Other winter holidays celebrated around the world besides Christmas and New Year's

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are far from the only major holidays celebrated around the world once the weather gets colder and the year comes to a close. Several other days on the calendar serve as important festive celebrations for different cultures inside and outside America that are deserving of increased awareness.

It’s important to understand different winter holidays besides Christmas because of the growing multicultural population in the United States and the rise in celebration rates of many culturally specific holidays. Consider that, by 2050, the majority of the US will be multicultural, and each major racial and ethnic group – Hispanic, Black, Asian – is growing in size.

Learn more about the different holidays on the calendar you may not be aware of or know much about by reading my latest piece for The Post and Courier, available here.

The great debate: Should you choose a real or artificial Christmas tree?

There’s nothing quite like having a genuine Christmas tree in your home during the holiday season. The fresh scent, vibrant needles and branches and authentic appearance of a bona fide fir, spruce, pine or other species creates a comforting and festive ambience in any residence.

Then again, most artificial trees today look just like the genuine article but spare you from the mess, hassle, and risks associated with a real tree.

So which type is right for you? That depends on your budget, tastes, available space and other factors, say the experts. And it’s a decision that is best made well ahead of time.

To help you make the right choice, read my newest article for CTW Features, available here.

Cineversary podcast rings in A Christmas Story's 40th birthday

In Cineversary podcast episode #65, host Erik Martin talks Chinese turkey with leg lamp expert Andrew Scahill, a film studies professor at the University of Colorado Denver known for his holiday movies course, as they commemorate the 40th anniversary of A Christmas Story, directed by Bob Clark. Andrew and Erik cover this film from soap to fudge, exploring why this film remains timeless and deserves celebration four decades later, how it became a pop culture phenomenon, and much more.

Andrew Scahill

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

What's involved with a mortgage refi

Mortgage rates more than doubled last year and have remained stubbornly higher in 2023. For most borrowers, that's not the ideal climate for replacing a current loan with a new one. Regardless, a refinance might be in your near future for many reasons.

Learn more about how refinancing a mortgage works, the common options available to you and pros and cons to consider by checking out my newest article for the McClatchy Media Network, available here.

How home equity can help build generational wealth

Every parent’s hope and wish is to provide their children with tools and resources that can help them live healthier, safer and happier lives – including financial resources. One of the best ways to grow generational wealth is to invest in real estate as a homeowner and transfer that property and the home equity you’ve accrued to your inheritors.

Learn more about why home equity is important, how to build generational wealth through home equity, building wealth through real estate, and how to pass down property and the challenges associated with it by reading my newest article, published in the Charlotte Observer, available here.

Cineversary podcast honors 70th birthday of Ozu's Tokyo Story

In Cineversary podcast episode #64, host Erik Martin is joined by David Desser, emeritus professor of cinema studies at the University of Illinois and one of the world’s foremost experts on Asian cinema, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Tokyo Story, directed by Yasujirō Ozu. They discuss why and how this film remains a masterwork, Tokyo Story’s prominent themes, Ozu’s unique style, and much more.

David Desser

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Ramping up efforts to make a more accessible home

Creating a secure living environment for individuals with disabilities often entails a significant investment of both time and finances. Indeed, the process of adapting a home to accommodate disabilities and making necessary home modifications can seem overwhelming and possibly unfeasible. But these improvements can significantly improve quality of life for occupants with physical challenges.

Even minor adjustments within the residence of an individual living with a disability or experiencing the challenges of aging can have a profound impact on their daily life. Learn more about upgrades and renovations you can make in your home to better accommodate those with disabilities and what the expected costs are for many of these projects by checking out my newest piece for Bankrate, available here.

Avoid the gore and decorate with care this Halloween

More homeowners than ever before are decking their halls with dread and amplifying their exteriors during the Halloween season. Consider that spending for this spooky holiday hit a record high of $10.6 billion in 2022, per the National Retail Foundation, up from $8 billion spent in 2020 – with 75% of these consumers purchasing holiday décor, which increasingly includes animatronics and large outdoor figures such as the 12-foot Home Depot skeleton that’s been all the rage the past three years.

But while Halloween decorating and enthusiasm around October 31 festooning are on the rise, so are the risks associated with such. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 3,200 Halloween-related injuries occur every year, on average. Many of these injuries are caused by decorations, including carving a pumpkin, using a ladder to hang up décor and electric shocks from faulty wires when employing electric lights.

