Janeane Garofalo Labeling Tea Party Protesters "Racist"

Here is a clip about IDIOT liberal Janeane Garofalo's comments concerning the people who attended the recent Tea Party protests.

She is being added to my list of "PEOPLE WHO NEED TO SHUT THE HELL UP!"

"This is about hating a black man in the White House. This is racism straight up." -Janeane Garofalo

"Hellfighters" Is on TV Today

At 2:15pm today. "Hellfighters" will be on American Movie Classics. I will have the DVR running and be seated comfortably in my Lazy-Boy. This is one of my favorite John Wayne movies. I love watching the scenes around Houston, where it was filmed.



This following summery is by Dan Pavlides of All Movie Guide:

"Chance Buckman (John Wayne) heads a team of international trouble shooters who travel around the world to put out oil fires. The dangerous profession has taken a toll on the marriage between Chance and Madelyn (Vera Miles), who leaves when she can no longer endure the stress of saying goodbye and fearing she will never see him again. With his faithful assistant Greg (Jim Hutton), the team is ready at a moments notice to race anywhere to extinguish the flames of oil fires raging out of control. Greg eventually falls for Chance's daughter, Tish (Katherine Ross), who shares her mother's concern over the dangers the men endure. Hellfighters received technical advising from famed oil-well fighter Red Adair and his assistants who provided excellent and credible information for the film and the pyrotechnic team headed by legendary special-effects expert Fred Knoth."

Charges Against 'New Black Panthers' Thrown Out by Obama Administration

This really concerns me. I remember when this happened on Election Day, 2008. Is this the type of actions we, as citizens of the United States, are to expect in the future?

Barack HUSSEIN Obama's (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo. The Cult Leader) Justice Department appointees overruled career lawyers on the case, ordering all charges be dropped.



This is a travesty. Everyone should agree. I do not care if it was the KKK. Voter intimidation is wrong. It is against the law.

These guys were given a free pass and walked away virtually scot-free.

I am worried about the way this country is headed. I am not a lawyer, but someone in the Justice Department is pulling strings to achieve an agenda.

I think the change that was pushed for in the last election has arrived and that change will be the death of this fine country.

"The Justice Department was successful in obtaining an injunction that prohibits the defendant who brandished a weapon outside a Philadelphia polling place from doing so again. Claims were dismissed against the other defendants based on a careful assessment of the facts and the law. The department is committed to the vigorous prosecution of those who intimidate, threaten or coerce anyone exercising his or her sacred right to vote."- A spokesman for the Obama Justice Department

Rush Limbaugh Nailed Sotomayor's Selection On The Head

I just found the below piece on rushlimbaugh.com. It is an interesting read. It seems El Rushbo predicted Sonia Sotomayor's appointment to the Supreme Court 12 years ago.

Go get 'em Rush.

"'Limbaugh Foresaw Sotomayor Pick in '97.' -- Rush Limbaugh all but predicted 12 years ago that Sonia Sotomayor was headed to the Supreme Court. In 1997, when President Bill Clinton nominated Sotomayor to become a US Circuit Court judge, Limbaugh urged Senate Republicans to block her confirmation. The conservative radio host said, on the day of Sotomayor's confirmation hearing, Sept. 30, 1997, that she was extremely liberal and was on a 'rocket ship' to the high court, according to a 1998 New York Times story on GOP efforts to stop her confirmation. The Times suggested that Limbaugh's Supreme Court warning was a key reason why GOP senators delayed a floor vote on her nomination for months even after several Republicans on the Judiciary Committee supported her." - from the rushlimbaugh.com website.

Red State Update: Obama's Supreme Court Pick A Racist?

Barack HUSSEIN Obama (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo. The Cult Leader) picks Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and Newt Gingrich say she's a racist-- but what do Jackie Broyles and Dunlap think?

"I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life." - Sonia Sotomayor

Today is John Wayne's Birthday

Today is John Wayne's birthday. He would have been 102-years old today. I have been a fan of The Duke since I can remember. Even at my advanced age of 55, I still look at him as an icon; a true American; a man to which every red-blooded American male should strive to be. I have pictures of him up in my classroom along with quotes from some of his movies. Everyone who knows me knows how I feel about John Wayne.

