12 Dec 2011

OPERATION GRATITUDE TO HIT UNPRECEDENTED MILESTONE DECEMBER 17

By Operation Gratitude

Organization Celebrates Shipment of 750,000 Care Packages to Troops

 

Van Nuys, CA, December 6, 2011 -- Operation Gratitude, the non-profit, volunteer-based organization that sends care packages to troops deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units, will have cause for celebration as the 750,000th package rolls off the assembly line on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Director of Operations, Rich Hernandez, expects the milestone 750,000th package to hit the assembly line around 11:15 a.m., to the cheers of up to 1,000 volunteers, Military members, legislators, and celebrities.

In addition to standard items and personal letters provided by more than 250 Corporate Sponsors and Friends and tens of thousands of individual donors across the country, "The 750,000th Care Package will include Top Secret Surprises generously donated by our Corporate Partners," exclaimed Carolyn Blashek, who started the organization in 2003. A special delivery of the 750,000th Package is being arranged. Six previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the keys to new vehicles. 
OG Group
Military and political dignitaries, along with celebrities and representatives from many of the organization's Corporate Sponsors, will join the Operation Gratitude volunteers to assemble thousands of troop gifts in addition to the 750,000th Care Package. Delicious product samples and a hearty lunch will be provided by Corporate and local business donors.

Media are invited to attend the Milestone Celebration and the Lunch following the ceremony.

WHAT: Operation Gratitude Volunteers assemble the 750,000th Care Package

WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Care Package Assembly starts at 9 a.m.
The 750,000th Package Assembly and Celebration will occur: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: California National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA  91406
Corner of Victory and Louise; parking available on adjacent lot


Volunteers (ages 12 years and older) are welcome to assist in the on-site care package activities.

Financial donations are still needed to help pay the assembly and postage expenses of $15 per package.

Every tax deductible donation of $15 sends another care package, personally addressed to an American hero, and filled with 50+ assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items valued at $100 or more. 

 

Online donations can be made here: Donate. 

Donations by check can be made payable and mailed to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436

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About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in harm's way, to their children left behind, and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in transition units. The organization's mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship. For safety and security, assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 725,000 packages to American Military deployed overseas.  The 750,000th package will be assembled on December 17, 2011.
12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Again Polls Second in New Iowa Survey

By Gary Howard
Support increased 8 percentage points since same survey was held in early October
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul placed second in a poll of likely Republican caucus goers, garnering 18 percent or 8 percentage points higher than when PPP last conducted this poll.  The 12-term Congressman from Texas is between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, who have 27 and 16 percent, respectively.

Poll highlights include the fact that Paul with 28 percent leads Gingrich by 10 percentage points among the 20 percent of likely caucus goers who are either Democrats or independents.  Paul also gets 23 percent of those who are under 45 years of age compared to 21 percent for Gingrich, 16 percent for Rep. Michele Bachmann, and 15 percent for Romney.

Paul leads Gingrich 23 to 20 percent with voters who care most about a candidate's stances, and of the 29 percent of likely voters who have seen one of the candidates in person, Ron Paul outclasses Gingrich by 27 to 22 percent.  In addition 62 percent of Paul supporters are strongly committed to him but just 49 percent of Gingrich supporters respond that they will definitely vote for him.

"Ron Paul continues to demonstrate the kind of sustainable growth required to make a respectable showing in Iowa.  There's no point in climbing Mt. Everest one day, only to fall into the Grand Canyon just days or weeks later," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

"We're also pleased that Ron Paul attracts independents and Democrats because while our focus is on winning Republican votes in key early states, the end goal is to unseat an incumbent president whose base is increasingly weak-kneed," said Mr. Benton.

PPP surveyed 572 likely Republican caucus goers via telephone from December 3rd to the 5th, and the poll's margin of error is +/- 4.1 percent.  For full poll results including tables, click here.

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12 Dec 2011

Destiny Homes and America's Family Coaches Partner to Support Military Families

By Rick Martin

DES MOINES, IA - With the largest deployment from our state since WWII last year, Iowans are incredibly grateful for our troops who serve our country. To show their gratitude, Destiny Homes is stepping up to honor military families in the state of Iowa by doing something a little different. This Custom Home Builder is building a home in Urbandale and is donating the proceeds to America's Family Coaches, a non-profit marriage ministry in Des Moines, Iowa, to support their military initiative.

