Before Jason, Freddy & Other Genre Staples,
Producer Relied on 'Theater of the Mind'

Why do we pay to watch scary movies?

Irwin Yablans, creator of the "Halloween" films that forever changed the genre, says the answer's easy.

"When done right, a horror movie evokes an involuntary response involving fear, excitement, repulsion and fascination," says Yablans, (www.irwinyablans.com),
author of the new memoir, The Man Who Created Halloween. In it, he details his rise as a successful independent producer, sales chief for Paramount Pictures and head of Orion Pictures. His masked creepster Michael Myers, who debuted in 1978, spawned a wave of iconic horror characters, and a new way to do business in Hollywood.

"Too many commentators focus on the cost of making a film, and how much the lead actors were paid," he says. "But, from a producer's point of view, the most important money question is: Is our movie worth the $10 ticket price?"

Yablans shares his views on why we love to be horrified:

• Universal appeal: Horror will always tantalize the masses because it touches a visceral emotional response within everyone - unlike other genres. Not everyone finds the same things funny, for example, but just about everyone finds the same things scary, he says. "Horror connects on that most fundamental level. A truly frightening boogieman, a likeable protagonist and sympathetic victims puts audiences right in the shoes of the characters being chased," he says.

• The difference between horror and horrible, and fan loyalty: As a boy, Yablans grew up in a poor tenement in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, listening to radio shows that relied on "theater of the mind" narratives, which captured the imaginations of listeners. He used this approach with the Halloween film series. "Too many of today's horror films rely on blood and guts to coax gross-out responses from audiences," Yablans says." 'Halloween' was successful, in large part, because it played more on the mind, where fear lives." Horror fans tend to give new movies the benefit of the doubt, and if the first one is good, then they'll return for parts 2 and 3, he says.

• Cost-effective: Most of the greatest horror film franchises began with modest budgets, including "Night of the Living Dead," $114,000; the first "Halloween," $320,000; "The Blair Witch Project," $35,000. Each of those movies were wildly successful, grossing millions. The "Friday the 13th" series, inspired from the success of "Halloween," has earned a worldwide total of $465 million. "There have been many failures, but the genre is one of the best bets in the film industry," he says.

• Great marketing: Yablans' legendary horror series appropriated a children's holiday, Halloween, and made it exciting for adults. "Everyone wants to be young again - at least sometimes," he says. Other successful horror franchises - "Nightmare on Elm Street," "Friday the 13th" and "Scary Movie" copied Yablans' branded approach: recognizable titles, costumes or makeup and theme music.

About Irwin Yablans

Irwin Yablans is the executive producer and creator of the "Halloween" film series, which forever changed the horror genre and the old studio system. His new autobiography, "The Man Who Created Halloween," details a true rags-to-riches tale of a boy who grew up in a roach-invested tenement in Brooklyn to become the man who transformed society's view of a children's holiday. Yablans' influence in Hollywood includes setting the standard for a new breed of independent producers and filmmakers, the discovery of famed director John Carpenter and advocating for studio support of one of the most acclaimed films in history, Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now."

The Braley Record: Standing up for our returning heroes

WATERLOO, IA -- Braley for Congress launched its third television ad of the 2012 campaign today, focused on Braley's record fighting for Iowa's veterans.

The 30 second spot, titled "Repay", will air on eastern Iowa broadcast and cable television outlets.  The ad focuses on Braley's work in Congress on behalf of Iowa's returning veterans, from passing a tax credit for businesses that hire veterans to securing overdue combat pay for members of the Iowa National Guard who served in Iraq.
"My dad was barely eighteen years old when he landed on Iwo Jima during World War II.  He taught me what it means to serve," Braley said.  "The best way to thank a veteran for their service is to help them get a job when they come home, and that's what I've focused my work in Congress on.  'Support our troops' means standing behind them not just when they're fighting for us abroad, but after they've come home."
The ad focuses on two key Braley accomplishments for Iowa's veterans: (1) passing a tax credit last year for small businesses that hire unemployed veterans and, (2) after a two-year struggle with the Department of Defense, securing overdue combat pay for Iowa National Guard troops who fought in Iraq.
View the ad here: http://youtu.be/KQo-blL6P2E
A transcript of the ad follows:
BRALEY: He landed on Iwo Jima the same day that the flag was raised.  My dad was eighteen, and it's just remarkable that somebody who is barely out of high school could be put in a situation like that.
ANNOUNCER: Bruce Braley passed tax credits for businesses that hire our returning heroes and took on the Pentagon to get combat pay for those who served.
BRALEY: The best way to thank a veterans is by giving them a job to help people achieve their dreams.  I'm Bruce Braley and I approve this message.
# # #

