29 Nov 2012

Administration's Refusal to Produce Documents in Quid Pro Quo Case will Impede Ascension of Justice Department Official

By Rick Martin
WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley is pressing Attorney General Eric Holder to produce documents about a quid pro quo between the Justice Department and St. Paul, Minn. where the Department agreed to drop two False Claims Act cases against St. Paul in exchange for the city dropping its pending appeal before the Supreme Court in Magner v. Gallagher.

At issue is evidence that shows the Justice Department declining to intervene in a False Claims Act case, over the concerns of career department attorneys, in exchange for St. Paul dropping the case before the Supreme Court that could have had negative repercussions against a policy favored by the Justice Department.

In a letter to Holder, Grassley wrote that a recent transcribed interview with former Associate Attorney General Tom Perelli made clear that Assistant Attorney General Tony West was involved in the quid pro quo deal.  West has been nominated to be the Associate Attorney General.

In light of West's nomination, which is pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley requested that the 1,202 documents withheld by the department regarding the quid pro quo matter be produced to the committee as part of the background review process for his nomination.

Grassley said that any suggestion that he, as a Ranking Member of a committee, does not have access to the documents in question has no basis in law or policy.

Grassley wrote, "I do not abandon my constitutional responsibilities simply because I am in the minority; rather, I remain bound to provide oversight to those executing the law.  A committee chairman may set the agenda for a committee, but a chairman does not control activities of the minority in fulfilling their obligations under the Constitution."

In addition, Grassley wrote that court cases support the role of Congress in conducting oversight.  In Murphy v. Dep't of the Army, the District of Columbia Circuit held that "[a]ll Members [of Congress] have a constitutionally recognized status entitling them to share in general congressional powers and responsibilities, many of them requiring access to executive information."  That court also found that restricting information-gathering powers only to committee chairmen is an "intrusion into the legislative sphere" because "[e]ach [Member] participates in the law-making process; each has a voice and a vote in that process; and each is entitled to request such information from the executive agencies as well enable him to carry out the responsibilities of a legislator."  The Second Circuit agreed with this principle when it held in Devine v. United States that the Privacy Act does not prevent committee members other than the chairman from receiving information that might otherwise be protected from disclosure by the statute.

Grassley relayed in his letter that it was unfortunate that West's nomination could be delayed, but it was necessary to appropriately evaluate his performance in his current role as the Judiciary Committee reviews his nomination for Associate Attorney General.

Ultimately, it is up to the Justice Department to produce these documents in order for West's nomination to proceed.

Here is a copy of the text of Grassley's letter to Holder.  A signed copy can be found here.

 

November 26, 2012

Via Electronic Transmission

 

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.

Attorney General

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

Washington, DC 20530

 

Dear Attorney General Holder:

On September 24, 2012, and October 4, 2012, I joined Chairman Smith of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Chairman Issa of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Chairman McHenry of the House Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services And Bailouts of Public and Private Programs in writing regarding the production of documents and access to witnesses from the Department of Justice (Department).  We requested the documents and witnesses as part of our investigation into the quid pro quo deal where the Department agreed to drop two False Claims Act cases against the City of St. Paul, Minnesota in exchange for the City dropping its pending appeal before the Supreme Court in Magner v. Gallagher.[1] On October 11, 2012, the Department responded to our letters stating that 1,268 pages of documents were made available to the House Committees, 1,202 of which were only made available for review in camera at the Department.  Only 66 pages were actually produced to the House Committees.[2] The October 11 letter also declined to make Department officials available for transcribed interviews.

My staff, along with the staff of the House committees, is currently investigating the details of this quid pro quo.  To date, the Department has failed to allow my staff to review the 1,202 documents, even in camera, despite my oversight responsibilities on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary (Committee) and the serious questions this arrangement raises.  I am disappointed that the Department has failed to provide my staff the same access that it has provided the staff of the House Committees.

Most recently, through a transcribed interview with former Associate Attorney General Thomas Perrelli that occurred on November 19, it has become clear that Assistant Attorney General Tony West was involved in this arrangement in his capacity as head of the Department's Civil Division.  Given that Mr. West's nomination for Associate Attorney General is currently pending before the Committee, it is important that the Committee understand his involvement in these matters.  Therefore, I write today requesting that the 1,202 documents withheld by the Department regarding this matter be produced to the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of the background review process for his nomination.

