Today in Texas History – October 6

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From the Annals of Preparedness –    In 1961, President John F. Kennedy advised American families to build bomb shelters to protect them from atomic fallout in the event of a nuclear war with the Soviet Union.  Kennedy attempted to assuage fears by claiming that the U.S. civil defense program would ramp up to provide such protection for every American.  Kennedy’s warnings seemed correct when the Cuban Missile Crisis erupted over the USSR’s placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba and the prospect of “nuclear combat toe-to-toe with the Ruskies” seemed imminent.

Red remembers when the local Shopper’s World had a contest with the grand “prize” being a home bomb shelter.  The drawing was won by a friend’s father who had it installed in the backyard where it promptly filled up with water.  Red’s friend still has bitter memories of having to stand in knee deep water handing up buckets to try and drain the useless “shelter.”  He also remembers touring a new hospital in San Antonio with a Boy Scout group where there was an elaborate basement bomb shelter complete with showers for washing radiation off as you entered, cots, blankets and immense stocks of food, water and other supplies.  In reality, San Antonio would likely have been an immense field of fused glass and smoking rubble in the event of a nuclear war.  If ever there was a waste of money on a pretense of  caring about the populace – the bomb shelter craze was it.  As they told us at school, in the event of an attack, take cover under your desk, put your head between your knees – and kiss your ass goodbye!

Charlie Pallilo Fired (cont.)

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It’s radio silence (pun intended) so far from Charlie Pallilo on his abrupt dismissal from KBME and any plans for the future.  Red guesses that CP is too smart to stick his head out of the foxhole right now and is focused on taking the high road while looking for a new spot – or perhaps relaxing on the beach in Puerto Vallarta.  Contrast that with what happens when Josh Innes gets shit-canned in less than a year.

Red is gratified to see the support Charlie has among the knowledgeable sports fans (a discrete subset) who will miss his insight into all things sports.  Red will keep you posted on any CP sightings.

Today in Texas History – October 5

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From the Annals of the Benevolent – In 1889, Liberal Hall was destroyed by fire. The Waco location was the home of the Religious and Benevolent Association founded by James Shaw and promoted freethinking.  The association began to publish a monthly magazine called the Independent Pulpit in 1883. The publication served as a forum for many of the members’ freethinking views. It was edited by Shaw and had a world-wide circulation. The introduction of such an association was bitterly opposed by churchmen across Texas.  Although, the RBA planned to rebuild it never did and the suspicious fire effectively put an end to the group.

Red’s NFL Picks – Week 5

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Don’t miss out on this week’s six-pack of NFL picks.

A big rally for Red last week going 5-1 and only missing out by picking the Jets over the seemingly faltering Seahawks. The ship is still listing but not taking on water quite as fast.  On the season Red is now 10-14.  Maybe Cousin Red needs a tough line up of games every week.

Sure Bet Pick of the Week – Patriots over Browns. Needs no explanation.  The line is hovering around 10 to 10.5 with an under/over of 46.5 to 47.  Red doesn’t like going that long, but this is the week.  Give up the points and take the under. New England 26 Cleveland 10.

Underdog Pick of the Week – Falcons over Broncos. Broncos are playing lights out, but so are the Falcons since Week 1 averaging 42 points over the last 3 games. Last week Matt Ryan entered the rarified air of 500 yards passing with over 300 of it to Julio Jones.  Mr. Ryan briefly flirted with breaking the longest standing individual game record around.  What’s that you ask?  Norm “the Dutchman” Van Brocklin’s single game record of 554 yards passing has stood since September 28, 1961 when he completed 27 of 41 passes and also threw for 5 touchdowns.  Maybe the years of promise are finally being realized in Georgia.  The Broncos defense hasn’t seen an act like this one yet.    Atlanta 41 Denver 35.

Rivalry Game Pick of the Week – Raiders over Chargers. Not much to choose from in the rivalry column this week.  These two old AFL foes have played each other at least twice every year since 1960, but have only met once in the playoffs with the Chargers winning a shoot out after the 1980 season.  Red has been on the Raiders bandwagon for a while now and it seems to be paying off.  The Chargers have had the better of this series for almost 15 years, but the times they are a changing in California. Oakland 33 San Diego 17 .

Texas Franchise Pick of the Week – Bengals over Cowboys.  Der Bengals need this one.  They need a win on the road against a hot team and to avoid falling into a 2-3 hole in what is looking to be tough division (excluding the lowly Browns of course).  Meanwhile, Los Cowboys have exceeded all expectations so far.  But don’t get too excited Cowboy Nation.  The wins have come against the weak sisters OTNAs, Bears and 49ers – who will be lucky to finish the season with 18 wins between them.  And but for a play or two, the Boys could easily be 1-3. And their rookies are playing out of their shoes –  Ezekiel Elliot leads the league in rushing and Dak Prescott has yet to throw a pick.  But it’s not December, so the carriage hasn’t turned back into a pumpkin, yet – and that makes this a nervous pick for old Uncle Red.  The difference here is the  Bengals getting back Tyler Eifert this week.  The combination of AJ Green, Eifert and LaFell is pretty daunting for any secondary especially when coupled with the versatile duo of Hill and Gio in the backfield.  Plus the Bengals defense gets back an element of thuggishness with the return of Vontaze Burfict.  If he doesn’t cost them the game with stupid penalties, he might be the difference maker this week.      Cincinnati 27 Dallas 21.

