Drought has crept back over much of Texas. Now, a burst of rain provides much-needed moisture to a parched land. The challenging, perhaps heartbreaking ebb and flow of this weather pattern was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
A Toddler’s Nightmares
Bath time, teeth brushing, stories, songs. The little one seems all settled — and then — a scream, a call, a cry. What could possibly be the matter? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Overburdened Teachers
The school year is now well underway. Routines are set. If things seem to be moving smoothly, we have teachers to thank. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Something About the Fishes of Texas
The Typewriter Rodeo operates by request. And this request by a Texas Standard listener named Amanda left our poet a lot of room for interpretation. Want to request a poem? Just email texasstandard@kut.org.
The Joy of Summer Fruit
The calendar is officially fall but you may not be ready for pumpkin spice just yet. Thanks to modern appliances, summer standouts can still be enjoyed for months to come. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
August’s Revenge
The calendar says fall but the temperature gauge does not. Is it August again? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Low Water
The last several weeks brought a bit of much-needed rain to most of Texas. But it hasn’t been enough to offset months of drought. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: September 12, 2022
Four months after Uvalde, what do we know about the role of the Texas Department of Public safety in the response? A deep dive into the history of Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw and the role he played (or didn’t) during the state’s deadliest school shooting. Also, Migrants are being released into the streets in El Paso, that’s because detention centers and shelters to support them are full. And energy prices are very high in Europe; we’ll look at energy weaponization. Also, what does it mean to re-wild and why is San Antonio an example of this tactic? These stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Giant Cacti
This poem is about a plant — not a person. But in the wake of the sudden passing of an enormous political and historical figure, it’s easy to see parallels. A cactus was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem — but it’s lasting presence is similar to the seven decade reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Uvalde: What’s Next? – A Texas Standard Special (Rebroadcast)
Texans are still reeling from the stories of Uvalde. But are schools any safer now? Today we’ll hear from Texans: students, educators, experts in crime and mental health. But also victims and survivors. We’ll sort through going back to class in the wake of the state’s deadliest school shooting. Uvalde: What’s Next? A special rebroadcast on today’s Texas Standard:
It’s Finally Under 100 Degrees
There’s nothing unusual about long, hot Texas summers — except that this year’s severe drought has made this one feel particularly long and hot. Indeed, we did break some heat records across the state. But, wait, what’s that? Rain? A breeze? That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Early Morning Haze
Students across Texas are headed back to class. Parents and caretakers are readjusting to the school schedule. Everyone is figuring out how to get enough sleep with the new demands. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Turtle Crossing
Who needs your help and what does it really mean to lend a hand? Those are the bigger, underlying questions that serve as the backdrop of this seemingly simple Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Uvalde: What’s Next? – A Texas Standard Special
Texans are still reeling from the stories from Uvalde. Are schools any safer now? We take a look today on a special edition of the Texas Standard. We will hear form Texans, students, educators, and experts in crime and mental health, but also victims and survivors. We’ll sort through going back to class in the wake of the states deadliest school shooting, today on the Texas Standard:
Ode to Summer
The season doesn’t technically change for another month, but the start of the school year starts to make a shift towards fall. It’s been a hot, dry summer in Texas and many are ready to move on. But, before we do, this Typewriter Rodeo poem highlights a few things we’ll miss.
Ode to an Austin Icon
John Aielli is one of those people who truly made Austin weird. He was known for his genre-defying show and meandering conversations. Aielli wasn’t just an icon of the music scene but a companion in kitchens and on commutes for decades. He died on Sunday at age 76 and was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: August 1, 2022
Water crisis. That’s the label communities on the border are giving the current conditions as reservoirs are drying up. But it’s not just on the border that water is a concern. We’ll talk with an expert about the current state of groundwater across Texas and the long-term forecast. Plus a shot in the arm for a Liquid Natural Gas facility in Brownsville. What a big contract means for its future. And in Uvalde the community still in the early days of recovery is trying to access the financial help promised, but doing that is easier said than done. And we’ll remember an Austin radio icon beloved by throng and truly one of a kind. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Snow Cones
It’s hot. Want to drink something cold? Many Texans turn to snow cones. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: July 22, 2022
After the recent Supreme Court ruling proponents of abortion rights and same sex marriage protections are turning to Congress. But is there enough support? We’ll take a look. Also Texas teens across the board are dealing with increased mental health challenges since the start of the pandemic. But for trans teens finding the right mental health care support can be an extra hurdle. And first responders face high risk on the job. But when some Texas firefighters, officers and EMS workers have filed workers compensation claims they’ve found roadblock upon roadblock. Plus it’s not just home sale prices that are through the roof in Texas, it’s also rent. So can you negotiate with your landlord? And the study of Harry Styles. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Drought Rain
The grass is so dry, it’s been crunching underfoot. The earth is dusty and cracked. And then — welcome rain. Not the kind we wish away but the kind we wish for more of. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.