Columns

A wildfire in the Texas Panhandle has consumed more than one million acres and as of Sunday was just 15 percent contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. It is the largest wildfire in Texas history.

Have you ever watched a volleyball game and witnessed an entire team suddenly duck under the net and join the other team? Gasping for a breath of hope that isn’t there, they had finally thrown up their hands in despair and crossed to the other side of the net. Just gave up, gave in, and joined the enemy.

For years, I have worn the title of “quirky” with pride. I used to tell folks, that, no, as a Preacher’s Kid (PK), I wasn’t the “black sheep” of the family – I was the purple one. I take pride in causing folks to say “Huh?!?”. For years, I said that the only tattoo I’d ever considering putting on my body would be a small purple pansy – just because they’re pretty, and the word “pansy” is not something folks typically associate with a 270 lb. powerlifter (so far, I’ve bench-pressed 470 lbs. and leg-pressed 1400 lbs.).

A standoff at an Eagle Pass park continues as the Department of Homeland Security has sent a second letter to Gov. Greg Abbott demanding access to the Rio Grande park that is now under state control.

During the Obama administration, a concerning trend emerged within the Justice Department. Settlement funds from federal lawsuits were being diverted not to victims or the U.S.

Most Valuable Player (MVP). Depends upon the perspective and opinion of the person watching the game.

I guess I can blame it on my roots, my desire to procure fresh pork when the weather gets cold and the sky clear. Back in the late 50s when I was a youngster growing up in very rural Red River County in Northeast Texas, my dad would pick a cold, clear day and designate it ‘Hog Killin’ day.

Until last week, I had a fluffy white beard. This was the first time I’d ever let it grow for more than two weeks – usually, I just look a little “scruffy”, but my wife and I agreed that I should avoid shaving (except my neck) until my very difficult assignment in Virginia was over (as a sort of protest). But now that it’s over, I’m unemployed, and the beard might not fit the professional appearance I want to convey. And, as my sweetie reminds me, Purt eats a lot of pricey dog food, so the beard had to go.