28 Feb 2013

Dog Food Recalled Due To Toxin, Doctors Urge Caution

By James P. Judge
MINNEAPOLIS - Doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are urging people to stop using and return or discard certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food after the company issued a voluntary recall throughout the Midwest Friday.

According to a press release issued by Hy-Vee Inc., the company is recalling certain bags of Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Complete Nutrition, and Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Bites, Bones & Squares, after random routine testing performed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture found higher-than-normal levels of alflatoxin in some samples of the food.

The food was produced at a Kansas City plant operated by Pro-Pet LLC., according to the release.

Alflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxic chemical contaminant found commonly in corn and other foods that has been linked to liver damage.

Altogether, the products were distributed to customers located in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin between Oct. 26, 2012 and jan. 11, 2013.

People who have the recalled product should return or discard it immediately.

Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, fever and yellowish eyes. If you notice your dog experiencing any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

"If your pet has been receiving one of these products, and isn't acting right, take him or her to your family veterinarian as soon as possible," said Dr. Jen Myers, medical director of BluePearl in Minnesota. "Or if it is after-hours, get them to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital."

The following products are subject to the recall:
Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) - 34-lb.
UPC:    07545005647
Lot # ending with:      29812KC
"Best By" Date: 11/24/13
Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) - 8-lb
UPC:    07545005667
Lot # ending with:      29812KC
"Best By" Date: 11/24/13
Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) - 4.4-lb.
UPC:                            07545005665
Lot # ending with:      29812KC
"Best By" Date:         11/24/13
Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Complete Nutrition (Green Bag) - 4.4-lb.
UPC:                            07545005665
Lot # ending with:      29912KC
"Best By" Date:           11/25/13
Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) - 20-lb.
UPC:                    07545005680
Lot # ending with:      29312KC
"Best By" Date:         11/19/13
Hy-Vee Complete Dog - Bites, Bones & Squares (Yellow Bag) - 4.4-lb.
UPC:                            07545005560
Lot # ending with:      29312KC
"Best By" Date:         11/19/13

About BluePearl Veterinary Partners
Formed in 2008, BluePearl Veterinary Partners is headquartered in Tampa, Fla., and employs more than 1,200 people including approximately 250 veterinarians. BluePearl hospitals are referral-only and don't provide primary care. BluePearl is one of the world's principal providers of approved veterinary residency and internship educational programs. BluePearl also participates in and conducts clinical trials to study the effectiveness of new drugs and treatments, which give clients access to cutting-edge medicine not yet commercially available and improves the quality of care delivered to our patients.
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28 Feb 2013

Loebsack Column: Reflecting on African American History Month

By Joe Hand

By Congressman Dave Loebsack

Throughout the month of February, Iowans gathered for different events and celebrations across the state to honor and pay tribute to the many contributions African Americans have made to our great state and nation.  Iowa has always had a proud history of leading the way in advancing civil rights.

As we reflect on the long history of African Americans and their struggle for freedom and equality, we must also take the time to commemorate the great achievements of African Americans right here in Iowa.  From the Civil War to the 21st Century, some of our country's greatest African American leaders have called Iowa home.

As a graduate of Iowa State, I have long appreciated the story and achievements of George Washington Carver.  Born on a plantation in Missouri, Carver came to Iowa and became the first African American to enroll at what would later be known as Iowa State University.  Completing his bachelor's degree in 1894, he became the school's first African American faculty member.  After graduating with his master's, he joined Alabama's Tuskegee Institute, where his work resulted in hundreds of new products from peanuts and other crops.  Today, he is remembered for improving farming practices and being one of the first prominent African American scientists.

I'm proud to represent an area that is home to many great African American leaders.  Born in Ottumwa, Archie Alexander went on to study engineering at the University of Iowa.  He later became a renowned architect and designed a variety of projects around the country.   One of his most well-known endeavors was the design of airfield where the legendary Tuskegee airmen trained during the Second World War.

In 1941 President Franklin Roosevelt overruled his top generals and ordered the creation of an all African American flight training program.  These pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance, and support staff became known as the Tuskegee Airmen.  They served with distinction during World War II despite facing segregation both inside and outside the military.  A few years ago, I had the great honor of presenting the Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal to a constituent in the Second District in honor of his service during World War II as one of the first African American military pilots.

