Year-end ambitions make you think sometimes
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It’s the time of year when I look back and see where I’ve been and wonder where I’m going. On the shortest days of the year, I like to do a little recalibration.
Opinion
Spate of new laws effective Jan. 1
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After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported on SB 17, a new law that institutes a ban on programs and policies “designed or implemented in reference to race, color or ethnicity” at Texas public universities or colleges — commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.
Gun violence is a reflection of us all
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In the streets of Bogalusa, La., a sadly familiar scene unfolds — the mournful wail of sirens, the piercing flash of blue lights and another community shaken by the harsh crack of gunfire. This is a recurring nightmare echoing across Louisiana, reflecting a national crisis that grips the heart of America.
Santa is a cowboy
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The subject came up spontaneously at a recent meeting of the New Mexico Cowboy Curmudgeon Coalition, where our motto is: “If we actually existed, would anyone really care?” It came about because of the time of year and the spirit of Christmas, and was encouraged by other spirits, of a more … well … bottled variety.
Wild children just a part of life
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The children were in the pew in front of me. We had not arrived early enough at my sister’s church for the Christmas Eve service to secure a seat in the back, so we were in the fourth row. The first row is never used by anyone; the second row is only for people who arrive impossibly late. The third row is, for all intents and purposes, the front row, and that’s where these two wild-looking children were.
‘Tell Santa what you want for Christmas’
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Now before you can sneak away, here comes that pharaoh of the feed-store, that baron of the bunkhouse, that titan of the tack room …Windy Wilson. Well, t’other day I meandurated around town until I crept into Sarah’s bookstore.
Dressing up for Christmas a family tradition
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Itend to be a Christmas maximalist; at least if you ask my husband, Peter, that’s what he would say. Peter would dispense with the tree, the presents and most of the outings.
How to decline those holiday drinks this Christmas season
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The day leading up to Christmas and the days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day can seem like a constant invitation to drink alcohol. There is always an excuse to crack open a bottle and drink, whether at work parties, family gatherings, or other holiday functions.
Property tax cuts go into effect
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Atotal of $18 billion in property tax cuts were approved by more than 80% of voters in the November general election and should be reflected in property tax bills that are due by Jan. 31. The cuts come in the form of increased home exemptions, lower school district rates, and limiting the amount property appraisals can rise.
Time to negotiate an end to the Ukraine War
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The war in Ukraine has destabilized and polarized the international order. It pits two nuclear-armed superpowers, the United States and Russia, against each other. Any miscalculation can take all of us to nuclear Armageddon. This war has created untold human misery. Ending this war should be a top priority for humankind. How can the war be ended and on what terms?
