Every day the news gives us more salacious allegations of malfeasance by high profile individuals. We shake our heads, wonder why, and act judgmental as we call for their heads. Frequently the issue is one of addiction.

We pass an alcoholic on the street and wonder how somebody ends up in that circumstance. Addiction starts with one step. Perhaps a 14-year-old snuck a few drinks from their parent’s liquor cabinet or engaged in underage drinking with friends at some social event. They became addicted to alcohol before they realized what they had experimented with. They probably can’t tell you the day it happened. Addictions are sneaky and can destroy anyone.

            The Bible provides a very clear account of the birth of our Lord in human form. Interesting physical evidence also supports the validity of this birth that changed the world.  However, few connect coins to this event.  Archaeology unearthed a coin minted in 6 AD with an imprint that that records an astronomical event very much like the one the Bible tells. 

Branch banking has undergone significant change over the past several years. Step-by-step, financial institutions have reduced or eliminated interpersonal interaction as part of a long-term plan to reduce banking costs and staff.

For example, now you can deposit checks using a smart phone. When I receive a check, it’s easier to snap a picture using my banking application. Almost immediately the money shows up in my account. This saves me time and effort, but it also saves the bank handling time and provides for automatic check processing.  

As a writer of a number of published books I try to stay current with the publishing industry. While Amazon is a great outlet for many, book publishers face increased financial pressure because of them.

First, Amazon makes used books available at low prices. Many people don’t want to keep a book after they’ve read it.  One time through is enough. Readers may get some of the book’s price back by making their book available for sale on Amazon.com.  Amazon matches buyers and sellers of these books.  A few years ago these books would have ended up in a used book store, donated to local library or tossed in the trash. If a customer is willing to wait six months or more, a bestseller that might have cost $29.99 in hardcover may be available for $4 to $10, sometimes even less. However, publishers and authors make nothing on these resales. 

We hear about stories on the Internet, radio and television that refer to fake news.  What is fake news and how does it relate to our business? I have come to believe that fake news is made up information often for a political reason and should not be confused with incorrect news reporting and analysis.