All Else

The holiday season is, for many, a time for cherished rituals and down time, including watching movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf or Die Hard. But this season is also a time for reflection on our lives and the world around us beset by conflict — and the worsening climate crisis. Here are five film recommendations to help combine ritual and reflection.

It may not be enough simply to be physically away from work, particularly in an era when so many of us work from home. We also have to stop thinking about work when we’re not there – whether it’s fretting over your to-do list while out at dinner, thinking about your unanswered emails while you’re at your daughter’s soccer game, or lying in bed pondering what you’ll say at tomorrow’s board meeting.

The fundamentals are strong and may be on the rise, if you believe chief financial officers. Plus, despite dysfunction in Washington, recent laws and policies like the CHIPS and Science Act, the bipartisan infrastructure deal, the AI Bill of Rights and the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Use of Artificial Intelligence could further boost economic growth by stimulating job creation and enhancing competitiveness.

The death of the author’s brother shattered his deeply held evangelical beliefs. This deep loss started a period of questioning in light of the evidence of the author’s experience, leading him to revise his worldview in a way that felt authentic. He changed his mind about a lot things.

Francis in 1223 sought permission from Pope Honorious III to do something “for the kindling of devotion” to the birth of Christ. As part of his preparations, Francis “made ready a manger, and bade hay, together with an ox and an ass,” in the small Italian town of Greccio.

Consumers in the U.S. spend billions of dollars a year on wrapping gifts, in most cases to make their presents look as good as possible. But beautiful presentation doesn’t lead to a better-liked gift. A study showed that those who received a sloppily wrapped gift liked their present significantly more than those who received a neatly wrapped gift, regardless of what was inside. Yay for the sloppy!

Former President Donald Trump has claimed he is immune from prosecution – specifically on the federal charges that he tried to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election. He says that his actions in connection with the 2020 election were part of his official duties, and he also argues that because he was not convicted during either of his impeachments, he cannot be tried in a criminal court for his actions.

The holidays negatively affect many people’s mental health as the holidays for many are stark reminders of grief and of whom – or what – they have lost. About 10% of bereaved adults are at risk of prolonged grief disorder, and those rates appear to have increased in the aftermath of the pandemic.

In the 50 years since “The Exorcist” premiered, the cultural fascination with Satan has persisted. But as religiosity has waned, popular portrayals of Satan have also changed. Rather than embody pure evil, Luciferian characters that are complicated – even likable – have emerged.

Some investors see luxury collectibles, such as high-end whiskey bottles or casks, as an alternative to other assets like stocks and bonds. But the high price may also have a lot to do with the increasing focus on the purported authenticity of craft products – especially ones like Scotch whisky, which trade on their heritage as much as their flavor.