the weekly reporter
DESCRIPTION
A free weekly newspaper published in Will County IllinoisTRANSCRIPT
Published Weekly In Will County Volume 2 Number 37 September 10 thru September 16, 2009
JolietBolingbrookCrest HillFrankfortHomer Glen
LockportMokenaPlainfieldRomeovilleShorewood
WeeklyREPORTER
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“Let us dare to read, write, and speak.” John Adams, 1765
Tomorrow September 11,2009 will mark anotheranniversary of the attacks on theWorld Trade Center Towers inNew York City. That tragedyshould be a daily reminder toAmericans everywhere that theUnited States continues to be injeopardy only because we are afree, democratic society.September 11, 2001 should be adaily reminder that freedom comesat a high price; it always has andit probably always shall.
The extremists, terrorists ifyou please, sincerely believe theyare required to annihilate usbecause we have committed sinsthat displease their God. Theybelieve that because we are anation in which some people drinkalcoholic beverages, engage in sexoutside of marriage, lie, steal,cheat, are selfish, vain, immodest,greedy, and do not ritually serveGod in our daily lives, we mustdie. There are, of course, manyother reasons why they hate us.We are hated because we chargeinterest on loans, fail to pray withregularity throughout the day, ownstores where liquor is sold, allowwomen to expose parts of theirbodies publicly that ought not beseen by anyone other than theirhusband—the list is lengthy.
The extremists firmly cling tothose beliefs and they are entitled
to do so. What they are not entitled to do is to punish the rest of theworld for failing to believe as they do.
There is the possibility that they are totally correct in what theybelieve God expects from us, yet, it is difficult to image that a lovingGod sends men out on a mission of death to erase sin from the face ofthe earth. Is there no opportunity for repentance? One might imaginethat as God such an entity would reserve judgment and punishment forHim or Herself and not place in the hands of simply anyone whodeclares himself to be a believer.
The disagreements between the extremists and the remainder ofmankind will likely be with us for many lifetimes. Few among us arestrong enough to admit they are or have been victims of erroneousbeliefs—even in the face of rock-solid proof.
Few members of political parties are willing to abandon it evenwhen it has become a haven for treachery, deceit, or a willingness tobreak the law to fulfill political goals. Creatures with fortitude are rareindeed.
So, is there an answer? Probably not! Probably not unless the heavyhand of God Himself one day enforces whatever degree of obedience
He Himself demands of us. Thereare some who avoid the religiousprotestations but who believe thatshould some force from beyondour earth pose a threat to the worldmen everywhere would unite indefense of this tiny blue planet; buteven that is unlikely.
Is there then any solutionwhatever? The answer is simple.Mankind must develop a sinceretolerance for everyone else in theworld. Mankind must stopinsisting that everyone be or thinkor believe exactly as he is, thinks,or believes. Mankind mustacknowledge that there are manypoints of view and that every man,woman, and child is entitled to hisown—even when they are totallycontrary to our own philosophicalvisions.
The terrorists are entitled tobelieve as they believe. They arenot entitled to kill or to punishothers who do not believe as theydo. Likewise, we have no right toinsist that they abandon their ownbeliefs and exchange them for ourown. However mankind came tobe, he possesses a certainuniqueness that makes him who heis, but that individuality does notendow him with the right to makethe rest of mankind clones ofhimself.
If there are penalties for beingimperfect, judgment should bereserved for he who is perfect.
Four Arkansas Men Convicted inCross Burning Conspiracy
WASHINGTON—The Justice Department announced that JacobA. Wingo, Richard W. Robbins, Clayton D. Morrison and Darren E.McKim pleaded guilty today and yesterday to conspiring to drive awoman and her children from their home in Donaldson, Ark., becausethey associated with African-Americans. A fifth defendant, Dustin Nix,21, pleaded guilty to similar charges in July 2009.
All defendants pleaded guilty in federal court in Hot Springs, Ark.,to civil rights charges and charges of making a false statement to afederal law enforcement officer. Each admitted and pleaded guilty to afelony civil rights charge for conspiring with each other to force awoman and her young children from their home by threats andintimidation because she associated with African-Americans. Wingoand Morrison also pleaded guilty to an additional civil rights chargerelated to their direct involvement in an attempt to burn a cross at thevictims’ home to intimidate the victims into leaving. All four defendants
Continued on Page 14
A Moment To Always Remember
Weekly REPORTER September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 2NEWSThe Weekly Reporter is a freenewspaper published weekly in Joliet,Illinois. The business office is located at9 East Jefferson Street in downtownJoliet, 60432. Our main telephonenumber is (815) 726-6500 and the faxnumber is (815) 726-6549. Generalemails should be sent to
[email protected] Gabriel, [email protected]
Shirley [email protected]
Ralph [email protected]
Mark [email protected]
Kenny [email protected]
Information –[email protected]
Guest writers –[email protected]
Your name and a phonenumber are necessaryon all correspondence.
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John V. Gillies NamedSpecial Agent in Charge
of Miami DivisionJohn V. Gillies has been
named special agent in charge(SAC) of the FBI’s MiamiDivision. Director Robert S.Mueller, III appointed him to thisposition to replace former SACJonathan I. Solomon, who retired.Most recently, Mr. Gillies servedas SAC of the FBI’s St. LouisDivision.
Mr. Gillies entered on dutywith the FBI in October 1983 asa financial analyst beforebecoming a special agent in 1985.Upon completion of training at theFBI Academy in Quantico,Virginia, he reported to theAlbany Division, where heinvestigated white collar crimeand public corruption matters. Hewas also detailed to theBinghamton Resident Agency toinvestigate an international fraudscheme.
Mr. Gillies was assigned tothe New York Division in 1989 to
investigate counterintelligencematters. In 1993, he was assignedto the San Diego Division, wherehe investigated bank failures anda judicial corruption matter thatled to the indictments andconvictions of three CaliforniaSuperior Court judges. Hereported to the Honolulu Divisionin 1996, where he worked publiccorruption and complex financialcrimes. In 1997, he was promotedto supervisory special agent, andoversaw white collar crime andpublic corruption investigations inHawaii and American Samoa. Mr.Gillies also supervised the CivilRights program and the NationalInfrastructure ProtectionCenter/Computer Crimesprogram.
In 2002, Mr. Gillies waspromoted to unit chief of theFinancial Institution Fraud (FIF)unit within the CriminalInvestigative Division at FBIHeadquarters. In this capacity, Mr.Gillies was responsible for thecoordination, development,direction, and supervision of theFIF program, including suchmatters as bank failure, identitytheft, mortgage fraud, and cyberbanking. He was also responsiblefor liaison with the Bank FraudWorking Group and bankregulatory agencies.
In 2004, Mr. Gillies reportedas the assistant special agent incharge of the Detroit Division. Hehad oversight responsibility for thewhite collar crime, cyber,counterintelligence, civil rights,and administrative programs. InMay 2006, he returned to FBIHeadquarters as the section chiefof the violent crimes section of theCriminal Investigative Division,with responsibility for violentcrimes, crimes against children,crimes in Indian Country, specialjurisdiction crimes, andtransportation crimes. In 2007, hewas appointed SAC of the St.Louis Division.
Mr. Gillies was born inChicago, Illinois. He receivedBachelor of Science degrees inaccounting and businessadministration from Illinois StateUniversity in 1982. Prior to joiningthe Bureau, he worked as anaccountant. Mr. Gillies is afrequent instructor to lawenforcement, civic, and privatesector organizations on a varietyof topics. He has also taught at theInternational Law EnforcementAcademy in Bangkok, Thailandand at the Middle Eastern LawEnforcement Training Center inDubai, United Arab Emirates.
McAsey to Host First SeniorCelebration Fair
CREST HILL, IL – State Rep. Emily McAsey (D-Lockport) willhost her first Senior Celebration senior fair on Friday, Oct. 9, from 9a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Romeoville Recreation Center in Romeoville.Theevent will feature information booths from various city, county andstate government offices, health screenings from local hospitals, andseveral other social service organizations. The event includes freerefreshments and an awards ceremony.
