This afternoon at work I got word from Child B that she was safely in Central Texas and on the way to visit with relatives there. So the gale warnings for Houston can come down now. I just hope Child B realizes there is still a burn ban in effect for Coryell County. Luckily, I think the risk of fire will be cut short for Gatesville, as Child B and her cousin will be headed for Austin later on. I am sure two or three (or several) exuberant young people will not even be noticed in the climes of our state capitol. Grandma will also be glad to see Child B. Neither Child A nor Child B frequent that area, so the visits are always very special.
Speaking of Child A, I happened to pass him as I was traveling back from work this evening. As he was headed into a local eatery, I decided to join him. Although both he and Child B both reside within a couple of miles of us, we seem to run into Child B more often than Child A. I decided to take the opportunity to partake the evening meal with Child A. As we sat at dinner, we talked briefly about Child B's travels, and also about Child A caring for Child B's cat during this little vacation. We also discussed certain relatives briefly, but then moved on to more mundane topics, such as the coming collapse of America as we know it, and the very real possibility that North America might one day be a colony of China or India. Child A is not concerned so much with who is president and that sort of thing. Instead, he takes more of a global approach to understanding the events of our times. That is, until supper was over and it was time for him to pursue more immediate challenges...his computer games. So, having reached the end of our conversation and the last bites of our meal, I took Child A to his residence, where we said good bye and parted ways.
I am very proud of both Child A and Child B. They are two very different people, yet very accomplished in their own ways, and, to paraphrase a famous singer, they are doing life "their way." A parent can attempt to raise children exactly the same, to treat them exactly the same, but that does not really happen. Parents are usually "better parents" after having gained some experience with the first child. I was always afraid Child A would break, but he never did. I think then I was somewhat less "uptight" with Child B, even though Child B was determined to give me a heart attack before I reached age twenty-nine. But in spite of my "best efforts" both Child A and Child B grew up as polite, fun-loving, smart, articulate, daring, persistent, and so many more things. Perhaps I would leave out some descriptor no matter how inclusive my list. But I will say that above all, both Child A and Child B have an optimistic and eager outlook on life. And they STILL think their parents are "cool!" Life is good! And Child B will be back...I almost said "back with us." What I meant was Child B will soon be back to West Texas, but she will be back in her life, as a grown up who has probably grown up a little more during her foray across Texas.
As for the non-helicopter father, he will breathe a sigh of relief when Child B arrives, but he will also be proud, as would any parent, that Child B is an independent and self-confident person who is prepared to journey solo into this world of ours, as is Child A. Not only that, but the non-helicopter father will be a little more at ease the next time Child A, or Child B, should embark on a world tour of Texas.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Vacation Interrupted - But Not For Long!
Coverage of Child B’s vacation trip was thrown two curves over the past couple of days, but (at this moment) Child B is safe in the care of relatives. The question is, are they safe with HER? I guess we will know soon enough.
The lapse in coverage was caused by trouble on two fronts: First, Child B became ill during the first weekend of her vacation; Second, Father of Child B was suddenly called away on a trip from Texas to a foreign land to assist his brother in returning to Texas. The foreign land, by the way, was Phoenix, Arizona. So while Child B recovered from her disease in the tropics of Galveston Island, I was driving as swiftly as possible, eastbound on IH 10, while Phoenix disappeared in the rear view mirror. I had not seen my “little” brother for more than a few minutes in a couple of years. Needless to say (I will anyway!) we had defined most of the illnesses of our great nation AND designed programs to “address” the same by the time we were again East of the Pecos.
This exercise in world-deliverance was interrupted at one point by a surprise call from Child B. I said my greetings into the phone and was answered by a voice that was somewhat a cross between Linda Blair’s devil voice in The Exorcist and the old…I mean “mature” lady that operates the washateria in Midland. You know this lady…she is the one reminding you that your washing machine has been stopped now for over two minutes, and “there ARE OTHER customers, you know!”
So Child B explained that she had awakened Saturday feeling severely ill. Her uncle, Fester…I mean Greg, had been kind enough to set her up in a nice hotel in Galveston with a sea view. She spent Saturday in recovery mode, fuming that a portion of her vacation had to be yielded to sick time. I think maybe due to exhaustion, but then again, I am possibly a helicopter father.
The stay at near seaside must have re-invigorated Child B, for come Sunday she was off on more adventure. She stopped by the Aquarium at Galveston, letting her love for fish and the ocean lead her where it might. Where it led her, in fact, was try on a “squid hat.” This is the culmination of many a child’s tour of the Aquarium, I am certain. Kids, whether 2 or 92, LOVE to wear squid hats!
