13 Aug 2013

Plan Ahead for Your Online Hereafter

By Ginny Grimsley
Asset Protection Lawyer Offers 3 Steps to Take Now

Now, you really can live forever, but that's not necessarily a good thing.

Many of your online accounts - from automatic bill payments to eBay - may remain active after you pass away, unless you take steps to ensure they don't, says attorney Hillel Presser, author of "Financial Self-Defense (Revised Edition), "www.assetprotectionattorneys.com.

Automatic bill pay, for example, can theoretically keep tapping your bank account long after you're gone or, at least, until your money is.

"It's important to make sure your online bank and shopping accounts, even your social media, can be closed out, or that your loved ones are authorized to access them," Presser says. "You may ask, 'Why would I care if I'm gone?' I can tell you from experience: because it can create real headaches, and more heartache, for your family."

Bank and shopping accounts will be vulnerable to identity theft, which would affect your estate if someone opens credit cards in your name. You might have valuable intellectual property, like domain names. They may need access to your health records, particularly if you died under questionable circumstances, he says.

There's the sentimental stuff - photos and emails -- that your family may want as a remembrance of you, and the libraries of music and ebooks, which may represent a considerable investment on your part.

"The problem is, even if you provide a family member with all of your accounts, log-ins and passwords, they may not be legally allowed to access them," Presser says. "In many cases, they may be violating the accounts' terms of service or violatingfederal privacy and computer fraud laws. Some states have laws governing online materials, but they're different and which of your accounts are covered depends on where the provider is located."

What can you do to ensure your family isn't left with a virtual nightmare after your passing? Presser offers these tips:

• Create a list of all of your accounts, including log-innames, passwords, and answers to any security questions. Obviously, your list will need to be securely stored. Since you'll need to update it regularly as you add accounts or change passwords,  it will be easiest if you keep the list on your computer in a password-protected folder. Some versions of Windows allow you to create protected folders, but you may need to get third-party software to do this, such as freeAxCrypt. Remember to create a backup of your list, whether it's on a jump drive or printed out on paper. Store the backup in a secure place such as a safe deposit box. Do not put password information in your will, which is a public document.

• If you have a Google account, set up the new inactive account manager. In May 2013, Google became the first site to give users an option for choosing what becomes of their content if they should become debilitated or die. Under the profile button, click "Account," scroll down to "Account Management," and you'll find instructions for "Control what happens to your account when you stop using Google." You can select how long the account should be inactive before your plans are set into motion; choose to whom you want to offer content, such as YouTube videos, Gmail, Google+ posts, Blogger and Picasa web albums, or whether it should simply be deleted.

• Appoint a digital executor. Perhaps the simplest way to ensure your online life is taken care of is to appoint a digital executor - a tech-savvy person who will be willing and able to carry out your wishes. Authorize the person to access your inventory of log-in information and spell out what you want done with each account, whether it's providing access to loved ones or business partners, or deleting it.

The digital world has grown and transformed so rapidly, the law hasn't kept up, which makes managing your digital afterlife challenging, Presser says.

"Until there are more consistent laws and procedures governing this area, it's best to plan ahead, leave clear instructions and be sure you have a list of accounts where your estate lawyer or a loved one can find it and access it," he says. "It will make a world of difference to your survivors."

About Hillel L. Presser, Esq., MBA

Hillel L. Presser's firm, The Presser Law Firm, P.A., represents individuals and businesses in establishing comprehensive asset protection plans. He is a graduate of Syracuse University's School of Management and Nova Southeastern University's law school, and serves on Nova's President's Advisory Council. He is a former adjunct faculty member for law at Lynn University. Complimentary copies of "Financial Self-Defense" are available through www.assetprotectionattorneys.com.

13 Aug 2013

Illinois Guardsmen Compete in the 2013 Adjutant General's Rifle and Pistol Match

By Sgt. Zachary Zimerman, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MARSEILLES, IL (08/12/2013)(readMedia)-- "Shooters, watch your lanes!" was a familiar line on the qualifying ranges at the 2013 Illinois Army National Guard Adjutant General's (TAG) Rifle and Pistol Match Aug. 8 through 11 at Marseilles Training Center in Marseilles, Ill. Roughly 120 Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers participated in the annual marksmanship event.

"The TAG Match is training through competition," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Gleason of Lincoln, Ill., with the 3625th Surface Maintenance Company in North Riverside, Ill., and range master for the contest. "It's like a World Series or a Super Bowl, but you're out there training and competing with your peers and other units. You don't just pass or get a 'go,' there are different ratings."

Shooters are rated both as teams and individuals using the pistol and rifle. There is also a combined arms match, a new addition this year, in which Soldiers are tested on both weapon systems.

"It's short-ranged and very fast-paced," Gleason said. "The phrase we like to use is 'you can't miss fast enough.'"

All the matches are based off what the Illinois National Guard marksman teams have faced when competing out of state, which enables Soldiers to experience big interstate match concepts at the Illinois state level, Gleason said.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brandon Gibbs of Pleasant Plains, Ill., director of the competition, said future competitions will be even more complex and exciting.

"Next year we're going to try and add the shotgun for a three-gun event," said Gibbs, with Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill. "But it's really hard to change it up and make it different when these are the stages of fire set from the Winston P. Wilson Championship, of which we base our TAG Match off."