The Duke was a conservative Republican and was not shy of expressing his conservative views and ideals. Below are some of the views, ideals, and causes he supported:

1. He took part in creating the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals in 1943 and was elected president of that organization in 1947.

2. He was an ardent anti-communist, and vocal supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee.

3. He was a supporter of then Vice President Richard Nixon's bid for the White House, he famously expressed his vision of patriotism when John F. Kennedy won the election: "I didn't vote for him but he's my president, and I hope he does a good job."

4. Wayne used his iconic status to support conservative causes, including rallying support for the Vietnam War by producing, co-directing, and starring in the critically panned The Green Berets (1968).

5. Due to his enormous popularity, and his status as the most famous Republican star in Hollywood, wealthy Texas Republican Party backers asked Wayne to run for national office in 1968, as had his friend and fellow actor, Senator George Murphy. He declined, joking that he did not believe the public would seriously consider an actor in the White House.

6. He supported his friend Ronald Reagan's runs for Governor of California in 1966 and 1970.

7. Wayne was asked to be the running mate for Democratic Alabama Governor George Wallace in 1968. Wayne vehemently rejected the offer.

8. He actively campaigned for Richard Nixon and addressed the Republican National Convention on its opening day in August 1968.

9. He was a member of the conservative and anti-communist John Birch Society.

Today, John Wayne is on my mind. I never had the pleasure of meeting him in my lifetime, but I was fortunate to visit his birthplace in Winterset, Iowa (photo left). It is a quaint little home and museum; a must see for any fan of The Duke. Thirty years after his death, he is still an icon of the American cinema. There is even a website dedicated to him. You can view it by clicking here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN WAYNE...WE SURE MISS YOU!!!

"Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be. I was proud when President Nixon ordered the mining of Haiphong Harbor, which we should have done long ago, because I think we're helping a brave little country defend herself against Communist invasion. That's what I tried to show in The Green Berets and I took plenty of abuse from the critics." - John Wayne quote from Playboy Magazine, Volume 18, issue #5 entitled "John Wayne: The Playboy Interview" by Richard Warren Lewis p. 77, May 1971.

BHO Condemns North Korea Nuclear Test

Today on the front page of the Houston Chronicle, is an article entitled "North Korea Claims Underground Nuclear Bomb Test."

It describes how Baback HUSSEIN Obama (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo. The Cult Leader) is trying to condemn the act and enlist support for the condemation of North Korea.

The N KorComs are doing this because they know Little Barry Soetoro can and will do nothing except stand up...make a speech...throw in some big words...pull the wool over the masses' eyes...then go home to the sweetest job he has ever had. They are not afraid of him.

In fact, these recent evens are tests...throw-downs to see how he will react. Except WE already know how he will react. He can and will do nothing except stand up...make a speech...throw in some big words...pull the wool over the masses' eyes...then go home to the sweetest job he has ever had.

The wussification of Amercia has begun. Brought to you courtesy of the liberal democrats and the great unwashed, uneducated masses who put this unqualified person in office.

"North Korea will not find security and respect through threats and illegal weapons. We will work with our friends and allies to stand up to this behavior. The United States will never waver from our determination to protect our people and the peace and security of the world." - Barack HUSSEIN Obama

Memorial Day 2009

Today is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

As many of my readers known, Texas Truth is an Army Brat. I grew up the proud son of a First Sargent in the U.S. Army.

My father did not die in a war. He passed away in his sleep in 1988 after 73 years of fruitful life. He did see action in three of America's conflicts; World War 2, Korea and Vietnam.

As I sit here writing this piece, I cannot help having thoughts and memories of my father. We battled when I was growing up. I got to be a teenager and as I progressed into manhood, we had conflicts; just like many other fathers and sons.

I guess I though I was a man and all he saw was this little punk who though he knew it all and that his Old Man didn't know anything.

Now, at 55-years-of-age, I understand what he was going through. He fought in three wars and always came home physically unscathed, but mentally, he must have been going through Hell.

