CodyLyon'sblogolater

Ten years on after the Iraq Invasion; Three things I was writing back then...

2013-03-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

What Does Iraq's Oil Law say About an Invasion

2007
By Cody Lyon from OMNI
Amman, Jordan, is set to play host to a three-day economic trade show, a corporate meet and greet between powerful, well-moneyed investors and those who the guard the gates of vital decision-making government ministries in perilous but oil-rich Iraq.

On its Web site, loosely defined organizer Iraq Development Program (IDP) calls the Jordan gathering a "historic landmark event" Officially titled the Iraq Oil, Gas, Petrochemical and Electricity Summit, the three days of face to face meetings that begins on May 28 could impact Iraq's economic future for years to come.
Link to full story

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Al Qaeda and Iraq: The Panel and the President
2004

Letter from Cody Lyon- New York Times

While it is upsetting that President Bush and his administration used fear, anger and manipulation to intimidate the American people into believing that Iraq played a role in Sept. 11, it is even more disturbing that many Americans accepted his word as fact.

Link to NYT

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Notes on a Thursday in Spring- Before Memorial Day
2007

From my blog

The weather goes from cool to warm and the sun is bright this particular Thursday in New York’s East Village. At a Mexican takeout shop, beef tacos are purchased, then eaten sitting on a bench in Tompkins Square Park, under a tree that appears very lush, and filled with chirping birds.

The park is crowded, the playground full of kids, the grass covered with sun bathers, the dog run is noisy, chaotic.

At the dog run, people gather, watching the dogs, apparently a fight has broken out, first between dogs then it spreads among humans. One man pushes another, barks and shouts are traded, as all the dog owners yell at an older man, because of what they say is an aggressive dog.

But the cell phone rings, it’s a friend in Alabama, she says hello and the conversation lasts for a while.

She’s been dating a new guy, she thinks she really likes him and he’s taking her on a trip to Las Vegas.

Link to the post

Has social media transformed politics-yet?

2013-02-17T19:01:00.003-08:00

OPINION- by Cody Lyon

Today I got called out on Facebook.

Of my two thousand or so BFFBF's, a few aren't so shy about offering their thoughts on the issues of the day. Today one of those friends, who happens to be on the more politically conservative side, called me to task after I posted an opinion article by a New York Times columnist about a new republican senator from Texas . I found the piece smart, informative and a good statement on the toxic climate in Washington these days.

But, all I did was post this other person's published piece, I didn't offer any of my own thoughts, observations or supporting material other than a quote I lifted from the piece and then attributed to the writer.

The conservative friend from another state ask me what my specific thoughts were. I responded, that I was just sharing, I'll leave the opinion writing to the TIMES. He responded to me, saying "oh, you're just putting it out there," with no opinion of your own, and then he ask, "did you even read the article?" That set me off a bit and then I said a few words about why I found the piece worthy of a share. A discussion ensued that included a liberal friend from yet another part of the country.

Soon after, I left my apartment in Harlem with my bike, on what was a very cold Sunday. I began a very long and solitary journey down to Chinatown. Along the way I took a few pictures of buildings and other NYC sites, and posted them on Facebook and Instagram- then made my way to the restaurant I knew I wanted to go to, and ate soup dumplings. Also along the way I was thinking about my own online posting patterns. To be honest, I had in some ways put off by what had happened but also re-inspired by the power of social media thanks to what my conservative friend had done.

Have I become lazy? Like so many other people I see online in social networking sites- I've assigned Facebook the role of new town square. But, it's more like the public aggregator and I too enjoy reading or watching a politically charged opine and then sharing. Does that in turn mean I'm stamping my name on the words or thoughts of another columnist or pundit- and if so- does that act itself somehow make me feel smart or politically engaged? Perhaps.

I guess you could say I tend to swing left on many issues, or what I'd like to call progressive. But, that word, progressive means a lot of things to different people. In the 1970's, when I was a kid, my hometown newspaper, "The Birmingham News" had at the top of its front page-'serving a progressive south." To me, that kind of progressive has always meant, progress, moving forward, evolving towards what I assumed would be a more equal world where we are all afforded the same ladders of opportunity, be it in business, education or just the ability to get good wireless service no matter where you live.

But somewhere along the way, I think I forgot that it takes a lot of work-to move forward. It also takes at least an attempt at understanding all sides of the coin. And, unfortunately these days,it seems more about beating ones on chest or issue- for a minute or two at least. Point being, people don't seem as interested in posting fact based news any more. I find more clips of punditry flowing down facebook feeds verses meticulously well researched investigative news- that bothers me.

