21 Jan 2014

Branstad, Reynolds highlight progress following landmark education reform package

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined by Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck to highlight the progress made under the landmark education reform package of 2013.

"Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I are pleased with the progress being made to restore Iowa's leadership position in education following the landmark reform package signed last year, but we know all parties - our administration, the Legislature and local school districts - must be held accountable to maximize our success," said Branstad. "We have a shared responsibility to give our children the best education in the nation.  Iowa's schools are transforming.  As they transform, the state stands ready to assist districts with further implementation to ensure success while we prepare our students for college or career training after high school."

Branstad, Reynolds and Buck highlighted and provided updates for the following portions of education reform:

1) Teacher leadership and compensation system

More than 100 school districts have begun the application process to enter the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System, which aims to transform learning in schools by better utilizing the expertise of top teachers to strengthen the teaching around them.

More than one-third of the school districts in Iowa are expected to submit a plan prior to the deadline on Jan. 31.

The Iowa Department of Education is working closely with the Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation to develop an equitable selection process.  The goal is to ensure a rigorous selection bar for districts that receive funding and enter the system in the first year and also to ensure that the districts entering in year one reflect the diversity of the size and geography of Iowa's schools.  All school districts will have the option of entering the system over the next three years.

2) Update on taskforces

The Council on Educator Development was created to recommend statewide systems for evaluating teachers and school administrators. The council has met three times and will reconvene on Feb. 13. To date, the council has engaged in conversations that define the legislative language in HF 215 as it pertains to the council's primary task, has examined data around current evaluation practices in Iowa districts, and has reviewed the Iowa Teaching Standards in comparison to national standards known as the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards.

Iowa schools are still required by law to administer the Iowa Assessments for accountability purposes; however, the Legislature created the Assessment Task Force to study testing options for the future. This task force has met three times and is on track to make a recommendation as early as this fall. So far, the task force has defined the scope of its work based on requirements in House File 215, completed a request for information from all major test vendors in Iowa and nationally to identify assessments that would meet those legislative requirements, and is building a mechanism to rate those potential assessments.

3) Year-long student teaching pilot

Five higher education institutions applied for the student teaching pilot project, which will provide students in participating teacher preparation programs with a one-year student teaching experience. Student teachers in Iowa currently train typically for 14 consecutive weeks.

All three regents universities and two privates colleges, Morningside College and Dordt College, applied for the project. The awards went to the University of Northern Iowa and Dordt College.

The Iowa Department of Education is now developing the award documents in order to disburse the money and establish the reporting, communication and accountability procedures.

4) TeachIowa.gov job postings

All 346 public school districts and nine area education agencies have access to TeachIowa.gov, a new statewide education job posting system. There are 23 nonpublic schools or school systems using TeachIowa.gov.  Each Catholic Diocese and five higher education institutions are posting jobs or are set up to post jobs.

By the numbers:

•             More than 2,000 jobs have been posted since the system was launched.

•             There are currently 1,486 jobs posted to TeachIowa.gov.

•             There are 3,500 applications in the TeachIowa.gov system.

5) Iowa Learning Online

 

The education reform package includes an expansion of Iowa Learning Online, a state-run system that has provided high-quality courses online and through the Iowa Communications Network since 2004. The goal is to provide a full array of course options, including language arts, social studies, math, science, health, physical education, fine arts, foreign language, and vocational education online.  The Iowa Department of Education should have most of these options available in the fall.

Lt. Gov. Reynolds took the opportunity to highlight the Teach Iowa Scholar Program, which was also part of the education reform package of 2013. The program is designed to provide tuition reimbursement to top students who commit to teach in Iowa schools for five years.

"Governor Branstad and I believe the key to a quality education is having an excellent teacher in every classroom. In Iowa, we're fortunate to have excellent teachers in every corner of the state," said Reynolds. "The Teach Iowa Scholar Program aims to attract more top students into the teaching profession and into hard-to-fill positions - such as math, science and special education. This program will benefit K-12 students, school districts and the teaching profession as a whole."

