French National Day – also known as Bastille Day – is celebrated throughout France each year on July 14 (or, le quatorze Juillet). For some, the observance is all about fireworks and a spectacular military parade; but for most, it still marks the anniversary of the storming of a grand fortress during the first moments
Happy Independence Day to all! This year has been a much more volatile year in the stock indices in comparison to 2018. Many of our clients have questioned the ups and downs we’ve experienced for the last four months, pretty much since President Trump has started down the path of placing tariffs on some of
“Take care of you.” My mother ended nearly every phone conversation we had with that one simple phrase. The funny thing is, Laurie LoBue was the one who always seemed to be taking care of everyone and everything. No matter what was happening in my life, or the lives of someone in her very extended
A few months ago, Great Britain’s Prime Minister, Theresa May, appointed a Minister of Loneliness, probably the first in world history. “For far too many people, loneliness is the sad reality of modern life,” May said, citing a report indicating 14 percent of the population often or always feels lonely. An article I read said
Let me begin by saying that it wasn’t my idea. Perhaps if you see the pictures of the majesty of the mountains and the beauty of the lake, you might be tempted to believe that anyone would want to venture up to this gorgeous place. But, you’d be wrong. Because at the time of this
Our first day in Hawaii was, admittedly, a bust. A total and complete, embarrassing, hide-your-face-in-shame bust. It was supposed to rain, you see – not just on that first day, but the entire time we were on Maui. The forecast was bleak, filled with rain clouds and 80-100 percent chance of precipitation on day after
Clearly, fishing weather is upon us! Fishing season in Michigan runs May 26 through December 31 and Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend is June 9-10! That means all license fees will be waived, and a recreation passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and recreation areas! Did you know … catfish, smallmouth bass,
It just wouldn’t be summer without baseball! I’ve loved it ever since I was a kid, walking into town with my little sister to watch our big brother, Joe, play on the Little League team. After a game, we would walk to the store for a popsicle and candy. I grew up in Maryland, so
With regard to international trade, misconceptions often cloud our judgement. One such misconception is that the U.S. manufacturing base has been decimated due to trade. Actually, the opposite is the case. The U.S. currently produces over $2 trillion worth of manufactured goods, which is nearly double the value produced in the 1980s. The U.S. is
I see that “mom jeans” – that ‘90s look where the waistband of a woman’s pants is up under her armpits – are back. Since I’m a guy, you probably expect me to say this is a terrible development in women’s fashion, especially since they are replacing low-rise jeans. But you would be wrong. I
Hopefully, you have taken a moment to do some relaxing outdoors and enjoy the spring breeze. The month of June, when Michigan’s temperamental weather is at its most gentle, is perfect for outdoor activity. Making time for a picnic is essential for maximum appreciation of this beautiful season! The best thing about picnics is that
I have a tree fort. Yes, a tree fort – just like a ten-year-old, frog-collecting kid. The whole thing happened quite by accident. The deck on my house is up high, because there is a walkout basement below. It is also surrounded on each side by a swath of trees. So, as I sat on
