14 Sep 2012

Who Wins the White House Doesn't Matter - the System is Broken, Pundit Says

By Rick Martin

A recent Gallup poll shows 81 percent of Americans are dissatisfied with the governing of the country, a historic number.

With the ongoing discussion among experts, pundits, politicians and the general public on whether or not America has lost its way, citizens are looking for solutions. They are out there, says Dixie Swanson, former TV personality, former Beltway insider and author of The Accidental President Trilogy (www.dixieswanson.com), a series of novels about an apolitical physician who stumbles into a Senate seat.

"Problems in our country are moving faster than solutions," says Swanson. "Whether we elect Mitt or Barack, we are going to be facing the same gridlock that's jamming and corrupting the process today," she says.

To get the nation back to duly elected government officials who spend their time leading and making decisions in the best interests of the entire country, Swanson suggests the following five amendments:

• Abolition of Electoral Voting: The U.S. electoral process is as antique as a powdered wig. It has already failed three times, electing presidents who did not win the popular vote. As the system stands now, if a candidate wins by one vote in a state with a few people, like Wyoming, he gets three electoral votes. If he wins in California, he wins 55. This violates the idea that every vote counts equally. Romney could get "Gored" this year and win the popular vote but lose the electoral vote. All Americans want their votes to count equally.

• Single Six-Year Term for Presidents: Our country has enormous problems and the president and vice president need to be on the job full-time, not running for reelection beginning on Day 2. No one in the highest levels of the federal government is looking 20 and 30 years down the road. We need to lengthen the term to build in an opportunity for focus and visionary thinking.

• A Balanced Budget: The budget shall not exceed the previous year for which fiscal revenues are known. In the event of a national catastrophe, this can be overridden with a two-thirds vote of each house and the president's signature. This should be gradually implemented throughout the next decade to reduce economic whiplash. This should include an income surtax that goes directly toward paying down the national debt.

• Constitutionally Mandated Campaign Reform: The big money of PACS and Super PACS is corrupting. Let's return power to the voter. Only voters can donate, and then only to one candidate in each race for whom they can vote: his or her choice for representative, senator and one presidential ticket. Congress may set a limit on donation amounts. No entity of any kind may give money to the candidate or give it to an individual to donate. Any violations are a federal crime punishable by five years in prison with no parole. Just as your ballot is secret, your donations will not be published on the internet (with your address) as they are now, but will be reported daily to the Federal Election Commission by the campaign treasurer. All donations are to be made by check, credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer. No cash donations are acceptable and there are no in-kind donations. Lobbyists can still exist and do advocacy, they just can't bring money, or anything of value, to the conversation. During an election, any advertising is to be paid for by the candidate and by no one else.

• The Line-Item Veto: Congressional attempts to give the president line-item veto power have been shot down by the courts as unconstitutional, so the only way to provide this is by amending the Constitution. As is stands now, the courts can throw out a part of a law, but the president cannot. That is inequitable.

About Dixie Swanson

Dixie Swanson was a pediatrician for 10 years and the Family Health Reporter for NBC's Houston affiliate. She also spent time working for a Washington lobbyist with access to the White House.  Dixie is the author of "The Accidental President Trilogy - a Political Fable for Our Time."

13 Sep 2012

Lt. Governor Simon to honor Illinois' Fallen Heroes

By Rick Martin

Will open 'Portrait of a Soldier' exhibit on anniversary of September 11

CENTRALIA - September 11, 2012. On the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will pay tribute to Illinois military service members that have been killed since the start of the Global War on Terror.

Simon will speak at the opening ceremonies for the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit at 6 p.m. tonight at Kaskaskia College. The traveling memorial will be on display at the college until September 24 and features hand-sketched portraits of nearly 300 fallen service members from Illinois.

"On this anniversary we remember those we lost as a result of the attacks on September 11, and the brave military heroes who have defended our country since," Simon said. "The 'Portrait of a Soldier' exhibit honors and commemorates the young men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom."

