Fun Freetime - Forts! Creator Interview

 TC will be producing Forts! Build Your Own Adventure (February 13-April 5, 2026) on the Cargill Stage. 

 

Forts is an interactive experience! Pull back the curtains and there you are—surrounded by old sofas, crazy lampshades, piles of blankets, and towering towers of cardboard boxes! It’s like the coolest attic you’ve ever seen, where everything’s up for grabs. Use whatever you want to build…whatever you want—the tallest fort, the longest fort, tons of cozy little forts… Quick, someone hands you a flashlight—what will you do? In Forts! you make it all happen. 

I had a chance to interview Julie Ritchey, creator of Forts!

Photo by Emma Holland

Where did you get the inspiration behind Forts! ?

The idea for Forts! came primarily from kids themselves. Dramatic play is such a core part of how kids explore and express themselves - think about all the amazing stories and characters that are being created by kids every day in basements and living rooms around the world! I wondered what it would be like if a team of amazing theatre designers could design play (the verb) rather than a play (the noun). And then Forts! was born!

Why is it so important for families to encourage open-ended play?

Open-ended play is so important for young people. There is so much learning and experimentation that comes when we just let young people be and explore their world. It’s a reprieve from the stresses of daily life and the increasing pressures that children face, while allowing a safe space to build connection and resilience. And it’s joyful! Joy is such a healing force in our lives, and it’s so important to find opportunities to connect with it.

How do spontaneous group creative experiences benefit people of all ages?

This amazing thing happens time and time again at performances of Forts. Families will come in and start to build and play as a unit, in their own little space and world. Then, as the performance progresses, people start to explore each other’s creations, share resources, help each other problem-solve. Kids start to play with each other and the stories grow and evolve. It’s such a beautiful miniature version of the ways we connect and build community, and it’s just as valuable for the adults as it is for the kids – if not more so.

Originally produced by Filament Theatre at 4041 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL under Founding Artistic Director Julie Ritchey and Founding Managing Director Christian Libonati. www.filamenttheatre.org

WHEN: February 13-April 5, 2026

WHERE: CTC’s Cargill Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404)

AGE RECOMMENDATION: This experience is best enjoyed by all ages.

RUNNING TIME: 60 minutes with no intermission.

TICKETS: $30 and available at childrenstheatre.org/forts or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.

Amazing Art - The Good, the Bad, and the Beautifully Drawn at Getty (LA)

 

Design for the Central Section of The Mirror of Virtue, about 1594, Cornelis Ketel. Pen and dark-brown ink with brush and brown wash over black chalk, heightened with white opaque watercolor. Getty Museum, 2009.65

The J. Paul Getty Museum presents “Virtue and Vice: Allegory in European Drawing,” an exhibition exploring how European artists from the 16th to 19th centuries made drawings to criticize bad behavior as well as praise virtuous actions. 

On view at the Getty Center from March 3 through June 7, 2026, the exhibition features 32 drawings that range from straightforward examples of charity, lust and greed, to complex allegories that depict virtue, decadence and friendship. These drawings were meant to be emotionally moving and taught lessons that condemned sinful behavior or praised honorable deeds.

“The extraordinary objects in this exhibition visualized morality, reinforced political ideologies, mimicked social hierarchies and reflected gender roles from the time, challenging people to understand their meaning and act accordingly,” said Timothy Potts, Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum.

Featured among drawings that celebrate virtuous behavior is Cornelis Ketel’s preliminary design for an allegorical print, Design for the Central Section of The Mirror of Virtue. In it, a nude figure of Charity generously gifts the sun and moon to two other allegorical figures beside her. The personification of Ingratitude nastily repays Charity for her gift by biting her arm and stabbing her side with a dagger, while the kneeling figure of Gratitude graciously accepts it. Through his drawing, Ketel emphasizes the value of the two virtues and invites viewers to reflect on how their behavior aligns with ideal behavior.

Also on display is Saint Martin Dividing his Cloak with a Beggar, by Lorenzo Lotto, highlighting the virtuous act of charity. Lotto portrays Martin of Tours, a Christian saint who served as a Roman soldier and bishop, enacting his well-known act of altruism—Martin used his sword to cut his military cloak in half to clothe a cold, naked beggar, and later had a vision of Christ wearing the piece of cloak he had given away. Lotto heightens the grandeur of the selfless act by using white highlights to create a powerful sense of movement in the fabric, the leaning saint, and the horse’s arching neck and foot.

