She Did All She Could in Iraq, Woman GI to Tell all on Veterans' Day

She was all that she could be with the U.S. Army in Iraq, and she told all about it in her book,   All I Could Be, a May 2013 title from History Publishing Company. The media called on her for the ten-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom and now there are those event planners and movers who want their attendees and audiences to hear all about her for Veteran's Day and days beyond.

Miyoko Hikiji, once a soldier deployed to Iraq with the Iowa National Guard's 2133rd Transportation Corps, and now a model, actress, and author, is compiling a list of events that will call on her to prove that she is still all that she can be without her M-16 and heavy truck. She no longer drives into the face of the enemy but now looks into the faces of friends and fellow Americans. She will be soon doing that on a growing list:

  • 11/7   Notable Iowans exhibit debuts at Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dod
  • 11/8   Van Meter community Veteran's Day assembly, Van Meter High Schoo
  • 11/9   Veteran's Day presentation at Cedar Rapids Public Libra
  • 11/11 Veterans' Day luncheon and speech, sponsored by Chrysalis Foundation and Ellen Hubbell
  • 11/12 Veteran's Day presentation, Waukee Public Library, Wauk11/18 Presentation, Ames Rotary Club, Am
  • 12/3 Dupont Pioneer International Series Presentation, Iowa International Center, Des Moines Public Library
  • 12/7 Jordan Creek Barnes and Noble, Book Signing, West Des Moi
  • 12/13 Edgewater Retirement Community Program, West Des Moine
  • 1/8 West Des Moines United Methodist Church Women's Group Presentation
  • 3/5 "A Date with History" Lecture Series Presentation & Book Signing, First Division Museum, Wheaton, IL

Miyoko Hikiji  is considered a force of nature by those who know her. The U.S. Army discovered that in Iraq, television and radio audiences discovered that too, in recent months. And now those who honor and respect those who served in the military will as well.

History Publishing Company will make available to accredited members of the media review copies of Miyoko's book,  All I Could Be. To download a review copy, please use the widget link below.

All I Could Be

https://www.netgalley.com/widget/open?widget_id=37652_42987_1381787042525c65a2d3469_9781933909868_US

Contact: Don Bracken, djb@historypublishingco.com, 945-398-8161

JACK-O-LANTERN CONTEST

 

Carve your best Jack-o-lantern and bring it to the administration center of the zoo by 4:00 PM on Friday, October 25. Entries must be carved, no paint or other embellishments. Pumpkins will be judged by zoo staff and winners will be chosen in each of these categories: scariest, silliest and zoo themed. All entries will be displayed at Boo at the Zoo with prizes for the winners.

 

SATURDAY, OCT 26
SUNDAY, OCT 27

 

Boo at the Zoo is two days of family fun with trick-or-treating in the daytime. Bring your trick-or-treat bag and go booth to booth collecting goodies from vendors from 10:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. Children and adults are encouraged to wear costumes and celebrate at Niabi's biggest event of the year. Admission tickets can be purchased in advance at the zoo for faster entrance. It's Halloween fun for all.

 

FINAL WEEK TO VISIT THE ZOO

 

Niabi Zoo will close for the 2013 season at the conclusion of Boo at the Zoo on Sunday, October 27. Visit the zoo this week to see your favorite animals and catch the fall foliage at the zoo. Members always get in free!

 

Hours

10:00 - 4:00 Through Fri

9:30 - 5:00 Sat-Sun for Boo at the Zoo

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Senator Chuck Grassley made the following statement after the Taxpayers Against Fraud Education Fund released a report showing that the False Claims Act provides a 20:1 benefit to cost ratio in fighting health care fraud for the federal government.

Grassley is the author of the 1986 law updating the federal False Claims Act.  His qui tam amendments empower whistleblowers to file suit on behalf of the federal government against contractors who fraudulently claim taxpayer dollars.  The law is the most successful tool of the federal government in rooting out fraud against the federal treasury, and has helped recover nearly $35 billion in taxpayer funds that would otherwise be lost.

