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.

Individual 1 Presents a Bad Movie Poster

Let’s dissect this just a bit.  As an initial matter, this shows a fence – not a wall.  And what is with the O with the lines through it.  It appears to be some sort of religious symbol – which is appropriate as Trumpism tends more towards religion in that only faith can sustain it – because facts just aren’t available or even really desirable to the true believers.  Also note that only the letters appear to be made of “beautiful concrete.” And what is one to make of the giant, hulking, red-eyed monster looming over the “wall.”  Is he on the U.S. side staring down some Honduran family who will run away screaming at the very sight?  Or is he an apparition – a ghostly warning to all who would pass?  Is he a Macy’s Parade balloon?  Is he untethered?  Is he high?

Recognize this for what it is – complete and utter real estate developer con man BS.

Today in Texas History – January 7

Vintage Postcard, Waco Suspension Bridge, Waco, Texas ...

From the Annals of Engineering – In 1870, the Waco Suspension Bridge opened to traffic.  The WSB is a 475 foot long single-span suspension bridge over the Brazos River that looks like a smaller version of the Brooklyn Bridge.  The twin double-towers on each side of the Brazos were considered engineering marvels of the day and contain more than 3 million bricks made onsite.  At the time of construction, Waco lacked the ability to manufacture much of the material needed.  The suspension cables were made by the Roebling Company of Trenton, NJ and other materials were made in or imported via Galveston and then shipped up the Brazos to Bryan and then by oxcart to Waco.

The WSB could accommodate two stagecoaches passing each other.  But the main initial use was for cattle crossing and pedestrian traffic.  For years it was the only bridge crossing the Brazos.  As a result, the $141,000 cost to build the bridge was quickly paid back by tolls.

The WSB It was closed to vehicle traffic in 1971 and is now open only to pedestrians and bicycles. The bridge is in the National Register of Historic Places and received a state historic marker in 1976.

Alex Jones – Bum Steer of the Year

Calling Alex Jones a conservative whacko is something of an insult to conservative whackos everywhere.  The Austin-based Jones has promoted various bizarre conspiracy theories to an eagre cadre of rightwing nut jobs who eat it up – including his utterly vile claim that the Sandy Hook massacre was complete fiction.  Jones faces multiple lawsuits and has been banned from many social media sites.  Yet, he endures.  And for his efforts, Texas Monthly has given him the coveted Bum Steer of the Year Award.

Today in Texas History – January 4

The Texas Underground: Samuel Hamilton Walker

From the Annals of Weaponry –  In 1846, Captain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers procured an order of 1,000 revolvers for gunmaker Samuel Colt.  Colt had previously produced the Paterson Revolver which proved to be useful but too fragile for rough conditions and ready use.  As a result, Colt’s business had gone bankrupt.  His friend, Walker, pointed out the problems with the Paterson and suggested improvements to the trigger and the need for a pistol that did not require removal of the barrel for reloading. Colt was eager to restart his business and agreed with Walker’s suggestions and made some additional improvements on his own.

The result was the most powerful handgun yet made.  The six-shot “Walker” Colt had a 9 inch barrel, a longer cylinder than the five-shot Paterson and was manufactured in .44 caliber rather than .36, and was easily reloaded.  The big gun weighed a hefty 5 pounds, but the longer barrel and weight improved its accuracy.

Colt needed a buyer and Walker went to straight to President Polk to whom he was known from his army and Texas Ranger exploits.   The celebrated Texas Ranger explained the benefits and need for Colt’s new revolver.  Polk immediately ordered his Secretary of War to purchase 1,000 of the revolvers for twenty-five dollars each.  Colt contracted with Eli Whitney to manufacture the weapons.  The power and accuracy of the new weapon completely changed the ability of mounted fighters to conduct operations from the saddle.

Today in Texas History – January 3

Image result for groundbreaking ceremony astrodome

From the Annals of the Taxpayer Funded Stadiums –  In 1962, the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Harris County Domed Stadium (later dubbed the Astrodome) in Houston. It was designed to be the first fully air-conditioned and completely enclosed sports stadium in the world.  The Houston team at the time was named the Colt 45’s so the ceremony was not held with the standard gold-plated shovels.   Harris County Judge Roy Hofheinz and other local dignitaries shot Colt .45 pistols into the dirt.  Red is disappointed to learn they shot blanks and that the pistols have been lost to history; but it was a foreboding sign for a team that would take 55 seasons to finally win the World Series.  The Astrodome itself is rusting hulk that has now sat empty for more than 15 years.

Today in Texas History – January 2

New Orleans Saints: Sean Payton Wants Bill Parcells To ...

