03 Dec 2013

What Can Adults Learn from Child Heroes?

By Ginny Grimsley

Former Foster Child Shares Examples to Emulate 

Wisdom does not always come with age - but it's never too late to try, says Judy Colella.

"On so many levels of our society today, from social media, reality TV and even in our political discourse, children are seeing adults acting reprehensibly," says Colella, a musician and author of a young adult fantasy, "Overcomer-The Journey," (www.themacdarachronicles.weebly.com), Book I of The MacDara Chronicles.

"In fact, there are many examples in which children are taking the lead in being leaders and setting the better example."

They include kids from disadvantaged backgrounds, children with disabilities and youngsters with few positive role models.

"I was able to overcome my childhood obstacles, and I want kids to know that they can, too," she says. "No one determines what you do in life but you."

Colella offers some shining examples of children's actions that can be a lesson for both other children and adults.

  • 15-year-old speaks out for education for all: In one of the scariest places on Earth, Malala Yousafzai demonstrated bravery by standing up for her right to an education. She took a Taliban bullet, shot into her skull after her bus was stopped en route home from school, and boomeranged it into one of the group's worst PR moves. In Pakistan's Swat Valley, the international terrorist group had intermittently banned girls from school and had targeted Yousafzai for speaking out against the ban. She continues to proactively support education for all children, and was recently listed in Time magazine's "The 100 Most Influential People in the World."
  • 12-year-old wanted to honor his uncle: After Sam Maden's uncle died in the winter of 2010, Maden wanted to honor his support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. So, posted an online petition asking the Boston Red Sox to get in the game by producing an "It Gets Better" video. The videos are the result of a national movement that began in response to a wave of suicides among bullied teens, especially LGBT youth. In less than a week, Maden had 9,000 signatures, and Red Sox became the third professional sports team to produce a video for the campaign.
  • A birthday wish from 9-year-old Rachel Beckwith: Rachel Beckwith's birthday wish wasn't for herself; it was to raise $300 to build wells in Africa. Tragically, Beckwith never had a chance to experience the benefit of her altruism - she died before her 10th birthday. News of the story went viral, inspiring donors to raise more than $1 million for the nonprofit charity. The little girl's mom was able to visit Africa to witness firsthand how her daughter contributed to saving lives.

"Now these are touching and inspirational stories! While there sometimes seems to be obsessive coverage involving bad-behaving kids - or bad-behaving adults - it's wonderful to know that there are so many amazing stories of children supporting the most vulnerable in society," Colella says.

About Judy Colella: Judy Colella is a musician, singer and author of a young adult fantasy series about a boy from 6th century Ireland who finds himself in an abusive modern-day American foster home. As a child, Cian MacDara must travel across time and continents to fulfill his destiny. Judy, who lived in foster care as a child and was adopted by a loving family, says children and teenagers need to learn the power of the choices they make.
03 Dec 2013

Unfinished Business

By Sen. Charles Grassley

During the tugs of war that crop up in Washington during political debates and policymaking, it's not surprising the act of legislating has often been compared to the art of sausage making.  The give-and-take that has long characterized the legislative meat grinder on Capitol Hill has been put on the chopping block.

Consider an analogy attributed long ago to George Washington. He compared the bicameral functions of the upper and lower chambers of Congress to a cooling saucer and hot coffee.  America's first president suggested the Senate "cools" legislation passed by the more tumultuous House of Representatives.

Skip ahead two centuries and regrettably, heated tempers were not allowed to cool in the deliberative senatorial saucer during a recent rule change in the U.S. Senate.  Instead of cooling his heels, the Majority Leader booted the institutional traditions and decorum associated with the upper chamber of Congress.  His cavalier power grab leaves a stain on the world's greatest deliberative governing body, weakening its tradition for civility and consensus.

Despite the discouraging setback that meddles with the constitutional principles of the Senate's advice and consent authority, important legislative and oversight work continues  as we near the end of the calendar year. Unfinished business includes the budget blueprint and the farm and food bill.

