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 …

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 …

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 …

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, …

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 …

Here comes another “Mother Hubbard” column.   That’s how preachers sometimes describe their sermons--comparable to “Mother Hubbard” dresses.   They …

Now that the election is over, my ancient Uncle Mort and his domino-playing buddies down in the thicket can resume their usual mostly-minutia confabs that too often lack authenticity. This …

Carl Sandburg--his poetry collections winning three Pulitzer Prizes--warmed the hearts of Americans with his beautiful description of how tides roll in, “on little cat feet.” He …

The deeper dive one takes into life’s hourglass of time, the more likely it is to ponder nuggets of health news that might affect longevity. One jumped out at me the other day when a …

Bob Hope, beloved humanitarian, comedian and patriot, may have been America’s best ambassador of international goodwill--ever. He was able to “localize” his jokes and stories no …