15 Jan 2013

Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home Introduces Free Digital Magazine for iPad

By Douglas Patch

Davenport, IA - Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home is offering a new digital magazine to its customers. The magazine entitled Beautiful Design. Made Simple. features inspiration, tips and advice to make creating a beautiful home just a little bit easier. The magazine is free and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Each quarter Beautiful Design.Made Simple.. will feature new ideas and inspiration. Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home's goal is to provide their customers with design tips and trends before, during, and after they purchase flooring..

"Design is ever changing and so is your home," said Douglas Patch, of Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home "Even if you've finished your flooring project, this magazine can help you plan your next project or make updates to other parts of your home."

The premier issue of Beautiful Design. Made Simple. features information and ways to incorporate Benjamin Moore's 2013 color trends, Simple tips on updating a room, inspiration and design advice from professionals Tracy Bross and Glen Peloso, carpet care tips, flooring trends and a plethora of inspiring images for the entire home.

To download this free magazine visit http://www.beautifuldesignmadesimple.com or search for Beautiful Design. Made Simple. in your App Store.

About Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home
Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home is a locally owned flooring retailer serving the Davenport area. They are part of North America's leading floor covering co-op. Their showroom is known for carrying a broad selection of beautiful carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs including exclusive brands like Bigelow and Lees. They offer a unique customer experience with the exclusive SelectAFloor merchandising system that simplifies the shopping experience and The Beautiful GuaranteeTM, which guarantees that the customer will be 100% happy with their floor. Northwest Carpet One Floor & Home is also the home of the exclusive Healthier Living Installation system. For more information visit NORTHWESTCARPETONEDAVENPORT.COM.

15 Jan 2013

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Continuing His Service in the Obama Administration

By USDA Office of Communications
USDA.gov logo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today regarding the announcement that he will continue his service in the Obama Administration.

"President Obama and I share a deep appreciation for rural America and its unlimited potential in the years ahead to feed a growing world population, revolutionize America's energy, further protect our natural resources and create more jobs here at home. We will continue to urge Congress to pass a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill that will help us continue USDA's wide range of efforts to support this work. As we look ahead to a promising future in our small towns and rural communities, I am pleased to continue working alongside President Obama to grow more opportunity in rural America."

 

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15 Jan 2013

Rosy's Open for Breakfast

By Rosy's Restaurant

Rosy's Restaurant, 2618 West Locust Street in Davenport (across from the Fairgrounds) is now open early to handle your breakfast cravings!

Daily specials at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Rosy omelette, Mexican omelette, sandwiches, burgers, salads, Mexican dishes, fish and chicken dinners also found on the menu. Breakfast served all day long. Cash only please.

15 Jan 2013

Smiddy Begins Term Serving Quad Cities, Sauk Valley Regions in Illinois House

By Rep. Mike Smiddy

SPRINGFIELD - Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) began his first term as the 71st District's State Representative on Wednesday.  Smiddy will serve as a full time legislator for the district that includes portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties.

Raised in a working class family in the 71st District, Smiddy knows the value of a dollar.  He places economic development and creating good-paying jobs at the top of his legislative agenda, knowing that bolstering economic opportunities for working families is the key to solving the state's dire financial crisis.

"People should not have to worry about whether or not their full time job will pay enough to raise their families," Smiddy said. "We have to work together to strengthen our education system, invest in effective job training programs, and build a solid infrastructure that will support an economy that fosters the kind of job creation that gives families a fair chance at financial security."

Smiddy has spent his time since the November election traveling the 71st District and meeting with residents, business owners, and community leaders.  He plans to continue his commitment to accessibility by hosting events, town hall meetings, and satellite office hours throughout the district.

"It is crucial that residents and business owners are able to access state government easily and hassle-free," Smiddy said.  "It is an honor to represent the 71st District, and it will remain my top priority to make state government accessible and keep residents engaged in the legislative process."

