Advisory for Iowa Reporters and Editors

Thursday, May 17, 2012

The failure of the Senate majority to produce a budget blueprint for more than three years means there's no plan for deficit reduction, economic growth or a path toward a balanced federal budget.  Senators voted 99 to 0 against President Obama's budget this week.  Senate Democrats voted against three proposals by Republican senators yet offered none of their own.

There were budget votes in the Senate this week out of tremendous frustration that the Senate majority party has failed to act on its responsibility to produce an annual budget for three years.  The Senate hasn't adopted a budget since April 2009.  Since then, $4 trillion has been added to the national debt.  It's the fourth consecutive year of spending $1 trillion more than we take in.

Because of failed leadership in the Senate, there's been no budget blueprint to lay out priorities for deficit reduction, economic growth or a path to balance.  Our nation is driving toward a fiscal cliff of deficits and debt.  No one in the majority party that controls the Senate's work is willing to take hold of the wheel.

The President proposed a budget in February, but it wasn't credible and it was rejected in the House of Representatives by a vote of 0 to 414.  The Senate rejected it 0 to 99.  The President hasn't done anything to spur responsible action in the Senate.

In contrast, the House of Representatives has met its responsibility in producing and passing a budget.

The bottom line is that Democratic leaders in the Senate and the White House seem content to ignore the fiscal train wreck that's coming and the harm it does to America's economy and jobs situation, putting political maneuvering in front of governing.

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WASHINGTON - Senators Chuck Grassley and Chris Coons today won unanimous support from the Judiciary Committee for their legislation to clarify when a federal law enforcement agent is acting under the color of his office.

The Officer Safety Act, S.2276, would allow a federal law enforcement agent who stops a violent crime while off-duty and is indicted in a state court for those actions to petition for the state criminal prosecution against him to be removed to federal court.

The senators said the bill is narrowly drawn in order to benefit only those officers who have acted appropriately.

"The existing federal removal statute was created so that the agents would not fear prosecutions for performing their jobs, and their duties include assisting victims even when are technically off duty," Grassley said.  "As it stands, however, when the officer, say on a weekend, steps in to protect a victim from a crime of violence that is occurring in his presence, he risks state prosecution and damage to his career.  That might lead him to hesitate.  This is contrary to good public policy."

"Police officers look out for our communities and our families every day, risking their own safety to do so," Coons said. " When I was a county executive, I worked closely with our local law enforcement professionals and witnessed firsthand how our brave officers are trained to detect and prevent dangerous situations, whether they are on-the-clock or not. The Officer Safety Act of 2012 will ensure that 'off duty' federal officers who intercede to protect the lives of others will be held to the same standards as when they are performing their official duties. I applaud my colleagues' work today and for coming together during National Police Week to support our nation's first responders. I hope the bill will be considered by the full Senate soon."

Grassley serves as ranking member and Coons is a member of the Judiciary Committee.  The proposal adopted during the committee meeting this morning was co-sponsored by Senators Tom Coburn, Jeff Sessions, Dianne Feinstein, Amy Klobuchar, Chuck Schumer, Richard Blumenthal, and Richard Durbin.

It is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association, and the National Border Patrol Council.

 

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Weekly Events Header
Hello!
Downtown was packed for Mother's Day weekend and it was great to see so many people enjoying the Beaux Arts Fair and all of our shops and restaurants!  We also celebrated a ribbon cutting for the soon-to-be open Front Street Brewery expansion and Tap Room at the Freight House.  Read this QC-Times article to learn more about what's next for our riverfront landmark, and remember to visit the outdoor Freight House Farmers Market!

BalletIf you love a good fairy tale, don't miss Ballet Quad Cities presentation of The Sleeping Beauty at the Adler Theatre on Saturday.  Next door at the RiverCenter, Metro Mini Makers of the Quad Cities will be holding their 28th Annual Sale & Exhibit of Dollhouse Miniatures. Don't forget to pick up tickets while they last to see Wilco at the Adler in July,  too! 

Guitar wizard and two-time Grammy-winner Laurence Juber will be playing live and hosting a workshop at River Music Experience!  QC Symphony fans will enjoy  Rhythm Unleashed: The Music of Marc Mellits, but don't miss sweet acoustic tunes by  Daphne Willis tonight!  We'd also like to thank Ashford University for helping to sponsor the Laurence Juber show.