“The needs of our seniors are constantly changing and expanding,”McAsey said. “I would like the Senior Celebration to give seniors theopportunity to be able to have a ‘one-stop’ event where they can hearinformative presentations, receive free health screenings and enjoythemselves.”
The Senior Celebration will take place at the Romeoville RecreationCenter, 900 W. Romeo Rd., in Romeoville. Registration andinformation booths open at 9 a.m.
“We want to celebrate the contributions that senior citizens havemade in our lives, show our appreciation, inform and assist with servicesthat are available specifically for them and help to protect them fromscams and con-artists,” McAsey said.
To R.S.V.P. for the event, or for more information, please callMcAsey’s constituent service office at (815) 588-0085.
Weekly REPORTER September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 3NEWS
For Love
For Life
McAsey PromotesConsumer Protection,
Recycling withCommunity Shred Day
Crest Hill, Il – Local residentslooking to get rid of old credit cardstatements and other documentswith personal identifyinginformation to prevent identity
theft can do so safely whilehelping to protect the environmentthrough a Community Shred Daysponsored by state Rep. EmilyMcAsey, D-Lockport, in Crest Hillon Oct. 3.
“As much as consumers maythink they are protectingthemselves from identity theft,sometimes secure information canslip through,” McAsey said.“Shredding documents withpersonal identifying informationis an important step in preventingidentity theft. Some people haveshredders in their homes, but manydon’t. This event is a way ofgiving them access to a criticalservice that can save them from
unimaginable heartache and a lossof financial security.”
According to the Federal TradeCommission (FTC), the ConsumerSentinel Network, a secure onlinedatabase of consumer complaintsthrough the FTC, received about312,000 complaints of identitytheft in 2008. Improperlydiscarded mail, such as old creditcard statements, credit card offersand tax information, is one way for
identity thieves to gainaccess to consumers’personal identifyinginformation like SocialSecurity and credit cardnumbers. Shreddingsuch documentsreduces consumers’chances that they willbecome identity theftvictims.
McAsey issponsoring theconsumer protectionevent in conjunctionwith the Bolingbrook,Crest Hill, Lockportand Romeovillechambers of commerceand AT&T Illinois.The shreddeddocuments will be
disposed of in an environmentallysafe manner by being recycled.
“Protecting consumers is ourmain goal, but we can also helpprotect the environment byrecycling waste that wouldotherwise end up in the nearestlandfill,” McAsey said.
McAsey’s Community ShredDay will take place on Saturday,Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at thelawmaker’s constituent serviceoffice at 16151 Weber Rd. in CrestHill. Constituents are asked tobring no more than three boxes ofdocuments per person. For moreinformation, please contactMcAsey’s office at 815-588-0085.
point them in the appropriatedirection.
"A lot of culinary schoolstudents are drawn to the creativeyet scientific nature of baking andpastry arts," says Rebecca Noss,career researcher for All CulinarySchools. "We wanted to make surethat students who want to startpastry chef careers or who dreamof owning their own bakingbusiness have the information theyneeded to make smart careerdecisions."
About All Culinary Schools:All Culinary Schools.com is awebsite dedicated to helpingpeople develop careers in thebooming culinary and hospitalityindustry. All Culinary Schoolsoffers a comprehensive directoryof top accredited culinary artsprograms, chef training programs,pastry schools, cooking schoolsand hospitality managementschools, as well as insider advicearticles about starting a culinarycareer, how to pay for school andwhat it takes to succeed.
SWSMOMChildren's
Clothing &Equipment Resale
The Southwest SuburbanMoms of Multiples organization ishosting its Fall/Winter Children'sClothing & Equipment Resalefrom 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday,September 19 at the Joliet VFW,located at 826 Horseshoe Drive inJoliet.
Gently used children’sclothing size birth to juniors;
winter coats and accessories;Halloween costumes; Christmasand holiday outfits, maternityclothing, along with endlesspossibilities of equipment andtoys; cribs, high chairs, strollers,baby bouncers, baby needs,children’s bedding, books, games,puzzles…and more will be on sale.
Admission is $1 at the door.Cash only. No strollers, wagons,diaper bags, or any other type ofbags are allowed at the sale.
More information is availableat [email protected] orcalling Kristin Hynek at 815-793-7508.
All Culinary Schools AddsNew Resources for
Aspiring Pastry Chefs
Seattle, WA (PRWEB)September 4, 2009 -- Today, AllCulinary Schools announced thelaunch of a new, improvedresource center for studentsinterested in pastry chef careers.The new Baking School andCareer Resource Center provides
students with all the informationthey'll need to make gooddecisions about their culinaryeducation and future careers.
Baking and pastry arts have along history and a unique place inthe culinary world, and studentsembarking on pastry chef careerswill be carving out their own placeon the sweeter side of the culinaryspectrum. From baking artisanbread to decorating elaboratewedding cakes, there are manyopportunities for bakers andpastry chefs. By providingvaluable and timely careerresources, All Culinary Schoolshelps students find the right careerpath--and the right pastry chefschool.
Whether students areinterested in reading interviewswith professionals in the field,gathering insight into the future ofpastry chef careers, or seeking tipsfor starting their own bakingbusiness, the new Baking Schooland Career Resource center will
Weekly REPORTER Your Life
By Mary Jo [email protected] JonesEdwardjones.com(ARA) - Retired 80-year-olds
can often have double the socialinteraction of their 50-year-oldcounterparts. This supports researchthat happiness increases with agebecause social interaction stimulatesyour brain to release "feel good"chemicals like norepinephrine, whichleads to contentment.
Informative nuggets like this, in
addition to assessments and anecdotesfrom people who have chosencontinuing care retirementcommunity living, are packed into thebook "Old Is the New Young:Erickson's Secrets to Healthy Living."The book empowers people over 50to live happier, healthier, more activelives through a series of simple tipsbacked by the latest research.
"Society dictates what we do forthe first 60 or so years of our lives -we go to school, we join theworkforce, we raise a family - butpeople are living longer and healthierthan ever before; and the later yearsare, for many people, a big questionmark," says Mark Erickson, co-author, chief operating officer, andson of John Erickson, founder ofErickson - a network of retirementcommunities around the country."There's a real opportunity right nowto help people see all the possibilitiesthat are out there and realize how theycan make the most of this valuabletime in their lives."
As one of the leading nationaldevelopers of full-service retirementcommunities for 25 years with 19locations, Erickson is at the forefrontof senior living, aging issues, healthcare, and innovation. The book's fourco-authors - Dr. Matt Narrett, MarkErickson, Jacquelyn Kung and Lisa
Davila - have broad backgrounds inaging and wellness.Assess yourself
Take a few minutes to test yoursocial health using one of severalself-assessments featured in thebook. Adapted from researchconducted by British gerontologistKevin Morgan and his colleagues,the following measures levels ofsocial engagement.
Answer yes or no to thequestions below:1. Do you read a newspaper ormagazine on a regular basis?2. Did you vote in the last election(local or national)?3. Do you attend religious services orevents?4. Have you had a personal telephoneconversation in the past week or so?5. Do you browse or read books ormaterials from a library or bookstore?6. Have you read or written a personalnote (letter or e-mail) in the past weekor so?7. Have you attended a meeting orevent of a club, group, or society inthe past month?8. Do you have a reliable mode oftransportation to go shopping?9. Do you have a full-time, part-time,or volunteer job?10. Have you been away for vacationin the past year or so?11. Are you planning to go on avacation in the next year or so?12. Do you interact withfriends/family as much as you wouldlike?13. Do you have at least one friend orfamily member living within easydriving distance?14. Can you leave your home andwalk independently outside (with orwithout a cane or walker)?15. Do you get out and do things asmuch as you would like?16. Do you have at least one friend orneighbor who you could ask forurgent help if needed?
How did you do? Give yourselfone point for each "yes" answer: 14 to16 points means your social health isexcellent; 12 to 13 points means yoursocial health is fair; and 12 or fewerpoints means you need to work onimproving your social network.
For more information aboutErickson or "Old Is the New Young,"visit www.erickson.com or call (800)920-0856. The book is at bookstoresnationwide or www.globepequot.com.