It is unfortunate that Mr. West's nomination could be delayed by this request, but it is necessary because you have denied my staff access to documents essential to ensure adequate and appropriate Congressional oversight of the Executive Branch as part of the executive nominations process.  Specifically, I have been informed that the Department refused my staff access to the documents on Monday, October 15, 2012, because there was not a request from the Chairman of the Committee.  However, no such request is required by any law, rule, regulation, or judicial precedent.

The Department's decision to deny the opportunity for my staff to review these documents is misplaced and threatens to delay the review of Mr. West's nomination.  This investigation was undertaken in conjunction and cooperation with Chairman Smith, Chairman Issa, and Chairman McHenry.  Therefore, the Department's general policy that investigations be conducted by and through the authority of the chairman of a committee with jurisdiction is fully satisfied.

The Department's position seems to be that I, as a ranking member of a Committee, must receive permission from the chairman in order to allow access to the documents in question.  Yet, any suggestion to this effect is without a basis in law or policy.  Senate committees are organized so as to give minority parties significant resources to conduct our own investigations and further our own priorities.  I do not abandon my constitutional responsibilities simply because I am in the minority; rather, I remain bound to provide oversight to those executing the law.  A committee chairman may set the agenda for a committee, but a chairman does not control activities of the minority in fulfilling their obligations under the Constitution.

Indeed, the Department's current insistence that I seek the Chairman's permission is tantamount to executive interference in internal Legislative Branch affairs.  Both chambers of Congress have a long-established practice of partnerships between Members and Chairmen of other committees with appropriate jurisdiction to permit us to exercise our constitutional power of inquiry.  By preventing my staff from viewing these documents, the Department is interfering with these internal rules and norms.  As a result, the Department is intruding into how Congress organizes itself and attempting to prevent Members from working cooperatively to advance our legitimate interests.

Moreover, the principle that Congress controls its internal affairs in these matters has been strongly supported by the judiciary, most notably in Murphy v. Dep't of the Army[3] and Devine v. United States.[4] In Murphy, the District of Columbia Circuit held that "[a]ll Members [of Congress] have a constitutionally recognized status entitling them to share in general congressional powers and responsibilities, many of them requiring access to executive information."[5] That court also found that restricting information-gathering powers only to committee chairmen is an "intrusion into the legislative sphere" because "[e]ach [Member] participates in the law-making process; each has a voice and a vote in that process; and each is entitled to request such information from the executive agencies as well enable him to carry out the responsibilities of a legislator."[6] The Second Circuit agreed with this principle when it held in Devine that the Privacy Act does not prevent committee members other than the chairman from receiving information that might otherwise be protected from disclosure by the statute.[7]

Accordingly, I ask that the Department provide the 1,202 responsive documents outlined in the October 11 letter no later than December 4, 2012.  Without these documents, it will be impossible to appropriately evaluate Mr. West's performance in his current role, as the Committee reviews his nomination for Associate Attorney General.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

Ranking Member

cc:        The Hon. Patrick J. Leahy, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate

The Hon. Darrell Issa, Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government, United States House of Representatives

The Hon. Lamar Smith, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives

The Hon. Patrick McHenry, Chairman, Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, United States House of Representatives

The Hon. Elijah Cummings, Ranking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, United States House of Representatives

The Hon. John Conyers, Jr., Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives

The Hon. Mike Quigley, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, United States House of Representatives

[1] See Letter from Congressman Smith, Congressman Issa, Congressman McHenry, and Senator Grassley to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Dep't of Justice (Sept. 24, 2012) (on file with author) (requesting access to documents and witnesses); Letter from Congressman Smith, Congressman Issa, Congressman McHenry, and Senator Grassley to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Dep't of Justice (Oct. 4, 2012) (on file with author) (same).

2 Letter from Judith C. Appelbaum, Acting Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Dep't of Justice to Congressman Smith, Congressman Issa, Congressman McHenry, and Senator Grassley (Oct. 11, 2012).

3 613 F.2d 1151 (D.C. Cir. 1979).

4 202 F.3d 547 (2d Cir. 2000).

5 613 F.2d at 1157.

6 Id.

7 202 F.3d at 551.


