Category Archives: Education

Please excuse me for being tardy in my response to your tie breaking Senate confirmation vote naming you as Secretary of Education. I was nauseated and unable to respond.

My concerns over your appointment range from grizzly bears in Wyoming to “wanting to spread God’s kingdom in public schools.” Whose God are we talking about here?

Spreading God’s kingdom is for the socially defined institutions known as FAMILY and RELIGOUS. It is the responsibility of those institutions to deliver spiritual education. It does not work like AmWay.

There is a separate, different and unique social institution that deals exclusively with EDUCATION. That is why it is called the Educational Institution.

Individuals who attended an educational institution somehow feel this qualifies them to run, administer, create and impose their belief structure and value system on schools – including colleges and universities. Why is this?

I do wish you well because now seems to be the perfect time because my friend, Dr. Policy Wonk and myself, Dr. Educational Planning and Research would like to open our own charter school. We have named it after you – The Betsy DeVos Charter School, Car Wash, Beauty Salon and Bait Store.

One last note to try to help. You do know public school teachers purchase their own supplies and materials? Here is a sharp # 2 pencil. Don’t make me tell you where I think you should put it.

Sincerely,

DrDrD

Proud Graduate of a Public School; Proud graduate of three state funded universities and proud teacher in public schools.

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Posted in Education, humor, Misc., Native Texan, Politics

Tagged Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 – Sausage and Legislation

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Tuesday, January 31, 2017 – Sausage and Legislation

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire. And sausage and legislation! Now you know why government employees used to say “you do not want to know or see how sausage or legislation is made.” It is not pretty. The history bus is moving rapidly. I am not sure of the direction or who is driving, but I am tightening my seat belt and hoping the wheels do not come off.

Here’s what I’m thinking today. As the slavery and religious issues between Mexico and the United States became heated, Santa Anna’s troops marched toward San Antonio the first of February in 1836 creating fear and anxiety at the mission called The Alamo. This was an effort to stop and ban the emigration and immigration from The United States and entering the Mexican territory known as Texas… Sorry, that is Texas Independence Day topic from the rebellion/revolutionary/remember folder.

Back to today. While the United States’ Constitutional crisis continues, let us turn our attention to Texas. Texas Muslim Capitol Day starts at 10:30 a.m. on the south steps. During the afternoon the group will meet with lawmakers. http://kxan.com/2017/01/31/crowds-expected-at-texas-muslim-capitol-day/

Photo by me. Protesting something on the south steps of the state capitol. It is what one does when you live in Austin!

From the fake news desk of Texas Representative Molly White. “All Muslims are invited to my office where they can experience first-hand bigotry, hatred and ‘low life sons of bitches.’ And that is just to the news reporters! The first brave Muslims to enter will receive matched sets of white sheets from a flea market in Deeeeep East Texas suitable for marches, protests and other gatherings where banjo music fills the pines.

We, the People, are living history. It is called democracy in action. You get to see it and participate in it in real time. “You Say You Want a Revolution?” (The Beatles) How do you like it during the first ten days?

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Posted in Education, humor, Native Texan, Politics

Tagged Molly White, satire, Texas Muslim day at capitol

Monday January 30, 2017 – Just a Little Off the Top or That Was The Weekend That Was – TWTW!

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Monday January 30, 2017 – Just a Little Off the Top or That Was The Weekend That Was – TWTW!

For the history geeks of the world…

Good Morning Class. I am Dr. Dimwitted and I will be your substitute history teacher for the day.

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Your teacher, Mrs. Mus Slim, born in Dallas, was trapped in flight returning from seeing her family in Turkey and is stranded in New York.

Here are your four options for learning today. Select one that best fits your learning style. Please ensure your devise is connected.

Option One: React to the following sentence appearing on your screen now: Those who forgot the history of civilizations are doomed to repeat it. You may opt to write a blistering essay; create a 30 second Public Service Announcement before the Freedom of the Press goes away and the media goes dark or you may sit quietly fiddling your thumbs or playing your violin while Rome burns.

