See what you miss by being out of the classroom for awhile?
They went and changed the Texas pledge.
I had to post a link or else some of you would think I am making this up.
"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."
God's like, "How many times do I have to tell you that I love all my children equally? Now please stop picking on Mexico."
They might as well add "Hook 'em horns; second amendment; suck it, California" in there too, to make sure every school kid knows exactly what we stand for.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
An Object In Motion...
Here are a few random tidbits:
-I went to a really random dinner tonight. I didn't expect a dinner, I expected wine and cheese and a sales pitch. Nonetheless, I was treated to salmon, beef, small vegetables, the whole nine yards. I do not think I was the target audience for this dinner, and I'm having trouble discerning who was, and why I was invited. This makes me question the entire nature of the for-profit industry, and appreciate again why I do what I do.
-That said, we held our own wine and dining evening last week, albeit for a much heftier price tag and a much more apropo audience. A lot of people spoke. There was a lot of talking. The consensus is: it was great.
-I don't do so well on the weekends without you, dear. I have trouble getting up, getting dressed, getting showered, getting out of the house. Weekdays: no problem. I'm a firecracker. I wouldn't think so much into this if it weren't wired into my system; I'm programmed to be strong, independent, individual, and to believe that soulmates are a load of crap. I believe that people adjust to a variety of different relationships, and that our futures are a tree of opportunity, each branch leading to a different sort of happiness.
-I am happy I spend my time with you, my co-workers, the students of Houston, the policymakers, the teachers, the people who care about education and have seen the possibility that every child can achieve, the supporters, the people who write checks, my friends and family in Houston and elsewhere.
-I recognize and acknowledge that this could all look very different. I could have different catchphrases, a different job, different constituents. So much is based on experience and mine was dumb luck. I could be wildly passionate about New Orleans, or San Francisco, or Portland or Washington DC. So much of our passion goes into who we know, what we do, where we live, and that root--that always present root of family.
-But here we are. And you are here with me, in short. And I am grateful that you know who I am, and are willing to forgive a weekend or several spent in solitude, trying to figure it all out. I am grateful that you will pull me out of it, back into the commotion and the din and the obligations that keep me sane.
-I could end here. I have the tidy summarizing sentence. But I'm leaving something out--I'm leaving out religion, which keeps skipping to the top of my head, even as I push it down again and again, thinking, "my work fulfills this for me." I wrote to a popular UU blogger and asked her two questions: 1. Am I somehow missing out by not attending a weekly church service? and 2. How do I incorporate what I do and what I believe?
-She wrote: "I think it would be spiritually and professionally beneficial for you to be involved with a congregation. Where better to practice the arts of love and to know and be known? Congregations are always flawed and the worship services certainly vary in quality, but we go for the relationships and for the opportunity to encounter the Holy through our being together. Not that this doesn't happen in teaching, but whereas in teaching you can be the Hero at all times, in church we all take turns being the teacher and the student. I think that balance is important.
And just think how much networking you can do through UU congregations as an active member! You can write for the UU World magazine, preach from your local pulpit, contribute to chat lists, network at denominational gatherings, and combine your vocation of teaching with your involvement with the church. What a great opportunity!!"
...
-She is a little bit off (it is so difficult to explain what I do), but mostly correct. Watch out hippies, I'm headed your way. My personality profile says that we are very unlikely to be religious leaders of any kind. And yet. Isn't that the point of any writer? Don't we all want to inspire and lead a movement? Isn't everything we do inspired by broader human ideals and desires?
-I just postponed a phone call to finish this blog. I am finished, and I have likely gone on too long.
-I'm going to a conference tomorrow wherein I most definitely am the target audience. I paid $25 for a box lunch and program, and I expect at the end of the day it will all feel very logical, worthwhile, and correct.
-Don't take so long to visit, next time. I need you around to keep me from these spells. It's terribly easy to forget what a difference you make in my life.
-I went to a really random dinner tonight. I didn't expect a dinner, I expected wine and cheese and a sales pitch. Nonetheless, I was treated to salmon, beef, small vegetables, the whole nine yards. I do not think I was the target audience for this dinner, and I'm having trouble discerning who was, and why I was invited. This makes me question the entire nature of the for-profit industry, and appreciate again why I do what I do.
-That said, we held our own wine and dining evening last week, albeit for a much heftier price tag and a much more apropo audience. A lot of people spoke. There was a lot of talking. The consensus is: it was great.
