Yesterday was a big news day here in Houston. There was Super Tuesday where many candidates were vying for their parties nomination.
Another big story was astronaut Scott Kelly returning to Houston after spending a record 340 days in outer space.
So when I woke up this morning, I was excited to catch up on all the news until I turned to ABC-13. Their 5:30 a.m. newscast began, not with the election coverage and not with Scott Kelly’s triumphant return. No, they decided the #1 story was regarding a chuck wagon race driver being thrown from his wagon during last night’s Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
Being the respected Houston’s News Leader, the station did warn us the video was very graphic and might be disturbing to some views, but we’re going to show it anyways. I am not trying to make fun of the accident. I realize someone was hurt badly and I trust they will make a full recovery, but this is the lead story?
Did no one in the newsroom say, “Hey wait a minute. Wasn’t there some kind of election last night?”
Maybe the unfortunate rodeo mishap allowed the station to have a reporter do a live shot from the scene (I’m sure all the fun at the Red Neck Country Club was over by then), but as ESPN (who is owned by the same company as ABC-13) would say; “Come On Man!’
Today is Feb. 29 which means we are in a Leap Year, or as smart people call it; a bissextile year. Most people know we add an extra day to account for the fact that a standard solar calendar is 365 days, 48 minutes, 45 seconds or roughly 365 ¼ days.
What you may not know is our Gregorian calendar (instituted by Pope Gregory) requires losing 3 days every 400 years which means years ending in 00 don’t have a leap day, expect every 400 years when they do (got all this?).
I find it funny to note that the very first Playboy Club featuring waitresses in bunny outfits opened in Chicago on this date in 1960. Today is also Rare Disease Day, in honor (I’m guessing here) of today being a rare day.
Other famous happenings on this date happened back in 1504 when Christopher Columbus used a lunar eclipse to his advantage over the indigenous people of Jamaica and trick them into giving him food. Not to be outdone, the first warrants of the Salem witch trials were issued in 1692.
Ironically, Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American to win an Oscar back in 1940 for her role in Gone with the Wind (not to be confused with Gone in 60 Seconds).
The nomination for the Republican Party presidential candidate has been interesting to say the least. Much like Ted Cruz’s successful election when he ran for the Senate, the goal it seems is to “out conservatize” the other.
While many pundits have long predicted Trump imploding, he continues to defy the odds and befuddle the establishment of the party by continuing to win states. I don’t think many republicans thought he would be able wear the conservative label and even attract the coveted evangelical vote, yet as of today, he remains the front-runner.
The race grew even more personal in South Carolina. I always assumed the palmetto state was gentile and respectfully southern until I remembered that Francis Underwood, the fictional president in the smash hit “House of Cards” is also from there.
Watching all this reminds me of that famous scene from the movie “The Hunt for the Red October” when a Russian sub is blown up due to the arrogance of its commander. It seems the Grand Old Party could be headed down the same path.
It was 30 years ago today when the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after take-off. That event was a sad moment in American history, but it also reminded me on how much news coverage has changed.
30 years ago, I was working at KTRH, a news station that sent its own reporter to cover the launch. There was much excitement surrounding the fact that a high school teacher named Christa McAuliffe was selected to join the crew and participate in the mission and the powers that be at the station felt it important to be there live.
While all the major radio networks signed off the air after one minute into the mission, KTRH continued to broadcast the fatal launch and was first to let listeners know about the tragic events that followed. Reporter Sue Davis did a remarkable job of describing the scene while other media outlets scrambled to get back on the air.
I wonder how many local media outlets today would send a reporter and cover and event like that today. In a day of media consolidation and lack of competition, it seems that, more and more, we have to rely on a few outlets for our news coverage.
During the 1992 presidential election, KTRH sent reporters to all three candidate headquarters on election night, bringing local insight on what was the most important thing happening at that moment. Today, we’re lucky if a radio station will bother to broadcast radio network coverage. Yes, TV still does a pretty good job of covering major events, but it’s national coverage and can’t tell us what impact it could have on Houston and the Gulf Coast.
Maybe in today’s world of internet media, where everyone is a journalist, having a local source for news and information is passé, but I still like to know who I’m getting my news from and not rely on some blogger sitting at computer a thousand miles away from what is taking place.
I know this sounds like “back in my day”. Maybe I’m beginning to understand what that really means.