Vice is given the spotlight in Amorous Couple, drawn by Jacob Matham, which centers around a young couple engaging in foreplay, while an elderly woman watches from behind the drapery. The young woman is seen seductively exposing her knee and cupping her lover’s face. Behind them, a partial view of a nude couple foreshadows a passionate encounter. This drawing was made by Matham to illustrate the consequences of drunkenness, warning viewers against the vice of indulgence.

In Jacques de Gheyn II’s, Allegory of Avarice, a beady-eyed, humpbacked frog sits on a pile of coins, with one claw-like hand resting on a sphere while the other greedily grasps the coins beneath. De Gheyn gave free rein to his imagination and drew the large sphere to symbolize the earth and the frog as the world’s ugly desire for wealth.

“Art has influenced and modified human behavior throughout history,” said Stephanie Schrader, curator of drawings at the Getty Museum. “We hope our visitors will be critical of the art they see and think about how drawings functioned and what purpose they served.”

“Virtue and Vice: Allegory in European Drawing” is curated by Stephanie Schrader, curator of drawings at the Getty Museum.

To complement “Virtue and Vice,” there will be an evening of short fiction inspired by the exhibition’s drawings, as part of Getty’s Selected Shorts series, on Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $25. Visitors can also join curator-led tours on March 10, March 31, April 21, and May 5 at 2 p.m.

Getty is a leading global arts organization committed to the exhibition, conservation, and understanding of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage. Based in Los Angeles, Getty’s Foundation, Conservation Institute, Museum, and Research Institute work collaboratively with partners around the world. Getty shares art, knowledge, and resources online at Getty.edu and welcomes the public for free at its Getty Center and the Getty Villa.

The J. Paul Getty Museum collects Greek and Roman antiquities, European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts to 1900, as well as photographs from around the world to the present day. The Museum's mission is to display and interpret its collections, and present important loan exhibitions and publications for the enjoyment and education of visitors locally and internationally. This is supported by an active program of research, conservation, and public programs that seek to deepen our knowledge of and connection to works of art.

Visiting the Getty Center
The Getty Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 6:30pm. The Getty Center is open until 9pm on Saturdays, year-round. It is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, December 25 (Christmas Day), and January 1. Admission to the Getty Center is always free, but a reservation is required for admission. Make reservations online or at (310) 440-7300. Parking is $25 per car or motorcycle; $15 after 3pm; $10 after 6pm. Saturdays after 6pm, parking is free. The Getty Center is at 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, California.

Visiting the Getty Villa
The Getty Villa is open Wednesday through Monday, 10am to 5pm. It is closed Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, December 25 (Christmas Day), and January 1. Admission to the Getty Villa is always free, but a reservation is required for admission. Make reservations online or at (310) 440-7300. Parking is $25, and $15 after 3pm. The Getty Villa is at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California.

Amazing Apps - ParentSquare

 ParentSquare, the trusted provider of family and community engagement solutions for K-12 education nationwide, today announced the launch of ParentSquare Family Messaging, a new feature designed to help districts maintain timely family communication as student cell phone restrictions increasingly limit how families connect during the school day.

As more states and districts implement bell-to-bell limits on student cell phone use, schools are navigating a growing tension between protecting instructional time and meeting family expectations for real-time communication. Without an approved alternative, front offices often absorb the impact through increased calls, manual message relay, and informal workarounds that strain staff and disrupt daily operations.

Family Messaging provides a district-managed way for parents and guardians to communicate with students in real time during the school day, using the ParentSquare platform rather than personal devices. Families can send everyday messages, such as a pickup change or appointment reminder, while students receive them in StudentSquare, ParentSquare's student experience, on their school-issued devices. The feature also supports group conversations with other caregivers and teachers, helping families coordinate day-to-day needs within a monitored, district-controlled channel that aligns with local policies and classroom expectations.

"As more districts limit student cell phone use, schools are being asked to solve a real communication gap," said Anupama Vaid, President and Founder of ParentSquare. "Family Messaging gives districts a practical way to keep families connected during the school day—without adding work for staff or reopening the door to personal cell phone use."

