I slowly hear the sound of the water ebbing back and forth, feel the warmth of the sun on my legs and the ocean’s breeze through my hair. I take a deep breath, inhaling the salt air as I open my eyes to the most beautiful shades of turquoise and blue, a thin line of distant white clouds depicting the break between water and sky. The site of my daughters and husband splashing in the surf widens the smile on my face. I have just woken from a dreamy nap, half shaded under a palm thatched hut, and I … [Read more...] about Vacations and Kids!
Columnists
Mixing Business and Politics
Do controversial issues have a place in business? We will soon have a new Chick-fil-A in Flagstaff. Do I attend the ribbon cutting? The national owner of Chick-fil-A has taken a public stand against same gender marriage. Because of this stance, the mayor of Boston has said the business is not welcome in that city. On the contrary, the mayor of New York said that a city has no right to censor the voice of a business owner, so Chick-fil-A is welcome there. Chick-fil-A is somewhat unusual … [Read more...] about Mixing Business and Politics
Arrhythmia Insights
Mountain Heart is located at 2000 S. Thompson Street in Flagstaff, Arizona. In addition to a Sleep Center, there is a cardiac conditioning and wellness center. … [Read more...] about Arrhythmia Insights
Avoiding Tax Scams
It seems like every time you open your email or get a phone call, there is someone trying to solicit you to do something. Some of those solicitations are legitimate, but a lot are not. If you respond to those requests you will probably end up in some sort of trouble. Some are easier to get out of than others. If you do get involved with or duped by one of these scams, you will still be subject to the consequences. That may mean paying back a sum of money, paying a penalty, or even jail time if … [Read more...] about Avoiding Tax Scams
Comparison to Confidence
More often than not, I encounter business owners and individuals who are so concerned with the competition that they lose sight of their own unique and powerful place in the market. When you spend most of your time checking up on your competition, or trying to model what other people are doing, you can’t help but question your own way of doing things. If so-and-so at Awesome Insurance Agency is sponsoring the town’s annual holiday parade, then why shouldn’t you put your name on one of those … [Read more...] about Comparison to Confidence
Summertime Challenges
One of my most vivid memories growing up in Flagstaff is playing Little League in the summer. Unfortunately, what makes that time stand out is the image of the smoke-filled sky and huge red flames of the Radio Fire atop Mount Elden. I also know that a similar image will remain with all of us who witnessed the 2010 Schultz Fire. It’s on that 15,000-acre patch of forest on the eastern slope of the San Francisco Peaks that the effects of an abandoned campfire continue to cause apprehension … [Read more...] about Summertime Challenges
Designing Workspaces
Having a functional workspace with the right equipment and the right materials is critical to being able to do your work well and efficiently. But less obvious is the role of aesthetics in the workplace. Can you enhance the success of your business by making the work environment more pleasant for your customers and your employees? Imagine art and aesthetics as your business’s wardrobe and accessories. A space that is solidly functional and also visually appealing can help your bottom … [Read more...] about Designing Workspaces
Reselling or Recycling Old Cell Phones
I recently read that 90 million tons of recycled electronic waste was gathered and processed in 2011. In 2010, that number was 70 million. And this number will increase further as the American public continues to purchase retail electronics at a staggering pace, even despite the current economic climate. New device versions that push retailers to “upgrade” customers in the electronics world contribute to this wasteful climate. This is not necessarily the fault of consumers, since they usually … [Read more...] about Reselling or Recycling Old Cell Phones
Knowing Your Travel Style
There are so many ways to explore our big world! Some people like to explore on their own, without any plans or accommodations booked; some like the convenience of a tour or a cruise. So what is the best way to travel? This totally depends on each person’s personality and budget. One of the most popular ways to see Europe is by train. But this also means schlepping bags, dealing with language barriers, finding the correct train in crowded train stations and having to be prepared to deal with … [Read more...] about Knowing Your Travel Style
Safe Grilling with Antibiotic-Free Meats
Summertime is barbecue season and with that comes an increased risk for food-borne illnesses. You can minimize your risk of getting sick with safe handling practices along with employing proper cooking times and temperatures. You can also reduce your risk by choosing meats produced from animals that are raised without antibiotics. While antibiotics are critical to treating diseases in humans and animals, the non-therapeutic use of these drugs on farms and in animals is creating strains of … [Read more...] about Safe Grilling with Antibiotic-Free Meats