Recent Articles

  • Mechanics liens provide protection against contractor bankruptcy

    Nate Budde

    Unfortunately, the failure rate of businesses in the construction industry is high. This means that the bankruptcy or pending bankruptcy of a general contractor is a more common reason for payment problems than people may realize. Fortunately, for a financially troubled general contractor, mechanics liens may provide some protection.

  • The next generation: Take a kid hunting

    John McAdams

    Yes, it is often times inconvenient to take a kid hunting. They generally have a shorter attention span than adults, and it is much more difficult for them to keep quiet and sit still for an extended period of time. For these reasons and others, having a kid with you makes it much more difficult to seriously hunt for a trophy deer. However, it might be useful to take a different view of the situation.

  • Food for thought: How are you perceived professionally?

    Karen Childress

    Fair or not, we’re all judged based on how we present ourselves. Being perceived professionally goes way beyond the wardrobe we choose, however. In many cases, how we are viewed by others is based on more subtle factors.

  • Is Parkinson’s disease in the future for Jesse Pinkman of ‘Breaking…

    Dr. Denise A. Valenti

    ​AMC's television series "Breaking Bad" depicted diverse characters on both sides of the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. The popular series, which ended its six-year run with a series finale Sept. 29, was known for its raw, graphic and violent depiction of the culture and science behind the making and distribution of illicit drugs.

  • Pitfalls and challenges of green spas

    Beatrice (Vallant) Hochegger

    ​The ​last article about green spas emphasized on benefits and advantages that go hand in hand with sustainable business practices. Increasing eco-efficiency, creating a positive image and motivating as well as attracting employees are just some worth mentioning. However, there are also challenges that need to be considered in the course of greening a spa.

  • Ground broken on Southwest’s new international terminal at Houston

    Matt Falcus

    Southwest Airlines has marked the beginning of its expansion at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport by breaking ground on its new International Terminal. Hobby is primarily a domestic airport with no international airline service, but corporate and general aviation traffic does regularly arrive from across the border in Mexico. In 2011, Southwest Airlines officially expressed interest in changing this by proposing the introduction of international flights.

  • New study sheds light on presentation of CTE symptoms

    Dorothy L. Tengler

    ​Scientists have long been aware of the devastation of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is marked by widespread accumulation of an abnormal protein called hyperphosphorylated tau. The disease usually presents with mood and behavioral changes at a young age. However, a new study suggests that clinical presentation could include cognitive symptoms at a later age.

  • Confessions of a miser: Learning to let go

    Bob Fortune

    ​I sinfully watched costs for decades — and was labeled a "miser" by my two brothers/partners. This was deeply hurtful. Our seasonal restoration business was slow in the Chicago winters. Therefore, it was essential to make nine months of revenue stretch to cover 12 months of costs. Creating a culture of frugality was a matter of survival.

  • The right mind to negotiate

    Michael J. Berens

    ​Much of a business leader's time is spent in negotiation. Brokering a deal, cutting costs, expanding distribution channels, selling a proposal, hiring talent, managing staff — all require the skill to negotiate with others effectively. Negotiation can be exhilarating; it can also be stressful.

  • The Affordable Care Act: They gave it the wrong name

    Dr. Jonathan Kaplan

    Most Americans are thinking this major new piece of healthcare legislation, the Affordable Care Act, is going to make health insurance more affordable. Why do most Americans think it's going to be more affordable? Picture me with my hands cupped on both sides of my mouth screaming, "because it's got the word 'affordable' in it!" But this is not the case. Clearly, unarguably, they will be more expensive.