Simon unveils new white paper on higher education in Illinois at Chicago's Union League Club

CHICAGO - February 12, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon was the featured guest speaker today at the Union League Club in Chicago. Simon released a white paper on game-changing reforms that will make college more affordable and increase graduation rates.

"We need to make sure that our high school students are ready for college and complete certificates and degrees on time and with less debt," said Simon, Governor Quinn's point person on education reform. "The return on educational investment is proven for graduates seeking living-wage jobs and a state seeking high-quality employers. College is worth it."

According to Simon, affordability is the most significant barrier to students seeking degrees at public universities. Simon's white paper includes game-changing reforms, such as dual degree programs that enable students to enroll simultaneously in community colleges and universities. Students are able to pay lower community college tuitions rates and later transition seamlessly to a university.

Reverse transfer programs enable students who have transferred from community colleges to continue earning credits toward an associate degree when their university classes overlap with community college requirements. Simon also suggested targeted income taxes waivers for students who earn bachelor's or advanced degrees and choose to live and work in Illinois post-graduation.

The paper follows Simon's College Affordability Summits for students, teachers and administrators held this fall at the state's 12 public universities.

As the state's leading voice on education and chair of the Joint Educational Leadership Committee, Lt. Governor Simon is charged with increasing to 60 percent the proportion of working-age adults in Illinois with college degrees or certificates by 2025.

This goal is critical to the economic future of Illinois and its families. Without an educated workforce, Illinois will be unable to attract and retain employers requiring highly-skilled workers to fill current openings and sustain their future growth.

Lt. Governor Simon's white paper can be found here.

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Des Moines, February 12, 2013 –On February 19, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Residents of Elsie Mason Manor, et al. v. First Baptist Housing Foundation, et al., beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Supreme Court Courtroom on the fourth floor of the Judicial Branch Building in Des Moines. The evening session is a special opportunity for central Iowa residents, who may not be able to attend the court's regular morning and afternoon sessions, to watch the court conduct oral arguments.

In this case the Iowa Supreme Court is asked to interpret Iowa's Private Right of Action for Consumer Frauds Act. Plaintiffs are current and past tenants of Elsie Mason Manor and Ligutti Tower in downtown Des Moines. Plaintiffs brought suit in Polk County District Court seeking damages arising from an infestation of bed bugs in the two residential buildings. Defendants appeal from the district court's certification of a class action on behalf of plaintiffs and the court's ruling that each plaintiff need not prove that he or she relied on allegedly deceptive conduct on the part of defendants.

A public reception with the supreme court justices, sponsored by the Polk County Bar Association, will follow the oral arguments.

For more information, visit http://www.iowacourts.gov/Supreme_Court.

 

 

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Audition Information

Auditions for the Classics at Brucemore production of Edmund Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 26 and 27, 2013, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Brucemore Visitor Center, 2160 Linden Dr. SE. Various roles are available for physically agile males, ages 25 to 40; sword fighting or stage combat experience preferred. This is a cold-reading audition; no advance preparation required.

Cyrano de Bergerac is an unabashed historical romance set in the 1640s featuring a swashbuckling hero. While first and foremost a passionate love story, the plot develops as a comedy with fast-paced action and a tragic ending. The larger-than-life character of Cyrano is the genius hero with a ridiculously long nose and a passion for poetry and love.  Despite his bravado, Cyrano suffers through unrequited love for Roxanne, whose eyes only see the dashing Christian. Many widely known adaptations have been made, including the film, Roxanne, starring Steve Martin.

The Classics performances will be July 11 - 13 and 18 - 20, 2013, with a rain-date scheduled for July 21.  Rehearsals will begin on June 1.  For further information on auditions, contact Brucemore at (319) 362-7375 or Artistic Director James Kern (319) 365-0252.

About the Classics at Brucemore

The collaboration of Torchlight Theatrics and Brucemore in 1996 launched outdoor theatre in Eastern Iowa and a new venue at Brucemore. The Classics at Brucemore celebrates a rich history of quality live theatre, including Greek tragedy, Shakespearean comedy, and twentieth century American drama. Fully utilizing the natural amphitheater's rich backdrop, actors emerge from the woods, get dunked in the pond, and help themselves to the audience members' picnics. Characters from the show often seek help from the audience, creating an evening of hilarious and interactive fun.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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Portland Oregon's Icarus The Owl is coming through on their spring '13 tour! The band has been featured on Altpress.com, with the new album Love Always, Leviathan receiving complimentary reviews from Sputnik Music, Absolute Punk and many other review sites.  The band will be performing at Rozz Toz in Rock Island on Sunday April 28th.

