Rock Island, IL: If you're still figuring out that new smartphone or tablet, help is as close as the nearest Rock Island Public Library. The library continues to offer programs on downloading eBooks and other content, and on using Kindle Fire, Apple and Android devices. Upcoming classes include :

How to Download eBooks and eAudiobooks:

  • Jan. 29 at 2:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

The download classes show attendees how to use free library services to check out content for personal eReaders, computers, tablets, and Mp3 players. Downloadable library services include OverDrive for eBooks and audiobooks, Flipster for magazines, and Freegal for music and movies. Participants should bring their devices.

Getting to Know classes cover basic functions, settings, organizing apps, tips, and more general information on using a particular brand or operating system of computer tablet and smartphones. Participants should bring their devices. Classes include :

  • Getting to Know Your Kindle Fire tablet: 6:00 pm on Feb. 2 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.
  • Getting to Know Your Android or Apple device: 6:00 pm on Feb. 3 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch.

No registration is necessary. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

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Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.
Prevent diabetic nephropathy, one of most serious complications of type 2 diabetes, with regular monitoring of your blood and urine.

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy. This condition develops when the network of tiny blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they can no longer filter out waste properly. If kidney problems are left untreated, you may eventually need dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) or even a kidney transplant.

Symptoms of Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease

Typically, you won't notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced, so it's important to have your kidney function checked every year.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor as it may indicate kidney trouble:

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs
  • Leg cramps
  • A need to go to the bathroom more often at night
  • A reduction in your need for insulin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and paleness
  • Itching

The best way to prevent kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood-glucose levels and your blood pressure under control.

Personal Foul ... Excessive Snacking

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Jan. 22, 2015 -- About the time the clock is winding down on the game on Sunday night and you've survived your own Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction -- a popped button, or a loosened belt -- you may have consumed 3,000 calories or more.

Personal foul, excessive snacking.

Topping the year for caloric intake, Super Bowl Sunday can be hard on your waist line and also makes your heart work harder to digest those calories.

To put the traditional Super Bowl gluttony into perspective, here are a few favorites of Super Bowl parties and their approximate calories:

10 cocktail size sausages with barbeque sauce .... 360 calories

10-12 nacho chips with beans, beef, sour cream and cheese ... 600 calories

2 loaded tacos .... 700 calories

6 spicy chicken wings .... 440 calories

2 ounces of chips with dip ... 400 calories

3 light beers .... 330 calories

1 piece of chocolate cake (3 ounces) ... 312 calories

That is how you get to 3,000 calories, or about 1,000 more than are necessary on a daily basis for an adult.

"To burn off that many calories is going to take some work,'' explained Jan Treftz-Allen, Health Promotion Manager, Genesis Health System. ''Biking indoors at a moderate pace burns about 400 calories per hour. Walking at a fast pace is about 350 calories per hour. Cleaning the house burns about 150 calories per hour.

"To burn off all of those 3,000 calories, you'd have to be on the stationary bike for about eight hours.''

But there are ways to limit the excesses of Super Bowl Sunday. Here are some tips from Treftz-Allen to help you score physically and nutritionally at your Super Bowl party:

  • Warm-up like the players before the game. Go for a walk, go to the gym, clean the house. Halftime festivities take 40 minutes or more. That's enough time to burn off 200 or more calories on a treadmill, a bike, or on a fast walk through the neighborhood.

  • Choose some healthier snacks. Make sure you've got vegetables and fresh fruit available (see below).

  • Portion control. Pick the smaller plate and try everything you want, but take smaller portions.

  • Skip the soft drinks and beer and stick with water.

  • Don't "save'' calories. Don't skip breakfast or lunch before the game. You'll be too hungry by the time the first of about 70 beer and snack commercials come on the television and you'll be more likely to make bad food choices.

  • Adjust the recipe. For example, use ground turkey for the chili and tacos. Use low-fat cheese and sour cream. Choose the low-fat dips and chips. Make a vegetable soup instead of chili.

Super Bowl Recipes That Trim Calories from Teresa Pangan, dietitian, Genesis Cancer Care Institute

The recipes below cover sweet, spicy, satisfying, healthy and of course, super delicious. When planning your Super Bowl menu, be sure to include a tray of fresh vegetables for dipping (see dip recipe below) and fresh fruit - no dip required. These stay for hours on the table and are healthier alternatives for those wanting to make healthy choices. Also, salsa (jar or homemade) is a super choice for dipping chips.