Labor Day is upon us. We honor the contributions ofworking men and women — in other words, people just likeyou. Of course, it doesn’t have to be Labor Day for you to beaware that you work hard for your money — and you’d liketo know that your money is working just as hard for you.
How can you keep your money employed? Consider thesesuggestions:
Keep your money working for the future. The financialmarkets have been through some difficult times over the pasttwo years. As a result, many people pulled money from theirinvestments and stuck it in savings accounts — some of whichpaid around one percent interest — or Treasury securities —,which may have paid even less. While the need to feel“secure” is understandable, it can also be detrimental tolong-term financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement.To help achieve these goals, try to own an array of qualityinvestments that are appropriate for your specific objectives,risk-tolerance and time horizon.
Don’t interrupt your money while it’s working. You wantyour investments working to help you achieve your long-termgoals. But this work can be interrupted by short-term needs,such as expensive car repairs, large doctor’s bills or costlynew appliances. To avoid dipping into your investments —and thereby reducing their growth potential — to pay for theseneeds, you’ll want to establish an emergency fund containingsix to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, kept in a liquidaccount. Also, if you know you’re going to need a large amountof money within the next few years — perhaps for collegetuition, a wedding or a long vacation — you may want toremove some of your investments from the ups-and-downsof the financial markets and place the money in vehicles thatcan protect your principal.
Have your money work for you — not your creditors. Toomuch debt — specifically, too much of the wrong types of debt— is both a cause and a consequence of the economic malaisewe’ve experienced. Try to reduce or consolidate your debts.For example, despite all the talk about a “credit freeze,” manyreputable lenders are eager to help qualified borrowersrefinance their mortgages. And since mortgage rates are stilllow, a refinance could free up hundreds of dollars per monthfor you — money that you could put to work investing for yourlong-term goals.
Make it easier for your money to work harder. By makingthese moves, you can help your money work harder for you.For starters, defer enough of your salary into your 401(k) orother employer-sponsored retirement plan to earn theemployer’s match, if one is offered. Here’s another step toconsider; reinvest any dividends you may receive from yourinvestments back into those investments. You probably won’tmiss the money because you never actually had it in yourpocket, and by automatically reinvesting dividends, you’llincrease the number of shares you own.
Keep Your MoneyWorking Hard For You
September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 4
Weekly REPORTER September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 5Health & Safety
Protect YourFamily
From PC-RelatedInjury
(ARA) - After a summer fullof skinned knees, sunburn andsports-strained muscles, you mightexpect your family to experiencefewer injuries as autumnapproaches. But fall likely meansyou'll be putting in more hours atthe office in front of a desktop, andyour kids will deal with mountainsof homework by firing up theirlaptops.
That extra computer timecould add up to some painfulinjuries for computer users of allages, experts say. Long periods ofworking at a computer - especiallyif your hands, wrists, arms andback are not properly positioned -can cause injuries that range fromcarpal tunnel syndrome to tailbonediscomfort and even loss of vision.
Giving up your desktop orlaptop is out of the question, andmany of us find reducing our timeonline is nearly impossible. If youcan't cut back on computer time,how can you avoid computer-related injuries? Prevention is thekey, says Aurelia Koby, presidentof Imak Corp. and an expert onergonomically designed computeraccessories.
"It's important to achieve andsustain an ergonomic, body-friendly position whenever youuse a computer," Koby says."Computer users who findthemselves stuck in front of thescreen for long hours should alsopractice simple exercises to helprelieve the stress placed on theirbodies by repetitive motion andprolonged sitting."
Here are some simple ways topractice healthy computer use thisfall.
Sit up straightThe immortal chant of many a
mother to her slouching teen isactually healthful advice whenyou're sitting in front of acomputer. Slouching, slumping orallowing your shoulders to rollforward place strain on a numberof body parts, including the back,shoulders, arms, neck and even themuscles in your posterior.
Health & Wellness
HOW’S YOUR DRIVING?The Illinois Rules of the Road says motorists and pedestrians are
responsible for obeying the traffic laws. Motorists should always yieldto pedestrians even if it appears you have the right of way. Thelaw generally sides with the pedestrian.
You must always yield to pedestrians crossing in amarked crosswalk, when turning, or whenmaking a turn on red. Play it safe. Yieldingto a pedestrian even when you believe he isin the wrong is a smart thing to do.
Injuring or killing someone simply becauseyou were too stubborn to give in does not make sense andcould destroy your life and put you in prison. Be smart—yield topedestrians.
Michael Jackson: One ChangeCould Have Saved His Life
Corona del Mar, CA (PRWEB) September 8, 2009 --"Brain monitoringof propofol may not be common, but it absolutely needs to be," says Dr. BarryFriedberg, propofol expert.
According to information leaked from the LA coroner's office, lethalamounts of propofol were found in Michael Jackson's body, causing his deathto be ruled a homicide.
"The unorthodox use of propofol on Michael Jackson demanded the safestof care," Friedberg says.
"Propofol for sleep is not the medically approved use of the drug," saysFriedberg. "Practicing 'outside the box' absolutely demands the use of a brainmonitor to measure propofol effect."
The brain monitor could definitely tell you how the propofol itself wasaffecting Jackson's brain, despite the other drugs that were also reported in
his body."Jackson would certainly be
alive today if his propofol hadbeen measured with a brainmonitor. It's a no-brainer," saysFriedberg.
"Propofol demands the useof the most basic safety monitor,a pulse oximeter. This device sitson the fingertip and dramaticallychanges tone when the patientbegins not to breathe well.Otherwise, it's reckless disregardfor your patient's life to givepropofol without this monitor,"says Friedberg.
Propofol, also calledDiprivan, is a powerful sleep drug that millions of Americans have safelyreceived for sedation for many procedures including colonoscopies as well ascosmetic surgery.
Disclaimer: Dr. Friedberg has no financial involvement with any makerof brain monitors.
*Dr. Friedberg is a board certified anesthesiologist, developer of propofolketamine (PK or 'Goldilocks') anesthesia for cosmetic surgery, founder andpresident of Goldilocks Anesthesia Foundation, author of Anesthesia inCosmetic Surgery, a US Congressional Award recipient, Associate Professorof Anesthesia, and has been in the private practice of anesthesia for 36 years.
Goldilocks Anesthesia Foundation is a public, non-profit organizationwhose mission is to educate Americans about the public health risks ofanesthesia over medication and the value of brain monitors in avoiding thoserisks.
Please visit www.drfriedberg.com or in the alternative go towww.GoldilocksAnesthesiaFoundation.org.
Weekly REPORTER September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 6NATIONAL NEWS
For Veterans, New GI Bill Offers New Opportunities
(ARA) - Today, unprecedented numbers of retired and active dutymilitary personnel are wondering what the next step in their lives mightbe. After having a very clear path of serving their country, they maynow be at a professional crossroads - sign up for another tour or retireand pursue another profession.
For many, this is an appealing option - more command of yourpersonal schedule, more time at home. And thanks to the newlyimplemented Post 9-11 GI Bill, obtaining a high quality educationwithout a financial investment just got easier.
"With this money, I now have the opportunity to be whatever I wantto be," says 38-year-old Gilbert, Ariz. resident Christopher Van Huss,who left the military in April 2004.
The new bill, available to vets or active duty personnel who servedafter the 2001 terrorist attacks, requires no pay-in, and the tuition ispaid directly to the college, so enrollees don't have to pay money up
front or wait for reimbursement. The benefits can also be transferred tospouses and dependents.
"Many individuals may have aborted plans to obtain their degreeearlier in life when they fulfilled a call to serve," says Wendy Proffitt,director of the military division at Grand Canyon University. "At thispoint in their lives they likely have much more maturity and self-discipline to pursue their education."
For Van Huss, who started classes at GCU this fall, responsibilityfor a growing family fueled both his desire to serve and now, his questto finally obtain a degree. As a single dad raising two young sons, ateaching career is now a very real possibility.
"Sometimes life gets in the way, but now I'm at a place where I haveto be here and can see what my future might be," he says.
Grand Canyon University is one of nearly 600 private colleges thathave signed onto a program that enables the GI benefits to be used forprivate-school tuition. Proffitt and her team of veteran and retired-military recruiters spread the word about scholarship packages availableto active duty, retired military and their spouses to cover the tuitiondifference between what the bill provides and the private university'shigher tuition rates - essentially providing a private-school educationentirely tuition-free.
