29 Jul 2014

WQPT has a national winner in the PBS Kids Writers Contest

By Lora Adams

PBS KIDS WRITERS CONTEST ANNOUNCES NATIONAL WINNERS

 

 

ARLINGTON, VA/MOLINE, IL - Twelve children in grades K-3 were selected as winners by an acclaimed panel of judges in the PBS KIDS Writers Contest this year. The winning entries in the Contest were chosen from thousands of submissions from 62 participating PBS stations across the country. Paul Schwartz, a third grader from Bettendorf, IA, who partnered with WQPT- Quad Cities PBS, won third place in this grade category.

"This is the third time that one of our local winners has gone on to win on the national level," said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess. "We are very proud Paul Schwartz of Bettendorf and his story 'If I Were An Engineer' and of all of the 450 entries we received. A special thanks to all of the parents, caregivers and teachers who encouraged the creativity of our young writers."

"We were thrilled to see another impressive batch of submissions for the annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest," said Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager, Children's Programming, PBS. "PBS KIDS and our local stations always enjoy encouraging children to use their imaginations to create memorable stories. We look forward to supporting the next generation of creative thinkers as they develop important writing skills that will lay the foundation of success in both school and life."

PBS stations throughout the country collaborated with schools, public libraries and other community-based organizations to present the PBS KIDS Writers Contest in local communities. Local winners were entered into the national contest, where a panel of esteemed judges ranked the top 12 entries. The national winners and their winning stories are featured on pbskids.org/writerscontest.

The national winners will receive prizes courtesy of national prizing sponsor, LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Winners will receive a prize package that will include LeapFrog's award-winning LeapReader Reading and Writing System along with educator-developed LeapReader books, maps and more to help children on every step of their reading and writing journey.

The 2014 national winners include :  

 

Kindergarten

1st place: "Grandpa Pig's Pizza" by Nikolai Nawrocki, Wayne, PA - WQED

2nd place: "Bill's Hat is Very Stuck" by Karsten Eckhoff, Stover, MO - KMOS

3rd place: "The Secret Alligator Key" by Inaaya Sethi, Binghamton, NY - WSKG

First Grade

1st place: "Once Upon a Pencil" by Ethan Mattocks, Guys Mills, PA - WQLN

2nd place: "A Survival Guide to South Dakota" by Samuel Ellenbecker, Cascade, WI - MPTV

3rd place: "The Colors I Feel" by Joshua Kafumbe, Middlebury, VT - Vermont Public Television

Second Grade

1st place: "Eric's Job" by Oniana Boulware, Las Vegas, NV - Vegas PBS

2nd place: "Rosy Helps Kathy Catch Her Bus" by Michelle Kang, Annandale, VA - Community Idea Stations

3rd place: "Seeds from Space" by Connor Smith, Pittsburgh, PA - WQED

Third Grade

1st place: "A Humble Book of Poems" by Jishnu Dey, Dover, NH - New Hampshire Public Television

2nd place: "My Special Granddaddy" by Mollie Hensley, Mebane, NC - UNC-TV

3rd place: "If I Were An Engineer..." by Paul Schwartz, Bettendorf, IA - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS

 

PBS KIDS Writers Contest Honorary Judges

A panel of America's leading children's writers, producers, and media creators served as honorary judges for the PBS KIDS Writers Contest this year. The 2014 honorary judges include :

 

  • Billy Aronson, creator, PEG + CAT
  • Jeff Kinney, author (Diary of a Wimpy Kid series), online game developer and designer
  • Martin Kratt, creator and co-executive producer, WILD KRATTS
  • Chris Kratt, creator and co-executive producer, WILD KRATTS
  • Joseph Mazzarino, head writer, director and puppeteer, SESAME STREET
  • Jennifer Oxley, creator, PEG + CAT
  • Bob Staake, author (THE DONUT CHEF, HELLO ROBOTS)
  • Vince Vawter, author (PAPERBOY)

 

The PBS KIDS Writers Contest is made possible through national promotional support from Highlights for Children. The Contest is produced by PBS and based on the Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, a concept developed by WNED-TV, Buffalo.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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29 Jul 2014

How Strong is Your Company's Cyber-Security?

