February 2006 - blogHOUSTON

They are killing trees to print these editorials (cont'd)

February 28, 2006 Anne Linehan

Still nothing out of the Editorial LiveJournalists/Constitution Rewriters about Chief Hurtt’s surveillance camera plan; however, the Chron‘s new Pulitzer Prize-winning ‘toonist has weighed in — in favor of the plan. The editorial board doesn’t disappoint,

The limitations of light rail

February 28, 2006 Anne Linehan

If a water main break has damaged a road, a car can find a way around it. A bus can find a way around it. Cars and buses are flexible. Light rail is not. But

Bonusgate scandal stays in the news

February 28, 2006 Kevin Whited

The new communications team advising embattled Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado can’t be happy with today’s publicity. Then again, they helped generate some of it by insisting on the following correction in today’s Chronicle: In

Friedman testifies for (twice) convicted murderer

February 28, 2006 Kevin Whited

Kinky Friedman’s foray into alternative marketing political campaign took an odd turn today, as Friedman testified in the sentencing phase of the trial of (twice) convicted murderer Max Soffar: Prosecutor Lyn McClellan objected throughout the

If there's nothing to hide….

February 27, 2006 Kevin Whited

Local watchdog and blogHOUSTON commenter Tom Bazan gets a little attention from the Chronicle‘s Rad Sallee today: MetroRail critic Tom Bazan filed an open records request to find out whether the Pierce Elevated overpass had

Nestor to contest red light camera contract this week

February 27, 2006 Anne Linehan

A couple of weeks ago, we posted about a red light camera company’s plan to contest the city’s contract with American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS). Today the Chronicle‘s Alexis Grant (with an assist from Matt

Metro wishes you a Happy Monday! (updated)

February 27, 2006 Anne Linehan

via Chron.com: Passengers riding MetroRail today should expect delays due to a broken water line at San Jacinto and Hermann Drive. The water line break has washed out support under the track at that location

The end of the daily absurdity: Alvarado brings in heavyweights

February 27, 2006 Kevin Whited

The Chronicle‘s Matt Stiles reports that embattled Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado has decided to bring in the heavyweights to help her with the bonusgate scandal: Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado shifted strategy

Editorial LiveJournalists ignore most primary contests

February 26, 2006 Kevin Whited

Early voting for the March 7 primary started on February 21. The state’s major newspapers have engaged in the usual practice of endorsing primary candidates in many races. The Chronicle Editorial LiveJournalists, on the other

Daily Campos absurdity: Alvarado is outraged!

February 26, 2006 Kevin Whited

The Chronicle ran a choppy op-ed from Gabriel Vazquez today on the bonusgate scandal. The former councilmember seems to channel local blogs with this snippet: Clearly, the public trust has been violated, but there is