Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Sales of ivory to be banned in the United Kingdom.

MSN reports the sale of ivory is to be banned in the United Kingdom. It is part of the UK government plan to help protect elephants as a humanitarian effort towards animal rights. The ban will cover ivory items of any age, not just containing new ivory. This will be the toughest ban in the UK to date.

The number of wild elephants has dropped by almost ⅓rd in the last decade. 20,000 elephants are slaughtered each year for their tusks which are valuable to poachers. Poachers hunt endangered species of elephants for their tusks. The international trade of illegal ivory is $16 billion (USD)/£17 billion (UK pounds) each year.

Legislation will be placed in soon as possible. 88% of UK citizens support the ban. It is unclear when the UK ban will come into effect. However UK citizens hope the ban will com into effect sometime by 2018. Parliament has not come to a conclusion or has made a final decision yet. 

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

To rehash from the previous news article written by Michael Mixerr for Mixerr Reviews called “What happened to Billy Calhoun from the Children Of Darkness documentary?”, some words have been changed upon request from family members.

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.

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. Billy Calhoun has a profound case of severe autism.

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.


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 others 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 Children’s Hospital. His mother, Mary Calhoun, 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 Children’s Hospital, his self-injurious behaviors worsened as he 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 at the time of during the filming session for this documentary. While at Sagamore Children’s Hospital, Billy underwent intense therapy while being in restraints for 2 ½ years long.

When he was 19, he was transferred over to South Beach Psychiatric Care Center in Brooklyn, New York. Since then he has stayed at that hospital which is not too far from South Beach Psychiatric Hospital.


Billy Calhoun is still alive and is now at the age of 54. 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.

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 not as aggressive or dangerous as he once was earlier in his lifetime. Billy is now heavily medicated by fair amounts of drugs.

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.

Monday, January 29, 2018

Update about the 100 year old building in Elgin, Texas destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.

As of January 2018, process is being made to restore the 100 year old building in Elgin, Texas. The walls have been re-installed and re-plastered during the close of 2017. A chain link fence has been installed up front facing the perimeter of Central Avenue securing surrounding property. Pier structures for the roof have been installed to support the new roof. All the building needs is a new roof.

Cleanup and restoration has begun. The removal and stabilization alone is estimated to be a total cost of $6,000. Possibly $8,000 including fees. POLLEN ARCHITECTURE is planning to turn this 100 year old building into a new vision. However more work needs to be done to get completed. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The building that was destroyed what was once a Thai food restaurant. From 2010 to 2017 is when  Katie's Catering Thai Cuisine operated at the corner of Avenue B & Central Avenue in Elgin, Texas.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to revitalize the building that was once a Thai food restaurant. You can help by sending donations here to this link.:https://www.gofundme.com/Transform-Harveys-destruction-into-Sawyer-Art-Garden.

This building is zoned in C-2 Commercial District with Zone 2 Overlay which allows more than 50% residential on the ground floor. This building is also located in the Elgin Local Historic District and Elgin National Register Historic Commercial District. The parcel number is R12232.
The building is located at 217 Central Avenue, Elgin, Texas, US 78621.


To recap from last month:
“Hurricane Harvey destroyed the roof a 100 year old building located at 217 Central Avenue in Elgin, Texas and has destroyed the interior structure of the building. As of now, the roof is completely missing. The roof has collapsed from destruction of wind currents during Hurricane Harvey. The building is a former shell of what it once was before Hurricane Harvey weather hit the small town of Elgin, Texas. “

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Oprah Winfrey denies any plans running for US president.

As of January 2018, former TV show host billionaire Oprah Winfrey has considered running for president against Donald Trump for the next presidential election in 2020. On the night Oprah Winfrey accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award for a lifetime achievement, she had given a speech which somehow prompted rumors that she may consider running for US president in 2020.

According to a poll from NY Post, Winfrey has the support of 76 percent (76%) of Democrats and a very low percentage of Republicans at a whopping 22 percent (22%). NY Post claims there is a “sizable crowd of undecideds”. 48% of voters would favor Winfrey which could lead her approval ratings to go up. The Democratic Party seems to favor Winfrey and may secretly back her up on political campaign contributions.

