Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Biography of Vernon Leroy Smith.

Vernon Leroy Smith was born at the King's Daughters Hospital in Temple, Texas, US to William Thurman Smith and Lillie Earl Davis Smith on the date of June 3, 1946. His family had a military background from which his father, William Thurman Smith, had come from. He was the baby of his family with 5 older brothers and 1 sister into a family of 8 people.

When Vernon was a year old, his parents discovered something was psychologically wrong with him. He wasn’t acting the ways as most children did. His behavior started becoming strangely erratic to unusual. They took Vernon to a neurologist. The neurologist told his parents that Vernon had down syndrome often referred to back then as mental retardation. He was later diagnosed with mental retardation at 2 years old.

Vernon Leroy Smith was known a special needs child with mental retardation whom had requiring special schooling and care to those in the community who knew him very well. Of course as Vernon grew older and larger, his family became unable to care for him and had no choice but to put him into a state-run mental health institution. The best place they could find for him was Travis State School located east of Austin, Texas. Vernon resided there at Travis State School for 4 short years from 1960 to 1964 until his time of death.

Vernon was always wanting to come home to his family as he felt his family abandoned him when they enrolled him at Travis State School. He felt unloved, unwanted, and out of place when he lived at Travis State School. Despite Travis State School having the best trained staff who were well caring, he had still felt out of place. His family made many trips visiting him at Travis State School when he was a resident there.  His first attempt to run away from Travis State School was in 1961. He was later recaptured and lived out the remainder of his life at the Austin State School - Farm Colony then later known as Travis State School. This however, would not be the only attempt that Vernon would try to escape from the institution. He attempted to escape the institution over 4 times.

In October 1964, Vernon ran away for good. Vernon had gotten himself into a meltdown about wanting to go home and be with his family. So he ran away from the school in an effort to go home Several days later, His body was found in the Colorado River from accidental drowning. He had water in lungs which he could not breathe from the asphyxiation from that. Vernon Leroy Smith had died in October 9, 1964.

This biography is a sad case about how those with mental retardation were kept hidden away by society and how families disregarded their feelings about their self-esteem. This is another case of how society has placed a stigma on mental retardation. Vernon Leroy Smith is no exception however.

Biography of Ida Oren Davenport.

Ida Oren Davenport was born in Wise County, Texas on the date of April 3, 1883. Ida Oren Davenport was the daughter of Thomas W. Davenport and Sarah S. Lispy. She was apparently born blind, but the family did not find out until later. They knew something was wrong with Ida. It was recommended by a doctor that Ida be institutionalized which was common at that time. Despite blindness being misdiagnosed mental illness. Ida was not mentally ill. She was just misdiagnosed. Ida's disability was being blind from birth. Her family sent her to live at Austin State School until 1938 when she died. She spent a remainder of her life at Austin State School.

Ida died in Austin, Texas on the date of November 7, 1938. She died of chronic laryngitis. Her death was very untimely. Her syphilis was another important illness that contributed to her death. At that time, there was no cure for syphilis whatsoever.

Ida Oren Davenport is a prime example case of misdiagnosed mental illness. Similar to Bernard Carabello.

How building code laws effect musicians in Austin, Texas.

Due to recent noise ordinances building code laws being passed by Austin City Hall in the 2010s, it is hard for musicians and artists to perform live in downtown clubs on 6th Street. This hurts local businesses and musicians. Music cannot be played at the noise level louder than 60 dB as local noise ordinance permits. 70 dB on weekends as local noise ordinance permits. Sound ordinances are an issue that local Austin musicians face due to the high rise buildings and noise complaints from tenants living the new high rise condos. These big buildings in downtown Austin are now corporate buildings and condos. This doesn't hurt Austin somehow apparently.

The upsides of being a musician in Austin are gaining recognition, getting the exposure, and of course making money. The downsides of being a musician in Austin are dealing with noise ordinances, complaints from tenants living the new high rise condo buildings, and city council.

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

How Armadillo Art Glass benefits the community.