Sgt. James Wayne of Springfield, Ill., with Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill., gained new knowledge during his first TAG match, despite having 20 years of shooting experience.

"It's been a pretty good event so far with the competition and camaraderie," said Wayne. "If you get a chance to do this, by all means do it. It's a great thing and even I'm learning new things."

Every unit in the Illinois Army National Guard had the opportunity to put a team together for the TAG Match. 1st Sgt. Keith Rodgers of Eldorado, Ill., with Company C, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Carbondale, Ill., participated in the event with a group of Soldiers from his unit.

"It's a fun event," Rodgers said. "I've heard a lot about it over the years but have always been too busy to try to participate in it. I've got some motivated Soldiers in the unit that wanted to get a team together, so I was glad to get on board and give it a try."

Rodgers said he appreciated the chance to do more than he would at a yearly qualification range.

"It's been really enjoyable," he said. "There's a lot more going on here than the standard range. It's an opportunity to put a lot of rounds down range and shoot in different situations that you normally don't get to try."

Brig. Gen. Richard J. Hayes of Springfield, Ill., Assistant Adjutant General of the Illinois Army National Guard, spoke at the ceremony recognizing the winners completion of the match.

"Your experience with this helps you to be better," Hayes said. "Through that competition, it forces you to fine tune what you were doing, to achieve and hopefully be one of the winners today."

The top 20 individual shooters received the Governor's Twenty Tab, which they can wear on their uniforms. The top three teams and individuals of each event received a plaque to display their accomplishments.

1st Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill., with the 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill., was the first place shooter overall.

"There are some really good shooters out here," Conley said. "You can't just walk in the door, no matter how good you are. To max all three categories like that is humbling to say the least."

Winners of the TAG Match may be selected to join the Illinois National Guard's Marksman Team. The team must select two new shooters to compete in regional and national events annually. Gleason said the TAG Match is an important tool in selecting the Guard team.

"There's a pyramid, and the bottom of the pyramid is the state level match," Gleason said. "We always have to recruit from within the state and that's part of what this is here for. We can see their scores and we can study them."

Gibbs said despite the number of people in the Illinois Army National Guard, few compete in the TAG match.

"I would like to add more competitors to next years TAG Match," Gibbs said. "It would be nice to see more than 121 shooters show up especially since with have more than 10,000 plus members in the Guard."

Results of the 2013 ILARNG TAG Rifle and Pistol Match

Overall Top Three Individuals

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Overall Individual Rifle

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Nathaniel Roux of Grand Detour, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

Overall Individual Pistol

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Combined Arms

1. Staff Sgt. Joshua L. Slocum of Roscoe, Ill.; Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

2. Pfc. Connor W. Peters of Carbondale, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

Overall Top Three Teams

1. Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Kewanee, Ill.

2. 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

3. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

Top Pistol Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

Top Rifle Team

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

The Governor's Twenty

1. 1st. Lt. Justin F. Conley of Downers Grove, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

2. Sgt. Raleigh G. Walker of Goreville, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Marion, Ill.

3. Spc. Scott A. Lange of Aurora, Ill.; Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Ill.

4. Spc. Nathaniel Roux of Grand Detour, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

5. Sgt. Justin W. Snyder of Gibson City, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

6. Sgt. Terry R. Pody of Machesney Park, Ill.; 135th Chemical Company in Machesney Park, Ill.

7. Staff Sgt. Keith Ellsworth of Chatham, Ill.; Joint Force Headquarters in Springfield, Ill.

8. 1st Lt. Joshua Z. Olds of Danville, Ill.; 3rd Battalion, 129th Regional Training Institute in Springfield, Ill.

9. Sgt. 1st Class Jon Arneson of Polo, Ill.; Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Ill.

10. Sgt. Gary Kupiec of Forsyth, Ill.; Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Effingham, Ill.

11. Sgt. 1st Class Richard T. Helkey of Mount Sterling, Ill.; 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

12. Sgt. Jerry D. Taylor of Monmouth, Ill.; Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Ill.

13. 2nd Lt. Brett Buscher of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

14. Sgt. Nolan C. Murray of Ottawa, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

15. Sgt. Trevor B. Chayer of Ladd, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Kewanee, Ill.

16. Sgt. 1st Class William N. Blackwell of Champaign, Ill.; Company B, 634th Brigade Support Battalion in Champaign, Ill.

17. 2nd Lt. William B. Leak of Normal, Ill.; Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment of Pontiac, Ill.

18. Sgt. William A. Rylko of Rockford, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

19. Spc. Colin M. Kehoe of Aurora, Ill.; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 33rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Machesney Park, Ill.

20. Spc. Robert W Siempelkamp of Palmer, Ill.; 233rd Military Police Company in Springfield, Ill.

13 Aug 2013

STUDIES SHOW FARMERS' CONSERVATION MEASURES WORKING IN IOWA

By Rick Martin

Raccoon River nitrate levels show significant, steady decline

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - August 12, 2013 - An analysis of recent water data show long-term declining levels of nitrates in the Raccoon River, despite the weather-induced spike seen this spring.