The 2012 David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival is set for October 2nd at the Davenport River Center and promises a day full of literary adventures. This year's festival features Cheryl Harness, author of historical fiction, Rick Eugene magician extraordinaire, and seven other enthusiastic authors. All third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from schools or home schools in the Mississippi Valley area are invited to experience the magic of the written word from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on October 2nd at a cost of $5 each. There must be one adult supervisor for every 10 students. Scholarships are available for schools or students who are unable to pay. The deadline for registrations is September 18th, but space is limited so register soon!

The featured presenter, Cheryl Harness, is an author and illustrator from central Missouri whose impressive repertoire of over 40 ghost stories and historical books have titillated young audiences for years. Funny and talented, she will demonstrate her process of researching, writing, and illustrating the ideas the pop into her head. All students will get to experience Harness' enthusiastic presentation as well as magician Rick Eugene's tricks and illusions.

Other presenters include Ryan Collins and Belinda Holbrook, both back by popular demand for their interactive presentations that encourage students to engage with literature as both readers and writers. A new group of presenters include non-fiction experts, poets, illustrators, and science aficionados and feature such names as Leone Castell Anderson, Eileen Boggess, Deb Bowen, Michael Graf, and Jill Esbaum. With such a wide array of professional interests, there will certainly be something for everyone.

In addition to the presentations, children will have the opportunity to shop for their favorite presenters' books as well as others. All children will receive a free book along with other giveaways.

Contact Joan Walton by phone at 563-391-2738 or by e-mail at djwalt4@msn.com for information and registration materials for your school. More information along with a registration form and Festival brochure are also available at www.midwestwritingcenter.org under the "Events and Opportunities" tab.

The 2012 David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival would not be possible without its partners, the Davenport Public Library, Bi-State Literacy Council, and the Midwest Writing Center; or it grantors, The Riverboat Development Authority, Scott County Regional Authority, and The Moline Foundation.

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(DES MONIES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today praised Iowa's management of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Funds, which for the second year in a row will allow a significant savings for Iowa's employers.

This year, Iowa employers will see $100 million in tax savings by moving from tax table four to table five. The average rate will fall from 2.4 percent to 2.0 percent for 2013.

"Our efficient, effective management of this trust fund will allow Iowa's employers more flexibility with their own dollars," said Branstad. "This is $100 million that will be reinvested in Iowa's communities, and is a clear sign that Iowa works to ensure that our valuable employers are successful in building Iowa's economy."

In 2013, over 52 percent of Iowa businesses will experience a zero rate.  Iowa is one of only six states in the country that provides a zero rate within the tax tables. Additionally, the new employer non-construction rate will decrease from 1.5 percent in 2012 to 1.1 percent in 2013.

"This is another positive signal we are sending to Iowa's employers," said Lt. Gov. Reynolds. "The state of Iowa is leading with sound management of our resources, and employers are counting on this stability when considering whether to locate or expand here."

Iowa Workforce Development is the state agency charged with collecting unemployment insurance taxes from employers and operating Iowa's unemployment insurance payment programs for workers. Annually, Iowa Workforce Development identifies the appropriate table for the following year. Unemployment tax rates are based on wages and recent unemployment benefit payments.  In 2013, the tax rate will move favorably to table five.

"This is exciting news for Iowa businesses and the economy," stated Iowa Workforce Development director Teresa Wahlert.  "While states across the country have struggled with the stability of their Unemployment Insurance Trust Funds, Iowa has moved the rates in a positive direction for businesses two years in a row."

"The people of Iowa have our commitment to carefully manage the trust fund in the coming year to continue this beneficial trend for Iowa businesses.  Iowa has one of the lowest UI tax rates in the nation," stated Wahlert.

