stan

Texas Standard: March 24, 2020

The state’s top financial officer tells lawmakers to brace for impact. Our conversation with Comptroller Glenn Hager. With more shelter in place orders kicking in, the state’s Comptroller says he’s seeing a major hit to Texas coffers as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. But how big a hit and what can be done? We’ll...




stan

Texas Standard: March 25, 2020

They are the toughest measures yet to deal with Coronavirus in Texas. What’s the real world significance of new stay in place orders in cities across the Lone Star State? We’ll take a closer look. Also, the tenth biggest economy in the world asks Washington for help. What Texas wants to do with that disaster...




stan

Texas Standard: March 26, 2020

We’ve asked listeners statewide what questions do you have about the Coronavirus. Today, we’re getting some answers. Dr. Fred Campbell of the Long school of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio takes on listener questions about COVID-19. Plus, attention shoppers. A certain statewide grocer on the front lines of this crisis asking for help from...




stan

Texas Standard: March 27, 2020

Concerns about safety for people in detention and behind bars in Texas. Whats best for their health and efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19? We’ll explore. Also, a steep learning curve for stay at home students statewide, as well as their parents and teachers. We’ll hear about that challenge. And in a state that...




stan

Texas Standard: March 30, 2020

Texas officials preparing for a scenario similar to New York and New Orleans, as the search for hospital beds kicks into high gear, we’ll have the latest. Senator John Cornyn announces Texas is set to get 237 million in additional emergency relief. He still faces pushback over comments about the origins of the Coronavirus. Also,...




stan

Texas Standard: March 31, 2020

On the front lines in the war against COVID-19: how the fight is playing out in rural Texas, and the potential health crisis few are talking about. We’ll have the latest. Also, Texas counts! We all know that, right? But many worry that Texas might miss out on an important tally that could cost Texas...




stan

Texas Standard: April 1, 2020

The governor issues new orders on social distancing. Just don’t call em shelter in place. We’ll take a closer look at the packaging of a statewide pandemic response. And religious gathers now considered essential in the Lone Star State. Patrick Svitek of the Texas Tribune with more on the Governor’s latest guidelines. Also rapid turnaround...




stan

Texas Standard: April 2, 2020

Staggering numbers of jobless claims in the U.S. But a top economic analyst in the Lone Star State fears it could actually be worse for Texas. Waco based economist Ray Perryman on today’s unemployment news, why the numbers may not show how bad it really is in Texas. And why there’s reason to hope the...




stan

Texas Standard: April 3, 2020

Jammed phone lines, websites overloaded, for thousands of Texans seeking unemployment help and hitting walls. So what’s next? Our conversation with the Texas Workforce Commission about efforts to get relief out to Texas’ newly unemployed. Also, legal pushback on paid sick leave ordinances, where do we stand? And when does lots of space mean you’re...




stan

Texas Standard: April 6, 2020

Amid unprecedented scenes of empty cities and lines of cars stopped at the Louisiana border, the next front in the COVID-19 fight: finding food. As people who’ve never needed such assistance before join growing lines for food banks, we’ll talk with people who’re working to help feed Texans suddenly in need. Also in a holy...




stan

Texas Standard: April 7, 2020

With 90 percent of all Texans on lockdown, what of the 10 percent mostly in rural Texas? A warning about an unseen spread eluding detection. We’ll have more on what researchers are saying about the unchecked community spread of COVID-19. Also, reports of an increase in domestic violence as Texans are try to cope with...




stan

Texas Standard: April 8, 2020

If you’re a nonessential worker and you’re out for a drive, what happens if you get pulled over? The realities of police work during a pandemic. Today, our conversation with the chief of police of the Texas Capitol City on enforcement of stay at home orders, and how police are dialing back some of what...




stan

Texas Standard: April 9, 2020

It’s too early to know how deep or wide, but we’re almost certainly in a recession. New jobless claims today underscore the gut punch to the economy. The Comptroller Glenn Hegar recalculates the impact of COVID-19 and its impact on our bottom line. Also, tech expert Omar Gallaga on getting and keeping your internet access...




stan

Texas Standard: April 10, 2020

Despite hundreds of suspected positives for COVID-19 at Texas nursing homes, the state is refusing to release detailed data. Why the secrecy? We’ll take a closer look. Plus, nearly 1 in 3 apartment renters didn’t pay anything to their landlord April 1st. What happens next depends on where you live. Some tips for tenants from...




stan

Texas Standard: April 13, 2020

Seemingly endless rows of cars lined up waiting for food in San Antonio: we’ll check out the strain on efforts to feed the hungry in other parts of Texas. Plus, is a tool used to recover memories lost to trauma acceptable for use in police work? An investigative report by the Dallas Morning News raises...