"While values did spike this spring, overall, the long-term daily nitrate levels have been declining, even when including this spring's weather-induced spike," says Iowa Farm Bureau Environmental Policy Advisor Rick Robinson.   "According to all available daily nitrate values reported by the Des Moines Water Works on their website for the Raccoon River, the data yield a statistically significant negative linear downward trend line in nitrates for 2006-2013.  There were record high levels of nitrate levels out of the Raccoon for a short duration this spring and we can clearly see why that happened; it was a 'perfect storm' which started with last year's drought, followed by a spring of cooler temperatures and record rainfall.  In fact, rainfall this past April and May broke records that stood for 141 years," says Robinson. Rainfall statistically correlates the most with the higher nitrates, he says.

Additionally, according to Des Moines Water Works website posted measurements, 80 percent of the daily nitrate values since 2006 are less than the drinking water standard of 10 parts per million (ppm).   "The fact that there's been a steady decline in nitrates in the Raccoon River should not be interpreted that farmers are somehow shirking their responsibility for their share of the nitrate load. In fact, ag groups are stepping up to the plate, embracing the new Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and encouraging all farmers to do the same. Farmers are considering additional steps they can take to help make further reductions," says IFBF president Craig Hill.

This trend analysis follows a recent study, featured in the Journal of Environmental Quality, 2012, which confirmed that for 1992-2008, rainfall and temperature contribute more to nitrate variations in the Raccoon River, than modern farming practices. "While conservation work is never finished, it is worth noting that farmers have embraced conservation on 23 million acres of crop land, land which is constantly affected by our increasingly volatile weather.  The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is all about sharing information with farmers, to help them find the practices that best fit their farm and landscape," says Robinson.

The Nutrient Reduction Strategy is one of the nation's first 'in the field,' science-based assessments, which analyzes a varied menu of conservation practice scenarios.  The goal is to get the most nutrient reduction, while allowing the nation's farmers to keep pace with growing population and energy needs.  "Voluntary approaches aren't about doing what we've always been doing; it's about doing more, embracing new methods. When it comes to conservation, everyone needs to do their part," says Hill, a crop and livestock family farmer from Milo.

In the last 30 years, voluntary conservation measures have reduced soil erosion in the U.S. by 43 percent, according to the USDA's National Resources Inventory report.  Iowa's erosion rate was down 33 percent, due in part to a combination of practices being put in place, such as buffer strips, terraces, no-till, cover crops, restoring wetlands, installing bio-filters and grassy waterways in fields.

IFBF invites all Iowans to learn more about the latest conservation measures, by checking out 'Conservation Counts' at http://programs.iowafarmbureau.com/conservationcounts/

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to helping farm families prosper and improve their quality of life.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve economic growth, educational improvement, and environmental quality in their communities.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

13 Aug 2013

Team Runablaze Iowa - Summer Heat?

By Cal Murdock

Summer Heat usually slows down distance running - not this year, great weather for training or racing!

Learn more about the team, visit the web site Runablaze.com that includes the resume of the team athletes and past running highlights.  1300 of the best Iowa runners, race directors, coaches, volunteers & fans receive this e-mail.

____________________________________

Runablaze Iowa is sponsored by:

Iowa's best running specialty stores:
Fitness Sports - Des Moines
Runners Flat - Cedar Falls
Running Wild - Cedar Rapids, Coraville, Iowa City & West Burlington

Iowa's on-line registration leader:
GetMeRegistered.com - Bettendorf

Iowa's best races:
Red Flannel, Loop the Lake, Market to Market, Hy Vee road races, Dam to Dam, Marathon to Marathon, Clive Running Festival, Sturgis Falls, Fifth Season, Midnight Madness, Park to Park, Capital Pursuit, IMT Des Moines Marathon and Living History Farms.
____________________________________

And now for the "News" . . .
Adam Condit ultra running in 2013.  Adam ran Grand Canyon Rim to Rim double crossing in April, solo.  He was ready for a competitive 50 mile trail race debut at Devil's Lake (July 13, WI).  Adam recounts, "A fun but somewhat bittersweet ultra marathon ... finally hunting down first place by mile 35.  I led from there to mile 48 where I was passed (quickly) going uphill.  I finished 2nd overall in 7hr 23min in one of the Midwest's most rugged ultras around Devil's Lake.  I felt dialed in with nutrition and energy, but the relentless up and down trashed my legs before really having to slow down the last 5-6 miles."  Adam plans another 50 miler near Madison this fall, a more rolling and smooth course.
Danna Herrick ran Have a Hearth 5K (West Des Moines, July 27) in winning in 18:21.  Nate Hopp won the Swisher 5K (Aug. 3) in 16:22, Phil Young was 2nd in 17:06.  Robyn Friedman continues here comeback at the M.A.M.M. 10K (Monroe, Aug. 10) winning in 38:20.  Husband and wife team finished 2nd male and female at the Kraut Route 5K (Lisbon, Aug. 10) - Dan Schofer ran 17:14 and Marie Schofer 18:37.
Iowan Diane Nukuri-Johnson continues to race with the best, this time in the Northeast.  At the Beach to Beacon 10K (ME, Aug. 4) she set a personal record running 32:36.  A week later at 41st Falmouth 7 mile (MA, Aug. 11) she was 4th in 37:16.
Kudos to any runner that gives up their running to put on a race.  Double kudos for any race director that times and scores a modest sized race.  Runners Colleen Webb and Paul Grinvalds (West Des Moines, July 27) each did an admiral job creating results at their 200-250 finisher races.  The key was reasonable expectations and awards.  Thanks Colleen and Paul, demonstrating "how it's done simply, cost free".
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About Runablaze Iowa
Runablaze Iowa athletes are based throughout Iowa.  Formed in 2006, the purpose of the team is to improve post-collegiate Iowa distance running. Major Iowa running specialty stores, Iowa races and Iowa runners at those races support Runablaze Iowa.

