We bugged out Sunday morning and headed for Fort Worth. It seems when a hurricane comes, we always head for West Texas.
We weathered the storm ok, however, when we went outside Saturday morning, trees were down all over the neighborhood. One tree down the street was split in half and was laying in the middle of the street.
We had electricity until Saturday morning at 6am. We considered ourselves lucky, at that. We walked around the neighborhood and found out that a convenience store around the corner had it's roof blown off. The roof was laying across our power lines, so we are unsure how long we'll be without power.
We also had very little water pressure, although our mayor promises that this is priority number 1.
One funny thing we noted was that people came out Saturday morning and began cleaning their yards. Maybe to get rid of the debris, maybe to see what was damaged and what wasn't, but it occurs to me that it was one way of humans reasserting some sense of control in the face of the power of nature.
Our institutions are closed until at least Thursday, and we don't know how long our neighborhood will be without power. We're just taking it one day at a time.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Hunkering Down During Hurricane Ike
We're making podcasts of our experiences during Hurricane Ike.
Report 1 at 6pm. Click here to listen.
Report 2 at 8 pm. Click here to listen.
Report 3 at 11 pm. Click here to listen.
We're going to keep going until we lose electricity, or fall asleep. Which ever comes first.
Report 1 at 6pm. Click here to listen.
Report 2 at 8 pm. Click here to listen.
Report 3 at 11 pm. Click here to listen.
We're going to keep going until we lose electricity, or fall asleep. Which ever comes first.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Email Hoax about Obama
I just got an email one of my best friends forwarded to me called "Bubba on Obama." I'm not going to post it here, it's ALL OVER the Internet on a thousand stupid sites. If you want to read it, Google it.
It starts off, "MAYBE I'VE GOTT'N THIS ALL WRONG - ME JUST BE'N AN OLD FARM BOY WITHOUT MUCH EDUCATION...BUT NOW, Y'ALL CHECK THIS OUT:HIS FATHER WAS A KENYAN, A MUSLIM, AND A BLACK. WE SAW ALL THOSE PICTURES OF HIS NICE AFRICAN FAMILY."
Ok, at the very end it reads, "According to The Book of Revelations the anti-Christ is:The anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40's, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything ."
Now, if anyone who reads this believes it, I've got about 200 letters from people who represent banks in Africa that have unclaimed money that you can claim. Also, I know of about 50 wealthy dying people who are looking for someone to take their millions because they don't want their evil relatives to get the money--in otherwords, you'll believe anything!
Oh, and cell phones will pop popcorn, too.
I don't have time nor the energy to point out step by step where this is just total foolishness, but if someone will show me in the Book of Revelations where it says the Anti-Christ will be a Muslim, much less a 40-something year old, I'll gladly buy you a bacon cheeseburger.
And as for experience, Obama was a practicing attorney and taught at law school for about 8 years, not someone just out of law school who was just an activist. He served in his state legislature.
Now, if you want to talk about lack of experience, what has Sarah Palin done? Govern a state that has less folks than Austin, TX? Govern a state that only has more people than Wyoming and North Dakota? Even her National Guard commander has admitted that she has never given any orders in the short two years as governor of a state that's mostly ice.
Palin's only claim to fame is the governor of a state that took federal money (that's OUR tax dollars, friend) and then didn't spend it as it was allocated, but used the money for other "pet" projects. That's responsibility?
She is also in favor of drilling and has just bought off Alaskan voters by giving them over $1,000 each of oil revenues. Nice, huh? Well, that oil drilling is paid for by taxpayers in the rest of the USA with tax incentives to those oil companies. Again, our tax dollars are being given to Alaskans to buy their support for Palin.
Now, look. There are plenty of reasons not to vote for Obama.
1) You're a Republican.
2) You want to vote for woman, no matter which ticket she's on.
3) You like McCain.
4) You don't want to vote for an African-American.
All those are legitimate reasons. Of course, if you're don't want to vote for Obama because you don't want to vote for an African-American, then just admit your a racist. It's that simple. The idiot who wrote all this claptrap about him being a Muslim, an Anti-white Christian, and the Anti-Christ needs to just come clean and admit he came up with this bull because he's racist. At least that would be honest.
But don't try to insult the intelligence of the rest of us.
Have a great day!
It starts off, "MAYBE I'VE GOTT'N THIS ALL WRONG - ME JUST BE'N AN OLD FARM BOY WITHOUT MUCH EDUCATION...BUT NOW, Y'ALL CHECK THIS OUT:HIS FATHER WAS A KENYAN, A MUSLIM, AND A BLACK. WE SAW ALL THOSE PICTURES OF HIS NICE AFRICAN FAMILY."
