The fight over a so-called clean energy ballot measure from California billionaire Tom Steyer has been in the news a lot lately. At best, this proposed change to our state constitution is ill-conceived and irresponsible energy policy. At worst, it is political gaming at the expense of Arizona residents. Either way, it sets Arizona’s energy future on the wrong course. The Steyer camp arrogantly claims that opposing their bad idea of energy policy is the same as opposing clean energy, but that … [Read more...] about Keeping on the Right Clean Energy Course for Arizona
Columnists
Protecting Against Noise: How Hearing is Damaged
The most common cause of permanent hearing loss is noise exposure. That being said, unless you live in a perfectly quiet world, it is likely that you are exposing your hearing organ (cochlea) to excessive vibration. We hear through vibration and vibration is what causes the damage! It is a Catch-22. The hearing organ is fragile. The cochlea is the size of a green pea, curled like a snail and filled with fluid. Inside this tiny, sophisticated organ are rows of nerves that sit on a membrane … [Read more...] about Protecting Against Noise: How Hearing is Damaged
NACA Bringing Suicide Assessment, Prevention Training to Flagstaff
Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States and in Coconino County. The numbers are staggering and the loss of life has an enormous ripple effect on those who have lost loved ones, as well as on the community at large. The human costs of suicidal behavior to individuals, families, communities and society is all most unmeasurable and unbearable. The Coconino County Public Health Services District reports that in Coconino County: In 2015, suicide was the sixth … [Read more...] about NACA Bringing Suicide Assessment, Prevention Training to Flagstaff
Ways to Protect Your Estate and Prepare for Your Future
Proper estate management is critical when working toward a more sound and stable financial life. From your wills to beneficiaries and beyond, estates require thoughtful strategies. Yet, many Americans still haven’t protected themselves in the ways they should. In fact, only 40 percent of adults have a will or living trust. If you don’t have documentation in place to direct your wishes, the courts may decide what to do with your estate when you pass away. Preparing for the future and … [Read more...] about Ways to Protect Your Estate and Prepare for Your Future
Eating Nuts Reduces More Than Just Your Waistline
Food scientists and medical researchers are calling nuts the latest superfood for their ability to reduce the risk of a number of diseases. From cancer and heart disease to diabetes and obesity, studies indicate consuming nuts prevents disease and promotes a healthy metabolism. Studies in the United States and Europe have shown a higher consumption of nuts and seeds significantly reduces the risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Heart disease was reduced by 30 percent when nuts were … [Read more...] about Eating Nuts Reduces More Than Just Your Waistline
New AZ COBRA Law Coming for Small Businesses
Beginning Jan. 1, small employers offering certain employee benefits such as group medical, dental and vision insurance will be required to offer continuation of coverage for 18 months to employees separating employment under the new law. This sounds very similar to Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) that employers with 20 or more employees must follow. The Arizona law will require small businesses with one or more covered employee to follow almost the same rules. … [Read more...] about New AZ COBRA Law Coming for Small Businesses
Ask the CEO: Exceptional Customer Service
Most of my columns are based on experiences I’ve had with my former companies. Most of my organizations were in business-to-business selling, so my experience with retail is relatively limited to personal buying experiences. That being said, I think many of the practices I used still apply to today’s small business, or any retail business. Recently, I was shopping around for a very specific watch, and my experiences are what gave me the idea for this month’s column. Between driving to local … [Read more...] about Ask the CEO: Exceptional Customer Service
Making the Most of Monsoon Season
Last month, we talked about ways of being “water-wise” in our dry climate, such as using drip irrigation systems and selecting drought-resistant plants for your garden. Now, as the monsoon season starts, we thought we should examine how you can take advantage of these naturally wetter months by practicing rainwater harvesting. When you read “rainwater harvesting” just now, I bet the first thing you thought of was rainwater barrels. And, yes, they are an important part of this story and we … [Read more...] about Making the Most of Monsoon Season
Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy Celebrating the First Moon Landing
Experience Flagstaff's scientific role in the Apollo Moon missions and the Flagstaff Lunar Legacy 18-month celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the first Moon landing. Mark your calendar for the Flagstaff lunar legacy launch event on Friday, July 20. Enjoy a free concert, kids activities, special guests and presentations at the Orpheum Theater. Doors open at 5 p.m. with program liftoff at 5:30 p.m. When Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon on July 20, 1969, he at once met the audacious … [Read more...] about Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy Celebrating the First Moon Landing
Vacationing Families Borrow Island Dogs for Day Trips
In the lobby of the Kauai Humane Society, nine-year-old Oliver Hopkins can hardly wait to see Dorothy again. Within minutes, the big, lovable pit bull mix is reunited with her new best friend as Oliver wraps his arms around her sturdy neck and mom and dad stand by. For vacationing families missing their pets, or hikers just looking for a pal to join them on an outdoor adventure, the animal shelter has a kennel full of companionship eager to play at the beach, trek through the jungle or hang … [Read more...] about Vacationing Families Borrow Island Dogs for Day Trips