15 Jun 2010

Summer School of Higher Learning

By Laurie Johns

Now that school is out, my 13-year-old daughter is embracing her new schedule. In short, she doesn't do anything. These last few days have found her on the couch, TV blaring, i-pod headphones in place and reading an e-book on her Nook. I can't help but think that although my childhood on the farm was difficult, there were lessons learned by all those hot, summer days spent bean-walking at dawn, fence-painting at noon and manure-scooping at sunset -- lessons she'll never learn.

Although this is a short-term blip before her sports, church and academic summer camps begin, it still seems like those camps, wonderful as they are, can't possibly teach the life skills I learned growing up on a farm.

I learned how to be strong by hoisting hay bales; I learned how to be tolerant walking beans--getting up before dawn, cutting weeds out of steaming, muddy fields that stretched for miles; I learned how to be fast by chasing pigs that got out of the feedlot; I learned to be gentle but firm while holding squirming baby pigs for vaccination; I learned about the circle of life when animals we raised from birth were sold to market (regardless of my tears and months of bonding). All are skills unlearned by today's Iowans, now three or more generations removed from farming.

Not only are too many suburban-dwelling kids like my daughter removed from the character-building value of the sweaty, dirty, heavy-lifting jobs which are a part of farm life, they're uneducated on modern food production. How can we be surprised when they are seduced or recruited by animal activists who claim food today comes from cruel practices or polluters? Many kids have never been on a farm to gain the experience to discern the truth themselves.

But, I propose we find a way to get these suburban "couch dwellers" to a type of Farm Camp, where they can spend a week or two pulling weeds, painting fences, chasing pigs, scooping manure. They just may learn that it takes more than a trip to the grocery store to put food on the table. And, who knows how that knowledge can be applied to benefit parents everywhere; I have a feeling that if nothing else, these suburban kids will come away from livestock chores thinking they have no reason to complain when Mom tells them to pick up after their dog in the back yard, you know?

Laurie Johns is Public Relations Manager for the Iowa Farm Bureau. 6/15/2010

15 Jun 2010

Giving Constructive Feedback Without Making People Angry

By Leadership IQ
Do you avoid telling employees what you really think because you know they'll get angry or drag their feet?  When you give constructive feedback, do people get defensive or start blaming and making excuses?

A special 60-minute teleconference/webinar called Giving Constructive Feedback Without Making People Angry teaches you how to have open and truthful feedback conversations, even about the toughest topics, without making people defensive or angry. The results are improved performance, better relationships, smarter decisions and greater accountability.  
On Giving Constructive Feedback Without Making People Angry you'll learn...
  • 6-step script for delivering constructive criticism that helps the recipient improve and without making them defensive or angry (called the I.D.E.A.L.S. script)
  • 1-sentence that opens any difficult conversation and deescalates tough criticism
  • Avoid the "trigger words" that instantly make people defensive
  • Quiz for testing whether you're making people defensive with blaming and loaded language
  • The "Compliment Sandwich": What it is and why you should NEVER use it
  • Delayer your conversations (Facts, Interpretations, Reactions, Ends) and learn which pieces you should and shouldn't share
  • How to avoid "pleading" and "attacking" in when you're giving someone constructive feedback
  • 7-part model for assessing your relationship so you know how this person will take your feedback
  • Tackle "taboo topics" and "sacred cows" without bruising egos or starting turf wars
  • Discover the 5 Stages of Accountability (Denial, Blame, Excuses, Anxiety and Accountability) and how to respond to each one

On a special 60-minute teleconference & webinar called Giving Constructive Feedback Without Making People Angry you can invite as many colleagues as you'd like and the first 100 registrants get a special $50 discount.
You can get more information:
15 Jun 2010

IBHS Provides Tips During National Homeownership Month

By Joseph King

Tampa, Fla. (June 15, 2010) - June is National Homeownership Month and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) offers advice on how to keep the American dream of homeownership from becoming a nightmare.

