"Reel Reviews: ‘Joker 2’ easily worst film of the year for a variety of reasons" by: Jessica Shepard

   Entertainment headlines claimed that moviegoers were walking out of “Joker: Folie à Deux” – also known as “Joker 2” since it debuted at the Venice International Film Festival a month ago.   And, after enduring the two-plus hour flick last week, I can see why.

‘Universal Truths’

   Universal truths transcend cultures, societies and time as valid, fundamental principles.    Some examples of universal truths would include: the Earth revolves around the sun; the sun rises in the East and sets in the West; change happens; and we are all going to die one day.

"Down the rabbit hole exploring creating holidays" by: Jessica Shepard

   Did you know that a majority of national holidays aren’t celebrated at a federal level?    The first four federal holidays created in 1870 were New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, with six more to follow over the next century.

"Let the good times roll " by: John Sample

   It is getting to be “Old Hat” each week seeing another record close.      Not to look a “gift Horse” in the mouth, but I do wonder how long this can go.      It’s noteworthy that gold bugs have driven the price of gold to record levels at the same time.

PSA: Take advantage of open enrollment

   If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering open enrollment season.    So, consider your options carefully.    First, look at your 401(k).    Can you afford to increase your pre-tax contributions?

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Wild Robot’ provides heartwarming robot/wild animal friendships" by: Jessica Shepard

   It’s been a while since I got the chance to review a kid-centric movie and to rectify that, I set my sights on “The Wild Robot” last weekend.    Overall the film had plenty of adorable moments and jokes for kids and adults to enjoy.

"Sliding into fall season with Halloween decorations taking the lead" by: Jessica Shepard

   The Autumn Equinox officially hit our area early Sunday morning last week.  Well, I say early, but the official time was 7:43 a.m. and I wasn’t up to greet it in any way, shape or form.

"A rate cut and record highs" by: John Sample

   Last week the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate by 50 basis points.  The speculation is that further rate cuts are in the works for the remainder of the year.  Many think that a quarter point in both November and December.  The various indexes and averages were up last week.

PSA: Do you need to fear retirement?

   If you’re planning to retire in a few years, are you looking forward to it?  Or are you somewhat apprehensive and asking yourself: “What sort of retirement can I afford?”  To help ease this concern, you need to be financially prepared.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Don’t Let Go’ serves up endless jump scares amid desolate forest setting" by: Jessica Shepard

   As we head into the fall season, I’ve got high hopes for horror/thriller movie selections.  So much so that I snagged a seat to see “Never Let Go” over the weekend.  Overall, the storyline is pretty weak despite an A-list lead like Halle Berry at the helm.