Since before many of us can remember, the cornucopia has been a symbol of autumn and has adorned many tables in celebration of our Thanksgiving holiday. From the Latin Cornu Copiae meaning “horn of abundance” the item is traditionally pictured or modeled as a horn-shaped wicker basket overflowing with produce, flowers, fruits or nuts. In centuries past, baskets of this form were used in Asia and Central Europe by workers during harvest season, worn strapped and slung around the shoulder and then filled with picked bounty.
Every November, casual conversations with friends include inquiries about their plans for Thanksgiving. The answers go one of two ways: they are looking forward to it, or they dread the upcoming day.
I have in the last few years rediscovered the joys of hand pies. Sure, it’s a little more work than making a traditional pie; but it convinces me that I’m only eating a piece or two instead of the whole thing, and I can freeze a bunch of them for future meals.
One of the myths found in economics textbooks and perpetuated by some economists is that the Federal Reserve (Fed) is politically independent, which prevents excessive inflation. One of the arguments supporting Fed independence is that members of the Board of Governors, the Fed’s decision-making body, serve 14-year terms. Thus, a President will be well into a second term before appointing a majority of them.
It’s October … the month of ghosts and goblins, vampires and werewolves. On Halloween night, we are bound to see terrors of all types walking around neighborhoods from door to door on a quest to fill buckets and bags with candy and treats. There are spooky costumes galore, but most can not live up to the reputation of the classics. A few monsters are considered horror royalty and one, bigger than the rest, is Frankenstein’s monster.
My last partner and I had a terrific system for traveling. It worked flawlessly – I was the planner, the scheduler, the chooser. I found hotels, restaurants and experiences, booked everything, kept track of the plans and made sure we had access to all of the “must-dos” for every location. A must-see pop-up store in this city, the Michelin-starred restaurant in that place, the museums at the top of the lists and the off-the-beaten-track places that I deep-dove to discover. His job? Finding all the places … like, geographically. Looking at maps, surveying different routes, identifying best transportation options, metro lines to take and connect; all things direction was his domain.
I have two kids, ages eight and nine. Let’s say that they are tiny little desperados (1) who, no matter how many times they get sent to their room as punishment for a particular “crime”, never learn their lesson.
Ever go somewhere on vacation and wonder how the locals are not in a constant state of giddiness about their surroundings? That recently happened to me and I was here at home, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! I was on a boat tour of Pictured Rocks in Munising. The deckhands were more interested in chatting and looking at their phones than taking in the incredible view. I wondered, “Could they actually be bored with this?”
In today’s interconnected world, international investing has become a fundamental strategy for building diversified and resilient investment portfolios. International assets offer numerous advantages that can enhance portfolio performance and risk management. When we look at the idea of diversification in a portfolio, its purpose is to help create a portfolio designed to weather various economic and market conditions. International investing is a key factor of this resilience-building strategy and we will explain why.
October is and always has been my favorite month of the year. Not only do we finally get a reprieve from the heat and humidity, we are surrounded by a vast array of colors when the leaves turn to beautiful reds, golds and oranges.
“After the keen still days of September, the October sun filled the world with mellow warmth … The maple tree in front of the doorstep burned like a gigantic red torch. The oaks along the roadway glowed yellow and bronze. The fields stretched like a carpet of jewels, emerald and topaz and garnet. Everywhere she walked the color shouted and sang around her … In October, any wonderful unexpected thing might be possible.”
October brings cooler days and as the weather shifts, so should your style!
