“Let us dare to, read, think, and write.” John Adams 1765
Weekly Reporter
We Dare To Speak The Truth
Editor@theweeklyreporter.com
Protecting Liberty Through Freedom of Speech
SHOULD WE ELECT A DECEPTIVE PRESIDENT? Mitt Romney has apparently not become accustomed to the idea that when you are in the public eye each and every word you speak is heard and recorded. It seems Mr. Romney is willing to say whatever he thinks or has been told is appropriate for the audience he is standing before. Thus, if the audience tends to be very conservative Mr. Romney will most certainly voice a stance against abortion, against gay rights, against women’s rights, against gun controls, against higher minimum wages, against stem cell research, against campaign contribution limits. He says he was against the bailouts, against assisting the failing automobile manufacturers, yet when he is with a more moderate group of voters his positions are quickly reversed. Mitt Romney seems to have little or no shame when it comes to changing positions in an instance; on the other hand it might be just a poor memory or worse yet a propensity for telling lies. It seems Mr. Romney is willing to say anything that, at least for the moment, seems likely to win votes. His willingness to say what he believes the ideologues wish to hear has become a trademark for him and it is very likely to cost him many votes within his own party where there seems to be a growing dissatisfaction with his unwillingness to simply be frank and let the cards fall where they might. In the past staunch, aggressive Republicans have been quick to go on the attack for anything that resembled flip-flopping on the part
of a Democratic candidate. Recent victims of such ruthlessness have been former Vice President Al Gore and Senator John Kerry. Mitt Romney’s attempts at outright deception have been very blatant and he seems to ignore the fact that there are many voters who are hearing him speak out of two sides of his mouth. His deceptions have been noticed around the world. The Guardian of the United Kingdom said,
Birds Of A Feather Mitt Romney
President Geoge Bush
“Poor Mitt Romney suffers from both related ailments: flip-flopping on issues and a perception that he will do or say anything to get elected president. He's wooden, sometimes appears disingenuous, looks long on ambition but short on passion. As Republican polling guru Frank Luntz puts it, "Romney has all the qualities Republicans would like in a president, but none of the attributes they are looking for in a candidate." See: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2012/apr/03/m itt-romney-flip-flopper-2012 Regardless of their political views, most voters resent a candidate who underestimates their knowledge, or perhaps their intelligence, by telling outright lies to their face. They clearly despised a president who lied to them and that was demonstrated in the last election as well as by continuing public sentiment. Go To Page
Weekly REPORTER **FLASHBACK FRIDAY** 2010: Congresswoman Judy Biggert Voted Against Closing Outsourcing Loopholes to Provide Tax Relief for Small Businesses Naperville, IL – After 30 years in politics, Congresswoman Judy Biggert is no longer on the side of either small businesses or the middle class. Congresswoman Biggert repeatedly voted for the Ryan budget plan that holds middle class tax cuts hostage in order to protect tax cuts for the wealthy. She has consistently put the interests of multinational corporations above the interest of local businesses or middle class families. In 2010, Congresswoman Biggert voted against legislation that would provide tax relief to small businesses. The bill would close outsourcing loopholes that made it easier for companies to move American jobs overseas.
Published free in the public interest
Flashback 2010: In 2010, Congresswoman Biggert voted against legislation that would have reduced paperwork and reporting requirements for small businesses. The bill would have been paid for by ending tax breaks that encourage companies to move American jobs overseas. “In order to get our economy going, we need to support businesses that create jobs right here in Illinois,” said Bill Foster. “Congresswoman Biggert voted time and time again for bad trade policies that crushed U.S. manufacturing and shipped American jobs overseas. Our economy does best when the middle class prospers, and we need people with real business experience who will fight for U.S. manufacturing and put the interests of small businesses and middle class families first.”