Weekly Events Header
Hello!

Icestravaganza Get the family ready for Icestravaganza this Sunday! Enjoy live ice sculpting, horse drawn carriage rides, shopping on the Skybridge with Handmade City, ice skating, live music, and more.  We're looking forward to kicking off this new event in style Sunday afternoon!

 

West Side StoryOn Monday, see the Grammy-winning musical that changed theater forever when West Side Story makes it's way back to the Adler to mesmerize audiences once more!  The Great River Show Choir Invitational will take place at the Adler, this weekend, too.

 

Joe Robinson Still need a last minute idea for some Valentine's Day fun?  Head

to the River Music Experience and see River Roots Live veteran and winner of Australia's Got Talent, Joe Robinson! Joe knocked us out at RRL with his incredible performance last year.  On Saturday, visit Brady Street Pub to catch the QC's own Tronicity for more live music.

 

Price is Right Plinko, Cliffhangers, Big Wheel...sound familiar? An interactive stage version of TV's longest running and most popular game show is coming to the Adler Theatre!  Grab tickets for The Price is Right, Live! and be a part of an interactive show that gives contestants pulled right from the audience a chance to win!

 

Maggie Brown Celebrate Black History Month when Third Sunday Jazz presents "Drum Talk to Jazz" at the River Music Experience featuring singers Maggie Brown and Africa Brown along with the Ayodele African Dancers.  Chicago's own electric rock stalwarts, Future Rock, take the stage Friday.  Don't forget about the The Smooth Jazz Valentines Concert featuring Paula Atherton & Urban Jazz Coalition, too.

 

faux workshopThis weekend is your last chance to see the Figge's Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture exhibition.  While you're there, check out the Young Artists at the Figge Exhibition featuring artwork from North Scott.  Down the street, indulge in Rhythm City's Sweetheart Buffet or book reservations for the Four Course Valentine's Dinner at Bix Bistro from now until Sunday, as well.

 

See you downtown!

 

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This Week's Events: February 14 - February 20


Thursday, February 14

4 Course Valentine's Dinner at the Bix

Where: Blackhawk Hotel Bix Bistro

Price:  $37/person

Website

Competitor Coupon Craze

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Draw, Draw, Draw! Class

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $65/member; $75/non-member

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge, Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Joe Robinson

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 7:00 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.

Price: $15

Website

 

Kilkenny's Open Mic with Karl

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Chris Dunn

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

QC United presents Raise the Roof Thursday

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!

Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Sweetheart Buffet

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Price: $18/person

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Valentine's Day Dinner
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $90/couple
Valentine's Day Dinner 2013
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $65/couple on the Sky Deck, $90/couple in private luxury suite, $168/group of 4, $240/group of 6, $298/group of 8

Friday, February 15

4 Course Valentine's Dinner at the Bix

Where: Blackhawk Hotel Bix Bistro

Price:  $37/person

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m, and 8:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

Chuck Murphy
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge, Ice
Time: 8:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: $10
Future Rock
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 9:00 p.m.  Show 10:00 p.m.
Price: $10 in advance, $12 day of show
Great River Show Choir Invitational
Where: The Adler Theater
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Price: $8 adults, $5 seniors and students, $16 all weekend pass
Live Lunch with Ellis Kell
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Mija with Nonnie Parry, Snogulated Pig, and As You Were
Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall
Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 7:00 p.m.
Price: $5
Pop Up Art Show
Where: Boozie's Bar and Grill
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Tronicity

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 9:30 p.m.

Website

 

Valentine's Day Dinner 2013
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $65/couple on the Sky Deck, $90/couple in private luxury suite, $168/group of 4, $240/group of 6, $298/group of 8

 

Saturday, February 16

 

4 Course Valentine's Dinner at the Bix

Where: Blackhawk Hotel Bix Bistro

Price:  $37/person

Website

 

$20,000 Cash is King Drawing

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Chuck Murphy

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Exhibition: Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Portrait of Maquoketa: The Dimensional View

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Sculpting with Fiber

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Alison Saar: STILL...

