Does your syndrome have an acronym?

Body HANABA MUNN WELCH Do you suffer from a syndrome? Think before you answer. How about the not-inmy- backyard syndrome? It’s doesn’t describe a medical condition (first definition) but rather refers to a “characteristic combination of opinion, emotions or behavior.

Lives worth watching

Body I’m a streaky reader. The kind who binges by taste— mostly nonfiction but on occasion a good fiction read recommended by my daughters. At the moment, the late David McCullough’s work is on the coffee table beside my rocker.

Farmer’s Almanac predicting a white winter

Body GARY BORDERS FOR TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION AUSTIN— As Texas gets at least a temporary reprieve this week from the heat, with a nice round of rain blanketing much of the state, the Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting January will bring significant snowfall to the state.

Fake hearing aids

Body HANABA MUNN WELCH If you can’t say somethin’ twice, don’t say nothin’ at all. That’s my latest motto, coined for us hearing-impaired. For everyone else, it’s a directive. Language just magically gets clearer and understandable the second time someone says something.

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Body GARY BORDERS FOR TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION AUSTIN—While gas prices nationwide dropped below $4 per gallon average last week, the state boasts the lowest prices in the country at an average of $3.49 — 50 cents below the national average, according to AAA Texas.

Taking to the podium

Body Biblical Hero Noah Holds Press Conference (translated from Hebrew and Aramaic to English by this reporter) Press Secretary Paul (yes, THAT Paul): Noah will make an opening statement and then take a few questions from reporters. Noah: Good morning.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEED As the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone Star State and brings them into the homes and hearts of thousands.

Good ideas – for better or worse

Body HANABA MUNN WELCH It seemed like a good idea at the time. When it comes to book titles, that one should work for just about anybody’s biography, auto or otherwise. We are an idea-motivated species. Major in art? It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Drivers urged to be alert as school be

Body GARY BORDERS FOR TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION AUSTIN— Millions of Texas children are heading back to school this month, as early as this week in some districts.

The well that never runs dry

Body My yard has varicose veins and doesn’t seem to care. I guess the upside is that the mower (that’s me) gets a break, but seeing as yard work is my main form of exercise that’s not a good thing.