Hello!
Start off the new year by celebrating local! Ring in 2014 with Me & Billy's with an all you can eat Fiesta Buffet, drink specials, a champagne toast, DJ Twisted Mic, and more! At River Music Experience, celebrate the new year with friends, drinks, and folk rock music during the NYE Show with The Giving Tree Band! You can even head to the RiverCenter for the NYE 2014 Retro on the River: Too White Crew

Barrel House 211 If you're looking for a place to stay the night and live entertainment with hor d'oeuvres, Hotel Blackhawk is holding 10 rooms at a discounted price for the first ticket holders that are attending the New Years Bash at Barrel House 211. If you're hunting for something a bit more family oriented this week, head to The River's Edge for ice skating.  The Freight House Farmers Market is always a fine option, too.    

Until then, you'll find even more entertainment at River Music Experience this week. On Saturday morning, participate in the Community Drum Circle which features improvised rhythms and a time to groove with friends. Later on, venture back for a night of live progressive bluegrass when Cornmeal takes the stage. Cornmeal is always a blast, so bring your dancin' shoes and get down to some jamtastic bluegrass!

RC Logo Take a break from all the holiday baking and treat yourself to a New Year's Day Celebration Brunch at Rhythm City Casino on Wednesday. Enjoy New York steaks cooked to order, your favorite breakfast items, an omelet station, and drinks! Of course, all of our bars and restaurants will be hosting NYE parties of some kind, so pick your favorite and plan to visit us.  

Not sure what to do with the plethora of photos you've taken this holiday season? Frame them, of course! Head to My Favorite Frame Shop for art and picture framing at a professional level and value price! What better way to spice up your home or office with photos of great holiday memories? While you're there, be sure to also shop whimsical houses and wood spirit carvings.

See you downtown!
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This Week's Events: December 27 - January 1


Friday, December 27

12 Hours of Gifts

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10:30 a.m. - Noon; 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Website

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m

Price: N/A

Website

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Jordan Danielsen
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE
Website

Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Price: $5 and up
Saturday, December 28

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
Price: N/A

 

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Candy Canes of Cash

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Every 30 Minutes from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Website

 

Community Drum Circle

Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Price: $5/Adult; $2.50/Child 12 & Under

Website

 

Cornmeal

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.

Price: $12 in adv; $15 day of

Website

 

Exhibition: 1934: A New Deal for Artists

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: A New Deal for Illinois: The Federal Art Project Collection of Western Illinois

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: College Invitational

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

Exhibition: Photography Contest

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; Noon - 4:00 p.m. Sun.

Price: Museum Admission or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Walter Haskell Hinton: Image Maker for Deere

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Night of 101 Winners
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Public Skate
Where: River's Edge
Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.; 6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.; 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Price: $5 and Up
Website

Robert Dahms
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 8:00 p.m. - Midnight
Price: FREE
Website

Rock the Pit

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE
Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Sunday, December 29

 

$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)
Where: River's Edge
Time: 9:30 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.
Price: $10

Midnight Multiplier

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Midnight - 4:00 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

New Years Toast

Where: Once Upon a Tea Tyme

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: $15/person

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Live Jazz

Where: Brady St. Chop House

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website


Monday, December 30

Merry Million Points

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Every Hour Between 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Website

 

Mexican Monday

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Margaritas and $6 Tacos

Website

 

Nifty 50's

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and Up

Website

 

Rock Around the Clock Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Website


Tuesday, December 31

 

Acoustic Music Club

Where: River Music Experience, RME Hall

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Cash is King

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge, Ice

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market
Where: Freight House Building and Parking Lot
Time: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Price: FREE

 

It's Firkin Tuesday!