Option Two: Raise your hand and I will download one of the following movies to your device. After seeing the movie, write a brief review by giving 1 star for poor, obviously an product of Hateful Hollywood to 5 stars for could not stop laughing.

A Day Without Mexicans – One day, California wakes up and every single Latino has inexplicably disappeared. No business owner, doctor, nurse, soldier, teacher, entertainer, athlete or politician can be found. No bus driver, farm worker, cook, gardener or nanny. All gone. California — the ninth largest economy in the world — grinds to a halt because Latinos have vanished. http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/02/opinion/garcia-illegal-immigrants/

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Yes, you have a question? What is your name again? No, Mohammed, Dr. Strangelove is not about the Chief of Power Steve Bunion pushing the Truth Director, Sean Slicer to say “aggravate the protestors so we can send in the National Guard.”

If you would like to research how successful that strategy worked in previous years, may I call your attention to Kent State, Cal (formerly known as Berkley) or any other college campus during the 1960’s? You might also check how the attack dogs and fire hoses worked against people of color during the same period.

The story concerns an unhinged United States Air Force general who orders a first strike nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. It follows the President of the United States, his advisers, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a Royal Air Force (RAF) officer as they try to recall the bombers to prevent a nuclear apocalypse. It separately follows the crew of one B-52 bomber as they try to deliver their payload.

Option Three: Do an ancestor search on Kellyanne Conway to ensure she is only channeling in Josef Goebbels and is not actually related to him.

Option Four: Read or reread George Orwell’s novel, 1984. Mark the first page and the first words when you get scared about that was the weekend that was.

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/01/a-clarifying-moment-in-american-history/514868/

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Posted in Education, Politics

Tagged 1984, A Day Without Mexicans, Donald Trump, Dr. Strangelove, George Orwell, Immigration, Josef Goebbels, Kellyanne Conway, satire

Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – La La Land

Posted on January 24, 2017 | 1 comment

Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – La La Land

I guess I will use my senior discount and go see what this La La Land movie is all about. What was the last musical to win the Academy Award for Best Picture? Bonus question: What year?

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Let’s take a back stage look at the ten musicals to win Best Picture. And of course here’s what I’m thinking each one.

The Broadway Melody – 1929. Not to be confused with The Wall Street Melody of Doom.
The Great Ziegfeld – 1936. Wow! Same year as Nazi Olympics
Going My Way – 1944. A Bing Sing!
American in Paris – 1951. Come on! It’s G. Gershwin songs with, Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron singing and dancing and directed by Vincent Minnelli– ‘S Wonderful. ‘S Marvelous.
Gigi – 1958. Thank Heaven for Little Girls! More French singing and dancing and lots of champagne.
West Side Story – 1961- Puerto Ricans singing “All things are free in America!”
My Fair Lady – 1964. Illiterate flower street vendor is made over by a narscisstic misogynist and accepted into London high society. Great songs.
The Sound of Music – 1965- more Nazis, but great music.
Oliver – 1968 – British movie about street urchins, pick pockets, poverty, hunger, an abused woman beaten to death. Delightful songs.

And the last musical to win the Oscar for Best Picture

Chicago – 2002. “He had it coming; he had it coming; he only had himself to blame…”

Maybe La La Land will take the golden statue this year for Best Picture. What? It is not about the Trump Administration? Sorry, that was an alternate fact.

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Posted in Education, humor, Misc., Politics

Friday, January 20, 2017 – Darkness. Hic Sunt Dracones

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Friday, January 20, 2017 – Darkness. Hic Sunt Dracones

There will be no blog today because as they say in Latin – hic sunt dracones – beyond here are dragons.

Dragons (800x530)

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Posted in Education, humor, Native Texan, Politics

Thursday, January 19, 2017 – Get a Cause Because. Happy Birthday, Dolly Parton!

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Thursday, January 19, 2017 – Get a Cause Because. Happy Birthday, Dolly Parton!

Here’s what I’m thinking today. You should get a cause and support it in the best ways you can. Two of my causes are We Back Pat and Still Magnolias.

Thank you Algers, for being in Tennessee the day it after Coach Summitt’s announcement and buying me this shirt.

