Oread dangers

People do stupid things all the time, but the idea that any number of people, many underage, can be seen walking around the neighborhood, carrying drinks and often in the street IS a failure of enforcement. Two of our kids went to school elsewhere, and they report that in Providence, RI and Madison, WI, where drinking is BIG, if you walk around in the streets with a drink in your hand you're very likely to get cited or arrested. Other college towns deal with this, some better, some worse. It could be much better here.

August 28, 2012 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Oread dangers

In the middle of the night when you call the non-emergency number you automatically get the dispatcher.

August 28, 2012 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Man critically injured in pedestrian-vehicle accident on Tennessee Street

When something horrendous like this happens, the streets are filled with emergency vehicles and patrol cars of all kinds for blocks in all directions. But when I call 911 when there are literally hundreds of people walking (some staggering, many with drinks in hand) in the streets and in crowds on the sidewalks, and every few minutes somebody jumps into their car or truck and speeds off, weaving around the people in the street, I have been asked, "And you're calling because?" And I have been told that the city is divided up into a grid and that there is one officer, usually busy, for this area. Huge parties go on during certain weeks of the year and in good weather, on weekends, on game days, and everyone at KU and the city knows this. "Buddy" t-shirts and cautioning flyers are great but barely makes a dent. We are used to the noise and the mayhem (for all of you who plan on telling me to move to another neighborhood) but we will never get used to the danger faced by so many young people, some away from home for the first time. The student party areas are known and should be handled differently than some sleepy, residential area. Extra patrols are warranted, at a very minimum. These blocks where parties flow into the streets and fast-moving traffic are continually tragedies waiting to happen.

August 26, 2012 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Kansas cities may vote on nondiscrimination laws

"This is why your Constitution wants to protect minorities from the tyranny of majority rule by suggesting that certain rights are inalienable. Because every time you put questions to a vote where the majority is against a minority’s rights, the minority loses. Because it’s a minority. It’s a simple matter of math."—Rachel Maddow

Yes, duh, protecting the civil rights of those with differing gender preference and sexual orientations was not in the Constitution. Back then they didn't see fit to provide civil rights to slaves either.

August 25, 2012 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Schlingensiepen over Eye in Democratic battle in Congressional District 2; will now face Jenkins

What's an anti Christian? I am an atheist and a Democrat and I appreciate Toby's progressive and humane stands on issues and hope to see him unseat Jenkins. An interest in good politicians who advocate social justice is not defined by religious beliefs or lack thereof. Your stereotyping illustrates your ignorance.

August 8, 2012 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Schlingensiepen over Eye in Democratic battle in Congressional District 2; will now face Jenkins

"Elitists from the big city" . . . I know you're right about the sentiment in some folks, but that sure sounds funny considering we're talking about Topeka and Lawrence. I guess it's all relative.

August 8, 2012 at 7:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Lawrence resident Patti Essman, 58, moves through her living room on Thursday, picking up her belong

I don't know what her other health problems are, but if they're diet- and lifestyle-related like the ones mentioned, moving less may seem easier but it won't help. Not comparing, but I had to fight my way back to good health after being misdiagnosed for a long, long time. And here's a guy who overcame all kinds of things. It's hard work, and first you have to believe you can get better, but it can make all the difference in the world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...

August 5, 2012 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Andrea Steward, 16, of Lawrence, leads her horse around the arena Saturday in the Community Building

Beautiful girl, beautiful horse. Good luck, Andrea!!

July 30, 2012 at 4:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Tyranny?

Good letter. I am therefore afraid to read the comments. One of my inlaws who's a family practitioner and a dean at KU Med told me yesterday that every doctor he knows thinks "Obamacare" doesn't go far enough, and that EVERY PERSON should have health insurance and that even if you don't give a crap about the welfare of your fellow human beings you should understand that it COSTS MUCH MORE for all of us when un- and underinsured people delay medical treatment.

July 5, 2012 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Tour of Lawrence 2012

Oh for crying out loud. Actually, what I meant to say was what a great and fun bunch of events! If you haven't gone to watch before, go next year.

July 3, 2012 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )