By Jim Nichols Patriotism levels ebb and flow with many of us. When we watch what seem to be bizarre and wrongheaded statements and deeds reflecting it, we sometimes become cynical and critical. At other times, for instance Independence Day, pride in the country takes on a much brighter side for us. Frequently, an individual swings back and forth through
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The late George Carlin is best remembered for poking holes in the policy implemented to eliminate the foulest of words on radio and television. He essentially made a living with his TV “bit” entitled “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.” The czar enforcing the edict was viewed to be the toughest, most unforgiving
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Editor’s Note: This article first was posted on Spirit of Abilene in June 2024. By Dr. Dan Stiver As the nation moves to celebrate the Fourth of July, appropriately so, the complex relationship of the United States and religion has come to the fore as much as ever. The rise of Christian nationalism, now documented by numerous studies, is a
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By Loretta Fulton Exactly 25 years after its opening on June 29, 2000, a little chapel next to Sacred Heart Catholic Church will get a big blessing. On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo will be in Abilene for the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. The chapel was
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By Marianne Wood “Some organizations become known for certain programs or fundraisers. The Abilene Woman’s Club became known during the 1980s for its Holiday Tables, and the Abilene Preservation League garnered a reputation for Dining at a Good Friend’s Table…” wrote Roy Helen Ackers, also known as “Miz Cheevus” for the Abilene Reporter-News in June of 2016. For those new to Abilene,
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By Glenn Dromgoole I like the haiku poetic format of three lines totaling 17 syllables – five in the first line, seven in the second, five in the third – each line communicating a thought. The rhythm just seems to work for me — I’ve written about 300 of them over the years on topics ranging from golf and baseball
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By Jim Nichols We may try to fool ourselves otherwise, but we must truthfully recognize that we do not like change. It seems that about the time we figure out how to use some features on our cell phones or our computers, necessity requires us to “update.” Of course, these newer options are not recognizable to us so we must
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By Danny Minton Chains are a common item. If you walk down the aisle of the hardware store where the chains are located, you will find a wide variety of chains. Depending on their use, the sizes will vary, and the colors may change, but the use remains the same. Chains are made to secure—some secure gates, others doors, and
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Many retirees–even if admitting only to slowing down to a lower gear–have a difficult time finding rocking chairs that fit. Some don’t even try; count me in that group, with entry into my 89 th year now but weeks away. A credo for many is choosing to “wear out” instead of “rust out,” and a sliver
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