Renee’s Reading Club, with 57K members, is an online haven for book lovers  

Arts & Culture, Books

Renee Weingarten is a part-time librarian at Peninsula Public Library in Lawrence. But when it comes to recommending books, her reach extends far beyond the southwestern Nassau community: Thanks to Facebook, she has an audience of nearly 60,000 around the world. Weingarten, 66, of Atlantic Beach, is the founder of the Facebook group Renee’s Reading Club. It started as a forum for her to share book recommendations and has since grown into a global community of readers — mostly women — who post their own book reviews, seek advice on what they should read next and share memes (“Books and chocolate make life bearable,” for example). The group has become so popular that Weingarten regularly hosts Facebook Live events with authors — she’s booked guests through April — and has been publicly thanked by numerous writers for her support. “I’ve been called many things, such as ‘Facebook famous’ and a literacy leader . . . I never imagined the impact I would have on people’s lives,” she said. Renee Weingarten at Sunny Atlantic Beach Club.

Science Shows These 3 Ways To Spend Money Will Make You Happier

Science and Health

Fifteen years ago, I discovered minimalism. A lifestyle of intentionally owning fewer possessions has changed my life in many ways. But as one might guess, a shift in how I view spending money was among the top changes that took place.

Letting go of unnecessary possessions frees us to pursue happiness in places where it can actually be found. When it comes to our personal spending habits, even for someone who doesn’t embrace a minimalist lifestyle, there is still important research that can guide our decisions into smart spending.

Science shows that after our basic financial needs are met, there are specific ways we can spend money that will lead to greater happiness and well-being.

Here are three ways:

1. Spend on Experiences, Not Things
One of the most well-supported findings in happiness research is that money spent on experiences brings more lasting joy than spending on things. This is something that many believe to be true, but now we have research to support the assumption.
A study from The University of Texas highlights this reality with a short summary sentence: “The basic finding from a lot of experiments is that people derive more happiness from their experiences than from their possessions.” That was from the lead author Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing.

People who spend money on experiences—such as a family outing, a vacation, or even a cooking class—tend to feel happier before, during, and after the experience. Experiences bring joy not only in the moment but also through memories we revisit long afterward. Physical items, by contrast, lose their shine as time goes on, rarely delivering the same emotional return.

When we invest in experiences with others, we receive a double benefit of investing in relationships too. The shared moments, stories, and memories we create with others are powerful drivers of both well-being and happiness. Robert Waldinger, director of a 75-year-old Harvard study on adult development, explains that here.

For me, this choice has been one of the most rewarding changes in my own life. I no longer seek out the newest gadgets or fashions; instead, I look for ways to connect with people and make memories. As my children have now become young adults and are leaving home, I am grateful even more for our shared experiences.
2. Give to Others
Research also consistently shows that spending on others, whether through charity, gifts, or acts of kindness, can bring more happiness than spending on ourselves.
A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology backs up this idea, finding that “spending money on others promotes happiness.” This is just one of countless studies on the topic and the results appear universal, holding true across cultures, ages, and income levels.
Giving aligns with our innate need for purpose and connection. When we use our money to make a positive difference—whether through a donation, a thoughtful gift, or a meal shared with friends—we strengthen our sense of purpose and community. We also enjoy the benefit of alignment—aligning the spending of our dollars with our deepest heart desires.
The joy of giving is something I’ve experienced in my own life. And I have found that prosocial spending ignites happiness in whatever measure it is practiced—from launching a nonprofit to buying pizza for a friend.
3. Buy Time to Reduce Stress
Another effective way to spend money for greater happiness is to “buy time.”
This concept goes beyond spending on positive experiences to include removing stressors and creating more space in life. Research published in The National Library of Medicine Journal found that people who prioritize time over money generally report higher life satisfaction and that “using money to buy time can protect people from the detrimental effects of time pressure on life satisfaction.”
“Buying time” can look like hiring someone to handle tasks we’d rather avoid, choosing a home closer to work to cut down on commuting, or even simplifying household responsibilities.
This approach isn’t about avoiding work or responsibility—it’s about freeing up time and energy for the things we value most. Even small decisions, like paying for grocery delivery or outsourcing household chores (cleaning the house, raking leaves, shoveling), can free us up for family, hobbies, and relaxation.
Spending intentionally is a choice we all have. We would all be wise to remember more often that research tells us that after our needs are met, happiness isn’t found in acquiring more possessions. Instead, it’s about how we use our resources to enhance our lives and relationships. By investing in experiences, giving generously to others, and creating space through time-saving decisions, we find more and longer-lasting happiness than foolishly spending our limited dollars on something we don’t need.