Learn more about ways to adorn your abode safely this Halloween by reading my latest story for CTW Features, available here.

How to buy a home remotely

Years ago, the idea of ​​purchasing a home sight unseen – that is, without physically inspecting the property – was strongly frowned upon by most in the real estate industry. After all, what is probably the biggest and most expensive transaction of your life should include looking, touching and walking through the home to prevent buyer’s regrets.

But especially since the pandemic, remote buying has become a viable trend, making sense for a significant number of out-of-state/international buyers who can’t make the trip in time but still want to claim an available property before someone else does.

Learn more by reading my latest article for CTW Features, available here.

Cineversary podcast throws 50th and 75th birthday party for The Exorcist and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

Alexandre Philippe and Gregory Mank

In Cineversary podcast episode #63, host Erik Martin honors big birthdays of 2 great horror films. First, he’s joined by Alexandre O. Philippe, director of Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist, to honor the 50th anniversary of The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin; and then he partners with classic horror historian and author Gregory Mank to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Erik and his guests indulge in some Halloween frights and fun, exploring why these two films remain masterworks, how they’ve stood the test of time, and more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Smokeless wonder

In baseball, the most valuable athletes are five-tool players. But in your kitchen, you get the equivalent of a six-tool player with a Gourmia FoodStation—a smokeless grill, griddle, and air fryer that also bakes, roasts, and dehydrates, all in one compact product that occupies minimal counter space.

I spotlight this handy cooking gadget in my latest article for The Costco Connection newsletter, available here. 

Take a bite of the Big Peach

Atlanta's a pretty popular place right now, as evidenced by the Braves' stellar regular season and high hopes for a long playoff run this October. But winning baseball isn't the only reason why this jewel of the South shines so brightly. There are dozens of fantastic amenities, museums, and family-friendly attractions waiting to be discovered. I created a roundup of must-see destinations in and around Atlanta this autumn in my NACS Show Guide for CSP, available here. 

How to buy a first home that's also an investment property

Many aspiring homeowners want to buy a home primarily to have a place to live, with long-term financial security a secondary benefit. But what if a first-time homebuyer is more interested in the investment aspect?

First-time homebuyers looking for an investment property can purchase a home to live in for a year and then rent it out, buy and live in one unit in a multifamily home, or buy a home to flip for a profit. By owning and investing in real estate, there’s potential for you to grow long-term wealth, and benefit from increased home equity and tax breaks. But an investment also may lose value — and you could forfeit your property if you can’t pay your mortgage.

Learn more by reading my first article for new client LowerMyBills.com, available here.

A surefire sign Halloween season is upon us

How does a commercial haunted attraction stand out among the creepy crowd of other paid Halloween events? By focusing on the human elements that make its inhuman presentation so shockingly effective, that's how.

At a time when competitors are cutting jobs and turning to mass-produced props to save money, Midnight Terror Haunted House in Oak Lawn is relying on a tried-and-true approach to satisfying its customers: Hiring more staff and putting greater personalization into its scare tactics.

In fact, Chicagoland’s favorite Halloween destination will feature over 100 costumed actors in 2023, breaking last year’s record. Plus, there will be plenty more new custom animatronics, props, masks, and costumes—all unique and created on-site by a talented squad of artists whose sole task year-round is to invent and perfect the numerous creatures and characters that populate Midnight Terror.

Learn more about how this fright favorite in Chicagoland's south suburbs continues to conjure up big crowds by reading my latest article on the haunt, available here.

Cineversary podcast throws golden birthday party for American Graffiti

In Cineversary podcast episode #62, host Erik Martin sends golden birthday wishes to American Graffiti, directed by George Lucas. Riding shotgun with him for this 50th birthday party is Barna Donovan, film professor at Saint Peter’s University and author of several books on the cinema, including Conspiracy Films: A Tour of Dark Places in the American Conscious. Erik and Barna go cruising back to the early rock and roll era to explore the moviemaking, music, and messages behind American Graffiti, why this film is deserving of our attention five decades later, and what we can learn from the picture today.

Barna Donovan

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

What rights does a loan co-signer have on your home or car?

