Category Archives: Education

Monday, August 27, 2018 – Me and Beto

Posted on August 27, 2018 | Leave a comment

Monday, August 27, 2018 – Me and Beto

Here is my picture collage from the Beto O’Rourke rally last Saturday at the VFW Hall in Navasota, Texas. The Texas Congressman from El Paso is challenging Ted Cruz for the Senate seat.

I love taking pictures of history happening. All photos by me.

Regardless of your political viewpoints, it was refreshing to hear an articulate, issue-focused, non-blaming individual speak and LISTEN to the issues facing Texas and the nation.

I was impressed by many things, including his charisma, his energy and even his worn brown desert boots. He is very unpretentious. However, I was most impressed when Beto took a long question in Spanish from an audience member. He then responded with an equally long answer in flawless Spanish. He then translated the question and his response in English. And if that ain’t enough, the man played guitar on stage with Willie Nelson at Nelson Fourth of July picnic.

Happy Monday. Here is a shout out to a faithful reader who had a scary happening this weekend. Thankfully all is well. However, Alabama Staple Head could be your new nickname.

Next week will be the first of My Monday After College Football Awards.

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Posted in Education, Native Texan, Politics

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Friday, August 24, 2018 – The Snark Officially Arrives

Posted on August 24, 2018 | 1 comment

Friday, August 24, 2018 – The Snark Officially Arrives

How many schools were mentioned in yesterday’s HWIT? While you are thinking, I shall Snark Onward through the Fog.

But let’s back up. Santino Marchiol – a redshirt freshman who transferred to Arizona in June claims Texas A&M mishandled his ankle injury, provided money for recruits on unofficial visits and ran summer workouts that exceeded the maximum time allowed. The NCAA is investigating.

Marchiol played his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. It is a private boarding school for athletes to improve their abilities in various sports such as tennis, soccer, golf and lacrosse. It fielded its first American football (as opposed to soccer) team in 2013. Standard tuition for one year of boarding at IMG Academy is $68,500 plus a team sport competition and training gear fee that ranges from $3,750-$4,250 depending on the sport. A single semester costs $39,400.

Here’s what I’m thinking.

Dear Transfer Student Marchiol – AKA Whimp, Wuss and Lady Body part! Quit being an elitist whiney crybaby.

Just so you can transfer and play immediately without sitting out a year, you selfishly decided to try to throw your previous team under the bus. You took the money so that makes you complicit in your allegations.

Your claims include too long for practice sessions and films sessions exceeding the eight hours allowed a week by the NCAA. Did you have a stopwatch and were keeping time?

I do hope your transfer to Arizona is a better fit for you. I am glad you recognized that you are not tough enough to play for the Aggies or any school in the SEC. I really don’t think you could succeed at any school in the Big 12, ACC or a 6A high school team in Texas, Alabama or Georgia.

The Aggies have experienced teams under Kevin Sumlin. Even old ladies like me could have played linebacker better than some of Sumlin’s defenses. Good luck, especially in the fourth quarter. You may think it is hot in Florida or Texas, but you ain’t seen nothing like the heat of Arizona.

It seems to me that it is you versus the entire Aggie Nation. We shall see what you bring. However, those do not seem like good odds to me. Anyway, I hope you like Drake played during practices.

Sincerely,

The Snark

This weekend marks the first anniversary of Hurricane Harvey.

PS – Ten schools were mentioned. Texas A&M, Mississippi State, LSU, Arkansas, South Carolina, Florida, THE University of Texas, Baylor and Oklahoma State.

 

 

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Posted in Alabama, Coach Kevin Sumlin, College Football, college football, Education, humor, LSU, Native Texan, Texas Aggies

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Wednesday, August 22, 2018 To: The Person or Persons that wrote on the statue.

Posted on August 22, 2018 | Leave a comment

To: The Person or Persons that wrote on the statue.

From: Me, Texas A&M, Class of 85

Re: Here’s What I’m Thinking about it

Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2018

  • How dare you vandals desecrate ANY statue, building or structure by writing or painting graffiti?
  • How dare you write racist graffiti on the statue of Sul Ross on the Texas A&M campus?

    Lay those pennies and Lawrence Sullivan”s feet for strength and good luck.

