Category Archives: Native Texan

April 1, 2016 – My New Part-Time Position

April 1, 2016 – My New Part-Time Position

Here’s What I’m Thinking.

Buddy Glasses

I have been thinking getting a part-time job. I noticed a need in school districts across Texas during the Spring Assessment Periods which began this week called STAAR. This is how springs are now spent in the public education system in Texas. Poor children expressing high levels of anxiety in fear of having to take, then possibility retake the assessment exam as a result of so much Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, I cannot even begin to describe.

Apparently school districts are going to have to keep tract of when, and for how long a student is gone while he or she goes to the bathroom during STAAR testing or as I like to call it – Academic Lockdown. This critically important data point in data analysis is part of the never ending stream of data the TEA is required to collect by the Village Idiots under the Dome as part of the “Let’s make them count the minutes in a school day.” And you thought the end of cursive writing was the downfall of public education.

I updated my resume to include more recent work experience to display my experience in bathrooms and urine. I believe this to make me uniquely qualified for such a position – which by the way – my position is sitting, which I understand is not allowed during test monitoring.

Experience

  • I go to the bathroom. Frequently. Usually when I want to, but on occasion, when I am not ready.
  • TT Toter – worked as temp in an urologist office in Austin, Texas during my unfortunate unemployment that was Perrily induced when $270 million annually generated revenue was taken from school districts, public libraries and institutions of higher education.
    • Responsibilities included: I actually filed files and faxed prescription renewals for Viagra to pharmacies, but there were times I did tote the TT. The TT doesn’t just flow to the lab on its own. Somebody has to walk it down there.
  • Dr. Bathroom Nazi in large urban school district in Central Texas.
    • Responsibilities included, but not limited to: driving to four campuses at 15 minute intervals to relieve the person guarding the bathroom so he or she could go potty. (Please note: I have a PhD and was being paid an exorbitant salary to do this on your dime, Mr. Taxpayer. Given the number of assessments, this was a responsibility for about 20 days each spring.
  • Actually worked for an unnamed assessment company scoring (we do not grade) a bazillion Fifth Graders responses to a single question, making $11.50/hr – also resultant of my unfortunate Perrily induced unemployment.

Non negotiables

  • Must make a very high and impressive salary to waste my time and your tax dollars.
  • Must have an Impressive Title – Examples:
    • Chief of Urine and Ur Not In
    • Number One in Charge of TT
    • Chief Executive Officer of Urine Patrol
    • You’re in Control Patrol
    • The Executive Director of Urinalysis Analysis Data Collector or
    • Something like that that has a certain stream or flow about it.

April Fool! I am not going to back to work.

Too bad the timed urine breaks during assessment and data collection are not part of an April Fool’s joke. One would think it would be, given all of the fools that created this legislatively and politically contrived mess call K-12 public education.

Ship wreck 2 (800x537)

Don’t forget – the only money maker in education is assessment!

Remember: Keep your voter registration card current; vote early and vote often; and God Bless Texas and teachers and school children of the state.

 

 

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 – And Then There Were Four – As in Four for UConn

Tuesday, March 29, 2016 – And Then There Were Four – As in Four for UConn

And then there were four teams from the Women’s basketball NCAA Division I. And Then There were four teams on the Men’s basketball NCAA division I. Then there were none – None of the teams of either gender that I care about.

Headed to Women’s Final Four in Indianapolis, Indiana for the UConn Invitational will Geno and the Giants, the Beavers of Oregon State, the Huskies of Washington (Dub is actually an Alaskan Malamute) and the Orange Fluff Ball from Syracuse. Otto the Orange

Should have used last year’s bracket.W Bracket

Headed to the men’s Final Four in Houston are Oklahoma, University of North Carolina, Villanova and the Orange Fluff Ball from Syracuse. FYI  – The Orange Fluff Ball is named – Otto the Orange.

Headed to assist the Baylor softball and baseball teams to assist the pitching coaches will Kim Mulkey. For the sports challenged – in an act of frustration during last evenings Baylor/Oregon State game, Baylor women’s coach Kim Mulkey threw her most beautiful and very expensive gold jacket a good thirty yards in an act of frustration. Next year, Coach Mulkey, since you know going to receive a Technical foul anyway, throw your jacket at the referees. (NCAA Rule Violation Section IX, Paragraph 6, Part B, Sentence one – Jacket Throwing). Apparently the only three people in the arena and across ESPN who did not see the Oregon State player hold on to the Baylor player for good 1.4 seconds were the three referees standing within three feet.