GI Jobs Magazine recently recognized the university as one of themost military-friendly institutions in the country.
According to national statistics, the unemployment rate for Iraq andAfghanistan veterans is estimated at 11.2 percent - or one in nineveterans without a job.
"With the new legislation, those who are coming out of the servicemight seriously consider an education in conjunction with the optionof reenlisting," Proffitt says.
Federal PrisonSentences HandedDown to FormerReeves County
Detention CenterEmployees
John E. Murphy, Acting UnitedStates Attorney, announced that inMidland today, Jacob C. Guzman ofPecos, Texas, a former correctionsofficer at the Reeves CountyDetention Center (RCDC), wassentenced to 46 months in federalprison followed by three years ofsupervised release for acceptingbribes, attempted destruction ofevidence and attempted smuggling ofcontraband to federal prisoners.
On June 2, 2009, a federal juryfound that on two occasions in 2008,Tennessee relatives of a ReevesCounty Detention Center inmate wiretransferred a total of $600 to Guzmanin Pecos, in exchange for Guzman’sagreement to smuggle cell phones,tobacco, and mp3 players into thefacility, where they were illicitlydisseminated to inmates. Federal rulesprohibited all of those items inside thefacility.
In addition to Guzman, UnitedStates District Judge Robert A. Junellsentenced two other former RCDC
corrections officers today. Pecosresident Jerri Ornelas was sentencedto 24 months in federal prisonfollowed by three years of supervisedrelease for providing tobacco toinmates in exchange for $450. SilviaChairez, of Pecos, was sentenced to24 months in federal prison followedby three years of supervised releasefor accepting over $4,300 in bribes inexchange for smuggling cell phonesand other contraband to inmates atthat facility.
Yesterday, Judge Junellsentenced former RCDC Life SkillsInstructor Velma Jean Payan, ofPecos, to 24 months in federal prisonfollowed by three years of supervisedrelease for smuggling marijuana andtobacco to inmates in exchange for$2,000.
On July 31, 2009, Judge Junellsentenced former RCDC casemanager Moises B. Martinez, Jr., to30 months in federal prison followedby three years supervised release forsmuggling tobacco and othercontraband to prisoners.
These cases were investigated bythe Federal Bureau of Investigation,the Department of Justice—Office ofInspector General and securityofficials with the Reeves CountyDetention Center. Assistant UnitedStates Attorneys John S. Klassen andSandy Stewart prosecuted these caseson behalf of the Government.
Weekly REPORTER September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 7
Education Matters
All About You
Art helpsdevelop
children'screativity
(ARA) - We have all had thepleasure of observing orinteracting with children whenthey bring their imaginations tolife. Children have the ability toopenly express themselves withoutbeing easily embarrassed. Theyoften create their own ideas,theories and interestsindependently. One way to supportand sustain a child's naturalinclination towards creativity is togive them access to art education.
When a child receives qualityart education, his or her ability tosucceed in academic achievementis often interconnected, accordingto several studies.
The government is working toverify this connection, with theUnited States Department ofEducation funding a nationwideinitiative called Arts in EducationModel Development andDissemination. This programallows grant recipients to examinethe value of arts education instrengthening academicachievement and learning inelementary and middle schoolstudents, and to identify and assessbest practices.
A research study called"Thinking Through Art,"completed by the Isabella StewartGardner Museum in Boston, wasfunded through the DOE's grant.
This study measured the impact ofits multi-visit museum artseducation program on thedevelopment and use of criticalthinking skills in urban elementarystudents in grades 3 through 5. Itsfindings revealed a significantpositive impact of arts educationon critical thinking and learningfor the students who participated.
The Dana Foundation, aprivate philanthropic organization,concluded from its study entitled"Learning, Arts, and the Brain"that the arts can train children'sattention, which in turn improvescognition and might even improvemath and reading skills.
Unfortunately, art education isoften the first thing cut duringbudget crises. Bob Buchsbaum,chief executive officer of Blick Art
Materials states, "Withoutthinking of the long-runimpact that the loss ofart-based curriculum hason students, some schoolsare making cuts."
Art-based curriculumcuts often leave parentslooking for optionsoutside of their children'straditional schooling.Parents can consideralternatives that still
provide valuable art instruction,such as grade-level specific lessonplans at www.dickblick.com andat other companies that cover avariety of ages and haveinexpensive associated supplylists. While supplementing an arteducation for your child is helpful,Buchsbaum encourages parents toremember that supporting arteducation at their children's localschools is the most direct way toprovide for quality art education.Other opportunities for gettinginvolved in your child's arteducation include enjoying an artproject or activity together,visiting a museum together orenrolling in a community centerart class together.
You can learn more about thediscussion around art education byvisiting Art Ally, a Blick ArtMaterials-supported blog, and theNational Arts EducationAssociation Web site.
Recession Affects HowSingles Select Online Date
(PRWEB) September 8, 2009-- As the nation's unemploymentrate hovers near double digits,online singles become increasinglystrategic in their dating strategy.According to Martin Encarnacion,CEO & Founder ofSweetLuck.com, a free onlinedating and social networkingwebsite, "online singles are stillgoing out, but for the most part,the economy has forced many toadhere to new dating strategies."
A new poll conducted bySweetLuck concludes that "singlesare going out less not because they
have a smaller pool of candidates,but rather because of the costfactor. The sagging economy hasgiven rise to an anomaly in onlinedating that has not been seen insome time," said Mr. Encarnacion.They are not only taking intoconsideration the comparability ofthe other person, but have also"added a new factor into theequation that is being weightedpretty heavily; the odds of whetheror not the date will be a waste ofmoney," he continued.
Incompatible dates cantranslate into very expensiveendeavors, says the youngentrepreneur. Guys have gottenwise and have calibrated in
response. They are more selectivewhen it comes to who they inviteand where they invite them to. Inthe past most guys "would taketheir dates to expensive dinners,what our poll shows is that nowyou see them opting for lessexpensive alternatives," hestated.Interestingly enough, our poll alsoshows that women have alsoemerged as being choosy in thisdownward market. One wouldthink that women have theinexpensive role in the datinggame; after all, they generally donot pay for first dates. It's logicalthat they would be choosy when"taking into consideration thatlooking pretty is not cheap. A firstdate outfit can run just as much oreven more than the cost of theactual date. There is also thebailout factor. Women often haveto cab it home when they bail outof a bad date, and a cab ride thesedays are expensive," stated Mr.Encarnacion.
"Despite lighter wallets, the cycleof dating continues. The questionof whether or not this trend is hereto stay will be answered uponstabilization of economicnormalcy," he predicted.
PTDO Meeting September15th
The next monthly meeting of thePlainfield Township DemocraticOrganization will be onTuesday, September 15th beginningat 7pm at the Plainfield PublicLibrary, located at 15025 S. IllinoisSt. in downtown Plainfield.
If you have questions, pleasecontact the Plainfield TownshipDemocratic Organization [email protected].
Candidates and Elected Officialsare asked to please contact ChairmanAnthony Howard at 815/342-6702or Vice-Chair Elaine Bice at815/436-7491 if you plan to attendthe
The Plainfield TownshipDemocratic Organizationmeets monthly at the PlainfieldPublic Library.
For more information on thePlainfield Township DemocraticOrganization, please visit theirwebsite at
Weekly REPORTER September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 8NEWS
Sexting New Face ofTeen Technology
Arlington, VA (Vocus/PRWEB )September 4, 2009 -- It's back toschool again and the National CrimePrevention Council (NCPC) says atroubling teen texting trend is on therise. It is called sexting -- the act ofsending sexually explicit messages orphotos electronically, primarilybetween cell phones and other mobiledevices.
NCPC, the organization bestknown for McGruff the Crime Dog,says parents need to pay attention tothe "electronic fingerprints" their kidsare making. NCPC has developednew reproducible brochures for bothparents and teens that provideinformative tips on what to do aboutit and how to prevent sexting.
