Friday, February 10, 2012
Sports & Rec New fed transportation bill is bad for bicyclists
Posted by Kevin Whited on Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 3:59 PM
If you liked the '50s through '70s - which saw an increase in air pollution, traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, plus traffic fatalities for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists - you'll love Congress’ new transportation bills.
On the other hand, if you like the trends of increased bicycling, walking and more mass transit, I suggest you get involved.
Two versions of what may potentially become new transportation law are making their way through Congress. The House bill is currently known as “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act,” or HR 7. The Senate’s version is “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act”, or MAP-21.
I know what you’re thinking at this point: “Where are they coming up with these crazy names?” “What cool acronyms they make!” But it’s here where things begin heading south for anyone interested in bicycling, walking and even mass transit.
Let’s focus on bicycle growth in the U.S. and Indiana, so we know why we want the Senate or House bills to fail. First, you’ve probably noticed an increase in bicycling locally and nationally. According to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, commuting to work via bicycle increased 64% from 1990 to 2009 and in Indiana for the same time period the growth was 96% (6,150 to 12,059).
If we look at all trips, which the Census doesn’t measure, we would see an even larger increase. All one has to do is examine the number of bicycles parked at the Pedal & Park corrals in Central Indiana. Tom McCain, Pedal & Park program director, reported 5,029 bikes parked in 2011, up from 3,924 in 2010. If local trends match national trends, this increase can be attributed to safer and connected bicycle specific infrastructure that’s been funded through various transportation programs.
Now let’s get back to why MAP-21 & HR 7 may well spell disaster for non-motorized transportation and mass transit.
HR 7 would eliminate programs such as Safe Routes to School, which funds infrastructure (e.g. crosswalks, bike lanes, etc.) and non-infrastructure programs (safety programs, etc.) near and at schools; and Transportation Enhancement (TE) programs which help fund similar infrastructure and much more (the Monon was paid for in large part by TE funds).
In addition, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program would be altered considerably. This program can be used to fund non-motorized transportation in cities with unhealthy air quality — if the project can be shown to decrease air pollution.
Under the new program, reducing congestion would be prioritized over the reduction of air pollution.
While this may not appear horrible on the surface (i.e. automobiles moving at a consistent speed produce less pollutants than automobiles in stop and go traffic), it inevitably signals to traffic engineers to speed up traffic at the expense of other road users.
Indianapolis already doesn’t currently meet EPA standards for healthy air. Think more asthma and other associated lung disease and increased traffic fatalities for bicyclists, pedestrians and even drivers themselves.
The Senate’s bill, MAP-21, which will be brought to the floor next week, is not much better.
Walking and bicycling programs, while not completely eliminated, suffer disproportionate cuts in funding and increased competition from other transportation programs (e.g. road construction).
Take a minute to let your Senator and Congressman know how you feel by calling and then writing them a letter or email.
Kevin Whited is Executive Director of INDYCOG.
Give Indy Reads your tired, weary books, CDs
Posted by Scott Shoger on Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Surplus media is destined for Indy Reads Books, a used bookstore soon to open downtown along the Cultural Trail. The store will raise money for Indy Reads, the only organization in the city using volunteer power to provide free, basic literacy tutoring to illiterate or semi-literate adults.
Book and media collection boxes are located at:
Indy Reads Office, 2450 N. Meridian St. (open 12-5 p.m., weekdays)
WFYI, 1630 N. Meridian St. (9 a.m.-5 p.m., weekdays)
The Best Chocolate in Town, 890 Mass Ave. (11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Saturday)
Global Gifts, 446 Mass Ave. (10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday)
The Athenaeum-YMCA, 401 E. Michigan St. (5 a.m.-9 p.m., weekdays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends)
Additionally, book drives are planned for the Butler (Feb. 24) and IUPUI campus (March 1). Donations are tax-deductible, though benefactors will need to keep track of what they've donated, as Indy Reads will make out receipts only after the store has opened.
