mattyt36

Well thanks for telling me you were tapping out (turning around?) brother! That’s what we call GROWTH!

Reefy, I do appreciate the time you have taken for a bit of self-reflection. I’ve also taken some time to think. After all, it’s the only way we can learn and grow. As I think I mentioned before, I work in the aviation industry, and have always been interested in the stories behind air disasters. What a great system we have! We've got a whole investigatory arm, separate from the regulating agencies, that gets to investigate why there are major transportation accidents and make recommendations to the government on how to improve safety. One of the first things you learn is that this work is not about assigning blame--in fact, every report speaks to "contributing factors" that led to the accident. So our exchange has reminded me of one such event in particular, viz BN352, a HOU-DAL L-188 "Electra" flight in the 1960s. Now I'm going off memory here, but essentially what happened is that the pilots were a bit late leaving Houston and a massive thunderstorm was on the direct route to Dallas. They saw that thunderstorm but decided to go through. I mean, it's not like they wanted to crash. They probably thought they had been through something similar before and that they could do it again, but maybe there was a bit of adrenaline, too . . . who knows? But they decided they just weren't going to be any later getting into Dallas. They told people they were going to land at a certain time, and by God, they were going to do it. And they got into that thunderstorm and it was really bad. I mean, obviously I wasn't there, but I imagine the rain must have been pounding on the plane, the plane was being bounced around, it was at night so it was pitch black. And they probably saw it relatively fast, I mean, they could've turned around, but somehow they thought either, "I'm sure the worst is over" or, more likely based on the CVR transcript (I did have to Google this one as I wanted to be specific--I'm shamelessly copying from Wikipedia here), they just were too proud to turn around. The NTSB correlated the cockpit conversations with the ATC communications transcript and noted that it was the first officer, at the captain's request, who asked ATC if they had received reports of hail in the area and received the response from ATC that they hadn't because other aircraft had "all deviated around to the east." At that point, according to the CVR transcript, the captain advised the first officer: "No, don't talk to him too much. I'm hearing his conversation on this. He's trying to get us to admit (we're makin)[6] big mistake coming through here."[ And so they kept on flying directly through it, and I mean, it must've gotten really bad and even caught them by more surprise than they had already been surprised, and they decided to cut their losses and request permission to turn around. Alas, it was too late. In short, in the execution of the turn in the thunderstorm conditions, the aircraft was overstressed, the wings tore off, and the plane plummeted to the ground in Dawson, Texas, near Buffalo. All 85 onboard died. And, why did they die? Foolish pride. Well, I suppose the captain died of foolish pride . . . sadly, everyone else was just along for the ride. So, you know, your comments here are very enlightening in helping me "put more pieces of the puzzle together" and add to the list of "contributing factors." You had a bad experience, just wanted to blow off some steam, someone responded to you with an accurate description of the cause, it so happened to be me (lucky me, BTW 🤢) and you decided to "pick a fight" because you read some other posts of mine and thought, "Man, that guy is an arrogant SOB and he needs to be brought down a peg." In other words, you saw the storm and thought you could get through it. (That whole plane crash thing was a metaphor, just to be clear.) Turbulence got rough, so to speak, much rougher than you thought it ever could get, you said some silly things, but kept on digging in your heels because "He's trying to get us to admit we're makin a big mistake coming through here," so to speak (can you just admit that you aren't getting flight changes willy nilly days in advance, at least not more than once?), and now is the time you decide to turn around. So well done. No need for the wings to fall off. I'm happy to extend a hand and help you get back on course (metaphor alert!). But, before I do that, I must just take issue with your characterizations of my posts, my rhetorical style, my skirmishes and kerfluffles so to speak. I will say that foolish pride is at the root of most. (Did I mention there’s a song about that?) I remember Luminaire making some comment once suggesting it would be "hilarious" to erect a statue to policemen killed in the line of action across the Bayou from the statue of Jose Campos Torres (who, in case you weren't aware was murdered by HPD in the 1970s). I believe I responded something to the effect of "Well, that wouldn't be the word I'd use." And man, he barreled through that thunderstorm. His response wasn't, "Sorry, poor choice of words," but rather something to the effect of "Sorry, not sorry, all they're trying to do is buy votes with some stupid statue." 😳 Man, I mean the wings came off very fast with that one. But, I will say, I have since learned through other posts of his that he lost his job relatively recently and that's probably why he moved to Utah, so I see how that could not have been anything short of a major life trauma (especially for someone so qualified because it’s clear to me from his other posts he knows what he’s doing and is good and very thoughtful at it) which does lead to lashing out and, at the end of the day, essentially blaming entire groups of people. It's a story as old as time, so to speak. I can't say I agree with his position, but I feel some empathy for him now that I did not before. Then there was editor, some really strange comment about something being unequivocally proven (I don't even remember what it was, quite honestly, but it was definitely objectively subjective), and I said, "Oh yeah?" and his response was to, again, barrel through that thunderstorm and say, "Books have been written about it" and