The newspaper in Birmingham is now a cyber shell of its former self and instead an online site focused more so on real time news. "The Birmingham News" no longer publishes a seven day a week newspaper, it's down to three. Thanks to the changing landscape of journalism and media- the paper's mother ship company laid off most of its old reporting staff- then hired several new online reporters at a fraction of the salaries- rarely delivering longer form investigative or analysis pieces. Even the paper's brand new building is for sale. But who among us, at least these days, would take time to read those longer form pieces anyway? In truth- reading long form journalism takes effort and time not only to report but to read. Time is on short supply for a lot of Americans these days. Add to that, media companies rightfully say the necessary reporting for an earth shaking story that truly impacts a community- those also take a lot of time and since reporters need to eat too, those type stories end up being expensive to do. Still, I love turning on people who haven't already- to a delicious Newyorker investigative piece with flavor as rich as a sweet tea in Alabama.

Still instead, many of us have become spoiled by the instant gratification of the news cruise online. Often we gravitate to a site that caters to the political side you swing. At that point, the seduction begins. When done reading, you are encouraged to share, like or tweet that piece to the millions out there in cyber land. And, truth be told, you'll find that ability to stamp your name on something you've just shared- fulfilling- as if you are doing your part for what you believe- because maybe, you'll assume that you've just helped to enlighten a few people. But in truth, the people you are sharing that piece, video or item with probably already agree with you and that pundit anyway. Still, if they actually read or watch it, they'll likely say, good piece or right on, and that will once again- falsely assure you that you're somehow doing your part to change society

When it comes to hot button political issues -do we tend to preach to our own choirs and if so, what good does it do? Do we for lack of a better word- mobilize around an issue and if so- does that mobilization bring real change or does it antagonize? Perhaps there has been some impact that has changed a few political races but its hard to truly measure. Hopefully if anything- FB and other sites bring people's attention or impact how they feel about issues they weren't aware of. But the hope is we all do our homework and fully understand what we're liking etc. Clearly, if social media has brought on a more participatory government, then how do we explain the dysfunction we see in our nation's capital- the likes of which we've never ever seen in our nation's history?

There's no shortage of pundit posts or cable TV news anchors blasting this politician or that issue on Facebook or any other site, and there is certainly no shortage of people like me who have no problem posting a NYT opine and walking away without doing some homework or understanding the issue even more. Media companies monitor the trend lines of social media now- knowing that precious profits are at stake by how trends in who is reading or sharing what.

Sometimes- I wonder if in fact we are living in one of the most misinformed and politically lazy eras ever.

Deep inside, I'd always assumed that engaged, means understanding all sides of an issue and then moving on it. But then, you have clear injustice or discriminatory issues such as segregated Birmingham where engagement meant marching, walking and protesting then enduring fire hoses, police dogs and bombs- which thanks to media coverage- induced national outrage thus convincing politicians to slowly eradicate the official injustice of segregation. More recently the horror of AIDS and the engagement of gay mean and their allies via ACT UP. Working in climate of fear and very little information and fact- young people stared down a plague. Members of ACT UP took to the streets staged protests, invaded government agencies, made demands-often in the face of harsh criticism and downright awful bigotry- but in the end likely changed the course of an epidemic-at least in America.

These days ACT UP seems like a distant memory. When did cheap, bitter and insulting reactionary rhetoric that fizzles week by week depending on the issue become so tolerable?

If we were truly engaged by all the postings we see daily we'd move beyond a simple LIKE- , we would recognize the power of social media and its ability to reach everyone and seize the power it possesses and transform politics at virtually no cost. By now- it should have already happened.

But to impact politics- that also means moving beyond the land of adversarial thinking. It means more people like my conservative FB friend asking me to defend the reasons why I posted a left leaning Opinion piece.

Facebook and other sites could make the billions of dollars wielded by lobbyist, campaign contributions and special interests in the nation's capital- mute .

Point being after all that is this; The next time I share an opinion piece online- I'll be explaining why I agree- or better yet- why I disagree with the writer. I'll invite discussion and I'll be asking how can I make a difference- not simply jumping on the shrill bandwagon of lazy political disengagement that has apparently infected the nation's ability to be truly engaged.

Or perhaps -I'm just half blind to all the changes taking place around me as we speak.