How many days until football season kicks off?Panoramic view (800x284)

March 24, 2016 – Holy Week and I Think Jesus Would Have Played Sports

 

March 24, 2016 – Holy Week and I Think Jesus Would Have Played Sports

I think Jesus probably would have played sports. Of course the only sport of the day was having the Christians eaten by lions and other forms of torture and He was not into that until the end. Thank God. He did seem to enjoy fishing.

I think He would have played soccer, baseball and golf and all other sports. Why those three? Not only are those thinking sports, they are sports known for their diplomacy and etiquette and breaking social and political norms and rules across all geopolitical barriers.

He was good at basketball too – of course He could play all five positions, but is best at point guard. He already had a team – The Disciples.

Of course He would have played football. In Texas football is a religion. I think He would be #1 high school QB, then #1 college QB, and then first round draft choice, and then #1 in the NFL.

But back to Holy Week. For all of us whose religious beliefs go back to The Kneeling Faiths, it is Maundy Thursday. Thus begins The Easter Vigils when Christians celebrate The Last Supper, the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

So tonight begins my Easter Vigil. Of course there will be wine and candles and prayers offered. My Easter Vigil begins at 6:37 CST and not one minute SOONER!

BTHO OU!!!

The XIT Wagon (800x600)

Isn’t this a Sooner Schooner?

So here’s to Jesus and The Disciples and The Fighting Texas Aggies Men’s basketball team. Both are great at come backs!

A. Caruso (800x450)

He is so cute!!!

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 – Gone to Play Golf and Enjoy My Freedom

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 – Gone to Play Golf and Enjoy My Freedom

What are you going to do today?

Back Wall (800x498)

Back Wall of George H.W. Bush Library College Station – photo by me

“Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom. Let them say we stood where duty required us to stand.” George H.W. Bush

Three orange flowers (800x523)

Along the trail behind George H.W. Bush Library College Station – photo by me

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – Bring Out the Pepto Bismal – The Upsets Bounce On

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 – Bring Out the Pepto Bismal – The Upsets Bounce On

It was a dismal Pepto Bismal night at Reed Arena last night as the Aggie Women’s Basketball team was scalped by the Florida State Seminoles. Have fun in Dallas, Noles and tell the Baylor women hello.

So ends a great season – good bye to the seniors and we look forward to next year’s team

But wait – the fat lady has not sung for The Fighting Texas Aggie Men’s team.

In the house last night was D. House.

House (800x450)

And Alex Caruso.

A. Caruso (800x450)

BTHO OU.

Monday, March 21, 2016 – Please Excuse – One Sweet 16 Ready To Go and One Sweet 16 on the Court Tonight.

Monday, March 21, 2016 – Please Excuse – One Sweet 16 Ready To Go and One Sweet 16 on the Court Tonight.

To Whom It May Concern: Please excuse all Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks from work and school today because they lost by one point to Notre Dame. Way to go Jacks for almost another upset and for a great season. Please note: Do Not play Notre Dame on a Sunday – especially the Sunday that kicks off Holy Week.

And speaking of miracles – Please excuse all Texas Aggies from work and school and anybody who watched the most amazing comeback in NCAA men’s basketball history. How many had already changed the channel with the Texas Aggies behind by 12 points to University of Northern Iowa with 44 seconds to play? Shut up, Barkley. If the other team should have won, it would have. Remember you went to Auburn. If you went to Texas A&M you would know “I’ve seen ‘em win; I’ve seen ‘em lose, but I’ve never seen ‘em give up!”

But that was yesterday and yesterday’s gone. Tonight coming to you live from Reed Arena in College Station The Fighting Texas Aggie Women will tip off against Florida State University. This is Anriel Howard. – Aka Lashes by her team mates.

Lashes 2 (800x450)

Texas Aggie #5 Anriel Howard photo by me

She is a freshman and on Saturday she set an NCAA Tournament record with 27 rebounds in a single game! She is a 5’11” forward from Atlanta, Georgia. In high school she enjoyed setting records in multiple sports not to mention being crowned homecoming queen, yearbook editor, and National Honor Society. http://www.12thman.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3327

Check out the hair. Big Basketball Hair– Even I can see her eyelashes from my seats and I just had cataract surgery. Check out her legs. She is a two-sport athlete and will compete in the triple jump with the Aggie track team when basketball season ends. Her gait while running down the court is beautiful to watch. This young lady has it going on. Check out the fashionable shorts.

