tagged w/ Acoustic Education
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This is my response to "Mods on Scooters"
http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters
First let me express here that I have nothing against people gathering in a club for dancing and having fun. What I do not agree it is with the false ideology where people lose their sight of their surroundings and community when they are traveling with these machines. Maybe in the future we will have better and environmentally friendly machines that won't pollute or make excessive noise. Until that time, Please cool down!
I do not want people to be falsely "sorry" about this issue! I want them to learn and understand that it is my rights of quietness that counts and NOT their desire to pollute the environment or disrupt my daily living with an act of acoustic trespassing.
One little scooter riding up hill it is already an acoustic problem. Now imagine a group of them blasting their pollution. It is like a bomb!
This is my response to "Mods on Scooters"... more
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After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco" Rijos ran from deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, before finally being caught.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies pulled Rijos over because he had a modified muffler on his black Honda Civic, according to the sheriff's report.
This is what happened, according to the report: Rijos, 20, of 2104 Coco Court, told a deputy that his license was suspended. The deputy also learned that Rijos was a habitual driving violator. When deputies attempted to transfer Rijos from his Honda to the prisoner transport vehicle, he ran off.
He was caught about 200 yards way.
Rijos, who is listed as a mechanic at Levs Auto Shop in jail records, is being charged with escape from police custody and driving with a revoked license — habitual offender, both felonies.
He is being held at Orient Road Jail without bond, according to jail records.
AMERICA DEUPREE
News Channel 8
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/loud-muffler-lands-driver-jail-2-felony%5C-charges/After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco"... more
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A stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's ears.
Monday night the Elkhart city council passed a tougher noise ordinance. Police will now be able to write tickets with stiffer fines and if they hear a loud noise within 35 feet unlike 50 feet in the past. Mayor Moore says it is part of a pledge he made when he first took office to make the city cleaner and quieter.
"If you are half a block away and you can hear it.. then that's further than 50 or 35 feet.. that's when you usually stop them," Corporal Frank Owens from the Elkhart Police Department. "We've written more tickets for noise the first 6 months of this year than we did all of last year. We kind of dropped the ball on it and it's time to get it taken care of," says Mayor Dick Moore of Elkhart.
The Elkhart police officer in charge of the noise ordinance was once part of the I.C.E. unit or county drug task force. But the city no longer participates in the unit. So the officer has been re-assigned.
Fines start at 250-dollars and go up to 25-hundred dollars.
The ordinance goes into effect once the mayor signs it.
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/24081324.htmlA stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's... more
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All other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a quiet one, but at what cost? Is this good attention or bad attention? Let's think about this.
Ignoring the fact that many aftermarket pipes are illegal, motorcyclists who defer to the wisdom, "loud pipes save lives" are sadly misinformed. Riders who believe that an ear-shattering exhaust note actually increases safety are either kidding themselves or rationalizing self-indulgent behavior. Fact is, loud pipes do more to hurt motorcyclists than help them, the attention they draw to a rider is not worth the negative public image they create.
It's rooted in physics. Unlike an earthquake, which emits waves in a sphere away from its epicenter, sound waves can be directed. (A good example of this a megaphone: if sound waves were not directionally sensitive, megaphone users would all be deaf.) The pressure wave emitted from an exhaust pipe is pointed away from and behind the motorcycle. To hear it from anywhere other than directly behind the bike, you rely on the resonance of the pipes and reflection of the sound waves off of other objects, like cars, signs, buildings, etc.
In other words, the only time the loud pipes draw attention to a motorcycle in traffic is when the bike is facing away from the motorist. In most cases, facing away from the motorist means riding away from the motorist: increasing the separation of bike and potential hazard. The only possible situation in which a car can to pose an external threat to a motorcyclist when the bike is facing away from the car is if the motorist is backing up or (following) behind the rider. The threat exists, but only marginally: the Hurt Study found that a whopping three percent of accident hazards come directly from the rear (or the "six o'clock" direction).
by Pat Hahn
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/safety/safety40.htmAll other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a... more
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How Far Can You Go for Money?
Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower
In the spirit of fun and safe play, John Deere licensed its brand to a toy company to produce leaf blowers for children. It actually blows air.
Safety and Health Concerns
Leaf blowers are not merely an ear-sore, they blow particulate matter consisting of pesticides, fertilizers, spores, molds, dust, insects and fecal matter into the air. Gas powered leaf blowers burn a mixed combination of gas and oil fuel that create a tremendous amount of toxic exhaust.
Young children are at risk because their immune system is not yet fully developed and they are more susceptible to asthma. Elderly people exposed to airborne contaminants can experience severe lung and respiratory problems. Ironically, leaf blower operators are putting themselves at greater risk because of the direct exposure to airborne pollutants.
