Brian O’connor
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Articles by Brian O’connor
An Updated and Revised Dyadic Model of Partner Violence
You are already at the latest version Research on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has traditionally examined perpetrators and victims separately, limiting understanding of the relational processes that sustain violence. The present review builds on the dyadic model of partner violence by synthesizing findings from 12 meta-analytic studies investigating risk markers for physical IPV.
Decoding the Fed: How To Understand What’s Coming Next
Even if you rarely think about the Federal Reserve, its decisions shape your financial life far more than you might realize. The Fed influences how much your savings earn, what you pay to borrow and how expensive your next home, car or credit card balance might be. But the Fed isn’t exactly known for being approachable. Between cryptic press conferences, economic jargon and intense market reactions to seemingly tiny decisions, it can feel like the Fed is speaking its own language.
After more than a decade at Bloomberg News , I am stoked to join Ben Smith and Justin B. Smith as SEMAFOR’s new Deputy Editor-in-Chief! Semafor is redefining journalism for a new era and earning the… | Shelly Banjo
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Social Security at 70? Why the Gold Standard Advice Works for Only a Few
When claiming Social Security, the best financial move you can make is to wait until age 70. That’s the gold-standard advice from experts, who point to the substantial annual increase in your benefit for each year you delay claiming it after you reach what the government calls your full retirement age, either 66 or 67. Add Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment, and waiting till 70 to maximize your payout is the best of all retirement bets.
Cómo aprovechar mejor tus ahorros para la jubilación
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Cómo aprovechar mejor tus ahorros para la jubilación La mayoría de las personas llegan a la jubilación sin tener ni idea de cómo gestionar el retiro de sus ahorros sin quedarse sin dinero. Esto es lo que necesitas saber.
You Saved and Saved for Retirement. Now You Need a Plan to Cash Out.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans say they are more worried about running out of money in retirement than dying, and many retirees could be on track to turn that fear into a stark reality. About half of America’s retirees don’t take any systematic approach to withdrawing their many billions of dollars in retirement assets, according to an October survey from IRALogix, a retirement technology firm. Just 22 percent of retirees follow any kind of plan.
The Future of Wood Waste: Transforming Waste into Power, Efficiency, and Sustainability
With air curtain burner technology, facilities can eliminate wood waste more efficiently than grinding or hauling, reduce emissions and comply with environmental standards, as well as generate power for vehicles, equipment, and off-grid applications. By Brian O’Connor The U.S. generates more than 70 million tons of wood and vegetative waste annually from forestry operations, urban development, disaster recovery, and agriculture.
Labor Market Power Dynamics: September 2024 EN:Insights Forum
At the September EN:Insights Forum, Executive Network members heard about SHRM’s latest research exploring the state of employer-employee relationships in the U.S. labor market, drawing on insights from workers, job seekers, and HR leaders. “Employer and employee power dynamics are a key driver of workplace behavior,” said Ragan Decker, Ph.D., SHRM’s manager of Executive Network and Enterprise Solutions research.
2024 Talent Trends: August 2024 EN:Insights Forum
For the August EN:Insights Forum, members heard all about SHRM’s latest research on what’s going on across the talent landscape. Kerri Nelson, SHRM’s director of mission research, noted that employers continue to see significant challenges in both recruiting and retention, which is leading to some creative approaches across different industries. As with all things in HR today, changing technology is also a driving force in the struggle to find talent due to the need for new skills.
Why we can’t manage to work for less than 40 hours a week
For much of the 19th century, ordinary workers labored for 60 hours a week, taking only a single day of rest. But as technology advanced, so too did the understanding of how we might best use our spare time. Soon, progressive organizations were arguing that a shorter workweek need not decrease productivity. Simultaneously, social reformers began to make the case for how citizens could use the resulting leisure, effectively turning time off into a public good.
Book Review | Why we can’t manage to work for less than 40 hours a week
Free Time: The History of an Elusive Ideal By Gary S. Cross; New York University Press (337 pp. $35) For much of the 19th century, ordinary workers labored for 60 hours a week, taking only a single day of rest. But as technology advanced, so too did the understanding of how we might best use our spare time. Soon, progressive organizations were arguing that a shorter workweek need not decrease productivity.
