9:01:09 AM    

11:38:47 PM    

4:49:16 PM    

Texas Public Information Act. The text of the Texas Public Information Act, enacted by state legislature. [TexasTodd News]

9:52:39 AM    

9:48:12 AM    

6:59:40 AM    

Article posted in the Washington Post provides an interesting argument, pointing out that the 55 hour marriage of Britney Spears and Jason Alexander last weekend could provide gays a golden opportunity to challenge the notion that the state should deny gay marriages on the premise that all marriages are considered sacred.  Thanks, Britney (I never thought I'd say that.).

Oops! Help for Same-Sex Unions. Washington Post Jan 9 2004 11:52PM ET [Moreover - Gay news]

6:34:13 AM    

I am amazed how arrogant school administrators can be, and hell, I'm one of them.

I tend to believe that people get into public education out of a commitment to public service.  It should be understood, beyond a shadow of doubt, that administrators are absolutely subject to the elected officials, or schoolboard, in their jurisdictions.  Furthermore, there should be no doubt that tax dollars deserve the highest level of accountability.  God knows property taxes are high enough, especially here in Texas, where the state legislature doesn't have balls enough to propose a state income tax to fund education properly. 

Fortunately, property values are average by comparison to states like California and in the Northeast; however, school districts have to be funded primarily from local tax dollars, thus the property tax.  The taxing of a person's property, in my opinion, is obscene.  It discourages property ownership, suppresses the real value of property, and worst of all, it frees the legislature from having to make the toughest decisions about the value of a good education at the state level. 

True, I do believe schools are best organized and developed at the local level, but the state should have a funding apparatus in place which allows for adequate tax funds to pay teachers enough money to stay committed to education and so that some college graduates, who stay out of the profession because of money, might be attracted to commit themselves to this high form of public service.

But, back to my main point.  The money expended by schoolboards for high level administrators is often the equivalent of at least five starting teacher salaries.  It is not at all uncommon to find superintendents making $160K to $180K in districts whose starting teacher salaries are in the mid-30's.  And, why?  Schoolboards are often competing against other districts nearby for the biggest name they can afford.  It is somewhat akin to baseball owners paying outrageous salaries to superstars simply because they know a particular player will fill the grandstands come game time, whether or not the team has a chance in hell of winning the pennant.  A perfect example is Alex Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers.  A shortstop simply can't make enough difference for a team that has no pitching and sporadic hitting.  Can A-Rod fill a stadium?  No, not by himself.  The team has to win.

School districts create a superstar status out of the superintendency by paying such high salaries.  And, who wouldn't become arrogant with that kind of status?  It's a disgrace to treat public service as if it is the same as corporate America.  The whims of the corporate marketplace are far different from the rock-steady needs of children generation after generation.  School districts need leadership who can stay the course, and state education agencies ought to be guarding superintendents from the whims of local board politics so that children might be better served by someone who is committed locally to a particular community for a lifetime of service.  How can a superintendent know what's best for a community when the average term of a superintendent is less than 3 years, which, by the way, is shorter than the term of local schoolboard members who are elected.  If that ain't proof that the superintendency is a political position, then I don't know what is.

In spite of the tenuous nature of the superintendency, the arrogance of power these persons possess snowballs.  Men and women who find themselves in those positions are often found to be guilty of unethical, if not criminal, behavior.  Yvonne Gonzalez, formerly the Superintendent in Dallas spent time in jail for purchasing personal furnishings for her home with school district funds.  Others have been fired or offered early retirement due to public pressure when it is found they are withholding requests for public information, or guilty of such things as sexual harrassment, embezzlement of funds, charging school credit cards with expensive nights out and personal trips, and many other things which no longer surprise us.  Gee, it's like watching the business news about corporate America.  I wonder if that's what "they" intended by implementing corporate culture in school systems.  Something is desperately wrong.

Competency is no longer the desired characteristic of a superintendent.  Instead, schoolboards are seeking a "brand."  By labeling a district with a brand, they can enter the competitive market in such areas as real estate, community growth and business.  A district that has a name brand superintendent is presumed to have a good school system.  It doesn't matter if he or she has only been there six months and hasn't even adopted his/her own budget yet.  Good school systems are of utmost importance when people relocate their children from one town to another.  Businesses go where the people are.

The decision to hire a superintendent is wrought with complications.  Schoolboards now hire search firms who specialize in "nationwide" searches.  Districts who don't go nationwide in their search are thought to be second-class.  "What will people think of us, if we promote someone from within who has been here for a long time and knows our community and who has been a part of our past successes," can almost be heard in the public square.

