Mmmm... Google Maps

February 11, 2005 by Eric Richardson

I wasn't so impressed when I first tried to check them out and nothing showed up, but now that my technical glitches are worked out I have to say that Google's new mapping feature is amazing. As many others have said, Google is doing incredible things with building rich web apps, and the map images they generate are gorgeous. Check out this map of my apartment. The only thing I don't see is any map indication of which streets are one-way, but their directions get things right.

Of course, their browser tricks mean not everyone's going to be supported. Sean's still trying to get it to work for him. — Continue Reading...

Flexcar: Spying on the Union Station Car

February 08, 2005 by Eric Richardson

I had a little time to kill this afternoon so I took the DASH up to Union Station to check out the Flexcar car there. Again I found a regular Civic -- nothing hybrid about it. At least this one looked to have a cd player, though. Only one of the two Union Station cars was in when I was there.

I couldn't find where the Gateway Transit Center cars were supposed to be (though I wasn't sure if they were going to be there). Looking back at the directions I think I could have found them. I'll probably take a look Friday.

Somewhere there's got to be a hybrid. Their site still proclaims that

Flexcar's Los Angeles program offers members a fleet comprised entirely of brand new Honda Civic Hybrids, a car powered by a combination of gas and electricity.

If only that were true.

Update (9:30am): I've just been informed there are currently three non-hybrids in the LA fleet. The cars move around a good bit, but as of right now they're at the Bonaventure (6921), the Union Station car I saw yesterday (6912), and the Holly St. car in Pasadena (6927). Now my goal is to next time get the other Union Station car or one of the Gateway Transit Center cars.

More Experiences on the Bus

February 08, 2005 by Eric Richardson

Coming to class this morning I walked over to Hill to catch the 81 down Figueroa. I missed the bus I really wanted, but ten minutes or so later made it onto one that got me here right on time.

There were six or seven people on the bus when I boarded. Four of those were a younger black lady, probably mid- to late-twenties, her mom, and two little boys. The lady and her mom were engaged in an excited conversation, so I couldn't help but listen in. It turns out they were headed back home after being in court successfully fighting some sort of an eviction attempt by a shady landlady.

Too often you hear about all sorts of bad situations where tenants get evicted so that landlords can end up charging a new tenant higher rents. It's fun to hear about people who trust in the system to protect them from that sort of thing.

Just a Normal Workday

February 07, 2005 by Eric Richardson

I know, I've been a bit quiet here over the last few days. That happens sometimes...

Taking public transit to work is starting to become a comfortable routine. This morning I walked to the corner at 9am to catch the DASH D, rode that to Union Station, took the Gold Line to Pasadena, and then caught the 177 to JPL. Not quite clockwork, but it's a workable life. — Continue Reading...

Sizing Up Portable Music

February 07, 2005 by Eric Richardson

I'm thinking about buying an mp3 player. I never have because the places I listened to music were either my car or a computer. But these days, well, I don't have a car and I spend a lot of time sitting on the bus or the train. So I think it's time. The trendy choice is obviously the iPod, but I don't know if it's necessarily what I'm looking for. — Continue Reading...