Nearly seven out of 10 people own a home in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's "Homeownership Rates for the United States: 1968 to 2010." When considering the purchase of a home, buyers typically research key area demographics such as the quality of schools, property tax rates, and crime rate. However, another critical aspect of homeownership - and the benefits or strains on that ownership experience - is the potential for natural disaster(s) native to the area.

"Buying a home is typically the largest single investment people ever make," said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. "While researching a neighborhood or town, it is absolutely critical for prospective homeowners to learn what natural disasters, such as wildfire, windstorms, hail, or flooding, may impact the area."

To help home buyers and homeowners identify and learn more about several types of natural disasters where they live or may want to live, the IBHS offers a ZIP Code-based tool at www.DisasterSafety.org . The tool provides a list of the natural disaster(s) that may occur in that particular area.

People who already own homes can use the information on DisasterSafety.org to guide them in retrofitting their houses so that they are more resistant. Retrofits range from simple tasks (e.g., covering exterior hose bibs in the winter to prevent frozen/burst pipes) to more complex tasks (e.g., installing impact-resistant windows). DisasterSafety.org offers guidelines on ways to increase a home's resiliency against earthquake, flood, wildfire, hurricane, high winds, tornadoes, severe winter weather and hail.

"No matter the type of natural threat, there are a number of ways - from simple and inexpensive to more complex and costly - that homeowners can make their homes stronger and safer," Rochman said. "People need to know that they can do things to protect their home and family against damaging and potentially deadly effects of a natural disaster. This is important information for people in every corner of the nation, and Homeownership Month is a perfect time to focus on this issue."

###

15 Jun 2010

illegal immigrantion oversight

By Sen. Charles Grassley

Friday, June 11, 2010

Grassley Looking for Information on Detained Illegal Immigrants Gaining Access

to Taxpayer Funded Entertainment, Internet

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today asked for additional information from the federal agency that detains illegal immigrants about its plans to provide those who it has detained on immigration charges with access to free email and phone access and new recreational activities including bingo, dance lessons and art classes.                      

Grassley said his concerns follow a June 8 Houston Chronicle article that said, "Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are preparing to roll out a series of changes at several privately owned immigration detention centers, including relaxing some security measures for low-risk detainees and offering art classes, bingo and continental breakfast on the weekends."

"Taxpayers will not tolerate Uncle Sam using their money to provide dance lessons and bingo to those who knowingly broke our laws," Grassley said.

Here is a copy of Grassley's letter to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary.

June 11, 2010

The Honorable John Morton

Assistant Secretary

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

500 12th Street Southwest

Washington, D.C. 20536

Dear Secretary Morton:

I'm writing with serious concerns about your agency's latest changes to detention policies that will allow illegal aliens access to recreational activities and increased communication opportunities, giving detainees an overly-comfortable place to reside while they are prosecuted for breaking the law.

According to the Houston Chronicle, illegal aliens could now be given access to bingo, art classes, and continental breakfasts on weekends.  The article also states that ICE plans to eliminate lockdowns and lights-out for low-risk detainees, allow visitors to stay as long as they like in a 12-hour period, and allow low-risk detainees to wear their own clothing or other non-penal attire.  More disturbing is the report that ICE will now be providing e-mail access and Internet-based free phone service to detainees.

I realize that there are many low-risk detainees under the control of ICE, but reducing the standards for these lawbreakers will create a moral hazard and reduce the deterrent effect that prison time is supposed to have.  Even one ICE official stated the new management standards reinforces the idea that detention is "not about punishing people for a crime they committed."   These detainees, low-risk or not, broke the law in order to enter or remain in this country, and could have more entertainment and access to the outside world than other inmates in U.S. jails.  Giving illegal aliens access to computer training and tutoring, as well as dance lessons, cooking classes and movie nights, will only encourage illegal aliens to ignore the law and take more risks to defraud our immigration system.

