IBM blames City of Austin for ongoing billing problems

According to an Austin American Statesman article by Marty Toohey, IBM is suffering billing issues due to problems plaguing a computer system that processes bills for electric, water and trash service from the City of Austin and is demanding payment. If the $4 million demanded isn't paid by the City of Austin by the middle of this up coming week, IBM says it will start the "dispute resolution" process spelled out in the contract made between the two parties back in 2009 stating that it had finished its obligations under the contract. On the other hand, the City of Austin is saying otherwise stating, "The city intends to pay IBM the rest of the money it's owed only "when they complete the job and deliver a fully functioning system,"" 
The article goes on to describe the dispute and the ongoing delays to take action, which will eventually end up in decision of a council meeting.

Media Bias

In a recent article, liberal blogger David Feign talks about how the local media is siding in regard to the runoff elections. According to Feign, he states the Austin American Statesman is the lone supporter of Tea Party candidate Ted Cruz while other local papers such as The Houston Chronicle and the Dallas Daily News show support for David Dewhurst. Feign criticizes all these media sources, though, he also believes that  Republican David Dewhurst would be the better candidate because of his far superior qualifications because served in the Air Force, ran a business, has served as land commissioner, and as Lieutenant governor for a decade. for the support saying, "Cruz is exactly what Texas and the nation do not need, another politician who views compromise as a dirty word and is only content in stalemate or victory. Cruz represents the inexperienced and clueless Tea Partiers that thought the debt ceiling was a "blank check." The Chronicle editorial writers are right to be afraid of Cruz. Hopefully Texas wakes up and joins them."

Report card shows Texas colleges have some work to do

In a July 2012 article from the Daily Texan, author Bobby Blanchard says that Texas' higher education system received only an average grade when it comes to student performance and a failing grade in its openness to accept higher education providers according to a recent report by the Institute for a Competitive Workforce in a June study by Leader & Laggards (although above average grades were given to many other of the main categories.) The study's conclusion was composed of letter grades to rate components of higher education in Texas. Although the failing grade in its openness to accept higher education providers is not as dire, the average performance in student performance needs to improve. Not only is public education K-12 in Texas of lower quality, but now higher education is struggling? I completely agree with the article, we need provide better methods to improve education at all levels in order to provide for a better workforce in Texas. If we decide to improve this statistic, it will better Texas overall for the future.

Obama visits Austin

As the 2012 Election draws yet nearer and nearer, Austinites flocked to Austin Music Hall Tuesday to express their support, opposition, indifference, or indecision at Presidential incumbent Barack Obama's campaign visit. Austin American Statesman reported the scene Tuesday as hundreds people along with a plethora of signs declaring political beliefs, waiting for hours and hours in blazing hot sun just to see the President.
From opposition to abortion and Mexico's rigged presidential election, to an appearance by Occupy Austin, everybody had something to say, and they were saying it loud. The time will come soon to finally make the ultimate decision, and Texas has a big say in it.