12 Jun 2013

Illinois Guardsman Receives Award for Work in and out of Uniform

By Sgt. 1st Class Rob Fafoglia, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

DECATUR, IL (06/12/2013)(readMedia)-- Capt. Aaron Tvrdy of Chicago recently received the Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award for the state of Illinois, an award bestowed upon the top leaders in the country.

The award recognizes company grade officers who demonstrate the ideals for which MacArthur stood for- duty, honor, and country.

"I am proud to be selected by state leadership to represent the many terrific company grade officers within the state of Illinois," said Tvrdy, the assistant engineer officer from the Illinois Army National Guard's 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Chicago. "The Douglas MacArthur award is more than just military achievements; it incorporates community involvement and military values. I am very pleased that the effort I put into these areas of my life is appreciated by those around me."

His award justification states: "Capt. Tvrdy has separated himself as the top company commander in the 766th Engineer Battalion (Eng. Bn.) in Decatur and the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade through his leadership proficiency and various remarkable accomplishments. Tvrdy is a creative, out-of-the-box thinker who introduced several unique operations into the Battalion's training schedule. The combination of excellent leadership, drive and success, along with a genuine care for others are all contributing factors which lead to Tvrdy being recommended for this prestigious award."

Those who served with and commanded Tvrdy could not agree more.

"As long as I have known Captain Tvrdy, he has striven to improve himself and those around him by hard work and determination," said Lt. Col. Craig Holan, Battalion Commander of the 766th Eng. Bn., in Decatur, Ill., a Flora, Ill., native and Tvrdy's former commander. "He has a full plate between his military and civilian careers and family, yet has always tried to be a leader in all aspects of his life. He is a natural born leader, a doer who is never satisfied with the status quo."

The MacArthur Award aims to promote and sustain effective junior officer leadership in the

Army, by recognizing those who go above and beyond. Tvrdy, served as the company commander for the Field Support Company (FSC) of the 766th, led his Soldiers to win the title of the National Guard's Top Small Modification Table of Organization and Equipment Maintenance Company. The FSC also swept the state, regional and national boards of the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence, earning the right to compete at the Department of the Army level against the Active and Reserve component winners.

Tvrdy has proven himself to be well beyond effective, according to Maj. Tim Newman, the Operations Officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company with the 766th and a resident of Mahomet, Ill. At one time, Tvrdy served as Newman's executive officer.

"He has the ability to instill responsibility and a sense of unit pride amongst his subordinates that helps focus everyone on mission accomplishment," said Newman. "This was seen with his company winning the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence. Additionally, he gave the FSC an identitiy which the company quickly embraced. This allowed every Soldier to identify their roles and and responsibilities, thus turning the company into a well-oiled machine."

Tvrdy works as an architect and recently began establishing his own company building sustainable furntiture. He attributes much of his military success to his work on the civlian side and vice versa.

"I feel that military training greatly prepares you for being an entrepreneur; much like wanting to create the best Field Support Company, I also want to create the best sustainable furniture company," he said. "I believe my civilian skillset has greatly contributed to the success I have had in the military. In architechture, you often create something out of nothing, you are required to be creative yet organized and efficient. You need to clearly communicate a design to the team before anything is ever built."

Tvrdy does not take all the credit for the things he has accomplished. There have been many people helping him along the way, he said.

"I am very grateful to have a supportive battalion and brigade commander who trusted me enough to employ my vision of command," he said. "I believe a big part of the success I had as a company commander is that I wasn't afraid to take on challenges and I wasn't afraid to fail because I knew I had great support around me. I feel very fortunate to have commanded the best Soldiers in the state of Illinois."

Tvrdy said his family was supportive as well.

"My civilian life revolves around my family and my beautiful wife," he said. "I greatly appreciate their patience with my military commitments and they truly share in the stress of the job."

All of these accomplishments might be a highlight in the young offier's career, but he is far from finished doing great things.

"Capt. Tvrdy is well deserving of this award and honor," said Holan. "I fully expect his career to be long and can see him in any position of authority the Illinois Guard has to offer. He is a true asset to the Illinois National Guard, the 404th and the engineer corps."

Tvrdy himself doesn't know where life will take him from here, but he is excited and ready to face the challenge, he said.