Prime Time Pick of the Week – Packers over Giants.  Red’s pick of the Giants is starting to look suspect.  The loss in Week 3 to the OTNAs before two tough road games against the NFC North was likely the start of a 3 game losing streak.  Packers are lucky to be 2-1 having failed to dominate anyone yet mostly because of erratic second half play.  A Rodg has thrown 7 TDs with no interceptions in the first half of games and 0 TDs with 1 INT after halftime so far.  This one will be tight and could go either way. Green Bay 24 New Jersey 23.

Shit Bowl Pick of the Week – Colts over Bears. This awful anal assault features two teams coming in at a deserved 1-3.  The Bears have the advantage of a 1 game winning streak.  The Colts have the advantage of facing Brian Hoyer – who had his one good game for the season last week.  Sorry Brian, that’s all you get.  Sorry fans, they still televise every game including the Shit Bowl. Red might watch this one out of morbid curiosity at how bad the Colts really might be this season.  But he will be careful to lock up the liquor cabinet lest he drink himself into a stupor by quarter four. Indianapolis 29 Chicago 21.

Today in Texas History

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From the Annals of Higher Learning –  In 1876, Gov. Richard Coke  dedicated the  Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas now known as Texas A&M University.  It was the state’s first public college.   TAMU’s origins trace back to the Morrill Act of 1862.  This act provided for donation of public land to the states for the purpose of funding higher education whose “leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanic arts.”  In November 1866, Texas agreed to create a college under the terms of the Morrill Act.  Actual formation did not occur until the establishment of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas by the Texas state legislature on April 17, 1871. A commission created to locate the institution accepted the offer of 2,416 acres of land from the citizens of Brazos County in 1871. Admission was limited to white males who, as required by the Morrill Act, were required to participate in military training.

Charlie Pallilo Fired

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The best sports talk radio host in Texas was fired by feckless KBME AM 790 on Monday.  Charlie Pallilo was the rare sports talk radio host who actually knew something (actually a lot) about sports and devoted the vast majority of his STR show to actually talking about sports.  CP was dedicated to his craft and drew a loyal following of actual sports fans to his afternoon Drive Time show.  In contrast, most of the so-called STR crowd talks about anything but sports and when they do, their lack of understanding and dearth of knowledge of sports history is all too apparent.  CP apparently made the mistake of believing that a sports talk radio show was supposed to be about sports instead of the blather that emanates from the vapid brains of most of the other (read anyone on AM 610 in Houston or 1300 in Austin) STR hosts.  Pallilo also actually took calls from listeners, generally treated them with respect and could play off of almost anyone on any topic.  The actual call-in show is apparently a dying breed and may have signaled his demise.  Ratings are all that matters and CP’s had dipped over the past year leading to his hurried exit from the Houston radio scene.  Maybe he can go to a city where people actually know something about sports and will appreciate his talents.  Houston is a loser today.

And who did the brilliant minds at KBME choose to replace CP.  Complete and total ass-clown Josh Innes who know absolutely nothing about sports.  Red will be deleting AM 790 from his I Heart Radio playlist.

Red – On Language – With Apologies to William Safire

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Turning the corner at the local grocery store on Saturday night, Red passed a woman who was the mother of one of Lil’ Red’s former classmates.  The youngsters had several play dates together.  Invariably no matter what the plan, this other mother was either late, forgot or was unable to chaperone even though previously arranged.

She did not recognize Red – an unfortunately common occurrence that is sometimes not without its benefits.  Back home Red mentioned the chance encounter to Mrs. Red referring to the woman as a “hot mess.”  Mrs. R. disagreed claiming that she was actually a “train wreck” – which got Red to wondering at the exact difference and whether any other similar terms should be analyzed.

The general consensus is that a “hot mess” refers to person or thing that is spectacularly unsuccessful or disordered, especially one that is a source of peculiar fascination.  Most current “dictionaries” include a indication of the person otherwise remaining attractive or alluring despite outward appearances to the contrary.  There is also likely an implied element of self-destructive behavior contributing to the warmth of the messiness.  A subsidiary meaning concerns a situation or incident that is extraordinarily bad.  These definitions may or may not be far afield from the original meaning of a hot meal shared by a group of soldiers depending on what was being served and under what conditions.

All of this seemed to apply well to the woman in question who was undeniably attractive but to all appearances led a disorganized and chaotic life.