sent me a link to the library. I mean, really juvenile at the end of the day, don't you think? (Definitely common themes here in terms of "contributing factors,” I submit foolish pride is the biggest one) I did read a few other editor posts, and noticed some other common themes . . . I mean, they're mostly negative and critical. And then I remembered, "Hey this guy just moved back to Houston not too long ago, so he's probably going through the whole, 'Why in the hell did I move back HERE?!'") second-guessing phase that occurs to all of us who do. Probably needs another good year, but he'll be a changed and happier man, no doubt! The long and the short is, I feel empathy now for him, too. (And, in fairness, maybe he just wanted me to check out the damned library! I dunno.) As for the NHHIP stuff, hey, maybe in the early days I argued with more, but I think if you do the forensics on that one, I spent a couple of months trying to earnestly share information. At the end of the day, it really was a "tiff" between samagon and me. Most of the original people who argued against whatever points I made, I think, realized that what I was saying was true, there was no choice between a freeway and a train, there weren't tens of thousands of people being "ripped from their homes," etc., etc. so they kind of dropped it. Samagon, well he took the BN352 approach. He is proud to say he blocked me, much like you're like Dwight Schrute screaming "Michael! Michael!!!" at the moderators trying to get my posts deleted or posting privileges revoked. I've got other buddies I argue with, august948 is my fave, but even Blue Dogs, I mean, I'll be the first to congratulate him when he gets to ride his red wave. Do I agree with him? Absolutely not. Do I think he’s crazy? Yes. Does he think I’m crazy? I’d be disappointed if he didn’t. But, at the end of the day, you know, he's just Blue Dogs doing Blue Dogs. Here's a fun fact--I have not reported a single post for a violation of forum rules. I have not ever mentioned forum rules. I have never asked for anyone to be banned (and I know at least several people have asked for me to be banned). OK, maybe now's a good time to mention "forum rules" for the first time . . . do you really think it's in the spirit of the "forum rules" to get the air traffic controller banned for suggesting you turn around when you’re the guy who made the decision to fly into a thunderstorm in the first place? You got us here. Doesn't seem like it should be that way to me. In fact, it kind of seems totally wrong, you know, wrong, like on a moral level. Like, this is on you, buddy. Take some ownership. In re your comments about all my societal flaws, I mean, man, really, you got it all wrong again. I mean like the total opposite. I am gay, have been (officially at least) for 25 years now, which probably coincides with the time you were at the Bubble Gum elite level of the Continental Young Travelers program. ANOTHER fun fact--I don't even call the Guv Hot Wheels--except on here--I use another word, which I think is a little too on the nose for this forum. So credit for the whole Hot Wheels thing actually goes to my very good friend (also a gay), who--again--interesting fact--his mother is a paraplegic! It shouldn't be that difficult to see if the ADA were being debated today, Greg Abbott would be the poster child for the opposition . . . he would have zero problem standing up (oooops, metaphor!) and saying, "I don't need any help, why do these other losers?" So you also shouldn't be surprised that, sure, there will be plenty of people to line up and accuse me of being insensitive to the disabled, but I will guarantee you that the common denominator will not be their disability, but rather their political affiliation. Likewise, there are plenty of disabled people out there who would love to push the Guv down a cliff and stick a steel rod in his spokes on the way down (figuratively speaking, of course) . . . surely you must see that! (Sanctimony is never pretty, and it's always about one's self, not the people you are appealing to. I've noticed Samagon has the same problem. They don't need you speaking on their behalf, especially if you're doing it only to further your position (there's that pesky pride again!) . . . you might be surprised that lesbians love lesbian humor, BTW. I mean I'm almost certain Kim would at least chuckle at that post . . . I can say that cuz I've met her. I don't project experiences I haven't had, in other words.) As for Man Hands, I mean, it's the same. I'll let you think through it as a thought exercise. Maybe look up the concept of "reclaiming" identity through humor. Take a little moment to dig a little deeper and notice other patterns--towards what group of people do I use such language? You are right on something--it is indeed modeled on Trump. Fight fire with fire, brother. Humor works on many different levels, and I make the decision to operate on the level I do acknowledging the cost that some people may not "get it." Buddy, thanks. I don't need an apology, but, again, I appreciate the reflection. Let's start over! See you on the battlefield, brother! ❤️ Oh, and while we're on it, from today . . . once again, just trying to keep you informed! This summer is going to be rough! (It's going to be even more awful for the employees who are living it every day, and I know you're all about empathy for others, so please keep that in mind … for sure don’t be misogynistic or ableist, don’t body shame them, and, whatever you do, don’t be homophobic! There’s a lot of us homos in the aviation industry, after all.) Flying with Delta this summer? Here's what to know and how to prep | Delta News Hub ""From July 1-Aug. 7, we’ll reduce service by approximately 100 daily departures, primarily in markets in the U.S. and Latin America that Delta frequently serves. This will build additional resilience in our system and improve operational reliability for our customers and employees; we’ll continue to proactively adjust select flights in the coming weeks." (July is in a matter of weeks, just FYI) And from Europe, totally not the same but speaks to the general labor issues: KLM Halts Ticket Sales at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport – Airways Magazine