Due to the design of Iowa's unemployment tax system developed under Gov. Branstad's administration in the 1980's and Iowa Workforce Development's diligent oversight of the UI Trust Fund throughout the national recession and initial recovery, Iowa businesses will benefit with an average decrease in taxes.

Throughout the state, Iowa Workforce Development provides critical services and resources to support the prosperity, productivity, health and safety of Iowans and their communities. Services are available in 15 regional centers, four satellite offices and hundreds of Access Points.

 

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September 8 - November 4, 2012

Davenport, IOWA (September 2012) The Figge Art Museum is pleased to present Posing Beauty in African American Culture, an exhibition that explores the contested ways in which African and African American beauty have been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a diverse array of media including photography, video, fashion, and advertising. Posing Beauty opens on Saturday, September 8 and runs through November 4, 2012.

Throughout the Western history of art and image-making, the relationship between beauty and art has become increasingly complex within contemporary art and popular culture. The images in this exhibition challenge idealized forms of beauty in art by examining their portrayal and exploring a variety of attitudes about race, class, gender, popular culture and politics as seen through the aesthetics of representation.

This exhibit features approximately 50 works drawn from public and private collections, and the accompanied book, published by W.W. Norton, will be for sale in the Museum Store. Artists in the exhibit include, among others, Carrie Mae Weems, Charles "Teenie" Harris, Gary Winogrand, Renee Cox, Mickalene Thomas and Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe.

The Figge partnered with St Ambrose University, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Gathering of Women, RI County NAACP, and Imani! Dancers & Studio for Cultural Arts, Inc. to develop programs for this exhibition. "Posing Beauty is a provocative and thoughtful sharing between African American women on their struggle to define their 'beautifulness' and to share their  personal feelings with other 'sistas' on how their 'beautifulness' have been defined and continue to be refined," said Liz Sherwin, President RI County NAACP. Shirleen Martin, founder of Gathering of Women, also worked closely with the Figge Education Department to develop programming for this exhibition. "Beauty is both internal and external and the true beauty of a Black Woman is worthy of all the attention and exploration that the world can offer," stated Martin.

An exhibition reception for Posing Beauty in African American Culture will be held at 6pm on Thursday, September 27.  Following the reception, exhibition curator Dr. Deborah Willis will lead the discussion "Posing Beauty in African American Culture." Willis is chair and professor of photography and imaging at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, where she also has an affiliated appointment with the College of Arts and Sciences, Africana Studies. Willis, a 2000 McArthur Fellow, is one of the nation's leading historians of African American photography and a curator of African American culture.

Posing Beauty in African American Culture is curated by Deborah Willis and organized by Curatorial Assistance Traveling Exhibitions, Pasadena, California. The exhibition is sponsored locally by the Riverboat Development Authority and Hunt and Diane Harris.

Related Programming

The Figge Art Museum will present a variety of special programming to enhance the visitors' experience of Posing Beauty in African American Culture. Admission to all programs is included with museum admission or museum membership, unless otherwise noted.

Special Workshop
"As Seen through the Lens"

7 pm Thursday, September 20

Local photographers Mark Mess and John Mohr will discuss selected photographs from the exhibition followed by a live photo shoot with public participation.

Symposium

"Is My Black Beautiful?"

1-4:30 pm Saturday, September 22

A panel discussion on the ever-changing concepts that define black beauty in the context of fashion and time.

1-2 pm • Panel Discussion, Moderator: Bobbie Lastrapes

2-3 pm • Gallery Talk • Led by Rima Girnius, PhD, Figge Art Museum associate curator

3-4:30 pm • Reception and informal performances by the Imani! Dancers & Studio for Cultural Arts, Inc

Inspired by the exhibition Posing Beauty in African American Culture, this symposium will begin with a panel discussion moderated by community leader Bobbie Lastrapes and will include local African American women spanning sixty years in age, all of whom will be reflecting on what it means and has meant to be beautiful in the traditional sense and also on a personal level. Audience members will be encouraged to contribute their thoughts and add to the conversation. Following the panel discussion, participants will visit the exhibition for an informal tour, led by Figge curator Rima Girnius, after which there will be a reception and performances by the Imani! Dancers & Studio for Cultural Arts, Inc. Refreshments will be served.