-I don't do so well on the weekends without you, dear. I have trouble getting up, getting dressed, getting showered, getting out of the house. Weekdays: no problem. I'm a firecracker. I wouldn't think so much into this if it weren't wired into my system; I'm programmed to be strong, independent, individual, and to believe that soulmates are a load of crap. I believe that people adjust to a variety of different relationships, and that our futures are a tree of opportunity, each branch leading to a different sort of happiness.
-I am happy I spend my time with you, my co-workers, the students of Houston, the policymakers, the teachers, the people who care about education and have seen the possibility that every child can achieve, the supporters, the people who write checks, my friends and family in Houston and elsewhere.
-I recognize and acknowledge that this could all look very different. I could have different catchphrases, a different job, different constituents. So much is based on experience and mine was dumb luck. I could be wildly passionate about New Orleans, or San Francisco, or Portland or Washington DC. So much of our passion goes into who we know, what we do, where we live, and that root--that always present root of family.
-But here we are. And you are here with me, in short. And I am grateful that you know who I am, and are willing to forgive a weekend or several spent in solitude, trying to figure it all out. I am grateful that you will pull me out of it, back into the commotion and the din and the obligations that keep me sane.
-I could end here. I have the tidy summarizing sentence. But I'm leaving something out--I'm leaving out religion, which keeps skipping to the top of my head, even as I push it down again and again, thinking, "my work fulfills this for me." I wrote to a popular UU blogger and asked her two questions: 1. Am I somehow missing out by not attending a weekly church service? and 2. How do I incorporate what I do and what I believe?
-She wrote: "I think it would be spiritually and professionally beneficial for you to be involved with a congregation. Where better to practice the arts of love and to know and be known? Congregations are always flawed and the worship services certainly vary in quality, but we go for the relationships and for the opportunity to encounter the Holy through our being together. Not that this doesn't happen in teaching, but whereas in teaching you can be the Hero at all times, in church we all take turns being the teacher and the student. I think that balance is important.
And just think how much networking you can do through UU congregations as an active member! You can write for the UU World magazine, preach from your local pulpit, contribute to chat lists, network at denominational gatherings, and combine your vocation of teaching with your involvement with the church. What a great opportunity!!"
...
-She is a little bit off (it is so difficult to explain what I do), but mostly correct. Watch out hippies, I'm headed your way. My personality profile says that we are very unlikely to be religious leaders of any kind. And yet. Isn't that the point of any writer? Don't we all want to inspire and lead a movement? Isn't everything we do inspired by broader human ideals and desires?
-I just postponed a phone call to finish this blog. I am finished, and I have likely gone on too long.
-I'm going to a conference tomorrow wherein I most definitely am the target audience. I paid $25 for a box lunch and program, and I expect at the end of the day it will all feel very logical, worthwhile, and correct.
-Don't take so long to visit, next time. I need you around to keep me from these spells. It's terribly easy to forget what a difference you make in my life.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Really?
These commercials about "don't leave your keys in the ignition of your car or the car thieves will take it"?
Who does that?
And why are we telling them to stop?
Carwinism.
Who does that?
And why are we telling them to stop?
Carwinism.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Dear KTRU DJs,
Hey guys!
Y'all are doing a great job. Thanks for playing music I enjoy and introducing me to new bands. Your radio station is one of my favorites.
It hasn't always been this way.
When I first moved here, someone told me to check out KTRU--so I did--and you kept playing this spacey squawky really inaccessible stuff. I was like, bleh. But something changed! Maybe new leadership, maybe new DJs, whatever... we like it.
I even enjoy your often humorous inclusion of public services messages. Maybe you could include my organization, too? The kids might want to know when application deadlines are, and we certainly want them to apply.
Here's one thing that keeps bugging me, friends: it's Neuhaus pronounced NIGH-house, meaning "near," not the horsey noise. As in taps, "...all is well, safely rest. God is nigh." It's not pronounced "Newhouse." Seriously, I've heard three of you say it. I know many of you have this cute, "I don't live in HOUSTON; I go to RICE" visitor thing going on, but this family is kind of a big deal. There's a street named after them and everything, like the Kirbys and the Allens.
You can go visit them at the Glenwood Cementary, along with some of my relatives, apparantly.
That's the only complaint I can come up with, so keep up the good work.
Yours,
Mary
Y'all are doing a great job. Thanks for playing music I enjoy and introducing me to new bands. Your radio station is one of my favorites.
