Monthly Archives: May 2009

Old School Friday: Outside my box

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This week’s Old School Friday theme is “Outside my box.” I’ve found that my musical box has expanded in my old(er) age, and includes folks like “Steely Dan” But for this week’s theme I’ll go with Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

I wouldn’t have been caught dead listening to this act back in the day, who’s best days were happening just as I was entering college. But after a few years, I’ve come to appreciate the tortured genius of Kurt Cobain. Happy Old School Friday!

Other OSF Participants:


Electronic Village - Fresh And Fab -prescribe, Kim

- Ms Grapevine -Quick – Vérité Parlant -Marcus LANGFORD

- CCGroovy – Kevin -Mahogany -Hagar’s Daughter – Lisa C

-Chocl8t - DP – Dallassouth - John - The Connoisseur -

- Regina – MsMarvalus – Clnmike – Vivrant Thing

-AJ - Sharon – RevvyRev – Prof. PC – Invisible Woman
– Cooper – SJP -Bria - BklynQueen 86 - Hey Shae -

- From the Battlefield – Thembi - D Spot - Malcolm -

-Pop Art Diva - Pjazzypar - MsLadyDeborah -

DISD Board President Election Was Un-American

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“One person, one vote.” It’s simple really. This is a basic principle of any democratic body.

Now the words I used in the title of this post are a serious charge. At least they are in my book. Dallas South is not a shock blog, but if we get people stirred up from time to time that’s fine. Yet what I witnessed…or should I say listened to, last night at the DISD board meeting made me sick to my stomach.

I was in a time crunch on Thursday night, but I wanted to stop by the DISD board meeting because I knew there was a lot on the agenda; electing new officers, deciding what to do with the magnet schools and academies, and determining whether or not Board President Jack Lowe put a hit out on Carla Ranger’s career.

I arrived at the meeting about 10 minutes early and needless to say there were about 200 people outside either waiting to get in or protesting DISD’s position on the magnet schools. There was a loudspeaker set up, so I chose to listen in the courtyard rather than try to fight my way in with media credentials.

From the outset, Carla Ranger was pressing Lowe and her colleagues. Ranger made a motion to remove items related to the magnet schools from the agenda due to lack of sufficient time of the board to educate themselves on the matter.

Ms. Ranger correctly cited Robert’s Rules of Order, to ask that the items be dropped before the board adopted the agenda for the evening. However, DISD policy (apparently) has been that the agenda of the board president and superintendent is not adopted before each meeting. So while I think Ms. Ranger’s suggestion was a good one, I was not opposed to the “board’s” decision to move on with the agenda as previously crafted.

A DISD lawyer made an interesting comment at that point. He said “DISD Policy has precedence over Robert’s Rules of Order.” That was fine too, until the board tried to use Robert’s Rules of Order to hide behind their un-American officer elections.

“it is necessary for the tellers to see that no member votes twice.” (Robert’s Rules of Order)

The election went down so fast, if you did not have a good grasp on proper meeting procedure, it would have been easy too miss what actually happened. But in college we used Robert’s Rules much more effectively at our frat meeting than any attempts I heard around the horseshoe on Thursday night. Here’s what happened in the election of DISD Board President:

Jack Lowe excused himself from the chair.

Lowe passed the gavel to Michael Hinojosa.

Hinojosa opened the floor for nominations for the position of Board President.

Dr. Edwin Flores, Adam Medrano, and Dr. Lew Blackburn were nominated.

Hinojosa announced that votes be cast until someone was elected by majority.

Hinojosa called for a vote for Dr. Flores

Jack Lowe, Dr. Flores, Jerome Garza, and Nancy Bingham voted for Flores

Hinojosa called for a vote for Mr. Medrano

Jack Lowe, Dr. Edwin Flores, Mr. Medrano Jerome Garza, Nancy Bingham voted for Medrano

Hinojosa declared a majority vote for Mr. Medrano and declared him as the new Board President (if you don’t believe me check the DISD website, it has already been changed).

Leigh Ann Ellis, Carla Ranger, Ron Price, and Dr. Lew Blackburn are not even recorded in the record as casting a vote.

