Freezing in North Texas

It was 35 at midnight. 32 was the overnight low. I was not tempted to see if it was possible to get in the pool at these temperatures.

It was a bit cold in here early this morning. But I didn't feel like turning the furnace on. So, I put on a wool cap and layers of other things and bundled up like I was in Tacoma in summer.

About noon it'd thawed out enough and I'd warmed up enough and I'd sat at this computer long enough that I decided to go roller blading at Quanah Parker Park again.

You may remember, my one reader, that just 2 days ago I went roller blading at Quanah Parker Park and it was in the 80s and I was shirtless. Today I rollerbladed in sweatpants and wore my wool cap. And kept my shirt on, though I did take off an extra shirt by the time I started rolling, but I got a bit chilly in just a t-shirt.

It's supposed to get warm here in a couple days, again, but I think we've had a bad sample of an upcoming very cold winter.

Come To The Tandy Hills: Prairie Notes From Don Young

Prairie Notes: October 26, 2008
Orchids & Earth-movers

My Indian Summer Sunday Morning God, I Hate Gas Drilling Hike turned out to be more than expected. While evil-doers ripped into ancient prairie soil within earshot, I contemplated the contrast between short sighted human greed vs. Mother Nature's long term, yet fragile, superiority. blah blah blah. It's too early in the morning for such thoughts. I needed a distraction.

Nodding Ladies' Tresses, to be precise. (Spiranthes cernua to be more precise.) Distraction accomplished.

One year after record rainfall resulted in tall-grass heaven at Tandy Hills Natural Area, a nagging drought has severely stunted the autumn grasses and wildflowers. Nevertheless, Tandy Hills has a knack for surprises.

Over the years I have observed that these sparsely scattered orchids prefer an east-facing, partially shaded slope. That describes exactly the conditions where I spotted about a dozen blooming plants. Their fragrance is almost enough to make one forget the diesel-powered injustice being committed a short distance away.

Walking back up the hill, my eyes caught a fleeting glimpse of (I think) a Cooper's Hawk arching overhead. (Tandy Hills is home to a pair of them.) I am always struck by the speed of these birds of prey. They move so fast I've yet to get a proper ID on them.

The new drill pad next door has the hawks (and me) on full alert. While I worry they feast on escaping rodents. That may be good for their short term needs, but I worry about the long run. Their habitat has been reduced by another five acres and more acreage loss is probable. The air up there is more toxic than before. The noise, dust, polluted water, etc. from drilling operations is bound to put their health and safety at risk. I guess the same can be said for us bipedal primates who haven't yet escaped.

But worry not. Today we have orchids. Don't miss them.

Come to the meadow and get distracted from whatever is bothering you.

DY

**************

DY's convinced me. I'm in the need for distracting, so I think it's off to the Tandy Hills again today, in search of an orchid.

The Real Real Housewives of Atlanta

Go to my new Durango TV Blog for more Real Housewives of Atlanta

It turns out that the housewives on the Bravo TV show called The Real Housewives of Atlanta don't actually live in homes in Atlanta. They live in suburbs of Atlanta. If that is what it takes to be a Real Housewife of Atlanta I know of a couple very real Real Housewives of Atlanta, living in Cummings, on the outskirts of Atlanta. These Atlanta Housewives would make much more real reality TV than the ones on the Bravo show.

Speaking of which, I've now watched 3 episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. It's just about the most appalling of this type show I've seen. Made more so by these sadly deluded, supposed housewives, over the top conspicuous consumption.

I was disturbed from the start by the one blonde, Kim Zolciak. Continued viewing of this unmarried "real" housewife added to the disturbance. She smokes constantly. Is seldom without a wine glass. Has bizarre delusions that she is going to be a country western singer. And most shocking, she is what I believe is called a "kept" woman. Supported by a guy she calls "Big Papa" because "Big Papa" is a supposed celebrity who doesn't his face or name to be on TV. Likely to keep his wife in the dark. Good luck.

It did not take long for Bravo TV viewers to uncover that supposed celebrity "Big Papa" is an Atlanta multi-millionaire real estate developer named Lee Najjar. In the very first episode Kim called up "Big Papa" and told him she wanted to go buy a new Cadillac Escalade. Fine he said. So Kim drove to the dealership and wrote a check for over $60K and drove away.

Kim claims to be 28. She looks pretty well worn for 28. She has a daughter who is 11. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Let's shut up about the Kept Woman Kim and move on to Cleveland Cavalier basketball player Eric Snow's wife DeShawna. In the first episode we see the Snow's arrive at their new 15,000 square foot home. The Snow's had not seen it. Built it, bought it, sight unseen. The architect said she worked with DeShawna a grand total of 3 hours on the design.