"I hope to gain experience with brigade and battalion operations and would eventually love another shot at a command position," he said. "New doors seem to open at the least likely opportunities and I am excited to see where the next one takes me."

12 Jun 2013

How to Stay Sane During Financial Peaks & Valleys

By Ginny Grimsley
Market Analyst Shares 5 Tips for Institutions, Traders & Anyone
Else Dealing with Lifestyle Changes & Money Flux

You don't have to be a trader on the world's markets to experience the financial roller coaster, says mathematician Lambros Klouvidakis.

"The world has struggled in recent years to absorb the many stresses and negative influences on global markets and everyone's affected. Look at the senior citizens who lost as much as 40 percent of their retirement investments!" he says. "At one point during the crisis, the Dow Jones Industrial lost 50 percent of its value in less than a week; unemployment shop up more than 5 percentage points and consumer spending, at its worst, dropped by 50 percent."

Traders, however, gain and lose on a regular basis, and we can learn a lot from their experience, Klouvidakis says.

The Canadian market analyst has spent more than 12 years, producing more than 9,000 pages of notes, developing a formula called Semathy (www.semathy.com) that accurately calculates forthcoming exchange rates. Videos on his site document the time of his foresights and when stocks hit enumerated targets. And yes - he's counting on more downs, and ups, ahead for all of us.

Klouvidakis offers tips for traders and anyone else experiencing major shifts in their finances:

· Set the right tone immediately. If you've lost a chunk of money and your lifestyle is already compromised, understand that you can get it back. Rather than wasting energy trying to blame someone or something, focus your efforts on problem-solving. Not only does this mindset put time to good use, it also diverts you from negative and painful feelings. On the flip side, if you have recently come into a large amount of money, smart investments and shrewd spending are equally important.

· Take stock of your human assets. Remember, you have important assets that don't show up on the net worth statement. Education, experience, skills and knowledge are hard to put a dollar value on, but don't overlook them as a resource. Talk to other traders about ways to use strengths and skills during this time of income change and in the future.

· Share the burden & ask for advice. During times of stress, the support of friends and acquaintances is critical. New traders, for example, have difficulty revealing their vulnerability and inexperience to more seasoned traders, but when they do, they open the door to receiving excellent advice. The same is true for those who are not marketplace professionals but need encouragement.

· Accept change and uncertainty (be flexible). Income changes require that we prepare for a journey of uncertainty. We often cling to the very things that hold us back. Traders who adjust well to change know when to hold on to a position and when to let go. Many of us grew up believing strength meant holding on, when it often takes more strength to let go and move on.

· Don't forget your family. Trading, looking for a job or studying for a new career can be consuming, but even when things have gone bad ? especially when things have gone bad ? stay involved with your family and create stability at home. What's good for the family is also good for you. In difficult times, new traders tend to take others for granted and forget to provide the attention they need and deserve. If necessary, make a strong conscious effort to pull together with family and work through tough times.

About Lambros Klouvidakis

Lambros Klouvidakis is the creator of Semathy, an elite foreign exchange consultancy. He is a math expert who has dedicated 12 years of his life to the study of currency exchange behavior. The formula he developed, an algorithm based on the behavior of money and supply and demand, marks current Foreign Exchange rates versus forthcoming rates. The Semathy formula is designed to give financial institutions and governments the ability to capitalize on the foreign exchange market's unique qualities and make viable trading decisions.

12 Jun 2013

Luther College Announces 2013 Spring Semester Dean's List

By Julie Shockey

DECORAH, IA (06/11/2013)(readMedia)-- Kevin Kraus, Luther College vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, has announced that 792 were named to the 2013 spring semester Dean's List.

Zachary Jipp, Luther College senior from Bettendorf, Iowa, was named to the list.

Jenna McGee, Luther College sophomore from Bettendorf, Iowa, was named to the list.

Kelsey Rose, Luther College junior from Bettendorf, Iowa, was named to the list.

Elisabeth Athas, Luther College sophomore from Blue Grass, Iowa, was named to the list.

Reece Rickertsen, Luther College senior from Bryant, Iowa, was named to the list.

Molly Eversoll, Luther College junior from Clinton, Iowa, was named to the list.

Madison Johnson, Luther College sophomore from Clinton, Iowa, was named to the list.

