24 Sep 2015

Safe Electricity Shares Safety Tips for Farmers

By Klya Kruse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Farming is a very important, yet also very dangerous, job. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, farming accounted for 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2013. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 20-26, 2015, Safe Electricity is sharing electrical safety tips to help promote safe practices on farms and ranches across the U.S.

"Electrical equipment, such as power lines near the end rows or around grain bins, may get overlooked during busy times of year, such as harvest," says Kyla Kruse, communications director of the Safe Electricity program. "However, failure to notice overhead power lines can be a deadly oversight."

The simple action of moving a portable grain auger from one bin to another can have tragic results if the individuals involved are not extremely careful. Raising the bed of a grain truck, extending a combine's auger, or parking large machinery too close to overhead power lines could also result in preventable electrocution incidents.

Safe Electricity encourages farm operators and workers to look out for overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance away from them. Additional safety guidelines to keep in mind include :

  • Always use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines.
  • Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.
  • Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines–at all times, in all directions.
  • Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.
  • Always remember to lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads.
  • Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
  • If a power line is sagging or low, call the local utility immediately.
  • If your equipment does hit a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away, and wait for the utility crew to cut the power.

The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire, which is very rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

If you see someone's equipment in contact with a power line, the best help is given at a safe distance. During one of these situations, make sure to yell out to, signal, or call the equipment operator to make sure he remains in the vehicle, and notify the local utility.

To help ensure a safe harvest, stay alert for power lines, exercise caution, and always put safety first. For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

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The Energy Education Council is a 501(c 3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety and energy efficiency. Established in 1952, the Council is headquartered within University of Illinois Extension and serves as a forum for diverse utility and energy organizations to collaborate on the mutually vital issues of efficiency and safety. Learn more at EnergyEdCouncil.org and SafeElectricity.org.

24 Sep 2015

Just Announced - Star Trek - The Ultimate Voyage

By Stephani Nagle
STAR TREK™ THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE NATIONAL
CONCERT TOUR LAUNCHES IN 2016
Live event brings five decades of Star Trek to concert halls for the first time
Playing the iWireless Center - One Night Only
March 22, 2016 - 7 pm
On Sale Friday, September 25 at 10 am
FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES - CineConcerts,CBS Consumer Products andParamount Pictures will launch Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage, a North American concert tour playing performing artscenters in more than 100 cities. The tour launches in Florida in January 2016 and will travel throughout the U.S. and Canada through the end of April 2016 including a March 22 iWireless Center date. An exclusive pre-tour engagement will be held at Royal Albert Hall in London on November 1, 2015.
Ticket prices are $30, $50, $60 and go on sale Friday, September 25 at 10 am. Tickets are available at the iWireless Center box office, by phone at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage is produced by CineConcerts, known for its popular live to projection, symphonic concert experiences including The Godfather, Gladiator and soon to be premiered Breakfast at Tiffany's. Original content productions such as A Christmas Dream also tour internationally.
Justin Freer, Producer and Founder of CineConcerts said, "The Star Trek franchise has for many years been an important and meaningful part of our culture in so many ways. This exciting concert experience featuring the greatest music and visuals spanning five decades will be an extraordinary and memorable event."
This lavish production includes an impressive live symphony orchestra and international special solo instruments. People of all ages and backgrounds will experience the franchise's groundbreaking and wildly popular musical achievements while the most iconic Star Trek film and TV footage is simultaneously beamed in high definition to a 40-foot wide screen. The concert will feature some of the greatest music written for the franchise including music from Star Trek:The Original Series, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek: Insurrection, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager and much more. This never-before-seen concert event is perfect for music lovers, filmgoers, science-fiction fans and anyone looking for an exciting and unique concert experience.
CineConcerts Co-Founder and Producer Brady Beaubien said, "When a story has renamed aircraft carriers, NASA space shuttles, and the first names of thousands of children in hundreds of countries, you realize these characters go beyond entertainment, but are more like family. Star Trek breaks every boundary of judgment or expectation. It inspires, challenges, and re-thinks. Star Trek is who we want to be. Inspired, fiercely loyal, sometimes reckless."
Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage will be conducted by Justin Freer, who has quickly become one of the most sought-after conductors of film music with a long list of full symphonic live to projection projects under his belt ranging from the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy to The Godfather to Gladiator. He has appeared with some of the world's leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony and Sydney Symphony.
About CineConcerts:
CineConcerts is one of the leading producers of live music experiences performed with visual media. Founded by producer/conductor Justin Freer and producer Brady Beaubien, CineConcerts has engaged millions of people worldwide in concert presentations that redefine the evolution of live experience. From full-length movie screenings with live orchestra to music-interactive sporting event experiences to original 3D-environment holiday programming, CineConcerts is at the forefront of live entertainment.
About CBS Consumer Products
CBS Consumer Products manages worldwide licensing and merchandising for a diverse slate of television brands and series from CBS, CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution, as well as from the company's extensive library of titles, Showtime and CBS Films. Additionally, the group oversees online sales of programming merchandise. For more information, visit www.cbsconsumerproducts.com.
™ & ©2015 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
24 Sep 2015