By providing a district-controlled communication channel during the school day, Family Messaging helps schools support cell phone policies, reduce administrative burden, and protect instructional time.

About ParentSquare
ParentSquare is the trusted leader in school-home engagement, helping K-12 districts nationwide reach every family with an award-winning, all-in-one communication platform. Reaching over 22 million students across the country, ParentSquare helps districts consolidate disconnected tools and outdated communication systems with personalized messaging, websites, forms, payments, and more—in one easy-to-use platform. With powerful features for achieving 100% contactability, two-way translation into 190+ languages, and purpose-built AI enhancements, ParentSquare empowers districts to invite every family to be involved in their student's education, no matter their home language or the device they use.

Recognized for growth and innovation by Inc. 5000, GSV 150, and more, ParentSquare was founded in 2011 in Santa Barbara, California. Learn more at parentsquare.com.

Money Matters - Grocery Spending By State (and Tips)

 With grocery prices climbing to nearly 30% over the past five years, WalletHub, the personal-finance company, has released its latest report on the States Where People Spend the Most & Least on Groceries. The report sheds light on where Americans are feeling the biggest pinch when it comes to food costs.

WalletHub examined the prices of 26 common grocery items across all 50 states, then compared the total cost to each state’s median household income to see where people are spending the largest share of their income on groceries.
 

Highest % of Income Spent	Lowest % of Income Spent
1. Mississippi (2.60%)	41. California (1.66%)
2. West Virginia (2.54%)	42. Washington (1.66%)
3. Arkansas (2.44%)	43. Virginia (1.63%)
4. Louisiana (2.38%)	44. Colorado (1.61%)
5. Kentucky (2.37%)	45. Connecticut (1.61%)
6. Alabama (2.33%)	46. Utah (1.58%)
7. New Mexico (2.30%)	47. New Hampshire (1.56%)
8. Oklahoma (2.22%)	48. Maryland (1.55%)
9. South Carolina (2.21%)	49. New Jersey (1.51%)
10. Tennessee (2.19%)	50. Massachusetts (1.51%)

To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-people-spend-the-most-least-on-groceries/144275

“While grocery prices have gone up tremendously in recent years, the states in which people spend the greatest percentage of their income on groceries actually aren’t those with the highest prices. Instead, the median incomes in these states are quite low, so even with reasonable grocery prices, residents end up shelling out a higher percentage of their earnings than people in states with more expensive products.”
–
“People in Mississippi spend the most on groceries, which have an average cost of 2.6% of the median monthly household income, the highest percentage in the country. Interestingly, grocery prices in Mississippi are actually relatively low – the sixth-cheapest in the nation. The main problem lies in the fact that Mississippi has the lowest median annual household income in America, at just $54,915. So even with relatively low grocery prices overall, Mississippians are spending a higher percentage of their income on groceries than people in any other state.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst 
 

Expert Commentary

What tips do you have to help people avoid overspending on groceries?

“Unless you only need a small amount of an item, it's usually better to focus on price per unit, rather than the total price of the item you're buying. A six-pack costing $10 is more costly than a 12-pack costing $16, for example. It's also a good idea to consider the nutritional value of what you're getting. Ramen is famously cheap, for instance, but a baked potato will get you more nutrition per dollar.”
JP Krahel, CPA, Ph.D. – Professor, Loyola University Maryland
 
“Budgeting is key, but it’s really hard to stay on budget if you don’t know whether your needs have a chance of fitting within it. So, beyond having a budget that helps you avoid impulse purchases, you need to plan a shopping list. You can reduce food waste and ensure your list is targeted to your actual food needs if you create that list by identifying what you need for meals for, say, a week. You can further reduce impulse purchases by allowing yourself (but minimizing) certain snack purchases and by avoiding shopping while hungry (you’ll want more) or under time constraints (you won’t be able to price compare as well). In store, you may also consider having substitutes in mind in case something is on sale or cheaper – you can swap out one protein for another in some dishes, or if the central element of a dish just went way up in price, think about what other dish you could substitute. Also, realize that private labels (i.e., store brands) are sometimes virtually the same product as national brands; you may have some products for which you want to stick with national brands, but experiment to find out where you can regularly economize.”
Daniel Villanova, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, University of Arkansas
 

How important is budgeting when it comes to saving money on groceries?

