subject: Were These Ideas Just A Matter Of Time? [print this page] Amtrak, in January 2000, was the first to have cell-free train cars. Chicago's Metra and Southern California's Metrolink have cars where even conversation between seatmates is hushed. In 2012 New York's Long Island Railroad and Metro-North, the busiest rail lines in North America, increased their quiet spaces. Quiet spaces were the request of passengers who are spending more time commuting and more time dealing with stress at work. The rules for quiet cars are usually announced over the train's public address system. Self-policing is encouraged, but conductors enforce the rules. Quiet cars turn 21st century trains into "trains of thought".
Los Angeles police in 2012 are testing "predictive policing". They are policing areas on their maps marked by red boxes. The boxes represent areas where crimes are most likely to occur. By analyzing the times, dates and locations of recent crimes a computer program projects the "red box areas". It's the same mathematical calculation that is used to predict earthquakes and aftershocks. Sixty-five per cent of the crimes are burglary, grand theft auto and burglary from a motor vehicle. Burglaries are down 33% and violent crimes are down 21%. When it come to red boxes, LA police are thinking "inside the box".
Dr. Jason Burke, a 42-year-old, Duke-University-trained anesthesiologist, launched "Hangover Heaven" in Las Vegas in April 2012. Hangover Heaven is a bus that cruises the Strip on Saturdays and Sundays to cure the hung-over. It provides IV therapy to rehydrate partiers, as well as anti-nausea medicine and vitamin treatments. Treatments take 30-45 minutes and cost $130-$150. Two emergency medical technicians assist Dr. Burke, who is the only one who administers medications. Treatments are also available in hotel rooms and the doctor is planning a phone app for his service - although it's hard to imagine that app on a "smartphone".
Judge John Bush is a judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit of Alabama with more than 25 years of experience on the bench. In April 2012 twenty-year-old LaMarcus Ramsey appeared before him to enter a plea on a charge of receiving stolen property. Before addressing that, the judge sentenced Ramsey to 3 days in jail for contempt of court - specifically, for wearing butt-revealing jeans to court. Judge Bush was of the opinion the baggy jeans showed lack of respect for the courtroom and what it represents. There was no comment from Ramsey's lawyer. However, that was an acceptable "butt out".
