rabble rabble!

npr: New Hampshire voter “Biscuit,” was still undecided as of...

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:23:17 -0600

New Hampshire voter “Biscuit,” was still undecided as of this afternoon. But his enthusiasm for the process could not go unnoticed.

Photo: Andrea Seabrooke / NPR

thedailywogan: via Grist

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:58:07 -0500

thedailywogan:

via Grist

Texas Marathons in 2011: I’ve been experimenting with how...

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:19:56 -0600

Texas Marathons in 2011: I’ve been experimenting with how to make info-filled maps on Google. For my first legitimate attempt, I’ve compiled a list of marathons in Texas scheduled for 2011 using the Runner’s World Races and Places page and the RunTex Events page.

*This is in no way a complete list of all the marathons in Texas - some notable, smaller races may not have a date set yet.

* Participant numbers are from Runner’s World information, some of which is based on last year’s figures. (San Antonio’s is based on my poor memory.)

*Up next, maps with Google Earth and GIS.

The first book of my 52 books in 2011 challenge: Men with Balls...

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:46:29 -0600

The first book of my 52 books in 2011 challenge: Men with Balls - The Professional Athlete’s Handbook by Drew Magary. While this book isn’t quite for everyone, it will certainly amuse the cynical sports fan. Magary is known for his work on Deadspin and has given me some insightful advice for if/when I start my coaching career.

Up next: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (because it appears I haven’t read any of the classics) or Run to Overcome by Meb. Or, this may be the year I finish John Adams by David McCullough (I started it in 2004).

Irrelevant News

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:25:36 -0600

Apparently, on Fox News Sunday, Perry refused to say whether he would end Social Security. I understand, he called it a Ponzi scheme. He has a book called Fed Up. Clearly what he will do regarding Social Security is important. Clearly! Why don’t we ask him about other things that he is clearly an expert on? Who is going to win Dancing With the Stars? How will he help the Texas Legislature to close the budget shortfall? What would he do if dinosaurs came back to life and he encountered them on Town Lake Trail? Maybe he can help me find my keys…

I don’t know how these stories qualify as news. Perry isn’t in a position to end Social Security right now. Maybe one day he will be and we should ask him then - and totally care then. Right now, however, the media should focus on asking these sorts of questions to people who can actually affect these policies.

"It’s a shame when a Third World country has more integrity in upholding its election laws than..."

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:00:00 -0500

“It’s a shame when a Third World country has more integrity in upholding its election laws than Texas. Maybe Wyclef Jean should move to District 22 and run for Texas Senate if he wants to hold office.”

- Karen Petree, The McLennan County Democratic Party Chair

Petree links last month’s decision in SD-22 on Birdwell’s candidacy to Wyclef Jean’s failed bid for presidency.

Look at ME, I Create Jobs... PSYCHE!

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 22:58:38 -0500

It appears that one of Rick Perry’s pet projects, the Texas Enterprise Fund, is falling short of its job creation goals. The Fund, which has distributed more than $400 million to growing businesses since 2003, might not be doing a bang-up of a job in bringing jobs to (and keeping jobs in) Texas. So, is the Governor stretching the truth when he talks about all the jobs brought to Texas? A report from Texans for Public Justice says he just might be.

“As Rick Perry makes the Texas Enterprise Fund a centerpiece of his re-election campaign, his office has politically manipulated the troubled jobs program.” - Texans for Public Justice (via The Statesman)

The report indicates that as many as one-third of the 54,600 jobs allegedly created by the fund may not even exist. To make matters worse, recipients like Austin-based Sematech are often rumored to be in relocation talks. Other companies, such as Alloy Polymers in East Texas, have had to cancel their contracts with the state due to the economic climate.

While it might be easy to say that the Fund is full of nonsensical numbers, it has done a few good things for Texas. Santana Textiles will bring 800 new jobs to the Texas-Mexico border and could possibly revitalize the cotton industry in South Texas. Additionally, the Governor’s Office has to the power to recoup the money from businesses that did not reach all of their goals. At the end of the day, this could all be a moot point, since the Enterprise Fund (and part of the Emerging Technology Fund) are on the chopping block next Session. Still, the report shouldn’t be old news; Bill White called for an audit of the Fund’s finances earlier this year.

Stuntin’ Like My Daddy - The Rick Perry Remix “My...

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:31:40 -0500

Stuntin’ Like My Daddy - The Rick Perry Remix

“My daddy’s Rick Perry so just get out of the way…” This remix, told from the perspective of Gov. Perry’s son, has it all - from Tea Parties to the lack of debate. There’s even a shout out to honorary Texan Glenn Beck and maverick Sarah Palin. Whether or not you like rap, this is one of those songs that will make your heart glad.

Here are some highlights:

“GOP is still the company — and Rick is the boss.”

“We rich — taxpayer gettin’ pinched. Itemized every cent — $10,000 on the rent…”

"The Texas Facilities Commission is talking to lawmakers about an ambitious $40 million to $60..."

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:06:03 -0500

“The Texas Facilities Commission is talking to lawmakers about an ambitious $40 million to $60 million plan that would combine gas-fired electricity generation and the use of waste heat to cut the complex’s electric consumption by 40 percent.”