Congratulations to #5 Anriel Howard.

To the entire team: BTHO Florida State.

Sunday, March, 20, 2016 – Get Your Facts on the Jacks Straight, Man!

Ax'Em Jacks!

Sunday, March, 20, 2016 – Get Your Facts on the Jacks Straight, Man!

This was on Yahoo Sports this morning. “For a team that only began its basketball program in the mid-1980s, the Lumberjacks have carved out a niche for themselves in the Southland. This is their third straight NCAA appearance — fourth overall — and their second victory. As a 12 seed in 2014, the Lumberjacks upset fifth-seeded VCU. https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/ncaa-tournament-2016-stephen-f-223500563.html

Then what sport were the Lumberjacks playing in Shelton Gym when they won all of those NAIA championships in the 1970’s? More specifically during the 1967- 1971 when I was a student “neath Texas pines where we’ve found peaceful shrines”

Let’s give the sport’s writer the Ax, Jacks.

Perhaps the sportswriters have just discovered what is behind The Pine Curtain.

Ax’Em, Jacks! Beat Notre Dame!

Buddy Glasses

Friday, March 18, 2016 – As the Brackets Bust

Friday, March 18, 2016 – As the Brackets Bust

The sound heard yesterday was brackets bursting and cursing for those of us who picked Baylor to win.

The Poison Ivy League Award goes to the Baylor men for losing in the opening round. De jevu all over again. Really? Yale? Well, you did play like “Poor little lambs that have lost their way. Bah, bah, bah.” It will be up the women to bring home any hardware and bling to Waco.

Let’s go ladies! The First Rounds of the Women’s Division 1Tournament begins today. Here are some viewing tips. Note: These criteria may be applied to the men’s teams also.

Assumption: you are in control of the TV Remote. If you are not familiar with this item, it is the thing in your spouse or spousal equivalent’s hand that causes channels on the TV to change and programs to stop, rewind and pause. If you do not have control of your remote, you can stop reading now. Control of the Remote Control is a great criterion for living alone. It should have a button for “I am stuck in my recliner and can’t get out.”

If you have one of those smart ass TVs, you can zoom in and focus on hair, shoes and diamonds and other shots you may or may not want to see up close and in high definition.

To make the games more enjoyable, here are some of the things to watch for and will be the basis of my NCAA Division I Basketball Awards.

  1. It is all about the hair. This includes players and coaches. I cannot speak for other schools, but I have toured Kyle Field and Reed Arena at Texas A&M. I know that each of these venues have fully equipped hair salons in the dressing room areas and players fix each other’s hair. It appears the girls are much better at hair dressing that the men. But all of the players refer to it “fun hair.”

hair (800x450)

1A.There will be a category entitled Coach Good Hair – candidates will include Karen Aston (Texas), Sherri Cole (OU), Kim Mulkey (Baylor) and others.

1B. Player Headbands – just say no to headbands. Nike, Adidas and Under Armor make enough money with you sporting a logo.

  1. Uniforms – I am especially fond of the glow in the dark type that come from Nike and the West Coast teams. Look for changes in the women’s uniforms. The shorts are becoming shorter and more fitting. To shorten the shorts players roll down the waist band exposing the tag. Remote Control required to view.
  2. Coaching Wardrobes and Footwear – It usually difficult to see footwear unless you control the remote. How Mulkey, McGraw, Cole and the other squatters can squat in stiletto heels without falling on their butts is beyond me and defies physics.
    1. Muffet McGraw (800x450)

      And McGraw in a skirt can do it! Note: Are those Ruby Slippers?

      Do not rule out men’s footwear. Gary Blair has a lovely pair of maroon suede shoes. And Texas’ assistant coaches Travis Mays and Tina Thompson will be styling as always.

  3. Jewelry – At half time coaches will be interviewed. This is a good opportunity to see the bling. Those championship rings are the size of the knobs on your chest of drawers.
  4. Tattoos – You are on your own here – as Jimmy Buffet sings about tattoos – “a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.” Make up your own categories. I tend to favor those with long verses down one’s entire forearm and continue to wonder – why has no one designed an ink that will show on people of color?”
  5. Commentators – Learn these names. Kara Lawson and Rebecca Lobo – the best of ESPN; the best of the rest: Holly Rowe, Doris Burke, Nell Fortner, Carolyn Peck, Pam Ward, Gail Goestenkors, Andy Landers and Brenda I always forget your last name.