Working under the shadow of a $17 trillion national debt, lawmakers need to come to grips with the fact that Washington cannot tax-and-spend its way to prosperity.  As a member of the budget conference tasked with a Dec. 13 deadline, I want the committee to reach an agreement that will set spending parameters for the federal government through the next fiscal year.  So far, big spenders keep trying to hammer a square peg into a round hole, hooked on a utopian mindset that Big Government can solve all our problems.  Just look where that's gotten us:  unsustainable spending, broken promises and a cynical American public.

Washington also keeps kicking the can down the road on the farm and food bill. Rural America, the nation's food producers and the taxpaying public deserve better, long-term certainty than yet another short-term extension.  This important piece of public policy sets into place farm and nutrition safety nets, conservation incentives and rural development programs.  A big sticking point hinges on how much savings to extract from the food stamp program.  All sides agree enrollment has soared.  The expiring farm and food bill spent 80 percent of its budget on nutrition programs, including food stamps.  In September, 15 percent of the population, or about 47 million Americans, received food stamp benefits.

On the farm side of the spending ledger, I'm championing payment caps that limit how much individual farmers may receive per year.  I'm also working to maintain support for closing a loophole that exploits the taxpaying public.  Currently, general partnerships and joint ventures may qualify for farm payments using "active personal management" guidelines that allow hundreds of millions of tax dollars to flow though this loophole.  The provisions I authored would allow only one off-farm manager to address the abusive practice of multiple non-farming individuals receiving payments without having a significant role in farm management.  It's time to put teeth into the law to keep our farm safety net defensible in an era that calls for serious belt-tightening across-the-board.

If Congress fails to reach an agreement on the farm and food bill, consumers could experience serious sticker shock in January.  Prices for milk could double if current commodity programs expire.  That's because the underlying permanent farm law would trigger the U.S. Department of Agriculture to set the floor price for milk at about $39 per 100 pounds.  Although I'm not serving on the conference committee hammering out the details on a final bill, I'm riding herd on lawmakers to keep the reforms in place that were in both the House- and Senate-passed bills.  It's time to give farmers the certainty they need to make business decisions for the year ahead.

Monday, December 2, 2013
03 Dec 2013

Intimate Conversations with Nicholas Sparks

By Erin Williams

Davenport, IA (December 2013) - Genesis Cancer Care Institute presents Nicholas Sparks to benefit Gilda's Club Quad Cities. With 18 novels to his credit, Nicholas Sparks is one of the world's most popular writers. He has sold more than eighty million copies of his novels and his books have been translated into over 45 different languages. Many of his novels have been adapted for the big screen. A luncheon will take place on Friday, March 28th at noon at the River Center. A VIP wine and cheese reception will take place immediately following the luncheon. A limited number of tickets will be sold. Tickets for the luncheon are $50 per person. Tables of 8 are available for $400. Meet and Greet tickets are $75 per person.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Gilda's Club at 563-326-7504 or by visiting www.gildasclubqc.org

03 Dec 2013

LEE NAMED OAKLEY CHL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (December 2, 2013) - Quad City Mallards forward Jeff Lee has been named Oakley Central Hockey League Player of the Week, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

Lee scored four goals and totaled seven points while posting a plus/minus rating of +8 as the Mallards went 2-0-1 in three games last week. Lee scored a game tying shorthanded goal with 1:16 left in regulation and added an assist in the Mallards' 5-4 shootout loss to the Mavericks in Missouri last Wednesday. Last Friday Lee scored a tie-breaking third period goal and picked up another assist in the Mallards' 4-3 win over the St. Charles Chill. One night later Lee rang up two goals and an assist and matched a league season high by turning in a plus/minus rating of +5 in the Mallards' 9-3 thrashing of the Tulsa Oilers.