His heart was his undoing and to have been such an active man; never taking crap from no one; and having his life so curtailed due to his heart condition must have been tough. Perhaps tougher than seeing combat.

I never served in the military but feel I am serving my country as a teacher. I remember once, before my father died, him telling me he could have never been a teacher. He said the first one of his student who pooped of to him would get a kick in the ass. He said he did not understand why I became a teacher. I guess that was his way of telling me was proud of my choice.

I found out when he was alive that he never graduated from high school. He dropped out when his father died, to take care of the family. That is what people did back then. What I did not find out until after he died was that his father (my grandfaeehr) had been a superintendent of schools. I find that interesting. I got a whole new respect for my father and grandfather when I learned that.

I sometimes feel like my life and my job could not be any harder. But I think back to what I know about my father and I understand I do not know what hard is.

After all he went through, he never seemed to mind or care how hard things were. He just got up every day and did the job he was suppose to do; the job he had to do; the job that was needed; being the best man he could be by taking care of his responsibilities.

So on this Memorial Day 2009, I rememeber what my father said to me shortly before he died. We were having a talk and somehow it came up about how to raise children. He said you must be tough on them so when they go out on their own, they will be able to take care of themselves. He added that when a man goes out into the real world, there will be no one to take care of himself except himself.

He further stated the world was a very hard place to live and a man must be tough to survive.

I do hope my life has turned out the way he would have liked. The best memorial to him would be how he raised me and how I turned out. That is the kind of memorial I what to befit him. I will never know if he approved of the way turned out; at least not until I meet him in the afterlife. I sincerely hope he is and was proud of me.

So, that is how I will spend Memorial Day 2009; thinking about my father and his life. How it molded me and my beliefs. I will also think about the many men and women who served with him in the defense and service of our country.

My father and all all the men and women who served and/or died for this country should never be forgotten, and they won't; at least not while me and mind are alive.

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
-Lee Greenwood

Red State Update: The Rush Limbaugh/Rick Sanchez Challenge

Jackie Broyles and Dunlap take on the mainstream media and find a way to bond with their favorite anchor. And don't forget to give Rick a call at 1.877.692.6609. Be sure and tell him Jackie said hey!

"Oh Hell, why you going to be mad at something (MSNBC) nobody even watches." - Jackie Broyles

Study: 58.5 percent of Houston-area freshmen graduate

Yesterday the Houston Chronicle had an article entitled "Study: 58.5 percent of Houston-area freshmen graduate."

I do not find this surprising. When the students family's socio-economic and cultural heritage do not value education and belief that they have property rights to things they did not earn, then they will NEVER find success in education and later on, in the real world.

If they spend $1000 on bling (their words) and use food stamps, then IMHO, they are losers. They are leeches. They should be allowed to drop out and no government assistance allowed.

Even better would to make it a requirement to receive government assistance is to REQUIRE drug tests of everyone in the family residence, ALL children under 18 are in school and passing ALL subjects, and ALL children in school have no discipline or criminal problems.

If any of these were violated, then all assistance would be terminated. Hit the parents of these losers in their pocketbooks and I promise the graduation rates would rise.

If these losers do not graduate, then to quote Judge Smails in "Caddyshack:"

"The world needs ditch diggers, too."

Sean Delonas' New York Post Cartoon for May 22, 2009

Below is Sean Delonas' cartoon from the May 22, 2009 edition of the New York Post.

I have always been a fan of Peanuts. Snoopy WAS Peanuts.

"Are you upset little friend? Have you been lying awake worrying? Well, don't worry...I'm here. The flood waters will recede, the famine will end, the sun will shine tomorrow, and I will always be here to take care of you." -Charlie Brown to Snoopy

"The Sons of Katie Elder"

I am sitting up, at 2:26am, watching John Wayne in "The Sons of Katie Elder."

Another great John Wayne movie for any fan of The Duke.

John Elder (played by John Wayne): "All we want to do is make you end up rich and respectable. You fight us every step of the way."

Bud Elder (played by Michael Anderson Jr.): "I don't want to be rich and respectable. I want to be just like the rest of you."

