Editorial

Why Magical Thinking Is So Widespread – A Look At The Psychological Roots Of Common Superstitions

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/14/2022 - 4:00am

Growing up in Greece, I spent my summers at my grandparents’ home in a small coastal village in the region of Chalkidiki. It was warm and sunny, and I passed most of my time playing in the streets with my cousins. But occasionally, the summer storms brought torrential rain. You could see them coming from far away, with black clouds looming over the horizon, lit up by lightning.

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Native American Children’s Protection Against Adoption By Non-Indian Families Is Before The Supreme Court

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 11/11/2022 - 4:00am

The Supreme Court is about to hear arguments about the constitutionality of a 1978 law enacted to protect Native American children in the U.S. and strengthen their families.

That law, the Indian Child Welfare Act, was originally passed by Congress in response to requests from tribal leaders and other advocates for Native Americans to stop states from removing Indian children from their families.

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As the National Real Estate Market Shifts, Do Smaller Cities Too?

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 11/10/2022 - 3:00am

There’s no doubt that the national real estate market has begun to shift downward. Interest rates continue to rise as the Federal Reserve attempts to stymie inflation and slow spending in the economy. The real estate industry is typically slower to react versus the stock or cryptocurrency markets. Additionally, the real estate market was propped up by demand surges caused by the pandemic from mid-2020 to mid-2022.

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The Optics Of American Hate

Published by Nikki Palmer on Wed, 11/09/2022 - 4:00am

The road to hell isn’t paved anymore with good intentions. The asphalt is hatred.

Chances are you have experienced it recently.

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Abortion Is Not Influencing Most Voters As The Midterms Approach – Economic Issues Are Predominating In New Survey

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 11/08/2022 - 3:00am

Since the Supreme Court’s June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion, election observers have raised questions about whether and how the issue of abortion will influence the outcome of the November midterm elections.

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Why There Really Is No Ethical Reason Not To Vote

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 11/07/2022 - 4:00am

Midterms elections traditionally see a slump in voter interest compared to years in which the White House is up for grabs.

Yet November 2022 could see more Americans registering their midcycle political preferences than in recent years. Already, some states are reporting record early voting figures.

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Real Education Problems, Not Contrived Ones, Need Attention

Published by Nikki Palmer on Fri, 11/04/2022 - 2:00am

Our future is on the ballot November 8.

Sure, races for governors, U.S. senators and a majority in Congress may capture headlines, but perhaps the most critical decisions we make will be closer to home: Who gets to sit on Nebraska’s Board of Regents, State Board of Education, and dozens of local school boards across the state.

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Does Your “No Smoking” Policy Stink?

Published by Nikki Palmer on Thu, 11/03/2022 - 3:00am

“What’s that smell?” might be one of the worst questions a potential tenant can ask you as a landlord. In my experience, the showing of the property almost always goes downhill from there. Odors play a major role in our lives, with many of our most impactful memories tied to a specific smell, whether good or bad. I mean who doesn’t love the smell of bacon, fresh baked bread (my mouth just started watering) or a campfire. Those smells instantly transport us to a time or place; that’s the power they have over us.

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Are You Giving Advice, Guidance, Feedback Or Something Else?

Published by Nikki Palmer on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 2:00am

As a columnist, expert and blogger on legal and tax issues affecting small businesses and entrepreneurial companies, you can bet your bottom dollar I get a ton of emails, phone calls and text messages asking me for my opinion on various matters – just about every day.

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The Ukraine Conflict Is A War Of Narratives – And Putin’s Is Crumbling

Published by Nikki Palmer on Mon, 10/31/2022 - 2:00am

People understand the world – that is, where we came from, how we got here and where we are likely to go – through the stories we tell about ourselves and others. Indeed, the political and social environments in which we are embedded are rooted in these stories, these narratives.