28 Oct 2013

Lt. Gov. Simon to Release College Completion Playbook

By Ted Nelson

Innovative tools to increase college completion and reduce costs to be released at higher education conference

Building on her efforts to reduce costs and boost graduation rates at Illinois universities and community colleges, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon on Wednesday will release a College Completion Playbook while hosting the two-day Scaling Up: Effective Practices in Higher Education invitational conference in Bloomington. Simon's guide collects the effective practices of national experts and successful Illinois educators.

"It can be challenging to take a good idea from one campus and make it work on another," Simon said. "The guide will instruct educators on what to do - and what not to do - when trying to replicate programs that help students complete meaningful degrees on time and in less debt. Our goal is to scale up successful college affordability and completion practices across the state."

Finding and recommendations of the College Completion Playbook include plans for:

 

·         Reducing "credit creep" or the unnecessary credits students take to attain a degree. Modeled by Southern Illinois University.

·          Increasing internship opportunities, preparing students to join the workforce and creating connections with future employers. Modeled by Illinois State University.

·         Streamlining course credit transfers from one school to another. Modeled by Northern Illinois University and Waubonsee Community College.

·          Identifying when students may be heading off course for graduation. Modeled by Northern Illinois University.

The conference is hosted in partnership with the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Lumina Foundation, College Productivity Strategy Labs, Complete College America, and Microsoft. Speakers will include : Jamie P. Merisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, the nation's largest private foundation committed solely to enrolling and graduating more students from college; Harvard Graduate School Professor, Dr. Christopher Dede; Dr. Larry Abele, Provost Emeritus of Florida State University; and Illinois State University President Dr. Timothy Flanagan.

Prior to coordinating the conference, Simon visited all 48 community colleges in Illinois to discuss their completion efforts and convened Affordability Summits at each of Illinois' 12 public university campuses to learn how best to address rising costs. In February, she released a white paper outlining game-changing reforms that save students money and speed time to degree; the conference shows many of these reforms in practice.

Simon serves as the state's point person on education reform. In this capacity, Simon is working to increase the proportion of working-age adults with college degrees or certificates to 60 percent by 2025. She aims to make our state workforce prepared for the highly skilled jobs of the future, to improve employment opportunities and ensure continued economic growth.

The Scaling Up: Effective Practices in Higher Education will take place Oct. 30-31 in the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University in Bloomington.

EVENT: Scaling Up Press Conference

DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 30

TIME: 10:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Founders Suite (lower level of Bone Student Center), 100 N. University St., Normal

###
28 Oct 2013

Your Will: The Overlooked Bucket-list Item

By Ginny Grimsley
Financial Expert Explains the Vital Importance of this
Document

Of the trendy terms to come around in the past decade, "bucket list" remains among the most useful, says retirement planning expert Jeff Gorton.

"As a neologism, I hope it endures because it reminds us of how precious our time is - and that it's important to plan wisely," says Gorton, a veteran Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner®, and head of Gorton Financial Group (www.gortonfinancialgroup.com).

"Unfortunately, after some have listed their items and even checked a few things off, they forget about one important item that really counts after they've 'kicked the bucket' - their will."

Only about 40 percent of adults in America have a will, which is probably due to people not wanting to be reminded of their own mortality and that life will go on without them, he says.

"But what's the alternative? If you die without one, the state decides what becomes of your property, without regard to your priorities," says Gorton, who also advocates his clients make use of a written income plan (WIP), a living document that helps organize financial priorities. "Why not enjoy the fact that a will is an instrument of power? You get to decide who gets what."

Since so many adults don't have a will, many don't understand how they work. Gorton breaks down wills into four basic parts:

· Executors ? Most wills begin by naming an executor, the person responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in the will. Duties include assessing the value of the estate, gathering the assets, paying inheritance tax and other debts if necessary, and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It is recommended that you name at least two executors in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation.