DeShawna went on and on about how she's always known she was destined for great things. And now she has an Estate Manager, a personal maid, a cook, a nanny and I forget what else. Oh yeah, the DeShawn Snow Foundation. On the show we see DeShawn ineptly make plans, on the fly, to raise a million bucks for her foundation. Turns out that her foundation is a disaster. As reported by the Ripoff Report.

At one point DeShawn goes on about her and her family being devout churchgoers. That's fine with me. Then DeShawn tells us that they religiously tithe. Then we see her dropping a $25K check into the collection plate. Let's see, I suck at math, but I believe that's over $1.3 million a year. Which must mean the husband, Eric, makes about $13 million a year playing basketball.

Does it make you feel good, Cleveland Cavalier fans, to know what your hard earned money is being spent on?

Basically, near as I can tell, expect for maybe 2 exceptions, all these women on the Bravo show are basically kept women living very bizarre self-absorbed delusion filled lives that makes for some pretty funny, appalling TV viewing.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Obama Endorsement Reaction

I guess it was to be expected, but it's still a bit disturbing, that being the reaction by some readers, as evidenced in Letters to the Editor in this morning's Star-Telegram, to the Star-Telegram's full page Sunday endorsement of Barack Obama for President.

There were several letters in support of the Star-Telegram's Obama endorsement. But those seemed reasonable and non-nutcase, so not as interesting. Below are a few of the Anti-Obama Endorsement letters....

I am so mad I could spit. I can’t believe the Star-Telegram would recommend a socialist/communist for president. Just give him a year and he will control the paper. The head honcho of the Star-Telegram should leave America because he is anti-American. Anyone who votes for the socialist/communist does not have America’s best interests at heart.

I will be laughing when he becomes the dictator and you will not have the freedom to print what you want to. It will come to pass and it will serve you right, you Obama-loving, anti-American socialists/communists (anyone who votes for Obama fits this description). You want redistribution of wealth, which is Marxist, not American.

America is dead as we know it. Four years of the socialist/communist Obama and we will be like Iran, Cuba, Russia (any country that is a dictatorship, we will be also).

— Pat Spencer, Fort Worth

*******************

The Star-Telegram recommended Barack Hussein Obama for president? By doing so, it also endorses the Democrat-controlled Congress. Just how ignorant is that?

So what’s the surprise? Another dog-and-pony show in an attempt to justify a factually unjustifiable endorsement? But it doesn’t work, at least not for those who will vote from the facts that have cast history from true cause and effect.

Obama will remain not only a far-left socialist, but one cultured in the belief of another more dangerous and inequitable dogma. Anyone of any insight at all knows what it is. It need not be rewritten, for the Obama voter not only denies it, but also by immoral compassion embraces it as their own. It is so ignorant that it defies its own recognition.

Many have hoped that this veil of ignorance will somehow be lifted between now and the Nov. 4 election. But the evidence is yet to be revealed.

For America’s sake, the “hope” remains that the majority of each state’s “citizen” voters will recognize the Obama facade and vote from reality rather than poor fiction.

— Richard M. Holbrook, Weatherford

******************

Horrors! How could you recommend Barack Obama for president? The man has less than one term as a senator and you think he can run this country? Surely this is a Halloween joke!

I can take comfort in the fact that hardly anyone reads your newspaper anymore and even fewer take to heart what you endorse.

— Marian Ramsey, Fort Worth

*******************

It was with little surprise that I opened the Opinion section Sunday to see a full-page, fawning recommendation of Sen. Barack Obama. You’ve been telegraphing this at least since the end of the Democratic primaries, and for a paper whose internal editorial policy is to “Get Bush” (see, the folks you laid off talked), it brings little shock.

Being old enough to remember the first Obama, er, Carter administration, I believe that we are headed down the same old road, only this time the Iranians will have nukes. I also believe that the 13.5 percent home loan I first had as a result of that administration’s policies is just a start with this tax-and-spend bunch.

So, go ahead and continue using the low-angle Obama head shots to make him look heroic (see, I know how this works) and keep up the fawning. Maybe it will anger the moderate electorate to drive the election to Sen. John McCain.

I certainly hope so, for our sake.

— Gerry Nichols, Lakeside

******************

I was astounded to see a whole page spread in your paper openly recommending Barack Obama for president. What everyone thinks about their choice for president is their own opinion. However, when a news outlet puts an editorial out that says the Star-Telegram recommends Barack Obama for president, I think that is overstepping the bounds of objective journalism.

Now, I know that you are trying to get away with this by putting this article in the Opinion section. I find it very hard to believe that every single person employed at your paper agrees with that statement that you printed. I would quit if I worked for a company that made blanket statements like that.

