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.
poem
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.
Music Festivals
Today, thousands of fans from all over will pile into Austin’s Zilker Park for the first weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. And while the locals love to hate the event, deep down, we’re proud to host one of the best events for music lovers. We’ll still complain about traffic, though.
Third Party Candidates
Many voters are asking each other, Republican or Democrat? Clinton or Trump? But they aren’t the only options, no matter what the talking heads say. This year, more people are considering the often-overlooked third party candidates and asking themselves, is this the election where I break the cycle?
Back in My Day
It’s 2016 – we’ve got waterproof supercomputers in our pockets, an artifical intelligence assistant and buttons we can press to have toilet paper delivered. News gets to our screens faster than we can read it. We can watch an event across the world from the comfort of our couches in real-time. But it wasn’t always like this. Things used to be simple.
Undecided Voters
With 59 days left to the 2016 Presidential Election, most people have had their decision made for several months. But there are hold-outs – some are still researching issues and exploring their options. This poem is for the ones who dare to wait.
Waiting-For-Autumn Blues
While many Texans firmly believe seasons do not exist in our great state, we all look forward to the few weeks of cool weather in the fall. It’s the perfect time for cardigans, sweaters, and a cup of hot chocolate. The hard part is waiting for the blissful respite from the heat.
Table That Thought
Everyone has their own way of relaxing and gaining perspective: meditating, listening to music, or sitting in a favorite chair with a cup of tea. Sometimes you just need to sit and ponder life’s questions and forget about the daily routine. Today’s poem is for all of us who need to stop and think, tables included.
What Your Car Brand Says About You
When you meet someone new you often take note of what they’re wearing, their hairstyle, and the kind of taco they order. But if you’re lucky enough to get a peek at what kind of car they left in the parking lot, you can learn a whole lot more about them.
Texas Caves
Texas has everything: beaches, mountains, forests, and even caves. Whether you prefer Natural Bridge Caverns, Longhorn Cavern, or Enchanted Rock Cave, they’re all great ways to beat the summer heat – if you can brave small spaces, of course.
Warriors of the Court
Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter was inspired by the intrepid young women of high school volleyball for this week’s poem.
Mandals
It’s hot, it’s humid, it’s the height of summer across the state. That means wardrobes are making a transformation, but today’s poem suggests you might want to spend extra time pondering your footwear before you head into the office on Monday.
Texas Wines
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.
Tejas
In election years, the subject of borders inevitably comes up, whether it’s a local race or a national one. That inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter to write this week’s poem.
Summertime
It’s July, and everyone is in the midst of pool parties, fireworks and cookouts. But that also means August is around the corner, so it’s time to squeeze every bit of fun out of the season. That feeling inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s Jodi Egerton to write this week’s poem.
Tappin’ on the Brakes
What do Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio all have in common? Traffic. That inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s David Fruchter to write this week’s poem.
Skeeters
Summertime means you’ll likely spend a lot of time on patios – as long as you aren’t bothered by the buzz (and bite) of mosquitos. Those critters inspired Typewriter Rodeo’s Jodi Egerton to write this week’s poem.