Has anyone, anyone, every heard of anything like this? I have never heard of anyone casting two votes in an election. I have never heard of an election where members were not allowed to cast a vote.

If this is the way that the Dallas Independent School District is run, the I see why it has been plagued with so many problems. When Dr. Hinojosa was called into question for members voting twice, he said Robert’s Rules of Order was followed. I have yet to see where Robert’s Rules (which are best used as a guide rather than absolute) allows for voting for more than one candidate.

If people in Dallas feel like this is O.K., then I guess I should either get with the program or rethink my decision to become a DISD parent. This board probably came in wanting to elect Mr. Medrano president. Fine. But to see a blatant disrespect for democracy in order to do so is sickening. They should have just nominated Medrano and Blackburn and been done with it.

Could someone please tell me that I’m wrong about this?

Williams’ welcome new member to Dallas South Family

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My wife and I are the proud parents of a healthy baby girl: Maliyah Faith Williams.  Maliyah was born at 5:13 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs and 8 oz.  She and mother are both doing well.  Big brother Isaiah has been smiling for almost 24 straight hours.

Thanks so much to everyone for all of the prayers that were offered to Tamela during her 7 weeks in the hospital and 7 weeks at home on bed rest.  She sacrificed so much to bring this little baby in the world.  Words cannot express my love nor gratitude.

Thanks to the Dallas South family who has given me plenty of latitude and support through this rough time.  I’ve tried my best -through the help of the crew- to keep the site on track. I think we accomplished that and then some.

Again, thanks to the fam and God Bless.

Shawn

MAYOR LEPPERT TO HOST “GIRAFFES, MONKEYS & LEPPERTS” CELEBRATION AT DALLAS ZOO JUNE 5TH

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MAYOR LEPPERT TO HOST “GIRAFFES, MONKEYS & LEPPERTS” CELEBRATION

AT DALLAS ZOO NORTH FRIDAY, JUNE 5 FROM 6 – 9 PM.

Dallas citizens and families encouraged to attend;

Mayor Leppert to cut “early birthday cake” at 7:30 p.m.

DALLAS (May 18, 2009) – Almost two years to the day from the 2007 Dallas mayoral election, Mayor Tom Leppert will host “Giraffes, Monkeys & Lepperts — An Evening with the Mayor” at Dallas Zoo North, on Friday (June 5) from 6 – 9 p.m. Dallas citizens and families are invited. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 3 and over, and free for children under 3. Attire is “safari casual.”

General activities are from 6 – 9 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Leppert’s birthday – which is June 5 — will be celebrated early with free birthday cake served to the first 1,000 people. At that time, he will also deliver brief remarks.

The celebration event comes after a jam-packed year for Mayor Leppert – highlights include violent crime is down by 11% and overall crime is down almost 14%. AT&T and other firms were brought to Downtown Dallas, and new plant facilities opened and jobs were created in southern Dallas. The new Dallas Center for the Performing Arts is almost complete, and work has begun on the deck park over the Woodall Rogers Freeway. Dallas is on its way to becoming one of the greenest cities in America. And in 2008, the Dallas Zoo enjoyed its best year ever with 650,000 visitors. Also, work is underway on the new African Savannah for elephants and giraffes.

“Thanks to the support and hard work of countless people, businesses and organizations, we have lots of reasons to celebrate,” said Mayor Leppert. “We’ve tackled tough issues; now it’s time to lighten up!”

The “Giraffes, Monkey & Lepperts” event is family-friendly evening that will feature three entertainment areas. Guests are encouraged to “take a safari” through Zoo North (the best time to see the tiger, cheetah, tamarins and rhinos before their 7:45 p.m. bedtime!).

The free kids activities – located in the “Entertain Your Herd” area – include face painting, magical acts, caricature artists, crafts for kids (inside the Discovery House), games, bounce house and obstacle course, butterfly exhibit, musical performances, “touch and feel” animals, free photos by the Flamingo Pond, carousel rides and more.

Entertainment includes music by Havana NRG, percussionist Mark Shelton and steel drummer Steve MacDonald.

The “Feeding Trough” will feature a variety of Zoo concessions, like burgers, hot dogs, salads and ice cream, or guests may bring their own picnic to enjoy in the park.