"Time and time again the False Claims Act has proven its worth to taxpayers.  The law has empowered whistleblowers to come forward, risk their careers and root out the shady characters looking to give the taxpayer a bad deal.  In 1986 the focus was defense contractors.  Now, proving the law's flexibility and value, it's the most effective tool against health care fraud, as evidenced by the report released today.

"The threats to this successful law are constant.  Any efforts to undermine this successful law should be met with skepticism by the courts and Congress."

On Saturday, October 26th members, family and friends of the River Bend Wildland Stewards, Illinois Native Plant Society and The Illinous Master Naturalists are invited to gather at Andress Prairie Rose Acres for a pot-luck and fall prairie tour.

Pot-luck will begin at noon followed by hay rack rides through the beautiful grasses of the fall Prairie and hikes in the river bluff forest.

Bring a pot luck dish to share.  Hot dogs, lemonade and coffee provided. Bring a lawn chair.

Email Marilyn (ma.prairierose@gmail.com) and let her know how many are coming for a count for hot dogs.

Embodied Leadership Mentor's 3 Tips for Differentiating Ego from Higher Self

"You've come a long way, baby," wasn't just an ad for Virginia Slims cigarettes during the late 1960s - it was also a dubious signifier for the gains women had made in society.

Since then, women have continued the march for progress, making huge gains in the academic and professional sectors. But have Western women lost something along the way?

"As women, we have spent so much time and effort living up to the standards of a patriarchal society that we've almost completely disconnected from our own deepest, authentic truth," says Leela Francis, author of "Woman's Way Home: Navigating Your Path to Embodied Power," (www.WomansWayHome.com), which includes techniques and tools from her Vividly Woman Embodied Leader Tools and Training.

" 'What do women want?' Sadly, many women today aren't even sure; but by tapping the power of her inner wisdom, a woman can have the life of her dreams."

One key component of birthing one's own dream life is harnessing your intuitive power, she says. This ability to distinguish between ego-driven wants and higher self-wisdom is crucial so that you are making choices in alignment with your personal integrity, she says.

So, just how does one accomplish that? Francis offers the following suggestions:

• Ego isn't bad or wrong, but we do need to be able to distinguish its voice from that of our intuition. The ego has its place; it's a necessary part of our self that allows us to function and strive, but we need to be able to identify what is driving us in each moment. Intuition is the awareness and acknowledgement of being more deeply and meaningfully connected to life. The ego is a self-advocating force that caters to external standards and often gets in the way of higher self-awareness. Learning to recognize the differences between these two voices is a profound way to create more ease and lessen suffering.

• Recognize when ego and intuition are pulling you in different directions. "Having witnessed the outcome of choosing ego over intuition enough times, I've seen how counterproductive ignoring intuitive wisdom can be," Francis says. "I can't help but notice that I sense the most friction when my ego is winning that inner tug of war." The ego is a perpetually hungry creature, never satisfied, whereas higher intuition has a contented nature that aligns with your personal integrity. Wisdom's signals are palpable, but we've become so masterful at ignoring them that we don't recognize them when they occur. Both the ego's plea and intuition's nudging are able to be sensed in one's body as distinctive body sensations. Listen inwardly for these sensations, for example, when someone is trying to sell you something questionable.

• Be available for those intuitive moments in which you can witness yourself, objectively, on every level. Intuitive power gives us a profound ability to see ourselves from a bird's eye view on every level - sensually, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. These intuitive moments don't have to be random; you can cultivate your mind to be more on the look out for sensations that are taking place in your body in each moment, and especially in situations that require you to make a difficult decision or choice. Be aware of your body as it goes through its daily activities and, at the same time, consider all levels of your self when doing so. This higher awareness enables women to have all aspects of their selves peacefully coexist and work together for a more whole and happy life.

About Leela Francis

Leela is the founder and director of Vividly Woman Embodied Leader Tools and Training. A facilitator of groups and individuals for more than 20 years, she's an expert in the field of body consciousness and soulful personal expansion.  Along with her trained staff and apprentices, Leela facilitates Vividly Woman workshops and retreats at beautiful nature resorts all over the continent and appears regularly as a speaker and contributing facilitator at other live & virtual events. Leela divides her time between Mexico, the Pacific Northwest, and the rest of North America.