Oh man, I can’t believe that sterile corridor will be permanent. 🤢

Well it‘s now or never on that one, as we’ve discussed before, unless they get an extension from the City.

Reef, brother, just do a little more forensics and this time take the emotion out of it. The situation you described in the OP, i.e., flights getting changed weeks and months in advance, was literally answered in the original reply. I mean, again, so much has been written about this, it’s not just me, buddy! The pride and the snark and the attitude were all introduced by you. Presumably because, it is WAY important to you that your original post (which you are probably now embarrassed you posted to begin with) is perceived as accurate and totally legitimate. (You know the concept … you used it incorrectly … it’s “saving face” … I fear it is the exact opposite of what you think it means, and, man, to go through life not knowing how that works, truly rough. Feel for you, bro.) Forgive me for trying to shed some light on what was going on, I was obviously a fool to even attempt to do so. I see now that the purpose of your original post was to just “let off a little steam,” and you didn’t really want anyone to engage with you other than to say, maybe, “Yeah, man, that happened to me, too, and it s*cked! Damn those airlines!” and “Man, elite status on two airlines, how’d you do it, you lucky guy?” (Been there, done that, doing it now. You talk like a total Silver, BTW. 90 minutes on the phone? Yikes! Worse than I thought. I’m so used to not having to wait. I really shouldn’t kick a man while he’s obviously so (far!) down.) But, sure, go ahead and call the Sheriff and lecture me on rhetorical techniques and what people who have “lost the argument” do. Again, it’s like the total opposite of what you think it is. I believe the psychological term for this is PROJECTION. I must admit, it is fascinating to me that you can’t seem to see this for yourself, but, again, I’ve read that’s how projection works so it totally checks out. Regardless, enjoy your trip to HEL. I hear it’s nice.