Loving Your City in the Bike Lane

2013-01-10T18:11:00.001-08:00

By Cody Lyon

Tonight myself and one other cyclist almost ran into a group of pedestrians who were saying goodbyes in the pedestrian section of a Midtown crosswalk. The traffic signal was seconds away from changing- from yellow to red- for cars and yes, bikes. Both cyclists made the stop- no one was hurt. But-with my bike-centric certitude adrenalin flowing, I yelled what must have sounded pretty bratty- GUYS!!! This rather debonair looking fellow turned to me and said, "the light's red, you should be ashamed." In truth- I think I was! As he walked up 8th ave with his other friend, he turned back and smiled. I smiled back.

There are times when citizens of our busy and super-driven city are consumed with getting from point A to B in the fastest way possible. Any added hurdle that delays that mission, human or otherwise is cause for dirty looks or even an outburst. But sometimes, an unplanned pause that may have triggered that all to common reaction leads to an even greater appreciation of this palace of smart urban planning where humans constantly encounter other humans- called New York. There's more to this city than energy, dreams and tall buildings- there are also amazing people. Not only did I smile back at the gentleman who had scolded me, I smiled because I knew this would only happen here in this place I love, in New York.

Report from Coney Island- what some residents impacted by Sandy say they need

2012-11-05T17:20:00.002-08:00

On Monday November 5- some of the folks we worked with on the ground in Coney Island this past Sunday, volunteers Nadav Samin and Tamar Matza sent this report.

They say they asked supervisors at hyper-local relief sites what resident's most pressing needs were as far as items. Below you'll find the names and contact for supervisors running those sites as well as the items they say residents in the area- that's largely cut off from much of the city-say is most pressing.

Samin said he ask the following questions;

<1. What do you have too little of?>
2. What do you have too much of?
3. What are the plans for Tuesday and Wednesday?
4. What medicines do you need, if any?
5. Are there special needs for children?

At Keyspan Park
Contact: Susanne James (She works for the Mayor, with the Center for Economic Opportunity)
Phone Number: 718-702-3140

1. Food, diapers, blankets, socks, hats
2. Water
3. Tuesday we are trying to move the site from Keyspan Park (was unsure where to, this should be confirmed with Susanne James)
4. The health trucks on site were distributing medicine
5. Blankets

At the 23rd and Surf site
Contact: Shirley Atkins (Coordinator for Coney Island Houses, I think)
Phone Number: 718-864-4856

1. Toiletries, blankets, feminine products, canned food, baby food, baby diapers
2. Clothes
3. Tuesday will be here. Wednesday will probably not be here because of the storm.
4. We aren’t allowed to distribute medicine (Red Crodd truck was right out front)
5. Baby food, juices, soups.

at 33rd and Neptune
Contact: Ms. Carter (Resident coordinator for Dwyer and Gravesend Houses)
Phone Number: 347-350-4966

1. Blankets, coats, canned goods, batteries, diapers, smiliac, baby food, body washes (because no hot water)
2. Nothing
3. We’ll be here on Tuesday and Wednesday (the distribution center is set up right in the lobby of the building)
4. Tylenol, motrin, band aids, alcohol, alcohol pads

Samin said the volunteers also spent some time driving around the neighborhood informing residents that hot food was being served at 28th and Neptune. A group called Mercy Chefs is set up at that spot, and he said they will be there for a few days. Samin said they seemed very pleased to learn about this, which suggests that an important part of the work is just getting out into the neighborhood and letting people know about the resources that are available.

Previously- that Sunday.
Sunday evening-November 5, 2012-Just in from volunteer work on Coney Island. Thousands in the area were still without power, many in high-rise public housing structures. Even if power comes back-boilers in some structures are flooded, so there would likely not be heat. Residents say they need fresh fruit, h20, batteries- most especially, blankets. Throughout the area, on block after block, countless homes where the entire first floors are ruined. The flood line was upwards of five feet. Most automobiles parked in the area during the storm are ruined. Transportation is a challenge since the subway does not run to the area yet. There are bus lines that run sporadically from subway stop at Bayshore- on the D line- Clear need for more bus service. Did not see RED CROSS- all day. FEMA was there, NYC officials, were present. National Guard. Lots of volunteers.
Donations can be made at-uwsandyrecovery.org

Helmets on the bike Trail

2012-10-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

From Cody Lyon

In a September 29, 2012 "New York Times" analysis piece called "To Encourage Biking, Cities Lose the Helmets...Elisabeth Rosenthal reported that... “Pushing helmets really kills cycling and bike-sharing in particular because it promotes a sense of danger that just isn’t justified — in fact, cycling has many health benefits,” says Piet de Jong, a professor in the department of applied finance and actuarial studies at Macquarie University in Sydney. He studied the issue with mathematical modeling, and concludes that the benefits may outweigh the risks by 20 to 1.

