Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
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THANKS IS A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD We folks here in Southeast Texas have much to be thankful for. All around us, in many ways, from crime to weather and more, this is one of the luckiest areas. Anyone who wants a job can get one and the economy is now on the verge of booming. I probably won’t be here to see it but you can’t even envision the drastic change that will occur. It won’t be without affecting our infrastructure. Traffic will be a solid bottleneck. Six-thousand new const...
Athens, Greece is the birthplace of self-government known as democracy. Even though we call our system of government a democracy, it is, in fact, a republic. The difference being that the people do not make government decisions directly, but through elected representatives who speak for them in an authorized body. Unlike Athens which allowed citizens to gather in the public square and select their leaders on the spot as well as make decisions about what laws or rules they...
Gardeners, we are once again experiencing brisk weather, though it’s cold to me and looks as though it’ll be “hanging around” for more than a week. In preparation of rainy, colder temperatures, my first step sent me scrambling into the vegetable garden, harvesting vegetables and herbs, a few which don’t enjoy cold weather, such as English cucumbers and basil. After harvesting more than a bushel of cucumbers, I phoned friends and neighbors who would be interested in a share o...
DEMOCRACY WINS OVER VOTERS Last week, in predicting the outcome of the national elections, I came as close as anyone in making the right call. After months of the Republican party saying there was going to be a big “Red Wave” and a “Blood Bath,” I predicted otherwise. I feared the only loss might be in Congress by a few votes. All the polls and pundits predicted a Republican “Title Wave.” Here’s what they missed. They polled many subjects; inflation, gas prices, abortion, etc....
Crime is always high on the list of concerns of voting citizens. A long list of promises made by would-be officeholders almost always contains at least one promise concerning reducing the rate of crime in whatever area that person is seeking office. The most usual method offered by those seeking election would be the promise to increase penalties for the commission of crimes. A good example is our current lieutenant governor whose solution to mass shootings is simply to raise...
MID-TERM ELECTIONS WILL DETERMINE UNITED STATES FUTURE Tuesday Nov. 8, was Election Day around the nation. Mid-term elections usually favor the party that is not in power. For the last few months the GOP has been predicting a Big Red Wave. Former President Donald Trump has personally endorsed and financially supported 286 Republican candidates. The outcome will probably decide if and how quickly Trump jumps into the 2024 presidential race. A bad showing of Trump candidates...
When John McCain was seeking the presidency, a woman supporter opined that his opponent was a Muslim not a loyal American and was born in Africa. Senator McCain quickly stopped her short and proceeded to explain to her how outlandish the rumors were. Not only were they not true, but they were unworthy of being brought up in a presidential debate. That was then. Now do we really believe that Democrats drink the blood of children in satanic rituals conducted in a New York pizza...
Last week, I wrote about transitioning houseplants back indoors or other areas, such as a porch, greenhouse, or garage, allowing plants to be protected from cooler nighttime temperatures. Our first “real” cold snap arrived this past week with day temperatures in the lower 60’s, and some areas experienced night temperatures below freezing, even dropping down into the low 30’s F. Uhm, I’m not sure how some of you feel about cooler weather, but to me that’s cold! Of course, liv...
WORLD SERIES-PHILLIES HOST ASTROS Rain forced World Series game 3 to be moved from Monday to Tuesday. Two games will follow on Wednesday and Thursday in Philadelphia. If the series doesn’t end there, game 6 and 7 will be played in Houston Saturday and Sunday. All games between the Astros and Phillies start at 7:03 p.m. and are televised on FOX. The Astros blew a five run lead in game one in a 6-5 loss but came back to win the second game 5-2. The teams were tied going into g...
It’s almost time! Time to start working on your entry into the Christmas parade, that is. The date is quickly approaching to break out those Christmas lights, fire up the old generator, put air in the trailer tires, and start working on your float. Saturday, December 3rd will be here before you know. It’s time to get busy. This year’s theme ought to be a really fun one. The Chamber of Commerce has selected “Superheroes” for this year. That broad of a subject should get your...
While driving around different communities in SETX, you've probably noticed (I certainly have) Satsuma trees are displaying bright orange-yellow fruits which are ripening. Did you know after cycling through numerous names since its inception, the name of Orange was finally chosen due to the native orange groves which attracted the attention of boatmen navigating the Sabine River. Of course, the original orange groves are long gone, lost to history due to our ever-changing...
Having been born in 1934 I have witnessed much change in the world. Most of the changes have made life better, but some I feel like I could do without. Some things I didn’t have growing up, including indoor plumbing, air conditioning, television, self-propelled lawnmowers, cell phones and a host of modern medicines that thankfully have extended the life cycle. While you often hear of people longing for the “good ole days,” the good new days with all the new comfo...