According to the same article from the Houston Chronicle, many working in these facilities will fear for their safety if detention standards are lowered.  One union leader states that while some of these detainees have no serious criminal history, many may be former gang members. Gang members and the like will now have an easier time to ply their trade in this setting, jeopardizing the safety of the other detainees and correction officers.

Finally, taxpayers would be very disappointed if the reports are true since they are financing detention and removal efforts.  Expending taxpayer dollars to give illegal aliens access to bingo, dance lessons and the internet is a slap in the face to hardworking Americans who foot the bill.  It's even more frustrating given that so many Americans are unemployed and looking for work while illegal aliens are getting free tutoring and computer classes to advance their own lives.

For these reasons, I urge you to reconsider lowering detention standards.  I would also appreciate a copy of the internal memo obtained by the Houston Chronicle in addition to a briefing to discuss this report no later than Friday, June 18. Please contact Kathy Nuebel Kovarik of my staff at 202-224-3744 about this matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

14 Jun 2010

Harkin Statement in Honor of the 47th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act

By Sen. Tom Harkin
Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement in honor of the 47th anniversary of the signing of the Equal Pay Act on June 10, 1963.  Harkin is a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would strengthen penalties for discrimination, and has introduced the Fair Pay Act, which would require employers to provide equal pay for equivalent jobs and disclose pay scales and rates for all job categories at a given company.  This legislation would give women the information they need to identify and fight discriminatory pay practices.  Harkin is the Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.

"Nearly half a century after the Equal Pay Act was signed into law, far too many women in this country still do not get paid what men do for the exact same work.  On average, women make only 77 cents for each dollar a man makes.  The circumstances are even worse for Latinas and women of color.  Due to this injustice, women lose an estimated $700,000 over the course of their lifetimes due to unequal pay practices.  This inequality means real hardship for women and their families.

"Unfortunately, there are too many loopholes and too many barriers to effective enforcement of existing laws. That is why I strongly support the Paycheck Fairness Act. This bill would strengthen penalties for discrimination and give women the tools they need to identify and confront unfair treatment.  I hope that the Senate can pass the bill and send it to the President's desk this year.

"In addition, we must recognize that the problem of unequal pay goes beyond insidious discrimination. To address this more subtle discrimination, I have introduced the Fair Pay Act to ensure that employers provide equal pay for jobs that are equivalent in skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions.

"As we observe this anniversary, we must take the necessary steps to end discrimination.  We can start by closing the pay gap and simply paying women fairly."
14 Jun 2010

American Prosthetics & Orthotics Relocates Davenport Office

By Cynthia Marsh

CLIVE, Iowa -- American Prosthetics & Orthotics, a full service provider of custom prostheses and orthoses, has relocated its Davenport office. The new office is located at 1351 West Central Park Avenue, Suite 450, in Genesis Medical Center West, part of the Genesis Hospital Medical complex.  The telephone number for appointments will remain the same, (563) 324-7707. Andy Besser, CPO, is branch manager.

APO has been providing quality care to Iowa and the surrounding states for almost half a century.  Its ABC-certified practitioners continue a tradition of meeting patients' individual needs and goals through innovative solutions and quality workmanship.  They design and fit comfortable and highly functional prostheses for amputees as well as custom fabricate and fit a wide range of orthotic support systems for fractures, diabetic feet, spinal and cervical disorders, neuromuscular conditions, and sport injuries.

APO has patient care offices in Bettendorf, Clive, Davenport, Des Moines, Iowa City, West Burlington, and also in Moline, Illinois.

For more information on APO and its services, call (515) 224-0537 or visit www.apoinc.com.

 

###

14 Jun 2010

Grassley Concerned Farmers Missing Farm Program Sign Up Due to Deadline Changes

By Sen. Charles Grassley

WASHINGTON - JUNE 9, 2010 - Chuck Grassley today asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consider a late fee for agriculture producers who missed a sign up deadline for the Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program.