stan

Texas Standard: April 14, 2020

Governor Abbott puts millions of dollars into play to help small companies amid growing pressure from some to declare Texas reopened for business. Glimmers of hope with lots of red flags. That’s how the governor’s characterizing the fight against the Coronavirus. but is there a plan for getting back to normal? We’ll explore. Plus an...




stan

Texas Standard: April 15, 2020

National trends suggest people of color disproportionately affected by COVID-19. But in Texas, a data gap is leaving health officials empty handed. African American leaders call for the state to address concerns about a lack of data that could be the difference between life and death in some Texas communities. Harris County Commissioner and former...




stan

Texas Standard: April 16, 2020

As many jobs lost in the past month as all those created since the great recession, now Texas hospitals struggling to make ends meet, we’ll have the latest. Other stories were tracking: the oil and gas industry asking for more state regulation? More on an historic hearing aimed at trying to stop a downward spiral....




stan

Texas Standard: April 17, 2020

In the great tourist towns of Texas, it’s far from fun and games this weekend. From the Gulf Coast, Hill Country and Big Bend, how tourist towns are coping with COVID-19. Plus a double hit to small businesses in Texas’ already economically disadvantaged latino communities. And you’ve got questions? Dr Fred Campbell’s got answers. Our...




stan

Texas Standard: April 20, 2020

Texas becomes one of the first states making moves toward a post COVID-19 lockdown. Too fast, too soon? Governor abbott, flanked by other top officials announces schools will remain closed in Texas, but a task force is working on getting back to business as usual. We’ll discuss what happens next with House speaker Dennis Bonnen....




stan

Texas Standard: April 21, 2020

A gradual reopening in Texas. The governor promises it’ll be science based, but some have questions because of relative low levels of testing. We’ll have the latest. Also, how low can you go? What about prices plummeting to negative territory? Understanding the implications of a historic crash in one of the states staple industries. And...




stan

Texas Standard: April 22, 2020

50 years ago today, what many people mark as the start of the modern environmental movement. What is the state of the Earth today? During a time of global pandemic, a pause to reflect on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Also, testing for Coronavirus ramping up in the most populous counties, whats holding back...




stan

Texas Standard: April 23, 2020

According to an African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child. But what if the village is under lockdown? We’ll take a look at the challenge facing new Texas parents during COVID-19. Also, academics have long talked about the digital divide, but in a pandemic it’s having practical implications for millions of Texas...




stan

Texas Standard: April 24, 2020

Are you ready to get back to normal? Attitudes in Texans on a planned return to business as usual or something closer to it. A new UT Texas Tribune poll on how Texans are feeling about efforts to curb the impact of the Coronavirus. Also, how the school lockdown is playing out on the other...




stan

Texas Standard: April 27, 2020

More Texans out and about over the weekend as the governor makes moves to reopen the Texas economy. We’ll look at what’s next and the implications for safety. Despite steps to get back to business, no end in site yet for a return to normalcy. We’ll talk about steps to stay mentally well under stay...




stan

Texas Standard: April 28, 2020

Stay at home has done its job, but it’s getting to be time to get back to work, says Governor Abbott. We’ll take a look at the blueprint for the incremental re-opening of Texas. Plus the role of testing and contact tracing. Also, how a city that brands itself the wedding capital of the world...




stan

Texas Standard: April 29, 2020

Tho COVID-19 seems to be receding in larger Texas cities but a rise of cases in smaller cities has those on the front lines getting hit especially hard. We’ll hear more on a Coronavirus outbreak among first responders in Abilene. Meanwhile in the biggest county in Texas, certain neighborhoods finding themselves most at risk. We’ll...




stan

Texas Standard: April 30, 2020

60 state lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, call on the Governor to explain a lack of transparency concerning apparent hotspots statewide. The letter to Governor Abbott cites Coronavirus outbreaks at long term care facilities for the elderly and the lack of information on what’s being done to protect residents and staffers. We’ll talk to the representative...




stan

Texas Standard: May 1, 2020

A may day like few others in recent memory as the Lone Star State begins a slow reopen. Texans get back to work, or perhaps, not. We’ll have the latest. Also, its May 1st: due day for millions of renters. Dallas and Austin among cities offering relief. We’ll look at why Texas’ biggest city hasn’t...




stan

Texas Standard: May 4, 2020

Soaking up the sun along the gulf coast, as some Texas beaches get back to business, if not back to normal. We’ll take a look at the implications. Also, more than one and a half million new Texas unemployment claims since the pandemic started. Listeners have questions, we’ll put them to the head of the...




