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KUT and KUTX news and music podcasts for Austin, Texas and beyond
“Thou shalt not steal” might be an old concept, but when it comes to ideas we’re still in the infant stages of understanding how theft works. So we might ask, “why does it matter if someone plagiarizes someone else? It’s not like I took an object from someone else.”
It turns out, it’s a big deal. In this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke talk about why.
Texas laws are getting tossed out in court. First, the Supreme Court rejected the state’s abortion restrictions, now the 5th Circuit says no to voter ID rules, we’ll explore. Plus is requiring photo ID at the polls another undue burden? We’ll talk about what you should put in your wallet before heading out to vote November 2nd. Plus, what happens when Barbecue gets TOO hot? Also, Ergonomic technology, and earning dollars to spend Pesos in Juarez. Those stories and much more coming up today on the Texas Standard:
He’s the nominee. The role Republicans from Texans played to secure Donald Trump’s presidential nomination, we’ll explore. Also plans for a new South Texas family detention center are moving forward, without the support of many in the community. We’ll explain. And police officers in Dallas were targeted and killed, even though that department had fewer cases of officer-involved shootings than others. We’ll take a look at the facts. And one of the most sought-after advice columnists in Texas is revealing his true identity: we’ll introduce you to “The Texanist.” And what you can and can’t do legally speaking when it comes to getting Pokemon hunters out of your yard. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Bridie Monds-Watson, aka SOAK, first heard Pink Floyd when she was in the womb (her parents soothed her with the whale songs of their epic “Echoes”) but only after rummaging through her family’s records did she rediscover the bands LP “Meddle.” Hear her tell how the track “Fearless” helped influence her songwriting and allowed her to envision how expansive recording and production could be.
Then songwriting duo Josh King and Jesse Hester from the Austin band Burgess Meredith explore the depth and breadth of their Beatlemania. Josh describes the magic of the very first pre-Beatles recording that John, Paul, and George made as the Quarrymen. Then Jesse talks about how “Yesterday’s” timeless, sweet sadness has helped him understand the purpose of songwriting.
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Listen to Burgess Meredith’s Studio 1A performance
Listen to Songs from Episode 48 of This Song
Police protection: that’s the aim of a new proposal from the Texas Governor. But would it work? That’s the question we ask on today’s Texas Standard. Also: political ads. One presidential candidate has been spending a lot more than another, but do ads even make a difference these days? Plus why getting a license to carry has been harder for some Texans, and an effort to make it more accessible. And dangerous streets. A Texas reporter traveled to El Salvador to understand what motivates some to make the difficult journey to the U-S. And a new documentary lifts the curtain on a cult that was operating in one part of Texas for close to 15 years. All that and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Unconventional convention. GOP speakers include reality TV stars, but also Texas politicians. We’ll explore what we can expect from them in Cleveland. Also differences at the border but a lot of similarities too. A new poll questioned residents on both sides of the US-Mexico line and a look at what it found. And arrests are down across Texas, but the number of Texans dying during an arrest is up. We’ll take a closer look at those numbers. Plus boot camp for drug addicts: why a tough-line approach works for so many but so few get the opportunity to try it. And new leadership at Baylor. A look at the University’s new Athletic Director and the challenges he’ll face. Those stories and more on today’s Texas Standard:
In Black America presents a discussion of African American sororities and fraternities with Jarrad Henderson, producer and director of Beyond This Place: The Visual History of African American Fraternities and Sororities.
Summer. For students and teachers, that means a break from books, papers, tests, deadlines, and the stress of school. In this episode of KUT’s podcast “Higher Ed,” Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger and KUT’s Jennifer Stayton talk about the benefits of that break, as well as the advantages of keeping the brain at least a little busy during the summer months. In this episode, Ed and Jennifer balance the benefits of a breather from the classroom with the importance of keeping the brain occupied over the summer. Hear about some ways to do that, including sharing what happens during the school year with family and friends over the summer. You’ll also get the solution to the most recent math puzzler. A hint: think small.
This episode was recorded May 16, 2016.
Geri Allen is an American jazz pianist, composer and educator who continues to bridge the divides of time and space between the jazz of mid century America and today.
In this edition of Liner Notes Rabbi Neil Blumofe talks about the significance of the life and work of Geri Allen.
Two Lakeway residents were killed in the terrorist attack in Nice, France. We look at the investigations that begin when a police officer fatally shoots someone in Austin. Many Travis County parents are opting out of having their kids vaccinated, state records show. Those stories and more in this edition of KUT Weekend!
Subscribe at https://weekend.kut.org
Texas has queso, tacos, and barbecue – but you’ll need something to wash all of it down with. And while the craft beer craze is here to stay, Texas is also known for some fantastic vineyards.
Another attack. Again in France. At least two Americans killed, reports they were Texans. We’re following that. Also in this country… ongoing tensions in police-community relations. A Texas leader calling out the President for his reactions to recent events. And funding for fighting Zika… what Texas can expect from Washington. Plus a Texas Youth Orchestra takes its talent overseas… performing classical pieces in the cities where they were written. And a new study may have you questioning everything you thought you knew about dinosaurs. Also why we may soon be seeing more of those loud law office commercials. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Does hope actually motivate us to change? A listener sent in this question and we thought we would explore the answer.
In this edition of Two Guys on Your Head, Dr. Art Markman and Dr. Bob Duke talk about how effective hope is when we want change.
A town hall meeting on race that may be unprecedented. A look at the White House event and what role one prominent Texan may play. Also the aisle is widening, at least that’s what it looks like when you examine the latest party platforms. We’ll have analysis. Plus another round of Medicaid cuts hits Texas today. We’ll break down the effects. And cultural artifacts. What discoveries at an old Houston Sugar Mill may tell us about slaves once held there. And Pell grants for prisoners: why one Texas community college is taking advantage of a new program designed to reduce return trips to behind bars. All that and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Slang is the working class of words. Carl Sandburg said “slang is a language that rolls up its sleeves, spits on its hands and goes to work.”