I am proud to be an Iowan and I hope that over the last month you have found a way to commemorate the great achievements of African Americans here in Iowa and across the United States.  Our state and our country have made great advances in equality and we must honor those who struggled so long against injustice and discrimination.  As we have done in the past, it is my hope that Iowa will move forward together and continue to fight for equality for all our people.

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28 Feb 2013

Club for Growth Releases 2012 Scorecard

By Barney Keller

Senators DeMint, Paul, and Lee receive perfect scores in 2012; Seven Current Senators Named "Defenders of Economic Freedom"

Washington, DC - Today, the Club for Growth released its 2012 Congressional Scorecard, which ranks the voting behavior of members of Congress based on issues relating to limited government and economic growth.

To view the Club for Growth's 2012 Congressional Scorecard and all prior Scorecards, click here, or go to: www.ClubForGrowth.org/Projects

"2012 was a difficult year for economic freedom," said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. "Whether it was the GOP's support of massive tax increases or the constant assault on liberty by the Obama administration, the pro-growth caucus in Congress has a lot of work to do in 2013. The Club's scorecard is intended to help our members and the general public understand who talks a good game on limiting government and passing pro-growth policies, and who backs up their words with votes. We urge the next generation of conservative leaders to keep up the fight in the 113th Congress."

This year, 28 current and former members of Congress will receive the Club for Growth's Defender of Economic Freedom Award. Starting in 2011, The Club for Growth required Representatives and Senators to not only score 90 or better on votes cast in a year, but to also have a lifetime score or "LifeScore" of at least 90.

Highlights from the Club for Growth's 2012 Congressional Scorecard:

• Three United States Senators received perfect scores in 2012: Jim DeMint (SC), Rand Paul (KY), and Mike Lee (UT) - all of whom also qualify for the Defender of Economic Freedom Award.

• Senators Pat Toomey (PA), Marco Rubio (FL), and Ron Johnson (WI) had 2012 scores and LifeScores high enough to qualify for the Defender of Economic Freedom Award.

• Two current United States Senators will receive Defender of Economic Freedom Awards for their voting record in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012: Senators Jeff Flake (AZ) and Tim Scott (SC).

• 18 current House members who received scores of 90 percent or better in 2012 also had LifeScores of 90 or better to qualify for the Defender of Economic Freedom Award. Two former House members qualified as well (Quayle, Walsh).

• Three members of Congress received 100 percent ratings in 2012. Of those, two also have 100 percent LifeScores: Congressmen Justin Amash (MI-03), and Tim Huelskamp (KS-01). In addition, Congressman Paul Broun (GA-10) received a 100 percent rating in 2012 and has a LifeScore of 99%.

• One Senate Democrat scored zero in 2012: Senator Jay Rockefeller (WV). 13 House Democrats scored lower than ten percent.

• Republican Leadership scores in 2012 were: Boehner: N/A, Cantor: 66%, McCarthy: 66%, McMorris Rodgers: 70%, Lankford: 80%, Ryan: 71%.

• Democratic leadership scores in 2012 were: Pelosi: 17%, Hoyer: 17%, Clyburn: 18%, Becerra: 18%, Van Hollen: 17%.

• The highest scoring Democrat, Congressman Jim Matheson (UT-04), scored higher than 98 Republicans with a 68 percent. The lowest scoring Republican, former Congressman Bob Dold (IL-10), scored lower than nine Democrats with a 38 percent.

The Club for Growth is the nation's leading group promoting economic freedom through legislative involvement, issue advocacy, research, and education.

The Club's website can be found at http://www.clubforgrowth.org/

 

28 Feb 2013

HOTEL BLACKHAWK NAMED FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE RECOMMENDED PROPERTY

By Tim Heim

Historic Davenport Hotel Part of 55th Annual Awards

DAVENPORT, IOWA - Hotel Blackhawk management is pleased to announce its recognition today in Los Angeles, CA as a 2013 Recommended Property by the Forbes Travel Guide - one of 24 hotels to earn the title. The announcement is part of the guide's 55th annual Star Awards for hospitality establishments worldwide.