Another complication in hiring superintendents is that there just aren't enough of them around.  What a system this is!  Teachers' salaries are suppressed so that superintendents can be hired at top dollar, keeping other good young graduates from the teaching profession; fewer people then form the pool of "future" superintendents; and, the patrician class of those who last long enough in the profession are finally rewarded with the crown.

So, if I were a superintendent, I would keep teachers' salaries low, fight for every penny I could get for myself, create budget shortfalls without sacrificing anything personally, and look for the next job as soon I get this one.  This way, I could build my kingdom, and all the teachers could serve me.

Oh, I forgot to mention what happens to the kids.  Oh well, it doesn't matter at the admin building.

8:43:27 PM    

Why is it that so many people freak out when you mention the word myth in reference to the Hebrew bible?  To my way of understanding, myth is a form or truth.  Biblical scholars long ago discovered how closely the creation and flood "accounts" in the Hebrew scriptures resemble the myths of ancient times in terms of the order of the universe. 

Myth need not challenge one's theological underpinnings.  Myth, when it is better understood, enhances one's spiritual formation, and it is comforting and inspirational to know that the god of the universe has forever inspired humankind to create, to write, to believe, and do good works.  Myth has also provided inspiration to do evil, it is true, but arguing that myth=lie is a failure to understand the power and the beauty of truth, and it discourages true inspiration.

1:13:06 PM    

I just watched Charles Gibson's interview with Pete Rose.  It made me think about some things.

I remember watching Pete Rose play baseball.  I watched him for almost half my life.  I'm 49 years old.  There are few men in baseball whom I could say coincided more with my coming of age.  Pete Rose was the name in baseball which I associate with the Cincinnati Reds, not Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench or any other.  It's Pete Rose.

I remember watching him beat the record of Ty Cobb, and I remember living in the old apartment in front of a TV that didn't get good reception, and I watched it every night until the record was broken.

I also remember watching him slide head first and how that was the way I always liked to slide into base.

I also remember Pete Rose as a manager, his passion for winning and his command and knowledge of the game.

It really pisses me off that he bet on baseball, because he would truly be among the greatest of my generation in America's sport.  I do not know how I feel about him being reinstated. I do not believe he has gone far enough in his confession yet.  I haven't read the book yet, but in the interview he still seems like he's not coming clean.  It seems more like he's saying some things that he hopes will be taken well enough to get him what he wants.  I don't recall hearing him say he's sorry.  That's one thing I'd like to hear.

Do I hate Pete Rose?  Not on your life!  I just want him to complete the loop, run all the bases, and say it all.  He's a big enough man to do it...at least, I like to think he is.

10:25:02 PM    

The words to "Una Furtiva Lagrima" as translated by Stephen McCloskey.

Italian:

Una furtiva lagrima (A sullen and secretive tear)
negli occhi suoi spunto (That started there in her eye...)
quelle festose giovanni (Those socializing bright young things)
invidiar sembro (Seemed to provoke its envy)
Che piu cercando io vo? (What more searching need I do?)
M'ama, lo vedo. (She loves me, that I see.)
Un solo istante I palpiti (For just one moment the beating)
del suo bel cor sentir! (Of her hot pulse could be felt!)
Co' suoi sospir confondere (With her sighing confounding)
per poco i miei sospir! (Momentarily my sighs!)
Cielo, si puo morir; (Oh God, I shall expire;)
di piu non chiedo. (I can't ask for more.)

At this point in the opera, Nemorino has been taking an elixir to increase his attraction for love.  He has entered a party where the ladies are flocking around him, and he brushes them off arrogantly.  His true love, whose love he as wanted returned, runs away in sadness.  This aria is at the point where he realizes she really loves him.

The aria is written in B-Flat minor, and the composers instruction is "larghetto" or smooth or soft.  The introduction is mysterious and is extraordinary in its creation of the mood.  "Mood" in the music reigns supreme in opera.  My favorite recorded version of this aria is by Andrea Bocelli.  I have a fabulous video version of Pavarotti singing it at a recital.  It is equally good, but for everyday listening at the computer, I choose Bocelli.  It is definitely my favorite tenor aria.