“Budgeting is huge with groceries, mostly because people don’t realize how much they’re spending. Food spending is sneaky. It’s spread across grocery stores, coffee stops, Target runs, and delivery apps. Without a budget, it all blends together and feels smaller than it is. A grocery budget isn’t about eating the cheapest food possible. It’s about knowing your number. Once you know roughly what you can spend each week or month, your decisions change. You start asking, ‘Is this worth it?’ instead of just throwing things in the cart. Budgeting also helps with trade-offs. Maybe you spend more on quality groceries, but you cut back on food delivery. Or you keep meals simple during the week so you can eat out on weekends without guilt. Without a budget, every decision feels emotional. With a budget, it’s just math. Meal planning makes budgeting easier, and budgeting makes meal planning realistic. When you plan meals, grocery spending becomes predictable. When it’s predictable, you stop feeling like food expenses are constantly getting away from you. The other thing budgeting does is reduce stress. When people say groceries feel expensive, a lot of the time they mean unpredictable. A budget gives you boundaries. You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be consistent enough that food stops being a constant financial surprise.”
Stephen Heath – Professor, College of San Mateo
 
“Budgeting is central to grocery savings because food spending is one of the most frequent and flexible household expenses. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey show that the average U.S. household spends roughly 12 – 13% of total expenditures on food, split between groceries and dining out. Without a defined budget, grocery spending tends to drift upward gradually due to small, repeated overages rather than one-time large purchases. A grocery budget creates a reference point that improves decision-making at the margin – such as choosing between convenience foods and basic ingredients. Behavioral research consistently shows that households with category-specific budgets are more likely to compare prices, delay discretionary food purchases, and reduce waste. Importantly, budgeting does not require extreme precision. Even a simple weekly or monthly grocery cap, reviewed periodically, can meaningfully reduce overspending by increasing awareness and accountability.”
Ali Muqadas Jaffri, Ph.D., CFA – Assistant Professor of Practice, North Dakota State University
 

How do you think the current social and economic environment is influencing household spending on groceries decisions?

“Uncertainty always raises stress levels, especially when it's for a basic necessity like food. I worry that people may elect to hoard perishable food and let it go to waste out of an unnecessary abundance of caution. If you're going to overbuy in preparation for worse times, focus on shelf-stable goods.”
JP Krahel, CPA, Ph.D. – Professor, Loyola University Maryland
 
“The current economic environment is exerting significant upward pressure on grocery spending while simultaneously changing how households’ shop. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, food-at-home prices rose sharply during 2022–2023 and, while inflation has moderated, price levels remain elevated relative to pre-pandemic norms. This has forced households to adjust not only how much they spend, but what they buy. Higher interest rates and housing costs have also tightened household budgets, making grocery spending one of the few categories where consumers feel they can actively economize. As a result, USDA and Census data indicate a shift toward cheaper protein sources, increased reliance on discount grocers, and reduced purchases of premium or convenience foods. Socially, time constraints and dual-income households continue to increase demand for convenience, but price sensitivity has tempered this trend. Many households are balancing convenience against cost by cooking more meals at home while simplifying meal choices. Overall, grocery decisions today are shaped by a combination of persistent price pressure, tighter household cash flow, and heightened consumer price awareness, rather than short-term inflation alone.”
Ali Muqadas Jaffri, Ph.D., CFA – Assistant Professor of Practice, North Dakota State University


6 Tips for Saving on Your Groceries

1. Budget carefully: Creating a budget will help you determine how much money you’re able to spend on groceries, which can keep you from splurging and making impulse purchases that would put you over the limit.
    
2. Use the right credit card: Getting one of the best credit cards for groceries can save you anywhere from 1.5% to 6% at checkout. That adds up quickly, and can help to offset how much prices have inflated in recent years.
    
3. Take advantage of discounts: In addition to regular sales, many grocery stores offer coupons on items. You just need to be willing to find them and redeem them at checkout. Some stores also offer discounts that are exclusive to members of their free loyalty programs, so you should make sure to join these programs.
    
