Obama kneecaps Congress (again)

If only President Barack Obama were as hard-nosed and clever in undermining our adversaries as he is in kneecapping the U.S. Congress, the country’s strategic position might be transformed.

Gov. says family of woman who died in custody deserves answers

Gov. Greg Abbott on July 22 issued a statement regarding the arrest and death of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old Illinois resident who had driven to Hempstead in response to a job offer from Prairie View A&M University.

Writer beware: murky publishing waters

Maybe you’re well on your way to finishing that book of yours, whether it is a  novel or a memoir, or a collection of family stories. Good for you. If you’re not finished  yet, keep that hind end in your chair and be jealous of those few moments here and there until you reach The End.

Texas panhandle wiped clean of buffalo

by Bartee Hailie With no more buffalo left to slaughter, the last of the High Plains hunters, as shaggy as the beasts they once stalked, departed the Panhandle on Jul. 23, 1879. The wild rush of gold-seekers to California in 1849 split in half the multitude of North American bison.

Just Scoot It . . .

by Renae Brumbaugh Last weekend, my sweet family and I went hiking in Oklahoma. According to the website, Turner Falls seemed so serene and surreal, we felt it was just the place for us.

‘…as she ran her fingers through my hair…’

Ah, thank you Lord, for the advent of unisex hair salons.  Not only has my aging mind become broader with my body, so have the minds of us all.

Waterparks are not for control freaks

It all began as a simple family outing to the waterpark.  I prepared for a day of sun, water, good times and leaving the cell phone locked away for a day. Could I do it? Of course I could.

Utopia failed to take root on Texas frontier

by Bartee Hailie After three wave-tossed months at sea, a shipload of thirsty Germans streamed ashore at Galveston on Jul. 17, 1847 and went in search of the nearest tavern.

Bricked In

by Renae Brumbaugh After nearly 5 decades on this earth, I’ve finally found my calling in life. I’m going to be a brick mason. Last week, Superman and I put in a new patio. I did it alone, really.

Comptroller says state will not borrow to

By Ed Sterling Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on July 7 announced his decision not to go the usual route to insure that Texas meets its budgetary obligations.