Brownies Delish

The secret in these is the black beans. Sounds crazy but it works. No one will know. Serve them and watch them disappear - don't tell anyone. Watch the compliments come in.

Ingredients:

1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

¼ cup chocolate chips and some for the top

3 Tbsp. canola oil

3 eggs

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp. vanilla

½ tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350'F. In blender or food processor, combine the beans, chocolate chips and oil. Blend until smooth. Add the eggs, brown sugar, cocoa, vanilla, baking powder and salt. Blend until smooth.

2. Transfer to a 9x9 square baking pan coated with cooking spray.

3. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

4. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, if desired and cool on a wire rack. Cut into 8 desert bars or 16 appetizer bars.

Note: If you like cake-like brownies, increase baking powder to 1 Tbsp.

Nutrition Info (per desert bar): 262 cal; 10 g fat (2g sat); 7 g fiber; 8 g protein

 

Red Pepper and Bean Dip

Serve this with a variety of vegetables for dipping (carrots, cherry tomatoes, sugar snap peas, broccoli, and cauliflower.)

Ingredients:

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 (16-oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (let sit in colander 10 min to drain well)

1 (7-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, rinsed and drained (let sit in colander 10 min)

3 large garlic cloves minced

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Best if made ahead couple hours to let flavors marinate. Also, if drained red peppers are not dry, pat with paper towel to remove moisture.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor or powerful blender and blend until smooth.

Nutrition Info (per ¼ cup): 62 cal; 3.5 g fat (0.5g sat); 1.5 g fiber; 1.5 g protein



Molasses-Lime Meatballs

The molasses-lime sauce will have guests headed to the table for more. The bonus of this recipe is that it makes 72 meatballs and the final cooking takes place in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds extra-lean ground beef

8 oz uncooked hot Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1 cup egg substitute, lightly beaten

1 cup finely chopped green onions (8 - including much of the green part)

4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

6 Tbsp. molasses

¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp. lime juice

Instructions:

1. Coat 3 ½ or 4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl combine ground beef, sausage, oats, egg substitute, green onions, Worcestershire sauce and crushed red pepper. Shape mixture into 72 meatballs 2-inches in diameter.

2. Put ½ Tbsp vegetable oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet and use paper towel to spread oil around entire pan. Cook meatballs, one-fourth at a time, over medium heat until brown, turning once. Transfer to prepared cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 to 2 ½ hours.

4. In a small bowl whisk together molasses, soy sauce, and lime juice. Pour over meatballs. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm or low-heat setting for up to 1 hour.

Nutrition Info (per 4 meatballs): 140 cal; 4 g fat (2g sat); 1 g fiber; 14 g protein



Sweet and Spicy Orange-Soy Chicken Wings

This is a great alternative to the traditional buffalo-style wings. These wings have a tangy Asian flavor and are easy to prepare.

Marinade/Glaze:

1 cup sweet orange marmalade

½ cup honey

1/3 cup light soy sauce

1 ½ Tbsp. rice wine vinegar (can substitute with cider vinegar)

3 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger (found in produce section; use peeler to peel outer layer and then a zester or fine grater to grate the 3 Tbsp.)

1 Tbsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

Marinade/Glaze:

3 pounds chicken wings, cut in half at center joint

Garnish: sliced scallions and orange wedges

Instructions:

1. Marinade/glaze: whisk ingredients in a medium bowl to blend. Transfer half into a large baggie bag. Add wings to the marinade in the baggie; turn to coat.

2. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, turning bag occasionally. Refrigerate and cover the remaining marinade in the bowl.

3. Chicken wings: heat over to 450'F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with foil. Put a wire rack in each pan; coat with nonstick spray.

4. Place wings in a single layer on racks (discard baggie and contents). Bake 20 minutes; turning once. Then brush with some of the reserved marinade. Bake an additional 10 minutes, turning once and brushing again, until wings are lightly browned. If you want a charred look, broil 1 to 2 minutes per side.

3. Transfer to a serving platter. Pour remaining marinade into a bowl; serve as a dipping sauce. Garnish serving platter with scallions and orange wedges.