Mitchell DeFauw, Luther College senior from Davenport, Iowa, was named to the list.

Kelli Golinghorst, Luther College junior from Dixon, Iowa, was named to the list.

Matthew McKinney, Luther College junior from Donahue, Iowa, was named to the list.

Chloe Gumpert, Luther College senior from Eldridge, Iowa, was named to the list.

Kayla Naber, Luther College junior from Eldridge, Iowa, was named to the list.

Alexander Heiselman, Luther College senior from Le Claire, Iowa, was named to the list.

Gregory Daniels, Luther College senior from Long Grove, Iowa, was named to the list.

To be named to the dean's list, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D).

Luther is a selective four-year college located in northeast Iowa. The college has an enrollment of 2,500 students and offers a liberal arts education leading to the bachelor of arts degree in 60 majors and pre-professional programs.

12 Jun 2013

IOWA FARM BUREAU APPLAUDS SENATE PROGRESS ON FARM BILL; URGES FORWARD MOVEMENT FROM HOUSE

By Laurie Johns

Iowa Farm Bureau Says Iowa Farmers Have Waited Long Enough to End DC Farm Bill Gridlock

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - June 11, 2013 -Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), Iowa's largest grassroots farm organization, applauds the Senate's bipartisan passage of the 2013 farm bill, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act.  Although it has been months in development and the subject of much debate, the bill's risk management tools and viable economic safety net is welcomed by Iowa's farmers.

"For too long, political chasms in Washington over the farm bill have been casting a mood of uncertainty for Iowa farmers and agribusiness industries.   We know this year's crop is a crucial one for global market exports, biofuel production and Iowa's grain and livestock farmers and we know this new farm bill will have changes in the commodity program; new dairy programs, new risk management programs and producers need to understand them, to help them make choices. Producers also want the confidence that crop insurance plans will be maintained and conservation programs are available," said IFBF President Craig Hill.

Work now intensifies in the House, as it moves forward with its farm bill legislation, which has some notable differences from the bi-partisan Senate version passed last night.  "We urge the House to continue movement forward on this very important legislation, because so much is hanging in the balance when it comes to food production and food security of our nation.  We've all waited long enough for this to get inked," said Hill.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

12 Jun 2013

Iowa State Fair Sew-In Seeks Donations, Volunteers

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (06/11/2013)(readMedia)-- The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is seeking fabric donations and volunteers for the fourth annual State Fair Sew-In. The free program offers Fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 8-18.

Donations of two-yard cuts of fabric in juvenile prints and patterns are needed for quilt backings. In addition, cash donations are needed to help cover the costs of quilt batting and materials. All donations can be dropped off at the Competitive Events Department in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds or mailed to the Iowa State Fair Competitive Events Department: P.O. Box 57130, Des Moines, IA 50317-0003. All donations should be labeled for the Sew-In project.

The Fair is also searching for sewing assistants to help Fairgoers make the simple strip quilts. Volunteers are asked to commit to four-hour shifts from Noon to 4 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m. A site supervisor will be on-hand to supply materials and help with machines. All sewing assistants will receive one parking pass and an admission ticket to the Fair.

Volunteers at last year's State Fair Sew-In completed 265 quilts, which were donated to children at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital, Bidwell Riverside Center, Youth Emergency Shelter and Beloit Children's Services as well as Angel Tree Camps. The sewers represented over 45 Iowa counties, 15 states and 30 foreign countries. Since the Sew-In began in 2009, volunteers have created 989 quilts for children at the University of Iowa, Blank Pediatric Oncology Clinic and Lutheran Social Services of Iowa.

The Sew-In will be open daily during the Fair from Noon to 5 p.m. in the south hallway of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. Fairgoers are invited to stop in and try their hand at quilting basics (no experience necessary). Each participant will receive a commemorative pin for their efforts.

If you are interested in donating, volunteering or receiving more information about the Sew-In, contact Sharon Meisenheimer by phone at 515/986-1145 or by email at rmeis@aol.com.

"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. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

12 Jun 2013

Volunteers Needed

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

Volunteers needed for the Bix7 road race and its related festivities and functions.  The race is July 27 at 8:00am. We need volunteers prior to, during, and after the race.

The committees need adults and young adults (12 years old and older).