Weekly REPORTER
Mitt Romney Flip Flops
http://samuel-warde.com/2012/06/list-of-mitt-romney-flip-flops/
Continued from Front Page
A publication known as Liberals Unite, http://samuelwarde.com/2012/06/list-of-mitt-romney-flip-flops/, has published a list of the Romney flip flops. For each statement, pro or con, there is a source you may click on for confirm of the change in his position. The following list has been taken from the Internet Magazine Liberals Unite: “I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it.” Source “Roe v. Wade has gone too far.” Source “I don’t line up with the NRA.” Source “I’m a member of the [NRA].” Source “I like mandates. The mandates work.” Source “I think it’s unconstitutional on the 10th Amendment front.” Source “I respect and will protect a woman’s right to choose.” Source “I never really called myself pro-choice.” Source “I saw my father march with Martin Luther King.” Source “I did not see it with my own eyes.” Source “I supported the assault weapon ban.” Source “I don’t support any gun control legislation.” Source “I think the minimum wage ought to keep pace with inflation.” Source “There’s no question raising the minimum wage excessively causes a loss of jobs.” Source “I will work and fight for stem cell research.” Source “In the end, I became persuaded that the stem-cell debate was grounded in a false premise.” Source “I would like to have campaign spending limits.” Source “The American people should be free to advocate for their candidates and their positions without burdensome limitations.” Source “I’m a strong believer in stating your position and not wavering.” Source “I changed my position.” Source “Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.” Source “I’ll take a lot of credit for the fact that this industry’s come back.” Source “I’m not in favor of privatizing Social Security or making cuts.” Source “Social Security’s the easiest and that’s because you can give people a personal account.” Source “I’m not trying to return to Reagan-Bush.” Source “Ronald Reagan is… my hero.” Source
“I’ve been a hunter pretty much all my life.” Source “Any description of my being a hunter is an overstatement of capability.” Source “If Massachusetts succeeds in implementing it, then that will be a model for the nation.” Source “What works in one state may not be the answer for another.” Source “It was not my desire to go off and serve in Vietnam.” Source “I longed in many respects to actually be in Vietnam and be representing our country there.” Source “It’s a tax cut for fat cats.” Source “I believe the tax on capital gains should be zero.” Source “It’s not worth moving heaven and earth spending billions of dollars just trying to catch one person.” Source “He’s going to pay, and he will die.” Source “Relative to the leading candidates, some people see me as being more conservative.” Source “I’m not the most conservative candidate.” “I’m not the most conservative candidate.” Source “The TARP program… was nevertheless necessary to keep banks from collapsing in a cascade of failures.” Source “When government is… bailing out banks… we have every good reason to be alarmed.” Source “These carbon emission limits will provide real and immediate progress.” Source “Republicans should never abandon pro-growth conservative principles in an effort to embrace the ideas of Al Gore.” Source “This is a completely airtight kennel mounted on the top of our car.” Source ‘They’re not happy that my dog loves fresh air.” Source “Those… paying taxes and not taking government benefits should begin a process toward application for citizenship.” Source “Amnesty only led to more people coming into the country.” Source “When I first heard of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, I thought it sounded awfully silly.” Source “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has worked well.” Source If you are considering casting your vote for Mitt Romney in November you might want to take a second look at this man and ask yourself if he can truly be trusted to be honest with the American public; he might be just be another George W. Bush. Vote with your brain not with your party.
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Weekly REPORTER
Science
Car Seats & Booster Basics
Editor@theweeklyreporter.com
There are so many car seat types and models, how do you know which one is right for your child? The right car seat or booster fits your child and your car, and is one you will use correctly every time you travel. Not only will your child ride as safely as possible, you will be establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your child travels. GET HELP: Certified child passenger safety technicians are available to help you find the right car seat for your child's age and size. Find Local Help More help is also available at a Child Car Seat Inspection Station. And be sure to check out NHTSA's Ease of Use Ratings on all car seats.
Our Recommendations Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, and choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time. Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions; read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system; and check height and weight limits. To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements. Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12. Birth - 12 months Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your
1 - 3 years Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car
4 - 7 years Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat
8 - 12 years Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: your child should still
Description (Restraint Type) A REAR-FACING CAR SEAT is the best seat for your young child to use. It has a harness and in a crash, cradles and moves with your child to reduce the stress to the child’s fragile neck and spinal cord. A BOOSTER SEAT positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child’s body. A FORWARD-FACING CAR SEAT has a harness and tether that limits your child’s forward movement during a crash. A SEAT BELT should lie across the upper thighs and be snug across the shoulder and chest to restrain the child safely in a crash. It should not rest on the stomach area or across the neck.