“You just don’t like Mealer do you ? Just admit it. You’re scared because 2022 is a GOP year across the country.” Correct. (Has that ever been in question?) (BTW, serious question here, do you think na-na-ny-boo-boo is a legitimate way to run a country?)

Fearmongering based on fever dreams for votes when you should know better is lying as far as I'm concerned. But I mean, you're right, she could believe her own stuff, I suppose, and therefore it wouldn't constitute "lying" per se, just tremendous irresponsibility and lack of self-accountability.

People who have consistently shown they have zero empathy are deserving of the same. (And we both know where this is coming from … those damned bruises… 🙄)

You see, Augie, I don’t agree with your logic, but at least you presented some. It’s why I think, even though we disagree on a lot politically, you are a sensible and thoughtful guy, not full on whack-o like others. The Guv just race-baited, plain and simple. Only the latest in the long list of disqualifiers.

Well I shall just say, I hope you’re right, @aachor And as compensation for your donations and support, I hope you get an autographed photo of the Man Hands. The campaign team definitely has shaven off at least 20 pounds, femmed her up a bit, and made her less mouthy, I’ve noticed. As much as I hate to admit it, smart money at this point is probably on her. (Yes @Blue Dogs, you can quote me on that!) In which case Lina Hidalgo will rank right up there with RBG and Hillary for me. Smart, smart people, but absolutely terrible at the execution of basic politics.

Is this even true, though? I certainly get it conceptually, but to a fault I don’t meet anyone who actually really “wants” to live in, say, Willis. There’s always a long list of reasons that describe why they compromised to live there. Most people would much rather live in The Woodlands if they “could afford it.” Sure, NHHIP will decrease transportation costs at the margin, but I see the ever-pushing northward suburbs less a function of freeways than a reflection of what an employment center The Woodlands has become and just the fact that whatever constitutes “affordable” real estate at the time is whatever is the newest construction the next exit north. I honestly find it difficult to argue that the NHHIP will increase sprawl. Grand Parkway, sure. NHHIP, not so much. New Waverly will inevitably become the next Willis and Huntsville the next Conroe. (I’m not going to transfer my living preferences on to others by telling them where they can or can’t live … mainly cuz it’s a false choice … you just can’t.) To me, the real question is whether you want at least a good chunk of the jobs downtown or a massive exodus north such that The Woodlands becomes Frisco and Houston becomes Dallas and Madisonville becomes Conroe. To me, that is the other side of the sprawl calculus. But, I wholly admit I could be wrong!

Now there’s the systems thinking I was expecting! 👍 But kind of mean, there, @Reefmonkey showing the population densities in shades of red and Harris County being solid red. It’s definitely going to confuse the poor chap! 🤣 In, other news, our illustrious Governor Hot Wheels, in a typical display of true crisis leadership, said today “On any given weekend more people get killed in Chicago than we have schools in Texas, so therefore gun control is not an option.” I mean, I guess if Dubya said it I guess it would’ve been entertaining, but it’s almost like Wheelz is being just a tad bit disingenuous? And why is it always Chicago? Hmmmm …

So, basically, at the end of the day, what I said was accurate: I proposed 2 potential explanations and provided advice to remedy. 1 of those 2 explanations proved accurate, and you had already done what I advised, et voila, it was fixed! It also proves that your original description of the issue was, essentially, a lie! No one was going to force you to take the earlier flight to FRA or the later flight to HEL. I mean, it’d be so funny if I wasn’t so embarrassed for you. 😬 Somehow, in your mind, this one experience logically proves that everything you said in the first post was correct, i.e., it’s all random, crew shortages, not to mention airlines explicitly saying, “WE’RE MAKING THESE CLOSE-IN CHANGES DUE TO CREW SHORTAGES,” does not figure in whatsoever. OK, buddy, whatevs! I was delayed for 36 hours this week, which is a rarity, but it was a 2 flight/day station. It was due to aircraft maintenance. That does not mean that every delay is therefore due to aircraft maintenance, or that there are not crew shortages. Surely you can see that? 🥴 Again, I’d expect more systems thinking from an engineer type. I mean, YIKES! And in terms of "interact[ing] respectfully," I mean, c'mon man, you were essentially lying to try to prove a point! I know everyone feels "attacked" on here when confronted by basic facts, I guess next time I will respond with, "Poor baby!" cuz that seems to be what you're going for … “poor baby” somehow constitutes respect. I mean, YIKES! Very “bruised,” very “unpolished” indeed.

