You Gotta Be Kidding!

Without Commentary, it would be like a day without sunshine.

I have to hand it to the Former H-Town Mayor for not throwing up his hands last night and blurting out “you gotta be kidding” during his televised debate with Farouk Shami.   Saying Shami is out of his league is being too kind.  I wondered what the paid help was doing for Shami these days since winning the race is out of the question.  Heck, they are trying to make sure the campaign stays on the road at least until March 2.  Can you imagine what their debate prep is like?

Ok, I’ll give Shami points for coming out against the border wall and for a moratorium on the death penalty.  He’s probably right on coming out for an increase in the gas tax.  The Former Mayor, Hutch, and Guv Dude oppose right now but don’t be surprised if it gets handed to us next year.   Shami’s paid help also need to hand him a half page memo on the duties of a governor.

As for the Former H-Town Mayor last night, his shot at Dude on playing politics with forensic panel just invites Dude to slap the Former Mayor on the problems H-Town PD has had with forensic issues.

Speaking of, there is a story today about the price of an ambulance ride going up in H-Town.  Check it out.  The City has some financial challenges to deal with during the next budget cycle.   The article hints at raising fees and rates, make cuts, or employee furloughs.  Don’t be surprised if Guv Dude tries to wrap the City’s financial issues around the Former Mayor’s neck.  Stay tuned!

Who set the World Serious record by striking out 17 batters in a game?

CEWDEM made today’s Chron.  Check it out.   The column sure makes local Dems look bad.  Way to go!  It looks like H-BAD’s E-Day program got a little spanking from one of the Chron’s columnists.  The newest special interest group, the Coalition of Harris County Democratic Elected Officials (CHCDEO) also took a hit.  One judicial candidate described the group as “this is a smoke-filled, backroom, old-boy type thing.”  Another said that the “fix was in” in describing how the CHCDEO went about endorsing judicial candidates.  Another said the interview process lasted only a minute – huh!  The local Dem Party Chair says he has nothing to do with the CHCDEO but The Dean – a member of the CHCDEO – says they borrowed judicial candidate questionnaires from the local Dem Party.

The column is bad PR for the local Dem Party.  Nobody ever asks Commentary about this stuff, but I could have told the CHCDEO folks that this type of column was coming.  Those that don’t get support put out stuff along the lines that elected officials are getting together and picking a judicial slate – that makes for good pub, or in this case bad pub for the local Dem Party. 

Bob Gibson of course of San Luis in Game 1 against the Tigers in 1968.

On the ‘Stros  website, here’s what B-G-O says about new third baseman Pedro Feliz:  “I really like the signing of Feliz.  Pedro’s a good guy with a quiet demeanor, and if you hit the ball his way, you’re out. He’s good with the bat and I think it’s a really good signing.”

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Houston Politics,Houston Elections,Farouk Shami,Houston Mayor Bill White,Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,Governor Rick Perry,Texas Governor’s Election,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball

Super Sunday

Unless you live in Indiana, are related to a Colts player, or had a bet on Indianapolis, you were probably rooting for the Saints last night like Commentary.  You were not disappointed.  Of course, after the Jay Z – Rhianna opening CBS’s intro was one big glitch as the audio was missing when the players were shown.

Commentary goes to bathroom breaks or grub trips during the game so I don’t miss the commercials.  

The Tim Tebow and his momma ad didn’t live up to the hype.   Of course, they probably got their point across in the pre game debate.

I like the Betty White – Abe Vigoda Snickers ad.

I can’t get into the GoDaddy Danica ads.

I loved the VW ad where folks were poking each other that ended up with Stevie Wonder – cute.

LOL!  You got to hand it to Letterman, Oprah, and Leno.

The Audi Green Police ad was good.

The Coke sleepwalker with the Dingo dog was good.

The Brett Favre Hyundai ad was good.

The Doritos keep your hand off my momma ad was cute.

The Who are old.  Worse, Brad and Anna Eastman’s daughter said last night that Commentary looked like Pete Townsend – ouch!

I checked out Sarah Palin’s speech to the Tea Baggers the other night and I think she hit a home run with that bunch.  The next morning she said she wouldn’t rule out running for president in 2012.  She’s throwing down the gauntlet and letting the GOP establishment leaders know that they have to contend with her.  She is definitely going to set her own agenda and course for now.   That “hopey changey” line was pretty original.

Heck she got 6,500 folks to get out of their house on Super Sunday to go see her and Guv Dude. That has to be the biggest crowd ever for a campaign rally in either political party primary.