Lack sufficient credit to qualify for a home loan, car loan, or another type of loan? You may be able to get that financing after all if you convince a co-signer to back the loan with you. But that conjures an important question: What rights does a co-signer have on a house? For that matter, what rights does a co-signer have on a car? And what co-signer rights apply to other property acquired via a loan?

Explore what it means to get and be a co-signer on a loan, the advantages and disadvantages of having a cosigned loan, co-signer rights to the property being financed, and what happens when a conflict involving the signer or co-signer emerges by reading my latest story for Bills.com, available here.

When to reject your employer's health care plan

Employer-sponsored health insurance plans are often more affordable than seeking coverage on your own. But if you need to, you can still decline coverage. Although some restrictions apply, you aren’t required to accept your company’s health insurance coverage.

It may make more sense to decline employer health insurance and opt for a plan through the Healthcare.gov marketplace, directly from a private health insurance company, or through another source, such as Medicare or Medicaid. Some people also get coverage under their spouse’s plan.

Learn more about your options by reading my latest work for Insure.com on this topic, found here.

Too many home hunters, not enough homes

The law of supply and demand dictates that, when you don't have enough product but a lot of people clamor for it, the price of that product escalates, leaving a lot of frustrated folks on the sideline. That, in a nutshell, helps explain the lingering housing supply dilemma.

Consider that, in America, a healthy housing market should have around a six-month inventory of homes available. But right now, the housing supply is woefully inadequate, with some markets possessing less than a one-month supply of homes.

Take a moment to better understand why and how the lack of real estate inventory is contributing to our current housing crisis by reading my newest article for CTW Features, available here.  

Cineversary podcast proves Duck Soup still quacks us up 90 years later

Robert Bader

In Cineversary podcast episode #61, host Erik Martin commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Marx Brothers’ comedy classic Duck Soup, directed by Leo McCarey. His copilot this month is Robert S. Bader, director of the documentary Groucho & Cavett and author of Four of the Three Musketeers: The Marx Brothers on Stage. Erik and Robert will examine the lasting comedic power and influence of Duck Soup and the Marx Brothers and what makes this film worthy of kudos nine decades since its release.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com. 

Most affordable places to buy a home today

First-time home buyers and even repeat purchasers are finding it challenging to locate an affordable home in a desirable market. That’s due to several factors, including higher mortgage interest rates and list prices as well as heavy competition among buyer prospects. But the good news is that there are less expensive real estate markets to be found where the annual earnings required are lower than average. In fact, a fresh report by ATTOM reveals the 10 most affordable areas around the country based on earnings.

Dig deeper into this top 10 list and learn why these markets made the list, what to think about before committing to a move to a less expensive market, and other criteria to consider by checking out my most recent story for The Mortgage Reports, available here.

Now orbiting planet granite

Initially introduced as a substitute for marble in the 1980s, granite has evolved to become one of the most popular countertop materials for kitchens and bathrooms worldwide. In fact, among homeowners who remodel, 23 percent choose to install granite countertops in kitchen areas versus 16 percent who pick granite as a bathroom vanity countertop, per recent Houzz data.

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen for a contemporary appearance, building a new home or simply indulging in design fantasies, you'll discover that granite countertops are more affordable and highly functional.

Take the time to better understand the price of granite countertops, factors that impact these costs, the benefits of granite countertops compared to other types of countertops, other criteria that can affect what you pay, and financing options for granite countertops by reading my latest article for Bankrate, available here.

How to use your home equity to purchase a vacation home

Interested in purchasing a second home for vacation, rental, or investment purposes? You may be able to conveniently tap the home equity you’ve accrued in your primary residence to finance a second home.

But it’s important to understand the pros and cons of doing so, the forms of home equity financing available, the tax ramifications of using home equity to buy a second home, and alternative ways to fund a second home transaction. Read my newest piece for Refi.com, available here, and learn more.

Should you give your kid a debit or credit card?

It’s smart for parents to teach their children – even at younger ages – about financial responsibilities, the importance of saving money and how to spend cash carefully. When you feel the time is right, allowing your age-appropriate child to use a credit card or debit card can be a good way to build proper spending and credit habits.

Explore how a credit card designed for kids works, different debit cards for children to check out, the pros and cons of a credit or debit card for your daughter or son, and the benefits of teaching financial responsibility to our offspring by reading my newest article for Bankrate, available here.

