Columnists

It must be a sign that I’m becoming a Cranky Old Person (COP) when some of the music I’m hearing these days leaves me shaking my head and muttering unintelligible things to myself.

My sample ballot arrived in the mail last week, signaling that it’s time to write my once-every-four-years presidential endorsement column. Here’s why I’m voting to re-elect President Barack Obama.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus commands his followers to serve others: feed the hungry, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit prisoners. That remains perhaps the central message of Christianity: to reach out and help others in need.

It is recorded in the great book that God made the world in six days. What wasn't recorded was that during one of those days, God might have wondered where he was going to spend his R and R on the seventh day. It was then that he must have decided to create Yosemite.

If you get a stiff and painful neck when you watch TV, it might be because of where the TV is located. You've probably heard the advice to place your computer monitor at eye level. Your TV is really just a big monitor.

When my husband and I met and married some 27 years ago, we brought our young daughters from previous marriages - his one, Sarah, and my two, Tara and Lindsey - and became a blended family. Mark and Sarah’s personalities are robust and structured while my girls and I are a little more fruity and complex. (Note: Mark especially agrees with the fruity description.) Our differences cause the usual squabbles but in the end, we are a great balance for each other. Our girls are all grown up now and it’s such fun when we all get together. Like a fine wine, our blended family has aged well.

As a native New Yorker, I still marvel at our region’s ideal weather even though I’ve lived here for 29 years. This year, as always, I look forward to the crisp air of autumn. Although not as dramatic as autumn in New York, I find the changing colors of leaves and the crunch underfoot as they cover sidewalks and yards invigorating. If you happen to see an adult woman skipping along the sidewalks while collecting leaves, it’s probably me.

We are now in plain view of the “fiscal cliff.” After the election, Congress may or may not end up keeping income and estate tax rates at their recent levels. Next year may bring some notable financial developments, and it isn't too soon for households to think about them.