Roughly, 20 percent of teensadmit to sexting, according to anationwide survey by the NationalCampaign to Support Teen andUnplanned Pregnancy. NCPC'sdirector of Children and Youth,Joselle Shea, says that "onlinerelationships should be based onrespect and not just sharing sexualimages of each other."
NCPC believes it is important toteach young people to protectthemselves proactively when they areonline or using mobilecommunication devices. NCPC's newreproducible brochures on sexting canbe found at the organization's websiteat www.ncpc.org.
For more information aboutsexting, or to schedule an interview,please contact Michelle Boykins at202-261-4184 or Amy Vimislicky at202-261-4156. For information on the
National Crime PreventionCouncil, please visitwww.ncpc.org.
About the National CrimePrevention CouncilThe National Crime PreventionCouncil (NCPC) is a private,nonprofit organization whoseprimary mission is to be thenation's leader in helping peoplekeep themselves, their families,
and their communities safe fromcrime. NCPC manages public serviceadvertising under the NationalCitizens' Crime Prevention Campaign-- symbolized by McGruff the CrimeDog® and his "Take A Bite Out OfCrime®" slogan -- and acts assecretariat for the Crime PreventionCoalition of America, more than 400national, federal, state, and localorganizations representing thousandsof constituents who are committed topreventing crime. NCPC is fundedthrough a variety of governmentagencies, corporate and privatefoundations, and donations fromprivate individuals. For moreinformation on crime preventionissues, visit www.ncpc.org.
All Culinary Schools Adds NewResources for Aspiring Pastry ChefsSeattle, WA (PRWEB) September 4, 2009 -- Today, All Culinary
Schools announced the launch of a new, improved resource center forstudents interested in pastry chef careers. The new Baking School andCareer Resource Center provides students with all the informationthey'll need to make good decisions about their culinary education andfuture careers.
Baking and pastry arts have a long history and a unique place in theculinary world, and students embarking on pastry chef careers will becarving out their own place on the sweeter side of the culinary spectrum.From baking artisan bread to decorating elaborate wedding cakes, thereare many opportunities for bakers and pastry chefs. By providingvaluable and timely career resources, All Culinary Schools helpsstudents find the right career path--and the right pastry chef school.
Whether students are interested in reading interviews withprofessionals in the field, gathering insight into the future of pastry chefcareers, or seeking tips for starting their own baking business, the newBaking School and Career Resource center will point them in theappropriate direction.
"A lot of culinary school students are drawn to the creative yetscientific nature of baking and pastry arts," says Rebecca Noss, careerresearcher for All Culinary Schools. "We wanted to make sure thatstudents who want to start pastry chef careers or who dream of owningtheir own baking business have the information they needed to makesmart career decisions."
About All Culinary Schools:All Culinary Schools.com is a website dedicated to helping peopledevelop careers in the booming culinary and hospitality industry. AllCulinary Schools offers a comprehensive directory of top accreditedculinary arts programs, chef training programs, pastry schools, cookingschools and hospitality management schools, as well as insider advicearticles about starting a culinary career, how to pay for school and whatit takes to succeed.
The Wall Street FraudWatchdog Mocks The
DOJ's Pfizer SettlementWhere Is The Justice On
Trasylol, Digitek &Zicam?
On September 2nd, Accordingto the Associated Press, "theworld's largest drug maker, willpay a record $2.3 billion civil andcriminal penalty over unlawfulprescription drug promotions."According to the US DrugWatchdog,"they failed to mentionthe drug in question caused peopleto die, the drug maker has to coughup a $1.2 billion dollar criminalpenalty & no one goes to jail?"
The US Drug Watchdog is nowsaying, "we are officially at warwith the makers of Trasylol,Digitek, and Zicam, and USconsumers really need tounderstand that these drugs havedestroyed people’s lives, Trasylol,& Digitek have killed people,
caused kidney failure, or in thecase of Zicam, consumers havelost their sense of taste and smell."
All information related toTrasylol, Digitek & Zicam can beconfirmed on the US Food andDrug Administration web site.Victims of Trasylol, Digitek, orZicam can call the US DrugWatchdog anytime at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via itsweb site atHttp://USDrugWatchdog.Com.
Weekly REPORTER September 10 September 16, 2009 - 9NEWSNew Joliet
Transportation Hub ToCreate Jobs
CHICAGO, IL – State SenatorA.J. Wilhelmi (D - Joliet) joinedfederal and state officialsThursday for the groundbreakingceremony of the Union PacificJoliet Intermodal Facilities inJoliet, giving new impetus to jobcreation and building on Illinois’historic role as a national leader inthe transportation industry.
Legislation sponsored by SenWilhelmi and Rep. Careen Gordon(D – Coal City) encourageddevelopment of the newintermodal facility in Joliet byauthorizing grants for large-scaleroad and rail infrastructureimprovements. Illinois-basedCenterPoint Properties, anindustry leader in intermodal andlogistics developments
nationwide, is providing theprimary financial backing for thenew 3,800 acre intermodal projectin Joliet.
“Today’s groundbreaking of theJoliet intermodal facility is the firststep in the creation of thousands ofnew jobs in Joliet,” Wilhelmi said.“Through this Senate Bill 1342, weare creating a model for public-private partnerships. This is anexcellent example of how effectivelegislation and leadership by stategovernment can leverage significantprivate investment for economicgrowth and jobs, even in these tougheconomic times.”
The intermodal facilityenjoyed wide support frombusiness and labor interests in Willand Grundy Counties, includingthe Contractors Association ofWill and Grundy Counties, theWill and Grundy Counties’Building Trades Council, the Will
County Governmental League,AFL-CIO, and the Will CountyCenter for EconomicDevelopment.
Illinois is now the fifth largestexporting state in the country,which is its highest ranking ever.Since 2002, Illinois exports havegrown $16.4 billion, a 64 percentincrease. The new law will enableIllinois to remain among the topexporting states in the country byproviding infrastructure funds –including significant privateinvestment – for intermodalprojects.
“This private investment willcreate thousands of unionconstruction jobs, as well asthousands of permanent jobswithin the integrated logisticspark,” said Michael M. Mullen, CEOof CenterPoint Properties. “Thisproject will also solidify our region’sposition as the distribution hub ofNorth America.”
Above: Gov. Quinn, U.S Sen. DurbinRep. Halvorson, Sen. Wilhelmi, Rep.Jack McGuireBelow: State Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi
HellasConstructionGets the Big
Texas Turf Jobs
Austin, Texas (PRWEB)September 7, 2009 -- This summer,Hellas Construction completed fivemulti-field projects for Texas schooldistricts. The highly successfulprojects were the result of opencommunication, project managementand good old fashion fun.
Jake Boyd, the project managerfor six fields at Katy ISD, explains thebenefit of working with one companyfor multiple fields, "We provide theinstall from start to finish, overseeingeverything from materials tocommunication with the athleticdirector. Anytime there is a question,the schools have one contact. Theyask; I answer--no confusion."
While communication andproject management are key, JakeBoyd admits part of Hellas' multi-field success is a result of thecompany's passion, "We enjoy whatwe do--the challenge, the fast pace--we really like it. Otherwise things aretoo boring."
Hellas is far from boredomdebuting multi-field projects for ElPaso ISD, Keller ISD and Spring ISD
this fall. In addition to their multi-field projects, Hellas also completeda powerful field for Waco ISD wheremore high school playoff games areheld than any other stadium in Texas.
With over one hundred newHellas fields constructed this summer,the company continues to gaintraction for additional projects. ReedJ. Seaton, President and CEO ofHellas Construction, says, "We areready. Bring on the big jobs."
About Hellas Construction, Inc.Headquartered in Austin, Texas,Hellas Construction is one of thelargest sports and surfacingcontractors in the United States. Thecompany specializes in the generalconstruction of sports facilities andsynthetic turf installation. Currentclients include the Alamodome in SanAntonio, Northern ArizonaUniversity, University of Idaho,Texas Stadium, the new DallasCowboys stadium and numerousstadiums across the nation. For moreinformation visitwww.hellasconstruction.com.