Armadillo Art Glass is a collection of local artists from the Austin, Texas community who sell their crafts by using their skills in glass blowing. With local artists coming together to form a community, such artists can sell their crafts and artworks for profit which will gear to generate money into the community. These artists are helping the community with their works of art. With these profits, 100% of proceeds go to all nonprofit organizations including Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels sponsors events held by  Armadillo Art Glass.

“They make art. There’s live paintings. It’s just a really chill event. Local artists come together to build a community and share art. Meals On Wheels raised $150,000 dollars last year for this charity event.” said Meg Stahl.

Armadillo Art Glass raised $150,000 dollars for Meals On Wheels last year in 2016. The average amount of donations Armadillo Art Glass receives for their charity events are $150,000 dollars a year. In some years, Meals On Wheels raises $300,000 dollars from sales at their charity events. 100% of proceeds go to all nonprofit organizations and partner sponsorships involved inside this charity event sponsored by Meals On Wheels.

Hillcrest Farms history not forgotten.

Hillcrest Farms is a name many Austinites have forgotten. The name “Hillcrest Farms” does not ring a bell to the current Austinites of today. Only a handful of few longtime Austinites are aware of the name Hillcrest Farms. Hillcrest Farms is a name many longtime Austinites have forgotten. Inevitably Hillcrest Farms is one of Austin’s long forgotten institutions that has faded away with time. The Hillcrest Farms motto was “Stay where you are, we’ll bring it to you.”


In 1937, Harry L. Peterson started Hillcrest Farms in Del Valle, Texas less than a mile from the now Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA). Hillcrest Farms Inc. started with just Harry L. Peterson and two employees in 1937. Hillcrest Farms had only one truck to work from and 22 cows and work with. Harry L. Peterson was the first milk producer to sell pasteurized milk instead of raw milk in the Austin, Texas area and in Travis County. 50 quarts of milk a day were produced by cows from the Hillcrest Farms in their early days of operation. In the early years, milk was poured into quart sized glass bottles for home delivery.

From a business standpoint, Hillcrest Farms originally intended to be a home delivery business in the beginning. Harry L. Peterson intended for Hillcrest Farms to be a home delivery business being that he already owned land set up in an agricultural setting in Del Valle, Texas. Hillcrest Farms was all home delivery.

Harry L. Peterson and Fred Barge became business partners in 1955. On June 1, 1956, Harry L. Peterson incoporated Hillcrest Farms as an agricultural business called Hillcrest Farms Inc. Hillcrest Farms was the
first dairy operation in Texas to equip a truck with a “milk tank” instead of cans. From then on, all Hillcrest Farms milk processors were to equip a truck with a “milk tank” instead of cans. 1969 was a peak year for Hillcrest Farms as that was the year more than 14,000 customers were served.

In 1970, Harry L. Peterson sold Hillcrest Farms to Jim Dobson and Brodie Keene. Tay Bond pledged $27,000.00 commission to Harry Peterson to be earned on the sale of property known as Hillcrest Farms to purchasers Brodie Keene and Jim Dobson in 1970. In 1970, Hillcrest Farms was also sold to Pure Milk.

In 1984, Jim Dobson and Brodie Keene sold a portion of their land to Del Valle ISD to build a school for which Hillcrest Farms would be named after for donating land. Hillcrest Farms was one of the last dairies in town to abandon real cream.

A small portion of Austin landmarks were named in honor of Hillcrest Farms. A Del Valle ISD school and road were named after the Hillcrest Farms both by the City of Austin and Del Valle. Such as Hillcrest Elementary School and Hillcrest Farms Road for example in this case.

In 2008, the City of Austin purchased several acres of land which was formerly owned by Hillcrest Farms to build a parking garage for Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) which is currently operated by FastPark & Relax. This parking garage was built to meet the demand of additional parking for ABIA. By 2012, several more acres of land were purchased from the former Hillcrest Farms.

As an agreement with the City of Austin, US Government, Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Travis County, and Texas General Land Office (GLO), associated parties came to terms resulting in an agreement allowing former part of the dairy land to remain undeveloped in as attempt of historic preservation. As a part of this attempt for historic preservation enacted by the City Of Austin, tourists entering and exiting ABIA can get a feel of agricultural lifestyle from 20th century Del Valle in Travis County. By remaining undeveloped, the dairy land will continue to operate in its natural habitat which is why you see longhorns cattle as you exit ABIA.


