work

Work Meetings in the Time of Coronavirus

In a period of high unemployment and great risks with some in-person work, being able to connect remotely is a privilege. But it’s not always without its problems. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

‘Working’ From Home

Many Texans are out of work right now. Others continue with what’s deemed essential business. And others still are trying to maintain duties that used to be done in an office — but is now being attempted at home. That third category was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

More Meetings

You know the feeling. Your calendar is full of them when you get a notification about another. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: November 28, 2019

The Texas Legislature has recently taken up charges focused on mental health. Can those priorities maintain momentum into the next session? We’ll explore. Plus, mental health has been used in the same sentence a lot lately as mass violence. We’ll break down that connection. And as loved ones gather this holiday, one discussion point might be family history. Digging deep into what that means for one Texas family. Also, don’t ask don’t tell: it seems that’s still largely the policy when it comes to mental health at work. We’ll look at how to change that. All of those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Summer Living

The heat is still on for much of Texas. For those of us with indoor jobs or school, it can be surprising how warm it remains even late in the day. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: March 29, 2019

A surprise stay of execution for a condemned man on Texas’ death row, and the possible ripple effects for religious liberties nationwide. We’ll have the latest. And do you remember the case of the Colorado baker who refused to bake a cake for a gay couple? Now Texas lawmakers are taking steps to protect licensed professionals from charges of discrimination against the LGBT community. A move shaping up to be a broader culture war at the capitol. Also, Amazon betting big on Texas: minus incentives. Plus a conversation with Steve Earle about Texas music legend Guy Clark and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Inbox Zero

My inbox is currently showing 525 unread messages. What’s yours? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: August 17, 2018

After President Trump revokes the security clearance of a critic, a famous Texan makes a request of the white house: take mine too! We’ll have more on former UT chancellor Bill McRaven’s Texas-sized rebuke of President Trump. Meanwhile after stalled talks to renegotiate NAFTA, signs of a surprise breakthrough on a trade deal with Mexico although notably not with Canada. At least not yet. Also as cars fill up the streets of Houston, a push to fill the cars. And mandatory paid sick leave goes viral setting up another battle over state versus local control. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: August 3, 2018

Pope Francis says the Catholic church no longer supports the death penalty in any case. Will that influence policy here in Texas? We’ll take a look. Also, immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. have different odds of having those requests granted depending on where they’re asking. We’ll explain. Plus, one of the most dangerous places to work is a place where people go to get help. How Texas researchers want to make hospitals safer. And Texas used to be covered by water and there’s ancient shark teeth under your feet to prove it. Also we’ll find answers to questions surrounding the namesake of one of the state’s largest cities. Do you know whom Dallas is named for? Those stories and so much more on today’s Texas Standard:

Work Coffee

There aren’t a lot of things in this world that are free — except, sometimes, work coffee. But is it really free? That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Texas Standard: July 27, 2018

After fears yesterday of a broader downturn following Facebook’s steep stock drop, a stunning new number on the state of the economy. 4.1%: that’s how fast the economy grew in the second quarter. We’ll look at what the numbers add up to in this time of tariffs and talk of trade wars. Also, Nicaragua reported to be in a state of siege, the people at the mercy of paramilitaries. We’ll take a look at what’s happening there and could it mean a new wave of asylum seekers. Plus, the hype around 5G: why all eyes are on Houston for what could be a disrupter for the cable industry. Plus the week that was in Texas politics and much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: July 26, 2018

Deadline day on the Texas Mexico border: a federal judge orders immigrant family reunifications completed by today. Will it happen? We’ll have the latest. Also, Texas has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the U.S., but a decision in the most liberal district in the US is taking gun rights much further, finding a constitutional right to openly carry firearms. We’ll explore the implications. And what is the fastest growing segment of the workforce? If you’re thinking millennials, think again. The rush for jobs among people 75 and older. Plus the centuries old book about an expedition to Florida that may be the most important book about early Texas: now, a new chapter for 21st century readers. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: May 15, 2018

the US Supreme Court’s decision on sports betting: what are the odds things will change in the Lone Star State? We’ll explore. Also, what’s the best and worst price for gasoline you’ve seen? Tweet us @TexasStandard because this hour we’re exploring the rise to $3 bucks per gallon, and how that could affect us way beyond the pumps. Also, more and more states moving away from hypnosis as a tool in law enforcement. Some officials calling it junk science, though in Texas, in can be a matter of life and death. Lauren McGauhey of the Dallas Morning News explains. And the attempt to hear what your ears can-not. A new idea to combat killer twisters before they strike. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Break Room Etiquette

You can see the box of pizza or donuts in the break room. The scent draws you to it and you open it with anticipation — only to find crumbs and a dirty butter knife. That was the inspiration for this Typewriter Rodeo poem.

Higher Ed: Working Efficiently vs. Working Well

“Job well done.” What does that mean, exactly? That someone got a lot accomplished, or that someone did a few things very well? Multi-tasking is often praised as a valuable skill, but what are we sacrificing for speed? In this episode of KUT’s podcast Higher Ed, KUT’s Jennifer Stayton and Southwestern University President Dr. Ed Burger work their way through a discussion on quantity and quality when it comes to getting stuff done. Not many people are encouraged to “strive for less,” but in this episode Ed and Jennifer explore if less can actually be better when it comes to getting tasks done. It’s also time for a new puzzler. It’s a bit tricky; no multitasking while you try to solve it!

This episode was recorded on Feb. 16, 2017.

Texas Standard: March 22, 2017

Is this the end of what’s been known as Obamacare? The Texas delegation split as a vote comes down to the wire. Plus, they say no one’s above the law, but is the FBI above politics? Not if history is any indicator. Why James Comey’s command performance at the capitol this week may be seen as part of a larger pattern. And an unexpected partnership between a pipeline and police as both sides celebrate a payoff. Plus a bill with a distinctly Texan accent and our commentator reckons there are some words we Texans use more than they do anywhere else…think of any? Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: February 7, 2017

The so called bathroom bill purports to head off potential predators, but a new report suggests a more clear and present danger. The story today. Plus a nasty battle over so called sanctuary policies shows more than one way to raise public money…we’ll hear how protesters are trying to take matters into their own hands. Also New York, Chicago, LA, san Antonio—whats the most dangerous city to walk, and why might that change? Plus bucking the bust: not all unemployed oil hands left Midland when things hit bottom. And now, for those who stuck it out, things are looking up. We’ll hear what’s happened. And do you have a bad connection? For a lot of rural Texans the fix is jumping on the bus. Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:

Texas Standard: November 15, 2016

Money, religion and wait, there’s something else that’s not part of polite conversation, right? Talking politics at work: a how to guide. We’ll explore. Also in the ongoing stare down between Texas and the EPA, did someone just blink? We’ll explore why Washington regulators are taking Texas off a clean air blacklist. The iconic retailer Neiman Marcus build its brand selling luxury goods to the wealthy, now it soon may be looking for a shopper of another sort, we’ll explain. And how much would you pay for the handcuffs used on Lee Harvey Oswald …do I hear 50 thousand dollars? Also remembering Gwen Ifill and much more today on the Texas Standard: