To mitigate COVID in the winter months, there will likely be calls for another economic shutdown. However, a second shutdown could be catastrophic for our economy and thus, should be avoided at almost all cost. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total value of all final goods and services produced in the economy, measured over
Listening to violin music always makes me think about my dad who was a talented violinist and luthier – a maker of violins. As I wrote this month’s feature about Flint Symphony Orchestra violinist, Alesia Byrd Johnson, I thought of him. I have many fond memories about my dad and the violin. He learned to
With COVID-19 showing no signs of letting up any time soon, my family was recently overcome with cabin fever. Our toddler stoutly refuses a mask, a gaiter, bandana or face covering of any kind, (heck, he won’t even wear a hat), so our options for a getaway were pretty limited. No air travel, since our
Both a holiday treat and staple Christmas decoration, the candy cane is synonymous with falling snow, colorful lights, beaming kids and good, ol’ fashioned yuletide cheer. The candy cane is the No. 1 selling non-chocolate candy during the month of the December (and has been since it began being mass produced in the 1950s) with
Appetizer boards have become incredibly popular! This delicious concept combines fruits, vegetables, crackers, nuts, cheese and the focus on cold, cured meats brings the French term charcuterie to the table. Often arranged on a wooden board, the variety of foods can also be attractively served on vintage dishes, small plates or a rotating plate. A
There are movies about Christmas that embody high, holy ideals – peace, joy, fellowship, generosity – expressed through familiar images of the manger in Bethlehem or even Santa Claus coming down from the North Pole. And there are movies about Christmases less glorified or romanticized – about people just trying to get through the holiday
There is a group, made up of people from around the world, that exists for one purpose: spreading kindness. The World Kindness Movement is a real thing and this year, on November 13, they want you to jump on their bandwagon for World Kindness Day. Kindness is such a rarity that this group felt the
The recovery in air travel following the COVID-19 shutdowns has stalled and remains at about 40% of 2020 levels. Corporations such as General Motors have extended work-from-home until at least 2021 and could likely extend it after that until the coronavirus vaccine is widely distributed, namely until the second-half of 2021. Working from home likely
I have been sitting back, reflecting on what the month of November means to me and what I am grateful for in this crazy year. Gone are the sunny days of summer, the outdoor barbecues, the golf games and the rich hue of autumn leaves. The air is brisk and those clouds forming in the
If timing had been better, I would be writing about the new Adam Sandler Netflix movie, “Hubie Halloween,” which released in early October. Even now, post-Halloween, if you haven’t yet watched it, please do so and enjoy some laughs that are much needed this year. Moving on. In May 2019, the 8th and final season
As I write this in mid-October, I am very hopeful that we have had a successful election, and that a peaceful transition of power has been able to take place in Washington. Unfortunately, I put those odds at a slightly less than 50% chance. The results of the election have permeated the thought processes and