A small portion of Austin landmarks were named in honor of Hillcrest Farms. A Del Valle ISD school and road were named after the Hillcrest Farms both by Del Valle, Travis County, and City of Austin. The Hillcrest name is spread over Southeast Austin and Southeast Travis County.

• For instance, take Hillcrest Farms Road for example.

In 1975, Hillcrest Farms got a road named after the dairy called Hillcrest Farms Road also known as  Hillcrest Farms Rd. To the left of the road is additional parking for ABIA operated by FastPark & Relax. To the right is natural farmland with a herd of cattle. In 2012, Hillcrest Farms Road was renamed to Spirit of Texas Drive.

• For instance, take Hillcrest Elementary School as another example.

Hillcrest Elementary School (fka Hillcrest School) was named after the Hillcrest Farms. Hillcrest Elementary School was located on land Hillcrest Farms owned which is why the school has the name “Hillcrest”. In 1984, Hillcrest Farms sold land to Del Valle ISD to build a school. In 1985, after a bond program enacted by Del Valle ISD, Del Valle residents voted for the school district to build a new elementary school. 1985 was the year Hillcrest Elementary School opened.

The Hillcrest School sat in its original location from 1985 to 1998 on Crozier Lane right next to Baty Elementary School (fka Baty School). Hillcrest Elementary School was relocated to William Cannon Road in Southeast Austin in 1998 due to the City Of Austin’s Airport Noise Mitigation Program which was responsible for relocating 6 Del Valle ISD schools in order for the ABIA Airport to be built and to operate. In 1999 the school was demolished. Hillcrest Elementary School is owned and operated by Del Valle ISD.


The Hillcrest Farms were located at 736 Bastrop Highway, Del Valle, Texas, US 78617 now known as 2200 Spirit of Texas Drive, Del Valle, Texas, US 78617.

*[736 Bastrop Highway is now Spirit of Texas Drive.]
*[Hillcrest Elementary School and Baty Elementary School have been since relocated to another location due to the City Of Austin’s Airport Noise Mitigation Program.]

Monday, May 1, 2017

City of Austin to preserve historic Wallace-Burleson-Moore farmstead as historic attraction.

The City of Austin plans keeps the Wallace-Burleson-Moore farmstead buildings in an attempt of historic preservation. The City of Austin will also keep the Wallace-Burleson-Moore farmstead as a historic attraction for which it will be maintained as by City of Austin Park & Recreation. For those who did not know, the Wallace-Burleson-Moore farmstead is located in Del Valle, Texas. As of 2017, the homestead, farmstead, and outbuildings around the ABIA propertremain empty. These buildings are rotting away in decay. Some of the roofs on the log cabin caved in overtime from neglect and weather. Some of these buildings are badly damaged from weather. Property is owned by the City of Austin. Property is surrounded with a chain link fence.

Thursday, April 20, 2017

20,000 pound non-nuclear bomb dropped in Afghanistan update.

The United States Army has dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in the country of Afghanistan on the date of 4/13/2017. This non-nuclear bomb weighs up to 21,600 lbs and not 20,000 lbs or 22,000 lbs. (lbs is pounds.) Impact of the blast from this bomb was severe. Several citizens felt impact from the bomb blast in combustion after the bomb had been detonated. Several citizens reported seeing a mushroom cloud from 20 miles away after being dropped from being 21,600 feet in the air. A plume covered more than 10,000 feet. 11 tons of explosives were released.

The bomb that dropped was called a GBU-43. A GBU-43 weighs 21,600 pounds (lbs.) and is considered by most to be massive. GBU-43 is considered as “Mother of All Bombs” by The Pentagon. Originally this bomb was designed as a deterrent which was used in the Middle East in the year of 2003, but is now being used as a weapon of terror and mass destruction. GBU-43 is designated for combat use.