How 2023’s Biggest Blackouts Can Point the Way Forward for Data Centers
The demand for data centers is soaring as the world continues to embrace digitalization and interconnectivity. These facilities house critical data and provide essential services to businesses and consumers amid an evolving digital economy. Because of the increasing importance of data centers in the modern technology landscape, power protection is becoming a heightened priority for building owners and operators responsible for managing these facilities.
Best-selling Stanley Tumblers — and 7 alternative brands
What’s all the fuss with the Stanley Tumbler? Why would anyone camp out overnight with people jostling to get the latest version of a stainless steel water bottle, a “quencher” or “ice flow” — with no water in it! At the bottom of this post we have insights from a professor of consumer psychology that can help explain this hysteria.
In memoriam: Those we lost in 2023
“Auld lang syne” will be sung this year for notables from the worlds of sports, politics, activism and entertainment. The Bay State Banner has chosen a dozen figures, six of local renown, to represent the passage of meaningful lives in 2023.
Your Old 401(k): Out of Sight, Out of Mind and Out of Money
As a Comerica Bank executive with more than 35 years of experience in wealth management, Lisa Featherngill knows how to handle retirement money. But when she left her previous position at Wells Fargo two years ago, she had to figure out what to do with her old 401(k) — and was as flummoxed as any other person changing jobs. “A lot of times, people don’t know where they’re going to work or if they’re eligible for the 401(k) plan at the new job,” Featherngill said.
USDA: Much harvesting still ahead in state
Wisconsin corn farmers appear to be taking a slow, steady approach to harvest, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department. Growers across the state report 14 percent of the harvest has been completed so far, the smallest percentage among any of the 18 states that accounted for 94% of the 2022 corn acreage, according to the latest crop progress report issued by the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service.
USDA: Much harvesting still ahead in state
Wisconsin corn farmers appear to be taking a slow, steady approach to harvest, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Agriculture Department. Growers across the state report 14 percent of the harvest has been completed so far, the smallest percentage among any of the 18 states that accounted for 94% of the 2022 corn acreage, according to the latest crop progress report issued by the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service.
Marshall American Legion honors seven veterans with Quilts of Valor
The Marshall American Legion awarded seven quilts of valor to a combination of Vietnam-era, Cold-War-era, and Iraq-era veterans at a quiet and at times emotional ceremony Sept. 21. The veterans join 357,000 others awarded quilts since 2003, Karen Demaree, the regional coordinator for the Quilts of Valor Foundation told the assembled veterans and guests in the basement of American Legion Post 279.
More crops approaching maturity as full-bore harvest season nears
Wisconsin growers had largely one more idyllic week as the 2023 crop nears completion, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. The latest Crop Progress Report compiled by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows almost half (46%) of the corn crop has matured biologically, though harvest remains far behind. kAm$E:==[ 8C@H6CD >256 D@>6 AC@8C6DD 7@C E96 H66< 6?5:?8 $F?52J WaTX E92?
Legal fee guidelines are essential in order to make real progress on insurance reform
he impact of high legal costs on insurance claims continues to be a significant impediment to achieving real progress on insurance reform. Recent reports from the Central Bank of Ireland attest to the reality that no progress has been made in this area. Legal fees made up 33pc of the total cost of settlement for motor claims litigated in the first six months last year, figures from the Central Bank’s National Claims Insurance Database (NCID) confirm.
Harvest has officially begun in Wisconsin
Corn harvest has officially begun in Wisconsin, according to the latest Crop Progress report from the USDA. Don’t break out the cornucopia just yet. kAm~?=J 23@FE `T @7 E96 E@E2= 4@C? 4C@A 92D D@ 72C 366? 92CG6DE65[ 244@C5:?8 E@ E96 C6A@CE[ :DDF65 |@?52J 3J E96 }2E:@?2= p8C:4F=EFC2= $E2E:DE:4D $6CG:46] x? 724E[ =6DD E92? 92=7 WbaTX @7 2== (:D4@?D:? 4@C?