· Guardians ? A will allows you to designate a guardian for your minor children. Whomever you appoint, you will want to make sure beforehand that the individual is able and willing to assume the responsibility. For many people, this is the most important part of a will since, if you die without naming a guardian, the court will decide who takes care of your children.

· Gifts ? This section enables you to identify people or organizations to whom you wish to give gifts of money or specific possessions, such as family heirlooms or a car. You can also specify conditional gifts, such as a sum of money to a young daughter, but only when she reaches a certain age.

· Estate ? Your estate encompasses everything you own, including real property, financial investments, cash and personal possessions. Once you have identified specific gifts you would like to distribute, you can apportion the rest of your estate
in equal shares among your heirs, or you can split it into percentages. For example, you may decide to give 45 percent each to two children and the remaining 10 percent to a sibling.

"You're not legally required to have a professional write a will for you, but I highly recommend you get certified help because these documents are often contested by people who are unhappy with the decisions you made," he says. "After working a lifetime for your assets, you deserve to have them go where you want after you're gone, and your family will be grateful to you for not leaving them with the headache of trying to sort out your estate."

About Jeff Gorton, CPA, CFP®

Jeff Gorton is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Financial Planner® specializing in individual tax and retirement planning. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative under Alphastar Capital Management, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, and has a life and health insurance license. Gorton works with individuals and their families to create and protect their financial legacies. He specializes in working with retirees in the areas of tax planning, benefits, retirement planning, estate planning and safe money techniques. He received his BBA in Accounting from the University of Oklahoma. Gorton previously worked for 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer for a large retail organization, overseeing their accounting, benefits and 401(k) retirement plans
28 Oct 2013

Curtis Granderson, MLB All-Star and Chicago native, to host Grand-Giving Fundraiser to benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository

By Christina Coleman
Inaugural Event to be held on November 13, 2013
Athletes/Celebrities vs. Sponsors & Guests in Grand-Gaming Tournament,
sponsored by SONY Playstation and EA SPORTS
Major League Baseball All-Star outfielder and Chicago native, Curtis Granderson and the Grand Kids Foundation (501c3) will host inaugural Grand-Giving Fundraiser to benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Granderson, born and raised in Chicago's south suburbs, is a life-long Chicagoan. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Curtis is one of approximately thirty-six current professional baseball players with a four-year college degree.
The Grand Kids Foundation will launch a series of Chicago-based community programs, starting with the Grand-Giving Fundraiser to benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository's Kids Café program, which provides children with nutritious meals at after-school programs and during the summer at sites throughout Cook County - as nearly 1 in 5 children are food insecure. Granderson will personally visit two Kids Café sites pre-event - Kelly Hall YMCA and Miguel A. Barretto Boys & Girls Club.
"Children should never have to worry about where or when they will have their next meal", said Granderson. "Kids who go hungry can fall behind in virtually every way - physically, behaviorally and academically. The Grand Kids Foundation and our Grand-Giving event partners are dedicated to making a difference in Chicago this holiday season, and all year long."
"We are very grateful to Curtis Granderson for his support of the Greater Chicago Food Depository and programs that provide food for Chicago's children," said Kate Maehr, executive director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. "Curtis has been a philanthropic leader among Major League Baseball players, and we're pleased to partner with him on this initiative."
WHAT:
The inaugural Grand-Giving Fundraiser is an interactive event featuring a Grand-Gaming DreamSeat Lounge sponsored by SONY Playstation and EA SPORTS in which sponsors and guests can compete against athletes and celebrities. The event is supported by Pete's Fresh Market, New Balance, SONY Playstation, EA SPORTS, DreamSeats, Uber, John Barleycorn and more.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
WHERE:
John Barleycorn River North
149 West Kinzie
Chicago, IL  60654
About the Grand Kids Foundation:
Established in 2007, the Grand Kids Foundation (501c3) focuses on aiding positive youth development via education, physical fitness and nutrition - providing tools and resources for educational and societal advancement. In 2009, Curtis released a children's book, All You Can Be, which shares personal stories from his youth encouraging children to chase after their dreams. Proceeds from All You Can Be benefit the Grand Kids Foundation.
Curtis Granderson serves as a National Ambassador of the White House's anti-obesity campaign Let's Move, National Spokesperson of the Partnership for a Healthier America's Drink Up water initiative and International Ambassador of Major League Baseball. In 2012, Granderson made a personal donation of $5 Million to his alma mater - The University of Illinois at Chicago - for the development of Curtis Granderson's Grand Kids Youth Academy at UIC, which will serve Chicago's inner-city youth (2014).
Social Handle: @CGrand14
About The Greater Chicago Food Depository:
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The Food Depository, founded in 1979, makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children's programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 66 million pounds of shelf-stable food, fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 150,000 meals every day. For more information, visit chicagosfoodbank.org or call 773-247-FOOD.
***
Christina Coleman
28 Oct 2013

