20 Feb 2014

2014 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Nina Agdal returns in new ad to promote the Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich and Taco

By Angie Taylor

CARPINTERIA, Calif. - Feb. 19, 2014 - Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® announce two ways to savor the delicious flavor of Charbroiled Atlantic Cod with the Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich and new Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Taco. The premium fish sandwich is available today at all participating Hardee's and Carl's Jr. locations. The Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Taco is also available today at all participating Carl's Jr. locations and at all participating dual-branded Hardee's/Red Burrito locations.

Making another splash fresh from her first appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, model Nina Agdal returns to the beach for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's to promote Charbroiled Atlantic Cod. Filmed last year, the never-before-seen ad campaign was created by Los Angeles- and Amsterdam-based creative agency 72andSunny. View the new ad later this week on the brand YouTube channels (www.youtube.com/carlsjr and www.youtube.com/hardees) and on television starting on Monday.

Originally launched last year in time for Lent, Carl's Jr.'s and Hardee's' Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich became, and is still today, the first charbroiled, never fried, fish sandwich from a major fast-food chain. The Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich, at only 420 calories, offers guests a meal option that doesn't scrimp on flavor while the spicier Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Taco has only 340 calories.

"Last year when we introduced the industry's first charbroiled fish sandwich, we completely broke away from the old fast-food paradigm which held that fish had to be battered-and-fried. Instead, we offered a lower-calorie fish option that tasted great because we charbroil the Atlantic cod fillets the same way we do our famous burgers. Our guests loved them so much last year that they're back again this year," said Brad Haley, chief marketing officer for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. "For this year's Lenten season, we're also offering another way to enjoy Atlantic cod, with the Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Taco. We spice it up with creamy Santa Fe sauce and serve it in a flour tortilla with shredded cheese, fresh salsa and lettuce. For those looking for lighter fare with a south-of-the-border flair, it's another great option that delivers big on flavor.

"Having Nina Agdal back in a never-before-seen ad is a great way to let the world know that Carl's Jr. and Hardee's are the only major fast-food chains that offer charbroiled Atlantic cod for Lent again this year," Haley continued. "And, we couldn't be happier for Nina landing this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover. Her career continues to skyrocket so we're thrilled to be able to work with her again this year."

A mainstay on the Carl's Jr. menu and returning this month to Hardee's, the Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich features a premium, charbroiled Atlantic cod fillet with creamy tartar sauce, sliced tomato and lettuce, served on a honey wheat bun. The Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Taco features the charbroiled cod fillet served on a flour tortilla and topped with spicy Santa Fe sauce, fresh salsa, shredded cheese and lettuce. The Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Sandwich is available for $3.99 or as a combo meal with fries and a drink for $6.49. The Charbroiled Atlantic Cod Fish Taco is available for $2.39. Prices may vary by location.

Stay tuned to Facebook (www.facebook.com/carlsjr and www.facebook.com/hardees) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/carlsjr and www.twitter.com/hardees) for the latest product news. Download the Super Star Rewards app from the iTunes Store and Google Play and check in to redeem Carl's Jr. and Hardee's products on the spot, save points for a high-value reward, check out the full menu and use the store locator to find any Hardee's or Carl's Jr. in the U.S.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE") is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. Through its subsidiaries, CKE owns and licenses Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® quick-service restaurants. CKE operates Carl's Jr. and Hardee's as one brand under two names acknowledging the regional heritage of both banners. CKE has a total of 3,441 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 42 states and 30 foreign countries and U.S. territories. Known for its one-of-a-kind premium menu items such as 100 percent Black Angus Six Dollar Thickburgers®, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™ and Fresh Baked Buns, as well as an award-winning marketing approach, the Carl's Jr./Hardee's brand continues to deliver substantial and consistent growth in the U.S. and overseas. Since the end of Fiscal Year 2011 and through Nov. 4, 2013, the company's third fiscal quarter, CKE's annual system-wide sales were up 15 percent and the number of franchised and company-operated restaurants increased 8 percent worldwide, driven by 2 percent domestic growth and 53 percent growth outside the U.S. The Carl's Jr./Hardee's system is now 74 percent franchised, with international restaurants representing 17 percent of the system. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.