Ok, at the very end it reads, "According to The Book of Revelations the anti-Christ is:The anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40's, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal....the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy everything ."
Now, if anyone who reads this believes it, I've got about 200 letters from people who represent banks in Africa that have unclaimed money that you can claim. Also, I know of about 50 wealthy dying people who are looking for someone to take their millions because they don't want their evil relatives to get the money--in otherwords, you'll believe anything!
Oh, and cell phones will pop popcorn, too.
I don't have time nor the energy to point out step by step where this is just total foolishness, but if someone will show me in the Book of Revelations where it says the Anti-Christ will be a Muslim, much less a 40-something year old, I'll gladly buy you a bacon cheeseburger.
And as for experience, Obama was a practicing attorney and taught at law school for about 8 years, not someone just out of law school who was just an activist. He served in his state legislature.
Now, if you want to talk about lack of experience, what has Sarah Palin done? Govern a state that has less folks than Austin, TX? Govern a state that only has more people than Wyoming and North Dakota? Even her National Guard commander has admitted that she has never given any orders in the short two years as governor of a state that's mostly ice.
Palin's only claim to fame is the governor of a state that took federal money (that's OUR tax dollars, friend) and then didn't spend it as it was allocated, but used the money for other "pet" projects. That's responsibility?
She is also in favor of drilling and has just bought off Alaskan voters by giving them over $1,000 each of oil revenues. Nice, huh? Well, that oil drilling is paid for by taxpayers in the rest of the USA with tax incentives to those oil companies. Again, our tax dollars are being given to Alaskans to buy their support for Palin.
Now, look. There are plenty of reasons not to vote for Obama.
1) You're a Republican.
2) You want to vote for woman, no matter which ticket she's on.
3) You like McCain.
4) You don't want to vote for an African-American.
All those are legitimate reasons. Of course, if you're don't want to vote for Obama because you don't want to vote for an African-American, then just admit your a racist. It's that simple. The idiot who wrote all this claptrap about him being a Muslim, an Anti-white Christian, and the Anti-Christ needs to just come clean and admit he came up with this bull because he's racist. At least that would be honest.
But don't try to insult the intelligence of the rest of us.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
The Reply!
Dear At Home,
Thank you for your e-mail. KPRC Local 2 reporters are using a much more demonstrative reporting style, and they are using it at my direction.
Demonstrative, active reporting is a much more engaging storytelling style. Most viewers respond positively to these techniques. This is also the way the majority of reporters and anchors around the country communicate information to viewers. For that matter it is the preferred style by most public speakers and storytellers.
I'm sorry you don't enjoy our demonstrative reporting, but I am glad you plan to give our news an extended look. You may come to enjoy our lively reporting. By the way, I think our competitors like what we are up to as they are adopting our live and lively storytelling techniques in their reports. Many viewers are pleased with our product as well. After many years of frankly not being competitive for Houston viewers’ attention, more and more people are now turning to KPRC for their news and information.
Thanks for watching KPRC Local 2 and for taking the time to e-mail me your concerns.
Sincerely,
Skip Valet
VP/News Director
KPRC Local 2
TV News Anger!
An Open Letter to My Local News Station:
I'm writing as a long-time KPRC viewer. I have long been a NBC news fan. Most of the shows I watch are NBC shows, and when I lived in New Braunfels, San Marcos, Austin, and Lubbock, I watched the local NBC affiliate.
I have become increasingly concerned over KPRC's reporters increasing use of "props" to facilitate their stories. At first, among my friends we had a game to try to figure when Ryan Korsgard would use a prop, as he was notorious. Almost every story he covered included him using some prop to propel the story. Recently, however, Elizabeth Scarborough began using props in more of her stories. This morning, Daniella Guzman waved $15 dollars at the camera when she discussed a local man's slaying.
The occasional "prop" might be effective, but these three reporters, especially Mr. Korsgard, have reduced the effectiveness of the prop to the ridiculous. I worked in radio broadcasting 10 years in the 1980s and 1990s, and although did not use props, the general understanding was that in both print and broadcasting these affectations could help a story, but used sparingly lest it become a crutch for a weak story. It seems it has become some sort of inside joke or contest at KPRC at best, or a crutch for weak reporting at worst.
It borders on the sensational, and skirts propriety in some cases. While the reporters should know better, it is really the responsibility of the news editor to curb this sort of behavior.
I will continue to watch KPRC, as I think it's the best station for news, but this trend toward reporters using props increasingly in their news stories has made me question the news department's effectiveness.
I'm writing as a long-time KPRC viewer. I have long been a NBC news fan. Most of the shows I watch are NBC shows, and when I lived in New Braunfels, San Marcos, Austin, and Lubbock, I watched the local NBC affiliate.