More valuable information is available at www.safercar.gov/parents/RightSeat.htm
Weekly REPORTER
Commentary
PITY HISPANICS IF ROMNEY IS ELECTED PRESIDENT BY John Gabriel - Award Winning Writer - jgabriel@theweeeklyreporter.com
Mitt Romney seems to say whatever he must, at any given moment, to satisfy his listeners. His statements on camera are at best awkward as he attempts to not offend his ultra-conservative base where most of his support lies. His stance on immigration reform is pathetic. He is either unwilling or afraid to stand up for Hispanics who came to this country as children having no choice in the decision to enter the United States
“I'm so proud to earn Kris's support," he said in a statement at the time the flow of illegal . "Kris has been a true leader on securing our borders and stopping immigration into this country. We need more conservative leaders like Kris willing to stand up for the rule of law."
It is the same old Mitt Romney, a man willing to say anything to wiggle out of an uncomfortable situation. He just does not want to be straight forward or to give honest forthwith answers to questions put to him. and who know no other home other than the United States. You can read the entire article by Tom Cohen at: These are generally fine young men and women who have been http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/19/politics/romney-latinoeducated in the United States and who are as American as anyone vote/index.html who was born here. They want a means by which they can be With the election drawing closer, each day becomes more granted citizenship, they want to complete their educations; they want important to the candidates and it is quite likely you will hear more to take their places in the work force. They wish to marrry, raise and more attempts at deception as Romney seeks to win the favor of families and purchase homes for them. people he does not like or support. He currently lacks support Mitt Romney with all his riches is out of touch with the Hispanic among American women voters, Hispanics, African Americans and community. No one has said he spent any time in a Hispanic community or any minority community. Perhaps his idea of a minority the Gay community. One can imagine the circles in which the extremely rich Mr. is people who earn only $1 million or $2 million dollars a year. Romney circulates. It is quite unlikely he visits any minority Mr. Romney has an advisor named Kris Kobach who is the community and the fact that he praised Kris Kobach the architect of Secretary of State in Kansas. Mr. Kobach was the architect of the so much misery and heartbreak within the Mexican communities in tough immigration laws that were enacted in Arizona and in Arizona and Alabama seems to say it all on the issue of Hispanics, Alabama. They are the toughest laws in the U.S. with regard to Praising the separation of mothers and fathers from their children, immigrants. Although Kobach says he has been advising Mitt of husbands and wives, grandparents and grandchildren hardly Romney for years Mr. Romney denies that he has ever met him. sounds like something worthy of anyone’s praise. How can any Kobach is currently on the Romney staff as an advisor. decent person praise the breakup of sound decent families? According to CNN reporter Tom Cohen, when Romney was Given the facts as they come from Mitt Romney’s own mouth, it asked about Kris Kobach he said, "He may well be part of a is possible that all he might provide as the president would be more policy team," Romney said. "I have not met with him and more misery for thousands or perhaps millions of people who yet. And don't know whether he is or he is not." wish nothing more than to work, earn enough to provide food and But according to reporter Cohen, Romney made the following shelter for their families and themselves and to live in peace. declarations: If you happen to be Hispanic perhaps you should consider Mr. In January, Romney expressed gratitude when the conservative Romney’s real feelings toward you when you vote in November. Kobach endorsed him for the Republican nomination.