Grassley said the different sign up deadlines for the farm programs have caused some confusion among producers. Under the 2002 farm bill, farmers who missed the filing deadline were given the opportunity to sign up for the program with payment of a late filing fee.  This year, there is no such option.

"Several farmers contacted my office when they learned of the earlier sign up deadline.  Unfortunately, they learned too late and instead are shut out of the program," Grassley said.  "The FSA might be able to help a number of producers if it would consider allowing a late filing fee for family farmers who have missed this year's sign up."

Here is a copy of the text of Grassley's letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

June 9, 2010

The Honorable Tom Vilsack

Secretary

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

I understand that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently conducted its annual Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) signup.  This year's signup concluded on June 1, 2010, which tracks the 2002-2007 signups for DCP which also closed on June 1st of each of those respective years.

Because of the late passage of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill), signup for DCP was extended until September 1, 2008.  In 2009, because of the introduction of ACRE, an August 14, 2009 deadline was set.

2010 marks the first time FSA has returned to a June 1st deadline.  I believe a June 1, 2010 deadline is fully appropriate.  However, under the Farm Security and Rural investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill), farmers who missed the deadline but chose to pay a $100 per farm late filing fee were given until September 30th to do so.  This late filing fee option is no longer offered by FSA.

I am concerned that since this is the first year that FSA is again using the earlier deadline of June 1, not all eligible producers have had an opportunity to visit their county office and signup for the two programs.  Producers in my state who missed the June 1, 2010 deadline have contacted my office about their inability to signup this year, many of whom are willing to pay a late fee to do so.

I respectfully ask that FSA reconsider its decision not to allow a late filing fee for family farmers who have missed this year's signup deadline.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

14 Jun 2010

Attention Home Brewers & Wine Makers

By Julie
Hi Home Brewers & Wine Makers,

I am currently in the process of trying to increase our inventory levels so that we run out of things less often and also so we carry more of what you are looking for.  I know kegging equipment is big on everyone's list so I am working to try to find a vendor for it.  What else would you like to buy from Camp McClellan Cellars that I don't currently carry?

Everyone who responds will be rewarded with a 15% off coupon good for a month on your next homebrew or home wine making purchase.  While you are at it, feel free to mention anything else that has been on your mind.  Thanks so much for your help. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Julie
Camp McClellan Cellars
CampmcJULIE@aol.com
07 Jun 2010

Modern day treasure hunters are coming to the Quad Cities!

By Samantha Eklow

(Bettendorf, IA; June 7, 2010)

What treasures are hidden around the Quad Cities? We are about to find out.  The Gold Estate Roadshow kicks off its 31-city treasure hunt in the Quad Cities June 8-12.  During this free expo, the Gold Estate experts are expecting to see over 1,200 residents bringing in their rare and unusual collectibles! Locals will have a chance to talk antique and collectible experts, and it's all free!

Recent finds include a #1 Richie Rich Comic Book purchased for $24,000! A gold coin collection was purchased from a local resident for over $22,000, a rare Tiffany lamp fetched $8,000, and  a recent estate collection of jewelry was snapped up for $89,000!

What kind of treasures will be revealed during our trip?  The Quad Cities show stands to reveal more incredible rare finds.  You or your next door neighbor just might be the next to find a rare treasure in the attic.  Start digging now and come down to share the excitement and fun of the Roadshow.

The Quad Cities is the first stop on the 2010 Gold Estate Roadshow Tour.  During this event at the Isle of Capri Bettendorf, our representatives are hoping to see items such as gold and silver jewelry, coins issued before 1965 and paper currency issued prior to 1933, vintage toys, dolls, trains, estate and vintage jewelry, old and modern musical instruments, luxury watches, war memorabilia,  costume jewelry, advertising memorabilia, and unusual rare finds!