@Reefmonkey, whoa. Let me just start by saying that you seem like a real treasure and definitely give off a totally "with it" vibe. I mean treating an architectural forum as a some sort of sensationalized Yelp complaint page. I combed this entire sub-forum and found one other person who thought they would post a complaint in the past 7 years, but, alas, I opened that one up "United Customer Service fail" and see that the person just supplied a link to a NY Times story--it wasn't actually anything that happened to him. So, cheers--it definitely takes a special kind of person, you truly are in a class by yourself. I suppose I should not be surprised that such behavior would be correlated with, let's say, a very strong ego and a naked desire to prove someone wrong who tried to, uh, you know, explain why these things were happening with a juvenile "gotcha, Mr Smarty Pants." So, yes, let me once again tip my hat to you . . . your original post definitely was substantive . . . and you've got it figured out . . . this is indeed all random and very sinister, and the airline people are laughing all the way to the bank with your suffering . . . all while I'm "apologizing" for them. (Maybe "very strong" isn't the right word . . . a bit "manic," perhaps?) Let's start at the beginning: Aha. That's what you originally said, Mr SEP/LEED Green Associate. (Who puts that in their footer, I mean, seriously?! Love yourself much?! At least it's totally on-brand!) Reservations made months in advance and changed "usually weeks, even months before actual departure." Then you somehow concluded: I mean, the arrogance! The sophistry! Cheers to you, sir, well done! This conclusion is absolutely wrong. There is no other word for it. 100%, totally, completely wrong. You seem to think that if Southwest has a deficit of pilots, it can be fixed weeks in advance. How so, might I ask? Pilots have capped duty time. Also takes a while to train them, with minimum flight hours stipulated by the federal government for a Part 121 airline. (Do you know what that is, Reef?) Does @Reefmonkey seriously think that Southwest can, say, train a flight attendant or a person off the street in a couple of weeks to be a certified commercial pilot? I mean, it's so self-evidently, ridiculously absurd on the surface. I expect a little more from the engineering types, especially those 20-year world travelers who so obviously know the industry inside and out. But I applaud your chutzpah. As was pointed out, there's plenty of press out there explaining this clearly, but, yeah, I know, that's no fun, is it, when one can play victim otherwise. Yeah, you totally sound like a really competent, seasoned business traveler here. "The airline reschedules my flights weeks, even months in advance, and still that is not enough time for me to figure out how to get to a meeting on-time." Hilarious! (Accommodate has two "ms," BTW.) And then we get the standard "Do you know who I am?" I mean, again, hilarious! I haven't been on FlyerTalk in a long time, but it's nice to know that that demographic is still alive and well. As I said, it definitely takes a special kind of person. (Also, forgive me, but reservations being changed the week of departure that are not related to a weather-related travel waiver or other event? Please send me a list of all the times this happened to you, the original flight number, the booking date, the original flight date, and the booking change date. I'm honestly intrigued. I mean, funnily enough you didn't bring this claim up in your original post. Quite the opposite, in fact. Forgive me if I just don't believe you.) I mean, again, much press written about this. It is different!!!! It has never happened before!!!! There has never been such a labor shortage!!!! BRAVO FOR NOTICING!!!! You're stuck in a logical circle as if it proves something. And now yet ANOTHER story that didn't show up in your original diatribe. And it's not Southwest. And the original flights are still operating . . . I mean . . . this . . . is . . . obviously . . . not . . . the . . . same. You're all over the place, buddy! Let's investigate. Saturday, June 11, IAH-FRA LH441, leaves IAH 1545, arrives FRA 0820 +1 (your flight) UA46, leaves IAH 1820, arrives FRA 1115 +1 Sunday, June 12, FRA-HEL LH848 0915 1240 (your original flight) LH850 1405 1730 (your new flight) AY1416 1925 2250 LH854 2150 0115 I mean, I didn't have to check this out or anything, but there is no earlier IAH-FRA flight than LH441. In fact, the first TATL departure from IAH is KL662, which leaves at 1500. Pretty much has been like this for years. But, let's say you were going to double connect . . . there is 1 option via IAD that leaves at 1200 and arrives at 0720. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and say that's your flight leaving 4 hours earlier. Minimum connect time at FRA back in the day was 45 mins, assuming you're on the same ticket. So there are 2 possibilities here: (1) The minimum connect time has since changed to 1 hour, which wouldn't necessarily surprise me with COVID. Sadly, 55 minutes is less than 1 hour. (2) The notice you were sent was in error (hey . . . it happens!). LH848 is still operating . . . can I suggest you pick up the phone, call whichever airline you booked your ticket, either Lufthansa or United, and request to be back on the same flight? The conditions of carriage are pretty clear as to what happens in a situation like this. (I mean, I hate to think it, but maybe you did attempt (2), but thanks to your, er, unpolished "bedside manner" (I mean, I'm just speculating here based on our lovely interactions) you were unsuccessful? Ever heard the phrase, "You catch more flies with honey?" Mr-LEED-Green-Do-You-Know-Who-I-Am-World-Traveler?) Also, if you need a shoulder to cry on, read the following from yesterday's NY Times . . . they seem to be a bit more sympathetic. I do understand bruised egos do hurt. Help! The Airline Changed My Flight Itinerary (for the Worse) - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

