In February, I wrote a column about my trip to Florida. This was not a winter vacation or a restful getaway. Rather, I traveled 4,500 miles to say goodbye to my grandfather while he still knew my name.
In 2020, my grandpa began fading from dementia. Slowly things started to shift. His memory was getting spotty, he was having delusions and often stumbled around the house looking for something.
In the last two years, South Dakotans have literally paid the price for the Biden administration’s agenda. Democrats’ reckless spending contributed to the highest inflation in 40 years. Recent tax increases on energy producers are likely to increase utility costs. And the Biden administration’s regulatory agenda may drive utility bills even higher and put our energy and food security in jeopardy in its rush toward a Green New Deal future.
‘Tis the season for Christmas movies and every family has its own list of favorites. Along with decorating the tree and shopping for presents, watching them has become a part of many families’ holiday traditions and the season just wouldn’t be complete without them.
My sister will be retiring at the end of the year after a long career as a corporate attorney. Two weeks ago I sent her a link to a song called “The Final Countdown.” She said it was too soon to be counting down but that I always have a knack for picking the right song at the right moment of our lives. I agree with both of these things.
You could color us somewhat surprised that the legalization of recreational marijuana in South Dakota not only failed during the last General Election, but failed quite soundly. It seemed logical that IM 27, which would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state, would pass, given that medical marijuana had already been approved and a previous movement to approve recreational marijuana passed but was struck down due to a legal challenge of the ballot question.
This column isn’t going to appeal to everyone. In fact, there are only a handful of people who are probably at all interested in this, but allow me to practice some catharsis in this space. I want to talk about the most polarizing player in the history of the Oakland-Los Angeles-back to Oakland-Las Vegas Raiders.
If you know anything about the Raiders you already know who I’m talking about. His name is Derek Carr.
I went caroling for the first time in years the other day. Despite the cold night air, voices rang out in sweet harmonies. There was a warm community atmosphere and that cozy feeling of Christmas. But what struck me the most was the carols.
Despite not having sung any of them in a year, the words returned to memory with ease. I didn’t need the music provided, and no one struggled with the melody. Which leads me to wonder, what is so special about Christmas carols that we remember them year to year?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you be of good cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
—”It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
If you look across the nation, economic growth has ground to a halt. The price of everyday items – like milk, eggs, and pretty much everything else – has skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. Thirty eight percent of Americans point to “economic problems” as “the most important problem facing the country today.” In this tumultuous sea of negative economic news, South Dakota stands tall as a lighthouse – an example that Freedom and personal responsibility lead to sustained economic growth.
Many of us know the world is a different place than what it used to be. Nowhere is that more evident than in the workplace.
There are two trends I’ve heard about recently. One is called quiet quitting where employees essentially “ghost” employers. The term ghosting is somewhat new to me. It basically means cutting off all communication with another individual. I think it was first coined to refer to romantic relationships but now really applies to any and all relationships.