So I am sure she had a wonderful time, having cast off her illness from Saturday, and hopefully cast off the squid hat as well! Just kidding. You can wear the squid hat if you want, my Schild. Meanwhile, the helicopter father was too busy to hover while pondering Child B’s latest antics. Unfortunately for me, my spouse spent Sunday graduating from white belt to yellow belt in Karate. I spent the rest of the day Sunday NOT making my spouse upset about anything. Just a minute…What’s that? Yes, Dear. Sorry folks, it is now the end of today’s blog. Honey dews are waiting, says Chuckette Norris!
The lapse in coverage was caused by trouble on two fronts: First, Child B became ill during the first weekend of her vacation; Second, Father of Child B was suddenly called away on a trip from Texas to a foreign land to assist his brother in returning to Texas. The foreign land, by the way, was Phoenix, Arizona. So while Child B recovered from her disease in the tropics of Galveston Island, I was driving as swiftly as possible, eastbound on IH 10, while Phoenix disappeared in the rear view mirror. I had not seen my “little” brother for more than a few minutes in a couple of years. Needless to say (I will anyway!) we had defined most of the illnesses of our great nation AND designed programs to “address” the same by the time we were again East of the Pecos.
This exercise in world-deliverance was interrupted at one point by a surprise call from Child B. I said my greetings into the phone and was answered by a voice that was somewhat a cross between Linda Blair’s devil voice in The Exorcist and the old…I mean “mature” lady that operates the washateria in Midland. You know this lady…she is the one reminding you that your washing machine has been stopped now for over two minutes, and “there ARE OTHER customers, you know!”
So Child B explained that she had awakened Saturday feeling severely ill. Her uncle, Fester…I mean Greg, had been kind enough to set her up in a nice hotel in Galveston with a sea view. She spent Saturday in recovery mode, fuming that a portion of her vacation had to be yielded to sick time. I think maybe due to exhaustion, but then again, I am possibly a helicopter father.
The stay at near seaside must have re-invigorated Child B, for come Sunday she was off on more adventure. She stopped by the Aquarium at Galveston, letting her love for fish and the ocean lead her where it might. Where it led her, in fact, was try on a “squid hat.” This is the culmination of many a child’s tour of the Aquarium, I am certain. Kids, whether 2 or 92, LOVE to wear squid hats!
So I am sure she had a wonderful time, having cast off her illness from Saturday, and hopefully cast off the squid hat as well! Just kidding. You can wear the squid hat if you want, my Schild. Meanwhile, the helicopter father was too busy to hover while pondering Child B’s latest antics. Unfortunately for me, my spouse spent Sunday graduating from white belt to yellow belt in Karate. I spent the rest of the day Sunday NOT making my spouse upset about anything. Just a minute…What’s that? Yes, Dear. Sorry folks, it is now the end of today’s blog. Honey dews are waiting, says Chuckette Norris!
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Great Vacation OR A Father's Nightmare (cont.)
Child B made it safely to our relatives’ abode in Houston yesterday. I must compliment myself on the grand way I held it all together and did not worry at all, even though my daughter had traveled across Texas, camped out all alone in a primitive state park, then traveled the rest of the way across Texas. Yes, I am not one of those hovering fathers, one of those “helicopter parents.” No sireee!
Anyway, Child B spent some time with those distant relatives, distant only by miles, not by heart. Then she went on some adventure, apparently going to the big city itself. There, during the night, Child B went to some entertainment establishment wherein the music featured is apparently of a genre strange to her elderly parents. This music is maybe “metalicca” or maybe some other form of heavy metal. But the people dance in a fashion known as “headbanging,” thus the participants are known as “headbangers.” I, even at my advanced age of 50, have heard of headbangers, but I never realized that one could actually get hurt while participating. But what do I know? It is apparently a fun and wholesome activity for the younger set.
Child B is very adept at making friends in any situation, so it was not a big surprise to learn that she met two guys who became her buddies for the evening. I, of course, not being the hovering father, was not concerned in the least. Of course, my lack of concern was enhanced by the fact that I learned of these events much later. But, Child B is a big girl now, and the parents have to simply sit back and know that they have finished the job of raising the child. Now Child B must flit about in the world using all the things her parents taught her, or ignoring all the things her parents taught her and learning it all for herself. I think there is a little of both in all people as they leave the nest.
So, as a merely CONCERNED parent, and not a HOVERING FATHER, I cautioned Child B about the usual things that parents caution their children about, including the fact that she should be careful with people she meets because one never knows whom one may encounter. She was thinking of good time friends, while I of course pictured Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy! But she survived the night, as most people do. So today I am sure she will see more of the seacoast and probably look up her friend, another girl from Greenwood. I really FEEL for Houston knowing that this pair is turned loose on that gem of Texas. Today a gleaming, modern metropolis; tonight, a FEMA cleanup area! Just kidding. But if you live in Houston, tonight would be the perfect time to visit West Texas.