There has been a lot of finger pointing in the wake of the Houston Texans 30 – 0 play-off loss to the K.C. Chiefs. They main villain is Q.B. Brian Hoyer, who safe to say, had a pretty bad game, but the blame cannot and should fall on just on his shoulders.
While stats don’t win games, it is interesting to note that Houston and K.C. had the exact same number of plays (62), but K.C. had a big advantage in time of possession (34:25 vs. 25:35). K.C. also averaged 5.1 yards per play meaning they basically earned a first down every two plays.
And let’s talk about dropped passes. Nat Washington was open on many plays but could not hold onto the ball (when Hoyer wasn’t throwing it to a Chief). Ryan Griffin had a chance to put the Texans on the goal line, but could not come up with the catch. Going into the game, the Texans had an NFL-worst 28 drops out of 328 catchable passes in 2015, the Houston offense is at the bottom of the League in that category.
Do we even want to bring up having J.J. Watt try to run the ball behind Vince Woolfolk?
Yes, Hoyer had an awful game, but the team was only down by 13 points at halftime with the hometown faithful booing their beloved Texans back to the locker room. Hoyer does not call the plays, but I would be curious to know why the Texans attempted 34 passes vs. rushing the ball 25 times. The Texans were gaining an average of 4.6 yards per rush. That sure looks better than Hoyer dropping back into the pocket.
The Iowa caucuses are almost here (thank goodness) and the political pundits continue to weave their opinions and best guess scenarios on who will emerge victorious, but why? When it comes to Republican candidates, the good people of Iowa have a spotty record of selecting who will win the party nomination.
In 2012, Rick Santorum received 25 percent of the vote along with Mitt Romney. Ron Paul garnered 21 percent with Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann and Jon Huntsman rounding out the field. In 2008, Mike Huckabee got 34 percent of the vote, Romney with 25 percent John McCain, the eventual nominee getting only 13 percent.
The 2012 Republican caucuses also had some drama associated it. Initial results showed Romney beat Santorum by just 8 votes, but when the final results came out two weeks later Santorum secured the victory over Romney by a margin of 34 votes with Paul in a strong 3rd. Results were certified by the Caucus but not by the Republican party who declared it a split decision due to missing reports from 8 precincts, however they later certified the caucus as a win for Santorum. The caucus winner changed yet again when the Iowa delegate totals were finally determined giving Paul the win along with several other states that same weekend.
So again, why is Iowa so important? Sure it’s nice to have momentum and winning is always better than losing, but the Iowa caucuses reminds me a lot of pre-season football games. It’s a chance for the candidates to practice and get in shape for the real game; Super Tuesday.
The author Thomas Campbell once said, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” That is certainly rings true when it comes to some of the musicians who left us in 2015. From rock, to rap, to gospel, to jazz; we will mourn their loss, but can also take comfort in that their music lives on.
Below are just some the amazing talent that will live in hearts around the world …
Andrae Crouch
The Grammy award winner was a celebrated singer, songwriter, and pastor who served in Los Angeles and was known as the father of modern gospel music. Crouch performed with such stars like Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and conducted the choirs for Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.” Crouch died after suffering a heart attack Jan. 8. He was 72.
Lesley Gore
Best known for her smash hit “It’s my Party,” singer/songwriter was discovered by Quincy Jones. Gore followed it up with “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” You Don’t Own Me” and “California Nights.” Gore also performed on two consecutive episodes of the Batman television series (Jan. 19 and 25, 1967), in which she guest-starred as Pussycat, one of Catwoman’s minions and was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in the 1980 film, Fame. Gore died at the age of 68.
Jimmy Greenspoon
While best known as the keyboardist for Three Dog Night, Greenspoon, also performed and recorded with Linda Ronstadt, Jimi Hendrix, Beck, Cheech & Chong, Eric Clapton, Buddy Miles and many more. Greenspan also composted original music for movies including “Field of Dreams,” “Hellboy” and “Die Hard.” Greenspan lost his battle with cancer at the age of 67.
Percy Sledge
“When a Man Loves a Women” was Percy Sledge’s first song recorded under contract. The inspiration for the song came when his girlfriend left him for a modeling career after he lost his job. The song topped the U.S. charts for two weeks in 1966 and was than “rediscovered” in the 1980s and 1990s when it was in films like Platoon, The Big Chill, and The Crying Game. The song was adopted as the title of a Meg Ryan romance movie in 1994. It reached the top of the charts again in 1991 when it was covered by Michael Bolton. Sledge died at the age of 74.
