THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury My aged Uncle Mort admitted the other day that he feels like it’s time for him to re-enter the stock market, and this time, “brimming with confidence.” He swore off trying to out-guess the market in the late 1990s. Mort said he lumped all of his investments into “sweet chariot stocks.” I’d never heard
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Relax. This is NOT going to be another one of those “promise pieces” about helpful resolutions that might elevate life for me in 2025. I leave that to others. In fact, were I to make a New Year’s resolution, it would be the determination to avoid making annual resolutions in the future. My aged
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury To most Texans, the name “Rambo” may mean little, but to Todd Compton it evokes memories from his childhood, when kinfolk spoke of 17th century ancestors who lived in what is now Philadelphia. Peter Gunnarson Rambo (1611-1698) was most discussed, and Compton, now 52, remembers the accounts he heard in his grandmother’s kitchen. His genealogical
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury If my ancient Uncle Mort could somehow “saddle up” the University of Texas mascot, and then lean forward, he’d literally be close to the center of Bevo’s horns. As it is, this simple “what if” only figuratively describes his dilemma concerning the outcome of the upcoming Longhorn-Ohio State football game. Whichever team wins will
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury “Spell Check” — first thought to be a handy computer feature to help us use the correct letters in the proper order for word formation–often goes haywire. Like oft-discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI is the abbreviation, despite my thinking it to be short for “Alfred” in the early going), it can be dead wrong, redden
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury I have never been a superstitious person—not until the recent Friday the Thirteenth. Truth is, I’ve chuckled at others who won’t walk under ladders, change routes when black cats crossed their trails or wear the same unwashed “lucky” garments to extend sports victory strings. Sad memories of my mid-morning calamity remain tender. But, tears
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury The song has been a staple in Christian hymnals for more than a century, underscoring deeply held beliefs. “The Way of the Cross Leads Home”–written in 1906–might be in the running for Christians’ national anthem if it ever came to a vote. Until here lately, the “way” to Branson, Missouri, has not been quite so
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICAN THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury They are a lovable couple–Dr. Chris Liebrum and his wife, Cindy–known for quickly triggered smiles, positive attitudes, deep faith and commitment to close-knit families. Married for 52 years, they have reached highest peaks and navigated life’s storms–shortening them when possible–confident of a safe arrival on the other side. They’re the kind of
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Errors committed when speaking sometimes, sadly, result in word entanglements that are simply beyond repair. None of us is immune. And, getting out of verbal messes can be as difficult as sticking quills back into the goose. Some folks of national renown are known for their misspoken words, particularly when they open their mouths only
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Spirit Of Abilene 