Columns/Opinions

I love scanning World, U.S. and local Texas news headlines. For the most part, I can read a headline and decide, do I want to read the rest of the story? This method has served me for years, as I hunt the strange and unusual headlines for that little tidbit of fact that catches my attention.
For example, here’s one you may have missed. If you are a fan of the Julia Robert’s blockbuster “Erin Brockovich” then you know the movie is based on a true story. A real life-compelling story of a woman that beat the odds and utility company for one of the largest settlements in civil court. A real activist that fights the good fight for a lot of people. A mother and law clerk whose story was so compelling, a movie was made. Mrs. Brockovich-Ellis was recently arrested for DUI boating at the Boat Harbor, Las Vegas. Seems she had twice the legal limit at Lake Mead and was having difficulties parking her boat. She was released on a $1,000 bond. Makes you think about the sequel.

Letter to the Editor,
The purpose of this letter to the paper is to express our gratitude to the Calvert Police Department for their swift action and response on the night of May 25th of this year.

Every year seems to pass faster and faster, the older you get. Last week we printed the 2012-2013 Graduation section. Looking at all those kids pictures it occurred to me that not only have I been out of school for more than 25 years, but in my career I have now printed an entire round of senior photos. The kids pictures last, well, they would have been in pre-k when I started making newspapers and as you can understand, I have done a graduation section every year.
Each year, I write my column based on graduation, words of advice, thoughts for success, etc. This year I really have only one piece of advice for the graduating classes of Robertson County, Texas… slow down and enjoy it.
Success will come, if you work for it. Money will come when you earn it, but what you can not get back is the freedom to enjoy your life at the age you are right now. You will never again have the summer after graduation so slow down and soak it in.

Born September 12, 1931, George Glenn Jones passed away April 26, 2013 leaving a legacy of country music that inspired generations of musicians and earned millions of fans. Born in Saratoga, Jones was raised in Vidor, Texas with 6 siblings. At age nine, Jones received his first guitar as a present from his parents, soon after he was singing for coins on the streets of Beaumont. Jones landed his first gig at 16, a radio station in Jasper where he would perform live over the Texas radio waves.

Jones would enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Soon after the Korean War started, stationed in California, his music career would launch not long after his discharge.

Jones personality was best summed up by his alcoholism; which more often than not were the basis of well-documented antics by the country superstar.

I love learning new things, and this week I learned a new phrase for an old habit.
Most of us watch a little TV. My grandmother use to call soaps her “programs.” Each day, she would tune into her programs and follow the story line. She did this up until the day she passed away.
For the working stiff, television has evolved; now our “programs” are aired at night. Dramas, reality TV, sitcoms, a new name for an old habit.
Let’s face it, since the invention of television, people have been loyal, following a program to the bitter end. How many original episodes of M*A*S*H have you seen?
The old habit has a new trick, and a new phrase. American’s are now turned on by the ability to binge on their favorite programs.
With the addition of digital television has come a whole new way of watching and keeping track of your favorite show.

Dennis Phillips

Publisher

news@robconews.com