29 Oct 2014

6 Tips for Improving Your 'Lines of Gratification'

By Rick Martin
'The Michael Jordan of Lung Surgery' Lists Principles that Reliably Yield Success

As we enter the year's final quarter, Dr. Robert J. Cerfolio, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, says it's never too early to think about self-improvement for the New Year ... and this year.

"Habitual procrastination can really hurt you in the long run because waiting to take care of something that's obviously important to you - health, money, family matters - weighs on your subconscious," says Dr. Cerfolio, known as "the Michael Jordan of lung surgery."

Understanding one's personal "line of gratification" is the foundation for sticking to self-improvement goals, he says.

"There are many kinds of lines of gratification," he says. "For some, they're the number of zeroes in their bank statement; for others, the curves of their muscles after they leave the gym. It's good and healthy to look back on your hard work and admire what you have accomplished before moving on to the next task."

Dr. Cerfolio, author of "Super Performing at Work and at Home: The Athleticism of Surgery and Life," shares tips on how to make those lines of gratification more impressive.

•  Be an early riser. The main reason operating rooms hum into action at 7 a.m. is tied to human physiology; the bodies of patients are better able to handle the stress of surgery at that time.

"People are generally better off getting work done early in the day when we're better prepared for stress and performance," he says. "And getting a job done early frees you up later in the day."

•  Love what you do. Why wouldn't you want to take ownership, responsibility and pride in what you do for a living? When you treat a job as only a means to a paycheck, you are missing the point. If your job isn't the one you'd really love to have, don't make it worse with a negative attitude. Instead, make it your own. Make it a point of personal integrity and principle to challenge yourself to achieve something every day. After all, 40 hours a week is a long time to stay anywhere.

•  Ask yourself: Did I really try my best? "I tried my best" is a common refrain from those who haven't reached their goals. An honest response you can ask yourself is, "Am I sure?" This question is not about being overly critical. It's simply about realizing that, if you had practiced or studied an extra 10 minutes each day, you would've been that much closer to your goals.

•  Set specific, measurable goals. Results define goals. Every individual should have clear goals that are objective and measurable. Goals such as "to be happy," "to do well at work" or "to get along" are too nebulous. To be successful, you have to be able to define your goals by measurable results.

•  Find the high ground. In anything you do, aspire to live up to the noblest, highest aspect of your job. Certain jobs - such as police work, firefighting, teaching or working in health care - are service oriented, so it's easier to feel good about your contributions. Look for the contributions you're making in your job and take pride in what you're doing to make the world a little better.

•  Be the go-to guy or girl. This takes time, practice and the confidence necessary to want the ball in a critical situation. Being the go-to guy or girl means being willing to take responsibility and risk failing. A go-to person is also willing to speak up about problems or changes necessary in a business or organization, and suggest solutions.

About Robert J. Cerfolio, MD, MBA

Robert J. Cerfolio, MD, MBA, is the James H. Estes Family Endowed Chair of Lung Cancer Research and Full Professor Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He received his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, surgical training at the Mayo Clinic and at Cornell-Sloan Kettering hospital, and has been in practice for more than 26 years. The author of "Super Performing at Work and at Home," Cerfolio, who was a First Team Academic All-American baseball player in college, is a world-renowned chest surgeon and recognized as one of the busiest and best thoracic surgeons in the world.

29 Oct 2014

'Calibration issue' pops up on voting machines

By Rick Martin

By Kenric Ward (Watchdog.org)

Voting machines that switch Republican votes to Democrats are being reported in Maryland.

"When I first selected my candidate on the electronic machine, it would not put the 'x' on the candidate I chose ? a Republican ? but it would put the 'x' on the Democrat candidate above it," Donna Hamilton said.

"This happened multiple times with multiple selections. Every time my choice flipped from Republican to Democrat. Sometimes it required four or five tries to get the 'x' to stay on my real selection," the Frederick, Md., resident said last week.

Queen Anne County Sheriff Gary Hofmann said he encountered the problem, too, personally.

"This is happening here as well. It occurred on two candidates on my machine. I am glad I checked. Many voters have reported this here as well," Hofmann, a Republican, wrote in an email Sunday evening.

READ ALSO: Group sues over 'illegal' voters.

Two other Maryland voters reported the same in Anne Arundel County on Friday.

A similar vote switch turned up in Chicago earlier last week.