Exhibition Reception
5:30-7 pm Thursday, September 27
Join the Figge staff in celebrating the opening of the exhibition Posing Beauty in African American Culture. Refreshments will be served, cash bar.

Curator Discussion
"Posing Beauty in African American Culture"
7 pm Thursday, September 27

Exhibition curator Dr. Deborah Willis will talk about the contested ways in which African and African American beauty have been represented in historical and contemporary contexts through a range of media including photography, film, video, fashion, advertising and other forms of popular culture such as music and the Internet. The lecture will explore contemporary under- standings of beauty by framing the notion of aesthetics, race, class and gender within art, popular culture and political contexts.

Deborah Willis, PhD, is chair and professor of photography and imag- ing at Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, where she also has an affiliated appointment with the College of Arts and Sciences, Africana Studies. Willis, a 2000 McArthur Fellow, is one of the nation's leading historians of African American photography and curator of African American culture. Her most recent works are Posing Beauty-African American Images from the 1890s to the Present; Michelle Obama, The First Lady in Photographs; and Black Venus 2010: They Called Her 'Hottentot' (editor).

Lecture
"Posing Questions: Inquiring About Portrait Photography for Personal Meaning Making"

7 pm Thursday, October 11

Ann Rowson Love, director of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Museum Studies Program, will lead a discussion about interpreting portraiture from a variety of perspectives and current graduate students will demonstrate approaches.

Reception

SAU "Race Matters" Reception
6-7 pm Thursday, October 18

Mingle with fellow art-enthusiasts before the evening's lecture about the exhibition Posing Beauty in African American Culture. Refreshments will be served, cash bar. This reception and the talk that follows is offered in conjunction with St. Ambrose University's yearlong series, "Race Matters" and is co-sponsored by the Women's Studies Department at St. Ambrose University.

Lecture
"You Look Beautiful Like This: Selling Race and Heritage to Chicago's African American Community in the Era of the New Negro"
7 pm Thursday, October 18

Scholar Kimberly Glenn will discuss the New Negro Movement, a blossoming of the arts founded on the premise of African American empowerment and pride in African heritage, which took root in the mid-1920s. This lecture will explore how the ideal of black womanhood was championed through the advertisements of new beauty products that promoted African and African American aesthetic sensibilities with regard to hair and complexion during this time period.


College Night
6-9 pm Thursday, October 25

Inspired by the exhibition Posing Beauty in African American Culture, this event will feature a variety of activities that encourage students to explore identity and personal expression. This event is free to college students, faculty and staff.
Rock Island, IL, September 4, 2012 -- Mr. Jacob Johnson has joined the staff of Marriage and Family Counseling Service. He joins Dr. William Hiebert, Executive Director, and Dr. Derek Ball, Director of the Hiebert Institute, as the full-time resident staff member at Marriage and Family Counseling Service.

Mr. Johnson completes his doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA in 2013. Following his master's degree in marriage and family therapy in 2010 from Northwestern University (Evanston), he worked as a therapist in several settings including Evanston, and in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. During the last two years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Mr. Johnson has been a Research Assistant and a therapist at the Family Therapy Center in Blacksburg. He is the author of 7 professional articles of which five have been based on research related to grandparenting of WIC-enrolled grandchildren.

Licensed as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Mr. Johnson is fluent in Spanish and will be working with couples and families in the agency's Spanish Family Therapy Program, partly funded by Bob and Patti Lane, the Amy Helpenstell Foundation, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and United Way.

Robert Donohoo, the departing resident, completed his 15-month residency in March of 2012. During his residency, Donohoo passed the national marriage and family therapy examination and became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois. Mr. Donohoo remained in the community and is employed as a family therapist with the Veterans Administration in their Moline office working with returning veterans and their various personal and relationship issues that service abroad in Irag and Afghanistan have brought about.

The residency program was established in 1980 for the purpose of providing specialized training in marital and family therapy for a twelve-month period. During his internship, Mr. Johnson will receive supervision by the senior staff of Marriage and Family Counseling Service and will provide over 700 hours of clinical experience working with a variety of presenting issues. Following the completion of the one year internship at Marriage and Family CounselingService, residents will have completed the basic requirement for becoming a full clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Illinois.