The Forbes guide (originally known as the Mobil Travel Guide) was the originator of the prestigious Five Star ratings and certifications. It has provided the travel industry's most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas since 1958.

This latest honor adds to other notable achievements such as its 2012 AAA Four Diamond Award-Lodgings, 2012 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award, the Bix Bistro's 2012 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as 2011 and 2012 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award recognition.

"Recognition by the Forbes Travel Guide is yet another example of how the team at Hotel Blackhawk strives to raise the bar for our guests every day," said General Manager Tim Heim. "To be named by such a prestigious organization is to be part of what is considered the gold standard for hospitality excellence today."

Hotel Blackhawk re-opened December 15th, 2010. The hotel retains its 98-year-old historic character while featuring modern conveniences throughout the 130 guestrooms and extended-stay suites, six meeting rooms and up to 300-person banquet capacity in the signature Gold Room.

Other features include wireless internet, a fitness center, business center, swimming pool, hot tub, Spa Luce (lu-CHAY), Milan Flower Shop, the Bix Bistro restaurant, the Beignet (been-YAY) Done That coffee shop and Blackhawk Bowl & Martini Lounge. The hotel is part of the Summit Hotels & Resorts group (www.summithotels.com) and the Historic Hotels of America network (www.historichotels.org).

For more, visit www.hotelblackhawk.com or find us on www.facebook.com (Search: Hotel Blackhawk).

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28 Feb 2013

Rock Island Library Lines - Go Green

By Rock Island Public Library
fuzzy green plantSpring will be here (soon, we promise!), so why not get in the mood for all things green with a new program series from your library? Liven Up Your Landscape will help your garden and yard bloom with new ideas. March programs include :

 

Go Wild-Go Native, Wednesday, March 6, 6:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library 2nd floor. Looking for some new ideas for your garden? Head to the Library for an evening with Marilyn Andress from the Interstate RC&D-RiverBend Wildland Stewards. Marilyn will present benefits, tips and recommendations for adding wild and native plants to your garden.

 

Putting Some Herbs in Your Life, Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 pm, Rock Island Main Library 2nd floor. Herbs add flavor and color to your garden and your home. Peg Christensen, from QC Herbs, will share her knowledge about herbs and how easily you can add them to your most areas of your life - kitchen, bathroom, closets and more.

 

There's more in April: Check our library website for dates!

