Once the gifts have been opened and often exchanged, the Christmas decorations packed up and stored, the last of the holiday goodies consumed and a new year welcomed with celebrations, financial reality sets in. Despite government spokespersons telling them the economy is fine, people know with every purchase the economy isn’t fine. Stacey Vanek Smith, […]
It’s only natural at the beginning of a year to wonder what lies ahead, what the next trip around the sun will bring. That takes many forms — from the dread of imminent disaster to the eager anticipation of newfound success and everything on the sliding scale in between. Depending on circumstance and mood, I’m […]
Just in case you never thought you’d be more frightened than reading the nine words Ronald Reagan made famous — “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help” — have no fear. Government continues to make things worse. Who needs Jesus when government can save you? So, let’s look at one way our lords […]
Christmas comes early. Almost every day, in fact, for a newspaper editor eager to report on Grand Valley business. Even more so given the things I get to do and the people with whom I’m privileged to work. Consider the last two weeks, for example. I attended an annual economic outlook luncheon and listened with […]
Nothing like a year-end column, which kind of writes itself. And I’ve been doing it now for the 23rd time. I could leave the rest of the column blank and just say this is what I wish for our readers and advertisers. But there are reasons for those feelings today. First off, let’s address the […]
The COVID-19 pandemic confirmed the critical role small businesses play in our daily lives. It sounds cliché, but locally owned small businesses truly are the heart and soul of our cities and towns. The holiday shopping season is a crucial time for small retailers and restaurants that depend on the boost in sales between Thanksgiving […]
“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus.” The familiar refrains of Christmas carols herald the holiday season. It’s a magical time of year with special foods prepared, gifts selected and wrapped and the house and perhaps even the yard decorated. It’s especially delightful to watch children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus on […]
And for the simplest of reasons. It’s a word made up out of whole cloth because everything anyone claims as misinformation is and can only be, well, INFORMATION no matter how anyone tries to spin it. The “mis,” “dis,” or “fake” is all up to the holder, seeker or receiver of that information. That’s it. […]
Let’s set this up for readers. And if I go outside my very large box, I have a reason. I’ve got this crud everyone is suffering through, so I’m just hoping the word count reaches 900 or so. See what I did there? OK, on to the 2022 election “season.” On one side, the Democrats. […]
The best part about Thanksgiving and the holiday season — along with all the delicious food, of course — are the reminders this time of year provides about what’s actually important. Family. Friends. Health. Freedom. And all the other blessings we enjoy. It’s helpful in putting less essential stuff into perspective. Granted, it’s been another […]