NOLA.com - Internet stokes flames of political scandals
Let it be known that Yours Truly stokes the flames on a regular basis. I posted about both Price's crash and the pay raise here.
Now that I'm done feeding my own ego...
It's about time the Internet got used to its full potential. Sure, the jokes are there that if there's a kink, there's porno for it floating around somewhere on the Net. Teenagers and losers alike use it for flaming people into the ground for no reason other than ego inflation. Now the politicians are starting to feel the flames of an entire pissed off populace. The people are beginning to mobilize on web forums, blogs and news sites, and DAMN, are they making themselves heard.
Times, they are a-changing...
29 June 2008
23 June 2008
Harrison Co., MS: US 90 work on schedule
(Sorry, but I prefer the CA-style US Highway shield to the standard-issue one - T.)
Sun-Herald - Coast's Christmas gift may be a new US 90
A couple of days ago, I posted about MDOT putting new projects on ice due to high oil prices throwing a monkey wrench into the budget. I had pointed out then that ongoing projects were unaffected by the funding crisis so far, and good thing for that.
US 90 is being resurfaced for 27 miles in Harrison County, in four stages. Before Katrina, it could have used some work. I haven't driven US 90 since the storm, as the bridge between Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian was still under construction while I had a working car. Still, I can imagine the storm made things much worse.
It's slated to be complete in December, so there's only six more months to endure the delays. Fun... In all seriousness, though, it's necessary, and it's a good thing to see that this necessary project will continue on to completion. Even with the condition it used to be in, it was a sweet drive, both because of the scenery and the road design. The repairs will make it even sweeter.
Ascension Parish, LA: Bicyclist dies crossing Interstate
The Advocate - Bicyclist dies after being hit by car
Believe it or not, this behavior isn't totally unheard of down here. Sometimes you hear of it happening in the larger cities in the state, on foot. It's not as common as politicians getting into trouble, though, hence why it's important enough for the blog.
Obviously, if you've read some of my posts or seen my road pictures, you know that Yours Truly uses a bicycle to get around most of the time. In this day and age, it's cheaper. Four dollar gas has priced me out of driving. Still, I know better than to make a boneheaded move like that. You're not going to catch me trying to cross the Interstate on the actual Interstate. Riding on it with traffic... that's a different story, and only on sections where it's the sole route (Pearl River (past LA 41 Spur) to Picayune, MS for example - I-59 is the only game in town).
Looking on Google Maps, the area of I-10 where it intersects LA 73 (near Gonzales and Prairieville) is not one of those areas. The crossings are few, but they're within a few miles of one another, a distance easily covered even on the most in disrepair of bicycles. The bicyclist was at fault here. His first mistake was trying to cross the Interstate at that point in the first place. His second was trying to bicycle across the lanes. If you absolutely have to go across the Interstate's lanes, walking the bicycle across the roadbed (actually, running across the lanes with the bike) is faster.
All in all, while this was a tragic death, it was also a stupid and needless one.
Believe it or not, this behavior isn't totally unheard of down here. Sometimes you hear of it happening in the larger cities in the state, on foot. It's not as common as politicians getting into trouble, though, hence why it's important enough for the blog.
Obviously, if you've read some of my posts or seen my road pictures, you know that Yours Truly uses a bicycle to get around most of the time. In this day and age, it's cheaper. Four dollar gas has priced me out of driving. Still, I know better than to make a boneheaded move like that. You're not going to catch me trying to cross the Interstate on the actual Interstate. Riding on it with traffic... that's a different story, and only on sections where it's the sole route (Pearl River (past LA 41 Spur) to Picayune, MS for example - I-59 is the only game in town).
Looking on Google Maps, the area of I-10 where it intersects LA 73 (near Gonzales and Prairieville) is not one of those areas. The crossings are few, but they're within a few miles of one another, a distance easily covered even on the most in disrepair of bicycles. The bicyclist was at fault here. His first mistake was trying to cross the Interstate at that point in the first place. His second was trying to bicycle across the lanes. If you absolutely have to go across the Interstate's lanes, walking the bicycle across the roadbed (actually, running across the lanes with the bike) is faster.
All in all, while this was a tragic death, it was also a stupid and needless one.
21 June 2008
I took another bicycle trip and nearly died. Plus 52 snaps from three different cameras.
Today, I covered around 30 miles on a bicycle, taking snaps of one terminus each of LA 434 and LA 435 and both termini of LA 1088. A few of the LA 434 snaps catch some of the new monochrome shields in the wild. There are many other assorted highway shots along the way, as well as some unexpected railfan snaps from along the Tammany Trace and a few shots of buildings in Abita Springs. There's even one shot of a Clearview street sine in Mandeville.
As well, I almost died traversing LA 36 between LA 1088 and LA 59. And I got rained on. A lot. So you'd better like the snaps. Or I'll hurt you.
Anyway, the snaps are here.
Edit: They're also here if you have an aversion to Photobucket or something.
As well, I almost died traversing LA 36 between LA 1088 and LA 59. And I got rained on. A lot. So you'd better like the snaps. Or I'll hurt you.