28 Feb 2013

VIACOM MEDIA NETWORKS' PALLADIA TO DEBUT REO SPEEDWAGON'S "LIVE AT MOONDANCE JAM" ON MARCH 2

By Rick Martin
High-Definition Concert Contains the Hits "Keep On Loving You,""Can't Fight This Feeling," "Take It On the Run" and Many More
Los Angeles, CA - Feb. 26, 2013 - Palladia and REO Speedwagon are proud to announce the television debut of the band's hit-filled performance from the country's premier classic rock festival, Moondance Jam. Palladia, Viacom's high-definition music channel, will debut REO Speedwagon's "Live at Moondance Jam" on Saturday, March 2 at 6:00 pm PST/9:00 pm EST. The channel will air the program six additional times, including March 2 at midnight,  March 3 at 3:30 pm, March 5 at 10:30 pm, March 6 at 12:30 pm, March 10 at 4:30 am and March 13 at 1:30am  (all times ET).  Following the run on Palladia, VH1 Classic will premiere the concert on Friday, March 22 at 9 pm ET.
Formed in 1967, signed in 1971, and fronted by iconic vocalist Kevin Cronin since 1972, REO Speedwagon has rocked to the top of the charts with a RIAA-certified 22 million albums sold in the U.S., 40 million around the globe, and a string of gold and platinum records.  The group's nine-times certified platinum Hi Infidelity spent 15 weeks in the #1 slot. Thirty-plus years later, Cronin and bandmates Bruce Hall (bass), Neal Doughty (keyboards), Dave Amato (lead guitar) and Bryan Hitt (drums) keep thrilling concert audiences with fan favorites such as "Keep On Loving You," "Can't Fight This Feeling," and "Take It On the Run." In addition to featuring those three smash hits, "Live at Moondance Jam" ?recorded at the Walker, Minnesota festival in the summer of 2010? features "Don't Let Him Go," "Keep Pushin',"  "Golden Country," "Like You Do," "Time For Me To Fly," "Back On The Road Again," and "Roll With The Changes."
"Live at Moondance Jam," the first high-definition REO Speedwagon concert, is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray here.  In addition to 13 songs, including all the aforementioned tracks, the package features an exclusive interview with Kevin Cronin.
After seeing REO Speedwagon on TV, fans can go out and see them live this spring. Last year's "Midwest Rock 'n Roll Express" tour was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the "Ten Hottest Summer Package Tours of 2012." It was such a success that rock's finest from the heartland ?REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent?are teaming up again for another round of shows.  The tour starts on April 18 in Grand Forks, ND and will hit more than 20 cities before wrapping in Burgettstown, PA a month later. REO will then continue with headlining tour dates and festival shows throughout the summer.
About Palladia
Palladia, Viacom Media Networks' high-definition music channel, launched in January 2006 and features original music-based programming for a variety of music genres, including hip hop, rock, country, pop, contemporary, classic rock, alternative rock, soul and more, as well as HDTV acquisitions and original content from Viacom Music Group's MTV, VH1, and CMT family of services. The channel has grown to 30 million households and is available on major U.S. carriers including Comcast, Cox, Verizon FiOS, Time Warner, Dish, DIRECTV, Charter, AT&T u-Verse, Cablevision and Insight.
About VH1 Classic
VH1 Classic brings you the best metal, rock, soul and pop from the '70s, '80s and '90s. The channel features the gods of rock - from Black Sabbath, Metallica and Iron Maiden to Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam and Dire Straits - in marquee concerts and music specials, and of course, tons of classic music videos. Recent big events include National Metal Day (11.11.11) and Metal Evolution, an 11-part documentary series on the history of metal. Because when it comes down to it - all music should go to 11.

28 Feb 2013

Local churches helping immigrants learn the computer

By Nora Steele

Refugee students attending English as a Second Language classes at the Church of Peace in Rock Island are now learning computer skills....thanks to a cooperation among local churches

(Rock Island, IL)  The Rock Island County Regional Office of Education and the 21st CCLC grant funds the "Lights ON For Learning"  program at the Church of Peace which focuses on teaching English and basic life skills.  But according to the Church's Director of Operations, Nora Steele, the students cannot even apply for a job without knowledge of a computer and she was determined to create a computer lab for them.

Steele approached the Council of Church of Peace and asked the members if a room could be refigured as a computer lab.  They agreed.  Then she wrote to a neighboring church, Edwards Congregational Church in Davenport, to help fund this.  It agreed to help.  So, with $2,500 six Gateway computers and printers were purchased, and a wall was put up in an existing  room to create the lab for the students at the Church of Peace.  Steele says the lab is helping the students learn so much. "When all 6 computers have someone sitting at them, it is so much fun to watch the students' faces.  They are usually working on Starfall.com website, and they are learning letters and numbers both.  They enjoy being able to teach themselves, and find so much joy in using the mouse!"

Steele says the students work every day on their computer skills with the help of Black Hawk teachers Brenda Kirby and Marilyn Nesbitt, and volunteer computer teacher Bill Coopman.

***The media is invited to see the computer classes in action on Tuesday, February 26th at 10:00 am at the Church of Peace (address).  Steele, the teachers and students will be available for interviews***

Church of Peace's site coordinator, Lisa Viaene, says computers were something many of the refugees have never heard of let alone had the opportunity to use before this grant funded lab came about.  "Most of the students have never had any education in their own country and struggle with writing their names, addresses, etc.  For some holding a pencil correctly is a challenge, but navigating a computer mouse seems to be an easier task for them.  Being able to offer time to work with the computer on simply literacy programs has had such a positive impact on all the students.  It also allows them to learn at their own pace and with head phones they can hear the words more clearly than in a large classroom."

Viaene says many students do not want to leave the lab each day.  She says some  students are working on their US Citizenship while others are doing basic literacy work.  She anticipate the teachers will see improved test scores by the end of the school year.