[1] See Letter from Congressman Smith, Congressman Issa, Congressman McHenry, and Senator Grassley to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Dep't of Justice (Sept. 24, 2012) (on file with author) (requesting access to documents and witnesses); Letter from Congressman Smith, Congressman Issa, Congressman McHenry, and Senator Grassley to Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General, U.S. Dep't of Justice (Oct. 4, 2012) (on file with author) (same).

[2] Letter from Judith C. Appelbaum, Acting Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Dep't of Justice to Congressman Smith, Congressman Issa, Congressman McHenry, and Senator Grassley (Oct. 11, 2012).

[3] 613 F.2d 1151 (D.C. Cir. 1979).

[4] 202 F.3d 547 (2d Cir. 2000).

[5] 613 F.2d at 1157.

[6] Id.

[7] 202 F.3d at 551.

29 Nov 2012

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds announce Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit video contest winners

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds today announced the winners of the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit video contest.

The first place winner of the video contest was Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District of Hartley, Iowa with nearly 37,000 views and will receive a $500 prize and a visit from Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds. Lisbon Community Schools, of Lisbon, was awarded second place with over 28,000 views and will receive a $350 cash prize. Central Lee Middle School, of Donnellson, took third place with over 25,000 views and will receive a $150 cash prize.

Originally, the contest was going to recognize only one winner, but the Change at the Anamosa State Penitentiary raised money to award second and third place.

"I think the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit was a wonderful learning experience and exchange on ideas and strategies of preventing bullying and the challenges we need to overcome. We need to have not just the schools but also the parents and the community actively involved also. The summit has exceeded my expectations," said Gov. Branstad.

Department of Education Director, Jason Glass, made the formal announcement of the winners during today's afternoon session of the Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit. The winners were determined by the number of views received online.

"It's really encouraging to know that the winning video had over 36,000 views. It's very powerful to have this many students raising awareness and talking about the importance of preventing bullying. I look forward to visiting the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School District," said Lt. Gov. Reynolds.

The videos can be found on the EduVision Bully Prevention Entries Channel here: https://educateiowa.eduvision.tv/Default.aspx starting Wed. Nov. 28. There were 23 videos submitted for the contest. Voting ran from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21.

###
27 Nov 2012

Grassley, Udall to Headline Press Conference on Extending the Wind Production Tax Credit

By Grassley Press

Senators to be joined by Reps. McNerney & King, veterans working in wind industry

TOMORROW, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, Senators Chuck Grassley and Mark Udall will headline a press conference with Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) and Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) and veterans from around the country to discuss the importance of extending the Wind Production Tax Credit.  Around 40 veterans, many of whom have found post-military careers in the wind energy industry, are participating in a two day fly-in during which they also will meet with members of Congress from their home states.

The Wind PTC is due to expire at the end of this year unless Congress renews it.  Without renewal, thousands of jobs and our energy security will be jeopardized.  The wind PTC supports thousands of good-paying, middle-class jobs throughout the country.  Americans of all stripes, including veterans, have benefited from the job opportunities and growth created by the wind energy industry.

Grassley has been the father of the wind PTC and has fought to ensure that the wind industry has the support it needs to power communities.  Udall has been a vocal proponent for the wind PTC, speaking almost every day the Senate has been in session to urge his colleagues to extend the PTC and secure made-in-America energy and the jobs it creates.
27 Nov 2012

Grassley Applauds Signing of Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act

By Grassley Press

Grassley attends Oval Office ceremony to witness signing of the legislation

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today made a special trip to the White House to witness the signing of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act which strengthens existing law to better protect whistleblowers.

Grassley was a co-author of the legislation being signed into law today, and the original 1989 Whistleblower Protection Act it updates.  The legislation was necessary because whistleblowers are being denied the protections they should have under the law because of decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and a general anti-whistleblower sentiment found in executive branch agencies.

"As one of the authors of the original Whistleblower Protection Act, and a long-time advocate for whistleblowers, it's wonderful to see this legislation signed into law.  Whistleblowers strengthen our system of checks and balances, and that strengthens our system of representative government.  It's a constant battle to make sure that these patriotic citizens who shed light on overspending, mismanagement and layers of ineffective leadership within the federal government are protected," Grassley said after the signing in the Oval Office.  "Now, more work needs to be done to ensure that FBI whistleblower protections are updated and that intelligence community whistleblowers are covered under the law and given the protections they deserve."