I have become increasingly concerned over KPRC's reporters increasing use of "props" to facilitate their stories. At first, among my friends we had a game to try to figure when Ryan Korsgard would use a prop, as he was notorious. Almost every story he covered included him using some prop to propel the story. Recently, however, Elizabeth Scarborough began using props in more of her stories. This morning, Daniella Guzman waved $15 dollars at the camera when she discussed a local man's slaying.
The occasional "prop" might be effective, but these three reporters, especially Mr. Korsgard, have reduced the effectiveness of the prop to the ridiculous. I worked in radio broadcasting 10 years in the 1980s and 1990s, and although did not use props, the general understanding was that in both print and broadcasting these affectations could help a story, but used sparingly lest it become a crutch for a weak story. It seems it has become some sort of inside joke or contest at KPRC at best, or a crutch for weak reporting at worst.
It borders on the sensational, and skirts propriety in some cases. While the reporters should know better, it is really the responsibility of the news editor to curb this sort of behavior.
I will continue to watch KPRC, as I think it's the best station for news, but this trend toward reporters using props increasingly in their news stories has made me question the news department's effectiveness.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Your Thought Influence Your Character
Last November, I attended a conference in Tampa, Florida, entitled “Black, Brown, and College Bound,” which discussed the problems of minority males in higher education. One of the speakers was Freeman Hrabowski, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (http://www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/president/index.php). He was a fantastic motivational speaker.
He recited a quote that I really liked:
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.Watch your words, they become actions.Watch your actions, they become habits.Watch your habits, they become your character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."
A little research attributes this to someone named Frank Outlaw, a cool name, but cannot be tracked down. The “internet” also attributes the quote to “Elizabeth C” who states she started sending it around in 1999.
A bit more research, however, reveals that this….probably like all good quotes….actually is a variation on something stated by Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha:
“The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit; And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love Born out of concern for all beings.”
Which isn’t too different from what Jesus said: “A tree is known by its fruit. … For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil.” (Matthew 12:34)
He recited a quote that I really liked:
"Watch your thoughts, they become words.Watch your words, they become actions.Watch your actions, they become habits.Watch your habits, they become your character.Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."
A little research attributes this to someone named Frank Outlaw, a cool name, but cannot be tracked down. The “internet” also attributes the quote to “Elizabeth C” who states she started sending it around in 1999.
A bit more research, however, reveals that this….probably like all good quotes….actually is a variation on something stated by Siddhārtha Gautama, the Buddha:
“The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit; And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love Born out of concern for all beings.”
Which isn’t too different from what Jesus said: “A tree is known by its fruit. … For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil.” (Matthew 12:34)
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The Correct Answer Might Be "D"?
This photo is an example of
a. where the adjective "exemplary" was used instead of the adverb "exemplarily."
b. where "ours" was incorrectly used in the possessive.
c. where the word "teachers" should have been used parenthetically.
d. the reason our high school graduates cannot read or write.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Busy Summer
I've been so busy the past few months I'm surprised I'm still standing. I spent all of June in Lubbock doing research, then when I came back I found out I had three emergencies.
First, the good news was that my dissertation manuscript was approved for publication by Texas A&M University press. After about a year of waiting, then suddenly they want me to get revisions done by the end of September. Of course that didn't happen.
The next "emergency" was a problem with a $400,000 grant we wrote. University of Houston-Downtown joined in a national community college project to track problems with college students and find ways of helping them do better (SACCD is part of this program). Anyway, the grant money had been held up until we answered some questions, and we had to get these in by the end of August.
Third, I turned in a chapter for a book some people were putting together on 20th century Texas history. I did a chapter on the development of public schools. This was back in October. I heard nothing. In March, the editors told me everything was hunky-dory. Suddenly, in July, I get an emergency email stating that a reviewer didn't like my chapter as it was. Could I get revisions back in 2 weeks. I did it in a few days, then they sent it to another reviewer, and again problems. I told them I didn't want to hold up publication because while I could make revisions, they were quickly getting to the end of the deadline. Finally we found a reader who liked my chapter.
Then last month, one of our dogs got a bloody nose in the middle of the night one Friday. We ended up having to take her to an emergency pet clinic (which cost us an arm and a leg). Of course, the vet suggested that it was probably cancer in the nose, and we'd have to put the dog down. Then, she called later to say that the dog had diabetes. That is probably what caused the nosebleed, as there has been no more talk about cancer. So we decided we needed to check her blood, so we bought a kit. We soon realized that we don't know how to prick her finger....since she doesn't have one. So we decided playing around and checked ourselves. My sugar level was nearly 300mgs. EEEKKK. I want to the doctor, and found out I have diabetes.