We Back Pat honors the legendary Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt. This week SEC women’s basketball teams honor Coach Summitt with all teams wearing We Back Pat shirts. This week also announces the opening of the Pat Summitt Foundation. Please join me in this cause to find treatment and more importantly a cure for Alzheimers. http://patsummitt.org/

If you can’t find a cause you like, then start one you do like. Let’s hear for the Still Magnolias!!! It all starts with an idea. The Still Magnolias started with “wouldn’t it be nice if we could do something for our high school and 50th year of graduation?”

Because of your faith in us and your generosity and with the help of the Magnolia Independent School District and the Magnolia Education Foundation, The Still Magnolias were able to award two academic scholarships to Magnolia High School graduating seniors AND to start a program at MHS to provide assistance to current students. We named the program The Molly Memorial although the name could have been any classmate. This year we want to do more to help make the world a better place for those MHS students who now walk the hallways with the same Bulldog tenacity and spirit we once did. It is a chance to honor and/or remember someone who made a difference in your life in Magnolia, Texas by influencing others.

There are many ways you can get involved. When scholarship applications arrive this spring, we will need reviewers. Last year Still Magnolias were the only group who also awarded T-shirts to the kids’ chosen college. They loved it! We are always looking for ideas, directions, thoughts and most of all prayers.

Of course the bottom line always comes down to money. If you have a few spare dollars or that change in the jar, please consider donating to The Molly Memorial. Message me for submission and tax deductible forms.

Ann Richards Inauguration – Frank Erwin Center – Austin, Texas – date: long ago when Texas was Blue. Photo by me.

Happy Birthday Dolly Parton! Them girls from Tennessee are tough ain’t they?

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Posted in college basketball, Education, humor, Misc., Native Texan, Still Magnolias, Uncategorized

Tagged Dolly Parton, Magnolia, Magnolia High School, Pat Summitt, Pat Summitt Foundation, Still Magnolias, Texas

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 – The Breakfast Club and J. L. McCullough High School -1976-1980

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Wednesday, January 18, 2017 – The Breakfast Club and J. L. McCullough High School -1976-1980

Let’s get in the Way Back Machine and get our plaid on and go back to the REALLY bright and colorful halls of J. L. McCullough High School during the 1970’s. Stay calm, there will not be photographs.

I usually do not like movies about public schools because they tend to be unrealistic. Of course with Bad Teacher being an exception. I love the movie The Breakfast Club directed by the great John Hughes. It reminds me of every student who attended McC. It also reminds me of the first time I saw the movie with so many McC teachers who screamed “Karl” when the AP appears in his leisure suit – except it was not lime green.

Actually the movie reminds me of every student then and now and how many are forgotten for so many reasons.

Dear Mr. Vernon, We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it is we did wrong, but we think you’re crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out, is that each one of us is a

brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club

Bonus Question: Who sang Don’t You Forget About Me?

Answer: Simple Minds.

Speaking of simple minds, I wonder if the proposed Secretary of Education has ever seen The Breakfast Club?

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Posted in Education, Misc., Politics, Still Magnolias

Tagged Education, Sescretary of Education, The Breakfast Club

Tuesday, January 17, 2017 – Still Magnolias are Gathering for Fun, Food and Fellowship

Posted on January 18, 2017 | Leave a comment

Tuesday, January 17, 2017 – Still Magnolias are Gathering for Fun, Food and Fellowship

“I am so excited; I just can’t hide it; I’m about to lose control and I think I like it” I’m so excited I might be a Pointer Sister. There are so many Magnolia High School graduates planning to attend an upcoming function. If you haven’t heard about it, here is a big Bulldog reminder – Pretend you hear Mr. Lyon over the speaker system:

Still Magnolias, graduates from any year from Magnolia High School, are gathering for a fun lunch at The Farmhouse Café in Huntsville, Texas (by The Walls) on Thursday, January 26 at 11:30.

Please give an RSVP so Pat H. can get a head count. This will also ensure there is plenty of the special of the day – roast beef and potatoes and that there is plenty of lemon pie.