Science Shows These 3 Ways To Spend Money Will Make You Happier

Science and Health

Fifteen years ago, I discovered minimalism. A lifestyle of intentionally owning fewer possessions has changed my life in many ways. But as one might guess, a shift in how I view spending money was among the top changes that took place.

Letting go of unnecessary possessions frees us to pursue happiness in places where it can actually be found. When it comes to our personal spending habits, even for someone who doesn’t embrace a minimalist lifestyle, there is still important research that can guide our decisions into smart spending.

Science shows that after our basic financial needs are met, there are specific ways we can spend money that will lead to greater happiness and well-being.

Here are three ways:

1. Spend on Experiences, Not Things
One of the most well-supported findings in happiness research is that money spent on experiences brings more lasting joy than spending on things. This is something that many believe to be true, but now we have research to support the assumption.
A study from The University of Texas highlights this reality with a short summary sentence: “The basic finding from a lot of experiments is that people derive more happiness from their experiences than from their possessions.” That was from the lead author Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing.

People who spend money on experiences—such as a family outing, a vacation, or even a cooking class—tend to feel happier before, during, and after the experience. Experiences bring joy not only in the moment but also through memories we revisit long afterward. Physical items, by contrast, lose their shine as time goes on, rarely delivering the same emotional return.

When we invest in experiences with others, we receive a double benefit of investing in relationships too. The shared moments, stories, and memories we create with others are powerful drivers of both well-being and happiness. Robert Waldinger, director of a 75-year-old Harvard study on adult development, explains that here.

For me, this choice has been one of the most rewarding changes in my own life. I no longer seek out the newest gadgets or fashions; instead, I look for ways to connect with people and make memories. As my children have now become young adults and are leaving home, I am grateful even more for our shared experiences.
2. Give to Others
Research also consistently shows that spending on others, whether through charity, gifts, or acts of kindness, can bring more happiness than spending on ourselves.
A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology backs up this idea, finding that “spending money on others promotes happiness.” This is just one of countless studies on the topic and the results appear universal, holding true across cultures, ages, and income levels.
Giving aligns with our innate need for purpose and connection. When we use our money to make a positive difference—whether through a donation, a thoughtful gift, or a meal shared with friends—we strengthen our sense of purpose and community. We also enjoy the benefit of alignment—aligning the spending of our dollars with our deepest heart desires.
The joy of giving is something I’ve experienced in my own life. And I have found that prosocial spending ignites happiness in whatever measure it is practiced—from launching a nonprofit to buying pizza for a friend.
3. Buy Time to Reduce Stress
Another effective way to spend money for greater happiness is to “buy time.”
This concept goes beyond spending on positive experiences to include removing stressors and creating more space in life. Research published in The National Library of Medicine Journal found that people who prioritize time over money generally report higher life satisfaction and that “using money to buy time can protect people from the detrimental effects of time pressure on life satisfaction.”
“Buying time” can look like hiring someone to handle tasks we’d rather avoid, choosing a home closer to work to cut down on commuting, or even simplifying household responsibilities.
This approach isn’t about avoiding work or responsibility—it’s about freeing up time and energy for the things we value most. Even small decisions, like paying for grocery delivery or outsourcing household chores (cleaning the house, raking leaves, shoveling), can free us up for family, hobbies, and relaxation.
Spending intentionally is a choice we all have. We would all be wise to remember more often that research tells us that after our needs are met, happiness isn’t found in acquiring more possessions. Instead, it’s about how we use our resources to enhance our lives and relationships. By investing in experiences, giving generously to others, and creating space through time-saving decisions, we find more and longer-lasting happiness than foolishly spending our limited dollars on something we don’t need.