Marriage and Family Counseling Service is a community sponsored counseling and education program sponsored by the United Way of the Quad City area, fee income and gifts. The agency has served the Quad City Area for 37 years, offering high quality therapy to individuals, couples and families from Rock Island and Scott Counties and the surrounding areas. Therapy services are offered on a "sliding scale" which means that fees are based on the clients' income. Many types of insurance coverage are also accepted.

Marriage and Family Counseling Service is located at 1800 Third Avenue, Suite 512, Rock Island, with services available to all residents of the Quad City area.

(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and University of Northern Iowa President Ben Allen today announced a series of community conversations featuring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and economic development that will take place across the state in September and October.

The community conversations are designed seek feedback from Iowans about what priorities the Governor's STEM Advisory Council should focus on as the STEM initiative continues to build across Iowa.

"We are determined to provide Iowa's young people with engaging STEM education opportunities, no matter where they live," said Reynolds, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council. "That will help assure more students are well equipped to be knowledgeable citizens and to someday begin college or career training prepared for success. It also will help assure a stronger STEM employee pipeline for Iowa's businesses and industries."

All parents, grandparents, educators, business and civic leaders, legislators and other Iowans are invited to attend the hour-long, town hall style meetings.

"We are in the process of rolling out STEM programs through our scale-up initiative and these community conversations are a way to foster STEM relationships between local businesses, the regional STEM networks and area schools," said Allen, co-chair of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

The Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership whose overarching goal is creating greater student achievement in STEM subjects and a stronger STEM workforce.

"STEM jobs are projected to be among the fastest growing and best paying. Iowa's economy also will benefit if more young people are ready for STEM jobs. Employers routinely tell us they have difficulty filling STEM jobs that pay well because applicants lack the right skill set," said Branstad.

The following STEM Community Conversation events are open to the public:

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012

9:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Tama County STEM Community Conversation

Reinig Center

1007 Prospect Dr.

Toledo, IA

11:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Black Hawk County STEM Community Conversation

University of Northern Iowa - Center for Energy and Environmental Education - Main Lobby

1227 W 27th St.

Cedar Falls, IA

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Greene County STEM Community Conversation

Greene County Community Center

204 W Harrison St.

Jefferson, IA

10:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Boone County STEM Community Conversation

DMACC Boone Campus - Auditorium

1125 Hancock Dr.

Boone, IA

12:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Marshall County STEM Community Conversation

Emerson Innovation Center, Fisher Technology

301 S 1st Ave.

Marshalltown, IA

Monday, Sept. 17, 2012

10 a.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Polk County STEM Community Conversation

Drake Legal Clinic Courtroom

2400 University Ave.

Des Moines, IA

1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Warren County STEM Community Conversation

Simpson College - McNeil Hall - Pioneer Conference Room

701 North C St.

Indianola, IA

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012

1:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Union County STEM Community Conversation

Southwestern Community College - Instructional Center Room 180

1501 W Townline St.

Creston, IA

4 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds and President Allen hold Taylor County STEM Community Conversation

Bedford High School - Auditorium

906 Penn St.

Bedford, IA

Friday, Oct. 5, 2012

9 a.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Emmet County STEM Community Conversation

Iowa Lakes Community College - Wind Energy Facility

2021 7th Ave. S

Estherville, IA

2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Webster County STEM Community Conversation

Iowa Central Community College - Bioscience and Health Services Auditorium (BHS105)

330 Ave. M

Fort Dodge, IA

Monday, Oct. 8, 2012

12:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Muscatine County STEM Community Conversation

Muscatine Community Schools Administrative Center - Conference Room

2900 Mulberry Ave.

Muscatine, IA

3:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Des Moines County STEM Community Conversation

Greater Burlington Partnership - Winegard Board Room

610 N 4th St., Suite 200

Burlington, IA

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012

2 p.m. Lt. Gov. Reynolds holds Linn County STEM Community Conversation

The Hotel at Kirkwood Community College - Ballroom

7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW

Cedar Rapids, IA

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As ObamaCare becomes ever more unpopular, the single payer idea keeps coming up. So let's consider what a single-payer system would look like. There are so many places to look it's a little confusing. Here's a partial list.