Naming of a"Manufacturing Czar"
Puts Focus Back on"Making Things"
Mark C. Tomlinson,executive director and generalmanager of the Society ofManufacturing Engineers,issued the following statement:
Dearborn, MI (Vocus/PRWEB) September 8, 2009 -- After morethan a decade of the financialindustry taking center stage in thenational discussion, it is fitting thatour federal government puts"making things" on the agendawith the creation of a"manufacturing czar".
Contrary to popular opinion,the U.S. remains the globalmanufacturing leader and theappointment of Ron Bloom as thesenior counselor on manufacturingpolicy will maintain this position.This appointment will enablemanufacturers to participate in anational dialogue onmanufacturing in the U.S. - whichis critical to our economic success.
The financial and retailindustries just redistribute existingwealth, while manufacturingactually creates it. It goes back toEconomics 101: wealth is createdby taking materials of relatively
low value and transforming theminto products of considerablevalue. In other words, wealthcomes from making things.
Mr. Bloom has recently beeninvolved with the automotiveindustry. As he moves forward, heneeds to expand into other criticalsectors such as medical devices,aerospace & defense and energy.
It is also important to note thatthe majority of U.S. manufacturingis done in small to mediumcompanies, so we encourage Mr.Bloom to focus on their particularneeds during this critical time inmanufacturing.
The Society of ManufacturingEngineers -- which supports boththe individual manufacturingprofessional as well as thecompanies in these and otherindustries -- has already beenworking on a national scale withindustry partners to supportmanufacturers, and we stand readyto participate in this criticalnational discussion onmanufacturing.
Hellas is one of the largestsports and resurfacing
Contractors in America
Weekly REPORTER Sep;tember 10 - September 16, 2009 - 10Somethin’s Cookin’
Great Mexican Dishes
Served by
A Warm, Friendly Staff
(ARA) - Whether you're afamily of two or 10, there is notime like the present to createlasting family traditions. Likefamilies, traditions come in manyforms -- from cooking tostorytelling -- and making newmemories is easy and fun. Here area variety of creative ways to getstarted.
Gather for a family bakingdayHelp ensure your tried and truefamily recipes continue on forgenerations with a family bakingday. Have everyone meet in a
central location and bring theirfavorite recipe and the ingredientsto make it. Everyone will have thechance to learn about cherishedrecipes and leave with a goodiebag of treats.
Plan a family reunionAnnually, or every few years,
gather relatives far and wide for anenjoyable time to reminisce, sharephotos, cook and eat together. Usethe time to share favorite familystories and swap recipes. Makesure to take a group photo andshare it with the participants andthose who couldn't be there.
Get tech-savvyGet everyone involved in
building and contributing to afamily Web page or blog thathighlights recent get-togethers,news, photos and favorite recipes.Online sites provide a great way toconnect and keep long-distancerelatives up-to-date and involvedyear round.
Cake:1 box yellow cake mix1 cup water3 eggs2 tablespoons vegetable oil3/4 cup Smucker's Apple
Butter2 apples, peeled, cored and
sliced into about 16 wedges1 teaspoon cinnamon
combined with 1/4 cup sugarStreusel topping:2/3 cup brown sugar2/3 cup baking mix1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 cup butter, softenedPowdered sugarDirections:Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Combine cake mix, water,
eggs, oil and apple butter. Beat atlow speed for one minute, to blendingredients, and two minutes athigh speed. Pour mix intogreased/floured 9- by 13-inch pan.
Slice apples into a bowl andadd cinnamon/sugar mixture,mixing until apples are wellcoated. Place apple slices (roundside out/core side in) in the batteruntil just the top shows, in tworows of eight, the length of thepan.
Make streusel topping bycombining brown sugar, bakingmix, cinnamon and butter. Cutbutter into mixture with pastryblender until crumbly.
Bake for 20 minutes. Removefrom oven and sprinkle streuseltopping over cake and bake for anadditional 20 minutes or until atoothpick inserted in the centercomes out clean. Let cake cool.Sprinkle with powdered sugarbefore serving.
For more recipes and to enterthe "Spreading Smucker'sTraditions" contest, visitwww.Smuckers.com.
Host international familydinners
Pick one night a week to takethe family on a culinary journey toanother part of the world. FromFrance to Italy to Greece toThailand, there are countless mealoptions waiting to be explored.Experience more of the culture bylearning some phrases associatedwith the meal, play authenticmusic and include somedecorations. Bon appetit.
Make movie magicHost monthly movie nights as
a way for family to catch up andexperience old classics and thelatest blockbusters together.Include an ice cream sundae barand movie snacks and scheduleintermissions to talk about themovie and characters.
The J.M. Smucker Companybelieves in bringing familiestogether to share memorable mealsand moments, and wants to hearabout your family recipes andtraditions. Visit Smuckers.com toenter the "Spreading Smucker'sTraditions" contest and share yourfamily-favorite recipes andmemories. Until Oct. 12, you canenter a family recipe that has beenhanded down for at least twogenerations for a chance to win afive-day, four-night family trip foreight to the Walt Disney WorldResort in Orlando. The contest isopen to legal residents of the 50states and Washington D.C., 18years of age and older and is voidwhere prohibited. See Web site forofficial rules and complete details.
Last year's winning recipe,Nana's Apple Butter Cake hasbeen passed down for threegenerations.
Nana's Apple Butter CakeIngredients:
Somethin’s Cookin’
Courtesy ARAcontent
Weekly REPORTER September 10- September 16, 2009 - 11Family Living
Top TipsFor A
Healthy,Happy Dog
(ARA) - No matter howmany canine companions youhave or what their ages are,every day is a new opportunityto make their lives happier andhealthier. Keep a few simpletips in mind and you're sure toget four paws up.
Food and waterIt's crucial to always keep a
bowl of water available for yourdog to make sure they stayproperly hydrated, but not justany water will do. Fill your dog'sbowl with fresh water everysingle day and remember toclean the water bowl regularlyto prevent the growth of harmfulbacteria that could sicken yourfurry friend. For healthier, great-
tasting water, use a pitcherfiltration system.
Equally important is the dogfood in the bowl next to thewater dish. Eating poor-quality food on a daily basis
can dramatically impact yourdog's health in the same wayeating fried foods frequentlycan negatively affect youroverall health. "Do yourresearch and read labelsbefore deciding on which foodto feed your dog," saysnationally renownedveterinarian Dr. Marty Becker."If some of the first ingredientslisted are proteins, then you'vefound a quality recipe."
Nutro Ultra food for dogsfeatures the UltrassentialSuperfood Blend. Superfoodsare nutrient-dense whole foodscontaining high levels ofantioxidants, vitamins andminerals. Common superfoodsthat are beneficial for both
humans and canines includetomatoes, spinach, blueberries,carrots and flaxseed. "Some ofthe benefits of feeding'superfoods' to dogs caninclude: a healthy skin and coatwhich comes from essentialfatty acids, lean muscle massfrom high-quality proteins,strong teeth and bones fromcalcium and a strong immunesystem from antioxidant-richfoods," says Becker.
When it's time to treat yourbest buddy, make sure thetreats are high-quality andmade specifically for dogs.Remember that treats addcalories to your dog's diet so
don't give too many. Humanfood can be unhealthy forcanines (even deadly, in thecase of certain foods likechocolate, grapes and raisins),but if you can't resist a "people"snack, try giving him a fewfresh vegetables like a small
carrot or green bean. "A goodguideline is that treats shouldnot make up more than 10percent of your dog's diet,"says Becker.
PlaytimeThe average dog needs
about 20-30 minutes of dailyexercise or vigorous activity.Just like humans, inactive dogscan suffer from weight gain,muscle loss and evendepression and disease. Takeyour dog for at least one walkevery day (it's good for youtoo), run around the yard or atan off-leash dog park and havefun playing fetch or tug of war.
To help keep playtime fun,make sure your dog knowsbasic commands (sit, stay anddrop it, for example) and beconsistent in using them.Encourage good behavior withlots of positive attention andcorrect mistakes immediatelyby redirecting your dog to thecorrect behavior. Neverphysically punish your dog asit can lead to aggression andfear biting.
