Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result. The first oil shock happened in 1973. Energy prices are set by “the market. The global energy market keeps failing us. We have known the market is failing us for 49 years. We knowContinue Reading
Ken Bridges/Contributing writer The University of Texas has been in operation for nearly 140 years. Since that time, tens of thousands of UT graduates have enjoyed careers in all fields that have shaped both the state and the world alike. In its early years, it struggled as it had difficultyContinue Reading
From the editor, Based upon current inflation, gas prices have yet to spike as high as they did in 2008. I remember that year well. We logged countless miles, at $4 per gallon, back and forth to the hospital in Dallas. We had a sick preemie who came close toContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer In 1776, Adam Smith published a ground breaking book, The Wealth of Nations. Smith introduced the French phrase laissez-faire to the English speaking world. The phrase best translates as “free market.” Smith criticized European monarchs for subsidizing domestic production and granting monopolies for foreign trade. He arguedContinue Reading
Austin Lewter/Jefferson Jimplceute Charles Baum was a friend of mine. He was born in 1917. He was the grandfather of a childhood friend and a lifelong public servant. Charlie was in the Philippines when Bataan fell. Subsequently, he was captured and spent the majority of World War II as a prisonerContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer Escalators are a modern marvel. The English word is derived from the word, escalade, meaning to climb. An escalator actually takes the effort out of climbing. They are a welcome sight in a mall or a subway station. Unfortunately, there are times in life when an escalatorContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer I will never forget my childhood trip to Berlin. My dad was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, and my parents wanted their children to see as much as possible. The trip to Berlin was different than others. The trip started with a night train. On most trips, weContinue Reading
Ken Bridges/Contributing writer Pat Garrett is another of the legendary figures of the Old West. He always had a taste for adventure and had a career as a distinguished law officer in a time when little law and order was to be found. Wherever Garrett went, trouble always seemed toContinue Reading
By David Wall Our spring/summers for several years have given us heavy spring rains followed by flash droughts starting in June or July, and many yards are now in drought stratus even though it’s winter. Current patterns indicate a similar drought can be expected in this summer. While we tryContinue Reading
From Joey Romano, Edward Jones This year, you have until April 18 to file your taxes. So, you may want to meet with your tax professional soon to discuss changes that could affect you. For starters, if you took a coronavirus-related withdrawal from your 401(k) or IRA in 2020, youContinue Reading
To the editor, If Democrats wonder why they are likely to be pulverized the next couple weeks of midterm elections…think about some recent policy decisions…In New York the D.A. from Manhattan Alvin Bragg announced last week jail time for the most egregious crimes…making robberies and assaults, go free…all this goingContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer A round 1755 BCE, the Babylonian King Hammurabi proclaimed a law code. For thousands of years it lay hidden in the ruins of Susa in modern Iran. It revealed the ancient origins of government. The text on the granite stele began with a preamble. Hammurabi claimed theContinue Reading
By David Wall Most people looking for trees want something that will quickly grow very fast, get very big & wide, and provide a lot of shade. Yet there are those of us who might like something smaller but yet could provide shade on a smaller scale. Well, there isContinue Reading
To the editor, Two or three years ago my wife, Pam, and I revisited Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park. We were totally enthralled by thre new see-through glass panels along the walking path upon which were etched the old townsite buildings and streets in their original locations. Where no town exists, theContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell couldn’t have been any clearer about Jan. 6. “It was a violent insurrection with the purpose of trying to prevent a peaceful transfer of power after a legitimately certified election. … That’s what it was.” McConnell made this statement in response toContinue Reading
By David Wall Garden stones allow butterflies to get warm so they can fly. A few copper pennies prevent algae from forming in your bird bath. Good old corn meal. Dump a small box into a bowl of water and let it soak. Then drain and spray the liquid onContinue Reading
Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer In Matthew Chapter 13, Jesus told a parable about a sower. Since farming was a common occupation, it wasn’t hard to understand. Seeds, like words, require fertile soil to grow. Teachers can only do so much. Anyone familiar with growing plants knows, however, that with a littleContinue Reading
By David Wall You all know of the arch at St Louis, Missouri. Have you ever considered such an arch or arbor, albeit, just a teensy bit smaller, for the entrance to your flower or vegetable garden? Well, a simple or fancy plant you can use is the climbing rose,Continue Reading