From Strip to Chip: Everything You Need to Know About the New Generation of Payment Cards

By Steve Burke
By Nathaniel Sillin

If you've received a replacement for your credit or debit cards in the mail lately, take a closer look. That little gold chip on the front is going to make it tougher for thieves to steal your data.

By year-end 2015, Visa estimates that 63 percent of cards in American wallets will feature this new technology (www.VisaChip.com) aimed at derailing counterfeit fraud. The new chip adds a unique, one-time code that changes every time you use your card to make an in-store payment. That automatic security code change makes your data nearly impossible to use to create a counterfeit card.

Counterfeit or "cloned" cards account for about two-thirds of in-store fraud to the tune of $3 billion, according to Boston-based research firm Aite Group. The transition to chip cards is expected to be nearly complete by year-end 2017.

You'll see very slight differences in using these cards. First, you'll need to insert a chip card into a new slot on built for chip cards and keep it there until your purchase is complete. You won't have to swipe traditional magnetic strip on the back anymore. You will still be able to sign, enter a PIN or just pay-and-go for everyday transactions as before. Just remember to take your card with you when the transaction is complete.

However, if you are currently using an old but unexpired card or if the business where you're doing a transaction doesn't have the upgraded chip card equipment, don't panic. The strip on the back of your card will continue to work with all card terminals for the foreseeable future.

For merchants - the collective name for the stores, restaurants and other businesses where you use credit and debit cards every day - the transition to chip cards is moving along as well. According to a recent survey by Visa, approximately 90 percent of business owners are aware of chip technology and about 70 percent have already upgraded their equipment or have plans to do so. Current estimates show that 47 percent of U.S. terminals will be able to read chip cards by the end of the year.

There's one more incentive for all businesses to get on board with chip card technology: Starting October 1, liability for some counterfeit fraud may shift from the card-issuing financial institutions to retailers unless they are able to accept and process chip card transactions.

For merchants, processing chip transactions will likely involve a hardware or software upgrade somewhat similar to upgrading a cellphone contract. In many cases, the terminal will be included in the cost of the service. About a third of merchant terminals are already chip card-capable and just need a software update to fully function.

For the smallest businesses, some low-cost options for upgrading card acceptance terminals can cost $100 or less. Square https://squareup.com/contactless-chip-reader, for example, recently announced a new $49 card reader that accepts chip cards as well as mobile payments and they're giving away 250,000 of them to small business customers at no cost.

If you travel overseas regularly, you've probably already seen chip card technology in action. It's based on a global standard called EMV and is already at work in countries moving to cashless options for private and public goods and services.

One final note. While you're waiting for your new chip cards, you'll still be able to use your current strip-based credit cards in new machines under their zero liability fraud protection rules. However, debit card security rules are different, so it is best to check with your bank on their guidelines so you know your funds are secure.

Bottom line: The move from strip to chip cards will create a more secure environment for credit and debit card users. However, consumers will still need to keep their cards safe and confirm the accuracy of all their spending data.

24 Sep 2015

"Relentless" RICK MONROE Joins Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice Country Concert Series 2015

By Rick Martin

Brand Ambassador / Emcee For Seventh Consecutive Year To Open For Grammy Award Nominee At Upcoming Show @ Davenport's Adler Theatre On 10/24

 

Nashville, TN (Sept 21 2015) -- Singer/songwriter and relentless performer RICK MONROE joins Grammy Award nominee Lee Brice for the Jägermeister Presents: Lee Brice Country Concert Series 2015.  Monroe will act as the brand ambassador and emcee and will open the multi-city tour that runs September 11 through October 24.  This is the seventh consecutive year of Monroe's participation; no other artist has enjoyed as long a run on the Tour. Joining them at the show will be some of today's hottest up-and-coming stars.

