Maybe I Shouldn't Give a Good D*mn

 "It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."

-Lewis Carroll

Using all this time from those Victorian England History classes I wound up in as a graduate and undergraduate student in university....And using a quote Alice made in " Alice in Wonderland."

I went down the AI rabbit hole this morning....

And I scared the absolute shit out of myself. 

And the thing is, I have two kids, son, daughter in law right in the middle of AI and neither see the ramifications from it( Reid has a master's in it from UT-Austin , April, AKA YU Zhou has a serious master's from Carnegie-Mellon, both in AI.).  ethically, socially, economically.....Hell, what is it going to do to our ideas on faith?  ( Read a doctrinal piece earlier this week that was talking about the massive changes in all churches in the next 5-10 years, and it ain't good.)

What is this going to be like in 5-10 years? 

Heck, what will the world be like by the end of 2026?

How many people are going to be displaced by AI, either forced to move, or just cannot find a job? 

And don't say go into the "trades?" How long before they become saturated?  Too many plumbers? Price goes down, can you make a living when you have to compete with 135 other plumbing companies? 

Already I can see a collapse of the school system in not only Texas, but America. Too many standardized exams, too much I do not give a good damn by a lot of people within the schools, both working for the school, or attending. 

The damn government is behind on this, and don't say the Republicans or the Democrats will save us.  Both are either in the pockets of corporations with an agenda of AI, and in truth, only care about us and our vote come November of an even number year. If the congress or whatever government agency knows what is coming, they are not talking about it. And are probably afraid to do so. 

Will we be able to trust anything we now see? AI will be able to generate almost anything. 

Saw that the largest growing brothel in Germany, well, it's AI robots. ( I know, it's the damn Germans, and I am exposed as many of you know to the culture, and well, it is a bit different.) 

Was reading a report that the number of people laid off by AI is over 1,000,000 and is growing like mad. 

Heck, this morning, a journalist was  asking different AIs when the war with Iran will begin? All said within 2 weeks. 

The old Govteach is sort of glad the end is closer for me, and in 10 years, I'll be 78, which seems ancient I know, but with how much I took off the front end, it'll be a miracle I make it there, and to be honest, it might not be a bad thing....  

 

Mexico, Iran, The Economy, Buna Schools.....

 I guess it is inevitable, a civil war of sorts in Mexico, all around the cartels. 

Elon Musk posted on " X" or Twitter or whatever you want to call it,  that the President of Mexico is linked to the cartels. She has threatened legal action, trouble is, it is Mexico, who knows what in the world is going on down there. 

I have not been to Mexico in years and years. I have no desire to go to Cancun, or Cozumel, or/and other resorts in Mexico. 

Economically, I wonder if this will ruin the resorts there forever?  

I know, that there were posts online that we need to vacation in Texas, trouble is, oldsters like myself have been everyplace in the state and well, I need to branch out. The only city I have not visited in this state is San Angelo.....And I ain't going there. 

- This morning I see that the US Air Force has now sent 12 F-22 Fighters to an Israeli Air Force base. 

The logistics for an attack on Iran are there.  There are two carrier groups on station in the area. The Ford and the Lincoln. 

From the USNI News.  

"In addition to the naval buildup, the U.S. is also amassing dozens of fighter jets and other aircraft in the Middle East, according to Air and Space Forces Magazine.

The 48th Fighter Wing from Royal Air Force Lakenheath sent F-35s with aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East on Feb. 16, joining the 12 F-35As from the 158th Fighter Wing with the Vermont Air National Guard.

Multiple P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and an RC-135 Rivet Joint signal intelligence aircraft have been spotted in the area with another RC-135 headed to Greek island Crete, according to the magazine.

The U.S. already has multiple F-35 squadrons in the Middle East, in addition to F-15Es, F-16s and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. More aircraft are likely on the way to the region, according to the magazine".

Logistics like this don't happen often. 

The question is, will we strike Iran? 

I know the Iranians have received support, especially technical and radar from both Russia and China in the last 6 months.  China has even sent anti-ship missiles to the Iranians. 

Not going to lie, I hope cooler heads prevail in the Near East. I hope for no war.  

- Was told by someone in the know that in Las Vegas, at least 50,000 people in the Casino, Hotel, Food industry have been laid off. No one is going to Vegas and to be honest, I have never been to Nevada. I am not a gambler. People have just stopped going to Vegas on vacation. It's too expensive and a lot of people do not have the extra money to gamble. 

On that note, both Fanduel and Draftkings are both looking to lay-off people. No money to gamble is the cause. 

There has been 16,000 technology lay-offs in February alone.   

And lay-offs in companies like Maytag, Rovers North( Vermont company, I used to think I wanted a Rover II, IIA or III) and Jelly Belly candy.  

Wendy's restaurants are closing several hundred store across America. I can't tell you the last time I had Wendy's. I think Dave Thomas was still alive. ( Dave founded Wendy's FYI) 

I heard an economist say that there are more homes for sale, than people that can afford to buy them right now. ( We are still in an area where homes are somewhat affordable compared to other part of America. Look at major cities here in Texas for example.)