HealthMost cities require dogs to
have their shots and belicensed. Make sure to bringyour dog to the veterinarianannually (or as recommended)and keep him up to date onshots and medications. Brushyour dog's teeth regularly (atleast once per week) to preventgum disease, the buildup ofplaque and costly canine dentalprocedures down the line.
For more information, visitUltraHolistic.com.
Naming of a"Manufacturing Czar"
Puts Focus Back on"Making Things"
Dearborn, MI (Vocus/PRWEB) September 8, 2009 -- After morethan a decade of the financialindustry taking center stage in thenational discussion, it is fitting thatour federal government puts"making things" on the agendawith the creation of a"manufacturing czar".
Contrary to popular opinion,the U.S. remains the globalmanufacturing leader and the
appointment of Ron Bloom as thesenior counselor on manufacturingpolicy will maintain this position.This appointment will enablemanufacturers to participate in anational dialogue onmanufacturing in the U.S. - whichis critical to our economic success.
The financial and retailindustries just redistribute existingwealth, while manufacturingactually creates it. It goes back toEconomics 101: wealth is createdby taking materials of relativelylow value and transforming theminto products of considerablevalue. In other words, wealthcomes from making things.
Mr. Bloom has recently beeninvolved with the automotiveindustry. As he moves forward, heneeds to expand into other criticalsectors such as medical devices,aerospace & defense and energy.
It is also important to note thatthe majority of U.S. manufacturingis done in small to mediumcompanies, so we encourage Mr.Bloom to focus on their particularneeds during this critical time inmanufacturing.
The Society of ManufacturingEngineers -- which supports boththe individual manufacturingprofessional as well as thecompanies in these and other
industries -- has already beenworking on a national scale withindustry partners to supportmanufacturers, and we stand readyto participate in this criticalnational discussion onmanufacturing.
Weekly REPORTER September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 12LIFE
Continued next week Continued next week
From The Lips Of John Cappas
Finally, after spending night afternight and month after month in thelaw library pouring over volume aftervolume in search of a way out of hell,the work was done. My lawyerreluctantly filed my 2255 motion. Iguess he respected the theory but hedid not believe the court was going tohear it and act in my favor. After all,the case is all about John Cappas,,hated by some in law enforcement buton the other hand respected by otherswho while they hated what I had donewere willing to allow me to make anabout face.
The federal prosecutors werefocused on the fact that they hadgotten conviction. It was a convictionthey had to fight for, there was no pleaagreement with John Cappas, as faras they were concerned, the judgeshould make me serve everyday ofthat 45-year sentence.
The yelling, the threatening, andthe stabbing around me continued.That was prison life and it went onwhether I was sitting in the law libraryor eating. Prison is all about hate, youhating me, me hating you. Why? Whothe f—k knows why. Who knowswhy we got here to begin with.
The first month after my motion,formally referred to as a 28 USC 2255for where it can be found in federallaw, went by slowly. I guess Iexpected to file it and get animmediate answer. I don’t know why.I just know that filing the motionmade my time a little longer thanusual because every day I was waitingfor a letter from my lawyer.
Now I’m back to thinking aboutBruce Lee and his theory. “Man Ireally went through a lot and look I’mstill alive. I got all my teeth, my arms,my legs and I can still see and hear.Come to think of it I got a lot goingfor me. And—now—I’m going to bea college graduate.”
In the beginning, I decided that Iwas going to finish the schooling Ithrew away when I was outside. I hadnothing but time and that meant Icould get a college degree and turnthis bad situation into somethingworthwhile.
You got to remember, and I can’tstress this enough, everythingbalanced on my ability to read.Reading was going to spring me, andreading was going to make my lifedifferent after I walked out frombehind those rotten walls.
Not everybody liked the idea thatcons could get a college educationbehind bars. Some people complainedthat kids who didn’t get in troublesometimes couldn’t go to collegebecause they couldn’t afford it so whyshould a convict get a free education.
I can tell you the answer plain andsimple but some people in the worlddon’t believe in second chances sothey wanted the schooling stuffstopped.
I had earned an Associate’sDegree when there were strongrumors that the college program wasgoing to be stopped. I worked harder.I knew I had to get it. I had to do it forme. I wanted a lot out of life and I allready knew I couldn’t get it fromcrime. I realized that I had to preparemyself if I was ever going to makelife fun for me. Sure I made bigmoney from drugs but there was nofun, none at all it was always lookingfor a cop, thinking people aresnitches, waiting for someone to dropa dime on you, waiting for the feds toshow up—and—finally they did.
So really all the work, and I meanwork, I put into selling drugs was fornothing. The feds got everything andI got time 45 years of it. That’s smart?
Raymond “Cadillac” Smithvowed he would kill ThomasSilverstein and from his arrival atMarion Federal Penitentiary heattempted to. He seemed to beobsessed with ending his life.
On this occasion, Smith wassupposed to be going to shower. Hehad a towel over his arm and what thecorrectional officers did not knowwas that the towel concealed a knifehe carried with him.
When Smith approachedSilverstein’s cell he stopped. Hewithdrew the knife quickly frombeneath the towel and began slashingat Silverstein through the bars.
The officers, standing at positionssome distance from Silverstein’s cell,saw what was taking place and rushedto subdue Smith. Others spread thealarm to bring additional help to thetier.
When the guards arrived theyfrantically searched for a knife butthey came up empty, the knife seemedto have vanished and no one knewanything about its whereabouts. Infact, no one admitted to having seena knife.
No one accused Smith of anywrongdoing, not even Silverstein.
Silverstein explained it this way.“We were talking about football andSmith was just acting the fool andwaving his arms around as he talked.Some people are like that they talkwith their hands.”
Later, Silverstein would admitthat he hated Smith. He also claimed,“I’m no rat! I don’t fink on no one andI can take care of my own problems.I don’t need a hack to help me donothing.”
It was only days after CadillacSmith tried to stab Silverstein that hemade another attempt to kill him. Thistime he used a homemade zip-gun.The gun was powered by match headsthat act like gunpowder. Cadillacfashioned his zip-gun from a smallpiece of pipe and crammed it full ofmatch heads. He never had anopportunity to use it. Cadillac was
caught with it and sent to isolation(cons call it the hole) for punishment.When he completed his 21 days inisolation he returned to his cell.
Without knowing what the staffwas doing behind the scenes it isdifficult to know what steps, if any,were being taken to keep Cadillac andSilverstein away from one another.The cons said the “hacks” werehoping either one of them would killthe other, they had no preference.There is no way to know if that isbased on truth or rumor.
Silverstein claimed that he madeattempts to talk the problem out withSmith. He claimed he told Smith thathe had not killed Chappelle butCadillac did not believe him andcontinued his attempts to killSilverstein in retaliation.
On November 27, 1982,Silverstein and Clayton Fountainwere permitted to exercise together inan area that was enclosed with wiremesh. In the meantime, CadillacSmith headed to the shower. Itseemed safe enough to the officers.Silverstein and Fountain were in theexercise cage and away from CadillacSmith. It was time for Smith to bereleased from his cell to walk the tierfor exercise and to take his shower.
What they did not know was thatSilverstein and Fountain had a pieceof hacksaw blade and they werecutting through the wire cage. Oncethey had cut through it enough tobend it down to make an opening bywhich they could leave, Fountaincrawled through the opening andheaded directly toward the showerwhere Cadillac was.
Fountain was armed with a prisonshank. He did not know Cadillac alsohad a knife that he had concealed ina towel. When Cadillac saw Fountaincoming toward him he immediatelyraced toward him and stabbedFountain in the chest.
As Fountain fell backwardSilverstein arrived but he had no knife.
Cadillac Tries To Stab SilversteinThe waiting Begins
Now He Sells Hogs - No Drugs
Photo of the flag at Rickers Island
Weekly REPORTER September 3 - September 9, 2009 - 13Your Life
The Summer Adventure
Part 14 John GabrielAward Winning writer
They did not notice the gathering clouds
Continued Next WeekPlease include your telephone number with your letter.
The wind became much strongerand drove the rain at a sharp angleinto the mine. Father remainedstanding still, avoiding any possibilitythat he might accidentally startanother cave-in that could bury Andyand Hank below.