- - The Austin American-Statesman

This plan could save the State $4 - $6 million per year! While Austin Energy would surely be sad to see the $13 million + bill from the Capitol Complex go, it would be awesome to see our state make its own energy (and possibly be a little more observant about how much we consume…it’s far too cold in State buildings).

"Ms. Lykos has been pushing for a new regional crime lab to help expedite the cases. Not only were..."

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:36:28 -0500

“Ms. Lykos has been pushing for a new regional crime lab to help expedite the cases. Not only were innocent men imprisoned, she said, but the victims were denied justice and the actual culprits remained free to commit other crimes. “Whenever you have an innocent person convicted, you have a triple tragedy,” she said.”

- “Ex Inmate’s Dilemma -$2.2million or a Lawsuit”New York Times - http://j.mp/cxXgON

Texas in need of more minority teachers

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:07:52 -0500

Texas in need of more minority teachers:

Texas schools need to hire more black and Hispanic teachers, especially as the enrollment of minority students continues to rise, experts said. The DMN reported Tuesday that two out of three Texas teachers in the past school year were white, which is a proportion that has not changed much in recent years.

Fuller’s look at the way teachers and students interact is interesting. It makes me curious about our need for male teachers in the classroom as well.

"The thing I’m focused on right now is lunch."

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:55:42 -0500

“The thing I’m focused on right now is lunch.”

- Michael Steele, Republican National Committee chairman, on whether he’ll run for a second term. (via officialssay)
Well, I’m certainly glad that no one cares when my main focus is lunch…

"In Texas, between 60,000 to 65,000 babies achieve U.S. citizenship annually by being born in the..."

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 22:01:50 -0500

“In Texas, between 60,000 to 65,000 babies achieve U.S. citizenship annually by being born in the state’s hospitals…Last year, such births represented almost 16 percent of the total births statewide.”

- The Dallas Morning News

This article outlines some interesting statistics on births to illegal immigrants, addresses the concerns of both sides, and allows a great platform for the crazies to come out and comment. In all truth, the 14th Amendment is kind of a big deal. It wasn’t like the United States put it in place all willy-nilly like in a time when everyone was getting along and playin’ nice. We have to elect and support legislators who understand the turmoil that accompanies pandering to public opinion and supporting inequity. Of course, I’m probably saying this because I’m an anchor baby or something…

And now the game begins: how long until I empty the MiniMAX.

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:35:15 -0500

And now the game begins: how long until I empty the MiniMAX.

"It seems inconsistent to me that politicians who are pro-life and pro-family are also..."

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 08:10:49 -0500

““It seems inconsistent to me that politicians who are pro-life and pro-family are also pro-deportation for newborns…””

- Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Illinois

"Starting this week, about 20,000 state workers will be responsible for putting their own trash in..."

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:57:56 -0500

“Starting this week, about 20,000 state workers will be responsible for putting their own trash in little wastebaskets, then putting the little wastebaskets in a big bin. The idea is to increase recycling, and to save money. You know it’s the sign of a bad economy when you turn a guy with a degree in accounting into a janitor.”

- John Kelso

To be fair, I think I have recycled more in the one day with my mini wastebasket than in all the days before. Also, I don’t think I’m that upset about having to take out my own trash. I mean, I do have to do it at home.

The new miniMAX minimum waste maximum recycling program will...

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:30:41 -0500

The new miniMAX minimum waste maximum recycling program will help me recycle and save Texas $700,000 in custodial costs a year. (The real question: why does it smell like breakfast sausage?)

Stirring in my soul? (more on Joe's TV absurdity)

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:56:47 -0500

No, it is probably just a quarter-life crisis.

It recently came to my attention that my friends and I are growing up. I know, that seems a bit obvious seeing that no one can stop time. Still, our concerns have changed from picking out which bar we want to hit up next to discussing the finer points of our health care plans. When did this happen!?

Last week, my friends Joe and Dan were talking about the challenges (or lack there of) in their life and how they wanted something to worry about. As it turns out, both became obsessed with the stability of their flat-screen televisions. (Would it fall off the stand? Could that piece of furniture from Ikea really hold it up all night long?) They just wanted something to worry about. (Sure, they worry about their girlfriends, career path, and friends/family too… just not things like rent anymore.)

Now, I hate to think that maybe John Mayer is on to something, but it appears that Joe, Dan, me, and so many other people I know are in the midst of a quarter-life crisis. As if I wasn’t already convinced by the fact that countless news pieces outline the awkwardness of our generation, a Cape Cod Times article outlined the mystery of “20-somethings” and their quest for self discovery. We have so many more opportunities than our parents. We get to truly discover ourselves. Blah blah blah. At the end, there was a questionnaire highlighting some of the things indicative of a quarter-life crisis. It’s totally worth a look.

Watching ‘24’ for the first time. I think Jack Bauer is far more efficient than I am -...

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:00:20 -0500

Watching ‘24’ for the first time. I think Jack Bauer is far more efficient than I am - he does way more in one hour than I ever could.

RT @TheFix: Great new site from @propublica that captures all the impolitic things public officials...

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:00:20 -0500

RT @TheFix: Great new site from @propublica that captures all the impolitic things public officials say. http://ht.ly/2jrBD