From the Annals of Football –  In 2003, the Dallas (Arlington) Cowboys announced that Bill “Big Tuna” Parcels would be their new head coach.  The two time NFL Championship head coach would post a decidedly mediocre 34-30 record as the Cowboys’ coach – making the playoffs in 2003 and 2006 but never winning a playoff game.  Since retiring (or being fired) after the 2006 season, Parcels has never coached again.

Red’s NFL Picks 2018 – Wild Card Week

First a quick season recap.  Red had 8 of the 12 playoff teams picked.  He missed out on the Browns and Stealers in the AFC and the Falcons and Vikings in the NFC.  The Browns blew it early and the rallied,  the Stealers and Vikings had their fate in their hands and blew it late and the Falcons simply blew it.   The biggest surprise of the season had to be the Colts getting in as number 6 seed.  Red was pretty certain they would suck.  The Ravens also have one on Red.  Less of a surprise are the Cowboys who benefitted from playing in a fairly terrible division with an overall mediocre schedule.   The Seahawks are never really a surprise at sneaking into the playoffs or winning a playoff game they shouldn’t.

Your Game of the Week Playoff Game of the Week –  Bears over Eagles.  Red rates the Bears as the team to beat in the NFC right now.  Sure the Rams and Saints are flashier but they have been inconsistent of late while the Bears have continued to grind out wins with their excellent defense (is any other team even that close?) and steady offense.  There is no glitz to this Bears team other than perhaps Tarik Cohen who seemingly can score on any type of play from anywhere on the field.  The Eagles might just have the Nick Foles’ playoff magic working again and they certainly can score on most teams.  But these are the Bears and its playoff time.  This one will be closer than expected simply because Matt Nagy is not going to let his offense make mistakes.  Chicago 20 Philadelphia 17. 

Your Time Zone Hex Playoff Game of the Week – Ravens over Chargers.  Red has to go with the tradition triple time zone hex in this one – and the fact that Phillip Rivers will sadly never get a better chance.  Don’t get Red wrong he desperately would like to see the Chargers playing again next week because they are immensely entertaining, but the fates have never aligned for PR and he doubts that they will on the Chesapeake this week.  This game calls for the annual reexamination of home field advantage for the division champ with a worse record than the wild carder.  As Red has noted, it is absolutely possible that some day we will see a 6-10 division champion.  Should that team get the advantage over a 11-5 wild card entry?  Ravens have a decent home field advantage.  When you throw in that the Chargers have been playing on the road all season, it gets a bit closer.  But not quite close enough.  Baltimore 28 Los Angeles 24.

Your Disappointing Playoff Game of the Week – Texans over Colts.  Red almost wishes the Colts had won both previous contests this season – under the it’s hard to beat any team 3 times in one season rule.  But the Texans eked out a last second win on the road in September.  And then lost a close one in December at home.  Not much separates these two teams who have to be the among the biggest surprises to make the playoffs after their 0-3 and 1-5 starts.  Red thinks both offenses play tight and sloppy.   Defense dominates the day and the last turnover decides this one.   Ball bounces right for the Texans on Saturday – maybe.  Houston 17 Indianapolis 13. 

Your Texas Playoff Game of the Week – Seahawks over Cowboys.  Red is perfectly okay with the Cowboys winning one playoff game every decade.  They have already filled their quota for the 2010’s.   Red saw Michael Dickson control the pace of the Texas Bowl last year with a masterful punting performance against Missouri.  Red doesn’t talk about it much but the punting game fascinates him.  Dickson is the guy to watch on Saturday.   On the other side, the Cowboys’ fate seemingly rests with Amari Cooper who has more or less disappeared after defenses figured out that he was making the Cowboys click.  So the Boys have turned back to E. Eliot with success.  If the Seahawks bind up the middle, they win with defense and punting.  Seattle 28 Arlington 17.

Happy New Year 2019

Red wishes you all a Happy New Year!  In 2019, stay close to your family friends and faith (if any).  At the end of the day, this life is about how we deal with those who are around us and especially those over who we have some illusion of power.  Do we deal with our fellow humans with kindness, compassion and understanding.  Or do we race to the bottom of insults and attempted humiliation.

Yes, Red has ridiculed those who aspire to and attain power for the sake of power and personal glorification – primarily folks like Individual 1 and Lyin’ Ted.  Sometimes you just can’t help it.  But the ordinary folks just trying to make it through another day – they deserve your patience and support.  This year try to do something once a week – maybe once a month – that makes someone’s world just a little better.  And if you just can’t help yourself, always remember there’s a good chance that you are going to end up on the internet – screaming at the poor clerk who is just trying to do their job.  Don’t be that person.