I wasn't really surprised since I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia in high school and the doctor told me then that it would probably turn into diabetes at some point. Well, it did. So I'm taking medication now to control my sugar level. It's lower, although not where it needs to be.
So my dog saved my life.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Lady Bird Johnson
Wednesday morning I was at the LBJ Library in Austin. I meant to ask about Lady Bird’s health. She had been sick for a while, and suffered a stroke in 2002. She had lost her sight, and most recently her ability to speak. A few weeks ago she was back in the hospital due to a fever, so I did want to see how she was. I didn’t get a chance to, and then learned Thursday that she passed away.
I met Lady Bird, Bill Moyers, Jack Valenti, Liz Carpenter and other members of Lyndon Johnson’s inner-circle while I was an undergraduate. As an undergraduate history major and as a graduate student, I did most of my research on Johnson, and spent quite a bit of time at the Library. I see Liz Carpenter every year at the Texas history convention I go to and always asked her about Lady Bird. I only met Lady Bird once, and only briefly, but she exuded warmth and kindness.
The Johnsons were products of a time when the Democratic Party was on top. They followed the Kennedy’s, and although many people did not expect much from LBJ, he changed America. He fought discrimination and racism, promoted education, and sought to end poverty. He was also a Cold Warrior, and his efforts to continue the battle against Communism-for better or worse-were influenced by a generation that saw the horrors of dictatorial governments during World War II and wanted to prevent them. It was at the same time, the best years of the Democratic Party, and some of the worst.
Lady Bird was one of the last living legacies of that period, and a strong woman in her own right. As State Senator Rodney Ellis said yesterday, Lady Bird was a strong influence at a time when women weren’t expected to play an active role in presidential politics, yet she was one of the first to make the preservation of the environment an important issue, and fight against littering.
Since then, we Americans and those of us who call ourselves Democrats have backed off from the idealism of the 1960—the idea that as a nation we COULD end poverty and human suffering; the idea that affirmative action was a way of fighting discrimination and injustice; that we needed a level playing field to start from so that people could have a more equal opportunity to succeed or fail….but at least they had the opportunity! We have become more conservative in our approach because we think that will attract more voters. I don’t think the Johnsons would have approved. When LBJ signed Civil Rights legislation into law, he KNEW it would lose the party voters—but he did it because he knew it was RIGHT and he convinced Senators and Representatives and Southern governors that they should do the RIGHT THING…not because it was politically popular, but because it would benefit Americans. Surely he made mistakes. He was no saint. But, LBJ was a STATESMAN.
We need those in our party today.
I met Lady Bird, Bill Moyers, Jack Valenti, Liz Carpenter and other members of Lyndon Johnson’s inner-circle while I was an undergraduate. As an undergraduate history major and as a graduate student, I did most of my research on Johnson, and spent quite a bit of time at the Library. I see Liz Carpenter every year at the Texas history convention I go to and always asked her about Lady Bird. I only met Lady Bird once, and only briefly, but she exuded warmth and kindness.
The Johnsons were products of a time when the Democratic Party was on top. They followed the Kennedy’s, and although many people did not expect much from LBJ, he changed America. He fought discrimination and racism, promoted education, and sought to end poverty. He was also a Cold Warrior, and his efforts to continue the battle against Communism-for better or worse-were influenced by a generation that saw the horrors of dictatorial governments during World War II and wanted to prevent them. It was at the same time, the best years of the Democratic Party, and some of the worst.
Lady Bird was one of the last living legacies of that period, and a strong woman in her own right. As State Senator Rodney Ellis said yesterday, Lady Bird was a strong influence at a time when women weren’t expected to play an active role in presidential politics, yet she was one of the first to make the preservation of the environment an important issue, and fight against littering.
Since then, we Americans and those of us who call ourselves Democrats have backed off from the idealism of the 1960—the idea that as a nation we COULD end poverty and human suffering; the idea that affirmative action was a way of fighting discrimination and injustice; that we needed a level playing field to start from so that people could have a more equal opportunity to succeed or fail….but at least they had the opportunity! We have become more conservative in our approach because we think that will attract more voters. I don’t think the Johnsons would have approved. When LBJ signed Civil Rights legislation into law, he KNEW it would lose the party voters—but he did it because he knew it was RIGHT and he convinced Senators and Representatives and Southern governors that they should do the RIGHT THING…not because it was politically popular, but because it would benefit Americans. Surely he made mistakes. He was no saint. But, LBJ was a STATESMAN.
We need those in our party today.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Spurred into Action!