Contact:
Cal Murdock - Team Manager
515-274-5379
calmurdock@earthlink.net

Robyn Friedman - Team President
robynpt@iowatelecom.net
13 Aug 2013

Live Lead-Free

By Lenore Alonso
The Scott  County Health Department, in partnership with the City of Davenport, announces this week the beginning of an awareness campaign, entitled "Live Lead Free", about lead paint and its effects. The goal is to promote testing of homes built before 1978, and of children six years of age and under.

The program and its services are made possible through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and will commemorate the 35 with a tie to unleaded gasoline. Selected Hy-Vees, Casey's General Stores, and Mother Hubbard's Cupboards in the county will feature gas pump public service ads with the campaign image.

Lead was eliminated from paint in 1978 and from gasoline in 1995. However, homes built before 1978 may still harbor exposed lead paint. The campaign provides information from the Scott County Health Department ) on screenings of at-risk dwellings (563-326-8618) and free health screenings for children up to six years of age (www.scottcountyiowa.com/health/lead.php).

Children six and under are especially prone to exposure and the effects of lead paint, and should be tested every year beginning at one year of age until six years of age. Iowa law requires that all children entering kindergarten show proof of one lead test.

"With the removal of lead from gasoline, one source of lead in the environment was eliminated.  

However, many county residents are living in homes that still contain exposed lead paint," said Edward Rivers, Director of the Scott County Health Department.   "Placing our message at gas pumps is a very direct way of getting it out, and the comparison with unleaded gasoline is thought-provoking.  It will be seen every day by a large number of people, and we hope it will reach those who need it most.  We thank our partners in the community for making this possible."

For more information on living lead free, visit the Scott County Health Department's Web site at www.scottcountyiowa.com/health
13 Aug 2013

Blooms Flourish in FFA Floriculture Competition at Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (08/12/2013)(readMedia)-- Exhibitors entered their prized flowers in the FFA Floriculture competition judged Thursday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Brett Cranston of Deep River received the Award of Excellence as well as the Sweepstakes trophy. Melanie Palmer of Griswold won first place in the showing contest.

Additional results follow:

Dahlia

Champion: Grant Hammes, Wilton

Reserve Champion: Brett Cranston, Deep River

Rose

Champion: Madison Mace, Elliott

Reserve Champion: Grant Hammes, Wilton

Gladiola

Champion: Calise Hammes, Wilton

Reserve Champion: Grant Hammes, Wilton

Marigold

Champion: Kendra Cranston, Deep River

Reserve Champion: Kelsi Gensley, South Amana

Zinnia

Champion: Grant Hammes, Wilton

Reserve Champion: Brett Cranston, Deep River

Petunia

Champion: Brett Cranston, Deep River

Reserve Champion: Brett Cranston, Deep River

Other

Champion: Brett Cranston, Deep River

Reserve Champion: Grant Hammes, Wilton

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

13 Aug 2013

Competition Awards at the Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

Sibley FFA Student Brings Home the Beef in Iowa State Fair Show

Breanna Gradert of Sibley exhibited the Supreme Female Champion in the FFA Breeding Beef Show held Thursday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Gradert's entry was also named Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer. The commercial heifer belonging to Kale Spengler of Durant earned the Reserve Supreme Female title.

Additional results below:

Champion Angus Bull: Erin Steele, Anita

Reserve Champion Angus Bull: Katie Friederichs, Walcott

Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Rachel Rigdon, Mediapolis

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Bull: Cody Korthaus, Moulton

Champion Angus Cow-Calf: Kale Kiesewetter, Letts

Reserve Champion Angus Cow-Calf: Maria Wagemester, Clinton

Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Alexandra Hunter, DeWitt

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Cow-Calf: Katlyn Ruth, Iowa City

Champion Crossbred Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Ottumwa

Reserve Champion Crossbred Cow-Calf: Ragen Maloy, Ottumwa

Champion Overall Cow-Calf: Kale Kiesewetter, Clinton

Reserve Champion Overall Cow-Calf: Rachel Maloy, Ottumwa

Champion Angus Heifer: Leo Kruse, Osage

Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: Erin Steele, Anita

Champion Charolais Heifer: Brandon Reynolds, Indianola

Reserve Champion Charolais Heifer: Kaylee Snyder, Bloomfield

Champion Chianina Heifer: Bailey Core, Pleasantville

Reserve Champion Chianina Heifer: Mallory Bormann, Algona

Champion Hereford Heifer: Colton Black, Chariton

Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer: Jenna Kauzlarich, Knoxville

