The good
Congratulations to Barack Obama being sworn in as 44th President of the United States on Jan. 20. Now the real work begins, primarily on the slumping economy. Only time will tell if Obama can deliver on his campaign promises, including to cut federal income taxes for 95 percent of working families, withdraw most U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months, reduce health care costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year, and make it easier for labor unions to organize. Here’s to hope.

Yet another Iowan is being linked to President Barack Obama. Gov. Chet Culver’s former chief of staff Patrick Dillon was named deputy White House political director on Jan. 16. Dillon is married to Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, who was a top aide in Obama’s general election campaign. Former Gov. Tom Vilsack has already been appointed U.S. secretary of agriculture, while Obama’s Iowa state director Jackie Norris is Michelle Obama’s chief of staff.

The bad
Although times are tough, there a few things that people will still throw down big bucks for. And a young woman’s virginity a is one of those items. A 22-year-old woman (whose alias is Natalie Dylan) is auctioning her virginity to the highest bidder. The college graduate has a degree in Women’s Studies, but is looking for a quick and easy way to earn money to further her education and receive her master’s degree in psychology. Dylan has set up a link on the famous Moonlite Bunny Ranch’s Web site, where potential suitors can contact her and discuss the situation. According to the Web site, more than 10,000 bidders have come forth, and someone allegedly has offered more than $3 million for her purity. The Web site also states: “Natalie is a virgin and would like to sell this priceless and rare commodity in a very exclusive and private setting. One time only she will appear at the bunny ranch and give up her virginity to the highest bidder.” Since prostitution is legal in Nevada and Dylan is over 18, the sex is considered consensual, therefore not illegal. We hope she’s worth it.

With nothing better to do with his life, Michael Neal, 49, an HIV-positive Austrailian man, was sentenced to 18 years and nine months in jail. Neal was given repeated warnings by the Department of Human Services about his sexual behavior and simply ignored them. He was found guilty of 15 charges, including attempting to infect another person with HIV, rape and administering a drug for the purpose of sexual penetration.

The ugly
Another teacher is in hot water over some after-school attention. Dowling Catholic High School English teacher, Erin Marie Rohwer, was arrested at her home last week on sexual exploitation by a school employee charge. The 27-year-old teacher had a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old male student. During a press conference, school president Jerry Deegan stated that a member of the “Dowling community” called him to report “a possible inappropriate relationship.” In a note to parents, Deegan stated, “The safety and well-being of our students and faculty are a high priority for the entire Dowling Catholic community. Therefore, when a community member called me and alleged there may be an inappropriate relationship, I contacted the West Des Moines Police Department immediately. While this matter is not yet resolved, we must remember our role and responsibility is to create a safe learning and spiritual environment for all of our students.” Sexual contact between any school employee and a student, regardless of age, is against the law in Iowa. Rohwer was released on a $5,000 bond and faces a felony level charge. Maybe some priests should take note.

Every parent wants their children to excel at what they like, no matter if it’s artistic, academic or athletic. But what happened in Mason City crossed the line of motivation and ventured into craziness. Todd Gerlemen was charged with distributing a controlled substance to a minor after he gave his son steroids to help his athletic ability. Authorities stated the investigation began after Gerleman’s son assaulted his mother last November. When officers responded to the call, they found more than 100 pills (later identified as anabolic steroids) and a syringe in the boy’s bedroom. Court records revealed that the boy told investigators his father gave him the pills during a visit. Records also show Gerlemen admitted to officials that he gave his son the needle and the pills. It’s tough to excel at sports, but when a father poisons his son for glory on the field, it surpasses all levels of child endangerment.CV

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