4. Buy store-brand items: Many store-brand products are virtually identical to name-brand foods in taste but cost significantly less. You can save a ton of money by replacing most goods with generic products.
    
5. Look for clearance items: Some stores will put items that are close to their sell-by date on steep discount to avoid having to throw them away. As long as you use the food relatively quickly, it’ll still be perfectly good.
    
6. Buy in bulk: Warehouse stores offer groceries in bulk at far lower prices than it would cost to buy the same number of items individually. Getting a membership to one of these stores is especially worthwhile for people with big families.
    

More From WalletHub

• Best Credit Cards for Groceries
• Best Foodie Cities
• Best Cities for Vegans & Vegetarians
• Best States to Live In
• States With the Best & Worst Budgeters
• Changes in Inflation by City

Shopping Savings - TIRTIR

 K-Beauty brand TIRTIR is offering up major promos from now until Valentine’s Day on Amazon. For a limited time, consumers can purchase their favorite TIRTIR products at steep discounts. 

 

This includes:

• The NEW Lip & Blush Mood Glider, now 36% off

• Up to 60% off the Mask Fit Cushion

• 30% off the Milk Skin Toner

• AND MORE

Enriching Education - Science Comes Alive During Science Week at WonderWorks Destiny

 Fun is in full swing at WonderWorks Destiny as the team gears up for their annual Science Week event, from February 16-20, 2026. Winter break is right around the corner for CNY schools, making it a great time for families and locals to check out WonderWorks and all it has to offer. The upside-down house helps keep the fun and learning going all throughout winter break and beyond. From interactive science demonstrations to a 50% off ropes course ticket deal on select days, WonderWorks has everything you need to make the most out of a Syracuse stay-cation.

 

“Take your family’s February break to the next level with a visit to WonderWorks!” said Jon Cascella, general manager at WonderWorks Destiny. “Our entire team looks forward to this special week every year, and we’re ready to have a blast with guests at both our regular attractions and our exciting science sessions throughout the week.”

 

Guests will not want to miss all the fun offered during Science Week. Young explorers can unleash their inner scientist with five exciting days of interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) sessions, demonstrations and activities. This annual event offers students and families the opportunity to engage their mind and spark creativity during the school break, in a fun affordable way.

 

The schedule of events for the week includes:

• Meteorology Monday on February 16, 2026 – Get blown away on Meteorology Monday from 1 pm to 3 pm to kick off Science Week. This day will be dedicated to learning more about wintery weather facts, trying DIY weather experiments, exploring natural phenomena and more.
• Egg Drop on February 17, 2026 – Watch out below! Take part in WonderWorks’ annual Egg Drop Contest from noon until 2 pm to see if you’ve got what it takes. Participants will put their engineering skills to the test and attempt to prevent their egg from breaking as it hits the ground. Supplies will be provided and participation is free.
• Destiny USA’s Winter Break Bash on February 18, 2026 – Swing by the WonderWorks table at Destiny USA’s Winter Break Bash, taking place from noon until 2 pm in the Canyon area of the mall (right below the Canyon Climb Ropes Course). The WonderWorks team will be helping attendees create dancing art through an electrifying science experiment, handing out Professor Wonder activity sheets, giving away special coupon offers, and more. This is a free event hosted by the mall and will feature lots more fun activities from other stores.
• Color Me Curious on February 19, 2026 – The Science Week fun heads back inside WonderWorks on Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm. With a stroke of genius, put the “A” back in STEAM! Guests can try their hand at creating pop art, watch a mesmerizing, colorful elephant toothpaste explosion, and more on this creative, hands-on day.
• Animal Wonders with Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Feb 20, 2026 – Science Week will conclude with a special guest session from 1 pm to 3 pm that participants will not want to miss! Guaranteed to get guests up close and personal with animal biofacts, this event will examine animal tracks, pelts, skulls, teeth, and more. This session is held in partnership with Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Monday, Thursday, and Friday’s Science Week sessions begin at 1 pm and cost only $5 to participate in, while Tuesday and Wednesday’s sessions begin at 12 pm and are free for all. WonderWorks Destiny Annual Passholders can experience all five sessions for free as a perk of their pass. Guests can pre-register to reserve their spot online: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/science-week/.

 

“It may be cold outside, but it’s always warm in the mall! Winter is one of the best times to experience WonderWorks, with special events like Science Week, great ways to save on tickets, and more,” said Jon Cascella, general manager at WonderWorks Destiny.

 

Mark the family calendars now for your next WonderWorks visit! With winter being one of the best times to visit the upside-down house, locals and visitors alike will want to check out the best indoor amusement park in Central New York. The indoor attraction provides a place to stay warm, stay active, and explore.

 

Be sure to take full advantage of the exclusive Wonder Wednesdays deal, running through the end of February 2026. Wonder Wednesdays provides guests with the opportunity to score 50% off tickets to the Canyon Climb Ropes Course at the door, every Wednesday through February 25, 2026. Guests will not want to miss this chance to check out the Canyon Climb at a great rate The Canyon Climb ropes course is the world’s largest suspended indoor ropes course, standing 70 feet tall. Climbers will get to explore three levels of ropes as they take on over 81 different obstacles. Closed-toed shoes and proper dress is required to go on the ropes course, and there are height and weight restrictions in place. To get more information, visit the site online: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/the-experience/canyon-climb/.

 

WonderWorks Destiny offers a variety of educational programs and promotions throughout the year for local students and families to enjoy. They provide group rates, birthday parties, homeschool days, corporate event packages, and an annual pass. They have over 100 interactive exhibits covering topics such as extreme weather, space exploration, light and sound, and more. The upside-down laboratory is also home to a thrilling laser tag arena, an imagination lab, a youth art gallery, and a physical challenge zone, including the 4D XD Motion Theater, the Astronaut Training Challenge, and more. For more information and current hours of operation, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny.

 

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment into one venue. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 71 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment and experience zero gravity in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. WonderWorks is in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksDestiny.com, and follow @WonderWorksDestiny on Facebook, @WonderWorksDUSA on X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_dusa on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

 

Book Nook - A Tragedy of Riches

A captivating story of beauty, ambition, and the sacrifices demanded by loyalty. Elena, born into a modest immigrant family, is taught early that her extraordinary beauty is both her greatest gift and her sole value. Driven by her mother's relentless ambition, Elena rises from her humble beginnings to the heights of wealth and power, yet she cannot escape the shadow of familial expectations and exploitation.

Beneath the veneer of privilege, A Tragedy of Riches reveals the daily emotional and psychological abuse Elena endured at the hands of her own relatives. As deception and deprivation closed in, lifelong friends stepped in—doing what they could to help her escape a web of control built on lies and withheld necessities.

Through vivid characters and elegant prose, Tony Cointreau explores themes of resilience, betrayal and unflagging friendship. A Tragedy of Riches is a poignant meditation on the cost of loyalty, the allure of power, and one woman's quest to define her worth beyond what others demand of her.


Born Jacques-Henri Mercier-Cointreau in New York City on February 7,1941 to a French father and a Boston-born mother, Tony was heir to the Cointreau liqueur dynasty. Despite the prestige that surrounded him, he grew up emotionally adrift, shaped by a family culture that prized appearances, discipline, and perfection above emotional intimacy. His childhood oscillated between Paris, the Loire Valley’s Château Brillant, and the family’s home on Park Avenue in New York City—beautiful settings marked by loneliness, anxiety, and the pressure to be the “perfect” son.

Tony went on to build a career as a singer and performer, appearing in New York nightclubs and on Hollywood stages, and moving within the orbit of cultural icons including Vincente Minnelli, Tony Bennett, Fred Astaire, and Mae West. Yet throughout his artistic life, he remained clear-eyed about the limits of fame, believing applause and access were always secondary to genuine human connection.

That belief led him to Calcutta, where he met Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity. Through his work with the destitute and later with men dying of AIDS at The Gift of Love hospice in Greenwich Village, Tony learned not only to witness suffering, but to give the love he had long sought. These experiences shaped his earlier award-winning books, Ethel Merman, Mother Teresa…And Me and A Gift of Love: Caring for Loved Ones in Their Last Days, both praised for their compassion, insight, and humanity.