Absolutely. But it's not great politics when (1) it's obvious that most of this is being shamelessly orchestrated at the State level; (2) most voters can't even tell you what the County Judge does; (3) she's up against a shameless demagogue and, I won't mince words, outright liar; and (4) the worst part of all--Lina just doesn't seem to be that good at politics. Well, stated differently, I guess, she's about as good as one should expect a 31-year-old, first-termer would be. The cards are definitely stacked against her, and I can't say I'm that hopeful in the efficacy of her response.

Pointing out inconsistencies in logic or rehashing what’s been proven wrong time and time again is not a “personal attack.” And Ross, man, c’mon, I mean I agree with you 90% of the time, but this isn’t “adults talking,” unless it’s some over 60s mah jong club where the ante is bellyaching about the yesteryears. It’s a discussion forum. People have different opinions, as you’ve noticed. If you, for example, keep on going on and on about how you don’t believe the cap park won’t be built, well for the love of God, someone who cares so much about “opinions” should certainly be able to appreciate when people point out all the reasons why, while there may not be a contract with dried ink, it’s more likely than not that it WILL be built ... and we provide way more evidence of that than you ever have to the contrary. Surely you must realize there’s a difference between stating an opinion and stating an opinion and backing it up with at least an ATTEMPT at providing a shred of evidence. To me, THAT is the difference between an adult conversation and one between children. So, by your own darned standard, stop “attacking” us for pointing stuff like this out. You get to tell us time and time you again you “just don’t feel like it’ll be built” because you’ve somehow determined in a way that you can’t explain that TxDoT “doesn’t have the money,” and regardless, you’ll “be dead anyway” (which is an accurate paraphrase of almost everyone of your posts on this very subject … your words, not mine) … so give us the license to at least try to argue with something other than our feelings.