"The Boys & Girls Club Was My Safe Haven" - New Boys & Girls Club Director Remembers His Early Years

By Rick Martin

New Boys & Girls Club Director Remembers His Early Years

 
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - After conducting a nationwide search, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley (BGCMV) Board of Directors has selected Tim Tolliver as their new Chief Professional Officer (CPO), the title given by Boys & Girls Clubs to their executive directors.

"We welcome Tim to our organization and to the Quad-Cities," said Chris Johnson, President of the BGCMV Board. "He brings a wealth of applicable skills and experience to the role of Chief Professional Officer."

"Tim Tolliver has dedicated his career to helping others," said Tim Stinson, Board Vice President and Search Committee Chair. "We are pleased that he is now a member of our community and we look forward to working with him."

Community members can meet Tim at the organization's 2013 Annual Steak & Burger Dinner. "This important fundraiser helps to open the door to a better future for Quad Cities youth and teens," said Johnson. "The Steak & Burger Dinner offers a fun night of socializing with the many friends of BGCMV, and attendees will meet Tim and have dinner with some of our Club members."

The fundraising event will be held 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at the iWireless Center, 1201 River Dr., Moline, IL. The social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 each. Individual tickets and tables for groups are available by calling (309) 757-5777.

A Life Shaped by the Boys & Girls Clubs

"Truly, my life has been shaped for the better by my involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs," Tim said. "I am happy to say, I was a Club kid as a child and my son was also a Club kid. It's a great place for young people to learn important values."

Tim, age 40, was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended high school at Cleveland Junior Naval Academy, named after President Grover Cleveland. He attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, MO, where he majored in Political Science/Public Administration.

According to Tim, he might not have attended college if it weren't for the encouragement he'd received from the Boys and Girls Club. He started attending what is now the Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis at age 8. "Back then, it was a club for boys," he said. "Girls became part of the club in 1991, which is the year I graduated from the club."

Tim stated that he grew up in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in St. Louis. "Gangs were running rampant, since the Los Angeles gangs, the Cripps and the Bloods, were working their way into that area," he said. "The club was my safe haven. My mom felt a lot better, knowing I was hanging out there. Back then it was a 'swim and gym' - other recreations there included pool, foosball and ping pong."

The big reason Tim kept going to the club, he noted, was because of the positive reinforcement he received. "I had many friends there and the camaraderie kept me coming back," he said. "I developed strong friendships with the people who worked there, like the social recreation leader, Mr. Bates, and the gym and sports director, Mr. Mitch. Mr. Mitch recruited me to play baseball for their team, and I eventually moved into basketball."

In those days, Tim observed, the big draw of the club for him was sports, but he also became involved with Keystone Club, the group's leadership and service club. "The kids who are a part of Keystone help others in the community and learn the value of volunteer service," he said.

At age 16, Tim was vice president of his club's Keystone group. "We got to go places and also took part in fundraising," he said. "A lot of kids didn't get to leave their neighborhoods very much, so taking part in Keystone Club helped them to see more of what the world had to offer. For many, it was the first time they'd ever left the inner city."