Individual 1 Speaks – Red Translates

Well, President Individual 1 has been at it again.  This time while speaking to our troops in Iraq.  Red can’t really commend I-1 for his trip as this should have been done in the first couple of months of his presidency.  But maybe it’s better late than never to visit our soldiers in the field and tell them some really big (and easily disproved) whoppers.  Here are a few excerpts:

Well, first of all, at ease.  At ease.  Let’s have a good time (that’s usually 18 holes and a hooker or two but I know times are tough here).  And we had an incredible meeting that lasted for about an hour (way past my usual attention span), and you have no idea what we’ve come up with (and neither do I).  You’re going to be so happy.  You’re going to be so happy (I always promise happiness because a promise of happiness makes people happy). 

So Melania and I are thrilled to be here (God, I wish we were at Mar-a-Lago but those f’ing Democrats) with the extraordinary men and women of the American Armed Forces — the greatest military (now that I’m in charge anyway – before me you were a bunch of hapless losers), and — especially as we get all of this billions and billions of dollars of new equipment that I approved over (screw Congress) the last two years (I love equipment almost as much as real estate).  You’re getting such new equipment, your eyes are popping, right?   Your eyes are popping (I have no idea what I’m talking about but it sounds impressive).  You’re getting the best equipment in the world.

The men and women stationed at Al Asad have played a vital role in the military defeat of ISIS in Iraq and in Syria (not as much as me but still).  Because of these gains, our service members in Syria can now return home to their families (and hopefully rent from Trump Enterprises – in your dreams suckers).  Some will come here for a stay, but a lot of them are going to be going back home, where they want to be, with their families (just stay away from me).  They’ve done a fantastic job (something I know nothing about).

Originally, years ago, they came here (or so I am told – you know I was really busy losing lots of money on casinos, steaks, airlines, wine, magazines, etc.).  And it was supposed to be for three to four months, and that was a long time ago (Stupid Bushes or Obama I forget which).  That was many years ago.  But what a job you have done.  What a job they have done.  I made it clear from the beginning that our mission in Syria was to strip ISIS of its military strongholds; we’re not nation building.  Rebuilding Syria will require a political solution (Way above my pay grade).  And it’s a solution that should be paid for by its very rich neighboring countries, not the United States.  Let them pay for it.  And they will.  They will (Just like Mexico).

In fact, Saudi Arabia yesterday — you probably read — stepped up to the plate and has already made a commitment of substantial funds for development (Nothing is better than having other rich people pay for stuff – trust me I know what I am talking about, right Dad?).  And President Erdogan of Turkey (A really cool guy who gets what he wants because there are no Democrats in Turkey) has also agreed to take out any remnants of ISIS (and if the Kurds get slaughtered well, what is a Kurd anyway? I don’t like cottage cheese), and we’ll be working with them.  We’re going to be working with them.

While American might can defeat terrorist armies on the battlefield (Please don’t mention Afghanistan ever again), each nation of the world must decide for itself what kind of future it wants to build for its people, and what kind of sacrifices they are willing to make for their children (Like that $300,000 a year I was earning at age 5.  Thanks again Dad.).  America shouldn’t be doing the fighting for every nation on Earth not being reimbursed (It’s all about the money after all), in many cases, at all.

If they want us to do the fighting, they also have to pay a price (Money, money money)— and sometimes that’s also a monetary price  (Told ya!)— so we’re not the suckers of the world (And believe me a con man like me can spot a sucker from a mile away).  We’re no longer the suckers, folks (except when it comes to elections).  And people aren’t looking at us as suckers (more like utter morons).  And I love you folks because most of you are nodding your head this way (Damn it why aren’t they bowing down?).  We’re respected again as a nation.  We’re respected again (polling to the contrary be damned).

No force in history has done more for the cause of justice and peace (side benefits of protecting oil reserves and absolute monarchy).  I want each and every one of you to know that we will always protect those who protect us (except when it comes to benefits and health care).  You protect us.  We are always going to protect you.  And you just saw that because you just got one of the biggest pay raises you’ve ever received  — unless you don’t want it.  (Applause.) (God, they are actually eating this BS up).  Does anybody here — is anybody here willing to give up the big pay raise you just got?  Raise your hands, please.  Ah, I don’t see too many hands.  Okay, don’t give it up.

It’s great.  You know what?  Nobody deserves it more (except me).  You haven’t gotten one in more than 10 years — more than 10 years (make it 20 it’s such BS it doesn’t really matter).  And we got you a big one.  I got you a big one.  I got you a big one.  (A bigly big one) (Applause.)

They had plenty of people that came up.  They said, “You know, we could make it smaller.  We could make it 3 percent.  We could make it 2 percent.  We could make it 4 percent.”  I said, “No.  Make it 10 percent (Where do I come up with this stuff?).  Make it more than 10 percent.” (Or 2.6% but who’s counting?)  Because it’s been a long time.  It’s been more than 10 years.  It’s been more than 10 years (or since last year -but again these folks clearly aren’t paying attention).  That’s a long time (and I’ll be long gone before you figure it out – in typical con man fashion).