I drive the deadliest stretch of pavement in Texas every weekend. I may be a little badass, but what’s not badass is the traffic. Going through downtown Austin on IH-35 is always congested unless it’s past midnight.
I read a few years ago that the average speed for 35 in Austin during rush hour is around 3mph. Yup, three. It is kinda unbelievable. I have no idea why this problem isn’t being fixed. It isn’t like it is something new. Traffic has always been a problem and between San Antonio and Dallas is said to be one of the most overloaded-unorganized roads in the nation.
I’m not sure if y’all have been down 35 in a while, but near Cabela’s is a lane shift. Now, most the time we just slow down 10mph or so, but there are sometimes when a car will not shift and everyone has to slam on their breaks. Another problem with this is that there is a merging lane during the lane shift, if you don’t merge in 100ft or so you’re going straight into a cement barrier. Those problems are due to construction, and I hope they are done soon.
The absolute worst drive I’ve ever had on 35 was during tax-free weekend on my way to San Marcos. I know soccer moms may not be the best drivers, but I’ve been driving this span for over a year and I have never seen traffic in the middle of the country like this. I was certain, 100% sure that there were multiple wrecks. Not the case, just dumb drivers blindly flailing their vehicle down the road at 70 miles per hour causing massive traffic jams. Dubs. [Via]
Yup, they’re coming out of the depths of the earth as we speak (well, starting midnight tonight. I thought they started last night). 33 unlucky miners, stuck underground since August 5th.
Hopefully the rescue will go without any problems, but hoisting people up 2,000 feet seems like it would be difficult to not to run into trouble.
The media isn’t really thinking that there will be any problems, they are worried more about how much money these miners will make after they get out. I read a story earlier today that said the miners have had a lawyer bring contracts that say no one miner can gain tons of money from this, that all those trapped must share. I think that is a great idea. I guess they have had some time to think about this though.
They will all be set for life if they use their money right. I hope it turns out for the best. [Via]
Finally, an environmental infographic that isn’t purely facts about energy and C02 emissions. This graphic throws a little comedy into the mix. [Via]
Austin City Limits starts tomorrow. Who are you excited to see? I’m pumped for a few acts, The Morning Benders are possibly my most anticipated show. Their CD Big Echo is amazing. If you haven’t heard them, go look them up before you hit the fest.
The weather this year will be the best ever. As my seventh year in attendance, I remember well the hot hot days of ACL in September. No rain on the forecast, so we wont be knee-deep in Austin’s Dillo Dirt. ACL was defiantly number two in the nation last year. The humidity, rain, and heat sucked on the last day of the fest. I even left my shoes at ACL. There was no hope of recovery.
Now, I’ve been to quite a few fests. I have a list of the 10 essential-non-essential items I’d love to share.
1 ) Bubbles – Bubbles are a must have. Who hates bubbles? No one.
2 ) Glow Sticks – We brought 3000 to Ghostland during last year’s ACL. Always fun.
3 ) Frisbee – The grass will be perfect for bare-foot frisbeeing.
4 ) Jacket – You may need it if you’re staying late.
5 ) Umbrella – For the rain or the sun. For a cane or when you’re on the run.
6 ) CamelBak – Fill it with water….or something else.
7 ) Fanny Pack – For when you’re wanting to look cool and not wear a back pack.
8 ) Water Gun/Water Balloons – It’s a festival, peeps wont care if you get them wet.
9 ) Plastic Baggies – Always have these, always keep your phone in it. Beer, rain, water, and other liquids will find their way to your phone.
10) Bandanna – Back in the dust bowl days of ACL it was essential, now it just looks cool.
The festival has changed a lot. Too many Westlake middle schoolers show up now. I guess comparing a music fest to Burning Man isn’t very fair. Burning man is at least 5 times as crazy as ACL. Still, it’s no place for pre-teens.
Well concert-goers, be safe, drink water, dance and make it home… or at least make it out of Zilker alive. [Via]
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