On the season, the 25-year old Lee has scored eight goals and produced 13 points in 14 games. The 6' 2", 209-pound Lee is the first Mallard to earn a league-wide honor this year.

Lee broke into professional hockey last season with the Rapid City Rush, for whom he scored seven goals and notched 21 points in 55 games. Lee joined the Rush after spending three successful years at the University of New Brunswick. He helped UNB to the 2011 University Cup national title and three straight Atlantic University Sport conference crowns while recording 11 goals and 28 points in 53 career games as a Varsity Red.

Lee arrived in New Brunswick following a season-plus with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the major junior Western Hockey League.  In total, he produced 29 goals and 81 points in 119 Western Hockey League games.  After scoring 22 times and notching 62 points in 72 games for the Oil Kings in 2008-09, Lee got his first taste of pro hockey when he played two games for the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons in the spring of 2009.

His time at UNB was not Lee's first stint in the intercollegiate ranks.  He played for the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in 2006-07 and at the start of the 2007-08 season after two years in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Drayton Valley Thunder and Sherwood Park Crusaders.

The Mallards return to action next Friday night at 7:05 p.m on home ice against the Brampton Beast. Next Friday 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. Next Friday also kicks off Rivalry Weekend presented by Pub 1848. The Mallards will play three straight home games (the Flock will also meet the Brampton next Saturday and Sunday) against the Beast, their newest Central Hockey League rival from north of the border.

Tickets for all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket 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.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The i wireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

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03 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Launches Annual Holiday Card Drive for Wounded Troops

By Nafia Khan

Encourages Illinois Residents to Support Our Veterans and Servicemembers at Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local students to light the state of Illinois' Christmas tree and launch the annual Illinois Heroes Holiday Card Drive. The Governor encouraged students from across the state to take part in the annual drive by making holiday cards for servicemembers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) in Bethesda, Md. Governor Quinn will personally deliver the cards during a visit to troops at WRNMMC later this year. Today's launch is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to support the men and women who have served our nation.

"The Illinois Heroes Holiday Card Drive is about making sure that our servicemembers receive a warm reminder of how much we love and support them," Governor Quinn said. "We can never thank our soldiers enough for the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe and secure our freedom. Though great distances may separate us, they will never be far from our hearts and they are always in our prayers."

This year will mark the ninth time that Governor Quinn has visited Illinois troops and their families for Christmas. For the previous eight years, Governor Quinn traveled to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany, which is the largest American hospital outside of the United States. Since many servicemembers have returned home since the drawdown of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Governor Quinn will be visiting the WRNMMC this year.

Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director Erica Borggren and servicemembers from across the state also joined the Governor at the tree lighting ceremony.

"Holidays spent away from home are just one of the many sacrifices our servicemembers make to protect us," Director Borggren said. "While we want to do everything we can to support them throughout the year, we know it means so much for a servicemember to receive a 'touch of home' during the holidays to let them know how much they are appreciated. As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, we encourage the people of Illinois to keep our servicemembers in their thoughts and prayers."

Also in attendance were several Gold Star families, who hung ornaments in memory of their sons and daughters on the tree. The choir from Skinner West Elementary School in Chicago performed during the tree lighting ceremony and presented their cards for Governor Quinn to take to Bethesda.

Governor Quinn has always made our veterans, servicemembers and their families one of his top priorities. He championed numerous veterans' causes during his service as Lieutenant Governor and Illinois Treasurer. In 2011, Governor Quinn launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to support Illinois servicemembers seeking homeownership. In 2012, the Governor proposed in his State of the State address and signed into law the Hiring Veterans Tax Credit. The law provides a significant additional tax credit to businesses who hire unemployed veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, to both help businesses create jobs and give those jobs to the people who have sacrificed so much for our state and our country.

