For adults, high school is as near or far as the next or last reunion. But for thousands of teens, high school is a present hell of isolation, confusion and negativity, says novelist Ryan D. Pearson.

"Think about the young men who live in infamy because they somehow couldn't channel their energy in a positive manner - Adam Lanza in Connecticut; James Holmes, the 'movie-theater shooter;' the two Columbine shooters; Jared Loughner, who shot U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords - some were extremely intelligent, and they were passionate, too," says Pearson.

Precocious in high school, Pearson earned his law degree at age 21 and went on to write "The Element Series," (www.theelementsseries.com), which follows a teenager blessed with wealth and fame who discovers he has the added responsibility of super powers.

"One aspect I love about comic books and fiction is that the character arcs show how some become the villains, and those who stand by their values - the heroes."

Teens, who have experienced life only as children, suddenly find themselves in very adult circumstances in high school - that last step toward adulthood, he says. For many gifted, talented, sensitive or otherwise misunderstood teens, he offers tips for surviving this last step toward independence:

• Embrace what makes you different: Perhaps the most important struggle a teenager faces is self-acceptance. Many may believe that that straight-A, all-star jock with a perfect complexion has it made. Meanwhile, he may be experiencing his own inner turmoil. If you care about things no one else seems to care about; if you're better at chess than football; if you think you don't fit the mold of "pretty" or "handsome" - you might just be on the path to happiness. A great example receiving plenty of attention is the It Gets Better project, which encourages gay teens to embrace their sexuality. However, the concept can be applied to anyone who feels like an outsider. "There is only one you; don't be afraid of who you are," Pearson says.

• Perhaps the greatest commencement address: While life is just beginning after high school and college, it's rarely easy - that's the thrust of George Foster Wallace's 2005 speech to the graduates of Kenyon College. Wallace, a giant of contemporary literature, touches on some of the most important adult challenges: the potential loneliness of adult life, the importance of being well-adjusted and the difficulty of empathy - "Think about it: There is no experience you've had that you were not at the absolute center of." Truthful, unflinching and humorous, the speech has since resonated online.

• You can change!: A depressing mindset for unhappy high school students involves the idea that nothing about one's experience will change. "Everything changes - this is the one rule of life you can count on," says Pearson, whose went on a worldwide adventure after college. "Teens who go the villainous route often have an attitude that nothing about them or the world is going to be different unless they intervene with extreme behavior." In reality, one or two key shifts in thinking can change the course in a young person's life trajectory. Friends, parents and educators have the best access for helping a troubled teen to "see the light."

About Ryan D. Pearson

After completing a Bachelor of Laws degree at age 21, Ryan D. Pearson took a leap of faith by leaving the beautiful beaches of Australia to travel the world. He eventually landed in Montreal, where he lived for several years before returning home to write about his adventures. He overcame many challenging personal experiences and now embraces an audacious new lifestyle. Pearson writes about his own character arc - involving a supernatural and overzealous way of life - via character Reagan Jameson.

It's not hard for women in midlife to feel like they belong to the Island of Broken Toys, says Xandra "Sunny" Moon, a self-described liberated, 18-wheeler-driving, 40-plus babe.

"There are thousands of beautiful mothers, wives and ex-wives out there who feel like they've lost their sexuality - I know because they tell me as I travel the country and get to know them," says Moon, author of "The Power of the Titz...a woman's journey back to her self" (www.sunnymoonspowerworld.com). "My mission is to let them know they can get it back!"

Like the many of the women she meets in her travels, Moon suffered physical and emotional abuse as a young woman. After raising four children and enduring an unhappy marriage for several years, she fell into a deep depression, she says. But several steps took her out of despair, and by the time she climbed out, she was happy, confident and back in touch with Sunny, she says.

Moon lists the ways in which women 40 and older can rediscover their "inner babe:"

• Embrace your sexuality!: It's not just a "Mrs. Robinson" stereotype - older women do make for better, more participatory sexual partners. Older women have more self-possession; they're not as callow and tend to have more character both in personality, intrigue and in sexual performance. Women 40 and older are also more forthright, which can be a major turn-on, especially for younger men in need of direction. Younger women are still deciding what sex means to them, whereas older women are more likely to appreciate it for its own sake.