Gas powered landscaping equipment account for 5% of air pollution overall in the United States. An inefficient 3.5-horsepower gas mower emits the same amount of hydrocarbons in one hour as does an automobile driven over 300 miles. A chainsaw operated for two hours produces enough hydrocarbons equivalent to an automobile driven 3,000 miles.
http://www.noiseoff.org/landscaping.shtmlHow Far Can You Go for Money?
Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower
In the spirit of fun and... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 8, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Safety Tips from SAFE:
Pedestrian Safety
The days are longer and lighter, and many outdoor activities are taking place throughout the City. Please be aware of pedestrians while you are driving; or if you are the pedestrian, be aware of automobiles, buses and bicyclists. Here are some safety tips:
Limit cell phone use while driving or walking - Cell phones distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Be watchful at all times - Expect the unexpected. Pedestrians can suddenly appear from between parked cars, especially children and the elderly.
Remember that a red light or arrow prohibits moving forward or turning - while walking, driving or riding a bike.
Yield to pedestrians - Be especially aware when at a stop or when turning at an intersection; pedestrians may be in the crosswalk.
Not all crosswalks are designated with painted lines - A pedestrian is considered in a crosswalk at all corners whether or not lines are painted on the street.
Safety Tips for Visitors and Tourists
Do you have friends coming in to the City for the July 4th Holiday? Even in times of celebration and festivities, ensure your guests practice proper safety techniques:
Do not leave valuables or anything visible inside your vehicle; always keep doors and trunk locked.
Walk in well-lit and well-populated areas, preferably with another person; do not take short-cuts through dark alleyways.
Limit your valuables (ID and money) by carrying only what you need for the day.
If taking public transportation, have your money or Fast Pass ready. Do not fumble with your wallet; you might draw attention to a pickpocket.
Keep your cell phone charged; and in case of an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Are you going on Vacation? - Here are some reminders to help prevent your home from being burglarized:
Keep all doors and windows locked.
Let a trusted neighbor know you will be out of town.
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
Keep a light on.
Enable your alarm if you have one.
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 8, 2008
Captain’s... more
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n a few days, windows will rattle, dogs will howl and neighbors will get so mad at each other they'll never talk again.
All because of backyard fireworks.
A year ago, a Cleveland firefighter killed three people in a rage over a July Fourth neighborhood fireworks show. And while people find Terrance Hough Jr.'s shooting spree unconscionable, some say they empathize with what he went through from the nonstop noise and lack of sleep.
Posted by John Caniglia
To reach this reporter:
jcaniglia@plaind.com, 216-999-4097n a few days, windows will rattle, dogs will howl and neighbors will get so mad at... more
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Loud Motorcycles - The Myth of Loud Pipes
A simple and effective regulatory measure for states and municipalities to control motorcycle noise by utilizing the EPA's dormant "label match-up" program.
Written by Jeff McCulley. Forward by Jeff Rustowicz.
http://www.noiseoff.org/pipes/Loud Motorcycles - The Myth of Loud Pipes
A simple and effective regulatory measure... more
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Captain’s Comments
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things:
∑ Fireworks are illegal in San Francisco. Every year the SFFD responds to fires caused by illegal fireworks. Bottle rockets and fireworks that propel an object into the air cause fires to rooftops or flammable things likes like fields or other structures. Even seemingly innocuous items like sparklers can cause severe burns to small hands. Of course, the emergency rooms are frequented by those who didn’t quite throw the fireworks fast enough, or by those unfortunate to be near the ‘landing zone.’
∑ Every year we also hear gunshots along with the fireworks. Needless to say, shooting a firearm in San Francisco is also illegal. The old adage, “What goes up must come down” certainly applies to bullets. Some geniuses think shooting a gun into the air, but over the years, we have responded to calls of those injured by the bullets that cannot escape gravity.
∑ Along with this years public fireworks display in the Bay, it also happens to be a Friday night in San Francisco. Activities span from Aquatic Park to Pier 39 and beyond, into the Southern District. Entertainment will begin at 2 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:30 PM at the end of Muni Pier and from a barge at the end of Piers 39 and 45. There will surely be traffic jams along the bay so please take public transportation or walk to any events in the area. Have a Safe and Sane 4th!
(Editor’s note- On Saturday afternoon at 2:30 PM, Sgt. Ed Garcia was on foot patrol walking through Portsmouth Square when he spied three juveniles sitting on a bench in the park. At one end of the bench sat a canvas bag full of illegal fireworks, including 16 Roman Candles, 600 missiles, forty four “M-80’s” and 2 “m-100’s”. These are pretty serious illegal fireworks that fall into the high explosives territory. Due to the nature and volume of the collection, the SFPD Bomb Disposal Unit was summoned to take charge of the property for destruction).