Starting with the Class of 2014, subject to an appropriation, selected teachers will receive $4,000 a year for up to five years - $20,000 total - for teaching in Iowa schools.

Reynolds concluded, "We have high expectations given the recent reforms adopted and the collaborative work under way by the Iowa Department of Education, area education agencies, school districts, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, and higher education institutions to reach the goal of giving Iowa children a world-class education. Iowans know we must chart a path that makes steady progress possible on every measure."

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21 Jan 2014

Under-Eye 'Bags' or Festoons?

By Rick Martin
Nationally Recognized Physician Explains Why
You Should Know the Difference

For a malady that's as common to aging as waning vision, festoons - also called "malar mounds" -- aren't well understood by the public, says Adam J. Scheiner, M.D., an international eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon specializing in the treatment of Festoons and featured on "The Dr. Oz Show" and "The Doctors."

"The more people know about the causes of Festoons and how they are often misdiagnosed, the better informed they are to be their own effective health-care advocates," says Dr. Scheiner, who educates the public through his popular blog at www.adamscheinermd.com and his new book, The True Definition of Beauty.

"A growing part of my practice is correcting treatments with less than favorable results that patients have had done elsewhere; like fillers used under the eyes to treat 'bags,' or lower eyelid surgery that doesn't address the patients' Festoons," Dr. Scheiner says.

"The lack of awareness around Festoons and how ubiquitous they are ? and how often they are misdiagnosed ? is why my practice has executed an educational marketing campaign to bring clarity to combat the misinformation and confusion surrounding this condition," he adds.

What is the difference between "bags" and Festoons?

"'Bags' are caused by fat protruding through the skin in the lower eyelid area, while Festoons, which also protrude, are primarily on the upper part of the cheek," Dr. Scheiner says. "The two together can look like one large protrusion, but they're separate issues."

Physicians will perform procedures to help a patient's lower eyelid "bags," but often they leave the Festoons behind. This is because Festoons are notoriously hard to treat. The result? When they are not repaired at the same time as the "bags," Festoons can actually look worse compared against the newly rejuvenated lower lid.

Festoons can also be a marker for pre-cancerous skin conditions on other parts of the face ? another good reason to know the difference between Festoons and "bags."

Dr. Scheiner offers tips for evaluating whether you have "bags" or Festoons, the causes of both, and solutions:

· Are they "bags" or Festoons? "Bags" often appear as puffy circles directly beneath the eye. "If you touch them, they're usually firmer, and you can't easily move them from side to side. That's an indication they're 'bags,'" Dr. Scheiner says. "Also, if you look up, they become more prominent."

Festoons, on the other hand, are high on the cheek, although they can extend to the lower lid area. "They feel squishy to the touch, and they can be easily moved from side to side. They don't become more prominent when you look up."

· What causes them? "Bags" are generally associated with aging, although younger people can also get them, Dr. Scheiner says.

Festoons are usually the result of damage. Sun exposure, smoking and aging are among the possible causes, and the results can be worsened by the contrasting pull of underlying facial muscles over the years. Fair-skinned people tend to be more susceptible to Festoons.

· What can you do about them? "Effective treatments for removing 'bags' have been available for quite some time, but physicians have struggled with removing Festoons," Dr. Scheiner says. "Festoons are complicated to treat."

Medications and steroid injections can provide temporary improvement, and some older surgical procedures offer mixed results.

One of the biggest problems with Festoons and eye "bags" is that they occur around the most expressive area of the face?our eyes. The eyes speak volumes, but they can give off the wrong message if they are framed by Festoons or eye "bags."

"My patients say people are always asking them if they're sick or if they're tired," Dr. Scheiner says. "It's hard to hear that over and over again, and it begins to impact how you feel about yourself, as well as your energy level. What I love about the advanced laser and heading protocol that I developed is that it fundamentally changes the quality and the health of the skin?it takes swollen, sun-damaged skin and makes it smooth, tight and younger. It cleans up the messages around the eyes so that people can appear well and rested."