Tomorrow…more from Child B’s adventures.
Anyway, Child B spent some time with those distant relatives, distant only by miles, not by heart. Then she went on some adventure, apparently going to the big city itself. There, during the night, Child B went to some entertainment establishment wherein the music featured is apparently of a genre strange to her elderly parents. This music is maybe “metalicca” or maybe some other form of heavy metal. But the people dance in a fashion known as “headbanging,” thus the participants are known as “headbangers.” I, even at my advanced age of 50, have heard of headbangers, but I never realized that one could actually get hurt while participating. But what do I know? It is apparently a fun and wholesome activity for the younger set.
Child B is very adept at making friends in any situation, so it was not a big surprise to learn that she met two guys who became her buddies for the evening. I, of course, not being the hovering father, was not concerned in the least. Of course, my lack of concern was enhanced by the fact that I learned of these events much later. But, Child B is a big girl now, and the parents have to simply sit back and know that they have finished the job of raising the child. Now Child B must flit about in the world using all the things her parents taught her, or ignoring all the things her parents taught her and learning it all for herself. I think there is a little of both in all people as they leave the nest.
So, as a merely CONCERNED parent, and not a HOVERING FATHER, I cautioned Child B about the usual things that parents caution their children about, including the fact that she should be careful with people she meets because one never knows whom one may encounter. She was thinking of good time friends, while I of course pictured Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy! But she survived the night, as most people do. So today I am sure she will see more of the seacoast and probably look up her friend, another girl from Greenwood. I really FEEL for Houston knowing that this pair is turned loose on that gem of Texas. Today a gleaming, modern metropolis; tonight, a FEMA cleanup area! Just kidding. But if you live in Houston, tonight would be the perfect time to visit West Texas.
Tomorrow…more from Child B’s adventures.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Road Trip
Road Trip! But not for me.
Today I have decided to leave the world of history, politics, crime, etc. behind and blog about something a lot more important and relevant to me at the moment: A road trip. Not my road trip, mind you, but that of my daughter, Child B. Perhaps Child B is a bit of misnomer since she is well beyond the age of majority in Texas. But to a parent, a child is a child no matter HOW OLD the child is. My mother, for instance, still worries about my health, my happiness, and yes, even when I go on a road trip...and I am FIFTY! So I am starting to believe that parents maybe never stop worrying about their children. But, back to my story.
Child B purchased a motorcycle some years ago (the worry about Child B riding a motorcycle could fill a blog itself) and took a motorcycle safety course. I am very happy she chose to do so; however, along with learning to ride safely, Child B also acquired the desire to...well...to ride. She rode the little Suzuki around town at first, gradually increasing the length and distance of her rides. Then came the day she announced she was riding the "bike" to Del Rio. To say that I worried about Child B on this first "long trip" is not inaccurate, but you should not think that it implies that I was not ALREADY worried about her on the motorcycle. But, I did not want to be a helicopter parent, so I bravely pretended that I was only "concerned" about her safety, not actually "worried."
As time passed, Child B became a very safe motorcycle operator (at least in my visual presence) and was not involved in traffic accidents or even the minor mishaps that befall many novice motorcyclists. At the same time Child B's father become slightly more at ease and way more resigned to the fact that Child B was a true free spirit and motorcycle girl. It was around this time that I somehow gained the fortitude to recognize that Child B would operate her motorcycle in as safe a manner as she was capable of doing, and that she would be on the lookout for "the other guy." It was out of my hands. So most of the time I am not OVERLY concerned about her day to day safety.
My little shell of false security was destroyed last week when Child B announced her upcoming road trip. But to my credit, I did not try to talk her out of doing it. Instead, I just gave her the safety lecture. Oh, maybe the father's lecture too, I forget. But I remembered a time, years earlier, when a young man announced to his parents that he was taking a road trip. Of course I drove a car, but the principle was the same. I am sure my parents worried from the time I announced my plans to the late night arrival home that kept them on the edge of their respective seats. I made it back safely. And in reality, the vast majority of these kind of adventures have a happy ending. So, Child B is now safely with loved ones in Houston.
Actually I am happy that Child B, as well as Child A, has the courage and self-confidence to embark on such an adventure. The seacoast is beautiful any time of year, and the distant relatives are always happy to see Child B, a rare enough occurrence. I am happy that Child B saw all the sights along the way, maybe stopping at an out of the way little store or some highway vista in the Hill Country. The memories Child B gathers on this great solo adventure will last a lifetime. Although her mother and I will be so happy (and relieved) when Child B returns to Midland, we are both happy that she went on this adventure. We cannot wait for the stories she no doubt will have saved up by the time she arrives. So, tonight Child B is in a little town outside of Houston. Tomorrow she will again bravely set out into the world, maybe going to Surfside, maybe meeting friends in Galveston, but no doubt living another great adventure.