Nutrition Info (1 serving: recipe makes 10 servings): 147 cal; 7.2 g fat (2g sat); 8.5 g protein

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Davenport, Iowa (Jan. 22, 2015) -- The Mississippi Valley Fair Board of Directors is pleased to announce that a fair queen will reign over the 2015 Mississippi Valley Fair, scheduled for Tuesday through Sunday, Aug. 4-9, here at the fairgrounds.
The board is sponsoring a $500 scholarship that will go to the winner of an upcoming Mississippi Valley Fair queen contest.
In addition to being involved in fair activities, the queen will represent the Mississippi Valley Fair and Scott County at the Iowa State Fair's queen competition during the summer of 2015.
Candidates must be residents of Scott County and a member of a local service organization, such as a church group, Girl Scouts, 4-H or FFA. Contestants will be judged on leadership, community service, poise and personality.
Queen contest applications may be obtained in person at the Mississippi Valley Fair office, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa, or by calling the office at (563) 326-5338.
For more information about the queen contest, call the fair office at (563) 326-5338. Information also will be posted on the Mississippi Valley Fair Queen Contest Facebook page. That can be found on the Internet at facebook.com/MississippiValleyFairQueenContest.
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Hindus are urging Iowa schools, public as well as private, which have significant number of Hindu students, to include Diwali, the most popular Hindu holy day, as a school holiday in their 2015-2016 school calendars and beyond.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, said that it was not fair with Hindu pupils and their families as they had to attend school on their most popular festival while many schools in the state were closed on some other religious holidays.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that this unfairness did not send a good signal to the impressionable minds of schoolchildren who would be the leaders of tomorrow. Holidays of all major religions should be honored and no one should be penalized for practicing their religion. Moreover, it was important to meet the religious and spiritual needs of these students, Zed added

Rajan Zed stressed that since it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children, we did not want our children to be deprived of any privileges at the school because of thus resulting absences on this day. Closing schools on Diwali would ensure that and it would be a step in the right direction.

Zed noted that awareness about other religions thus created by such holidays like Diwali would make the Iowa pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. It would make the state look good also besides bringing cohesion and unity in the community.

Rajan Zed further says that Hinduism is rich in festivals and religious festivals are very dear and sacred to Hindus. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Besides Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and some Buddhists also celebrate Diwali, which falls on November 11 in 2015. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. There are about three million Hindus in USA.

Davenport, IA - It is now time to begin filing Iowa's 2014 Rent Reimbursement Claim Form and the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) is here to help. CASI's Senior Advocates are now assisting older adults who are eligible to file for the 2014 Iowa Rent Reimbursement. CASI is one of three locations, in Scott County, recognized by the Iowa Department of Revenue to assist with this claim process. Rent reimbursement forms can be picked up at CASI, 1035 West Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA., 52806, Monday through Friday, from 8am - 5pm. Those interested in filing this claim must meet the following eligibility requirements:

·         Lived in Iowa all or part of 2014, and live in Iowa now, and

·         Your household income is less than $22,011, and,

·         The rental unit you lived in is subject to property tax, and

·         You (or your spouse) were born before 1950, or

·         You (or your spouse) were age 18 to 64 as of December 31, 2014, and totally disabled. Totally disabled means you are unable to get a job paying more than $1,070 per month due to physical or mental disability which has lasted, or is expected to last for at least one year. Proof of disability must be included with your claim.

Married couples living together are considered one household and can file only one claim, combining both incomes. If they do not live together, they may file separate claims. Other persons living together who qualify for a reimbursement may each file a claim based on their income and share of rent paid.

CASI's Senior Advocates will be at several senior living complexes to assist residents during the upcoming month.

CASI's Senior Advocates are also available to assist older adults who live outside of these complexes and qualify for this claim. Individual appointments must be made in advance by calling CASI, at 563-386-7477. Proof of residency, income, disability (if applicable) and monthly rent amount along with landlord contact information are required at the time of appointment. CASI is located at 1035 West Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA., 52806. For more information on this or any other program or service provided call, 563-386-7477 or visit www.CASISeniors.org

Electronic copies of the 2014 form can be located on the Iowa Department of Revenue's website, www.tax.iowa.gov. Iowa residents under the age of 50 looking for help may also contact Family Resources and Community Action for assistance.

