Features

The Journey Continues: Spiritual Choice

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

My journey this week is about the role of spiritual choice in our lives. I found a news clipping saved years ago from The Baptist Standard. Dr. Foy Valentine, then executive director of the Christian Life Com mission of the Southern Baptist Convention, wrote: “We hear so much, it seems, about what religion is AGAINST. What we sometimes lose sight of is what religion should be FOR.” “Religion is a life-transforming relationship with the Lord God resulting in a life-expanding relationship of service to others following the example of Jesus, our Savior,” Valentine said. “For Christians,” he said, “pure religion is living in the conviction that:

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Old Settler’s Music Festival returns Oct. 21-24

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

After canceling in 2020 and postponing April 2021’s reboot, Old Settler’s Music Festival planners will host their 34th annual gathering of roots-music artists and fans, now slated for Oct. 21-24.

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Answers to Go

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

SAN MARCOS PUBLIC LIBRARY 625 E. HOPKINS ST. 512-393-8200

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Lance Jones of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance presents a commemorative photograph by Susan Hanson to recognize 10 years of monthly San Marcos Bird Walks.

A yellow-crowned night heron perches on a log near the headwaters of the San Marcos River.

Bird Walkers spotted a green heron from the Meadows Center Wetlands Boardwalk.

This happy little water snake relaxes in Spring Lake near the Meadows Center.

In addition to birds, Ramirez treats Bird Walk participants to a host of diverse wildlife found in the San Marcos area. Photos by Jason Cook

Bird to the Wise

Sun, 09/19/2021 - 5:00am

It was one of those perfect San Marcos Saturdays: cool and cloudless, with a light breeze stirring through the trees. At 7 a.m., a small crowd gathered in the Meadows Center parking lot — families with children, pairs and trios of college students, older couples and groups of friends. Some of them had field guides, some had binoculars; all were gathered to hear Texas State graduate Stephen Ramirez talk about birds.

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M. Ray Perryman

The Economist: Resilience

Wed, 09/15/2021 - 6:10pm

Like almost any American over the age of 25, I vividly remember September 11, 2001.

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Answers to Go

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

San Marcos Public Library 625 E. Hopkins St. 512-393-8200

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Research finds analytic thinkers more receptive to cosmetic surgery

Katherine Warnell, Assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Texas State, studies the real cost of cosmetic surgery. Photo submitted by Texas State University

Katherine Warnell, Associate Professor. Photo submitted by Texas State University

Research finds analytic thinkers more receptive to cosmetic surgery

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

The normalization of cosmetic surgery and the real cost of surgery, both monetary and emotional, prompted Katherine Warnell, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Texas State University, to partner with a research study at St. Edward’s University to better understand what makes someone more or less likely to undergo cosmetic procedures.

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Birds often become intoxicated after eating fermented fruit or berries. In Germany, a brown owl became drunk on schnapps and stood in traffic until a wildlife rescuer put him in rehab. Photo from Metro Creative

EXPLORING NATURE: DRUNK BIRDS

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

Birds sometimes become intoxicated and exhibit drunken behavior.

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The Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band. Photo by Mary Thielin

‘Reflections of the Springs’ Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band to present concert Sept. 19

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

Kicking off the 2021-22 season, the Aquarena Springs Symphonic Band will present a concert on Sept. 19. Hosted by The Price Center and Gardens, the program will begin at 5 p.m. The concert is open to the public, but suggested reservations can be made via The Price Center, at 512-392-2900.

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Luscious Citron Lantana soft-pedaling yellow into your heart

This Giant Swallowtail, North America’s largest butterfly is seen feeding on Luscious Citron lantana.

This combination featuring Luscious Citron lantana, Truffula Pink gomphrena and Augusta Lavender heliotrope was a hit at the Young’s Plant Farm 2021 Garden Tour in Auburn, Ala.

The soft yellow blooms of Luscious Citron lantana also bring in the Spicebush Swallowtail butterflies for frequent visits. Photos by Norman Winter

Luscious Citron Lantana soft-pedaling yellow into your heart

Sun, 09/12/2021 - 5:00am

When I was asked to trial the new Luscious Citron lantana, my first thought was, “Why in the world do we need another yellow lantana?” But now, six months later, I know the answer. You’re thinking you know the answer, and it has to do with butterflies. I’ll get to that in a minute.