Nation news: Many U.S couples bicker, business owner juggles

NATION

Poll: Many U.S. couples
bicker over finances

NEW YORK — Money can’t buy you love; in fact, it’s likely the root of your relationship problems.

Nearly 60 percent of American couples said in a recent survey that they argue over money at least once a month — more than they bicker over sex or household responsibilities.

The online poll of 1,500 people, conducted for PayPal, also found that while about half of U.S. couples share a bank account, nearly one in four use online shopping as a way to keep their partners in the dark about what they are buying.

Business owner juggles
a lot — no, seriously

NEW YORK — Carr Hagerman knows how to juggle the demands of being a business owner. He also knows how to juggle.

Hagerman, co-author of the recently published book “Top Performer: A Bold Approach to Sales and Service,” says that his years as a street performer in Minneapolis have helped him develop strategies to establish connections with customers, co-workers and superiors.

“It’s about claiming a pitch and claiming a voice, and really owning it,” said Hagerman, who has owned and managed retail stores, restaurants and a special events production company. “Engaging people is such a big part of being a leader and a manager.”

In the book, Hagerman and Stephen Lundin give tips on how to “build a circle,” or attract a target audience; “juice the jam,” or overcome a breakdown in communication; and “develop insurance,” a vaudeville term for “that extra something so that when the time comes, you can pull it out of your pocket and you’ll know it works,” Hagerman said.

Litigation rises over
‘lifestyle’ regulations

NEW YORK — Sure, employers can require drug testing and criminal background checks to monitor off-duty activities they deem detrimental to an employee’s job. But what about behaviors that create health risks, such as smoking cigarettes or having high cholesterol?

Susan Lessack, a partner at Pepper Hamilton law firm, said litigation is increasingly being brought against companies for “lifestyle” regulations, which target smokers, overweight individuals — even extreme sports enthusiasts.

“Employers are paying attention to high-risk activities because it affects health insurance claims and costs,” Lessack said. “While bans on smoking and other activities are becoming a trend, they are usually violating state privacy statutes.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects employees from discrimination for physical impairments, which some have argued can include obesity and addiction to nicotine.

Survey: CEOs rate N.Y.,
California as worst

NEW YORK — California and New York are rated by top executives as the worst states to do business, according to a recent poll of 605 chief executive officers conducted by Chief Executive magazine. Texas and Nevada were listed as the best two states.

The CEOs were asked to evaluate their states on a broad range of issues, including proximity to resources, regulation, tax policies, education, quality of living and infrastructure. Those same four states were ranked as best and worse for the past three years.

“California and New York are both highly regulated and have high taxes, so CEOs are not very excited about growing business there,” said Ed Kopko, CEO and publisher of Chief Executive.

Associated Press