20 Feb 2014

Q&A: Keystone XL Pipeline with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

By Grassley Press

Q:        What is the status for approval of the Keystone XL pipeline project?

A:        After nearly six years of rigorous regulatory review, approval for the more than 1,700-mile Keystone XL oil pipeline remains in limbo.  The TransCanada Corporation awaits a U.S. Presidential Permit to begin construction of the transcontinental infrastructure connecting a 36-inch pipeline system from Alberta, Canada, to Steele City, Nebraska.  Starting from the oil sands of Canada through the Bakken region in Montana and North Dakota, the pipeline would carry up to 830,000 barrels per day of crude oil to U.S. refineries in the Gulf Coast region.  Its completion has the potential to bring enormous economic growth and energy stability to the United States. Imagine if the United States would be able to supply 100 percent of its fossil fuel demand from North American sources.  Giving the green light to the Keystone XL pipeline would help get us closer to making that a reality.  There's a lot riding on the decision.  Policymakers and regulators are factoring into account its potential effect on job creation; energy independence; air, water and soil quality; and, economic growth.

Q:        What is holding up the approval process?

A:        As with most areas of public policymaking, politics looms large in the debate.  With all that's known to date, approval of the Keystone XL pipeline is good for America.  It would improve our energy stability, jump-start economic growth and job creation (this is genuinely a shovel-ready jobs and infrastructure project of the kind the President likes to champion) and reduce reliance on foreign sources of oil, and that's beneficial for America's national security interests.  Let's consider a few of the President's possible choices.

1.         Transport oil through America's Midwest rather than importing it from the Middle East.

2.         Transport oil via underground pipeline rather than posing greater risks to public, traffic and environmental safety with alternative shipment by rail or road.

3.         Lead the way on regulatory approval, oversight and compliance of traditional fuels and oil development.

As the President has said when it comes to meeting the needs of America's energy supply-and-demand equation, the answer to the question is:  "All of the above."  Keep in mind that relentless scrutiny by environmentalists, landowners, residents and local leaders along the proposed route through the Ogallala Aquifer in Nebraska prompted TransCanada to reroute the Keystone XL pipeline.  The new route under review recognizes efforts to safeguard the natural resources of the Sand Hills.  Like many Iowa farm families, I appreciate the ecological impact and property rights issues that have been raised.  Robust debate helps identify problems and resolve differences.  That's the beauty of America's system of self-governance and checks and balances.

Q:        What are next steps?

A:        The U.S. State Department recently released its final long-awaited environmental impact review.  Its analysis concluded the pipeline would not bear significant environmental impact and would provide the safest way to transport oil.  It also found that rejection of the pipeline will not affect Canada's decision to develop these oil resources.  Let's not be naive.  If the President rejects the permit application, TransCanada is not going to pick up its marbles and get out of the oil business.  Canada will continue to develop its resources.  President Obama has an opportunity to advance U.S. energy security by forging a partnership with one of our most stable trading partners on the planet.  This is a golden opportunity to put the public interest above political interests.  From national security advisors to labor leaders, members of the military and veteran service organizations and bipartisan advocacy on Capitol Hill, there is ever-growing public support for Keystone XL.  In March 2013, President Obama told the Senate Republican Caucus that he would make a decision on the Presidential Permit before the end of 2013.  It's time for a Presidential decision in support of the Keystone XL pipeline.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014
20 Feb 2014

Braley Takes Senate Campaign to Three Iowa Communities

By Jeff Giertz
Hosts Meet and Greet events in Atlantic, Corning, and Winterset
DES MOINES, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley took his campaign for US Senate to three Iowa communities today, hosting Meet and Greet events at The Family Table restaurant in Atlantic (Cass County), the Public Library in Corning (Adams County), and North Side Café in Winterset (Madison County). His events today mark Braley's first campaign events in these communities since announcing his candidacy for Senate.

Braley said, "Today in Iowa, the middle class struggles with rising costs and shrinking opportunities. Politicians in Washington ignore the real problems and often make things worse. I'm running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. And I traveled to Atlantic, Corning, and Winterset today to listen to Iowans' concerns.