For more information, contact Smiddy's off at RepSmiddy@gmail.com

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14 Jan 2013

IOWA STATE UNIV. FALL GRADS LIST

By Jackie King

1,708 receive degrees at ISU commencement

AMES, Iowa - At Iowa State University's fall 2012 commencement ceremonies, 1,708 students received degrees. Iowa State awarded 1,388 undergraduate degrees, 210 master's degrees, and 110 doctor of philosophy degrees.

Of the students receiving bachelor's degrees, 264 graduated "With Distinction" (cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude). Two students graduated as members of the Honors Program, and 13 students graduated "With Distinction" and as members of the Honors Program.

NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR, HONOR, HOMETOWN, STATE

Taylor Marie Downing, BS, Food Science (AGLS), M; Rock Island, IL

Jonathon Douglas Vandyke, BS, Supply Chain Management, Bettendorf, IA

Kenneth Vaughn Johnson, BS, Electrical Engineering, Davenport, IA

Jon Lee Baumgarten, BS, Industrial Engineering, Bettendorf, IA
David Thomas Zimmerman, BS, Industrial Engineering, Bettendorf, IA;
Benjamin W. Bramer, BS, Mechanical Engineering, Bettendorf, IA

Matthew Allen Burmeister, BS, Mechanical Engineering, S, Davenport, IA
Brett Christopher Ebert, BS, Mechanical Engineering, S, Davenport, IA
Alex Scott Ruggeberg, BS, Mechanical Engineering, Davenport, IA

Alexa Rae Ashcraft, BS, Child, Adult, and Family Services, Eldridge, IA

Emily Marie Kenneke, BS, Elementary Education, C, Davenport, IA

Jennifer Ann Garter, BS, Kinesiology and Health, Bettendorf, IA

Emily Erin Martin, BA, Religious Studies, Davenport, IA

Emily Marcene Doerder, BM, Music, M, Bettendorf, IA

Aislinn Grace D'Auben, BS, Genetics (LAS), Bettendorf, IA
Michael Paul Hayes, BS, Psychology, Bettendorf, IA
Michael Webster Mulvihill, BS, Technical Communication, Bettendorf, IA
Brian Joseph Kilby, MEN, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial and Manufacturing Systems, Davenport, IA
Jordan Ray Thistle, MS, Aerospace Engineering, Davenport, IA

DEGREE CODES:
BAR - Bachelor of Architecture
BA - Bachelor of Arts
BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts
BLA - Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
BLS - Bachelor of Liberal Studies
BS - Bachelor of Science
MAA - Master of Accounting
MAG - Master of Agriculture
MAR - Master of Architecture
MA - Master of Arts
MBA - Master of Business Administration
MCP - Master of Community and Regional Planning
MED - Master of Education
MEN - Master of Engineering
MFS - Master of Family and Consumer Sciences
MFA - Master of Fine Arts
MLA - Master of Landscape Architecture
MPA - Master of Public Administration
MSM - Master of School Mathematics
MS - Master of Science
PHD - Doctor of Philosophy
HONORS CODES:
(1) Graduated Cum Laude and in Honors Program
(2) Graduated Magna Cum Laude and in Honors Program
(3) Graduated Summa Cum Laude and in Honors Program
(4) Recipient of University Teaching Excellence Award
(5) Recipient of University Research Excellence Award
(6) Recipient of University Teaching Excellence Award AND Research Excellence Award
(C) Graduated Cum Laude
(M) Graduated Magna Cum Laude
(S) Graduated Summa Cum Laude
(H) Graduated in Honors Program

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14 Jan 2013

5 Hair Myths - Busted!

By Rick Martin
Bad Ideas Won't Solve Bad Hair Days, Says Expert

Misinformation can be just as stubborn as frizz or those pesky flyaways - it's difficult to manage, impossible to reason with and it just keeps coming back, says longtime hair-care advocate and health scientist Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.

