Columns & Opinions

From literature to grammar to pronouns

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A woman I follow on Facebook — Mary Doria Russell— recently retired from writing, after seven books. I wasn’t aware one could do that. Is retirement an option? Many successful writers treat writing as a 9-5 job, M-F. They forego other chores to descend into a world of their own creation. Artists do this as well. How do they manage it? Do they live alone, have competent, industrious, self-less and understanding partners— or employ full-time household help, gardeners, cooks, ranch hands, and personal shoppers?

Religiosity

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T he Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has long since turned its back on traditional religion. Instead, it created its own religion called “Juche.” Historically, Koreans lived under shamanism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Hundreds of new laws go into effect across Texas

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A total of 774 new laws went into effect on Sept. 1, affecting Texans in many areas of their lives, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The new laws concern property taxes, registration fees and voting access, among other issues. Several have drawn court challenges from opponents.

Summer of our discontent 2023

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R emember Covid? Does it ever seem like a bad dream – except for those who experienced a serious case / hospitalization or the loss of loved ones. I’m not minimizing the horrific effects. But sometimes I just can’t believe it happened.

Religiosity

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R eligion, like almost everything else about China, is complex. It is officially a Communist nation of 1.4 billion people and, by definition, atheist.

Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave

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Capital Highlights T he agency that operates the power grid for much of the state asked Texans to conserve energy use several times last week as the grid was beset with high demand and low wind-power generation, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has asked electric users to reduce energy use as the state continues to face a tenacious heat wave.

Coffee bar vs. dog bar

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A pparently, the coffee bar is a new thing in home improvement and suddenly a necessary home amenity. It’s probably not all that new or necessary, at least not for us. We don’t live in a big city and rarely check out home décor trends these days.

Religiosity

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I n the coming weeks we will resume our overview of Christianity’s growth and development in the second and third centuries. We have noted that all but one of the early apostles (John) were martyred in the first century.

Religiosity

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T he Cabinet of the U.S. Executive Branch has evolved since its establishment under George Washington with just four members: Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Attorney General Edmund Randolph.