US President Donald Trump authorized a non-nuclear bomb to be dropped in Afghanistan in a militaristic effort to sweep out the combative militant ISIS group. The bomb was intended for an ISIS target. Particularly, this ISIS target was located inside a cave in Afghanistan. 800 ISIS fighters are present in Afghanistan. Most ISIS fighters are located in a village called Nangarhar. Afghan forces are battling ISIS there as well.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

20,000 pound non-nuclear bomb dropped in Afghanistan.

The United States Army has dropped the largest non-nuclear bomb in the country of Afghanistan on the date of 4/13/2017. This non-nuclear bomb weighs up to 20,000 lbs. (pounds). Impact of the blast from this bomb was severe. Several citizens felt impact from the bomb blast in combustion after the bomb had been detonated. Several citizens reported seeing a mushroom cloud from 20 miles away after being dropped from being 20,000 feet in the air. A plume covered more than 10,000 feet. 11 tonnes of explosives were released.

The bomb that dropped was called a GBU-43. A GBU-43 weighs 21,600 pounds (lbs.) and is considered by most to be massive. GBU-43 is considered as “Mother of All Bombs” by The Pentagon. Originally this bomb was designed as a deterrent which was used in the Middle East in the year of 2003, but is now being used as a weapon of terror and mass destruction. GBU-43 is designated for combat use.

US President Donald Trump authorized a non-nuclear bomb to be dropped in Afghanistan in a militaristic effort to sweep out the combative militant ISIS group. The bomb was intended for an ISIS target. Particularly, this ISIS target was located inside a cave in Afghanistan. 800 ISIS fighters are present in Afghanistan. Most ISIS fighters are located in a village called Nangarhar. Afghan forces are battling ISIS there as well.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

FEMA and City of Austin buy out homes located in floodplains.

Over the years, City of Austin has allowed real estate development to build housing located in flood plains which is a mistake on the City of Austin’s part. Neighborhoods such as Onion Creek, Yarrabee Bend, Timber Creek, Jet Lane, Rainey Street, Onion Creek Plantations, Rio Lado, Austin Pecan Trailer Park, and Williamson Creek are prime examples of bad planning and the City of Austin allowing real estate development to build housing inside floodplains.

Many trailer parks and several neighborhoods in Austin, Texas have been zoned to floodplains unintentionally meaning that in the past the City of Austin has allowed neighborhoods and trailer parks to be built in floodplains. Allowing home owners and real estate agencies to build homes in floodplains is not always the brightest idea as results show. These neighborhoods and trailer parks wiped out clean as a result from constant flooding.Mold would grow inside after flooding happened. As a result of constant flooding where neighborhoods built located inside of floodplains, the City of Austin has bought land property from several homeowners and neighborhood associations.

Some of these neighborhoods and trailer parks are located inside a 25 year floodplain or are located inside a 100 year floodplain. The case in Austin is that usually neighborhoods and trailer parks that are located alongside a creek or river are built inside a 25 year floodplain. Such as is the case with neighborhoods Onion Creek, Yarrabee Bend, Timber Creek, Jet Lane, Rainey Street, Onion Creek Plantations, Rio Lado, Elmont, and Williamson Creek.

Over the past 10 years, the City of Austin and FEMA has bought land property from several homeowners. City of Austin developed various flood buyout plans for several neighborhoods over the years. It is April 2017 and the City of Austin still has pending transactions on various floodplain buyouts for properties where houses are located on.

Plans for Cedar Valley School remain unclear.

Currently as of April 2017, the Cedar Valley School sits abandoned in a large field of overgrown grass from resulting vegetation. Brush covers the lot. All entrances to the school building are boarded up. The front entrance is still boarded up to this day. Several windows are reported to be broken. Jim Connelly Masonry, Inc. owns the land where Cedar Valley School is. It is unclear if current owner Jim Connelly Masonry, Inc. has any plans for future development.

Cedar Valley School holds an important place in the history of Oak Hill that has long been forgotten. Lack of historic preservation and political interest is what led to the demise of Cedar Valley School. The City of Austin should have designated Cedar Valley School as a/or with a “City of Austin Historical Landmark”. Cedar Valley School remains as one of the few surviving public school buildings associated with development of Oak Hill with the former 1924 Oak Hill School. The Cedar Valley School is regarded as a prominent historic structure being one of few remainders of rural Oak Hill.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Montopolis School still stands.