PS: Hello to Uncle Dwayne, Aunt Gail, and Cousin Gaylon..oh yeah, and Brother-in-law Greg
Today I have decided to leave the world of history, politics, crime, etc. behind and blog about something a lot more important and relevant to me at the moment: A road trip. Not my road trip, mind you, but that of my daughter, Child B. Perhaps Child B is a bit of misnomer since she is well beyond the age of majority in Texas. But to a parent, a child is a child no matter HOW OLD the child is. My mother, for instance, still worries about my health, my happiness, and yes, even when I go on a road trip...and I am FIFTY! So I am starting to believe that parents maybe never stop worrying about their children. But, back to my story.
Child B purchased a motorcycle some years ago (the worry about Child B riding a motorcycle could fill a blog itself) and took a motorcycle safety course. I am very happy she chose to do so; however, along with learning to ride safely, Child B also acquired the desire to...well...to ride. She rode the little Suzuki around town at first, gradually increasing the length and distance of her rides. Then came the day she announced she was riding the "bike" to Del Rio. To say that I worried about Child B on this first "long trip" is not inaccurate, but you should not think that it implies that I was not ALREADY worried about her on the motorcycle. But, I did not want to be a helicopter parent, so I bravely pretended that I was only "concerned" about her safety, not actually "worried."
As time passed, Child B became a very safe motorcycle operator (at least in my visual presence) and was not involved in traffic accidents or even the minor mishaps that befall many novice motorcyclists. At the same time Child B's father become slightly more at ease and way more resigned to the fact that Child B was a true free spirit and motorcycle girl. It was around this time that I somehow gained the fortitude to recognize that Child B would operate her motorcycle in as safe a manner as she was capable of doing, and that she would be on the lookout for "the other guy." It was out of my hands. So most of the time I am not OVERLY concerned about her day to day safety.
My little shell of false security was destroyed last week when Child B announced her upcoming road trip. But to my credit, I did not try to talk her out of doing it. Instead, I just gave her the safety lecture. Oh, maybe the father's lecture too, I forget. But I remembered a time, years earlier, when a young man announced to his parents that he was taking a road trip. Of course I drove a car, but the principle was the same. I am sure my parents worried from the time I announced my plans to the late night arrival home that kept them on the edge of their respective seats. I made it back safely. And in reality, the vast majority of these kind of adventures have a happy ending. So, Child B is now safely with loved ones in Houston.
Actually I am happy that Child B, as well as Child A, has the courage and self-confidence to embark on such an adventure. The seacoast is beautiful any time of year, and the distant relatives are always happy to see Child B, a rare enough occurrence. I am happy that Child B saw all the sights along the way, maybe stopping at an out of the way little store or some highway vista in the Hill Country. The memories Child B gathers on this great solo adventure will last a lifetime. Although her mother and I will be so happy (and relieved) when Child B returns to Midland, we are both happy that she went on this adventure. We cannot wait for the stories she no doubt will have saved up by the time she arrives. So, tonight Child B is in a little town outside of Houston. Tomorrow she will again bravely set out into the world, maybe going to Surfside, maybe meeting friends in Galveston, but no doubt living another great adventure.
PS: Hello to Uncle Dwayne, Aunt Gail, and Cousin Gaylon..oh yeah, and Brother-in-law Greg
Monday, September 19, 2011
A Remarkable Thing About Humans
We humans have a very remarkable capacity built into our human nature by God. This remarkable trait is our ability to live life in a reasonably happy and content state even though we know that: 1) each one of us will die someday; 2) any one of us or our loved ones could die on any given day; and 3) bad or tragic things happen all the time. Yet we go on with our day-to-day lives, make plans for the future, and live like we will last forever. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a bad thing. I cannot imagine what it must be like to live every day in constant dread that I might die today, or someone I love might die today. It certainly would not be conducive to a happy and productive life to live in this state constantly.
No, most of us do not live in dread every day. But, every now and then, events happen that shake us, at least temporarily, out of our comfort zone and force us to confront the fact that tragic things happen, and that none of us will live forever. I suppose the most dramatic reminder of the frail human condition, for me at least, was the terrorists attacks of 9/11. But years earlier, an entire generation was exposed to this reality by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Incidentally, thousands of Japanese citizens got two very terrible surprises in 1945. But the reality is that everyday someone, somewhere, receives the shocking news of the loss or near loss of a loved one or friend. And suddenly the world stands still, at least for the person involved.