9:09:09 PM    

Considering my audition with the Turtle Creek Chorale on January 18, I am about 90% sure I will be singing an aria from Gaetano Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore, "Una furtiva lagrima."  It reaches an A-flat which will test my upper range, but if done successfully, it should place me as a 1st Tenor, and that's what I want to be.  Why?  I enjoy singing the upper range.  For me, that's where the passion of classical voice is (Pavarotti, Bocelli, Domingo, Caruso).  I am almost 50 years old and before these past two years, I had not sung seriously since high school.  I'm not sure I'm adequately prepared for the aria, but I can reach the range.  The quality of it is not like Pavarotti, but it's in tune, there is ample vibrato, and most of all, I can sing it with a passion that only this upper range can give me.  My runner-up was from the musical "Les Miserables" and the tragic character of Javert, "Stars."  I can sing "Stars" comfortably, but I'm afraid it would place me in the baritone or II Tenor range.  The chorale needs more first tenors, and I think that's where my best shot is. 

I'm working up the physical stamina to do it, and getting my vocal chords ready for a good performance.

6:47:14 PM    

It took three tries, but I finally got the comments macro in the right spot.  Please, leave a comment on any of my pages, if you care to do so.

5:49:10 PM    

12:29:31 PM    

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12:19:56 PM    

I'm starting to think a lot more about the election coming later this year.  I have been a middle-of-the-roader for quite awhile.  I agree with Republican policies of the past with regard to the welfare state.  Yes, I know that it was Bill Clinton who has passed the greatest reforms in recent memory.  But, here are my issues:

1. Support of the efforts and lives of the military in Iraq, while holding the administration fully accountable for their decisions.  I'm a Vietnam era child, and we must not make the mistakes of withdrawing our support of the soldiers.  I do believe freedom is maintained with a strong military, one that we should only use in defense of our country.  This brings up the point of whether or not these acts of invasion are in our defense or, instead, acts of offense against a people whose culture and world we cannot fully understand.  I do believe Saddam Hussein was a corrupt and evil leader.  Too many of his own countrymen have said so, scholars many of them, whom I have no reason to invalidate.  The war is a big issue in this election, and I cannot decide yet whether our efforts are just, but I do believe Iraq is better off without having Hussein in power.  Whether it was our business to take him out or not is my main question.

2. While not a pocketbook issue for most people, nor a foreign policy issue, I am decisively against the amendment proposal regarding the definition of a family.  Recently, I have learned that two different members of my family are lesbians.  Even before this however, I have been aware of the ridiculous preoccupation straight culture has with the culture of lesbians and gays.  It's pathetic that we would have laws forbidding people of the same sex to enjoy the full benefits of marriage.  It is ironic, and even more ridiculous that in order to keep the government out of our sex lives, we have to make such a stink over our rights to our sex lives.  It's pathetic, that's all I know to say.  But, if Mr. Bush continues down this path, and I have every reason to believe he will, then this issue alone may cause me to re-evaluate my middle to conservative position on other issues.  (I'm sounding more libertarian every day, I suppose.)

3. The third "big" issue for me is that of education.  It's astounding to me that the more we put money in, and the more requirements that are placed on public education, the less success we have in education.  I have no idea what the answer is, but I don't think anyone has the answer to it. 

4. Oh yeah, there's a fourth.  Health care is beyond the reach now, even of the middle class.  There is not ample governance over the drug companies, medicare is in a ridiculous state of affairs and they are subject now to fewer and fewer "real" audits, doctors make too much money (and I don't want to hear them whine about what their overhead for their offices and clinics, etc.; We know where you live, what kinds of cars you drive, where your children go to college, and what you do for your vacations...waah, waah, waah), and insurance companies are getting wealthier while people are getting poorer.  The middle class is shrinking.

There will be other issues which come to mind, but tonight, these are the big ones on my mind.

I don't believe the Democratic party has the answer to any of these.  Sure, they will represent the disgruntled and the opportunistic Monday morning side, but their answers aren't creative or really different from the same old pablum which has been served by both parties for many years. 

I will watch this election closely, so for any pollsters out there: HERE IS ONE UNDECIDED AND VERY ACTIVE VOTER, and a former Republican.

9:04:48 PM    

1:48:44 PM    

It was an outstanding evening last night. 

The Turtle Creek Chorale, a gay mens chorus in Dallas, Texas, consists of 225 men who love to sing, and they are very good at it.  I have wanted to be a part of it for quite some time, but I wasn't sure I could make the commitment.  My wife and I agreed that we could support the effort with my time, so last night was the first rehearsal for the programs this spring.

More later on this.

7:30:35 AM    

I had my first rehearsal tonight with the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas.  It is a phenomenal group of men, and the quality of their music is astounding.  Dr. Tim Seelig is the Creative Director; his personality and his expertise are obvious.  His manner of working with the chorale is very personable, friendly, and amazingly humorous.  He doesn't seem to be the perfectionist type, but he strives to get the best out of everyone he can get. 

