By Jim Nichols You probably have heard the joke about the man out for a stroll on his street. He encountered a woman walking her dog and speaking to the dog as if it were a human. He was so amazed that he went right home and told his cat and they both had a good laugh about it. It
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Here comes another “Mother Hubbard” column.That’s how preachers sometimes describe their sermons–comparable to “Mother Hubbard” dresses.They cover everything but touch nothing. Why are we not surprised? Researchers claim that many companies are taking advantage of the inflationary climate.Their deception is called “shrinkflation.”Some devious practices are “double-whammies,” with prices going up and product size going down. An
Read more
By Loretta Fulton Winter Lightfest, which benefits the United Way of Abilene, opens Saturday, Nov. 30, and ends on Saturday, Dec. 28. In between those dates, you’ll have 13 chances to see the magnificent light display, which is a partnership between the United Way and Christmas Decor by Lone Star Electric. This is the sixth year for the display, which
Read more
Area residents and visitors are invited to the 40th annual Community Thanksgiving Feast at Howard Payne University on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at HPU’s Mabee University Center, located at 1219 Fisk Street in Brownwood. North Lake Community Church in May will lead and coordinate
Read more
By Glenn Dromgoole An Attitude of Gratitude:appreciating what we haverather than taking it for granted. An Attitude of Gratitude:finding time for a smile,a thank you, a phone call, a note. An Attitude of Gratitude:reaching out with a helping hand. An Attitude of Gratitude:making kindnessa priority. An Attitude of Gratitude:seeking out the joy in lifeand embracing it. An Attitude of Gratitude:accepting the
Read more
By Nancy Patrick As an observer of life, I have formed theories and given advice to my fellow human beings for a long time. I demonstrated this talent better in my younger years than I can now at 74-years-old. I find that as my body wanes, so does my talent. I attended a funeral of a dear friend a few
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Now that the election is over, my ancient Uncle Mort and his domino-playing buddies down in the thicket can resume their usual mostly-minutia confabs that too often lack authenticity. This reminds me of the annual extravaganza birthed in 1929 when old-timers of Burlington, Wisconsin, held their first-ever “Liars’ Contest.” They called it “harmless fibs
Read moreBy Marianne Wood I’ve been swimming a lot lately. It is good medicine for my heart, mind, and spirit. It allows me to take a break from my phone and transports me to another, more childlike world. While I stroke, kick, and stretch in life’s soft, clear essence, I often practice French vocabulary—particularly those darned irregular verbs. Sometimes, I simply
Read more
By Glenn Dromgoole My friend Jay Moore’s entertaining and informative new book, Abilene’s War With Whiskey and Other Hometown Commotions, deals with the colorful and contentious history of the wet vs. dry forces here. And it brought back to mind my lone minor involvement in a wet-dry election, way back when. It was in the ‘50s. I was 10 or
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 