Sleepless in Midland

Doctor Rotations

One of my volunteer jobs involves a weekly trip to about a dozen doctors' offices. So it's always nice to know just where those offices are. They've pretty much settled down now, but recently there was a mass doctor rotation as Midland Memorial Hospital plowed up and paved over land where several doctors' offices once stood in order to make room for the new 87,000 square foot medical office building.

The MMH medical office building is a sprawling two level structure, and it's a long walk and possibly an elevator ride from any outside door to most of the doctors' offices. Allison Cancer Center is on ground level, so at least the cancer patients get a break once they get to the building. But first there's the long walk from the parking lot to the building door. But not to worry, there's valet parking.

Valet parking? Yep, for two bucks. For the cancer patients the $2 probably seems trivial.  Once a person gets diagnosed with cancer all of those concerns about a stranger driving the family car probably no longer seem significant. And even the newly imposed valet parking fee might not seem that bad considering the alternative.

But there was one move that probably left many patients scratching their heads if not clutching their chests. It was the prestigious Permian Cardiology. They had a nice ground level office suite at 2405 W. Missouri Ave. which is about a half mile from the hospital. It had lots of parking and a patient friendly short walk to the front door. To the casual observer it looked like a very nice medical office building with a spacey and well equipped workout room for the recovering heart patients. (The architect has it on display here). So one has to wonder what precipitated their move to the MMH's new medical office building. Did they get an offer they couldn't refuse?

Maybe so. Insiders know all the details, but the taxpayers and patients have to dig through the public records. And a look at the Midland County real property records reveals that SKMB LLC dba Permian Cardiology conveyed the property to the Midland County Hospital District on 4/15/08. And two days later a lien on that property, which was secured by a note for $1,820,575.00, was released.

Did MMH overpay? That's a lot of money, and that's just the old lien, so we don't know what the full price was. Maybe the cardiologists figured that the real estate market was near the top and that was the right time to sell. Or it's possible they felt that their patients needed more exercise, and the forced march from the parking lot to the new office was just what the doctor ordered. But not to worry. It's hike or pay as the patient confronts the $2.00 valet parking, at least until MMH decides the market can pay more.

CSI Midland, plus what to do with that Bad Boy Blast money

I can never remember, does life imitate art or is the other way around? In any event, there seems to have been a name change for an important group within the Midland Police Department. For the longest time they were called by the confusing name of Identification. What did they do? Here's what the MPD website says:

IDENTIFICATION (FORSENICS) UNIT
This unit is comprised of a Civilian Supervisor and four (4) Technicians. They are responsible for the evidence collection from crime scenes, the processing and analysis of crime scene photographs and fingerprints and the comparison of evidence to known offenders and suspects.

CSI in other words, as seen on TV. Now the name on their vehicle says it all: Midland Police Department Crime Scene Investigation. OK. Glad we got that cleared up.

Moving right along. What should the MPD do with the $33,000 it received from the fund raising Bad Boy Blast shotgun match and about which the City Council said (pdf) "the donated funds will be used to purchase law enforcement equipment and technology ..."? They aren't seeking suggestions, but that's never stopped us in the past.

How about a License Plate Recognition system? A special camera is mounted on the car which has the capability of reading license plates and transmitting it to a database which compares that number with numbers in the system. A stolen car triggers an alert, and score one for the good guys. They are in use all around the country, and apparently they work. Here's a Fox news video showing the system in practice. And here's a simple explanation of how the system works.

How much would one cost? Here's an Agenda Report (pdf) dated 4/22/08 proposing that the City of Oakland purchase six units at a cost of $18,620.00 each with an installation fee of $4,500.00 for all six. So one unit would probably fall within range with some change left over.

However, just as an aside. Since the automobile insurance companies have the most to lose from car thefts then they would have the most to gain with an increased stolen car recovery system. So shouldn't they chip in for such a system? Just wondering.