Last week, Sgt. Mark Hernandez broke up a fireworks sales ring under the Bush Street arch at Grant. On 6/28/08 at 8 PM Officer Jonathan Tong cited a 19 year old for discharging and selling fireworks on the 900 block of Grant Ave. On 6/29/08 at 6:45 PM, Officer Tong made another arrest for sales on Waverly Alley. That amount too, called for disposal by our Bomb Squad.
Captain’s Comments
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things:... more
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When noise pollution is not making us sick and anxious, it is literally killing us. How do we turn it off?
June 25, 2008 | Henry Bean can't stand the sound of burglar alarms. He hates back-up beepers on trucks and bristles when garbage rigs grind up their fetid loads in the middle of the night, the noise reverberating off Manhattan's buildings. But Bean harbors special resentment for the oblivious car owners whose vehicles blare false alarms. "It bothers me that their cars can shout in my ear, not stop shouting, and I can't do anything about it," he says. "My pride can't handle it. I can't exist if I don't fight back in some way, however pathetically or ineffectually."
By Katharine Mieszkowski;
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/06/25/noise_pollution/index.htmlWhen noise pollution is not making us sick and anxious, it is literally killing us.... more
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http://www.examiner.com/blogs-103-Fault_Lines
Accidents do happen — like the time I was having breakfast with a San Francisco police commander and forgot to turn my phone off of vibrate. When it went off, I jumped and we were both so startled I thought my nervous friend in blue might shoot me.
And accidents especially seem to happen to bicyclists in the Bay Area, because every time there is a collision, a story follows fanning the public outrage.
Oh, and did I mention that in almost every story, it was the car driver who is said to be at fault? In this part of the world, pedal power equates with political power.
So I have to admit, I was a bit taken aback to hear that bicycle advocates were actually the ones generating an idea that would allow them to legally blow past stop signs and perhaps use a little more caution at red lights, which were to be seen by them as stop signs.
Please, read the whole Story by By Ken Garcia, San Francisco Examinerhttp://www.examiner.com/blogs-103-Fault_Lines
Accidents do happen — like the... more
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SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - A new noise map points the way to the loudest neighborhood in The City — the South of Market area, which is rapidly growing with new high-rises packed with residents.
SoMa has a noise level of 70 decibels, which is the average measurement during a 24-hour period. The noise levels at night factored more heavily than during the day.
The SoMa noise levels can be compared with that of a vacuum running within a few feet of a person, according the Department of Public Health. The department recently completed an acoustic study of The City, which measured noise levels experienced by each building — its residents and workers.
Filed under, SAN FRANCISCO , David Smith , noise pollution SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - A new noise map points the way to the loudest neighborhood... more
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Congressmen turn to Noise Compatibility Program to get city to change flight paths.
U.S. Reps. Joseph Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont, and Rob Andrews, D-N.J., are trying a new tactic in blocking recently added flight paths out of Philadelphia International Airport that have residents in an uproar: Noncompliance with a 5-year-old Noise Compatibility Program.
The Federal Aviation Administration implemented two new headings off PHL’s Runway 27 Dec. 19, 2007, under a controversial NY/NJ/PHL Metropolitan Airspace Redesign plan.
There have been numerous routes taken by state, federal and local officials to have the FAA remove those headings, including a federal lawsuit pending in the Washington, D.C., Circuit Court, none of which have yet prevailed.
But now the legislators are pulling out the obscure guns, reaching for every conceivable block they can throw at the agency. And that is how they came up with the NCP, said Andrews: By rooting for whatever is out there.
By Alex Rose arose@delcotimes.comCongressmen turn to Noise Compatibility Program to get city to change flight paths.... more
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"Ever get sick of those commercials that seem to be a lot louder than the show you're watching?
Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss) sympathizes with you.
The senator yesterday introduced legislation that would require the Federal Communications Commission to bar commercials from being broadcast at louder volumes than the program material they accompany. It's called the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, or CALM Act.
"Excessively loud television commercials are annoying and drive families away from quality programming," Wicker said in a news release. "This bill is a common sense approach to a problem that plagues individuals across the nation and will create a more enjoyable television experience. As a member of the Commerce Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to make this legislation a reality."
The bill has companion legislation introduced in the House by Rep. Anna Eschoo (D-CA).
Should this issue be a top priority for Congress and the FCC?"
By Kim Hart"Ever get sick of those commercials that seem to be a lot louder than the show... more
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Monday June 16, 2008:
Civilians are usually the ones getting attention for loud motorcycle exhausts, but this time the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Oakland Police Department-- AKA "Rolling Thunder"-- has re-installed noisy aftermarket pipes onto their fleet of Harley-Davidsons. According to the article, safety concerns spread among the department three months ago when an officer riding with stock pipes was struck by a motorist who claims he didn't hear him coming. The new pipes produce an average of 93 decibels.
