"Inspiration can come from anywhere, anything" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’ve been asked a few times how I come up with story ideas and the things I write about for the newspaper.  And while every iteration of those questions never ceases to appear in my life – I don’t have the same answer every time.

"The holidays are upon us so get ready to do your job to support the economy" by: John Sample

   We survived the longest government shutdown and the economy seems to have shrugged it off.  I am sure there will be those who had their travel by air compromised and government workers went without pay for over a month.  It doesn’t appear the nation’s economy even blinked.

PSA: Smart financial moves to make before end of year

   As the year winds down, it’s time for a financial tune-up.  Here are some steps to consider:  If you’re 73 or older, you’ll need to take required minimum distributions from traditional retirement accounts to avoid a 25% penalty on any amount you should have withdrawn but didn’t.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Now You See Me 3’ one of the better trilogy entries I’ve seen" by: Jessica Shepard

    I’ve always thought magic was a cool concept and was always watching magicians perform while growing up.

“Anxiety-ville Horror”

   A long time ago in a memory far, far away the movie “AmityvilleHorror” (1979) had a seismic effect on American cinema.  Just the image on a poster of the house with its two attic-style lit windows peering out on the neighborhood conjured up primal fears in the hearts of moviegoers.

"Officiating shouldn’t leave game in tatters" by: Mike Reddell

   Friday night’s sorrowful spectacle of how the Blackcats had their season end on a 7-6 score against Calhoun was both unbelievable and frustrating.  With seconds ticking away, the Sandcrabs tried a lateral at midfield but the ball hit the turf and a whistle blew.

"Diamond art painting requires more patience than I have on hand" by: Jessica Shepard

   While I’ve previously mentioned growing up with plenty of free time spent doing arts and crafts, it’s mostly been faithful standbys.

"Well it is the holiday season and we have much to celebrate" by: John Sample

   Apparently we will have something else to fill out the news feed as the Senate has found enough votes to reopen the government.   I will be interested to see what the new topic becomes that captures everyone’s attention.

"Reel Reviews: Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ lives, breathes practical effects in CGI seas" by: Jessica Shepard

   Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” novel was first published in 1818 and it took nearly 100 years before the characters were brought to the silver screen during the silent film era – 1910 to be specific.

‘Be your own best friend’

   Heads Up! There is no such word as “their-esteem”, so stop comparing yourself to others around you.  Self-esteem reflects your overall sense of self-worth.  Here we find a wide bridge in self-concept.