Tony Cointreau’s life is one of transformation—from a child raised amid privilege yet longing for affection, to a performer embraced by legends, to a writer and volunteer committed to dignity, care, and compassion. He carries with him Mother Teresa’s enduring words: “Life is not worth living unless it is lived for others.”

Travel Tidbits - Long Weekend in Lisbon

 

Lisbon is compact enough for a long weekend, yet layered enough to feel like a true cultural immersion. Between its privileged position on the coast farther out west in Europe plus increased airlift, it's an easy jaunt from the east coast or midwest making it perfect for those that crave authenticity without sacrificing luxury. Why is it the ideal short haul European capital? Well, a lot of reasons. It's effortly stylish yet deeply authentic, an irresistible mix of culture, cuisine, coastline, and curated luxury experiences by Inside Tours. How does it look? We'll tell you... Day One: Arrival in Style​ Arrive in VIP style with a private transfer to an exclusive 5 star Lisbon retreat (think Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon or the boutique luxe Valverde). And set off with a private guide through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods like Chiado, Alfama, and Bairro Alto to set the tone. (NB- it's a lot of fun by Tuk-Tuk!). The evening unfolds with a chef-led tasting food tour, weaving through hidden taverns and gourmet hotspots, sampling petiscos, world-class Portuguese wines, and artisanal delicacies. Day Two: Culture & Coastline​ The morning begins with a private electric bike tour through Lisbon’s hills, gliding effortlessly between panoramic viewpoints, tiled façades, and riverfront promenades. Afterward, guests venture beyond the city with a chauffeured excursion to the storybook town of Sintra. Here, they enjoy VIP access to Pena Palace before the crowds, explore mystical gardens at Quinta da Regaleira, and savor a leisurely lunch at a heritage estate. The journey continues along the dramatic Atlantic coastline to Cascais, where golden beaches, a charming marina, and chic seaside cafés offer the perfect late-afternoon interlude. For those seeking something extraordinary, consider a private yacht charter along the coast or a sunset champagne moment overlooking the cliffs of Cabo da Roca. Day Three: Authentic Lisbon​ Back in the city, the day is tailored entirely to your passions—options include a private tile-painting workshop with a master artisan, a behind-the-scenes pastry session crafting the iconic pastéis de nata, or a curated shopping experience with a local stylist showcasing Portugal’s emerging designers. The weekend concludes with an intimate Fado evening in a historic palácio or exclusive venue, complete with a gourmet tasting menu and premium wine pairings. This deeply moving musical tradition provides the perfect emotional finale to a sophisticated Lisbon escape. Let's do Lisbon!

Money Matters - Where Consumers are Adding Debt (and Tips)

 Americans owe more than $2.9 trillion on their auto loans and credit cards alone, and the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the States Where Consumers Are Adding the Most Debt to show where people are having the toughest time. WalletHub ranked the states where credit card, auto loan, and personal loan debt increased the most from Q3 2025 to Q4 2025 based on its proprietary data. This report comes on the heels of our recent analysis of the Household Debt Report.

 

Largest Increase	Smallest Increase
1. Maine	41. Michigan
2. Wyoming	42. Kentucky
3. Hawaii	43. Ohio
4. Montana	44. New Hampshire
5. Georgia	45. Connecticut
6. New Mexico	46. Iowa
7. North Dakota	47. Missouri
8. Florida	48. Delaware
9. Texas	49. Oregon
10. Vermont	50. West Virginia

 
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-where-consumers-are-adding-the-most-debt/133119
 
National Stats (Inflation Adjusted)

• Year-End Debt Results: Total household debt increased by $257 billion during 2025. That is 810% more than the increase in 2024.
   
• Household Average: The average household owed a total of $155,594 at the end of 2025, which is $11,639 below the all-time high.
   
• Total Debt-to-Deposits Ratio: The ratio of total household debt to deposits indicates consumers are in a stable position. It's still below pre-Covid levels and roughly 47% lower than the early-2000s peak.
   
• Total Debt-to-Assets: The ratio between total household debt and assets, at 9.28%, continues to be at a very healthy level.