However Winfrey has come out stating she has denied any plans for running in a presidential bid. “There will be no running for office of any kind for me," Oprah Winfrey told Larry King of CNBC a few days ago. She had given a speech which somehow prompted rumors that she may consider running for US president in 2020.

And she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon in the near future. Today Oprah Winfrey has an estimated net worth of $3 billion.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Hurricane Harvey destroys 100 year old building in Elgin, Texas.

Hurricane Harvey destroyed the roof a 100 year old building located at 217 Central Avenue in Elgin, Texas and has destroyed the interior structure of the building. As of now, the roof is completely missing. The roof has collapsed from destruction of wind currents during Hurricane Harvey. The building is a former shell of what it once was before Hurricane Harvey weather hit the small town of Elgin, Texas.

The building that was destroyed what was once a Thai food restaurant. From 2010 to 2017 is when  Katie's Catering Thai Cuisine operated at the corner of Avenue B & Central Avenue in Elgin, Texas.

POLLEN ARCHITECTURE is planning to turn this 100 year old building into a new vision. As of two months ago, the first day of restoration and cleanup began. The removal and stabilization alone is estimated to be a total cost of $6,000. Possibly $8,000 including fees. However more work needs to be done to get completed. Margo Sawyer wanted to thank everyone who has already so generously donated! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

This building is zoned in C-2 Commercial District with Zone 2 Overlay which allows more than 50% residential on the ground floor. This building is also located in the Elgin Local Historic District and Elgin National Register Historic Commercial District. The parcel number is R12232.
The building is located at 217 Central Avenue, Elgin, Texas, US 78621.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to revitalize the building that was once a Thai food restaurant. You can help by sending donations here to this link.:https://www.gofundme.com/Transform-Harveys-destruction-into-Sawyer-Art-Garden.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Trinity University dubbed as one of the oldest universities in the State of Texas.

San Antonio Express claims that Trinity University is one of the oldest universities in the State of Texas. San Antonio Express verified Trinity University was established in 1869 which was founded by a former Texas State congressman. Three smaller schools were combined into what would become known today as Trinity University.

Today Trinity University is a private school located in San Antonio, Texas with a small student population of 2,500 surrounded on 117 acres of campus. Its accounting students have enjoyed internships via accredited accounting degree programs in Texas. A special 5-year program was added as Master of Science in Accounting to the standard Bachelor of Science in Accounting program.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Future for old Don’s Grass property in Austin, Texas remains unknown.

The future for Don’s Grass property remains unknown currently as of November 2017. Many citizens, activists, council members, and preservationists from both Austin and Oak Hill wonder about the future of the old site.

However Don Farmer plans to demolish the old Oak Hill School so he can build a new modernized storefront for his business Don's Grass & Landscape Inc. But nothing has materialized yet. All buildings have remained in tact. He has not made comment to the public regarding the future outcome for his business or those 2 buildings. Don Farmer and his landscape business Don’s Grass occupied the former site from 2005 to 2012.

The building Don’s Grass occupied was none other than the old Oak Hill School located at 6240 West US 290, Austin, Texas, US 78735. The Oak Hill School was the old Oak Hill Elementary School that taught grades 1 through 7 operated by Austin ISD from 1923 to 1985.

The former Oak Hill School and its school buildings remain in tact leaving many Austin and Oak Hill citizens to wonder about the future of the Don’s Grass site. Future for the former Don’s Grass property or its buildings is unknown.


It’s last tenants was Don Farmer and Austin 1825 Fortview Inc. Don Farmer has not occupied the property since 2012. Don’s Grass has not been in business since 2012.

The future January 12, 2012 Austin City Council meeting regarding Don Farmer violations were reported in the December 30, 2011 edition of Austin Chronicle and again in another issue of the Austin Chronicle. A foreclosure notice was filed to the Travis County Courthouse on January 14, 2012.

Back in January 12, 2012, the City of Austin shut down Don’s Grass by giving Don Farmer a citation for alleged violations of failure to install a water meter and failing to accurately record & submit monthly reports of groundwater withdrawals from a permitted Middle Trinity water well.