The “Take A Safari” area features the Otter Outpost, the Endangered Tiger Habitat, Bug U, Wings of Wonder, Galapagos Tortoise Exhibit, the new “Ghosts from the Bayou” exhibit in the Bird & Reptile Building, Cheetahs on the Hill, the Primate Place and the Tamarin Treetops.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the event should call 214-871-0783 or send an email to agibbons@thereedsprc.com.

Zoo North at the Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Fwy. Parking is free. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages are allowed.

Sponsors as of May 12, 2009 include: Leppert Tamer sponsor, at the $5,000 level, are Mr. & Mrs. Peter O’Donnell, Jr. Top Banana sponsors, at $2,500 level, are Louis A. Beecherl, Jr., Mary Mc Dermott Cook, and Alice and Earl Nye. Zoo Keeper Sponsors, at the $1,000 level are Ka and L.L. Cotter, H.J. Russell & Company, William H. Hornberger, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Ku, Bobby Lyle, Harold and Cathy MacDowell, Matthews Southwest, Mike and Mary Terry and Winstead PC. Children’s activities are provided by Rainbow Entertainment.

For details and tickets, go to www.giraffesmonkeysandlepperts.com or call 214-871-3028. Ticket purchases may be made online though midnight on Thursday, June 4. Tickets also may be purchased at the door the night of the event (only credit cards and checks will be accepted – NO CASH).

CONTACT:

Becky Mayad 214.352.1881

Cell 214.697.7745

bmayad@sbcglobal.net

Kristin: Stepping Out of the Box

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By Kristin of Because I Said So

My husband usually likes to spend vacation on a beach somewhere relaxing to the sound of the waves. For my birthday he decided to accompany me on my yearly trip to Colorado for some light hiking and for the annual Bolder Boulder 10k.

While the beach offers softly crashing waves it doesn’t compare to the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountain range in Colorado. For my husband’s first visit the weather could not have been worse.

It rained at some point every day and was cloudy the entire time. We did not bother going to Pike’s Peak because it would have been pointless, all that would have been visible would have been clouds. However, the beauty in the gently rolling hillside the quaint housing and the occasional glimpse of snow capped covered mountains has my husband eager for next year’s trip.


We traveled to Bear Lake (9475 elevation) in hopes of completing a four mile hike. Instead we were met with at least five inches of snow which impeded our trek because we did not have snow shoes. At one point we were actually walking in the lake without realizing we had ventured off the trail.

We got up close and personal with some Elk and later enjoyed Elk and Buffalo burgers in the town of Estes. Some other sights included a visit to red top hotel which, is where Stephen King’s Shining was filmed. Later we headed to Denver for a vendor festival they were having before a torrential downpour forced everyone inside for cover.

I participated in the Bolder Boulder 10k race this year and had set a goal for myself of 1:25 (to see if I met this goal stay tuned for Jason Johnson’s post to learn my results). The race was incredible 50,000 people show up each year for the race and for the culmination in the elite runner’s race at the end of the day. The men’s elite runner finished in a mere 27 minutes! The Memorial Day celebration at CU was great 6 parachuteers floated in and at the very end of the national anthem three fighter jets flew over just in time to beat the storms.

Our trip was great. I had a secret agenda in this year’s trip I wanted to introduce my husband to a different way of living in hopes that he will want to start a new life in Colorado. He enjoyed himself immensely but I don’t think it was enough to sway him, YET.

Teco Theatrical Productions Summer Theater Camp slots filling up fast

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Submitted by Buster Miller, originally posted at Examiner.com

Still haven’t figured out a productive activity for your children or teen to do this summer, one that is cost effective during the current recession and may lead into a future career for your youth?

Beginning June 8 – July 31, 2009, TeCo Theatrical Productions, Inc. will offer an eight week summer theater camp at their newly renovated, ecologically friendly facility, the Bishop Arts Theater Center.

Jobs in theater requires all sorts of multitasking entrepreneurial skills and talents.  TeCo’s summer enrichment program provides an array of fun-filled activities that help prepare youngsters for a sustaining career in the arts.