Of Interest
Weekly REPORTER
Illinois State Police District 05 Promotes Child Passenger Safety Week Joliet - The Illinois State Police (ISP) would like to invite all parents, grandparents, and care givers out to our safety event on September 22, 2012 for National Seat Check Saturday. In an effort to keep kids safe while traveling on the roadways, our Child Safety Seat Technicians will be checking child car seats to ensure all seats are installed properly as well as educating the persons installing the seats. The September 22nd Seat Check event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Illinois State Police, District 5 headquarters, rear parking lot, located at the corner of IL Route 53 and Division Street in Throughout the year, DHS provides seats to qualified individuals. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate and have their child’s safety seat checked by a certified technician. Countless lives have already been saved by simply requiring drivers to wear their seat belts. Statistics reveal that over 92 percent of motorists choose to wear their seat belts and officials stress that it is equally important to ensure that children in vehicles are properly secured in the appropriate child safety seat. Several car seat checks have already been scheduled at different locations throughout the state. Although it is not mandatory to make an appointment, it is highly encouraged to do so. Illinois State Police District 05 will be taking appointments this week for this Saturday’s seat check event. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please contact Trooper DeAnn Falat at (815)726-6377 Ext 271. The Child Passenger Protection Act was established to protect the health and safety of children through the proper use of approved child restraint systems. Parents or legal guardians of a child under the
Lockport (Address of 16648 South Broadway, Lockport, IL. 60441). The purpose of Child Passenger Safety Week is to remind families and motorists about the importance of securing all children in a car seat, booster seat or seatbelt. Safety is our number one priority. Children do not always understand the
age of eight are responsible for providing an approved child safety seat to anyone who transports his or her child. The first violation of this act is punishable by a fine of $120.00. The fee may be waived upon proof of possession and installation of an approved child passenger restraint system, which has been installed by a certified child passenger safety technician. A subsequent violation of this Act is a petty offense punishable by a fine of $200. The Illinois State Police offers the following recommendations provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Select a car seat based on your child's age, height, and weight. Keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as your child fits the seat's height and weight requirements. All children under 13 should ride in the back seat. For additional information regarding dates, times and locations of a car seat event near you, please visit www.seatcheck.net, or contact your local ISP Safety Education Officer.
importance of being buckled up properly. Our goal when you leave our seat check is to not only ensure children are properly secured in an appropriate car seat every trip, every time but to also educate and give suggestions in keeping your children and yourself safe while traveling in any vehicle at any time.
Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Current West Nile Virus Outbreak As of September 4, 2012, 87 deaths caused by West Nile Virus have been reported in the United States. There have been 1,993 cases of West Nile Virus in people, with 70 percent of those cases occurring in six states: Texas, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Michigan. Forty-eight states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. West Nile Virus is a potentially dangerous illness that is primarily spread by bites from infected mosquitoes. The mosquitoes themselves become infected when they feed on infected birds. About one in 150 people infected with the virus will develop severe illness that could cause permanent neurological effects or death. About 20 percent of people can have symptoms for up to several weeks. Eighty percent of infected people show no symptoms at all. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop serious symptoms. The easiest and best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to prevent mosquito bites. When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPAregistered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used. Learn more about the West Nile Virus outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control.
Weekly REPORTER Courtesy of ARA Content
editor@theweeklyreporter.com
The new appeal of high-yield bond funds (ARA) - With short-term interest rates at historic lows, many investors are turning to “high-yield” bond funds to generate more income from their investment portfolios. They could make sense for you, too.
This diversity in today's high-yield marketplace makes it easier for investors to manage default risk, since they can build portfolios of bonds in various industries and maturities across the credit spectrum. Although high-yield bonds can fall in value when the economy weakens and investors start to worry about getting paid, those at the top of the ratings scale tend to fall the least. And they usually fluctuate less dramatically than stocks. In fact, research by Thrivent Financial analysts has shown that over the past 25 years the total return on high-yield bonds has been about equal to that of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, but with only about two-thirds of the volatility. “There are risks to investing in the high-yield market, just as there are risks in any market,” says Mark Simenstad, vice president and head of fixed-income funds for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a diversified financial services organization. “But it's not a monolithic market. Many of the higher-quality bond issuers are established, well-known companies with good business prospects, which wasn't always the case 20 or 30 years ago.” Investing prudently in high-yield bonds High-yield bonds are bonds issued by companies that do not Beyond focusing on credit ratings, one of the simplest ways to carry investment-grade credit ratings. These companies often have minimize the risk of investing in high-yield bonds is through higher-than-average levels of debt, suggesting that they are at greater diversification. Instead of buying one bond, investors are encouraged risk of defaulting on their obligations to bondholders. To reward to buy several issued by different companies in different industries. investors for taking that risk, companies pay higher rates of interest That way, one default can't take down the entire portfolio. They also on their bonds. In late August, for example, when intermediate-term can incorporate other high-yielding assets into their holdings, corporate bonds from investment-grade companies were yielding including preferred stocks, convertible bonds and even mortgageabout 2.4 percent, high-yield bonds were offering about 7 percent. backed securities. Despite this riskier profile, high-yield bonds historically have had Continued on Solutions a relatively low default rate - about 4.4 percent annually, on average, over the past two and a half decades. For the first six months of this year, with corporate profits strong, the default rate was only 2.5 percent. A mature marketplace The market for high-yield bonds is larger and more diversified today than it was a few decades ago, when these securities were often referred to as “junk bonds.” It is now a $1 trillion-plus marketplace featuring bonds from companies in a wide range of industries, and broadly diversified in terms of credit quality. Rating agency Standard & Poor's has a dozen different rating levels for high-yield issuers, ranging from “BB+” for those one notch below investment grade to “D” for those that have already defaulted on some of their financial commitments.
