10 Jul 2012

In Case You Missed It: June Young Adult Unemployment at 12.8 Percent, Signaling More Delayed Dreams and Stalled Careers for Millennials

By David Pasch

Generation Opportunity encourages young Americans to call White House and demand an end to policies that stifle job creation, hiring, and opportunity

Washington, DC - (7/10/12) - Generation Opportunity, one of the largest grassroots organizations connecting with young Americans through advanced social media outreach and traditional, boots-on-the-ground organizing, is releasing today the non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) 18-29 unemployment rate data for June:
  • The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds specifically (NSA) for June 2012 is 12.8 percent.
  • The declining labor participation rate has created an additional 1.735 million young adults that are not counted as "unemployed" by BLS because they are not in the labor force, meaning that those young people have given up looking for work due to the lack of jobs.
  • If the labor force participation rate were factored into the overall 18-29 youth unemployment calculation, the actual 18-29-unemployment rate would rise to 16.8 percent (NSA).

Generation Opportunity President Paul T. Conway, former Chief of Staff for the United States Department of Labor and the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM), responds to the June 2012 jobs numbers:

"For young Americans, through no fault of their own, their story is one of few opportunities, delayed dreams, and stalled careers. Today's unemployment numbers tell the story of millions of young Americans who are paying the price for the failed policies coming out of Washington that have inhibited economic opportunity and job creation.

"Despite the challenges they face, this generation is not asking what their country can do for them. Instead, they stand ready to do more for their country, to continue their service beyond the contributions they have already made as brave defenders of freedom across the globe, as selfless rebuilders of disaster-torn communities here at home, and as confident advocates for greater opportunity for all Americans.

"While leaders in Washington travel to communities to make campaign promises and seek to place blame for the results of their failed policies, young Americans are looking for more than rhetoric.

"In 2012, their message to candidates is clear - we want to build our careers, get on with our lives, and fulfill our dreams. If the only solutions you offer mean fewer jobs and more debt for the country, the stakes are too high to risk our vote on a bad bet."

Generation Opportunity is encouraging its Facebook fans, as well as its thousands of grassroots supporters across the nation, to call the White House today at (202) 456-1414 and demand that the policies of the last three and a half years, which have stifled job creation, be reversed in favor of policies that free up Americans to create jobs, to hire, and to restore the American tradition of access to opportunity for all.

To see our Facebook call to action, go to: https://www.facebook.com/BeingAmericanByGO

ABOUT GENERATION OPPORTUNITY

Generation Opportunity is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(4) organization that seeks to engage everyone from young adults, to early career professionals, college students, young mothers and fathers, construction workers, current service men and women, veterans, entrepreneurs, and all Americans who find themselves dissatisfied with the status quo and willing to create a better tomorrow.

Generation Opportunity operates on a strategy that combines advanced social media tactics with proven field tactics to reach Americans 18-29. The organization's social media platforms - "Being American by GO," "The Constitution by GO," "Gas Prices Are Too Damn High," and "Keep Texas Awesome" on Facebook - have amassed a total fan base of more than 3.4 million. All four pages post links to relevant articles and reports from sources ranging from the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO), to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Heritage Foundation.

Read about Generation Opportunity here; visit "Being American by GO" on Facebook here, "The Constitution by GO" on Facebook here, "Gas Prices Are Too Damn High" on Facebook here, and "Keep Texas Awesome" on Facebook here.

For our Spanish-language page - Generación Oportunidad - click here.

# # #

10 Jul 2012

LE CLAIRE COUPLE WINS $10,000 LOTTERY PRIZE IN JOINT EFFORT

By Amy Garringer

DES MOINES, Iowa - A Le Claire man said he's giving his wife credit for their $10,000 win playing the "Triple Fortune" scratch game, because while he scratched the ticket, she is the one who purchased it.

Marvin Kuhlman, 58, said he could barely believe his eyes when he discovered what he'd won.

"Most of the time when we play, we only win a couple bucks," Kuhlman said. "So when I scratched off the bag that said, 'Win,' I thought I had only won a couple bucks. But I looked at it and it said $10,000!"

Kuhlman instantly woke up his wife, JoAnn, to tell her the big news.

"I said, 'You've got to get up! We just won $10,000!'" Kuhlman said. "She double-checked the ticket and sure enough...."