Illinois Republican state representative candidate Jim Moynihan went to the Schaumburg Public Library last Monday to vote for himself. "Instead, it cast the vote for my opponent," Moynihan told Watchdog.org.

"You could imagine my surprise as the same thing happened with a number of races when I tried to vote for a Republican and the machine registered a vote for a Democrat," Moynihan said.

He notified the election judge at his polling place and demonstrated that it continued to cast a vote for the opposing candidate's party. Moynihan was eventually allowed to vote for Republican candidates, including his own race.

READ ALSO: Labor unions squeeze teachers for $27 million.

Back in Maryland, two voters in Anne Arundel County experienced the same problem: A Diebold touchscreen voting machine switched their Republican votes to Democrats. The voters had to cancel their votes and start over.

Joe Torre, election director in Anne Arundel, called it a "calibration issue" involving a single machine.

Hamilton said she notified officials of the problem she encountered at the Frederick County Center, where she voted. "I'm not sure what was done about it. If someone is not paying close attention, they could end up voting for the wrong candidate," she said.

Kenric Ward is a national reporter for Watchdog.org and chief of the Virginia Bureau. Contact him at (571) 319-9824. @Kenricward

29 Oct 2014

Optimizing Gut Health Event on November 6th

By Stephanie Burrough
Optimizing Gut Health: The Source of Wellness
WHEN:Nov. 6, 2014
Thursday
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Be Well QC lobby
150 16 1/2 St.
Rock Island, Ill.
COST:
Free
ABOUT:
QC Colon Hydrotherapy is proud to invite Dr. Sayed Shah of Mandala Integrative Medicine to discuss the important topic of gut health and its role in overall wellness in the areas of mental, physical, and emotional well being.Dr. Shah, M.D. is an accomplished physician with over ten years of experience as an internist
and hospitalist. During this presentation, Dr. Shah will detail how digestion affects one's health and how to cover the basics when it comes to optimizing your own gut health. Dr. Shah is the Medical Director and CEO of Mandala Integrative Medicine, where he works as a partner in wellness for his clients by tailoring appropriate treatment plans and effective support utilizing conventional healthcare practices alongside more holistic traditions.
CONTACT:
For more information for this event or to RSVP, please email qccolonhydrotherapy@gmail.com or call (309) 235-0764. More information can also be found online at www.qccolonhydrotherapy.com.
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29 Oct 2014

ABATE backs Jacobs

By Erik Smith

MOLINE- A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) endorsed Senator Mike Jacobs in the 36th Senate District.

ABATE of Illinois is dedicated to preserving the rights of all motorcyclists - and ATV riders. Jacobs received an A plus rating based on his legislative record of voting on important ABATE issues.

"ABATE stands for freedom and less government intrusion in our lives- values Mike Jacobs shares," said Neal Toepfer, ABATE PAC Treasurer. "Mike has always been a friend of ABATE and we are glad to throw our support behind his reelection campaign."

ABATE sponsors numerous rider education programs and is a leading advocate for motorcycle education and safety, but they strongly believe that safety is the result of educated riders and drivers, not government mandates that impinge on personal freedom.

" I'm thankful for ABATE's support this November. Their endorsement makes a real difference on the campaign trail," said Mike Jacobs. "I have been fortunate enough to have ABATE's support in the past and look forward to continuing to work together."

The organization represents over 12,000 motorcycle riders across the state in 60 chapters, committed to preserving individual rights. ABATE is one of the more effective political and legislative grassroots advocacy groups in the state, having consistently prevented the legislature from imposing government restrictions on the rights of riders.

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29 Oct 2014

Senior Star at Elmore Place Hosts Senior Veterans Affairs Benefits Presentation

By Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass

VA expert to answer frequently asked questions for senior veterans

 

 

DAVENPORT, IA (October 28, 2014) - Senior Star at Elmore Place invites all Quad City senior veterans and their families to an event with guest speaker David Woods from Veterans Affairs at 11:30 a.m., November 3 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

The presentation will be informational and cover frequently asked questions about senior veterans' benefits and eligibility requirements.  A light lunch will be served.

An RSVP is requested no later than November 2 by calling 563.484.5114.

For more information about Senior Star at Elmore Place or to schedule a tour, call 563.484.5114 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

About Senior Star at Elmore Place

Senior Star at Elmore Place, a Senior Star community, features 236 modernly decorated apartments spanning across 20 acres of beautifully landscaped property with many customized amenities to offer its residents three distinctive living experiences:  independent living, assisted living and memory care.  For more information, visit www.seniorstar.com.