Police relied on video surveillance to charge preacher in Watertown pride bomb scare
WATERTOWN — Police officers used video surveillance to allege that a preacher subsequently removed from a park placed a fake bomb scare, according to court documents. Marcus J. J. Schroeder, 19, of Waukesha faces a single charge of conveying false information about a bomb threat. He has been released on a $5,000 signature bond pending trial, court records show. kAm%96 492C86D DE6> 7C@> 2 A2:C @7 h`` 42==D A=2465 5FC:?8 E96 4@?E6?E:@FD yF=J ah !C:56 :? E96 !2C< 6G6?E[ 5FC:?8 H9:49 2 >2?
Police relied on video surveillance to charge preacher in Watertown pride bomb scare
Police officers used video surveillance to allege that a preacher subsequently removed from the park placed a fake bomb scare, according to court documents. Marcus J. J. Schroeder, 19, of Waukesha faces a single charge of conveying false information about a bomb threat. He has been released on a $5,000 signature bond pending trial, court records show.
Harvest has officially begun in Wisconsin
Corn harvest has officially begun in Wisconsin, according to the latest Crop Progress report from the USDA. Don’t break out the cornucopia just yet. Only about 1% of the total corn crop has so far been harvested, according to the report, issued Monday by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. In fact, less than half (32%) of all Wisconsin corn acres have matured, farmers told the USDA. And while maturity is a key indicator, it’s not the only factor.
USDA Report: Most Wisconsin corn through dent, though harvest has not yet begun
While dry conditions persist, most Wisconsin corn has crossed a critical threshold, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department’s latest crop progress report. Wisconsin corn growers told the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service that 66% of planted corn acres have reached the dent stage, or the last stage prior to maturity. kAm(9:=6 E96 &$sp >:89E >62DFC6 >2EFC:EJ 5:776C6?E=J E92? =@42= 72C>6CD[ E96 C6A@CE :D @?6 DE6A 4=@D6C E@ 2 4@>A=6E65 a_ab 4@C?
USDA Report: Most Wisconsin corn through dent, though harvest has not yet begun
While dry conditions persist, most Wisconsin corn has crossed a critical threshold, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department’s latest crop progress report. Wisconsin corn growers told the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service that 66% of planted corn acres have reached the dent stage, or the last stage prior to maturity. While the USDA might measure maturity differently than local farmers, the report is one step closer to a completed 2023 corn growing season.
Once in a blue moon
Anyone driving at night late last week might have noticed the moon looked especially bright. The second full moon of August marked two astronomical events. kAm%96 7:CDE :D <?@H? 2D E96 “3=F6 >@@?[” H9:49 :D 2?J E:>6 EH@ 7F== >@@?D 2AA62C :? E96 D2>6 >@?E9[ 244@C5:?8 E@ }p$p] q642FD6 @7 E96 5:776C6?46 36EH66? E96 >@@?’D @C3:E 2C@F?5 E96 62CE9 2?5 E96 62CE9’D @C3:E 2C@F?5 E96 DF?[ E9:D @44FCD 23@FE @?46 6G6CJ a]d J62CD]k^Am kAm%96 >@?E9=J 567:?:E:@? 92D 366? :? H:56 4:C4F=2E:@?
Every once in a blue moon ...
Anyone driving at night late last week might have noticed the moon looked especially bright. The second full moon of August marked two astronomical events. kAm%96 7:CDE :D <?@H? 2D E96 “3=F6 >@@?[” H9:49 :D 2?J E:>6 EH@ 7F== >@@?D 2AA62C :? E96 D2>6 >@?E9[ 244@C5:?8 E@ }p$p] q642FD6 @7 E96 5:776C6?46 36EH66? E96 >@@?’D @C3:E 2C@F?5 E96 62CE9 2?5 E96 62CE9’D @C3:E 2C@F?5 E96 DF?[ E9:D @44FCD 23@FE @?46 6G6CJ a]d J62CD]k^Am kAm%96 >@?E9=J 567:?:E:@? 92D 366? :? H:56 4:C4F=2E:@?
Dodge County Sheriff issues press release attacking board of supervisors
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt has again waded into ongoing political squabbles with the county board and among county board members. Schmidt’s office issued a 14-paragraph press release on Friday taking county board member Dan Siegmann to task for issuing claims with “zero merit.” He also alleged that several county board members met in secret without notifying the public to discuss county business.
Every once in a blue moon ...
