31 Oct 2006

Rock the Boat

By Administrator

Reader issue #605If you are an independent voter - that is, a person who does not identify with either of the major political parties - Democratic and Republican leaders would prefer that you did not vote on November 7.

Not only that, but they're doing everything in their power to keep you from voting. They might not break into your house and tie you up until November 8, but they do invade your home through television ads hell-bent on disgusting you with the campaigns, the candidates, and the process. They want you to turn off, tune out and drop out.

31 Oct 2006

Braley Versus Whalen in Iowa's First Congressional District

By Administrator

With Representative Jim Nussle not seeking re-election and running for Iowa governor, Iowa's First Disrict seat in Congress became one of the country's most-watched races.

But with so much attention and money lavished on the race for its national political importance - control of the House of the Representatives could be decided here - there's been much less focus on the candidates and their views.

The Reader recently interviewed Democrat Bruce Braley (an attorney from Waterloo) and Republican Mike Whalen (founder, president, and CEO of Moline-based Heart of America Restaurants & Inns) in five subject areas. The audio from those interviews is available at (http://www.qcspan.com), along with an interview with Pirate candidate James Hill. Independent candidate Albert W. Schoeman of Waterloo is also running.

31 Oct 2006

A Rebel Without a Vote

By Administrator

This week's article by Jeff Ignatius, "Rock the Vote Boat," underscores the enormous weight of each American's vote. Ignatius concludes with a quote from The Broken Branch: "Citizens at the polls are the most powerful agents of change."

Thus begins my traditional election-time mantra: Get out and vote! Do it because (1) it's your civic duty as an American; (2) it's your constitutional right and privilege as an American; or how about (3) because it's the last thing the politicians want you to do. There's a reason for this.

The two major political parties, Democrats and Republicans, make it their political mission to encourage voters to stay home. Historical poll data clearly shows a consistent percentage of voters who cast ballots in every election. Sadly this percentage is less than half of all eligible voters, which means that the majority of voters consistently don't vote. And that is the percentage political strategists work the hardest to maintain.

31 Oct 2006

Beethoven's Work Continues to Grow for Pianist: Quad City Symphony Orchestra, November 4 and 5

By Administrator

Sergio Tiempo Pianist Sergio Tiempo and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven's third piano concerto as Beethoven never could - on a modern piano. But when the composer wrote the piece in 1800, that's certainly how he intended it to be played.

His Mozart-era piano couldn't sustain the heavy style of playing Beethoven envisioned; it actually snapped the strings.

"In a way, it is the first Romantic concerto which only found its true vehicle through later instruments," Tiempo said in an e-mail interview from Belgium.

The 34-year-old pianist has played the concerto for years, but he has yet to tire of the work. "It is one of those pieces that keeps growing inside of you throughout your life," Tiempo said.

31 Oct 2006

Noteworthy Events for the Week of November 1 - 7

By Administrator

Charlotte Martin

The Redstone Room

Saturday, November 4, 10 p.m.

 

 

31 Oct 2006

Iowa Named Among the 10 Smartest States

By Administrator
Iowa has moved into the 10 smartest states in the nation, according to the Morgan Quinto Press, an organization that analyzes and publishes state statistics. Its Education State Rankings 2006 report places Iowa second in the Midwest and ninth among the 50 states in education, an increase of five positions over last year's rankings. Illinois is listed as the 35th smartest state. The organization also ranked Iowa first this year in per-capita personal-income growth, and named it the fifth healthiest state, the third most-livable state, and the eighth safest state. Morgan Quitno Press is an independent private research and publishing company located in Lawrence, Kansas. The Education State Rankings report, which includes the "Smartest State" rankings, looked at 21 different factors and assigned a score based on how each state performed. For more information on the report, visit (http://www.morganquitno.com/edpress06.htm).  

 

24 Oct 2006

Evolved Sexuality: David M. Buss, October 30 at Augustana College

By Administrator
David M. Buss It might sound like a lame excuse.

But if a man cheats on his wife, he might explain himself this way: "I couldn't help it. My evolved psychological mechanisms made me have an affair." And he'd be right.

Sort of.

David M. Buss, a psychologist at the University of Texas who will be giving the lecture "Sexual Conflict in Human Mating" at Augustana College on October 30, has spent more than two decades studying sexual desire and behavior. And his research has led to one overarching observation: Across cultures, people's mating strategies are universal.

24 Oct 2006

Ringing the Susie Bell

By Administrator

For those of us who have frequented the Davenport City Council Chambers for meetings, the charming, outspoken-but-always-diplomatic "ole lady" wearing all the different fun hats is a familiar face. Her name is Susie Bell, and she is the Republican candidate for House District 86 of the Iowa legislature, running against Democrat incumbent Cindy Winkler.

Susie has been following politics since her youth. A wide variety of issues has piqued her curiosity, and more often her ire. She has campaigned in more grassroots efforts than she can name, but give her time and she will recall key aspects of every one, including their outcomes.

24 Oct 2006

The Press Must Assert Its Relevance

By administrator

"The Top 10 Stories the Media Missed in the Past Year" as published in River Cities' Reader Issue 602 (October 11-17, 2006) might be called "10 more reasons why the ‘freedom of the press' will be abolished."

In January 2005, the results of a survey of students were published in which (only) 51 percent of the students believed that the press should be allowed to publish without permission from the government.

This survey should have awakened the press to the fact that they must inform the people of what is going on in our courts so that they can decide for themselves if our system of justice is fair.

24 Oct 2006

Musical Treats for Halloween Goblin'

By Administrator

"Rockin' Bones" Unshackled by the restraints of traditional CD manufacture and distribution, Yep Roc Records is using the "digital-only" delivery model to release a Halloween-themed compilation for groovy ghouls and boys. Available only as a download through the label's Web site for a budget price, the 15-track Rockin' Bones boasts the exclusive "Ghoulman Confidential" by the Fleshtones, and other tricks and treats from Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Robyn Hitchcock, The Minus 5, Radio Birdman, Los Straitjackets, and more.

 

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