Corsicana — Pardon my absence from this space last week, if you will. Let’s just say I took a “mental health day” and leave it at that (although I can hear the chortling now...)
***
For an individual who saw snow actually falling from the sky for the first time in his life at the age of 30 (that would be me) I couldn’t help but get a kick from our “mini-blizzard” of last week. Our “anywhere from five to eight inches of snow” certainly wasn’t the most I’ve seen in my lifetime, but it was an enjoyable experience for me, nonetheless.
A big thank you to all the folks who responded to our request for snow pictures — we ended up with over 200 photos (between readers and our Ron Farmer) to help commemorate the winter event. You can find them on our online newspaper by clicking back through the “Latest News” section, and by visiting our photo gallery available on the main navigation bar at www.corsicanadailysun.com.
***
Interesting story crossed the AP wire on Wednesday morning about the University of Texas considering imposing “time limits” for students to obtain degrees. Doing so, the story said, will help the university be able to serve more people. It will also help, no doubt, the pocketbooks of those who are helping foot the bill for the adventure that is college for our young folks — been there, done that — and perhaps serve to have the students a bit more focused on their career goals and future life.
What was the joke from that David Spade move?
“A lot of people spend seven years in college.”
“Yeah. They’re called doctors.”
***
Speaking of doctors ...
Our own pages of the Daily Sun shared the news this week about one of our local physicians who gained some prominent recognition.
Dr. Bob Kingman was recognized as a “Texas Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly magazine, Key Professional Media and his physician peers — so says the notice from Navarro Regional Hospital this week. The award honors not only Kingman’s medical career, but also his commitment to the community.
I remember sitting across the desk from Bob Kingman one day in 2006 as he excitedly relayed the news that Habitat for Humanity of Navarro County had been officially recognized by the parent organization, and they were anxious to start building houses.
Four years later, they’ve built four “Habitat Home” and the organization shows no signs of slowing down. Far from it. They’ve planned an entire “sub-division” of Habitat homes for the future.
Now Bob Kingman will be the first one to give credit to everyone else for what the local Habitat affiliate has done. And, without a doubt, he’s right — it has taken the efforts of hundreds, if not thousands, of people — and just as many dollars — to build the homes the group has in the last four years.
But Kingman’s drive and desire for the program to be the success it has been has also played a key role in keeping the organization moving forward, and helping attract the support necessary to do so. His love and dedication to help his fellow man, woman and child live a better life has been invaluable in the organization’s success.
That’s a part of the story he would just as soon “not be a part of the story,” or of this column. But anyone who has seen him speak at Habitat home dedications knows how meaningful this ministry is to him personally.
And, it’s time that was recognized, and through the Texas Monthly honor, now maybe a few more folks know about Bob Kingman and his dedication to others.
Now Doctor, about his pain in my shoulder ....
—————
Bob Belcher is Managing Editor of the Daily Sun. His column appears on Sundays. He may be reached by e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this column? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
Columns
Related Photos
-
Belcher, Bob.jpg
Discussion
Potpourri
No, not the sweet smelly stuff — just some little things
- Columns
-
-
Conkers for fall
Ever heard of a conker? Well, the fall is here and I am looking forward to it for many reasons, as well as rekindling some fond memories of autumns as a youngster in England, with conkers.
-
My memories of ‘back to school’
It is hard to believe that it has been nine years since I last did the back-to-school thing, and yet those memories (most of them good) are still as clear as day.
-
‘Green’ will drive us
If my vehicle broke down tomorrow I COULD use the community transit to get to work. I don’t believe that’s the answer in the long term though.
-
Way Back When…
Persons of a certain age waxed melancholy recently upon the death of a musical icon, Mitch Miller.
-
SIMPSON: School Days, School Days
Don’t look now, but the school year has sneaked up on us again.
-
It’s on ...
You’ve seen the commercials, I’m sure, for Southwest Airlines and various employees from baggage handlers to gate agents to flight attendants all voicing the phrase, “It’s on!”
-
Snarking on the news
The odd news has been delightful lately, and I thought I’d share a little bit of it with you today.
Nathan Wayne Pugh, a wannabe bank robber went into a Dallas Wells Fargo Bank with a note and a Whataburger bag on June 26, according to the Dallas Morning News. -
SIMPSON: One Moment, Please
No matter where you live these days, you have to make a good many long distance telephone calls. Maybe you made a purchase in an establishment close at hand.
-
STRINGER: Josiah Wilbarger
Wilbarger County, whose county seat is Vernon, is in northwest of Wichita Falls and southeast of Childress.
-
World Cup woes
The soccer World Cup has reached the last 16 stage, with teams giving everything to reach the last eight of the competition, and yet again, surprise surprise, England is not in the quarter-final lineup.
- More Columns Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