About Dr. Adam J. Scheiner

Adam J. Scheiner, M.D. is world-renowned in laser eyelid and facial plastic surgery for his groundbreaking treatment for Festoons. He wrote the medical text on the condition and treated two complex causes of Festoons for the Dr. Oz and The Doctors TV shows.

21 Jan 2014

KATY PERRY - THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR

By Rick Martin

UNITED CENTER - CHICAGO, IL - THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, JANUARY 27 AT 10:00 AM CST

CAPITAL CITIES TO OPEN

January 21, 2014, CHICAGO?International superstar, Katy Perry, will kick off the North American leg of her highly anticipated PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR on June 22nd in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The 46-city tour is presented by Goldenvoice, a division of AEG Live, and will visit the United Center in Chicago, IL on Thursday, August 7. She will be touring in support of PRISM, which debuted at number one on The Billboard 200 and remains in the Top Ten three months after release. The platinum album has given Katy her biggest ever single with "Roar", while "Dark Horse" just became her lucky 13th Top Ten hit on The Billboard Hot 100.

Tickets and VIP Experiences for the Chicago, IL show will go on sale on Monday, January 27 at 10:00 AM CST at the United Center's Box Office, online at TicketMaster.com or call 800-745-3000 and KatyPerry.com

"THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR is coming to light up some of my favorite North American cities this summer, as well as some new cities that you introduced me to through your video requests" said Katy. "This colorful show will bring you all the songs you know as well as ones from my new album, PRISM. I'm so excited that I got to hand-select some of my favorite artists to join me on this journey - I know you'll love Capital Cities, Kacey Musgraves and Tegan and Sara as much as I do."

The state-of-the art stage, specifically designed by Katy for THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR, allows her to get closer to her fans than ever before.   The one-of-a-kind set design will provide concert-goers with a truly magical experience from every angle in the arena. Ticket offerings include a limited number of general admission tickets in the intimate "Reflection Section".

Citi® is the official credit card of THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR.  Citi® cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning today at 10:00 am local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program.  For complete pre-sale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.  Fans can also purchase tickets early on January 23 during the exclusive Facebook pre-sale. To receive the password and other notifications, fans can join the event here http://bit.ly/kp_presale

and follow COVERGIRL on tour with Katy on Instagram at @covergirl.

21 Jan 2014

GRAND VIEW UNIV. FALL DEAN'S LIST

By Rachelle Mitchell
Des Moines, IA. Recognition for outstanding academic achievement has been given to the following Grand View University student for the 2013 fall semester.

Zachary Fries of Davenport was named to the Dean's List for earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale while carrying at least 12 hours of classes.

Grand View University, with an enrollment of approximately 2,300 students, is an independent, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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21 Jan 2014

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: JANUARY 20, 2014

By Jim Kersten
MOLINE, Ill. (January 19, 2014) - Defenseman Nicholas Rioux has returned to the Quad City Mallards from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League, the Mallards announced today.

In five games with Iowa Rioux went without a point and recorded a plus/minus rating of +1.  The 27-year old native of Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, signed a professional tryout agreement with the Wild on January 6.  Rioux has scored twice and totaled 12 points while posting a plus/minus of +11 in 28 games with the Mallards this season.

THIS WEEK
Thursday, January 23, 6:00 p.m.

Powerade Center, Brampton
Quad City Mallards vs. Brampton Beast

Friday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.
Powerade Center, Brampton
Quad City Mallards vs. Brampton Beast

Sunday, January 26, 1:00 p.m.