Earlier this year, Governor Quinn launched the newest Veterans Cash instant lottery ticket, a $2 ticket with all proceeds going to benefit Illinois veterans' organizations. Since the Governor first championed and launched the program in 2006, Veterans Cash has awarded more than $11 million in grants to more than 210 veterans' organizations statewide. The Illinois Lottery's Veterans Cash game is the first lottery game in the United States to earmark 100 percent of net proceeds to veterans.

For more information on how to participate in the Illinois Heroes Holiday Card Drive, please visit www.OperationHomefront.org.

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02 Dec 2013

CONCERTMASTER TO PERFORM PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING VIOLIN CONCERTO

By Jared Johnson
 

Davenport, IA- The Quad City Symphony Orchestra's December Masterworks concert presents a perfect pairing of fresh inspirations with romantic tradition. New to the Quad Cities' stage will be Alasdair Neale, hailing from the San Francisco Bay area. Neale will be leading the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as they accompany our beloved Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz in her performance of Jennifer Higdon's 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning Violin Concerto. Greenholtz will be only the third violinist to perform this work. Then on the second half of the concert, this new work will be contrasted with Rachmaninoff's romantic masterpiece, his sweeping Symphony No. 2.

 

The concert will be performed on December 7 and 8. Saturday evening's concert will be held at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 7:30 p.m., and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. Tickets for this concert can be purchased in person at the QCSO Box Office, 327 Brady Street in Davenport, by phone at 563.322.QCSO (7276), or online at www.qcsymphony.com.

 

Higdon completed her Violin Concerto in 2008, written for and dedicated to American violinist Hilary Hahn. Hahn then presented the premiere performance with the Indianapolis Symphony in 2009. The concerto was later honored with the Pulitzer Prize in Music for 2010. The New York Times described Higdon's Violin Concerto as "a showpiece in the classical Romantic style." This will be the second work by Jennifer Higdon to be performed by the QCSO, who performed her blue cathedral in 2007.

 

Alasdair Neale is Music Director of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony (SVSS), Music Director of the Marin Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In his nineteen years as Music Director of the SVSS, Neale has propelled this festival to national status: it is now the largest privately funded free admission symphony in America. Neale has also guest conducted the New York Philharmonic, Saint Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony, Columbus Symphony, Dallas Symphony, St. Paul Chamber, Rochester Philharmonic, and many other orchestras throughout the US and abroad. The Seattle Times said of Neale: "This is a conductor with a real sense of drama."

 

QCSO Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz was born in Kyoto, Japan, where she began her violin studies at age three. Since her solo debut at 14, concerto appearances have included engagements with the Vancouver Symphony, Quad City Symphony, Madison Symphony, and the National Repertory Orchestras in works ranging from Bach to Stravinsky. Greenholtz also serves as Artistic Director of the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series, a chamber music series dedicated to presenting world class performances to the Quad Cities. The River Cities' Reader said of Greenholtz' solo premiere with the QCSO, the "sweetness of sound within her lyrical approach was an attractive veil that enhanced deep technical strength."

 

On Friday, December 6, Alasdair Neale and Naha Greenholtz will present at the Inside the Music Luncheon, this time at the River Music Experience at 12:00 noon. This luncheon is hosted by Volunteers for Symphony. Inside the Music is a great place to grab a bite to eat for lunch and get the inside scoop on the upcoming performances. This is also a great opportunity for music lovers throughout the Quad Cities to meet the guest artists in person. For December only, the luncheon is just $10 and reservations can be made at www.qcsymphony.com or by calling 563.322.QCSO (7276).

 

Also on Friday, students are invited to sit in on a dress rehearsal and get the inside perspective through Students@Symphony. During a break in the rehearsal, the students will have an opportunity to meet both Guest Conductor Alasdair Neale and Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz. This program is open to any secondary or elementary student and supervising adults. Students should arrive at 7:30 p.m. and pre-register online at

 

Neale and Greenholtz will also be available during Concert Conversations, held in the concert hall an hour before each of the weekend's concerts. At Concert Conversations the audience is given a quick overview of the program they are about to experience. This look into the background of the concert's repertoire is led by Kai Swanson and has become and audience favorite.