But slang is always changing. For an older guy like me, It’s hard to keep up with.
Did you know that “on fleek,” “squad,” and “lit” are on their way out? Neither did I. Those words are going out before I knew they were in. Hell, I just learned “hipster” a few months ago, which likely proves I’m not one. It also shows I’m late to learn new slang. No surprises there. By the time I catch up with a new movement, it has generally moved on.
Millennials, by contrast, change slang faster than Taylor Swift changes boyfriends.
One trend that I have noticed lately is how many words or expressions common 20 years ago have either disappeared altogether or reversed meanings.
“Parking” is a case in point. Twenty years ago parking was the term for finding a quiet spot on a country road and enjoying some intimate time with your date.
That meaning is gone. If you bring up that term in front of today’s college students, they will say, “I know. The parking problem on campus is terrible.” If you explain what it used to mean they will say, “Oh, you mean Netflix and chill!”
“Shade” is something I’ve always tried to sit in. Now, evidently, it is something you can throw.
“Sick” is the new cool. “Sick” used to mean ill, but now it means that something is hip: “That is a sick tune you’re playin’.” Wicked is also strangely good. “Leah, you’re sick and wicked.” That’s a compliment!
“Savage” used to be a word no one wanted to be associated with. Now it works as praise. “That motorcyle jump was savage, dude.” Or you can use it as a verb, “You savaged that Snickers bar.”
“Dope?” used to be an idiot – as in “He’s a dope.” Now, it is something or someone who is super cool, as in “that’s so dope” or “nobody’s dope as me.” There are even caps that sport the word DOPE right up front. A few decades ago that would have been a punishment.
“Howdy” has largely been replaced, at least among some millennials by “‘Sup,” a contraction of “What’s up?” But I’m sure there’s still a few young “howdiers” out there.
“Awesome” has changed in the sense that it used to be a powerful word, a word that could bench press 500 pounds. It was reserved for Godly things, for divine things. You would use it for a crimson sunset over El Capitan in West Texas. But now this sublime word is used promiscuously – as in “those are awesome tacos” or “You’ll be here in ten minutes? Awesome.” Inflation has set in. “Awesome” has lost its awesomeness. The same is true for “amazing.”
We have some nonverbal reversals, too. Wearing your cap backwards or sideways used to be considered nerdy. Wearing it cocked to the side once made you seem like a clown. Today, wearing it that way can be “dope.” But only in youth culture. If I were to do it, I would look like an old clown. Best for me to stick to Stetsons.
Used to be that wearing your shirt tail out was slovenly. Now, it is stylish. Wearing your shirt tucked in is considered nerdy. Out is in and in is out. Unless you are talking about Western fashion where the tucked tradition mostly prevails.
One word that seems to have weathered the decades without changing is “cool.” “Cool” was cool in the sixties and it is still cool today. And not only is it cross-generational, it is cross-cultural, too. “Cool” is cool in the African-American world. It’s cool in the hispanic world and it’s cool in white culture. It’s cool in rap and it’s cool in country. It’s transcontinental as well. People around the world who don’t speak English seem to know at least two words: “okay” and “cool.” “Cool” is singularly diverse with diverse acceptance. And that’s awesome.
A younger, perpetually cooler friend heard me making these observations and he said to me, “Don’t be throwin’ shade on our slang. You just need to get woke, dude.”
That’s probably true. Workin’ on it.
‘Til next time, YOLO y’all.
W.F. Strong is a Fulbright Scholar and professor of Culture and Communication at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. At Public Radio 88 FM in Harlingen, Texas, he’s the resident expert on Texas literature, Texas legends, Blue Bell ice cream, Whataburger (with cheese) and mesquite smoked brisket.
Texas dealing with tensions over race and policing. Moments of healing at a Dallas memorial service… and reminders of past scars, we’ll explore. Also One year ago today, a young woman found dead in her jail cell. The video of the arrest that put her there going viral. Plus no silver bullet: recommendations for fixes to the state’s foster care system and new challenges right around the corner. And Texas teens can face intense personal challenges… a look at why it appears young Latinas are especially feeling the pressure. And why what was once cool may also be hot… and what’s good is also wicked… today on the Texas Standard:
The nation mourns for Dallas. President Obama in North Texas today to remember 5 police officers. And bending the President’s ear. A US Representative from Dallas tells us what she has to say to the President… and what she wants her colleagues in Washington to know. And a convention in Cleveland. Events begin to ramp up for the Grand Old Party’s party… but not everyone is celebrating. Plus tens of thousands of precious Texas artifacts have been removed from the Alamo… where they’re going and why. And bats just might be useful allies in the fight against Zika… but don’t count on them to eradicate it. We’ll explain… Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
Promoting unity in Dallas and action in Washington. Efforts to enact change after last week’s shooting, we’ll explore. Also: A new precedent. A criminal justice expert on the Dallas Police Department’s use of a robot with a bomb to eliminate the shooting suspect. Plus: Little Saigon. Why a Houston city council member’s plan to re-name part of a neighborhood is a little more divisive than expected. The Giant Still Sleeps… a film series looking at political trends… including why Texas Latinos aren’t going to the polls. Plus… The debate over handing out diplomas to Texas students who haven’t passed big tests. Those stories and lots more today on the Texas Standard:
In Black America producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. discusses the 2016 Arts and Entertainment re-make of Roots, the classic multi-generational story of slavery and emancipation, with director Thomas Carter.