Powerade Center, Brampton
Quad City Mallards vs. Brampton Beast

LAST WEEKEND
Friday, January 17

Wichita 7 Quad City 1

 Quad City
16-9-7 (39 points)
6th place
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Brampton
19-16-3 (41 points)
5th place
Coach: Mark DeSantis

QUACK TRACKS
Last Week
The Mallards fell 7-1 to Wichita on the road last Friday.  Because of injury, illness and call-ups, the Mallards dressed just 14 skaters for what was their only outing in an 11-day stretch.

Skid

The Mallards have suffered back-to-back regulation losses and are winless (0-2-2) in their last four games.  The winless streak is the Mallards' longest since they dropped four straight games between December 1 and December 9, 2012.  The Mallards last went more than four games without victory when they went 0-5-1 over six International Hockey League games between January 15 and January 24, 2010.

Tight
The Mallards have dropped to seventh place, one point behind the sixth place Tulsa Oilers, who have played eight more games than the Mallards.

Playing the Percentages
The Mallards, who have played fewer games (32) than any other CHL club, have the league's fourth best winning percentage (.609).

Unlucky Seven
The Mallards last Friday gave up more goals than they have in any other game this season while also suffering their most lopsided defeat of the campaign.

Balance

While the Mallards rank in the top half of the league in goal scoring- fifth at 3.3 per game- no Mallard ranks in the top 25 in the CHL in point scoring.

On the Road
Last Friday's loss ended the Mallards' five game road winning streak.  That defeat was the Mallards' first away from home since they suffered a 5-2 setback December 20 in Tulsa.

Trouble at Home

The Mallards have gone without a win (0-2-2) in their last four home games- their longest home winless streak this year.

Drought

The Mallards have scored just once in their last two games and have produced just three goals in their last three games.

Debuts
Forward Justin Fox and goaltender Nick Niedert both made their Mallard debuts last Friday night.  Fox, who was leading the Southern Professional Hockey League in point scoring (16-24-40) when he joined the Mallards last week, started the campaign with the Huntsville Havoc.  Niedert, who last week signed with the Mallards from the Federal Hockey League's Danville Dashers for the second time this season, made eight saves and gave up two goals after replacing starter Ty Rimmer at the beginning of the third period last Friday.

Rolling
Gergo Nagy, who scored the Mallard goal last Friday, has 21 points (six goals and 15 assists) in his last 19 games.   

Leaders
Mike Hellyer is tied for third in game winning goals (5)...Among rookies, Thomas Frazee ranks fourth in points (23), is tied for fourth in assists (15) and is tied for sixth in goals (8)...Thomas Heemskerk ranks second in goals against average (2.45) and save percentage (.920)

Milestones
Jim McKenzie has recorded 98 career assists...Darren McMillan has played 498 career games and collected 97 career CHL assists...Vladimir Nikiforov has played 297 career games.

Special Teams
The Mallards rank last in the CHL in power play efficiency (10.7 percent).  The Mallards have failed to score on their last 19 power plays, converted just one of their last 32, cashed in only 2 of their last 48 and scored on just three of their last 72.  The Mallards, who now rank seventh in penalty killing (82.4 percent), have given up six goals on their opponents' last 16 power plays over four games.  The Mallards rank third in the CHL in shorthanded goals (6).

Head to Head

The Mallards this week make their second and final trip to Brampton.  The Mallards, who have gone 5-1-2 against the Beast overall this season, swept three games at the Powerade Center in late December.  The Mallards and Beast will play the final two games of their 13-game season series at the iWireless Center February 28 and March 1.  Nagy (3-8-11) is the top point producer in the season series.

Ins and Outs
Defenseman Nicholas Rioux returned to the Mallards today after a five-game stint with the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild...Last Wednesday not only brought the Mallards' signing of Fox and Niedert but also saw Heemskerk sign a professional tryout agreement with the AHL's Worcester Sharks and forward Vladimir Nikiforov (upper body injury) go on seven day injured reserve retroactive to January 10...Nikiforov and defenseman Matt Duffy (illness) missed last Friday's game, leaving the Mallards with just nine forwards and five defensemen for that contest.