 

Finally, after the Saturday night performance, the entire audience is invited to mingle with the guest artists, Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz, and many of the musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in the lobby of the Hotel Blackhawk at Afterglow. The evening includes free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and always remarkable repartee.

 

EVENT LISTING

Inside the Music Luncheon
Friday, December 6, at 12:00 noon
Reservations: $10
Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)
River Music Experience, Davenport

 

Students@Symphony

Friday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m.

Registration: FREE

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Concert Conversations

Saturday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m.

Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks III

Saturday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$50

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Afterglow

Saturday, December 7, immediately following the concert

Hotel Blackhawk, adjacent to the Adler Theatre/RiverCenter

 

Concert Conversations

Sunday, December 8, at 1:00 p.m.

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks III

Sunday, December 8, at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$40

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

 

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02 Dec 2013

Rep. Braley Uses the RFS for a Façade of Independence from the Obama Administration

By Rick Martin
West Des Moines, Iowa - In a recent Sioux City Journal op-ed focused on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) wrote, "The administration should be doing everything it possibly can to encourage job creation and economic growth, yet the EPA is proposing just the opposite."

Great point.

So, Rep. Braley supports the RFS. But where was he when the EPA was proposing new, job-killing and cost of energy-increasing regulations on power plants that would endanger thousands of Iowa jobs in manufacturing, natural resources and mining, and construction? He stood idly by while under the Obama Administration the EPA has overreached and continued to pass more-stringent, job-killing regulations. He even voted against a bill to reign in the EPA.

And where was Bruce Braley when the Obama Administration was impeding job creation and threatening to increase energy prices by delaying the Keystone XL Pipeline? In a surprising, partisan move, Rep. Braley voted against the Keystone XL Pipeline, despite initially voting for it during an Energy and Commerce Committee markup one month prior, ignoring bipartisan agreement and enormous economic benefits.

Congressman Braley conveniently uses the RFS to create a false distance between him and the Obama Administration. But, inconveniently, for Rep. Braley, the reality is that he has been an ardent supporter of the Administration's job killing policies, including EPA overreach and delaying Keystone XL.

Fortunately, Iowans will have the opportunity to elect someone in 2014 to the U.S. Senate who knows firsthand what is needed to promote job growth, tackle our nation's fiscal challenges, and get America moving again in the right direction.

"My main focus is creating jobs and opportunities for all Iowans. And a sensible energy policy is crucial for long-term economic growth. Increased energy production right here in America, that's developed in an environmentally-responsible way, can immediately add thousands of new energy jobs and keep energy prices low, benefitting consumers and businesses. Low energy prices, in turn, will fuel economic recovery in other areas of the economy, leading more opportunities for more and better jobs," said Mark Jacobs.

Jacobs added, "I support the RFS because it has already created thousands of jobs, attracted millions in investment from the private sector, provided consumers with choice and savings at the pump, and reduced our dependency on foreign oil. But we cannot stop there. As a part of our nation's larger energy policy, we need to be expanding domestic energy production right here in America, by opening federal lands and waters to exploration and continued development of renewable energy sources right here in Iowa."

"While Congressman Braley contributes to the dysfunction in Washington, Iowa's families are hurting. I know what it takes to create jobs and will fight to make sure the EPA is acting in the best interest of Americans, not it's self-interested agenda, whether it is going to battle for the RFS, working to sensibly expand energy production, or fighting back against cumbersome EPA regulations," he said.

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To learn more about Mark Jacobs, please visit: www.jacobsforiowa.com
Follow Mark on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarkJocobsIowa

About Mark Jacobs

A life-long Republican, Mark previously served as president and CEO of Reliant Energy, a Fortune 500 electric power company. During his time at Reliant Energy, he played an integral role in the turnaround of the company. Mark founded Reaching Higher Iowa, an organization advocating for improved public education. He has been traveling the state to discuss the need for accountability in our public schools and the opportunity to make Iowa schools best in the nation once again. Mark graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1980. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Northwestern University. Mark and his wife, Janet, have three children: Clark, Christy, and Sam. The family resides in West Des Moines.