• Education and employment: Perhaps the most important vehicle for Moon's self-empowerment is her continuing education. Gaining her GED and furthering her education at a university allowed her to support herself with a good job. Past generations of women were overwhelmingly reliant upon their husbands for financial support. Having your own income allows women the power to choose their relationships, and not remain stuck in one.

• Remember your old social life?: A big part of relocating your inner diva is remembering the good times you had as a teen and 20-something - back when you had your first appletini, your first date at a fancy restaurant and, yes, your first day-long hangover. In many ways, these things are like new again. Under-appreciated mothers and wives tend to live primarily for others, but now it's time to reclaim those fun nights out with the girls and catch some time for yourself.

• Cosmetic surgery: This is still a touchy subject for many ladies. Moon's first rule is to have cosmetic surgery only for yourself - not for someone else, and to ensure you are in good enough health to withstand the rigors involved with surgery. Other important considerations include realistic expectations, potentially catty responses from girlfriends, short- and long-term consequences, such as time off work and maintenance, and whether or not you really want larger breasts or a botoxed brow.

• Dating outside your comfort zone: Maybe now is the time to consider other types of partners -- perhaps those of a different ethnicity or maybe even a different gender. Now is the time to be adventurous and explore new avenues.

• Health/Diet/Exercise: Of course, feeling and looking attractive is important to you - so be healthy! Nothing is better at giving ladies that can-do attitude than a nice workout. Being selective about what you eat is as important as being selective about who you date; you want a lover and diet that will treat you right.

"We have but one life," says Lee Abzu, Moon's second husband, soul mate and coauthor to her books.

"If you're single and in your 40s, 50s, 60s or older, you can either wait around for the kids or grandkids to come by and visit, or you can get out there and regain the vitality and lust for life you used to have."

About Xandra "Sunny" Moon

This One to One training will be from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 710 23rd St. Rock Island, IL. Sam Finkelstein of the Gamaliel Foundation will walk us  through the most important tool we have in building relationships and our communities: the One to One.

A one to one visit is an intentional, face to face conversation for the purpose of building a relationship, gathering information and understanding what really matters to that person.

This training is to help develop relationships within our organization,  our congregations and our community . Bring a team of leaders from your congregation to learn this essential tools and ways we can put this to use in building your congregation's ministries. This training is free but registration is required. Call 563.322.4910 to register or for more information. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

QCI Hosting Illinois Dept. of Transportation Secretary Anne Schneider for a Stakeholders meeting in April

Watch this Space! The Transportation Equity Task Force has organized a Transportation Jobs Stakeholders meeting with Illinois Secretary of Transportation Anne Schneider. This meeting will be held at Church of Peace in Rock Island, IL. QCI is bringing together elected officials, clergy, lay leaders, and concerned community members so we can get an update from Schneider on the progress of the rail project,  share our work on jobs and job preparedness for our community.  There are people who want jobs, and jobs coming, so how do we work together to fill in the  gap and ensure more our our community get those jobs. 
Community Members are welcome, however we require an RSVP. Please call QCI at 563-322-4910

"QCI Trivia Night Fundraiser"

St. Paul's Lutheran School students were set to visit The White House until their visit was canceled earlier this month

(DES MOINES) -  Gov. Terry Branstad today announced he will give students of St. Paul's Lutheran School in Waverly, Iowa, a tour of Terrace Hill and a "behind the scenes" tour of the governor's office after the White House abruptly canceled the students' planned tour earlier this month. The students will visit Des Moines on Thursday, March 28, 2013.

"I am pleased the students from St. Paul's Lutheran School in Waverly will be able to visit Terrace Hill and the State Capitol," said Branstad. "Just like in Washington, our Legislature is split among political parties, but we are still able to work together to better our state. I was disappointed to learn The White House canceled the students' tour, but I hope a tour of Terrace Hill and the governor's office will be a small consolation."

Earlier this month, the students were the focus of an ABC News story about The White House's cancelation of tours following sequestration.  The students launched a Facebook campaign in hopes of The White House reinstating the tours, but the students were denied their tour when visiting on March 16^th.

The following portion of the students' visit is open to the press:

Thursday, March 28, 2013

10 a.m. Gov. Branstad gives Waverly St. Paul's Lutheran School students tour of Terrace Hill

Terrace Hill

2300 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA

11:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad gives Waverly St. Paul's Lutheran School students tour of Governor's Formal Office

Governor's Formal Office

State Capitol

Des Moines, IA