Champion Limousin Heifer: Aaron Linhart, Leon

Reserve Champion Limousin Heifer: Aaron Linhart, Leon

Champion Maine-Anjou Heifer: Breanna Gradert, Sibley

Reserve Champion Maine-Anjour Heifer: Kellen Suntken, Belmond

Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Ashley Kress, Audubon

Reserve Champion Appendix Maine-Anjou Heifer: Troy Shaw, Ogden

Champion Simmental Heifer: Katlyn Ruth, Iowa City

Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Michaella Beckman, New London

Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Matthew Noland, Adair

Reserve Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer: Reed Shockley, Keokuk

Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Chad Obrecht, Oakland

Reserve Champion All Other Breeds Heifer: Mikaela Boss, Manchester

Champion Commercial Heifer: Kale Spengler, Durant

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Bailey Core, Pleasantville

Awards Given in FFA Poultry Competition at Iowa State Fair

Sixty-four FFA members exhibited 354 birds in the Poultry Show judged Thursday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Kelly Colehour of Anamosa showed the Grand Champion Market Broiler. Runner-up to

Colehour and claiming the Reserve Champion Market Broiler title was Isaac Luzum of Decorah.

The Grand Champion Breeding Birds title went to Kristin Samson of Newton. Emily Meerdink of Hawarden claimed the Reserve Champion Breeding Birds title.

Breed division winners in the FFA Poultry Show included:

Champion American: Payton Rivera, Durant

Reserve Champion American: Payton Rivera, Durant

Champion Mediterranean: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Reserve Champion Mediterranean: Jay McCoskey, Jewell

Champion English: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion English: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Miscellaneous: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Reserve Champion Miscellaneous: Darcey Tjaden, Wyoming

Champion Bantam, Old English Game: Ben Parcher, Rudd

Reserve Champion Bantam, Old English Game: Ben Parcher, Rudd

Champion Bantam, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Payton Rivera, Durant

Reserve Champion Bantam, Rose Comb, Clean Legged: Payton Rivera, Durant

Champion Bantam, Any Other Comb, Clean Legged: Gabi Martens, Wyoming

Champion Bantam, Feather Legged: Kristin Samson, Newton

Reserve Champion Bantam, Feather Legged: Gabi Martens, Wyoming

Champion Bantam, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Reserve Champion Bantam, Single Comb, Clean Legged: Cami Maurer, Wilton

Champion Market Ducks: Arianna Jamieson, Newton

Champion Breeding Ducks: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Breeding Ducks: Mary Broadfoot, Charlotte

Champion Breeding Geese: Myranda Bartels, Elma

Reserve Champion Breeding Geese: Myranda Bartels, Elma

Champion Market Turkeys: Cassidy Simmons, Guthrie Center

Reserve Champion Market Turkeys: Cassidy Simmons, Guthrie Center

Champion Asiatic: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion Asiatic: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Champion Continental: Alaina Martensen, Onslow

Reserve Champion Continental: Madalyn Boehm, Elgin

Champion Large Fowl: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Reserve Champion Large Fowl: Emily Meerdink, Hawarden

Champion Bantam: Kristin Samson, Newton

Reserve Champion Bantam: Payton Rivera, Durant

Champion Roasters: Ben Friederichs, Walcott

Reserve Champion Roasters: Koltin Sulzner, DeWitt

Champion Commercial: Cassidy Simmons, Guthrie Center

Reserve Champion Commercial: Arianna Jamieson, Newton

Judges Award Top Honors at Iowa State Fair Columbia Sheep Show

Three Minnesota exhibitors collected top honors in the Columbia Sheep show judged Friday at the 2013 Iowa State Fair.

Isaiah Bauck of New York Mills, Minn., showed the Champion Ram and Champion Ewe and placed first in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

Charles and Louise Worm of Lakefield, Minn., showed the Reserve Champion Ram and took third place in the Premier Exhibitor contest. Reserve Champion Ewe banner was awarded to Thiesen Columbias of Windom, Minn., who also earned second place in the Premier Exhibitor contest.

Complete results below (names, hometowns and animal identification):

Yearling Ram

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-17, 2/22/2012, 420681

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Rench 1266, 1/10/2012, U20560

3) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 200, 9/14/2011, U20696

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 150, 2/13/2012, U20513

Color Yearling Ram

1) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, HF 12-1025, 1/15/2012, 055376

Fall Ram Lamb

1) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1302 QR, 9/13/2012, U 21655

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-96, 10/14/2012

3) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 310, 10/21/2012, Applied For

4) Dar Braet, Calamus, Fall Ram, 9/17/2012

5) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-93, 9/30/2012, 422025

6) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille F12-11, 9/17/2012, U22003

7) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Frey 12-8, 9/13/2012

8) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 170, 9/12/2012, U21854

9) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley, Travaille F12-17, 9/19/2012, U 22002

January Ram Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-4, 1/14/2013, 422028

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-2, 1/10/2013, 422026

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 503, 1/25/2013, 621823

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 172, 1/17/2013, U21858

5) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 330, 1/6/2013

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 174, 1/17/2013, U21862

February Ram Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-18, 2/21/2013, 422031

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 372, 2/19/2013, 622030

3) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm, 2/2/2013

4) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill. , M Williams 1326 QR, 2/11/2013, U 21920

5) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley, Travaille 13-99, 2/25/2013

6) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 3029, 2/1/2013

7) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 179, 2/2/2013, U21850

8) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 514, 2/16/2013, 621825

March and After Ram Lamb

1) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 187, 3/3/2013, U21863

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-28, 3/22/2013, 622037

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 398, 3/10/2013

4) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-24, 3/4/2013, 422036

5) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 189, 3/5/2013, U21849

Color Ram Lamb - All Ages

1) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., CJ 3-15, 2/20/2013, 422014

2) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., 65 3-7, 1/6/2013, 422013

Pair of Ram Lambs

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

3) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

4) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

5) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

6) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

7) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley

Yearling Ewe

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck, 2/17/2012, 620674

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 1-81, 9/29/2011, 620663

3) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 12-38, 2/10/2012

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 204, 9/25/2011, U20697

5) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 571, 2/2/2012, 620647

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 148, 1/28/2012, U20512

7) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1216 QR, 1/24/2012, U 20346

8) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 243, 2/17/2012, U20928

9) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 598, 3/3/2012, 620537

10) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 12-84, 2/18/2012

11) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 159, 3/1/2012, U20524

12) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1209 QR, 1/21/2012, U 20339

Pair of Yearling Ewes

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

3) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley

4) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

5) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

6) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

Fall Ewe Lamb

1) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Frey 12-5, 9/9/2012

2) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 169, 9/12/2012, U21855

3) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-68, 10/14/2012

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 305, 10/2/2012

5) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., M Williams 1301, 9/13/2012

6) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1308 QR, 9/15/2012, U 21665

7) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-67, 9/22/2012, 622021

8) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille F12-08, 9/17/2012, U22004

9) Shane Travaille, Sibley, Frey 12-7, 9/11/2012

10) Chad Travaille, Sibley, Bauck 2-73, 10/10/2012

11) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille F12-10, 9/17/2012

January Ewe Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-30, 1/10/2013, 422064

2) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-32, 1/14/2013, 622029

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Man the 100, 1/29/2013

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 175, 1/19/2013, U21861

5) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-38, 1/30/2013

6) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1324 RR, 1/31/2013, U 21916

7) Chad Travaille, Sibley, Kuehne 1305, 1/18/2013

8) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 502, 1/25/2013, 621818

9) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 173, 1/17/2013, U21859

10) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-39, 1/30/2013, U 22010

February Ewe Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-44, 2/28/2013, 422033

2) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill., M Williams 1325 QR, 2/11/2013, U 21917

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 508, 2/3/2013, 621821

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 339, 2/16/2013

5) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-40, 2/17/2013, 422032

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 180, 2/2/2013, U21847

7) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 511, 2/7/2013, 621830

8) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-96, 2/25/2013

9) Dar Braet, Calamus, Feb Ewe Lamb, 2/4/2013

10) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 338, 2/16/2013

March and After Ewe Lamb

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-56, 3/18/2013, 622034

2) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 520, 3/2/2013, 621831

3) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 186, 3/2/2013, U21853

4) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 3-97, 3/18/2013, 622035

5) Dar Braet, Calamus, 2/23/2013

6) Travaille Family Columbias, Sibley, Travaille 13-109, 3/2/2013

7) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 345, 3/4/2013

8) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Worm 344, 3/11/2013

9) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis., Hi-Way C 185, 3/2/2013, U21852

10) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Thiesen 524, 3/5/2013, 621828

Color Ewe Lamb-All Ages

1) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., 65 3-35, 1/30/2013, 622016

2) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., CJ 3-47, 2/27/2013, 622017

Pair of Ewe Lambs

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

3) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

5) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

6) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

7) Chad Travaille, Sibley

8) Dar Braet, Calamus

9) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

Pair of Lambs

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

4) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

5) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

6) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

7) Dar Braet, Calamus

8) Duane Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

Young Flock

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

4) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

5) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

6) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

7) Dar Braet, Calamus

Flock

1) Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn.

2) Charles and Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn.

3) Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn.

4) Micki Williams, Freeport, Ill.

5) Travaille Family Columbia's, Sibley

6) Hi-Way C Columbias, Mindoro, Wis.

Champion Ram: Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck 2-17

Reserve Champion Ram: Charles & Louise Worm, Lakefield, Minn., Rench 1266

Champion Ewe: Isaiah Bauck, New York Mills, Minn., Bauck

Reserve Champion Ewe: Thiesen Family Columbias, Windom, Minn., Frey 12-5

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

* * *

12 Aug 2013

Commentary: The Police State Mindset in Our Public Schools

By John Whitehead

August 12, 2013
By John W. Whitehead

"Is it surprising that prisons resemble factories, schools, barracks, hospitals, which all resemble prisons?" - Michel Foucault

Once upon a time in America, parents breathed a sigh of relief when their kids went back to school after a summer's hiatus, content in the knowledge that for a good portion of the day their kids would be gainfully occupied, out of harm's way and out of trouble. Those were the good old days, before school shootings became a part of our national lexicon and schools, aiming for greater security, transformed themselves into quasi-prisons, complete with surveillance cameras, metal detectors, police patrols, zero tolerance policies, lock downs, drug sniffing dogs and strip searches.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, instead of making the schools safer, we simply managed to make them more authoritarian. It used to be that if you talked back to a teacher, or played a prank on a classmate, or just failed to do your homework, you might find yourself in detention or doing an extra writing assignment after school. Nowadays, students are not only punished for transgressions more minor than those?such as playing cops and robbers on the playground, bringing LEGOs to school, or having a food fight?but they are punished with suspension, expulsion, and even arrest.