Canada tends to come up first, and I think about it a lot. That's because lots of Canadians come to our facility in Oklahoma for their care. Do I really need to say anything else? These are people who have been told to wait for years before they can see a specialist because there are budget "caps." When the money is gone, the doctor's office is closed. Surgeons are allowed only so much time in the operating room in a month. When they have used up their time, they can do no more surgery. Rather than have the market determine the allocation of resources, a Canadian bureaucrat creates a budget and that's that. Presto! The "right" to healthcare is defined. It might not feel too much like a right, however, to those who have to travel to the U.S. for timely surgery, or for those who die waiting in line for care.

Then there's Britain. The Brits harbor such nationalistic pride in their healthcare system that they celebrated it in the opening ceremonies for the London Olympics. It is based on the same faulty economic premise as the Canadian system. The Brits not only euthanize their sick citizens to free up scarce hospital beds (do you wonder how this shortage of beds came about?), but they are proud of this and have even given this highway to the cemetery a fancy name: the Liverpool Care Pathway.British patients that become extremely ill have a better chance of survival at home, surrounded by family and friends, as no one stands a chance once on the LCP. Recovery from severe illness can occur without the help of modern medicine, but recovery of the very sick isn't likely when the hospital staff is actively murdering them.

But there is no need to go outside of the U.S. to see the wonders of socialism in medicine. The VA hospitals and the Indian hospitals provide examples of efficiency brought to us in medicine from government bureaucrats.

Our local paper's lead article recently informed us that the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was closing the office administering driver's tests for the day to train their employees. Zeke Campfield of The Oklahoman writes that the "operator of a local Chick-fil-A restaurant will teach examiners how to be patient and courteous."

What would happen to an employee at Chick-fil-A that was not patient with and courteous to customers? What would patrons of Chick-fil-A do if they were not treated in a timely manner and with respect? What would happen to Chick-fil-A if this treatment of customers were widespread?

Campfield's article also talks about a mother getting in line outside the DPS testing center at 4:15 A.M., only to be turned away at the end of the day because there were simply not enough examiners to get to her son. Three mornings in a row. The spokesman for the DPS muttered something about budget cuts, so I'm guessing we'll see government's usual response, that of throwing even more money at failure.

Try to imagine the DPS in charge of your medical care. Rude and inefficient staff. No competitive fears. Hospitals working together to institutionalize mediocrity so no one stands out as better, eliminating troublesome comparisons. Long waiting lines. Always blaming the lack of funding or budget caps.

The efficiencies and quality of the private sector cannot be superimposed on government agencies for one simple reason: without competitors, government doesn't have to care. Ever. Our state government wants to introduce private sector ideas into a failed government organization. Ironic, isn't it, that health care bureaucrats are increasingly embracing the business plan of the DPS, even as the DPS is looking for private-sector answers? At least the DPS hasn't started euthanizing applicants waiting in line to free up examination spots.

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Dear Friends,

It's appropriate that America designates a day to recognize the incomparable contributions of labor unions. But with so many politicians (mostly Republicans) actively working to obliterate organized labor, we would do well to spend more than just a day discussing issues affecting America's workers.

With that in mind . . . Tuesday, Colin Gordon with the Iowa Policy Project talks about wage theft and the $600 million each year stolen from Iowa workers! Folks might be astounded to learn how many low-wage workers are not paid the wages they are legally owed. And if you think the State of Iowa is doing its job to crack down on violators and protect such workers, think again. For a little homework on the subject, check out the Iowa Policy Project's new report.

Wednesday, Chris Wilbeck of Greene County talks about the potential impact of a 5,000-head corporate hog confinement proposed for her area. Folks there are still reeling from an unsuccessful battle to stop a confinement earlier this year. If the second one is built, there would be 12,400 hogs within a two-mile radius of Chris' home. (To sort of put that in perspective for us city folk, the population density of two-square miles in Des Moines is 5,030 - and a hog produces twice as much excrement as an adult human!)

The confinement operator is Prestage "Farms," a huge enterprise with its corporate tentacles wrecking havoc in six states. To sign a petition to stop them, click here.