Also, spread the word; let others know. If you are unable to make this lunch, we will catch you next time. These get togethers are good for the soul. They are like a giant high school reunion on a band trip. We hope you can attend. Pat, Dyan, Linda, Karen, and Dianne J. will twirl fire batons after the lunch in the parking lot.

One more announcement, Delia, your purse is hanging outside Mr. Wax’s room. Please get it before you go home.

The Class of 1967 in 2004 (?) Look at my angelic pose – What the hell was that all about?

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Posted in Education, humor, Native Texan, Still Magnolias

Thursday, January 12, 2017 – Good Golly, Miss Molly! Still Magnolias. Help Make the World a Better Place.

Posted on January 12, 2017 | 1 comment

Thursday, January 12, 2017 – Good Golly, Miss Molly! Still Magnolias. Help Make the World a Better Place.

Happy Birthday to Molly Elane Harper Fowler! Remember how excited you and I used to be when it was our birthdays?

Look at those cute hair do’s on me and Molly. Thank you Barber Clark at the sawmill.

We should have had a huge January birthday party to celebrate all of the January birthdays. There are/were so many of us in high school with birthdays just on these two days in January. Expand to the first two weeks of January and it adds to more birthdays than attendees. There must have been something in the water nine months earlier. me molly - Copy (698x699)

The last memory of my birthday school party celebrations was with the Magnolia High School Class of 1967. It was Friday, January 13, 1967. Family had already moved to Conroe. All I recall is opening the front door at 6:30 in the evening to find almost my entire class on the front steps with Sonny Calvert grinning and saying “Surprise!” My next thought was “I have on my pajamas in front of my entire class.”

Such good times. Such good memories. We graduated from Magnolia High School (MHS) in Magnolia, Texas in a time that will never come again. To quote one of the many MHS military Veterans and Heroes, TH, “We were the last of the small classes at Magnolia High School.”

The graduating classes of Magnolia High School in the decades of the 1950’s and 1960’s are unique, not only in their class sizes, but the closeness. There are reasons we remember each other’s birthdays, middle names, each other’s siblings names, spouses’ names (all of them in some cases) – it was like a family reunion every day of school.

The world changed around us quite drastically during those years. But we also changed the world. We are The Still Magnolias and we are setting out again on Molly’s birthday to once again change the world and help make it a better place! So step off on your left foot and join the band. Thank you Mr. Jeter and Mr. Ayers and the band directors before you.

Every MHS class had a “Molly.” He or she was the classmate we forgot about. This is the one you kept saying, “I need to call …” but you do not until, well, you know.

If you graduated from Magnolia High School (in any year) you are officially a Still Magnolia. This is an opportunity to remember and honor those who made a difference as we grew up. These are the people who influenced us and ensured we stayed on course to achieve our dreams. These are the people we need to remember and honor now. We can do this by paying it forward to influence a young person’s life today and keep them on course and their dreams alive.

The Still Magnolias created a project named The Molly Memorial and Scholarship Fund. The long-term goal is to create a foundation within the Magnolia Education Foundation to meet the needs of current high school students and award scholarships to graduating seniors. However, it was your generosity that allowed short-term goals to be achieved immediately.

Last spring the Still Magnolias awarded two academic scholarships to graduating seniors of Magnolia High School – both first generation to attend college. This year we would like to do more – increase the amount and/or number of academic scholarships and award funds for the graduate with plans to attend a technical/vocational school.

So who are the Still Magnolias and how many are there? Of course The Queen of the Still Magnolias is Ms. Celeste Graves and then everybody that Celeste knows. You do the math.

There are so many ways you can help grow this project for Magnolia High School (Notice: Not Magnolia ISD). Of course financial contributions allow more plans to go into place sooner, but there are other ways you can help and make the world a better place. We need your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, comments and of course prayers.

The two academic scholarships for 2017 are to honor Celeste Graves and in Memory of Howard Davenport. How many MHS graduates did these two influence during those changing decades? Who else influenced you?

If you read this far, you might think of those teachers who taught you to do so. Or how about joining some Still Magnolias on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at The Farmhouse Café in Huntsville, Texas? Her Royal Highness, Queen Celeste of the Still Magnolias will there. There will be cake.