Grandfather held tightly to his hatwith both hands and trotted over theground toward themine. Though hecould have movedfaster, he dared notbecause the dry dustydirt was becomingmuddy as the rainplummeted downfrom the sky.
The rain blewhard into themineshaft andFather’s shirt wasquickly soaked. Thewind was strong andmade loud deep howling sounds as itcarried the rain deep inside.
“Andy! What’s going on? Didyou get the rope?” Father calledanxiously; he was feeling the sting ofthe cold wet shirt against his skin andhis arms were soaked with rain.
“I’ve got it Father! Hank is tyingit around me. Okay he said you canstart pulling me up.”
Father positioned his legs toprovide more support for himself ashe began to pull on the rope. Fatherwas a young, strong man but as therope became taut and he tugged tohoist Andy up, he was unable to lifthim from the top of the dirt pile below.
Andy and Hank were aboutthirty-five feet below but Father wascould not move close enough to peerdown the hole from where he wasstanding several feet away from it. Itappeared to be nothing but a bigblack hole.
Grandfather called out, “Al, Idon’t think you’re going to get themup that way. I think we’re going tohave to use the A-frame we discussed.
Shortly after they arrived,Grandfather had located some stouttree limbs that he had lashed togetherwith some of the rope. The finishedframe looked like an A and heexplained that he had learned to usesuch an improvised devise when hewas in the army. It had many uses andnow he hoped it could provide the
leverage necessary to hoist Andy andhis companion out of the mine.
Father tugged on the rope again.The rope dug into the side of the holeand as it did, it loosened a sizeablechunk of earth that crashed onto thepile below. Fortunately, only smallamounts of it stuck Andy and it wasnot enough to injure him. Father
realized immediately that he could notpull Andy up that way because hewould only succeed in dislodgingmore of the dirt walls, causing themto collapse and fall into the mine. Thatwas dangerous because a largecollapse could bury Andy and Hankand perhaps injure them, even fatally.
Grandfather struggled to half pulland half carry the makeshift A-frameto where Father stood. He wiped hiswet brow with the back of his righthand and looked about.
“Al,” he said, “If we brace the topof the A-frame against those old logsthat support the top of the mineshaftwe can pull the rope over it and itwon’t touch the sides. If you and Ipull together I figure we can hoistAndy up easily.”
“Okay Dad,” Father answered,“We’ have to move fast because thisground is getting wet and once it issoaked we may not be able to freethem without calling for more help. Ithink we can do it but we can’t wastetime. This rain could really create abig problem for us if it causes thesides of this hole to start falling in.”
“Andy!” Father shouted, “We’regoing to start pulling you up in aminute. We just have to secure somelogs in place to help us get you out ofthere. Father tied the A-frame in placewith some of the rope after he calledto Andy.
Grandfather left the A-frame outsidein the pouring rain and talked to Father.
Dear Lindsey:Marc and I have been going together for about two months. Now he isbeginning to sound like an entirely different person from who I thoughthe was. My family has always gone to church and someone always saysa short prayer of thanks at the table when we eat. I spent a few hourseach week helping in a local food depot where we prepare bags of foodfor people who need a little help. Marc got mad t because I told him Icouldn’t go out I had to help out with the food bagging. He said “Wheredid you get all your stupid ideas ? You waste your time helping peoplewho are too lazy to get a job and who live off everybody else whoworks. You can’t go out on Sunday cause you go to church. When areyou going to grow up and start living? You live in some kind of dreamworld. It’s not real.”
Dear It’s Not Real:You could waste your time trying to educate this young man but Isuggest you move along. I applaud you for making yourself into adecent caring person. Marc has obviously has been raised differentlyby his family. The really successful people in the world mature intoknowing that life is all about helping, sharing and being a good person.Strong beliefs, and doing good things for people who need assistanceare what make life full and complete. People who become overnightidols and reap millions of dollars from it soon learn that money cannotmake you happy. They often turn to drugs or other crutches trying tofind real happiness. Many of them end up dying unhappy because thething they thought would make life a dream didn’t do it. Continue tolive as you believe and let Marc wander into his world of selfishnessand lack of understanding, eventually he will earn his reward. In themeantime continue to be a good person. We need more of you.
Dear Lindsey:I belong to a neighborhood mom’s group. Last week we had a meetingand I was chosen to head a committee to make a Halloween Party forthe kids. We have a small budget and it is up to me to purchase the foodand drinks and some goodies for the party. The two girls on thecommittee with me will help and they will be making small prizes togive the kids for winning games. I’m scared to death that I will comeup short and not have enough money to buy everything and I’m justafraid I’ll botch the whole thing. If I do that I will be embarrassed forevery. I don’t know how I can face everyone if I don’t do a good job.Help! Help!
Dear Help! Help!:All of us face similar situations in our lives. No one was born knowingeverything and everyone must learn by doing—even putting what welearn in school to work for us means diving in and getting wet. If yourun a household you can certainly run a kids Halloween Party. Firstdecide with your committee what food you want to serve and how muchyou will need per child and adult if adults attend. Shop at the economystores. They often have lesser known brands that are frequently betterthan the major names. Avoid buying prepared items and stick to thedo-it-yourself items that require you to make from scratch. Considerhow much you will spend on decorations and prizes and stick to yourbudget. If money is short cut out some of the more costly things. Goodluck you will do just fine you just need experience.
Weekly REPORTER September 10 - September 16, 2009 - 14NEWS
MUTT
ONHEA
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"Lord, what fools these mortals be", Puck.
© Copyright 2009John's Weekly Reporter
also pleaded guilty to a relatedcharge of lying to agents of theFBI in an attempt to cover theirconduct.
“The defendants used adespicable and unmistakablesymbol of hatred, the burningcross, to intimidate a young familybecause the family associated withAfrican-Americans,” said LorettaKing, Acting Assistant AttorneyGeneral for the Civil RightsDivision. “The Civil RightsDivision will continue to
prosecute this type of illegal,hateful behavior to the fullestextent of the law.”
As part of the conspiracy,Wingo, 20, admitted to building across, transporting it to thevictims' home, and attempting toset it on fire. Morrison admitted tohelping to prepare the cross andaccompanying Wingo and Nix tothe victims’ home to burn thecross. McKim and Robbins, 42,admitted to encouraging Wingoand Nix to build the cross and burnit, as well as driving to the victims'home on a separate occasion tothreaten and intimidate them.McKim also admitted to providingmaterials to Wingo and Nix forthem to build the cross.
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Tulsa Engineering ExecPleads Guilty to Bribery
Acting United States AttorneyThomas Scott Woodward announcedthat the president of a Tulsaengineering firm pleaded guilty todayin federal court in Tulsa to bribing aTulsa public works official.
Kenneth Kirk Shoemaker, age 46,of Bartlesville, president of FBS, Inc.and an officer of FBS Engineers, Inc.,both Tulsa companies, pleaded guiltyto procurement fraud bribery. He alsoagreed to pay the City of Tulsarestitution in the amount of $105,000.Shoemaker admitted that he paid$7,500 to former Tulsa Public Worksemployee Albert Martinez on July 22,2008 as partial payment to steer a$450,756 public works contract toFBS, Inc. The total bribe paymentwas to be $25,000.
Shoemaker is the third defendantto plead guilty in this publiccorruption case. His sentencing is setfor December 14, 2009, after thecompletion of a pre-sentenceinvestigation report by the U.S.Probation Office. Shoemaker faces aprison sentence of up to 10 years anda fine of $250,000.
U.S. District Judge Terrence Kernis presiding in the case. The pleatoday was before Magistrate Judge T.Lane Wilson. Assistant U.S.Attorneys Clinton J. Johnson, JosephF. Wilson and Catherine J. Depew areprosecuting for the government. Theinvestigation was undertaken by theFederal Bureau of Investigation andthe Internal Revenue ServiceCriminal Investigation Division.
Cross BurningFrom Page 1
The victim’s home was burnedIn a separate incident but thefire could not be linked to any of the defendants.
You DrinkYou DriveYou Lose
Health & WellnessFrom Page 5
Pop says da world is getting better its daPeople who get worse. Some a dem just hateeverybody else cause dey got da stupid ideadey are better. But we’re all worm foodwhen we die so who’s better?