"I grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and I've never forgotten where I come from. My parents taught me the value of hard work, and I worked hard in jobs like road construction to help put myself through college. In the Senate, I'll work for Iowa to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, and protect Social Security and Medicare. I'll fight for middle class Iowans, because that's where I come from."

Braley is continuing to travel the state to discuss his background and his campaign to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, and strengthen the middle class. 

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
# # #
20 Feb 2014

RIVER BANDITS NATIONAL ANTHEM TRYOUTS, TALENT SEARCH WILL BE FEB. 22

By Marco LaNave
Team looking for National Anthem singers, pregame performers for 2014 season
DAVENPORT, Iowa (FEB. 19, 2014) - As the Quad Cities River Bandits prepare for a season packed with family entertainment, the team is again seeking to bring talent from all across the Quad Cities to Modern Woodmen Park. The team will hold tryouts on Saturday, Feb. 22, for individuals and groups, including National Anthem singers, to perform and entertain fans prior to home games during the 2014 season.
National Anthem and other pre-game performance tryouts will take place on the Sky Deck at Modern Woodmen Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. Registration is first come, first served. Talents can range anywhere from singing, dancing, and comedy to miming, juggling or magic.
"The Quad Cities area has a wealth of talented people, and we want them to share their talent with people throughout the region at the Best Minor League Ballpark this season," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "At Modern Woodmen Park, we put on a unique and fun show every night and entertain our guests from the moment they enter our gates until they walk out the door. Incorporating the talent of the Quad Cities area is a tremendous part of creating that experience."
Everyone participating in the tryouts will perform their talent for a panel of River Bandits staff and local judges. Those talented enough to entertain crowds at River Bandits games this summer will be included in the show during the 2014 season.
"The River Bandits look forward to building a lineup of outstanding local talent to highlight the family entertainment for this season," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "Modern Woodmen Park is a special gathering place for people across this region, and we are excited to welcome talented local performers and entertainers to be part of the show."
Modern Woodmen Park will also be open for fans to purchase select merchandise, learn about ticket plans and group outings, and purchase or renew ticket packages for the 2014 season. For children ages 14 and under, the River Bandits will offer another one-day special on 2014 Kids Club memberships. Normally $30 per child 14 and under, a membership will be $25 at Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday, Feb. 22. A Kids Club Membership includes a free bleacher ticket good for all River Bandits 2014 regular season home games, a membership card, a T-shirt, a 10 percent discount off purchases in the team store, an email newsletter with exclusive special offers and much more.
UP NEXT: Opening Day is April 3, so lock in your seats now to see the defending Midwest League Champions in 2014! To order any of the ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, is opening this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.
*****
20 Feb 2014

Musical production benefits Hardacre Theater efforts

By Hardacre Film Festival
'The Last Five Years' to be performed Feb. 22-23

TIPTON, Iowa?The Cedar County Stoplight Players' production of the two-person musical "The Last 5 Years" will perform Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23,  at the Tipton High School auditorium. All proceeds from the production  to go to Hardacre Theater Preservation Association and its efforts to  renovate Tipton's historic Hardacre Theater.

The Saturday, February 22 performance is at 7:30 p.m., while the Sunday, February 23 performance is at 2:30 p.m.  Both performances will be held at the Tipton High School auditorium.  The play features adult themes and language. All tickets are $10.
The  play features Tipton-area native Tracy Pelzer-Timm and Des Moines  native Adam Nardini as a couple who fall into and out of love, with a  stage design that acts as a split screen separating their romantic  trajectories. The  story explores the five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein  (Nardini), a rising novelist, and Cathy Hyatt (Pelzer-Timm), a  struggling actress. The show uses a form of storytelling in which  Cathy's story is told in reverse chronological order (beginning the show  at the end of the marriage), and Jamie's is told in chronological order  (starting just after the couple have first met). The characters do not  directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle as their  timelines intersect.

The  musical, written by Jason Robert Brown, was directed by Janet Whaley,  with musical direction by Julie Thomas and technical direction by Brad  Goetz.

