My March column discussed the challenges involved in balancing a federal budget that is currently $1.5 trillion or so in deficit. The necessary tax increases and spending cuts would far exceed what Americans have ever experienced. A natural question might be why the budget deficit and the national debt, which is the accumulation of all the past deficits, is even a problem. The government has consistently run a budget deficit since the 1980s without an issue. Why should we worry about it now?
Now that spring is upon us, I can’t wait for my lilacs to bloom. I have a big, beautiful lilac bush in my front yard. For about three weeks, we keep a full vase of lilacs in every room, filling the entire house with their lovely scent.
Here’s a hypothetical: You’re reading this “Home & Garden” issue of My City 1 and are inspired to run to your local nursery to grab some broccoli, kale and arugula 2 plants and get an early start on your garden. While enjoying this magazine in the early afternoon, you decide to have one too many glasses of Chardonnay. You then get into your car, head off on your errand and are subsequently stopped on the road by law enforcement 3. Suspecting that you might be driving under the influence, the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle and blow into a breath-testing device. What do you do?
Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate all that the season has to offer than by attending or hosting a beautiful garden party? This month, we are covering everything – from etiquette to what to wear – for all of the fabulous spring soirées adorning your social schedule.
You just never know what kind of weather to expect in the month of April – an early spring snowfall, April showers or bright, sunshiney days. But one thing I know for sure is that crocuses and daffodils will begin to bloom and thrive – even if covered in a blanket of the white stuff! Even with a lingering chill, the trees will start to bud and the birds will start singing.
On one of those Michigan perfect blue-sky days several years back, I was in my kayak on a Fenton lake. Letting my paddle go still for a few moments, I drew in a deep breath and decided to take in the beauty of the day. It was breathtaking – that is, until I glanced slightly to my right out of the corner of my eye and caught a white flash. Turning to see what it was, I was horrified to discover a used diaper floating in the water amongst the lily pads.
At the end of 2023, inflation appeared to be falling to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Inflation was 3.3% in December 2023 and was expected to be below 3% in January. However, inflation was higher than expected at 3.1% in both January and February. There is a strong possibility that inflation will continue to run above 3% rather than falling to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
At the top of the tallest tower of Blarney Castle in Cork County, Ireland sits a stone with magical properties. Legend says that whoever places their lips upon the stone will have “the gift of gab” or “blarney” as it has been called. Thereafter, those who receive the gift are destined to speak with persuasiveness and eloquence to those engaged in conversation. Its powers have been bestowed upon professionals from all over the globe including Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Mick Jagger, Laurel & Hardy, and others. It is estimated that more than 400,000 people kiss the Blarney Stone per year. What brings so many people to the stone and how did it gain its powers?
While we’ve all been enjoying hot and hearty side dishes through the cold months, it’s time to start thinking about serving up some fresh flavors for spring. White beans are super-versatile – packed with vitamins and minerals including iron, they are also rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, full of protein and have anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. We’re talking superfood here!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, promising to revolutionize industries, reshape economies and redefine the human experience. But when we really dissect AI, a few questions linger: Is the current enthusiasm justified, or are we witnessing the inflation of another speculative bubble? We’ll explore both sides of the debate, presenting arguments for and against AI being a bubble, to shed light on this complex and consequential issue.