Kuhlman said he's especially excited because it was the first time he had played the Triple Fortune game.

"I'm looking for some more winners now!" Kuhlman said with a laugh as he claimed his prize June 29 at the Iowa Lottery's regional office in Cedar Rapids. "What a feeling!"

Kuhlman, who works for a plumbing warehouse, said he's trying to keep quiet about the win, but he did share the news with his coworkers.

"I couldn't keep my mouth shut. I had to blabber it!" Kuhlman joked.

JoAnn purchased the winning ticket at Hy-Vee, 2900 Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf. Kuhlman said they plan to use some of the winnings to pay for a new roof on their house as well as help their children.

Triple Fortune is a $2 scratch game. Players scratch the "cash and prize column." If they find the "money bag" symbol they win the prize shown for that symbol. If they find the "$$$" symbol, they win triple the prize shown for that symbol. If they find the "bank vault" symbol, they win all ten prizes shown. The overall odds of winning a prize in the game are 1 in 3.79.

Seventeen top prizes of $10,000 are still up for grabs in Triple Fortune, as well as 39 prizes of $1,000 and 180 prizes of $100.

Players can enter eligible nonwinning scratch tickets online to earn "Points For Prizes™" points. The point value will be revealed to the player on the website upon successful submission of each eligible valid ticket. There is a limit of 30 ticket entries per day. To participate in Points For Prizes™, a player must register for a free account at ialottery.com. Registration is a one-time process. Merchandise that can be ordered by using points will be listed on the website in the Points For Prizes™ online store. Players can choose from items in categories such as apparel, automotive, jewelry, sporting, tools and more.

Since the lottery's start in 1985, its players have won more than $2.9 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised more than $1.3 billion for the state programs that benefit all Iowans.

Today, lottery proceeds in Iowa have three main purposes: They provide support for veterans, help for a variety of significant projects through the state General Fund, and backing for the Vision Iowa program, which was implemented to create tourism destinations and community attractions in the state and build and repair schools.

###
10 Jul 2012

Hawkeye Native Selected as new Pheasants Forever Rep for Northern Iowa

By Pheasants Forever Press

Morris aims to improve number of upland birds in Iowa

Marengo, Iowa - July 10 - Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) have named Brice Morris of Marengo, Iowa, as the organization's new Regional Representative for northern Iowa. Morris is a longtime supporter of Pheasants Forever and a founding member of the Hi Point Quail Forever chapter.

As Regional Representative, Morris will work to foster relationships with volunteers and supporters who have a mutual desire to improve wildlife habitat and raise awareness of Pheasants Forever's upland conservation efforts in Iowa.  He will also assist chapters as they raise and distribute funds for wildlife habitat improvements, develop quality upland habitat and provide youth education programs for the region.

"My main goal is to support our chapters in accomplishing our habitat, youth and conservation awareness mission," says Morris. "Some of the most dedicated PF chapters are in Iowa, and leveraging their strengths with new opportunities is needed to get Iowa's bird numbers back to where they once were." From helping chapters offer youth outings to spearheading more land acquisitions, ensuring habitat and public access forever, Morris "looks forward to being involved with every aspect of Pheasants Forever in Iowa."

Morris was born and raised in the Dike/New Hartford area. He graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2000.  Shortly after graduation, Morris began teaching K-12 physical education and health and coaching in southeastern Iowa.  Morris noted that his teaching background fuels his passion for youth involvement. He and his wife Shawna, along with their two children, own and operate Morris Kennels, where they have raised, trained, and trialed multiple English pointer field champions.

With Morris' Iowa roots, strong youth education background and knowledge of the outdoor industry, the Pheasants Forever team is excited for Morris to join their ranks and provide additional leadership to Iowa's 104 PF/QF chapters. "We are very pleased to welcome Brice to our Iowa team," notes Tom Fuller, Iowa PF/QF State Coordinator. "Brice grew up experiencing some of Iowa's best pheasant hunting and is driven to bring bird populations back to historical highs. He has the passion to assist our Iowa chapters in doing bigger and better things in the future, which is why Brice is an excellent fit to our staff and will help lead our strategic approach to bring back the birds."