"The owners of Destiny Homes believe that it is important to give back to the community. Military families give up so much for us and what AFC is doing to support military families while they are separated is incredible. What better way to support the couples that are apart due to the military service to our country. As a builder, this is an opportunity to use our talents and give something back," says Alan Sprinkle, President of Destiny Homes.

Since 2006 the Rosbergs have been on a mission strengthen military marriages. Whether deployed or stateside, the Rosbergs offer encouragement and practical coaching for military marriages before, during and after deployment through free marriage resources to help them grow and stay connected. Over the past few years, generous donors have provided more than 17,000 free resources for military families. The proceeds from this house will support America's Family Coaches to resource military couples at a critical time when many soldiers are returning from serving overseas. After more than 25 years of serving hundreds of thousands of marriages and families nationally and internationally, there is nothing Gary and Barb are more proud of than serving military families.

"As we serve military families we are doing what we know how to do: help marriages grow strong. But we can't do it alone. Destiny Homes is setting the bar to do what they can do: build a home. As they build the home and America's Family Coaches builds the military families, we will together strengthen our community!" says Gary Rosberg, President and CEO of America's Family Coaches.

The home is located at 4423 163rd Street in Urbandale, and the home is available for viewing on December 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. with Iowa Realty Agent Scott Steelman. For more information on this project, please visit our website at www.americasfamilycoaches.com or contact Angela Ten Clay at 515.334.7482 x 9119 or angela@afcoaches.com.

ABOUT AMERICA'S FAMILY COACHES: Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg are award-winning authors, popular radio hosts and international speakers. Together, the Rosbergs are co-founders of America's Family Coaches and directly address the needs of marriages today. The Rosbergs are impacting churches, communities and military families worldwide to build healthy marriages and families that last a lifetime.

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12 Dec 2011

Gary Slater Named 2012 Chair of International Association

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Gary Slater, CEO/manager of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, was elected the 2012 chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) during the final business session of the 121st IAFE Annual Convention held Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev.

Slater grew up on a 600-acre crop and livestock farm in the small town of Eolia, Mo. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in food science and nutrition, Slater began his career as a livestock field man. He then joined the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, as a livestock supervisor, where he served for five years. Slater joined the Iowa State Fair in 1991, where he was in charge of planning the special events, free entertainment, and booking the facilities for off-season use. After five years, Slater left to serve the National Pork Producers Council as manager of the World Pork Expo. Slater managed World Pork for six years, holding the event in both Des Moines at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and in Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Knowing that his first love was fairs, Slater received the opportunity to return to Missouri in 1997 to manage the Missouri State Fair. He spent four years in a rebuilding mode, helping to restore the Missouri State Fair to physical and financial success and was instrumental in formulating a master plan for the fair. In 2001, Slater accepted the position of manager of the Iowa State Fair. After one year as manager, Slater accepted the position of CEO and manager of the fair.

Slater earned IAFE Certified Fair Executive designation in 1998 and was elected IAFE Zone 5 director in 2002, representing Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. He served as IAFE treasurer from 2007-2009, as second vice chair in 2010, and most recently as first vice chair. He has also played an active role on several IAFE committees.

Slater and his wife Mary have three children: Madeline, 17; Ali, 15; and Andrew, 12.

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12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Releases 60-Second Version of Newt Ad

By Gary Howard
Ad takes hard look at the former Speaker's record
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that it will release a shorter 60-second version of an earlier web advertisement that challenges former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on a group of issues dear to conservative voters.

Much of the ad is in the former Speaker's own voice, and after a few statements by Newt it features news clips about the former Speaker's lobbying ties to government mortgage giant Freddie Mac, a firm that helped perpetuate the financial crisis and recession. In addition, the spot showcases discussion of Newt's lobbying ties to healthcare firms prior to his support of an Obama-Pelosi-Reid individual mandate as part of the recent wildly unpopular healthcare reform, to the absolute horror of nationally-syndicated conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. 

The campaign is shipping the ad to Iowa TV stations today, and it will be going up as part of an expanded Paul buy in Iowa beginning on Wednesday. It will run in conjunction with Paul's other new ad, 'Big Dog'.