Anyway, the snaps are here.
Edit: They're also here if you have an aversion to Photobucket or something.
New Site Up!
Accueil des Darkangel de la Louisiane
I decided that for some things like fantasy exit lists and my itinerary, I needed something more than the blog, so I made a site specifically for my roadgeeking.
Also, in a few hours (assuming the weather looks okay), I'm taking the cameras and going on a little trip to snap up some of LA 1088, LA 36, LA 59 and more of the Tammany Trace. I need the exercise, so I'm taking the bike.
I decided that for some things like fantasy exit lists and my itinerary, I needed something more than the blog, so I made a site specifically for my roadgeeking.
Also, in a few hours (assuming the weather looks okay), I'm taking the cameras and going on a little trip to snap up some of LA 1088, LA 36, LA 59 and more of the Tammany Trace. I need the exercise, so I'm taking the bike.
NOLA: St. Charles streetcar is back to full service
Times-Picayune - Uptown streetcars go the distance
Things may seem like they're falling apart. A lot of people haven't returned, and a lot of those that have still live with their homes in disrepair. The local Congressman's proving he's a typical Louisiana politician, and the Mayor's a bumbling idiot at times. Crime's out of control all over the area, so bad that the National Guard's tour in New Orleans has been extended yet again.
Still, it's the small things like this that give us a sense of hope in these dark times. The streetcars are an iconic part of New Orleans, and the fact that they're back helps us to believe that if they can come back, we can bring anything back.
We're starting to move forward now, we just need to keep it going. This is a large step indeed... but we've still so much farther to go. We can't let up now.
Things may seem like they're falling apart. A lot of people haven't returned, and a lot of those that have still live with their homes in disrepair. The local Congressman's proving he's a typical Louisiana politician, and the Mayor's a bumbling idiot at times. Crime's out of control all over the area, so bad that the National Guard's tour in New Orleans has been extended yet again.
Still, it's the small things like this that give us a sense of hope in these dark times. The streetcars are an iconic part of New Orleans, and the fact that they're back helps us to believe that if they can come back, we can bring anything back.
We're starting to move forward now, we just need to keep it going. This is a large step indeed... but we've still so much farther to go. We can't let up now.
20 June 2008
Last entry of the day, I promise...
You'll probably notice I worked on my shield-making skills some. I also created a banner for the blog designed like a Big Green Sign.
Welcome to Exit Zero...
Edit: Thanks to Slater for the old-school broken green shield for the banner sine.
Welcome to Exit Zero...
Edit: Thanks to Slater for the old-school broken green shield for the banner sine.
Mississippi: Oil prices may kill non-maintenence roadwork
Sun-Herald: Road building may hit dead end
This story just proves how much oil prices are throwing everything into chaos these days. In this case, the costs of building new roads is becoming too prohibitive. Because of this, widening projects on MS 26, MS 43, US 11 and MS 603 are being delayed or are otherwise in jeopardy. I've driven parts of all four of those (albeit pre-Katrina), and they could use some work, indeed.
The MS 57 widening, the Vancleave bypass and the first phase of a connector from I-10 to downtown Gulfport aren't being axed, since they already have the funding in place. Only new roads and widenings seem to be threatened with the axe at the moment.
If it's happening there, how long will it take for other states to feel the crunch and have to belt-tighten?
News on Interstate 69 Louisiana Segment
(Note: I did NOT steal the shield picture from AARoads, I just learned how to use lighting effects in the GIMP to replicate their effect.)
Shreveport Times: Louisiana route narrowed but cloudy
So, the announcement that Texas is going to use existing highways for IH 69 does kind of affect where it's going to run through Louisiana, or if it's going to run through the state at all. Right now, the strongest possibility is that it's going to run along US 59 in Texas, up to the junction with US 84 and US 96 in Teneha, and from there east to Logansport generally along US 84, running into Louisiana and angling northeast toward Arkansas along entirely new roads.
Another idea takes IH 69 from Teneha north along US 59 all the way to IH 30 near Texarkana, bypassing Louisiana entirely. In my opinion, this is the bad idea.
Some plans have the TTC (Trans-Texas Corridor) still in the works, just in a different form, using US 59 northward from Teneha as IH 69 takes the path to the east. I have no opinion on this, other than that IH 69 needs to come into Louisiana. Northern Louisiana badly needs the development another Interstate would bring.
Rant: An Open Letter to the Idiots Running Louisiana
*cracks knuckles*
To the Legislature:
What the hell are you people thinking? Are you smoking crack or something, you idiots? I'm betting with the raise you people just gave yourselves, you could probably afford a LOT of it.
The roads are in as poor a shape as ever, vital employees like teachers, firefighters and police officers are getting shafted in terms of pay, the coastline is continuing to be claimed by the Gulf, New Orleans still has crap for hurricane protection, a lot of Katrina refugees are still waiting to clear Road Home red tape and the economy is collapsing like a Minnesota bridge, and yet you idiots go and vote yourself a pay raise to DOUBLE your pay for essentially a part-time job?
I've heard the rationale, time to come in with my verbal Walther P38 and blow some holes in all of it.