Where: Barrel House 211

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: $3 Burger Baskets

Website


New Years Bash at Barrel House
Where: Barrel House 211
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
Price: $85
Website

New Years Eve Celebration
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Website

NYE Show with The Giving Tree Band
Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room
Time: Doors 8:00 p.m. / Show 9:00 p.m.
Price: $15 in adv; $20 day of show
Website

Open Jam Session

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

QC Nightlife Entertainment presents: NYE 2014 Retro on the River: Too White Crew

Where: RiverCenter, Great River Hall

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $25 or $45 for VIP

Website

 

Terry Lee & The Rockaboogie Band

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m

Price: FREE

Website

 

The Fast Clydes

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Wednesday, January 1

 

Attack of the Casks

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 5:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Bucktown Center for the Arts
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Website

Cash is King
Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 12:14 a.m.
Website

Midday Moolah Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: 100 points per entry; 10 entries max per guest

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

New Year's Day Celebration

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Price: $13.99

Website

 

Nifty 50's
Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon and 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Rock Around the Clock Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Website

Tuesday, January 7, 2014
7:00 P.M.
Scott County Administrative Center
1st Floor Board Room
600 W Fourth Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Minutes - Approval of meeting minutes from the November 19, 2013 meeting
3. Final Plat Review: Minor Subdivision - Windmiller Design and Development, Section 8 of Pleasant Valley Township. Request for a recommendation for approval of a two (2) lot subdivision to allow for the construction of two (2) single-family attached dwellings; being located on separate lots but having a common lot line and wall.
Public Hearing Procedure
a. Chairman reads public notice of hearing.
b. Director reviews background of request.
c. Applicant /Representative provide any additional comments on request.
d. Public may make comments or ask questions.
e. Director makes staff recommendation.
f. Applicant may respond or comment.
g. Commission members may ask questions.
h. Chairman closes the public portion of the hearing (No more public comments).
i. Discussion period for the Commission members.
j. Commission members make motion to approval, deny, or modify request.
k. Final vote. Recommendation goes to Board of Supervisors.
Please turn off or silence all cell phones and other electronic devices
Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 12-1817

ST. MALACHY ROMAN CATHOLIC CONGREGATION OF GENESEO, ILLINOIS; STEVE BRISTOL; CONNI BRISTOL; and KEWANEE AREA UNITED WAY vs. DONNA K. INGRAM, as Executor of the ESTATE OF JAMES INGRAM, and ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO., INC.

Friday 12/27/2013

Mercury Brothers

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

The Mercury Brothers are cast from that exact mold of solid gold heart and pure soul blues music. From their slick classic James Dean look to their ripping tones and heavy grooves, The Mercury Brothers are an act you will not soon forget.

 

Saturday 12/28/2013

Mark Avey Band

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Ron La Puma on Lead Guitar/Vocals, Mark Avey on Rhythm Guitar, Bitz on Bass Guitar, Bryan West playing Drums, this band formed in the summer of 2013 as each member was pursuing a common musical interest in a harder blues/rock style. With originals and covers in the style of Gary Moore, Canned Heat, Grand Funk, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, and so on ...their music is a guitar based style and work on the new CD has already began. So if you enjoy your blues kind of on the rock side, with a dash of British flavor, catch them at The Muddy Waters on the 28th of December.

 

Sunday 12/29/2013

Lojo Russo

6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

FREE Admission

Lojo Russo is described as a songwriter with a lot of lyrical power, a guitarist with powerful playing and a singer with one heck of a voice who performs with the energy and rocking empowerment of Ani DiFranco, the graceful folksiness of the Indigo Girls and the gritty blues of Susan Tedeschi". Russo has been making music along the Big Muddy since her days living in Twin Cities playing in jam bands, Celtic groups, freestyle funk folk and now in the Quad Cities as a solo touring artist. Like the river she moves from sweet folk to roots rock without missing a beat powerfully...effortlessly.

 

Monday 12/30/2013

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Fall in love with Monday's!!! FREE pool games starting at 12:00 p.m. and Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m. All at The Muddy Waters! See ya there!

 

Tuesday 12/31/2013

New Year's Eve with the Candymakers

9:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

FREE Admission
The Candymakers will be the band to see to bring in the New Year at The Muddy Waters! Winner of the 2011 Iowa Blues Challenge, the Candymakers will whet your palate with a tasty mix of Funk, Soul and Blues tunes that will have you up on your feet for the New Year! Although emulating the many talents of artists such as Ben Harper, Aretha Franklin & B.B. King, this band still produces an original sound that keeps fans craving more. Champaign toast, complimentary food, and party favors...come and celebrate with us! AND NO COVER CHARGE!

