Ironman debuts in The Woodlands, Texas

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is preparing for their inaugural 2011 Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas race scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011, in The Woodlands.  More than 2,500 athletes are expected to compete in the state’s first ultra-distance event.

Saturday’s race will not only bring an impressive pro lineup featuring well-known athletes in the field like Americans Chris Lieto and Linsey Corbin, but also a list of age-group competitors with a range of backgrounds and experiences, offering spectators an incredible look into the sport.  While Texas is the most represented state in this race, there will be athletes from 47 other states and 33 countries from around the world, ranging in age from 18 to 70.

WTC has been engaged with title sponsor Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau to make sure this inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman event is one for all to remember.  Over the course of 17 hours, athletes will test their physical and mental limits as they race through The Woodlands. As with all competitive sports events, spectators push them on by cheering for them on along their quest to finish the race successfully. Cheer "zones" will be available throughout the course. Parking will be available near the swim start and in parking garages along Waterway Avenue and Lake Robbins Drive.

In addition to the actual race, WTC will host a world-class event expo at the Ironman Village in the northeast parking lot of The Woodlands Town Center.  All athletes, residents and visitors are invited to stop by on Wednesday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   There will also be a special Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Pre-Race Press Conference that is open to the public at the same location on Thursday, May 19, at 11 a.m., featuring top professional competitors and local athletes.

Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas offers a total professional prize purse of $100,000 and 75 qualifying slots for the 2011 Ford Ironman World Championship, to be held on Oct. 8 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. 

About Memorial Hermann

Memorial Hermann is known for world-class clinical expertise, patient-centered care, leading edge technology, and innovation. Their health care system, with its exceptional medical staff and more than 20,000 employees, serves southeast Texas and the greater Houston community. Memorial Hermann’s 11 hospitals include three hospitals in the Texas Medical Center, with a level 1 trauma center, a children's hospital and a rehabilitation hospital. Also included are three heart & vascular institute locations and eight suburban hospitals. The system also operates an air ambulance, cancer, imaging and surgery centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers, outpatient laboratories, a wellness center, a chemical dependency treatment center, a home health agency, a retirement community and a nursing home. 

About World Triathlon Corporation

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is a Tampa-based company recognized for athletic excellence, distinguished events and quality products. WTC's portfolio includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, 5150 Triathlon Series, Iron Girl and IronKids brands, which have a combined total of more than 180 events worldwide each year. Supported by partners including Ford, Timex, Foster Grant and PowerBar, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world and has been a respected name in triathlons since its inception in 1978.

About The Woodlands

Located 42 minutes north of Houston, Texas and minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport, The Woodlands prides itself as a preferred location for residence, leisure, and business. Within the boundary of The Woodlands,  there are more than 5 million square feet of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment options, more than 185 miles of hike-and-bike trails, the 1,700-acre Mitchell Preserve, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of the top 5 outdoor amphitheaters in the world. Lake Woodlands, and 115 parks provide a variety of outdoor opportunities. The Woodlands features world-class golf. It is home to more than 1,400 upscale guest rooms, conference and convention centers and a resort. 

About The Woodlands Township

Located 33 miles north of downtown Houston, Texas, The Woodlands Township is the local government for one of the country’s leading master-planned communities.  This 28,000-acre residential and commercial development is home to nearly 100,000 residents, more than 2,500 businesses, 185 miles of hike and bike paths, 121 parks and millions of square feet of shopping, dining, entertainment venues and commercial office space. The Woodlands Township is committed to supporting a genuine quality lifestyle for its residents, businesses and visitors.

Other sources of information: 

1. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov - Township Government Website

2. www.memorialhermann.org - Memorial Heath Care System

3. www.ironmantexas.com-  Texas Ironman Race Event 

Should we or shouldn't we be a test bed for technology?

Here is our chance to be on the cutting edge. Or not? Google wants to test a concept. Google is looking for a community where they can deploy special fiber optics and switches as an infrastructure to a super wide-band internet. Varying providers would subscribe to this infrastructure, offering competitive services. A gigabit bandwidth (touted to be 100 times faster than any available current service here) is now technically feasible. With the right home or business computer and peripherals, one could leverage this technology for no telling what kind of application! A simple application could be the downloading of a full length movie in five minutes. Another might be to exchange digital medical scans of the human body. Google has issued a formal RFI (Request for Information) to communities, which in turn would respond with a Tender Response. The survey language is not exactly correct, so please understand the process before you respond with your view and understand that the Township would not issue an RFI, they would issue a Tender Response to declare the reasons and applicability for our community to Google Inc. The Woodlands Township has issued an online survey to determine if we should submit the response.