02 Dec 2013

WANTED CHILI TEAMS...Hand In Hand's Chili Cook-off

By Mark Smith
Hand In Hand's Annual Chili Cook-off is looking for chili teams who wish to complete for the title of Best Chili In The Quad Cities.  Both restaurants, area businesses and individuals with their own great chili will participate in this event every year.  If you think you make amazing chili, come and compete with the best in our community during this fun afternoon of chili tasting.  The Hand In Hand Chili Cook-off will take place on Saturday January 25, 2014 from 2:30 -7:00 PM at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds.
There are several chili judging categories including:  Judges Choice (celebrity judges) and People's Choice (selected by ballot) for best individual and for best restaurant chili.  Last year over 12,000 chili samples were served by 21 teams to 1,350 participants.  Teams must bring 10 gallons of their fantastic chili. Prizes, plaques and bragging rights are all available. For more details please visit www.handinhandqc.org and click on chili cook-off or email Mark Smith at mark_handinhand@yahoo.com.  This event benefits Hand In Hand programs for children and young adults, including those with disabilities and their families.
Thanks To Hand In Hand's Chili Cook-Off Sponsors: Major Sponsors: Per Mar Security,   The Quad City Times,   Build To Suit,Group O, Hornbuckle Heating and Cooling RK Dixon &Dimensional Graphics
Sponsors:  Merrill Lynch (on behalf of Troy Lindaman), Modern Woodmen (on behalf of Doug Grenier) and Courtside Hair Styling

02 Dec 2013

Women: How to Say 'No' during the Holidays (& Year-Round)

By Rick Martin
Acclaimed Therapist Offers Perspective on Managing a
Woman's Many Roles

Men expect more than women when it comes to "having it all," according to a new study by Citi and LinkedIn titled, "Today's Professional Woman Report."

More men than women define the good life as including a strong and loving marriage with children - 79 percent, compared to 66 percent of women. And 9 percent of women do not include personal relationships in their pursuit of success - up from 5 percent in the previous survey.

"This study may be an indicator not so much that women want less than men; it may simply mean that women are feeling overwhelmed by the many roles they accept in life, and they believe wanting a happy work-life balance is asking for too much," says Dr. Jaime Kulaga, a practicing therapist, life coach and author of "Type 'S'uperWoman - Finding the Work-Life Balance: A Self-Searching Book for Women," (www.mindfulrehab.com).

"In fact, I haven't met a woman in my life who hasn't taken on an exponential amount of roles - far more than is good for any one person. From wife to professional to cook to chauffeur, women simply do not know how to say no, even when they want to."

While the holiday season is supposed to be a time when family members rejoice with family and free time, Dr. Kulaga says women often dread this time of year because of the additional roles to be taken on. She offers perspective for why saying "no" more often is good for them.

• An inability to say "no" is based in fear. Why can't we just say no? It's because we're afraid of the consequences. Mostly, we are afraid of feeling guilt, feeling a sense that we are diminished in the eyes of others and, overall, that we will somehow lose something. Decisions based in fear, however, are often negative ones as they tend to be entrenched in irrationality or impulsivity. Try to decide things based on what you want, and not what you're attempting to avoid.

• Women who can't say "no" have less, not more; be mindful. Mindfulness is an excellent way to pare down the number of roles so many women assume; it's the antidote for women who smile and nod "yes" when their brains are screaming "no," and then go into the bathroom to cry. There is plenty of talk about women who "want it all" - and we can have it all, if we focus on what is really important and narrow the list of roles down to a manageable number.