Oldest Midland Firefighter

He was the second paid firefighter in the city of Midland to pull up the boots and put on the bunkers. He was E. D. (Doyle) Fitzgerald, and he passed away the other day at the age of 102. Here's a link to his obituary.

In the early days, like most communities at the time, the fire department was an all volunteer effort. But as the city grew the elected officials recognized the need to hire some full time people. And Mr. Fitzgerald was the second such firefighter to be put on the payroll.

The city bought its first modern fire truck in 1917 for the princely sum of $5,800 consisting of a payment of $1,160 within 10 days after delivery followed by four annual payments of $1,160 plus 6% annual interest. Engine One and Engine Two can be seen at the Midland Fire Department museum.

Thanks to Asst. Chief Eddie Klatt for the heads up about this.

The Urban Explorer ventures into the unknown.

Urban Explorer here, ready to tackle the unknown territories. Today's adventure takes us to a colony in North Midland County, Texas, where a tribe of people live on the fringes of a metropolitan city. Extensive internet research yielded the location of this isolated colony, and a special thanks goes to brave pioneers Eric and his mate who have taken up residence there and are living among the natives. He exposed this colony to the modern world with aerial photos at his blog.

Thanks to the information provided at that site, the Urban Explorer was able to navigate his way to the wilderness outpost although he was not adventurous enough to try to locate our pioneering friend. However, we do hope that said friend is able to keep his guard up out there in the wild.

To explore this area one needs to head North from the city on "A" street and pass what could be either a CIA rendition facility, or a gated community. Do the inmates there have Habeas Corpus rights? Never mind, let's not get distracted.

First, some ground rules. The Code of the Urban Explorer is extensive, but here are four important rules: (1) don't interfere with the cycle of life; (2) avoid encounters with a female and her young; (3) steer clear of man eaters of any species; and (4) always assume that natives are not cannibals unless there is evidence to the contrary.

So here we are at the edge of the known world, and the road leads to two watering holes one of which has a nice creek flowing into it. And you will be pleased to know that it is a very pleasant and reasonably safe experience hiking along that babbling brook.

The brook feeds into a pond, and the clever natives have constructed a pumping system which apparently recycles the pond water back into the stream to keep it flowing. The stream is lined to prevent the thirsty earth from sucking up all the water.

They've stocked the stream with tiny fish as cute as snail darters. But don't let your guard down, those little swimmers could grow into giant man eating leviathans.

Our journey continues. Along the creek path the Urban Explorer encounters a native human female adult with two children. The Code dictates caution when encountering females with their young, so try to appear non-threatening, and maybe they won't attack. These particular natives don't appear threatened or threatening. They were, however, being stalked by a meat eating canine which was following close at their heals. It's sad sometimes, but the Urban Explorer cannot interfere with life's cycles. Not to worry, though, because this canine was not much bigger than a large shoe.

As the Urban Explorer followed the meanderings of the creek he felt eyeballs staring at him, and sure enough, there was a trio of subterranean creatures watching every move. Walk softly so as not to antagonize these creatures as there is no telling to what lengths they will go to protect their young. Take little comfort in the knowledge that they may not be man eaters as those sharp teeth can bite through pecan hulls.

Continuing down the path we encounter a giant spider stalking a much smaller insect. Such is the cycle of life, and we cannot intervene. And so our journey ends.

It was a pleasant experience, one that maybe you can experience too. Enjoy the outdoors, be safe, and remember the Code.

Urban Explorer out.

Note to readers. Many of you consider these efforts at humor to be lame, unfunny and possibly even offensive. And to you I would like to offer my most sincere apology but also note that there will be no refunds.

However, there are a few out there who actually do appreciate these efforts. And I would like to address you at this time, and specifically, make some generalizations about you. You are smart, creative, unconventional, and have a very good sense of humor. You are active, you are fun to be around, and you are probably successful at everything you attempt. The world needs you. Thanks for all that you do, and keep up the good work.

