(TOKYO) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, on a media conference call during an international trade mission in Tokyo, today issued the following statement regarding the International Olympic Committee's decision to keep wrestling as an Olympic sport:

"Also, another great news (announcement) that came out of the International Olympic Committee was the decision to keep wresting. As you know, we've been working on this - LetsKeepWrestling.com - we launched that last winter. We've gotten a tremendous response: over 25,000 people joined in our efforts. I recruited other governors to join. We had 30-some other governors that wrote to the International Olympic Committee in support of wrestling. And so, these two decisions made in Buenos Aires, are great for Tokyo and certainly great for the state of Iowa and the future of the Olympics, so we are very excited about that."

The governor also commented on Tokyo being chosen as host for the 2020 Olympic Games:

"The big news that happened while we've been here is the decision by the International Olympic Committee to have the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is huge news all over the world, but obviously here in Tokyo, it's tremendous.

"They're very excited. This is great news for Japan. We're proud to be here with them for this big announcement. It was tremendously well-received by everybody."

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds made the following statement in Des Moines:

"Iowans have a special bond with wrestling. High school gyms across the state fill up every Saturday in the winter, with fans cheering passionately and loudly as athletes compete on the mat. The governor and I took very seriously our role in promoting wrestling to the International Olympic Committee, and knew it would take a significant effort in what was perceived as an uphill battle. Undaunted, Iowans joined with us and thankfully, we prevailed in keeping wrestling as an Olympic sport. We want to thank the International Olympic Committee for this decision, and we thank the tens of thousands of Iowans who participated in this important effort."

 

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Each year, the Rotary Club of Davenport distributes funds to local non-profits from the proceeds of the club's fundraising events. The following awards will be announced at noon today at the club's weekly meeting at the Outing Club. Representatives from the various organizations will be present to receive their awards.

The 2013 Charitable Fund Recipients are:

Big Brothers Big Sisters: Career Development institutes' for Matches creating a series of Saturday "Institutes" for at least 100 middle and high school students matched in our Career Navigator program. $1,000.

Family Resources, Inc.: Emergency Assistance Fund for Scott County Families to assist with gas, bus tickets/tokens, translation services, etc. $1,500.

Hand In Hand: Inspiration Studio, Art For Individuals With Disabilities is an adapted art program, which is a collaboration between local art professionals and artists with disabilities. $1,500.

Rick's House of Hope: Supply and Snack Stock Up to provide supplies to help with summer and fall programming. $1,000.

WQPT?Quad Cities PBS: The Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity for college students to develop and implement leadership skills through workshop presentations across the Quad Cities. $1,000.

Youth Harvest: Project for underprivileged youth to attend a fall harvest event. Project is done in cooperation with Rotary Club of North Scott. $1,500.

Handicapped Development Center: Assist in the purchase of a wheelchair?accessible scale to obtain accurate weight on wheelchair?bound individuals that are served through their Personal Independence Services program. $1,000.

District 6000 Grant: If awarded a District 6000 grant, the club will work with a local human trafficking organization to prevent trafficking in the Quad Cities. $2,500

Additionally, funds will be used to support FAMSCO/H.E.F. ($500), Miles of Smiles Team ($500), Military Appreciation Week ($500) and the MAC High School Awards ($175).

Saturday, Sept 21st 2013, sign up at 8am before the walk or at www.getmeregistered.com

 

The 5K walk begins at 9 am at Whispering Pines Shelter (main shelter) Scott County Park

There will be a raffle for two great items and a silent auction of numerous items.

Cost is $22 for all walkers over 10.  Each walker will receive a shirt.  For more information go to www.walkwithtravis.org or contact Terri Dockery at 563-285-6633

Our proceeds go to help others in our community such as suicide awareness and prevention organizations, educational materials, grief groups and more.

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

 

The resilient U.S. economy owes in large measure its global reputation for prosperity to the ideas, innovation and invention rooted deeply in our American heritage.

Flourishing from free-marketplace principles of economic opportunity and wealth creation, generations of risk-takers, entrepreneurs and high achievers went for all or nothing in pursuit of carrying out their dreams to invent the next big thing.

Throw in a work ethic driven by America's ladder of opportunity and it's understandable how the 21st century tech wizards of Silicon Valley followed in the pioneering footsteps of the Wizard of Menlo Park.