A long-time advocate for whistleblowers, Grassley has stood up against the heavy hand of the bureaucracy - regardless of whether Republicans or Democrats were in charge -- for individual whistleblowers from the Pentagon, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the IRS, the Interior Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition to co-authoring the 1989 whistleblower law, Grassley also authored the 1986 update of the False Claims Act to include qui tam provisions that empower private citizens, who had information about fraudulent activity by government contractors, to bring wrongdoing forward and sue in the name of the government.  To date, these whistleblower provisions have recovered more than $30 billion for taxpayers that otherwise would be lost to fraud.

In 2009, Grassley and Senator Patrick Leahy won passage of the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act which made the most significant improvements to the False Claims Act since 1986.  The law restores the scope and applicability of the False Claims Act where it had been limited by court decisions.  This effort also revised criminal laws to help prosecute mortgage fraud, securities fraud, and complex financial crimes that led to the 2008 financial crisis.

In addition, Grassley authored the 2006 overhaul of the IRS whistleblower program to fight major tax fraud.  The IRS recently paid out its largest award ever, but has acknowledged, after scrutiny from Grassley, that the agency must be more timely and responsive in processing whistleblower claims.

 

The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 will:

·         clarify that any disclosure of gross waste or mismanagement, fraud, abuse, or illegal activity may be protected, but not disagreements over legitimate policy decisions;

·         suspend the sole jurisdiction of the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals over federal employee whistleblower cases for two years;

·         extend Whistleblower Protection Act coverage and other non-discrimination and anti-retaliatory laws to all employees of the Transportation Security Administration;

·         clarify that whistleblowers may disclose evidence of censorship of scientific or technical information under the same standards that apply to disclosures of other kinds of waste, fraud, and abuse;

·         codify portions of the anti-gag provision, which Grassley originally got passed, that has been part of every Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill since 1988;

·         establish Whistleblower Protection Ombudsmen to educate agency personnel about whistleblower rights; and

·         provide the Office of Special Counsel with the independent right to file "friend of the court" briefs, or amicus briefs, with federal courts.

-30-

27 Nov 2012

Nova Singers Presents: A Nova Christmas

By Laura Lane

Nova Singers, under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, presents two performances of A Nova Christmas: Friday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, IA, and Saturday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Galesburg.

Nova Singers' most popular concert of the year is fast approaching! Get your friends and family into the Christmas spirit with a program featuring Christmas songs of all kinds, including Kirby Shaw's arrangement of Silver Bells and Irving Berlin's timeless White Christmas. Victoria's Ne Timeas Maria and Muehleisen's A solis ortus cardine are sure to take your breath away. We also celebrate local talent, featuring Galesburg composer Daniel Godsil's newly published Choral Meditation on "The Holly and the Ivy" and pianist Megan Clewell on a tango from Puerto Rico and a delightful arrangement of Shepherd's Shake Off Their Drowsy Sleep.  And of course, it wouldn't be A Nova Christmas without an audience sing-along!

Nova Singers will be joined by youth choirs for both concerts. On Friday the 14th in Davenport at St. Paul Lutheran Church, the guest choir is the Sudlow Select Choir, under the direction of Kim Knoche.  On Saturday the 15th in Galesburg at First Lutheran Church, Nova will be joined by the Galesburg Singing Streaks, directed by Pier Debes.  Each choir will perform their own set of music before combining with the Nova Singers for three beloved Christmas carols.

Artistic Director Laura Lane says that the Christmas concert is one of her personal favorites. "It's true! Music has always been an important part of the holiday season for me. Every year, I love finding new Christmas carols that we've never done before that I think are perfect for Nova Singers. And this year I have found so many that are uniquely beautiful! I adore the mystical, deep motets from the Renaissance by Hassler and Victoria, but I'm also  thrilled with the A solis ortus?written a year ago, I believe this will be only its second performance ever! Based on chant, it's haunting and full of rich, lush harmonies and just absolutely gorgeous. I'm also really excited about finally singing Silver Bells and White Christmas with Nova Singers: two of my dad's favorite carols."

Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share our musical holiday spirit with you.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the beauty and charm the singers impart to their music.  Dr. Lane has been serving the greater Galesburg and Quad-Cities communities since 1986, bringing her passion for music and expressive singing to audiences and singers alike.