Dedicated to Serving Others

Over the years, Tim has held key positions of guidance and leadership where he could help the community. Early in his career, from January 1998 to February 2010, he served as the Branch Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas/Collin County in Dallas/McKinney, Texas.

From February 2010 to December 2011, Tim worked as the Associate Services/Shelter Manager for the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance in Dallas. When that position was eliminated due to budget cuts, he became the Chief Executive Officer of the Children's Advocacy Center in Van Zandt/Kaufman County, Texas. He held that position from May 2012 to February 2013, when a state realignment resulted in an unaccepted transfer offer that did not meet his future plans.

He had been working with the St. Louis Public Schools when he heard about the opening in the Quad-Cities as the CPO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley. "When I first read about it, I thought the position was located in the state of Mississippi," he said with a laugh. "I was happy to find out it was much closer than that!"

"The community is invited to come and meet Tim Tolliver at the Steak & Burger event and also enjoy our youth group performances," said Johnson. "It will be an enjoyable evening, and the funds raised through this event represent an investment in our community's future and quality of life."

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, as a chartered member of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, is a tax-exempt organization, duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with Federal law.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, please call (309) 757-5777 or visit www.bgcmv.org.

-- ### --


28 Oct 2013

Illinois National Guard's 33rd Military Police Battalion to get new commander

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/28/2013)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard's 33rd Military Police Battalion in Bloomington will hold a change of command ceremony Nov. 2 where incoming commander Maj. Marcus Matthews of Chicago will take over from Lt. Col. Ronald Bonesz of Chicago in a traditional military ceremony.

WHO:

• Illinois National Guard's 33rd Military Police Battalion in Bloomington

• Outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Ronald Bonesz of Schaumburg

• Incoming commander, Maj. Marcus Matthews of Chicago

WHAT:

• Change of Command ceremony for the Illinois Army National Guard's 33d Military Police Battalion

WHEN: Saturday November 02, 2013 at 01:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)

WHERE:Bloomington Armory
1616 Main St.
Bloomington, Illinois 61701

NOTES:

For more information or if media plan to attend, contact the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 or Email: ng.il.ilarng.list.staff-pao@mail.mil

28 Oct 2013

CLEANWATERIOWA.ORG: New site launched to help Iowans protect water quality

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds joined Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp today for the launch of www.CleanWaterIowa.org, a new website that will serve as a resource to help Iowans protect and improve water quality.

"Iowans can take steps to help improve Iowa's water quality and this site serves as a one-stop-shop for conservation practices we can all use, whether it is on the farm, at a business or by a homeowner," said Branstad.

The site has "Farm," "Residential & Urban," and "City & Industry" sections that provide information about science-based practices that can be implemented to improve water quality. The site includes descriptions of water quality practices that can be utilized, benefits of the practices, and links to additional information.

"This site is one of the resources available to help Iowans achieve the goals outlined in the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy," said Reynolds. "Working together and everyone doing their part will help us continue to make significant water quality improvements."

Success stories, information on upcoming events and education materials will also be available on the site. Iowans are also invited to share their water quality success stories as well.

"It is an exciting time and we are seeing a tremendous amount of interest in water quality practices from Iowans across the state," said Northey. "Farmers are engaged and we are in a scaling up phase as we get these science-based practices on more and more acres."

In addition to the website, Iowans can follow @CleanWaterIowa on Twitter or "like" the page on Facebook to receive updates and other information about the ongoing Iowa water quality initiative.

# # #
28 Oct 2013

U.S. Coast Guard christens fourth National Security Cutter

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The U.S Coast Guard christened its fourth National Security Cutter Saturday, during a ceremony at Ingalls Shipyards in Pascagoula, Miss.

The cutter's sponsor, Linda Kapral Papp, led the time-honored tradition of breaking a champagne bottle on the cutter's bow, officially giving the cutter the name Hamilton. She was accompanied by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp, who was the keynote speaker for the event.

"A ship's sponsor is considered a permanent part of the ship's crew and an advocate for its continued service and well-being," said Linda Kapral Papp. "I take this advocacy role, both for the crew and their family, very seriously."