Among the fallen service members from the Kaskaskia College-area included in the exhibit is Marine Lance Cpl. Torrey Stoffel-Gray of Patoka. Stoffel-Gray was 19 years old and on his second tour of duty when he was killed by hostile fire in Iraq on April 11, 2004. Stoffel-Gray was 17 years old when he joined the Marines and was credited with saving the life of friend Aaron Gordon of San Diego, Calif., during the invasion of Iraq.

Also included in the exhibit is Army Spc. Casey Hills of Salem. Hills died in Iraq on June 24, 2009 at the age of 23 when the vehicle he was in rolled over after coming under attack. Hills was part of a mission providing security for convoys driving into Iraq and volunteered for the mission so a fellow soldier could attend a naturalization ceremony to become an American citizen.

Several other service members from the Kaskaskia College District are featured in the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit and include Marine Staff Sgt. Jordan Emrick of Hoyleton; Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Kleiboeker of Odin; Army Sgt. Matthew Straughter of St. Charles, Missouri whose parents were Kaskaskia students; Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Kyle Price of Woodlawn; and Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Melton of Germantown.

"We at Kaskaskia College are honored to be paying tribute to the 288 fallen heroes from Illinois in the Global War on Terror since September 11, 2001. We shall never forget these men and women who served this nation so proudly in preserving the freedoms we all enjoy as Americans," said Kaskaskia College President Dr. Jim Underwood. "We are very proud to have on display the 'Portrait of a Soldier' exhibit in honor and memory of the fallen heroes from Illinois.  It is a pleasure to have Lt. Governor Sheila Simon present to speak and represent the state of Illinois at this very special occasion.  We also welcome family members of these fallen heroes and the public to this proud event."

These service members will also be recognized by the "Veteran's Tribute" that Kaskaskia College is constructing on campus to recognize past, present and future veterans from the college's district. The memorial is completely funded by private donations and will feature a six-foot-tall eagle sculpture, two walls with the names and branches of area veterans, and the seals of all five branches of service.

Seen by thousands of people at more than 100 venues across the state since 2005, "Portrait of a Soldier" is a tribute to the nearly 300 men and women from Illinois killed in the line of duty since 2001. Artist Cameron Schilling drew the first portrait in 2004, when he sketched Army Spc. Charles Neeley, a 19-year old Mattoon resident who died in Tikrit, Iraq, and presented the sketch to Neeley's parents. Months later, while a student at Eastern Illinois University, Schilling committed to draw a portrait of every Illinois service member.

Governor Quinn today directed state buildings to fly their flags at half-staff today and also called on Illinois residents to take time to thank a veteran, help a military family or salute a Gold Star family. For more information on the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit and ways to help veterans and military families, visit www.operationhomefront.org.

###
13 Sep 2012

'Design a Decal' Contest a Hit Statewide

By Rick Martin

Teachers Use Student-Designed Stickers to Reward Good Work

DES MOINES, IA (09/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) members around the state have used ISEA's student-designed stickers to celebrate student achievement and good work for over 27 years. Now in its 28th year, the popular Design-a-Decal program helps give statewide recognition to young art students when their winning designs are printed on stickers and teachers use them to give positive feedback to their students. With encouraging messages like "Thumbs Up" and "Aced It," the stickers get used on everything from homework assignments, to papers and projects.

Students competed in three, grade-level categories: elementary (K-5); junior high/middle school (6-8); and high school (9-12). The 24 winning designs are printed in full color on sheets of one-inch square stickers and each design is featured twice.

"The Design-a-Decal contest is one of our longest-standing programs because it's so much fun for the students. Art teachers who administer the program are very enthusiastic and the students who submit designs do a great job and love to participate, so it's a win-win for everyone. It's a wonderful way to encourage creativity. The end result is stickers our members can use on homework and other assignments to encourage more great work," said Tammy Wawro, president of the ISEA.