Just the other day I got a telephone call that was both terrifying and full of joy. Someone close to me had been injured in an accident at work, but the accident could have been fatal. Just a matter of inches could have brought a very tragic ending. With great joy I was happy that he had not been taken from us. I was reminded how much I love this person, and yet how often I take this person for granted. He had always been a part of my life. He would always be a part of my life. But the other day he came within inches of losing his life. He was injured badly enough, but we were so happy that he was ONLY hurt. All of you have been in similar circumstances. Someone comes within inches of tragedy. Maybe being a few minutes early or a few minutes late makes all the difference. That someone got a second chance at life, and we, his loved ones, got a second chance at not taking him for granted again.
I have often wondered why some people get second, or even several “second” chances. Is there some great deed they have not yet accomplished? Is there some great wrong in their lives that they need to make right? Or is the second chance not about them at all? Could it be a harsh reminder for us not to take our loved ones and friends for granted again? The answer to these questions may never be in my lifetime. For now, I only hope not to fall back into that rut of just assuming and hoping that those I love, those who are a part my life, whether close or long distance, or even “by computer,” will always be here. I need to let each of these people know every day, or as often as possible, that I love them all and I am so glad they are in my life. And I hope you will do the same for those you love and care about. For we never know, literally, when that special person may leave our sight, never to be seen again in this lifetime.
No, most of us do not live in dread every day. But, every now and then, events happen that shake us, at least temporarily, out of our comfort zone and force us to confront the fact that tragic things happen, and that none of us will live forever. I suppose the most dramatic reminder of the frail human condition, for me at least, was the terrorists attacks of 9/11. But years earlier, an entire generation was exposed to this reality by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Incidentally, thousands of Japanese citizens got two very terrible surprises in 1945. But the reality is that everyday someone, somewhere, receives the shocking news of the loss or near loss of a loved one or friend. And suddenly the world stands still, at least for the person involved.
Just the other day I got a telephone call that was both terrifying and full of joy. Someone close to me had been injured in an accident at work, but the accident could have been fatal. Just a matter of inches could have brought a very tragic ending. With great joy I was happy that he had not been taken from us. I was reminded how much I love this person, and yet how often I take this person for granted. He had always been a part of my life. He would always be a part of my life. But the other day he came within inches of losing his life. He was injured badly enough, but we were so happy that he was ONLY hurt. All of you have been in similar circumstances. Someone comes within inches of tragedy. Maybe being a few minutes early or a few minutes late makes all the difference. That someone got a second chance at life, and we, his loved ones, got a second chance at not taking him for granted again.
I have often wondered why some people get second, or even several “second” chances. Is there some great deed they have not yet accomplished? Is there some great wrong in their lives that they need to make right? Or is the second chance not about them at all? Could it be a harsh reminder for us not to take our loved ones and friends for granted again? The answer to these questions may never be in my lifetime. For now, I only hope not to fall back into that rut of just assuming and hoping that those I love, those who are a part my life, whether close or long distance, or even “by computer,” will always be here. I need to let each of these people know every day, or as often as possible, that I love them all and I am so glad they are in my life. And I hope you will do the same for those you love and care about. For we never know, literally, when that special person may leave our sight, never to be seen again in this lifetime.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Mexico's New Partner In Education
The drug cartels of Mexico have implemented yet another avenue of terrorism and disorder, and unfortunately this new terrorism reaches to one of the fundamental institutions of any civilized nation, the educational system. The criminal cartels in several cities have begun openly demanding that schoolteachers and administrators pay fifty percent of their salaries to the cartels. The demands are of course accompanied by the usual (but obviously quite real) threats of kidnapping, bodily injury, and death. Unfortunately, given the criminals’ tendencies to carryout their threats, and given the Mexican government’s inability to control the cartels, or even to provide any semblance of safety for its citizens, many teachers have given in to these demands. Others have left the teaching field altogether and sought work in other industries. On top of this, many parents have stopped sending their children to public schools, so even if teachers did not cave to the demands of the criminals, they could lose their jobs simply due to declining student numbers.
Police forces, the armed forces, and the federal government seem powerless to combat the cartels or to protect innocent citizens. The cartels are doing what any smart business operation would do – diversifying into other areas of profit making besides drug trafficking, gunrunning, and extortion. Even the cartels realize the value of “multiple streams of income.” The cartels’ expansion of their enterprises into extortion of whole industries in Mexico represents a new height in their audacity and their contempt of the legitimate government. From business owner and employer points of view, it will be harder and harder to resist the cartels’ demands for “protection money” or other payoffs. If the government does not act quickly, the educational system of Mexico may be crippled or even shut down. The gaming industry is under attack as well, as we have seen with the tragedy in Monterrey. How many other industries will be assailed by the criminal cartels (can’t call them drug cartels anymore, they have diversified) before adequate protective measures are taking by the Mexican government? The cartels are now at the point where they threaten the very economic viability of the Mexican nation.
