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“The price of eternal vigilance is indifference.” —Marshall McLuhan

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— MY TWO CENTS WORTH —

The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary added more than 5,000 words this year. They include dad bod, hard pass, cold brew, and rizz.  

The word surprised me because it’s only one letter short of my last name. So, I checked it out, wary of any negative meanings. 

However, as it turns out, rizz is derived from the word charisma and is internet slang for romantic charm, style, attractiveness, or flirting skills. Ok, I’ll allow it.

— DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST — 

(1) When Wild Bill Hickok faced off against gambler Phil Coe in the streets of Abilene, he had no way of knowing the shooting would end in personal tragedy. "THE LAST GUNFIGHT."

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(2) Legendary lawman Wyatt Earp spent a long career on the American frontier and came away with strong opinions and observations about gunfighting. He said professional lawmen never notched their guns or performed the so-called border shift. “LESSONS IN GUNFIGHTING.”

— DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE —  

(3) Haunted places can be fascinating, but also disappointing, especially when these places are treated more as a gimmicky way to make money than as an actual supernatural experience. Many locations across the country are shrouded in mystery, but unexplained by science. 

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(4) We’re approaching the party season—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Sometimes, we’re invited to an event or party that we’d rather not attend. Here’s a unique excuse you can use to decline the invite. 

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(5) More than 25,000 images from across the globe were submitted for the 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year awards. Here are 15 of them. 

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(6) Fall is a time for change and transformation. For some, autumn represents a time for reflecting. 

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(7) Google Trends examined music-related search queries made nationwide from January 1, 2004, to August 25, 2025. Here’s a map showing the results.

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(8) Word games are always fun—at least in my opinion. If you enjoy a word game challenge, try Strikethrough.

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"Shall we make a new rule of life . . . always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary.”  — J. M. Barrie, The Little White Bird

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