NEXT HOME GAME
Friday, January 31, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers
$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday Presented by 97X
January 31 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games- including the club's games Thursday and Sunday in Brampton- will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Free audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.  For a full Mallards broadcast/webcast schedule, go to

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 orinfo@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

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21 Jan 2014

COVER CROP WORKSHOPS FEATURED AT 2014 IOWA POWER FARMING SHOW

By Andrew Wheeler

Iowa Farm Bureau Helps Bring Cover Crop Workshops and Expert Insight to Iowa Farmers

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - January 20, 2014 - Iowa farmers have made significant long-term progress protecting Iowa's soil and water resources while actively working to improve conservation practices.  To accommodate farmers' desire to learn the latest conservation methods, 45 one-hour sessions about cover crops, sponsored by Iowa Farm Bureau, will be offered during the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show held January 28-30 in Des Moines.  The cover crop workshops are included with the $6 admission ticket.

Farmers have shown great interest in adding cover crops to their operation and the workshops and educational sessions will address the latest practices that improve soil health, maintain organic matter and increase productivity.  "Iowa farmers have shown great innovation developing conservation plans on their farms," said Rick Robinson, IFBF environmental policy advisor.  "Protecting the land has always been a top priority for Iowa farmers, so we are proud to help bring these cover crop workshops to the Iowa Power Farming Show."

Each day, the workshops will feature five overview sessions in the morning and afternoon on cover crop basics, seeding, termination, integrating with livestock, and four daily in-depth sessions on aerial and high-clearance seeding.

"Workshop attendees will learn the benefits of cover crops, find direction on choosing the right cover crop seeds, receive information on application and termination of cover crops, and learn more about how cover crops fit with a livestock operation," said Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture.

On all three days, grain marketing analyst Elaine Kub will speak from noon to 1 p.m. in Rooms 104-106.

For more information on the 2014 Iowa Power Farming Show visit www.iowapowershow.com.  To hear firsthand accounts of diverse conservation practices farmers are using or to learn about upcoming field days and other conservation events, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/conservationcounts.
About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.
21 Jan 2014

Narcisse Enters Democratic Primary

By Jonathan R. Narcisse

Calls for War on Poverty

On Monday, January 20th Jonathan R. Narcisse, an editor and publisher, former Des Moines School Board Director and former Co-Chair of the Polk County Democratic Party, announced his entry into the 2014 Democratic Party gubernatorial race.

Narcisse, affirming his love of Iowa and faith in Iowans, called for bold action throughout his announcement.

Invoking images of Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty Narcisse announced it would be the highest priority of his administration to end poverty in Iowa. "We have the means to end poverty in this state what we have lacked is the will" stated Narcisse.

To accomplish this Narcisse again invoked images from Johnson's historic speech including embracing the principles of "efficient, honest and frugal government." Narcisse stated by eliminating waste, creating greater efficiencies and ending the fraudulent practice of funding students that do not exist, resources would be freed up to invest in education - especially vocational and technical education, early childhood education and post-secondary education.

Narcisse also stressed the importance of restoring integrity to governance in Iowa and justice to working class Iowans.

"Last night at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Des Moines Pastor Bobby Young recalled attending court and observing a profound disparity in justice. An affluent youth caught with a half-pound of dope was fined $3,000. An urban youth with a joint was sentenced to a year.

This type of disparity in justice is common place and the price tag is crippling. Narcisse pledged to make the restoration of justice for all Iowans a high priority.

Narcisse also stressed the importance of ending crony capitalism and white collar welfare, shifting instead to the rebuilding of our economy the right way. This includes moving towards full employment, dignity and ending the practice of taxing working Iowans to hand the money over to political allies and cronies.

Narcisse shared the story of a young woman working at Hardees in Des Moines he encountered at 3:47 a.m. in April of 2010. She discussed having to buy a prom dress for her eldest daughter, her infant daughter and having to go to her second job at 8:00 a.m.