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admisson ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition Opens: Young Artists at the Figge - North Scott

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with Membership

Website

 

"Fifty Shades of Clay"

Where: Bucktown Center of the Arts

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $50/couple

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Great River Show Choir Invitational

Where: The Adler Theater

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: $8 (day pass, 8am-6pm), $8 (evening pass 7pm-11pm), $14 all day pass ($5 for students K-12 and seniors), $16 all weekend pass

Website

Kidz Days at RME featuring Hal Reed

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Price: $5 for parent, accompanied children are free

Website

Little League Registration

Where: Modern Woodmen Park

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Website


Low Down
Where: Brady Street Pub
Time: 9:30 p.m.

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter


Public Skate
Where: River's Edge, Ice
Time: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. ; 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ; 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m.
Price: $5 and up

QC Ukulele Club Concert
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

The Smooth Jazz Valentines Concert featuring Paula Atherton & Urban Jazz Coalition

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. / Show 8:00 p.m.

Price: $100/couple, $55/single, $120/couple premium

Website

 

Treasure Island

Where: Davenport Junior Theater (Annie Wittenmeyer Complex)

Time: 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Price: $5 for anyone 3 and up

Website

 

Urban Jazz Coalition Workshop

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon-1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Valentine's Day Dinner 2013
Where: Modern Woodmen Park
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $65/couple on the Sky Deck, $90/couple in private luxury suite, $168/group of 4, $240/group of 6, $298/group of 8

 

Sunday, February 17

 

$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

4 Course Valentine's Dinner at the Bix

Where: Blackhawk Hotel Bix Bistro

Price:  $37/person

Website

Don Wooten Speaks on the Music and Life of Wagner
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Price: Museum Admission ($5 or less), or FREE with membership
Drop-In Soccer
Where: River's Edge, Turf
Time: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Price: $6
Exhibition Closes: Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Price: Museum Admission($7), or FREE with membership
February Birthday Bash!
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Icestravaganza- presented by the DDP Arts and Culture Committee
Where: RME Courtyard
Time: Noon - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Live Music: Terry Hanson Ensemble
Where: Brady Street Chop House
Website

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Third Sunday Jazz Presents Drum Talk to Jazz - A Black History Month Special Featuring: Maggie Brown, Africa Brown & Ayodele African Dancers

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 5:30 p.m. / Show 6:00 p.m.

Price: $10 or $15 for reserved seating

Website

 

Treasure Island

Where: Davenport Junior Theater (Annie Wittenmeyer Complex)

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: $5 for anyone 3 and up

Website

 

Tour: Picturing Identity: The Allure of Portraiture

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

Monday, February 18

 

$5,000 President's Payday Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: All Day

Website

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $5 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ; 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

West Side Story

Where: The Adler Theater

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: $39.50, $52, and $62

The Linden String Quartet will perform at Brucemore on Sunday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m. Coached by the legendary Tokyo Quartet, the Cleveland-based Linden String Quartet has been praised for its "remarkable depth of technique and brilliantly nuanced, sumptuous tonality...." (MusicWeb International). The quartet's members - Sarah McElravy and Catherine Cosbey, violins; Eric Wong, viola; and Felix Umansky, cello - are currently part of the University of Iowa String Quartet Residency Program, the Auditorium Chamber Music Series (Moscow, Idaho), Sheldon Friends of Music (Lincoln, Neb.) and the Chamber Music Society of Logan, Utah.

The hour-long concert and commentary will take place in the Great Hall of the Brucemore Mansion. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. A light reception will follow the performance. Tickets purchased in advance are $7 per adult and $5 per Brucemore member or student.  All tickets at the door are $10. Space is limited; purchase tickets by visiting www.brucemore.org or calling (319) 362-7375.

This performance is made possible by a Better Futures for Iowans grant through The University of Iowa's Office of the Provost.

About the Linden String Quartet

Described as "riveting" by MusicWeb International, the Linden String Quartet is a winner of the 2010 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Founded in spring 2008, the Quartet has enjoyed remarkable success, also winning the Gold Medal and Grand Prize of the 2009 Fischoff Competition, First Prize at the 2010 Kauder Competition, and the ProQuartet Prize at the Borciani International String Quartet Competition. The Quartet was recently selected for the prestigious A.N. and Pearl G. Barnett Fellowship, including a $25,000 award. Featured engagements for the 2012-13 season include the season-opening concert on New York's renowned Schneider Concert Series at the New School and a weeklong residency for the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, culminating in a performance with Grammy award-winning clarinetist Richard Stoltzman. For more information, visit www.lindenquartet.com.