WORLD SERIES STARTS FRIDAY PHILLIES vs ASTROS The Philadelphia Phillies are going to the World Series for the first time in 13 years, and they are going there in a fashion that defies any and all words, Harper's two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning propelling them to a 4-3 victory over the Padres in Game 5 of the NLCS. Whatever happens from this point forward, whether it ends in victory or defeat in Houston or in Philadelphia, the 2022 Phillies have cemented...
Most of my friends, particularly the ones with a conservative bent, often like to quote the old saying, “least government governs best.” What makes me wonder why is it that all these folks seem to want their own school district, community, drainage district and who knows what other governmental entity to provide essential services. One area though that really makes me wonder why is in the area of law enforcement. I have never understood why it is that every form of edu...
It's been another fantastic week of cooler temperatures with perfect weather! We've experienced a few chilly mornings, but temperatures have warmed nicely by midday, making garden work outside extremely gratifying. Now, if we could get some much-needed rainfall! While there are numerous plants which gardeners associate with Halloween and various sorts of pumpkins and gourds have been staples for Halloween decorations for years. The orange pumpkin is hands down, the symbol...
PATH TO WORLD SERIES YANKEES vs ASTROS The Houston Astros have a record six consecutive American League Championship Series appearances after an 18-inning win over the Seattle Mariners. Jeremy Pena parked a full count fast ball over the center field wall to give Houston a 1-0 victory and series sweep in three games. The 18-inning game tied the record for the longest playoff game in major league baseball history and tied the Astros franchise record for most innings in a post...
What is the difference between a bribe and a campaign contribution? I must admit that sometimes it is difficult to tell. As I mentioned in a previous article, a former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives opined that money was the ‘mother’s milk’ of politics. Certainly I cannot disagree. Unfortunately, recent decisions and attitude of too many members of Congress have changed about money used in politics. For decency in politics one of the worst Supreme Court opinions...
Another week of fantastic weather has ended and fortunately many of us welcomed much needed rainfall, though the amount will hardly reduce our rainfall deficit! Our first true cold snap of the season has also arrived, with evening temperatures dropping into to the low 40’s and upper 30’s in some areas. So, if you have not yet started, now is the time to determine what to do with your numerous ornamental plants placed outside on porches, patios, decks or scattered about the yar...
BASEBALL PLAYOFFS NOW STARTED Baseball League playoffs and the World Series championship games are my favorite times of the year. Baseball is still truly like apple pie; it doesn’t age, and is the one team sport that magnifies the talent of the individual player. Baseball is special; it is an American sport, played by youngsters as early as five years old. It takes great talent to make it to the Major Leagues and a good amount of luck. Many youngsters who are very good just d...
Recent polls indicate the U. S. Supreme Court has suffered a great decline in public confidence. In my opinion it is because of several different rulings that are out of step with the opinions of the American public. The reason is linked to three recent rulings. There are other rulings, however, that seem to not fit with how things are in today’s world. One of the worst decisions of the current Republican Supreme Court has to do with the voting rights of American citizens. The...
POWERFUL STORM IAN SWAMPED FLORIDA I’ve lived long enough to have witnessed many hurricanes. I go back to an un-named storm in 1939 and many with names since. I don’t recall all the bad ones except maybe Audrey, in June 1957, which was as powerful a hurricane Ian that hit Florida Wednesday, Sept. 28. It’s one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the United States. Besides the catastrophic damage, it left over 100 people dead. The hurricane’s center struck just west of...
I don’t know about you, but this finally feels like fall is here. Temperatures are making their way into the 50’s in the mornings, not getting into the 90’s at midday, all of that spells autumn. The leaves are even beginning to act like it’s that time of year. Speaking of fall, that’s a good time for festivals in this part of the country because of the weather. I hope everyone was able to attend the National Night Out last evening. I would like to thank all the citizens...
Of late there has been more discussion of America becoming what is called a religious nationalistic country. Unfortunately, it is my belief that people who advocate this such as the pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Houston, Texas either have not read our nation’s constitution, history or do not understand either. The first of our Bill of Rights includes the phrase “Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise the...
What a fantastic week, the temperature is finally moderating as autumn-like weather is slowly sneaking into our area! Now, let’s hope we get increased rain chances in the weather forecast, as I’m certain all of you (myself included) are watering lawns, vegetable beds and flower gardens once or twice weekly. The cooler morning temperatures are making garden work a much more pleasant experience, which means spending more time outdoors. Stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Las...
In my opinion, the greatest problem facing America today is the division among the people of the United States. It goes without saying a team that does not have unity of purpose is generally never a winning team whether on the athletic field or anywhere else. It also seems that every major problem facing America today could be solved if only the leaders of our two major parties would come together and remain at the task until the problems were solved. I suspect that part of...