The students who created the designs used on the decal sheets receive two plaques from the ISEA-one they keep and one to be displayed at their school.

(A listing with names of the schools, supervising art teacher, and students whose designs were selected for use on the decal sheets is attached. Also attached is a picture of the winning decals.)

The ISEA is a private, professional organization made up of almost 34,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic.

13 Sep 2012

FREE Lecture Series Open to QC Community: Preparing Students Today for What's Coming Tomorrow

By Rick Martin

We've all heard it - you can't turn on the news without catching the unemployment rate and increasing competitiveness for jobs, including the challenge for college graduates to find a suitable job (or any at all).  Not only does unemployment concern adults for their own job security and future, but as parents we want our children to have the best possible chance for success, prepared for sustainable careers in growing fields.  But how do we predict what occupations will be in highest demand, given the changes in our nation's population and the way we do business?  As a parent, how do you help your child prepare for careers that might not even exist yet?

The time to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow is now!  Rivermont Collegiate is excited to present "Parent Talk" - a recurring FREE lecture series open to the community featuring industry experts on education topics.  The first "Parent Talk" - New Rules for Success in Education - will be held Wednesday, September 26th at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium on the Rivermont campus.  Our guest speaker will be Mr. David Cumberbatch, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for ACT, Inc.  Join us to explore how to prepare students for what's next and equip your children for success!

Future "Parent Talk" lectures will include :

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
  • College Prep
  • Brain Development
  • Art in Education
  • Gifted Learning
  • Comparing Other Countries' Educational Systems

David Cumberbatch

  • Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for ACT, Inc.
  • Past corporate experiences include Microsoft, Procter & Gamble in Europe and Latin America, and Career Education Corporation
  • Serves on the Board of Pathbrite, an e-portfolio start-up in Silicon Valley
  • BA in Computing and Economics, University of Kent at Canterbury (Honors, First Class)
  • Masters in Management Studies, University of Oxford (attended as a Rhodes Scholar)

Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware.  Rivermont is the Quad Cities' only private, independent college prep school for students in preschool through 12th grade.

For additional information, contact Rachel Chamberlain, Director of Admissions and Marketing, at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or chamberlain@rvmt.org.  Visit us on the web at www.rvmt.org!

-END-
13 Sep 2012

Branstad names K. Brian London to head Iowa's Department of Public Safety

By Rick Martin

New commissioner has served in the CIA, U.S. Secret Service and INTERPOL

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today named K. Brian London has the new Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. London begins on October 8th, and replaces Larry Noble, who retired from the position earlier this year.

London, 59, has a long career in public safety, beginning as a U.S. Military Captain from 1975-1980. London then served as the State Traffic Officer for the California Highway Patrol until 1983. From there, he went on to serve in the Office of Security at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Langley, VA.

London returned to California in 1984, where he served as a special agent in the U.S. Secret Service until 1987. From 1987 to 2004, London worked in Washington, D.C. as the Director and Supervisor of Detectives at the U.S. Customs Service, which later turned into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE.)

London served as Executive Director at the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in Lyon, France from 2004-07. He then moved to serve as Deputy Chief for Law Enforcement at the Florida Department of Financial Services in Tallahassee. London remained in Tallahassee, where he most recently was operating as an independent security consultant.

"Iowa is incredibly fortunate to have Brian filling this critically important role within state government," said Gov. Branstad. "There is no higher responsibility for the government than to protect its citizens, and Brian has a wealth of experience to apply within our Department of Public Safety."

"I am honored to have been selected for this position, and look forward to serving with the outstanding men and women of the Department," London said. "I will make enforcement and efficiency both top priorities for the department. I believe a more efficient department will offer a better return for Iowa's taxpayers, and will allow us to perform our core function, which is to protect the safety of Iowans. In my role as a part of Florida law enforcement, I led the effort to reorganize divisions to enhance efficiency, which resulted in increased enforcement."

Reynolds says London will work closely with the administration to ensure Iowa's safety needs are met.