"We wanted to ensure this ad reached as many voters as possible, to debunk the myth that the Newt we are seeing on the 2012 campaign trail is the conservative he has been touted to be all along," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. 

"The voters are looking for authentic conservatives who are able to show a decades-long career of consistently walking the walk of Constitutional principles, limited government, and promoting sound economic policies.  Ron Paul is the only Republican presidential candidate with that record."

To view the ad, click here.

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12 Dec 2011

Facts are stubborn things

By Howard Kaloogian - Tea Party Express

In 2008 Barack Obama's campaign shtick was "change." That resonated because President Bush was spending too much and the country meant to change Washington. But Obama meant to change the country.

In response the Tea Party movement has arisen to implement the real change, putting brakes on that out of control big government growth. Our message to Washington is simple: you have run out of our money, stop excessive spending. You cannot borrow your way out of debt; you cannot spend your way out of deficits.
What is President Obama's response to our message of fiscal responsibility? Shared sacrifice; everyone must feel his pain. By everyone he means the people, not the government. Winston Churchill was more eloquent when he observed that "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
Last year Obama used Pennsylvania's Allentown Metal Works as a backdrop to tout his so-called stimulus spending as a success. A couple of months later, the plant closed.
Then Vice President Joe Biden bragged to a Pittsburgh crowd that all the runaway deficit spending would produce 250,000 to 500,000 jobs created each month by the start of last summer. We're still waiting Joe.
Obama claimed his extreme spending spree would prevent unemployment from going above 8%. It's been above that for the last 27 months.  To be fair, not everyone has done poorly under Obama. Federal government union employees have prospered. Federal employment has grown by over 100,000 positions. Federal civil servants average pay and benefits were $123,049 in 2009 while private workers that year earned $61,051 average pay and benefits, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Take the Department of Transportation as a specific example of excessive government growth. Before Obama, only one bureaucrat there made over $170,000. After Obama's spending spree, 1,690 bureaucrats are paid over $170,000 a year. How has Departments services improved the nations transportation services, has anyone noticed? Now Obama claims austerity by wanting to freeze it at that exponentially higher level for a short while before increasing it again.
I guess that is what Obama meant when he said he "will not rest" until he creates jobs, jobs, jobs. But growing the government is not the same as growing the economy. Extending unemployment insurance payments is not a jobs program. Adding more Americans to food stamps is not a jobs program. Redistribution schemes do not create more wealth; it just shuffles the stack of what was already there, nothing new. No real help there.
News flash to Washington politicians: you don't create jobs. The American people do. In the private sector, without government money, ordinary Americans start businesses and hire people. All that is needed is that the government leaves our money in our pockets and gets out of the way ending excessive and burdensome regulation.
If you succeed, Obama's government would take your profits in oppressive taxation, to consume on growing the government overhead and whatever is left over is redistributed to government dependents who will vote for more handouts.
The truth is only 30% of the money intended to be redistributed actually gets to people liberals claim they want to help. If the government were a United Way charity with 70% overhead expense, would you contribute to it voluntarily? If the government were a company, would you buy its stock? When you hear that Obama wants to raise taxes on anyone, what you are hearing is his call for big and bigger government. The government does not deserve a pay increase. It's time to cut spending.
We here at the Tea Party Express are guided by 6 basic principles:
12 Dec 2011

Grassley Statement on Cameras in the Supreme Court, Iowa Supreme Court Justice Cady testifies before Senate Committee

By Grassley Press

***Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady's prepared testimony is attached.

 

Prepared Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley

Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Hearing of the Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts

"Access to the Court: Televising the Supreme Court"

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

 

Madam Chairman, I want to thank you for calling a hearing on increasing the public's access to the Supreme Court.  Over ten years ago, Sen. Schumer and I introduced the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act, a bill which would grant federal judges the authority to allow cameras in the courtroom.  Since that time, this bill has been brought before the committee many times.  And each time it has been scrutinized, improved upon, and reported out under broad bi-partisan support.

