The 501

Beware any sweet talkin’ robotGiven the choice, would you rather deal with a brusque human or a friendly robot?Tough question? Me, I’ll take the human. I’m starting to mistrust robots of all shapes and sizes and demeanors. When a robot ends a message with “warm regards,” you know they don’t mean it.

Paxton sues to remove 13 absent Democrat House members

AUSTIN— Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove 13 of the more than 50 House Democrats who fled the state to break quorum and effectively halt the special session to prevent a mid-decade redistricting plan, the Austin American-Statesman reported.“These cowards...

Slipping through our fingers

The moment I wake up Before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you….(“I Say a Little Prayer,” Bacharach/David) This beginning week of school lends itself to a variety of emotions for families, but I am particularly mindful of those sending a firstborn to school for the first time.Parents...

Abbott looks to cut taxes by limiting local spending

AUSTIN—The Legislature reduced homeowners’ property taxes by $3.5 billion in the last regular session.

Knee-jerk reactions

Myrightkneehasbeen very knee-dy the past few years. So, under the knife I went, emerging bionic and a bit broken.I was naïve when it came to the recovery process. Most former athletes carry a hubris that is counterproductive to reality of major trauma to a major joint.

Is anybody ready to fly up?

HANABA MUNN WELCHIs anybody ready to fly up?Nothing beats getting off to a good start unless it’s reaching a good ending.“Once upon a time … and they lived happily ever after.” Fairy tales set the standard for beginnings and endings.Or do they?

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

with Pastor Kim NorwoodTop priorityA fellow pastor told this story about a man in his church. Jim was a successful businessman and his one indulgence to his success was the purchase of an MG convertible sports car.

The 501

HANABA MUNN WELCHLittle book, big shipDon’t underestimate the long-lasting effects of a little book you read when back when you were barely old enough to read.That’s our theme. But let me digress slightly to specify that the Little Golden books were my favorites. Maybe yours too?

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

with Pastor Kim NorwoodI love this observation from comedian, Jerry Seinfeld. He said, “I am never going to understand women. I’ll never understand how a woman can take boiling hot wax, pour it on her legs, then rip the hair out by the root, and yet be terrified of a spider.”

Harvesting just-right cantaloupes

In last week’s column were indicators of a ripe watermelon – mainly, checking out the condition of the tendril attached to the melon and harvesting when the tendril is dried.