"Our administration looks forward to working with Brian to ensure Iowa's well-earned reputation for being a safe place to live and raise a family is upheld," said Reynolds. "Brian's appointment sends a strong signal about our administration's commitment to public safety. We are excited to welcome Brian, and his experience, to the team."

Brian and his wife, Marie-Line, have three children.

# # #

About K. Brian London:

After serving 6 years on active duty as a military officer, Brian London has served as a sworn law enforcement officer for over 30 years, uniquely serving in a variety of roles in local, state, federal, and international law enforcement.   Brian's initial law enforcement position began in 1981 when he became a State Traffic Officer with the California Highway Patrol, serving in Santa Cruz, California. He later served as a Special Agent in the Central Intelligence Agency, and a Special Agent in the US Secret Service, providing protection to current and former Presidents, Vice-Presidents, and visiting foreign heads of state.

In 1987 Brian transferred to the US Customs Service (now Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and was assigned to the southwest border to work narcotics, financial crimes, environmental crimes, and high-technology crimes investigations. Over the years, Brian served in numerous management positions with the US Customs Service including; Senior Customs Representative, International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), Lyon, France, Customs Liaison to the Executive Office of the President of the United States (The White House), Director in the Office of Investigations, Chief of Special Agent Career Planning, and Exodus Command Center Supervisor. In addition, Brian spearheaded the creation and establishment of the US Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which today is one of law enforcement's largest criminal intelligence and analysis organizations.

In 2000 Brian was assigned to INTERPOL Headquarters, in Lyon, France, and became its first American Executive Director, serving until 2007.  From 2008 until 2010, he served in the position of Deputy Chief for Law Enforcement in Florida's Department of Financial Services.  As the senior law enforcement officer within the Department, Brian had the privilege of leading nearly 900 personnel responsible for criminal investigations of financial fraud, insurance fraud, mortgage fraud, worker's compensation fraud, and arson. In addition, Brian oversaw the State Fire College and the State Arson and Explosives Laboratory.  Brian also sat on the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.

Brian London received the US Department of the Treasury's Albert C. Gallatin Award, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's (FinCEN) Distinguished Service Award, the US Customs Commissioner's Citation Award, Certificate of Merit Award from the Executive Office of the President of the United States, the US Department of the Treasury Certificate of Merit Award, numerous Superior Performance Awards, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) Achievement Award for Academic/Press Affairs, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Writing Competition's, US Marine Corps Association Award, as well as numerous other significant law enforcement awards.

In 1992, Brian was selected to attend the Senior Executive Fellows Program at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and in 1997 Brian London was selected to attend the National War College (the US Military's senior officer military college) as the only US law enforcement representative.

Brian possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Honors) from Claremont McKenna College, a Master's of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University, and a Master's of Science Degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University.

Brian is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), a certified polygraph examiner, and private pilot.  Brian is also an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and former member of the Florida Police Chief's Association, and the Florida Sheriff's Association.

13 Sep 2012

Loebsack Statement on Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today in honor of the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and in observance of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

"Today we join our families, neighbors and friends to stand together to remember and honor those whose lives were lost on this tragic day 11 years ago, the first responders who risked their own lives to save their fellow Americans, and our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

"Today, we also stand together as Americans to honor our men and women in uniform defending our country overseas and all those who have worked tirelessly to keep our country safe so that we may live in peace here at home.  We are united in renewing our commitment to upholding the principles that make our nation the greatest on earth and in keeping our great nation strong and secure against those who seek to do us harm.

"We also come together in service to our communities in the same way that so many came together in the days following those horrific attacks.  It is my hope that today's National Day of Service effort is a living reminder of hope and gives comfort to those whose lives were forever changed.

"Eleven years ago, we were attacked by terrorists seeking to tear our country apart.   But just as the sun was shining bright that tragic morning 11 years ago, it continues to shine bright over our great nation."

