Inauguration Day is here, and that means change. We don’t know what’s next – but we rarely ever do. Whether you cheered or not, tomorrow is a new day, with new problems, new ideas, and new ways to be a part of your community.
Threatening To Leave The Country
When elections don’t go your way, you might be tempted to seek out a change of scenery, perhaps a change of citizenship. But it’s important to remember that you are what makes this country so special. So put down your visa application and look around – this can still be your home.
Fake News
Did you hear the latest? Did you see that Tweet? They’re talking about it on cable news. We’re all getting a free car tomorrow!
Oh wait, maybe not.
So Long, 2016
Well, the year is finally coming to a close, and it’s time to celebrate a new trip around the sun. There were bad times, and… good times…?
But 2016 is over and that’s all there is to say.
Texas Standard: December 30, 2016
The number of U-S police officers who died in the line of duty at a five-year high. Texas by far lost the most. How that’s affecting those still serving. Also, a price surge, long lines and shortages: the gas crisis going on just south of the border. And extending our quality of life with the help of robots. How artificial intelligence can help the aging. And a look back at Texas’s role in the civil rights movement and what community organizers can learn from it. Plus, sweet or unsweet? It’s a question Texans are used to, we’ll explore the history. And how an NBA rookie broke barriers with the Houston Rockets this week. Those stories and a whole lot more on today’s Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: December 29, 2016
Corruption on the border. We all know it’s there, but are you aware just how much it’s happening on this side of the Rio Grande? Also Texas lawmakers will spend a lot of time talking about education funding in the next few months. School districts and tax payers will want to pay attention. And some environmentalists worry renewables won’t get the same attention under Trump. The conservative case for solar. Also: Dilley, Texas is known these days for its family detention center. How it’s shaped the south Texas city. If Texas were made up of just 100 people, can you guess how many would live east of I-35? Plus, a look back at the top tech stories of 2016 and more on todays Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: December 28, 2016
Social media is getting the blame for a rash of fights at malls across the country, including Texas. How’s that possible? We’ll ask on today’s Texas Standard. Also, predicting the global dynamics of 2017. What’s next for the European Union? For oil? For the U.S. under Trump? Plus the business of space travel in Midland, and turning a greenhouse gas into a commodity. And book recommendations for each month of the year, chock full of lessons tailor-made for Texans. Also how the desegregation of Texas sports is connected to the Harlem Globetrotters and so much more, its Texas Standard time!:
Texas Standard: December 27, 2016
Another Texan could be headed to Washington. Why it looks like the next Secretary of Agriculture could be from the Lone Star State. Plus there may be more locally-acquired Zika cases in Texas than have been reported so far. What we’re learning about the spread of the virus. And tis the season for returning gifts. Why taking items back is more common than ever. And it used to take a quarter to call someone who cares… but do you even know what it costs to use a payphone anymore? A look at one place in Texas where their use is as strong as ever. Plus the long and forgotten history of the Texas Mutualista… and why West Texas is getting kind of a bad wrap from Hollywood… that and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Holiday Half-Craft
Some people do their holiday shopping all year long, others wait until the last minute. With online shopping and fast delivery, it’s easier than ever to take care of everyone on your list without leaving your couch. But a brave few are determined to make gifts, with their DIY skills and eye for detail.
(But online shopping is a nice backup for those of us who can’t draw a straight line.)
A Rhapsody in NOG
It’s that time again – time to pull out the yule log, unwrap a candy cane, spin the dreidel and pour yourself a cup of nog. The creamy holiday treat is what inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter to write this week’s poem.
Willie Nelson
It’s a common misconception that all Texans love country music. Sure, a lot of us do but you’ll find plenty of Texans that just don’t care for it.
Unless it’s Willie Nelson. We all love Willie.
Electric Socks
As it gets cooler outside, everyone starts pulling out their “winter” clothes – for the few weeks of the year when layers aren’t just a fashion statement and the wind hits your face a little harder in the morning. Of course, there’s sweaters and jackets and scarfs, but you shouldn’t forget a good pair of socks to stay warm. Today’s poem is dedicated to a special kind of sock, for the end of the day when you curl up with a mug of hot chocolate.
Tortillas
Any Texpat can give you a list of things they miss about the Lone Star State. The weather, the football, the music – and near the top of many of these homesick lists: the food. Specifically, a good tortilla. Whether you prefer tacos, fajitas or burritos, there’s just nothing like a great tortilla.
My Dog Stinks
Man’s Best Friend. The family pet. Hunting companion. Support animal. Texans have dogs for all sorts of reasons, in all sorts of shapes and sizes. But anyone who has ever spent time around a big smelly dog knows that it’s not all rainbows and games of fetch – sometimes, dogs just stink.
Unity
It’s been a long year and a long week, no matter how you voted on Election Day. We are all tired, and starting to look towards the future. It’s worth remembering that even though we may have different points of view – in the end, we are all humans.
Vote
Today is the last day of early voting in Texas, and next Tuesday is Election Day. Forget the candidates, forget the talking heads on cable news, forget the social media arguments – remember that part of what makes our country special is our right to vote. No matter who you tick the box for, make sure you get your voice heard.
National Cat Day
Each year, October 29 is dedicated to all things feline. Cat owners will be trying to get their cat to behave for the perfect Instagram photo and dog lovers will be rolling their eyes. The cats themselves – despite our best efforts – likely will not care about their own holiday, content to sleep in the corner. And occasionally walk all over our keyboards.
Dyslexia
Experts estimate that between 15 and 20 percent of the general population has dyslexia in some form. Reading and writing are different experiences for those with the language-based learning disability – and we learn more about it all the time.
I-35
Highways are supposed to let us get around local traffic, across town or to the next big city quickly. But anyone who has lived in Texas for more than a week knows that there’s one exception to the rule: Interstate 35. Locals who live along the highway itself avoid it on their daily commutes. Long-distance travelers will drive an extra two hours on backroads just to ensure they won’t have to use it. But sometimes you just have to, sometimes there’s no choice, sometimes you sigh and say, “Let’s try I-35.”
Your School Librarian
Whether you need to read a book for school or for book club, you can likely find it online as an ebook, audiobook, or have the real book shipped in a matter of hours. But before you head straight to the internet, remember that there’s a magic place you can look first. A place with people who would love to help you find what you need – all without relying on a wifi connection.