tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-346615072012-02-16T18:48:26.947-08:00Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-74146657004121325082009-06-22T00:09:00.000-07:002009-06-22T00:16:24.489-07:00

Prior to the grand opening of the Phoenix Valley Metro Rail system last December, I had been able to take two test train rides. During one of those rides, I shot video from the "railfan" window in the front. During the shuffle of a very busy video shop working on various roller derby related projects, I thought I had lost this video footage. While starting another project, I discovered which

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-85458416931430955862009-06-19T19:12:00.000-07:002009-06-19T23:25:29.235-07:00

One of my biggest pet peeves is bad policy. Bad policy is one that while the intention may be good, the overall policy is just downright the wrong way to address a situation. A recent story in the Philadelphia Weekly made aware of a great example of such bad policy.Apparently, the South East Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) has a huge problem on their hands. The problem, people sharing

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-64337157140098677672009-06-16T09:59:00.000-07:002009-06-16T10:25:51.087-07:00

I have designed a very simple application that is intended to show the next "timepoint" for every bus on a particular route.It uses a pretty simple SQL statement:SELECT gtfs_stops.stop_name, gtfs_stops.stop_lat, gtfs_stops.stop_lon,gtfs_stop_times.departure_time, gtfs_stop_times.trip_id, gtfs_stop_times.stop_headsign,gtfs_trips.route_id, gtfs_trips.block_id FROM gtfs_tripsLEFT JOIN

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-24089385475458302082009-06-14T12:22:00.000-07:002009-06-14T12:25:20.031-07:00

Just for a means of background, I have never worked for Metro but I have a great knowledge of how they schedule. The way MTA schedules is very different than other transit properties that I have encountered. I have been going through the GTFS data and I have noticed what some may consider bugs or disparities in the data but it's a part of the way MTA has been doing scheduling for decades. This

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-6832221694085402042009-06-11T12:00:00.000-07:002009-06-11T12:06:11.345-07:00

or download MP3 directly: krxq-20090611.mp3 (17MB, 16/22, mono)This is an aircheck from KRXQ Sacramento on June 11, 2009. On this 2 hour 30 minute show, the personalities reflect on the events of the past week after a broadcast where those in the GLBT community stated that condoned child abuse and intolerance to the plight of transgender youth.While the beginning of the show gave the appearance

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-223720979473860122009-06-07T23:36:00.000-07:002009-06-08T00:48:06.718-07:00

First of all, let me qualify myself to discuss this topic. I am the founder of REC Networks, a 25 year old entity who, for the past 15 or so years has been advocating for the establishment of the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service, assisted many LPFM applicants through free on-line tools, advocated for the citizen in access to the airwaves issues at the FCC, has come up to bat in situations where

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-33701428473443016692009-05-23T22:15:00.000-07:002009-05-24T06:33:25.211-07:00

Last Thursday, I was the witness to the ultimate dog and pony show in the public sector. It was item #5 on the agenda of the Scottsdale Transportation Commission.With issues looming across the country with our economy, transit agencies nationwide are being forced to look at ways of cutting expenses. This includes canceling capital projects, raising fares and cutting the number of revenue hours of

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-76041188964029797682009-02-01T05:46:00.000-08:002009-02-01T06:07:00.578-08:00

Here's a brief route by route recommendation for the City of Phoenix for route specific service cuts as a result of the sales tax shortage. Specifically, we need to assure that pre-2000 service levels remain in the core system. I am going mainly after Sunday services, especially those on the half mile streets like Roosevelt, Roeser, 28th Street and even 15th Avenue. Again, these are

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-49179825059009406902009-01-22T23:33:00.000-08:002009-01-22T23:53:13.083-08:00

I sent my official comments today to Valley Metro regarding the fare increase. I filed comments in support of a fare increase however, I do not support how they are proposing to do the changes.Specifically, I feel that we should be looking at first targeting the peak hour riders as well as the express riders while lightening the impact on the off-peak transit dependent riders. Specifically, I