Today's hearing focuses on a companion issue: whether or not the Supreme Court should permit cameras in its courtroom.  Just yesterday, Sen. Durbin and I introduced "The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011," a bill which would require the Supreme Court to broadcast and televise its proceedings.  Like the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act, this bill has also been brought before the committee on several occasions.  It, too, was reported out favorably with bi-partisan support and was championed by my friend, Senator Arlen Specter, who I am pleased to see here today.

My interest in expanding the people's access to the Supreme Court increased eleven years ago when the Supreme Court decided to hear arguments on the Florida recount during the 2000 Presidential Election.  Senator Schumer and I urged the Supreme Court to open the arguments to live broadcast.  In response, the Supreme Court took the then unprecedented step of releasing an audio recording of their arguments shortly after they occurred.  It was a sign of progress that gave the entire country the opportunity to experience what so few get to: the Supreme Court at work.

Just last year, the Supreme Court began releasing audio recording of its proceedings at the end of each week.  This is another step in the right direction and I applaud the court for increasing its transparency and access.  But it is not enough.  I believe that the nature of our government and the fundamental principles upon which it was built require more.

As Abraham Lincoln said, ours is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  Our Constitution divides power.  It creates a system of checks and balances.  But most importantly, it makes the government accountable to the people.  The best way we can ensure that the federal government is accountable to the people is to create transparency, openness, and access.

Sadly, the vast majority of the people do not believe they have adequate access to the Supreme Court.  According to a poll released last year, 62 percent of Americans believe that they hear too little about the workings of the Supreme Court.  Two-thirds of Americans want to know more.  What could be a better source of the workings of the Supreme Court than the Supreme Court itself?

In 1947, the Supreme Court stated, "what transpires in the courtroom is public property."  Well, if its public property, then it belongs to the whole public, not just the 200 people who can fit inside the public gallery.  With today's technology, there is no reason why arguments could not be broadcast in an easy, unobtrusive, and respectful manner that would preserve the dignity of the Supreme Court's work and grant access to the millions of Americans wishing to know more.

My state, Iowa, knows something about this.  For over 30 years, it has permitted the broadcast of its trial and appellate courts.  In fact, I am pleased to welcome Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady here today.  He has come to share with this committee his unique perspective of presiding over a court that broadcasts its proceedings.  He is a strong proponent of transparency and continues to pioneer new ways to give the public greater access to their court system.  I look forward to hearing his testimony and thank him for his time here today.

Before we begin, I ask that three things be included in the record.  First is a letter I wrote to Chief Justice Roberts last month, urging him to permit cameras during the court's upcoming arguments over the constitutionality of President Obama's healthcare law.  This upcoming case is the perfect example for why the Supreme Court should televise its proceedings.   It is a case which will address the role and reach of the federal government.  All of us deserve to see and hear the legal arguments in a case which will have a lasting effect on every single American.

The second and third are newspaper editorial opinions. One is written by the Editorial Board of Iowa's second largest paper, The Gazette.  The other is written by the Editorial Board of the Washington Post.  Both express belief that the Supreme Court must permit its proceedings to be broadcast.  It isn't often that the American Heartland and the Washington Establishment agree on something.   I ask that each of these be made part of the record.

Once again, I want to thank Sen. Klobuchar for organizing this hearing.  I would also like to thank each witness in advance for their testimony.  This is a distinguished panel of witnesses who will provide excellent insights.  I am eager to hear what each of you has to say.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

 

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12 Dec 2011

Grassley Introduces Bill to Require Televising Supreme Court Proceedings

By Sen Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON -Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senator Dick Durbin introduced legislation today to require open proceedings of the Supreme Court to be televised.

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011 would require television coverage of all open sessions of the Court, unless the Court decides, by a vote of the majority of justices, that doing so would constitute a violation of the due process rights of one or more of the parties before the Court. A similar bill was approved by a bipartisan majority of the Judiciary Committee last Congress.

In addition, on November 15, Grassley asked Chief Justice John Roberts to provide audio and video coverage of the landmark Supreme Court proceedings of the federal health care reform law.  Grassley said that broadcasting the health care reform law proceedings would not only contribute to the public's understanding of America's judicial system, but provide an excellent educational opportunity on a case that has the potential to have a far reaching impact on every American

"Nine Justices have a tremendous amount of influence on the lives of the people of this country, yet people know very little about the highest court in our country.   In fact, next year, the Supreme Court will hear arguments about a law that has the potential to impact every American.  Allowing cameras in the Supreme Court will help bring much needed transparency to a process that is largely unknown to the American public," Grassley said.