Shredding that junk mail

My little shredder is fine for a few sheets at at time, but my junk mail quickly transforms from a short stack to a pile, and the shredder really groans when it gets overloaded. The Midland Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. (MARC) used to run a great little shop which employed some of it's clients and took in paper for shredding at a very reasonable fee. But the landlady raised the rent, and the shop closed.

But, here's an opportunity for those of us who don't like spending money to get some shredding done without stressing the shredder or the pocket book. It's Midland Shred Day on Saturday, July 5, 2008:

Once again, both events are at no cost, but there will be a maximum amount allowed per person. Individuals with material for shredding can ONLY bring the equivalent amount of two “LETTER” sized boxes. This size box is equal to the boxes of paper you buy at the office supply store [approximately: 1.3 cubic feet]

Hmmm. There's a limit per person. And is that 1.3 cubic feet the measure of one box or two boxes? Well, the paper I buy comes in a plastic wrapper so let's go with that number.

The cube root of 1.3 is 1.0913929. So that pile of paper would be roughly 1'1" by 1'1" by 1'1".

But here's another way to measure. It's SensibleUnits.com (found at LifeHacker.com). So we plug in 1.3 cubic feet and hit "units." And what do we learn? 1.3 cubic feet = 9.72 gallons (US), 8.1 gallons (imperial), or 7.97 beer gallons. All clear now?

Good news for basic cable subscribers - "Black Gold" to be rebroadcast on TNT

This is great news. Those of us who don't get truTV are in luck! The Black Gold series - real life experiences of West Texas roughnecks on a drilling rig - is scheduled for re-showing on TNT.

The first episode premiers on truTV on 6/18/08 at 9pm Central and is scheduled for re-showing on TNT on 6/19/08 at 9 pm Central. (Via comments by dskolfield at oaoa.com.)

1st Update: Watched the first episode. See "Black Gold" - It was a want ad for West Texas roughnecks.

2nd Update: Watched the second episode. See Black Gold 102.

A Memorial Bike Ride

The Midland Police Department hosted a 25 mile bike ride today to honor fallen police officers.  And just before the riders took off, Officer John Kerrigan read the names of 22 Texas officers who have been killed in the line of duty since May 1, 2007, along with the names of three MPD officers who have been killed since 1935.

In an amazing coincidence, there were 22 riders signed up to make the ride, one per fallen officer.

Although no one could guarantee their safety, this looks like a reasonably safe way to make a long bike ride -- there is safety in numbers especially with police vehicles in the front and back.  When a car or truck collides with a bicycle it's the bicyclist who usually pays the price.  It's a tragedy when it happens, and it's enough to discourage many who might otherwise like to ride a bike on public streets and roads (that would include me).  There have been some tragic accidents over the years locally, so maybe some of those riders today wearing PBBA T-shirts were honoring fallen cyclists as well.

Listening in on the police radio? Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

Sometimes it's fun to browse the laws to see what the lawmakers say we can't do.  Here's an example from days gone by.

It is said that the one invention that benefited law enforcement more than any other was the two-way radio.  In the days of Bonnie and Clyde a pair of bank robbers could hit a bank then hit the road in a fast car and leave the cops far behind.  That can still happen, but with the ability to radio ahead the escape could be made a bit more difficult.

When the police radio came into usage the police no doubt were very possessive of that technology.  If the bad guys/gals listened in then the radio wasn't as useful.

So we find on the books a half century old law that prohibited listening and telling.  Here's one in the Midland, Texas, municipal code.

Title VI, Chapter 1, Section 9.
Police radio; interception of communications.
No solicitor, or other person, not being authorized by the City, shall intercept any communication and divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purpose, effect or meaning of such intercepted communication, and no solicitor or other person, not being entitled thereto, shall receive or assist in receiving any message emanating through the medium of KKA-662, and use the same or any information therein contained for his own benefit, or for the benefit of another solicitor or person. (Ord. of 3-24-1953)

The FCC archive search yields no information for the call sign KKA-662, so it's probably been dead a long time.  Anyway, it appears to be okay to listen, but don't tell anyone what you heard, and don't use the information to benefit anyone.  It's not clear what the solicitors would do with it, try to sell insurance to burglary victims maybe.  Do you suppose anyone has ever been convicted under this code section?  I have my doubts.