Anyone driving at night late last week might have noticed the moon looked especially bright. The second full moon of August marked two astronomical events. kAm%96 7:CDE :D <?@H? 2D E96 “3=F6 >@@?[” H9:49 :D 2?J E:>6 EH@ 7F== >@@?D 2AA62C :? E96 D2>6 >@?E9[ 244@C5:?8 E@ }p$p] q642FD6 @7 E96 5:776C6?46 36EH66? E96 >@@?’D @C3:E 2C@F?5 E96 62CE9 2?5 E96 62CE9’D @C3:E 2C@F?5 E96 DF?[ E9:D @44FCD 23@FE @?46 6G6CJ a]d J62CD]k^Am kAm%96 >@?E9=J 567:?:E:@? 92D 366? :? H:56 4:C4F=2E:@?
Dry conditions persist statewide with crops poised to enter final stretch
While back to school season in is in the air, and Labor Day brings about the end of the summer season more generally, Wisconsin corn growers are still in growing season, according to the latest U.S. Agriculture Department Crop Progress report. Farmers reported negligible amounts of corn reaching maturity, the final stage before harvesting one of the two most popular row crops in the state, according to the latest report by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Dry conditions persist statewide with crops poised to enter final stretch
While back to school season in is in the air, and Labor Day brings about the end of the summer season more generally, Wisconsin corn growers are still in growing season, according to the latest U.S. Agriculture Department Crop Progress report. Farmers reported negligible amounts of corn reaching maturity, the final stage before harvesting one of the two most popular row crops in the state, according to the latest report by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Wisconsin growers report dry conditions, even as crops hew close to five-year averages
Wisconsin corn growers — like growers in other northerly states — are nearing a critical phase of the growing season, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Almost two thirds (64%) of the corn crop was reported in the dough stage for the week ending Sunday. Corn dough is the third-to-last of the six stages that roughly describe the arc of the growing season, according to Purdue University. kAm%92E 7:8FC6 AFED (:D4@?D:?
You may need to rethink where your retirement income will come from
A growing number of workers report that their primary source of retirement income will come from their 401(k) workplace savings plan, according to a new retirement study from Schwab. In 2022, workers said 37% of their retirement money would come from 401(k) cash. That figure has now risen to 40% of workers. Consider working with a financial advisor as you plan your withdrawals from a tax-advantaged plan or as you create a plan for such withdrawals.
Wisconsin growers report dry conditions, even as crops hew close to five-year averages
Wisconsin corn growers — like growers in other northerly states — are nearing a critical phase of the growing season, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Almost two thirds (64%) of the corn crop was reported in the dough stage for the week ending Sunday. Corn dough is the third-to-last of the six stages that roughly describe the arc of the growing season, according to Purdue University.
Marshall officials to discuss potential facilities referendum
Marshall school officials will meet with the public next week to discuss a potential referendum for school facilities, according to a press release. The building-focused referendum would be put before voters as early as next year, and the press release does not mention a dollar amount. kAm%96 >66E:?8 :D @A6? E@ E96 AF3=:4[ 244@C5:?8 E@ E96 AC6DD C6=62D6] %96 :?E6?E:@? @7 E96 >66E:?8 :D E@ :?G:E6 C6D:56?ED E@ ;@:? E96 s:DEC:4E u24:=:E:6D r@>>F?:EJ p5G:D@CJ %62>[ 2?5 2 C676C6?5F> :D >6?E:@?65 :?
The spire at sunset
The setting sun throws the steeple of St. Bernard’s Parish into steep relief against a mostly cloudless sky Tuesday evening. Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reporting—but good journalism isn’t free. Please support us by making a contribution.
The spire at sunset
The setting sun throws the steeple of St. Bernard’s Parish into steep relief against a mostly cloudless sky Tuesday evening. Cooler temperatures and cloudless skies are expected to repeat again today, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast high for today is 81 degrees.
Drought's impacts linger in state headed into critical stage for corn and soybeans
Wisconsin corn growing season is entering a critical stage, according to the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Silking — the first of four stages of the critical reproductive stage of the corn plant is complete for about 91% of the planted corn acres in the state, according to the latest national crop progress report issued Monday. That’s an increase of 8% from the week ending Aug. 6, and 2% ahead of the five year average. kAm(:D4@?D:?