"Old wives' tales and ineffective products that claim to treat or rehabilitate hair often have a placebo effect because people want them to work," says Davis-Sivasothy, author of "Hair Care Rehab," (www.haircarerehab.com). "But many of these ideas and products actually do the opposite of what's intended, and they delay the user from seeking out real solutions."

Davis-Sivasothy debunks the following common hair-care myths:

• Myth: There's a magic pill (or oil, serum or balm) to grow our hair faster, stronger or thicker. Unfortunately, no. Hair growth is genetically predetermined and controlled by our hormones. Unless the magic pill affects our genes or hormones, there's no hope that it might make our hair grow. (This includes prenatal vitamins. Credit the upsurge in hormone levels during pregnancy for those vibrant tresses!) Basic vitamin supplements can offer slight improvements in hair quality, but only if our body truly lacks the particular vitamin or mineral being taken.

• Myth: Trimming will make your hair grow stronger, longer, faster or thicker. Since hair is dead, cutting the ends has no effect on what happens at the scalp. Strands will grow at the same predetermined rate each month, and individual strands will grow in at the same thickness as before. While trimming or cutting the hair does seem to give the appearance of thicker hair, this is only because all of the freshly trimmed hairs now have the same, clear endpoint.

• Myth: Expensive products do more! Not necessarily. Always look for ingredients over brand names. There are just as many poorly formulated high-end products as there are bargain ones - and just as many worthy expensive products as there are bargain ones, too!

• Myth: Products made for or marketed to (insert race/ethnicity) cannot be used by those of other backgrounds. False! The ingredients in a product matter much more than to whom the product is marketed. In fact, most products have the same set of three to five base ingredients. Products for "ethnic" hair types tend to be more moisturizing and have more oils and proteins than those for other hair types. Damaged hair needs a good dose of moisture, proteins and oil to regain its healthy appearance. The same holds true for products marketed to those with color-treated hair. Even if your hair is not dyed, using a product for color-treated hair can be beneficial because these shampoo formulas tend to be gentler (to preserve easily washed away hair color) and conditioners tend to be super-conditioning, but lightweight, to help reduce dryness from the coloring process.

• Myth: Washing your hair too often leads to dryness. This depends. Hair can be cleansed as often as you like without dryness, provided you use the proper products to retain moisture. Those who generally have naturally drier hair types (including those of us with curls and highly textured hair) often shy away from frequent cleansing - but water is not the enemy! It's the stripping shampoos and mediocre conditioners we use that are to blame. Using the proper moisturizing and conditioning products at wash time will actually increase your hair's hydration.

About Audrey Davis-Sivasothy

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a Houston-based freelance writer, publisher and longtime, healthy hair care advocate and enthusiast. Sivasothy holds a degree in health science and has written extensively on the science of caring for hair at home.

14 Jan 2013

Following impressive work serving Iowans, Branstad gives Beth Townsend a bonus

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

Townsend changed culture of Iowa Civil Rights Commission to one of dedicated service

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced he has given Iowa Civil Rights Commission Director Beth Townsend a bonus of $5,000 for her impressive work turning the culture of the Commission into one of service to Iowans.

"Beth has turned the Iowa Civil Rights Commission into an exemplary department striving to serve the people of Iowa," said Branstad. "Beth's impressive leadership and management has resulted in more efficient case work, reduced back log, streamlined intake and increased quality."

In June 2011, three Iowa Civil Rights Commission employees were dismissed after a Townsend investigation found they were sending hundreds of emails to each other on personal accounts calling their peers derogatory nicknames during business hours. One of the employees sent, on average, 75 emails a day on his personal account from March 2011 - June 1, 2011. The increase in personal emails resulted in slower case investigation.

"Lt. Gov. Reynolds and I made a commitment to change the culture of state government to one that serves the people of Iowa, not the other way around," Branstad continued. "Iowans deserve a responsive Civil Rights Commission that gives them a fair hearing and takes each investigation seriously."