The Hamilton was named after Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and the driving force behind the establishment of the Revenue Cutter Service, a precursor to the modern U.S. Coast Guard. With the christening, the Hamilton becomes the sixth U.S. Coast Guard cutter that bears the name Hamilton. The first was the 75-foot U.S. Revenue Cutter Hamilton, commissioned in 1830.

"I'm very proud to be joined today by Linda, my wife and the ship's sponsor, as we both christened cutter Hamilton," said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp. "The christening ceremony marks an important milestone in the creation of a national asset that is designed and uniquely equipped to provide a persistent water-borne presence, ensuring maritime security far from our shores."

The Hamilton was launched Aug. 10, 2013, and is scheduled for delivery to the Coast Guard in September 2014. The Hamilton will be homeported in Charleston, S.C. Following the christening, production work on the Hamilton will continue until 2014.

"Today was an exciting day because we are one step closer to bringing cutter Hamilton to her new home in Charleston," said Capt. Doug Fears, the Hamilton's prospective commanding officer. "This exceptionally capable ship is the first major cutter to enter the Coast Guard's Atlantic fleet in more than 30 years, and it will serve our national security interests for decades, along with providing economic opportunities through ship maintenance and technical support to the greater Charleston area. Hamilton's crew is eager to test the ship's capabilities and equally thrilled to become part of the Charleston community."

Currently, three NSCs, including the Hamilton, are in production at Ingalls Shipyards. The fifth NSC, the James, is scheduled for delivery in 2015. The sixth NSC, the Munro, is scheduled for delivery in 2016. A contract option for long lead time materials for NSC 7, the Kimball, was exercised June 14, 2013. Long lead time materials includes main propulsion and navigation systems, generators, electrical switchboards, major castings and other items needed for production.

The NSC is the most technologically sophisticated cutter in the Coast Guard fleet, capable of performing critical homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions in the most demanding open ocean environments. The cutter is 418 feet long, has a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles and endurance to perform 60- to 90-day patrols.

Three NSCs have been delivered to the Coast Guard and commissioned into service. These cutters, Bertholf, Waesche and Stratton, are currently performing operations in support of Coast Guard missions.

The Hamilton's prospective commanding officer, Capt. Doug Fears, and a small precommissioning crew are currently stationed in Charleston and are making preparations for the cutter's arrival in 2014. They are available upon request for public speaking or other opportunities to educate the public about the Hamilton. For additional information, please contact Capt. Fears at (843) 740-3143.

###

28 Oct 2013

HOTEL BLACKHAWK WINS THIRD CONSECUTIVE SMART MEETINGS PLATINUM AWARD

By Glenn Kass

Davenport hotel one of just 180 honored by meeting professionals

DAVENPORT, IA - Hotel Blackhawk announces it has received a 2013 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award. This is the third consecutive time it has received recognition and one of just 180 in this hemisphere so honored.

Celebrating 10 years in 2013, the awards are presented by Smart Meetings magazine (www.smartmeetings.com), the hospitality industry's premier resource for meeting professionals.

Results are decided during a two-month vote by readers with additional input from editors and industry experts. The awards recognize excellence in service and amenities among meeting facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"To be recognized three years in a row by the professionals in the industry is high praise," said Tim Heim, VP - Marketing, Innkeeper Hospitality Services, corporate parent of Hotel Blackhawk. "It also reinforces the Quad Cities and Davenport, Iowa as a destination leader with a level of service that meeting planners demand and only select properties can say they deliver."

Hotel Blackhawk celebrated its re-opening December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is an AAA Four Diamond Hotel and is part of the Autograph Collection (www.autographhotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org). For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

-30-

28 Oct 2013

Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Loras College Democrat Chapters Endorse Tyler Olson

By Alex Youn
Cedar Rapids, IA - Today, three Iowa College Democrat chapters announced their endorsement of Tyler Olson as their choice for the next governor of Iowa.