One of the most successful inventors of all time, Thomas Alva Edison is credited for coining the phrase:  "Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration."  With an inexhaustible supply of fortitude and flow of ideas, Edison holds more than 1,000 U.S. patents in his name.  From the light bulb to motion pictures and electrical power generation, Edison's scientific and engineering discoveries changed the way Americans lived.

His formula for success partly is attributable to legal protections granted by the Constitution. Article I, section 8 gives Congress the authority to "To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries."  For more than 200 years, the U.S. patent system has provided a legal framework to grant inventors exclusive use of their inventions.

The patent system has helped launch amazing discoveries and advances in science, medicine, telecommunications and the arts that have made remarkable contributions to American society and a dynamic economy.

However, the patent system increasingly is being abused by individuals engaging in questionable litigation tactics for their own opportunistic gain.  These so-called patent trolls or "patent assertion entities (PAEs)" are utilizing an unsavory business model that threatens to choke innovation and invention like a noxious weed.  With no intention of developing or commercializing on the patents they own, patent trolls are giving the U.S. patent system a black eye without batting an eyelash.

Patent trolls are companies that own patents but don't create anything.  Instead, they use these patents to sue businesses and consumers.  Some of the aggressive litigation tactics of patent trolls include threatening to sue companies without specific evidence of infringement, creating shell companies to hide who is bringing the lawsuits, and asserting patent claims that are overly broad.

Abusive patent litigation saddles cash-strapped start-ups and innovators with often insurmountable financial and legal burdens.  Patent troll lawsuits also are targeting legitimate businesses and consumers.  The defendants are forced to direct scarce resources away from research, development, wage and job creation and divert those resources to defend complex patent litigation.  The majority of defendants settle out-of-court rather than challenge often questionable claims simply because it's the safer route to choose given the risky, disruptive, time-consuming and expensive nature of patent litigation.

Enough is enough.  It's time to reel in those who prey on other businesses at the expense of America's spirit of innovation and invention.

That's why I am co-sponsoring legislation with Senator Cornyn to restore the integrity and intent of the U.S. patent system.  Responsible patent holders with a legitimate legal grievance are entitled to their day in court.  But those who game the system as a personal means of jackpot justice do not.  The Patent Abuse Reduction Act of 2013 would make it more difficult to be a patent troll and easier to fight one in court.  It would require more specific information about the substance of the infringement assertions in the complaints.  It would change the incentives by adopting a "loser-pays" rule to deter frivolous or weak claims.  And, it would bring greater transparency and disclosure to identify the plaintiff filing the claim.  By pulling back a cloak of secrecy, the bill would take away a tool often used by patent trolls:  anonymity via patent-holding subsidiaries, affiliates and shells of operating companies.

Abusive patent litigation brought by PAEs now account for a majority of all patent litigation in the U.S., costing start-ups and innovators an estimated $80 billion annually in direct and indirect costs.

As Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, I've worked to balance the scales of justice in the U.S. legal system, including curbing patents on tax strategies that effectively allow tax laws to be patented and add costly burden to taxpayers.  From putting the brakes on frivolous lawsuits to reforming our medical malpractice system, policymakers need to clear litigious roadblocks that increase costs for consumers and decrease wage growth, innovation and job creation.

Patent trolls subvert the system and stifle innovation. The Patent Abuse Reduction Act would help prevent abusive patent litigation, while preserving the ability of patent holders to protect their intellectual property and investments in research and technology.  By restoring the integrity of the patent system, America's 21st century big-thinkers, hard-workers and go-getters will be able to give 100 percent in pursuit of Edison's spirit of innovation and invention and help keep America on top of our global economy.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Q:        How have patents and innovation improved our lives?

A:        Throughout the ages, people have used their brains and brawn to make life easier for themselves and society.  Each successive generation has marched down the path of progress to achieve higher standards of living and greater prosperity.  Inventors turn an idea into a product that addresses a need or solves a problem.  Consider how modernized farming practices displaced societies of hunters and gatherers.  Iowa's own Norman Borlaug is credited with saving mass starvation of a billion people through his work in high-yield, disease-resistant plant genetics.  Perhaps the most sweeping social transformation occurred during the Industrial Revolution when advances in manufacturing and mechanization helped lift a rising tide of economic growth and productivity for people around the world.  In 1903, the Wright Brothers triggered a transportation revolution that profoundly impacted global commerce and world travel.  A decade into the 21st century, the world is witnessing a new explosion of economic growth made possible by technological advances in life sciences, communications, clean energy and medicine.  Today's technologies nearly seem like the products of science fiction or yesteryear's futuristic gadgets that most people didn't expect to exist in their lifetimes.  However, thanks to the ingenuity, imagination and creativity of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, inventors and entrepreneurs, America's high tech pioneers continue to raise the bar of expectations and drive the U.S. economy forward.  Inventions can make life safer, healthier, more convenient, more fulfilling and more productive.  Just think how the washing machine "saves" time in a busy household.  America's founders recognized the value of encouraging inventors to think outside the box.  Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution authorizes Congress to develop a legal framework to promote scientific innovation and the arts.  The nation's patent laws help to spur U.S. competitiveness, innovation and job creation.