 

Thursday 01/02/2014

Jam Sessions with John O'Meara and Friends

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

jam sessions n. An informal gathering of musicians to play improvised or unrehearsed music. The Muddy Waters Jam Sessions are hosted by John O'Meara and occurs every Thursday starting at 9:00 p.m.

 

Friday 01/03/2014

Kent Burnside Band

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Kent Johnson Burnside should not be missed by any Blues fan - he brings a new generation of blues to the world. His family name defines the unique Hill Country Blues sound created by his legendary grandfather, the late R.L. Burnside. However, Kent stands alone and on his own with the next generation to listen and enjoy. Kent is taking juke joint music to a whole new level.

 

Saturday 01/04/2014

Blackstones

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

The Blackstones combine a group of well-rounded, talent that can play anything from The Rolling Stones and the Black Crows to The Yardbirds and The Who. Don Gustofson - bass and vocals; Steve Judge - guitar and vocals; Tami Seitz - vocals; Eric Pobanz - drums; and the Joe Brown - guitar and vocals.

 

Sunday 01/05/2014

"Detroit" Larry Davison and Chris Avey

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

FREE Admission

A combination of two seasoned Quad Cities blues musicians - mixing a little piece of Cajun vocals, sultry harmonica, and mind blowing stripped down blues. A night of the music you love with the musicians we love playing it.

 

Monday 01/06/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Yeah for Monday's!!! Time for FREE pool games starting at 12:00 p.m. and Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m. All at The Muddy Waters! See ya there!

 

Tuesday 01/07/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Tuesday at The Muddy Waters: FREE Pool Games from open until close (12:00 pm-2:00 am) and Karaoke starts at 9:00 p.m.

 

Thursday 01/09/2014

Jam Sessions with John O'Meara and Friends

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Got a little talent and not a lot of self-confidence? The Muddy Waters Thursday Night Jam Session is the place to be to help bring your musical talent to the stage. We welcome all musicians. The Muddy Waters Jam Sessions start at 9:00 p.m.

 

Friday 01/10/2014

Chris Avey Band

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Chris Avey, former lead guitarist and backing vocalist for blues icon Big Pete Pearson, leads the Chris Avey Band. Chris fuels the band with his stinging guitar attack and fiery vocals. Since striking out on his own with his band, he has released two CDs?the critically acclaimed Devil in my Bed and Preacherman. Chris's vocals and guitar are reminiscent of a younger, more fiery Coco Montoya, mixed with a dash of Tab Benoit. Blues Blast Magazine says "Blues with intensity and emotion. More energy than a power plant".

 

Saturday 01/11/2014

Mississippi Misfits

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admisson

The Mississippi Misfits are a trio whose members share a mixture of many musical influences. While Blues is their core, you will hear rock, soul, funk, New Orleans, and Latin flavors in their music. The Mississippi Misfits feature original material mixed with a variety of cover tunes. Their live performances are high energy and focus on crowd connection. They like to mix it up and keep things interesting by allowing the set list to have a variety of moods. Their intention is to stick to the blues but cover all of the bases.

 

Sunday 01/12/2014

Harper

6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

$5 Per Person

An amalgamation of blues, rock, funk, soul and world music, Australian singer/ songwriter "Harper" creates a heady mix of roots, jam music through his creative use of the harp, and didgeridoo. Borrowing from western and world music, this musical visionary develops a highly original take on the roots genre". Harper is backed by his incredible Michigan based band "Midwest Kind".

Monday 01/13/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

"I'm gonna jump in the water, stay drunk all the time..."

The Muddy Waters Monday Night KARAOKE starts at 9:00 p.m. plus FREE Pool Games ALL DAY!

 

Tuesday 01/14/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

Only at The Muddy Waters EVERY Tuesday -

1. FREE pool games all day and all night

2. Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m.

Come and have a GREAT Tuesday with us!

 

Thursday 01/16/2014

Jam Sessions with John O'Meara and Friends

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Jam Sessions, only at The Muddy Waters-where you can come and play your music feeling like your right at home (except for the pillows - we don't offer pillows). Bring your friends and plan to have a good time!