Personal Business Day Tomorrow!!

I am taking tomorrow off. I have some personal business to attend to and with 90 + sick days on account, I am going to start using them when I have "PERSONAL BUSINESS" to attend to.

"Personal business is nobody's business but MINE!" (at least as far as administrators are concerned) - Texas Truth

Eleven Days and Graduation Duty Left

"I AM COUNTING THE DAYS." - Texas Truth

I Am SO SICK Of School

"SUMMER CANNOT GET HERE SOON ENOUGH!!!" - Texas Truth

2 Weeks of School Left

"I CAN'T WAIT!"- Texas Truth

Rachel Alexandra Win The Preakness Stakes

Rachel Alexandra won The Preakness Stakes; the first fillie to win the race since 1924.

My Lovely Bride did it again. I lost another dollar. One more race of the Triple Crown to go.
"A fool and his money are soon parted." - Thomas Tusser

Red State Update: Torture Photos

Barack HUSSEIN Obama (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo) now says he won't release torture photos. Jackie Broyles and Dunlap weigh in.

"Let me ask you a question; Geneva Convention. What the Hell is your problem? It's not okay to torture but we can bomb the shit out of cities. That's fine. We can't make some dude think he's drowning but we can blow the legs off his kids so he have to beg for change outside a Baghdad dog park. That sounds like fun." - Dunlap

The Preakness Stakes

The second race of The Triple Crown is tomorrow: The 134th Preakness Stakes. My Love Bride took the "odds" this time. Therefore I get the "evens."

Kentucky Derby winner Mind That Bird is an even number (2) but he is not the favorite. The filly Rachel Alexandra (13) is the favorite.

An interesting twist; Calvin Borel, who rode Mind That Bird to the Derby win will not be jockeying him today. Borel will ride Rachel Alexandra.

I will be back tomorrow with the results.

"Money, horse racing and women, three things the boys just can't figure out." - Will Rogers

Red State Update: National Tax On Booze & Smokes?

Jackie Broyles and Dunlap discuss Washington's proposed tax on cigarettes, alcohol, and junk food, health care reform, the next tea parties, and Little Debbie.

Dunlap: "What is that? Menthol?
Jackie Brolyes: "Yeah, Kool Mild 100s, yeah, They're good, yeah!
Dunlap: "That tastes like Listerine's ball sack
Jackie Broyles: "Ahh, Hell!"

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

This is the opening titles from, in my humble opinion, the best James Bond movie ever made, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

I think the opening was the best of any of the Bond films.

"This never happened to the other fella." James Bond as played by George Lazenby

Movies John Wayne Died In

John Wayne's birthday is coming up on May 26, and I will do a LARGE post on that day. Until then, I am going to answer the one question that all TRUE John Wayne fans what to know.

How many films did The Duke die in?

Well, here we go:

John Wayne died in 8 films for definite, and a further two, depending on how you want to look at it.

Central Airport (1935)

Reap the Wild Wind (1942)

The Fighting Seabees (1944)

Wake of the Red Witch (1948)

The Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

The Alamo (1960)

The Cowboys (1972)

The Shootist (1976)

He was already dead at the start of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), and most of the film is a flashback to when he was alive. It is just stated that he died, but there is no actual death scene.

In The Sea Chase (1955), it is left to the audience to decide whether or not he died. The romantic among us like to think that he and Lana Turner were able to escape from the sinking ship at the end of the film, but it is not made clear.

"I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them." - John Wayne, playing John Bernard Books in his final movie, "The Shootist".

Smokey and the Bandit

My Lovely Bride and I love the movie "Smokey and the Bandit." I did a post of about it on December 29, 2008. Click here for that post.

Burt Reynolds, Jerry Reed, and Sally Fields were great in the movie, but Jackie Gleason MADE the movie. It was just a feel good movie. It was just good entertainment.

The answer is YES! I did have a CB at the time and I used it all the time.

Now sit back and enjoy this short clip on highlights of the movie.