Illinois Has 185 Solar Supply Companies and is Among Top 10 Solar-Friendly States

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today addressed the 2013 Solar Power International conference in Chicago, highlighting the major advances Illinois has made in promoting and developing sustainable energy sources in the state. Today's address is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect our natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

"It is my pleasure to welcome the Solar Power International conference and its attendees from around the world," Governor Quinn said. "In order to protect this great natural resource, we must educate ourselves and the world around us. In Illinois we understand the critical importance of solar energy and strengthening the industry to ensure a promising future for this innovative technology."

Illinois is among the top 10 solar-friendly states based on solar power incentives, utility interconnection and metering policies. Governor Quinn has implemented standards that will require 25 percent of the state's energy needs to be met by renewable energy by 2025, six percent of which must come from solar power.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Clean Energy Program builds upon Illinois' significant potential for renewable power by offering services and incentives for residents and businesses. More than 1,700 clean energy rebates and grants have been awarded for solar, wind, biomass and biogas installations in Illinois. These $24 million in incentives have supported $100 million in solar project installations. There are 185 companies in the solar supply chain in Illinois that employ 1,700 workers. In Chicago, 45 companies focus on solar energy research and development, investment, installation and related professional services.

More than $27 million was invested in solar electric installations in Illinois in 2012, a 259 percent increase over the previous year. Average prices for residential and commercial solar systems in Illinois have fallen by 26 percent from 2011 to 2012 and the state's solar capacity is currently enough to power 6,200 households.

Illinois' focus on developing clean energy creates jobs, improves the environment, saves natural resources and increases the nation's energy independence.

###

Coal Valley, IL - 21 October 2013 - Niabi Zoo officials announced today that the Zoo's two Asian elephants, Babe and Sophie, have arrived safely at their new home at the Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas. The elephants, which arrived in Arkansas this afternoon, are currently settling into their new habitat after the drive from Niabi Zoo.

After an extensive and thorough nationwide search, elephant care expert Alan Roocroft selected Little Rock Zoo as the best fit for Babe and Sophie based on a number of criteria that were mutually agreed upon between Mr. Roocroft and Niabi Zoo staff. "Our number one criteria when selecting a facility for Babe and Sophie was that it be located in a warmer climate," said Niabi Zoo Director Marc Heinzman, "and Little Rock Zoo only has a combined week or two each year when their elephants have to be kept inside. That's a major improvement  from the four to six months that we have at Niabi Zoo."

In addition to the warmer climate, Mr. Roocroft and Niabi Zoo staff also focused on the management program and staff experience at any potential facilities. "It was important to us that Babe and Sophie continue to be managed in such a way that would encourage them to stay active and healthy," said Heinzman. "Babe is overweight and Sophie has arthritis. In order to keep these conditions from worsening as they age, they need to be in a management program that has them exercise and stay mobile. Mr. Roocroft was impressed by the condition of Little Rock Zoo's elephant and the knowledge of the Zoo's elephant team."

Alan Roocroft visited Little Rock Zoo in September and prepared a report on his assessment of their management program and facilities, which was recently submitted to Niabi Zoo staff. Babe and Sophie will be joining Little Rock Zoo's one adult female Asian elephant, Zina. Babe and Sophie will be kept together while also adding to a third member to their herd, which were two other important factors to Mr. Roocroft and Niabi Zoo.

Niabi Zoo was assisted in the transport of the elephants by Feld Entertainment Inc., which operates Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Feld Entertainment Inc., the original owners of Babe and Sophie before they were donated to Niabi Zoo, donated their services and transportation expertise to Niabi Zoo. "We're extremely grateful to Feld Entertainment for helping us with what otherwise could have been a very costly procedure," said Heinzman. "Their vast experience with transporting elephants and their equipment was invaluable. Moving elephants is normally extremely costly and dangerous, and we couldn't have done it without Feld Entertainment."