Weekly REPORTER
Making the Most of Your Money When It Comes to Estate Planning (ARA) - Setting up an estate plan is a good investment for the future. But you can also be a careful steward of your financial assets now, with careful and organized planning as you go through the estate planning process. Furthermore, the third week in October (Oct. 1521) is National Estate Planning Awareness Week and the perfect time to put your estate planning house in order. Estate planning is an important component of your overall financial plan, regardless of your age, income or size of your estate. If you own property and have heirs, you need to think about estate planning. To do the job well, you'll need the help of a team of professional accredited estate planners such as a certified public accountant, a lawyer, insurance professionals and financial planners, and trust officers. Professional fees can add up if you don't manage time well, so it's important to prepare for every meeting with your estate planning team members. It's a great time to think about how you can maximize the
assets and liabilities, collect financial documents such as retirement plans, life insurance policies, property deeds, partnership and business agreements and your income tax returns for the past two years. * Write out your own personal goals, concerns and ideas. Identify people whom you would like to have inherit your property when you die, and specify what you would like to leave each. Make note of any special needs or situations, such as a dependent child or a spouse whose disability will prevent him or her from working. Identify people you would like to name as guardian for minor children, as well as an executor for your will. * Seek out the right professionals. You'll find any number of people who profess to be estate planners, but NAEPC designees complete rigorous educational requirements for estate planning and adhere to a strict code of ethics. To find an accredited estate planner, visit the association's website, www.estateplanninganswers.org. * Bring your notes and all the information you've gathered with you to your meeting. Being prepared can save you hours of billable time. Discuss your overall goals and find out how each professional can help you meet them. Ask for a list of the specific documents he or she will prepare for you. * Realize that estate planning is an ongoing process. You should update your estate plan every few years or any time you experience a major life change, such as the birth of a child, marriage, divorce or death of a spouse or parent. * Finally, once you've prepared for your loved ones' financial future, don't forget to take care of their emotional well-being. Estate plan documents are dry and technical, and they won't communicate your emotions to those you leave behind. Consider writing a letter to your spouse and family expressing your final thoughts and feelings. Keep the letter with key financial paperwork and make sure your loved ones know where to locate these items.
value of the time you spend with your estate planning team. The NAEPC offers this advice on how to have productive working relationships with your planners To learn more about estate planning, visit the NAEPC Education * Before meeting with a professional, gather all your personal and Foundation's public awareness website financial information, make lists of your current financial advisers, www.EstatePlanningAnswers.org.