Added update - 3/16/02010
Some additional information that might help to understand the Google proposal:
There are many comments being made in Twitter right now about broadband service. The activity is like an alert to everyone on the internet, a wildfire informing people about the FCC National Broadband Policy. I have read some of this and noted a few interesting pieces of information. While Google is seeking a 1-gigabit solution, the FCC is seeking a super wideband solution only for institutions. The FCC vision is to have 100,000,000 homes running at 100 mbs by about 2015 or 2020. Today 35% of households in the USA are without broadband service. I ran some tests on my own computer and will share. I also will give you a link to some interesting and useful information. I subscribe to a low end AT&T broadband service. My computer communicates at about 2.9 mbps for downloads using the standard ping test of  Speedtest.net to Austin. Click here to see Speedtest data and run their test on your computer.     

A good article on the subject can be found at Gizmodo. Click here to view that article. It is generally thought that the Google test will not fully realize a 1-gigabit and may actually fall far short of that, but it still should be faster than what the top end is by current providers. Computers may not be able to move data fast enough in the infrastructure, and there will likely be latencies at various places in the network.

Added update 06/02/10:
Would you like to know the vote that got us into the submission? First I have to say that the driving force behind it appears to have come from the Indian part of the community.  These are often the people brought here to do IT work for companies specializing in IT. Many are here on special work visas. So what, you ask?  Well, think about it. They cannot vote to elect our government, but they could influence the spending of great sums of money. Why is that? you ask.  Because only 8% of our registered voters vote! Now let's take a look at the numbers for us being a test bed. We had 1000 illegitimate votes in the Google participation questionaire. That is, there was one or more persons who at least tried to stuff the ballot box. Fortunately, this was known because of security checks within the database. Removing those and only those wrongful votes, we had 137 residents participate. 100 of those voted "yes", saying let's participate in this project. I can't tell you how many were registered voters, but my guess is much fewer than the 100 voting "yes". Fortunately, I do not believe Google will want to put us into their plan. 100 interested persons in a 90,000 resident community doesn't sound like a good investment. What continues to bother me is the decision of the township to continue even under this total uninterested community.  It echos a bit like an empty chamber - the May 8th elections, doesn't it?

Commentary

I do not like the idea of again disturbing the earth on our roadways and working out right of ways for another vendor as a test of technology. Our response would be due March 28th. Although some businesses may have a real application, current available services should suffice for some time to come. For example, we can have telephony via internet now. We can have normal files loaded and uploaded quickly by high speed internet providers now. We can listen to music. We can watch movies. The normal resident has plenty of services from multiple providers now. Let's let some other community experiment with new technology and we can see how it pans out over the next five or so years. My experiences in information technology says never to take up a solution for an unknown problem or application. For one, the first deployments are often quick to be antiquated by following releases. I can't say what might go wrong, and I doubt anyone else can either.

We have bigger fish to fry in The Woodlands. If we have time to partner with technology companies for such endeavors, we probably need to trim budgets. I see no valid reason for this community to be on the leading edge of technology. I do not believe it would have any financial impact whether we do this now or later (if it pans out). Perhaps institutions will find good uses for such technology, but in my opinion, it will be a long time before residents need it.

Added 03/20/2010

Very significant to the township survey is the lack of information. We are asked for our opinion when we are not given sufficient detail to have an opinion. Do we want to participate in this when we don't know what is to be required of us?  For example, how much digging can we expect in our yards? Are we going to have a repeater in our yards? How well tested is this technology? If we are going to participate, do we lose our current service? What if the service is not reliable? Are we committing to the service now or will we get a chance in the future to request it and not have the consequences of having it installed in the neighborhood (killing trees, etc)? What exactly are the risks? My questions are only a start for the questions to be answered by the provider that should be asked and be published before asking residents such questions. Asking us if we want to participate is ridiculous without this information.  Sugarland wants to participate, but they don't know either. I would like responsible leaders here communicating to responsible residents, all thinking about the quality of life for the whole. 

I said "no" to the survey because of the lack of information that would make me comfortable to participate. My assessment it that this is a high risk venture like any field test.  

Township Survey Link

What do you think?

