The late George Carlin is best remembered for poking holes in the policy implemented to eliminate the foulest of words on radio and television. He essentially made a living with his TV …
Many retirees — even if admitting only to slowing down to a lower gear — have a difficult time finding rocking chairs that fit. Some don’t even try; count me in that group, …
Foul balls aren’t really the worst things in the world. Generally, unless they’re caught, at least one more swing is assured. Missing the ball by even one-millionth of an inch on the …
For the next three weeks, there’ll be too much about me, even if I apologize in advance for citing personal experiences, but they’re the only kinds I’ve had. At their core will …
It is that time again when hundreds of thousands of us can’t get the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” out of our heads, often whistling or humming the melody, not even wondering …
When I introduced this weekly column more than 22 years ago, my stated goal was to provide amusement — even if corny and outdated — largely for readers dealing with bodily wrinkles, …
When one nitpicks, there’s no end to it. We’re all frequently guilty, and I admit to being among chief sinners, particularly since the term’s initial usage began in 1956, the same …
It’s got to be a borderline miracle when Eastland — a town with fewer than 5,000 people — can lay claim to not one, but TWO “facts” worthy of the Guinness Book of …
Before choirs proclaimed that He is risen, before church bells sounded around the world celebrating Jesus’ resurrection and before children skittered across lawns for multicolored eggs, I saw …
They’re as predictable as frantic taxpayers working until the hours are few on April 14 to meet income tax filing deadlines the following midnight. A nomadic bunch, they show up following …
I might never have resented my brother if he’d have been born other than in 1944, when Grapette was getting a foothold in our town. I had enjoyed “only child” perks for seven …
The ballyhoo about “no free lunches” was first bandied about in the 1880s and today, Southwest Airlines’ “bags fly free” death bell is on the verge of gonging. Long …
Had a Texas Aggie been a Rip Van Winkle wannabe in 2011, he (she) might hardly recognize the university upon awakening from slumber in 2025. There might be understandable confusion. Is real time …
Taxation without representation is tyranny. Though it’s hard to nail down who initially coined this statement, it was the hue and cry of “British Americans” when they fought during …
Odds of brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright constructing, then flying, the world’s first powered aircraft in 1903 — and Southwest Airlines’ founding what would become one of the …
Column deadlines often are near enough to nudge before first paragraphs are actually written. Some might think such to be sheer procrastination. I prefer to consider my “delays” to …
Uncle Mort doesn’t own a smartphone, and only recently found a well-worn flip phone for $10 on eBay. Neither does my ancient uncle own a computer, claiming he’d never remember where the …
Economists have suggested for years that we’d be better served if the U.S. Mint ceased turning out pennies--the nation’s lowest denominational coin. Though some 140 billion pennies remain …
Tears of millions of Americans have scarcely dried since the tragic mid-air collision of a passenger airliner with a military helicopter on January 29 in the icy waters of the Potomac River in …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
It’s seasonal for most of us, of course. Our memories kick into overdrive, dredging up details of long-ago holidays. In my case, Christmas Days of yore were as predictable as the …