Show Indiana authors love, respect, money
Posted by Scott Shoger on Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 9:00 AM
National author: A writer with Indiana ties, but whose work is known and read throughout the country. National authors will be evaluated on their entire body of work. ($10,000 prize)
Regional author: A writer who is well-known and respected throughout the state of Indiana. Regional authors will be evaluated on their entire body of work. ($7,500 prize)
Emerging author: A writer who has published no more than two books during his/her lifetime. The title(s) must have been published within the last 10 years. Emerging authors will be evaluated on these specific works. ($5,000 prize)
Nomination forms and eligibility guidelines are available at indianaauthorsaward.org. A ticketed awards dinner will take place Sept. 29 at the Central Library. Each author's hometown library will receive $2,500, in addition to the author's individual prize. Last year's winners were Margaret McMullan on the national level, Helen Frost on the regional level and Micah Ling as an emerging author.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Slideshow: Street performance in the Village
Posted by Daniel Axler on Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Slideshow
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sports & Rec / Television Kate's Besties: Super Bowl edition
Posted by Kate Shoup on Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 1:26 PM
Best Player Name
Hands down, this award goes to BenJarvus Green-Ellis of the New England Patriots. They don't call him "The Law Firm" for nothing.
Best Play of the Game
I'm torn here. The obvious choice is the spectacular 38-yard pass lofted by Giants quarterback Eli Manning to Mario Manningham late in the fourth quarter. Although extremely well covered, Manningham, tiptoeing along the sideline, managed to snatch the catch and stay in bounds. Suddenly, the Giants found themselves in an exceedingly good position — at the 50-yard line, down two points, with just under four minutes to go. Indeed, they would go on to score, taking a four-point lead — a lead they would keep until the final buzzer. But I could make the case for another play: the near sack of New England quarterback Tom Brady by Giants defensive end Justin Tuck. Under pressure by Tuck, Brady threw a 50-yard pass to, I presume, some crickets at midfield, and was called for intentional grounding. Because Brady was in the end zone when he released the ball, that penalty translated into a safety — putting two points on the scoreboard for the Giants. In the end, it was those two points that prevented the Patriots from being able to simply kick a field goal for the win on their last failed drive of the game.
Best Commercial
I am sorry to report that most of this year's commercials sucked. I mean, really, Bud Light Platinum? That's the best you can do? Also, Teleflora, although it's true that sending a woman flowers might improve one's chances of getting laid (hint to a certain unnamed someone who lives with me [but is not my kid or my dog]), don't you think it's maybe a little tacky to pretty much come out and say that? And hey, Go Daddy, no one actually thinks if they go to your website after your commercial that they're actually going to get to see Danica Patrick's boobs, so how about you quit acting like they are? That's not to say there weren't a few bright spots. Like the excellent Fiat Abarth bit with the smokin' hot Italian lady, and the VW ad with the dieting dog (although I could have done without the Star Wars bit at the end). My favorite: The Dorito's spot with the murderous Great Dane, who buys his owner's silence with a bag of nacho cheese chips. Funny! Like a Super Bowl commercial is supposed to be!
Best Part of Halftime Show
If one were to construct a Venn diagram of NFL followers and Madonna aficionados, the area of intersection would be smaller than Bill Belichick's tie collection. Which was why I was baffled when the NFL selected her as the performer for the halftime show. But although I did throw up just a little in my mouth when she emerged from the tunnel in full Cleopatra garb, and although I did spend most of her show worried she was going to injure herself in those boots, I have to admit that in the end, Madge (along with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo Green, M.I.A. and M.I.A.'s middle finger) delivered. For one thing, she looked great. In fact, she looked so great, I have to assume she participates in some sort of unspeakable ritual to maintain her youth — like maybe she eats babies or something. And I'll admit, the "Like a Prayer" bit did make me want to make physical movements with my body that roughly approximated "dancing."