PM Hotel Group expands Washington, D.C. area portfolio

Technology

PM Hotel Group will assume management of three properties in the greater Washington, D.C. area: the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport, Hotel Arboretum and Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, D.C./New York Avenue,  expanding its portfolio of 86 hotels in 22 states.

“We are pleased to thoughtfully add to our portfolio the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport, Hotel Arboretum and Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, D.C./New York Avenue,” PM Hotel Group Chief Growth and Development Officer Paul Sacco said in a statement. “These three hotels exemplify our national portfolio of branded and independent properties, expanding our diverse accommodation offerings in a highly dynamic region.”

Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport, located in the Dulles Tech Corridor, has 324 guestrooms and over 10,800 square feet of event space suited for corporate gatherings and social events. The property has amenities such as a fitness center, free parking, EV charging stations, and dining at Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar as well as a complimentary shuttle to Dulles International Airport, the Metro and local offices.

Hotel Arboretum in northeast Washington, D.C., is a 126-key property catering to both corporate and leisure guests, with  amenities like meeting rooms, a fitness center and an indoor pool. Its location is near major attractions and a complimentary shuttle to the National WWII Memorial and has easy access to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The recently renovated Fairfield Inn & Suites Washington, D.C./New York Avenue, with 126 guestrooms and suites, has ample workspaces flat-screen TVs and comfortable accommodations. Located in Northeast D.C., it has easy access to both Reagan and Dulles Airports, the Metro, and key landmarks like the Smithsonian museums, National Mall and Capitol Hill.

The addition of these three properties to the PM Hotel Group portfolio is part of a strategic initiative to expand the group’s footprint in the  mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The hotels join nearby PM Hotel Group properties, including Hampton Inn – Navy Yard, Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. Convention Center, The River Inn, Motto by Hilton Washington, D.C. City Center, The Normandy Hotel by Sono, and Hotel Hive.

INSIGHT: How railway crossing safety is being improved in the USA

Technology

Mary Scott Nabers, president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., gives her insight into the projects underway in the USA to address a pressing safety concern – railway crossings
At-grade rail crossings – where roads intersect at the same level with railway tracks – are the second leading cause of rail-related fatalities in the U.S., with over 2,000 incidents and approximately 200 deaths annually.
The existing technology for grade crossing warnings has largely remained unchanged since the 1960s and more is obviously needed. The current standard includes flashing red lights, warning bells and gates that lower in advance of an approaching train.

Upgrading or eliminating at-grade crossings can greatly reduce the risk of vehicle-train collisions. The crossings inherently pose safety challenges, but grade separations and improved technology can significantly lower the potential for crashes. Communities nationwide are reconfiguring these types of intersections.

A $52 million, two-phase project in Pelham, Alabama, will deliver a bridge over two existing at-grade crossings near Lee Road. The project will also realign two county roads as well as widen and upgrade the road to meet current safety standards. County Road 52, one of the intersecting roadways, is an important link between Pelham and Interstate 65 – the major north-to-south highway in Alabama.
The two current at-grade railroad crossings are often blocked by stalled trains for extended periods of time, restricting vehicle access and obstructing emergency vehicles. When completed, the project will significantly improve the safety and mobility of people and goods in the town just south of Birmingham. Project details call for a proposed five-lane bridge,415 feet in length, with a multi-use path to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Two additional bridges will also be required: one over Buck Creek and another to replace an existing bridge built in the 1950s. Work is slated to begin in 2025.

A large $61.8 million project in Glendale, California, will be launched in 2026. The objective will be to enhance safety and efficiency at a high-traffic rail crossing by replacing an at-grade crossing at Doran Street with a grade-separated structure. The new structure will also improve connectivity between Glendale and Los Angeles.
The plan calls for extending Doran Street under the Ventura Freeway, over the Verdugo Wash and joining the existing Fairmont Avenue bridge. L.A. Metro will supervise the effort. The existing rail line currently accommodates up to 90 trains per day, and this number is expected to increase, especially when the city hosts the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
The current crossing has been identified as one of the most dangerous in Los Angeles County. When completed, the work will enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers and support future expansions in rail service. The project is still in the design phase.