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $18 for adults and $15 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. Nova Singers season tickets will still be available through this performance. For information about group rates, tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038, or e-mail nova@knox.edu.  Also, please take the opportunity to visit our Facebook page under the keywords 'Nova Singers'.

 

A Nova Christmas is sponsored by Miller Dredge Insurance.  Nova Singers' 2012-2013 season is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

27 Nov 2012

McDonough Launches Holiday Concert Tour to Benefit Camp Courageous

By Charlie Becker
HOLIDAY GRANDE 2012:

"Iowa's Own Pianist" Jim McDonough Launches Holiday Concert Tour to Benefit Camp Courageous

MONTICELLO, IA (November 27, 2012) ? It's beginning to SOUND a lot like Christmas! "Iowa's Own Pianist" Jim McDonough and his orchestra and singers are touring the state with a sensational all-new production show benefitting Camp Courageous of Iowa. Tickets for the tour are on sale now.

The spectacular holiday stage production -- new for 2012 -- features International Steinway Concert and Recording Artist, Jim McDonough at the concert grand piano, his 14-piece orchestra, a cast of singers and dancers, elaborate sets and costumes and the true spirit of the season.

The tour will deliver the message of Christmas in a production perfect for all generations. "We've put together the grandest 'Holiday Grande' yet," McDonough says. "It's elegant, it's exciting, it's filled with spectacular musical arrangements, and it benefits a wonderful organization."

For seven years, McDonough has toured to benefit Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The "Holiday Grande 2012" tour encompasses seven shows in six of Iowa's most beautiful venues:

Ottumwa - Saturday, December 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Bridge View Center Theatre
Des Moines - Sunday, December 2, at 2:30 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place
Dubuque - Saturday, December 8, at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. at the Five Flags Theater
Cedar Rapids - Sunday, December 9, at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre
Davenport - Saturday, December 15, at 2:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre
Cedar Falls - Sunday, December 16, at 2:30 p.m. at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Perf. Arts Ctr
Jim McDonough's 15 CDs - including his brand new album "One Nation Under God" - are available at gift shops across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com.


ABOUT JIM McDONOUGH

After stints as a high school band director, cruise ship entertainer and air-traffic controller, Monticello native, Jim McDonough, began selling his distinctive brand of soothing piano music in gift shops in eastern Iowa. Today, the International Steinway Concert and Recording Artist's CDs are available in nearly 1,000 stores across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com. Jim's independent record label, Jim McDonough Productions, Inc., has already sold nearly 200,000 of his CDs.

The road to success, though, has been paved with detours. In eighth grade, an accident nearly ended his musical career. A falling piano crushed three fingers on his right hand - and nearly crushed his dreams in the process. Jim emerged from two hours of surgery with pins in his fingers and tiny fractures across his hand. But throughout more than a year of physical therapy, Jim kept playing - with a cast on his right hand - and concentrated on improving his performance with his left hand. "Playing the piano defined me," McDonough says. "It was my life, and I was determined to play again." He devoted nearly every spare moment to working to get back the dexterity in his right hand, and the rigorous rehearsing paid off. In ninth grade, instead of a car, Jim bought a Steinway grand piano to celebrate how far he'd come.

McDonough was recently honored by the legendary piano maker, Steinway & Sons, naming him to its worldwide artist roster. From classical pianists like Lang Lang, to jazz stars like Harry Connick Jr., to pop icons like Billy Joel, to "immortals" like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter; as a Steinway Artist, McDonough joins an exclusive international list of the most accomplished and discriminating performing artists.

His discography includes Requests (2002); Home for Christmas: Christmas Favorites Vol. I (2003); Projections: Songs from the Silver Screen (2004); An Ivory Christmas (2004); Music of the Night (2004); Simple Gifts: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. I (2005); With Love: Timeless Love Songs, Vol. I (2006); Homeward Bound: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. II (2007); Country Dreaming (2008); A Christmas to Remember: Christmas Favorites Vol. II (2008); Rat Pack Remembered (2009); Isn't It Romantic: Timeless Love Songs, Vol. II (2010); Young At Heart (2011); Christmas Eve: Christmas Favorites, Vol. III (2011); and his brand new release, One Nation Under God: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. III (2012).