Please call us at 563-383-5353 or log on to the volunteer section at www.bix7.com to sign up or for more information.

11 Jun 2013

June 13th 2013 : " Six Sigma: The Next Level " I.S.E.

By Narveen Aryaputri
June 13th  2013 :   Independent Scholars Evenings:

"Six Sigma : the next level."

Continuing our discussion: current applications of the principals of Six Sigma.
.
The growing success  of Costco : dubbed the anti-Walmart.
Do Employees come first?

A trained Black Belt and Green Belt of the Six Sigma from the '90s will be in attendance to answer questions. The circular from the previous discussion on Six Sigma and it's principles will be available.

Open discussion:
Free and open to the public.

This Thursday June 13th. 2013  evening:  Independent Scholars' Evenings:
At
The Moline Commercial Club
2nd Floor.
Above the Phoenix Fine Art Gallery

1530 Fifth Avenue.  Moline. Illinois.

Free and open to the public.

Dress code: business casual.

7.00 p.m

309-762-8547 for the Moline Club
309-762-9202 for The Institute.

light refreshments, wine and beverages are served.

doors open at 6.30. Please use the 5th Ave entrance.  Handicapped entrance is on 16th. Street. Please call for us to open the door on the 16th. street entrance.

Independent Scholars' Evenings are sponsored by
The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, Ltd. a 501(c)3 at state and federal level since 1996
11 Jun 2013

Branstad signs House File 625 into law

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed House File 625 into law.

House File 625: An act relating to revenue and taxation, including retailers maintaining a place of business in this state for purposes of sales and use taxes, agreements relating to the collection of sales and use taxes, sales of tangible personal property and services to state agencies, modifying the school tuition organization income tax credit, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

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11 Jun 2013

QC Interfaith June Newsletter

By QC Interfaith

Summer Blockbuster Edition!

A Victory for Our Community!

Illinois Secretary of Transportation Ann Schneider meets with QCI Transportation Equity Stakeholders and Commits to Bring Highway Construction Careers Training Program to the Quad Cities

On the last day of April, Illinois Secretary of Transportation Ann Schneider met with 30 QCI leaders, and other concerned community members for a Stakeholders meeting in Rock Island to discuss the status of the rail project coming to the Quad Cities, and to share our work in development of the "100 Ready Workers" Job Preparedness project. Sec Schneider emphasized the importance of community partnerships to address preparing our communities and for achieving common goals of greater diversity in the workforce.

QCI won a major victory by securing a commitment from the Secretary to bring the Illinois DOT's Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) to the Illinois Quad Cities. The HCCTP is a partnership between IDOT and the Illinois Community College Board and will provide an approximately $300,000 grant given to Black Hawk College in Moline, which will administer the program. The mission of the HCCTP  program is "to increase the total number of minorities, women and disadvantaged individuals who obtain employment, through the construction trades, in Illinois' highway construction industry." This intensive program is expected to accept 15-30 candidates a year, who will go through more than 400 hours of training, preparing them for careers in the highway construction trades. The Quad Cities is one of only ten such programs in Illinois. In addition, QCI's Task Force will be a part of the Advisory Board the State requires for the program to ensure the program goals and community needs are being met.

QCI to Hold "Dream for All" Rally for Immigration Reform on Saturday, June 29 at 10:00 am at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island

As debate moves ahead in Washington, D.C. on immigration reform, QCI is inviting you to join us for a "Dream for All "Rally for Reform to pray, bear witness and call on Congress and the President to pass comprehensive immigration reform that is humane, has a clear path to legal citizenship, has a just and fair legalization process, and stops the deportations that are tearing families apart. We will hear testimonials about how the broken immigration system is hurting families and our community, and how we as communities of faith can act for justice. We are honored  that Casa Guanajuato Quad Cities, QC Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees and World Relief are partnering with QCI on the day's program. Thank you!

The program will be held at the bandshell of the park from 10 am to 11am.  Join us for this call for just, humane and comprehensive immigration reform. Bring a lawn chair and many friends. For more information, contact QCI at 563.322.4910.

