the City of Houston historic preservation committee, and District H City Council Member Edward Gonzalez congratulate the Immanuel Lutheran Church congregation upon its February 10 vote to preserve its historic (dedicated 1932) church sanctuary at 15th and Cortlandt in the Heights. The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a wonderful example of early 20th century Gothic Revival architecture and is a landmark in the neighborhood. The decision by the congregation to preserve the sanctuary building and turn it into a museum of Lutheran history is a perfect example of preservation and economic development, Council Member Lovell said. Council Member Lovell and Council Member Gonzalez want to thank the members of the committee that worked on this preservation issue and the neighbors that got involved. "We especially thank the people from the neighborhood for caring about preserving the character of their neighborhood," Council Member Lovell said. "The preservation of the Immanuel sanctuary is an answer to our prayers, and now the work begins." "This was a great collaborative effort by many," Council Member Gonzalez said. "A special thanks goes to the Immanuel Lutheran community for their willingness to embrace historic preservation."

HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE ED EMMETT MEASURES STATE OF COUNTY "IN HUMAN TERMS" Emmett Calls For Greater Attention to Infrastructure, Increased Cooperation Among County, State and Local Officials Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said Thursday afternoon that Harris County remains among the nation's strongest and most stable local economies despite numerous financial challenges resulting from a global economic slowdown. But Emmett called on those gathered at his third annual State of the County Address to reject complacency and to help focus the county's attention on growing social and infrastructure needs. "Yes, Harris County is in better shape than almost anywhere else in the country, if not the world," said Emmett. "But more and more in the coming years, the final analysis will be that the state of the county is measured in human terms. If we are shortsighted now, future costs associated with health care, criminal justice and other issues will spiral out of control, leaving us unable to meet either social or infrastructure needs." Emmett asked the approximately 600 attendees at the Greater Houston Partnership's annual "State of the County Address" to envision the state of Harris County from the viewpoint of many of their neighbors - the mentally ill, the poor, those coping with daily traffic congestion or those still struggling to recover from Hurricane Ike. "That is why it is so important today to recognize the state of the county from so many different viewpoints," Emmett said. "For my state of the county is a snapshot. Others provide the lens that allows us to look into the future. We are well-positioned to bring that future into focus. It will take all of us in the public, private and non-profit sectors working together to do it, but we have a strong foundation from which to start." In thanking Houston Mayor Annise Parker for agreeing to provide his introduction, Emmett pointed out that the current economic challenges also provide the city, county and state an opportunity for greater cooperation. "Our constituents rightly expect Harris County and the City of Houston to work together whenever possible to eliminate duplication and to provide higher levels of efficiency," Emmett said. "For Harris County, that spirit of cooperation goes beyond the City of Houston. It extends to the other 33 incorporated municipalities and even to surrounding counties, because so many of the needs and issues transcend city limits and county boundaries."