Happy New Year! And with this fresh start, we have another chance to get our act together. Resolutions are an integral part of New Year’s Day, as iconic as Champagne flutes and funny hats.Resolutions date to the ancient Babylonians of 4,000 years ago who made promises to earn the favor of their gods and, presumably, their neighbors, as some of …

When it comes to unique and unforgettable holiday traditions, we Louisianians know how to shine. Our festive customs could easily compete for the spotlight – or in this case, the Christmas gifts – with those from around the globe. Sallie HollisSallie Rose Hollis is a native of Rocky Branch and retired Journalism Professer from Louisiana Tech University. Contact her at …

My 7-year-old great-niece told a mermaids’ tail, and it’s now a published book.Oops. I mean: a mermaids’ tale.Yes, my great-niece Anabelle Rose Lundy wrote a book at age 7, “Three and a Half Mermaids,” and now at age 12 she’s seeing it published. Just in time for Christmas, it’s available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and a host of …

The news item that started it all had this headline: “Kendall Jenner Struggles to Climb Stairs in Fitted Dress at Kourtney’s Wedding.” Sallie HollisSallie Rose Hollis is a native of Rocky Branch and retired Journalism Professer from Louisiana Tech University. Contact her at sallierose@mail.com. I just had to take a screenshot of that “news story” when it appeared in my …

When I was a tyke of 5 or 6, I found a tick on the left side of my chest. I was terrified.   I had heard that ticks suck your blood, and there sat a tick – right on top of my lifeblood. Surely he was going to drain my heart dry. I was going to die.  Sallie HollisSallie Rose …

If you’ve been waiting for that special something that happens once in a blue moon, this may be your lucky month – and you’ve got three weeks to prepare for it. A blue moon will occur Aug. 31. Sallie HollisSallie Rose Hollis is a native of Rocky Branch and retired Journalism Professer from Louisiana Tech University. Contact her at sallierose@mail.com. …

I’ve been needing a little pick-me-up lately. Hey, it happens. As we journey through life (please refer to the overall name of this column), we encounter moments of joy, sorrow and everything in between. So in my ponderings today, I’m wondering what topics might bring me – and as a result, you – a moment of merriment. You know how …

Curious? Ask the Enigma Explorer Picture this. You’re at a red light, several cars back. The light turns green, and the vehicles slowly begin to move forward, one at a time. Almost an everyday occurrence, right? Not a big deal, right? Contributed bySallie HollisSallie Rose Hollis is a native of Rocky Branch and retired Journalism Professer from Louisiana Tech University. …

By Sallie Rose Hollis An addition to my Tasteless TV Commercial file: the Lume deodorant ads. Call me a prude or a pedant or a party pooper, but I feel as if I’m being attacked by a rash of distasteful assaults. I’m wondering if any of my readers who watch network TV might jump on the I’ve-had-enough-of-it bandwagon with me …

Let’s play a game. I’ll list the benefits of a particular activity, and you try to guess which pursuit it is. Ready, set, go! Improved respiratory function. Increased aerobic exercise. Stress reduction. Enhanced mental alertness. Better posture and muscle tone. Boosted immune system. Maybe we’re talking about running? Or walking? Or yoga? Could be. But add to that list: Expanded …