"Reel Reviews: ‘The Rip’ hinges its story on Damon, Affleck cop friendship" by: Jessica Shepard

In light of the winter storm sweeping through Matagorda County over the weekend, I decided to catch a recently released Netflix film – “The Rip.”

Mind games

Forget about spending $$$ on video games like top rated “Grand Theft Auto VI,” “Resident Evil: Requiem,” or “Marvel’s Wolverine,” score massive growth in the reality of your own mind game.  Seriously, working on your own mindset comes with stellar growth and maturity.

"Learning how to enjoy books without piling them on chairs" by: Mike Reddell

I have a decent book collection that truly speaks to my ever-changing interests.  Many of the books are along the large bookshelf that I acquired from Kit West, the Kerrville Daily Times society editor in 1980.  Back then, society editors carried everything outside of news and sports.

"Feeling the weather change & mitigating accompanying pain" by: Jessica Shepard

Weather forecasters are predicting an arctic blast to hit sometime this weekend and I think I’m mostly ready for it.  Well, at least when I’m viewing the projected temperatures from the comfort of Monday night while I’m writing this column.

"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.

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.

"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.