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First 25 fans to place orders can have the River Bandits mascot deliver a Valentine on February 11, 12, or 13

DAVENPORT, Iowa (Jan. 22, 2015) - With another baseball spring training just a few short weeks away, Rascal the River Bandit, the friendliest raccoon in baseball, is warming up for his annual set of Valentine deliveries to spread joy around the Quad Cities. For the sixth year in a row, the River Bandits mascot will once again deliver Valentines for the first 25 people to order one of Rascal's Sweetheart Special packages that celebrate Valentine's Day the River Bandits way.

For just $35, Rascal will paw-deliver a personalized card and any of three unique packages between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, Thursday, Feb. 12, or Friday, Feb. 13, to the workplace or residence of a special someone within a 25-mile radius from Modern Woodmen Park.

"Rascal's Sweetheart Special brings a smile and surprise to a loved one's Valentine's Day, and Rascal's delivery will make it memorable!" said River Bandits co-owner Dave Heller. "Along with a great Valentine's Day gift, you also get to look forward to the excitement of a River Bandits game come summer."

The Sweetheart Special comes in the following three packages, each of which is $35:

River Bandits Romeo: A River Bandits logo baseball, pennant and two Lower Box Seat Vouchers to any 2015 River Bandits home game.

Bandit Beauty: A box of chocolates and two Lower Box Seat Vouchers to any 2015 River Bandits home game.

Lil' Cupid: A package of candy and a 2015 Kids Club membership, including a free ticket for a child 14 or younger to all 2015 River Bandits home games.

"These packages are unique ways to show those special people how much they mean to you," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "Rascal will have a fun and full schedule to celebrate Valentine's Day, so this opportunity is not one to miss!"

To reserve one of Rascal's Sweetheart Special packages, call Denise Clark at 563-333-2736. Only the first 25 orders will be accepted.

UP NEXT: Call today to reserve a Valentine's Day dinner at Modern Woodmen Park for Friday, Feb. 13, or Saturday, Feb. 14. Couples can enjoy a gourmet four-course dinner in a private luxury suite or take in the spectacular views of the ballpark, its Ferris wheel, the Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Budweiser Champions Club. Reservations are due Monday, Feb. 9, by calling 563-324-3000.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.

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Just two-and-a-half years ago, the QC Theatre Workshop was founded by a small group of passionate artists who believed that the Quad Cities deserves intimate, powerful, and accessible theatre. Thanks to your support, we have been able to make that happen!

Not only have thousands of our community members experienced our productions, but many of you have decided to support our work with generous donations. So far this season, we have raised more than $4,000! For a small company like ours, this is a big step. But there's so much more to do.

The best way to make great theatre is by hiring professional artists. Theatre is a massively time-consuming endeavor, and hiring artists not only allows a company to support local talent, but it provides a higher quality theatrical experience to you, our community.

Thanks to your support...
the QC Theatre Workshop is now a professional theatre company!

Beginning with our next production - A Steady Rain - all Workshop actors, staff, and designers will be paid for their time and talents. Initially, these stipends will be very small, as we simply do not have the financial ability to pay artists what they're worth...yet! But this is an important step, and as we grow our financial resources - with your help - we will increase these stipends and continue to secure the brightest talents in the Quad Cities.

Think of what we have accomplished so far with an all-volunteer staff...

  • the dynamic two-man drama RED
  • the groundbreaking and powerful locally-written A Green River
  • the heartwarming and heartbreaking concert revue Last Call
  • the wacky and hilarious blockbuster Bat Boy: The Musical

...and those are just four of the ten shows we have presented, all under our "Pay What It's Worth" ticket pricing policy, which guarantees every member of our community equal access to theatre, regardless of financial means.

Just think of what we can accomplish as a professional theatre company!

The future is bright for the Workshop. We're glad you're along for the ride!

Tyson Danner
Moline, IL -Are you ready for this! World's Toughest Rodeo returns this weekend to the iWireless Center, this Friday & Saturday. Prepare to take a ride on the wild side as the iWireless Center goes out west for two nights featuring bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and women's barrel racing ... all of the fan favorites.

World's Toughest Rodeo, the premiere national rough stock only tour, presents this two and a half hour event starring professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the nation. Fans will once again get the opportunity to cheer on the world of rodeo's top bucking horses and bulls as well as enjoy some of the nation's most talented entertainment acts.