"Why should we tax her overtime, or raise her gas taxes when she's barely making it especially when we are going to turn around and give the money to film credit schemes or an Orascom to create jobs that cost a million dollars each? Instead of raising her taxes and giving it the well connected we should be discounting her taxes and the taxes of all Iowans" Narcisse stated.

"Let her keep her money and she will build the economy the right way as will other Iowans," said Narcisse.

Narcisse did share two actions he would take his first day in office. The first would be to empower a process to save public pensions in Iowa. "The ruling by a federal judge in Detroit is very telling. We must act now to fix the public pension system in Iowa especially IPERS. We must make it actuarially sound, sustainable and honor our commitment to the men and women who served us faithfully including those who taught our children, ran into burning buildings and made our streets safe.

The second would be to restore trust in governance by ordering a process be created within thirty days to initiate forensic audits of state and local government. "When I was on the school board we had a contractor billing us for time that didn't exist; we were paying for their bottled water and cell phones. This happens throughout Iowa. Corruption is a problem. The lack of accountability is a problem. My administration day one would make divesting in corruption and restoring accountability a top priority.

Narcisse concluded by stating he doesn't have all the answers. "My job as governor is not to have all the answers but to surround myself with people smarter than me regardless of their political affiliation who will place the interests of taxpayers, our citizens, our families and especially our children above personal and political ambitions and agendas."

For more information contact Jonathan R. Narcisse at 515-770-1218, or visit www.NarcisseForGovernor.com.

21 Jan 2014

Governor Quinn Hosts Private Higher Ed Diversity and Inclusion Forum on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

By Brooke Anderson

Governor Thanks Participating Schools for Working to Increase Diversity

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn hosted the state's private colleges and universities today at a Diversity & Inclusion in Higher Education Forum held on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday. The forum was held at the University of Chicago and sponsored by the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all people have the opportunity to follow their dreams and reach their full potential.

"I am proud to continue collaborating with these institutions of higher learning as they enhance diversity and inclusion on their campuses throughout Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Meaningful programs like this are helping us ensure a level playing field for everyone in Illinois. I thank these schools for honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by working to increase their diversity on campus."

Illinois private colleges and universities have received a total of $406 million over the past two years, and will receive about $94 million this year under Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program for needs on their campuses. This funding gives these institutions the opportunity to select diverse contractors and service providers while improving the campus environment for students and faculty.

Today's forum focused on ensuring that private colleges and universities had the tools they need to continue making strides toward promoting equal opportunity for all. Attendees heard success stories from other institutions, and several of the participating schools were recognized for their dedication toward the ideal of inclusion as envisioned by Dr. King, who said: "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

Many private Illinois colleges and universities have a good track record of promoting diversity and inclusion on their campuses. According to a recent assessment from U.S. News & World Report, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, DePaul University, The University of Chicago and Loyola University were among the top private institutions in the nation for diversity. They join Illinois public institutions like the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northern Illinois University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Southern Illinois University Carbondale as very highly rated for their diverse and inclusive curriculum, campuses, faculty and programs.

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21 Jan 2014

Simon encourages volunteering on National Day of Service

By Annie Thompson

Lt. Governor donates food, reads to families to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday

CHICAGO - Jan. 20, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today encouraged Illinois residents to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through volunteerism. Simon volunteered around Chicago to mark Dr. King's birthday, which has been designated a National Day of Service.

"Volunteering is a great way to pass Dr. King's legacy down to new generations," said Simon. "I encourage you to honor Dr. King's commitment to making our country stronger by working to help make our communities even better places to live and work.

Simon began the day by joining elected officials, community and religious leaders at Rainbow PUSH Coalition's Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Breakfast. Simon also donated to the Moraine Township Food Bank and will read a Dr. King essay on the importance of education during the King Day Read On at the DuSable Museum of African American History.