Students will not only learn how to perform on stage but will also learn the business side of the industry:

  • how to prepare a headshot and resume,
  • how to submit headshots & resumes to agencies, and
  • how to audition

Other camp activities include visual and literary arts, African drumming, dance, and music appreciation.

The camp is open to children ages 6 to 17 years old. Only 50 applications will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Camp hours are from 7 am to 5 pm, Mon. thru Thu. which is perfect for working moms and dads. The program culminates with a production by camp participants so parents can witness the transforming power of theater and the arts!

Tuition is only $65 per week and includes breakfast and a lunch! A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a place in this fun-packed, high energy, enrichment program. Full tuition is due no later than June 1, 2009.

For more info: Contact TeCo Theatrical Productions, Inc. at 214-948-0716 or by email at info@tecotheater.org. TeCo Theatrical Productions is located at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 S. Tyler St., Dallas, Texas. Founded in September of 1993, TeCo Theatrical Productions is an award-winning multicultural theatre company with IRS 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status whose mission is simple: we are committed to the success of developing artists by performing and educating…always entertaining on purpose.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES $35.9 MILLION GRANT TO DART AND $4.6 MILLION GRANT TO LOVE FIELD

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DART will use money for light rail extension


Washington, DC – (May 22, 2009) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has released $35,990,660 in funding to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The money, part of the 2009 appropriations to DART, will fund a 21-mile, two-segment extension of DART’s Green Line and the building of an operating facility for vehicle maintenance and storage.

Congresswoman Johnson also announced that Dallas Love Field Airport will receive a $4,617,853 grant from the Transportation Department. Love Field will use the money for runway rehabilitation and to replace emergency vehicles.

“I am pleased to announce today more than $40 million in transportation funding for the Metroplex,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “The improvements made to DART’s Green Line and to Love Field will benefit North Texans and the North Texas economy.”

RNC Chairman Statement on President Obama’s Nomination of SONIA SOTOMAYOR to the Supreme Court of the United States

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WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele today released the following statement on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor.

“Republicans look forward to learning more about federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor’s thoughts on the importance of the Supreme Court’s fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. Supreme Court vacancies are rare, which makes Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination a perfect opportunity for America to have a thoughtful discussion about the role of the Supreme Court in our daily lives.  Republicans will reserve judgment on Sonia Sotomayor until there has been a thorough and thoughtful examination of her legal views.”

Senator Royce West: Weekly Austin Report

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Senator Royce West

Dear Friends:

This time next week I, along with my Legislative colleagues, will be concluding the 81st
Legislative Session. As promised, it has been and continues to be a challenging, intense, armtwisting and exhilarating 140 days of lawmaking.

As I reflect on my 16th year of public service, I am well aware of the task at hand. There is still much work to be done and the clock is ticking. Between 2000 and 2007, Texas’ population grew nearly 13 percent to more than 23.9 million.

With that comes an even greater demand for state services and funding. Legislative ideas can come from anywhere and anybody. Many times the ideas come from constituents and others who contact my office. Grandparents and other family members have come to my office over the years pleading that something be done to keep families together after they have been left to care for children who have been abandoned or whose parent has died, been incarcerated, or is otherwise unavailable.

I’ve tried to address their concerns with kinship care legislation outlined in this weekly update. In addition, students and parents have contacted me by every means imaginable to talk about the rising cost of college tuition, the need for increased financial aid and the value of high school programs which promote and encourage graduation and higher college attendance rates.

I will continue to fight to keep college costs down, to increase financial aid and to share with students about the paths that will lead them to the college classroom or workplace.
Statistics tell us that if a student isn’t successful in school, that student most likely will end up in the penal system.

But, we do know that there are some innocent individuals who are or have served time in Texas’ prisons. I’ve passed legislation that attempts to help with the reentry process for exonerees. I’m as committed today as I was when I began this odyssey of public service.

I’m working harder and sleeping less trying to make a difference. A running joke around the Capitol is that if you’re sleeping more than five hours a night, you’re not doing your job. But, you can rest assure that I and my staff sleep with one eye open to remain vigilant for the citizens of District 23 and Texas.