Advice

Christmas shopping in October? Why Black Friday may be too late this year

I suffer from a condition known as “male brain.” One of the symptoms causes me to think that I can wait until the last minute to do my shopping. Growing up, I remember shopping with my dad at the mall on Christmas Eve. We, along with a large number of other men suffering from the same condition, scrambled to find last-minute gifts for the wiser … Continue reading Christmas shopping in October? Why Black Friday may be too late this year

Bob BennettLeave a comment
History, Trivia

Is Mickey Mouse in the public domain?

Mickey Mouse is arguably the most famous cartoon character on earth. One survey even showed the iconic personality to edge out Santa Claus in recognition among children. In political and animation circles, it is often remarked that Mickey Mouse will fall into the public domain in 2024 if copyright term lengths are not extended before then. If Mickey’s copyright expires, this would allow the public … Continue reading Is Mickey Mouse in the public domain?

Andrew G. Johnson
Advice

Kakeibo: The Japanese mindfulness budgeting system

Kakeibo – meaning “household finance ledger” – was invented by Japan’s first female journalist, Hani Motoko, in 1904. Motoko developed this accounting system for Japanese housewives, because, in Japan, the wife traditionally managed the finances of the household and gave the husband an allowance. The Kakeibo system was designed to make the user aware of their spending habits and help the user take control of … Continue reading Kakeibo: The Japanese mindfulness budgeting system

Bob Bennett1 Comment
Advice

That’s a Yotta cash: The risk-free, lottery-based savings account

Saving cash is an important part of your financial planning. While “cash is trash” and similar headlines are spreading, having cash set aside is important for an emergency or making a big purchase soon. The reason why “cash is trash” has been going around is for two reasons: (1) interest rates on borrowing money is near record lows, and (2) the return on investing in … Continue reading That’s a Yotta cash: The risk-free, lottery-based savings account

Bob Bennett4 Comments
History, Trivia

Remember the Samaritans from Sunday School? They’re still around

The Book of Luke relates one of the most famous parables of Jesus, the story of the good Samaritan. In this tale, a man is beaten and left alongside a road, only to be ignored by a Levite and Jewish priest, both prestigious members of contemporary Jewish society. Only a Samaritan, an ethnoreligious minority frowned upon by most Jews at the time, was willing to … Continue reading Remember the Samaritans from Sunday School? They’re still around

Andrew G. Johnson
History, Trivia

Why didn’t Benjamin Franklin write the Declaration of Independence?

When the Continental Congress assembled the Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin was a perfect candidate to draft the historic document. Franklin was likely the most famous American in 1776. His aptitude across a range of varied pursuits — scientific, literary, and otherwise — granted him a caliber of respect unmatched by his colonial contemporaries. The Franklin stove, bifocals, lightning … Continue reading Why didn’t Benjamin Franklin write the Declaration of Independence?

Andrew G. Johnson