At this point, to one on the outside looking in, it appears that the cartels are now powerful enough to threaten the very survival of the legitimate government of Mexico. Fortunately, it is the very power of each cartel that could, in the end, prove to be the best weapon at the legitimate government’s disposal. The fighting between the most powerful cartels limits their ability to mount a coordinated attack against government forces. Federal officials need to capitalize on this situation and use it to their advantage while there is still time. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the cartels could begin working together. After all, a calmer and more peaceful nation would be to their advantage, as long as they were in control of both the legitimate and the illegitimate economies of Mexico. Given the fear and fatigue that the Mexican people feel, they would welcome peace, no matter who might be “in control.”
Police forces, the armed forces, and the federal government seem powerless to combat the cartels or to protect innocent citizens. The cartels are doing what any smart business operation would do – diversifying into other areas of profit making besides drug trafficking, gunrunning, and extortion. Even the cartels realize the value of “multiple streams of income.” The cartels’ expansion of their enterprises into extortion of whole industries in Mexico represents a new height in their audacity and their contempt of the legitimate government. From business owner and employer points of view, it will be harder and harder to resist the cartels’ demands for “protection money” or other payoffs. If the government does not act quickly, the educational system of Mexico may be crippled or even shut down. The gaming industry is under attack as well, as we have seen with the tragedy in Monterrey. How many other industries will be assailed by the criminal cartels (can’t call them drug cartels anymore, they have diversified) before adequate protective measures are taking by the Mexican government? The cartels are now at the point where they threaten the very economic viability of the Mexican nation.
At this point, to one on the outside looking in, it appears that the cartels are now powerful enough to threaten the very survival of the legitimate government of Mexico. Fortunately, it is the very power of each cartel that could, in the end, prove to be the best weapon at the legitimate government’s disposal. The fighting between the most powerful cartels limits their ability to mount a coordinated attack against government forces. Federal officials need to capitalize on this situation and use it to their advantage while there is still time. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the cartels could begin working together. After all, a calmer and more peaceful nation would be to their advantage, as long as they were in control of both the legitimate and the illegitimate economies of Mexico. Given the fear and fatigue that the Mexican people feel, they would welcome peace, no matter who might be “in control.”
Monday, September 12, 2011
An Officer's Last Watch: Corporal Kevin Aigner, Travis County Constable - Precinct 2
Corporal Kevin Aigner was assigned to a an area known as Wharton Cove, where he was patrolling and assisting residents who had lost their homes in the wildfires. While performing his duties, Corporal Aigner began having difficulty breathing. Citizens and other officers came to his aid, and he was subsequently air-lifted to Seton Medical Center. He died there several hours later due to breathing difficulties brought on by his exposure to smoke and ashes from the fires. His last watched ended on Saturday, September 10, 2011. He had served as an officer for over fifteen years.
I extend my gratitude to Corporal Kevin Aigner for his service, and I extend my sympathy to his family and his law enforcement colleagues at the Precinct 2.
I extend my gratitude to Corporal Kevin Aigner for his service, and I extend my sympathy to his family and his law enforcement colleagues at the Precinct 2.
Algebra Homework Should Not Interfere With College Football
I was watching a college football game on TV this past Saturday when I heard my spouse growling profanities under her breath. It seems she was trying to complete an algebra test, but some of the questions were giving her fits. I happened to glance her way during one of her profane outbursts and saw the following question in contained in the examination.
(Actual question in my spouse's algebra test)
For each function find:
a. the maximum number of real zeros that the function can have
b. the maximum number of X-intercepts that the graph can have
c. the maximum number of turning points that the graph can have
So I thought I would try my hand at answering it. (Quiet the laughter, Please!). Well, I skipped part A right off the bat, but don't worry, I will return to it.
Now on to part B. That one was easy. The maximum number of possible X-intercepts equals the number of times Y throws the football.
Part C was easy too. Turning points? For a graph? Right....only people and football games have turning points.
Now, for part A - the maximum number of REAL zeros that the function can have(?).
The first thing that crossed my mind was...what, there are IMAGINARY zeros?! Guess what! It turns out that, YES, there REALLY ARE IMAGINARY ZEROS, and they are not figments of mathematicians' imagination. (Right!) Now, if you dispute the possibility of the existence of IMAGINARY ZEROS, you will merely flunk algebra. But if you try to convince people that there are space aliens living among us, that Big Foot is in love with Chupakabra, etc., the same mathematician that created the IMAGINARY ZERO will call YOU crazy. What a strange world we live in!