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28 Feb 2013

Terrorists Bomb World Trade Center - 20 Year Anniversary

By Danny Gonzalez
20 Year Anniversary-Terrorists Bomb WTC in 1993

20 years ago, terrorists first attacked the World Trade Center in New York City. It was not the first time terrorists had attacked American targets, nor would it be the last, but it was a pivotal moment in the War on Terror that we must NEVER FORGET.

The attack was organized by Khaled Sheikh Mohammed and fellow jihadist conspirators who detonated a truck bomb armed with over 1,340 lbs. of explosives in the lower garage levels in an attempt to knock  the North Tower (Tower 1) into the South Tower (Tower 2), destroying both towers and murdering the thousands of innocent people inside. Though the terrorists failed that day, six innocent people were killed and over a thousand more injured. Many more could have been killed.

The murderers who perpetrated this first attack are the same radical jihadists who our troops are still fighting today. Today, please take a moment to remember and pray for those innocent people who lost their lives in terrorist attacks.

Despite attacks like this one in 1993, and similar attacks like the bombing of the Marine barracks in 1982, the USS Cole in 2000, and many other provocations, America really did not take the War on Terror seriously until after 9/11. It took an enormous and tragic loss of life for the sleeping giant of America to finally wake up and realize that we are in a war for survival against radical Islam.

After 9/11, President George W. Bush finally mobilized the full might of the US military to go after the terrorists wherever they hide, so that our country never lets our guard down again. We must NEVER FORGET attacks like the first WTC in 1993, because those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. Never forget about the terrorists and their ambitions to destroy our country and our way of life, or our troops who are fighting on the front lines protecting us.

On this anniversary of one of the most famous terrorist attacks in the history of the War on Terror, send some support to our Marines on the front lines fighting the terrorists!



28 Feb 2013

St. Patrick's Day Inspired First Friday at MRDC

By Rick Martin

Le Claire, Iowa, February 25, 2013 - March is quickly approaching and the team at Mississippi River Distilling Company is excited to host another First Friday this Friday, March 1 from 5:30-8:00 p.m.  March's "gift with purchase" is a free pint glass for every bottle purchased while supplies last.  There are 200 of the special pint glasses featuring the Cody Road Whiskey logo on one side and "My St. Patty's Day Shot Glass" on the other.  They will go fast so get there and make your purchase early!

We have a St. Patrick's Day inspired drink planned in the bar for the evening called a Sham-O-Rita.  It features River Baron and melon liqueur with a little sour and Sierra Mist.  You don't have to be Irish to like this one!  We'll also sample the Blueberry Rose made with River Rose Gin, blueberries and a hint of lemon.  Chef Stephanie is preparing a Lenten special with seafood soup and Sorghrum Caramel Chocolate Chip Grilled Bananas.

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

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28 Feb 2013

Loebsack: No More Time for Political Games, Congress Must Stop Sequestration

By Vonnie Hampel

Editor's note: politics as usual in Washington. When are we, the people, going to do something significant about our mis-representation in Washington?

With only days until sequestration hits, Loebsack calls for immediate action

Washington, D.C. - With only four days until the devastating impact of sequestration set to take effect, Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on House leadership to keep Congress in session and working until a bipartisan way to stop the cuts is reached.  Loebsack has been opposed to the arbitrary, across the board cuts that were created by the Budget Control Act, which he voted against.

Loebsack has also been leading the charge in Congress to cut the pay of Members of Congress.  He again called for passage of his meaningful legislation to show the American people that Members of Congress have a personal stake in reducing the deficit.  Loebsack's legislation, the CHIP IN and Cut Congressional Pay Act, would cut Members of Congress' pay by 10 percent and repeal the automatic pay increases.

"As I have said repeatedly, allowing sequestration to occur and putting politics ahead of jobs, the economy, and our national security would be the height of irresponsibility," wrote Loebsack in a letter to House leaders.  "Congress must work every day to stop sequestration.  The House of Representatives should not take a single day off until a balanced, bipartisan solution is reached.  I urge you to work with the Senate and with the Administration to find such a solution and to keep the House working until a solution is reached."

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