Texas Thoroughbred Forum

General on-topic discussion.

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Ajo
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Postby Ajo » Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:40 pm

Let’s see what’s going on in the mush room today.

“Oh oh,” said Ajo! “The blather bloggers are still addicted to ‘60 Day Meet!’ And, oh my, they are assigning it ‘Relevance’ right here in the blithering section of the Blogosphere. It gives idiocy in perpetuity a new essence justification.”

So, behold the newly revised Theory of Relativity, as envisioned by the little toad stools gyring and gimbling in the wabe beneath the caps of Amanita Muscaria. In light of this newly discovered information, let’s examine the revision process.

First, we have 60 Day Meet, which are three words referring to a figmental non-event in 2011. Arriving at these three words is like hearing a child saying “are we there yet” 60 seconds out of the driveway on a 60 mile trip (Note that I use “60” a lot because it seems to be the easiest number to retain in vacuous thought processes). These three words are readily absorbed through skulls that have been marinated in claptrap. Once caught in the vacuum between the ears, eyes, and mouths, 60 Day Meet never is discovered to never have happened, but it is excreted as an excuse for “little horsemen” to make naughty utterances about “big horsemen” under the guise of relevance.

Then we have the word ”relevance,” which is a very difficult word for bloggers to spell; it means significant to the meaningful subject that we should be discussing, like really improving the plight of Texas horsemen. Through incessant efforts inspired by mind-numbing repetitive yammering, a way to bond 60 Day Meet and Relevance has been extracted from the ethrum that emanates from the planet Xenon, which has been mentioned by past bloggers when it strays, without reason or substance, from its orbit in Hogwash Heaven like an uninvited horse plop into the realm of sanity. Voila! Eureka! “60 Day Meet Relevance” becomes the newest Theory of Relativity!

Now let’s assign “60 Day Meet Relevance” a witty and arcane symbol; how about SDMR. Since there has not been and will not be a 60 Day Meet in Texas in 2011, let’s assign it the numerical value of zero. Now let’s multiply the number of Mushrooms, 60 (Joe says ten, but that’s too hard a number to remember), times SDMR times the amount of money that has been made from whining and caterwauling to find a relevant value. Have you got it? Do you get it? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Will you ever get over it? Will you ever get over it? Are you tired of 60 Day Meet talk yet? Are you tired
of
60 dzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


For Roger: The wabe is the shadow beneath a sundial or very large mushroom. The word was invented by Lewis Carroll for Jaberwocky

Mr. L: I have pared my herd from 19 to 12, with only 3 current runners and five yet to be trained. Have 2 foals coming this year and no foals planned for next year. My banker isn’t frowning quite so much now, but she damned sure isn’t smiling. Also, let me point out that protectionism won’t make any stallion any better than he already is, no matter where he stands. Also, how mares are treated at the stud farm is as important to me as how fast the get are going to run.

Joe: You always load your questions with a lead-in accusation of subterfuge. I don’t want my heels nipped at by mindless yappies any more than they already are, so why should I or anyone else answer a question that is prefaced with a presumption of prevarication?


JRGators: Wow! An unobtrusive ADW bill is truly a good thing! But you’re being too coy here (Quote: Let me put to sleeper this nasty little roomer floating about....There is a draft bill for ADW's); so who exactly is responsible for it? Can you spare us any details? From what seeeeeecret :wink: circumstance did it suddenly emerge? I was led to believe by this forum that the associations were the only ones who had seeeeecret undertakings with "sleeper roomers."

Jazette
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Postby Jazette » Wed Feb 23, 2011 8:13 pm

Ajo, please tell me what your thoughts are (I would prefer layman terms b/c I really get bored trying to understand what you are trying to say - I was taught in journalism class that in order to catch your reader it has to be done within the first three sentenes). Do you feel that VLT's are the only way out of our current situation? Do you believe that ADW's would help our industry? How do you suggest that we fix our current racing/purse issue? The breedback rule? It seems to me that you are only belittling the small farm horse owners and breeders and not giving us a remedy. Truly, I would like your opinion on what needs to be done to help all owners, breeders and the tracks.

Jazette Hudson

tinners way
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Postby tinners way » Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:24 pm

Ajo, I can't agree with you more. I have never once said that I have the right answer, far from it. That is why the questions for discussion.

As far as not breeding your mares this year, that is unfortunate. I have confidence that we will have legislative relief this year, as I have for the past 4 sessions. My mares will be bred, and the majority will be bred in Texas. Through all the turmoil and debate I have never once not felt that relief will not come. Obviously I was hoping sooner, but I plan on being prepared for later as well.

jrgators
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Postby jrgators » Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:26 pm

Thanks Tinner for your continued commitment to the Texas Breeding Industry!
I don't currently have any mares for breeding, but I'm sure I'll be back at it again real soon!
Best of luck with all your animals, those Tx Breds, and those not!

Theo

keyranch
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Postby keyranch » Thu Feb 24, 2011 6:02 am

I must be relavent, because I appear to be the one called by name. Lead in for misconduct? Again, the question was what are the goals of the ATB program? I would suggest to increase participation and economic development in Texas. The very notion that it pays out to be a Texas Bred, implies the horse was bred or conceived in Texas!

