How is it that some managers are able to inspire top performances from their employees while others can barely extract an honest day’s work from the people who report to them? The secret is out. According to a new survey by leading staffing company Kelly Services, an overwhelming majority of American employees want to work hard because their bosses are nice to them. As part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, 4,000 Americans were asked ... [full story]

Each year consumers spend many hours preparing taxes hoping they don’t owe the government money. But what many fail to realize is that the government isn’t the only one who may collect their hard earned cash -- so may identity thieves. In a time where one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, it’s important to ensure that the multitude of documents used to prepare taxes are appropriately stored or destroyed. In 2005, consumers lost nearly ... [full story]

Pearls are perfect any time, but they seem especially appropriate for weddings. Known by some as the “Queen of Gems,” the classic elegance of pearls transcends centuries and style fads. Nothing looks more beautiful with a bridal gown than a single strand of flawless pearls. But pearls are not only for the bride -– they’re the perfect accessory for the bridesmaids as well. Today, you can find pearls in shades ranging from the traditional white ... [full story]

What makes a potential candidate stand out from the others in the room? Is it how they’re dressed, the technical skills they have to offer, the advanced degree they’ve earned or how they carry themselves in a group setting? In the business environment, a new skill set is emerging. These skills can ultimately determine how successful a candidate will be in the workplace. Even the most qualified candidate in the bunch may not get the ... [full story]

"How Language Works: How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning, and Languages Live or Die" by David Crystal; Overlook; 500 pages; $32.50. In a scene in Italo Svevo's antic novel "Confessions of Zeno" (1923) the hopelessly hypochondriacal narrator hears a friend describe the musculature of the leg. He thereupon begins to obsess on the muscles of his own legs, causing him to limp - and he limps for the rest of his life. I sometimes wonder ... [full story]

The sixth annual Make-A-Wish Radiothon exceeded its goal and raised $35,645 and 266,414 frequent flier miles that will help grant 8 wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions in Central Oregon.  The Make-A-Wish Radiothon aired on 105.7 KQAK-FM, THE PEAK 104.1 and LITE 95.1.    The Peak 104.1’s Larry Wilson (left) and Bryon Mengle (right) with Wish Kid Aaron at the sixth annual Make-A-Wish Radiothon.  The two-day event raised $35,645 and 266,414 air miles to ... [full story]

Adolescents who use alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana while alone are more likely to have health and behavioral problems as young adults than their peers who consume the substances only in social settings, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today. Solitary alcohol, cigarette and marijuana users are less likely to graduate from college, more likely to have substance use problems as young adults, and tend to report poorer physical health by age 23 than their ... [full story]

Les Schwab Tire Centers recently named Dick Borgman its new Chief Executive Officer. Phil Wick remains the company's chairman. Les Schwab also has announced it will be moving its corporate offices from Prineville, Ore., to Bend, Ore. Borgman, 51, previously was president for the Les Schwab Holding Company Division. He has worked closely with Wick and company founder Les Schwab during the last 16 years. "Both the board of directors and the Schwab family have ... [full story]

Closed until further notice pending evaluation by asbestos abatement contractor Asbestos found in flooring material removed during the current renovation of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Bend Office has forced the closure of the facility at 2146 NE Fourth St. until further notice, the agency announced Thursday. During the removal of the flooring, part of a renovation project begun after a Dec. 1 fire in the building, asbestos fibers may have been released ... [full story]

The Marine Sport Fishing Regulation will change the minimum legal size for lingcod from 24 inches to 22 inches, and add in a separate daily bag limit of 25 for flatfish, which includes flounders, soles, sanddabs, turbots and halibuts, but not Pacific halibut.  All changes are effective Jan. 1, 2007.The change for a more liberal minimum size limit for lingcod is due to a new federal stock assessment indicating the northern population of lingcod has ... [full story]