Concern about the unmanned border crossing at BBNP

March 15th, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) expressed concern about security risks posed by an unmanned border crossing at the Big Bend National Park, now under construction by the U.S. National Park Service. Hutchison’s comments on this matter and other border issues came at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on …

Guest commentary – Texas landowners own the groundwater

March 15th, 2012

By KATHLEEN HARTNETT WHITE

On February 24, Texas landowners won a historic victory for their ownership of the groundwater “in place” below the surface of the land. In this landmark decision, Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that landowners have a real property right in groundwater protected from regulatory “takings” without just …

Star Gazer

March 8th, 2012

More star gazing below the equator

By PAUL DERRICK

This column, like the previous two, comes to you from the small but fascinating country of New Zealand situated deep in the Southern Hemisphere nearly a thousand miles southeast of Australia. The natural beauty, rich diversity of scenery, and many other factors, like friendly people and no snakes …

The Idle American

March 8th, 2012

Words then and words now

By Dr. Don Newbury

Warren Buffett, the “oracle of Omaha,” has a punched ticket for succinct and clever word usage, whether spoken or written. People hang on ‘em, often investing accordingly.

A 19-year-old when he graduated at the University of Nebraska, he wrote short Burma-Shave poems, thus helping with expenses and gaining experience …

Here’s to your health

March 8th, 2012

Hit ‘em with a prayer not a chair

By KEITH WOMMACK

Everyone seems to have a chip on his or her shoulder. From the Occupy Wall Street protesters to the Obama-haters, aggression is in the air. Hate appears to be the flavor of the day.

This hate is causing an accelerated polarization of society. But it is causing …

Here’s to your health

March 8th, 2012

Pain-busting distraction

By KEITH WOMMACK

Got pain? Piece of cake. Just take your mind off it.

I know. Sounds crazy. But …

Recent revelations about the placebo effect, and studies showing that distractions help relieve pain, are revealing that health is more mind-based than has been previously acknowledged. So, if you are suffering, get distracted.

You read that …

The Idle American – Ready to roll

February 23rd, 2012

By Dr. DON NEWBURY

He arrived on campus “ready to roll,” despite never owning a vehicle in college. He had as many ideas daily as some folks do in a lifetime, some of ‘em good. He made friends readily, but enjoyed his “puzzlement” status with many.

Admired and respected by faculty and fellow students, he never lacked …

Here’s to your health

February 23rd, 2012

Want health – try church?

By KEITH WOMMACK

You say you were dragged to church every week? You didn’t want to go? Your mother insisted it was good for you?

Well, she was right. And in even more ways than she imagined.

Turns out, if you’re concerned about your health, church is the place to be.

Jeff Levin in his …

Lo nuestro – Starting over

February 23rd, 2012

By ROXANN CHAVEZ

Here’s to us!  Have you ever had a day where you wish you could start over?  I have plenty of days like that, and my immediate thought is, “Man, can I start over.”  We are not perfect, and making mistakes is apart of life.  I’m one to get upset at the moment, but …

The Idle American – A lament for linemen

February 2nd, 2012

By Dr. Don Newbury

No, this isn’t about Super Bowl “grunt” players “duking it out” in the football trenches. I’m referencing Glen Campbell, who is crooning around the country on his well-earned “farewell tour” to cap off a career spanning 50+ years.

The Alzheimer victim is singing our old favorites, including “Wichita Lineman,” one of lyricist Jimmy …