On January 12, 2012, City of Austin council members held a public hearing related in reference towards alleged violations that Don Farmer failed to install a water meter and for failing to accurately record & submit monthly reports of groundwater withdrawals from a permitted Middle Trinity water well. District Rules required the permittee to appear before the District’s Board of Directors and show cause why it should not be subject to an enforcement action by the Board.


Bulldozers occupy the site of the old Don’s Grass. Piles of dirt can be seen from road-view off of US 290 visible to the public eye. As of now, BGSIX Holdings LLC and City of Austin own the property. Both BGSIX Holdings LLC and City of Austin are keeping an eye on the property for any potential buyers willing to purchase the property.

For now the former Don’s Grass sits vacant and unoccupied at 6420 West US 290, Austin, Texas, US 78735.


Monday, November 27, 2017

Mopac toll road halfway completed.

The northern portion of the Mopac toll road, located north of Colorado River, is already completed as of November 2017. Construction crews have already begun cleaning up. However construction equipment and vehicles are still present from public view on Mopac. Construction on Mopac toll road going southbound has been rather moving slow at a sluggish pace. Construction for the Mopac toll road always begins at nighttime.

The Mopac toll road is expected be completed by the year 2019. By 2019, construction will have been completed and the toll road will be totally functional by then going both directions northbound and southbound. Mopac toll road will merge in those regular lanes on Mopac Highway (Loop 1) north of the Colorado River.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Why we need to remember Willowbrook State School.

We need to remember Willowbrook State School. Because Willowbrook State School was a breeding ground for all sorts of human rights violations. Many clients were mentally, emotionally, and physically abused during their stay there. Many were neglected and mistreated by direct care staff and head doctors. Clients were left to fend for themselves.

Willowbrook State School opened in 1947 as a state school operating as a state-supported institution for mentally disabled children in New York City, New York on Staten Island. In its first years of operation, the quality care began to slowly decline. Disease spread rampantly. Hepatitis was common amongst state school residents. In 1955, Willowbrook had a resident population of 4,000.

By 1963, the institution was overpopulated at 6,000 clients over its original capacity of 4,000. By 1965, Senator Robert F. Kennedy left touring the facility and called it a "snakepit". Residents were injected with Hepatitis A for science experiments. Luckily then news reporter Geraldo Rivera exposed Willowbrook State School in 1972 on a news broadcast called “Willowbrook : The Last Great Discgrace”. Geraldo Rivera’s expose prompted the State of New York to launch several investigations of their state schools, state hospitals, and other institutions. Carey vs. NYARC lawsuit is what led to many state institution such as Willowbrook State School to close down and receive the community based services we have today. But luckily the institution was shut down for good and put out of its misery for good by September 1987.

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Mixerr Reviews rediscovers Maple Run Cave in Austin, Texas.

On the date of October 15, 2017, Michael Mixerr of Mixerr Reviews discovered Maple Run Cave at Goat Cave Karst Preserve in Austin, Texas while during a caving outing. Maple Run Cave is one of the most known caves of Austin/Travis County connecting to the lesser known Wade Cave.

Maple Run Cave is difficult to enter group to due to the steep drop inside the cave and not just the steps. Bringing groups will be difficult to due to a steep drop inside the cave. Going in small groups is recommended when touring Maple Run Cave.

Maple Run Cave  is a cave with a subtle moist environment with a high level of moisture perfect for mosquitoes and bats. Mosquitoes and bats are the natural wildlife that inhabit Maple Run Cave. The moist environment is a subtle breeding ground ideal for mosquitos among other insects, spiders, flies, and other insects of course. Many insects inhabit Maple Run Cave as insects inhabit and compromise a huge portion of natural wildlife in the caves of Texas. The caves of Goat Cave Karst Preserve Park are no exception.

“Upon entering Maple Run Cave , I felt a sense of moisture the first 20 seconds I was down there. You can feel a sense of moisture down in that particular cave. The moist environment is a subtle breeding ground for mosquitos. I had noticed mosquitos had been swarming over me while I was 20 feet-30 feet into Maple Run Cave.” said Michael Mixerr.

At the entrance of Maple Run Cave, mosquitos among other insects can be found swarming around that area. The moist environment suites well as a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects as well.

A hydrogeological study of Goat Cave, Maple Run Cave, and Wade Cave is anticipated to be completed in 2017.