• By saying "no" to some things, you're saying "yes" to others. As mortal individuals, our time and resources are limited. We simply cannot take on all the roles others would have us accept and still have time for the things that truly matter to us. Working late each night, for example, means having less time for your family - or yourself! When women list their priorities, it's almost always in relation to the needs of others, and not themselves. It's not only OK, it's healthy  to want time and other things for oneself!

Dr. Jaime Kulaga, Ph.D, LMHC, CPC

Motivated by watching those she coaches become successful and with a true passion for helping others, Dr. Jaime Kulaga earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, and  master's and doctorate's in counseling. As a licensed mental health counselor and certified professional coach, she has a special interest in the complex lives of today's women. She serves as a go-to expert resource for Bay News 9, the Tampa Bay area's 24-hour news channel, and as a coach for individuals, couples and business people.

02 Dec 2013

Connect Every Iowan committee releases recommendations in broadband study

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - The STEM Advisory Council's Broadband Committee today released the findings of its study on how to improve broadband connectivity throughout Iowa as part of the Connect Every Iowan Initiative.

The governor and lieutenant governor launched the Connect Every Iowan effort in September with the goal of increasing the access, adoption, and use of broadband technology throughout Iowa. At that time the governor and lieutenant governor asked the existing STEM Advisory Council's Broadband Committee to develop legislative recommendations to encourage broadband build-out throughout Iowa, particularly in unserved or underserved areas.

The recommendations can be found at broadband.iowa.gov.

Included among the recommendations are the following:

·       Developing incentives to promote broadband build-out, including tax incentives, loans, grant programs, and regulatory reform.

·       Moving toward "ICN 2.0" by developing a wholesale model which would allow private providers to access unused ICN bandwidth.   Such a model would facilitate broadband build-out to unserved or underserved areas and significantly reduce the level of capital investment that private providers would be required to expend to replicate existing and available infrastructure.

·       Support programs which encourage adoption and use of broadband technology, including digital literacy training, workforce skills training, and continuation of the Connected Communities program.

·       Streamlined responsibility for broadband planning and coordination with the state chief information officer, or another existing agency.

"I want to thank the chairs and committee members for devoting their time and energy to this important project," said Branstad. "We look forward to our continued work as we expand broadband access for every Iowan."

The committee members are as follows:

Co-Chair John Carver, Superintendent, Howard-Winneshiek Community School District
Co-Chair Robert von Wolffradt, Chief Information Officer, State of Iowa
Amy Kuhlers, Program Manager, Connect Iowa
Robert Denson, President, Des Moines Area Community College
Dave Duncan, CEO, Iowa Communications Alliance
Philip Groner, Iowa Communication Network
Karl Hehr, Director of Technology Services, Ames Community School District
Galen Howsare, Chief Financial Officer, Iowa Association of School Boards
Karen Randall, Keystone Area Education Association
Michael Sadler, Assistant VP for Public Policy

Larry Siegel, Iowa School Finance and Information System Services

Jeff Weld, Executive Director, Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Josh Byrnes, State Representative, District 14

Steve Sodders, State Senator, District 3


"We will consider these recommendations as we develop our budget and policy priorities," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "We believe the committee outlined some innovative solutions that will increase access, adoption and use of broadband that will allow us to become the most connected state in the Midwest."

"The Connect Every Iowan initiative has reached an important milestone with the on-time delivery of meaningful policy recommendations on broadband access, adoption, and use for the Governor to review.  We are honored to be a part of this committee, have gone to great lengths to obtain input from all sector stakeholders, and believe these to be sound recommendations worthy of support," said Amy Kuhlers, Connect Iowa State Program Manager.

Currently Iowa ranks 11th out of 12 Midwestern states on the TechNet State Broadband Index, behind neighboring states such as Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri and Illinois. The index is compiled from three measures: The household adoption rate of broadband, network speeds of available broadband infrastructure, and the amount of jobs in information and communication technology industries that benefit from broadband technology.

Branstad and Reynolds added that they look forward to working with stakeholders throughout the legislative process.

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