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USAR
August 30, 2005
Being the inquisitive person that I am, I’ve been watching CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and The Weather Channel off and on for the past 48 hours. Interviews, phone calls, live and taped video all over the TV. Some call it “hurricane porn.” I call much of it informative, other parts I call excessive. I particularly like the interviews with Army and FEMA officials, the ones really in the know about what’s going on.
Today I happened to catch a short phone interview with a member of the Fiarfax County USAR Team - Virginia Task Force 1. USAR teams often travel across the world helping in naturual and man-made disasters, mostly in searching through rubble for survivors. Naturally, my curiousity led me to the internet and the question - “Does OKC have an Urban Search and Resuce team?” According to USAR.org, “The Home of Urban Search and Rescue”, we don’t.
Being in tornado alley, I’m actually quite surprised that there isn’t an official USAR team here. Yes, I know that the local fire departments have experience in disaster response, but why don’t they have an official, statewide, specific USAR team?
Here are the states that have at least one team:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio , Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.
The closest team is in Texas, based at Texas A&M (Why? I don’t know). Also noticably missing from the lists is Illinois (Chicago).
The typical USAR team is broad in membership, but specific in scope. The list of members, taken from VATF1.org, goes like this:
The team is comprised of emergency managers and planners, physicians and paramedics and includes specialists in the fields of structural engineering, heavy rigging, collapse rescue, logistics, hazardous materials, communications, canine and technical search.
I’d really think that OKC or a state agency here in OKC should think about starting an USAR team. I’d love the be part of that team too. (Part of the reason I searched for info the begin with.)
Posted by paul at 01:07 PM | Comments (1)
Managing an Emergency
August 28, 2005
My friends and family know that I have been interested in the fire service and police for quite a while (an interest that borders on over-the-top). But, with my interests in engineering, planning and politics as well, it’s hard to focus on one certain career path that would combine them all.
Except, however, Emergency Management. There are numerous aspects to the management of an emergency, from coordinating local, state and federal agencies and volunteers, to public information and disaster mitigation.
Some day, I hope to become more involved in these processes. One great thing about being employed by a city in tornado alley is that I may have a greater chance to becoming involved in some aspect of emergency planning and/or management. Also, I will be attending the Oklahoma City Fire Department Citizen Academy for eight weeks beginning on September 8. That will also lead me to new opportunities. Finally, I have looked into obtaining an associates degree in emergency management from OSU-OKC. It’s all quite exciting for me…
The hurricane approaching New Orleans is what has me thinking about this at the moment. Watching The Weather Channel and other news outlets, I’m provided with many interesting stories about planning and management, as well as information on humanitarian needs other people might not think about. For instance - what happens to the homeless, the carless, the disabled, when evacuation orders are issues?
Posted by paul at 07:35 PM | Comments (1)
Tennis over MLS?
August 27, 2005
I cannot wait for the day when soccer on tv will pre-empt other sports. I do not understand why ESPN and other large sports providers continue to show tennis or billiards instead of MLS games, the US Open Cup or even EPL. I’d be willing to bet that ad revenues from soccer would be much higher than for billiards, and definately comparable to tennis. With so many immigrants in the U.S. who are lifelong soccer fans, I’d assume that the Nielsen numbers for a soccer match would be quite high.
My rant today stems from the fact that an MLS game was pre-empted today by the Pilot Pen tennis tournament on ESPN. ESPN is showing some silly pre-season college football thing, while ESPN is showing commentary from a tennis event. I don’t have digital cable, so I can’t get Fox Soccer Channel, and I don’t understand Spanish, so I can’t watch the Barcelona vs. Juventus game. Just silly. And annoying.
Posted by paul at 03:08 PM | Comments (3)
The Ring
August 25, 2005
Well, I’ve called quite a few people, so I think it’s ok to post this now.
This afternoon I put on my (symbolic) chef’s hat and boiled some corn-on-the-cob and sauted some chicken for Christa and myself. After having a wonderful dinner, we continued our planned date down at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
During our first weekend together, back in February, I took Christa to the museum because I wanted to see the Chihuly glass exhibit.
So, this evening, after looking at all of the exhibits in the museum (Chihuly is the last exhibit to go through), we made our way into the Chihuly rooms. We wandered through the amazing glass artwork, and approached the end. Near the exit, there is a bowl in mint green and black that we both exlaimed our love for back in February.
Well, today being the 25th (six months since we first saw eachother in person - Feb. 25), and with us standing in front of the mint green bowl, I kneeled down and pulled the ring out of my pocket.
After a few words of mine, she said “yes.” And so, I can now proclaim, that I am engaged to one Christa Renea Willson.
Slight side note: I made sure that we were basically alone when I got down on my knee, but I guess a security guard walked in (Christa saw him, not I) as I was starting to talk. He quickly turned around and let us be. As we walked out of the exhibit a few minutes later, another security guard walked past and said “Congratulations.” He definately did not see it happen. He also proceeded to get on his phone and call someone, appearing to give our descriptions. Well, turns out he was. When we arrived back on the first floor, another guard stopped us and asked for our picture.