B.B. King
B.B. King got his big break when he was invited to appear on the Sonny Boy Williamson’s radio program in 1948. King earned numerous awards and recognition garnering 30 Grammy nominations, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. “There’s not a lot left to say because his music is almost a thing of the past now and there are not many left that play it in the pure way that B.B. did,” said Eric Clapton, a close friend and great admirer. King died at the age of 87 leaving behind his daughter, Patty King and his cherished guitar, Lucille.
Allen Toussaint
Legendary Jazz great Allen Toussaint was the man behind “Working in a Coal Mine” and “Lady Marmalade” as a writer/producer before gaining new fame as a performer. Toussaint worked with Lee Dorsey, Art and Aaron Neville, Irma Thomas, Joe Cocker and many others. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, Toussaint was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2013. Toussaint died at the age of 77 following a performance in Spain.
Scott Weiland
The former front man for the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, Scott Weiland helped forge the grunge sound into main stream radio. The album “Core” made it to No. 3 on the Billboard album charts and produced four hit singles: “Sex Type Thing,” “Plush,” “Creep,” and “Wicked Garden.” Later Weiland joined forces with members of Guns N’ Roses and Wasted Youth to form Velvet Revolver and had their first album “Contraband” debut at No. 1 with singles “Fall to Pieces” and the Grammy-winning “Slither”. Weiland was 48.
Cynthia Robinson
A trumpet player and original member of Sly and the Family Stone, Robinson helped create the groundbreaking soul-funk-psychedelic sound for a band whose collection of black and white musicians of both sexes and its hippie vibe helped mirror the ideals of the times. Their second album “Dance to the Music” was loaded with hits like “Every Day People,” “Stand,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again).” Robinson was 71.
Chris Squire
A co-founder and bassist for the rock band Yes, Chris Squire. Squire was the group’s only member to have performed on every Yes studio album and heavily influenced bass players world-wide. Wielding his trademark Rickenbacker 4001, Squire was a leader among the English progressive rock bands showcasing a clear and distinct style of play. Squire died at the age of 77 following a brief battle with leukemia.
Andy White
Best known as the replacement drummer for the Beatles first single U.S. single release “Love Me Do,” Andy White went on to play with many prominent musicians including Chuck Berry, Herman’s Hermit’s, Billy Fury and drummed on Tom Jones’ smash hit, “It’s not Unusual.” White moved to the U.S. in the late 1980’s and became a drum instructor. He was 85.
Sean Price
Born in Brooklyn, rapper Sean Price performed under the name Ruck with Heltah Skeltah and Boot Camp Clik before going solo. Price went back to his birth name to release Monkey Barz which received critical acclaim. Price also teamed with Guilty Simpson and producer Black Milk for their acclaimed 2011 LP Random Axe. Price had been working on a new mixtape “Songs in the Key of Price” that was due out last August at the time of this death. He was 43.
Fear is an incredibly powerful motivator. Fear can influence the decisions we make, even if it makes little sense.
Fear is also a powerful tool in politics. Take two recent examples; Campus Carry and the city of Houston’s embattled equal rights ordinance.
When Campus Carry was being debated in the hallowed halls of the Texas legislature, both sides brought fear into the equation. Those in favor of Campus Carry pointed out that allowing CHL holders to bring a gun into a classroom would make it safer by discouraging anyone from going “postal” while opponents warned it would spark violence during an heated open discourse when opposing views were being discussed.
In reality, neither argument really carries much weight. If someone is set on doing harm, they are not going to worry about a law, or that there may be a person who would be able to stop them. These types of killers seem to relish going out in a blaze of glory. If another student/teacher were to have a concealed handgun, they might be in a position to reduce the carnage, but it also opens up a slew of other questions such as are they trained to react in that type of situation and how will police officers know the difference between the good guys and the bad guys.
Which leads us to equal rights ordinance. Opponents have started running a television ad showing a little girl entering a bathroom stall and about to be attacked by a male. He is presumably in the women’s bathroom thanks to the ordinance. One cannot imagine a more frightening scenario, but how likely would that be?
Do we think this will open the door (sorry) to males having an easier access to assaulting women? Similar ordinances have been passed in Dallas, El Paso and San Antonio with no reported problems. Are we afraid Houston would be different?