Morris will begin work immediately and can be reached at (515) 360-8712 or Email Brice.  For more information about Pheasants Forever in Iowa, please contact Tom Fuller at (319) 321-9775 or Email Tom.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 135,000 members and 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

-30-

10 Jul 2012

TROOPS IN NEED OF CARE PACKAGES

By Move America Forward
MAF CARE PACKAGES FOR THE TROOPS INCLUDE:
Gourmet Coffee
Oreo Cookies
Lip Balm
Diana Nagy
"Journey of Life" CD		 Planters Trail Mix
Candy Diplomacy Jelly Beans
Wet Wipes
Foot Powder
Sun Block		 Gatorade
Premium Beef Jerky
Deodorant
Bug Repellant
Personal note from YOU



RADIO HOST & COMEDIAN DENNIS MILLER SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY THROUGH TROOPATHON

MAF is proud to include another wonderful supporter of the troops to our Troopathon guest list.  Dennis Miller has participated in the last 3 events with recorded messages that speak to the troops in his own personal way.  He has a way of reaching people few in the media can match and we are so excited to include him in this year's lineup.

We can't stress enough how important this year's Troopathon is, not only for the continuing mission of Move America Forward, but for the morale of our troops at a very important time. For months now we've been noticing that the troops over in Afghanistan aren't getting the proper coverage in the media, as people back home are worried about the economy or elections coming up.

While these things are all important, they don't outweigh the importance of supporting our troops overseas! We sent them there on a mission and we now have a responsibility to support them and their mission until the troops all come home! So please dig deep, see if there are things in your monthly budgets that could be trimmed or cut in order to make a contribution - our troops put their lives on the line every day so it's the least we can do!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION NOW!

DENNIS MILLER HAS A MESSSAGE FOR YOU!

Dennis Miller is known not only for his striking political commentary and uncommon sense of common sense wisdom, but also his amazing success as a comedian. Miller's comedy shows on HBO were hugely successful for over 9 years, as well as many stand-up specials he made successful.  In the political world Miller is a master of blending comedy with political opinion and common sense understanding of the issues as the popularity of his daily radio show attests.         

But when it comes to our military and the men and women in uniform nothing is comical to Dennis.  He supports the troops through many causes and efforts and we are so proud he includes Troopathon in those causes.

Miller's staunch support of our troops and their missions is characterized by this quote:

"I respect kids who go into, you know, tough places and do the work that quite frankly, you can't even image that they have the courage to do," he said.   "So I began to look at them and heard so many people saying, 'I support the troops, but not their mission.'  I thought that's insane, their mission is the essence."

We are proud of Dennis Millers' unapologetic support for our fighting men and women, and we're happy to have him as part of our Troopathon this year!

Will you join with Dennis Miller and be a proud supporter of Troopathon?  It only takes a few minutes but the gift it gives a soldier serving far from home can last many times longer. 
10 Jul 2012

Breakfast fundraiser open to the public

By Karen L. Davies
Breakfast at Brubaker Lodge No 675

Saturday, July 28, 2012

7:0 0 to 11:00 am

511 Veterans Memorial Parkway

(511 East 65th Street)

Davenport

Cost is $5.00 per person

Menu of Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Orange Juice, Milk and

COFFEE!!!!

All you can eat!!!!

By supporting local events we all win!!!

Every One is welcome, So, Bring a Friend!

 

10 Jul 2012

Next steps for health care reform

By Rep. Bobby Schilling
As you may know, the Supreme Court announced its ruling on the President's health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  The Supreme Court decided to uphold the entire law, ruling that its individual mandate is a tax.  You can read through their decision by clicking here.

Simply put, our work to improve the American health care system is far from done.  Every American is impacted by the health care reform law, and will be affected by the Supreme Court's decision.  We need to continue working to ensure folks in Illinois and across the country have access to health care that's high quality, patient-centered, convenient, and affordable.  

I truly believe that the best ideas often don't come from Washington, but from the folks in Illinois I have the privilege of representing.  I understand that your health care is very personal, and I want to hear from you how it can be improved.  Your input is important to me, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts.