For more information, visit Jim McDonough's web site at www.PianoFavorites.com or call (800) 375-7095.
27 Nov 2012

New Guide,'5 Simple Steps,' Helps Readers Make Wiser Choices

By Rick Martin
Life Coach W. Granville Brown Says Taking Time for Thought,
Taking Responsibility, and Being Honest with One's Self Are
Crucial for Making Good Choices

Life is filled with confusing options and competing interests, which is why W. Granville Brown wrote his new guide, 5 Simple Steps to Choosing Your Path (www.wgranvillebrown.com).

"For better or for worse, your life is shaped by your choices and decisions, and knowing the difference between the two helps tremendously in organizing your will," Brown says. "There is a distinction between the two that goes far beyond semantics."

A choice, generally speaking, is a selection from a number of options, and a decision entails reaching a conclusion or passing judgment on an issue, he says.

Why is this important to understand as we navigate our lives?

Brown gives an example:

"A friend of mine loved the year-round sunshine of Las Vegas, where she worked. But she always complained about being unable to break through the glass ceiling at her job," Brown says. "Finally, her company offered her a promotion: managing its new branch in Boston. Although this seems like a no-brainer - whether to grow with a great career in an exciting new city, or stay safe in Vegas - she clouded her mind as if she had multiple choices."

If Lisa had equally attractive career options in Miami and Philadelphia in addition to the Boston offer, she would be faced with choices. But actually, the options were between the safety and comfort of what she knew versus the unknowable future of a great opportunity. Her dilemma begged a decision.

Much of the time, however, we face choices, Brown notes. Does the teenager choose to adhere to his curfew or violate it? Does the adult choose to spend all of his earnings or save part of them?

"Once you recognize the choices in your life, you can think each one through and make the one that is right for you," Brown says. "That's Step. 1. You'll also need to recognize that, since it is your choice, you must deal with the consequences. You must accept responsibility for those choices."

Brown's guide walks readers through his five steps using illustrative anecdotes to clarify points. The result is a how-to for anyone seeking to take control of their life.

"When I applied W. Granville Brown's five simple steps, I went from working at a dead-end job to going back to school and getting my degree in accounting," writes reviewer Donna from Kinston, N.C.

Arthur, from Philadelphia, writes: "You're never too old to grow and learn. At 63, I've struggled with making wise choices my entire life. After counseling with Brown and applying his methods, I have a renewed lease on life."

About W. Granville Brown

After serving in the U.S. Army and earning his degree in business administration, W. Granville Brown embarked on a successful career in the insurance industry spanning two decades. He later became committed to improving the lives of others by encouraging inward reflection, and became a bestselling, self-published author. As a certified life coach, Brown has helped many clients transform their lives for the better by using real-world methods.

27 Nov 2012

Anne Frank connection to Danville, Iowa

By M. McNeil
The project deals with Anne Frank having a pen pal in Danville Iowa before her family went into hiding.  You can learn more about it at http://www.traces.org/anne.html

Very few people know about it but there is a very small museum telling about the Anne Frank connection in Danville.  They would like to raise money for an expansion.  They have been working on it and raised enough to buy a couple parcels of land to build on to the current museum.

It's cute when Anne says in one of her letters that she cannot find Danville on her map of Iowa but finds Burlington.  She wonders if it is close (and it is).  Therefore, when I learned of the story two years ago, I asked two girls from Burlington to write the story.  They did a fabulous job and I love their illustrations too.  It's being prepared for print right now.

More about the authors here:    http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Young-authors-tell-Anne-Frank--s-connection-to-Iowa-in-a-new-release-entitled-Oceans-Apart.html?soid=1102870834208&aid=7t6sZyCUUaI

There is a FB page as well: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oceans-Apart-The-Connection-between-Anne-Frank-and-her-Small-Town-Pen-Pal/466532820056062

Anne also writes the young lady in Danville about her post card collection.  She even sent her a post card from Amsterdam.  So three things are about to happen (on December 5)

1. The children of Danville are launching a post card collection as they would like post cards from all over the world to be sent to them.  They hope to collect 1.5 million cards to honor the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust.

2. Their historical society is launching their building fund to raise $450,000 using Indiegogo (a crowd funding platform).  This will happen at the same time as the news about the post card project on 12/5.

3. The children's book entitled Oceans Apart (one of my A BOOK by ME series) will be a reward for giving toward the fundraising effort.

