Disaster

Laughing In The Face of Disaster

A lot of us who are not experiencing disaster, war, or significant hardship may wonder how others who are can get through the day-to-day. It might be even more foreign to us to think how anyone could possibly laugh or smile or make jokes during such times.

However, in this episode of Two Guys on Your Head,  Dr. Art Markman, and Dr. Bob Duke explore the psychology and long tradition of using humor to help deal with and process pain and suffering.

Texas Standard: February 16, 2022

As many watch for the next moves in Ukraine, Europeans are turning to Texas for more of their energy; it could come with strings attached. Also, six Texas congressional races to watch. And, an auction for wild horses…why some see it as a betrayal. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: January 28, 2022

How did a British foreign National on a security watch list obtain the gun used in the North Texas synagogue attack? The FBI says it has arrested the person who supplied the gun used by the hostage taker in the attack on a Colleyville synagogue two weeks ago. But many questions remain. We’ll have the latest. Also- a federal judge puts the brakes on planned strike by BNSF Railway workers. We’ll look at the implications and what comes next. And as more Texans seek COVID-19 tests, more scammers crop up taking money and personal information. A San Antonio health official on how to spot COVID-19 test scams. Plus the week in politics and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 11, 2021

The 5th circuit court of appeals lifts a lower court stay on Texas new abortion law. What comes next? Doctors who performed abortions in the state during a court-ordered stay on the new Texas abortion law could be subject to lawsuits. We’ll have the latest. Also could the Woodlands become Texas’ newest city? Why the developer opposes an upcoming vote to incorporate. And what this coming winter spells for energy demand in Texas. We’ll hear a forecast. Plus, pregnancy during a pandemic: new insights from a Texas study. Those stories and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 1, 2021

Big news today from the U.S. Supreme Court. The case is out of Arizona but it will have big implications for Texans, we’ll explore. Plus an enormously energy-hungry industry is hoping to move to Texas. But our grid, as we found out in February, is not stable! We’ll learn more about cryptocurrency mining. And it’s been years since hurricane Harvey all but devastated Houston and it will still take some more years before some residents can move back home. Plus in a world with expiring car warranties, credit card scams and other attacks, the number one consumer complaint in the U.S. is for robocalls! What to do about them and ways to protect yourself. All of that and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 30, 2021

To declare a disaster or to not declare a disaster? That is the question before counties along the border. The disaster declarations are part of a bigger plan from Governor Abbott that includes his wall. We’ll talk about that in light of his visit to the border with former president Trump. We’ll also look at how Abbott ending federal unemployment benefits also ends state benefits for some Texans. And Bastrop is growing. We’ll look at the plans for a new state of the art film studio. And speaking of growth, Lubbock has a plan for its growth over the next 20 years. Will communities often forgotten be included this time? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: May 19, 2020

Bars, tattoo parlors and rodeos. What a return to normal is shaping up as in Texas as Governor Abbott moves to the next stage in reopening. Reopening dates vary by industry and rules aren’t being relaxed everywhere at once. Tony Plohetski of KVUE and the Austin American Statesman spells it out. Also, is the U.S. Government fast tracking child deportations? And why are so many small businesses having trouble getting promised aid? Plus the Hill Country spider that caught the attention of the Texas Supreme Court. Those stories and more today on the National News Show of Texas:

Texas Standard: January 14, 2020

Texas offers one of the biggest delegate prizes in all the U.S. Are the democrats in this years presidential contest taking Texas seriously? We’ll take a closer look at how far the candidates are going to win over Texas voters, and what’s at stake. Also, as candidates focus their energies on places like Iowa, should Texas consider taking a stand as the state with the first primary? Plus a state historic site reopens after devastating tornadoes: a return to the Caddo Mounds plus a whole lots more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: December 9, 2019

The Texas General Land Office has a question for many towns and cities: after Harvey, how would you spend 4 billion dollars? The mayor of Rockport weighs in today on the Texas Standard. Also, the eyes of many Texans on the impeachment drama on Capitol Hill. Not all Texas lawmakers singing the same tune on that score, we’ll have details. And the headlines say in the Permian Basin the pumpjacks are pumpin and all’s well for oil wells. But a closer look finds subtle signs of a downturn. Also the potential return of a Texas political dynasty? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 12, 2019

The Texas connection in the impeachment inquiry. How two figures from the Lone Star State factor into tomorrow’s hearings on Capitol Hill. We’ll have the latest. Also, is the doctor shortage a phony crisis? A new Texas medical survey points to some big cracks in the conventional wisdom. Also, Bock wars break out in Shiner, Texas. We’ll hear about the three billboards fermenting anger among some locals. And what Ted Cruz and Kim Kardashian have in common, and what that could mean for the fate of a death row inmate. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: September 23, 2019