In 1994, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. The Corporation for National and Community Service touts the MLK Day of Service as a way to transform Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and teachings into community action that helps solve social problems.

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20 Jan 2014

Hacking & ID Theft: Are You Next?

By Ginny Grimsley

At least 110 million consumers were affected by the hack involving Target and Neiman Marcus retailers. Whether or not millions more will have their identities manipulated and finances ruined within the coming months due to more breaches of security at other stores is anyone's guess, says identity theft recovery expert Scott A. Merritt.

"By necessity, I became an expert on identity theft. My information was stolen in 2006, and in repairing the damage, I learned some not-so-obvious ways we can all protect against identity theft in the first place," says Merritt, CEO of Merritt & Associates (scottamerritt.com) and author of  "Identity Theft Do's and Don'ts."

Merritt's problems began quickly. While disputing financial charges and dealing with resulting business problems, in 2007 he was stopped for a traffic violation and arrested on a false outstanding felony warrant. He immediately knew why.

"I had to enlist my U.S. congressman and convince the state police, NCIC, FBI and Secret Service that I didn't commit the felonies. For a few years, I had to prove that the prints did not match the false record in question. After legal action, however, I was able to have this corrected."

Unfortunately, the millions affected by the recent hacks may be dealing with similar repercussions in the years ahead, he says.

Before you become a victim of identity theft, Merritt offers seven ways to guard against it.

• Understand how and where it happens. Identity theft is like being robbed when you are away from home; most thefts occur in places where you do business every day. Either a place of business is robbed, a bad employee acts improperly or a hacker breaches the office through the computer.

• Secure your wallet's information. Photocopy everything in your wallet: photos, credit cards (front and back), membership cards - everything. Put the copies in the order the cards are arranged in your wallet, staple the pictures and place them in a strong box or safe.

• Make sure your information is consistent. For all of your identity and financial documents, make absolutely sure, to the smallest detail, that all of your personal information is accurate and consistent! Discrepancies such as using your middle initial on some documents, and not others, or having different addresses, can wreck havoc in proving your identity, and can compromise your credit score.

• Secure your digital habits and data. Change your passwords at least twice a year on a non-scheduled basis - don't be predictable. Have a strong firewall if you shop online, and only access sites that are protected by a strong firewall and high industry standards. Access accounts of a financial nature only from your personal computer.

• Protect your banking information. While in the bank, keep account numbers and other data out of sight, and avoid stating account numbers, Social Security numbers and similar information out loud. When planning a bank visit, have items such as deposits and withdrawal slips prepared in advance.

• Account for your interactions with vendors. Every time you speak to someone with whom you do business, write down the time, date, name and the purpose or outcome of the call. If an identity theft occurs on the vendor's end, you will be able to reference these prior conversations effectively. Be sure to note any animosity or reluctance from the vendor.

• Don't carry around your birth certificate or Social Security card. Unless it's necessary, keep those vital items in a safe, or at least a firebox. If you know someone is going to need a copy of your tax returns or your driver's license, for example, make the copies ahead of time. This avoids the need for a firm's employee to leave the room with such information.

"Of course, you can greatly reduce being a victim of such recent hacks that occurred at the major retailers by using cash more often," he says. "But if you're going to use credit, use a card from a national bank or a national credit union and never a debit card, no exceptions."

About Scott A. Merritt

Scott A. Merritt is the CEO and sole stockholder of Merritt Ventures, Inc., doing business as Merritt & Associates and author of "Identity Theft Do's and Don'ts." He has more than a decade of experience in the real estate industry, financial planning, insurance, investment services, and has more than a decade in mortgage services, all under the umbrella of Merritt Ventures. Merritt holds a life, accident and health insurance license, and a principal associate real estate broker's license. He has an associate degree in pre-law, a bachelor's degree in business administration and a certificate in computer information systems. He has personally represented himself and won in court hundreds of times to, in part, clear his record from the ravages of identity theft.

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