Ok, I'm realizing that it's been a year since my last few posts. Truth is I've got several blogs (don't ask why) and my Blogger sites have been neglected. The the news today has me in a tiff.
I would have hoped that with all the Paris Hilton foolishness, we wouldn't hear from her for a while. Especially after the spectacle she made of herself crying like a 3-year old when she's going to jail. Granted jail is no laughing matter, but she's in Hollywood jail.
Anyway, what do I see this morning: The news reports that Paris Hilton called Barbara Walters and admitted that she used to "act dumb" but now this time in jail....BUT NOT ANY MORE!
"Now, I would like to make a difference. ... God has given me this new chance."
PARIS: SHUT THE HELL UP!!! CAN YOU NOT GO 2 DAYS WITHOUT MEDIA COVERAGE?
Moreover, is this the typical jail experience or what?
--She's found God.
--She's repentant.
--She's turning her life around.
And she's been in jail, what? 3 days?
When is she getting the jailhouse tattoo?
I would have hoped that with all the Paris Hilton foolishness, we wouldn't hear from her for a while. Especially after the spectacle she made of herself crying like a 3-year old when she's going to jail. Granted jail is no laughing matter, but she's in Hollywood jail.
Anyway, what do I see this morning: The news reports that Paris Hilton called Barbara Walters and admitted that she used to "act dumb" but now this time in jail....BUT NOT ANY MORE!
"Now, I would like to make a difference. ... God has given me this new chance."
PARIS: SHUT THE HELL UP!!! CAN YOU NOT GO 2 DAYS WITHOUT MEDIA COVERAGE?
Moreover, is this the typical jail experience or what?
--She's found God.
--She's repentant.
--She's turning her life around.
And she's been in jail, what? 3 days?
When is she getting the jailhouse tattoo?
Who are you voting for?
This is a great site about people getting involved in voting....as the catch phrase goes, "if you're not voting, then who are you electing?"
www.payattention.org.
I love the list of candidates, including Bag of Leaves, Tacky Ceramic Rooster, and Frozen Peas.
www.payattention.org.
I love the list of candidates, including Bag of Leaves, Tacky Ceramic Rooster, and Frozen Peas.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Bad News for TSU
Chron.com As enrollment falls, TSU cuts 178 jobs: "July 29, 2006, 2:29PM
As enrollment falls, TSU cuts 178 jobs
The downsizing comes in wake of 21.5% tuition hike, spending scandal
By MATTHEW TRESAUGUE
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Texas Southern University announced on Friday the elimination of 178 jobs, including dozens of faculty positions, in an attempt to contain costs while enrollment continues to slide.
The decision caps off a painful summer for students at the nation's second-largest historically black university. In recent months they've seen TSU's once-popular president fired amid a spending scandal, a 21.5 percent tuition hike and now the layoffs.
Faced with a multimillion-dollar budget gap, TSU leaders made cuts across the board, with the house-cleaning reaching the executive offices. The firings included the university's chief fundraiser, who was also a vice president.
The cuts reduced the workforce by 16 percent, a rollback not seen in recent memory at TSU. But acting President Bobby Wilson said the current contraction represents 'our desire to continue to provide a high-quality education.'
A hiring and spending freeze that began in June remains in effect, Wilson said.
Regents cite other reasons
Administrators and regents blamed the university's troubles on rising energy and insurance costs and declining enrollment after six years of rapid growth.
Six months ago, they projected a surplus of more than $10 million for the fiscal year that ends Aug. 31. But officials now face a roughly $5 million shortfall in revenue and an anticipated $13.7 million shortfall for next year.
J. Paul Johnson, chairman of TSU's governing board, said campus leaders intended to balance the budget with the latest round of belt-tightening.
"You have to take care of the business," he said.
Johnson said the decision makers tried to leave areas with direct contact with students intact. Most of the job cuts came on the administrative side.
Still, the university eliminated 67 faculty positions, all of them belonging to visiting, non-tenured scholars. Daniel Adams, a professor of fine arts, said the cuts would have a far-reaching effect on an already overworked faculty.
"It's going to make things difficult for us," Adams said. "We need more faculty members, not less."
Somber mood on campusAround campus, the mood is grim. Earlier this year, the regents fired the university's president, Priscilla Slade, on the grounds that she misspent the school's money to furnish and landscape her house. She now faces a criminal investigation, which is expected to conclude next week.
Despite Slade's lavish spending, her supporters said she brought stability, while persuading donors, lawmakers and prospective students that the school is on the rise.
Regent Bill King said the university's current financial problems would have happened even if Slade were still in charge.
"Her administration ran the school on the theory that enrollment would continue to grow indefinitely," King said. "But every university hits a wall, and TSU is no exception. There was no plan for an enrollment decrease, and that makes this more painful."
