The U.S. economy improved in 2017. After growing at a sluggish 1.2 percent in the first quarter, the economy grew at a solid 3.1 percent in the second quarter, and 3.3 percent in the third. Third quarter growth was surprisingly strong, given the hurricanes. The New York Federal Reserve estimates fourth quarter growth at 3.2
Happy New Year! As 2018 is now in full swing, I hear from a few different sources that we are in for a long and precipitous second half of winter. To summarize the year of 2017, I’d like to touch on a few different points. I may even offend some of our readers; but hey,
The end of each year brings many life-affirming traditions: family gatherings, gift-giving, the joy of … uh, imbibing. And part of finishing each calendar period is to remember, and reflect upon, who among us we’ve lost; thus, the appearance of numerous necrology recaps every December. Who of interest died this year? We’ll be reminded. So
With an average premium of $2,394 per year, Michigan has the most expensive auto insurance in the nation. The next most expensive state, Louisiana, has an average premium of $1,921 per year. Detroit is, by far, the most expensive city to purchase auto insurance with an average yearly premium of $7,415 – 60 percent higher
I hope all of My City’s readers had a wonderful Thanksgiving, as we all have much to give thanks for. As we move into the Christmas season, we often feel an urge to give a little extra during this time of the year, as it is a season revolving around the giving and receiving of
This time of year, there is a little less room in the old mailbox. Greeting cards. I would say “Christmas” cards, but that seems to upset people. Then again, saying “holiday” cards is just as likely to send plenty of people into a tailspin. For the record, I’m not trying to fire up that un-winnable
The first signs of potluck season are the party invitations that begin to fill your social calendar. The next sign is the mild anxiety and slight confusion when deciding on a dish to bring that will demonstrate your kitchen skills, but not take forever to prepare. Potlucks, in their current sense – a meal to
Reindeer, ornaments and snowmen knit right in … it’s Ugly Sweater Party Season! With Michigan’s lake-effect snow creating a winter that seems to last longer than all other seasons combined, sweaters are an essential and highly practical article of clothing during the holidays. But, what went wrong at the North Pole that moved Santa to
I love this time of year! The smell of cinnamon spice fills our homes, letting us know that the holiday is near. The malls are crowded, the calendar is filled with parties to attend, and we all need something new to wear. This is not the time for a simple, black dress – holiday outfits
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house … Every family has their own holiday traditions. Some families gather together on the weekend before Christmas so that other family obligations can be met on the actual holiday. For many years, my own kids have celebrated Christmas with me on Christmas Eve for that
One of our very favorite things to do is spend the holidays in a foreign place. I think it’s because we live in Texas, and so does my husband’s family; but my family is so far away, up in Michigan. Prices to travel up north during the holidays are always crazy – and so, in
An NPR writer broke the rules recently by writing something with a pulse. By that, I mean an opinion. (I saw the print edition, but if he read his piece on air, I’m sure he did so in a hushed voice, like he didn’t want to set off a nearby time bomb.) The writer’s name