It hasn't always been this way.
When I first moved here, someone told me to check out KTRU--so I did--and you kept playing this spacey squawky really inaccessible stuff. I was like, bleh. But something changed! Maybe new leadership, maybe new DJs, whatever... we like it.
I even enjoy your often humorous inclusion of public services messages. Maybe you could include my organization, too? The kids might want to know when application deadlines are, and we certainly want them to apply.
Here's one thing that keeps bugging me, friends: it's Neuhaus pronounced NIGH-house, meaning "near," not the horsey noise. As in taps, "...all is well, safely rest. God is nigh." It's not pronounced "Newhouse." Seriously, I've heard three of you say it. I know many of you have this cute, "I don't live in HOUSTON; I go to RICE" visitor thing going on, but this family is kind of a big deal. There's a street named after them and everything, like the Kirbys and the Allens.
You can go visit them at the Glenwood Cementary, along with some of my relatives, apparantly.
That's the only complaint I can come up with, so keep up the good work.
Yours,
Mary
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Who Are All These Marleys?
That's right--I'm askin'.
Bob and Ziggy and Stephen?
Are they related?
Are there more?
Are you excited for the Indigo Girls at 7:30?
I am!
I hope they play some old songs.
Bob and Ziggy and Stephen?
Are they related?
Are there more?
Are you excited for the Indigo Girls at 7:30?
I am!
I hope they play some old songs.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Priceless Moments from the ACL Live Feed
M.I.A. says:
"I need some people up here on stage. I need some people who are going to go effing crazy. Security! Let them up. Whoever--come up. You leaders. Come up here on stage."
Her buddy says:
"Bring some ganga!"
Minutes later, the crowd storms the stage, nearly pushing off pink clad singer.
M.I.A. says:
"Okay! Thank you. You have get off now. Nobody can see. Go back. You have to get down."
Friend says:
"All of these people and nobody brought weed? Are you effing kidding me?"
See the play-by-play here all weekend. Expect adult content, and possibly Bob Dylan.
"I need some people up here on stage. I need some people who are going to go effing crazy. Security! Let them up. Whoever--come up. You leaders. Come up here on stage."
Her buddy says:
"Bring some ganga!"
Minutes later, the crowd storms the stage, nearly pushing off pink clad singer.
M.I.A. says:
"Okay! Thank you. You have get off now. Nobody can see. Go back. You have to get down."
Friend says:
"All of these people and nobody brought weed? Are you effing kidding me?"
See the play-by-play here all weekend. Expect adult content, and possibly Bob Dylan.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Two Years Ago
Two years ago today, I was packing my books in the closet, duct taping windows, tossing some water bottles in my car and making a frantic exit from Houston to try to beat the traffic to Austin.
Suffice it to say, I did not. I did call Ryan Johnson at least nine times from the road, every hour, on the hour, as I sat immobile on Route 290 inching towardsGomorrah Austin City Limits. I wish he had saved those phone logs, as the 3am ones were really some of my finest narrative moments.
There, in Austin, I proceeded to be beat down by 100 degree weather, sleep deprivation, a bungled set-up, festival-goers who would rather see Phish than Spoon, and a Black Sunday quality dust storm.
I returned to the well-documented Houston Hurricane Rita damage.
And I turned out ok.
This is all to say: Humberto, you sissy tropical storm, you don't scare me. Bring it.
Suffice it to say, I did not. I did call Ryan Johnson at least nine times from the road, every hour, on the hour, as I sat immobile on Route 290 inching towards
There, in Austin, I proceeded to be beat down by 100 degree weather, sleep deprivation, a bungled set-up, festival-goers who would rather see Phish than Spoon, and a Black Sunday quality dust storm.
I returned to the well-documented Houston Hurricane Rita damage.
And I turned out ok.
This is all to say: Humberto, you sissy tropical storm, you don't scare me. Bring it.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
In the News
I don't post this stuff very often, but it is really exciting when it happens.
Houston KPRC
002 Magazine
Time
Time, AGAIN.
Fortune
US News and World Report
Cobert Report
MSNBC
BuisnessWeek
Today, I searched for alumni in the San Antonio area, and out of 30some alumni, do you know what I found? A principal, a researcher, a leader of a national non-profit, an NPR school services director, teachers, school founders, charter school teachers, an attorney, a child psychiatry specialist with the federal government, and a lot of people in grad school. A small subsection of alumni, executing the diversity of careers we hope they will untake. This is what I do--I raise money and awareness for this program--and it excites me every day.
