Nova Singers, the region's premier professional vocal ensemble, is currently scheduling auditions for the 2013-2014 season.

(DES MOINES)  - Gov. Terry E. Branstad denied the following application for commutation:

Darrell Bizzett, age 64, committed his crime on September 1, 1970, in Woodbury County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Murder - 1^st degree.

Rodney Borushaski, age 40, committed his crimes on August 12, 1996, in Polk County.  He is currently serving two life sentences for Murder - 1^st degree.

Raymond T. Freie, Jr., age 71, committed his crime on August 28, 1981, in Hancock County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Murder - 1^st degree.

Mark Greiman, age 51, committed his crime on July 27, 1998, in Cerro Gordo County.  He is currently serving a twenty-give year sentence for Robbery - 1^st degree (85%).

Kevin Johnson, age 58, committed his crime on June 29, 1980, in Pottawattamie County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Murder - 1^st degree.

Ed Shaker Nassif, age 43, committed his crime on September 1, 1990, in Linn County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Murder - 1^st degree.

Dee Jay Radeke, age 49, committed his crime on May 31, 1991, in Linn County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Kidnapping - 1^st degree.

Robert C. Richey, age 68, committed his crime on May 8, 1996, in Bremer County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Murder - 1^st degree.

Arthur Rogers, age 40, committed his crimes January 27, 2000, in Scott County.  He is currently serving two twenty year sentences for Robbery - 2^nd degree (85%).

Richard T. Steltzer, age 69, committed his crime on February 6, 1979, in Warren County.  He is currently serving a life sentence for Kidnapping - 1^st degree.

Legislation works on the local level to train workers to compete in 21^st Century global economy

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that his legislation, the SECTORS Act, is included as part of the Make it in America agenda.  This plan, introduced by House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, is aimed at revitalizing our manufacturing sector and helping it create high-skill, high-wage jobs here at home.  Loebsack's SECTORS Act links together businesses, labor organizations, local stakeholders, and education and training providers.  This bill works on the local level to ensure employees are properly trained so they can effectively compete in the 21st Century global economy.

"I spent the most recent district work period speaking with local leaders in education, workforce development, labor and businesses to gain their insight about how to best get our economy moving again.  Far too many Iowans are still struggling to find employment, but I am hearing from many business leaders that they are unable to find workers with the skill sets they need to hire.  There is a gap between the kind of skills workers have and the kind of skills that businesses need.  The SECTORS Act addresses this skills gap through partnerships that link together business, labor and education and training providers to promote the long-term competiveness of industries and advance employment opportunities for workers.

"This bill is the kind of common sense measure that we need to jump start our manufacturing industry and start making things in America again.  I am pleased that the SECTORS Act is a part of the Make it in America agenda."

Click here for more information about SECTORS.

Click here for more information on the Make it in America agenda.

The headlines would be comical if they weren't so sad - and numerous.

"YOUNG WOMAN SCAMS LOVE STRUCK ELDERLY MAN OUT OF $200,000" (Elk Grove, Calif., January 2013)

"Just Google and you'll find all kinds of news stories about men who willingly give up their cash, their luxury cars, even an ex-wife's diamond ring," as in the Elk Grove case, says Charles D. Martin, author of "Provocateur," (www.provocateurbook.com), a novel about smart, beautiful women and the power they wield over men.

"As men, we never like to admit that we may be outsmarted by a woman - but the truth is, it is happening all the time!"

And it's getting worse, for men.

"Women are far outpacing men in numbers of college degrees. They now outnumber men, earning almost 60 percent of college degrees," Martin says. "And while that doesn't necessarily make them 'smarter' than men, it sure does add to their advantage."

In addition women have other (obvious) advantages.

"In the presence of a sexy woman, men lose their ability to think or act rationally," Martin says. "That's an enormous advantage for women! Men do not realize that it is women that are in charge of the mating process."

How can men level the playing field? Martin has some suggestions:

• Recognize the predator - and the prey. If you are an older gentlemen, particularly one with some status or affluence and a young, attractive woman comes on to you ... be on guard. She probably has nefarious, not amorous, motives. Keep your pants zipped and your wallet stowed until you are totally persuaded that her affection for you is genuine.

• Remember, they don't have to be young to be dangerous. The woman arrested in the Elk Grove, Calif., case was 30 years old. There are also recent news stories about a 54-year-old woman stealing more than $85,000 from a 93-year-old man, promising him a "big payoff." In another case, a 45-year-old woman had a 60-year-old man paying for her elective surgeries, limousines, even a $1,000 dog. She was arrested in December. "They may be moms or grandmoms, but they're still women," Martin says.

• Even if you are happily married, you are still vulnerable. Beware the "perfect storm," which occurs as a man ages and tries to hang on to his virility, just as his high school sweetheart is also showing signs of wear. That makes him vulnerable to a younger female with ulterior motives. If a sexy woman comes on to you, get away fast.  These "Provocateurs" can get the best of you in a nanosecond.

About Charles D. Martin

Charles Martin runs a hedge fund, Mont Pelerin Capital, LLC, and serves on the investment committees of prominent universities. An established business writer, his first novel focuses on the intrigue that often exists between alpha females that take on - and conquer - dominant males. Martin lives with his wife in a coastal town south of Los Angeles.