By Rick Martin
IA/IL QUAD-CITIES - Cyber-security is vitally important for all small businesses. You may not realize how lucrative small businesses are as targets to computer hackers, or even know if your own company has information they would strive to steal.
At the next Idea Lab program, Cyber-Security for Small Business, presenter David Bergert will discuss the cyber-security landscape and share tips and resources to help you and your small business to reduce risk.

Cyber-Security for Small Business will be held from 12 to 1 p.m., August 15, at DHCU Community Credit Union, 1900 52nd Ave., Moline, IL. Admission is $15 and the event will include a catered Chick-fil-A meal. Attendees can select from a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich meal, a veggie-wrap meal, or for one dollar more, a Grilled Chicken Market Salad.

Verizon's 2012 Data Breach Investigations Study shows that in 855 data breaches they examined, 71% occurred in businesses with fewer than 100 employees. Also, according to a study by Kaspersky Labs, 31% of businesses surveyed stated that they would not know what to do if they had security breach tomorrow; 40% said they would struggle to recover all data lost; and 25% doubted that they would be able to recovery any information, causing serious disruptions or closure of their businesses.

In his presentation, Bergert will review recent cyber-security trends and focus on some basic controls and processes you can implement, as well as share resources you can use in the future to protect yourself, your friends and family, and your organization though security awareness.

For more information on the event or to register, please call Les Flesher at 563-322-2065 or email  Les@resultsimc.com. Be sure to follow the Idea Lab on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Idealabqc.

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29 Jul 2014

Brantley Gilbert with special guest Aaron Lewis

By Stephani Nagle

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Tickets on sale Friday, August 1 at 10 am

Brantley Gilbert will bring his Let it Ride Tour to the iWirelss Center for one night, Saturday October 18, 2014. Special guests include Aaron Lewis and Chase Bryant. Ticket prices are $22.75, $29.75, and $37.00 and g on sale Friday, August 1 at 10 am.

Tickets are available at the iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com

28 Jul 2014

Minivan sought in local shooting incident

By Lieutenant Bryce Schmidt

UPDATE: 

This is additional information reference the shooting that took place in the 20,000 block of 210th Street, rural Scott County on Monday, July 28, 2014.

The Blue 1999 Ford Windstar minivan that was involved in the Shooting case on Monday morning has been recovered. This van was stolen from the shooting victim by the suspects after he was shot and left along 210th street.

The blue 1999 Ford Windstar minivan, Iowa license plate number 016 RIX was recovered in the Northern part of Davenport tonight at approximately 4:15pm. The suspects were not found near the van and are still at large. The van is evidence and is being processed at this time.

A citizen called the authorities after seeing the news reports of the case and the description of the van. I want to thank you all for your coverage which helped this case along tremendously!

Major Mike Brown, 563-940-8202

On Monday 07/28/14 at approximately 0520 hours, the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) received a 911 call from a male subject who advised that he had been shot multiple times in his legs and was lying in a roadside ditch. The man was able to describe his general location and was located by Scott County Deputies a short time thereafter in the 20000 block of 210th Street, in rural Scott County.

The man was transported to a local hospital and underwent surgery. He is listed in fair condition. He is 43 years of age.

A blue 1999 Ford Windstar minivan, Iowa license plate number 016 RIX is believed to be connected to the incident. The van's whereabouts are unknown at this time. The public is asked to call 911 if the minivan is located.

The victim's identity is not being released at this time along with no suspect information. No arrests have been made.

The incident remains under investigation.

More information will be released as the case progresses.

If you have information, please contact  Lt. Bryce Schmidt at 563-328-3232

28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn's Statement on the Unpatriotic Corporate Tax Inversion Loophole

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement in favor of legislation supported by President Barack Obama to close the corporate tax inversion loophole:

"Big corporations should not be allowed to exploit the tax code to avoid paying their fair share. Members of the House and Senate supporting closure of this loophole are right - corporations should not be allowed to shirk their own responsibilities while passing on the burden to everyday taxpayers.

"These corporations benefit from America's world-class infrastructure, education system, skilled workforce and competitive economy - not to mention U.S. customers. Yet they're looking to renounce their citizenship and shortchange America and the everyday people who helped them grow and thrive.