First off, you're not getting paid enough. BULL! The pay is plenty enough for what it is, a part-time job... and the per diem you get paid isn't even counted in. Basically, you don't have to pay your own way while the Legislature is in session. Not to mention that the lobbyists can come in, even with the new limits, and wine and dine you until even your souls and dignity are forfeit. You idiots get so many perks that the salary doesn't matter. If I got a per diem and could eat on the lobbyists' dime, I'd do the damned job for free! As if power and perks aren't enough, you need more money too? Screw that. Go get real jobs if you're hurting for cash. Or propose a more moderate raise, or tie the CURRENT salaries to Congressional pay or the Consumer Price Index.
Second, you want to lure in more qualified candidates to run for office. Considering the amount of nepotism and providing for friends on the public dime, what it basically means is that you want to hook them up even more. If it's not family, it's friends, and if it's not friends, it's people you groom to take over from you. Aside from that, public service is supposed to be about public service, not fattening your damn wallets!
Third, other states pay their legislators and senators (or equivalents) more, why shouldn't we? Because, again, you're only working part time. We're not Texas. We're not California. You're not in session all the time like Congress. Next time you want to say "...well, other states pay more..." look at the damn workload first!
In short, I hope you enjoy these raises you voted for yourselves, and in the meantime, I suggest you update your resumes. You're going to need to look for work when all the enraged voters throw you all out on your asses.
And to those of you who voted against this asinine bill and refused to take the raise, thank you! Thank you for showing that at least a couple of you have some capability to do the right thing and listen to the people that sent you to Baton Rouge in the first place.
To Gov'nuh Bobby:
Shame on you, you lying spineless COWARD! I see the stories, you're saying the Legislature's screwing up, that they're making a mistake, yet you refuse to veto that mistake? You, sir, are an idiot. They'll be laughing all the way to the bank, not feeling remorse or anything. You promised us when you got elected that you would stamp out crap like this! You're going to be just like Blanco, a one-term failure. Unlike Blanco, though, your hugest blunder will be all on you. You can't blame the feds, FEMA, ICF or Mother Nature for this one.
Better take McCain's veep slot now while you still have some sort of political future, because like the legislators, the voters are going to toss you out on your ass as well.
To the Legislature:
What the hell are you people thinking? Are you smoking crack or something, you idiots? I'm betting with the raise you people just gave yourselves, you could probably afford a LOT of it.
The roads are in as poor a shape as ever, vital employees like teachers, firefighters and police officers are getting shafted in terms of pay, the coastline is continuing to be claimed by the Gulf, New Orleans still has crap for hurricane protection, a lot of Katrina refugees are still waiting to clear Road Home red tape and the economy is collapsing like a Minnesota bridge, and yet you idiots go and vote yourself a pay raise to DOUBLE your pay for essentially a part-time job?
I've heard the rationale, time to come in with my verbal Walther P38 and blow some holes in all of it.
First off, you're not getting paid enough. BULL! The pay is plenty enough for what it is, a part-time job... and the per diem you get paid isn't even counted in. Basically, you don't have to pay your own way while the Legislature is in session. Not to mention that the lobbyists can come in, even with the new limits, and wine and dine you until even your souls and dignity are forfeit. You idiots get so many perks that the salary doesn't matter. If I got a per diem and could eat on the lobbyists' dime, I'd do the damned job for free! As if power and perks aren't enough, you need more money too? Screw that. Go get real jobs if you're hurting for cash. Or propose a more moderate raise, or tie the CURRENT salaries to Congressional pay or the Consumer Price Index.
Second, you want to lure in more qualified candidates to run for office. Considering the amount of nepotism and providing for friends on the public dime, what it basically means is that you want to hook them up even more. If it's not family, it's friends, and if it's not friends, it's people you groom to take over from you. Aside from that, public service is supposed to be about public service, not fattening your damn wallets!
Third, other states pay their legislators and senators (or equivalents) more, why shouldn't we? Because, again, you're only working part time. We're not Texas. We're not California. You're not in session all the time like Congress. Next time you want to say "...well, other states pay more..." look at the damn workload first!
In short, I hope you enjoy these raises you voted for yourselves, and in the meantime, I suggest you update your resumes. You're going to need to look for work when all the enraged voters throw you all out on your asses.
And to those of you who voted against this asinine bill and refused to take the raise, thank you! Thank you for showing that at least a couple of you have some capability to do the right thing and listen to the people that sent you to Baton Rouge in the first place.
To Gov'nuh Bobby:
Shame on you, you lying spineless COWARD! I see the stories, you're saying the Legislature's screwing up, that they're making a mistake, yet you refuse to veto that mistake? You, sir, are an idiot. They'll be laughing all the way to the bank, not feeling remorse or anything. You promised us when you got elected that you would stamp out crap like this! You're going to be just like Blanco, a one-term failure. Unlike Blanco, though, your hugest blunder will be all on you. You can't blame the feds, FEMA, ICF or Mother Nature for this one.
Better take McCain's veep slot now while you still have some sort of political future, because like the legislators, the voters are going to toss you out on your ass as well.
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