January 26, 2020

Want a home that will be worth more? Move near public transportation

Taking the train or bus may sound like a drag – especially if you own a car. But driving yourself to work and back can be an expensive and time-consuming grind. That’s likely a big reason why many people choose to live near convenient public transportation options. In fact, doing so may even raise the value of your residence if you’re a homeowner.

A recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that neighborhoods situated within a half-mile of public transit services had higher real estate values than communities further away from rail and bus lines.

Want to know more? Read my newest piece for CTW Features, as published in the Dallas Morning News, available here.

January 19, 2020

Toasting a film of exceptional vintage

For Cineversary podcast episode #19, host Erik Martin interviews guest Joseph McBride, film historian, biographer, author, educator, and screenwriter, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of the most controversial and socioculturally important films of Hollywood's golden age: "The Grapes of Wrath," directed by John Ford. Together, Erik and Joe explore why this classic is worth celebrating all these years later, its cultural impact and legacy, what we can learn from the picture today, how it has stood the test of time, and more.
Joseph McBride
To listen to this episode, click the "play button" on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download or subscribe to the Cineversary podcast using Google Podcasts, Google Play Music, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Anchor, Breaker, Castbox, Overcast, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at tinyurl.com/cineversarypodcast and email show comments or suggestions to cineversegroup@gmail.com.

January 13, 2020

The great plastic debate: credit cards vs. debit cards

For disciplined consumers, plastic can be fantastic. A debit card and credit card allow you to make purchases safer and easier without having to carry cash. That begs the question: When should you use a debit card vs credit card? The answer to this question is important. That's because, when used properly, each card offers special benefits and advantages. There are drawbacks to using each card, too.

Learn the facts about debit cards and credit cards and when it's best to use one instead of the other. And shop around for these cards carefully so you can reap the most rewards for using them. For more tips on this topic, read my latest article for Money-Rates.com here.

January 5, 2020

Our Pal long before Lucas, Spielberg or Cameron

If you're a fan of futuristic films, sci-fi cinema, and special effects-minded movies, then it's time to give props to George Pal--an oft unsung visionary who was responsible for some of the biggest and best fantasy and science-fiction pictures of the 1950s and early 1960s, including "The War of the Worlds," "The Time Machine," When Worlds Collide," and "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao."

Learn more about Pal's life and talents by reading my feature on this forgotten filmmaker (available here), as published in the current edition of the Nostalgia Digest.