"I urge Congress to take swift action on the President's proposal to end this abuse and close this unpatriotic loophole. It's the right thing to do."

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28 Jul 2014

The Real Impact of Obamacare on IL-17

By Jan Schweppe

Forbes analysis shows young men, elderly women hit hardest; average 64 year old Galena woman paying $2,688 more in health insurance premiums annually. Cheri Bustos offers no solutions, no condolences

EAST MOLINE, IL?Congresswoman and Obamacare-apologist Cheri Bustos (D-East Moline) has so far refused to address the specific impact President Obama's health care law has had on her constituents, but that may be more difficult as new reports surface illustrating Obamacare's negative impact on health care consumers inside the Illinois 17th District.

According to a new analysis by Forbes, the Affordable Care Act is proving to be completely unaffordable. Obamacare has increased individual-market health insurance premiums by an average of 41 percent nationally. The Forbes study looked at 3,137 counties across the country?including all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District?to determine Obamacare's impact on individuals.

The Forbes study looked at six cohorts: men ages 27, 40, and 64, and women ages 27, 40, and 64. Five of the six groups saw premium increases across the board in all 14 counties in the Illinois 17th District, while the remaining group?40 year old women?saw mixed results, with six counties seeing marginally cheaper premiums while the other eight counties saw large increases.

The Bobby Schilling for Congress campaign put together a document that shows the premium increases for each cohort in each county. That document is attached.

Obamacare's Impact on IL-17 By The Numbers:
  • Average individual health insurance premiums increased $768/annually

  • Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties were hit the hardest?these counties saw an average individual health insurance premium increase of $1,356/annually.

  • Elderly women were absolutely crushed?the average 64 year old women in all 14 counties saw at least a $1,000 premium increase, with 64 year old women seeing a $2,688 premium increase in Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson Counties, a $2,136 premium increase in Knox and Fulton Counties, and a $1,956 premium increase in Winnebago County.

  • This study only looked at individual plans. Family plans saw even larger increases, as Forbes reported last year?the average family of four will see annual health care spending increase by $7,450.

Bobby Schilling (R-Colona), candidate for Congress in the Illinois 17th District, said that he's focused on health care solutions.

"We need real health care reform that lowers costs for all Americans. Obamacare doesn't do that, and the Forbes analysis shows that. Obamacare is hurting everyone in our district?young people, elderly people, and middle class families. It's time to stop with the politics and start working to fix our broken health care system.

"I've proposed five concrete solutions to help reform health care, increase access to care, and lower costs. I've stood up, put myself out there, and led on this issue, as well as countless others. Where is my opponent? Where does she stand? Why won't Cheri Bustos answer to her constituents who can't afford to pay for their health insurance premiums? We need to roll our sleeves up, work together, and do everything we can to alleviate the financial pain Obamacare has caused people in our district."

Jon Schweppe, communications director at Bobby Schilling for Congress, said that Congresswoman Bustos needs to answer some questions.

"What has Congresswoman Cheri Bustos done to help struggling seniors with their health care costs? Where are her solutions? Why is she not taking a stand? Why is she defending what Obamacare has done to thousands of hard-working folks in her district? Will she work to pass real health care reform that helps people, or will she continue to stay to the Nancy Pelosi-Barack Obama party line, as she has on every other issue during her time in office? Only time will tell.

"But one thing is clear: Obamacare is unequivocally devastating people in the Illinois 17th District, and Cheri Bustos doesn't seem to care. It's shameful that Cheri Bustos refuses to empathize with her struggling constituents."

Bobby Schilling will be available throughout the day to discuss health care policy and how Obamacare's rate increases are impacting the Illinois 17th District. To schedule an interview contact Jon Schweppe at 309-749-7009.

Bobby Schilling was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee. Schilling is seeking another term and is running against incumbent liberal Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

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28 Jul 2014

ISRAELI DIPLOMAT TO SPEAK IN QC THIS THURSDAY, JULY 31ST

By Glenn Kass

Israeli Consulate to the Midwest rep to provide info, answer questions in program at Davenport Library-Eastern Avenue branch at 6:30 PM

ROCK ISLAND, IL - The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities (www.jfqc.org) will host an informational program with a diplomat from the Israeli Consulate to the Midwest (Chicago) this Thursday, July 31st - 6:30 PM - at Davenport Public Library-Eastern Ave. Branch (6000 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA).

