The stories that jumped out to my attention are, “Move It! Red light cameras mean green for hospitals,” and “UH deals with parking.” The “Move it!” article peaked my interest, because I believe that red light cameras should not be used. With all the fallacies that come with them, I believe it does more harm than good. Although the money from the cameras go to hospitals that are in need of the money, there are other ways to help them out. Articles like, “UH deals with parking,” are always interesting to me because of my involvement with parking at the university. Parking is a big issue at college, especially for commuter students like myself that deal with a forty-five minute drive to campus and yet another ten minute walk to class due to the lack of available parking during the day.
The story I would choose is, “Move It! Red light cameras mean green for hospitals.” I would ask if red light cameras are a good choice for traffic violations. I would have to research the technology of red light cameras and the legislation about the fines and rules of said cameras. I could interview the district in charge of these cameras and find out about legislation on the houstontx.gov website. I could also interview the Houston Police Department about how effective the cameras are or are not. I could also research studies that involve red light cameras in different cities across the nation.
The other topics I would be interested in are: a proposal to ban cell phone usage while driving without a hands free device and a proposal to improve the University of Houston’s wireless internet. I am interested in the cell phone usage because I know in other states, such as Hawaii, there are current laws that fine people for the usage of cell phones without hands free devices. I also believe that people are the most vulnerable to get into accidents while talking or texting while driving. I currently use a bluetooth headset while driving because it is difficult to drive with one less hand, especially since I drive a five-speed manual car. The issue of UH’s wi-fi is also an interesting topic. I believe that with the rising costs of tuition and the dependency of computers in this age of technology that UH should have a wider range of internet. While there are tuition costs that affect everyone like the cost of erecting new housing that is barely in use, why would there not be a bigger precedence on the most commonly used tool for school? It is important that with the growing use of computers that people get the most for their money. With more than frequent drops from the wireless network in areas such as the library, it is close to impossible to maintain a link to the internet, especially when assignments such as this one is due today. Although there are computers hooked up to physical lines, those locations are few and far between. The use of a portable laptop is essential today, with classes that post notes online, use online blogs for assignments, and send e-mails to discuss class, it is pertinent that the internet be readily available to all students and teachers all across campus.