Drought's impacts linger in state headed into critical stage for corn and soybeans
Wisconsin corn growing season is entering a critical stage, according to the latest reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Silking — the first of four stages of the critical reproductive stage of the corn plant is complete for about 91% of the planted corn acres in the state, according to the latest national crop progress report issued Monday. That’s an increase of 8% from the week ending Aug. 6, and 2% ahead of the five year average.
6 Ways Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems Benefit Commercial Building Owners
In the United States, new high-rise apartments and office buildings continue to grow, along with massive warehouses and other large commercial structures. Part of managing these increasingly larger, more complex facilities is making sure the facilities have appropriate systems in place to help keep firefighters healthy and safe during emergency situations. This helps ensure the responding firefighters can focus on fire attack and helping to get occupants out of the building.
Steps to Consider in Protecting Property from Wildfires
Severe drought conditions, high temperatures and dry conditions are increasing wildfire risk in a majority of the U.S., putting buildings and property in danger of damage and loss. Much of the West and South U.S. are experiencing varying drought intensities, from severe to exceptional levels. However, there are wildfire safety measures property owners can take to help protect their assets.
These are the top 5 ‘big money’ purchases you will likely regret in retirement
One surprise that hits retirees in their first few years is that even without the costs of working and contributing to retirement accounts, they end up spending more than when they held down a job. Financial planners cite three retirement phases: Go-Go, Slow-Go and No-Go. In the Go-Go years, typically 65 to 75, healthy young retirees spend big on travel, hobbies and scratching life-long dreams off their bucket list.
Wisconsin corn, soybeans running behind as drought begins to impact soil conditions
Corn and soybeans crops are a little behind the five-year average in much of the state, according to the US Department of Agriculture. This might reflect a planting season that saw a slower start followed by an accelerated completion. It might also reflect drier conditions throughout the state, both of which are evident from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s updated report released Monday. kAm!=2?E:?8 92D 366? 5@?6 7@C H66<D[ 2?5 E96 ?6IE DE286 :? E96 2??F2= 4@C?
Wisconsin corn, soybeans running behind as drought begins to impact soil conditions
Corn and soybeans crops are a little behind the five-year average in much of the state, according to the US Department of Agriculture. This might reflect a planting season that saw a slower start followed by an accelerated completion. It might also reflect drier conditions throughout the state, both of which are evident from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s updated report released Monday.
Americans on average believe they’ll need $1.27M to comfortably retire, survey finds
By Brian J. O’Connor Smart Asset Americans believe they will need $1.27 million to retire comfortably, according to the latest set of findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2023 Planning & Progress Study. That number continues to increase, up from $1.25 million reported last year. High-net-worth individuals — those with more than $1 million in investable assets — believe they’ll need $3 million to retire comfortably. Most workers have got a ways to go with their savings, the report finds.
Workforce and Structural Resiliency: How Digital Tools Can Help
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O'Column: Watertown's District No. 3 offers lessons for all Original
A quote attributed to Winston Churchill has been on my mind a lot lately. “Democracy is the worst form of government — except for all the others that have been tried,” the legendary British Prime Minister is attributed as having said. kAmxE’D 92C5 ?@E E@ :>28:?6 96 925 D@>6E9:?8 =:<6 E96 2AA@:?E>6?E @7 $E6G6? q@2C5 E@ (2E6CE@H? p=56C>2?:4 s:DEC:4E }@] b :? >:?5 H96?
More workers plan to retire on less money by claiming Social Security early
Hammered by inflation, recession fears and doubts about the future of Social Security, an increasing number of working Americans say they plan to claim their Social Security benefits early while staying on the job. Here are the factors driving this trend and the pros and cons of following suit. Consider working with a financial advisor to create a retirement plan that fits your goals, risk profile and timeline.
East Village rocker/entrepreneur Jesse Malin paralyzed, friends rally for his recovery
Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams While eating at an East Village Italian restaurant, Jesse Malin felt a numbness in his back and legs and collapsed to the floor when he tried to stand up. Doctors diagnosed a spinal cord infarction — a stroke, but in the spine, a rare occurrence that accounts for less than 1% of all strokes. As a result, he’s paralyzed from the waist down and it’s uncertain if he’ll get function back.
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