 

Friday 01/17/2014

Curtis Hawkins Band

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Playing a variety of soul, funk, blues...this band has shown that they are capable of doing what it takes to make it in the local music scene. Based out of Galesburg, Illinois, members include Andrea Mendoza on bass, Ian Johnson on guitar/vocals, Jamie Hopkins on drums/vocals, and m3 on keyboards/vocals. You can find them playing original music off their "Keep Workin' The Blues" CD (available on iTunes) then turn around and bust out everything from rock-n-roll to funk-n-soul! Real music by real musicians.

 

Saturday 01/18/2014

Serious Business

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Serious Business has their own style and has gained momentum even since winning the semi-final round of the 2013 Iowa Blues Challenge. Serious Business expresses the type of blues one can only feel in the hearts and solos of its presence. Along with a fusion of Boogie, R&B, and Soul, Serious Business is always ready to rock the house.

 

Sunday 01/19/2014

4th Annual Chili Cook-off

1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

If you think you cook the best chili in the Quad Cities, come and prove it! But if you like to just eat chili, come and join us for the NFC/AFC Championship game and all-you-can-eat chili for only $5, with all proceeds going to the a non-profit organization of the Cook-off Winner's choice.

 

Sunday 01/19/2014

Dave Ellis

6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

FREE Admission

Dave Ellis will be hosting the Funday Sunday Live Music Series on December 19. Dave plays guitar and keyboard, and sings, an eclectic mix of great classic songs and of course plenty of Buffett. It's all done with a great sense of humor and plenty of audience participation. No, Dave is not your ordinary lounge lizard!

 

Monday 01/20/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Fall in love with Monday's!!! FREE pool games starting at 12:00 p.m. and Karaoke starting at 9:00 p.m. All at The Muddy Waters! See ya there!

 

Tuesday 01/21/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

You can be the star at The Muddy Waters during Karaoke tonight starting at 9:00 p.m. Plus FREE pool games all day and all night long.

 

Thursday 01/23/2014

Jam Sessions with John O'Meara and Friends

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Got a little talent and not a lot of self-confidence? The Muddy Waters Thursday Night Jam Session is the place to be to help bring your musical talent to the stage. We welcome all musicians. The Muddy Waters Jam Sessions start at 9:00 p.m.

 

Friday 01/24/2014

Mercury Brothers

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

The Mercury Brothers are cast from that exact mold of solid gold heart and pure soul blues music. From their slick classic James Dean look to their ripping tones and heavy grooves, The Mercury Brothers are an act you will not soon forget.

 

Saturday 01/25/2014

Two Peace

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Two Peace is a band out of Davenport, IA formed in early 2011. They are featured as a Reggae / Electronic / Hip Hop duo, but consistent announce themselves as just "coming to spread truth and positive vibes". This duo consisting of members Nick Harksen (Vocals/Keys/Production), and Jacob Hahn (Bass/Production).

 

Sunday 01/26/2014

Doc Anderson's "Back in the (Sun)Day" Party

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

FREE Admission

Doc Anderson is an in demand local D.J. and music aficionado (you may recognize his name from his radio show on KALA). He will be mixing up the party tunes on Sunday, January 26, flooding The Muddy Waters with music from the 70's and into today's era.

Monday 01/27/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

"I'm gonna jump in the water, stay drunk all the time..."

The Muddy Waters Monday Night KARAOKE starts at 9:00 p.m. plus FREE Pool Games ALL DAY!

 

Tuesday 01/28/2014

ABC Karaoke

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

There was a guy, who just love to sing,
He was very clever and could sing most anything.
He loved the karaoke down at Muddy's bar
hoping maybe someday he could be a star.

Join this guy and help him to become,

Lest someday he wake up just to be a bum.

Thursday 01/30/2014

Jam Sessions with John O'Meara and Friends

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

FREE Admission

Jam Sessions, only at The Muddy Waters-where you can come and play your music feeling like your right at home. Bring your friends and plan to have a good time!

 

Friday 01/31/2014

John Primer

9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.