Who shot J. R.?

Interesting item at the local CBS 7 website:

Midland Deputy Police Chief Shot in Accident 4/10/08

CBS 7 News Staff
April 10, 2008

Midland, Texas - Midland’s Deputy Police Chief was treated and released after he was shot in an accident.

Officials say a sergeant was cleaning his weapon next to Deputy Chief J.R. Smith in a room at the police firing range.

The weapon accidentally discharged wounding the deputy chief in both legs below the knees.

Smith was taken to Midland Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released.

The accident happened about 10:30 this morning.

Details when available.

Updated:  4/15/2008:  An Open Records request has been submitted for the Midland Police Department case report and the Shoot Team investigative report.

KCRS-AM Off the Air

It must be a cut-throat world in the local for-profit news reporting business.  Case in point:  An AM talk radio station is off the air, which in itself would seem to be news, but there's not a mention of at any of the other local news outlets' websites.

A prospective listener would have figured out the station was silent after a few exploratory twists of the dial.  But he/she is left wondering why.  KCRS's own website explains it:  "KCRS-AM suffered a major transmitter malfunction and is expected to be off the air for several days until replacement parts can be shipped in and installed.  In the meantime, our listeners can still hear their favorite talk programming here on the website by clicking 'listen live.'"

Anyway, it's interesting that this was a not a reportable event at the other local news websites.

A High School Reunion to beat all High School Reunions

When Laura Welch was in school in Midland she was one of the nicest persons anyone could ever hope to meet.  Now she's First Lady Laura Bush, and she's still not only a very classy lady, a nice person and a super human being, but she's an important person who brings a lot of good to the world.

And this past weekend she hosted her old classmates, the 1964 graduates of Midland High School, Lee High School and Carver High School, in a high school reunion we will never forget.

Friday, March 28, we were invited to the White House for a tour and the opportunity to watch the President's helicopter land on the White House lawn.  Although we've all seen it before on tv, it's truly inspiring to see this and to watch the President disembark and walk right in front of us.  He gave a big Texas "Howdy" wave, and we all cheered.

And the First Lady came out, shook a few hands, gave a few hugs, and left us in awe.

Saturday night was the big event at the White House, and we arrived, all 500 of us, in taxis, limos and buses.  I hitched a ride in a limo, and as we approached the White House, tourists snapped our photos as if we were important.  (Ha, we sure fooled them!)

There was a terrific buffet, lots of wine and drink, a band, and lots of picture snapping people acting like kids in a candy store.  By golly, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity!

I had to sympathize with the President and First Lady.  There was a receiving line at which each person who attended could have his/her photo taken with the President and First Lady.  It must have been exhausting for them.  It took hours, and I'm sure they appreciated all the advice they probably got from some of their long winded classmates.

What a time!

Updated 4/1/08:  The Midland Reporter-Telegram's reporter Ruth Campbell wrote a nice story about the class reunion.  Click to read it.

And here's an an interview at KWES9.com.

Making order slip ticker tape

Some day we will be able to stick our memory media into a slot and order photos printed in one hour.  That day is now.

A local grocery store has three machines with which customers can order photo prints from digital media.  So today I used one of them to order some prints.  Once done I waited for a printout for retrieving the pictures.  Nothing happened.

I could see a little sliver of paper sticking out of the slot, but one corner was folded.  So I pulled it out as far as I could and unfolded the corner.   And the paper flowed.  It was reeling and reeling, one after another.  It took several minutes, and nine days worth of "Not A Receipt" order slips lay in a single strip on the floor.  And there was my little order at the very end.

I scooped up the whole pile, and the people using the adjoining machines must have thought, "Now that guy is ordering some prints!"