As a result, America is now on a fast track to raising up an Orwellian generation?one populated by compliant citizens accustomed to living in a police state and who march in lockstep to the dictates of the government. Indeed, as I point out in my book, A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State, with every school police raid and overzealous punishment that is carried out in the name of school safety, the lesson being imparted is that Americans?especially young people?have no rights at all against the state or the police. In fact, the majority of schools today have adopted an all-or-nothing lockdown mindset that leaves little room for freedom, individuality or due process.

For example, when high school senior Ashley Smithwick grabbed the wrong lunch sack?her father's?on the way to school, the star soccer player had no idea that her mistake would land her in a sea of legal troubles. Unbeknownst to Ashley, the lunchbox contained her father's paring knife, a 2-inch blade he uses to cut his apple during lunch. It was only when a school official searching through students' belongings found the diminutive knife, which administrators considered a "weapon," that Ashley realized what had happened and explained the mistake. Nevertheless, school officials referred Ashley to the police, who in turn charged her with a Class 1 misdemeanor for possessing a "sharp-pointed or edged instrument on educational property."

Tieshka Avery, a diabetic teenager living in Birmingham, Alabama, was slammed into a filing cabinet and arrested after falling asleep during an in-school suspension. The young lady, who suffers from sleep apnea and asthma, had fallen asleep while reading Huckleberry Finn in detention. After a school official threw a book at her, Avery went to the hall to collect herself. While speaking on the phone with her mother, she was approached from behind by a police officer, who slammed her into a filing cabinet and arrested her. Avery is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the school.

In May 2013, seven students at Enloe High in Raleigh, North Carolina, were arrested for throwing water balloons as part of a school prank. One parent, who witnessed police slamming one of the arrested students on the ground, was also arrested for attempting to calmly express his discontent with the way the students were being treated.

Unfortunately, while these may appear to be isolated incidents, they are indicative of a nationwide phenomenon in which children are treated like criminals, especially within the public schools. The ramifications are far-reaching. As Emily Bloomenthal, writing for the New York University Review of Law & Social Change, explains:

Studies have found that youth who have been suspended are at increased risk of being required to repeat a grade, and suspensions are a strong predictor of later school dropout. Researchers have concluded that "suspension often becomes a 'pushout' tool to encourage low-achieving students and those viewed as 'troublemakers' to leave school before graduation." Students who have been suspended are also more likely to commit a crime and/or to end up incarcerated as an adult, a pattern that has been dubbed the "school-to-prison pipeline."

Moreover, as suspensions and arrests for minor failings and childish behavior become increasingly common, so does the spread of mass surveillance in our nation's schools. In fact, our schools have become a microcosm of the total surveillance state which currently dominates America, adopting a host of surveillance technologies, including video cameras, finger and palm scanners, iris scanners, as well as RFID and GPS tracking devices, to keep constant watch over their student bodies.

For example, in May 2013, Polk County School District in Florida foisted an iris scanning program on its students without parental consent. Parents were sent a letter explaining they could opt their children out of the program, but by the time the letter had reached parents, 750 children had already had their eyes scanned and their biometric data collected.

Making matters worse, these iris scanning programs are gaining traction in the schools, with school buses even getting in on the action. As students enter the school bus, they will be told to look through a pair of binocular-like scanners which will either blink, indicating that the student is on the right bus, or honk, indicating that they've chosen the wrong one. This technology is linked with a mobile app which parents can use to track their child's exact whereabouts, as each time their eyes are scanned the parent receives a print out with their photo and Google map location, along with a timestamp. Benefits aside, the potential for abuse, especially in the hands of those who prey on the young, are limitless.

Insiders expect this emerging industry to expand beyond schools to ATMs, airports, and other high security areas within the next few years. It's definitely big business. The school security industry, which includes everything from biometrics to video surveillance, was worth $2.7 billion in 2012 and is expected to grow by 80% over the next five years and be worth $4.9 billion by 2017.

Even so, promises of profit, safety and efficiency aside, it doesn't bode well for our nation's youth who are being raised in quasi-prisonlike school environments where they are treated as if they have no rights and are taught even less about the Constitution. It has been said that America's schools are the training ground for future generations. If so, and unless we can do something to rein in this runaway train, this next generation will be the most compliant, fearful and oppressed generation ever to come of age in America, and they will be marching in lockstep with the police state.

This commentary is also available at www.rutherford.org.

12 Aug 2013

Turning the Tide on Childhood Obesity

By Amanda Browne

by Dr. Janey Thornton, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services

As the Department of Agriculture's Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, I am on a mission to make sure all of our nation's children have the best possible chance at a healthy life and a bright future. So, I'm very encouraged by some recent news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  the rate of obesity among low-income pre-school children appears to be declining for the first time in decades.

The declining rates show that our collective efforts?at the Federal, State and community level?are helping to gain ground on childhood obesity, particularly among some of the more vulnerable populations in our country.  Low-income children are often at a big disadvantage when it comes to getting the food they need to grow up healthy and strong, which is why the nutrition programs and resources available through USDA are so vital.