"There's no way, NO WAY that you came from MY loins. Soon as I get home, first thing I'm gonna do is punch yo mamma in da mouth!" - Buford T. Justice as played by Jackie Gleason

Red State Update: Miss California's Nudie Pictures

Jackie Brolyes and Dunlap on the latest news about opposite marriage advocate Carrie Prejean.

"I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman." - Carrie Prejean

Obama is a Cult Leader

Former Colorado representative and presidential candidate Tom Tancredo described Barack HUSSEIN Obama (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo) as a cult leader.

The statement was made this past week on the conservative news-radio program "Dateline: Washington."

The remarks came on in a rush as a charged-up Tancredo was being asked about the new administration and its emerging immigration policy – an issue that Tancredo has adopted as his own and who ran for President on a platform to enforce immigration laws.

I have to agree with Tancredo. I have made previous posts on many forums how The Boy Wonder's accent to the presidency is similar to the movie "Wild in the Streets. "

Check the movie out if you can find it.

"I discourage a cult of personality." - Newt Gingrich

Quote to Make One Think #4

My last "Quote to Make One Think" was on March 17 of this year. Today's quote definitely make ME think and I felt it would be a good post for today.

It does have interesting possibilities. My question to readers before they decide who said it is "Do you agree with any part of it?"

"We are sure that any aggression against our citizens will be given a worthy reply. The victory over fascism is a great example and a great lesson for all peoples and is still current today when people are again starting military adventures."

Star Trek: First Contact

I have always been a Star Trek fan. I stated watching in 1966 when it first came out and have watched every episode of every spin off and every movie.

When Star Trek: The Next Generation came out, I was dubious. I did not like the idea that someone was continuing the series.

I soon found out "The Next Generation" was a well done show and added to the original series. When the movies came out, naturally I watched.

The absolute best show (movie) of any in the Star Trek series was First Contact. Below is a clip from the first warp drive engine flight. I love the way Zefram Cochrane blasts "Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" as he is blasting off.

The rock and roll of my youth (60s and 70s) will last forever. Now sit back and enjoy.

"So you're all astronauts on some sort of... star trek?" - Zefram Cochrane

Alphacat: Obama Chill Pills

Barack HUSSEIN Obama (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo) has been in office 100 days and has some advice for the people who've criticized his every step. Take a chill pill...literally.

This was done by Alphacat.

"Take a chill pill." - from the video clip

Red State Update: Obama Hates Prayer

On the National Day Of Prayer, Jackie and Dunlap discuss Obama's lack of proper respect for prayin', and offer up a prayer of their own.

"Hey there Jesus, this is Jackie Broyles." - Jackie Broyles

Red State Update: 100 Damn Days

Jackie Broyles and Dunlap on what we've learned from Obama's first 100 days and what a White House press conference smells like.

"I deserve a damn medal for sitting through that damn press conference." - Jackie Broyles

Obama, Biden Make a Fast Food Run

Barack HUSSEIN Obama (aka Little Barry Soetoro, Oprah's Love Child, The Boy Wonder, BO, The Big ZERO, P Bo) and Joe Biden (aka Sideshow Bob) took in a local DC area burger joint for lunch this afternoon.

Both took a motorcade ride from the White House to Virginia and pulled into a small, independent burger joint called Ray's Hell Burger.

They went right up to the counter, placed their order, and paid; waiting in line for their number to be called before going to a table The restaurant, which prides itself on premium aged 10-ounce burgers.

The burger joint prides itself its premium aged 10-ounce burgers, sells for $6.95.

This was a planned event. No way would both the POTUS and the VPOTUS be allowed to enter a restaurant together without it being checked out by the Secret Service.

There are so many reasons why it is obviously a planed, setup, public appearance and photo op.

Hoe stupid does he this we are? This was a stunt to promote both of these "leaders" as common men. Give me a break.

"God must love the common man, he made so many of them" - Abraham Lincoln

I Am Tired Today!!!

As I stated in previous posts, my school completed the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) last week. I was back teaching my regular classes today and as I predicted, there was not much enthusiasm from the students.

I do wonder about their lack of motivation, but I can understand their lack of "get up and go."

After being hammered on for 7-plus months about TAKS, they are tired. In fact. I AM ALSO TIRED.

