"Reel Reviews: ‘Dear Santa’ takes new twist in PG-13 holiday flick" by: Jessica Shepard

Since I’m always on the lookout for off-beat and oddball mashups featuring my favorite actors, I thought I’d check out “Dear Santa” last week on Paramont+.

‘The Art of Communication’

The Art of CommunicationThe difference between the right word and the almost right word is the Difference between lightning and a lightning bug.  Mark Twain  I’ve adopted a new skill for my resume - wordsmith.   The word has a purposeful intent to it.

"80 boxes of Christmas Decorations might be a tad too many" by: Jessica Shepard

Yes, dear reader, you’re reading that headline correctly – 80 boxes!  And these boxes aren’t all the same relative size, but that number also doesn’t include wreath or garland storage bags either.

"Looks like a blessed holiday season" by: John Sample

We are either at or very near record levels for the various market averages and indexes.    All that is wonderful, but it pales in comparison to the run-up in the price of Bitcoin, as it nears $100,000.    The crypto currency has been on a tear since the election.

PSA: Inflation-fighting strategies for retirees

Inflation may run high or low, but it’s pretty much always around - and it’s particularly concerning if you’re a retiree.   How can you help protect yourself from a rising cost of living?   Start by looking at your investment portfolio.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Gladiator’ sequel well worth 20-plus-year wait" by: Jessica Shepard

Taking characters and themes from historical accounts for entertainment purposes isn’t anything novel or new.  In fact, it’s been done since before words were officially written down – you know when everything was based on oral history.

"Itchy grass clippings remind me why I hate mowing" by: Jessica Shepard

Do you ever have one of those moments where you remember something you’ve forgotten?    I’m not talking about a memory that perks up an hour later or even a few days.    Honestly, I’m pretty proud of my ability to recall important things in a workable timeframe.

"How quickly we moved past the election to the holidays" by: John Sample

The Halloween decorations are down and the Christmas decorations have taken their place.      It seems all is not Merry with the market however.fIt appears the honeymoon may have been short lived.

PSA: Consider tax-smart charitable gifts

In this holiday season and beyond, you might be thinking of making charitable gifts.   But can you still get some tax benefits with the standard deduction being so high that you may not be able to itemize?

"Reel Reviews: ‘Red One’ is better than critics are saying by a mile" by: Jessica Shepard

While I know we haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet, there is no denying that the holiday season is in full swing!  I’m always on the lookout for new festive flicks to enjoy with my family and decided to take a crack at ‘Red One’ last week.