He adds: “Statistically, if we wear helmets for cycling, maybe we should wear helmets when we climb ladders or get into a bath, because there are lots more injuries during those activities.” The European Cyclists’ Federation says that bicyclists in its domain have the same risk of serious injury as pedestrians per mile traveled.

Yet the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that “all cyclists wear helmets, no matter where they ride,” said Dr. Jeffrey Michael, an agency official.

Although I may be missing a point- I had to respond in this blog;

Those cycling advocates who suggest that the pushing of helmet wearing makes a basically safe activity seem really dangerous- are being somewhat short sighted, perhaps irresponsible and a tad bit selfish. Helmets don't scare cyclists away from riding on city streets any more than seat belts frighten drivers from getting into a car and driving on the nation's deadly highways. The truth is, those who bike ride sans helmet in city streets- or anyplace for that matter, should pause and consider themselves as nothing more than human egg shells gliding along on two wheels. Sometimes, even the most seasoned riders learn that analogy is steeped in pain filled veins of truth thanks to the most random and mundane of accidents or mishaps.

As someone who has ridden a bike from points A to B, almost every day, for nearly 20 years of my New York existence- I can say I've had close calls with cars, pedestrians and cab doors flung wide open as I raced up Sixth Avenue or down through Times Square. I've cut in and out of traffic like a spawning salmon, raced buses as if there were a prize at the end of no where. I've even been spiteful to the commuters- whizzing down 9th Avenue at rush hour squeezing seamlessly through thousands of stalled frustrated cars-all waiting to get into those Jersey bound tunnels-looking back, smirking and thinking-suckers!

But for all those years of adrenalin driven,exhilarating cycling through these frantic city streets, I didn't wear a helmet. Oh I knew I should wear one, but it wasn't until one afternoon, while riding on my Mountain bike along the car free Hudson River bike path near around 123rd St when I unexpectedly became-shall we say- humbled. Again, no cars, in fact, at this point, no other cyclists, just me, a pretty sunset and the breeze, then all of a sudden, I lost my footing, and ka- bam!- down I went- real hard.

Through the grace of forces beyond my comprehension, I held my big head away from the paved path- and instead, hit the pavement with my chin full force. Two cyclists saw the benign looking crash and realized there was a much more serious looking bloody mess- so they stopped. One took it upon himself to call an ambulance. The two spandex sporting, helmet wearing types stayed with me fending off the curious inquiring passers by who wondered aloud- if I was okay. Looking back, I think they recognized that I was loosing a decent amount of blood-which had me spooked, one even offered his shirt to put pressure on the main wound until the ambulance arrived. When the EMS did figure out where we were and had parked on the car whizzing West Side highway- they made it to the spot and put me on a board. At that point my neck and head secured tight, all focus and sight was on the sky. The EMS loaded me and my bike up and took me off to a nearby hospital. Along the way, the EMT attendant kindly lectured,and informed me that if I had fallen in a slightly in different angle, my skull would have likely cracked, like an egg shell.

He said he saw bike accidents on the city's streets all the time- some more severe than others. And while the average risk for a cyclist to get hurt is relatively low- especially when compared to accidents in cars or even pedestrian who get bit by a car- there's no doubt-helmets reduce the chance serious injury in a bike crash, or even a simple fall like my incident.

Once healed, before I stepped back onto my wonderful bike and the adventure waiting on the city streets, I went out and found a helmet.

The fact is- I just lost my footing- and guess what- so could any of the thousands of other New York City residents who are discovering that this fast, clean, healthy way to get around our city is the most efficient, exhilarating and fun way to travel. Wearing a helmet doesn't make cycling seem dangerous- and if your worried about your looks like I can be-rest assured- you can fix your hair in a bathroom at your destination. The truth is- Helmets help those of us who wear them look a little bit smarter.