Monroe may be among the brightest of those stars, although he would never admit it.  The high-energy entertainer has headlined his own tours and taken his unique brand of Country to Russia and China, as well as Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Hungary, Honduras, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Bahamas, Germany, England, Netherlands and Switzerland.  Monroe was also honored to sing the U.S. National Anthem at the five-year anniversary of the re-opening of diplomatic relations between America and Vietnam; the first time in over 25 years that the Anthem had been sung at a public event in Vietnam.  Additionally, Rick entertained the former President of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, at a Command Performance on the USS Sequoia Presidential Yacht in Washington, D.C.  Over the years, Monroe's shared the stage with a "Who's Who" of musical greats, including Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Josh Thompson, Pat Green, Charlie Daniels Band, Dwight Yoakam, Montgomery Gentry and Aaron Lewis.

Rick's current single "Great Minds Drink Alike" is rising on both the Billboard Indicator and MusicRow charts, and follows his 2014 Billboard Top 50 hit, "Fires Out." The track is from his current EP, IT'S A LOVE THING.

 

ABOUT JÄGERMEISTER

Jägermeister, which translates to "master hunter," is the #1 selling imported liqueur in the United States and one of the top shot brands in the world.  The full-bodied flavor of Jägermeister, which includes cinnamon, star anise, ginger and cardamom, is a result of a lengthy maceration to extract aromatic compounds from a closely guarded recipe of 56 herbs, roots, blossoms and fruits, plus aging in oak casks for one year.  The production process is exacting and includes sourcing the ingredients in their raw, unprocessed form, along with 383 quality checks to ensure its iconic taste profile.  Jägermeister Liqueur is 35% Alc. /Vol. and imported exclusively by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., New Rochelle, NY.  JÄGERMEISTER IS DEDICATED TO MUSIC, NOT UNDERAGE DRINKING.

Follow the Tour and stay social with Rick:
RickMonroe.com
Facebook.com/RickMonroeOfficial
Twitter: @RickMonroe

 

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23 Sep 2015

Gordon Kellenberger's Annual Oktoberfest Show

By Catiri's Art Oasis
Catiri's Art Oasis presents:

The long awaited featured show is almost here!! 
October 2nd from 4pm to 6pm Gordon Kellenberger will be presenting his latest works! 
This is a great time to collect a Kellenberger or add to your collection!!  With over 20 new artworks, it is a great way to bring in fall and kick of Amana's 50th Annual Oktoberfest!!
Prosit!!

Amana's 50th Annual Oktoberfest

October 2nd-4th 2015
It is sure to be a great time for all!!

For more information click here.
23 Sep 2015

Administration Reaches Deal Over Botched Lottery Management Contract

By Catherine Kelly

Agreement saves taxpayers $22 million instantly; Northstar fully terminated as private manager of the Illinois Lottery

 

CHICAGO - The Administration of Governor Bruce Rauner announced today it has reached a termination agreement with Northstar Lottery Group, LLC and its parent companies as the private manager of the Illinois Lottery.

"This deal is an instant win for taxpayers because it immediately saves them $22 million," General Counsel Jason Barclay said. "In addition, it releases taxpayers from the eleventh-hour deal former Governor Quinn signed on his way out the door."

The new agreement fully terminates Northstar as the private manager of the Illinois Lottery as of January 1, 2017 or until a new private manager is selected. In addition, it also allows the new manager to select its own suppliers. Under the former agreement with the previous Administration, the new manager would have been forced to give Northstar's parent companies, GTech and Scientific Games, option rights, which would have significantly limited competition.

"This is a new day for the Illinois Lottery," Acting Director B.R. Lane said. "This agreement will save the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while allowing the Lottery to select a new partner that will help the agency grow and better serve its customers."

The State will begin the search for a new private manager immediately.
23 Sep 2015

