An underappreciated risk in the U.S. economy is that Americans have lost confidence in the federal government. The Gallup Organization has tracked Americans’ trust in government since the 1970s. It is striking how much Americans used to trust the government compared to now. When Richard Nixon was president in 1972, 75% of Americans had a
Predictions about what the future holds never interested me much. As a child though, I did love watching “The Jetsons” cartoons. I especially liked the part where Jane Jetson would press a couple of buttons and a delicious hot meal would pop out of the wall. As an adult, I love watching cooking shows and
In May, Moms receive all the love and attention on Mother’s Day – this month, it’s Dad’s turn. On Sunday June 16, Father’s Day will celebrate the role fathers play in the family structure and their influence on society. It’s a day to recognize not just fathers, but also the father figures in our lives;
If you spend the better part of your summer in Michigan and find you’re bored, sorry … It’s your own fault. Entertainment abounds! I am not talking about the dozens of concerts going on or the myriad beaches and beautiful lakes to play in, either. Just hop online and search “Michigan festivals.” The first page
This year, Mother’s Day in my family will not be just about me, but also my daughter-in-law, Jane, my son Sean’s wife. They welcomed their son into the world just before Christmas last year and he will soon be five months old. Undoubtedly, Jane has already discovered that little boys are amazing. Right now, they
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while but their hearts forever.” Unknown Moms and daughters share a special relationship. Sometimes it is good – and sometimes, it isn’t. Every Mother’s Day, my daughter Melissa gives me a beautiful card that I know she painstakingly picked out just for me. In a heartfelt and
As a busy mom of three who is also running several businesses, I need meals that are quick and easy to make when the kids are already hungry. One of my kids is currently stuck in a quesadilla phase, so I’m looking for anything that will layer between two flour tortillas. I’ll try any new
Do you know your blood pressure? Right now, mine is 121/79. I know this because I own a blood pressure cuff. It’s not the sexiest purchase I’ve ever made … but it may have saved my life. Back in 2016, I was seeing a variety of specialists who were attempting to determine whether I had
Did you know that in Detroit, MI it is illegal for a man to scowl at his wife on Sunday? If you own an alligator in the Motor City, you can’t tie it to a fire hydrant. And in Kalamazoo, it’s against the law to serenade your sweetheart. No way! In honor of Law Day
This month’s column was inspired by happenings in April including two major events: First: the surge and rise of women’s basketball during March Madness (along with the elevation of women in sports and our place in this world) and second: the total solar eclipse! Over the past months, the SHIFT in energy has been palpable
For our spring UK trip, the main point of interest for my five-year-old son, Arthur, was the promise of a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. It was the carrot dangled before him to inspire good behavior, push through difficult kindergarten days and the highlight of many conversations in the months preceding the
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