And tomorrow is September 11. And the day after that? Is REID WHIT---- DAY. And I will bake a cake, and be proud. These are my friends, making education history. There has never been a better time.
Houston KPRC
002 Magazine
Time
Time, AGAIN.
Fortune
US News and World Report
Cobert Report
MSNBC
BuisnessWeek
Today, I searched for alumni in the San Antonio area, and out of 30some alumni, do you know what I found? A principal, a researcher, a leader of a national non-profit, an NPR school services director, teachers, school founders, charter school teachers, an attorney, a child psychiatry specialist with the federal government, and a lot of people in grad school. A small subsection of alumni, executing the diversity of careers we hope they will untake. This is what I do--I raise money and awareness for this program--and it excites me every day.
And tomorrow is September 11. And the day after that? Is REID WHIT---- DAY. And I will bake a cake, and be proud. These are my friends, making education history. There has never been a better time.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Wait, What?
Twin Peaks fans get to revisit Laura Palmer's father in The Reaper this fall.
Ray Wise plays... wait for it... The Devil.
IMBD says he was also in a 2005 episode of West Wing, "La Palabra." Will have to revisit that one.
Ray Wise plays... wait for it... The Devil.
IMBD says he was also in a 2005 episode of West Wing, "La Palabra." Will have to revisit that one.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Feeling Only 50% Taquito
I have spent many wonderful meals here, which is why this is not a full-fledged boycott.
BUT. But. Taquito--you are on thin ice. There's no rational reason why you can't make me a torta sin carne, and no reason at all why you can't be nice about it. And the icing on the cake: winding up with a sandwich CON carne? Que pasa? One beef sandwich with extra spite and a side of disillusion, please. Thanks.
I found myself today unsuccessfully fighting for an avocado and bean torta in a linguistic argument akin to my college years when I was instructed to ask for a *CHEESE quesadilla if I didn't want the chicken, dummy.
And holding up a line. And feeling like the only sane person in a sea of ridiculousness. And afterwards, shaking like a leaf and feeling a deep need for validation. I'm right, right? I'm right! No, listen to what happened...
And, it will probably not be the last time I'm left feeling shaken in the take-out line.
*queso means cheese. cheese is inherent to the quesadilla. chicken is not.
BUT. But. Taquito--you are on thin ice. There's no rational reason why you can't make me a torta sin carne, and no reason at all why you can't be nice about it. And the icing on the cake: winding up with a sandwich CON carne? Que pasa? One beef sandwich with extra spite and a side of disillusion, please. Thanks.
I found myself today unsuccessfully fighting for an avocado and bean torta in a linguistic argument akin to my college years when I was instructed to ask for a *CHEESE quesadilla if I didn't want the chicken, dummy.
And holding up a line. And feeling like the only sane person in a sea of ridiculousness. And afterwards, shaking like a leaf and feeling a deep need for validation. I'm right, right? I'm right! No, listen to what happened...
And, it will probably not be the last time I'm left feeling shaken in the take-out line.
*queso means cheese. cheese is inherent to the quesadilla. chicken is not.
Worth Repeating
Homage To A Government
Next year we are to bring the soldiers home
For lack of money, and it is all right.
Places they guarded, or kept orderly,
Must guard themselves, and keep themselves orderly.
We want the money for ourselves at home
Instead of working. And this is all right.
It's hard to say who wanted it to happen,
But now it's been decided nobody minds.
The places are a long way off, not here,
Which is all right, and from what we hear
The soldiers there only made trouble happen.
Next year we shall be easier in our minds.
Next year we shall be living in a country
That brought its soldiers home for lack of money.
The statues will be standing in the same
Tree-muffled squares, and look nearly the same.
Our children will not know it's a different country.
All we can hope to leave them now is money.
1969
Philip Larkin
Next year we are to bring the soldiers home
For lack of money, and it is all right.
Places they guarded, or kept orderly,
Must guard themselves, and keep themselves orderly.
We want the money for ourselves at home
Instead of working. And this is all right.
It's hard to say who wanted it to happen,
But now it's been decided nobody minds.
The places are a long way off, not here,
Which is all right, and from what we hear
The soldiers there only made trouble happen.
Next year we shall be easier in our minds.