Incidentally, when I checked my answers in the "back of the book" I found that the editors had made some mistakes. None of the provided answers matched my own. Apparently the authors of the algebra text believe that the answers to the above problem are expressed "mathematically" through the long and tedious process known as "working out" the problem.
I totally disagree with the provided answers. Not only are my answers simpler and more straightforward, they close the mathematics discussion rather quickly. This allows me to get back to my favorite Saturday afternoon pass time: watching college football. Oh look, Y threw ANOTHER X-intercept! Go Raiders!!
.
(Actual question in my spouse's algebra test)
For each function find:
a. the maximum number of real zeros that the function can have
b. the maximum number of X-intercepts that the graph can have
c. the maximum number of turning points that the graph can have
So I thought I would try my hand at answering it. (Quiet the laughter, Please!). Well, I skipped part A right off the bat, but don't worry, I will return to it.
Now on to part B. That one was easy. The maximum number of possible X-intercepts equals the number of times Y throws the football.
Part C was easy too. Turning points? For a graph? Right....only people and football games have turning points.
Now, for part A - the maximum number of REAL zeros that the function can have(?).
The first thing that crossed my mind was...what, there are IMAGINARY zeros?! Guess what! It turns out that, YES, there REALLY ARE IMAGINARY ZEROS, and they are not figments of mathematicians' imagination. (Right!) Now, if you dispute the possibility of the existence of IMAGINARY ZEROS, you will merely flunk algebra. But if you try to convince people that there are space aliens living among us, that Big Foot is in love with Chupakabra, etc., the same mathematician that created the IMAGINARY ZERO will call YOU crazy. What a strange world we live in!
Incidentally, when I checked my answers in the "back of the book" I found that the editors had made some mistakes. None of the provided answers matched my own. Apparently the authors of the algebra text believe that the answers to the above problem are expressed "mathematically" through the long and tedious process known as "working out" the problem.
I totally disagree with the provided answers. Not only are my answers simpler and more straightforward, they close the mathematics discussion rather quickly. This allows me to get back to my favorite Saturday afternoon pass time: watching college football. Oh look, Y threw ANOTHER X-intercept! Go Raiders!!
.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Texas Burning Again - No Help From The Little Federal Tyrant Man or President Obama
My heart goes out tonight to those who have lost everything, some even have lost loved ones, in the fires that are burning down Central Texas now. The huge flames, the dense clouds of smoke, are all too familiar to those of us who have already lived through the same situation in West Texas. So many homes have been lost in and around Austin. And last week, many homes were lost in Possum Kingdom. Some people there saw their homes burn twice, having lost their first homes in the fires earlier this year, then rebuilt, and then watched their new homes go up in flames. So here in West Texas we watch the news and we hope that each day we don't hear that more people have lost their lives. The property can be replaced of course, even though it really hurts to lose everything and to have to start over. Our prayers go out for all the people effected by the fires, and for those risking their lives to bring the blazes under control.
On a sad and sour note related to the fires, it seems that some agent of the United States government has been arbitrarily turning away firefighters who have traveled from other parts of the state, and even from other states, to help local firemen. If this is really true, it represents a terrible and unforgivable lapse in judgment on the part of the federal officer responsible; especially in the face of our President's constant refusal to help Texans in time of great emergency. He has been too willing to give the state "Federal money" (along with all the "Federal strings attached) which of course means OUR MONEY given to the federal government in the form of taxes. But I think it truly speaks to our President's character when he allows his feelings about our state governor (warranted or not) to guide him in his dealings with ALL the citizens of Texas. Many Texans voted for Obama in the wave of popularity he had prior to the election. That seems forgotten now, at certain quarters in our nation’s capital.
No matter whether the President turns his blinded eyes away from the needs of Texans during these dire times, and no matter what ridiculously stupid decisions a certain power-hungry little tyrant federal official might have made yesterday, I praise our firefighters, and those who came to their aid. These men and women risked their lives to save the lives and property of people who are mostly strangers to them. And, fortunately for this little federal tyrant, I believe all of these same firefighters would willingly risk their lives to save HIS property and HIS loved ones should he ever find himself at the mercy of those terrible fires or some other catastrophe. THIS is the true SPIRIT of TEXAS and of Texans. We will always help those in need, even those who may have turned their backs on us in our own time of need. I hope this little man with big power leaves our beautiful state soon. As to the President who has turned his back on our state now, not once but twice, I hope all who thought (and still may think) this man is so wonderful will remember, in the next election, he brazenly turned his back on this state. He does not deserve to serve in that high office beyond January 2013.