###

13 Sep 2012

Governor Quinn Salutes Illinois Fallen Heroes on September 11

By Leslie Wertheimer

Lauds "Portrait of a Soldier" Exhibit in Chicago; Let us "Remember, Reflect, Serve"

CHICAGO - September 11, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn called for a day of "remembrance, reflection and service" to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and servicemembers killed in the global war on terror. The governor today unveiled the "Portrait of a Soldier" traveling exhibit now on display at the Chicago Public Library Archer Heights Branch. This riveting collection by Mattoon artist Cameron Schilling features 250 hand-drawn portraits of each Illinois servicemember killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus far in 2012, 10 Illinois service members have been killed in Afghanistan.

"On this anniversary of one of America's darkest days, let us remember, reflect and serve," Governor Quinn said. "We should never forget the horror faced by those in the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the courage of the passengers on United Flight 93, and the ultimate sacrifice made by our 6,600 fallen heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Governor Quinn directed state buildings to fly their flags at half-staff today and also called on Illinois residents to take time to thank a veteran, help a military family or salute a Gold Star family. Illinois residents can learn ways to help veterans and military families at OperationHomefront.org, which is among the nation's most popular and informative sites in support of our troops. The entire "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit can also be viewed there.

Seen by thousands of people at more than 100 venues across the state since 2005, "Portrait of a Soldier" is a tribute to the 250 men and women from Illinois killed in the line of duty since 2001. Artist Cameron Schilling drew the first portrait in 2004, when he sketched Army Spc. Charles Neeley, a 19-year old Mattoon resident who died in Tikrit, Iraq, and presented the sketch to Neeley's parents. Months later, while a student at Eastern Illinois University, Schilling committed to draw a portrait of every Illinois service member.

"These sketches are a moving tribute to those Illinoisans who gave their 'last full measure of devotion' to protecting our freedoms," Governor Quinn said.

The "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit can be seen at the Chicago Public Library Archer Heights Branch and at Kaskaskia College in Centralia September 11 to 24. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will officially open the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit and honor military families at 6 p.m. tonight at Kaskaskia College.

 ###

13 Sep 2012

Braley Receives Award from Iowa Renewable Fuel Group

By Amanda Bowman

Dubuque, IA - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) received the 2012 Fueling Growth Award from Growth Energy, who represents 79 ethanol producing plants, dozens of associate members, and thousands of grassroots supporters across the nation. Jim Nussle, former Congressman from Iowa's First District, is the President and COO of Growth Energy.

This award is the highest honor presented to congressional leaders who support ethanol - America's home-grown, renewable fuel.
13 Sep 2012

Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds urge Iowans to prepare during Family Preparedness Month

By Office of Governor Terry Branstad

(DES MOINES) - On the 11-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds are reminding Iowans of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters.

 

"The anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is an opportunity to encourage Iowans to take steps now to prepare themselves, their families and their communities for any emergency," said Branstad.

 

Governor Branstad has proclaimed September as Family Preparedness Month in Iowa. Preparedness Month was created in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in an effort to educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies.

 

The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD), Safeguard Iowa Partnership (SIP) and Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) are partnering to encourage Iowans to take a Pledge to Prepare by taking just one simple step to be more prepared for emergencies. The pledge can be found at www.beready.iowa.gov, www.safeguardiowa.org or www.iowaema.com.

 

"We hope that taking the Pledge to Prepare will encourage Iowans to think about what they will need to do if they are in an emergency situation," said Reynolds.

 

In addition to the evident benefits of being better prepared, those who take the pledge may be eligible to win prizes by entering the Pledge to Prepare contest. Individuals, families and groups are invited to record and submit a video showing how they are taking the pledge. Videos must be submitted by Sept. 20. HSEMD, SIP and IEMA will choose the top five videos and ask the public to select their favorite in an online vote Sept. 24-28.

