"In spite of it all, times are actually pretty good" by: John Sample

   Yet another holiday-shortened trading week with the MLK national holiday Monday.  It may be a good thing, as the news is nothing, but drama at such a rate that we may need a break just to reflect on where we are.

PSA: New Year’s financial resolutions: Making them stick

   Millions of Americans set money-related resolutions each January, such as saving more or reducing debt.  But too many resolutions fade quickly.  A 2023 Forbes Health poll found that over half of people give up on their resolutions by April.  The issue isn’t necessarily motivation.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Bone Temple’ possibly best in 28 Days Later franchise" by: Jessica Shepard

   I know that zombies and horror films are an acquired taste.  But, I just can’t help myself when it comes to the “28 Days Later” film series – I have to watch them all.  The novelty of having rage, or madness zombies rather than the historically undead version has always fascinated me.

Celebrating others

   Any time we’re acknowledged for our hard work and achievements, it’s time to celebrate!  It’s easy for us to remember how much time, effort and patience went into the recognition of a job well done.

"‘2026 Winter Olympics’ coming to Italy, NBC in February" by: Jessica Shepard

   I have to confess that I’ve mostly forgotten about the Olympic Games until some advertisement flashed across Facebook to remind me that they’re coming in February.    Well, at least the winter games are coming to Italy starting on Feb. 6 with the actual opening ceremony to begin on Feb.

"New Year, new record highs and more concerns" by: John Sample

   We made it through the Santa Claus rally and the second trading day of the year pushed to through to positive territory.     Moreover, last week we had three weeks out of the last four ending up positive, pushing the S&P 500 to near 5000.     Needless to say, we are at record levels.

PSA: Join the trend with these New Year resolutions

   After months of rising prices on everything from milk to mortgages, money-related resolutions are prominent.    Here are the top three, according to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morning Consult.    First is boosting your income.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Greenland 2: Migration’ hopes for humanity’s post-apocalyptic future" by: Jessica Shepard

  Every once in a while, I forget the movies I’ve seen in the past – especially when a sequel trailer crops up a few years later.      Such was the case of “Greenland 2: Migration” - its trailer previewing ahead of several movies in the last few months and barely registering in my memory banks.

The Hidden Power of Journaling

   When you find yourself repeatedly caught up in the cycle of overthinking, maybe it’s time to follow the expert’s advice and pick up a pen.

"Finding pleasure in the documents that serve us" by: Mike Reddell

   At my age, there are few things that come along signaling a difficult day approaching than hearing aids that won’t work.   That happened this morning before I went to the courthouse for the weekly Commissioners Court meeting.