Random thoughts while getting rid of a couch

Why do people give money to folks standing at intersections with cardboard signs? Here in South Austin, the bums are dressed in clean clothes, many are young, with no sign of disability. If they can walk back and forth on the median in the heat they can hold down a job. But people give them money. All it does is encourage them to continue to stand out there begging. Hell, at least make them dance or sing for the money.

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The city of Austin has spent much money on vehicle detectors at traffic lights. I don't know why, as the lights are not controlled by them. I have sat at many intersections while there is no other traffic, waiting on the cycle to complete. The intersections also have "Walk" buttons that are completely unneeded, as the walk signal lights every time, and are timed so that snails can cross safely. The corner of Stassney and Manchaca is one such intersection. At 1 AM, there aren't many waiting to walk, and they can hit the button if they want to walk. But every cycle comes complete with left turn one way, left turn the other, walk signals, etc. I sit there for 2 minutes without seeing another car.