Mar 26, 2009
Posted by VC on Mar 26, 2009 in In The Know, Uncategorized | 0 comments
My walls rumble ominously in the wake of the sonic shock wave produced by the lightning, rattling the framed art on my walls. I’m siting in my bedroom with my laptop on my thighs, reading an article on wsj.com about how Texas School Boards are deciding whether to buy books that challenge evolution. Frankensteinian Coincidence?
If Texas School Board chairman, Republican Dr. Don McLeroy, has his way, the science books in Texas must include the notion that the complexity of cells cannot be attributed to evolution. It could also be the product of intelligent design, aka thinly-veiled creationism. I don’t understand why a man who is supposed to foster policy which increases ways to explore and understand the world in the classroom, would shut down the discussion about the origins and progression of life on Earth. I was under the impression that an education involved scrutinizing the unknown, not stamping it with a catch all, discourse terminating concept.
I don’t think a dentist is really qualified to be on the State Board of Education. Especially one who teaches Sunday school. Isn’t that a conflict of interest? Oh, wait…This is Texas. No need to separate church preachings and state funded things here. No need to pretend like he isn’t a creationist. He readily admitted to the Austin American Statesman that he is.
What’s really scary, is that the Board has the purchasing power to influence the textbooks adopted not only in this state, but also nationwide.
“Together the Board, the commissioner, and the Agency facilitate the operation of a vast public school system consisting of 1,227 school districts and charter schools, more than 7,900 campuses, more than 590,000 educators and other employees, and more than 4.5 million schoolchildren. The Board establishes goals for the public school system and adopts and promotes four-year plans for meeting those goals.”-TEA website.
Add the fact that many public schools usually cannot afford to purchase new textbooks every year; these books could be in use for a decade. For the next two days, the Texas School Board will attempt to handicap the intelligence of students in the public school system. They’re supposed to be taking public testimony on the issue before voting and making the curriculum addition official. But the link for the registration form for public testimony at State Board of Education meetings is broken.
My walls are rumbling again.
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Feb 17, 2009
Posted by VC on Feb 17, 2009 in In The Know, Uncategorized | 0 comments
Cell phone manufacturers have agreed to consider a universal phone charger. The GSM Association and the Open Mobile Terminal Platform agreed that Micro-USB should emerge from the cord monster growing out of my surge protector and rise as the standard connection for charging and syncing cell phones.
Not only would it be a lot easier to find the charger that goes with your phone, but it would also mean less chargers in landfills. No word on whether it’s actually going to happen by the recommended adoption date of January 2012.
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Apr 30, 2008
Posted by VC on Apr 30, 2008 in In The Know, Media | 2 comments
Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Most people around here know it as Drinko de Mayo. But why is that?
Origins of the Cinco de Mayo:
May 5, 1862 was the day General Ignacio Zaragosa led Mexican forces against the French and won. No one really celebrated that day until about 100 years later. Los Angeles Recreation and Parks commissioner Riordan decided to use the day to market the Coors beer distributors he owned. He took advantage of the Chicano movement, acknowledging the buying power of the Latino community. Calendars were printed that showed Chicanos and Mexican-Americans looking like yuppies while objectifying women. He sponsored all sorts of events and passed out free beer at community celebrations.
Mexican Americans had been boycotting Coors because they had fired workers because of their race. The beer company was charged in 1969 with racial discrimination and found guilty a year later. In 1985 The National council of La Raza made a pact with Coors. Call off the boycott and we’ll give Latino organizations 350-million dollars
Coors became the good guy and the slogan emerged “Drink a Coors for La Raza.”
In 2002->
Coors still donates money. They have a whole diversity strategy.
In 2008, a lot of people celebrate the holiday in America, but don’t know why. They just know they like margaritas and Mexican food and intend to partake in them. No one celebrates the holiday in Mexico.
And now, you’re in the know.
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Apr 15, 2008
Posted by VC on Apr 15, 2008 in In The Know | 0 comments
Welcome to In The Know: The Director’s Cut.
I’m KVRX News Director Vanessa Castaneda.
Today I’m sharing some of my favorite shows from the spring 2008 season with you.
In the Birthcontrol episode, Gulie Fager from U.T. Austin’s University Health Services was in the studio. Coming up: candid discussion about whether you can lose something inside the vagina, and how to find a good condom.
In The Sex 2.0 episode, Gulie Fager dispels fears about condoms. And as a bonus she gives us practical pointers about lube.
Episode 3: Love
Austinites spilled their best and worst Valentine’s days-Ever.
Episode 4: Death
The K-V-R-X News team polled the public to find out the best and worst ways to die. And is there an afterlife?
I’m Vanessa Castaneda. And now, you’re in the know.
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Apr 9, 2008
Posted by VC on Apr 9, 2008 in In The Know | 1 comment
Earlier this evening, a panel of U.T. Austin students discussed HB 588 a.k.a the Top Ten percent law and how it relates to racism on my news talk show In The Know.
The reason we are discussing the topic: A white Sugar Land teen who was not admitted into U.T. Austin is suing, claiming reverse discrimination. She says race and ethnicity shouldn’t be used to determine whether a student is admitted into the school. But I read she was in the 12th percent of her class.
I understand that she wants to go to U.T. Austin. Face it Abigail, you didn’t get in. Quit crying and go to your back up school. Why are you letting them make a martyr out of you?
U.T. Austin must consider race when admitting students to counter institutionalized racism and historic oppression which has prevented students of color from obtaining high-quality educations. I could write a huuuge post on the reasons why; but, I’ll save that one for another day.
As it stands, more than half of U.T. Austin students are white. This is not in line with the percentage of minorities who reside in the state of Texas.
Oddly enough, some students received a letter from U.T. President Powers, seemingly in an attempt to clarify things. It only raised more questions. Why only some and not all?
UT Austin’s Top Ten Percent Reports ignited conversations in the dj booth.
I’ll post the audio here soon.
After I tend to an academic obligation, I will investigate further.
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