Campus leaders forecast a 7 percent drop in attendance this fall, two years after a record enrollment of about 11,600 students.
Will students feel cuts?King said he anticipates the job cuts having relatively little effect on students.
"There was some fat that could be cut," he said. "I support what Dr. Wilson is doing. He has agonized over it and prayed over it. I know this wasn't an easy thing to do. But he is trying to make sure the university is financially viable."
Officials said the layoffs might not eliminate the shortfall, but regents said any additional measures would not include another tuition hike.
In May, the regents agreed to raise tuition and fees by 21.5 percent this fall. The increase was the first in two years. The school has tried to hold off increases because of the potential hardship for students, many of whom are working adults or from low-income families.
As enrollment falls, TSU cuts 178 jobs
The downsizing comes in wake of 21.5% tuition hike, spending scandal
By MATTHEW TRESAUGUE
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
Texas Southern University announced on Friday the elimination of 178 jobs, including dozens of faculty positions, in an attempt to contain costs while enrollment continues to slide.
The decision caps off a painful summer for students at the nation's second-largest historically black university. In recent months they've seen TSU's once-popular president fired amid a spending scandal, a 21.5 percent tuition hike and now the layoffs.
Faced with a multimillion-dollar budget gap, TSU leaders made cuts across the board, with the house-cleaning reaching the executive offices. The firings included the university's chief fundraiser, who was also a vice president.
The cuts reduced the workforce by 16 percent, a rollback not seen in recent memory at TSU. But acting President Bobby Wilson said the current contraction represents 'our desire to continue to provide a high-quality education.'
A hiring and spending freeze that began in June remains in effect, Wilson said.
Regents cite other reasons
Administrators and regents blamed the university's troubles on rising energy and insurance costs and declining enrollment after six years of rapid growth.
Six months ago, they projected a surplus of more than $10 million for the fiscal year that ends Aug. 31. But officials now face a roughly $5 million shortfall in revenue and an anticipated $13.7 million shortfall for next year.
J. Paul Johnson, chairman of TSU's governing board, said campus leaders intended to balance the budget with the latest round of belt-tightening.
"You have to take care of the business," he said.
Johnson said the decision makers tried to leave areas with direct contact with students intact. Most of the job cuts came on the administrative side.
Still, the university eliminated 67 faculty positions, all of them belonging to visiting, non-tenured scholars. Daniel Adams, a professor of fine arts, said the cuts would have a far-reaching effect on an already overworked faculty.
"It's going to make things difficult for us," Adams said. "We need more faculty members, not less."
Somber mood on campusAround campus, the mood is grim. Earlier this year, the regents fired the university's president, Priscilla Slade, on the grounds that she misspent the school's money to furnish and landscape her house. She now faces a criminal investigation, which is expected to conclude next week.
Despite Slade's lavish spending, her supporters said she brought stability, while persuading donors, lawmakers and prospective students that the school is on the rise.
Regent Bill King said the university's current financial problems would have happened even if Slade were still in charge.
"Her administration ran the school on the theory that enrollment would continue to grow indefinitely," King said. "But every university hits a wall, and TSU is no exception. There was no plan for an enrollment decrease, and that makes this more painful."
Campus leaders forecast a 7 percent drop in attendance this fall, two years after a record enrollment of about 11,600 students.
Will students feel cuts?King said he anticipates the job cuts having relatively little effect on students.
"There was some fat that could be cut," he said. "I support what Dr. Wilson is doing. He has agonized over it and prayed over it. I know this wasn't an easy thing to do. But he is trying to make sure the university is financially viable."
Officials said the layoffs might not eliminate the shortfall, but regents said any additional measures would not include another tuition hike.
In May, the regents agreed to raise tuition and fees by 21.5 percent this fall. The increase was the first in two years. The school has tried to hold off increases because of the potential hardship for students, many of whom are working adults or from low-income families.
Friday, June 16, 2006
US Bishops Approve N
U.S. Bishops Approve New Mass Translation
By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press Writer 20 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - The nation's Roman Catholic bishops signed off Thursday on a new English translation for the Mass that would change prayers ingrained in the memories of millions of American parishioners.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted at its biannual meeting for a new translation after a brief but vigorous debate over several small changes in wording. The 173-29 vote on the Order of the Mass was aimed at satisfying Vatican calls for a translation that's closer to the Latin version.
Before Mass changes at the parish level, the Americans' version must go to offices in the Holy See for final approval. The bishops' leader on the issue said that process could take years.
"Without a doubt, this is the most significant liturgical action to come before this body for many years," said Bishop Donald Trautman, chairman of the conference's Committee on Liturgy.
