Lafayette Red Light Cameras and Speed Vans

I've decided to educate myself on red light cameras and speed vans. Lafayette has become one of the many communities in the country that has adopted these tools (via a company called Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc) and there has been a decent amount of public outcry regarding them. Based on my initial research thus far tonight, the opponents appear to be using phrases such as "unconstitutional," law enforcement for profit," and "big brother." All three phrases resonate with me, but the big question is whether or not they have any substance after you get past the bumper sticker level of the argument. The flip side of the issue (and a big part of me falls on the flip side), argues that if these tools make the roads safer then we should figure out a way to use them.

So tonight I am reading and watching various news stories and studies related to red light cameras and speed vans. So far I am not too impressed. One of the biggest opponents of the use of these tools in Lafayette is Todd Elliott, a local radio talk show host. Unfortunately, most of the footage I have seen of Todd is not overly impressive. Despite describing himself as eloquent, I have yet to see an example. Unfortunately, I find him lacking well formed logical arguments when I hear him speak on the issue. As a newcomer to the debate, I find his approach has actually made me doubt the credibility of the argument. However, it is important to note that I have yet to make up my mind. Just because the messenger or message delivery is flawed does not mean that message is. Thus, I will keep reading.

• Want to hear or see Todd? Follow this link to get to various YouTube videos where he takes up his cause.
• Some of these videos show Lafayette Consolidated Government council hearings and let me tell you, the council members seem to get sidetracked from the issue when confronting Todd.
• Click this link to go to Lafayette's SafeSpeed program website.
• Click this link to go to Lafayette's SafeLight program website.
• The photo at the top of this post is taken from the REDFLEXRed product brochure.

Do you have these speed vans or red light cameras where you live? What do you think about them?

Retro AFC Jerseys

Did some shopping today which subsequently made me do a little spring cleaning and empty out the t-shirt drawer to get rid of some old shirts. During that project I decided to capture the magnificent history of AFC jerseys through the years. They progress chronologically left to right in the back row (starting with the grey t-shirt followed by the navy Puma).

The one in the foreground is the current year's jersey. One star for each champion season to date.

Note that we have yet to add the star from last season.

Titanium Sporks in Action

My good friend and B.O.B reader Luke was kind enough to send me a link to the latest rage in sporks - titanium. Go on and check it out. If you want to see it in action, just click this link to see some shots in the field.

History of Sporks on B.O.B.

Bubba Keg Jozy

Check it out! Jozy has caught the attention of the graphic designer for Bubba Keg! I always knew she had a talent beyond her current bag of tricks. Now I just need to combine a trick or two with a Bubba Keg prop, load it up on YouTube, and she will be on a TV near you. Taking the media outlets by storm...

We just started training on this "to be unveiled" commercial this afternoon.

600

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. In the last 3 days I've driven about 600 miles so I haven't had much free time. Good news is that I averaged over 40 mpg and was able to go round trip for Lafayette to Jackson, MS on one tank of gas.

Ronaldo Goal, Manchester United vs. Aston Villa

This past weekend, Ronaldo (and the rest of Manchester United) put on a show as Manchester United crushed Aston Villa. The scoreline ended 4-0 but it could have been much worse. Man U is clicking on all cylinders and is playing some really amazing soccer. It is almost impossible to watch and not exclaim how good these guys are once every 15 minutes or so.

The first goal of the game was pretty extraordinary. Watch this behind the leg flick that Ronaldo does to meg a defender and initiate the flood.

Satchel - Suffering

If you want to trace related music to my last post regarding Jeremy Toback, Brad, and Sean Smith, you should check out a band called Satchel. This music is all from my college years but listening to this song right now, it still hits home. This is an awesome tune.