Author Archives: Red from Texas

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About Red from Texas

I'm proud to be Red. I have lived most of my life in Texas and I love this place. Here are a few things you should know about me. 1. I am happily married and intend to stay so. 2. I live in a house that is older than you, unless you are really old. 3. I own 2 rifles and a shotgun. I think handguns are just trouble. 4. I have never killed a man, but have taken out some deer and hogs. 5. I was a good student, but never close to being valedictorian. 6. In no particular order I like the Houston Texans, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros, FC Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Texas Longhorns and Houston Dynamo. 7. I hate Dallas but always have a good time when I go there. 8. I was a Dallas Cowboys fan for 26 years but declared that I was no longer a fan during the 1987 strike. 9. I don't own any pets. I like cats, and a good dog and I have met at least 3 of them in my lifetime. 10. I think the best part of Texas is west of I-35. 11. I own two pairs of cowboy boots, but don't wear them very often. 12. I don't have a pronounced Texas accent, but can affect one when needed. 13. My last meal would be fried shrimp with tartar sauce, a baked potato with all the fixins', a dinner salad with 1000 Island dressing, yeast rolls and chocolate fudge pie for dessert. 14. I'm an old Dad, but my children are none of your business. 15. I have two degrees from UT-Austin and somehow managed to fall in love with and marry an Aggie. 16. Most of my family are right-wing nut jobs but I love them anyway. 17. When I get to play golf on a regular basis, I shoot in the low 80's. 18. I don't get to play golf on a regular basis. 19. I think Fort Worth is the best town in Texas by a long shot. 20. I have a mean herb garden. Regards, Red P.S. Remember it's not a color, it's a state of mind.

Red’s Texas College Football Game of the Week

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Red was a bit premature in temporarily closing the RCFGOTW franchise until bowl season begins.  Red overlooked the Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse Sam Houston University Bearkats who extended their season by beating McNeese State in Lake Charles last weekend.

The Bearkats advanced to the quarter-finals and will host the Patriot League Champion Colgate Raiders on Saturday in Huntsville at 7 p.m.  Good seats, as they say, are available.   SHU has a 4-1 record in their quarterfinal appearances, losing at Montana in 2001, winning on the road at Eastern Washington (2004), Montana State (2012) and Villanova (2014) and defeating Montana State in their only home quarterfinal contest (2011).  SHU’s run of excellence in the past 5 years is matched only by North Dakota State and New Hampshire – which are the only other teams to participate in each of the past five FCS playoffs.  SHU has reached the final game twice, but has yet to claim an on-field national championship. This could be their year as the team ranks No. 1 in total offense at 543 yards per game with a balanced attack (9th in rushing and 13 in passing).

The Bearkats have 3 running backs with more than 100 carries led by Cory Avery’s 1200 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Quarterback Jared Johnson leads an efficient passing attack that has 3 receivers with over 700 yards.

Red calls it for the Bearkats.  SHU 45 Colgate 32.

 

 

Interstate 14?

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Newly designated Interstate 14 will stretch from the South Carolina/Georgia border all the way to I-10 in West Texas.  The super highway will largely follow the route of U.S. 190 through Texas.  Texas cities to be linked by the new Interstate will include Menard, Brady, San Saba,  Lampasas, Temple/Belton/Killeen, Hearne, College Station/Bryan,  North Zulch, Madisonville, Livingston, Woodville and Jasper.

Today in Texas History – December 9

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From the Annals of New Spain –  In 1716 Martín de Alarcón was appointed Spanish governor of Texas.  This was Alarcon’s second stint as Spanish Governor of Coahuila y Tejas having previously served from 1705 to 1708.   He is considered to be the founder of San Antonio in 1718 with the establishment of the San Antonio de Valero Mission (later known as the Alamo) and the municipality of Bejar which  became San Antonio.  His second term was marred by difficulties with the far-flung missions in East Texas which were poorly supplied and failing in their essential mission of converting native peoples such as the Hasanai to Christianity.  The ambitions of the French also troubled his administration as French troops continued unchecked military adventures in Texas.  He was removed from office in 1717.

Image of Alarcon from http://www.hmdb.org

The Anti-Business (Tea) Party

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Richard Parker argues that the Tea Partisans are actually creating a poor climate for big business in Texas by wanting to secure a religious path to discrimination and by trying to keep undocumented kids poor and ignorant.

Welcome to Texas, Toyota, and all the accountants, lawyers, contractors and other companies — big and small — that are making the long trek to relocate here.

You will find Texas to be immensely friendly. We’re especially friendly to business, which is why you’re coming, of course. Hence, the outlook for Texas is bullish: It’s on track to supplant Germany as the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2050. Texas is so friendly to business that even Democrats stress the word pro-business before mumbling the word Democrat.

But there’s something the eager chambers of commerce and glad-handing mayors probably didn’t tell you before you made up your mind to come to Texas. There’s a political party emerging in Austin the likes of which we’ve never seen.

Until recently known as the tea party, it’s the Anti-Business Party of Texas, and it’s about to open the door to a future of uncertainty that will affect your workers, worry your shareholders and befuddle your customers.