I had them work a review sheet that I had set aside for the substitute I was suppose to have today. I started feeling better late Sunday, so I canceled the substitute and came to work this morning.

Student look long and hard for the end of the spring semester. I remember when I was in school. Summer time meant family trips, going to the swimming pool, baseball and a general and overall time of R&R.

As a etacher, I understand their eagerness for summer to get here. After this year, I will most likely be more appreciative of it's appearance than the students.

"School's out for summer." - Alice Cooper (well, almost)

My Wife and I, and the Kentucky Derby (I Lost..AGAIN)

The Kentucky Derby was yesterday. My Lovely Bride and I always have a $1.00 bet on the “Run for the Roses.” Well, today, she made it ten straight.

She had the even numbered horses; and when “Mind That Bird” (the number 8 horse) galloped from the back of the pack, to win by six-and-a quarter lengths, my jaw dropped.

Later, I opened my wallet and handed her a crisp one-dollar bill. She smiled, said “thanks,” and we gave each other a hug.

My wife is a sports fan. A sports fan but not a fanatic. I am the fanatic. I eat, drink, sleep, and breathe with the sporting world. It has always amazed me how much she knows about sports without being a fanatic.

In any case, my dear departed father used to say she was the best that ever happened to me. He stated she was too good for me and I should be happy that she took pity on me and granted my request to become my wife.

I knew he was saying that tongue-in-cheek, but after 26 years of marriage, I think old dad had more smarts that I gave him credit.

Well, back to the race. A 50 to 1 shot won the Derby. OH MY GOSH!

A person who played the long shot won $103.20 for a $2.00 bet. Mind That Bird was the second longest odds to with the Derby in history.

I guess I should remember the premise of the movie “Angels in the Outfield,” IT COULD HAPPEN!

That is why I am such a sports fanatic. Anything CAN happen. That is why I like it so much; the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. One NEVER knows what is going to happen.

"The Churchill Downs team would like to extend its congratulations to all those involved with Mine That Bird on his historic victory in this year's 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. We welcomed an impressive and enthusiastic crowd under the Twin Spires this year, and appreciate the support that the entire Louisville community continues to deliver. Despite the very difficult economy, we were able to offer a strong card of racing that produced solid overall handle figures. Today was truly a Kentucky Derby to remember." - Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs Incorporated Chief Operating Officer

The Kentucky Derby is TODAY!

The 135th Kentucky Derby is today. My Lovely Bride and I always make a $1.00 bet to pick the winner. This year, she chose "even." That means if a horse with an even number wins, she wins. Therefore, I get the "odd" numbered horses.

I ALWAYS GET ODDS!

We have been doing this for years. Perhaps we will get to see the race in person some day. Neither one of us have even been to Churchill Downs. That might make a nice trip after we retire.

POST SCRIPT

Early favorite I Want Revenge was pulled from the field shortly before 8:00am this morning. The 3-year-old colt had some minor soreness in his left front ankle.

DAMN! He was number 13. I just might have had a chance to win this year. Oh, wait! There are still 9 other odd horses left in the field.

GO ODD!!!

"If Jack Nicklaus can win the Masters at 46, I can win the Kentucky Derby at 54." - Willie Shoemaker

Mexican Flu Scare Closes 11th Houston Area School

UPDATE
(posted at 12:42 CDT Saturday, May 2, 2009)

The number of schools that have been closed in the Houston area due to the Mexican flu scare has risen to eleven. The below list has been updated:

Klein ISD

Kuehnle Elementary School (added May 2, 2009, 10:44am) closed until May 14 for a probable case in either a student or an adult .

Houston ISD

Lyons Elementary School — closed for at least 14 days after a 10-year student was confirmed to have swine flu. District has not released exact reopening date.

Harvard Elementary School — closed indefinitely after a probable but unconfirmed case of swine flu involving a 9-year-old student.

Hamilton Middle School — closed indefinitely after a probable but unconfirmed case of swine flu involving a 14-year-old student.

Cy-Fair ISD

Yeager Elementary School — closed because of a confirmed cases of swine flu involving a student. The school is expected to reopen May 18.