stan

Texas Standard: May 5, 2020

Add to the latest Coronavirus hotspots: Texas prisons. Some 70 percent of those tested have the Coronavirus. What happens next? Jolie McCullough of the Texas Tribune talks about how Texas prisons are trying to tackle COVID-19 behind bars, and what their options are. Plus, federal stimulus money for small businesses and Native Americans. Have both...




stan

Texas Standard: May 6, 2020

The Governor moves forward with a phased in re-opening as Coronavirus cases spike in West Texas. We’ll have the latest on new rules and growing concerns. Also, strike forces are moving in to curb outbreaks at meat packing plants in Texas. And how do deaths due to COVID-19 in Texas rank against other leading causes?...




stan

Texas Standard: May 7, 2020

As many Texans face economic hardship, a new study shows a growing trend toward taking debtors to court, we’ll have the latest. Also, anyone else ready for a haircut? Are you sure? As the governor relaxes orders to keep salons and barbershops closed, concerns about reopening on Friday. And Dr.Fred Campbell of UT Health San...




stan

Texas Standard: May 8, 2020

New data in one of the most closely watched political contests in an ongoing Texas election season, we’ll have the latest. Also, honoring Moms in the biggest border city in Texas. Why this year is doubly special. And dealing with a deadly and highly contagious virus, not the one you’re thinking of, that’s affecting other...




stan

What was that animated video about constant aggression in debate?

I'm trying to place a video that I believe someone put in a comment in the blue a while back. It's an animated YouTube video (with stick figures IIRC) by a fairly well known channel that's about why, especially online, taking an aggressive stance, always attacking, and never admitting error works so well (it makes you look like you're winning even if you aren't and that's all that matters). Just can't seem to track it down in search or in my head. Thanks!




stan

how to explain a long-distance social distancing "bubble"

Me and my partner have decided to form a shared social distancing "bubble" with another of our couple friends. I believe we are following safe protocols for this but wanted to get an honest outside opinion as to whether we could be managing this better/safer/etc.

Here is the situation: I am a musician, and my main music collaborator used to live about a half hour from me. Back in January, he and his girlfriend relocated about 90 minutes away, in a major city that has had a large amount of COVID-19 cases. Where I live hasn't been as bad, but we are all still being cautious.

Musician friend and I are collaborating on a music recording project to combat boredom because we are both unemployed and obviously live gigs are right out. We have been doing most of our planning remotely, via Zoom and phone calls, but every now and again we do have to meet in person as his recording studio is in his apartment and sometimes he and the girlfriend come up here to ease the stir-craziness. We believe we are being safe in our methodology but wanted to confirm.

When we embarked upon this project, we made a pact with each other and our partners that the only people we would allow into our homes is each other. The way this works is, when I have to drive to his place to record, I wash my hands, mask up, and drive down to see him. He lives in a neighborhood with ample street parking near his building. When I arrive, I mask up again, buzz into his apartment, take off my outerwear and shoes immediately and keep it on a hook outside their front door, take mask off and put in my purse leave purse in one spot on a table, hand wash and hand sanitize. He and girlfriend also hand wash and hand sanitize, and have been cleaning all doorknobs and buzzer buttons and handrails of the stairs with disinfectant wipes before I arrive. When we record, we disinfect all microphones, headphones, gear we touch including instruments with wipes before and after use. When I leave, I wipe down the table where my purse was, wash hands again, mask up, drive home. All clothing I wear is promptly laundered.

When he comes up to work with me his protocol is similar: wash hands, mask up, drive to my house, where I have been disinfecting doorknobs and other surfaces. When he arrives, he parks in our drive, his outerwear and shoes stays out on our patio, he washes hands again and hand sanitizes, we rehearse for a couple hours, then he washes hands again, masks up, drives home, masks up, goes into building, washes hands. All clothes he wore go immediately into the laundry. Any surface he touches in my house gets pre-and-post wiped down with disinfecting wipes. We don't record in my home there is no gear to disinfect other than his guitar.

His girlfriend works from home and keeps herself separate from us when we record in their home. My boyfriend lost his job due to COVID but busies himself with projects in his home office while we rehearse in our home. The four of us have mutually agreed that we are the only other folks we will allow in our homes and we follow this safety protocol to the T every time we travel to see each other.

So, question 1) are we being safe enough, or are we being dumb? None of us so far has gotten sick and we are comfortable with our routine. How could we improve our safety protocol? Neither of us stop at gas stations to and from each other; we gas up on our own time and hand sanitize after doing so.