Programs like WIC?with its new, healthier food package offerings for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children, including more fruits and vegetables and more whole grains?and the Child and Adult Care Food Program?with its increasing emphasis on nutrition and physical activity for young children?are making a difference in the lives of millions of children.

Our efforts don't stop there. School-aged children are now getting healthier and more nutritious school meals and snacks, thanks to the support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative and historic changes implemented under the historic Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.  We're supporting healthy, local foods in schools through our Farm to School grant program, and we're improving access to fresh produce and healthy foods for children and families that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

So what can you do to make a change in your home and community? Parents and caregivers can use educational materials like Healthy Eating for Preschoolers and Nutrition and Wellness Tips for Young Children to help teach young children healthy habits from the start. Teachers, principals and school food service professionals can use nutrition education materials like the Great Garden Detective curriculum provided through Team Nutrition to motivate older children to eat healthy and try new foods. Kids can explore MyPlate Kids Place and take the MyPlate Pledge to commit to making healthy food choices at school and at home. And parents, teachers, and kids alike can get active and learn about healthy foods with Let's Move! in school, at home and in their communities.

Don't get me wrong?we still have a long way to go before America's childhood obesity epidemic is a thing of the past.  Far too many?1 out of every 8?preschoolers are still obese.  Unfortunately, obesity in these early childhood years sets the perfect stage for serious health problems throughout the entire lifespan. 

We at USDA are proud of our ongoing efforts to ensure the health of America's next generation, and we know that, combined with your efforts at home, we are beginning to see real results in thefight against early childhood obesity.

Dr. Janey Thornton serves as USDA's Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Deputy Under Secretary.  Before coming to USDA, Dr. Thornton served as School Nutrition Director for Hardin County Schools in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and served as president of the 55,000-member School Nutrition Association during the 2006-2007 school year. Learn more about USDA's efforts to improve child nutrition and visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for quick, easy nutrition and diet tips for families.

12 Aug 2013

Do You Have to be a Renaissance Person in Today's Economy?

By Rick Martin
Deteriorating Job Conditions Affecting More U.S. Adults;
Professional Woman of Many Hats Offers Perspective

Brushes with poverty, extended periods of joblessness and a reliance on welfare is part of the "new normal" for the average American worker, according to new data reported from The Associated Press.

Economic security isn't what it used to be before the economic crash of 2008; survey data points to the loss of manufacturing jobs, the globalized economy and a widening gap between rich and poor as reasons for why 4 in 5 workers in the United States will experience economic hardship in their lifetime. 
"I certainly don't envy what the average worker will likely endure throughout his or her career, but as an ambitious woman coming up through the ranks of corporate culture - the boy's club - many decades ago, I know the hardship of sustaining the career of your dreams," says 75-year-old Darlene Quinn, author of Unpredictable Webs, (www.darlenequinn.net), the newest in her stand-alone series of suspense-filled dramatic novels which are now in development for a major TV series.

Quinn is a former senior executive with the Bullocks Wilshire department store chain who went on to pursue an award-winning career in fiction writing. She started by earning a bachelor's at San Jose State University and she became a schoolteacher, later climbing her way up the corporate retail ladder during a time of tremendous upheaval in the fashion industry.

"Change is natural; change is life, and you don't have to be afraid of it," she says.

Quinn, a family woman who has also been proactive in managing beauty pageants, volunteering for charity and corporate training, offers the following career advice to struggling professionals:

• Parlay your strengths; experience and education isn't everything. Unfortunately, many workers are finding this out. Nowadays, even advanced college degrees are no guarantee of job security. It's not uncommon to find holders of master's degrees working in low-paying jobs. While a degree is still needed to get your foot in the door of most professional job openings, consider that which you most excel. As a professional, you may not be perfect in every aspect of your career, but there are activities in a job that you probably do regardless of work. Perhaps that's managing groups of people, writing or designing websites. What is your strength, and how does that translate to a more promising field?

• Shoot for the top! Of course, you don't have to be in a state of economic hardship to consider switching fields. The Internet is allowing us to be more connected than ever and permanently altering the employment landscape. Perhaps you see an opportunity in online education and, as an administrator on a college campus you know the weaknesses of today's traditional university system. If you take well to new software, are available beyond the usual 9-to-5 hours and have a stable work history, then why not make more than a lateral move?

• Is it time to trade in that necktie or pantsuit for your passion? After having accomplished so much in the corporate world, Quinn decided it was time for a new direction, so she pursued her passion for writing and has done very well, winning multiple awards. Perhaps it's time to take what you already love doing so well at home and apply it to a career. If you love cooking, for example, and others love what you create, you may want to consider a new career.

About Darlene Quinn

Darlene Quinn is an author and journalist from Long Beach, Calif., whose novels about deceit, intrigue and glamour in the retail fashion industry were inspired by her years with Bullocks Wilshire specialty department stores and are now in development for a major TV series. Her newest, Unpredictable Webs, is the winner of the Beverly Hills Book Awards for Excellence in Fiction and was selected as the number-one President's choice before publication. The novel continues her series, including Webs of Fate, which won the 2011 Reader's Favorites Award before it hit bookshelves; Webs of Power, winner of a 2009 National Indie Excellence Award, and Twisted Webs, winner of the 2011 International Book Award for General Fiction and the 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards for General Fiction.

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