If you saw the uproar from businesses — from Apple to American Airlines — in Indiana over a so-called religious freedom act, then brace yourself, because Texas could be next.

Two measures in the Legislature would unravel a law that seems to have worked well since 1999. State Sen. Donna Campbell and Rep. Matt Krause, both of the Anti-Business Party, propose to bar state or local governments from enforcing anti-discrimination laws in the event of a religious claim. They even want to enshrine the ban in the Texas Constitution. This would effectively gut anti-discrimination protections, particularly for gay people, in most cities.

Campbell also is effectively trying to deny an affordable college education to the children of unauthorized immigrants.

Red’s NFL Picks – Week 14

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“The NFL, like life, is full of idiots.” Randy Cross

Red is a glass half full kind of guy.

Red Rates Himself – For week 13 Red was 1-5. For the season 43-29. Harrumph.

Your Idiotic Pick of the Week: Bengals over Stealers. The theme this week dictates that Red pick a lot of games that he really should stay away from – this first one being a prime example. This one features two teams that are playing some of the best football in the league right now. A couple of other teams are on hotter streaks but the Stealers are looking very dangerous as long as Ben stays in the game – and they are doing it without LeVeon Bell. Antonio Brown may be the best receiver in the league right now with over 1300 yards and Martavis Bryant appears to be another excellent receiver from Clemson – a receiver factory apparently. Give Ben those kind of options and some time . . . Meanwhile, the Bengals seem to have rebounded from their 2 game losing streak by absolutely pounding the Rams and Browns the last two weeks. Stealers are not poundable, but the Bengals overall balance should tip this one slightly in their favor. Bet this one at your own risk – as always. Cincinnati 21 Pittsburgh 20.

Your Moronic Pick of the Week: Patriots over Texans. Red was correctly concerned last week that actually picking the Texans is the kiss of death. Red is willing to take one for the team because this pick follows two rules that have worked well – well sort of. Picking the Patriots has been a steady source of wins for Red and picking against the Texans has generally failed and insured a win for the Texans. Objectively, however, a 3 game losing streak for the Pats is almost unimaginable, while a 2 game losing streak for the Texans is simply par for the back nine. Red would only bet on this one at gunpoint and even then he would have to ponder it for a moment or two.   New England 24 Houston 20.

Your Pendejo Pick of the Week: Jaguars over Colts. Just because.   Red would take the over here if there was one.  Jacksonville 35 Indianapolis 24.

You’re Dumbshit Pick of the Week: 49ers over Browns. Niners have yet to put back to back wins together and in desperation relegated Kaepernick to the bench calling on the redoubtable Blaine Gabbert – and by that Red means that you can doubt Gabbert multiple times and not really have to worry about it. Meanwhile, the Browns have 2 wins total and come in on 7 game losing streak which has them turning to the desperate measure of putting the ball into the hands of the erratic Jonathon F. Football. All of which adds up to this week’s Shit Bowl. Take Red’s advice and bury your guns in the back yard right now if you plan on watching this dreadful dung duel, lest ye be tempted to terrorize the china cabinet by taking potshots at the Wedding Waterford to relieve the pain you are experiencing. If you bet on this one, it’s time to seek out Gambler’s Anonymous. Santa Clara 13 Cleveland 10.

Your Box of Rocks Pick of the Week: Packers over Cowboys. The Cowboys have beaten each of the other teams in the PEFAPFD that is the NFC East and the Dolphins. The Packers are no great shakes but have beaten the Vikings, Chiefs and Seahawks. Red is a firm believer in that “on any given Sunday” stuff, but not this Sunday. Take the Packers giving up 7.  Green Bay 35 Arlington 13.

You’re WTF? Pick of the Week: Titans over Jets.   Red, you ask, “Why do the Jets get a lot of favorable press every year, and then wind up sucking?” Well, Billy, that is what is known as the New York press bias. At the beginning of the season, the sporting press – every last one of them who lives in New York – must find something really favorable to say about the NY football franchises who actually play their games in New Jersey. So, Bobby, the glowing reports come out and everyone is happy. That is, Sammy, until the games actually start being played. Believe Red, Willy, he is as surprised as anyone to see how well Ryan Fitzpatrick has played and how he has the Jets – Yes, the Jets – in contention for a playoff spot. But, Freddy, remember that almost every season, there is a team that tanks it in December (usually the Cowboys) and also a formerly pathetic team that turns it on for a stretch drive that invigorates the fan base with hope for next year – only to usually be disappointed. Last year it was the Vikings who started to play like an actual professional football team over the last 6 or so games of the season. So, Timmy, Red is picking the Titans to be that team this year. Why? Because he likes to play with your little minds.  Red kind of likes the under here at 43, but his money is staying in the ATM.  Tennessee 24 New Jersey 13.

Texans Take Hard Line on Muslims

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NPR reports that anti-Muslim fervor is picking up in Texas.  The epicenter of the confrontation appears to be in the Metroplex and Irving in particular.

Just last week, the Texas Rebel Knights, a white supremacist group associated with the Ku Klux Klan, announced they too want to protest at the Irving mosque, though the date keeps changing.

