"Turning the page on 2025, for a better 2026" by: Mike Reddell

Happy New Year to our Sentinel readers!  I continue to be amazed at how our readers backed MaLinda and me since 2014, when we decided to start our own paper.  At the time, people would ask who starts a newspaper in these times.  But now, as then, newspapers are the only medium I really care about.

"Physical v. Digital – which medium do you prefer for your music?" by: Jessica Shepard

Every year there seems to be a growing shift towards digital instead of physical copies of things.  By things I mean books, movies, shows, videogames, and of course - music.

"New Year will bring new chances in the stock market" by: John Sample

We are in the midst of the Santa Claus Rally which encompasses the last 5 trading days of the year and the first two of the New Year.    Historically, this has been positive almost 75% of the time.    However, the last two years have been negative.

AI in personal finance: The promise and the limits

Imagine this: Your budgeting app flags unusual spending and suggests a transfer.  Later, a robo-advisor rebalances your portfolio.  Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence - or AI - in personal finance.  AI tools can track spending, forecast bills, and offer advice via text.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Wake Up Dead Man” a great entry into ‘Knives Out’ series" by: Jessica Shepard

Holiday family time kept me at home last week along with an earlier press time, so I decided to watch a newly released Netflix movie instead of trying to head out to the theater.

Success: The difference between thinking and doing

Success stories are the best!  Millions of books researching the backgrounds of successful people, at the top of their game globally, sell like hot cakes.

A small cruise reveals different aspects of people’s lives

Each year for more than 25 years, I have prepared a Christmas Story for the amusement of my family and friends. I write it the night before Christmas to feed my procrastination addiction. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season with the ones you love!

"It was a good night to be pleasantly surprised" by: Mike Reddell

Wednesday night at the Matagorda County Economic Development Corporation’s annual banquet, I was startled – and I mean startled.   I was listening as Jessica Russell was announcing this year’s George Holst Award and was really surprised by the two words community journalism.

"Getting the worst Christmas present I’ve ever had" by: Jessica Shepard

I officially got the worst and most-unexpected Christmas gift last week.   What initially started as seasonal allergies decided to take the turn for the worst and morphed into an Upper Respiratory Infection in three short days.

"We are into the Christmas week and things are merry and bright " by: John Sample

That is unless you are a CEO and you reported less than expected earnings.   You only have to look at Nike, Oracle or Lululemon.  It is not enough to have made money with good cash flow, you are mandated to project fabulous growth over the next several quarters.