###

29 Oct 2014

Winners Named for MRA Business Community Award and Regional Impact Awards

By Mark McLaughlin
IOWA/WESTERN ILLINOIS - On Oct. 27, MRA - The Management Association, Inc., held their inaugural 2014 Business Appreciation & Awards Reception and announced the winners of their Business Community Award and Regional Impact Awards.

MRA, a Midwest-based employers association, hosted the ceremony at the iWireless Center, Moline, IL. The theme of the event was Celebrating Our Past, Growing Our Future. In keeping with the theme, keynote speaker Jim Edgar, former Governor of Illinois, shared his vision of growing opportunities in the Midwest through compromise, civility and compassion. 

Earlier this year, MRA asked residents of Iowa and western Illinois to nominate businesses in their areas for the awards. "The finalists were all companies that have touched people's lives and helped the community," said Heather Roberts, Executive Director of the Iowa/Illinois Division of MRA. "The finalists were judged based on their levels of community involvement."

In the Business Community Award category, five finalists were chosen and the winner was Royal Neighbors of America. The other finalists were Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc.; Bush Construction; DHCU Community Credit Union; and Modern Woodmen of America.

The Regional Impact Awards category had 10 finalists - five Not-For-Profit companies and five For-Profit. 

In the Not-For-Profit category, the winner was Renew Moline. The other finalists were Ascentra Credit Union; Career Cruising Quad Cities; Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and the Quad City Botanical Center. 

In the For-Profit category, the winner was Alcoa - North American Rolled Products. The other finalists were Group O; KJWW Engineering Consultants; Missman, Inc.; and Tennant Truck Lines.

Also, MRA presented Visionary Awards to their charter members who created the association in 1948. Visionary Awards went to Deere & Company; George Evans Corporation; Hansaloy; M. A. Ford®; Nestlé-Purina; Nichols Aluminum; Parr Instruments; Rock Island Arsenal; and Roth Pump Company. MRA also honored the retirement of employee Debra Carlson after 19 years of service. 

About the Winners

Business Community Awards

Royal Neighbors of America, Rock Island, IL, has been part of the Quad Cities landscape for more than 100 years, interweaving the empowerment of women through education and the sale of insurance products with social responsibility. As a not-for-profit organization and one of the nation's largest women-led life insurers, Royal Neighbors uses a portion of its earnings to fund such member benefits as scholarships, disaster relief, and health and retail discounts.

Regional Impact Awards

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Renew Moline, Moline, IL, is a non-profit economic development entity, planning for the future, facilitating development, connecting resources and people, and advocating for public policies and programs. These efforts work to realize opportunities for continued investment in, and repositioning of Moline's riverfront, so it can become a place to live, work, play and learn. More than $300 million has been invested in the area Renew Moline serves, with more than $150 million in additional investment underway. 

FOR PROFIT

Alcoa-North American Rolled Products, Bettendorf, IA, is a global leader in lightweight metals technology, engineering and manufacturing. Alcoa technologies enhance transportation, from automotive and commercial transport to air and space travel, and improve industrial and consumer electronics products. Alcoa's efforts to make the world a better place enable smart buildings, sustainable food and beverage packaging, high-performance defense vehicles, deeper oil and gas drilling, and more efficient power generation.

"Everyone had a great time at the 2014 Business Appreciation & Awards Reception," Roberts said, "and we look forward to our 2015 event. We encourage members of the community to consider who they might like to nominate for these awards next year." 

MRA is one of the largest not-for-profit employers associations in the nation. Organizations join MRA as corporate members for the latest information, resources and guidance on recruiting, compensation, benefits, compliance and talent management. Members are supported with a 24/7 HR Hotline and InfoNow e-mail, access to crucial survey data, and HR, management and leadership training. To find out more about MRA, call 888-516-6357 or visit www.mranet.org.

-- # --
29 Oct 2014

Wine Opener Event to Raise Funds for Cystic Fibrosis Research

By Claire Scholl

Local Food and Beverage Vendors Offer Support

DES MOINES, IA (October 28, 2014) - The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Iowa Chapter will hold their annual Wine Opener event on Friday, November 7, 2014 at Des Moines University to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research. The organization raises funds for critical research for cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease.