4th Annual QCI Taco Nite Fundraiser is Tuesday, June 25 from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at Azteca 3 Restaurant, 2400 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf

Back by popular demand  -- The 4th Annual QCI Taco Nite Fundraiser! Tickets are $10.00 per person for a wonderful taco buffet dinner. What a deal!  Drinks & Gratuity are not included. Our thanks once again to the generosity of the Azteca Restaurants for their sponsorship. Fun, food and fellowship - all for a good cause! (Hopefully by then it will be too hot to cook!) Purchase tickets in advance to ensure you get in on this great event.

To purchase tickets, call 563.322.4910. Spread the word and help support QCI

QCI Leaders meet with Congressman Dave Loebsack

In May, clergy and lay leaders met with Congressman Dave Loebsack of Iowa to learn more about our new Congressman and to listen to his insights into upcoming legislation to address immigration reform. QCI has invited Congressman Loebsack to participate in a "church basement hearing" on immigration, to listen directly to the community about how they will be impacted by reform . This event should be held during the July break or during August recess. We will post on our website when date is confirmed.

Rekindling Our Congregations (ROC):

The Fire of Faith Campaign - A Movement to Rekindle Our Congregations

An update on our 2013 Fire of Faith campaign to build strong congregations, and develop relationships between area congregations. This year, we have created a Rekindling Our Congregations (ROC) Cohort, which includes All Saints Lutheran Church, Davenport, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Bettendorf, St. Mary's Davenport, the Social Action Office of the Diocese of Davenport and Saint Paul the Apostle, Davenport . The cohort is on a year long journey together of congregational development and strengthening .  This Spring, leaders met for two trainings in April and May and, having surveyed their members about their congregations, are kicking off their Listening campaigns. A Listening campaign is a structured and intentional process of one to ones held in the congregations. During this time, a team of members hold one to ones amongst their congregations , which are designed to build relationships, learn more about their fellow members, and begin to develop ideas for new ministries or developing lay leaders for current ministries.

Using the arts, attitudes and disciplines of the faith based community organizing, Fire of Faith will strengthen a congregation in ways that are measurable to that congregation. While often it is community issue work that draws and keeps a congregation engaged in QCI, this Fire of Faith process focuses in on what a congregation can do using our tools to build their congregation and make sure they are growing and building community.  For more information about the ROC , and about how your congregation can participate next year, call Leslie at 563.322.4910.

QCI and Local Faith Leaders Meet with Bishop Martin Amos and Gamaliel Director of Training John Norton

The Director of Gamaliel Network, John Norton, was a featured speaker at the recent Bible and Justice Conference May 29 - June 2, at St. Ambrose University. While in the Quad Cities, Mr. Norton joined QCI leaders, clergy and social action leaders of the Davenport Diocese at an engaging dialog hosted by Bishop Martin Amos. John spoke about the need for mainline denominations to rebuild community and how the tools of congregation based organizing can help congregations get stronger and take the lead in building those connections we as a society have lost.

QCI Issue Updates

Transportation and Jobs Equity

The next meeting of the Transportation Equity/100 Ready Workers Project will be Wednesday, June 26 9:00am at Church of Peace- 12th and 12th in Rock Island.  Next Steps include recruiting organizations that want to help identify potential candidates in the area for job preparedness training, including the HCCTP through BlackHawk College, and creating a criteria for participating in 100 Ready Workers project.

100 Ready Workers Campaign. Along with continuing our goal of ensuring equitable access to work force hours for minorities, women, low income persons for the rail project through the Community Benefits Agreement, the task force is tackling the issue of job preparedness in our community. Nancy H. , commented on this book and the purpose of the class :  "Rev Jay's sermon about the babies abandoned in the river raised the question of how we can address root causes of injustice. I think reading the book together can help us figure out how to speak publicly--and effectively-- about such things as mass incarceration/racism (with its built-in jobs); immigration injustice; and ravaging the environment for profit." If you don't have the book, you can still come to class! Contact the congregation at 562.359.0816 for more information.

Immigration

QCI leaders joined hundreds of others in Cedar Rapids to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the immigration raid in Postville.

Immigration Task Force meets Tuesday, June 10th at 530pm before QCI's monthly Leadership Assembly at St Mary's Church, Davenport. WE will be working on the Immigration Rally and the "church basement hearing " on immigration for July

Health Equity

The Task force continues to work with the local health systems to ensure equitable access to medical translation services for those whose first language is not English.