The chorale has over 200 members, and they perform at the best venue in Dallas, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall.  They are a member of GALA, a gay and lesbian chorus association which is worldwide.  They gather annually for a music festival to sing and party together from all parts of the world.

It may seem odd that a straight guy like me would be interested in joining an organization like this one, but more and more, I'm convinced that it is really just a group of men and that these other issues don't matter when it comes to acceptance and performance.

tw

11:37:23 PM    

5:23:58 PM    

This is one Jimmy Carter joke that doesn't have Republicans laughing...

Upstaged by Carter. Washington Post Jan 6 2004 4:11PM ET [Moreover - US political columnists]

5:00:42 PM    

The evidence for post-workout nutritional benefits is mounting...

Post Exercise CHO-PRO (Carbohydrate). What is it? Post exercise Carbohydrate – Protein supplements contain “fast” protein and carbohydrates meaning quickly digested and absorbed proteins (such as whey protein) and simple sugars (including glucose and/or glucose polymers). Often these products also contain additional amino acids and/or creatine. [TexasTodd News]

12:31:33 PM    

Reading list, perhaps...

Death Row prisoner ponders life in memoir. While shooting at police in Palm Beach County from the passenger window of a speeding get-away car, the last thing on Bill Van Poyck's mind was the consequences. But after 16 years on Death Row, the Miami native has had plenty of time to think. [TexasTodd News]

12:28:05 PM    

Men's Health expert talks about an easy-to-follow nutritional program to lose fat...

Craig Ballantyne discusses a fat loss program he recommends. Q: What nutrition plan would you follow for fat loss/health? Answer: The following is a meal plan that I would follow for fat loss and muscle growth/the maintenance of existing muscle size. Please understand that this nutrition program is not specific to anyone else. Everything would have to be adjusted (up or down) based on your activity level, muscle mass, and genetic metabolic rate. [TexasTodd News]

12:25:36 PM    

A prescription for just about anything that ails you.

Staying Fit Has Its Rewards, by Scott Burns. Here's a weighty idea: The best investment most Americans can make – for themselves, for their children, for the country – is in dieting and weight loss. [TexasTodd News]

12:24:35 PM    

Progress in New York.

Rochester NY Mulls Issuing Gay Marriage Licenses. Gay Wired Jan 6 2004 11:40AM ET [Moreover - Gay news]

12:16:53 PM    

Love this guy...

Hagar the Horrible. "As you journey through life take a minute every now and then to give a thought for the other fellow. He could be plotting something." [Quotes of the Day]

5:41:28 AM    

"A Minister's Secrets" has been updated. 

"A Minister's Secrets" is a series of short stories about the secret thoughts and the surprising encounters of Pastor David Meredith.  These are works of fiction.

This is a story I'm writing, contained in my collections called, "A Minister's Secrets," a series of stories I plan to write about a fictitious character who is a minister struggling with important issues of the day.  The story is filed under "Sandra's Michael, Part 1."

11:32:13 PM    

It was a cool day today.  Temperatures finally dropped to something which is normal for this time of year in Texas.  Nothing to complain about weatherwise.  It's been mild so far.

I had a good talk with an online buddy tonight.  He called me on the phone and talked for quite awhile about blogging.  Rich is a good guy, a family man, and has done a lot for the work I'm committed to.  I appreciate him very much.

Also, another online friend of mine created a helluva webpage which is a tremendour resource for men.  I posted it earlier in the blog.

I'm getting sleepy and really need to head off to bed, but I've got so much I need to do here.  I've been reading all night, and now it's time for me to do some writing and newsposting. 

10:43:10 PM    

6:11:20 PM    

1:04:56 PM    

12:51:01 PM    

Nice summary of some of the latest developments in the online community which both hates and depends upon uninvited information.

Reader's Picks For '03: Spam, More Spam, Blogs And Pop-Up Busters. Media Post Jan 5 2004 11:52AM ET [Moreover - Blogging news]

12:38:34 PM    

This is the morning it all starts again.  2-week vacations are really nice during the first week when you have so many days ahead before you have to get back to work.  The second weeks is okay, but the day of return really sucks.

Truthfully, I'm not dreading the work as much as I'm very sleepy from going to bed late (Yea LSU!) and from having to awaken by an alarm clock.

It's time to update this morning and check my news.

7:10:29 AM