"This is not just another fundraiser. This is the community coming together to change the course of this disease. We have big goals to find a cure, and we rely on donations to help make this happen. All the proceeds will benefit research that will help find a cure for Iowans living with the disease," said Claire Scholl, executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Iowa Chapter. "Virtually every CF medication and therapy made available to patients is possible because of the amazing support from donors and events like this across the country."

The 2014 Wine Opener is a relaxed, yet lively tasting event, which offers the opportunity to sample fine wines and beers from around the Des Moines metro. Sip drinks from Ingersoll Wine & Spirit, Prairie Moon, Confluence Brewery, WineStyles Johnston, Raccoon River Brewery, Vintage Wines, Dimitri Wines, Fire Trucker Brewing Co., and more. Plus, great cuisine from 801 Chophouse, RoCA, Gateway Market & South Union Café, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill, Cosi Cucina, Hickory Park, Maytag Dairy Farms, and Scratch Cupcakery.

The auction will feature exciting packages, including a private dinner for eight by Chef George Formaro, a California Trip featuring Calcareous Vineyard and American Airlines, a one-week stay at a Keystone Condo, an exciting 50-person BBQ with beer and a private concert by Chad Elliott, and a Mystery Dinner package.

Cystic Fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs, causing a buildup of mucus making it difficult to breathe. In 1955, children born with CF often died before reaching elementary school. Today, nearly half the CF population is age 18 or over.

Registration for the 2014 Wine Opener is open through November 5 at iowa.cff.org/wineopener. Tickets cost $75, of which $55 is tax deductible.

Thanks to sponsors Pivot Wealth Strategies, Keystone Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, The Foster Group, Bridgestone, Mygooi, Ernst & Young, Iowa Realty, UnityPoint at Home, Chiesi USA, Community First Credit Union, Merchants Bonding, Edge Commercial, Reinhardt Properties, European Motors, Andrea's Angels, and the Seydel Family.

About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Formed in 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds medical research, develops new drugs and therapies, provides care and, ultimately, works to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. For more information, visit www.cff.org/Chapters/iowa.

29 Oct 2014

Royal Neighbors to Deliver 300 Baskets of Hope to Empower Quad Cities Women

By Rita Toalson

(Rock Island, IL) - Employees of Royal Neighbors of America will present more than 300 Baskets of Hope to social service agencies that serve women of the Quad Cities. The baskets were created as part of Royal Neighbors' observance of Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of community service which was on Oct. 25.

The baskets will be delivered on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Monday, Nov. 3. The baskets are filled with personal care and household items as well as inspirational books to help empower women as they build a better life.

Delivery schedule, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014:

9:30 a.m.: Dress for Success Quad Cities®, 311 E. 2nd Street, Davenport

3 p.m.: Winnie's Place; call (309) 764-9466 for address

Delivery schedule, Monday, Nov. 3, 2014

10:30 a.m.: Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., 1016 W. 5th Street, Davenport

1 p.m..: Project NOW, 418 19th Street, Rock Island

3 p.m.: Family Resources, 2800 Eastern Avenue, Davenport

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, empowers women to meet the needs of their families with annuities and life insurance products such as whole life, term, final expense, and universal life. One of the most financially secure insurance carriers in the industry, it has the financial strength and stability to ensure its nearly 200,000 members are protected when the expected, and unexpected, happen. In addition to insurance products, Royal Neighbors provides member benefits at no additional cost which currently include scholarship opportunities, health and retail discounts, and participation in volunteer activities that give back to communities through the organization's local chapters. Royal Neighbors' philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors ProgramSM, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

29 Oct 2014

4 Reasons Why Retirees Don't Need a Nest Egg

By Rick Martin
Conventional Wisdom Has Its Flaws for
Middle America, Says President of Advisory Firm

We are quickly coming to a reckoning in this country regarding the well-being of retirees, says Jeff Bucher, a financial advisor who helps working-class Americans plan their golden years.

"I suppose it's cliché for the head of a financial firm to say that he cares for his community, but we really do put our money where our mouth is," says Bucher, who, through his firm, Citizen Advisory Group, (www.citizenadvisory.com), has contributed to the local Boys & Girls Club, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to development of an Olympic training center for wrestling at Ohio State University, his alma mater, where he earned a wrestling scholarship.

"My clients represent the bulk of America: honest, hard-working and typically blue collar or middle class. Most of them weren't executives at Fortune 500 companies, and many are stressed out when they first come to us because they've been sold this idea of needing x-amount for a retirement nest egg."