- Finally Buna Schools. 

I am shocked at the messaging I have received over the last few blogs I have written.  

People mad at me for saying negative about the district. 

People whose experience is not so positive.  

Like I said, I am shocked at the people I taught at Buna, their parents went to Buna, their grandparents went to Buna, and in some cases, their great-grandparents went to Buna....And they are looking to move, or get their kid in Evadale or LCM or even Deweyville to get away from Buna Schools. Many are looking at homeschool. 

I had a former student I taught at Buna High write and ask this...."What happened since I graduated?" " Other than some test taking, my kid knows nothing." as someone wrote in my comments they reiterated, I am teaching my kids math and to a certain extent, grammar and reading. " " I may as well homeschool."  

Again, let me remind you, you don't like the blog, don't read it.  

 

 

 

 

 

  

Buna's Running Out of Kids?????

 “Isn’t it funny that day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different.” 

-C.S. Lewis

So, for some reason, my news feed this morning was full of stories about America running out of kids. 

In Vermont, the school system is in a panic there are so few kids being born in that state, heck, people with kids are not moving there. Just no real job opportunities. 

This morning, the British Broadcasting Corporation's ( BBC) topic was called " America's Teenage Problem." " America is Running out of Teenagers."  As it was subtitled. 

Already Buna High School is the smallest school population wise in their 3A Division I football district. 

As I was told by someone in the know in the community, "people with kids are not moving here." 

And then, so many people in Buna ISD district are wanting to move their kids out of the community.  

(Not kidding, I hear from people in Buna community several times weekly, wanting to know where they can send their kids?)

I know in this state, there are already bigger school districts in the State of Texas closing down schools. This is especially true in the Austin area districts. While Austin is quite " full" the great move there has slowed considerably.  ( I've not stopped in Austin in I know close to 15-17 years. And when we go to the Hill Country, make sure we pass somehow around the state capital.)  Heck, the schools in Houston, Dallas-Ft. Worth see it coming. We are going through a great draw-down of the number of students in Texas. 

Most younger folks, are just not having kids like they once did, and part of that is economics. 

A lot of young folks are having a difficult enough time feeding themselves, much less a child. 

At some point the Buna ISD is going to push another bond......Just something to think about, but facilities that might be needed now, will they actually be needed in 5-10 years? 

And all these people, who I have not a clue what the cornbread feck they actually do, they certainly ain't teaching math, science, history,( gubmint/economics) English or some sort of vocational training....  Are they going to be needed when there are fewer kids? 

How many teachers are going to be needed in the future or is this like some sort of FDR " work's project" make people dependent upon the school district for jobs? 

I know, I am being ugly this morning....

Just something to consider for the future folks.....  

 

 

Method to this Madness?

 Yesterday's blog was, well, I debated even writing about the mistake made on the Buna ISD post on Facebook. 

I remember when Market Basket in their attempt to get those who practice Lent to buy their goods, spelling it " Lint" for their seafood specials in a weekly circular. 

Lord knows, I have made mistakes. 

But I have gotten more feedback on yesterday's blog. ( Sunday's)

Again, I have no clue what people will read, and what they want to read. Unless there is some breaking news, or a wild story coming out, it is a literal crap-shoot on what gets read on the blog.  

And yesterday's blog got huge reads.  

Then again, I got this jewel of a message that pretty much summed up some of the people who live in the Buna ISD's feelings? 

" Mr. Thomas, do you really understand how many dollars some of us are paying to the Buna ISD in Property Taxes every year?  And we cannot do any better? " 

They go on in their message.....

" And many of us, for whatever reason can't complain, but you can......" " I can't even like your blogs on Facebook."  

So, we plug on, even when it is often, in my mind, well, it's time to do something else.  

And So It Begins at the Buna Schools.....

 Like everyone else across America. 

(Blasting STP this morning at the Compound......Yeah, I know, not my age group Rock, but you must remember I taught high school a long time. Good stuff, is well, Good Stuff.....)

About 6-8 people captured and sent the mistake the district made on their Facebook post concerning a position for Asst. Principal at the elementary school.  

It seems the district had spelled it " Principle." 

And an English teacher called them on it....And the district changed the spelling to " Principal." 

As many mistakes I make with this blog, I am one to talk......But, I am not trying to recruit teachers and administrators.  

I don't know, in my mind a school administrator needs to be " Principled."  

The Oxford Dictionary defines Principled as -  

(of a person or their behavior) acting in accordance with morality and showing recognition of right and wrong.

But that's just me...... 

Already the district has 10 openings in the Special Education Department.  

And teachers are already starting to resign in regular classroom positions. 

I am somewhat old school and in the old days so their is not blow-back while you are start teaching, to waiting until April-May-June to resign. Sometimes there might not be a job opening if you are leaving that district for another school teaching position, but in 2026, so many teachers are, well, just done and " Getting the Hell out of Dodge" including and what I was told, especially Buna ISD.  It is still February. 

In 2026, I don't know how many teachers are walking in the door down at administration.....

