IDLE 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
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury My ancient Uncle Mort claims only fuzzy memories of Texas’ first hockey games. He said something about chipmunks competing on 50-pound ice blocks, or something equally absurd. Suffice it to say that the sport has fully arrived. When 86,000 fans showed up at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl for the “hockey classic” featuring the Dallas
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Time has been bought, answers have been delayed and responses have been hedged as “squirmers” have opted for the “Texas two-step” instead of crystal clear comebacks to probing inquiries. I’ve “rambled” a bit–again. Let’s shoot for “bullseye centeredness” to sharpen focus on this new year, one when we’re bound to grow weary of
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Upon recollection of 2019, what are considered “top-of-the-heap” memories depend on who is doing the recollecting. This has to be one of the most brain-scrambling beginnings ever unleashed during 17 years of column-writing. Completing what I thought to be an “OK” discourse to a convention audience long ago, I experienced a “bubble-bursting.” The
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Even novices in U.S. history know that discovery of our part of the world was made by Christopher Columbus in 1492. On a far more personal note, Beverly Hindman–an 82-year-old widow in Burleson, Texas, has collected important “puzzle pieces” this year to greatly clarify her family history. Now, 527 years after Columbus landed,
Read more