 

Iowans who don't submit a video may still enter their Pledge to Prepare in a random drawing. Pledges may be submitted online or via FAX through Sept. 30. Winners for the contest and drawing will be announced Oct. 1. Target has joined HSEMD, SIP and IEMA in this effort and will provide gift cards and a NOAA weather radio as prizes for the contest and drawing. SIP is also providing emergency preparedness kits to contest and drawing winners.

 

For more information on Family Preparedness Month and the Pledge to Prepare contest and drawing, visit www.beready.iowa.gov, www.safeguardiowa.org or www.iowaema.com.

 

###

13 Sep 2012

How to Take Your Talent from the Playroom to the Stage

By Ginny Grimsley
Young Phenom Offers Tips for Tweens and Teens
with Big Dreams

If you have a vision and a talent, don't ignore it. At least that's what Sydney Rose, 20, has learned.

The singer/songwriter whose debut pop single, "Breaking Rules," hit No. 23 on the national radio Top 40 chart in Sep, says she tried to put her dream on hold - and couldn't.

"I've been in love with music all my life," says Rose (www.sydneyrosemusic.com). "I've learned it's an important part of who I am and you can't ignore that, no matter what your age."

Rose grew up honing her singing skills, then learning guitar ("My first chord was D") and dancing. She overcame any lingering shyness about performing before audiences by joining two other girls in a pop/dance group called Rosemadayne.

But when it came time to attend college, she decided it was best to put her dream on a back burner.

"I was afraid," she says. "I wanted to experience college without the pressure of a music career, but I actually felt more pressure without my dream and I knew I had to nurture that passion that is so a part of me."

That's when she wrote her newest album, "Rise," an up-tempo celebration of life. It's getting airplay on radio stations across the country, a development that never ceases to amaze and delight the rising star.

"Listening to myself on the planet 96.7 right at this moment!!!" she posted recently on Twitter (@itssydneyrose). "This is surreal!!!! #bestdayeverever."

Rose offers tips for other young people who are determined to follow their dreams:

• Get your support team together: Whether it's parents, other family members, friends or teachers, you'll need people who encourage and help guide you. Coaches, mentors or instructors can help you improve - because no matter what your talent and how much of it you've got, you can always expand your abilities with help. Depending on your age, that may require financial and transportation support. "I started voice lessons when I was a tween, and to this day I get intensive voice training," Rose says. "But the more skills you have, the better, so I also started working on dance when I was 13 years old. No matter what type of creative talent you have - singing, acting, writing or painting - if you want to become a professional, you need training." Anyone who is supportive in your life, including friends, other family members and teachers, are reminders of why dreams matter to you.

• Set realistic goals: You may dream of being in the movies or on TV, but don't expect to start there! "I happily performed at bar and bat mitzvahs (bonus! - I met my manager through those), book stores, Best Buy stores, and at my vocal school," Sydney says. "These were great opportunities to get used to being in front of live audiences and learning how to interact with the audience." The smaller goals are there for you to reach the bigger ones - Rome was not built overnight, she says. Those who are supportive will remind you of the big picture.

• Remember, it's OK to be scared: Doing something for the first time can be really scary, and it's perfectly normal to be nervous. But don't let that stop you from getting out there and trying! "From experience, I know that almost anything that seems scary the first time gets much easier, and less scary, every time you do it," Sydney says. "Don't let fear keep you from ever taking the next step."

• Have fun! "With 'Rise,' I wrote songs that are fun and upbeat. I thought, 'If I'm going to do this for the rest of my life, I have to have an amazing time. Right?' she says. Part of what has helped the album's success is that she was genuinely happy and having a good time when she recorded it. No matter what you're doing, your true emotions tend to color your work - they're hard to hide, so work with them.

About Sydney Rose

Sydney Rose is a 20-year-old recording artist who has worked toward her success the old-fashioned way - through training, practice and dedication. She credits great coaches for helping her develop her talent for singing, dancing and songwriting, and she has become a rising star on the pop music circuit. Her new album, "Rise," is now available on iTunes.

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