$5 Per Person

John Primer is one of the driving forces in helping to keep alive the more traditional Chicago blues sound. John moved to Chicago in the early 60's where he landed a gig playing lead guitar with the likes of Junior Wells, Lonnie Brooks, Paul Butterfield, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt and many others. Along with these blues greats, John had a stint playing as lead guitarist for Muddy Waters and following Muddy's untimely death, John played with Magic Slim & The Teardrops until starting touring on his own in support of his ten solo albums to date.
Four out of five people who make New Year's resolutions will eventually break them, and a third won't even make it until February. According to experts, the real problem is that we make resolutions that are too vague or unachievable ? so we quit. For your New Year's weight-loss resolution to work, you need to have accountability and chart your progress. Follow these tips from the experts on resolutions not to make:
  • 'I'm going on a diet.' Don't set yourself up to fail before you even begin. Instead, pledge to make healthy low-calorie food choices. You'll see more weight loss and achieve greater fitness if you simply resolve to cut processed and refined foods from most meals.

  • 'I'm going to the gym every day.' If you've never set foot inside a gym, don't declare that in January you're going to start working out every day. Start slowly and progressively add more workouts until you're exercising for about 30 minutes, five times a week.

  • 'I'm going to skip breakfast.' Think you can save 300 calories if you skip your scrambled eggs and toast? Big mistake. There's serious truth behind what's become a cliché: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Discover seven more weight loss resolutions to avoid.

The Moline Public Library will be closed tomorrow, December 27th, due to a sprinkler freezing and bursting. Normal operating hours are expected to resume on Saturday, December 28th. 

Dewey's Copper Cafe and teh Friends Bookstore will be closed for a longer period of time. 

For more information, contact Lee Ann Fisher, Library Director, at 217-521-3104.

NOW ON EXHIBIT
See it before it closes January 5, 2014!
Help us make the
STEM Learning Center a REALITY!

Mix it Up
Sunday, January 12  -  1:30 -3:30 p.m.
Putnam Museum
1717 W 12th St
Davenport, Iowa 52804
563-324-1933

Families Will Have More Time to Utilize Federal Foreclosure Prevention Program

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to protect Illinois homeowners by preventing a lender from selling a home while the homeowner is applying for a federal mortgage assistance program. This legislation is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protecting Illinois families and helping them fight foreclosure.

"Illinois families must have access to the tools they need to protect their home," Governor Quinn said. "More than one million families have received help through the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network, and we want to make sure even more homeowners can remain home for the holidays and the long term."

Sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-Chicago) and State Representative Michael J. Zalewski (D-Riverside), Senate Bill 1045 extends a current law that enables families who have applied for a loan modification under the federal Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) to stop the lender or servicer from selling their home.

In 2009, the Obama Administration worked with financial institutions to create HAMP - which allows qualified homeowners to modify mortgage payments to 31 percent of their income. The program lowers monthly mortgage payments to make them more affordable and sustainable.

The Governor signed a law in 2010 that allows homeowners to move to block a judicial sale when they can prove that they applied for a HAMP modification but the property was sold in violation of the program's terms. Today's action extends Illinois law to match the federal HAMP deadline of Dec. 31, 2015 - providing homeowners with more time to save their home from foreclosure. The new law takes effect immediately.

This law furthers the impact of the Governor's Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN)  ?  a free, one-stop resource to connect homeowners with important tools, including access to counseling services, legal advice, federal mortgage assistance programs, foreclosure prevention events and tips on how to avoid mortgage fraud.

Through the IFPN, families facing financial hardship can access HAMP to apply for a loan modification. In Illinois, approximately 47,000 Illinois families have received permanent loan modifications through HAMP that enable them to stay in their home.

"Governor Quinn understands that linking homeowners with crucial assistance stabilizes communities by preventing foreclosures before they happen," Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "The median monthly savings for Illinois homeowners in active permanent mortgage modifications under HAMP is about $570 - and now more families statewide can apply for lower monthly payments."

Governor Quinn has been a leader on affordable housing in Illinois and made a historic commitment of $130 million in state capital funds to create more affordable housing opportunities. The Governor has also worked to spur affordable housing homeownership and multifamily rental development by proclaiming 2013 as the Year of Homeownership and launching four new safe and affordable mortgage programs since 2011. Also, affordable housing opportunities have increased. Since 2009, 10,300 working families have been able to purchase a home affordably, and 18,300 affordable rental units were created or preserved. In 2012, IHDA helped more than 2,700 working families access $308 million in capital to purchase a home. This represents an 80 percent increase over production in 2011 and a 770 percent increase over 2010.

