THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It has been my policy–whether speaking or writing–to avoid “bathroom humor,” and I shan’t abandon it now. “Bathroom truths,” however, sometimes are warranted, but stopping well short of calling “a spade a spade.” Perhaps the following account will entertain some readers, but for me–the victim–there was little to laugh about. “B” will stand

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It’s a sign that Lindsay Rogers hangs on the front door when August rolls around: “We interrupt this marriage to bring you a football season.” Wives of officials–as well as coaches–may rightfully post the same message. Different, however, is that coaches have home games. National Football League officials are “on the go” for

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury I wasn’t on the Jericho Road. I didn’t fall among thieves. I’ve never been robbed, but recently–stranded on a country road–I was befriend by two strangers who’ve quickly become friends. Their assistance mirrored the Bible’s account of the “Good Samaritan.” The road linking Jerusalem and Jericho was dangerous and craggy. Some in our

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury For a few days, it seemed that I’d caught lightning in a bottle–the kind rarely seen on life’s highway–particularly in the slow lane. It was as if bolts from the heavens were barely moving, like senior adults who can’t–or won’t–speed up, even if cited by traffic officers who urge enrollment in offensive driving

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It was a rainy Saturday morning in the thicket where live my Uncle Mort and Aunt Maude.  They got up early to go outside, eager to “feel” the soaking of rain on their yard’s crusty soil, and to thank The Almighty for ending a dry spell when there’d been nary a drop of rain

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Members of  Dallas’ First Assembly of God Church could hardly have realized what a dynamic duo they called to lead them beginning in February 1998. Right alongside Rev. Thomas (Tom) Myers McMahan was the former Linda Diane Featherston. Actually, her credentials, zeal and commitment were equal to his, and their joint bond in

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It shouldn’t happen to a dog, nor to a rodeo clown. Such an unlikely opening sentence warrants further explanation, which I trust in the next 650 words or so will shed more light than bolts across the sky in an April thunderstorm. Content of this message has been approved by both my rescue dog,

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury It wasn’t something he expected to find in his rural mail box. However, my Uncle Mort opened the envelope joyously; it was from his great nephew.  He thought immediately about his kin’s spread deep in Arkansas. In the envelope was a fancy invitation equal to any he’d ever seen for weddings or graduation

THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Advertising signs  come and go, but few remain over the long haul. In the mid-20th century, for example, Burma-Shave limericks nailed to fence posts along highways, greatly outnumbered what we call billboards today.  Birthed in the minds of two brothers who finally convinced their dad–who introduced Burma-Shave as a product more convenient and effective