With it being so close to Christmas, I think a lot of people will be interested in helping them reach their goal with the post cards and giving toward their educational center.
27 Nov 2012

This Friday: 12 Gifts of Christmas!

By New Anthem

12 Gifts of Christmas

With:

Steven Curtis Chapman, Laura Story, Patsy Clairmont,

Mary Beth Chapman, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll,

Anita Renfroe, Harris III, and Lisa Whelchel 

 

***

7:00 PM Friday, November 30th 

***

i-Wireless Center 

1201 River Drive

Moline, Illinois

 

The Meaning, the Magic, the Music

James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift is from above!

There's no better time to celebrate those gifts than the birthday of Jesus, the greatest gift of all!

Christmas is a time for friends and family, so gather yours for an evening you won't forget.

You'll hear the stories and songs of Christmas in a way you might never have heard them. Grammy award winners Steven Curtis Chapman and Laura Story are joined by the best storytellers around?Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg and Mary Beth Chapman along with comedienne Anita Renfroe?to present ...an event that brings the wonder of Christmas to life. The night wouldn't be complete without experiencing the magic of Christmas with illusionist Harris III, and he's bringing something special just for the kids. The evening is hosted by Lisa Whelchel of TV's "The Facts of Life."

It's a time that's uniquely enjoyable to everyone - a time to celebrate the gifts we've been given, the joy of the season and the meaning of it all. That's what 12 Gifts of Christmas is all about, and you won't want to miss it!

Tickets are now available through TicketMaster and at the I Wireless Center Box Office!

Ticket prices:

(Buy your tickets at the I Wireless Center Box Office, and avoid paying any TicketMaster fees!)

$25.00 General Admission - red on seating chart; use link below

$35.00 Reserved Seating - blue on seating chart; use link below

$125.00 VIP Reserved Seating includes VIP reception starting at 5:30PM

Reserved Seating Group (15+) $30.00

General Admission Group (15+) $20.00

Group rates are available for both reserved and general admission seats by calling the I Wireless Center group sales department at 309-277-1356.

(Note: A venue service fee of $2.50 will apply for all tickets sold.)

12 Gifts of Christmas Seating Chart:

http://www.iwirelesscenter.com/boxoffice/charts/2012-1130.pdf

For your convenience, you can also buy tickets on-line through TicketMaster:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0600494BCBDD88FC?artistid=1790609&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=0?camefrom=MARKQC

(Additional TicketMaster fees apply for all non-Box Office ticketing points.)

Ages 1 and under free on lap. Doors open at 6:00 pm. General admission seating is located to the rear of the lower bowl and the upper bowl. It is first come-first served but you may be asked to consolidate in order to fit others. For a seating chart go to the iwireless Center website at www.iwirelesscenter.com. Group rates are available for both reserved and general admission seats by calling the i wireless Center group sales department at 309/277-1356.

Doors:

Doors open at 5:30 PM for VIP Seating Only.

Doors open at 6:00 PM for all other seating.

 

About the 12 Gifts Tour Group

With more than ten million records sold in a career that began in 1987, Steven Curtis Chapman has recorded 17 projects with Sparrow Records, including two RIAA certified platinum albums and eight RIAA certified gold albums. Along with his five GRAMMY® awards and 16 nominations, Chapman has won an American Music Award, recorded 46 No. 1 US radio hits and been awarded 56 Dove Awards, more than any other artist to date.

 

Laura Story is a songwriter, worship leader, artist and soon-to-be mother. Her Grammy winning songs, including "Blessings" and Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable," have brought hope to millions around the world.

 

Patsy Clairmont has spoken to millions of women (and men) offering spiritual and emotional hope. Patsy has written books in several genres including devotional, fiction, children's, and gift offerings. She is one of the founding speakers at Women of Faith and trains people for the platform.

 

Mary Beth Chapman is the wife of Grammy and Dove Award winning recording artist, Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven and Mary Beth have been married for 27 years. Mary Beth released the New York Times best selling book Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope in September of 2010.

 

Marilyn Meberg is an extraordinary storytellerwho shares the gospel of Christ's love through her hilarious tales and heart-touching stories. She is the author of many books the latest of whichis "Constantly Craving". Marilyn has a masters degree in English and taught at Biola University for ten years. With a second masters degree in Counseling Psychology, she began another career as a professional counselor.