Illinois residents who are having trouble paying their mortgage, facing foreclosure or know someone who is should reach out to IFPN as soon as possible by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org or by calling the IFPN hotline at 1-855-KEEP-411.

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Tips for Overcoming a Fear of Public Speaking
By: Marsha Friedman

Recently, I was asked to be a panelist for a webinar about using the power of publicity to achieve your goals. The participants asked great questions.

The first: "How do you step into the spotlight when you don't like the spotlight?"

Getting media attention and speaking engagements -- the spotlight -- goes right to the heart of my book, "Celebritize Yourself." By boosting your visibility and your credibility, you set yourself apart from your competition and become a trusted authority in your field.

Should you abandon that avenue if you don't like the spotlight?

Absolutely not.

I was - and still am - that person. I had no desire to seek the spotlight, and even had trepidation about it, but eventually I realized I had to for the sake of my business.

First I had to figure out why I was so uncomfortable with the idea of being in the spotlight.

The answer for me was simple: The thought of public speaking terrified me. I'd seen wonderful speakers, including my own brother, who could captivate huge audiences and have them hanging on every word. I knew I didn't have that kind of talent so why bother even trying?

Because, as I came to realize, I had to. I needed to do it in order to grow my business and, on a deeper level, I needed to do it for me! My fear was holding me back - an admission that became increasingly painful as time marched on.

I talked to my brother about the problem. "It comes naturally to you and the other great speakers I've seen," I told him. "But it doesn't come naturally to me!"

His response surprised me.

"No, it doesn't all come naturally," he said. "I had to work at it."

For years, he spoke to small audiences at seminars. They proved an ideal training ground. He critiqued himself and got feedback from others so that he could constantly polish his delivery.

So, first tip: Start small. Give yourself time to get used to the spotlight.

Here are a few more tips for public speaking.

• Know your material. You won't feel comfortable speaking if you don't thoroughly know your material. How do actors and Olympic athletes make their feats look so easy? They practice! That doesn't mean memorizing a speech, which can lack enthusiasm and leaves little room for spontaneity. Know your key talking points, the anecdotes or other means you'll use to illustrate them, and how you will smoothly segue from one point to the next.

• Energize! Positive energy is contagious - if you're upbeat, excited and passionate about your message, chances are, your audience will be, too. And you'll be surprised about the positive cycle that creates: An enthusiastic audience can pump up your energy even more! Use hand gestures to illustrate points and, when appropriate, smile, smile, smile.

• Make eye contact. Find friendly, receptive faces in the audience and speak to them. Making eye contact with individuals helps prevent you staring off into the distance or reading from notes. It also helps make you feel like you're engaging in a conversation rather than speaking to a group. I've found that visually touching base with engaged audience members gives me little shots of confidence that help propel me through my presentation.

• Look your best! When you look great you feel great and that makes you stand taller and exude confidence. Speaking engagements aren't the best place to break in a new outfit (who knows what wardrobe malfunctions might surprise you?) Instead wear clothing and shoes you feel good in and that are appropriate to the setting - you can't go wrong with business formal. Simple is fine, but you should look crisp and polished from head to toe.

A fear of the spotlight shouldn't prevent you from getting the visibility and credibility that can build your brand and your business. Remember - you're not alone. The fear of public speaking is said to be one of the top 10 worldwide!

If I can overcome it, so can you.

About Marsha Friedman: Marsha Friedman is a 23-year veteran of the public relations industry. She is the CEO of EMSI Public Relations (www.emsincorporated.com), a national firm that provides PR strategy and publicity services to businesses, professional firms, entertainers and authors. Marsha is the author of Celebritize Yourself and she can also be heard weekly on her Blog Talk Radio Show, EMSI's PR Insider every Thursday at 3:00 PM EST. Follow her on Twitter: @marshafriedman.

Ms. Hunter:

The Des Moines Register's coverage of the exploratory announcement of Sen. Jack Hatch and the exploratory announcement of Jonathan Narcisse for the Democratic Party nomination raises grave concerns about both The Des Moines Register's agenda and continued bias.