Cineversary podcast celebrates big anniversaries of Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List

Annette Insdorf and James Kendrick

In Cineversary podcast episode #60, host Erik Martin honors the 30th anniversary of Schindler’s List and the 25th anniversary of Saving Private Ryan, both directed by Steven Spielberg. Joining him this month is Annette Insdorf, professor in the Graduate Film Program of Columbia’s School of the Arts and author of Indelible Shadows: Film and the Holocaust; and James Kendrick, professor of film at Baylor University and author of Darkness in the Bliss-Out: A Reconsideration of the Films of Steven Spielberg. Erik, Annette, and James will explore why these films still resonate all these years later, ways they were inspiring and innovative, what they reveal about Spielberg, and more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Here's how your health insurance may change now that the COVID crisis is over

The Covid-19 crisis triggered a public health emergency, which gave the federal government authority to waive and change requirements related to private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans. During the public health emergency, patients and health insurance members benefitted from a range of free and expanded services and benefits designed to prevent and minimize the impact of Covid.

Now that the public health emergency has officially ended, you may be wondering how it affects your out-of-pocket health costs, health insurance coverage and doctor visits. Read my newest story for Forbes Advisor, available here, to learn more.

A workspace away from the rat race

Three years ago, home offices were all the rage as millions of Americans were forced to work remotely due to the pandemic. But even though many of us have returned to our original job sites, 79% of businesses today allow employees to work fully or partially from home, per recent ResumeBuilder.com data. And over 5.1 million businesses were launched in 2022, up from 3.5 million in 2019 – with many of these owners operating out of their homes.

But whether or not you’ve spent time telecommuting since 2020, it’s smart to create an official home office or revamp your existing one, the experts agree. Chances are you stand to significantly benefit today or in the future from a designated workspace that’s carefully planned, appropriately appointed, and conducive to increased efficiency. Explore more on this topic by reading my newest story for The Costco Connection magazine, available here.

Drive safely this summer with these tips

Eager to take a road trip this summer? Excited about getting behind the wheel and heading to a fun destination this season? Be aware that summertime can be a riskier period on the road with increased driving dangers. In fact, per the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), among the 10 deadliest driving days of the year, six of those days happen during the summer.

Learn why driving in the summer requires extra vigilance and preparation to keep you and your family safe by reading my newest article for CarInsurance.com, found here.

Want to sell your home without an agent? Read this first

It's pronounced "fiz-bo," but it's spelled FSBO. It means "for sale by owner" and it's a pretty important acronym to understand if you're thinking about selling your home anytime soon. Consider that only about 10 percent of all home sales are FSBOs, according to the National Association of Realtors, which means the vast majority of transactions are completed with the help of an agent or broker.

Going the DIY route to selling your home has its pros and cons. I recently wrote about this topic for CTW Features, published in the Richmond Times Dispatch, available here, which I encourage you to read--especially if you plan an FSBO sale.

How to shop for a mortgage refi without hurting your credit

Preparing to refinance your mortgage loan? It’s smart to be aware of how shopping and applying for financing can impact your credit. Because, truth is, your credit rating may temporarily drop before and after closing on a refi loan, and it’s important to understand the ramifications of that.

Find out more by reading my new article on this topic--my first for new client Refi.com--available here.

How Uncle Sam can benefit from better speech tech

Today, the public expects government bodies to provide services and benefits comparable to what they experience from private enterprises. They insist on exceptional digital customer service from these entities, leading to a disparity between what citizens expect and what agencies and departments can currently provide. This divide has resulted in mounting dissatisfaction, as many residents perceive the government as being out of touch and unconcerned about the needs of the people.

Fortunately, speech technologies can help significantly. In my newest article for Speech Technology Magazine, available here, I explore how governments can gain from speech tech in various ways, including automating routine tasks, streamlining internal processes, improving customer service, providing proactive information delivery, driving channel automation, analyzing customer interactions, and enhancing accessibility to services and assistance.

Will the real estate market heat up this summer?

Thinking about buying or selling a home in the coming weeks? Summertime can be an ideal season to shop for or list a property. That’s because the weather is more amenable – making it easier to host and attend open houses and private showings – curb appeal is more evident during the growing season and many purchasers are eager to claim homes before the school year begins.

