"MCEDC board discussions a deep dive into county issues" by: Mike Reddell

   I enjoy covering Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation board meetings.   A lot of issues come up – and they're all economic development related.   Last week, members discussed water issues and how Matagorda County will again have to fight for its right to Colorado River water.

"Media perceptions are a personal problem until they’re not" by: Jessica Shepard

    I’ve had various roles in the communications industry over the years, but being at the Sentinel is my longest-running gig.   Outside of freelance work, of course.

"To heck with rates, earnings are where it is at in this market " by: John Sample

   Thank you Microsoft and Alphabet(Google) for the best week since November for the S&P 500.   When it appeared the fear of higher rates for longer would sink the markets, earnings in brought a reality check.   You also got a bounce back in the star of the show Nvidia.

PSA: Younger workers must balance financial priorities

   If you’re a younger worker, you’ve got tremendous personal and professional opportunities ahead of you.   But you will need to make some key decisions - especially about your financial priorities.   For starters, consider your debts.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Abigail’ has no real plot just gruesome, bloody mayhem" by: Jessica Shepard

   It’s pretty rare to see children as vampires in books and movies.   But, I’m not sure of why, exactly and can only name four off the top of my head: The Little Vampire (2000), 30 Days of Night (2007), Interview with the Vampire (1994), and Daybreakers (2009).

‘The Chivalry of Good Manners’

   Get your binoculars out, I’m beginning to think that good manners are aiming for the endangered species list.   Several times this past week, I’ve observed individuals interacting with each other with less than kind words.    Whatever happened to saying please or thank you?

"Stanley cups follow in formerly hyped Yeti footsteps" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’m not someone who buys into fads the moment they hit it big on social media or even in my friend group.  This includes everything from clearly overpriced Apple products in general to the latest cellphone model or car.

"There is much to evaluate, hard choices to make" by: John Sample

    If you don’t believe that the Big 7 stocks don’t have an impact, last week was the worst performance for the NASDAQ index since 2022.  The Big 7 have a far greater impact on the NASDAQ while more value-oriented stocks have a bigger impact on the Dow, which actually performed great in comparison.

PSA: Term vs. “Perm”: Which is right for you?

   If you have anyone who depends on you financially, you almost certainly need to consider life insurance.  But which type?  Term or permanent?  Term insurance provides coverage for a specific amount of time, usually 20 years or less.

"‘Ungentlemanly Warfare’ an entertaining romp with Cavill at helm" by: Jessica Shepard

  Sometimes, I feel like some of the best movies are based on a true story in some form or fashion.  I think it adds some sliver of possible credibility to the overall story or plot.