In reality, you don't need a hulking nest egg to get by in retirement, and you may be better off without one, says Bucher, who explains why.

•  Lifetime income vs. nest egg; reconsider what wealth means to you. What's preferable to you: stockpiling money throughout the entirety of your earning years so that you can have a large nest egg for retirement, or investing your money wisely so that you can both use it during your younger years and receive paychecks during retirement?

"Two million dollars in savings is not the optimal perspective for true wealth," Bucher says. "True wealth is not serving money; it's having your money serve you. I'm more interested in offering folks true wealth via ethical financial structures suited to individual goals."

•  Obsession with a nest egg prevents you from doing things. Consider the mentality of an obsessive nest-egger: Hoard your hard-earned money your entire life, decade after decade, straight through retirement. Don't spend anything on travel, or a vacation home, or anything else you may enjoy, because you have to protect the egg.

Life is short, and by the end of it, these folks haven't done anything but work and save money.

"You don't have to be a millionaire to do so many things for yourself, family and community with your money," he says.

•  Consider supplementing a smaller savings with a part-time job - seriously. You hear the scare tactics - Grandma doesn't want to spend her golden years greeting shoppers at Walmart.

"That's nonsense; retirees are some of the most talented people in our country, working as a greeter is not their only option," he says. "Most of us have something we'd like to do that we couldn't during our earning years. Retirement is the perfect time to indulge that passion! People are better off staying active, no matter who or how old they are."

Supplemental income through a fun, part-time job cuts the income needed from a retirement next egg and adds healthy activity. Teach swimming at the local YMCA, work at a golf course or as an usher at a sports venue. Or start a small business selling the crafts you've developed a skill for creating.

•  Volunteering actually saves retirees money. When you're at a job, you don't have much opportunity to spend money. You won't run up the electric bill at home, nor go to the movies, amusement parks, shopping or use much money getting there. While working, you're too busy, and the same is true when folks volunteer somewhere. Volunteering at the hospital or elsewhere gives retirees purpose, engages their minds and bodies, gives them the happy knowledge that they're helping others, and prevents them from spending money on entertainment to keep from being bored!

About Jeff Bucher

Jeff Bucher is president of Citizen Advisory Group, (www.citizenadvisory.com), and is an Investment Advisor Representative of AlphaStar Capital Management, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. He has a life and health insurance license with the state of Ohio. His membership affiliations include the exclusive Ed Slott's Master Elite IRA Advisor Group™, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), the National Association of Fixed Annuities (NAFA) and the Forum 400. He has earned Top of the Table honors through the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). Bucher is a former standout wrestler at The Ohio State University, where he earned an athletic scholarship and honed his leadership skills en route to earning four varsity letters.

29 Oct 2014

BRAD ANDERSON BOUGHT BY OUTSIDE INTERESTS

By Pate for Iowa

(Cedar Rapids, IA)  Today, former Iowa Secretary of State and Mayor of Cedar Rapids, Paul D. Pate called attention to the dramatic disparity between where he and his opponent get their financial support.

"Mr. Anderson's campaign is bought and paid for by liberal out of state interests who oppose a voter ID requirement.  Of his contributors, 66% of them do not reside in the state of Iowa where voters overwhelmingly support a common sense voter ID requirement as I do," Pate said.

In the latest financial disclosure period, the Anderson for Iowa committee reported 3,942 contributors with 2,587 of them having out of state addresses.  Not included in that total is the $400,000 in negative attack ads on television paid for by the Democrat PAC iVote which is based in Washington, DC.

Pate, "The integrity of Iowa's elections process should not be put at risk by out of state special interests.  Over 95% of my campaign's financial contributors are from Iowa voters and not from outside interests who want to control Iowa's elections for partisan political reasons."

A nationally recognized business leader by the Small Business Administration, Pate is the owner of a paving construction firm and recently served as Mayor of Cedar Rapids from 2002 -2006.  While Mayor, Pate was elected President of the non-partisan Iowa League of Cities representing over 870 municipalities.  Previously, he served as Iowa Secretary of State from 1995-1999 and represented NE Cedar Rapids, Marion and parts of Linn, Buchanan and Delaware Counties in the Iowa Senate from 1989-1995.

Pate is a lifelong Iowa resident, born in Ottumwa, growing up in Linn County.

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