It is not about whether the article supported Obama. It is about the fact that your readers cannot count on objective journalism off the editorial page when you make blanket statements like that. This is yellow journalism in its finest.

— Jill Harper, Keller

**********************

I was so disappointed when I opened my paper Sunday and saw the huge picture and editorial recommendation for Barack Obama. I knew my hometown paper was liberal, but this is ridiculous!

Gov. Sarah Palin has much more experience in government than Obama, and Sen. John McCain has more experience than Obama and Sen. Joe Biden put together. Just because Obama is an elegant speaker doesn’t make him ready to lead and protect us! And that huge picture of him was overkill! I’m just disappointed in my paper!

— Carlye Arnold, Arlington

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After seeing your recommendation of Barack Obama for president, the only reason I don’t cancel my subscription is that my wife uses the ads and coupons. Your paper will merely be a propaganda arm for the new “We will control everything” government under Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Obama. Never in my lifetime — 13 presidential races — have I seen a serious candidate so unqualified under the normal meaning of the word.

— J Morris Johnston, Mansfield

**********************

I never thought I would see the day that the Star-Telegram would support the most unqualified presidential candidate ever to run. He has no military or leadership experience to be commander-in-chief.

He has very little government experience. He has no respect for the flag or national anthem. He is supported by the Islamic leaders of the world and has vowed to negotiate with them. He is obviously a socialist because of his medical and wealth redistribution policy. I suspect the founders of the Star-Telegram are turning over in their graves!

— Robert Rainey, Arlington

And now for a final letter, one of the letters in support of the Star-Telegram's decision to endorse Barack Obama.....

I’m sure you were getting a ton of nasty mail Monday morning thanks to your principled decision to endorse our next president, Sen. Barack Obama. As a Star-Telegram subscriber, I just want to say thank you! Your reasoning was logical and well-stated, and I sincerely hope it sways the few folks who are undecided. It is really gratifying to see my hometown paper make the right choice. I’ll be renewing my subscription to offset at least one of the cancellations I’m sure you’ve received.

— Anna Brosovic, Arlington

Northern Friends Vs. Southern Friends

When I spent what seemed like all winter up in Washington last summer, but which was actually only one long month, I was struck more than any previous visit by how differently people behaved. Bad manners. Really bad manners.

Down here in the South people are just more friendly. And they say howdy a lot. At first I didn't like this all that much, but I got used to it. Now I like it.

There are a couple Georgia Peaches, known as the 2 Chippys, the actual Real Housewives of Atlanta, Lulu and Laurie. I can tell they have the Southern Good-Hearted Hospitality Friend thing down to perfection. This evening Laurie sent me an amusing email that sort of represents ways it is different here in the South from the cold North...

NORTHERN FRIENDS VS. SOUTHERN FRIENDS

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Never ask for food.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Will say 'hello'.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, cleaning up, and just being together.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowd's back-ends that left you.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Will knock on your door.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, I'm home!

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Will visit you in the hospital when you're sick

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will cut your grass and clean your house then come spend the night with you in the hospital.

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Have you on speed dial

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Have your number memorized

NORTHERN FRIENDS: Are for a while.

SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life.

BLOGGER'S NOTE: The above has been slightly edited from its original form.

Sarah Palin & Barack Obama On Dancing With The Stars

I don't care how well Sarah and Barack dance together, I still want Cloris Leachman to win. Tonight on Dancing With The Stars Cloris will be dancing the Hip Hop. Whatever that is. It's supposed to be rather energetic, possibly taxing the seeming endlessly energetic 82 year old past the limit of what she can endure. Cloris is quite flexible for an older dame which you can see quite clearly in the photo.

Today's Rush Limbaugh Obama Bashing

I listened to Rush Limbaugh for a short while this morning whilst doing yoga prior to going to Tandy Hills Park where it was so windy and cold that I ended up running up and down the hills trying to get warm. A month ago this would have killed me due to overheating. But not today. Mr. Limbaugh seems to be getting increasingly into Bad Boy Territory with his Obama bashing. Mr. Obama is highly likely going to be our next President. The Obama bashing at this late date annoys me. Below is today's "Rush in a Hurry." That's an email newsletter summation of today's Rush Limbaugh Show. You get a good flavor from it as to what I mean by Bad Boy Bashing....

On Today’s Show...

Show Highlight: The real Barack Obama revealed himself in a 2001 radio interview. The audio reveals an angry man with disdain for the United States Constitution and the limits it places on government power in our lives.

Democrats say that talk about Obama's plans to redistribute wealth is a "distraction." No, it's the very core of this man's being! He wants to take wealth from those who work and spread it to those who don't.

