‘ Power vs. control’

People associate the words power and control with those individuals at the top of the wealth and status hierarchy.   Ironically, power and control aren’t synonyms; instead, they are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

"Less newspaper space forces change in column idea" by: Mike Reddell

I can’t begin to tell you about the stunning and, more importantly, world-changing idea I had for a column this week.   But, alas, my daughter Jessica’s whose 6,000-word (OK, it was 600) column violated our unofficial word length rule, and forced me to shorten this column.

"Organizations should work on communication for future endeavors" by: Jessica Shepard

Last Saturday was a whirlwind of overlapping countywide events – mostly fundraisers.   And while I spent most of my day shuttling back and forth to try and capture each and everything, some events were missed.

"The Easter season brings record levels to stock market" by: John Sample

Yet another holiday-shortened week due to Good Friday.   Of interest will be the release by the Fed of its preferred measure of inflation, which is the core personal-consumer expenditures data Friday.   The markets will be closed so there will be three days to digest any unexpected results.

PSA: When should you take Social Security?

One of your important sources of retirement income will likely be Social Security — but when should you start taking it?   You can collect Social Security benefits at 62, but your monthly checks may be up to 30% greater if you wait until your full retirement age, between 66 and 67.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Imaginary’ takes a darker look at pretend friendships" by: Jessica Shepard

I think it’s pretty rare to get a horror or thriller movie on the big screen in the spring.   That’s why when “Imaginary” came out last weekend, I decided to give it a chance.   I even asked my mom if she could remember if any of her children had imaginary friends before I went to see it.

‘It’s all about you’

For once I’m addressing an issue on accountability above and beyond our ego.   In the big picture, we understand we arrived on our own (except for maybe a ride along sibling) at delivery and we’re expected to return on our own at our time of departure.

"Diving into taste: A personal adventure through Oyster South" By Amy Nowlin

In a city renowned for its love of food and culture, the Oyster South conference in New Orleans served as a gathering point for individuals bound by their passion for oysters and their shared appreciation for the flavors and traditions that define Gulf Coast cuisine.

"Admiring, from far off, MaLinda’s tomato varieties" by: Mike Reddell

As you can imagine, the real ordeal I face as my femur heals is being confined in home and watching the world go by outside my window.   I’ve got a few weeks to go, but I’m making progress on my walker with limited use of my broken leg.   Two weeks ago there was no limited use.

"Social media seems to skew one’s view of reality" by: Jessica Shepard

Sometimes, I wonder if my grasp on the reality at hand is different from anyone else’s.   I know that everyone has their own views on things and analyzes those views through their own experience and biases – that’s just a fact of human existence.