The Des Moines Register states in your December 21st article: "Narcisse is best known for his contentious two years on the Des Moines school board. He faced censure from his peers following his string of stinging public criticisms about fellow board and school leaders."

Before I ask you why Sen. Hatch's controversies, including his formal Statehouse Press conference apology for his n-word tirade, were not mentioned in his announcement article on May 28th I have some questions for you:

Why does your publication call Narcisse controversial?

As a member of the Des Moines School Board Jonathan Narcisse always backed up his concerns with hard data and facts beyond refutation. For years your publication has labeled him even while ignoring so many of the very important data driven issues he raised.

How was Narcisse contentious?

Des Moines School Board meetings exist on tape - audio and video. An examination of the archived record proves he did not initiate conflict as a board member.

Does The Des Moines Register call him contentious because he said things his fellow board members didn't approve of despite their inability to factually dispute his statements.

One of the more prominent challenges to Narcisse came when he raised questions about security in the Des Moines School District following the shooting at Cleveland Tech. The response from board officers was that they were tired of hearing about school violence every time a kid got shot in America.

Another challenge to Narcisse was frustration with articles he published and radio commentaries advocating an end to social promotion in the Des Moines School District. At a board meeting a frustrated member said to Narcisse she was tired of him bringing up social promotion, asked what it is and stated it should be discussed once and never again.

Are those the contentious actions you are referencing?

One thing that was identified as contentious was when Narcisse emailed staff and conducted a survey asking them for their top academic reform priorities. Despite more than 2,000 staff responding to the survey it was reported a misuse of the District's email system by Superintendent Nancy Sebring and board members who later covered up her use of the District's email system to engage in inappropriate sexual activity.

At the board meeting where a vote was taken to ban Narcisse from emailing staff in the future the chair of the board stated "Mr. Narcisse may understand this technology but the rest of us do not."

Even your own editorial board encouraged the board not to vote on this item.

Another thing Narcisse did that was called contentious was conduct public hearings to listen to the concerns and priorities of his constituents even though he invited other board members to attend and participate in the well-attended hearings.

Again, are these the type of contentious activities you are referencing?

If not please state what his contentious actions were based on your article's pronouncement.

Ms. Hunter, Narcisse why is a non-existent censure mentioned in the article announcing Narcisse is exploring a run for Governor?

Again, JONATHAN NARCISSE WAS NEVER CENSURED!

Why does The Des Moines Register make reference to a non-existent censure?

Finally, why do you state the controversy, contentiousness and censure are the things he is best known for?

This characterization of Narcisse ignores the local, state and national recognition he has earned through three decades of activism that began with his election as Co-chair of the Polk County Democratic Party in the early 1980s to the present.

Narcisse earned national recognition for his statewide advocacy on urban affairs and for leading groundbreaking education and health hearings. This recognition included national media reports and a weeklong profile of Narcisse and his work on BET.

Your characterization ignores Narcisse's longstanding impact on education that pre-dated his joining the Des Moines School Board. It also ignores his activism on education issues after he left the board including his presence last year representing Iowa at a national education conference in Washington, D.C., where he was elected Chair of the Small States Caucus.

Narcisse is the youngest member of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame, a fraternity of less than 75 members that includes the likes of George Washington Carver, Alexander G. Clark and Dr. Simon Estes. It was not his so-called controversy or contentiousness that earned him induction in 2009 to the prestigious hall his final year on the Des Moines School Board.

Narcisse was a weekly fixture on television and radio in Des Moines, including WHO 1040 AM and also hosted various weekly radio shows in Waterloo including the Weekly Legislative Wrap. He has published various periodicals statewide, not just the Iowa Bystander and El Comunicador but Cyclone Nation and Hawkeye Times.

Narcisse has received more than 400 awards and honors including being recognized by the Bush, Clinton and Bush administrations and the Branstad, Vilsack and Culver administrations. Two of his more prestigious national awards include The Washington Times Youth Service Award and The SBA Region VII Minority Business Advocate of the Year Award. He was also a national finalist for the SBA Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year award, nominated by the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

Also in 2009, the time you describe as controversial and contentious, Narcisse received the Pinnacle Award for outstanding community service from the Culver Administration. Lt. Governor Patty Judge personally presented him the award.