Who said “I’m probably the only guy who worked for Casey Stengel before and after he was a genius.”

The H-Town Mayor is weighing her METRO options.   Check it out in today’s Chron.  She may consider eliminating bus fares to boost ridership.  Hey, that’s what my pal Bill King has been saying.

Here is what is in the Austin American Statesman editorial endorsement of the former H-Town Mayor: “Can the next state budget, with a projected shortfall of up to $17 billion, be balanced without dipping further into some taxpayers’ pockets?  ‘I don’t know,’ said (Bill) White, offering an honest answer most politicians are afraid of uttering.”

Well, that will dog him for sure in the coming months.

Casey Stengel was considered a genius when he managed the Yankees from 1949 – 1960, when they won ten pennants and seven World Seriouses.  Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn played for Stengel with the 1942 Boston Braves and the 1965 New York Mets.

The ‘Stros begin to report to Spring Training next week.

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Sarah Palin,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Mayor Annise Parker,Houston City Hall,Houston Politics,National Politics

Racist Ad My Arse and Sheila Getting Booed

Farouk Shamii says the ad that is being run by the former H-Town Mayor is racist.  What has Shami upset is the line by the former Mayor that says he was born in San Antonio.  I don’t know about that. I wonder if the 16% of the Lone Star State’s population that is foreign born think the ads are racist.  I wonder if the 22% of the Lone Star State’s population that were born in another state feel the ad is offensive.

I don’t make this stuff up.  Let me set it up.  This past Saturday on the campus of Texas Southern University, they were holding the Sprite Step Off which is some sort of dance competition involving sororities and fraternities.  The crowd in attendance was predominantly African American.  The following is on the Houston Press website.

Headline:  Aftermath: Hour After Hour at the Sprite Step Off With Lupe Fiasco, Brooke Valentine, Letoya Luckett, Trae and Sheila Jackson Lee (By Shea Serrano).

“8:24: Yipes. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee just walked out onto the stage between performances, and is absolutely being hammered with boos. She tries to appeal to the crowd through homerism ("Go Tigers!") but it’s for naught. The boos reign down from the heavens. She tries to unite through exploitative pity (something about people in Haiti). That doesn’t work either. When she walks offstage she is somehow not crying.”  Check it out.

The following are all Hall of Famers:  Mel Ott, Willie Mays, Al Kaline, Mickey Mantle, and Bob Feller.  Who was the youngest to make his MLB debut?

Speaking of, Hank Aaron is 76 today.

Former Governor Palin comes to the H-Town area on Super Bowl Sunday to campaign for Guv Dude.  I’m thinking that the duo will stick the fork in Hutch to see if she’s done and then start to take shots at the former H-Town Mayor.  It could very well be a preview of what we can expect the next few months if you ask me.  Of course, nobody ever asks me.

Mel Ott of course was 17 years and one month when he made his debut with the New York Giants where he played for 22 years and ended up with 511 dingers.  He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1951.

From Tag’s Line, ‘Stros likely starting shortstop Tommy Manzella is from Who Dat Nation.  Manzella was born and raised in NOLA and even has season tickets to Saints games as Opening Day is two months from today.

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Houston Politics,Houston Elections,Farouk Shami,Houston Mayor Bill White,Texas Governor’s Election,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,Governor Rick Perry,Sarah Palin

Poor Hutch, Part II

Stewart Powell of the Chron has a piece on Hutch today that sounds more like an obituary. Check it out.  

Here’s what she says in the piece:  “People are so angry and scared for our country’s future that they’re just saying Washington is bad and everybody there is bad.  People are not saying, ‘She’s gone to Washington to fight for us.’”

Here’s what Cal Jillson from SMU had to say in the piece:  “If you’re explaining your record, you’re losing — and she’s explaining.”

She’s kind of a victim of her own political party.  The GOP has made it their mission to create angst amongst the folks back home by saying that the federal government is way out of control and is the cause of all of our economic problems.  The folks back home have gotten all riled up at Washington.  Guv Dude has taken full advantage and it looks like Hutch’s days are numbered.

Who holds the MLB record for most dingers by a rookie?

There was a local political false alarm of sorts yesterday.  There was a news report that H-Town had made the 2012 GOP National Convention Final Four.  It turns out H-Town wasn’t on the list – whew!

With early voting in person in the primaries 12 days away, has anyone seen any of the Dem statewide candidates here in the H-Town area lately?  Of course, I don’t expect to see the former H-Town Mayor, but what about the others. If looks like another dismal Dem Primary turnout if you ask me, but nobody ever asks me.

