As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues its rapid spread, many are desperate to confirm whether any possible symptom is an actual case. Unfortunately, getting an appointment for a test or finding a box of the at-home variety has been very difficult. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: January 14, 2022
School districts are buckling under the current pressures of the pandemic. The leader of a Texas teacher’s organization asks, where’s the state in all this? Some districts are shutting down others are asking parents to fill in. We want to hear from you about the current challenges for schools. Also, Governor Greg Abbott’s border enforcement program violates the constitution. That was the ruling yesterday. We’ll look at where it goes from here. And Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton must turn over records related to his time in Washington last January 6th. We’ll get into the exceptional details. Plus, going back in time to 1883 and the depiction of a family’s journey west across Texas. Our interview with one of TV’s rising stars. That and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Taking Roll
Schools are, once again, overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this current stage, some districts have shut down for days at time, others are asking parents to serve as substitute teachers. All that was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Resowhat?
It’s the time of year when many people try to reset, make ambitious goals, or aim to try something new — or not. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Winter Woes
It’s not *technically winter just yet — but we’re just over a week out from Christmas and it hardly feels like it — even for Texas! That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Out of Office Email Responder
It’s the time of year for time off. And, for anyone trying to get in touch with someone else, it’s the time of year for automatic replies. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Soup Season
Jackets may not be necessary many days in a Texas December — but a warm bowl of soup can feel welcome even when the temperatures don’t require it. That was the inspiration behind this listener request!
Typewriter Rodeo: Love
It feels like there may not be a whole lot new to say about love in poetry. But perhaps that’s exactly why humans can’t stop writing about it? Texas Standard listener Michael Abild requested this poem about “the creative and sustaining nature of love.”
Being Present
This season of being thankful, some of us are thinking about being thankful for each moment and our ability to enjoy that moment, to savor it. Texas Standard listener Lynzy requested this poem about ridding herself of the products and systems that get in the way of her ability to be present.
Texas Standard: November 9, 2021
More lawsuits pour in as officials continue to investigate how a concert crowd turned deadly, we’ll have the latest. Also, Texas is worse off now than a year ago. At least that’s one takeaway from the latest University of Texas / Texas Tribune Poll… We’ll have a look deeper into the data. Also a celebration of Jewish religion and culture on screen, even as the community has faced recent attacks. The mission of the Austin Jewish Film Festival. Plus we’ll explore a new book that highlights some underrepresented voices in the historic record on civil rights. And a tiny Texas town adjusts to unprecedented growth and explores how it might maintain what’s made it unique. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Riding A Bike
This Typewriter Rodeo poem came by request from Texas Standard listener Pete Ramirez. His request was for a poem dedicated to “the love and joy of riding a bike.”
Homecoming Mums
From the Red River to the Rio Grande — it’s a Texas high school tradition that’s… *grown over the years. This Typewriter Rodeo poem came by request from Texas Standard listener Linda Newman. She observed homecoming mums used to be real and about the size of a grapefruit. Now, she says they’re artificial and bigger than a football!
What Is It?
Noticing, appreciating, musing in, the small things around us. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: October 21, 2021
As the fight over Texas redistricting moves from the legislature to the courts, lawmakers and hopefuls are readjusting their political plans. Today on the Texas Standard.
A San Antonio non profit is drawing some unwelcome attention for its recent move into housing migrants. We’ll explore.
And as more bitcoin mining moves into Texas, what’s being done to make sure the energy gobbling industry doesn’t over tap the state’s power grid?
The longest-running indigenous radio program in Texas celebrates all native culture. We’ll highlight the story.
And there are some newcomers in the top 5 in the latest Texas Monthly list of the best BBQ. Why they stood out. That and more.
Texas Standard: October 20, 2021
The third and perhaps final special session of the 87th Legislative is over. So who won and lost? An analysis going beyond the party players- today on the Standard. There’s been a lot of concern among Democrats about weakening numbers in the Rio Grande Valley. But there’s another argument that it might not matter so much in the end when it comes to election results. And there’s some evidence that not taking full advantage of redistricting power has weakened Democratic power across the country. We’ll break it down. Meanwhile, staff vaccination rates at Texas nursing homes are not moving up much despite a looming federal mandate. That’s a Texas Standard special report. Plus, we’ll get up close with the mighty peregrine falcon.
Seasonal Décor
Some folks mark the seasons by changing out the wreath on the front door or pulling out different colored lights or other decorations. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Autumn In Texas
The weather is cooler — a little bit. The decorations are going up and football season is in full swing. But what are the other tell-tale signs of a Texas autumn? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Why, Jerry?
With new census numbers finally available, lawmakers are drawing new maps for political representation. It’s no surprise that those with the pen seem inclined to make the lines in favor of themselves or their interests. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Social media can be an escape — a place to share wins and cat photos. It can also be a place where bullying runs rampant, misinformation is spread, and anxieties are stoked. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Climate Change
The visible evidence of climate change and the studies about its dire long-term impacts can be overwhelming. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.