July 4th Parade In The Woodlands - Images tell the story

If you have never desired to venture out in the heat to see the parade, you are invited to view the photographs from this year's parade. Otherwise, if you did not go, you should have been there. It was definitely scorching hot, but in the shade, it was at least tolerable. I was at the judges stand and want to say to that storekeeper who opened her doors for us to feel her air conditioning - THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Most of the time I was out in the sun taking these photographs and when I got a break, I would go to her door! Ahhhhhhh!

If you took your children there, you may find a photograph of one or more or yourself. Now that I am thinking about it, I don't remember seeing that 40 something guy with his balloons. OK guy, maybe I was a little rude in saying you looked a bit old for them, but I was only kidding .... I think. They sure were colorful and trying to give them to the kids just didn't work. I clicked that button on the camera.

The beautiful faces that I sought to put inside of that camera! There were many. I got a few as you will see when you go to the link at the end of all these words. This is America and our children know it! I like to go just to see them enjoy this holiday. It lifts my faith in the future of our nation. I hope you take your children out to it next year. You will enjoy it, as well as the kids. Some people come on their bicycles, some in their cars and a few on motorcycles. If you arrive early enough, there is plenty of nearby parking. Some folks enjoyed the shade on Lake Woodlands and others in Market Street. Take an umbrella, chairs and a blanket for the little ones and don't forget the water.

The sergeant traditionally leads the parade. He moves his motorcycle in figure 8's. I always get a kick out of his enthusiastic participation. There are another traditions I like, notably the fire department and their sirens, the high school bands, the patriotic music by the orchestra before the parade starts, the cleaning guys in tuxes, the limos, the antique cars, the Volkswagon Club ... you will see all of this in the photos.
This year had a special tribute to the soldiers about to leave for duty in the middle east and the emotional farewell of their loved ones in the VIP section. The parade stopped for quite a while for this activity. I enjoyed every second of it. Hats off to the organizers and countless hours of volunteers along the parade route and administratively who made this such an excellent event.
We had several special persons in the parade this year. There was a World War II veteran, several pageant winners and one very special pageant winner who we are all routing for - Bonnie Hubert preparing to compete in the Mrs International Pageant in just a few days.

Now comes the song and dance! Indian Springs Guy is pleased to announce that Indian Springs won the best float prize this year. Yep, we beat the other villages out this year. If I gloat too much longer, I think I will get a call from Sterling Ridge ... so enough be said, but let me slip in a photo of the winning float ... just in case yo have not seen the work of our friend and neighbor in Indian Springs - Mr. Richard Stromatt.
So what village will try to outclass Indian Springs in 2010? We shall see. Hometown challenge!

See many photos of the event at:
The Woodlands July 4th 2009 Parade

New Fire Department Service

Another service has been added to our fire department. This comes as a result of emergency planning, a training grant and a new truck called "Attack 101".

The Woodlands Fire Department recently purchased this new mini-pumper with funds provided by The Woodlands Township. It is equipped with economical apparatus to give firefighters about everything they need for almost any small emergency, all in one compact package. Whether answering a first response call or combating smaller incidents such as car fires, Attack 101 will be contributing to the safety and rescue of residents and visitors to The Woodlands.

“Attack 101 allows us to effectively handle emergency incidents in limited access areas, such as along The Woodlands Waterway,” said Fire Chief Alan B. Benson. “The new mini-pumper has put a great deal of capability and flexibility in our hands.”

Built on a Ford Super Duty F-550, Attack 101 has a certified 500-gpm pump, four-wheel drive and storage space for vital equipment including medical supplies. The custom designed mini-pumper was built with a special air ride suspension feature, enabling the vehicle to be lowered for entry into low-clearance areas such as parking garages, or raised to effectively clear rough terrain.

“Funding of the new Attack 101 was necessary for the urban growth we’re experiencing in The Woodlands,” said The Woodlands Township Chairman Nelda Blair. “We always have to be prepared in emergency situations and we’re very fortunate to have such a proactive fire department serving The Woodlands Township. This is a great example of why The Woodlands is such a special place for residents and businesses.”

Attack 101 will operate out of Central Fire Station, 9951 Grogan's Mill Road, serving the villages of Grogan’s Mill and Panther Creek and The Woodlands Town Center. For more information, please visit www.thewoodlandsassociations.org. The Woodlands Fire Department business line is 281.367.3444. For emergencies, please call 911.