 

Ashley Raines, Greg and Susan DirksOld Tire Swingers, and Key N Krates will also perform at RME this week.   Moonlight Bride, Ellis Kell, Lewis Knudsen, and Strategic will each play during RME's Live Lunch series.  Play your own music and get involved with Mandolin JunctionKidz Days, a Drum Clinic with Mike Mangini, and Account Music Club.

 

Be sure to check out the David Plowden's Iowa Exhibit and its opening reception tonight at the Figge Art Museum after the Thursdays at the Figge event.  Create with Kelli begins its monthly summer workshops this week and the final Young Artists at the Figge reception will feature the Pleasant Valley school district.  If you've never been to the Figge, consider singing up for a guided museum tour.

 

Wine Make your reservations this evening for a  Five Course Wine Dinner at the Bix Bistro, and swing by Rhythm City to enjoy a free performance by Jordan Danielsen Friday and Saturday.    Also on Friday, Low Down will be playing at Brady Street Pub.

 

D Logo Small Our summer festivals will be here before you know it!  Check out our complete festival list on our brand new Downtown Website to start planning your summer fun.

 

See you downtown!

 

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Friday, May 18

 

An Evening with Two-Time Grammy-Winner Laurence Juber Presented by Ashford University

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: $18 advance; $22 day of show


Ashley Raines

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE


Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 6:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m, and 8:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Cellarman's Series: Firkin Friday!

Where: Great River Brewery

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Free Gift & a Bonus Play Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.
Price: 500 points earned on Friday

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Jordan Danielsen

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Ellis Kell

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Low Down

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Metro Mini Makers of the Quad Cities - Sale & Exhibit of Dollhouse Miniatures

Where: RiverCenter, Great Hall

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 for Adults; $2 for Children under 10

Website

 

Military Appreciation Week

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Breakfast or Lunch

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Red Eye Breakfast

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Price: $4.99

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Wine Down Friday's

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Price: $4 Glasses of Wine

Website

 

Saturday, May 19

Ballet Quad Cities presents The Sleeping Beauty

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Price: $10, $19, $25, $27, and $32

Website

 

Brewery Tours

Where: Great River Brewery
Time: Noon, 1:00 p.m, 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m.
Price: N/A
Create with Kelli: May is for Mobiles
Where: Figge Art Museum
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Price: $5 per person includes museum admission and art activity

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Exhibit: Beetle to Benz
Where: German American Heritage Center
Time: All Day
Price: Museum Admission ($5), or FREE with membership

Exhibition: David Plowden's Iowa

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Locating Place: Perceptions of Space in 20th Century Photography

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Sculpting with Fiber

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition: Young Artists at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Freight House Farmers Market

Where: Freight House Farmer's Market

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Greg and Susan Dirks

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Jordan Danielson

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Kidz Day at RME Featuring Shellie Moore Guy

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Price: $5 for parent, accompanied children are free

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Lewis Knudsen

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Metro Mini Makers of the Quad Cities - Sale & Exhibit of Dollhouse Miniatures

Where: RiverCenter, Great Hall

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: $5 for Adults; $2 for Children under 10

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 1:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Red Eye Breakfast

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 11 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Price: $4.99

Website

Follow on  Facebook and  Twitter

 

Rhythm Unleashed: The Music of Marc Mellits Presented by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $18; Students - $7

Website

 

Rugby Game

Where: Centennial Park

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Price: N/A

Website

 

Sunday, May 20

 

$3,000 Sunday Shake Up Slot Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Autos meet Architecture

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 2:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($5), or FREE with membership

Website

 

Exhibition Reception: Young Artists at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 12:30 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($7), or FREE with membership

Website

 

May Birthday Bash

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Price: May Birthday

Website

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 2:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Davenport, Iowa - May 17, 2012 - Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, the Davenport Flotilla of
the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering free vessel safety checks from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. at the Marquette St. boat ramp in Davenport, IA.