Under Director Townsend's leadership, the Iowa Civil Rights Commission has:

-          In FY12, reduced the non-housing investigative backlog from 260 cases to 118 cases and a reduction in the average age of cases from over 535 days to 356 days.

-          In FY12, reduced age of the oldest cases in the backlog from complaints filed in 2001 to those filed in December, 2010.

-          Remain on track to eliminate the backlog entirely by the end of FY13.

-          Streamlined complaint intake process, reducing the initial processing time by 71% and reducing the number of delays in the process by over 50%.    Complaints are now being processed within 24-48 hours of receipt of the complaint, as opposed to historical average of 8-10 days.

-          Significantly increased the overall quality and timeliness of all screening and investigative decisions prepared by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

-          Probable cause rate increased 8x in FY12 from previous year and was higher than in any year over the past decade Townsend's current salary is $97,000, the highest possible for her position. The governor's practice is to utilize bonuses to provide a recognition and reward for exemplary performance.

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14 Jan 2013

The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities has Reached the $725,000 Red Kettle Campaign Goal

By Holly Nomura
red_kettle.jpg Davenport, IA: The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities once again met its Red Kettle Campaign goal thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Quad Cities community. A total of $740,622 was collected. That goal consisted of direct mail, red kettle donations and year-end contributions. The $725,000 fund-raising goal accounts for approximately 60 percent of the local Salvation Army's operating budget that is generated from public support.

The funds will help The Salvation Army meet the demand for services for shelter, food, clothing and other basic human needs here in the Quad Cities. "The Salvation Army's work is simply not possible without the people of this community who believe in
what we do. And I'd like to share with them the greatest joys of the season: the warm embraces, tears of joy, handshakes and 'thank yous' from the thousands of families they helped serve," said Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator.

During the 2012 Christmas season, The Salvation Army makes Christmas much brighter for thousands of families in need locally. And more than 2,000 volunteer hours were given in order to make all of the Christmas season's programs possible.

More than 7,000 toys (games, books, stuffed animals and toys of all kinds) were donated through the Angel Tree program. Through the 2012 Christmas Distribution program 2,143 children from 1,036 families had a happy Christmas morning. Food boxes were also distributed to an additional 458 households without children. Combined, The Salvation Army distributed food and gifts to 1,494 families totaling 8,623 people in need in the Quad Cities.

"The statistics mentioned are only a reflection of the many people whose lives were impacted because of YOU! We are grateful to everyone who supported this year's Christmas program, either by supporting the red kettles, purchasing gifts for families, volunteering your precious time, supporting our efforts by spreading the word and encouraging others to participate or praying for the program itself and those we have the honor of serving," said the Major.

Two special match programs contributed to the success of this year's campaign. Hiland Toyota made a large gift that was matched through the Toyota Dealer Match Program. And for the second year in a row, Von Maur matched all donations placed in the Red Kettles at the malls on December 22nd.

The Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest annual charitable fund raiser of its kind in the United States, helps raise money to support programs for the very neediest in communities nationwide providing toys for kids, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round. From its humble beginnings as a fund raiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable outreach efforts in the United States.

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14 Jan 2013

Gov. Branstad appoints eight Iowans to Judicial Nominating Commission

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today appointed eight Iowans to the Judicial Nominating Commission.

 

Iowa Code changes require the State Judicial Nominating Commission to sunset on December 31, 2012. The previous commission composition was based on Congressional Districts from 1965 with one member from each district, for a total of seven members appointed by the governor. The new State Judicial Nominating Commission, based on Congressional Districts following the 2010 census, is effective January 1, 2013 in accordance with the Code of Iowa

 

The new commission has two members from each Congressional District, one male and one female, for a total of eight members appointed by the governor. Lawyers elect eight lawyer members to the commission. Iowa law requires members serve staggered terms. Full terms are six years in length.