 

Luci Swindoll has been enjoying life for almost eighty years, and she doesn't seem to be slowing down. In the past 25 years she's written 14 books and spoken all over the country, and has been to all seven continents. Luci is an avid fan of her two brothers, Chuck and Orville, who are both engaged in public Christian Ministry as pastor/teachers.

 

Comedienne and author Anita Renfroe is an overnight Internet sensation. Anita is author of Hyperion release DON'T SAY I DIDN'T WARN YOU: Kids, Carbs, and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse. Anita has been featured in The New York Times, Readers Digest, Women's Day and The Washington Post.

 

Harris III has performed as a Christian Illusionist before 1 million people in more than twelve nations on five continents.

 

Lisa Whelchel was as a Mouseketeer for Walt Disney's "The New Mickey Mouse Club." Ms. Whelchel is perhaps best known for her starring role as Blair Warner on NBC's "The Facts of Life" for nine years. Her first book, "Creative Correction" released October 2000 and has sold over 200,000 copies. She went on to write over a dozen more books including, "The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me," "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling," "The ADVENTure of Christmas," "The Busy Mom's Guide" Series, and her most recent, "Friendship For Grownups."

 
27 Nov 2012

Ouchies Announces a Design-Your-Own Bandage Contest To Help in the Fight against Pediatric Cancer

By Lindsay Doyle

CAN A BANDAGE CURE CANCER? YOURS CAN!

New York, November 2012 - Bandages are known for bringing comfort, healing and smiles to children with cuts and scrapes.  Now, thanks to a new program being launched by Ouchies Bandages, bandages may also bring something much more to the many children affected by pediatric cancer - through a new contest designed to raise money for three national pediatric cancer organizations.

As part of its "Ouchies for Others" program, Ouchies Bandages has just announced a new Bandage Art contest to help raise money in the fight against pediatric cancer.  The contest gives kids the chance to design their own Ouchies bandages and tell their own story about the fight against pediatric cancer or anything else uplifting - with the chance to have their designs featured in the new "Ouchies for Others" bandages and tin to be released in 2013.

The "Ouchies for Others" Bandage Art Contest is open to kids 18 and younger.  To participate in the contest, a design template and further instructions for submitting entries can be found at www.ouchiesonline.com/bandage-art-contest.  All entries will be displayed on Ouchies' Facebook page, where fans will vote for their favorite entries by "liking" the bandage designs.  10 finalists will be chosen, and five winners will have their designs featured on the new "Ouchies for Others" bandages and tin, which will be released in 2013.  The deadline for entries is January 25th.

Through the "Ouchies for Others" program, Ouchies gives 100% of profits to varied not-for-profit organizations - with all profits from the sale of these new bandages going to three national pediatric cancer organizations. Earlier this year, Ouchies launched its first "Ouchies for Others" program designed to help combat bullying.

"This line of bandages is all about inspiring kids to help other kids and what better of a way than to let kids design the bandages themselves?" says Ian Madover, President of Ouchies.  "What makes it all even better is that 100% of the profits from the sale of these bandages will benefit such important organizations in the fight against pediatric cancer, with this program raising money for  the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization®."

According to the National Cancer Institute, on average, 1 to 2 children out of every 10,000 in the United States develop cancer each year.  What's really special about the Ouchies Bandage Art Contest is that everyone wins in the fight against Pediatric Cancer - with children having the opportunity to help others while participating in this unique contest, and money being raised for such an important cause.

"The contest is designed to raise awareness about this disease and to raise the money to help find a cure," says Jennifer Saporta, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ouchies. "If the Bandage Art Contest can put a smile on one face or allow a kid to tell his/her story through a bandage design, Ouchies has made a difference."

The Childhood Leukemia Foundation, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, and the American Childhood Cancer Organization® will be promoting the contest on their web sites. According to Kim Wetmore, Director at the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, "Last year more than 12,000 children were diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Childhood Leukemia Foundation (CLF) is dedicated to making a difference in lives of these children. CLF is honored to partner with Ouchies Bandages to work together raising awareness and bringing smiles to many little faces."

Ouchies asks, "Can a Bandage Help to Cure Cancer?" and answers emphatically, "Yours can!"

For more information on Ouchies for Others and the Bandage Art Contest, visit

www.ouchiesonline.com.

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