WTTW PBS Chicago -- Kosciuszko: A Man Ahead of His Time

By WTTW
A Documentary Film Narrated by Blair Underwood
Written and Directed by Alex Storozynski
Executive Producer Eve Krzyzanowski
Based on the Book
There are more statutes of Thaddeus Kosciuszko in America than any historical figure except for George Washington. Every day, millions of New York TV and radio listeners hear about traffic jams on the Kosciuszko Bridge. Yet few know about this Revolutionary War hero and champion of human rights.
The Polish hero Kosciuszko gave his salary from the American Revolution to Thomas Jefferson and told him to buy slaves - and free them.  Kosciuszko fought for the rights of serfs, slaves, Jews, Native-Americans and women.
A military strategist, Kosciuszko's plan won the Battle of Saratoga - the turning point of the war.  He also built Fortress West Point, which Benedict Arnold tried to sell to the British in the most infamous act of treason in American history. When Kosciuszko spoke up for Native Americans, Chief Little Turtle gave him a peace pipe/tomahawk.
In 1791, when Poland passed the first democratic Constitution in Europe, Russian, Austrian and Prussian monarchs sent armies to crush this new democracy.  Kosciuszko led an army against the invaders to fight for rights for peasants, burghers and Jews.
His ally Berek Joselewicz, formed the first wholly Jewish military unit since biblical times and called Kosciuszko "a messenger from God."  Muslims, and even a black man named Jean Lapierre traveled to Poland to join Kosciuszko's multicultural revolution.
In his quest for liberty, Kosciuszko worked with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the French Revolutionaries while struggling against the tyranny of Russia's Catherine the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte.  Napoleon called Kosciuszko "the hero of the North," and Russian Czarina Catherine offered a reward for anyone who could capture him "dead or alive."
Jefferson called, Kosciuszko "as pure a son of liberty, as I have ever known."
With a moving narration by Blair Underwood, the story is told through reenactments at West Point, Saratoga, Philadelphia, and Poland, along with dramatic readings by screen actors such as Olek Krupa.
It includes interviews with experts such as Former U.S. National Security Advisor Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, UCLA Prof. Gary Nash, Purdue Prof. James Pula, and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Alex Storozynski.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a prince of tolerance whose principles still resonate today.
Stay Tuned, more PBS stations to be announced soon.
To learn more about Polish culture:
23 Sep 2015

The 21st Annual Quad Cities Prayer Breakfast 8:00 AM * Saturday, September 26th

By New Anthem

The RiverCenter

136 East 3rd Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801

 

Featuring:

Singer/Speaker/Gospel Recording Artis Guy Penrod

Also sharing his testimony: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

Tickets: $18 Single, $96 Table of Eight

Visit the website to order tickets: Click Here!

Breakfast starts serving at 7:00 AM; the program is 8:00 to 10:00 AM.

For more information, call 563-322-7777

Brought to us by: Thy Kingdom Come Ministries

23 Sep 2015

Smiddy Urges Safe Disposal of Prescription Drugs

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging residents to safely dispose of old prescription medication at local drop-off sites as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 26.
"Old medications left in the medicine cabinet too often become dangerous in the hands of young people," Smiddy said. "To ensure everyone has a safe place to dispose of old prescriptions, local law enforcement is providing free locations in our community to dispose of unused medications as part of this nation-wide event."
Smiddy is encouraging constituents to bring unused or leftover medications to any of the area locations listed in the table below. The collection drives are being held as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, which is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The goal is to provide locations across the country for the safe and responsible disposal of prescription medication. For information on other collection sites, visit dea.gov or contact the DEA's Office of Diversion Control at 800-882-9539.
Smiddy is promoting the take-back day as part of his effort to reduce dangerous drugs in the community. During the spring legislative session, Smiddy supported a comprehensive approach to preventing drug abuse by expanding access to life-saving treatments, monitoring the distribution of commonly abused prescription medications and promoting drug take-back programs throughout the state.
"Many medications that are critical to healing and recovery in medical settings are dangerous and habit-forming when not disposed of correctly," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to work in Springfield to prevent the spread of dangerous drug, but I also want to ensure people in the community have access to the all the resources at their disposal to keep us safe."
23 Sep 2015

"The Best is Yet to Come" Birthday Concert at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, October 1st, featuring Smith Studio Jazz

By Rick Martin

The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts will be celebrating its 4th birthday in style this year with a special concert by Smith Studio Jazz and several guest performers.  The concert takes place Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 PM, and will be followed by an on-stage reception.  Tickets are $25 each, and are available through the CCPA Box Office at 319-248-9370, and online at www.coralvillearts.org.

The concert will include hit tunes from the Big Bands of the 50s & 60s performed by Smith Studio Jazz and favorite guest artists.  Guest performers include Christopher Okiishi representing City Circle Acting Company, Meredith Lamb representing the Young Footliters Youth Theatre, and members of the CCPA staff.

According to CCPA Managing Director Evan Hilsabeck, "We're thrilled to welcome friends far and near to this fourth birthday celebration! It's a night celebrating the patrons, artists, supporters, staff, and friends who make the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts possible. Come for the music, stay for the birthday cake!"

Following the concert, everyone is invited onstage for food and drinks - after all, it is a birthday party!

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