But before you put your residence up for sale or begin house hunting, take a moment to read the tea leaves. Find out if experts anticipate house prices dropping this summer. Is an economic slowdown or housing market crash 2023-style forthcoming? Read my latest article for Bankrate, available here, for real estate market predictions from trusted experts, including expectations about home prices, mortgage rates, housing supply and more.

How to finance an investment property

Interested in purchasing an investment property like an apartment complex, commercial building, or mixed-use property? You’re going to need a different type of financing than a primary residential mortgage loan. And you’ll need to better understand the costs involved with this financing – including the investment property mortgage loan rate charged.

Read my first article for new client Awning.com (available here) and take the time to learn about different investment property loans, ways these mortgage rates are different from traditional mortgage rates, how lenders set these rates, how to pay less for an investment property loan, and financing alternatives to consider. 

Cineversary podcast celebrates 60th birthday of Fellini's 8½ with Antonio Monda

In Cineversary podcast episode #59, host Erik Martin celebrates the 60th birthday of one of the greatest foreign films ever made, 8½, directed by Federico Fellini. His guest this month is Antonio Monda, known for directing and producing several films and being an associate professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Erik and Antonio will examine why 8½ is deserving of kudos six decades later, its important themes, what it reveals about Fellini, and more.

Antonio Monda

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at www.cineversary.com and email show comments or suggestions to cineversarypodcast@gmail.com.

Save more money with these helpful apps

Finding it tricky to save money? Wish you had an automatic way to salt away extra savings? Want to grow your rainy day fund more quickly? You may be a good candidate for money-saving apps. These tools, easily used on your smartphone, can help you put aside extra money in a savings account or checking account. These apps can also assist you in better managing your money and tracking spending.

For recommendations to money-saving apps and how to use them, read my newest piece for FreedomDebtRelief.com, available here.

Is tuition insurance worth it?

Pursuing a college education involves a significant investment. Case in point: the average annual tuition for public in-state four-year universities is $10,740, on average, while public four-year out-of-state university tuition costs are $25,760 and private four-year universities charge around $38,070, per College Board data for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Considering these expenses, the worst-case scenario for families is when their student has to withdraw from school after these costs have been paid. While you might get a refund, it may not be the full amount paid for tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. In fact, the entire amount may have to be forfeited.

Fortunately, a form of protection exists in tuition insurance, which will pay out in particular situations and serve as a valuable financial safety net for college students and their families if they have to pull out of school. Learn more about tuition insurance, what it covers and doesn’t cover, who offers it, and if it’s a worthy investment by reading my latest article for Forbes Advisor, available here.

You're well covered with a pergola

Want to create an eye-catching outdoor living space with a shady area for sitting and relaxing? There are several structures you can consider, including a pavilion, gazebo, arbor, or pergola. What is a pergola, you ask? Picture an outdoor structure with a lattice-style roof that may be ideal for your backyard or garden.

Learn more about the differences between pergolas and other outdoor living structures, how to build a pergola, what you can expect to pay for one, and if a pergola is worth the investment by reading my latest article for Ownerly.com, available here.

Cineversary podcast honors 100th birthday of Safety Last with Richard Correll and Suzanne Lloyd

Richard Correll and Suzanne Lloyd

In Cineversary podcast episode #58, host Erik Martin honors the 100th birthday of the timeless silent comedy Safety Last, starring Harold Lloyd, by speaking with Richard Correll, chief archivist for the Lloyd Trust, and Suzanne Lloyd, Harold’s granddaughter and president of Harold Lloyd Entertainment. Erik and his guests assess this film from a top-floor view and examine why Safety Last is worthy of celebration a century later, the ways it has stood the test of time, its influence on pop culture, and more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

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

Credit card or HELOC: Which financing option is better?

Whether you’re looking to fund a home improvement project, pay off high-interest debt, or have a major expense coming up, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a credit card could be a worthy funding choice.

In my newest piece for The Mortgage Reports, available here, I break down the pros and cons, eligibility requirements, and good candidates for a HELOC vs. credit card.

How to prevent your car from being stolen

Here’s an alarming thought that should cause you to pause as a driver and car owner: Car theft is rising.

In fact, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2022, representing a 7% increase over 2021 and the most thefts since 2008, according to fresh data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Disturbingly, more than 250,000 auto thefts were reported in the fourth quarter of 2022 alone. The estimated total vehicle theft losses measured last year is $8.9 billion.