A vessel safety check is a safety inspection provided by a trained member of the United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary. These inspections cover everything a recreational boater needs to be in compliance
with federal and state boating laws. Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel examiners are not law enforcement
and there are no consequences for failing a vessel safety check. All vessel safety checks performed
by the Coast Guard Auxiliary are voluntary. The purpose for these inspections is to help the boating
public learn what they need in order to be safe on the water this summer. Those who pass will
receive the red vessel safety check decal to place on their boat indicating that they have been
inspected, and were at the time carrying all applicable safety equipment required by law.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Davenport Department of Parks and Recreation are teaming up
for this event on the first two days of National Safe Boating Week. The goal is to help keep the
community informed and safe this boating season. The emphasis of both the Coast Guard Auxiliary
and the Department of Parks and Recreation is on prevention. "If we can stop a boating accident
before it happens then we have done our job" says Joseph Cordogan, a Flotilla Staff Officer from the
Davenport Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. "Too often we hear about boating accidents that were
preventable through proper safety education."

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is an organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting the
United States Coast Guard and its missions. Auxiliary members are a uniformed civilian part of the
Coast Guard Forces. They teach safe boating classes, perform vessel safety checks, conduct on the
water safety patrols, act as an outlet for safe boating information, and much more. For more
information on this weekend's vessel safety check days, contact the Davenport Flotilla of the United
States Coast Guard Auxiliary at (563) 265-6866.

###
Monday, May 21, 2012

Special Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt

2. Tour of Scott County secondary roads.

3. Other items of interest.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Cusack, Earnhardt, Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch

Presentation

2. Discussion with the following Authorized Agencies:

10:00 A.M. - Bi-State Regional Commission - Denise Bulat

10:30 A.M. - Humane Society - Pam Arndt

11:00 A.M. - 7th Judicial District Correctional Services - Jim Wayne

Facilities & Economic Development

3. Approval of temporary road closures for the Quad City Triathlon on June 16, 2012.
(Item 3)

4. Approval of the Final Plat of Oak Valley Addition. (Item 4)

5. Discussion of request by Jeff Smid to rezone 1.17 acres from Commercial Light
Industrial (C-2) to Heavy Manufacturing District (M). (Item 5)

6. Discussion of City of LeClaire's Urban Renewal Area expansion. (Item 6)

Human Resources

7. Approval of personnel actions. (Item 7)

Health & Community Services

8. Approval of the FY13 County Agreement with the Center for Alcohol and Drug
Services, Inc. (Item 8)

Finance & Intergovernmental

9. Approval of the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group Intergovernmental
Agreement renewal. (Item 9)

10. Approval of ordinance to adopt the 2012 County Code. (Item 10)

11. Approval of cigarette licenses and permits: Perfect Value Liquor Mart, Davenport
Country Club, Casey's General Store and Mt. Joy BP/Amoco.

12. Approval of appointment to the Airport Zoning Commission. (Item 12)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Regular Board Meeting - 5:30 pm
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Public Hearing - 5:30 pm
Rezoning request in Sheridan Twp from C-1 to M

For 31 years, Waverly resident held during Iran Hostage Crisis has been blocked from seeking damages from Iranian government

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) and Republican Rep. Ilena Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18) today launched a bipartisan legislative effort aimed at winning justice for 66 Americans held hostage at the US Embassy in Tehran, Iran, 31 years ago.  One of the hostages, Kathryn L. Koob, is a resident of Waverly, Iowa.

Since their release, the Americans have been barred by the US government from bringing suit against Iran and seeking justice for atrocities committed against them while in captivity for more than a year.

The "Justice for the American Diplomats Held Hostage in Tehran Act" would double fines and penalties levied against US companies that do business with Iran and redirect half of the amount to a newly established trust for the American hostages, the estates of deceased hostages, and their families.  Braley took up the cause after meeting several times with Koob.

"For more than three decades, justice has been denied to this group of American heroes," Braley said.  "It's time for the United States to stand behind the men and women who put their lives on the line for us, enduring torture and unimaginable terror during their long ordeal.  Our bill would finally bring compassion and closure to the hostages and their families, and close a dark chapter in our nation's history."

On November 4th, 1979, Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran and took a group of 66 American diplomats hostage.  52 Americans ended up being held captive for a total of 444 days.  The Algiers Accords, signed on January 19th, 1981, resolved the hostage crisis, but stipulated that the hostages could not bring claims against Iran for their captivity.

