Houston & Disneyland, 2 peas in a pod

Here in flyover country, we have our problems with "road rage." People become angry on the public highways and byways at other motorists and shake their fists, raise their middle fingers and sometimes resort to violence.

It's different in San Francisco. They have "parking rage." Parking spots are so coveted that at least one person has been killed, and parking control officers are subject to all manner of ridicule.

The New York Times, in this story, explains the problem, and includes an interesting question posed by a San Francisco official who says such parking tensions should surprise no one "if you don't expect it to be Disneyland or Houston."

What does this mean?

That ample, free and/or modestly-priced parking is something to be ashamed of, like our big hair and slow accents?

Or that lack of proper planning for adequate off-street parking is a prerequisite for world class city status?

Getting lumped in with Disneyland can be seen as a positive, though it wasn't meant that way.

Let's see if we can make this work in a constructive, Visitor & Convention Bureau-friendly fashion ...

Like Disneyland, Houston's prohibition on zoning ensures that you never know what surprise is around the next corner!

It can take all day to get from end of Houston to the other there's so much to see, just like Disneyland!

Houston is very large but the people are so friendly "it's a small world after all!"

Houston, home to NASA and the real Tomorrowland.

Houston's hot! Just like an E ticket ride at Disneyland!!