THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury My aged Uncle Mort said more than a mouthful the other day about shenanigans dictated in the name of intercollegiate athletics by high rollers in the world of televised sports. “The almighty dollar is even mightier than I thought.” He hit the nail precisely. Big-time sports are far too big. We’ve drifted far away
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury What are the odds that two remote communities in the far reaches of West Texas would have much in common in what we’ve called the “space race” since Russia launched Sputnik? The USA shifted into overdrive with its Apollo 11 project for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to make the first footprints on the moon.
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Historians who tired of seeking origins that mattered much probably risked losing their licenses oh, 1.4 centuries ago. That’s when they scattered like quail in a hailstorm trying to identify the “inventor” of the hamburger. One of the few points of agreement is that they were introduced during the 1880s, depending on how deeply one
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury If only life could be as simple as that Blue Bell ice cream delivery guy’s view of his job. It seems to take simplicity to another level. “I eat all I can and sell the rest.” That’s what the ad says, as company leadership leans on the old saying about life being a “cinch by
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury I spend a good chunk of time each week working with, learning from, and encouraging fellow senior adults. It seems to me that the ones best able to “finish the race” don’t spend a lot of time employing the adverb “too.” The public at large, however, generally chooses to use the word “too” for maximation of
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury For youngsters, the wheels of time turn slowly, no matter how many “hurry ups” they desire. Indeed, dream fulfillment is painfully slow. The same is often true for grown-ups, too. For Branson, Missouri, the entertainment mecca was hit hard by COVID-19. There was no magic to “grease the wheels,” but as the pandemic weakens, wheels
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Whatever is said usually doesn’t measure up to sheer artistry, since brush-and-easel greats can land haymakers to writers who are armed only with words. Use of color and much else conveys mind’s eye images to canvas, thus usually tilting communication effectiveness scales toward artistry. ‘Tis true. Artists worthy of the title typically say more with
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury He was not gigantic in physical stature, but in his no-nonsense approach to government, he stood tall, this proud Texas governor who was the first West Texan to hold the office. His name was Preston Smith, who died 18 years ago at age 91. Though he maintained a tie-always-straight appearance, the only thing keeping him
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Fifth-grade violinists from Grandview Elementary School are accustomed to taking Branson, Missouri, by storm, but this year they wowed audiences despite the “double whammy” of rainstorms and a pandemic. Founder-director Vicki Nichols, who has taken the Zebra Strings to Branson for 15 consecutive years on a chartered bus, opted out last spring when COVID-19 dangers
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