Pasta puttanesca pleasurable to the palate

Body Olives pack lots of flavor. They add a salty, brininess that can’t be matched. When I’m eating light and want to add richness and depth to a salad or pasta, for example, I reach for olives.

To thine own tunes be true

Body Warning: If songwriting is of zero interest to you, skip to the end for an all-purpose moral. At that point, you’ll have to backtrack if the mention of a purple mountain piques your curiosity. Sorry.

The sweetest Labrador

Body This week my daughter Emily and her family will say goodbye to their 15-year-old Labrador, Abbey. With two children who have not known life without their dog, the loss will be especially hard. It was the classic tale of college love, how Abbey came to be Emily’s.

Run for something

Body All of us have heard the stories of the glory days of our hometowns. “Nowadays” may not be as vibrant and bustling as things were in the good old days. But here’s the good news. There’s always potential for improvement.

Seeking local resources for addiction center

Body I am currently looking for facilities which could house up to ten people one to use for women, the second facility for men. These facilities would be used to help people who cannot go to treatment centers for addiction.

Speaker open to resort-style casinos in state

Body House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, told The Dallas Morning News and other media outlets that he is open to bringing resort-style casinos to Texas. But don’t expect to find slot machines in 7-Eleven stores if casino gambling is legalized.

88th Lege starts with surplus; will it mean property tax relief?

Body If you live in West Texas, it’s not easy to know what the Texas Legislature is doing, when it meets every other year for 140 days in Austin. The 88th Legislative Session began Tuesday.

Communication 101

Body After a few days of watching students compete in a speaking contest, I might make an easy assumption that ideas are best spread through what comes out of our mouths. Not so.

Orzo Chopped Salad

Body You may have noticed more plant-based food mentioned in this column recently. While I don’t consider myself vegan, I love reaping the benefits of plant-based eating.

Karaoke cowboys— and pallbearers

Body Ever met a karaoke cowboy? I didn’t think so. A real cowboy is unlikely to be caught dead singing karaoke. A rodeo cowboy might. But a regular working ranch hand eschews limelight. How do I know?