On a sad and sour note related to the fires, it seems that some agent of the United States government has been arbitrarily turning away firefighters who have traveled from other parts of the state, and even from other states, to help local firemen. If this is really true, it represents a terrible and unforgivable lapse in judgment on the part of the federal officer responsible; especially in the face of our President's constant refusal to help Texans in time of great emergency. He has been too willing to give the state "Federal money" (along with all the "Federal strings attached) which of course means OUR MONEY given to the federal government in the form of taxes. But I think it truly speaks to our President's character when he allows his feelings about our state governor (warranted or not) to guide him in his dealings with ALL the citizens of Texas. Many Texans voted for Obama in the wave of popularity he had prior to the election. That seems forgotten now, at certain quarters in our nation’s capital.
No matter whether the President turns his blinded eyes away from the needs of Texans during these dire times, and no matter what ridiculously stupid decisions a certain power-hungry little tyrant federal official might have made yesterday, I praise our firefighters, and those who came to their aid. These men and women risked their lives to save the lives and property of people who are mostly strangers to them. And, fortunately for this little federal tyrant, I believe all of these same firefighters would willingly risk their lives to save HIS property and HIS loved ones should he ever find himself at the mercy of those terrible fires or some other catastrophe. THIS is the true SPIRIT of TEXAS and of Texans. We will always help those in need, even those who may have turned their backs on us in our own time of need. I hope this little man with big power leaves our beautiful state soon. As to the President who has turned his back on our state now, not once but twice, I hope all who thought (and still may think) this man is so wonderful will remember, in the next election, he brazenly turned his back on this state. He does not deserve to serve in that high office beyond January 2013.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
An Officer's Last Watch: Sergeant Mark Scianna, Bexar County Constable Precinct 3
I was aware of Sergeant Scianna's death several days ago, but was hoping for a little more information before writing these words in dedication to him and his service as a police officer. But I am disappointed to say that the answers are still few, so I will leave that for the professionals.
Sergeant Mark Scianna was killed in what I have heard some officers call a "mystery crash." This is an incident in which a police officer is involved in an accident but there is no official reason as to why the officer was driving in an emergency mode, no last radio call, no accounts from witnesses that could shed light on the situation. Sergeant Scianna died in such a crash. He was working the night shift and was driving in his patrol car. Witnesses said later that the officer activated his emergency lights and siren, and within seconds his vehicle left the rode and struck two utility poles. The car burst into flames. The crash was horrendous and was heard for blocks around. People rushed out of their homes and attempted to render aid. At a nearby fire station, firefighters heard the explosion and saw a fireball. They were on the scene immediately but were not able to rescue the officer. It is unlikely that he survived the crash or at least not long afterwards, as can be seen from the complete destruction of the patrol car. The vehicle is almost unrecognizable as to make and model. Now, after three days, answers are still elusive.
I have the honor of paying respect to Sergeant Scianna in this blog, and I thank you for your service, Sergeant. Unfortunately, Sergeant Scianna leaves behind a special needs child, a fifteen year-old boy. One of the last things Sergeant Scianna did before his death was to call his son, tell him he loved him, and tell him "good night." My sympathy to this young man, the Sergeant's other loved ones, and to the Constables of Precinct Three who have lost their fellow officer and friend.
Sergeant Mark Scianna was killed in what I have heard some officers call a "mystery crash." This is an incident in which a police officer is involved in an accident but there is no official reason as to why the officer was driving in an emergency mode, no last radio call, no accounts from witnesses that could shed light on the situation. Sergeant Scianna died in such a crash. He was working the night shift and was driving in his patrol car. Witnesses said later that the officer activated his emergency lights and siren, and within seconds his vehicle left the rode and struck two utility poles. The car burst into flames. The crash was horrendous and was heard for blocks around. People rushed out of their homes and attempted to render aid. At a nearby fire station, firefighters heard the explosion and saw a fireball. They were on the scene immediately but were not able to rescue the officer. It is unlikely that he survived the crash or at least not long afterwards, as can be seen from the complete destruction of the patrol car. The vehicle is almost unrecognizable as to make and model. Now, after three days, answers are still elusive.
I have the honor of paying respect to Sergeant Scianna in this blog, and I thank you for your service, Sergeant. Unfortunately, Sergeant Scianna leaves behind a special needs child, a fifteen year-old boy. One of the last things Sergeant Scianna did before his death was to call his son, tell him he loved him, and tell him "good night." My sympathy to this young man, the Sergeant's other loved ones, and to the Constables of Precinct Three who have lost their fellow officer and friend.
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