Heavy Metal Hustle
As the prices of copper and other precious metals continue to rise, so do incidents of copper theft. Ameren Illinois recently issued a warning to the public about this dangerous trend. While thieves have targeted Ameren utility facilities, they’ve also taken metal from businesses, homes and apartments, causing damage and extensive power outages, fires and explosions. To help protect yourself and your neighbors, Ameren recommends the following steps:
- Those who have information about a copper theft should report it to the police or local Crime Stoppers immediately.
- Report any suspicious activity around electric substations and other utility facilities.
- Securely lock your house and outbuildings when you will be away, and take precautions to give your home a “lived-in” look when you will be away for a long period of time.
- Store all material containing copper in a secured building.
- Secure construction sites and consider hiring a night security guard.
- Secure vacant houses, apartments and other buildings, as these are common targets of copper thieves.
Just Do Something!
If you didn’t believe your parents or grandparents when they said you’d be happier if you just got up and did something…anything…well then, perhaps you’ll believe science. As part of a University of Chicago study, students were given a survey, after which they had the choice to sit idly or deliver the paperwork to another location, which required a 15-minute walk. While the majority chose to just sit, the study showed that those who took the active route were in a better mood afterward. So, the next time you find yourself with a choice to either sit lazily or get busy, you should do something! You’ll thank yourself later as you bask in your emotional well-being.
A 40 Leaders Playlist
Music is one of the universal ways that we express emotion. Some songs raise us up, while others bring us down, but we all have that one song that brings a smile to our face every time it comes on the radio or pops up on iPod shuffle. Which songs make this year’s class of 40 Leaders smile? We’ve compiled our first 40 Leaders playlist, and it’s a diverse one!
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Celebration by Kool and The Gang
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/It’s a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Little Miss Magic by Jimmy Buffett
Better When We’re Together by Jack Johnson
Jump Around by House of Pain
I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Wherever We Go by Newsboys
Fantasy by Earth, Wind and Fire
Twist and Shout by The Beatles
The University of Iowa Fight Song
I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Happy Birthday
Before I Let Go by Maze
Lucky One by Alison Krauss
I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe
Something Big by John Waller
I Know You Rider by The Grateful Dead
All I Do by Stevie Wonder
We Are the Champions by Queen
Tropical Babies by The Brothers Cazimero
Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland iBi