Why the NYC bike share is Delayed

2012-09-20T19:23:00.002-07:00

From GOTHAM GAZETTE NEW YORK — The firm picked by the city to run what is meant to be the nation's largest bicycle share program has been dogged by questions about how it got a contract to run a similar system in Chicago, while its partner is being sued by a key software developer. City officials announced last week that the much-anticipated bike share program would be delayed from its expected roll-out this summer to March 2013. Mayor Michael Bloomberg blamed the system’s software. “The software doesn’t work. Duh,” Bloomberg said on his radio show. “We’re not going to put it out until it does work.” There may be a good reason why the software doesn’t work: It’s unfinished. According to the city official in charge of the recently launched bike share program in Chattanooga, Tenn., which uses the same platform, the software is undergoing “ongoing development.” "There's still work to be done — features to be added — and that's where we are at the current time," said Philip Pugliese, of Bike Chattanooga. Link to full story

IN SOCIALLY CONSERVATIVE NORTH DAKOTA, A GAY CANDIDATE USING THE WEB TO WIN (TechPresident)

2012-08-04T23:02:00.003-07:00

BY Cody Lyon | Friday, August 3 2012 (from TECH PRESIDENT- PERSONALDEMOCRACY.COM Exclusively for Personal Democracy Plus subscribers: Joshua Boschee is an openly gay candidate for public office in a socially conservative state, but observers say he's got a real shot at becoming one of Fargo, North Dakota's next representatives in the state legislature. Boschee's home state of North Dakota has, according to one study, the lowest proportion of same-sex couples in the United States. It's a conservative state, although "conservative" means something different in the only state in the Union with a state-owned bank and a state-owned grain mill and elevator. LINK TO FULL STORY

Share your ride; Make some Cash- story from BIZJOURNALS.

2012-08-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

by CODY LYON 8/4 ...FROM UPSTART-"But while riding in a car with a potential BFF sounds more fun than schlepping to a crowded, stinky bus station—and whole lot cheaper than a plane or train—what happens if you're a chatty self-professed fashion junkie who enjoys Madonna in a smoke-free, air-conditioned environment? Your idea of a perfect nightmare might be a road trip with a patchouli-wearing, pack-a-day Marlboro Man driver that prefers listening to Phish with the top down for the four-hour drive to our nation's capital. To help avoid such uncomfortable rides, users need a Facebook account to set up profiles at the Zimride website. That lets both driver and passenger check each other out in advance, see if their musical tastes jive, and determine if they have some shared friends. Established in 2007, the ride-share program is just one of three products Zimride offers. The other two parts of the business are a short-route phone app-based service that’s being piloted in San Francisco and software that Zimride has licensed to 140 universities and private companies to help ease parking congestion." FULL STORY AT BIZJOURNALS

A plan for Austin's South Shores Central (Next American City)

2012-07-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

by Cody Lyon from NEXT AMERICAN CITY On any given day after 5pm, thousands of joggers, cyclists and pedestrians descend onto the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail along Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, Texas. For 5.4 miles on both the water’s north and south side, enchanted tree-lined paths offer big views of the lake, sunsets and twinkling lights of a constantly changing downtown skyline. It is one of those places, like Austin City Limits venue Zilker Park or the south side’s funky, food-truck-lined streets, that make the boho Texas capital what it is. Recently, property owners in the district — including the city’s daily paper, the Austin American-Statesman — have realized there is potential for growth yet untapped in the area, and put several tracts totaling 19 acres in the area up for sale. Given Austin’s boomtown status, it’s no secret that developers smell opportunity. Full story at AMERICANCITY.ORG

New York City and the nation's largest Bike Share (2 part series- Gotham Gazette)

2012-07-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Cody Lyon for Gotham Gazette NEW YORK – On a recent Sunday afternoon at the outdoor flea market along the Williamsburg, Brooklyn waterfront two blue bikes splashed with the Citibank logo stood under a tent awaiting riders. As hundreds of people walked among the flea market vendors, a few peeked in to check out the cycles. One guy said the bikes "ride pretty smooth." The unisex, 3-speed, bell-and-light-laden upright bikes were being demoed to give New Yorkers a chance to try out the city's big bike share before it gets up and running later this summer. Once it has been completely rolled out, the program will likely be the largest of its kind in the nation – and New York City will have finally joined other cities in the U.S. and in Europe, where such systems have been around for years. LINK TO PART ONE OF STORY ****************************************************************************************a LINK TO PART TWO

Will the new Bike Share Change the face of NYC

2012-07-16T19:44:00.001-07:00

Will NYC bike share change the collective psyche on cycling in NYC (Gotham Gazette) Once it has been completely rolled out, the program will likely be the largest of its kind in the nation – and New York City will have finally joined other cities in the U.S. and in Europe, where such systems have been around for years. If the $41 million program makes it in the city, it could potentially transform the way that New Yorkers get around the metropolis with hundreds of thousands of new bike trips being taken each year. But will the Big Apple's collective psyche shift from the bike being perceived as a tool of recreation and exercise to that of a more utilitarian or alternative form of public transit? Will it be safe, in a city that is notoriously peevish toward cyclers? Simply put, will the share program usher in broader acceptance of the bike? Link to full story

Accepting my human Vulnerability on Two Wheels

2012-06-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

by CODY LYON Images below-

I ride my bike pretty much everywhere I go here in New York City. This past year, while living and working in Austin, I pretty much subscribed to the same practice.