"It will take some adapting, but it is not earth-shattering when you think of the changes we went through 40 years ago," he said, referring to the Second Vatican Council, where the Latin Mass was replaced by the vernacular languages in each country.
The new translation alters the wording of key texts spoken by Catholics during worship, including the Nicene Creed, the Gloria, the Penitential Rite, the Sanctus and Communion.
Some have worried about changing a fundamental rite of worship that is so much a part of Catholic identity, especially now. Mass attendance has been declining, the priest shortage has left a growing number of churches without a resident cleric, bishops and parishioners have been battling over the closure of old churches and schools, and the prelates have been trying to rebuild trust in their leadership after the clergy sex abuse crisis.
Prior to the meeting, the Rev. Thomas Reese, a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University and a Jesuit priest, said the new Mass would "cause chaos and real problems and the people who are going to be at the brunt end of it are the poor priests in the parishes."
Trautman acknowledged the adjustment could be difficult. "I think we all recognize that our priests are overburdened now and stretched thin," he said. "We do believe, however, that this is important for the worship life of the Church. These texts are presenting a new richness that we haven't seen in the past so that will have to be the driving force."
Minor changes to the wording of many portions of the Mass will be obvious to Catholics. The repeated exchanges "The Lord be with you" / "And also with you" between a priest and his congregation, for example, become "The Lord be with you" / "And with your spirit" in the updated version.
The prayer said before Communion would become "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof," instead of "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you."
Survey results released by the conference's Committee on Liturgy last November found that U.S. bishops were split over whether the changes were necessary, but in the end the proposal won more than the 168 votes it needed for approval.
Some bishops said the changes would deepen lay people's understanding of Catholicism and Scripture. They said priests could use the changes to spark a discussion of the liturgical reasoning behind them, including citing biblical stories and the Latin version.
"All these changes should require ... a certain amount of explanation and allow the people who are using them to grow in faith and not remain where they are," said Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile, Ala.
Bishops debated for about 20 minutes on a variety of wording changes, some pitting the familiar against the new. A proposal to change the words of the Nicene Creed from "one in being" to "consubstantial," which is closer to the Latin, failed.
Roman Catholic bishops in Australia, England, Scotland and Wales have already approved translations with at most only slight differences, said Monsignor James. P. Moroney, who leads the liturgy office for the bishops' conference.
On another subject, retiring Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who has been leading the bishops' task force on Catholics in public life, announced that a new ad hoc group will serve as a liaison between the bishops' conference and Catholic politicians. He also said the task force had met with Catholic Democrats and Republicans privately to discuss how to best merge their religious beliefs and their politics.
Catholic politicians' duty to adhere to church teachings — particularly Catholicism's anti-abortion stance — was a hot-button issue in the 2004 campaign when John Kerry, a Catholic who supports abortion rights, was the Democratic presidential nominee.
By GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press Writer 20 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - The nation's Roman Catholic bishops signed off Thursday on a new English translation for the Mass that would change prayers ingrained in the memories of millions of American parishioners.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted at its biannual meeting for a new translation after a brief but vigorous debate over several small changes in wording. The 173-29 vote on the Order of the Mass was aimed at satisfying Vatican calls for a translation that's closer to the Latin version.
Before Mass changes at the parish level, the Americans' version must go to offices in the Holy See for final approval. The bishops' leader on the issue said that process could take years.
"Without a doubt, this is the most significant liturgical action to come before this body for many years," said Bishop Donald Trautman, chairman of the conference's Committee on Liturgy.
"It will take some adapting, but it is not earth-shattering when you think of the changes we went through 40 years ago," he said, referring to the Second Vatican Council, where the Latin Mass was replaced by the vernacular languages in each country.
The new translation alters the wording of key texts spoken by Catholics during worship, including the Nicene Creed, the Gloria, the Penitential Rite, the Sanctus and Communion.
Some have worried about changing a fundamental rite of worship that is so much a part of Catholic identity, especially now. Mass attendance has been declining, the priest shortage has left a growing number of churches without a resident cleric, bishops and parishioners have been battling over the closure of old churches and schools, and the prelates have been trying to rebuild trust in their leadership after the clergy sex abuse crisis.
Prior to the meeting, the Rev. Thomas Reese, a senior fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University and a Jesuit priest, said the new Mass would "cause chaos and real problems and the people who are going to be at the brunt end of it are the poor priests in the parishes."
Trautman acknowledged the adjustment could be difficult. "I think we all recognize that our priests are overburdened now and stretched thin," he said. "We do believe, however, that this is important for the worship life of the Church. These texts are presenting a new richness that we haven't seen in the past so that will have to be the driving force."
