Richard Mason

From college, where I more or less stumbled into majoring in geology, I credit the good Lord for guiding me into what has been a fulfilling career. Being an oil and gas exploration geologist is such an attractive profession that I regret not being actively involved now.

After the almost continuous weeks-long celebrations of our country's first 250 years, I am reflecting on why being an American, which I have taken for granted, is such a privilege.

Well, let's just say it's a little warmer than usual, but this is Arkansas, and it is Summer, but I'm a little concerned about what August will bring. Okay? Yes, and I will agree this is not my favorite weather. Actually, as a very young boy I can remember when we only had a big attic fan to pull in cooler air at night, and only when my Dad started working shiftwork, which meant he worked nights, and therefore had to sleep during the day, did we buy our first small bedroom air conditioner. As a barefooted shirtless young boy, I was unaware of air conditioning and my way to combat the heat was to wear as little clothing as possible, no shoes, and swim in anything with water in it.

Well, let's just say it's a little warmer than usual, but this is Arkansas, and it is summer. I'm a little concerned about what August will bring. OK? Yes, and I will agree this is not my favorite weather.

It's Arkansas, and it's summer, so it's hot. I'm concerned about what August will bring.

When I think of tennis, one name usually pops up, and folks my age in south Arkansas will recognize it immediately: It's Myron Schofner. As I have gotten older, I retired from singles tennis, but I am still active, and I credit my health and stamina to my obsession with tennis. This is my tennis story.

When I think of tennis one name usually pops up. Folks my age in south Arkansas will recognize it immediately: Myron Schoffner.

Well, I've resisted writing about the price of crude oil as long as I can. So, here is another of my two cents' worth -- and that may be overpricing the column. OK?

I've resisted writing about the price of crude oil as long as I can.

Yes, it's almost "hold your breath time" again as the Ledge prepares some 1,200-plus bills to drop in the hopper for next year's legislative session. However, in that raft of mostly worthless bills, there are some that deserve to be passed. These bills would improve our quality of life and make us more civilized. Of course, that is the underlying reason for a legislative bill. It should improve our quality of life.