Traffic Lights

Traffic lights are said to control the traffic congestion or jam in a given area or viccinity. I do have a different perspective about traffic lights now. I have seen traffic lights in all look and cranine of Austin, Tx and i have asked myself several questions like; are these street lights? though it might sound funny, but it is indeed a great issue which i think most cities outside the United states of America have not faced.

Really, the success of most businesses in Austin, Tx have come from the success of these traffic lights, if we are to take a deep look at this. I googled a couple of details about their traffic lights and the road rules. All were amazing!! You leave your house by 5:00pm and before leaving, you checked your map on google and it says exactly by 5:30pm you will get to a certain destination. This is because google has the timings of these traffic lights and knows when and how soon you can escape the first and the last lights. Isn't this interesting? i think most countries need to develop these road equipments in most of their cities and suburbs.

Where one gets food stuffs.

In Austin one can get food stuffs, groceries, electronics is one same store. This is so interesting because one does not need to go to different locations atimes to get these things. For instance, you need to cook fried rice which normally in my own country (Nigeria), you possible might go to different stores or markets to buy the necessary ingredients to cook. One buys meat from a separate store, buy pepper and tomatoes from a separate location as well as the other ingredients. Here in Austin, all yu need to do is walk in to any H.E.B plus , Fiesta or other grocery stores around in Austin and you can get the necessary food stuffs you need for your recipe. it is quite easy and convieniet for everyone. A reason why it is so different is that, you do not have a chance to bargain at the store for the meat and other food stuffs. All prices are fixed. I frown and sometimes try to convert the amount to naira (Nigerian Currency) to compare the prices. I will say the food stuffs are quite expensive but when it comes to merchandise like clothes and electronics, which are quite fair i laugh.
Generally, the method of selling the foods stuffs all in one store is quite ideal.

Begging with Sincerity.

Have you ever thought of people begging with sincerity? Hmm, this might interest you. I have seen beggers in different parts of the world, but the beggars i've seen in Austin, Texas have really kept me thinking about so many things. I have gone to some places in Austin seeing beggars with their cardbords and their words stated "Why lie? I need a beer". Any person who sees this will believe the beggar is joking!! but seriously, this beggar needs a beer. Out of curiousity, I walked up to a beggar and asked a few questions about his words on his cardboard and he told me, it was wrong to receive the money and used it for something else when he requested it for a beer. Huuhhh, I laughed and he said; so are you going to give me a dollar? I laughed and said no, I will give you five dollars but not for a beer. He smiled and said; I will be sincere with you, I will definately use about three dollars for food but two dollars for the beer. I said fine and gave him the five dollars. This still leaves me thinking of a lot because before now, i believe all beggars lie. A common beggar in Lagos state in Nigeria will give various stories, which people have heard all around and know are lies. But, what comes on my mind now is, do people give more when you lie or when you say the truth? I think begging with sincerity is good!

Dogs, More than friends.

Ever since i came to Austin, Texas in January, 2010, I have had a different perspective about dogs and their meaning to man. An average Nigerian would describe a dog to be a guard who scares thieves and unwanted persons away from ones home. In the USA the case is different as a dog appears to be one's child, friend or guard. Mostly, they appear to be taken as friends and children. I have really wondered if i will have a dog as a child.