And is this just about bathrooms? What about the pregnant women, the disabled, minorities, military veterans and others in this community who may be victims of discrimination? Do we want to have a conversation about that, or is that not scary enough.
I do find it interesting no one seems concerned about a women using a men’s bathroom. I remember during a recent visit to Sienna, Italy, I went to use a public restroom (and yes, it was the men’s room). In many European cities, women act as washroom attendants, making sure the facility is kept clean which in my view is much appreciated. There is usually a plate of coins by the door to tip them for their service.
Some other American tourists came in to the men’s room and were taken back by the fact there was a lady in there. One even commented he had “performance anxiety” and couldn’t go. I hope he still had the decency to tip her.
Here is my fear with this bathroom issue. When I’m at sporting events and other large venues, the line to the women’s room is always ten times longer than the men’s room. I’m afraid women are going to start “identifying” themselves as men just to take advantage of the shorter line and make me wait longer.
There was an interesting study recently conducted in the Lone Star State.
The nonprofit, nonpartisan Texas Lyceum found many familiar answers, including Texans’ identification of immigration as the most important issue facing the state and strong support for children playing football.
But the poll also showed that in a state led by Republicans who oppose gay marriage, 49 percent of Texans support allowing same-sex couples the right to marry legally, as provided by this summer’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling. That is up from 25 percent in 2009.
To no one’s surprise, gay marriage is more divided between the major parties, with 69 percent of Democrats and 31 percent of Republicans showing support for it. Still, the issue is not as black and white as it seems.
The poll also found that 46 percent of Texans support legalizing the use of marijuana, up by 13 percentage points since 2011. Of those who oppose legalization, 57 percent support decriminalization.
Those kind of numbers don’t make Texas a blue state, but it also doesn’t’ make it as red as some people might think. So why do conservatives hold such sway? Two words: voter turnout.
Only 28.5 percent of Texans eligible to vote did so in the 2014 November elections, the second lowest percentage in the country behind Indiana. 32.1 percent voted in 2010, the last time Texas voted for a governor.
There are many reasons why people in Texas don’t vote. Some Democrats blame the new voter ID law. Another thought is that the when one party dominates, there is no real driving need to vote and there is the issue of carving up voting districts by gerrymandering.
Whatever the reason is, I just wish politicians would stop saying “the people of Texas have spoken”. Only the people who bothered to vote spoke. Good for them; shame on the rest.
The poll surveyed 1,000 adult Texans Sept. 8-21. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
Pope Mania is sweeping the U.S. Not since the Beatles invaded America has the nation gone so bonkers. From Pope Francis Bobble Head Dolls to cookies with his face in the icing (do you really want to bite the Pope’s head?), Americans just can’t get enough of the holy Pontiff.
I find it interesting to watch politicians walk that tight rope between using the Pope to further their agendas, while trying to ignore the issues in which they differ.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz released a statement on how Pope Francis leads on abortion, marriage and religious liberty.
Cruz (or someone in his office) wrote:
Pope Francis has spoken to the world, proclaiming the inherent truth and goodness of life, marriage and religious liberty.
In the first-ever papal address to Congress, Pope Francis continues to blaze a trail by going where no predecessor has been. The media will cover that extensively, but will they cover his trip to feed the homeless in DC, or to meet with students in East Harlem, or to shake hands with prison inmates in Philadelphia? That’s the true heart of the church — beyond any four walls in Congress.
I guess Cruz doesn’t watch much news. If he did, he would see that the Pope is dominating both national and local newscasts that would even make a Kardashian blush.
What Cruz doesn’t mention is the Pope’s view on areas like immigration, the death penalty and global warming and there-in lies the problem. This is not your usual Pope. He has surprised many people with his views on a variety of issues (hey, if a gay person has God in his heart, who am I to judge?) and does not fit into a neat box.
Now to be fair, this tricky balancing act isn’t unique to Cruz. The silence is deafening from Democrats who will tout his holiness’s position on immigration, but fall quiet when he reminds them about the church’s opposition to abortion and gay marriage.
So can the Pope be right on some issues and wrong on others? And, how would we know?
Yesterday was a big news day here in Houston. There was Super Tuesday where many candidates were vying for their parties nomination.
b. 29 which means we are in a Leap Year, or as smart people call it; a bissextile year. Most people know we add an extra day to account for the fact that a standard solar calendar is 365 days, 48 minutes, 45 seconds or roughly 365 ¼ days.
