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Perfectionism and mental health

Columnists

Perfectionism is a trait that makes life an endless report card on accomplishments or looks. When healthy, it can be self-motivating and help you overcome adversity and achieve success. When unhealthy, it can be a fast and enduring track to unhappiness. What makes extreme perfectionism so toxic is that while those in its grip desire success, they are most focused on avoiding failure; this leaves a negative orientation. They don’t believe in unconditional love, expecting others’ affection and approval to be dependent on a flawless performance. What causes perfectionism? ...

AI for tech challenged seniors

Columnists

The ad in the newspaper was tantalizing: “AI for seniors. 3 hours in two sessions offered by the County Extension Office through Iowa State University. Must be 60 or over. No fee. Research your health info.” Voila! I was wondering how to use AI. I didn’t want to be left in the dark as technology moved forward, like an old tractor parked behind the machine shed. I know I could use AI in my writing for research, not that I would use AI to write an Empty Nest column. The whole reason I write the column is for the pleasure of creating. Writing is an art, and the satisfaction I glean ...

Price gouging is whose problem?

Columnists

Horrors. The profiteers running this year’s World Cup are forcing fans to shell out thousands for a single ticket. But they’re not. FIFA, which oversees the once-every-four-years soccer tournament, is slapping astounding prices on the tickets. No one has to buy them. This should be very obvious. That said, some products are priced in ways that understandably bring out villagers with pitchforks. Bread in 18th-century Europe, for example. Rapidly rising prices for the “staff of life” helped foment the French Revolution. The peasants demanded what they deemed a “just ...

Factory farming pollution

Your View

Lawmakers are now investigating toxic gas emissions from animal farming, including ammonia pollution that threatens nearby communities (The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Feb. 17, 2026). For residents living near these facilities, this isn’t new—it’s daily life. We often talk about factory farming in terms of animals or climate, but the human cost is just as real. Families are breathing contaminated air so the rest of us can consume cheap meat and dairy. This raises an uncomfortable question: how cheap is “cheap” if others are paying with their health? If we value ...

Keep Politicians out of college sports

Columnists

Nearly everyone who is a college sports fan, myself included, knows the state of affairs in the NCAA is one fine mess. Especially regarding football and men’s basketball, the two major money-making sports, things have changed massively in the last few years — and mostly not in a good way. ...

Voters must know every Democrat sent to Washington will hurt our Country

Columnists

Polls are not like a weather forecast. We can’t do anything about the weather. If the prediction is rain, the only thing to do is get ready for it. Polls measure public sentiment. But that sentiment can be influenced. Current polling seems to justify handwringing on the part of Republicans regarding the outlook for November. RealClear Polling’s latest general congressional poll shows Democrats leading Republicans 47.9% to 40.3%. However, again, it’s not the weather. We’ve got months. and this can be influenced. The overall sentiment in the country is not ...