The College Democrat chapters of Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Loras College have thrown their full support behind Tyler Olson's vision for Iowa.

Monica Diaz, President of Iowa State University College Democrats said "Our chapter will be an incredible asset to the campaign by helping to mobilize support on campus and spread the word about Tyler all throughout Story County." 

In addition to these three college chapters, executive board members of College Democrats organizations across the state, including all executive board members for the University of Iowa College Democrats offered their individual support for Tyler Olson.

"It was a clear choice for me and my peers to sign a letter of support for Tyler," said Carter Bell, President of University of Iowa College Democrats. "We're all very excited to help grow the campaign on our campus."

Earlier this year the Olson for Iowa campaign announced the formation of six Student for Olson chapters across the state. The full list of those groups can be viewed here.  

Links to letters of support from other colleges and universities: 

Drake University
Grinnell College
Simpson College
University of Iowa
###
28 Oct 2013

A Whatever-Whenever-Wherever Economy

By Ginny Grimsley
By: John Horvat II

When people ask me what is wrong with our modern day economy, I respond that it is frenzied and out of balance.

In my book, Return to Order, I coined the term "frenetic intemperance" to describe a restless and reckless spirit inside modern economy that foments a drive to throw off legitimate restraints and gratify disordered passions. This frenetic intemperance, I explain, is where we went wrong.

But frenetic intemperance is an abstract concept. It is not immediately apparent as to what I mean. I am always on the lookout for examples or expressions that help to clarify the concept and make it more understandable to the man in the street.

I recently found such an example that goes a long way in explaining frenetic intemperance. It involved an article that described television viewing habits. It said that the average American adult spends 4 hours, 31 minutes watching television each day. That might seem like a lot of viewing but it only tells half the story.

The television screen represents yesterday's entertainment. People today also look at other screens and monitors. And so, the article notes, in addition to the television viewing time, the average American adult spends yet another 5 hours, 16 minutes looking at other computer and phone screens each day.

The total of 9 hours, 47 minutes is an impressive amount of time before any screen. It indicates a certain lack of restraint that is characteristic of frenetic intemperance. There are missing priorities in these habits where the person gives in to the temptation to be constantly checking his devices. An economy that supports this kind of obsessive behavior is a clarifying example of what is meant by frenetic intemperance.

However, the article ended with an even more dramatic example of frenetic intemperance. It told the story of a man with three very young children who were fully hooked up to their screens. Two of the three could not even read yet they all had wi-fi-enabled mobile devices and could stream videos to them.

The father gloried in the fact that, "They expect to be able to see whatever they want, whenever they want, wherever they want."

This is a perfect expression to describe frenetic intemperance. It is an economy that throws off restraint and encourages a regime in which you seek out whatever you want, whenever you want and wherever you want.

This whatever-whenever-wherever economy is what is throwing everything out of balance. People must have everything now, regardless of the consequence. If it cannot be had immediately, there are always credit options to make it happen. If that does not work, there is always big government to turn things once considered privileges or luxuries into entitlements.

When society is not virtuous, a whatever-whenever-wherever economy leads to an economy that is run by the disordered whims and passions. Reason is no longer in control and consequently markets frequently crash. Self-interest alone comes to rule in accordance with personal preferences. Such a conception of life calls to mind the ideas of Scottish philosopher Dave Hume who famously wrote, "Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions, and can never pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them."

The problem is that the passions can be true tyrants that do not respect reality. Real economy should be run by reason and temperance. It should lead men to virtue. This requires restraint, foresight and effort. It does not exclude the orderly passions and preferences that are part of the lives of men. However, these very human and necessary elements are secondary and cannot dominate.

Our problem today is our whatever-whenever-wherever economy is taking us to our ruin. It is filling us with frenetic intemperance. What we need is a return to order.

About John Horvat II: John Horvat II is a scholar, researcher, educator, international speaker and author "Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society - Where We've Been, How We Got Here and Where We Need to Go," (www.returntoorder.org). For more than two decades he has been researching and writing about the socio-economic crisis in the United States.

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