Photo: Attack 101 is the newest addition to The Woodlands Fire Department. (Standing, l to r) Fire Chief Alan Benson, The Woodlands Township Chairman Nelda Blair, The Woodlands Association President Joel Deretchin and Deputy Chief Wayne Walker. (Kneeling l to r) Lt. Scott Windisch, Firefighter Josh Thomas and Captain David Parker.

Images of an Evening when The Woodlands had a TEA Party in Creekside Park Village

Tonight, residents in the Creekside Park Village are justifiably upset that the parking plan for so many people attending the Woodlands TEA Party in Rob Fleming Park flunked. People were even parking on Gosling. People parked on the grass, in development areas, everywhere one could physically park. People poured in continuously at the same time as others left to put the kids to bed or whatever.

My very rough estimate was about 1200 had attended, however the sponsors of the event estimated that 7000 attended.³ Residents could not hardly get from one place to another to shop, to get home, to do what they needed to do in the evening. It was a serious village traffic jam! I could tell in advance that this would attract many people to the park. Everyone and their brother were seeking directions to the park today.

The message was clear and loud, as it was broadcast from the beautiful park pavilion. "Enough taxes", "Stop spending my grandchild's money", "I am not a communist",... It was a clear-cut attack on Obama and socialism. Over and over the staff there played their cards with questions like "do you think that was extremism?"

The speech writers made somewhat of an attempt to deliver a message that was non-partisan but that was not achieved from what I heard. There was no doubt in my mind that the message was anti-Obama and pro-Republican. There was also significant heckling of congressman Kevin Brady from the back of the crowd when Mr Brady was delivering his message.

Overall, with the music, speeches, banners, flags, signs and attendees, I enjoyed seeing and hearing "America speaking".

Families were there in their entirety, with babies and children. Dogs were there and I suspect some families from the village were doing their normal dog walks amidst all of the hoopla. While the theme has basic merit, the delivery was simply like a typical political rally, lots of rhetoric without much substance. There was a march of signs that would pass by the video camera which was streaming live images to the internet.

I was glad to see this band playing. That gave us an occasional break from the speeches.

"I'm not a communist" on the dog's shirt.

The people came in droves, which indicated a high interest in taxation/spending issues now facing our country. There were no rebel flags and nothing to indicate a tie with any other change or circumstance of "today". Instead, the gathering while I was there was tame, with only the heckling while Mr Brady spoke, to interfere with the event.
This helicopter was probably the news media, but I could not see any emblems. It stayed for about 10-15 minutes, obviously filming the event.








This was certainly a peaceful protest, but it was also a call for voters to begin taking an active role in the elections, of course through the organizations affiliated with those sponsoring the TEA party.
People were putting tea bags into a large bucket near the back. I understand they later made tea with it.

Related links

¹Woodlands Tea Party - history in the making?

²Woodlands Tea Party website
³Woodlands North Houston Tea Party Society

An Evening Out on The Woodlands Waterway, a Texas style attraction

The entire family can enjoy an evening out on The Waterway, so can a couple or friends or an individual. This particular evening, the waterway was lit by the lights of the waterway AND the full moon. Children were playing in the wading fountains with parents close by watching, couples were enjoying the romantic atmosphere of a moonstruck night, visitors and residents were taking a ride along the waterway in water taxis, a social event was going on outside in Goose's Acre, a mother duck was escorting her 14 little ducklings along the waterway, the light show at the square was attracting visitors, and families were just out to enjoy the ambiance of the people, attractions and nature surrounding them. This is a great place to be on a warm or cool evening here in The Woodlands.

The Woodlands Waterway Square Flickering Fountains

Whether you are visitor or a resident, the Woodlands Waterway is a terrific place to be in the evening, especially in the spring, fall or early summer. It is a nice place to visit during the day as well. This fountain is located just east of the Marriott Hotel and very close to the Tinseltown movie theater. It is a place to sit down and read, a place for lovers, a place for children to play, a place to relax with the sounds of rushing water, a place to enjoy a colored lights water show that is set to music.

The primary fountain of Waterway Square moves a considerable amount of water and changes its pattern continuously. Here it is in its glory.

After the sun sets, the colored lights in the fountains are spectacular and change from green to blue to purple to red. The fountain complex is a constantly changing scene, choreographed to various short songs.







If you look closely, you will see the water dancing and this particular evening, it was dancing under the moonlight.





Additional information about Waterway Square can be obtained from The Woodlands Township website.

Fun Facts About Waterway Square