Want to see a little local talent? World's Toughest Rodeo invites some of the toughest little buckaroos to hold on tight in the "Mutton Bustin!"   These little buckaroos will spice up the show with the fan favorite event of sheep riding. Who knows, you may be witnessing a new future World Champion in action!

Fans will be served up an exciting slate of competition but only at World's Toughest Rodeo will the top two in each event return in our feature event of the night, the Showdown Bonus Round. The toughest cowboys will be matched with the rankest bucking horses and bulls in our supercharged finale event. It's edge of your seat action, 8 seconds at a time.

Fun is on the menu whether you are 6 or 66. World's Toughest offers a plate of hospitality served up with a western experience fans of all ages will never forget. The arena opens from 6 - 7 p.m. nightly so fans can get "down in the dirt" with World's Toughest Rodeo.  Both educational and entertaining... fans can meet cowboys, cowgirls and entertainers for autographs.  Pony rides for kids are free!!! Have you ever wanted to sit on a live bull? Midnight, the 2000lb bull and the World's Toughest Rodeo's superstar, will be in the chutes for an experience you can only get at World's Toughest Rodeo. Don't forget your camera. Take a behind the chutes tour and meet and visit with the World's Toughest Rodeo staff and see the beautiful animal athletes up close and personal.

Tickets are $18.00, $25.00, 35.00 or 57.00 for Gold Buckle Seating and kids are half price(excluding Gold Buckle seating). For additional savings LIKE them on Facebook www.facebook.com/worldstoughestrodeo and save $5 with code WTRFB. Don't miss an exclusive opportunity to purchase a Gold Buckle package (limited number) which includes chute side seats, a World's Toughest Rodeo Tour t-shirt and VIP meet and greet from 5:45 - 6:00 each night... all for just $57. Make it a night you won't forget at World's Toughest Rodeo.

Get you tickets for World's Toughest Rodeo at the iWireless Center, located at 1201 River Drive in Moline. For ticket information please see iwirelesscenter.com or ticketmaster.com, order by phone at (800) 359-2525. For group rates and information,call Lindsey at 309.277.1356 or email llobur@iwirelesscenter.com.

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Connect to the natural world like never before in the Figge Art Museum's new exhibition "Yuriko Yamaguchi: Interconnected in Art, Nature, Science, and Technology" opening Saturday. Prepare to be "wowed" by organic, web-like sculptures from dried potatoes, onion ends, leaves, and other nature-found items. If you haven't had the chance to see the Turned Wood Exhibition at the Figge, make sure you check it out this weekend before it closes on Sunday.

 

 Where might one find bacon, bacon, and more bacon? At Me & Billy's Beer and Bacon Tasting, of course! Brace yourself for a sampling of three separate pairings of bacon with beer on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. SPOILER ALERT: We heard the dessert round includes Guinness, "doughnettes," AND ice cream...

 

 Treat yourself to a movie night over at River Music Experience for this Tuesday's Redstone Reels. Watch Dazed and Confused on their NEW HD projectors and participate in a discussion and trivia games after. Also at RME this week- Eleven Fifty Two with Drama Major and Asbigasamouse, Songwriters in the Round, and The Coop with Genome and The Tripp Brothers.

 

 Mark those calendars for January 25, because Gallery 114's 25/25 event is back! With an opportunity to find the perfect small painting for only $25, this is one show you don't want to pass up. Can't make it Saturday? No worries, Gallery 114 is open Tuesday - Sunday, too! Plenty of time to find that perfectly unique piece of art.

 

 Gather up your favorite seeds and head down to the Food Hub on Saturday for their Seed Saving and Seed Swap event. Starting at 10 a.m., expert seed saver Glenn Drowns will give tips on how to best preserve your seeds. Following her talk, participate in a seed swap with various gardeners and farmers from the area. Later than evening, swing back with some friends for games, raffles, door prizes, and more during Trivia Night at the Freight House.

 

 Calling all brides-to-be - the biggest bridal show in the region takes over the RiverCenter next Saturday! Get your tickets today for the Davenport Jaycees Bridal Expo and spend a day visiting with vendors, learning from lectures, and sampling luscious cakes.  This year's event even has a record-breaking number of vendors. Happy planning, fair ladies!

 

See you downtown! Sponsored by the River Cities' Reader!
for more events, please click here.

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