So, June 17, 2006, Wichita Falls, TX, wedding/reception.
May 20, 2006, Holland, MI reception/party (this one subject to date change).
Another note: Murph got me thinking about ring selection with a recent post, but I honestly didn’t realize I’d done the right thing with my ring for Christa until after it happened. I bought a loose diamond in Holland, MI and had it fit to a band I’d picked out there as well. The really nice thing about it was that the diamond was mined and cut in Canada - no moral quandries there.
Posted by paul at 11:12 PM | Comments (3)
Thoughts from the Road
August 18, 2005
Driving gives me much time to think, and during this time I tend to think about many different things. A couple random thoughts from recent travels.
1. I just can’t understand the need to not wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle at 75 mph. Where is the freedom in permanent injury or death? I recently read a newspaper article that said motorcycle injury and death has skyrocketed in states that have recently repealed mandatory helmet laws.
2. Copcars. My closer friends know I have this fascination with police cars - lightbars, paint schemes, vehicles used etc. Living in Michigan, I was never accustomed to the old black and white. However, since OKC and the OHP use them, I’m getting used to them. One cool variation that I’ve seen is the blue and white (blue instead of black) of the Sheriff’s Dept. around Lawton, OK.
Another thing very prevelant around here is the LED light bar. It’s all the OHP uses (now), and I’ve seen quite a few other departments with different versions of LED bars. They are quite bright, and flash with amazing quickness. Needless to say, I’m impressed. I was never a fan (and I’m still not) of all-strobe lightbars, such as the ones that the Grand Rapids PD used to use), but for some reason, the LED lightbars really intruige me.
On a related note, I’m still looking for info on the history of the Michigan State Police gumdrop light. I love that light - most people find it odd and silly - but I love its character. Any random reader with info - I’d appreciate input.
Posted by paul at 07:04 PM | Comments (3)
Amtrak to Kansas!
August 17, 2005
Amtrak only goes from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas. While this enables passengers to go east or west on the Texas Eagle, it far increases the time it takes to get to Chicago from Oklahoma City. If the Heartland Flyer was able to travel up to Kansas, roughly the same distance it takes to get to Fort Worth, it could hook up with another route, allowing for many more travel options. This would most likely turn the 1.5 day trip (via train) from OKC to Holland into a 1 day trip, a vast improvement.
But, until we get more people (politicians) on-board with rail, it’ll never happen. How sad that one of the more affordable means of transportation, and a means that uses far less energy, is so harshly beaten by federal and state politicians. Arg.
If I was to get even more ambitious, I’d propose that the Heartland Flyer extend up to Lincoln, Nebraska as well, allowing the north-south route to connect with three different east-west trains. Hmmm… I don’t know how well the different schedules correlate, but it’s definately an option.
Posted by paul at 01:58 PM | Comments (3)
Blogger’s Dilemma
August 16, 2005
I actually hoped this time would come. I may have to begin to restrain my commentary on this site. Why? Starting on Friday, August 26, I will be an employee of the City of Oklahoma City (assuming I past the drug test, health screen and background search… I know I will pass them, but one never knows). As such, I do not think with would be prudent to talk in depth about issues that may involve the City and my work. However, since I started this blog to discuss West Michigan and urban planning, I can still stick to such issues.
I’m just happy to finally have a job. Once I know exactly which division I’ll be working on I’ll write a post telling more. For now, thanks for any prayers you have offered.
Posted by paul at 12:02 PM | Comments (3)
West Michigan Round-up
August 12, 2005
I haven’t written much about news in West Michigan lately. A few things I find interesting and feel like commenting on:
MSU Medical School moving to Grand Rapids? It would be a good help to the Van Andel Institute and other Spectrum-related work, but what does that do to Sparrow and Lansing? Grand Rapids and West Michigan have much more to offer new Residents than the Lansing area does, so a move would help recruitment. Also, the larger population would allow for a more varied medical caseload, I’d assume. We shall see what happens.
Lake Michigan/West Michigan drownings. A 3 yr old, a 9 yr old, a high-speed boater. Every year they happen. Can we stop them all? I don’t know. Supposedly 50 West Michigan agencies are meeting today to discuss ideas. I think a major aspect is education. People need to realize that water is much much more powerful than we realize. Furthermore, we need to keep teaching children how to swim, and maybe expand those programs further inland. Also, even when people try to make strides to provide help - i.e. donating life rings for the Grand Haven Pier - vandals (cowards is a better term) find the nerve to destroy these helpful efforts. That sickens me. While these drownings happen each year, it is still disheartening to see them happen. I dream of a summer when we have no drownings in West Michigan.
On a related topic, did you know a child is 100 times more likely to die of drowning in a pool than of a gunshot at home (for those gunowners out there, slightly good news). Courtesty of Freakonomics.
I haven’t heard much lately about new suburban development near Holland. I know large developments are proceeding, but I don’t know how sales are progressing. I’m curious about Knollwood, Macatawa Legends and Kensington Place in particular.
Any other interesting West Michigan news out there? Specifically with Fire, Emergency Management or Urban Planning? Any readers out there eager to discuss issues?