  • If the person(s) who did this are indeed Current Students, you should leave now. There is a reason the Aggies say “Highway 6 runs both ways.” Just saying, but I would leave before the Corps of Cadets gets your names. As the saying goes they will be “kicking ass and taking names.”
  • The person(s) are obviously under-educated and overly brainless. Had you gone to orientation, you would know the history of Sul Ross and Texas A&M University. The Sully statue is the oldest on campus and has been a fixture in front of Texas A&M’s Academic Building since its 1918. It stands for Sul Ross’ contribution to higher education, not for his Confederate military service.
  • Last year when Texas A&M President Michael K. Young said the statue would remain on campus, he also said, “Lawrence Sullivan ‘Sul’ Ross is honored on our campus as a former president of the school. Without Sul Ross, neither Texas A&M University nor Prairie View A&M University would likely exist today. He saved our school and Prairie View through his consistent advocacy in the face of those who persistently wanted to close us down.”
  • Disrespect and stupidity runs rampant among the classless.

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Posted in Education, Native Texan, Texas Aggies

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Friday, August 17, 2018 – Snarky Friday

Posted on August 17, 2018 | Leave a comment

Friday, August 17, 2018 – Snarky Friday

Come along and be my party school; Come along and be my party school; come along and be my party school and I’ll flunk out with you.

Twelve thousand (12,000) Aggies move in this weekend. That is the estimated amount moving in to live on campus. This does not include off campus residents. Classes begin on August 27. I do not know why the first day of classes is not August 30. Might as well add to the total transportation and confusion on campus with Reveille VIII’s internment, freshman ticket pull, the SEC trucks setting up, tailgating and the season opener for the football team.

Snarking onward through the fog…

See where your alma mater or your school of support lays on this grid of Academics and Partying. I am confident the research done by Barstool Sports is accurate, reliable, and valid. I can speak from experience that research conducted in bars becomes louder and less reliable as the tequila shots become more abundant.

https://www.barstoolsports.com/barstoolu/an-advanced-analytical-look-at-the-academics-partying-college-chart-going-viral/

 

Here are my interpretations. I see most of the SEC conference in the Most Party/Least Academic quadrant, including Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Of course the Texas Aggies are Most Party/High Academic. Remember that an often forgotten attribute of why the SEC wanted the Aggies was – to raise the GPA of the SEC. Georgia in the same quadrant as the Aggies? Really? You host the Largest Cocktail Party when you play Florida!

From the Big 12 I see Texas Tech as Most Party/Least Academic. Of course if I had to live in Lubbock I would have to party 24/7. I see Baylor as Most Academic/Least Party. The surveyors obviously did not interview members of my family regarding the party aspect. Oklahoma State appears to be Most Party and Low academics. Again, if I had to live in Stillwater, I would do the same as if I lived in Lubbock. THE University of Texas at Austin in the High Party/High Academic. TU, just because you are in the same quadrant as Stanford, you cannot compete with them academically. Smart people versus super smart people.

I see BYU as the Least Party/Most Academic. Those Mormons don’t even drink Dr. Peppers! The Most Party/Least Academic “honor” goes to The University of West Virginia – Moonshine University where they burn sofas and couches when the football team wins.

I hope you can find you school of support. It appears many lie bunched around or on the axis.

It is indeed time for colleges and universities to move in and start to party. As the adage says “College is a fountain of knowledge where kids go to drink.” But don’t drink and drive.

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Posted in Alabama, Coach Nick Saban, College Football, college football, Education, humor, LSU, Misc., Native Texan, Texas Aggies

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 – Back to School Daze

Posted on August 15, 2018 | Leave a comment

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 – Back to School Daze

We’re all in our places with bright shiny faces.

Many schools start today. Here’s to the dedicated men and women who run the educational institutions for our children. Yes, they are all OUR children.

Who is going to perform your open heart surgery? The kid you had in kindergarten who did not speak English on the first day of school. Who do you think is going to care for you in the nursing home? That kid from your third period class – fourth row; second seat.

Speaking of dazed and confused. The Texas Education Agency released the A-F Accountability rankings for school districts across the state using a new grading system. Way to get districts off to a positive start to school, Bureaucrats.

The system ranks schools on three broad categories: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps. This is based on the STAAR tests. That’s right – your entire future is dependent upon one’s ability to take a test and perform within the parameters set by number nerd jocks.

Now let’s see what types of in service topics were offered to teachers at various schools this year:

  • Clear backpacks required
  • Bullet proof backpack optional
  • Deep tissue wound first aid techniques
  • No headphones in the hallways in order to hear
  • No flip flops or sandals for shoes (can’t run or could step on shattered glass)
  • Child trafficking issues
  • Domestic abuse issues
  • Likelihood of your campuses targeted
  • Recognizing armed individuals on campus
  • Where to hide
  • How to barricade to protect your class

Here’s what I’m thinking. I’m a principal, teacher or student and am supposed to worry about the issues listed above AND pass a test in order to be successful? AND do all of this when NO MORE money?