I got back to New York the first week of June and since then, have been using my bike as a primary mode of transporation but also, kissing the city I love so much. There's nothing like catching up with familiar sights up and downtown while pedaling from neighborhood to neighborhood each with distinct flavors and sounds. It's also easier to catch the city's waves of infectious street energy while pedaling past the walking masses on their way to meetings, lunch or maybe just the gym. Cyling is the best way to scope out new construction projects across town that could lead to potential new stories for a real estate reporter-like me. And, like a child in a candy store, I've had my I Phone with me everywhere, taking photos and showing them off-in real time- on facebook as well as other social media sites.

But- recent events have reminded me that I've been pedaling sans helmet again. My most recent excuse-fitting-you see, I have a large head. In Austin, it was the heat, oh it gets to hot under there. Then of course,pure vanity, my hair-or, oh at forty something- I'll look dorky? What's really stupid is the fact that the minimal protective armor a helmet provides has been shown to reduce the incidence of catastrophic injury that can occur when skull-bone- meets hard concrete or the steel frames of a moving tons heavy austomobile or truck.

Worth noting- cycling in New York City increased 8% between 2010 and 2011, 102% since 2007, and 289% compared to 2001. During the same time, safety increased for all road users. As recently as 2010-of the more than 6,000 New York City traffic accidents that involved cyclists, 36 people died, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Also in New York City- 92% of all bicyclist fatalities occurred as a result of crashes with motor vehicles, and 91% of bicyclists who died were male.

As part of my welcome home to New York City, I've had two close calls on my bike over the past 8 days. The first time-I was behaving foolishly-filming the sights of Times Square while riding on the bike lane. That behavior-despite being called out by a friend who'd spied me texting while riding my bike just days before. Although I was moving slow while obtaining my tourist footage, I wasn't looking ahead or paying full attention to my surroundings. Then suddenly-a cab door had swung open in my path- I hit it- and fell off my bike. That time I landed on my feet. It made for a silly You Tube video moment.

But then on Thursday June 15th at around 730, I was riding my bike along the Hudson west side bike path. At some point, around 105 st, perhaps I was distracted by the beautiful sunset or maybe my chain malfunctioned, as the EMS official later theorized. All I know is that I lost my footing and down I went. No cars, no other cyclist were involved at all-I'd gone against the statistics- this incident was just me and I was not wearing a helmet.

This time, as I flew down to kiss New York in a way I'd never intended, I had horrible and split second fatalistic thought that this was not good. Through the grace of God, I didn't hit my head or land in a way that compromised my upper spinal cord. Instead, my big chin took the brunt. Blood was gushing from my face, I felt the flap of flesh on my chin and rubbed my tounge on my teeth- they were all there.

Several people stopped, but two in particular stayed with me and waited until the EMS arrived to take me to the hospital. At St Luke's hospital, I was cleaned up- x-rayed and my chin was sewn up- 7 stitches. (Sweet folks in that ER.) Funny-but I look like Mike Tyson after a bad fight. Lessons learned- we are fragile creatures, eggshells on two wheels so NEVER ride without a helmet. Also, there are angels among us, like the two who stayed with me until help arrived. And friends like those who called and the one who came to get me and take me home- are to be treasured.

After these days of mishap and a painful but mild recovery but in fact-I'm accepting my vulnerability as a human being- I am only human. I only have one body, and one brain that is housed inside this shell called a skull. My spine allows me to walk and lift my arms and even scratch myself because it allows me to know, I have an itch.

Sometimes, accidents do happen regardless of how carefule we are, but it's probably best to to pay close attention to what I'm doing while riding a bike- and always-always wear a helmet. Otherwise, I may not be able to advocate for what I still believe is the most exhilarating, efficient and beautiful way to get around a city- esepcially the one I love most, New York.