Yikes!  Mark McGwire of course in 1987 with 49 dingers.

From Alyson’s Footnotes:

“Friday is National Wear (Brick) Red Day, and the Astros are staging a photo shoot at Minute Maid Park to show their support.

“The American Heart Association and the Astros are seeking at least 1,500 Houstonians (representing the number of women who die daily in America from heart disease) to pose for a photo, showing solidarity in fighting this very preventable ailment.

“The instructions are simple: show up to the right field gate at Minute Maid Park on Friday (Feb. 5) at 9:30 a.m. and you’ll be escorted into the ballpark. One requirement: you must wear (brick) red. The photo will be taken from the outfield seats.

“See you there!”

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,Governor Rick Perry,Debra Medina,Texas Governor’s Election,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Minute Maid Park,Houston Politics,Houston Elections

Poor Hutch

In today’s Chron, R.G. Ratcliffe writes that “a new poll indicates U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is in danger of having the bottom fall out of her campaign.”  R.G. is referring to the Rasmussen poll that came out yesterday that has Guv Dude at 44%, Hutch at 29% and Debra Medina at 16%.

You have to hand it to Dude.  He’s running a killer ad against Hutch on her vote on the bailout and it is obviously working.   If Medina holds on to her 16% and force a run-off with Dude scoring in the upper 40s, and Hutch in the 30s, Hutch will throw in the towel.   It would be pointless for her to stay in a run-off.

Has Hutch run a lousy campaign – nope!   She’s just not rabid like Dude.   Should Hutch have taken the rabid approach earlier in this campaign?  Nah – she doesn’t have the look.

Folks from H-Town’s East End went before City Council yesterday to voice their support for a Downtown soccer stadium and oppose any type of jail facility.  The Mayor and Council got the message.  If the stadium deal falls through, I’m betting a jail won’t land there.

About yesterday’s mention of the 1971 World Serious – who was the Serious MVP?

The “N” word is bad.  Latinos find the “W” word offensive.  Somebody forgot to tell The President’s Chief of Staff that using the “R” word isn’t cool. 

Roberto Clemente of course when he batted .414 and had a couple of dingers.

Clemente wore #21.  The ‘Stros Michael Bourn wears #21 as Opening Day is a little over two months away.

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,Governor Rick Perry,Debra Medina,Texas Governor’s Election,Houston Dynamo Soccer Stadium,Houston City Hall

Who DADT Nation!

According to news reports, today it looks like the beginning to the end of don’t’ ask don’t tell (DADT).  Stay tuned!

It could be an interesting day at the Houston City Council meeting today as East End folks will line up to speak against any hint of a city-county jail on the site of a proposed soccer stadium.  Also stay tuned!

UH’s Dr. Murrray on his blog is predicting that the former H-Town Mayor will win the Dem Primary without a run-off with about 60% of the vote.  Meanwhile, the former H-Town Mayor rolled out his TV ads yesterday which look like the commercials he put on the air when he ran for mayor in 2003.   They worked then.  Maybe they will work this year.

Whew – I’m glad Commentary doesn’t have to help make this decision.  A number of judicial candidates are consulting with their consultants today to decide if they want to cough up the dough to participate in the H-BAD Election Program.   Here is from a notice HBAD sent out yesterday:

“As we discussed during your interview before the H-BAD Screening Committee, following are the details of the Program, including your participation in the program. 

“The theme of the H-BAD Early Vote and Election Day effort is ‘Bring the BOTTOM to the TOP’, indicating our determination to highlight, in an unprecedented way, down ballot races, while maintaining attention on the marquee races of Congressional District 18, Governor, County Clerk, Tax Assessor Collector and the Legislative race in District 146.

“The Program targets, 121 precincts and will employ approximately 200 card pushers for the Early Vote and Election Day efforts.

“Community walks, the total number and locations to be determined by the final count of candidate participants.

“Focused Press and Media events and coverage targeted to embellish and highlight the theme ‘Bring the BOTTOM to the TOP’ with sustained coverage of top of the ballot races and enhanced coverage of down ballot races.

“Costs for participation, by category of race, are as follows: Statewide Races – $3,500, County-wide Races – $2,500, State Representative Race -$500, and Justice of the Peace – $500.”

HBAD endorsed close to 40 candidates last week.  Around 35 are running countywide.  Here’s what I want to know.  If an endorsed candidate can’t come up with the $2,500, do they get left off of any literature or slate cards that are handed out?

