Columnist pulled wool over my eyes

By Willis Webb   Most of us are enamored of “celebrity.” Even those of us in the hardened press corps find big names somewhat intriguing although, after a lengthy servitude, we tend to do so with a great many reservations.

Flooded

By Renae Brumbaugh   I’ve decided to change my name to Calamity Jane. Or get a tattoo that says, “Walking Disaster.” Or both. Just this morning, I bemoaned the fact that nothing exciting has happened to me lately.

Extortion as conciliation

by Rich Lowry   In a fit of postelection modesty, President Barack Obama is offering not to take executive action to amnesty millions of illegal immigrants -- provided Republicans do his bidding on immigration. It is extortion as conciliation. New Jersey Gov.

Houston’s 3-newspaper era

By Willis Webb   Since I spent more than half my 70-plus years in the Texas Gulf Coast area, in or near Houston, I maintain my readership in the Houston Chronicle. My first two years of college were spent in Huntsville, less than two hours north of the metropolis, then the final two in Houston.

We’re mean

By Lynette Sowell   One of my favorite books from childhood begins like this: “It was a dull autumn day and Jill Pole was crying behind the gym. She was crying because they had been bullying her.

Karla Faye had it coming but not Chipita

Leading up to the 1998 execution of ax murderer Karla Faye Tucker, there were repeated references to the fact that a woman had not been put to death in Texas since Nov. 13, 1863. Her name was Chipita Rodriguez and this is her sad but true story.

Peanuts to Diamonds

Did you know that peanuts can be turned into diamonds? It’s true! Scientists have now discovered a technique that harnesses pressures that are even higher than those found at the earth’s core. They are using this technique to turn unlikely substances, including peanut butter, into diamonds.

Spell check is not your friend

By Lynette Sowell   A long, long time ago, n the Dark Ages before we had personal computers in (almost) every home, and computers we carry around in our hands and pockets, we had something called spell check.

How competitive are you?

By Willis Webb   There’s something about Americans. We’ve convinced ourselves that we’re The Best. I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with that. Over the nearly two and a half centuries since we kicked ol’ King George’s tail and turned “the colonies” into the U.S. of A.

Crazy chicken lady

By Renae Brumbaugh   A few years ago, I realized I’d turned into my mother. Now, my mother is a lovely woman, and I’m honored to be compared to her.