Today, Montopolis Church of Christ better known as the Montopolis School, is currently located in its same position as an original steel framework structure. The school building is rotting away due to neglect and lack of upkeep in terms of maintenance. Montopolis School can be defined as a symbol of urban decay. Signs of vandalism and graffiti are evident.

On the date of 1/3/2017, Austin Stonewall filed an application for demolition to build 15 single family units and apartments as part of his original real estate plan with KEEP Investment Group/Real Estate. Austin Statesman reports it is more than likely at some point that the Montopolis School will be demolished. Austin Statesman reports historic properties like the Montopolis School are extremely vulnerable to demolition even thought the city has recommended to initiate historic zoning to keep the Montopolis School from being demolished after they determined the building to be historic. This building qualifies for a historical landmark designation, but that alone will not be enough to save the school from further demolition.

Plaintiffs Austin Stonewall and KEEP Investment Group are pushing for demolition in order for 15 single-family units to be on the property. These 15 single-family units will be built on 2 rectangular acres. The City of Austin and real estate developers are currently debating the outcome for the Montopolis School. Still nothing has been implemented or decided yet by the city. Austin Stonewall currently owns property of the land where for which the Montopolis School is located on.

Many groups want the city to keep the school by using empty land as a park and school as a museum. These groups pressed city hall to preserve the Montopolis School by issuing the property with a historical landmark. The Montopolis Neighborhood Association called upon City of Austin to buy the Montopolis School from Austin Stonewall (Austin Stowell) of KEEP Investment Group.

The location is 500 Montopolis Drive, Austin, Texas, US 78741.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Antioch School in Buda, Texas now revitalized and rebuilt.

In 2008, the City of Buda administration set aside a large sum amount of money to rebuild and revitalize the Antioch School. That large amount of money set aside by the City of Buda was used to revitalize the Antioch School. The City of Buda administration planned and pre-approved this construction beforehand. In 2009, the Antioch School was rebuilt and revitalized by volunteers, preservationists, and community activists.

Material such as wood, metal, and plastic PVC pipes were gathered. New lumber was used to construct this school.  Antioch School building has been built fit historical accuracy and architectural accuracy in order to be historically correct. Antioch School building is built both architecturally and historically correct. Outside walls for Antioch School have been painted white again as maintenance requires due to the fact the Antioch School is a Texas Historic Landmark. New glass panels have been installed onto windows. Squares frames have been refitted accurately. Constant maintenance is performed on the Antioch School on a monthly basis regularly.

As of January 2017, Antioch School remains in its position at Antioch Park for which the school is located on. The Antioch School also functions as a community center. Antioch Park is owned by the City of Buda. Antioch School is owned by the City of Buda.

Smog in Beijing, China remains an emerging problem.

In recent years, Beijing, China has seen an increase of smog due to lack of environmental safety laws that control pollution. Smog has risen at an increasingly harmful level going citizens health problems who live in the area and in the city of Beijing. The smog in Beijing has poisoned peoples lungs, added to the mold count, and contributed more to pollution. Smog in Beijing is very noticeable to the point where it is hard to visually unsee. As Sky News and AFP report, smog is an overgrowing problem in Beijing, China.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

How Austin, Texas allows real estate development to build in floodplains.

Over the years, City of Austin has allowed real estate development to build housing located in flood plains which is a mistake on the City of Austin’s part. Neighborhoods such as Onion Creek, Yarrabee Bend, Timber Creek, Jet Lane, Rainey Street, Onion Creek Plantations, Rio Lado, Austin Pecan Trailer Park, and Williamson Creek are prime examples of bad planning and the City of Austin allowing real estate development to build housing inside floodplains.


For example…

In 1971, land was sold for the Austin Pecan Trailer Park to begin allowing home owners who had trailers to move in. 1972 is when the reception office was built as a single story unit with 5 single rooms with a reception desk, a supply closet for maintenance supplies, storage a supply closet for maintenance storage, and a garage. Years of operation for the Austin Pecan Trailer Park were from 1972 to 2008.