What do you think our next steps should be?  Please select as many options as you'd like.
  • Repeal it.
  • Immediately pass another massive health care reform package.
  • Take up-or-down votes on individual improvements to the health care system.
  • Meet with health care providers and patients to discuss different reforms they would like to see.
  • Work to ensure health insurance coverage for Americans under the age of 26 or with preexisting conditions.
  • Vote on legislation to allow individuals to buy health insurance across state lines.
  • Consider proposals to advance common-sense liability protections.
  • Look at plans to ensure seniors of today and those of tomorrow have access to Medicare.
  • Advance policies that lower health care costs and improve its quality.
  • Other.

Click here to take the survey.
*By filling out this survey, you are subscribing to receive my e-mail updates.

Remember that you can always send me a more detailed message with your thoughts or questions on this survey topic or any other issue that is important to you by clicking here.

It is an honor to serve you in Washington, and I value your engagement and input.  Don't hesitate to contact me if I can answer questions or help you in any way.  I encourage you to visit my Facebook and Twitter pages for other ways to stay up to date with what I'm doing in Washington and in our neighborhood, or to share your thoughts.

Thank you for placing your trust in me.  It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,
Bobby Schilling
Member of Congress

To send Congressman Schilling an e-mail, click here

10 Jul 2012

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action Monday, July 9, 2012

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - July 9, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 4548

An Act Concerning:  Public Health

Law distinguishes Alzheimer's disease as the most prevalent type of dementia. Will improve treatment options by mandating that starting Jan. 1, 2014, the Illinois Department of Public Health, along with members of the General Assembly and stakeholders shall hold public hearings every three years with the goal of developing a state strategy and response for the Alzheimer's Disease Assistance Plan.

Action: Signed                        

Effective Date:  Jan. 1

###
10 Jul 2012

Braley Statement on President's Proposal to Extend Middle Class Tax Cuts

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after President Obama proposed extending tax cuts for Americans making less than $250,000:

"The Bush tax cuts for the rich are a big reason why our nation is facing record budget deficits today.  Extending middle class tax cuts will keep money in the pockets of more Iowa families, helping to drive job creation and economic growth.  Rolling back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans will help close the deficit.  This is a fiscally responsible compromise that deserves bipartisan support."

 

According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, in tax year 2010, 99.2 percent of Iowa taxpayers reported income under $250,000.

The cost of extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans (those making over $250,000 per year) is estimated at $850 billion over 10 years.

 

# # #

10 Jul 2012

Pre-Program for President Obama's Grassroots Event in Cedar Rapids

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES - Before President Obama outlines his plan to build an economy that is grown from the middle-class out at Kirkwood Community College, there will be an eventful pre-program with participants from Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Waterloo and Central City, IA.

 

  • Band - Diplomats of Solid Sound, soul band from Iowa City.

 

  • Emcee - Margaret "Peggy" Whitworth of Cedar Rapids.  Peggy Whitworth was the executive Director of Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust for Historic Preservation site for 20 years. She has been involved with the Obama campaign since the 2007 caucus. Peggy is an Neighborhood Team Leader in Cedar Rapids, helping to organize people for the election this fall.

 

  • Pledge of Allegiance - Will Overstreet of Cedar Falls. Will is a member of the Iowa National Guard.  He was deployed to Afghanistan, and currently is a teacher with the Waterloo School System.

 

  • National Anthem - Mary Mathis will be a Junior this fall at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids.   She is a member of their award-winning show choir, Happiness, and of three varsity choirs. Mary has had lead roles in several school musicals, including Annie and Smile.  She is currently practicing for a lead role in "Camp Rock" at Theatre Cedar Rapids with performances in August.

 

·         Invocation - Pastor Steve Perkins of Payne Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church in Waterloo - the oldest African American Church in Waterloo.

 

·         Welcome Remarks - Kirsten Running-Marquardt of Cedar Rapids.  Kirsten was elected to the Iowa House in a special election in 2009.  Prior to that, she was an organizer with SEIU, and was active in the Obama campaign in 2008.  She represents southwest Cedar Rapids, including Kirkwood Community College.

 

  • Volunteer Pitch - Andrea Marie Nemecek, Grinnell College student from Cedar Rapids.  Andrea has been involved with the Obama campaign in Cedar Rapids since she was 15.  She went to Kennedy High School where President Obama held his first campaign event in 2007.