The appearance, which was requested by the Jewish Federation, will share details on how the current conflict came to this point and what is happening now. It will also give an opportunity for the community audience to ask questions and move beyond media reports for a dialogue on the current conflict.

In addition, there will also be some brief information provided on the Jewish Federations of North America's "Stop the Sirens" campaign (www.jewishfederations.org/stopthesirens) to assist with social service needs for Israelis in the affected areas.

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cites (www.jfqc.org) is a non-profit, 501 c (3) Illinois corporation founded in 1980. With other local organizations, JFQC addresses a broad range of needs to include cultural, religious, educational, family welfare, care of the elderly and interfaith relations. The Federation combats hate and anti-Semitism by supporting religious liberty and civil rights for everyone.

The core mission of JFQC is to preserve, protect, enrich and enhance Jewish communal life and the well-being of Jews locally, in Israel and throughout the world. It is a proud member of the Jewish Federations of North America (www.jewishfederations.org). The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jewishfedqc.

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28 Jul 2014

DART Park & Ride Buses Offer Convenience and Savings to Iowa State Fairgoers

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/28/2014)(readMedia)-- DART is offering Iowa State Fairgoers half-price savings and convenient service at three Park & Ride locations around the metro during this year's Fair, set August 7-17.

Show your advance admission ticket at one of DART's three State Fair Park & Ride locations and receive half off the roundtrip fare. Parking is free at all locations. Discounted roundtrip fares with advanced admission tickets are $1 for adults and 50 cents for the seniors (ages 65+), disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children (ages 6-10). Children ages 5 and younger ride for free. Regular roundtrip fares are $2 for adults and $1 for seniors (ages 65+), disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children (ages 6-10). All buses are wheelchair-accessible. Cash fare only.

DART offers three convenient Park & Ride locations where Fairgoers can park for free:

• Center Street Park & Ride (7th and Center St., enter on 7th St.)

• Southeast Polk Schools (N.E. 80th St. and Highway 163)

• State Capitol (East 12th St. near the State Capitol bell)

The hours are 8:30 a.m. to Midnight every day of the Fair at all Park & Ride locations with extended hours on Opening Day, August 7, starting at 6 a.m. Call DART at 515/283-8100 for more details.

Buses from Southeast Polk Schools will drop off and pick up Fairgoers on Dean Avenue south of the Swine Barn near Gate 8. Buses from the Center Street and State Capitol Park & Ride stops will continue to drop off and pick up Fairgoers near Gate 10.

Three parking lots are available for motorcycle or vehicle parking at $10 per vehicle. Bicycle parking is available inside Gate 10 for $2.

Fair advance admission tickets are on sale through August 6 while supplies last at participating Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstores, Dahl's Food, Fareway stores and the State Fair Ticket Office, located on the Fairgrounds. Or, purchase your tickets online at iowastatefair.org and print them at home, fee-free.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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28 Jul 2014

The Brucemore Garden and Art Show

By Tara Richards

The annual Brucemore Garden & Art Show will return Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. amidst the historic charm of the Brucemore gardens and landscape. More than 60 artists and garden vendors from across the Midwest will share their expertise by showcasing unique products, vivid presentations, and pertinent information, including ceramics, plantings, jewelry, sculpture, glass, textiles, and more.

Educational opportunities will captivate attendees, whether it's engaging in a one-on-one conversation, participating in an interactive display, or listening to a featured lecture. Main Stage presentation topics include seasonal gardening, and historic grottos. The Linn County Master Gardeners will showcase several displays and demonstrations in the formal garden, including "walkabouts" identifying trees, invasive pests, and seed saving. Plant vendors and horticultural organizations will share unusual and standard specimens, and artists will discuss their original paintings, pottery, and more. . Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency will provide free compost to all interested attendees. Children can participate in a complimentary, special project with the Ceramics Center, Linn County Master Gardeners, Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and Brucemore during the event.