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-37739223079272488652009-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:002009-01-06T10:41:15.810-08:00

Light rail is new to us here in Phoenix. This is not the first light rail implementation that I have experienced. I have also experienced many of the service changes that took place as a result of the implementation of light rail in Los Angeles. Some implementations such as the Blue Line and especially the Gold Line had some significant bus interface changes.Several years ago, I had proposed

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-62843953813781804922009-01-04T04:53:00.000-08:002009-01-04T05:04:04.592-08:00

Well... we have now had a light rail system in Phoenix for one week now. I have taken several rides on the train (since I work in Downtown PHX and also, I work for transit.. so it would only make sense). Now, while the system was free, people flocked to the train like people flocking to Six Flags' newest coaster. Many people wanted to try it out and ride it because "it was free".Now that the "

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-73301426214729596992008-02-24T08:32:00.000-08:002008-02-24T08:33:24.864-08:00

Greetings from Philadelphia. I am here to visit with the Prometheus Radio Project, an organization that is involved in the establishment of community radio stations in the US and around the world. For those of you in derby, you may not be familiar with some of the activities that I do outside of derby. Well, long before derby, I have been involved with supporting the establishment of Low Power

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-14244531438901222112007-07-18T05:35:00.000-07:002007-07-18T05:44:18.926-07:00

This is a reply to a blog entry made by Arizona Derby Dames' co-founder Suzy Homewrecker about the legitimacy of today's roller derby as a sport. I thought I would share it here.Was Roller Derby A Sport? Yes and No.When I was growing up as a young kid in the mid-1970's, I remember watching the banked track roller derby on TV. When I was about 5 or 6, I thought that all skating was done on a

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-13647179883570302622007-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:002007-05-18T11:33:45.077-07:00

This is a popular expression on the W0KIE Satellite Radio Network. It's a line from a Stan Freeburg comedy release called "Christmas Dragnet", in which the character "Grudge" who does not believe in anything was being read a whole bunch of charges. One of those charges is a "412", in which Grudge replies "Four-twelve! What's a four-twelve?".On these classic cop shows like Dragnet, Adam 12 and

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-82965646424409552232007-03-18T10:56:00.000-07:002007-03-26T04:53:08.968-07:00

Growing up as a kid in Southern California, I grew up watching the Los Angeles T-Birds roller derby matches at the old Grand Olympic Auditorium. A few years ago, I remember stumbling back into the old 1970's-era matches on ESPN Classic. I still cringe at the archiac sports video quality from that era. To this day, I will sometimes yell out when I am excited about something "FI-I-I-I-I-VE T-BIRD

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-58705224633313799112007-02-28T16:00:00.000-08:002007-02-28T16:08:45.063-08:00

We found all of the missing Cox cable repairmen who you were promised would come to fix your internet or cable service weeks ago. They are all at this hotel in Ahwatukee, AZ. It's unknown when they will come out. Better call Qwest.

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-71546942608717953352007-02-26T08:21:00.000-08:002007-02-26T09:47:39.057-08:00

Yesterday, I decided to make my second "non-rev adventure" since I have been working for US Airways. I decided to make a trip up to San Francisco International Airport and then continued on the Marin Airporter (note: portions of site not blind friendly) to San Rafael, CA. My final destination, the campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind. I was going up there to meet my best friend who is currently

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-69178395766595982482007-02-21T02:27:00.000-08:002007-02-21T08:35:56.500-08:00

An interesting thing happened to me today. I have been having car problems. Shawn recently replaced the EGR in our vehicle to eliminate a bucking problem. This was a problem that I thought was with the transmission. Since the EGR installation, the buck stopped here.Now today, I was driving one of my blind friends and her guide dog around. I discover that suddenly the car stopped moving forward. I

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-86157974247378059172007-02-11T11:40:00.000-08:002007-02-08T08:12:40.543-08:00