Next year we shall be living in a country
That brought its soldiers home for lack of money.
The statues will be standing in the same
Tree-muffled squares, and look nearly the same.
Our children will not know it's a different country.
All we can hope to leave them now is money.
1969
Philip Larkin
Monday, September 03, 2007
Siren Song
August thunderstorms in Houston can get pretty intense, as I experienced last Friday at 3am. I'm not sure which woke me first: the lightning flash, the loud clap of thunder, or all the car alarms in my neighborhood going off at once. Regardless, they continued this apocalyptic trio for the next half hour or so, while I cowered under the blanket, too afraid to leave my bed.
The next morning, I share my fear that maybe Al Gore is onto something, maybe global warming is coming and it is taking no prisoners. There have always been storms, but these feel closer, less stable, louder.
So here's a tip for bad weather driving in your environmentally-conscious Prius, or whatever: when driving in hazardous conditions, when the rain is sheeting down and you can no longer see the car in front of you, put on your hazard lights. Soooo obvious, right? I would never have thought of this until it happened to me, and suddenly the car in front of me started flashing like a beacon. I did the same, and the car behind me, and suddenly we are a team, helping each other through the storm.
You and me and all those people we sort of wish would get off the road? We can be each other's beacons. Something tells me we're going to need it.
The next morning, I share my fear that maybe Al Gore is onto something, maybe global warming is coming and it is taking no prisoners. There have always been storms, but these feel closer, less stable, louder.
So here's a tip for bad weather driving in your environmentally-conscious Prius, or whatever: when driving in hazardous conditions, when the rain is sheeting down and you can no longer see the car in front of you, put on your hazard lights. Soooo obvious, right? I would never have thought of this until it happened to me, and suddenly the car in front of me started flashing like a beacon. I did the same, and the car behind me, and suddenly we are a team, helping each other through the storm.
You and me and all those people we sort of wish would get off the road? We can be each other's beacons. Something tells me we're going to need it.
Something Rotten in the State of Guadalajara
This is a public service announcement brought to you by the Fruitcake Brigade, because you deserve the very best in hot sauce.
A few weeks ago I went looking for more Valentina to replace my trusty bottle. The local Fiesta was completely out, as well as two other grocery stores. I use this stuff on just about everything: tacos, quesadillas, beans, chili, etc. It is just that good. Spicy and tasty without burning your mouth or detracting from the flavor of the dish. I especially like it added to some refried beans with avocado slices on top. It is pretty standard in most authentic Mexican taquerias, and I found it suspicious that all the stores would be completely out.
The taqueria guy confirmed my suspicions this weekend and said all sales are being discontinued in the US. Jason--my enchilada partner in crime--found some bottles on clearance at the Denton Sack n' Save and so we stocked up with enough to last through 2010: the expiration date.
Whether this turn of events denotes the demise of Valentina completely, or is just a bargaining tactic by Mexico in the on-going immigration policy talks (yo, we were just kidding about the wall), we humbly suggest that you buy some now before it's gone.
Also, I am not above exploiting the situation, and I will sell you a bottle for $20.
Wishing you all salsa buena, mis amigos. xxoo
A few weeks ago I went looking for more Valentina to replace my trusty bottle. The local Fiesta was completely out, as well as two other grocery stores. I use this stuff on just about everything: tacos, quesadillas, beans, chili, etc. It is just that good. Spicy and tasty without burning your mouth or detracting from the flavor of the dish. I especially like it added to some refried beans with avocado slices on top. It is pretty standard in most authentic Mexican taquerias, and I found it suspicious that all the stores would be completely out.
The taqueria guy confirmed my suspicions this weekend and said all sales are being discontinued in the US. Jason--my enchilada partner in crime--found some bottles on clearance at the Denton Sack n' Save and so we stocked up with enough to last through 2010: the expiration date.
Whether this turn of events denotes the demise of Valentina completely, or is just a bargaining tactic by Mexico in the on-going immigration policy talks (yo, we were just kidding about the wall), we humbly suggest that you buy some now before it's gone.
Also, I am not above exploiting the situation, and I will sell you a bottle for $20.
Wishing you all salsa buena, mis amigos. xxoo
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Antidisestablishmentarium
I read the crossword puzzle clue wrong this morning:
"Baby's first word, sometimes." 11 LETTERS.
That's one hella verbose baby.
"Baby's first word, sometimes." 11 LETTERS.
That's one hella verbose baby.
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