Admission is $6.00 per person. Children 10 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are sold at the gate the day of the event or online at www.brucemore.org.  Parking is off-site. Shuttle service is available from Washington High School throughout the day. Handicap parking is available on-site by entering the First Avenue gate only. No pets, coolers, or outside food allowed during the event. Food and beverage vendors will be available on-site. The Brucemore Garden and Art Show is sponsored by Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency and Penford Products.  The festival's main stage presentations are sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company. Free self-guided tours of the mansion's first floor are brought to you by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. For further information on the Brucemore Garden and Art Show, please call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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28 Jul 2014

Humane Cosmetics Act Highlights the Cost of Beauty - Paid By Animals

By Rick Martin
4 Unnecessary Tests that Harm or Kill Animals

More and more, we are living in an age of information, the substance of which is increasingly difficult to ignore, says animal rights advocate Santosh Krinsky.

Are our coffee and chocolate products fair trade? Were poor workers in developing countries brutalized in the process of making our clothes? How was the food sourced in the groceries we buy, and what exactly is in it, anyway?

Increasingly, the answers to these questions matter to more consumers, Krinsky says.

In the same vein, Rep. Jim Moran is sponsoring the Humane Cosmetics Act, which would phase out animal testing for U.S.-made cosmetics within a year and imported cosmetics within three years.

"Consumers value cosmetics and manufacturers want them to be safe for daily use, but we do not have to blind, maim and kill scores of animals to ensure our beauty-enhancing products won't hurt us," says Krinsky, head of the international personal-care brand Beauty Without Cruelty (www.beautywithoutcruelty.com) -- the first to ban animal-testing for its products in 1963. BWC's products are all produced with no animal testing and contain no animal ingredients.

"In the past, testing was done on dogs, but now it's done on rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and rats. These are conscious creatures with the capacity for immense suffering. Think about it: Tests are done on these animals because they are biologically similar to us. Doesn't that also mean we should be especially empathetic to their suffering?"

Krinsky, who recently partnered with the Humane Society of the United States' "Be Cruelty-Free" campaign, urges voters to call their U.S. representative and ask for him or her to vote in favor of H.R. 4148. Follow up with a personalized mail or email asking reiterating your request.

He reviews some of the tests that mainstream cosmetic companies still commonly conduct on animals.

•  Acute dermal toxicity ... uses 20 rabbits, guinea pigs or rats to determine how much substance causes half of the tested animals to die within two weeks of exposure. A chemical is applied to their shaved skin for 24 hours, and a patch is used to cover the area so they do not lick or clear off the tested area.

•  Eye irritation or corrosion ... tests one to three rabbits; a chemical is applied to their eyes to determine how severe the resulting irritation or damage. The exposure tests for signs of redness, ulcers, bleeding, blindness and other forms of damage.

•  Developmental toxicity ... examines either 480 rabbits - 100 adult females and 480 kittens (babies) - or 1,300 rats - 100 adult females and 1,200 pups - to test for birth defects. Usually by force-feeding, a pregnant female is exposed at the beginning of an implemented pregnancy; exposure persists throughout the term. She is then killed on the day before she is expected to give birth, which is about 22 days for rats, or 31 days for rabbits. Her young are extracted and evaluated for signs of developmental abnormalities.

•  Acute oral toxicity ... subjects seven rats to determine how much of a chemical causes half of the exposed animals to die within 14 days of exposure, when the substance is swallowed. The rats are force-fed the substance, causing them to experience convulsions, diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth, seizures, paralysis and sometimes death.

"The European Union has already banned cosmetics that use these practices, and I think Rep. Moran's efforts are a sign of things to come here in the U.S.," Krinsky says. "In fact, many consumers prefer lipstick, mascara, shampoo, lotion and other products consisting of material that's so safe that they don't require animal testing."

About Santosh Krinsky

Santosh Krinsky has been in the natural products industry since 1974. He has founded and built a number of companies that offer positive alternatives to the toxins and environmentally unfriendly ingredients found in many products, while focusing his attention on developing awareness about the issue of animal testing of cosmetics, which he opposes. Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) products brand www.beautywithoutcruelty.com was founded in England in 1963 by BWC Charitable Trust, an animal welfare organization. Lotus Brands obtained the American rights to the BWC brand in 2010. BWC Features a complete line of hair, skin and facial/body care products and an extensive range of color cosmetics.

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