Video of Crazy Rep. Mark Olson Talking About Cancer

From MN Publius:



Ask Ken Avidor what he knows about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Lawrence Schumacher: "Things I learned from Mark Olson"

From Lawrence Schumacher's SC Times blog:

Things I learned from Mark Olson

During the debate over SF238, the statewide smoking bill, on the House floor Thursday:

* Tobacco doesn't cause cancer.

* We all have cancer in our bodies, but keeping fully hydrated and maintaining a proper pH balance keep the cancer cells at bay.

I'm always learning things from Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake.

What is crazy Mark Olson going to start babbling about next?...



Ken Avidor can tell you a lot about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Rep. Mark Olson Says it's Okay to Kill Innocent People

From a December 7, 2003 Strib article on capitol punishment:


Ken Avidor says the "Personal Rapid Transit" (PRT) is promoted by crackpots and con artists.

CETA PRTista Emory Bundy & Minnesota Northstar Opponents

From the Anoka County Watchdog:

Update 1/25/06

Issue: Seattle Sounder update

Watchdog readers know of the problems facing Seattle’s commuter rail system.  These problems have been watched closely because of the similarities between the Seattle commuter rail system and the proposed Northstar system.
 
Recently, the citizen advisory group that oversees the Sounder system has warned that costs could be much higher than estimated.  This was reported in a newspaper article.
 
Emory Bundy, a long-time observer of the Sounder has sent us both the article and his response to the article.  Bundy’s response is in the form of a letter he sent to the reporter who wrote the article.  Basically, Bundy asserts that the rail advocates lied from the very start about the costs of the project.  He also takes the media to task for failing to thoroughly investigate the lofty claims of rail advocates. 
 
Both are posted below.  While both are somewhat lengthy, it is well worth the read.  Seattle could be our future (and nightmare) as well.
 
Posted by the Watchdog

 
Read about Emory Bundy HERE.


Ken Avidor exposes the "Personal Rapid Transit" boondoggle.

WVU Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) Antique to be "Modernized"

WVU Press Release:

“The PRT is proceeding with our long-term modernization program that will ensure the viability of the system,” Hendershot said. “These programs include replacing all of our old electronic systems, modernizing all of our communication systems and, like the electrical cable replacement program, upgrading the infrastructure of the PRT system.

Not only is the WVU PRT an antique, it doesn't even come close to the PRTista's definition of PRT (slim guideway, lightweight vehicles).
The PRTistas of ATRA will be allowed one last glimpse of the creaky, Nixon-era, antique boondoggle before it is overhauled.
Ken Avidor says "Personal Rapid Transit" is an anti-transit scam.

Drew Emmer Praises Rep. Mark Olson Was Arrested Himself Last Week

Friday, Drew Emmer, a right-wing blogger and nephew uncle of Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano) attacked KSTP's coverage of Rep Mark Olson's "Death & Suicide" rant on the House floor last week:

The media wants Rep. Mark Olson gone. There's no doubt about it. Mark is a republican house member who is well respected and obviously supported by his constituents with one of the most consistent re-election margins in Minnesota. He has a pending legal matter before the court that will be settled this summer. But KSTP 5 Eyewitness News has already convicted him. This is not journalism. This is a DFL complicit media hatchet job. This is a blatant violation of journalistic ethics. This is against anyone's sensibilities of human decency.

Today, Drew Emmer has a post on his Wright County Republican blog about his recent arrest for a fowl crime:

The era of "never been arrested" ended for me last Monday. 

It was a gorgeous evening. I was preoccupied with the news of Virginia Tech. I headed west from my office toward Delano to take in a nephew's baseball game. As I passed through Maple Plain two West Hennepin Public Safety squads converged on me and pulled me over. No traffic violation. They were just randomly running plates and when they ran mine the alarm went off. I was surprised to learn that there was a warrant out for my arrest.

Last fall I went on a guided goose hunt in Rochester. Two DNR officers checked our guns and licenses. I did not have a federal migratory waterfowl stamp on my Minnesota license and I got a ticket. (My federal stamp was on my Missouri license, which I neglected to bring with me that day). I was told to call Olmstead County to find out about the fine. I called the next week and was informed that I would have to call back since the DNR had not yet submitted my ticket to Olmstead County. I failed to follow up. Hence the warrant.

....so Drew Emmer ends up in the hoosegow for his wild goose chase. But, Emmer's not too upset because he feels he's being taken care of by like-minded folks:

"The staff at Hennepin County Jail are all Sheriff Stanek's folks and they do a remarkable job considering the slice of society they interact with each day. "

...hmmm... what "slice of society" is that, Drew?

Then when I thought I was finally getting out they put me in general population until almost 2am. My cellmates nicknamed me Crocodile M-f-ing Dun-f-ing-Dee when they found out what I was in for. As I finally walked out of the pod a lone voice said "keep it real birdman".

Emmer then shoots his mouth off about how the cops should have done it different... what a birdbrain!