“Train wreck” refers to  a person who has experienced a personal failure or disaster, or a  disastrous situation, occurrence, or process.  One source defines it as “a total fucking disaster.” Another goes with “total failure.” The derivation is obvious as is the transference of the term to modern slang usage. 

Score one for Red here as there were no obvious indications that the “hot mess” woman had experienced a train wreck.

 

Today in Texas History – October 3

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From the Annals of the Pests –   In 1984, Charles W. DeRyee, a druggist in Corpus Christi, mentioned in a letter that the boll weevil was in Texas. This was the first known reference to the pest being in Texas.  The tiny insect was one of the most devastating pests ever to effect American agriculture.  By the 1920’s, the BW was present in ever cotton producing region of the state.  Eradication programs have been somewhat successful, but the BW remains a problem to this day.

Red’s Texas College Football Game of the Week

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Red travels to the friendly confines of Shelton Stadium in Abilene as the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys take on the Lobos of Sul Ross State in their American Southwest Conference opener. This one of HSU’s longest if not particularly competitive rivalries. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 33-3 and won 41-13 last year in Alpine. The Lobos come into the game 1-2 on the year and HSU is 3-0 having pretty much smoked the lesser competition they have faced.  The Cowboys have earned their No. 10 ranking so far.

The Cowboys are coming off a 61-24 ass-whomping of Southwest Assemblies of God last week featuring 714 yards of total offense that could have been more if not for untimely penalties bringing back two long touchdown throws.  The rout helped HSU sweep the American Southwest Conference player of the week awards with Reese Childress winning the offensive award, Alex Bell the special teams and Cory Ward the defensive award.  The Lobos just don’t have the firepower to keep up with a team this good.  HSU 65 SRSU 21.

Red’s NFL Picks – Week 4

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Last week Red was 1-5, dragging season totals down to 5-13. Help me Jesus, it’s going to be a long season for old Uncle Red as he appears to be violating the first rule of holes – all the more complicated by the very tough line up of games this week.

Sure Bet Pick of the Week – Broncos over Buccaneers. The less said about last week the better.  And the less said about this week – even better.  It is hard to see a real sure fire bet this week, but Red created this monster and has to ride it until the end of the season.  Broncos will have to overcome double time zone, inverse altitudinal and humidity index hexes to win this one.  They seem up to the challenge so far.  Meanwhile, things on the west coast of the Sunshine State are not going as well as expected.  Jameis, the would be felon, is racking up the stats but mostly in garbage time.  The defense seems incapable of stopping anyone.  In the Mile High City, Coach K seems to have his quarterback mojo back and is doing amazing things with TS. Take Denver giving up 3 if you are incorrigible, but if you really must put some green down on this one, go with the over at 44. Denver 33 Tampa Bay 20.

Underdog Pick of the Week – Jets over Seahawks. Red goes with the full triple time zone, inverse hipster hex here. And the fact that Ryan Fitzpatrick usually follows a god-awful performance with a competent one. It’s a tough challenge this week going against the supposed top-ranked Seahawk defense, but RF has a decent running game to fall back on.  Meanwhile the Seahawk offense has been overly reliant on Christine Michael – that is a branch that is going to snap at some point.  Red thinks it happens this week as Jets defense stifles the running game and forces Wilson to heave it up.  New Jersey 24 Seattle 17.

Rivalry Game Pick of the Week – Cowboys over 49ers. Well this used to be a rivalry anyway.  Now it may be just another game.  Cowboys look to be on a roll but wait until December.  The Niners are not as bad as they look – they are actually far worse.  Two low mediocre defenses will at least keep this one exciting on some level. Arlington 32 Santa Clara 30.

Texas Franchise Pick of the Week – Texans over Titans.  Speaking of last week might just get your ass kicked in the Texans locker room right now.  Texans were humiliated in Foxboro, but have had 10 days to regroup for their first division outing.  All well and good until the JJ Watt news broke yesterday.   With the glamour seeking superstar probably out for the season, the Texans may actually have better focus and realize that they can’t just wait around for Watt to make a game-winning play.  The big problem is where it has been for several seasons.  They have a second string quarterback playing behind a makeshift offensive line.  Nothing will fix that, but it should be good enough to win over the weak sisters of the league like the Titans. Houston 24 Tennessee 11.

Prime Time Pick of the Week – Vikings over Giants.  Red’s pick of the Vikings is starting to look brilliant.  At least something is going right.  Red’s pick of the Giants is okay so far, but they likely lose division lead to the Cowboys this week.  That’s okay because the Cowboys always suck in December. Minnesota 26 New Jersey 23.

Shit Bowl Pick of the Week – OTNAs over Browns. The Browns have to win at least one game this season.  This one won’t be it. Do something you’ve been putting off – like having open heart surgery – rather than waste 3 hours of your precious Sunday afternoon watching this beastly bowel battle.  Landover, Md 17 Cleveland 0.