How many people are/will being hired and have no teacher's certificate?  

 

 

 

The Week Ahead????? Restuarants? Andrew? UIL and Buna? Iran?

 No fooling, if you've not heard Rhonda Vincent and Daryle Singletary  cover " After the Fire is Gone."   you need to take a listen.  They almost out duet Conway and Loretta. ( Link is to YouTube.)

-Man, I know we are somewhat in a bubble here in SETX, but I get " sticker shock" every time I get the simplest fast foods. 

Yesterday, we used an app to get two BK Whopper combos, no upgrade, small fry, small, coke, right at $25.....WFT? How much without the app?

How do people with kids go out?  They don't? 

I know we do less and less, yesterday, it was a late day and we both decided birders and fried......Next time, I'll eat PB and jelly. Got a new jar of red plum that goes well with HEB crunchy.   

We've been married 156 years, so to avoid crowds, we do holidays either early or late. we will go out to eat for the past holiday today after we both visit the dentist later this morning.  I wonder what it'll set us back?

It's not we can't afford it, but dadgum, we like a lost of people have cut back. And to be honest, I had rather eat at home the older I get, the food out, well, it is not that good anymore. Quality is just bad. 

I wonder how many restaurants will go under in the next few months, year(s)?

-The former Prince Andrew, still technically in line to become King of England was arrested this morning on his 66th birthday.  They think he gave away secrets when he was a trade representative/envoy for the UK. They are saying the secrets gave people the upper hand in buying stocks. " Misconduct in Office."

This puts a lot of pressure on the monarchy.  You've got to remember that many of Andrew's family especially Elizabeth II and Charles III gave him £12,000,000 to pay off an Epstein victim. 

The British press is wondering how it will effect the monarch? The King's brother arrested? Unrepresented in the UK.  

-A Buna athletic team was reported to UIL for a video. The video has been taken down, but several people have already captured it and sent it on it way to Austin. 

No, it was not me.  

I am the last person to report anyone or anything to the UIL. Lord knows I skirted the rules so close when I was UIL Academic Director, I am the last person to be turning anyone in and I want nothing to do at any level with the UIL. 

And honestly, I have not heard who sent the video to the UIL. And yes, I saw the video.( I've heard rumors, but no solid sources, and don't tell me...)

I have stepped away on this one and am letting it play out on its on. 

What is wrong with some of you? Tell your kids stop acting a fool.  

- The US now has 2 aircraft carriers on station in the Iran area.  Look for a war with Iran, and it might be longer then we expect. This weekend? 

 

 

 

 

I Often Wonder This About Buna and School Growth?

 After yesterday's blog, I received a number of messages from people. Folks that have been affiliated with Buna for years and years. 

Buna High School is not growing. It just isn't. It is about the same number of students as when I first went to work there in the 1990s. 

Other 3A schools have had growth. 

Buna has 404 kids in the district.  

I know that the area really has not gown and many people once they graduate from high school in this area, they are gone. 

Social reasons, employment reasons, marry someone from outside of this area.  

Buna is the smallest school in its 3A District for football. There are other schools in the district that have right at 150 more kids than Buna. In 3A 150 kids makes a big difference in fielding a team. There are just more kids to put on the team.   

As I was told by someone in the know, " The people moving into the district just do not have kids." Which tells me, these are retired people moving into the community. 

And look around, how many people who are old name's grandchildren are going to school someplace else? 

And I know there are school districts in the area that have not recovered from Ike, Rita, Harvey, etc.....But others have.... 

How many people in community leadership positions have kids, grand-kids going to schools outside the community, never mind, their residence is in Buna ISD?   

Then, I was written this by 2 different people. 

Many teachers outside the district are trying to leave, others, have already submitted their resignation effective at the end of the current year, in May. Others, are waiting until closer to the end. 

The teachers, and not all, outside feel, well, like there is a double standard for Buna teachers, and those outside. 

That is not a story. When I was first employed at BHS, I was an outsider. I felt it. And to a certain extent was treated that way. I ignored it in my middle years there and tried to " fit in." Tried to dress more  East Texas" and well, my late father who was blue collar as you can get, said something to me one afternoon after teaching,  when I was dropped by my parent's house, I was wearing Wrangler jeans, Justin boots, a ratty shirt. " Are you working cows? Or are you professional?"

I started wearing a coat and tie the rest of my career.  I was a damn senior economics teacher. I need to dress as such. 

I knew I was not going to fit in. Never would.  I will dress and act however I think I should.  Never mind other faculty might and some often did say something derogatory. 

I failed miserably trying to fit in where I was technically an outsider. 

Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed my time in Buna ISD. There are some good people in the community. There are many people in town I am very fond of. But when I got my points in with Teacher Retirement, I talked with my family and well, not going to lie, I almost quit every Monday my last semester. Those last years, I really felt like an outsider. It's like there were people who could not wait for me to leave.  

I was looking at the numbers of people employed by Buna ISD with, or with an invalid teacher's certificate. The majority who live in the district. And the thing is, it won't get any better. 

We will discuss uncomfortable things later this week in this same vein.