2 MAY 2024 · Henry Cabot Lodge once emphasized the importance of embracing one's American identity without any qualifiers, asserting that true allegiance should be to the United States above all else. In a similar vein, when it comes to individuals aligning themselves with contentious causes like Hamas and Palestine, there is a call to reconsider the use of the term "American" in their self-description. The message resonates with the idea of prioritizing national unity and loyalty above affiliations that may conflict with the values and interests of the country.

1 MAY 2024 · For all of the articles I talked ab out in today's podcast, go to my The Business Advisor flipboard magazine:  https://flipboard.com/@lodgeco/michael-lodge-the-business-advisor-vt0agg1bz www.lodge-co.com Business Advisory / Mediation

28 APR 2024 · Times are getting tougher in our personal finance lives. We have to become fighters and good stewards of our financial lives. www.lodge-co.com

16 APR 2024 · Here is a really good article about granparenting and boundaries. I get so many requests for mediation from grandparents when they have been cut off by their own children and can't be with their grandchildren. Article: https://www.goodto.com/family/family-news/child-phychologist-unveils-the-grandparent-code-list-of-twelve-grandparent-rules-to-keep-family-relationships-strong-and-healthy?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=vancole%2Fmagazine%2FFinancial+News

12 APR 2024 · $24 billion flushed down the toilet by the state of California on the homeless over four years. Nothing has been done, and the problem gets worse, per an audit. The problem with state and federal government who talk about a problem and then think if they throw money at it, nothing gets done. Both federal and state governments do this daily with the peoples money. $24 billion could have been planned out on what would work the best. Poor students in California are living in their cars and vans because the cost of apartments are so expensive that they are part of the homeless. We have many issues that should be addressed and planned for. Where did that $24 billion go? What politician has become rich over the past four years? Californians have to hold the state responsible and vote these politicians out of office. Californians - take action.

11 APR 2024 · Inflation is hurting small businesses and they don't have confidence in the direction the economy is headed. 11% of small business said they would hire new employees per the NFIB that ran a survey of small business. https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/labor-market-woes-us-small-businesses-scale-back-hiring-plans?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=lodgeco%2Fmagazine%2FMichael%20Lodge%20-%20The%20Business%20Advisor

10 APR 2024 · Inflation has once again reared its head, defying expectations and sending a ripple of concern through the economy. The recent acceleration in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) during March has pushed inflation rates higher, now standing at 3.5% over the past 12 months. This surge, exceeding economists' forecasts, is likely to keep the Federal Reserve from making any immediate moves with interest rates. As the cost of goods and services continues to climb at a faster pace than anticipated, the pressure mounts on policymakers to navigate these uncharted waters effectively. Despite the growing inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve finds itself in a challenging position, unable to lower interest rates to counteract the rising prices. Meanwhile, concerns persist as President Biden's economic promises fall short of reality, leaving many Americans to bear the brunt of these economic uncertainties. As the nation grapples with the consequences of this persistent inflation trend, it becomes increasingly crucial for stakeholders to devise sustainable strategies that can help alleviate the financial burdens faced by individuals and businesses alike. The road ahead remains uncertain, underscoring the importance of prudent fiscal and monetary policies to steer the economy in the right direction and mitigate the adverse impacts of inflation on the lives of everyday Americans. www.lodge-co.com

9 APR 2024 · I waited for the eclipse but saw nothing. But I looked around and saw the trees filled with lemons, limes, and avocados growing and saw the power of the sun. www.lodge-co.com

7 APR 2024 · As the sun rises on this peaceful Sunday morning, I invite you to take a moment to step outside and listen to the melodious symphony of the birds singing in harmony. Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often overlook the simple yet profound beauty of nature's music. The gentle chirping and trilling of our feathered friends carry with them a message of tranquility and serenity, a reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the present moment. So let us pause, close our eyes, and immerse ourselves in the enchanting chorus of the avian world, allowing their songs to uplift our spirits and fill our hearts with gratitude for the wonders of the natural world.

3 APR 2024 · Last week I had a birthday and now the social media ad algorithm is showing me every old age product out there. I hate algorithms.