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act only applies to open sessions of the Supreme Court - sessions where members of the public are already invited to observe in person. Public scrutiny of Supreme Court proceedings will produce greater accountability, transparency, and understanding of our judicial system.

A hearing on the Cameras in the Courtroom Act will be held tomorrow in the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. The hearing will be chaired by Senator Amy Klobuchar and will feature testimony from Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady. More information on tomorrow's hearing - including a link to the live webcast - can be found here.  Klobuchar, along with Senators John Cornyn and Richard Blumenthal, are also cosponsors of the bill.

In addition, Grassley is the author of bipartisan legislation that would allow the chief judge of federal trial and appellate courts to permit cameras in their courtrooms.  The bill would direct the Judicial Conference, the principal policy-making entity for the federal courts, to draft nonbinding guidelines that judges can refer to in making a decision pertaining to the coverage of a particular case.  It also instructs the Judicial Conference to issue mandatory guidelines for obscuring vulnerable witnesses such as undercover officers, victims of crime, and their families.  Included in the bill are safeguards to protect vulnerable witnesses, to exclude jurors from broadcast, and to allow a judge to use his or her discretion in determining whether to allow cameras in the courtroom.

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12 Dec 2011

APPLY FOR THE ANN SHAW FELLOWSHIP

By Theater for Young Audiences

APPLY FOR THE ANN SHAW FELLOWSHIP

Deadline: January 9, 2012

Follow this link for the application

Attention all TYA practitioners and adventurers! Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Ann Shaw Fellowships. Designed to support the continuing artistic and professional growth of TYA/USA members, the Ann Shaw Fellowship provides monetary grants for members to travel to a conference or festival, study with a mentor, conduct research or connect with fellow artists. Dream! Plan! Apply! Additional information and the 2012 Application are available online at TYA/USA.

Elizabeth Schildkret, 2011 Ann Shaw Recipient teaching at the Venezualan -American Center in of Merida

ABOUT THE ANN SHAW FELLOWSHIP

Since its inception, the Ann Shaw Fellowship has provided funds to assist more than 39 individuals with travel to theatres and festivals throughout the United States and abroad, for viewing outstanding work and exploring challenging questions related to the field of theatre for young audiences.

SEE A VIDEO FROM PAST RECIPIENT DANIEL KELIN, II

FIND OUT HOW TO APPLY

12 Dec 2011

SCOTT AREA LANDFILL DEBUTS NEW IMPROVEMENTS FOR CUSTOMERS

By Erin Robinson Vorac

DAVENPORT, IA–The Scott Area Landfill, operated by Waste Commission of Scott County, is debuting new improvements for landfill customers on Thursday, December 8. The new improvements include an automated scale and a citizens' convenience area.

The new automated scale is for customers who frequently use the landfill, such as the City of Bettendorf and City of Davenport. These frequent customers will be given a code, which they will type into a keypad and the truck's weight will automatically be recorded. This will save the truck drivers time by not having to wait in the regular scale line or get out of their vehicle to go in to the scale office. Because the frequent customers will be diverted to the automated scale, other landfill customers will have shorter wait times in line. This improvement will greatly reduce vehicle idling, thereby reducing air emissions.

The citizens' convenience area includes a new trash unloading area for small loads and updated areas for drop-off recycling, appliances, scrap metal, oil, oil filters, antifreeze and car batteries. The new trash unloading area was designed for customers in cars, vans or pickup trucks with small loads of garbage. These small loads will be diverted to a concrete bunker near the office for unloading, rather than the actual landfill. The new trash unloading area is of benefit to these customers in that it will take less time for unloading, is safer due to not being around other large trucks or heavy equipment and they will not have to drive into the landfill.

The Scott Area Landfill is located at 11555 110th Avenue (County Road Y-48) in Davenport and is open 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. The Commission (Board) is comprised of the mayor of Davenport, a Davenport alderman, mayor of Bettendorf, chair of the Scott County Board of Supervisors and the mayor(s) of an outlying community in Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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