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Weekly REPORTER
Instructions:
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 12 min Makes 12 Biscuits
Ingredients:
• Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray • 2 cups White Lily® Enriched Bleached Self-Rising Flour OR 2 cups White Lily® Enriched Unbleached Self-Rising Flour • 1/4 cup Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening, chilled OR 1/4 stick Crisco® Baking Sticks All-Vegetable Shortening, chilled • 2/3 to 3/4 cups buttermilk or milk Nutritional Information Per Serving: Serving Size (1 biscuit of 12), Calories 110 (Calories from Fat 40), Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g), Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 240mg, Total Carbohydrate 15g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 1g), Protein 3g; Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 6%, Iron 4%. *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
1. HEAT oven to 500°F. Coat baking sheet with nostick cooking spray. 2. MEASURE flour into large bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender or 2 knives until crumbs are the size of peas. Blend in just enough milk with fork until dough leaves sides of bowl. 3. TURN dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently 2 to 3 times. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut using floured 2-inch biscuit cutter. Place on prepared baking sheet 1 inch apart for crisp sides or almost touching for soft sides. 4. BAKE 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
VARIATION 1. GARLIC CHEESE BISCUITS: Stir in 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese before adding milk. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake as directed above. Combine 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Brush on warm biscuits. 2. ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1 teaspoon salt before cutting in shortening. Follow directions above.
Weekly REPORTER Courtesy of ARAcontent
editor@theweeklyreporter.co
More than two decades after its last update, the physical fitness test many of us did in school is getting a makeover. Just in time for the new school year, the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN) announced that the former Physical Fitness Test is now the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, and that it will focus primarily on assessing health versus athleticism for America's youth. Since less than one in five youth get the exercise they need and high rates of childhood obesity are sweeping the nation, PCFSN and its partners recognize the importance of motivating children to get active, whether through sports or physical activity on the playground, in the park or in the backyard. Research shows nearly one in three children are overweight and one in six are considered obese. These numbers can have a major effect as youth grow into adults. Overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. As a school district administrator in one of the largest school districts in the country, the move from recognizing athletic performance to health-based standards is a crucial step forward. These standards provide a guide for what a healthy student should be able to do based on age and gender. They emphasize personal fitness goals and minimize comparisons between children. It isn't about who is the fastest or the strongest. It is about healthy kids and lifelong physical activity. Since 1966, the Youth Fitness Test has been used to assess physical fitness. The updated program will now provide training and resources to schools for assessing, tracking and recognizing youth health-related fitness. Support available to all schools includes Webbased access to test protocol, standards for testing, calculators for aerobic capacity and body composition (BMI), promotion of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA), online training, school
America's Youth Fitness Test gets a makeover recognition programs and more. Schools and districts can also purchase additional resources, such as data management, reporting
software and testing aids, to enhance the program. Changes to the Presidential Youth Fitness Program were developed in partnership with experts in health promotion and youth fitness including the Amateur Athletic Union, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Cooper Institute. To learn more about the Presidential Youth Fitness Program visit www.presidentialyouthfitnessprogram.org. This article appears on behalf of the President's Council of Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, which resides within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NOTE: By: Dr. Jayne Greenberg, district director of physical education and health literacy for Miami-Dade County Public Schools (Fla.) and President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Council Member.
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FROM T I F BEN S R E AIDS B OOM G N I HEAR As They Stay In The Work Force Longer (ARA) - Let's face it. The Great Recession put a kink in many Americans' retirement plans. Combine that financial blow with the general uncertainty regarding Medicare and the future cost of private health insurance. As a result, more boomers are staying in the workforce longer. In fact, between 2006 and 2016 the number of older people in the workforce is expected to soar,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Workers between the ages of 55 and 64 are expected to increase by 36.5 percent; the number of workers between 65 and 74 is expected to climb by 83.4 percent, and even the number of workers who are 75 and older is expected to grow by 84.3 percent. By 2016, the BLS says, workers age 65 and over are expected to make up 6.1 percent of the total labor force - a