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Slideshow: Friday in the Super Bowl Village
Posted by Mike Allee on Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Slideshow
Sports & Rec Red carpet diary: NFL Honors
Posted by Kate Shoup on Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 11:02 AM
- Kate Shoup
- Billy Baldwin on the NFL Honors carpet.
2:34: Sustain self-inflicted injury during coiffure-related activities (thumbnail to earlobe; light bleeding).
2:49: Zip into red Calvin Klein dress, purchased for $17 at local second-hand shop.
2:52: Waltz into living room, where boyfriend and two friends are watching rugby. "Hubba-hubba"-type noises ensue.
3:01: Depart for Murat Theatre. Nearly in collision en route.
3:27: Arrive at theatre. Discover that position on red carpet is essentially Siberia.
3:29: Pass by stations for Access Hollywood and E! Wonder if Joan Rivers is here. Sincerely hope so.
3:32: Compare outfit with that of other members of press. Realize that although outfit was dirt cheap, I am terribly overdressed. Decide to pretend I'm going somewhere EVEN BETTER after this event is over.
3:41: Notice there is no water available for media. Become instantly thirsty.
3:57: Watch hordes of helpers fuss over NFL Network host lady. Wonder if I had such support if I, too, could look very sparkly. Also wonder about her daily caloric intake.
4:00: Red carpet officially open for business.
4:07: Wonder if Ryan Gosling will be on red carpet. Just in case, make sign that says "Hey girl, I'd rather be honoring YOU" in the hopes that he will be photographed with it.
4:10: First passers-by on red carpet. Have no idea who they are. Take their picture anyway.
4:12: Observe several women wearing very impressive shoes. Assume they are dominatrices.
- Kate Shoup
- Archie Manning
4:24: Spot player with best name ever: D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
4:44: Jerry Rice talks to media guy next to me. Decide to latch on to said media guy like grim death.
4:50: Notice that Jeff Saturday looks sort of odd when not in crouch stance.
4:56: Joe Montana! Joe Montana! Hey! It's Joe Montana! Hey! Joe! Over here! Joe! Joe? Here? No? Okay.
5:01: Realize the real Joe Namath looks very much like the animated Joe Namath in that Simpsons episode.
5:07: Troy Aikman talks to media guy right next to me. Reaffirm my commitment to said media guy.
5:11: Emanuelle Chriqui from Entourage gives us some love. And now, for the very first time, I know who Emanuelle Chriqui is.
5:16: Jerry Rice is back! He came back for us! I decide that I love him.
5:18: Alec Baldwin passes by, but from the opposite direction, so all I see is his back. Disappointed. Wanted to challenge him to a game of Words with Friends.
5:19: Become irritated with TV lady across from me, who asks everyone who comes through for a picture with her, whether she knows who they are or not. Vow to NEVER ask anyone for a photo with me. So unprofessional!
5:20: Jon Hamm! Jon Hamm! Oh my God, it's Jon Hamm! Jon! Can I have a photo?
5:21: Set aside principles for photo with Jon Hamm. He asks my name. I tell him it's Kate. He shakes my hand and looks searchingly into my eyes before being pulled away.
5:22: Girl next to me observes Jon Hamm smelled like vodka. I say this is a good thing, as my chances with him will certainly increase if his judgment is impaired.
5:28: Photograph Billy Baldwin, even though he is clearly the lesser Baldwin.
5:34: Expect Dwight Freeney to do a spin move. He does not.
5:36: No love from Tim Tebow. Assume he senses my religious confusion.
- Kate Shoup
- Jim and Monique Brown
5:40: Greg Ballard, followed by Mitch Daniels. Mitch asks guy next to me if there's anything Hoosiers can do to make his stay better. I say, "Veto Right to Work." But only in my mind.
5:41: Develop slight crush on New Orleans coach Sean Payton. Realize this is indication of my own advanced age.
5:45: Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young with his two boys causes all women working red carpet to assess their own relationships.