Babe and Sophie, who have been at Niabi Zoo since 2000 and 2003 respectively, will be on loan to Little Rock Zoo. By loaning them, Niabi Zoo retains ownership and oversight of the elephants' future. "It was, and will continue to be, extremely important to us that Babe and Sophie stay together and leave Niabi Zoo for the best possible situation," said Heinzman, "and we're in agreement with Mr. Roocroft that Little Rock Zoo offers that."

# # #

More $20 seats have just been released for sale!

Coming this week Friday!

Chris Tomlin

Louie Giglio

The Burning Lights Tour

7:30 PM Friday, Oct 25

Venue:

i wireless Center

1201 River Drive

Moline, IL 61265 US

 

Grammy-winning and multi-platinum recording artist Chris Tomlin with special guest Louie Giglio will bring his Burning Lights Tour to the iWireless Center. His latest album Burning Lights features the radio single Whom Shall I Fear [God Of Angel Armies] and an all new recording of White Flag. Chris continues to write songs that connect people to the heart of Jesus and lead them to a greater worship of Him.

The world at large is learning his music: accumulating the biggest first-week sales numbers of his history-making career, Chris Tomlin's latest album,Burning Lights, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. With more than 72,000 units sold, Burning Lights marks Tomlin's first trip to the top of the Billboard 200 and only the fourth time in history that a Christian music album has entered that chart at No.1.

Chris Tomlin combined with Louie Giglio is promising to be an evening of powerful worship and inspiration. Dont miss it!

Concert time: 7:30 PM

Doors open time: 6:30 pm

Ticket Prices: (plus fees)

$20.00
$25.00
$35.00

 

Get tickets:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/chris-tomlin-burning-lights-tour-with-moline-illinois-10-25-2013/event/06004ACDE699D734?artistid=982298&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=50&tm_link=artist_msg-0_06004ACDE699D734

 

OTHER WAYS TO BUY TICKETS

iWireless Center Box Office
Monday through Friday 10:00am -5:30pm
Saturday 10:00am -2:00pm

TicketMaster Phone Center: 1-800-745-3000

Area TicketMaster Outlets

 


The Burning Lights Tour is brought to us by:

Awakening Events


Join us for Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio and the Burning Lights Tour!

We hope to see you there!

Yours in Christ,

Timm Dalman

New Anthem

October 21, 2013

Vitter, Grassley reiterate call for transparency, and for EPA to affirm its position; Say next move should apply court decision on a national scale

 

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) made the following statements regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision not to seek Supreme Court review of an appellate court ruling that invalidated new Agency wastewater treatment regulations. EPA had revealed in correspondence with Grassley that it had been enforcing a new interpretation regarding the blending of partially and fully treated wastewater at the municipality level that was not part of the EPA's existing regulations and had not gone through proper rule-making procedures. Vitter and Grassley challenged the EPA on such a controversial practice earlier this year.

"I'd call this a modest win for municipalities across the country, reaffirming that EPA can't sneak in a burdensome, new water treatment regulation whenever they want to. This isn't the first time EPA has gotten creative to avoid transparency and established procedure to affect policy changes, and I don't expect it'll be the last," said Vitter. "I urge the EPA to unambiguously and fairly apply the invalidation of this illegal water treatment regulation on a national level."

"EPA said in its court petition that subjecting agency letters to Administrative Procedure Act review would create a 'chilling effect' that would hurt EPA's ability to answer requests about its interpretation of laws and regulations.  This misses the point," Grassley said.  "The court found that the EPA was improperly enforcing an interpretation of the law that was contrary to its published regulations, which is a violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.  The fact that the EPA said as much in writing to me simply brought this violation to light.  The solution is not to stop telling Congress what it's up to, but to stop using interpretations that have not gone through the proper rulemaking procedures.  EPA should learn its lesson and follow the procedures in law meant to keep the agency accountable to the public and Congress."

In March 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit decided to invalidate new wastewater regulations disguised as guidance letters. EPA had attempted to explain their letters as a new interpretation of existing rules, but the three-judge panel decided that EPA changed its policy without notice and comment, as required by law.