 

·         Introduction - Jason McLaughlin, Principal of Central City High School in Central City. President Obama is visiting the home of Jason and Ali McLaughlin on Tuesday morning to discuss the President's vision for an economy built from the middle-out, which reforms our tax code so it rewards work over wealth and ends loopholes and tax breaks for corporations and the wealthiest.
10 Jul 2012

Dreaming of a Career in the Movies?

By Ginny Grimsley
Hollywood Director Offers Tips for Hopeful Writers, Actors, Cameramen

From the box-office smash "The Avengers" to the summer hit "Madagascar 3" reigniting the 3-D craze, movie lovers are more enthralled than ever with film magic, and many fantasize about becoming a part of it. Their annual Westward migration from every film and acting and writing school in the country is as active as ever as they seek their chance to wield the Hollywood wand.

In such a competitive and crowded circus tent, how can a person ensure they catch that elusive trapeze?

Here are five tips from film director Guy Magar, picked up over 30 years making movies and TV shows and teaching through Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminars, the educational course he founded. Magar is also the author of the new Hollywood memoir and love story, Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot, about his years in Hollywood which is a must-read for all who love movies (www.kissmequickbeforeishoot.com).

· Find out if you really love it. "The movie business demands passion and dedication; the work is difficult and exhausting, the journey fraught with disappointments and financial stress," he says. "So you better find out if this is truly something you want and you're ready to sacrifice whatever it takes." The best place to do that is at a film school or a university filmmaking program. "This is where I fell in love with the cinema and forged my commitment to the craft," he says.

· Find out if you're any good at it. When you discover that less than 5 percent of the 125,000 actors in the Screen Actors Guild ever make a livable wage in any one year, the reality check about how competitive this business is can be quite intimidating, Magar says. So it's not enough to love it - you have to have an aptitude for the craft if you want a chance at bat. "You better be one of the very best directors or writers or cameramen or actors wherever you're studying and developing your work, so you can gain the self-confidence to throw your talent in a very crowded ring," he says.

· Get your showreel ready! No one is going to hire you unless they can see what you can do. For a director, you better have an award-winning "wow" short. If you're a writer, have some dazzling, unique screenplays. Actors need a great reel with diverse scenes showing range from comedy to drama. Cameraman? You need a reel that sizzles with cinematic visuals. Don't come to Los Angeles without a reel. It shows who you are, what you can do ? and why you're worth paying to do it.

· Networking! Networking! Networking! "The movie business is first and foremost a people business," Magar says. "Regardless of your talent, you better be good at schmoozing and an extrovert at heart." It's all about who you know, who can introduce you to whom, who likes you, who is willing to help you move forward, he says. If you're a great networker, you have a better chance at a career than if you're talented with no social skills. Introverts do not apply!

· Enjoy your journey or the dream will be a nightmare. Don't put off having a life until you "get there," he says. The big secret is to enjoy the journey and to have a life in the industry, regardless of the amount of work and accolades that may or may not come your way. You must commit to making a fulfilling life for yourself if you're to find happiness in Tinseltown. Family, friends and a soulmate are as important and fulfilling as career gains. "They will sustain you in much deeper emotional ways than winning a spot on a softer toilet paper commercial," he says.

Magar says his career in Hollywood was an exciting, gratifying one. "Between the words 'action' and 'cut', I get to make my magic ... my visual storytelling," he says. "I fell in love with making movies and have continued loving it for more than 100 production credits in my career."

"If you share that passion to make film, have a terrific sense of humor to balance the obstacles, and can manage the five tips above, then welcome to Hollywood. Break a leg!"

About Guy Magar

Film and TV director/writer/producer Guy Magar has worked for more than 30 years in the motion picture industry. He recently published his Hollywood memoir, "Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot: A Filmmaker's Journey into the Lights of Hollywood and True Love." His TV credits include "La Femme Nikita," "The A-Team," "Dark Avenger" and "Blue Thunder." His feature films include "Lookin' Italian," "Stepfather 3," "Children of the Corn: Revelation," and the cult thriller "Retribution," to be rereleased on DVD for its 25th anniversary this summer 2012. Magar has taught and inspired thousands of students through his Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminar, and his Action/Cut Short Film Competition is designed to discover and encourage new talent annually. He is a popular public speaker who inspires young filmmakers.

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