 

The following individuals were appointed by Gov. Branstad:

 

Congressional District One

 

Jerry Welter, Monticello (effective January 19, 2013) - term ends April 30, 2014

Kathy Pearson, Cedar Rapids - term ends April 30, 2018

 

Congressional District Two

 

Scott Bailey, Otley - term ends April 30, 2014

Helen Sinclair, Melrose - term ends April 30, 2016

 

Congressional District Three

 

Liz Doll, Council Bluffs - term ends April 30, 2016

John Bloom, West Des Moines - term ends April 30, 2018

 

Congressional District Four

 

Patricia Roberts, Carroll - term ends April 30, 2014

Steve Sukup, Clear Lake - term ends April 30, 2016

 

The governor's appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

 

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14 Jan 2013

Governor Quinn Encourages Protection Against Flu Epidemic Sweeping Illinois and the Nation

By Ryan C. Woods

Reminds Public It's Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

CHICAGO - January 14, 2013. With Illinois and the nation facing a severe flu season and hospitals treating a surge of patients, Governor Pat Quinn and public health officials today urged the public to obtain a vaccination shot, the best protection against the seasonal flu.

"We are facing a very serious flu season both in Illinois and across the country," Governor Quinn said. "We want everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, friends and co-workers. We know that more than 60 percent of the public fails to take the important step of getting a flu shot. If you have not had a flu shot this season, now's the time."

The Governor also reminded Illinois residents that hygiene is also essential to fighting the flu. By washing your hands frequently and covering up when you cough, you can help protect yourself and those around you. And, when you do catch the flu, stay home and let it run its course.

Illinois is one of 24 states that are now reporting higher than normal flu activity this season. The number of flu-related intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalizations so far this year is 368, with 27 flu-related ICU deaths.  The majority of hospitalizations and deaths are of people in their 50s and older. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) expects to see an increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths as more health care providers report cases from previous weeks as well as current cases.

Public health officials note that the flu season imposes a financial cost each year across the nation. CDC projects the total economic burden of each flu season to be $87.1 billion - which includes direct medical costs of $10.4 billion and lost income due to illness or death estimated at $16.3 billion each year. While hospitalization costs are important contributors, lost productivity from missed work days and lost lives comprise the bulk of the economic burden of influenza.

"We are definitely experiencing a severe flu season," said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. "However, we have seen severe flu seasons before. IDPH and health care professionals around the state are doing everything in our power to raise awareness and reduce the number of people who become ill.

The strain of flu that is predominately circulating in Illinois and the country has historically been a more severe strain causing more hospitalizations and deaths.

Common symptoms of flu include sore throat, high fever, cough, body aches and fatigue. The IDPH recommends contacting a health professional before going to an emergency department if you are experiencing flu symptoms. The majority of people suffering from the flu simply need to stay home, rest, use over-the-counter remedies as needed and let the flu run its course. Several hospital emergency departments have recently had to refer patients with such symptoms to other hospitals as they were at capacity. Typically, only people with severe respiratory illness who have trouble breathing need to visit a hospital emergency department.

For those who still need to obtain a flu shot, you can visit www.idph.state.il.us and enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Finder. Although flu vaccine is still widely available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that some doctors' offices and pharmacies are facing shortages. Be sure to call ahead before going to get a vaccination.  Currently manufacturers project producing 135 million doses of flu vaccine this season. At this time, the CDC is indicating there are no known issues with the production of antivirals, such as Tamiflu. However, some areas across the country may experience a shortage because of high demand and pharmacies reordering at the same time.

The vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. The flu season normally runs through March and sometimes later. The estimated effectiveness of the vaccine is 62 percent. If you have been vaccinated, but still get the flu, the vaccine can reduce the amount of time you're sick and the severity of symptoms. By getting vaccinated, you can also help protect infants, the elderly and those with chronic diseases who are at greatest risk for complications due to the flu.

For more information about the seasonal flu shot, visit www.idph.state.il.us/flu/, www.flu.gov, or www.walgreens.com/flu.

 

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