Occasionally, I have several small topics to discuss, but none are lengthy enough by themselves for a single column. I simply put them together and call it ‘Hodgepodge.’
Signs of the Times?
Have you noticed that in the Sherman/Denison area there are still ‘Beto for Senate’ signs up? I realize two things, but I think they are minor compared to the bigger picture. First, people are slow to take down political signs anyway, so even after a week, there will still be those types of signs around town. Second, there are also ‘Cruz for Senate’ signs to be seen.
For the bigger picture, the fact that the Beto signs are still up shows the staying power of this candidate. The El Paso Democratic congressman who ran for U.S. Senate last week made an incredible showing; something that was unthinkable two years ago. Beto O’Rourke won 48 percent of the vote—I don’t care which side you are on; this is close!
In my observation – which I will continue until I don’t see anymore signs – I believe that Beto’s signs are up almost to a 2-1 margin as of Veteran’s Day (a week after the election). That’s a small sample, but let’s see where we are at after two weeks; a month.
I don’t know what the laws are concerning political signs, but I venture to say that people will push this one to the limit.
Cruz was re-elected by rural voters, but Beto won in all the major metropolitan centers of the state, which includes Houston and Dallas. For a race that made national headlines, it was a lot closer than anyone thought it would be. So, can we see Democratic inroads in major races in the next couple of elections? I don’t see how you can deny it since some high profile Texas races went Democratic last week.
Yes, the major races still followed this 30 year Republican cycle, but as Bob Dylan said, ‘The times they are a-changin’………………………just watch the ‘signs.’
Have playoff status—Will Travel?
Sherman Bearcats have to travel how far for their first playoff game? To Magnolia West? Northwest of Houston??! That’s some four and a half hours---ONE WAY! This new UIL rule giving the first and second place teams in a district a home playoff game sounds good at first glance, but those people in Austin have forgotten how big Texas really is!
Forget the horrible possibility of an accident during such a long trip (compared to a one hour trip—although I know an accident can happen on either length of trip); let’s think about traffic. What if there is a blockage of vehicles for construction or an accident that delays the team bus? (For any of the traveling schools—not just Sherman) What happens then? Does the late or non arriving team forfeit the playoff game simply because of traffic? Is the game rescheduled even though there is a small window to do such a thing? You can’t change the playoff schedule because UIL rules state that a champion must be crowned in all divisions by Christmas Day—I see a huge problem if more than one team is affected in such a way……..in the same division!
If any of these things happen in 2018, then I predict that in the spring the UIL will sheepishly mention that they are rescinding this new rule citing unforeseen circumstances.
Hey, guys, maybe look at a map first before voting on such a proposal……………..
“…..If you are helping the least of these……..”
Speaking of the almighty ‘State’ as in State of Texas, our brethren in Austin (i.e. lawmakers) have been caught again shifting money away from special education in public schools to pay for other items (i.e. prisons and roads, etc.) AND it was on the day after a federal court found that Texas had done it previously.
So, they were doing it while the courts were investigating the first instance! Wow! This would be sad if it wasn’t so outrageous. I can’t believe our state leaders are willing to take resources away from these students WHEN they already have allocated the money to them! (I.E. That is stealing!)
There are few things that get my ire up, but hurting special needs people (i.e. Trump!) is one of them. Get your act together, ‘State of Texas’ and help ALL of your citizens; and represent ALL Texans.
Stan “The Man” Lee
Stan Lee died Monday at age 95; he was the creator or co-creator of most of Marvel Comics superheroes including Spiderman, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Thor and the X-men. Lee left Marvel Comics in the 1980s, but was the ever diligent ambassador of the Marvel Universe until his death. Lee’s eight decade career may never be surpassed in the comic book industry. He started as a copy/errand boy at Timely Comics in 1938, the same year that Superman made his debut at rival DC Comics.
As Timely became Marvel Comics, it was then editor Lee who spearheaded the new wave of superhero comic books with the advent of the Fantastic Four in November 1961, 57 years ago. He worked with the artistic giants of the industry including Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and John Romita to create the more relatable, down to earth and flawed characters. These characters/stories and the ‘Marvel Method’ brought comic books to more mainstream America and led to the debut of a successful string of films, which began 10 years ago with the first Iron Man movie starring Robert Downey, Jr.
Stan Lee was a personal hero of mine. I am sad to see him go even though I know that he led a fulfilling life that touched millions of readers and fans for generations. Growing up in the 1970s was made easier by his monthly letters to fans, which were published in every Marvel Comic. Lee made you feel like you were part of the Marvel process; you were the one who made things happen in the ‘Marvel Bullpen,’ the classic creative department where all the magic happened. And the stories…………….Wow! Lee’s imagination made yours grow simply by being in its presence. I can’t tell you how much I learned about the world and life from a comic book that was wrapped in a superhero tale and produced by a world class storyteller.
Thank you, Mr. Lee; you will be missed and……………….Excelsior!