 

Q:        Why is it beneficial for an inventor to seek a patent?

A:        Since 1836, more than 60,000 Iowans have secured patents to protect the property rights of their inventions.  From the first-ever patented carousel to farm implements and medical imaging systems, Iowans from all 99 counties have navigated the patent system to protect their hard work, investment and earning potential.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issues patents for qualifying inventions that are considered original, useful and "non-obvious" to the marketplace.  A patent grants for a limited time legal rights to a patent holder, to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing the invention in the United States.  In exchange for these rights, the patent holder publicly discloses the invention.  The patent system offers a mutual benefit to the inventor and society, as others may study the published patent to discover new scientific advances.  Last year, the federal patent office issued about 270,000 patents with 1.5 million patent applications pending.  The average wait time for patent approval is 24.6 months.  If you have an original idea that you believe could someday fly off the store shelf, filing a patent application may be a smart business decision.  First, inventors need to do some homework.  Do some research to see if your idea already has been granted a patent.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website has a searchable tool at http://www.uspto.gov.  If your invention appears patent-free, it would be wise to file a one-year provisional patent application to protect your claim and continue market research.  Filing a patent and conducting the necessary research can seem like a bewildering, costly, time-consuming undertaking.  The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recommends hiring a professional, such as a patent attorney or patent agent to prepare and prosecute your application.  As with nearly any situation, watch out for scam artists who over-promise and over-charge for their services.  Use good judgment and seek referrals to reputable patent professionals.  For more than 200 years, the patent system has worked to advance our system of free enterprise by giving risk-takers the legal and monetary incentive to build, create and invent.  Like representative government, it's a two-way street.  It strengthens job creation in America and rewards inventors who bring the next big thing to the marketplace.  Just as encouraging the next generation to get involved early in our participatory democracy strengthens our system of self-government, encouraging youth to unleash their creativity at home, Science Olympiads and science camps will help the next generation build a better, stronger America tomorrow.

 

Monday, September 9, 2013

Master blues guitarist Chris Duarte is touring from Florida to California, and the Quad Cities is fortunate to have him making a stop at Martini's on the Rock, 4619 34th Street, Rock Island, IL on Sunday September 15. Chris' performance will start at 6:00 p.m. with a $12 cover charge, or $10 if you are a member of the Mississippi Valley Blues Society.

Chris Duarte has been a perennial touring act since the 1990s, playing as many as 200 dates a year, and has developed a legion of loyal fans spanning across the United States, Europe, and Japan. Duarte's strong commitment to touring allows Chris to ply his trade and to work and rework melodic ideas. "I can practice all day in my basement but it's a totally different ballgame when I get on stage."

When the spotlight is on him, Chris Duarte's style of playing is intense blues-rock. He keeps it loud and heavy but still staying on the blues side. Duarte performance will bring to mind legendary artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Johnson.

Duarte has recently released two albums, Live by the Chris Duarte Group, and My Soul Alone, and he will be showcasing many of the songs from these recordings at the September 15 show.

This extraordinary occasion to see Chris Duarte perform at Martini's on the Rock is a fundraiser for the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, and is happening in conjunction with the East West Riverfest, a two-week celebration of arts, culture and heritage in the Quad Cities.

As part of the September 15th events, MVBS is hosting a Bikes and Blues Fun Run starting at The Muddy Waters (1708 State Street, Bettendorf) with check-in at 10:30 a.m. and last bike out at noon. The poker run route is approx. 110 miles. Last bike back in to Martini's by 5:00 p.m. To participate in the Fun Run there will be a recommended donation of $10 per participant and will include admission to the Chris Duarte show. All proceeds from the Fun Run will go to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society. All vehicles welcome.