Gone are the days of ignoring hearing difficulties. There are no more excuses. And given the technological advances of modern hearing aids, and the compelling data that illustrate the downside of leaving hearing loss unaddressed, there's only one reasonable course of action. Maturing workers should be getting their hearing checked. And if there is hearing loss, they should discuss
steep jump from their 3.6 percent share in 2006. So what does this mean for individuals? It means people need to do what they can to age productively. It means they need to take charge of their health - including their hearing health - so they can maximize their chances for success on the job. Along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it's important that boomers routinely get their hearing checked - and that they
hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life due to wearing hearing aids. The vast majority of people with hearing loss, in fact, could benefit from hearing aids. More good news: Today's employers recognize the changing demographics of the modern aging workforce and increasingly are making efforts to hold onto their older workers. Employers value the experience that mature employees bring to the job - along with the strong work ethic and other positive attributes that older workers tend to possess. More and more companies, in fact, engage in workplace wellness programs to help keep their employees in good health. And hearing health - including hearing checks - is increasingly included in these programs. "Never before has good hearing been so important or so attainable," says Dr. Sergei Kochkin, Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute. "When people with their hearing healthcare provider whether or not with even mild hearing loss use hearing aids, they improve hearing aids could help. their job performance, increase their earning potential, Consider this: More than 34 million Americans suffer enhance their communication skills, improve their from hearing loss - about 11 percent of the U.S. professional and interpersonal relationships, and stave off population - and 60 percent of them are below retirement depression. age, according to the Better Hearing Institute "I urge anyone planning to stay in the workforce (www.betterhearing.org). Research shows that the use of longer to take that first, most critical step to optimizing hearing aids reduces the risk of income loss by 90 to 100 your hearing health and enhancing your chances for career percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to success by taking a confidential, online hearing check at 77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss. www.hearingcheck.org. It will help you determine if you Those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss who use may need a more thorough hearing test by a hearing health hearing aids are twice as likely to be employed as their professional," Kochkin continues. "Your hearing health peers who do not use hearing aids. And three out of four and continued job success are within your control."
Weekly REPORTER ACROSS 1 Leather worker's tool 4 Observe secretly 7 American Cancer Society (abbr.) 10 Clean thoroughly 12 Ball holder 13 Hawaiian 'hello' 15 End 16 Time period 17 Liquid 18 Affirmation 19 Japanese warrior 22 Not amateur 23 Removes 25 Screech 27 Roberto's yes 28 Conger 29 Shaft 32 Plant part 36 Female child 40 Three 41 Serving of corn 42 Touch affectionately 43 In __ of 45 Giant in 'Princess Bride' 47 Military unit 48 Ml 50 Tree 52 Blots (2 wds.) 55 Naval fleet 58 Spiritedness 59 Import illegally 61 Wing 63 Bye 65 Food and Agriculture Organization (abbr.) 66 Desires 68 Parsonage 69 Romp 70 Large wave 71 Tulle 72 Wily 73 Caustic substance
DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13
Peaks Pull away Tote Plant trunks South American country Many months Entire Automobile Refrain from Chinese sauce Herb Alight
Weekly REPORTER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
DOWN continued 14 20 21 24 26 29 30 31 33 34 35 37 38 39 44 45
Flurry Cusp Excuse me! Fish eggs Queasy Cause of sickness Twelve Palter Shekel Boy Make a mistake April (abbr.) Surface to air missile Pigpen Referee Short for aluminum
46 47 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 60 62 64 67
Duke Expression of surprise Make available Soft-finned fish Litter State Blows Pain Peachy Fish tank growth Brand of non-stick spray Ancient European region American sign language Eastern Time Fat
Brain Teaser KL WDODP PXKWB UEL KL ZVEPB
Weekly REPORTER
CONTINUED FROM HEADS
UP ON FINANCE
Unfortunately, assembling a diversified high-yield bond portfolio can be a tall order for many investors, who often don't have the time or resources to assess the financial health and business prospects of many different issuers. Accordingly, most choose to invest via mutual funds specializing in that sector of the market, delegating security selection and trading decisions to a professional money manager. Paul Ocenasek, manager of the Thrivent High Yield Fund, says high-yield bond funds can be appropriate for several types of investors. “They can certainly make sense for anyone looking to generate income from their investment portfolio,” he says, “since the yields they offer are often higher than what's available from investment-grade corporate bonds, and typically higher than the yields on conservative cash investments.” To be sure, high-yield bonds are not risk-free. They can go down in value when interest rates rise or when business conditions deteriorate and market sentiment sours. And, as noted, they can fall into default. But, Simenstad stresses, while investors should not ignore the risks associated with high-yield bonds, neither should they exaggerate them. A prudently managed high-yield bond fund, he maintains, can play a meaningful role in almost any broadly diversified investment portfolio. EDITOR’S NOTE: Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 800-847-4836, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents of Thrivent Financial.
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