As we used to say in the state government … “Carry on regardless.”

 

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Posted in Education, Native Texan

Tuesday, August 14, 2019 – The Family Hoods and Vikings

Posted on August 14, 2018 | Leave a comment

Tuesday, August 14, 2019 – The Family Hoods and Vikings

Congratulations to my gnephew, Brandon for receiving his Masters in Taxation degree and being hooded at Baylor University.Here is a picture of two of the four family hoods. We will see if we can obtain a photo of the other two family hoods – the MSW and the J.D. Nine degrees of book learning among the four of us and we can barely recognize a hammer, let alone use one.

After the graduation and hooding ceremony some of the family members went to The Waco Hilton to toast Brandon with a glass of champagne. I am so glad I went because Girlfriends, I found us some dates. That’s right I got one for me and there are some for you, in fact probably a tribe of them, right from a bar in Waco, Texas. I believe these men were from the First Barbarian Church of the Visigoths out on a Saturday doing the church visitations before the evening raids.

The man in the droopy jeans, T-shirt and blue piss pot (Aggie term) on his head holding a long pole is Captain America. Not exactly how I envisioned Captain America, but then again, I never envisioned America this way either.

Next girl trip to Waco we shall meet at the Waco Hilton. Sign up now before the Viking ship sails the up the Brazos.

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Posted in Education, humor, Native Texan

Monday, August 13, 2018 – The Fans Appreciated –

Posted on August 13, 2018 | Leave a comment

 

Monday, August 13, 2018 – The Fans Appreciated

Yesterday was Fan Appreciation Day at Texas A&M. Here are a few of my favorite pictures. There will be more in the days to come.

Aside from it appearing I have to go the bathroom, it’s a good picture of me and the Aggie Yell Leaders.

Coach Jimbo Fisher signing my copy of Texas Football magazine.

Getting running back Trayvon Williams autograph

Quarterback Nick Starkel

Number 11 – Quarterback Kellen Mond

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Posted in College Football, Education, humor, Jimbo Fisher, Native Texan

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Progress Report on the Proposed Re-creation of Neil Sedaka’s Calendar Girls Video

Posted on August 8, 2018 | Leave a comment

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 – Progress Report on the Proposed Re-creation of Neil Sedaka’s Calendar Girls Video

The Calendar Girls dance card is filling up quite nicely. Until we start official practices continue to sew and hot glue gun your costume and continue to work on your dance moves in the privacy of your home.

January, March, May and October are still available. And we still need a piano player. You know you want to see it again – like a wreck on the highway.

Unfortunately, January is now open. CS fell out of the choir box and her dancing shoes need to be put away for a while. We do hope for a speedy recovery. You must still participate by bringing your great sense of style, fashion ideas and of course your wonderful singing voice because I know some of us have experience in band take overs.

Joan A said she would love to be February but insists on wearing “winter clothes and a big heart.” February in Texas could mean any attire. Attire in Austin could mean anything.

March is still available. Gayla? I think you might have had a pants suit like March wears. If Gayla doesn’t respond, Karen K, March is yours.

April – Ms. Navasota is diligently sewing her Playboy Bunny outfit. I am ready to help if her sewing machine breaks.

May – I can’t believe the month of May is still available. Doesn’t anyone want to look like Joann Woodward in Three Faces of Eve wearing a 1950’s frock made from Butternick Pattern # 4589? The black and white stripe fabric design is a must. I missed the giant white bow on her dress in the video.

June –Congratulations Suzi. The month of June is yours since Knotts is still scared of you. K. Knotts did volunteer her talents from her drill team experience – The LongAgo LongViewettes to help us get a leg up. (Groan here). She’ll help us get our pictures in the Longview Society Edition.

July – Thank you Lea for being July. We trust you know how to handle sparklers. And remember as The Voice of Experience says – Don’t dance naked in the back yard with sparklers while drunk on New Year’s Eve.

August – I get to be August for the following reasons:

  • I can still point so there less downward gravitational pull (thank you trainers KQ and KB and 20 pound barbells);
  • Thankfully, both pointers are still intact; and last, but not least;
  • I have more experience wearing martyr boards with tassels and can do the tassel toss automatically.