Vitter and Grassley sent a letter in June to the EPA expressing their concern of how the Agency was moving forward with regulations on the wastewater treatment processes, following the 8th Circuit decision saying they cannot circumvent the Administrative Procedure Act. Click here to read more.

-30-

THIS WEEK
Saturday, October 26, 7:05 p.m.

i wireless Center, Moline

St. Charles Chill vs. Quad City Mallards

Sunday, October 27, 4:05 p.m.
The Family Arena, St. Charles
Quad City Mallards vs. St. Charles Chill

Quad City

0-1-0 (0 points)
10th place

Coach: Terry Ruskowski

St. Charles
0-0-1 (1 point)
tied 8th place
Coach: Jamie Rivers

QUACK TRACKS

Opener

In the wake of last Saturday's defeat, the Mallards have gone 2-3-0 in season openers and 0-5-0 in home openers since returning for the 2009-10 season.  The Mallards last won a home opener on October 22, 2005, when, while competing in the United Hockey League, they defeated the Motor City Mechanics 4-3.

Home Sweet Home

This Saturday's game is the second in a stretch that will see the Mallards play six of their first seven at home.  The Mallards last season went 20-10-3 at home.  Last Saturday's defeat was the Mallards' first regular season setback on home ice since a 3-2 loss to the Rush on February 19, after which the Mallards won their final eight regular season home games of the 2012-13 campaign.

On the Road

The Mallards next Sunday will play their first away game of the season.  The Mallards last year went 14-16-3 on the road.

Debuts
Jim McKenzie scored twice- including the Mallards' first goal of the season- in his Quad City debut last Saturday and is now tied for the early league lead in goals.   Gabriel Levesque also scored in what was his Mallard debut.  Tyler Yaworski last Saturday picked up an assist while making his professional debut while Jeff Lee and Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel each notched their first Mallards points (an assist apiece).

Between the Pipes

Rookie Ty Rimmer made 29 saves last Saturday while suffering the loss in his Central Hockey League debut.

Welcome Back
Defenseman Darren McMillan last Saturday became the only player to skate for the Mallards in each of the five seasons since the team returned to the ice (after the Quad City Flames competed in the American Hockey League in 2007-08 and 2008-09) for the 2009-10 season.

Even Steven

All ten goals in last Saturday's game were scored at even strength.  The Mallards went 0-for-4 on the power play while killing off both Rush man advantages.

Shoot on Sight

Over the opening weekend of the CHL season, only the Denver Cutthroats last Friday against Tulsa took more shots (45) than the 44 the Mallards hurled at the Rapid City net last Saturday evening.  McKenzie led the Mallards with seven shots on goal.

Familiar Faces

Anthony Perdicaro, who played for the Mallards last year, joined the Chill just before the start of this season and made his St. Charles debut last Saturday in the Chill's opening night 3-2 shootout loss to Missouri...Three- Eric Giosa, Jared Brown and Ryan Palmer- of the four former Mallards on the Rush roster scored against their old team last Saturday.  The fourth- Bob Preece- engaged in a third period fight with former teammate Matt Boyd...Former Rush forward Lee registered an assist last Saturday in his first game against his old club.

Milestones

McKenzie's first goal last Saturday was his one hundred fiftieth career point ...Matt Duffy has notched 93 career points...Gabriel Levesque has played 92 career games...McMillan has collected 91 career CHL assists...Nicholas Rioux has registered 48 career points.

Head-to-Head

The Mallards and the expansion Chill this Saturday meet for the first time.  That tilt is the first of three straight for the Mallards against St. Charles.  After visiting the Family Arena next Sunday, the Mallards will return home to clash with the Chill on Friday, November 1.  The two clubs will get together a total of 14 times this season.

Ins and Outs

The Mallards last Tuesday re-signed forward Mike Hellyer.

NEXT HOME GAME

Saturday, October 26, 7:05 p.m. - Mallards vs. St. Charles Chill
The Mallards and Chill meet for the first time in the Mallards' second home game of the season.

ON THE AIR

Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games- including Sunday's contest- will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Free audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.

TICKETS

Single Game Tickets

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about both season and single game tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten can receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of other great group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

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