Minor changes to the wording of many portions of the Mass will be obvious to Catholics. The repeated exchanges "The Lord be with you" / "And also with you" between a priest and his congregation, for example, become "The Lord be with you" / "And with your spirit" in the updated version.
The prayer said before Communion would become "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof," instead of "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you."
Survey results released by the conference's Committee on Liturgy last November found that U.S. bishops were split over whether the changes were necessary, but in the end the proposal won more than the 168 votes it needed for approval.
Some bishops said the changes would deepen lay people's understanding of Catholicism and Scripture. They said priests could use the changes to spark a discussion of the liturgical reasoning behind them, including citing biblical stories and the Latin version.
"All these changes should require ... a certain amount of explanation and allow the people who are using them to grow in faith and not remain where they are," said Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb of Mobile, Ala.
Bishops debated for about 20 minutes on a variety of wording changes, some pitting the familiar against the new. A proposal to change the words of the Nicene Creed from "one in being" to "consubstantial," which is closer to the Latin, failed.
Roman Catholic bishops in Australia, England, Scotland and Wales have already approved translations with at most only slight differences, said Monsignor James. P. Moroney, who leads the liturgy office for the bishops' conference.
On another subject, retiring Washington Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who has been leading the bishops' task force on Catholics in public life, announced that a new ad hoc group will serve as a liaison between the bishops' conference and Catholic politicians. He also said the task force had met with Catholic Democrats and Republicans privately to discuss how to best merge their religious beliefs and their politics.
Catholic politicians' duty to adhere to church teachings — particularly Catholicism's anti-abortion stance — was a hot-button issue in the 2004 campaign when John Kerry, a Catholic who supports abortion rights, was the Democratic presidential nominee.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Bush Explains Medicare Drug Bill
Bush Explains Medicare Drug Bill-Verbatim Quote
Submitted on 2005-12-13 16:35:14
WOMAN IN AUDIENCE: “I don't really understand. How is it the new plan going to fix the problem?”
Verbatim response: PRESIDENT BUSH: “Because the-all which is on the table begins to address the big cost drivers.
For example, how benefits are calculated, for example, is on the table.
Whether or not benefits rise based upon wage increases or price
increases.
There's a series of parts of the formula that are being considered.
And when you couple that, those different cost drivers, affecting those * changing those with personal accounts, the idea is to get what has been promised more likely to be-or closer delivered to that has been promised.
Does that make any sense to you?
It's kind of muddled. Look, there's a series of things that cause the -- like, for example, benefits are calculated based upon the increase of wages, as opposed to the increase of prices. Some have suggested that we calculate * the benefits will rise based upon inflation, supposed to wage increases.
There is a reform that would help solve the red if that were put into effect. In other words, how fast benefits grow, how fast the promised benefits grow, if those-if that growth is affected, it will help on the red.”
Submitted on 2005-12-13 16:35:14
WOMAN IN AUDIENCE: “I don't really understand. How is it the new plan going to fix the problem?”
Verbatim response: PRESIDENT BUSH: “Because the-all which is on the table begins to address the big cost drivers.
For example, how benefits are calculated, for example, is on the table.
Whether or not benefits rise based upon wage increases or price
increases.
There's a series of parts of the formula that are being considered.
And when you couple that, those different cost drivers, affecting those * changing those with personal accounts, the idea is to get what has been promised more likely to be-or closer delivered to that has been promised.
Does that make any sense to you?
It's kind of muddled. Look, there's a series of things that cause the -- like, for example, benefits are calculated based upon the increase of wages, as opposed to the increase of prices. Some have suggested that we calculate * the benefits will rise based upon inflation, supposed to wage increases.
There is a reform that would help solve the red if that were put into effect. In other words, how fast benefits grow, how fast the promised benefits grow, if those-if that growth is affected, it will help on the red.”
Friday, November 25, 2005
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Thursday, October 13, 2005
New Houston Evacuation Plan
Just released!
New Houston Evacuation Plan
Maybe this will help the congestion problems next time!
Hispanics use I-10 West to San Antonio.
Cajuns use I-10 East to Lafayette.
Rednecks use 59 North to East Texas.
Republicans fly Continental to Washington DC.
Yankees and Democrats use 45 South to Galveston.
Longhorns use 290 West to Austin.
Aggies use 610 Loop.
New Houston Evacuation Plan
Maybe this will help the congestion problems next time!
Hispanics use I-10 West to San Antonio.
Cajuns use I-10 East to Lafayette.
Rednecks use 59 North to East Texas.
Republicans fly Continental to Washington DC.
Yankees and Democrats use 45 South to Galveston.
Longhorns use 290 West to Austin.
Aggies use 610 Loop.
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