September – Karen S gets September. You will look good in yellow. I hope there are not too many candles. Lea will be sparkling with fireworks so we must be careful. You do realize you have to dance on the piano, do a high kick and have the piano player look up your skirt?

October – “like Romeo and Juliet on Halloween” but in a really bad outfit. Who wants to be the Italian opera clown?

November – Martha, My Dear. You missed your chance. Kay took November. She gets to wear the 1920’s men’s bathing suit pattern.

December – BJ, December is still yours and you are correct. Neil seems to be a bit calendar challenged too. The winter months do seem to have more bikini outfits. With the exception of the Halloween clown, all of the “dancers” seem to show a lot of skin – especially for 1966.

Please know that CS was in only if she could wear the colors of the BCS National Championship. Since she is on the injured reserve and requested the BCS School’s colors, you can have January. CS would not look good in Crimson Tide colors and would never consider wearing any colors save purple and gold.

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Posted in Alabama, College Football, Education, humor, LSU, Native Texan

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Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – Retirement Rules for Hygiene

Posted on August 7, 2018 | 3 comments

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – Retirement Rules for Hygiene

I know that many of you are retired or approaching retirement. That means you getting into the “old as dirt” phase of your life. Since I am experienced in retirement, as a public service I would like to offer some rules for retirement hygiene.

Retirement Rules for Hygiene

  • If you are unable to remember the last time you took a bath or shower, you probably need one. The smell you are sensing is probably you.
  • Brush your teeth at least once a day especially if you cannot recall the last time you brushed. This is especially true if you have teeth.
  • Change your tooth brush often. You do not know how many times the cat chewed on it.
  • During the summer months – even if you sleep in gym shorts and a T-shirt, it is not appropriate to wear them to the grocery store the next day.
  • During the cooler months – even if you sleep in sweat pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt, it is still not appropriate to wear the ensemble to the grocery store the next day. Just because the rest of the shoppers are in their pajamas does not mean you should be in yours.
  • Never wear the same T-shirt more than three days. Two days if you slept in it. This includes short and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Do not wear the same pair of socks for more than three days.
  • Change your underwear at least every other day.
  • Be prepared to change your underwear daily or hourly as needed.
  • Ladies, remember to shave your legs even though there is no reason whatsoever to do so.

I hope you find the rules helpful. Just remember “old as dirt” does not mean you have to smell like dirt.

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Posted in Education, humor, Native Texan

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Monday, August 6, 2018 – Football, Calendars and Wayne Newton Look Alike

Posted on August 6, 2018 | 5 comments

Monday, August 6, 2018 – Football, Calendars and Wayne Newton Look Alike

Go Johnny! No Johnny! Johnny No Be Good! What a stinky debut for Johnny Manziel. You did set a record for the Canadian Football League however. I doubt four interceptions in one half was what you were looking for. But there are more games on the calendar.

I am not very good with calendars. I tend to look at the wrong month or even the wrong year. Those of you who recall my daze of working for the great state of Texas remember the times I had you check all my work for correct dates. If you had read a post from last week you would have corrected the August 26 date to August 30 for the first Aggie football game. I suppose that is just how anxious we are for football.

Back to calendars. I Googled “Songs about calendars” and Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka showed up. This is from 1966. I am pretty sure it is the reason I am calendar challenged.

Before you watch the video, Here’s What I’m thinking about it. Starting with the pre-psychedelic calendar background, it makes me laugh each time I view it. Is it just me or do all the girls look like hookers? Especially August and December. Neil Sedaka looks like Wayne Newton. Maybe they are one and the same.

And the dancing? One would think that out of thirteen people at least one of them could dance to the beat. Heck, I thought I was a bad dancer.

I think I should get eleven girlfriends and we recreate the video. I get to be August because you know going to the beach in an animal print bikini suit with gold chains at the breasts is just my style. That would leave BJ for December (her birthday) Joan A – you get February, Ms. Navasota gets April. You will look great dressed like a Playboy bunny. Roomie, you can have November since it is your birthday. That leaves the remaining months for Jenny Lee, Nina, JP, Jann P, Beckie S, Kathy K, Kay W, Suzi S., Gayla, Killer Queen, KA and KB, Kay D W, JB, T, Natalie and anyone else that wants to participate.

All we would need is some feathers, a few sequins, some sparklers, some thrift store dresses and several bottles of tequila. We could do it in with one rehearsal- just like they did in the video.

Enjoy! From 1966 Neil Sedaka and Calendar Girl.

 

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Posted in college football, Education, humor, Misc., Texas Aggies

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