MIC spokesman Mike Mount is quoted as saying, "We encourage all motorcycle riders to keep the original low sound levels that meet the ... federal sound limit of 80 decibels." He adds that "It would seem counterintuitive that a law enforcement agency would go against federal standards." Especially considering that recent laws have been clamping down on loud bike exhausts, the Oakland PD's attitude seems to suggest that they are above law, or perhaps that they know something that non law-enforcement types don't.Monday June 16, 2008:
Civilians are usually the ones getting attention for loud... more
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Monday, June 16, 2008
Resident says loud music a big problem
By Mike Reddell
Bay City Tribune
Published June 14, 2008
Cars blaring loud radio music is a continual problem a north side resident told city council and said Bay City has too few police officers to deal with a situation that has gone on for five years.
Council also renewed an insurance consultancy pact with a Sugar Land company and agreed for the city to meet with Allied Waste on resolving costs for grinding refuse at an old city landfill site.
Sharon Kotrlik said she came before city council in 2004 to complain about vehicle drivers playing radios extremely loud in Bay City, “and nothing has changed in that time.”
“I live on 13th Street and it’s not just me. People all over town are complaining,” Kotrlik said. The ages of the drivers with those loud radios, she said, range from 22 to 35 years old.Monday, June 16, 2008
Resident says loud music a big problem
By Mike Reddell
Bay... more
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Stacy Finz, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
It was a recent Friday night at Farmer Brown, a fashionable soul food restaurant in downtown San Francisco.
The clang of dishes, the clink of glasses, the roar of voices and the pulsating music seemed to grow louder as I perused the menu. By the time the server came to our table, I felt the sudden urge to order a side of noise with my fried chicken. But the cacophony would have drowned out my sarcasm. Instead, I pointed to the entree I wanted on my menu.
Ten years ago, so many diners complained about how loud restaurants had become that The Chronicle began incorporating noise ratings into our restaurant reviews - one bell being pleasantly quiet, at less than 65 decibels, up to the too-noisy-for-normal-conversation "bomb" at 80-plus decibels. Now, diners are hard-pressed to find restaurants that are under 75.Stacy Finz, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
It was a recent... more
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SALEM — There are days when Alicia Hart claims to endure the earsplitting rumble 50 times a day.
“You can hear them a half-mile in either direction,” said the Salem Common neighbor.
They ride in packs of five or six, revving their engines at stop lights and storming through the neighborhood with no regard for the peace-seeking residents who live there, she says.
Chris Cassidy
The Salem News
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_168001633.html
SALEM — There are days when Alicia Hart claims to endure the earsplitting rumble... more
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http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/19981669.html
by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)
Proposed changes to Elkhart's noise ordinance would increase fines and make it easier for police to enforce. (WSBT photo)
By Beth Boehne
Story Created: Jun 16, 2008 at 4:06 PM EDT
Story Updated: Jun 16, 2008 at 5:11 PM EDT
ELKHART — Elkhart leaders want to make the city's neighborhoods quieter.
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/19981669.html
by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 17, 2008
Captain’s Comments
The North Beach Festival weekend was a good one. On Saturday, the weather and crowds were both good. Sunday was more subdued with cooler weather.
Central Station Officers often receive awards. Recently Sgt. Arlin Vanderbilt and his crew of Officers who work on Prostitution Abatement along our western border of Larkin and Polk received recognition from the Mid-Polk Neighbors. Supervisor Aaron Peskin also awarded certificates to Sgt. Vanderbilt and Officers Rene Nielsen, Matt Sullivan, Jeff Smetherst, Chris Anderson, Martin Garay, Chris Olson, Milan Kangrga and Monica Macdonald.
A week ago, Officer Kevin Richins was awarded the SFPD Bronze Medal of Valor for outstanding efforts last year in disarming a knife wielding suspect. The suspect was confronting a police Inspector who had drawn his hand gun on the suspect, with little deterrence. Officer Richins saw that a large crowd was gathering and that he had a momentary surprise advantage. With little regard for his own safety, Officer Richins took a run at the suspect and tackled him in the street, dislodging him from his knife.
On June 10, 2008 I attended the SFPD Softball League annual awards banquet. I was proud to see three of our Central Station members receive awards. Recent retiree Mike Norman and current Day Watch Sergeant Edmund Garcia received the “Most Inspirational Player” awards. Despite a large field of very talented players, it was our own player/coach Kevin Worrell of our Night Watch who walked away with the League MVP Award. I salute them all.
The Budget Hearings
You’ve read about it in the papers, you’ve seen it on tv and heard it on the radio. See the Board of Supervisors discuss the budget live and in person on Thursday June 19, 2008 at Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 17, 2008... more
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