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/d/household-debt-report/120725

 
 
“At a time when interest rates are very high, it’s especially important to minimize the accumulation of debt. Americans have added a staggering amount of new debt in the past decade, and it can be very easy for that debt to become unsustainable, leading to future issues like default and major credit score damage.” 
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“Maine residents added the most debt than those in any other state, at least in percentage terms. The average credit card balance in Maine increased by 8% from Q3 2025 to Q4 2025 – by far the second-biggest increase in the country. The average Maine resident’s auto loan balance also increased by nearly 2%, and their average personal loan balance went up by around 0.5%, both of which were the third-biggest increases in the country. A number of states saw decreases in either the average auto loan balance or personal loan balance, so Maine’s increase in both is notable.”

- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor  


Expert Commentary

What are the main reasons why people add more debt?

“People add more debt for a mix of economic, situational, and behavioral reasons. The one driver is a cash-flow mismatch: insurance, childcare, the purchase of a new vehicle, and property or income tax payments may require annual, semi-annual, or quarterly payments that the individual doesn’t have sufficient resources to cover. They could also be taking advantage of discounts for paying in advance that exceed the interest that would be paid on the debt. Many households also have volatile or irregular income that makes monthly budgeting difficult. Debt also increases after unexpected shocks – medical bills, car repairs, family emergencies, job loss, or other disruptions – especially when savings are thin. Finally, easier access to credit, buy now pay later options, and lifestyle inflation can normalize financing everyday spending and push consumers toward borrowing as the default solution.”
Colin Slabach – Clinical Assistant Professor, New York University
 
“There are many reasons why people add more debt. The general main reason is because people want or need something they cannot afford…yet. The most famous example is a mortgage for buying property. Few people can pay cash for a house so loans are used and paid over time. This general concept of getting it now and paying for it later applies to all debt. The trouble with more debt occurs when the interest rates are too high and/or what we use debt to purchase does not provide a return. Whenever possible, use debt to pay for assets (degrees, houses, cars, major repairs), not expenses (shopping, vacations, bills).”
Raymond Kowalczyk – Professor, Illinois Central College
 

How can people minimize the accumulation of debt? 

“To minimize debt accumulation, create a ‘rainy day fund.’ With every paycheck, put money in a special account for emergencies. I would recommend a goal of 6 months' salary in a high-interest savings account for optimal results. It’s important to leave that account only for emergencies.”
Dr. Sandra Poirier – Professor, Middle Tennessee State University
 
“Inflation has definitely caused prices to increase, and it seems like wages are a bit more stagnant than usual. Accumulating more debt feels inevitable. There are a few things people can do to try and minimize debt. The most important thing to do is to create a budget and a spending plan. With these, people can see their current financial position and also get an idea of where money is being spent. A popular saying is that knowing is half the battle. Once spending is known, cuts can be made in areas and the extra money saved can pay off debt. Also, try not to use your credit card if you know you can’t pay off the purchase in the next 60 days.”
Raymond Kowalczyk – Professor, Illinois Central College
 

How does unsustainable debt damage your credit score?

“Unsustainable debt can damage credit scores primarily through missed payments and elevated revolving utilization. Payment history is the most important factor in most scoring models, so late payments, collections, charge-offs, and bankruptcies can result in large score declines and remain on reports for an extended period of time. High credit card utilization – especially when balances remain near limits – can also depress scores because it signals stress and reduces perceived borrowing capacity. When consumers are under strain, they often apply for more credit, which can lead to more inquiries and shorten average account age, further weighing on scores. Lenders may also respond by reducing credit limits or closing accounts, which can raise utilization even if the borrower’s spending remains unchanged. Even when a credit score does not fall immediately, high debt burdens can still reduce approvals and increase borrowing costs because lenders evaluate overall affordability in addition to the score.”
Colin Slabach – Clinical Assistant Professor, New York University
 
“If you don’t pay your loans, you will get a negative mark on your credit score. Remember, unpaid federal student loans will also impact your credit score in a negative manner. Also, too much credit utilization can impact your credit score negatively.”
Dr. Sandra Poirier – Professor, Middle Tennessee State University
 

More From WalletHub

• States With Largest and Smallest Debt Increases
• States With Largest and Smallest Credit Card Debt Increases
• States Adding the Most Personal Loan Debt
• States Where Auto Loan Debt Is Increasing Most
• 2026 Credit Card Debt Study