Words & Banter

A Climate Of Blame

Design by Sawyer Pennington, Underlying photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

When you say “Kentucky,” we think of the Kentucky Derby, not a 1,000-year flood that took dozens of lives, destroyed homes, and left the region devastated. And California? Our memories are of Disney Land in the south and the beauty of San Francisco in the north, not fires raging out of control. And the Hoover Dam’s supposed to conjure up images of water and waterpower, not drought and “bathtub rings”.

But climate change has changed all that. And, yes, there’s now climate change legislation that will (hopefully) begin to make a difference, but we still find ourselves, with each passing climate disaster, asking why everyone seems to be more focused on blaming others … for what’s been done – and what hasn’t been done.

A few months ago, when Red made an innocent (or so she thought) comment about summer, Black turned it into a discussion about climate change. And the blame game. (Anyone who knows Black knows there’s no telling what “dots” she’ll connect.) And in “RED & BLACK ... A Climate Of Blame,” we question whether we’re (well, technically, our generation since we’re baby boomers) to blame. But the answer may not be what you expected …

Want to read other columns? Here’s a list.

science
Words & Banter

We Fondly Call Them … Our Guinea Pigs

Photograph Courtesy of KIPP Houston Art School

Every time we see the photo above of our "guinea pigs", it brings back such fond memories. You may be thinking, "What? Are they calling those students guinea pigs?!" Well, actually, yes. And before you think ill of us, please know that we use the term with great affection, deep gratitude, and utmost respect. And these eight amazing seniors from the Class of 2010 know that's our nickname for them because ...

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student approved
Words & Banter

A Memory Lane Car Analogy?

Red loves to stop and reminisce. Black prefers to look forward.

But even Black will admit that sometimes there’s value in looking back — it reminds us where we came from, the detours and roadblocks we have managed to navigate, and that we may be stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for. Sometimes, it’s a lesson learned. Sometimes, it’s a memory that reminds us what’s truly important.

But Black has one caveat (and it's one of her favorite car analogies) …

If you decide to look back, keep it in perspective. There's a reason why windshields are so much larger than rearview mirrors.
life lessons
Words & Banter

A Perfect Day For A Convertible.  And For Chutzpah.


Red's Head assets.rebelmouse.io

The last few days have been beautiful fall weather, and I can't help but wonder — do you ever miss having your Ferrari convertible?


Black's Head Black assets.rebelmouse.io

Although some days are perfect convertible weather, given that I barely drove it the last few years I owned it, averaging less than 50 miles a year, I can honestly say, "No." In fact, I cannot even remember the last time I drove it.


Red's Head assets.rebelmouse.io

I can't help you with that, but I'll never forget the last day we taught at KIPP Houston High School, and you drove it there. You should have seen the students' faces as you were lowering the top on it.
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negotiating skills