If all the endorsed candidates participate, that’s about $87,000. Commentary expects the consultants to ask to see HBAD’s detailed budget for this program.  What precincts are being covered?  How many card pushers on E-Day and how many at the Early Vote locations.  How much are they getting paid?  How much is going for food and drinks?  How many coordinators are being used and how much are they being paid. What’s the print budget?  What’s the event budget?  Also, also stay tuned!

In what year did we see our first World Serious game at night and who were the two teams that played?

The Oscar nominees were announced today with ten Best Picture hopefuls. I don’t know why they did that.

Game Four of course of the 1971 World Serious at Three Rivers Stadium as the Pirates hosted the Orioles.

Well Pam-In-Charge is still in charge – whew!

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Houston Politics,Houston Elections,Houston Dynamo Soccer Stadium,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Houston Mayor Bill White,Texas Governor’s Election

What’s In a Name?

Uh Oh!  Now we know for sure what will be asked at next Monday’s debate between the former H-Town Mayor and Farouk Shami.  What do you think about J. Larry Davis, the Anderson County Dem Party Chair saying folks aren’t going to vote for anyone named Farouk in today’s political climate?  Check out what Davis said in this weekend’s Star Telegram. 

Here is from the article:  “An East Texas Democratic Party county chairman told gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami in an e-mail that he is wasting his time running for governor because ‘nobody is going to vote for anyone named Farouk’ in today’s post-9-11 political climate.”

Here’s what Shami’s campaign manager had to say: "We find it hurtful that our party — the party of inclusion — would find its own leadership making statements like this. It makes me wonder how much of the party establishment shares these racist views."

Here’s what Davis, who says he’s a liberal Dem, said:  "I don’t think anybody should stereotype an individual. Everybody has a right to run.  That was just the benefit of my expertise as a political observer out here in East Texas.  It’s pretty redneck out here.  That’s just one of the realities you face."

This is the first time I’ve seen this issue written up in the media.  This isn’t the first time I’ve heard it discussed though. 

Who has the most career At-Bats in MLB and who is runner up?

Commentary watched the GOP gubernatorial debate Friday night and the best part was the Lone Star State Trivial Pursuit portion where the candidates were asked questions like who was the first Texas governor and how much do teachers make.

Speaking of, Nolan Ryan has gone from fixing cracked foundations to fixing Hutch’s campaign.  He’s featured in an ad hanging up a Hutch sign on his fence.

Pete Rose of course with 14,053 ABs followed by Hank Aaron with 12,364.

Yesterday was the deadline for submitting an offer to buy the ‘Stros.  No news is good news in this case. 

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Farouk Shami,Texas Governor’s Election,Houston Politics,Houston Elections,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball

Farouk and State Government 101

According to today’s Austin American Statesman, in a meeting with the Statesman’s E-Board, Farouk Shami couldn’t name the State Comptroller or the State Attorney General.  I guess that’s because he hasn’t given a rat’s arse in the past about state government.  He also missed when he said his state representative was Rep. Senfronia Thompson.  He also said that Rep. Sly Turner was his state senator – yikes! 

They went on to ask him who was on the State Supreme Court and finally Farouk caught on and answered Sneezy, Grumpy, Doc, Dopey, Happy, Bashful, and Sleepy.

Knowing they were on a roll, the E-Board followed up by asking Farouk to name the members of the Court of Appeals.  In a rapid fire response Farouk said Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.

When it was announced yesterday that the former H-Town Mayor and Farouk would be doing a TV debate on Monday, February 8, my first response was to hope it wouldn’t replace my favorites “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”   Heck, Farouk’s knowledge of state government could very well turn the debate into a sitcom.

The Mayor of the City of Bellaire got into the soccer stadium debate yesterday and sent out a letter opposing the proposed new location.  Commentary got some run yesterday on the issue in a Fox 26 news story.  Check it out.  One of the problems is that folks in charge need to do a better job of communicating. 

By the way, Commentary needs to make a correction.  Miya Shay first broke the soccer stadium story.

Some local Latino business leaders hosted a lunch for Jarvis Johnson yesterday and about 40 folks showed up including HISD Trustee Manuel Rodriguez and some former elected officials. 

This fella won the AL MVP award in 1960 for hitting 39 dingers, 112 RBIs, and batting .283.  He signed a one year deal with his team after the season (49 years ago tomorrow) for $36,000.  Who am I talking about?