For more information about the Hardacre Theater Preservation Association, go to http://thehardacre.org

--END--
20 Feb 2014

Medicaid high-expenditure beneficiaries, GAO report

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa requested a report from the Government Accountability Office, released today, called: "Medicaid/Demographics and Service Usage of Certain High-Expenditure Beneficiaries."  Grassley made the following comment on the report.  The report is available here.

"If Congress is going to look at changing Medicaid to make it sustainable for the people the program serves and for federal and state taxpayers, knowing where Medicaid spends money should be a high priority.  This work by the GAO should inform the conversation." 

20 Feb 2014

Middle School "Bling Sorority"

By Mary McNeil
Some Rock Island middle school girls have joined a sorority--a so-called "BLING "SORORITY designed to learn the value of community service and being good role models.

Each week a couple of dozen 6th through 8th girls at Edison Junior High in Rock Island meet in a "Lights ON" afterschool program being run by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois and the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education.  The high school girl led program consists of activities and discussions about friendships, stereotypes and bullying.  The students will also learn about giving back to the community by exploring service opportunities such as helping in a soup kitchen and visiting nursing homes.
20 Feb 2014

USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta to Host Google+ Hangout on the Changing Face of Agriculture

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2014?On Monday, February 24th at 3 PM ET, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Harden will host a Google+ Hangout to highlight USDA's commitment to new farmers to build the new generation of agriculture. There are great challenges and opportunities for new and beginning farmers and ranchers as the average age of farm operators continues to rise and more diverse farmers are entering the industry. During the Hangout you will learn from Deputy Secretary Harden and two farmers who will share their experiences in agriculture.

 

Monday's Hangout will launch a series of outreach and education efforts led by Deputy Harden focusing new and beginning farmers. After the Hangout, we'll ask you to tell us which topics we should cover in future outreach events.

 

Participate in the Hangout on Monday by watching it live on the USDA Google+ page or on usda.gov/live. Submit discussion questions in advance via the G+ Event page, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook using #NewFarmers.

 

WHAT: USDA Google+ Hangout on the Changing Face of Agriculture

WHEN: Monday, February 24, 3 PM ET

WHERE: Watch live on USDA Google+ page or via www.usda.gov/live

WHO: USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden

Kate Danner, corn and soybean farmer, Aledo, Ill.

Alejandro Tecum, Adelante Mujeres, Forest Grove, OR

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

20 Feb 2014

Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano

By Fathom Events
Experience Elton John on the big screen as Fathom Events, CinemaLive, and Rocket Music Entertainment Group bring "Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano" to nearly 700 select movie theaters for a spectacular two-night event on Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. (local time). Captured live from Elton's residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the epic concert experience features all of Elton's greatest hits throughout his legendary career including "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," "Your Song" and more. In addition to the concert performance, cinema audiences will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Elton's celebrated 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
"Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano" will be presented at the following cinemas in your area on March 18 and March 26:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Click here for a full list of participating theaters (subject to change).
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
20 Feb 2014

Support the Quad City Symphony Orchestra

By Paul Plagenz
Dear friends of the QCSO,

Thank you to everyone for coming to our Valentine's Day concerts! I am confident to say they were an absolute success! We all owe a special thanks to the many volunteers who assisted with logistics, as well as the concert sponsor John Deere.

Underwriting is an important way to cover the costs associated with all our QCSO concerts, Youth Ensembles, and education programs. One easy way to publicly show support for these programs is to place an advertisement in the concert program books. There is one final opportunity left this year (Deadline: February 21!) and the rates are:

Full Page - $700 (full year $2100)
Half Page - $350 (full year $1100)
Quarter page - $200 (full year $600)
Click here for full rate card including ad specs

 

As an added incentive, if you advertise this year you can lock-in the same rates for our exciting 100th Season next year.

 

If you have someone you would recommend we contact, please forward this email to them or let me know at pplagenz@qcsymphony.com or (563) 424-7735 direct. All suggestions are welcome.

Thank you and I look forward to visiting with you at the next concert!

Best regards,

Paul Plagenz
Director of Development
Quad City Symphony Orchestra

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