IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury That my Uncle Mort is determined to keep his enlightened self-interest inflated to the max is a foregone conclusion. For more than a century, he has claimed much from Independence Day celebrations, since he and Uncle Sam share the same July 4 birthday. Mort, who turned 107 recently, has always chosen red, white
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury So awash are we in acronyms these days, we may start tossing them asunder at any time. Such drastic action carries with it results akin to “throwing the baby out with the bathwater.” Acronyms are everywhere, and youngsters using them–probably throughout the world–are rendering many “tried and true” acronyms obsolete. We of wrinkled
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Radio listeners heard it from the lips of England’s Prime Minister–the inimitable Winston Churchill. In the 1939 radio broadcast, he said Russia “is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” Fast forward 80 years to Uncle Mort’s 107th birthday party on July 4. This old Churchillian quote fits my kin quite well,
Read moreIDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Attention drawn to “red light cameras” has a broadened focus in Dallas. Some “Big D” traffic signals–designed to be effective for 25 years–have been in service since 1940, with almost all in use since 1980. If tell-tale cameras had been that old, there’d have been black-hooded photographers straddling elevated supports trying to apply
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Uncle Mort, who attains age 107 come July 4, issues requests for “no talking” and “no chore assignments” about this time every year. It’s no bother to Aunt Maude. In fact, she looks forward to the week or two annually when her hubby is in deep thought. She charitably calls such interludes “thought.” Others
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury A retired school superintendent–weary of the sameness of approaching his job in the traditional manner–dreamed of serving in an unlikely place. The school was in a swamp long since drained, and locals said alligators hadn’t been seen there in years. During his professional years, the dreamer said he took on challenges daily, hoping
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IDLE AMERICAN Commentary by Dr. Don Newbury Warnings abound concerning the danger of saying “never again.” Most of us are guilty of making false promises on topics such as New Year’s resolutions, diets and exercise. I’m ready, though, to admit past failures, place my right hand on a Bible stack and gaze heavenward for this solemn pledge. Never again will I
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