The best part is Brent Mushberger does not announce any women’s games.

Happy Watching.

Texas Aggie Men – BTHO Green Bay TONIGHT @ 6:30 and Hook ‘Em Hippies against Northern Iowa.

Texas Aggie Women – BTHO Missouri State on Saturday.

Wednesday, March 16,, 2016 – Me and My Brackets

Wednesday, March 16,, 2016 – Me and My Brackets

Our post today is brought to by the word Skullduggery – Skuhl-DUHG-uh-ree

It is a noun meaning:

  1. dishonorable proceedings, mean dishonest or trickery: bribery graft and other such skullduggery
  2. an instance of dishonest or deceitful behavior; trick

But enough about the presidential elections and the government.

Here is my completed bracket for the women’s NCAA Division I basketball tournament.

2016 Womens bracket (800x450)

Yep – got the Baptists and the Catholics in Championship Game – Baylor and Notre Dame. As you can see I have Baylor and Texas A&M playing in the Sweet 16. When these two teams play it is known as a “bitter rivalry.” I am sure Coach Mulkey and Coach Blair will show clips from 2011 and the infamous clock issue. Should A&M pull an upset, I will not talk to my family for a week.

“Just Say No to Four” is my mantra for UConn. The University of Connecticut is a basketball dynasty in any league and Briana Stewart (Stewie) is one of the greatest collegiate athletes you will see – male or female. Nevertheless, Here’s What I’m Thinking – the odds are against you to repeat as National Champions for a fourth time. And you know Mulkey and Muffet have teams that can beat you. The scenery only changes for the lead Huskie and it is time for a change. So I am going with the Bears and the Creepy Leprechauns.

But first on March 19 The Fighting Texas Aggie Women must BTHO Missouri State.

I also completed a Division I Men’s Basketball Bracket. I used the Penny method for selecting the Championship Game – my favorite colors, mascots, funny sounding names, etc. My major criterion was schools from which I have graduated. Therefore I have Texas A&M playing Stephen F. Austin for the National Championship. Gig ‘Em Aggies and Ax ‘Em Jacks!

 

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – Beware the Ides of March or EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

Tuesday, March 15, 2016 – Beware the Ides of March or EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!

Basketball Primer – Part III – How to Complete Your Bracket

The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Selection Show was last night on ESPN. I am keenly disappointed I did not see myself on TV as I did last year. The Fighting Texas Aggie Team will begin play in College Station this Saturday against Missouri State. But to play the tournament one must complete a bracket.

Here are the steps to complete a basketball bracket.

  1. Download and print a bracket. If unable to do this on your own, ask your grandchild or another child about aged 12 for assistance.

http://i.turner.ncaa.com/sites/default/files/external/gametool/brackets/women_2016_final_w_records.pdf

Bracket (450x800)

  1. Find a low budget word processor like a pencil or pen.
  2. Select the teams you think will win and write them down. For example, if you think Texas A&M will win over Missouri State write TAMU in the next blank.

Here some options to help select teams.

Option 1 – The Dr. Beverly Hofstadter and Dr. Sheldon Cooper Method. This is for those who “want to do the math.” You will explore and consider all data and visit multiple websites. Use words and phrases such as “strength of schedule,” “RPI,” find the number of past tournament appearances, calculate odds and use terms such as variables, coefficients, correlations, percentages, averages and mean, median and mode.

Option 2 – The Penny Method. This method selects teams on criteria such as:

“I like their school colors.” Or “The team has really cool uniforms.” Or “I like their mascots. Or “Their coach is really hot.” Or my favorite “When Butler plays, I always pick Butler because we all know ‘the butler always did it.’”

Both options are equally valid in selected winning teams.

Here are the rules.

  1. There are no rules. You may complete an entire bracket to see if you selected the Final Four and the Champion. You may complete as the games are played. You can play however you want to.

Tomorrow, we will explore things to watch for during games. This will include coaching wardrobes, including footwear; jewelry, hair for coaches and players. There will be a distinct category for Coach Good Hair. All of these and more as “The Basketball Bounces.”

TAMU team 2016 (800x450)

2016- Texas Aggie Women’s Basketball Team Photo by me.

BTHO Missouri State