Community Events

Medgar Wiley Evers Day! Wednesday, June 12 4:00pm - 5 :00pm

Membership and Voter Registration Drive at United Neighbors, Davenport. Co Sponsored by Davenport NAACP Branch #4019 and United Neighbors

City of Davenport 20th Annual Youth Fest Saturday July 13 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Centennial Park , Davenport - Games, activities, and interactive displays and new this year - explores. This event if FREE. Tuesday, July 10 at 6:30pm at Centennial Park, Davenport

QCAIR FESTIVAL  D'>T>

AN EVENT TO REMEMBER! at Schweibert Riverfront Park, Rock Island, Illinois Cost is $5.00 per person/$10.00 per family - Come enjoy the music, food, and color of the rich cultural diversity right here in the QCA! The Quad City Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees (QCAIR) announces its First Annual Fund Raising Event - Festival d'>té. Enjoy   ethnic   food   and   a   children's   corner   filled   with  fun things to do including Maypole dances, a  "join-in"  drum circle, and face painting. Please - bring you own chairs!

Juneteenth Celebration!  Friday and Saturday June 14 and 15 - all day

LeClare Park Bandshell,Davenport - Admission is free! 

QCI June leadership assembly is Tuesday June 11 at 6:30pm at St Mary's church - 516 Fillmore Davenport

11 Jun 2013

Can Gratitude Change Your Life?

By Ginny Grimsley
Acclaimed Filmmaker Cites 3 Measurable Benefits of Being Thankful

Filmmaker Doug Vermeeren likes to quote author Robert M. Pirsig when introducing the idea of positive psychology: "The truth knocks on the door and you say, 'Go away, I'm looking for the truth,' and so it goes away. Puzzling."

Positive psychology entails a call for science and psychological practice to be as concerned with strength as with weakness; as interested in building the best things in life as in repairing the worst; and as concerned with making the lives of normal people fulfilling as with healing pathology, Vermeeren says.

"People can become suspicious when you tell them that they can change their lives with a simple shift in perspective; it can seem too good to be true because it's an uncomplicated answer to many of life's challenges. But I'm just one of many who have experienced a measurable life change with gratitude," says Vermeeren, creator of the new film, "The Gratitude Experiment," (www.thegratitudeexperiment.com), which demonstrates through individual stories the powerful effects of gratitude on people's lives.

"I feel that everyone deserves that opportunity."

He describes three areas in life that can be positively transformed with the power of gratitude:

• Attitude: Gratitude can help us overcome any problem or hardship. It gives us perspective on what's important, what we truly value and what we have right in front of us. In our small corner of this vast universe, we find the most miraculous thing of all: life. No matter what situation we are in or worries we face, we can always be grateful that we are alive on this beautiful planet. There is a world of possibilities open to whatever attitude we bring to it. Today we can appreciate this opportunity, giving thanks for everything we have and sharing with one another what we are grateful for.

• Health: The positive thinking triggered by our gratitude has proven health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, reducing stress and depression, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, better coping skills during hardship and overall increased sense of well-being, according to the Mayo Clinic. "This isn't empty, New Age-y fluff," says Vermeeren, a successful business consultant. "This is testable criteria and measurable health benefits."

• Relationships: One of the most defining characteristics of the human race is our social nature. We are hardwired to work, communicate and interact with each other. Most of us understand the value of being there for each other, especially during hard times. However, research from the University of California-Santa Barbara shows that it's also crucial to be proactively positive during normal or good times, as well. Positive reinforcement during good times reinforces bonds and assures a friend, family member or spouse that you'll be there during hard times. A neutral response to good news from a spouse, for example, implies apathy and that the responder is less involved in the other's life. "Embrace the good stuff not only in your life, but also in the lives of others," Vermeeren says.

About Doug Vermeeren

Doug Vermeeren is an internationally renowned movie producer, director and author. His award-winning film, The Opus (www.theopusmovie.com), received critical acclaim and has been translated to more than 23 languages. Random House published the book version in more than 23 countries. His new film, The Gratitude Experiment, is now premiering in many of the world's biggest cities. The documentary focuses on how awareness and acts of gratitude can positively transform any situation and improve one's life experiences, both professionally and personally.

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