"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.

PSA: Social Security myths: What to know

   There are some myths around Social Security we should clear up.  The first is that it is going bankrupt.  But according to a Social Security Administration analysis from June 2025, benefits will continue – though starting in 2033, it may only pay 77 cents on the dollar.

"Everyone’s got an opinion on rain cancellations" by: Jessica Shepard

   Anyone who has lived on the Gulf Coast knows that weather gets more unpredictable as the Atlantic Hurricane Season comes to a close.  For the record and as a reminder – Hurricane Season ends on Nov. 30 annually.

"We made it through the scary start to holiday season, and everyone seems merry, bright" by: John Sample

   The broken record of record-setting closes continues.   While most focused on the the Ted cutting the Fed funds rate by a quarter point, the real mover was earnings.   The Mag 7 came in with better than expected earnings, which was all this market needed.

PSA: A financial roadmap for veterans entering civilian life

   Transitioning from military to civilian life brings countless adjustments, with financial change near the top.  If you’re a veteran, let “Veteran Saves Week”, Nov. 4 to 7, inspire you to focus on building financial confidence.  Civilian life may affect your expenses.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Hedda’ worst play translated to streaming I’ve seen yet" by: Jessica Shepard

   I don’t know if you have favorite actors, but I do keep a running mental list of those few that I find gifted and talented.  In fact, that list also puts a little bit of influence on what movies I’ll review outside of the standard “must be a new release” criteria that fuels this column.

‘Escape hatch’

   Inevitably, at the height of a thrilling movie, when the enemy is closing in and the main character finds himself against a wall and no place to run, an escape hatch is suddenly revealed to remedy the character’s impossible situation; work with me, Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible scenario.