And let me just throw this out there: What is it going to take before Iowa Democratic lawmakers - who for years campaigned in favor of local control yet did nothing when they had power - free themselves from the chains of corporate money and stand with the people they pledged to support?

Thursday, we discuss why labor leaders are unhappy with Whole Foods' CEO John Mackey, who once said that binding arbitration is "not the way we normally do things in the United States" and that allowing workers to organize without a secret ballot "violates a bedrock principle of American democracy." As Mother Jones once pointed out, "Mackey's tired canard has been debunked over and over. Even the Wall Street Journal editorial board, home of anti-labor commentary, finally admitted . . . that the 'the bill doesn't remove the secret-ballot option.'"

Also, Thursday, Sonia Ashe with Iowa Public Interest Research Group discusses a new report on Super PACs. The report is called "Megaphones for Millionaires," and it's timely given the vast infusion of corporate money in the November election.

Friday, with one eye looking back at this week's Labor Day celebrations and one looking forward to an Iowa Legislature set to convene in just four months, we'll talk about some other issues affecting Iowa workers, including raising the minimum wage and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

So, join the conversation live, Monday-Friday, online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077. And tune-in to Bradshaw, Monday-Friday from 1:30-2:30, also on the Fallon Forum website. Video and audio podcasts are available, too.

Thanks! - Ed

 

EVENTS

September 6 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

September 14-30 - World Premiere of "Sense and Sensibility" (Des Moines)
The book by Jane Austen has been adapted for the stage by Iowa's Kerry Skram. Performances are at the Des Moines Social Club's Kirkwood Theater, 4th and Walnut. For tickets, call MIDWESTIX at (515) 244-2771.

September 18 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month with Irish jigs and reels, Mideastern belly dancing, and Lebanese cuisine washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians and patrons are welcome at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

September 27 - Coleen Rowley 'Blowing the Whistle on War' (Des Moines)
At 7:00 pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 42nd and Ingersoll, Iowa's own Coleen Rowley talks about the need to end our permanent war economy and state of perpetual war. Coleen grew up in New Hampton Iowa and was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation before blowing the whistle on bad intelligence work in the wake of September 11. She was Time magazine's PERSON OF THE YEAR in 2002 and is an important voice in favor of government transparency. Contact Jeff Weiss at jjwcpm@yahoo.com.

October 3 - Jim Hightower: Taking Back Our Food and Agriculture (Fairfield)
Hightower gives the keynote at the Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors annual meeting at 7:30 pm at the Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St. An outspoken critic of CAFO animal production, Hightower will address what is needed to turn around our environmentally destructive, nutritionally compromised system of industrial food production. Contact Diane at drosenberg@lisco.com.

October 6 - The Shrinking Middle Class (Des Moines)
At Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, 10:00-2:00. Cost is $10 and lunch is provided for this presentation and panel discussion. Income inequality, rising costs, political corruption, and economic instability threaten our global household. This seminar will explore a variety of current problems and contemplate solutions surrounding the erosion of middle class political and economic power while providing a theological context for these contemporary struggles.

October 7 - Images of Peace Interfaith Prayer Service (Des Moines)
A 7:00 pm at DMACC Auditorium, Urban Campus, 9th and University for an interfaith prayer service featuring a video by Rodger Routh, presenting images of peace from various faith traditions and a variety of perspectives. At the end of the service people will walk to the Path of Peace Sculpture nearby to scatter the soil gathered from representatives of many different faiths at last year's Interfaith Service. Sponsored by the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee For Peace. Contact Eloise Cranke at (515) 262-5974 or Susie Paloma at (515) 480-1872.

October 20 - Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Barn Owl Band; Jill Allen as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.

 

Relive a glorious tradition of musical theatre with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.  See this Tony Award-winning and timeless classic on November 18.  You are invited to purchase tickets before the general public beginning on Tuesday, September 4 at 10:00 a.m. until Thursday, September 6 at 11:59 p.m.  Click on the orange "Find Tickets" button below and enter in the special offer code: MATCHMAKER.  Tickets ($32, $42 & $52) go on sale to the public on Friday, September 7.  Service fees may vary.

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