Imelda now blamed for five deaths in Texas after one of the strongest tropical storms in U.S. history draws comparisons to Harvey. We’ll have a firsthand view of the impact of flooding in Southeast Texas. Also, a deal with El Salvador designed to make would be asylum seekers think twice about coming to the U.S. And the trial of a Dallas Police Officer accused in the shooting death of a man in his own apartment. Plus, a quarrel over quarries. Who can stop them from moving in next door? Those stories and then some today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 26, 2019

From guns to lemonade stands, new laws about to take effect. Experts from the Dallas Morning News and the Texas Tribune tell us all about em. Other stories we’re watching, amid record heat, there’s one place in southeast Texas keeping cool without fear of rolling blackouts or skyrocketing electricity prices. We’ll take a look at how they’re doing it. Plus gun control in the aftermath of El Paso: the president first said he’d support tightening gun purchase background checks, then seemed to step back after a call with the head of the NRA. What’s the real story? All of that and then some today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: May 27, 2019

It’s a day to remember: those who gave their lives in service of the nation. But it’s also the end of the 86th legislative session. We will look at the state’s budget and what’s in it. Plus, a bill in Congress that stalled and it has money for Harvey recovery, what’s next? And how could 5G interfere with predicting the next Harvey? We’ll explore. And we’ll take a look at how restorative justice could restore more than individual lives and revive neighborhoods. And the little computer program that could… COBOL has been dismissed but is still going strong. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: June 5, 2018

The story of a same sex marriage, and a wedding cake that a christian baker wouldn’t bake. There are implications for Texas, we’ll explore. Also, did you realize that as of last week, we are now just one state away from necessary number of states ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment? But there’s a catch. We’ll explore what could be a profound moment in American history and why it may or may not come to pass. And people say stupid things online and on Twitter, with or without the help of Ambien. And as sure as the sun rises come calls for retribution. But is there a way to apologize and do it right? We’ll explore. And Houston, we have a problem, and it’s name is Elon Musk? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: January 29, 2018

A vote to censure a prominent Texas lawmaker on his way out of office. What the move says about the state of the state’s GOP. Also, the disaster relief bill that would send tens of billions of dollars to Harvey devastated parts of Texas is still on hold in Washington. Why some of the state’s farmers may be contributing to the delay. And it’s been exactly 100 years since an event in Texas history that you probably don’t remember reading about in school. Why we should remember the Porvenir massacre. Plus, how re-thinking our message about the flu could do more to keep people healthy. All that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: October 13, 2017

After repeated demands by democrats, a Texas lawmaker unveils articles of impeachment against President Trump. Now what? We’ll have the latest. Also, an army task force returns to Texas from Puerto Rico. We’ll hear what they encountered, and why the need for help isn’t likely to end any time soon. Plus, once it was hailed as a super principal for helping save a troubled school now she’s on suspension. A controversy that’s stunned the Houston community. And after a long fight to win UNESCO recognition for the Alamo, the president announces plans to pull out of the UN’s cultural wing, we’ll have the implications. Plus the week in politics with the Texas tribune and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: March 18, 2016

More rain in the forecast today for parts of Texas including those already under water. How disaster declarations affect resources and recovery. Also – Genocide… or just war? Understanding why the declaration about ISIS makes a difference. Plus… SeaWorld in San Antonio and the coasts are making changes to how they do business… we’ll hear how it might make a difference with ticket-buyers. Why growing up in the foster care system can be especially hard for LGBTQ kids. And… ahhh it’s Friday! That means we’ve got the typewriter rodeo and a look back at the week that was in Texas politics. All of that and lots more on todays Texas Standard:

V&B – Jazz & The Atomic Age

In this episode of Views & Brews, KUT’s Rebecca McInroy joins Rabbi/Jazz Historian Neil Blumofe and a live jazz ensemble (Sam Penke – bass, Ephraim Owens – trumpet, Andre Hayward – trombone, Scott Laningham – drums, Mike Malone – saxophone) in a discussion about jazz, post-war paranoia, and the Atomic Age, with a focus on the music of mid-century America, highlighting the work of Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. Beyond the old duck and cover drills of the Cold War, how do we cope with the constant threat of existential disaster? How does our music reflect our hopes and our anxieties? How do we distinguish between the treacle of intoxicating propaganda and the ineffable wonder that transforms our soul? What truly, conquers our fears?

June 16, 2015

Disaster recovery teams are activated and millions brace for more rain and Bill takes aim on Texas. We’re on top of the big story today as a tropical storm makes landfall…sparking concerns of flooding from Corpus to Houston, Austin and Northeast Texas… Also The Supreme Court decides not to second guess a North Carolina abortion law…and why some think that could affect abortion laws in Texas. And, Is the cycle of boom and bust —busted? Why oil and gas may no longer be a distinguishing factor in the story of the Texas economy.