New York City-

2012-05-24T08:29:00.001-07:00
Crossed the Brooklyn Bridge by bike around 545 pm -then headed west to the WTC. Everyone else-thousands that they were- hurried off to rumbling trains, honking cabs or boats big and small-all heading to points north/south/east or west of this tiny sliver of earth downtown. But me, I stood with my bike and stared up. That's what happens after a year away from this magic island called Manhattan.-end.
CODYLYONBLOGOLATER

Maintaining and Building a Viable Downtown Austin

2012-02-28T21:00:00.000-08:00
EXCERPT FROM culturemap AUSTIN

We rarely need to get in our car. Life just feels simpler for us. The strange thing I’ve noticed is our lack of a need to get out to places like the grocery store. We just don’t need the same things we used to so our plate has been cleared of those soul crushing weekend errands, " said Westmoreland.

Close to 9,500 residents call downtown Austin “home." But even beyond that key core, within a three mile radius, are another almost 150,000 people and growing.

The desire to live, work and play downtown is measurable. But it remains to be seen exactly how leaders, planners and businesses will come together to sustain true healthy growth towards full downtown density enabling more Austinites to live, work and play downtown.
FULL STORY AT CULTUREMAP
CODYLYONBLOGOLATER

Local music Legend and Austin nightlife titans form a venture (ABJ)

2012-01-17T18:58:00.000-08:00
LINK TO STORY

excerpt from Austin Business Journal;

“I’ve been playing bars for 45 years and I’ve seen plenty of them open then close the next year,“ said Benson, who was only recently spurred to get into the bar business.
When approached with the idea to open a bar, Benson knew Luckie and Williamson had a solid record of food and beverage success and couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
There’s no doubt all three men recognize that nightlife is as much an industry, as it is entertainment. Millions are spent each year on the construction of bars and restaurants and Texans spend upwards of $4 billion a year on liquor alone, according to the Distilled Spirits Council . That figure doesn’t take into account cover charges and other revenue streams, all providing employment for thousands of people.
CODYLYONBLOGOLATER

The Silent Market- KUT RADIO INTERVIEW

2012-01-11T18:43:00.000-08:00
LINK TO STORY AT KUT

FROM KUT RADIO AUSTIN
Many high-end home sellers are bypassing the traditional multi-listing service in Austin, relying instead on the so-called “silent market.” Cody Lyon of the Austin Business Journal explains more about this word-of-mouth style of selling real estate.

I would describe it as sort of an insider’s club for home sellers. What you have are people who, for whatever reason, choose to market their homes more discreetly. The silent market is really a term that was coined by some folks who market homes not through the traditional multiple-listing service, but they do it by word of mouth. Probably the biggest benefit to not advertising on the multiple-listing service is the discretion that you are afforded by going quiet – by marketing quiet.

If you’re in a hurry to sell your home, then the multiple-listing service is the way to go. But if you’ve got a lot of time to kill, you know, you’re not really thinking about selling your home but you’re flirting with the idea of selling your home, if you put it on the silent market then you are able to sort of test the market and see whether or not there’s even any interest at all.

One broker that I spoke with told me that this is generally an area within five miles of the Capitol. He said that the homes start at around $500,000 and go up to $1 million or more.

Read Cody Lyon’s full article online at the Austin Business Journal.
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KUT Radio Interview: Austin Water seeking long term Solutions

2011-12-12T19:01:00.000-08:00
The city of Austin is revisiting water restrictions that may go into effect next year. As the drought continues, water levels in Lakes Travis and Buchanan drop ever lower. That could mean cutting back on water usage in Austin and elsewhere. In this week’s Austin Business Journal, Cody Lyon reports that the city is working with businesses on a possible rewrite of those rules. He tells KUT’s Matt Largey that no one took into account what would happen, if stringent water restrictions are needed for a prolonged period of time.

LINK TO KUT STORY
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KUT RADIO INTERVIEW; Austin Retail Space Shrinking

2011-10-31T20:03:00.000-07:00
LINK TO KUT RADIO BROADCAST

Austin businesses looking to change or expand locations are finding it’s getting harder and more expensive to do so. Cody Lyon of the Austin Business Journal discusses the challenges concerning retail space with KUT’s Ian Crawford.

Vacancy rates have risen to up to 7 percent in some areas, as opposed to 15 percent in parts of Round Rock and Williamson County. Coupled with a decline in retail construction, this is giving landlords more opportunity to be more selective about whom they rent to. In order to develop successful, working relationships with their tenants, landlords want to know the business plan.

