Opinion

“Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice.” — Steve Jobs (1955– 2011) American businessman, inventor, and investor best known for co-founding Apple Inc They were sitting on a park bench at Veteran’s Plaza: the little guy and the old man. I saw them when I paused there during an after-work stroll, taking in the beauty and cooler days of a Hill Country fall when I published the newspaper in Boerne thirty years ago.

In the current economy, when a visit to the grocery store requires a long-term financing plan, it has become clear that our family must find ways to spend less. This is especially challenging for us considering that we have two daughters in college, one daughter in private school, and three pets, all of whom seem determined to ensure that we won’t be able to purchase hamburger meat without selling our plasma.

The U.S. Constitution may very well have been an attempt to subdue negative traits of human nature, with four of those being greed, despotism, cowardice, and foolishness. There are more, yet these four may be the most harmful. Thomas Jefferson warned that the U.S. Republic could turn into an “Elective Despotism.” John Adams said the U.S. Constitution was written for a “Moral and Religious People.” Seeing the growing number of despots, the decline of morals, and a growing contempt toward true Jews and Christians in the U.S., we might deem Tom and John to be prophets. If God did bless America, then his free will does exist because false Democrats, RINOS, and other reprobates have done a good job of crapping all over God’s blessing and the U.S. Constitution. Elections are coming in November. May there be enough true Jews, real Judeo-Christians, and other God-fearing moral people with clear thinking who will be voting in 2024? May they overcome an assault of the many self-serving control freaks and God-hating ghouls in the USA. Maybe then God will see clearly to bless America once more.

“Uninvited, he sat down and opened up his mind, On old dogs and children, and watermelon wine. — song lyrics by Tom T.

At a Borderlands Research Institute staff meeting recently, one of our researchers commented about some “cowboy science” he had recently conducted— a simple comparison of whether native grasses grew better with or without mulch. He didn’t take precise measurements, but he learned that mulch made a difference.

As we approach the annual livestock sale on January 11, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the Big Bend Livestock Show Association‘s (BBLSA) significant role in our community. This organization is more than just a club for those passionate about livestock; it’s a cornerstone of our local culture, economy, and future. If you haven’t considered joining, now is the time to become part of something meaningful, enriching, and impactful for your family and community.

“When a friend deals with a friend, let the bargain be clear and well-Penn’d so that they may continue being friends to the end.” — Written by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) in Poor Richard’s Almanac under the alias of Richard Saunders. The publication appeared from 1732 to 1758.

Accumulating clippings, notes, earmarked books, unmarked photos, and mysteriously scribbled-on pieces of paper. It’s what writers do. We often consider ourselves to be quasi-historians. Known to keep an immense library of outwardly appearing random reference material because we might need it someday.

Let me be the first to say it: Welcome home, John Klingemann. Sul Ross State University and the Museum of the Big Bend are pleased to welcome Dr.