Emmer and Olson... jailbirds of feather:






Video of Rep. Mark Olson's Capitol Meltdown - 4/20/07

Rep. Mark Olson went completely berzerk last night.

I've made two videos of Olson's bizarre and very public meltdown.

The first video begins around midnight. Olson continued his badgering of Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL 54A). Olson was gently informed that the House rules do not allow representatives to impugn another representative's motives.

Part One:



Rep. Greilling mentions that the Scientologists are opposed to her legislation... Mark Olson takes offense. He complains about the KSTP report on Wednesday. Then well... see for yourself:

Part Two

Rep. Mark Olson is "Truly Nuts"

Great comment on MN Speak:

I work in Rep. Olson's vicinity at the Capitol and I can tell you that he's pretty much a sociopath.

He offers up countless useless amendments, monopolizes time on the House floor for hours at a time (with no particular purpose other than hearing himself talk), has zero social skills, seems himself as a "maverick" when he's really just a "loser," has zero supporters even within his own party, and is going to stand trial for domestic abuse after the session is over.

OK, any questions?

this guy is truly nuts

... and I've heard he carries a gun.



Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

More Crazy Rep. Mark Olson Ranting About Evolution and Humanism

Is Rep. Mark Olson claiming that the Declaration of Independence mentions Intelligent Design (Creationism)? WTF?

This is only a short clip. Olson's rant went on and on....


Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

KSTP Reports on Crazy Mark Olson: "State Rep: Death! Death! Death!"

KSTP:

Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, got a lot of attention last year when he was accused of assaulting his wife, now he's gaining notoriety for his rant on mental health. 

Rep. Olson's diatribe came out of a debate on the house floor over K-12 funding when lawmakers discussed a provision regarding behavioral issues and the use of medication.
"Death, death, death, completed suicide, completed suicide, completed suicide, suicide, suicide, suicide death death, death," Rep. Olson said.

Watch the video at KSTP.com

MN Publius has a new You Tube of Olson ranting.





Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Rep Mark Olson Knows Doctors Who can Cure Diabetes

...and you can take a Personal Rapid Transit pod right to their offices.... but watch out for the black helicopters... and flying monkeys!!!


Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Rep. Mark Olson's Death & Suicide Rap

Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Video of Rep. Mark Olson Going Berzerk at Yesterday's Minnesota House Session

Only a day after a Judge postponed Rep. Mark Olson's trial for beating his wife, Olson went nuts on the House floor, ranting about suicide and death... watch:



H/T MN Publius.

UPDATE: Good post about Olson's other crazy performances yesterday at the Capitol Brew-ha-ha Blog.

Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Breaking: Crazy Rep. Mark Olson Politicizes the Shootings at Virginia Tech

From MN Publius:

I was just watching the live feed from the State House floor (because I’m just that cool) and I can’t even explain what I just saw. They’re debating the omnibus education bill right now (actually interesting otherwise) and everything was going just fine until Rep. Mark Olson (R-Big Lake) got up for a 3-5 minute speech. First of all, yes, that Mark Olson, but he’s managed to up the ante.

So, Mark Olson gets up to talk about a provision to allow voluntary mental health screening in public schools. Now, it seems pretty obvious that this might draw some references to Virginia Tech considering that Cho is said to have been mentally ill. So, I don’t really fault Olson for going down that path but, that being said, he had a very tight rope to walk. It starts getting nasty when Olson started politicizing the massacre and citing it as a reason for not passing the measure; yes, he’s trying to make the case that VA Tech shows that we shouldn’t allow voluntary mental health screening. How does Mark Olson string together these two supposedly conflicting realities? Well, of course Virginia Tech was caused by “psychiatric drugs,” or so Mark Olson says…

In fact, the whole speech was totally crazy. At one point in the speech Olson is literally yelling “Suicide! Suicide! Suicide! Death! Death! Death!” on the floor of the Minnesota State House. If this weren’t so outrageously offensive in light of the weight of the current events it would almost be funny, but it was outrageously offensive, and it wasn’t funny.

The MN Publius post also has an audio clip of Rep. Mark Olson ranting about death and suicide.

I will try to get video of this.



Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Saint Cloud Times: Judge postpones Rep. Olson’s trial until June

SC Times:

Elk River — The trial for state Rep. Mark Olson on charges that he assaulted his wife has been postponed from May 7 until June 4.

Olson’s attorney, at a hearing today in Sherburne County District Court, argued successfully that a state law prohibits a sitting member of the Legislature to stand trial in a civil or criminal case during the legislative session.

Judge Alan Pendleton rejected requests from Olson at a February hearing to schedule the trial to begin after the legislative session, which is scheduled to end May 21. Olson didn’t cite the state law at the February hearing but did at today’s hearing, and Pendleton this time agreed to reschedule the trial. A prosecutor both times opposed the motion, said Chief Deputy Sherburne County Attorney Sam Wertheimer.

