Just Cruisin' Along

Last year our commander in chief took one step on a Segway Human Transporter before it toppled over. According to BBC News, he “managed to leap to safety, landing on his feet,” proving once and for all that Dubya is no stranger to danger. You can follow the prez’s lead by renting one of these funky two-wheeled vehicles in Galveston, where entrepreneur Jim Galinsky has set up his company, A Smooth Ride Segway Rentals. These gizmos can go up to 12 miles per hour, although Galinsky recommends that you don’t go over 6 miles per hour until you get the hang of it. And then it’s time to terrorize seagulls on the seawall.

This nonpolluting, Jetsons-like form of transportation produces a weird,
floating feeling. You propel yourself along by shifting your weight and turn
corners by gently working the handle like you would a video-game controller.
Yes, you’ll get to feel just like the president, moving along with minimal effort
in a world of video-game fantasy. Lay off the booze beforehand. 10 a.m. to dusk.
Fridays through Sundays. 902 Broadway. For information, call 877-736-8273. $30
per hour. — Greg Barr

H-town Showdown

SUN 9/5

As far as college rivalries go, the one between UH and Rice is almost a battle
of apples versus oranges. Hell, screw the fruit — it’s a battle of Cougars
versus Owls. Despite a wealth of academic programs, UH is rarely given the same
credence as Rice when it comes to academics. And Rice has put together a few
top-notch sports teams here and there, but no one would pick a big-eyed bird
over a fierce cat in a one-on-one brawl. Which brings us to the Houston versus
Rice football game, a.k.a. the Bayou Bucket. UH is on the cusp of regaining
national prominence for its team, and Rice, well, Rice is a really good place
to study engineering. 4 p.m. Sunday, September 5. Reliant Stadium, One Reliant
Park. For information, call 713-629-3700 or visit uhcougars.collegesports.com.
$12 to $27. — Keith Plocek