Now the Austin Pecan Trailer Park was located inside a 25 year floodplain. It would flood there every 2 years. Trailers would be wiped out clean as a result from constant flooding. Mold grow inside these trailers after flooding happened. Vegetation surrounding the property made it difficult to retrieve personal belongings.

As a result of constant flooding with the trailer park being located in a flood plain, in 2001, City of Austin bought out the land property where trailers once resided. City of Austin developed a flood buyout plan It took a total of 4 years from 2001 to 2005 for the City of Austin to buy out all the homeowners land plots for which their trailers were located on. By 2008, all of the former Austin Pecan Trailer Park property was abandoned. To this day, only a building for the reception office, roof provision for where mailboxes were, and a shed for maintenance storage remain.

To this day, only a building for the reception office, roof provision for where mailboxes were, and a shed for maintenance storage remain. The building for the reception office was still remains extant and a shed for maintenance storage remains extant. Trailers are no longer extant.

Over the past 10 years, the former Austin Pecan Trailer Park property for illegal dumping where citizens from Austin and Travis County would dump their unwanted items, trash, debris, auto parts, plywood, sheet metal, beer cans, and clothing. The City of Austin got contractors to haul in large rectangular limestone bricks to prevent access for illegal dumping.

What happened to Billy Calhoun from the Children Of Darkness documentary?

To rehash, patient William Calhoun (Billy Calhoun) was featured in the 1983 documentary called Children of Darkness. Billy Calhoun was the patient who was hurting himself so badly from his self-injurious behaviors and being escorted by orderlies around the hospital at the very beginning of the Children Of Darkness documentary.

The Children of Darkness documentary was broadcasted nationally on television in the United States on PBS that same year. The Children of Darkness documentary explored the lack of mental health care in America for juvenile psychiatry. Many seriously emotionally disturbed youth were shown. Richard Kotuk filmed and directed Children of Darkness documentary. Billy Calhoun was another star of the documentary as he was featured all over the place in regard to this documentary. Richard Kotuk focused a portion of his time filming Billy Calhoun due to his strange behavior inside said documentary. Billy Calhoun has a profound case of autism.

William Calhoun (Billy Calhoun) was born in 1963. At the age of 4, he was labeled severely mentally retarded. He was then later diagnosed with autism. As a child, Billy was suffering from severe autism. His severe autism caused him to act out in an aggressive manner as he was dangerous around other and himself. His family could no longer handle him or his dangerous destructive behavior. At the age of 7, he was placed in a state institution called Sagamore Hospital via Sagamore Children’s Hospital. He was more or less abandoned his mother, Mary Calhoun, and family despite that his mother saw him every week until she died. He was in a state of constant panic being unaware of what was going on around him.

During his stay as a patient at the Sagamore Hospital, his self-injurious behaviors worsened as acted more aggressive towards staff. Every 2 to 3 hours, Billy would be “walked” by orderlies around the hospital so his muscles would not atrophy or deteriorate. Billy had attacked hospital staff and orderlies in the past as described in the documentary. Most of the time he was strapped to his bed most of the time during the filming session for this documentary. While at Sagamore Children’s Hospital, Billy underwent intense therapy while being in restraints for 2 1/2 years long. 


Billy Calhoun is still alive and is now at the age of 53. Things have changed. Billy has undergone several behavioral interventions and therapy sessions. Some of his phases eventually passed. The lobotomy and shock therapy never happened. As a result, Billy Calhoun now receives 24 hour care around the clock. He is well cared for. Things have changed, but we can never undo the abuse, trauma, pain, suffering, and torture he went through as a child. What happened there is beyond words.

The self-injurious behaviors and self-destructive behavior is still evident and present. Just to a level that lets him function to the point where he can function to be as aggressive or dangerous as he once was earlier in his lifetime. Billy is now heavily medicated by fair amounts of drugs.

[William Calhoun (Billy Calhoun)’s mother was Mary Calhoun. She has since passed away.]

Brian McAnally found dead in Philadelphia group home.