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Beloit will host Quad Cities Monday night to decide Midwest League Western Division Championship


BELOIT, Wis. (SEPT. 8, 2013) - Beloit Snappers second baseman Christopher Bostick hit a two-run home run in the first inning to put his team ahead to stay and finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs in a 4-3 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits in Game 2 of the Midwest League Western Division final at Pohlman Field Sunday night.


Beloit tied the best-of-three series at one game apiece and forced Game 3 at its home ballpark at 6:30 p.m. Monday, when the winner will advance to the Midwest League Championship. River Bandits right-hander Daniel Minor (8-3) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Derek DeYoung (8-5). Sunday's loss ended a string of 10 straight postseason victories for Quad Cities.


The Snappers jumped to a lead against right-hander Zach Morton (0-1) in the first inning, as left fielder Aaron Shipman hit a leadoff single, and Bostick hit the first pitch he saw with one out over the left-field fence for his second postseason home run and a 2-0 Snappers lead. Later in the inning, Morton allowed consecutive two-out singles by third baseman Renato Nunez, right fielder John Wooten and center fielder Brett Vertigan, whose hit scored Nunez but ended with Wooten being thrown out between third and second bases.


Trailing 3-0, the River Bandits came back against right-hander Kyle Finnegan in the second inning. Third baseman Rio Ruiz drew a leadoff walk and reached third base on two groundouts. First baseman Jobduan Morales walked ahead of designated hitter Brian Blasik, who beat out a ground ball to the right side for an infield RBI single. Second baseman Tony Kemp lined a single to right field that scored Morales, but center fielder Teoscar Hernandez grounded out to end the inning with a 3-2 deficit.


Bostick helped the Snappers respond in the second inning, when Morton allowed two walks before Bostick lined a two-out RBI single to left field for a 4-2 Snappers advantage. Morton went 1 2/3 innings and allowed four earned runs on six hits with two walks and one strikeout. Right-hander Jamaine Cotton struck out first baseman Matt Olson on the way to starting 3 1/3 hitless innings of relief.

 

Finnegan left after walking the first two batters in the third. Right-hander Deyvi Jimenez entered and got a flyout and double play, but he allowed a leadoff bunt single by right fielder Jordan Scott in the fourth, when Kemp drew a walk, and Hernandez reached on an RBI infield single. Shortstop Carlos Correa walked to load the bases and force Jimenez out of the game. Left-hander Chris Lamb faced left fielder Danry Vasquez but threw a pitch in the dirt, and Kemp was tagged out trying to score on the final play of the inning, keeping the home team's lead at 4-3. It was the final time Quad Cities had the tying run at third base, as the visitors left 10 runners on base.

 

Quad Cities got two scoreless innings from left-hander J.D. Osborne and one shutout frame from right-hander Patrick Christensen to finish a 6 1/3-inning scoreless effort by the bullpen. Beloit used Lamb for 1 1/3 innings, then Kris Hall for a scoreless sixth inning, and right-hander Nolan Sanburn for two scoreless innings, although he worked out of a first-and-second, no-out jam in the eighth by getting a forceout on a bunt attempt and inducing a ground-ball double play. Right-hander Austin House allowed Hernandez to reach on a Nunez error in the ninth inning, but Vasquez struck out swinging with the tying run at second base to end the game.

Aims to Attract More Foreign Investment to Illinois During Trip to Japan

TOKYO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that foreign-owned firms have added nearly 80,000 jobs in Illinois since 2009 when the governor took office, and more than 450 new foreign firms have located in the state during that time. The governor aims to build upon recent successes and attract more foreign investment in Illinois during his September 6-10 trip to Japan. Today's economic announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to create jobs and restore economic prosperity to Illinois.

"Our efforts to increase foreign direct investment in Illinois are paying solid dividends," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' economy is getting a boost from the growing number of foreign companies doing business in the state, including building factories, warehouses, customer service centers and R&D facilities. These jobs have played a major role in fueling Illinois' economic recovery in recent years, and we must continue to build on these efforts in order to create jobs and compete in the global economy."

Foreign direct investment in Illinois includes more than 2,000 firms that employ more than 350,000 people. Japan and the United Kingdom are the top two sources of these investments. The number of people employed by foreign firms in Illinois has increased every year since 2009 and went from 280,419 that year to 359,775 in the third quarter of 2013. Nearly 80,000 jobs have been added between 2009 and 2013 and the tax dollars of more than 450 foreign companies have been added to the state's economy.