Humble ISD

Maplebrook Elementary School — closed until May 18 as a child has been diagnosed with a probable case of swine flu.

Katy ISD

Beckendorff Junior High School — closed after a "highly probable" case involving a student. The school is expected to reopen May 11.

Lamar Consolidated ISD

Lamar Junior High School — closed because of a probable case of swine flu. It is expected to reopen on May 11.

Pasadena ISD

Matthys Elementary School — closed because of a suspected case of swine flu involving a student. The school is expected to reopen May 18.

Private schools

Episcopal High School in Bellaire — closed after a student was confirmed to have swine flu. The school is expected to reopen May 14.

Greatwood Montessori School in Sugar Land — closed until at least May 11 because of suspected case of swine flu.

I expect this list to grow during the weekend. I will keep everyone posted as time permits.

"The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day." - Abraham Lincoln

Mexican Flu Closes Ten Houston Area Schools

The number of schools that have been closed in the Houston area due to the Mexican flu scare has risen to ten. The list is below:

Houston ISD

Lyons Elementary School — closed for at least 14 days after a 10-year student was confirmed to have swine flu. District has not released exact reopening date.

Harvard Elementary School — closed indefinitely after a probable but unconfirmed case of swine flu involving a 9-year-old student.

Hamilton Middle School — closed indefinitely after a probable but unconfirmed case of swine flu involving a 14-year-old student.

Cy-Fair ISD

Yeager Elementary School — closed because of a confirmed cases of swine flu involving a student. The school is expected to reopen May 18.

Humble ISD

Maplebrook Elementary School — closed until May 18 as a child has been diagnosed with a probable case of swine flu.

Katy ISD

Beckendorff Junior High School — closed after a "highly probable" case involving a student. The school is expected to reopen May 11.

Lamar Consolidated ISD

Lamar Junior High School — closed because of a probable case of swine flu. It is expected to reopen on May 11.

Pasadena ISD

Matthys Elementary School — closed because of a suspected case of swine flu involving a student. The school is expected to reopen May 18.

Private schools

Episcopal High School in Bellaire — closed after a student was confirmed to have swine flu. The school is expected to reopen May 14.

Greatwood Montessori School in Sugar Land — closed until at least May 11 because of suspected case of swine flu.

I expect this list to grow during the weekend. I will keep everyone posted as time permits.

"The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other calling, is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day." - Abraham Lincoln

ZoNation: Land of OZ

AlfonZo Rachel May 1, 2009 video on America becoming the Land of Oz. The rest of the RINO's should follow Arelen Spector's lead, and Ease On Down the Road!

"Ease on down, ease on down the road."

Texas Education Agency's Update on Mexican Flu

As of May 1, 2009 at 5:59 PM, an estimated 293,081 students has been affected by the closing of schools due to the Mexican Flu scare in Texas. The comes from statistics provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Yes, that is correct. 293,081 students are out of school because 28 students are confirmed to have the Mexican Flu. That number is from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

I can understand concern, but this may be getting out of hand. On one side, damn the schools if someone dies from the flu and the administration did not close the schools. Law suits would abound.

The other side of the issue is to close all schools. I would imagine the TEA would require all the schools to makeup the missed days. I can see the uproar that would occur from that decision.

It is one of those situations that the powers that be are "Damned if they do and damned if they don't."

We have finished the TAKS test in My Lovely Bride's and my schools today. For that we both have two words.

THANK GOD!!!

We really do not care what happens the rest of the school year. Experience has taught us that the students shut down after TAKS. With only 4 1/2 more weeks of school remaining, most students will be marking time until dismissal for the summer.

In any case, I will keep everyone posted as to developments with the Mexican Flu here in Texas.

"I would tell members of my family - and I have - I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now. It's not going to Mexico, it's you're in a confined aircraft when one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft. That's me. I would not be, at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway. So from my perspective, what it relates to is mitigation. If you're out in the middle of a field and someone sneezes, that's one thing. If you're in a closed aircraft or a closed container, a closed car, a closed classroom, it's a different thing." - Vice President Joe Biden

RNW Uses Term "Mexican Flu"

Radio Netherlands Worldwide is following my lead and calling the current flu scare "Mexican Flu." They may have decide to call it by that name before I posted it, but I claim that naming right in the name of Texas Truth.