Being up front with the landlord is beneficial because oftentimes they’ll work with you, Lyon said. There could be some flexibility in the beginning stages of the lease term, for example. Ultimately, your success is their success as well.

Cody Lyon, on whether Austin should expect to see more retail and office space built anytime soon:

I think we will eventually, but right now the issue is money. The issue is lending. The banks are not necessarily lending. There has been talk and there have been studies of outside money that’s looking to invest and Austin is one of those cities that has moved beyond what most people associate with Middle American cities.

Austin ranked as the number two market to watch in the United States in an Emerging Trends in Real Estate report released last week.
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VISA Program Draws Mexican Investors looking to escape Cartel Violence; Link to KUT.ORG

2011-10-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

FROM KUT.ORG; A program that provides U.S. visas for small-business investors from overseas is becoming more attractive to well-to-do Mexicans. Cody Lyon writes about the EB Immigrant Investor program in this week’s Austin Business Journal. He tells KUT Ian Crawford about the effect of drug violence is having on well-to-do Mexicans, and why may are looking north to invest their money..

The types of people that were looking to invest this money are people who are successful in Mexico – they have drivers, they have maids, they have ways of life that they can afford there. But they are targets of cartel violence. As I was told by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce here in Austin, it’s almost impossible to succeed in business in Mexico and not be a target of some sort of retribution.

You can hear the rest of the interview by clicking the audio player above.
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Interview on KUT Radio Austin (Cody Lyon)

2011-10-05T19:04:00.000-07:00
FROM KUT AUSTIN:</b> Three major hotel development projects are making progress in downtown Austin’s Central Business District. The area lacks a sufficient amount of rooms needed to house convention-goers, but a number of plans to remedy the issue of room stock have already fallen by the wayside.

Cody Lyon of the Austin Business Journal explains:

Smith Travel Research Inc. lists nine hotel projects as active in downtown Austin. If they were all built, they would add 3,219 rooms to the area. But a lack of financing has many experts counting them out of the running.

“I would be very surprised if half the rumored projects in Austin actually get built over the next three years due to on-going difficulties in the debt markets and the increased levels of required equity that many developers are simply not capable of producing or committing to,” Yiankes said.

According to Lyon, the district’s room stock will increase from 7,674 to about 10,000 if the three projects continue as expected.

LINK to KUT
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Cody Lyon on KUT talking about Bastrop County Land Values post wildfires

2011-09-26T20:17:00.000-07:00
LINK TO AUDIO

In this week’s Austin Business Journal, Cody Lyon looks at Bastrop County land values that could be cut in half as the real estate market faces dramatic ups and downs resulting from the wildfires that scorched almost 35,000 acres.

Dramatic value dips would be problematic for many landowners, but they could yield opportunities for investors looking to employ a patient buy-hold strategy while this patch of Texas recovers.

“We’re confident there will be some devaluation in the acreage charred by the fires,” said Cameron Boone, director of research at Lewis Realty Advisors Inc. Lewis Realty estimates the value of land directly impacted by wildfires could drop by up to 60 percent.

This might open the door for what some call vulture investors, who swoop in and offer pennies on the dollar for damaged properties, Boone said.

Click on the player to hear KUT’s Emily Donahue talk with Lyon about his report.
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KUT Interview: Central Texas Wildfires leave thousands Displaced: Yet, Austin's rental market is tight; What's happening as a result?

2011-09-18T01:49:00.000-07:00
FROM KUT AUSTIN 9/15/2011
In this week’s Austin Business Journal, Cody Lyon reports that thousands of residents displaced by wildfires may soon be flooding the already-tight Central Texas rental market.

“Not much rental housing has been built during the past two years due to the recession, leaving only about 4 percent of units vacant. That scarcity doesn’t bode well for the newly homeless. Many call the situation dire,” he reports.

Many residents will receive state and federal disaster aid. Agencies and even The Austin Board of Realtors are working with property owners to find available apartments and houses for short-term and longer rental.

Click on the player to hear KUT’s Emily Donahue’s interview with Lyon.

Link to radio interview at KUT

Story at ABJ
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Cody Lyon at ABJ appearing on KUT/NPR on the Drought in Texas

2011-08-22T21:17:00.000-07:00
link to story
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Sunset: Lake Lady Bird in Austin; A Union Pacific train's crossing

2011-07-31T01:31:00.001-07:00

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Being interviewed by PR over Coffee

2011-07-31T01:11:00.000-07:00
Link to podcast
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