The question is were you and are you supportive of the 60 day meet? Do you ever take a stand for an issue?

Roger
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Postby Roger » Thu Feb 24, 2011 8:09 am

Did
Last edited by Roger on Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness
Try it you will like it.

keyranch
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Postby keyranch » Fri Feb 25, 2011 8:02 am

Looking at the new and open TTA website, I was unable to find committee meeting transcripts! Is there a reason that the membership is not allowed to know how their representatives are representing them behind closed doors or over the phone. It can not be that expensive to record and have some transcribe and post at a reasonable time.

Does not Texas open meetings act apply to everyone that receives or dispenses state funds? Someone needs to look into this application for both associations and if memory serves me, the TRC talked about when a number of board members attended a meeting that would require a quorum and different rules applied.

I think this is a question for the legal staff at the TRC to answer and if it is required then what do we have to do to make sure information is made available to the public, or how do we get the associations to live within the state rules. I usually do not ask a question that I do not already know the answer, but this is one I do not know. It would make sense that the same rules that apply to other boards, including school boards, city councils, etc would have to comply with state standards. After all, they are not supposed to be private clubs and THP operates like a union by automatically taking out dues when either you get your license or run a horse.

dlove
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Postby dlove » Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:13 pm

keyranch wrote:Looking at the new and open TTA website, I was unable to find committee meeting transcripts! Is there a reason that the membership is not allowed to know how their representatives are representing them behind closed doors or over the phone. It can not be that expensive to record and have some transcribe and post at a reasonable time.

Does not Texas open meetings act apply to everyone that receives or dispenses state funds? Someone needs to look into this application for both associations and if memory serves me, the TRC talked about when a number of board members attended a meeting that would require a quorum and different rules applied.

I think this is a question for the legal staff at the TRC to answer and if it is required then what do we have to do to make sure information is made available to the public, or how do we get the associations to live within the state rules. I usually do not ask a question that I do not already know the answer, but this is one I do not know. It would make sense that the same rules that apply to other boards, including school boards, city councils, etc would have to comply with state standards. After all, they are not supposed to be private clubs and THP operates like a union by automatically taking out dues when either you get your license or run a horse.


I had just emailed yesterday asking about this and it is in the works for the minutes to be posted. As you can imagine the staff at the TTA is pretty swamped right not so bare with us. They are working on it.

Thanks,

Delwin

keyranch
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Postby keyranch » Fri Feb 25, 2011 5:27 pm

Thank you Delwin!

Bedouwia
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Postby Bedouwia » Sat Feb 26, 2011 5:19 am

Thanks Dlove - I have to speak up for the TTA staff, or what is left of them. I have been to the TTA office quite a few times for various things. They are a friendly, hard working, group of people. Just as we are worried about the future, I can only imagine how they must feel -- with more work, but a diminishing budget to work with. I think that they have adapted and adjusted well to the problems they have faced, and continued to do a good job on their main responsibilities. None of this mess has been caused by the staff.

Just to change the subject a bit from the slots debate -- the only bill that I am aware of that is actually in the hopper is the one by Hildebrand to establish the $ 5 million Texas Derby. Now, if it was only restricted to Texas breds, we might all have something to aim for. :D

Bedouwia

Roger
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Postby Roger » Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:12 am

Bedouwia wrote:Thanks Dlove - I have to speak up for the TTA staff, or what is left of them. I have been to the TTA office quite a few times for various things. They are a friendly, hard working, group of people. Just as we are worried about the future, I can only imagine how they must feel -- with more work, but a diminishing budget to work with. I think that they have adapted and adjusted well to the problems they have faced, and continued to do a good job on their main responsibilities. None of this mess has been caused by the staff.

Just to change the subject a bit from the slots debate -- the only bill that I am aware of that is actually in the hopper is the one by Hildebrand to establish the $ 5 million Texas Derby. Now, if it was only restricted to Texas breds, we might all have something to aim for. :D

If we have to go to shorter meets, I think it would be great if we took all the purse money for the year and have a 6 day meet at Manor for Texas Breds only. :lol: :lol: :P

Bedouwia
Loving God, Loving People and Serving = Peace and Happiness

Try it you will like it.

jrgators
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Postby jrgators » Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:56 pm

There is a 2nd bill for Texas Holdem Poker establishments.

As for the TTA, Nice folks I agree, but the ED, NOPE I have a problem with that young man right there!

I think the world of Jennifer, and Mary, and they've been very pleasant, as for Mr. Hooper.

Ya'll have a great weekend. I did get to see 3 races tonight from SHRP on TVG.

