IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury My Uncle Mort, who lives so far out in the country that nobody passes his house going to town, called the other day. “I’m going to shock you, nephew,” he said. “’Cause I’m planning a ‘give-away’ that folks won’t be able to refuse.” He had my attention. I felt flushness in the face–sure
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury There was “people-watching” at its best recently when Texans gathered at polling places to exercise their voting preferences in primary elections. Yep, it was a foretaste of the “Big One” in November. They showed up in attire ranging from the serious sloppy to “after five,” with a few of the latter adorned as
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Gawkers gathered to gaze at a gigantic “goof” of an implosion attempt gone bad. Thus was the origin of the “leaning tower of Dallas.” The demolition company’s failed effort to take down an 11-story office tower could make Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition shift gears into construction rather than destruction. The former Affiliated Computer
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury The season of spring–God bless it–wears many faces. It has inspired poets to greatness, encouraged the downhearted, confounded meteorologists and induced weeping by throngs of spouses who don’t care for yard work. I am one of those, ashamed that I’m far south of my wife’s expectations, rarely carrying “my part of the mulch.”
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Locals already were “big-eyed” by massive oil discoveries in the Wichita Falls area about a century ago. Money flowed, and for many folks, life was good, might near the land-of-milk-and-honey status. For the oil people, it was even better. If they wanted milk and honey, they could yawn while signing checks to buy
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury The tale unleashed in this space this day is difficult to categorize. Some will say it is typical of “fake news”; others will insist that it best “fits” somewhere in the dizzy, digital world of social media. This column reminds me of the line TV’s long-running series, Hee Haw, tossed at viewers regularly:
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury I never have to look at calendars or “study up” on Roman numerals to know which Super Bowl comes next. Instead, I calculate years of marriage, since “knot-tying” with Brenda occurred in 1966. Thus, I can tell you that the next Super Bowl will be number fifty-five. Okay, if you must, challenge me
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury From time to time, I resort to writing about short, unrelated topics that some folks have described as “Mother Hubbard” columns. This reminds them of ministers who preach “Mother Hubbard” sermons. Poke a little further into this comparison and the truth hits dead center, or very nearly. These columns (and sermons) are so
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury ‘Tis not the first time an error of my own doing has diverted me from the tedious freeways of everyday life to side roads with uncharted curves adorned by snagging brambles that seemed to warn, “Go back.” I stumble forward, discovering yet another column topic, one that likely should remain at barrel’s bottom
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