City officials in Monroe, Michigan, will oversee a $30 million grade separation project to construct a bridge under a railroad crossing on West Elm Avenue in the city. The intersection currently accommodates about 13 daily train crossings, causing logistical issues for emergency response vehicles due to a lack of nearby detour routes. Construction on the banks of Lake Erie is expected to start in 2026.
A project in Dayton, Texas, will replace two at-grade rail crossings on U.S. Highway 90. A bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks will be required, and the rail crossing at the T-intersection at Waco Street, which connects with U.S. 90, will also be removed. The project has been tagged with a $45 million cost estimate. U.S. 90 is a five-lane primary arterial highway that connects Dayton to Houston to the west and Beaumont to the east.
The rail crossing is located at a slow-speed bend in the tracks that carries up to 17 trains daily. The trains cause significant traffic delays and rear-end crashes are common. The project will include about 1 mile of improvements, including a 1,100-foot bridge with four 12-foot travel lanes, a 10-foot outside shoulder and a 4-foot inside shoulder. Additionally, the project calls for a frontage road with 14-foot access lanes to be built on either side of the new structure. Construction is slated for 2025.

A project near the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks will be designed to take 42nd Street near DeMers Avenue underneath existing rail lines. An estimated cost of between $50 million and $70 million has been established. The BNSF railway runs east and west through the center of Grand Forks, crossing 42nd Street directly north of its intersection with Demers Avenue.
The crossing and intersection have experienced 69 crashes over the past five years and one vehicle-train collision. The grade separation effort will be designed to reduce traffic delays and to enhance accessibility to a nearby hospital and the university campus. The design will call for either lowering 42nd Street underneath both the tracks and Demers Avenue or lowering the entire intersection. A 10-foot shared-use path will be added to provide connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Officials in Washougal, Washington, plan to transform a 0.20-mile segment of 32nd Street into a modern, mixed-use roadway with a below-grade rail crossing at an estimated cost of $69 million to $80 million. The existing roadway is one of the major north-south corridors through Washougal and just across the border from Portland, Oregon. However, the rail crossing is one of the town’s most-dangerous intersections, and frequent train crossings create significant traffic delays.
The intersection currently lacks pedestrian and bicycle amenities. The project’s scope includes a four-lane separated underpass below the railroad tracks with a six-foot sidewalk and multiuse path on either side. Plans also call for reconstructing five nearby intersections and the construction of roundabouts on 32nd Street. Construction has a planned start date of 2027.

Projects such as these call for planning and design firms, engineering and construction companies, and for local subcontractors along with equipment and supply providers. Infrastructure upgrade efforts in America will continue and at-rail grade crossings are prime targets for reconstruction projects throughout the country.

About the Author: Mary Scott Nabers, a former statewide office holder in Texas, has decades of experience in the public and private sectors. Her unique expertise is her success in connecting the two sectors. Mary is also a well-recognized expert in the P3 world and a true business development professional. Strategic Partnerships, Inc. publishes Government Market News, the premier platform for connecting public and private sector leaders in the government marketplace.

Flowers Group celebrates 78 – and a new machine – at Business After Hours

Business News

The Flowers Group celebrated 78 years, plus the official opening of their brand new state-of-the-art blockmaking machine-and-plant, the CPM+ 40, during the Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event on 7 November, at the Group’s headquarters on Seymour Road, George Town.

“It’s lovely to see so many of you here as we gather to celebrate the incredible contributions of a company that has not only helped build the Cayman Islands from the ground up but has shaped the fabric of our community in countless ways,” said Chamber President-Elect Omari Corbin, “We honour the Flowers Group tonight as they mark an incredible 78 years of excellence, vision, and community spirit.

“The Flowers family has built not only a business but also a community. They’ve shown time and again their care for all Caymanians, from those facing financial hardships to the many prestigious clients who fill their top-tier office spaces, such as those at Cricket Square.

Kevin Brown, President of Columbia Machine, Concrete Block Division spoke about his longstanding business relationship with Managing Director Frank Flowers, which began in 1989:

“To this day, whatever Frank calls me for, he knows it’s going to be fixed, and we work together very well in that way. I remember back in 2004 the unfortunate Ivan came through and devastated the Island. We worked together for months, shipping machine parts …giving everything we had to Flowers as they offered free blocks and water to the Island.