Pearl of Wisdom: "Speculation about Obama's birth certificate isn't going to sway independents or change minds. With eight days to go, we need to focus on Obama, not the Woods Foundation or Ayers. Tie Barack Obama to Obama, and after we tie Obama to Obama, then tie him to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi, and what will happen to America if they get unchecked power."

An Orlando interviewer dares to question Biden on Obama's apparent Marxism and ACORN. Biden responds with rage and lies.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our Founders put LIFE first, and guaranteed it. If you don't have life, you don't have a chance for anything else. The Supreme Court eliminated the right to life in Roe v. Wade, yet Obama says the courts aren't radical enough for him. What could be more radical than that?

Pearl of Wisdom: "Obama says the Constitution charters 'negative liberties.' He wants government to do things to people, and he's mad that the 'flawed' Constitution limits its role in our lives. He doesn't like the idea of liberty, and wants to change it!"

Who's adding reverb to Obama's voice so he sounds like God? (Remember his speech in Berlin?) The Messiah now says he's going to restore economic prosperity and a higher purpose to an embattled nation. The audacity! The American people don't look to a Castro or a Chavez to give them purpose.

People keep asking, "Rush, what're you going to do?" What he's been doing for 20 years! What are YOU going to do, folks, besides calling on Rush to do something?

Sleep, Swim & Ski in Texas

I woke up some time after 3 am. I could not get back to sleep. I heard the paper clunk outside about 4:30. So, I got up, made coffee and read the paper.

The Monday Fort Worth Star-Telegram was record-breaking thin this morning. It took about 5 minutes to read. Of the 4 or 5 sections in this morning's paper, 2 of them were devoted to sports.

The only news that was remotely interesting was about the Iraqis balking at the new agreement with the U.S. that prolongs our stay. What seems odd to me is we invaded a sovereign nation on the flimsiest of pretenses. That turned out to be wrong. And now we are being all legalistic as to what we want in an agreement with the Iraqi government or we'll take all our marbles and go home?

It got down to 43 last night. I did my regular icy morning swim earlier than usual due to being up so early, as in I was in the cold water soon after the sun came up. I did not last too long.

I was wanting to blog about a couple of TV shows that appall me. One I mentioned before, that being The Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo. The other being MTV's disturbing Parental Control pseudo reality show.

But I'm too tired right now to remember all that appalled me about both those shows. I've now watched 3 episodes of the Atlanta one. It is truly jaw-dropping great train wreck TV.

I should be back at full energy in a couple hours. I'm going to Tandy Hills in a bit. That always revives me.

Oh. The skiing photo at the top. That was taken my first winter in Texas, when I lived in a little town on the northern border of Fort Worth called Haslet. The mailbox was in Fort Worth, the house was in Haslet. Those are cross-country skis. I got good use out of them a couple winters ago when we had about 5 inches of snow. I went skiing at Veterans Park in Arlington.

Swimming & Roller Blading Weather in Texas

This morning, about 9, I went swimming. The water must have been warmer because I stayed in it about a half hour. Or maybe I'm getting way to used to being frigid. The low overnight was 53 here in Fort Worth.

There is a hot tub adjacent to the pool. I figured it would not be a good thing to get in it because getting out would feel way too cold. I've learned otherwise. Today after a half hour in the cold I got into the hot. Then I got back in the cold. And to my surprise that felt good. Basically I think I've totally de-sensitized my nerve endings.

By noon it was in the high 70s. I decided to go roller blading at Quanah Parker Park. The high here today, so far, has been 88. That's what it felt like when I sat on a bench putting on my roller blades.

It was hot enough that going roller blading shirtless seemed the only sensible thing to do. I thought that sort of thing was over for the year.

There was what seemed to be a slightly crazy lady walking the trail that leads out of Quanah Parker Park. She said something to me, so I stopped and said, pardon me, what did you say? What followed seemed to be gibberish, all said with a smile. She seemed harmless. But you never know with those crazy people types.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Endorses Obama

That's right. Sunday's Star-Telegram devoted one full page of its puny 2 page Editorial Section to explaining their rationale for endorsing Barack Obama to be our next President.

The Star-Telegram's line of reasoning seemed pretty reasonable to me. But their endorsement of Obama had no impact on my vote because I've already voted.

I don't remember if the Star-Telegram endorsed John Kerry or George W. in 2004. I wasn't here at the time. I was up in ultra-liberal Washington where it seemed a foregone conclusion that Kerry would win and where I saw many protests against George W., including in my old hometown of Mount Vernon where dozens stood on the street corners by the county courthouse, waving memorable signs. Let me go see if I can find a photo I took that day.

In Washington there is a sub-cult of phonetic spellers. I guess that explains "shud."