The Islamic Center of Irving is a domed arabesque building in the middle of an Irving residential suburb; its religious leader, Imam Zia Sheik, says his mosque finds itself in a tough place these days.

“On the one hand, we have to try to maintain good relationships with everyone, and to show the Islamic hospitality and good manners,” he says. “But when you have these kinds of rallies and protests on your doorstep it becomes difficult to do that.”

The large and thriving Muslim population in the Dallas area lives and works in an environment that’s growing more hostile toward their religion. Note a recent sermon delivered by the Rev. Robert Jeffress — pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, one of the largest, most influential members of the Southern Baptist Convention — on the Sunday after the ISIS attacks in Paris.

“Make no mistake about it,” he said from the pulpit in downtown Dallas, “Islam is just not another way to approach God. Islam is a false religion and it is inspired by Satan himself.”

At the end of the sermon, Jeffress received a standing ovation.

When in doubt, always fall back on Satan and make sure you are aligned with the Klan.

Today in Texas History – December 8

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From the Annals of WWII –  In 1941, Captain John A.E. Bergstrom was killed in the Japanese raid on Clark Field in the Philippines. He was the first casualty from Austin.   He was honored by his home town in renaming Del Valle Army Air Base after him.  DVAAB was constructed in the summer of 1942 on 3,000 acres leased from the city of Austin and activated in September. The base was renamed Bergstrom Field on November 11, 1943, and later Bergstrom Air Force Base.  The base was converted to civilian use in the 1990’s and now serves as Austin’s airport.  It retains the name of  Austin Bergstrom International Airport in honor of his sacrifice. 

Texas GOP Leaders Take a Step Back from Crazy

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State GOP leaders have denied GOP primary voters a chance to decide if they favor secession from the USA.   The Tea Party wing had requested that the GOP put the following  question on the primary ballot in March:

“If the Federal Government continues to disregard the Constitution and the sovereignty of the State of Texas, the State of Texas should reassert its prior status as an independent nation.”

The State Republican Executive Committee rejected the proposal which would have been a non-binding referendum.

The defeat was not unexpected, as the saner powers-that-be did not want this to become an issue in November’s election.   The SREC clearly disagreed with Tanya Robertson, the SREC member who introduced the proposal and argued that the measure would have been “harmless,” allowing voters to register an “opinion only.” She also suggested the ballot language would have helped “get out the vote” among some Texas Republicans who have been sitting out recent elections. “The goal of these is to take a thermometer of how Texans feels about an issue, and what better issue for Texans to do that with?” she asked.

Indeed, what better way?  Red thinks it is unfortunate  that the rest of Texas will be denied an opportunity to see exactly how crazy the Republican base in Texas really is.

 

Texas Bowl Games or More Correctly, Bowl Games to be Played in Texas

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The College football Bowl schedule for Texas is now set.  In addition to the national semi-final playoff game between Alabama and Michigan State at JerryWorld in Arlington (aka the Goodyear Cotton Bowl) on December 31, the overcrowded Bowl schedule includes the following soon to be classics:

December 26 –

Hyundai Sun Bowl at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso: Miami vs. Washington State  – featuring the return of former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach to Texas with the resurgent Cougars. 1 pm on CBS.

Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl at the Cotton Bowl Stadim in Dallas: Washington vs. Southern Miss  – just to make sure that all major college teams from Washington get to play in Texas this year. 1:20 pm on ESPN.  They didn’t want anyone to miss the kickoff at the Sun Bowl.

December 29

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth: California vs. Air Force – a game sure to draw in thousands of fans, as in about 2000.  1 pm on ESPN

AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston: LSU vs. Texas Tech –  just to disappoint those looking for a Texas Tech/Texas A&M matchup. 8 p.m. on ESPN.

January 2

Valero Alamo Bowl at the AlamoDome in San Antonio: Oregon vs. TCU – which actually looks to be one of the more entertaining games on the undercard. 5:45 p.m. on ESPN.

In addition, several Texas teams will travel outside of the great state to end their seasons:

 Baylor will face North Carolina in the Russell Athletic Bowl at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida on Dec. 29 (4:30 p.m. on ESPN)

Texas A&M will match up against Louisville in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on December 30 (6:00 pm on ESPN).

Houston will try to finish 13-1 against Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia on December 31 (11:00 a.m. on ESPN).

All time CST of course.  Red will have his predictions later.

 

 

 

 

Quote for the Day

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“The scum of creation has been dumped on us.  Some of our principal cities are more foreign than American. The most dangerous and corrupting hordes of the Old World have invaded us.  The vice and crime which they have planted in our midst are sickening and terrifying.  What brought these Goths and Visigoths to our shores? The manufacturers are mainly to blame.  They wanted cheap labor: and they didn’t care a curse how much harm to our future might be the consequence of their heartless policy.”

Thomas E. Watson, 1910.

The tune changes, but the lyrics are basically the same.  Red wonders how many of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the “scum of creation” are now Tea Party supporters of  Donald Trump’s updated version of Watson’s errant nativism.

For more on the curious political career of Tom Watson see the New Georgia Encyclopedia.