Learn more about states with the highest incidences of car theft, the top 10 most stolen vehicles, how to safeguard against car theft, and what to do if you are the victim of a stolen car by reading my newest article for Carinsurance.com, available here.

Execute a better ground game

It’s never too early to give thought to your home’s curb appeal and the condition and cosmetic appeal of your yard and grounds. If you want to be prouder of the home you own and catch the eye of visitors and passersby, it pays to devote extra focus to landscaping improvements in 2023. Consider, for example, how outdoor spaces have become increasingly important to many homeowners, especially those seeking to amplify al fresco entertainment and backyard parties as well as ecologically-minded Americans.

Learn more about landscape upgrades you can make this year by reading my article on the topic, published in the Daily Herald, available here.

Cineversary podcast marks King Kong's 90th birthday with Phil Tippett, Ray Morton, and Richard Correll

Phil Tippett, Ray Morton, and Richard Correll

In Cineversary podcast episode #57, host Erik Martin celebrates the 90th birthday of King Kong with three great guests: visual effects master Phil Tippett; Ray Morton, author of King Kong: The History of a Movie Icon from Fay Wray to Peter Jackson; and TV actor, director, screenwriter, and producer Richard Correll. Together, they take the scenic route from Skull Island to the Empire State Building as they explore why Kong still matters, how it’s stood the test of time, its huge influence on cinema, and more.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Audible, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

Learn more about the Cineversary podcast at podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cineversary and email show comments or suggestions to cineversegroup@gmail.com. 

Charged up about EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) and their plentiful perks—like zero emissions, quiet operation, high expected reliability, and cheaper power costs—have Americans buzzing with excitement. But if you’re planning on buying an EV anytime soon, you’re going to need to plan for regular battery charging at convenient and accessible times and locations. That’s why it pays to have a home charging system on your property.

For more information on EV home chargers, check out my newest piece for The Costco Connection magazine, available here.

Keep debt collectors off your back

Debt collectors are those notorious entities that collect debts for others. Credit card companies and banks may sell your debt or turn over your account to a collection agency, which makes money if it manages to collect from you. Some of these collectors can be very aggressive. 

However, you don't have to put up with phone calls (including collection calls at work), emails, voicemails, text messages, or contact through social media. Learn how to control when and how debt collectors communicate with you by reading my latest article for Bills.com, available here.

Exploring AI's impact on speech technology

It’s hardly a surprise that 2022 was a pivotal year for speech technology, especially considering the continued explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in this space. Numerous noteworthy innovations, developments, and signs of progress were observed over the past year, as were old and new challenges that need to be overcome.

So, where do we stand at this point, in 2023? What’s the state of adoption of speech tech to date, what newsworthy events over the past year are worth revisiting, which shortcomings need to be addressed, and what do the experts forecast over the next year and beyond?

Read my latest article for Speech Technology Magazine for more on this topic, available here.

TCM's Ben Mankiewicz & Farran Smith Nehme join Cineversary podcast to celebrate Treasure of the Sierra Madre's 75th anniversary

Ben Mankiewicz and Farran Smith Nehme

In Cineversary podcast episode #56, host Erik Martin is joined by Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz and Farran Smith Nehme, whose writings have appeared in The Village Voice, Sight & Sound, and her Self-Styled Siren Substack. Together, they sift through the sands of time to uncover the golden truths behind The Treasure of the Sierra Madre as they commemorate the film’s 75th anniversary.

To listen to this episode, click here or click the "play" button on the embedded streaming player below. Or, you can stream, download, or subscribe to Cineversary wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, PodBean, RadioPublic, and Overcast.

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

 

Retracing the shameful history of redlining in real estate

The days of race-based housing discrimination in the U.S. may be legally behind us, but the legacy of attitudes and practices that kept nonwhite citizens out of some neighborhoods remains pervasive. “Redlining” was one of these practices notorious in American real estate history.

What is redlining? Today, the term can refer to any form of racial discrimination related to real estate. But historically it refers to a form of government-backed bias and inequity in housing dating back to the 1930s.

America’s discriminatory past can still be seen today with nonwhite mortgage borrowers generally getting charged higher interest rates and through persistent “voluntary” neighborhood segregation.

Learn more about the history and legacy of redlining practices by reading my newest article for Bankrate, available here.