Katherine Ross is 70 today – wow!  She had three great roles like “Elaine Robinson” of “The Graduate”, “Etta Place” in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, and “Joanne Eberhart” in “The Stepford Wives.”

Roger Maris of course of the Yankees.

In a little over a couple of weeks Spring Training starts and one of the stories could very well be Jason Castro and his shot at being the ‘Stros Opening Day catcher.

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Farouk Shami,Houston Mayor Bill White,Texas Governor’s Election,Houston Dynamo,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Houston Dynamo Soccer Stadium

Adios Downtown Soccer Venue?

The Chron broke a story yesterday about private developers wanting to put the soccer stadium just outside of Loop 610 between the Galleria and Bellaire.  Check it out.

So what do we do with the property in Downtown H-Town where some folks wanted the new soccer stadium to go?  Hey stick a jail on the property?  I don’t know about you, but the last thing we need next to The Yard is a stinking jail.

Those folks that live next to The Yard in those new lofts and townhomes that were cracking on a new soccer stadium now might get a jail and all those bail bond offices that follow.  

Commentary is going to be real disappointed if folks start moving to put a jail next to The Yard.  That’s not going to do that part of town any good.  We can do better than that.  That’s not visionary.  Stay tuned!

Who was the first MLBer to have his number retired?

Commentary went to a reception last night in honor of the new HISD Board President Greg Meyers.  I finally got to meet the new Superintendent.  There was a lot of talk about local education reform last night which is a good thing.

Lou Gehrig’s number 4 of course in 1939.

I got this from the ‘Stros this morning:

“As part of Major League Baseball’s initiative to assist the victims of the destructive earthquake in Haiti, the Houston Astros have launched the "Hitting Homeruns for Haiti" auction. This program features a number of incredible Astros experiences available for bid, with the proceeds benefiting UNICEF’s Haiti Relief Fund.

“You can bid for meeting  Astros legends Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell at the FiveSeven Grill, step into the batter’s box to face Astros ace, Roy Oswalt,  meet-and-greet and photos with the Astros outfield – Hunter Pence, Michael Bourn, and Carlos Lee, meet-and-greet with "Big Puma" Lance Berkman and watch him take batting practice on the field, a night in Drayton McLane’s owner suite for you and 12 friends, and dine with Hall of Fame broadcaster, Milo Hamilton and join him for an inning in the broadcast booth.”

 

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,HISD Superintendent,Houston Dynamo,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Houston Politics,Houston Elections,HISD President Greg Meyers

The Medina Factor

GOP gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina is polling a little above 10% and some folks are thinking she might throw Guv Dude and Hutch into an April run-off.  She participated in the first statewide TV debate a couple of weeks ago and will participate in Friday night’s TV debate.  You know she’s being taken serious because she got a mention in today’s Austin American Statesman’s online edition on purchasing some clothes with campaign funds.    Hey, if former Governor Palin can do it, so can Debra.

What isn’t being talked about is the number of Latino voters that could vote in the GOP primary.   In some parts of the state where there isn’t a whole lot going on in the Latino community in the Democratic Party primary, like here in H-Town, will Latino voters drift into the GOP primary?  If Latino voters are not engaged by the Democratic Party candidates – who knows? Stay tuned.

Let’s see now, the feds says that truck drivers and bus drivers can’t text.  Galveston drivers can’t text.  I’d like for H-Town drivers not to text.  Just think how much money the city could raise from violators if they adopted a text ban ordinance.

Channel 11 did a story last night on the Eighteenth Congressional District of Texas race.   Check it out.

Commentary invites you to go to www.jarvisforcongress.com .

Which MLB team holds the record for the highest batting average in a World Serious?

In last night’s Channel 11 story, a mention was made on the infamous HR 600, the Michael Jackson Resolution and here’s what the incumbent said about her resolution:  “The resolution is not dead. It’s filed in the United States Congress. They often don’t pass the first time.” 

I don’t make this stuff up.  I don’t think The President will mention it tonight in his State of the Union address.

The 1960 Yankees of course with a .338 batting average on the back of winning games by 16-3, 10-0, and 12-0, even though they lost the World Serious to the Pirates – yikes!

The ‘Stros batted .203 in the 2005 World Serious as the first Spring Training game is March 4 against the Nationals.

Technorati Tags: Marc Campos,Campos Communications,Latino politics,Texas Latino Politics,Houston Latino Politics,Houston Astros,Major League Baseball,Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison,Governor Rick Perry,Texas Governor’s Election,Debra Medina,Congressional District 18 Democratic Primary,Jarvis Johnson for Congress Campaign