About Brucemore

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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URBANA- Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment has been selected to produce two of the three Gentlemen of the Road 2013 Stopovers in the United States featuring Mumford & Sons, alongside long-time partners Jam Productions Ltd. The events went on sale Friday morning and both sold out within hours. This will be the second year of the Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers and the second year Jay Goldberg Events & Entertainment has been involved with the events.

Each Stopover combines the intimacy of a community celebration with the excitement of a world-class music festival. This year the Stopovers are expanding to a Friday night concert followed by an all-day Saturday event. Mumford & Sons will headline the Saturday show, alongside an eclectic and energetic roster of artists curated by the band themselves. A series of smaller events involving local businesses, venues, and, most importantly, local people will happen in and around the town.

CHICAGO - February 11, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: HB 3636

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Amends the Mechanics Lien Act to clarify the priority of creditors and lien holders of property to which improvements have been made when the proceeds from a foreclosure sale are insufficient to fully satisfy all claims.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 - United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement about the 2013 farm income forecast from USDA's Economic Research Service:

 

"Today's forecast for the strongest net farm income in four decades is another positive testament to the resilience and productivity of U.S. farmers and ranchers. American agriculture continues to endure an historic drought with tremendous resolve, and last year was an important reminder of the need for a strong safety net. The commitment of American producers to embrace innovation and adapt to new challenges has helped fuel growth for American agriculture over the past five years. I am also heartened that our farmers' keen business sense is continuing the recent trend of strong farm finances, with farm equity set to reach another record high in 2013.  In the past year, President Obama and I have ensured that USDA carried out every possible measure to support farmers and ranchers in a tough, uncertain time. We know that today's positive economic forecast is no signal to let up, especially with regard to providing smart and defensible assistance for America's dairy and livestock producers who today do not have access to a viable safety net. To help all farmers and ranchers continue their efforts in the years ahead, and to ensure the certainty of a strong safety net, it is critical that Congress act on a multiyear, comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill as soon as possible."

 

Highlights from the 2013 Farm Income Forecast are available at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-economy/farm-sector-income-finances/highlights-from-the-2013-farm-income-forecast.aspx

 

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New-Age Love Veteran Says Finding Mr. Right is All About Attitude

Finding Mr. Right may seem as unlikely to some women as winning the lottery, but Debbianne DeRose's new book, "How I Met the Man of My Dreams: a Guide to MANifesting Yours," is a new-age-y and practical guide to having it all.

"Whether you're new to the Woo - metaphysical or beyond ego-brain perception - or a veteran looking for a breakthrough, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more practical, fresh (or fresh-mouthed) look at the MANifestation process," DeRose says. "So much more than just the metaphysical mechanics of rustlin' up a mate, it's about who you become in the undertaking."

Years of single-womanhood can leave a gal wondering if she'll ever find a bona fide SuperLove, says DeRose, who also came to doubt that finding Mr. Right was possible.

Negative feelings and thoughts are all that stand between a woman and the man of her dreams, she says. He's there. Be sure you're ready to recognize him by focusing on self-love, acceptance, appreciation and amusement.

"That's where the MANifesting gets really interesting: believing is not a requirement," she says.  "When my Dreamboat sailed into the harbor, I was so inspired that I decided to 'reverse-engineer' the Law of Attraction for the single sisterhood, with humor and tough love."

DeRose is the author of other New Age books that focus on self-acceptance and self-empowerment. Fans love both her message and her style.

"Debbianne has a delightful sense of humor and is quite gifted in the art of descriptive prose,'' writes K.S., an Amazon reviewer.

S.C. writes, "I love her chutzpah and independent, clear-thinking mind."

This guide to finding Mr. Right includes DeRose's true-love story, told in part to prime the imagination of her readers, she says.

"Those ladies who read the book and actually give the advice a chance should prepare to laugh, take an honest look within and, best of all, be ready to be taken off the market!"

About Debbianne DeRose

Debbianne DeRose specializes in honest, humorous explorations of all things "woo-woo" - that is, metaphysical, mystical, spiritual, paranormal or New Age-y. She's the author of a hilarious memoir, "What I Did On My Midlife Crisis Vacation." Formally trained in the conservative arts of engineering and economics, she has worked as an "enginerd," database geek, non-profiteer, college instructor, bricolage artist and house flipper before diving headlong into the world of woo-woo wordsmithery. DeRose resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with the man of her dreams.

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