When I used to live in Southern California, I used to follow the operations of the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD), which eventually became the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). When a bus operator was given their assignment for the day, it was placed on a piece of paper called a "paddle". The term "paddle" goes back to the old days when the bus run

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1169410867346269282007-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:002007-01-21T12:21:07.406-08:00

Last Thursday, I started taking a class that will hopefully hold out to be interesting. I am starting to learn Braille Transcription. This class is taking place at The Foundation For Blind Children in Phoenix, AZ. This course, which only starts once a year and goes through the entire year prepares students to take the Braille Transcription Certification from the Library of Congress.Certified

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1168515470233232402007-01-11T03:23:00.000-08:002007-01-11T03:44:49.523-08:00

I have been informed that Bruce Allen Brodsky, a person who I have known since the late 1970's was found dead at his home on Wednesday. The cause of death is unknown at this time. He was (I believe) about 45.I first met Bruce when I was about 9 years old. He lived across the street. He had set up a model railroad in his garage. I was a transit bus (SCRTD) fan and there is obviously a connection

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1162444176634080582006-11-01T20:56:00.000-08:002006-11-01T21:15:08.260-08:00

Well, today was Day 3 of the training class. I am now starting to notice that some of my Qwest skills/habits are trickling over into this job.I am picking up the material pretty fast and have been able to get a grip on the computer system. As a long time United passenger and flyergeek, it's going to take time for me to learn the US Airways booking code pecking order because there's some

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1162270569347519192006-10-30T20:42:00.000-08:002006-10-31T19:27:22.360-08:00

After 20 very interesting years in the telecommunications industry, I had finally parted ways with my previous emloyer, Qwest Communications. I had kept my eye on my other love, the airline industry. Today, I started my entry into this industry. I have started at US Airways as a Reservations Agent.This is not my ultimate dream job, but it is my foot in the door. It is also food on the table and

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1162136922907773532006-10-29T07:41:00.000-08:002006-10-29T08:25:55.043-08:00

On Saturday, Kristi, Shawn, Bear and myself went to the annual picnic in the park that is held by GAIN (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) and the North Tempe Neighborhood Association (NTNA).Our car broke down along the way, we had to tow it home, which is a story in itself.There were a lot of fun things to do including activities for the kids, wildlife demonstrations, fire/police

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1161960597097063162006-10-27T07:40:00.000-07:002006-10-27T07:49:57.126-07:00

This week, I attended a community workshop on the proposed new routes for Tempe's Neighborhood FLASH system. The first neighborhood FLASH route was established as a result of the 1996 sales tax vote. Back then, I was very involved with the city, especially in the North Tempe area where I live, to get transit service improved here. I am very happy to see the new circulator that will be running

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1161721604468227852006-10-24T13:09:00.000-07:002006-10-24T13:28:32.870-07:00

Since I left Qwest, I have been unemployed for the past month and have been pretty much self employed during that time working on a major contract.Anyway, during this time, I got to go with Kristi and Bear to "Kids Club". This is a periodic free show that is put on at the various Westcor shopping malls here in the Phoenix area.In addition to the dressed character "Webster the Warthog", the show

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1159767194040317882006-10-01T22:08:00.000-07:002006-10-01T22:33:14.486-07:00

I live in a special area of Tempe called North Tempe. The reason we are different is that we are physically separated from the rest of Tempe by the Salt River now known as Tempe Town Lake. This weekend, our mayor Hugh Hallman dedicated the new North Tempe Multigenerational Center. I had the privilege of attending this event. In the past, I have referred to North Tempe as "the forgotten zone"

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661507.post-1158650124396748382006-09-19T00:13:00.000-07:002006-09-19T00:15:24.403-07:00

It's after midnight. I am working on Hardcore 1 right now. Something big may be coming to it real soon. Stay tuned.

Michelle Eyrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12543165859466369486noreply@blogger.com0