“About 5 years ago Mr. Flowers was talking about his dream of a new state-of-the-art block manufacturing plant, and I’m so proud to see it here today. So this plant, the CPM + 40 is our flagship – the best machine in the world.”

Director, Dara Flowers Burke appeared onstage with her two children, Alexandra and Lucas. “The future is bright,” she said, “And Flowers is proud of our many new ventures, including our gold Leed Certified Phase Seven of Cricket Square, the development in total boasts over 300,000 square feet, and is the largest locally owned commercial real estate park in the Cayman Islands.

“There’s an emphasis throughout the group on sustainability, and Flowers is proud to announce the launch of our new recycled glass plant, which will be in operation by the second quarter of next year. Recycled glass will be integrated into our many building products, putting Cayman at the forefront of sustainability.”

“We have contributed to many wonderful charities over the years, but we are proudest of our flagship charity the Flowers Sea Swim, which has raised over a million dollars for worthy local charities. In addition, we have recently launched our Swim Free Programme, with a mobile pool. We use it to teach local school children in our government primary schools for free. So far, the Flowers Swim Free programme has taught over a thousand local children to swim, potentially saving lives for generations to come.”

Frank Flowers Sr. gave the final speech: “I will conclude with a quote that my late uncle, Sir Vassell Johnson, said when he was master of ceremonies in 1966 when we had our opening of one of our early block plants. He said that a successful business is a continuing institution. It is an entity; a real thing, apart from the people who operate it. People come and go but the business, like Tennyson’s Brook, goes on forever, regardless of the death of one who has controlled or the birth of another who will rule in the future.” 

The evening concluded with a demonstration of the new CPM+40 machine which can make 2,200 concrete blocks every hour.

Bob Iger Says Disney EMEA & APAC Content Investments “Slowing” But Will Continue On “Selective” Basis: “We’re Being Careful Until We Get The Technology Right”

Technology

Bob Iger said today Disney‘s content investment in EMEA and APAC has “slowed down” as the company wrestles with technology challenges and sees its Hollywood movies land strongly in local territories.

Talking to analysts during a fourth quarter earnings call, the Disney CEO painted a mixed picture of what international spend will look like going forwards, citing “opportunities, and even the need” for “selective investing outside the United States,” while warning that these should not be considered “enormous by any stretch of the imagination.”

This was primarily because local hype for billion-dollar grossing movies Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 prove there is less need for locally-produced programs and films than elsewhere.

“We know we are making content that has global application. In most markets, we don’t have to spend as much as some of our competitors,” he said, before later adding, “If you look at some of our competitors who don’t have movies of that quality or that level of success, they have to spend more on local content as they don’t have that.

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RELATED: Bob Iger Says Disney EMEA & APAC Content Investments “Slowing” But Will Continue On “Selective” Basis

Iger said Disney was “being careful” about overall international investments “until we get the technology right,” while not going into specifics on what issues are at hand.

Elsewhere on the call, Iger was asked about the shape of Disney’s business in India following the news it has formed a new $8.5B entertainment giant with Reliance Industries. Though the operation is being touted as a joint venture, Reliance will own two-thirds of the shares and its execs will run the biz on a day-to-day basis.

Disnet CFO Hugh Johnston said: “We are very, very excited about the deal with Reliance. They’re a terrific company and obviously have huge presence in India. Going forwards, we’ll have an ownership stake in the high thirties. Obviously Reliance, with their share of ownership, will be managing the business.”

The deal merges Disney’s Star India TV business and Disney+ Hotstar streamer with Reliance’s JioCinema and Viacom18, which has been fully consolidated with Paramount Global selling its remaining 13% stake today.

US regulator looks to put Google under federal supervision, Washington Post says

Technology

(Reuters) – The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has taken steps to put Alphabet’s Google under formal federal supervision, the Washington Post reported, potentially mounting yet another regulatory challenge for the Big Tech giant. Google has fiercely resisted the idea over months of highly secretive talks, the report said on Thursday, citing two people…

EU fines Meta $840 million over abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace

US & Canada

Brussels —  The European Commission on Thursday fined Meta Platforms $840.24 million over abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace, it said in a statement, confirming an earlier report by Reuters. “The European Commission has fined Meta … for breaching EU antitrust rules by tying its online classified ads service Facebook Marketplace to its personal social network…