AMEN @samagon “but to suggest that I don't care about the issues of the other communities that are negatively impacted, or that I am simply using them towards my own evil ends? it is very easy for me to be empathetic to their issues, because I will experience some of the same issues they do related to this project.” I define my opposition to this project, not based on the substance, but rather that I have realized that others—you know, ahem, the less unfortunate types—may be inconvenienced like me. Not, “way more than I,” not “I’m lucky to not be inconvenienced as much as others,” not “Oh, I’m so concerned about my beloved Near Northside that I know and love and went to at least once in the last 20 years” (I mean, plenty of allusions to people being ripped from their homes and their lifelong neighborhood), but, at the end of the day, an implicit admission “It’s inconvenient for me and, if it’s inconvenient for me, surely I can rely on someone else’s real inconveniences to achieve a political end.” The above is a textbook, yet admittedly modern, example of NIMBYISM. You know the one thing missing in all of this commentary? Comments from the people actually affected. There’s been a hell of a lot of speculation … and plenty of people (including I) … here’s the thing … I’m actually sensitive to it … but I actually don’t think there is any real opposition. I’m sure people want to be treated more fairly, but c’mon, in an MSA of 7 million people we can’t find a way to make the not even 10% of not even 10,000 people affected without true compensation (if that even is the REAL argument) whole? This City put men on the moon! I’m sure we can come up with a great solution! I mean, if the City came to me and said, “Matty, we need your help to build a new sewer line and it just so happens your house is where the exhaust line needs to be and you need to move,” before we got to “we can do this one way or the other,” I’m sure we could have come to an agreement under tried-and-true federal law, and, at the end of the day, I’d be better off. (And, forgive me if I am being insensitive, but if I lived in an apartment, I sure as hell wouldn’t expect any say in the matter, and I doubt many apartment dwellers would either, especially not in Houston, Texas. I’d certainly be happy to get a check for a year’s rent and moving expenses, though.) (Do we have to let @samagon drive a freeway through The Woodlands so he feels “justice”? Cuz that’d be old school freeway building.)

Here’s old Ted at his best, talking as if anyone on either side gives two craps what he says. His face and tone always betrays that he earnestly believes that people actually do, probably the side effect of being raised by a whack-job preacher. This is of course way worse than his earlier, conveniently last minute “endorsement” of Man Hands, but at the end of the day, just as revealing. He’ll probably watch this at least 10 times before he goes to bed while patting himself on the back. What a shame (for only him, of course, but he’s incapable of thinking of others) the closest he got to being President was in 2016. (Teduardo is definitely in the Top 5 of the Texas Politician Total Loser All-Time Hall of Fame, and on a very crowded ticket at that, mind you … but, yeah, I rely on this guy whenever I ask myself, “What is best for Harris County? What would Teduardo do?”)

Having met Kim, I kind of think that may be what she is gunning for. Lesbians can be so unpredictable. Man Hands Mealer will most definitely be foaming at the mouth for a ticket, I have no doubt about that.

Well, Augie, you do have a little 5 year old boy in you, I mean with the toy gun fetish and all. So I’m not surprised that the above reference to a 30-year old hot sauce commercial gives you the gigglies. After all, it’s the second time you’ve indirectly referenced it today. What I am surprised about, however, is that the meme creator spelled surprise with the first “R,” which puts them a rung or two above the average Republican these days. They can’t spell O’Rourke correctly, though, which is totally ironic given the “I’m not surprised” comment. So I place the education somewhere around the 7th-8th grade level. (Or maybe homeschooled?) Regardless, definitely seems qualified to write for one of @Blue Dogs favorite political tabloids. Color me … not surprised. “Stupid is as stupid does,” I believe is a contemporary enough turn of phrase for “Get a rope.”

Maybe Kenny P and she can share a cell. It'd only be fair.

I quoted Mimi Swartz, a fine Houston-based journalist for 40+ years.

Hack endorses hack. Good thing Cruz's popularity in the County has been in the toilet for a good 5 years. Can't say I've ever met a sane person who likes the guy. Opinion | Ted Cruz, Hometown Anti-Hero - The New York Times (nytimes.com) If you're speaking in empty platitudes, best get it right, the figure of speech is a "massive campaign warchest."

What exactly makes a development “fluid”?

It’s all a question of elasticity, Augie! Surprised you didn’t suggest a gas tax version of the Laffer Curve, buddy!