Despite The Des Moines Register's misrepresentation Narcisse is clearly known at the local, state and national levels for many things beyond his so-called "controversy, contentiousness and non-existent censure."

Even before his election to the Des Moines School Board the Clinton Administration sought a collaboration with him, as did the Bush Administration, a fact your publication reported on. The Obama Administration's Department of Education also contacted Narcisse to tap into his insights and data regarding the state of education in Iowa.

Staff at the Register, including you, are aware of these facts yet the Des Moines Register not only went out of its way to dismiss his long list of accomplishments in its December 21st article it went out of its way to cast his time on the board in a negative light despite the evidence documenting the many positive changes that took place as a result of his service on the board.

Ms. Hunter please explain "controversial, contentious and the non-existent censure" and why they are part of this story.

The Des Moines Register's blatant attempts to diminish Narcisse, are not only unfair and unwarranted but they have the potential to detract from the very important points he is making about poverty, justice, education, and accountability.

Meanwhile The Des Moines Register is glowing in its coverage of Sen. Hatch's consideration of running in your May 28th article: "Why not Jack Hatch for governor...Bringing real business experience to Terrace Hill," "a governor who knows how to grow Iowa communities," "a nationally recognized leader in health care," "a leader who walks the walk in public service," "a leader with a distinguished legislative career," "a leader who fights for Democratic priorities."

What isn't in the article is mention of Hatch's controversies especially the Statehouse press conference he was forced to hold to apologize for his racist n-word rant. Senator Hatch did not spew his comments during a drunken rage, Mel Gibson style caught on a hidden smart phone. His n-word tirade took place during the legislative session, at the Statehouse, on the floor of the legislature. He was sober, he didn't hesitate, he wasn't remorseful, he meant every word he said when, out of frustration for stalled legislation he walked up to an African American legislator and said, as a part of his diatribe: "They are treating us like n-word up here, like masters and slaves..."

His comments were so vile and offensive an African American legislative staffer reported the incident to local community leadership whose subsequent outrage eventually forced Sen. Hatch to make his Statehouse Mea Culpa.

Ms. Hunter, please explain how a non-existent censure warrants mention in an exploratory announcement for Narcisse yet Sen. Hatch's official Statehouse press conference apology for his racist and incendiary rant didn't warrant a single mention?

Ms. Hunter, are we to believe had a Republican leader in the legislature, instead of a so-called liberal/progressive Des Moines Register favorite, gone into an n-word tirade he or she would have gotten off as easy as Jack Hatch?

Would Republican Senators such as Brad Zaun or Jack Whitver been pardoned so quickly by Des Moines Register editors and the editorial board had they flew into the rage Sen. Hatch did and started using the n-word and other racist imagery out of frustration? Or would they have been the subject of sustained editorial condemnation calling for a formal censure using such hateful language while in session?

Is your biased coverage confirmation of candidate preference? If The Des Moines Register is committed to Sen. Hatch winning the nomination just be upfront about it.

Or is an angry, racist rant in a formal setting such as the floor of the legislature by a so-called liberal/progressive favorite of your publication not considered "controversial and contentious" by the editors and editorial board at The Des Moines Register?

Please explain Ms. Hunter!

Bobby Young

President of the Iowa Urban Initiative

 

About Bobby Young

Bobby Young, President of the Iowa Urban Initiative, is also the President of the Pastor and Minister's Alliance of Greater Des Moines and Pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church. He will also keynote the Annual MLK program on January 19th at Open Bible Church located at the corner of Beaver and Hickman in Des Moines.

About The Iowa Urban Initiative

The Iowa Urban Initiative is a grassroots organization focused on urban community empowerment focusing on voter education, political action, education, economics, health, family, faith, justice and leadership training and development.

Narcisse Article:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20131222/NEWS09/312220060/Narcisse-sets-sights-on-another-run-for-governor?Frontpage

Hatch Article: http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/05/28/democrat-jack-hatch-on-running-for-governor-its-really-likely/article

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