2005 Great American Think-Off Finalist Biographies

GO TO 2005 ESSAYS

Competition or Cooperation: Which benefits society more?

Judith “Judi” Miles, 45, is a lifelong Ohio resident, born and raised in Akron and now living in Cleveland Heights. This is first time she has entered the Great American Think-Off, although she has followed it since 1997. Judi’s entire family is amazed that someone has actually invited her to speak with them, since they can’t get her to stop talking.

A late blooming risk-taker, Judi started law school at the age of 40, after a career in banking and small business development. She is a full-time student at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, from which she expects to graduate in December 2005. She is also a part-time mediator and business development consultant.

Judi graduated from The Ohio State University, with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She is an active member of Rotary International and many other community service, business development and law student organizations. She lives with her husband, Stephen, and has the honor of being stepmother to 17-year old Dominic. Her hobbies include reading anything, gardening, traveling, learning new skills and meeting new people. She is especially proud of her parents who will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary on June 11, 2005!

Barbara Parker
Richmond, VA
Age 59 Occupation: Housewife

Barbara Parker is thrilled to be a finalist for the second time, and welcomes the opportunity to visit again such a wonderful town. What the Cultural Center has accomplished is truly admirable.

Born in New Jersey of staunch New England parents, Barbara spent most of her growing up summers in Maine, still the land of her heart. She and her husband, Jim, have lived in the southeast for almost thirty-five years, and enjoy the kindness and humor of the people. They have three grown children, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, all very loved.

She graduated from Bucknell University with a double major in English and Spanish. For some years, Barbara was a dealer for Lindal Cedar Homes, and still considers the idea of returning to work, but finds retirement too enjoyable! She enjoys community volunteer work, sports, reading, spending time outdoors and with family. Working with organizations in the health field has been a longtime interest, and she has edited several newsletters.

Knowing her love of writing, philosophy, and a good argument, neighbors, originally from Wadena, Minnesota, suggested that Barbara enter the Great American Think Off. In 2002, she debated the question “Is the Pen Mightier than the Sword?” and stood on the side of the sword, which was her broom, against the foe, Rocky the squirrel. This year’s topic proved just as interesting to Barbara, although without Rocky as the protagonist. (However, ask her what was in her chimney this year!)

Blaine Rada is 40 years old and lives in Brookfield, Illinois (a Chicago suburb). He was born just a few miles from where he lives, but spent about 12 years of his youth in New Mexico. He met his wife, Jacki, after returning to the Chicago area and they just celebrated 19 years of marriage. They have a 16 year old son, Thaddeus, and a 13 year old daughter, Sequoia, both of whom have been homeschooled from the beginning of their formal education (Blaine is their writing teacher).

Professionally, Blaine is a Training Consultant for a mortgage insurance company. He travels extensively in the United States, conducting training seminars on a variety of topics that tend to generate a lot of discussion. He enjoys this opportunity to debate the many sides of an issue, which is one of the things that attracted him to the Great American Think-Off. He has recently taken an interest in writing as a form of expression, as well as a means to really find out how he feels about various subjects.

In his leisure time, Blaine is an avid runner and reader. He has been known to be a bit extreme in his commitment to exercise; a few years ago he accomplished a long-held dream to complete an Ironman-distance triathlon. Fortunately for Blaine and his family, his aging body has decided that a moderate approach to fitness is more desirable.

Blaine took a non-traditional approach to his college education. After realizing that he really didn’t want to be an aeronautical engineer, he decided to join the ranks of the working class and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition at the age of 30.

Angelo Volpe, the only son of Italian immigrants, currently teaches English Composition at the University of Minnesota. He has a B.A. in English from the University of West Florida, an M.A. in English and American Literature from New York University, a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, and a knavish but wise cat called Luda. When asked why he does not practice law, Volpe explains that he can serve society better as a teacher. He contends that critical thinking and effective communication skills make democracy and capitalism a workable way of life. Of course, Volpe adds, a sense of humor and a healthy intellectual curiosity are vital prerequisites. During his free time, Volpe enjoys watching movies with his cat Luda. Drawing from his addiction to movies, Volpe encourages his writing students to capture their readers’ attention with clarity, insight and surprise. His quirky essays often criticize common preconceptions about everyday life. Volpe’s essays include “Picking A Good Getaway Driver,” “Dynamic Patience: Why Nice People Suck,” and “Why Honesty is Irresponsible.” (172 words)