Air-conditioning is our summer gift

Hot and dry. The endless variations of weather that we are only beginning to understand scientifically comes with surprises. Recently, Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, had its first real snowfall in fifteen years.

One Size Does Not Fit Every Texas School

It is back-to-school time in Texas, and in a political season that means education plans are arriving almost as quickly as school-supply lists.It is good to see Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa make public education central to the governor’s race.

Voucher data no surprise for us

I’ve spent two decades in and around the Texas Capitol, working with Republican officeholders who believed in school choice as part of a larger accountability system. That’s exactly why the first numbers on Texas’ billion-dollar voucher program should trouble conservatives, not just critics.

Financial steps to take before marriage

Getting married is a major decision that comes with a financial to-do list that’s arguably more important than choosing a venue or a cake. Talking openly about money can help set you and your partner up for a stronger future.What financial conversations should I have with my fiancé?

Some facts about CT scans

Turn the light on!Plain X-ray films tell us a little bit. It was a magical moment when the CT (computed tomography) came. Talk about turning the lights on! The experts have told us for a long time that the CT is overused.

It’s so easy to delete our mistakes

Waiting rooms. Will there be one at the Pearly Gates? Will everybody be on their phones?I’m thinking of that line in “Sixteen Tons” — “Saint Peter, don’t you call me ‘cause I can’t go; I owe my soul to the company store.”Update that to “First I’ve got to find my phone.”Yep.

What financial fulfillment looks like

Feeling financially fulfilled means so much more than just the number in your bank account. It’s about being able to take your family out to dinner without calculating whether you can afford it.

Retirement is not for me right now

RETIRED Not me! A number of the people my age retired when Covid hit. I can understand that! Now they are retiring due to age, health, and circumstances. My older brother, Alan, is retiring next month.

Blank, blanker, & blankest

If your mind is blank, check Facebook. You can end up blanker.Or can you? “Blanker” should not be a word — not even for taking potshots at oft-maligned Facebook. “Blanker” falls in the same category as “uniquer.” But if Spellcheck lets you spell whatever, then it’s a bona fide word. Right?

We Like Our Rural Way of Life

Rural Texas is dying.I keep hearing some version of that statement as Texas debates data centers, economic development and the future of our rural communities.And frankly, I am tired of it. Rural Texas has challenges. Some communities are losing population. Schools are fighting for enrollment.