opinion

(1) Chicago Wolves vs. (2) Texas Stars Preview

This is a quick preview of the up-coming Playoff Series for the Texas Stars before they take on the Chicago Wolves. Stars Leading Regular Season Scorer: Aaron Gagnon, 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists). Wolves Leading Regular Season Scorer: Jason Krog, 72 points (14 goals, 61 assists). Stars Leading Regular Season Goalie: Matt Clime, 2.46 Goals Against (21 wins, 17 losses). Wolves Leading Regular Season Goalie: Peter Mannino, 2.34 Goals Against (26 wins, 5 losses). Something … [Read more...]

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The Souvenir Menu: Spanish Grenache, a good value wine

2:14 pm by admin Leave a Comment

In December, I was invited to lead a small class on wine for a local women’s organization. Several wines had been donated and I was asked to provide guidance in tasting, as well as general information about the wines and grapes. The plus for me was that I got to talk about wine for hours and these people actually wanted to be there! A very nice surprise that evening was the Spanish Grenache. The majority of my experience with Spanish wine has been moderately-priced Tempranillos. These are … [Read more...]

From the Publisher, Tiger Speaks

2:49 pm by admin Leave a Comment

Tiger Woods is scheduled to give a press conference around 10:30 a.m. today. There is much anticipation around the world’s number one golfer. Regardless, if you like golf or not, it’s a big deal. Prior to Thursday, the last time we saw Woods in public was on Thanksgiving - if you don’t count the rehab pictures. Much like older people talk about historic events and they recall there whereabouts, I was in the car with my mother when I heard the news. “Tiger Woods is car crash and taken to the … [Read more...]

From the Publisher: Super Bowl Weekend

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What are you doing this weekend? Chances are it will have something to do with the Super Bowl. Even if you are not a fan, somehow the spectacle will reach out and suck you in. Your email, cell phone or facebook has been littered with invites, e-vites and requests for you to join someone’s ultimate Super Bowl party. I’ll admit not watching any of the traditional hype leading up to the game, so I honestly can’t tell you what number we are on. I know it’s in the 40s and it should be … [Read more...]

History should not have a color

5:59 am by admin Leave a Comment

By Frank Garrett Jr. Once upon a time I spent the month of February crisscrossing Texas and Travis County participating in Black History programs. The colleges and schools I frequented loaded me down with certificates of appreciation, free lunch, and in some instances an honorarium. I loved the opportunity to enlighten people about our contribution to America and the world, but chaffed at having to do it during the shortest month of the year. It never escaped my mind that if History books … [Read more...]

The state of our Union is sad

1:21 pm by admin Leave a Comment

A friend of mine told me how disgusted she is with her efforts to bring something decent to the people of her hometown, only to be rejected and talked about in unsavory ways. She lamented that her husband has backed her in this effort and now she feels bad because there is, in her opinion, nothing to show for the money invested. I of course disagree with her because of the number of people now gainfully employed by the business that is succeeding. Regardless of the failure of a couple of … [Read more...]

From the Publisher: The big deal with Avatar

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If you live on this planet, then you know of Avatar, right? You know, the little independent film, by the one-hit wonder James Cameron. The fact of the matter is that this movie is breaking all the records. By the way, if you do want to see the movie there is no spoiler alert here. Nothing about the film will be revealed here. The only thing I will say is this movie is worth your three hours. It debuted at number one and has camped out there since. I had a meeting over at the Bob Bulluck … [Read more...]

Still alive after 365

10:27 pm by admin 1 Comment

By Frank Garrett, Jr., The Austin Times columnist There are surveys out of the wazoo floating around the Internet wanting people to rate the first year of America’s first black president. I have pretty much ignored the effort to compile a citizen’s generated portrait of Barack Obama due to what I consider an unlevel playing field. When you consider we are a nation that tolerated eight years of inept leadership which left us in two wars and a record deficit, to measure the success of a … [Read more...]

From the Publisher: When positive thinking is not enough

6:00 pm by admin Leave a Comment

Think and grow rich. You can determine your fate. If the mind can perceive it, the body can achieve it. Really? There is a fine line of what you want to be so and what is so. Recently I read the book, “The Law of Attraction.” And yes, I must admit, I have put together some amazing months with some amazing events that surely must be attributed to the universe smiling favorably upon me. That is not to say there haven’t been disappointments. I guess it depends on how or when you are keeping … [Read more...]