"Holiday motivation coming up short this year" by: Jessica Shepard

As I get older, I notice more things than I used to – especially after the broken leg experience last year.    Not only am I more conscious of others around me, but I’m also painfully aware of how I’m seeing common decency and manners go out the window as we count down the holidays.

PSA: Can you make charitable giving less ‘taxing?

Once again, it’s the season of generosity.    If you’re thinking of making charitable gifts, what should you know?    For starters, make sure that any charity you’re planning to support is reputable and uses its funds wisely.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Killer’ falls short of thriller genre category" by: Jessica Shepard

It’s been a little while since I’d last reviewed a movie from a streaming platform and thought to myself, why not check out Netflix’s “The Killer” last weekend.

‘Tracking your Destination’ by: Karen Restivo

Trains played an essential role with us while living in Budapest.    With Sam working for KBR and living in Kaposvar, about 100 miles away, the girls and I were dependent on living close to the train station and bus stops to maneuver around the city.

"The endless frustration of A&M’s coaching carousel" by: Mike Reddell

I was surprised, like most of the Aggie nation, to see that A&M had fired head football coach Jimbo Fisher.     And, I have to confess that no one at the school asked for my opinion, despite my long experience of observing Aggie football coaches come and go over the decades.

"Deviating from annual holiday traditions really gets my goat" by: Jessica Shepard

Almost everyone has holiday traditions either something new they started themselves or it’s historic within their family.     If you don’t have any, I fully encourage you to look into them since they make great memories down the road.

"Where are all the naysayers after a record runup?" by: John Sample

We had one of the longest winning streaks in several decades end last week.     That move took the S&P 500 stock-index from below 4200 to above 4400 in just 10 trading days.     We again made the trip down and back up.

PSA: What should you do with ‘side gig’ money?

The gig economy is booming.  If you’re thinking of using your skills to take on a side gig, what should you do with the extra money?     Here are a few possibilities:     First, you could contribute to your IRA.

"Reel Reviews: ‘The Marvels’ surprisingly better, more hilarious than everyone else is whining about" by: Jessica Shepard

When a new movie comes out, I try not to read too many reviews before I get a chance to watch it. Honestly, that’s partially because I don’t want my view of the film to be tainted by someone else’s and mostly because I know that I’ve always had a different way of viewing art than others.

‘Searching for Answers’ by: Karen Restivo

Children come hardwired seeking answers from the moment they can verbalize their needs.     Parents are well acquainted with the endless why questions as their kids collect knowledge and gain a better understanding of the world.