Question 2) Musician friend and I are getting ready to record a video of us performing a duet in his apartment. Our mutual friends know we no longer live near each other, and my fear is that when they see evidence that we haven't been keeping six feet apart at all times in his apartment we will get scorned by our colleagues, or near the brunt of actual anger because they are not aware of our safety routine. How can we explain that we have been talking proactive steps to keep ourselves safe and have chosen to be a somewhat long distance social isolation bubble with each other when we release this video to avoid angry responses? Is it necessary? Musician buddy is ambivalent, but I am a worrier and don't want to inadvertently bring us bad publicity.

Please be gentle with me. We are doing our best and we so far have not gotten sick with this protocol. Our partners are also proactive in hand sanitizing and/or hand washing once one of us leaves the other place. Are we being stupid? Is there a way to explain this succinctly when we release our video to pre-empt any judgement?

Seriously please be gentle. My anxiety is on high alert just from reading the news each day and I really hope this community will refrain from a pile on because we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves and our partners safe.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.




stan

Social Distance II with Corrector Records Live Stream

Saturday, March 28, 2020 I had the privilege of performing a solo, electronic, live-streaming set for Social Distance II with Corrector Records. I played first followed by live coder Mike Hodnick AKA Kindohm, and Carl Fisk AKA Mount Curve. The … Continue reading




stan

Corona: US-Arbeitslosenquote auf historischem Höchststand

Die Arbeitslosenquote in den USA ist im April auf 14,7 Prozent gestiegen - der höchste Wert seit Beginn der Aufzeichnungen nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Die tatsächlichen Zahlen könnten sogar noch höher liegen.




stan

Corona-Notstand in der brasilianischen Urwaldmetropole Manaus

Brasilien wird zum neuen Corona-Hotspot. Derzeit sterben jeden Tag mehr als 600 Menschen. In Rio und São Paulo droht das Gesundheitswesen zu kollabieren. In der Urwaldmetropole Manaus ist das schon passiert. Von Ivo Marusczyk und Matthias Ebert.




stan

Pakistan army: Roadside bomb in remote area kills 6 troops


QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — A roadside bombing in a remote area in southwestern Pakistan, close to the border with Iran, struck a patrol vehicle on Friday, killing six soldiers, including an army major, the military said. A statement from the military said the attack happened as the troops, assigned to look for smuggling routes and […]




stan

French Resistance hero Cecile Rol-Tanguy dies at 101


PARIS (AP) — French Resistance member Cecile Rol-Tanguy, who risked her life during World War II by working to liberate Paris from Nazi occupation, has died. She was 101. Rol-Tanguy died on Friday at her home in Monteaux, in central France, as Europe commemorated the 75th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied […]




stan

Technology’s had us ‘social distancing’ for years. Can our digital ‘lifeline’ get us through the coronavirus pandemic?


In some ways, we’ve been social distancing for years as more aspects of our social lives go digital. So now, we may be uniquely equipped (if not conditioned) to adapt our lives to stay-at-home orders.





stan

Where the major sports stand amid the coronavirus pandemic


Nearly every sporting event, major and minor, has been canceled, moved or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s a look at where things stand with many of the top sports.




stan

Seattle U men’s basketball grad assistant Courtney Ekmark is both a student and a teacher of the game


Courtney Ekmark wants to be a coach, and that’s the reason you see her at Seattle U, listening and learning from coach Jim Hayford, who Ekmark has known for many years.




stan

Seattle U’s Jim Hayford disappointed but understands decision to cancel WAC tourney over coronavirus concerns


The Seattle University men's coach says he is heartbroken for his players that the WAC tournament was canceled, but understands the decision.




stan

Seattle U standout Terrell Brown announces transfer to Arizona over UW and others


Seattle U guard Terrell Brown announced on Monday that he will transfer to Arizona over UW, Washington State and more.




stan

Seahawks claim cornerback Jayson Stanley off waivers from Jacksonville


The Seahawks didn’t draft a cornerback over the weekend. But they did pick up one via waivers on Tuesday, claiming Jayson Stanley, who had been let go the day before by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 6-2, 209-pounder was a receiver at Georgia but has made the move to defense in his one year in the […]




stan

Transit union demands hazard pay, stronger social-distancing rules because of coronavirus


Ken Price, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 in Seattle, issued a bulletin that calls for a $2 hourly wage boost, retroactive to early March and continuing until Gov. Jay Inslee lifts the statewide stay-at-home order.




stan

Metro places passenger limits on buses to strengthen social distancing amid coronavirus outbreak


The “temporary optimal/ideal” passenger limits are 12 riders on a 40-foot bus and 18 on a 60-foot bus, according to a bulletin to drivers from Metro.