Since Governor Quinn took office, individuals employed by the 1,387 Japanese-owned firms in Illinois rose from 42,126 in 2009 to 53,963 in the third quarter of 2013. The top five Japanese companies in Illinois by number of employees include Aioi Insurance Co., Ltd (7,000); Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (3,358); Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (2,800); Kotobuki Realty Co., Ltd. (2,190); and NTN Corp. (1,604).

"The state's transportation infrastructure and business climate are often cited as reasons for the high level of foreign investment in Illinois," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Adam Pollet said. "A central location and ease of access make it easy for executives, managers and consultants from other countries to get in and out of the U.S. We can also help these firms move their goods with our excellent road, rail and water transportation network."

The state's transportation infrastructure benefits from Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to reinstate wrestling as a core Olympic sport for the 2020 games. Loebsack joined Congressmen Jim Jordan (OH-04), and Tim Walz (MN-01) to lead the fight in the House of Representatives to get wrestling back into the Olympics after it was announced earlier this year that it was dropped from the games. Last week, the Congressmen wrote to the President of the IOC, Dr. Jacques Rogge, to call on him to reinstate wrestling.

"Today's decision is great news for the sport of wrestling, but also for those who have fought so hard to demonstrate what wrestling means to the international community," said Loebsack. "The history of collegiate and Olympic wrestling runs through Iowa and we know that the determination and the hard work it teaches our kids provides them the skills it takes to succeed in life. I want to especially thank Coach Dan Gable and Coach Terry Brands for their tireless efforts to keep wrestling where it belong in the Olympics."

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Quad Cities can advance to Midwest League Championship with win Sunday or Monday in Beloit


DAVENPORT, Iowa (SEPT. 7, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits' dominant postseason pitching continued for a third straight game, as left-hander Josh Hader allowed one run on three hits in a career-high seven innings Saturday night, and the bullpen finished a 3-1 win over the Beloit Snappers in Game 1 of the Midwest League Western Division final in front of 1,760 at Modern Woodmen Park.


Quad Cities took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and can advance to the Midwest League Championship with a victory Sunday or Monday in Beloit, where Quad Cities went 5-2 as the visiting team this season. Dating back to the 2011 playoffs, the River Bandits have won 10 straight postseason games. Quad Cities has won 16 of 19 games overall and allowed only four hits for a third straight game.


Hader (1-0), who had starts of 6 1/3 and 6 2/3 innings with Delmarva in the South Atlantic League and twice worked six innings in the regular season for Quad Cities, faced one batter over the minimum Saturday. He allowed a first-inning leadoff single by left fielder Aaron Shipman, who was thrown out trying to steal second base. After a walk to designated hitter Ryan Mathews, Hader induced one of his team's two double plays. Hader had set down eight straight batters before Mathews hit a home run to left field with one out in the fourth inning. Hader then faced the minimum the rest of his outing, allowing only a fifth-inning leadoff single by right fielder John Wooten, who was retired as part of a double play. After allowing two earned runs on two hits and six walks with four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings against Beloit last Sunday, Hader walked one and struck out one batter Saturday.

 

The River Bandits beat their opponent to the scoreboard for the first time in the playoffs. In the first inning, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a one-hopper to shortstop Sam Roberts, who bobbled the ball and threw it into the first-base dugout to allow Hernandez to reach second base. Shortstop Carlos Correa dropped a single in front of left fielder Aaron Shipman to score Hernandez for a 1-0 lead.

 

In the third inning against right-hander Andres Avila (0-1), designated hitter Brian Blasik hit a leadoff single to left-center field, and second baseman Tony Kemp singled to right field. With one out, Correa drove a sacrifice fly to center field to score Blasik and make it 2-0. Avila left after 4 2/3 innings, having allowed six hits and two runs - one earned. Right-hander Vincent Voiro walked third baseman Rio Ruiz with one out in the sixth inning, and right fielder Jordan Scott drove an RBI double to left-center field for a 3-1 lead.

 

After Hader, left-hander Mitchell Lambson pitched a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout. For a third straight playoff game, right-hander Andrew Walter pitched the final inning. He allowed a two-out single by Shipman but earned his second postseason save by striking out Mathews to end the game with Shipman at first base - the only runner Beloit left on base. The two-hour, 10-minute game was shorter than any nine-inning regular season game for Quad Cities this season.

 

Saturday's River Bandits victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Sunday, Sept. 8. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Sunday, Sept. 8. Quad Cities will travel to Beloit for Game 2 at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Zach Morton (0-1) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Kyle Finnegan (1-1).

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