On the date of July 28, 2016, Brian McAnally passed away in the group home he was living in. At the time of death, Brian was found dead in his dorm at the group home he was living in at the time. It was due to conditions regarding his health that he passed away. His mania had taken a turn for the worst despite getting emotional healing through therapy. Brian attended meetings with a behavior therapist and counselor on a regular basis. Despite all that, Brian was thriving in his group home better than he did at Eastern State School. Brian McAnally was 53. He left several family members behind whom he hadn’t seen for years.

In 1983 (after Brian McAnally turned 18), he was moved to a brand new group home which was located 4 blocks away from his fathers home in Kensington, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after living in Eastern State School for 4 years. Brian was thriving and doing pretty well in his group home better than he did at Eastern State School. He wasn’t as anxious or aggressive despite having been diagnosed with mania and schizophrenia earlier in his life. Later on, he was diagnosed with mental retardation.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Antioch School in Buda, Texas revitalized.

In 2008, the City of Buda administration set aside a large sum amount of money to rebuild and revitalize the Antioch School. That large amount of money set aside by the City of Buda was used to revitalize the Antioch School. In 2009, the Antioch School was rebuilt and revitalized by volunteers, preservationists, and community activists.
As of January 2017, outside walls for Antioch School have been painted white again as maintenance requires due to the fact the Antioch School is a Texas Historic Landmark. Today Antioch School remains in its position at Antioch Park for which the school is located on. The Antioch School also functions as a community center.

News behind the Black Market Records bankruptcy of 2014.

On the date of 11/22/2014, Ced Singleton filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 11 bankruptcy for his Black Market Records business. The case was taken to California Eastern Bankruptcy Court at that time. The motion to dismiss was denied without prejudice by the judge. Trustee Cedric Singleton asked the court to dismiss this bankruptcy case.

California Bankruptcy Court cleared Black Market Records of all debt and legal obligations to all of the titles that were included in the bankruptcy from 2005. Ced Singleton settled with the debtors and the lawyers which closed the bankruptcy in the year of 2015.

Ced Singleton owes William Larcell Charles in mechanical royalties and publishing royalties including attorney fees for his employment at Black Market Records. Ced Singleton never added William Larcell Charles as a creditor to the Black Market Records bankruptcy because he wasn't named in the publishing. They never signed no agreements or contracts. Ced kept him out of everything. In other words, William Larcell Charles was blackballed by Ced Singleton and Black Market Records. To this day, Ced Singleton still owes William Larcell Charles publishing royalties for which he never rightfully received.

History behind The Rock House (Horton-Duval House). The “other” Sneed House.

Judge Sebron Graham Sneed bought 470 acres of property south of Austin, Texas for farm they had purchased around a sum of $1,000 in 1854. Located on the 470 acre property was a single story structure called The Rock House. This limestone brick structure was called The Rock House was located on the former Sneed Plantation. The Rock House was once a plantation house purposed as a home for slave owners prior to the Civil War era. Not only did The Rock House serve as a home for slave owners, it served as a living quarters for slaves. The Horton-Duval  House served as slave quarters for the Sneed family.

The Rock House was built by Sneed's slaves and completed in 1857. Construction was finished by hand. Some of the walls and all of the fireplaces were limestone that was quarried from the Sneed farm. Lumber was used for the roof and floors in this single unit structure. The Rock House was more than likely designed by architect and general contractor Abner Hugh Cook. The Rock House was also known as Thomas Sneed House, Horton-Duval Home, and Horton-Duval House.

The Sneed family owned 21 slaves by 1860. During the Civil War, this house and the Sneed House was used as a recruiting station and a Confederate hospital. Sebron Sneed later willed 55 acres of the Sneed Plantation property to his daughter Marinda Bledsoe in July 15, 1871. Marinda Bledsoe willed the Sneed Plantation property her daughter Rockie Bledsoe by 1916. The house was remodeled with improvements in 1920. The Sneed family lived on the farm property until August 1, 1922, when it was sold with 196.4 acres to Bledsoe's cousin, Calvin L. Hughes for $8,000. Calvin L. Hughes willed the property to his daughter Virgia Lo Cage. Virgia Lo Cage lived there until her death in 1965. Frances Sneed Simnacher owned the property for a short period of time as well.