Olson is charged with two misdemeanor counts after he was accused of assaulting his wife in November at their Big Lake Township home. Olson has pleaded not guilty to the charges that stem from an incident Nov. 12 at the Olsons’ home. Olson’s wife told deputies she and Mark Olson had argued and that he had pushed her to the ground three times.

There's still time for Rep. Mark Olson to introduce another Personal Rapid Transit bill.... GO FOR IT, MARK!!!


Ken Avidor
Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Rep. Mark Olson's Trial Postponed?

From an anonymous tipster:

Mark Olson's trial has been rescheduled to begin June 4th after a hearing this morning in Sherburne County. Apparently, in spite of desiring to hurry this along, his lawyer found a law that prevents requiring a legislator from being in court while they are in session.

The CPRT Not in the Living Green Expo This Year?

They were in 2005 and 2006... don't see them on the Transportation exhibitor's list this year.

Maybe someone complained?

...or maybe it's because PRT isn't popular in Minnesota anymore as the shortage of posts to this PRT Yahoo forum shows:



... or maybe it's because Gary Dean Zimmermann's conviction and incarceration for bribery or Rep. Mark Olson's May 7th trial for beating his wife or Michele Bachmann's lunatic impersonation of a congresswoman?



Ken Avidor
Ken Avidor writes about the "Personal Rapid Transit" scam.

Taxi 2000 Corporation Lawsuit Defendant's Weird List of Campaign Contributions

About a month ago, I received an anonymous tip that Taxi 2000 CEO Morrie Anderson was talking about suing former T2 CEO , founder and PRT guru J. Edward Anderson again. I dropped by the Hennepin County Government Center today and checked... nope, no new lawsuit... but....the documents from the old lawsuit are still there. It was interesting to re-read J. Edward Anderson's private e-mails to his co-defendants Chuck Michael of SEH and Ion Corporation President and CEO, Wendell Maddox.

I did a little Googling on Wendell Maddox and found his interesting list of campaign contributions:

Maddox, Wendell
Ion Electronics/President and CEO
MINNETONKA, MN
55345

08/14/2006--$1,100
GUTKNECHT FOR U.S. CONGRESS COMMITTEE - Republican

$2,000--08/09/2006
GUTKNECHT FOR U.S. CONGRESS COMMITTEE - Republican

08/06/2006--$1,000
ERLANDSON FOR U S REPRESENTATIVE - Democrat Farm Labor

06/30/2006--$1,000
ERLANDSON FOR U S REPRESENTATIVE - Democrat Farm Labor

06/07/2006--$400
KLINE FOR CONGRESS - Republican

03/31/2006--$300
BACHMANN FOR CONGRESS - Republican

12/19/2005--$1,000
KLINE FOR CONGRESS - Republican

12/07/2005--$4,600
REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MINNESOTA - Republican

09/28/2005--$500
KLINE FOR CONGRESS - Republican

09/23/2005--$1,000
MARK KENNEDY 06 - Republican

09/07/2005--$1,000
MARTIN OLAV SABO FOR CONGRESS VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE - Democrat Farm Labor

08/17/2005--$500
CANTOR FOR CONGRESS - Republican

08/08/2005--$1,000
GUTKNECHT FOR U.S. CONGRESS COMMITTEE - Republican

07/22/2005--$1,000
MARK KENNEDY 06 - Republican

02/16/2005--$500
KLINE FOR CONGRESS - Republican

Maddox also gave money to Teresa Daly who ran against Kline in 2004.

Rep. Mark Olson Sends Out Crazy Questionnaire

Go over to Democratic Underground to see a copy of one of the wacky questionaires Rep. Mark Olson is sent out to constituents.

Looks a lot like the wacky questionnaire Olson's pal Rep. Michele Bachmann sent out recently.

New Mayor of Kansas City Rejects PRT

The Charleston Daily Mail:

Mark Funkhouser used to ride West Virginia University's Personal Rapid Transit system, which he recalled "was broken down half the time."

Now he'll help develop a light rail system for Kansas City, Mo., population 450,000.

...He says the PRT "wasn't really mass transit...

Recently a snowstorm shut down the PRT and buses has to shuttle the students around.

Of course, ATRA is planning a seminar to celebrate the so-called PRT system that breaks down half the time.

More about the WVU PRT at the PRT is a Joke website.

Did Dutch Company Anonymously Edit Wikipedia Personal Rapid Transit Page?

Looks like somebody from the Frog Company has anonymously edited the Wikipedia PRT page.

A look-up of the DNS # 193.173.31.50 reveals this info:

Ron Hiensch
Frog Navigation Systens B.V.
Cartesiusweg 120
3534BD Utrecht
The Netherlands

Frog has a new PRT page on its website that gives us some specs on its version of Personal Rapid Transit. This caught my eye:

Maximum speed: 40 km/h [25m/ph]

... and that's supposed to be "rapid"?

More about the history of Frog and PRT here.