Posted by paul at 11:19 AM | Comments (2)
Stupid Government Tricks
August 09, 2005
Did you know that the federal government pays peanut farmers for their “excess” crop? Last year taxpayer money in the form of $32 million was handed out, and this year the excess crop will supposedly be much larger! Where is the free market in this? Nowhere!
More on the Highway/Transit Bill. Today’s Oklahoman reports that all Oklahoma tribal lands will be required to follow state DEQ requirements, not their own laws (which is usually the case). A rider was attached to the highway bill taking away that authority. Honestly, how does this have anything to do with highways? None. It was just an easy way to attach a rider. Silly government.
Posted by paul at 09:58 AM | Comments (6)
Funding a Private Ferry
August 08, 2005
I found an article today that angered me. When is the federal government going to stop wasting taxpayer money on subsidies for private projects, especially ones that are environmentally unsound and un-called-for? The project I’m refering to is a $20 million subsidy to a private marina to start a ferry on San Fransisco Bay. The Bay’s Water Authority has shelved its own plans to create a ferry on this route b/c of environmental impacts (and fiscal appropriateness), but it didn’t stop the private company from lobbying and winning the money.
This is just one reason why the highway bill is so large. It makes me mad.
Posted by paul at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
Union Station Politics
August 04, 2005
This afternoon I went on a tour of the maginificent Oklahoma City Union Station. It’s a beautiful station, in marvelous condition, and currently used as the base of Metro Transit. It even has two still-operable rail lines behind it (of the original four).
Well, as of the passing of national highway bill, the new I-40 Crosstown project will proceed right through the rail yards of Union Station. For years, people have kept Union Station in mind as a regional transit hub, b/c the rail lines it connects to travel to almost all points across Oklahoma. With the construction of the Crosstown, however, the rail will disappear (except for one replaced UP track) and be replaced by a ten-lane, in-ground highway. This new highway (fifteen feet deep actually… is it still a highway?) will replace the current I-40 placement five blocks north. The out-of-service I-40 will be turned into a boulevard. The plan sounds relatively simple, especially since local transportation officials actually seem to think that Union Station is not necessary for local transit, b/c it is so far south of downtown and Bricktown, as well as at a different grade than Amtrak (at grade compared to above-grade for Amtrak).
The biggest problems I can see here are politics (go figure!) and historical preservation. The station is on the National Historic Register. It’s beaufitul, in mint-condition, and still in prime location for rail service. But it’s far south of downtown. Bringing the current highway five blocks south will actually open up downtown to more growth, getting rid of the ugly eyesore so close to Bricktown. And, since Amtrak is on the above-grade BNSF route, it’s easier to build commuter and light rail connections to the existing (and also beautiful) Sante Fe Station. The fact that Union Station is so beautiful and may have, at one time, been perfect for rail is tough to get over. If I-40 had never been built, maybe downtown would have expanded closer to Union Station, and it could be utilized, but that’s not history, so we must deal with what we can.
Politics. I heard a large amount of name-calling on my tour today. My guide didn’t feel like holding himself back today (which was ok, it was just him, an AP reporter and myself). The people at the top of his hit list were ODOT officials, the Governor, Rep. Istook and Senator Inhofe. To me, Istook is the most interesting person here.
Congressman Istook serves in many committees, and in each he’s on an appropriations subcommittee. Therefore, he’s extremely involved in how government money is spent. In fact, he’s Chairman of the Transportation and Treasury Appropriations Subcommittee. His Chairmanship of this committee is intruiging. As Chair, he was able to secure a large amount of Federal funding for the Crosstown, but, in the past, he has never once supported support of light rail, commuter rail or Amtrak in Oklahoma. That in itself isn’t too odd - there are many Congressmen/women who do not support rail like they do roads. But something else sticks out. He has been instrumental in securing large amounts of Federal funding of light rail in Salt Lake City. In fact, he approved the re-allocation of millions of dollars from OKC Transit funding to Salt Lake City. From the (mostly biased) information I get, Rep. Istook is largely a fiscal conservative, unless it comes to large road funding or to funding any type of project in Utah.
That sickens me. I don’t care if he’s a Mormon (Which he is, so that adds another thing into the mess. Mentioning his relgion automatically makes the critiquer a bigot - in his eyes). As a constituent, I want him working on my needs, not someone in another state. He supports light rail there, but never has here. What the heck? Seriously… He needs to be voted out, but, as my guide mentioned today, it ain’t gonna happen; most Oklahomans wouldn’t think twice about voting for him.
But back to the main point. It seems light rail at Union Station is doomed. Unless the Governor stops the I-40 contracts from being awarded, it’s on from here (one massive bridge contract has already been awarded). My tour guide mentioned a possible lawsuit and state and/or federal grand juries also, but I think that’s a pipe dream. Honestly, I feel horrible about losing this structure as a transit spot, but I’m excited about moving the crosstown south (into an area where this is almost no relocation necessary), and opening downtown and Bricktown to more development.
Posted by paul at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)
Go Ahead, Take a Walk!
August 02, 2005
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of the public on Friday, ruling that people may walk along the beach between the water and the high water mark. A victory for the public!
Posted by paul at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)