Here is a clip from their website posted Friday May 1, 2009 at 20:39 UTC.

Asia has its first case of Mexican flu. A Mexican man in Hong Kong has been hospitalised with an infection of the H1N1 virus. The hotel where the man was staying has been placed under quarantine. Hong Kong was deeply affected in 2003 by the then-rampant lung disease SARS.

It has been confirmed that fifteen Mexicans have died as a result of the virus and there are at least 300 cases of infection. Although Mexican health officials believe the virus to be less aggressive than first feared, life in Mexico has been put on hold for the next five days. All public gatherings have been cancelled, and all public services have been closed.

Mexican flu has also been diagnosed for the first time in Denmark and France. In the United Kingdom, the disease has been diagnosed for the first time in a person who has never been to Mexico. A similar case was reported from Germany earlier today.

"Swine Flu = Mexican Flu." - Copyright 2009 by Texas Truth

SWINE FLU: Does It Need A New Name?

It has been all over the news and web that some are upset that current flu that is sweeping the world is being called "Swine Flu".

Some, including the media, suggest it should be named the "North American Human Influenza A." Others say it should be named the "H1N1" flu. Other nom-de plumes include "swine-origin flu" and "swine-origin influenza A".

Flus in the past were named after the country in which they originated, such as:

Spanish Flu (1918): Killed more than 40 million worldwide.

Russian Flu (1889) and (1977): Two outbreaks 80 years apart.

Asian Flu (1957): Killed 70,000 in the United States alone.

Hong Kong Flu (1968): Killed 34,000 Americans.

I am going to stay with this tradition and rename the current flu scare as
"MEXICAN FLU."

From this point forward, I will refer to this outbreak as "Mexican Flu". I will post more on how it is going here in Texas later.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." - from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, 1594

The Devil Went Down to Georgia

I like all types of music; well almost all types of music. I cannot stand rap. As one of my more astute students once said, "You cannot spell crap without rap." That bright young man got a few points for original thought on his next test.

I was surfing tonight and came across this. It is GOOD, OLD AMERICAN MUSIC! I could listen to this type of music all night long. Sing along if you must. I have provided the lyrics for all to use.

The devil went down to Georgia, he was looking for a soul to steal.
He was in a bind 'cos he was way behind: he was willin' to make a deal.
When he came across this young man sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot.
And the devil jumped up on a hickory stump and said: "Boy let me tell you what:
"I bet you didn't know it, but I'm a fiddle player too.
"And if you'd care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you.
"Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the devil his due:
"I bet a fiddle of gold against your soul, 'cos I think I'm better than you."
The boy said: "My name's Johnny and it might be a sin,
"But I'll take your bet, your gonna regret, 'cos I'm the best that's ever been."

Johnny you rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard.
'Cos hells broke loose in Georgia and the devil deals it hard.
And if you win you get this shiny fiddle made of gold.
But if you lose, the devil gets your soul.

The devil opened up his case and he said: "I'll start this show."
And fire flew from his fingertips as he resined up his bow.
And he pulled the bow across his strings and it made an evil hiss.
Then a band of demons joined in and it sounded something like this.

(Devil and his band playing)

When the devil finished, Johnny said: "Well you're pretty good ol' son.
"But sit down in that chair, right there, and let me show you how its done."

Fire on the moun, run boys, run.
The devil's in the house of the risin' sun.
Chicken in the bread pin, pickin' out dough.
"Granny, does your dog bite?"
"No, child, no."

The devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat.
He laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny's feet.
Johnny said: "Devil just come on back if you ever want to try again.
"I done told you once, you son of a bitch, I'm the best that's ever been."

And he played fire on the mount, run boys, run.
The devil's in the house of the risin' sun.
Chicken in the bread pin a pickin' out dough.
"Granny, will your dog bite?"
"No, child, no."