Hustle and bustle are two words often associated with the holiday season. Before the turkey is even consumed, often the Christmas lights are up, and then, before you know it, there are only X shopping days left. This poem invites us to slow down.
poetry
How to prepare for extreme winter weather in Texas
With just days to go before the start of the Texas legislative session, a long awaited report on maternal mortality finally sees the light of day. We’ll have details. Also, with 2500 migrants a day lining up to turn themselves in to the Border Patrol here, and numbers expected to rise, we’ll look at how local officials are hoping to manage the situation. My conversation with the El Paso County Judge. And after dozens fall sick, Louisiana Health Officials warn about Texas Oysters. We take a deep dive on what’s causing the problems and the impact on the industry. Plus the week in politics with the Texas Tribune and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Eating Halloween Candy – Still
Did you gorge yourself over several days? Or were you patient? Are you still picking your way through what was collected that final night of October? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Largest teacher prep program in Texas at risk of losing accreditation
A long awaited report on Maternal Mortality in Texas is now two months delayed and may not be available for the next legislative session. We’ll have the latest. Other stories we’re tracking: amid a statewide teacher shortage, the biggest teacher accreditation program in Texas now facing the possible loss of accreditation. We’ll hear more. And after several local ordinances to decriminalize marijuana pass on the November ballot, a pushback from many local officials. Also a singer from El Paso who’s new release, Frontera, is turning a spotlight on latino voices in country music. Our conversation with Valerie Ponzio, the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and much more today on the Texas Standard:
The Great War (of buying Taylor Swift tickets)
For fans of a certain musician, a certain recent ticket-buying experience was a certain nightmare. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Foodie Vibes
Trying something new and different can be fun — but may also leave you wanting a little more. That was the inspiration behind this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
All the Holidays All at Once
Tis the season for a trip to any retailer to make you feel very confused about the actual date on the calendar. Is it really time to buy egg nog already? What happened to that bag of Halloween candy I saw here last week? Are those — little Santas?? That inspired this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Texas Standard: November 18, 2022
The end of Title 42 and reaction from inside a migrant camp. Angela Kocherga reporting from Juarez. Also, as the impact of the midterms continues to unfold, a Texas election administrator with an insider’s account of what went right and wrong on election day. And a preview of the World Cup and the Texans who could be making history. Also the seldom told story of the woman from Dallas who shattered ceilings and made history in the world of sportscasting, business, and beyond. The authors of a new biography of Phyllis George. Plus the week in politics with James Barragán of the Texas Tribune and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: November 11, 2022
A state commission votes to extend the life of a Texas department under federal investigation for civil rights and abuse violations. More on what comes next for the embattled Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Plus this week Texas voters elected the first South Asian and Muslim state legislators. We’ll talk with Salman Bhojani, Representative-elect from District 92 in North Texas. Plus Fort Hood set to be renamed for a four star General from South Texas, the first Hispanic to reach that rank. Also On this Veterans day, the story of Harold Brown, one of the first Black military aviators. Plus the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and much more today on the Texas Standard:
Fading Light
We’re all experiencing darker evenings after setting the clocks back an hour last weekend – the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.
Imperfect Song
Early voting in the Texas midterm elections is coming to an end and voter turnout so far is down. That was the inspiration of this Typewriter Rodeo poem. Election Day is Nov. 8.
Texas Standard: October 28, 2022
In the aftermath of the Uvalde shooting, calls grow louder for the resignation of the head of the Department of Public Safety, we’ll have the latest. Also one of the biggest county judges races in Texas takes an ugly turn with charges of racism. Plus a closer look at disinformation and the role of inflammatory language. And after a deadly coral disease decimates reefs in Florida and the Caribbean, fears grow over a protected marine reserve off the coast of Galveston. And the off ramp on the road that goes forever… Texas music legend Robert Earl Keen on his decision to retire from the stage. Our conversation and much more today on the Texas Standard:
The Flood
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.
Texas Standard: October 14, 2022
The House January 6th panel wraps up evidentiary hearings. Did they move the needle for Texans prior to a big election? We’ll explore. Other stories we’re tracking: a big cost of living increase for social security recipients, the biggest in 4 decades. What does it mean for Texas and the long term future of the program? Also the organizer of the first Amazon workers union on the state of labor. And a look at a the complicated legacy of Cesar Chavez. A champion of labor, and a tough campaigner against illegal immigration. Plus the week in Texas politics and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
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.
Texas Standard: October 7, 2022
A major turning point for marijuana laws or more political smoke and mirrors? A sweeping pardon for federal marijuana possession convictions announced by president Biden. Though federal and state marijuana laws remain in place, what are the implications in Texas? And what else should Texans be looking for? We’ll explore with a top expert on drug policy at Rice University. Also Facebook’s gone Meta. Twitter may be going to Musk. Who’s the new king of social media and why does it matter? Also the week that was in Texas politics and more today on the Texas Standard:
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.
Texas Standard: September 30, 2022
The first and so far only gubernatorial debate in Texas set for tonight. Greg Abbott the incumbent republican and democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke square off tonight in the Rio Grande Valley. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán of the Texas newsroom with what to look for. Also despite democrats’ high hopes, Alex Samuels of the 538 writes for democrats to succeed in Texas, they need more than Beto. We’ll hear her analysis. And after a long campaign, a long segregated schoolhouse in Marfa approved for national historic site status. The long fight for recognition, the week in politics and more today on the Texas Standard:
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.