Theo

keyranch
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Postby keyranch » Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:35 am

I was dismayed at the comments from the TTA committee. When we were in the race dates debate a commissioner stated that the associations had a chance to show they were representing their memberships and he though they were(I can go back to transcripts if needed). The only person that spent time praising the work of the associations was Brian Browne of Retama Park. That was strange under the circumstances, since the associations were supposed to be representing our interests which did not coincide with the tracks interest(again they did not offer race dates alternatives at the commissions request).
The breed back rules and committee, apparently have continued the TTA's response of we can not put forth anything that might interfere with the slots or nothing agenda. For the life of me, I can not see where any changes in the breed back rule would interfere with that other than changes might improve the participation in the industry. Might cause people to dust off those mares in the pasture and breed them. Might inspire the decision makers to breed in Texas rather than surrounding states. The association acknowledges there is a problem because they were involved with the report to the Governor. Now they refuse to look at alternatives, programs from other states, or just do anything at all.
The questions are what is the purpose of the TTA , are they serving their membership or the racetracks, and again how can they not only watch this industry decline but refuse to take any action for the Texas horsemen.
If there were any interest, years ago the committee and the TTA would have looked at all the state incentive programs to copy and introduce the best for Texas. To partially copy a failed plan and continue as the breeding industry declines, as tax dollars leave the state, as horsemen leave the state is again beyond comprehension.
No, we are not being represented; we are being managed!

Dream2B
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Postby Dream2B » Sun Feb 27, 2011 7:37 am

Agree with the comments about TTA staff members posted above and I really appreciate the info. now available on the website for members. I look forward to seeing the Board meeting minutes posted there as well. I, personally, feel that the Board meetings should be transcribed and in my opinion the THP meetings should definitely be transcribed for their own protection; they are after all dealing with not only State funds but also horsemens accounts. However that is just my personal opinion. My hat is off to the TTA Board members that do post on the various forums.

I have some questions regarding these upcoming regional meetings

- who is actually holding these meetings????? TTA, THP, TTHPBA?????
- Why, when we have not had regional meetings in some time are meetings being scheduled at this time i.e. timing re. legislative calendar? Can this message not be dessiminated (sp) by email, mailing or website. Excuse the irony but it is hard to imagine that "they" want member/horseman/breeder input now!

- On the THP website there is the following item in the news.

"Meeting topics will address:

What is Texas HORSE and who are its members?
What does the proposed legislation mean to individual horsemen?
What does the proposed legislation mean to the State of Texas?
What is the legislative timeline and where do I find resource material?
How can I get involved?"


To be honest I find the first and last questions insulting to members/horsemans intelligence. Are they not totally redundant? It puts me off attending the meetings if I have to sit there for hours and listen to speakers drone on and on on those topics.

-Last question - What does "proposed legislation" mean? I seem to remember Joe and Theo being roasted and ridiculed for proposing Plan B/ADW's at such a late stage. Can't get a bill written that late etc. etc. Where is the bill written by the TTA/THP/TTHPBA it doesn't appear to be available for public perusal or on any legislative calendar. I hope I am wrong. Surely if there are bills written for the TExas Derby and Texas Hold Em parlors.....our VLT bill should also be visible.

Please guys don't come to the regional meetings saying that you are going to consolidate efforts for 2013 for whatever reason. IMO any VLT legislation was doomed after elections on Nov. 2010. Thanks and I look forward to getting any questions answered.

jrgators
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Postby jrgators » Sun Feb 27, 2011 12:43 pm

I'm not going to go back over the stuff that I just posted on FB, but I would like to say this....I think sometimes we get it twisted between liking someone personally, and not agreeing with the decisions he or she makes.

I have spoken with Dave several times over the past few years, and I've found him to be a pleasant person to speak with. I think he's a "nice" guy even. But I think when I "switched sides" something happened. That was the end of the relationship as I knew it. I don't agree with his politics on this stuff, nope, I've been crystal clear on that. Even stated on the record F-I-R-E-D fired! Felt it then, and still today. Not because he's a bad person, but because I don't think his plan or vision for Texas in the next 10 years is a good plan, and it's not sighted enough on all points of view, and I know from our conversations that he's very committed to slots, and he also supported to 60 day meet. This isn't an attack on a person, but a disagreement on the stance of the person assigned, elected, or whatever to represent me, and you, eww, my english teach would have killed me for that one! :D Represent you, and I. (Sorry Mrs. Tucker) :D

As for Mrs. Roundtree, I've spoken with her a few times, and I have had lunch with her as well. I found her to be a very delightful person, and one I believe has a good heart, and a true desire to see Texas rise to the Top. She and I just don't agree on how to get there! There is a difference!

I have never spoken to Mrs. Haynes, the only involvement that I ever had with her was when she blasted me about a $14.00 bill, and sat behind me and commented the entire time I was speaking at the same meeting! The sensativity level is amazing! Oh yeah, we have exchanged a couple of emails about the comment of Mr. Helzer in Dallas.

To not agree with the job someone is doing isn't the same as personally attacking them.

I'm a supervisor for the city bus company in Austin. I have peers, managers, and subordinates that think the world of me, and the job that I do. At the same time, others think I'm a horrible supervisor. That's just the way it is. Do I agree with either side, nope, I'm somewhere in the middle with both sides, but anything, and everything that I can do to make me better, I'm willing to give it a try! I don't know everything, but I'm no dummy. You know what, the next supervisor isn't either! The bus drivers that I supervise, they aren't either!

Please understand the difference guys! It's not personal, IT'S BUSINESS!!

THEO