The Gold Estate Roadshow is the fastest growing collectibles roadshow and provides a place where anyone in the Quad Cities can connect with a worldwide database of collectors.  Our representatives make offers based on up to the minute markets including prices based on the COMEX spot price of gold.  When someone decides to sell, payment is made on the spot.

The Gold Estate Roadshow is a fun and exciting event to attend.  Empty your jewelry box of unwanted gold and silver jewelry, bring down all dental gold, find your gold coins, gold bars, etc., Search for those rare collectibles and heirlooms.  Don't miss out.  Make plans now to attend the The Gold Estate Roadshow during our 1st ever stop in the Quad Cities June 8-12.

THE GOLD ESTATE ROADSHOW

ISLE CASINO HOTEL BETTENDORF

TUESDAY, JUNE 8-SATURDAY, JUNE 12

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 319-626-7300

03 Jun 2010

New videos available to promote teen safe driving from American Family Insurance

By Janet Masters
Madison, Wis. (May 26, 2010) - With graduation season in full swing and summer just around the corner, it's important to know a few alarming statistics: Car crashes are the number one cause of teen fatalities. One in six teens is in an accident during the first year of driving. Nearly half of all fatal car crashes involving teen drivers are single-car crashes.

It's this sobering reality that steers the Teen Safe Driver ProgramSM from American Family Insurance and the newest elements of the program - seven consumer education videos.
The timely videos link to the popular YouTube website from the program's website www.teensafedriver.com and cover a broad range of subjects related to teen driving. As part of the Teen Safe Driver Program, they underscore the company's commitment to helping teens learn safe driving habits and encouraging dialogue between teens and parents.

The new video titles and topics include :

"Two's good company, three's a crowd" - Talks about how more passengers greatly increases the crash risk for teen drivers

"The benefits of graduated licensing" - Explains why graduated driving license programs work to keep teens safer behind the wheel

"Protect yourself from erratic drivers" - Demonstrates how teen drivers can't control other drivers but can learn to protect themselves from other erratic behavior on the road

"Is your teen ready to drive?" - Asks the questions that can help determine if teens have the necessary maturity to get a driver's license; meant to be viewed together by teens and their parents

"Don't drive mad" - Talks about how to keep anger from causing a crash

"Always focusing on the road" - Explains how multi-tasking is a popular notion these days, but turns out it's not such an effective way of doing things, particularly when it comes to driving

"Advice for new drivers and their siblings" - Discusses waiting for a teen driver to have siblings as passengers, since the first few months after a teen gets a license are the most dangerous

The Teen Safe Driver Program was introduced in 2007 and uses an innovative combination of technology (via an in-vehicle video and audio unit) and parental involvement (via the special website www.teensafedriver.com) to help educate and guide parents and the new young drivers in their households to learning and practicing responsible driving habits.

When American Family customers with a beginning teen driver voluntarily sign up for Teen Safe Driver (at no cost for the one-year program), an in-vehicle video and audio unit is installed that captures risky driving behaviors such as excessive speed, sharp turns and hard braking. Parents log in to www.teensafedriver.com to view the driving report card, video events and coaching tips, including objective, third-party assessment of the teen driver's driving performance compared with other teens.

"Balancing the freedom teens experience when they get the keys to the family car with the hard discussions parents want to have with them about being safe can be difficult," says Kevin Piette, American Family product portfolio director. "The Teen Safe Driver program provides the opportunity to have those conversations and learn from real experiences."

Julie Rupert, auto lines director, notes the impressive results of the program to date. "By week 18 we see an increase in seat belt usage to 100 percent and a greater than 70 percent reduction in the frequency and severity of risky driving events among new drivers," she says. "Our goal is to give teens and their parents an educational tool for preventing accidents and promoting good driving behavior. Hopefully both can then feel more secure when teens get behind the wheel."

And to remind the teens in your life to drive safe this summer, check out American Family's Celebrations application on Facebook where they can send a seatbelt safety reminder gift and remind their friends of the importance of always buckling up.

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