Credit

American households are navigating a complex credit landscape in early 2025 according to releases from the New York Federal Reserve.  Total household debt hit a record $18.04 trillion at the end of 2024, driven largely by credit card balances, which surged to $1.21 trillion.

Americans push limits. It is an integral piece of our nation’s DNA and arguably part of what makes our nation exceptional.  Unfortunately, not all limit-pushing is good. Perhaps this note pushes a certain limit, and its result is less than pleasing (you be the judge), but let’s try anyway.

Thistles are plants that can spread rapidly across a landscape.  They are a resilient weed that have evolved to survive in some of the harshest conditions.  A thistle is thorny and can cause discomfort if one is not careful.  Before we paint them with too broad a brush, however, its worth noting that they have some redeeming qualities.  They provide a food source for some wi

According to anecdotal evidence, slacklining is gaining popularity.  I have seen participants engaged in the balancing act more frequently lately.  Slacklining is an activity requiring stability and various levels of tension.  Essentially, a line is suspended between two trees with a modest amount of “slack” creating a dynamic line which will stretch and bounce while