5:46: Lenny Kravitz! Lenny Kravitz! Hey! It's Lenny Kravitz! Hey! Lenny! Over Here! Lenny! Lenny? Here? No? Okay.
5:49: Legend Jim Brown, with his spectacular wife, Monique. "You look beautiful," I say, and she thanks me warmly, like she really means it. Pretty sure have found new best friend.
5:51: Colts owner Jim Irsay takes break from tweeting to walk red carpet.
5:53: Informed that red carpet is officially over. Tally up who I did not see: Katy Perry, Jimmy Fallon, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Tom Brady, and Gisele. And, sadly, Ryan Gosling.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Local Business DIY apparel shop OUTPOST opens doors
Posted by Scott Shoger on Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 7:24 AM
Four local outfits are banding together to sell locally made and environmentally friendly apparel in a couple stores during the Super Bowl.
OUTPOST, Indianapolis Local Apparel, is operating two locations through the week: a storefront in the Murphy Art Center (1043 Virginia Ave., Ste. 4, next to La Margarita) and a pop-up shop in the west wing of the Indianapolis City Market (222 E. Market St., next to IndyHub's HubWork co-working space). The stores will carry apparel created by four organizations — Vardagen, People for Urban Progress, Hayes & Taylor and United State of Indiana.
Vardagen, Swedish for "everyday," is a creative outlet for the owners of the screen-printing company The Art Press, which is printing all apparel available in OUTPOST. Vardagen's signature product is the "Ugly Christmas Sweater T-Shirt"; the brand's "Fee Fi Fo Fum" design (below) also has a certain charm.
People for Urban Progress, a 501c3 dedicated to promoting urban transit, environmental awareness and urban design, is leading a campaign to install seats salvaged from Bush Stadium at bus stops around the city; the organization's Dome Bag initiative also made use of discarded stadium material by recycling the inflatable roof at the former RCA Dome.
And both Hayes & Taylor and United State of Indiana are dedicated to civic boosterism and the celebration of local sports and culture, according to an OUTPOST press release.
The Murphy Art Center location is open Feb. 1-5, 10 a.m. until evening; hours at the pop-up store at the City Market run 10 a.m. to late afternoon, Jan. 31-Feb. 3.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Crookall steps down as ISO President and CEO
Posted by Scott Shoger on Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM
The press release points to the appointment of ISO music director Krzysztof Urbanski, the naming of Time for Three as ISO's first ensemble-in-residence and the establishment of new programming such as the young professional-friendly, mother-approved 'Happy Hour at the Symphony' as high points during Crookall's tenure.
The press release does not mention the departure of former ISO music director Mario Venzago, who said he was informed six weeks before the beginning of the 2009-2010 season that his contract would expire, at a time when promotional materials bearing Venzago's image had long before been distributed. In a 2009 open letter, Venzago characterized the short notice he was given of his departure as "unprecedented in the classical world."
2009 also saw the conclusion of negotiations over a three-year contract with ISO musicians; the agreement included a 12 percent pay cut on the part of musicians, as well as pay reductions of 15 percent for Crookall and 5 to 10 percent for ISO administrators. Notably, cuts in programming and work stoppages were avoided during negotiations; by contrast, Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians went on strike for six months in 2010 before reaching an agreement that involved pay cuts averaging 25 percent.
Jackie Groth, ISO vice president of finance and strategic planning, has been appointed at interim president and CEO; a search committee has begun work to select a permanent replacement for Crookall.
Indianapolis Children's Choir to join Clarkson
Posted by Scott Shoger on Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 4:00 PM
A children's choir is adorable; if any of the kids make any mistakes, they can't really be savaged by the celebrity hatred industry; and when it comes to the Indianapolis Children's Choir, there won't be any mistakes, just pure angelic tones.
45 members of the ICC will accompany Kelly Clarkson when she sings "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Super Bowl XLVI, the ICC announced today. ICC founder and artistic director Henry Leck and assistant artistic director Joshua Pedde will conduct.