In 1992, the former Horton-Duval House was sold to Robert T. Davis for an amount of $49,000. A home-run business called INTERNATIONAL MICRO FILM FOUNDATION, INC operated there from 1984 to 2002. Robert T. Davis and Associates, Inc. operated out of that house as well. Robert T. Davis shut down both of his businesses in 2002.

A fire mysteriously destroyed the house on March 2, 1996. An application for demolition to Horton-Duval House was filed by Majid Hemassi in 1998. A public on an appeal of the decision by the Texas Historic Landmark Commission to deny an application for a demolition permit for the Horton-Duval House was denied on December 10, 1998.


The Rock House is one of the few surviving pre-Civil War structures in the city of Austin. The few surviving pre-Civil War structures in Austin deteriorate further into despair with some structures or buildings almost beyond repair due to years of neglect, erosion, disaster, and vandalism. The Rock House is no exception to this case. Condition of The Rock House is quite the same condition as the Sneed House. The Horton-Duval House is a city historic landmark. Landmarks such as this one are important so we do not forget about our cultural history from the past.

Currently The Rock House lays in terrible condition almost beyond repair due to years of neglect. Overtime as years went by, The Rock House was vandalized by criminals and transients. Elements of neglect, vandalism, and erosion are evident. With signs of vegetation nature has taken over this place. It would take millions of dollars in an effort to revitalize or rebuild The Rock House due to its deteriorating condition. As of right now in 2017, there are no plans to demolish The Rock House. Majid Hemassi is the current owner.


[The Rock House is located at 6706 Bluff Springs Road, Austin, Texas, US 78744.]

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Donald Trump continues to capitalize off his own victories!

It’s 2017 and Donald Trump continues to capitalize off the success from his own victories in such a provocative manner.

Donald Trump capitalized on his great victory in New York after winning the primary election in that state in 2016. His victory was a clean sweep. His victory was a clean sweep that was dealt with a clear blow shockingly however. This clear blow was a shocker. Nonetheless, Donald Trump continues to capitalize off his own victories. After all, Donald Trump garners marginal support from the GOP. He has secure endorsement from the GOP, the entire nation of the United States, several donors among others, and in New York State. From the GOP perspective, Donald Trump capitalized on his great victory in New York.

The rightness of Donald Trump proves to be questionable. The logic of Trump is flawed. Donald Trump refuses to increase minimum wage, enact a living wage standard nationwide, cease all wars the US is currently involved in, get rid of tax breaks, or reform healthcare, but he will limit immigration.

Donald Trump is so quick as to dismiss viewpoints from others as he is a narcissist. He is unapologetic in his political beliefs even if his political viewpoints are politically incorrect. Yet his speeches resonate with his audience under a true conservative formation motivated by his conservative ideology with strong sense. He is seen by his supporters as brash and unapologetically patriotic. This is his true patriotism. Still, the GOP views Donald Trump as a “savior” or “the great one”. The rightness of Donald Trump proves to be questionable.

From the GOP perspective and his too, Donald Trump capitalized on his great victory from the voters in New York. In 2016, Donald Trump won votes in the US State of New York during the presidential election which eventually led him to become President of the United States.


Earlier in 2016, Donald Trump won many votes for his presidential campaign within the state of Iowa due to his conservative politics along with support from the GOP. The GOP support is what led Donald Trump to gain more massive votes over Hillary Clinton. He was in the lead against Hillary Clinton at the time. Donald Trump eventually beat Hillary Clinton in the number of votes for Iowa State.

The massive support from the GOP and donors is what led Trump to win in Iowa. He had marginal support from the GOP there as well as some of the Democratic Party and Republican Party. Trump already had won massive votes in other states. Even in the democratic state of Iowa Trump won! From the GOP perspective and his too, on his great victory in Iowa after winning votes there during the primary election in 2016. It’s another victory he capitalized off of.


To sum it all… donations from various donors, marginal GOP support, conservatism, supposed activism, and big money is how Donald Trump continues to capitalize off of the success right directly straight from his own victories. To this day, Donald Trump continues to capitalize off of success from his own victories.