In April, the New York Times profiled the hostages and their ongoing effort to win damages from Iran.

The text of the "Justice for the American Diplomats Held Hostage in Tehran Act" can be downloaded at the following link:  http://go.usa.gov/p23

# # #

By: Rep. Bruce Braley

The Farm Bill is arguably the single most important piece of federal legislation that affects Iowa jobs and the Iowa economy.  From renewable energy to conservation programs, from crop insurance to agricultural research and rural development, the Farm Bill has an enormous impact on our state.  There just isn't much that the Farm Bill doesn't touch here in Iowa.

Every five years, Congress has the opportunity to improve the Farm Bill so that it more effectively enables American farmers to provide for themselves and produce high quality, affordable food for Americans and people all over the world.  The current Farm Bill expires on September 30th of this year, meaning Congress is due to debate and pass a new bill this summer.

I've embarked on a series of Farm Bill listening sessions with the USDA's Iowa Rural Development Director, Bill Menner, in communities across eastern Iowa to listen to Iowans and get their feedback on what needs to be included in this important bill.  Maybe I've already seen you in Independence, Vinton, Marengo, Grinnell, Toledo, or Marshalltown.  Or maybe I'll see you soon in your area.

I've gotten a lot of good feedback from the sessions already.

I've heard a lot about the recent successes of Iowa's agriculture economy.  Even in the face of the economic downturn that began in 2009, U.S. farm exports have enjoyed double digit gains every year. American agricultural exports to China alone have increased by 50% since the last Farm Bill in 2008.   In 2011 agricultural trade resulted in a net positive balance of nearly $43 billion, and total exports are expected to exceed $136 billion in 2012.  So the next Farm Bill must ensure our farmers are able to continue working in the face of market fluctuations, to both safeguard our domestic food supply but also to sustain this growing international competitiveness.

Another frequent concern is the crop insurance program.  In 2011, devastating flooding on the Missouri River caused an estimated $207 million in losses for Iowa farmers in just six counties along the river. Cases like this highlight the importance of crop insurance in protecting farmers during unexpected catastrophes.  Maintaining and strengthening the crop insurance program is important to many, many Iowans.

Congress has a lot of work to do to create a bill that will benefit both producers and consumers by the September 30th deadline, but doing nothing is just not acceptable.  There's a lot of division and disagreement in Washington, but the Farm Bill isn't a political game.  Both parties in Congress should rally around farmers and agree on a Farm Bill framework that expands opportunities in the growing agriculture industry.

In the meantime, I hope to see you at my Farm Bill listening sessions in the near future.

# # #
EPA, FDA, NPS, National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention Highlight Sun Safety Tips for 'Don't Fry Day': May 25th

WASHINGTON - As summer quickly approaches, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has joined the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Park Service (NPS) to emphasize the dangers of skin cancer and has provided simple steps Americans can take to protect themselves. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day "Don't Fry Day" as a way to highlight sun safety.

"Skin cancer prevention and sun safety are important issues for EPA - our primary mission is to protect people's health and the environment," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "While the agency has made steady progress protecting the Earth's ozone layer, the SunWise program and Don't Fry Day help teach children and families simple steps to stay safe in the sun and protect themselves from harmful UV rays."

"The risk of skin cancer is very real. It's therefore important that consumers prevent sunburn and protect themselves from the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging throughout the year," said FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, M.D. "The FDA strongly recommends that consumers regularly use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher in combination with other protective measures to more effectively protect themselves and their families whenever they are in the sun."

"Whether you hike or stroll, paddle a canoe or kayak or just sit in a mountain meadow watching the clouds go by, remember to put on your hat, apply sunscreen and have plenty of water to drink," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "These sun safety tips will protect your skin and I think guarantee that we'll see you often in your national parks."

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and the most common cancer among 20 to 30 year-olds. It's estimated that one American dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Approximately 76,000 new cases of melanoma will occur this year.

To help protect people's health, EPA's SunWise program, one of the nation's largest environmental and health education programs, encourages kids and their caregivers to practice safe sun habits and raises awareness about UV sunlight that penetrates the Earth's ozone layer.

Here are some tips to help Americans continue to exercise, get outside and be SunWise this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer:

Check the UV Index app: Check the ultraviolet (UV) index anytime by downloading EPA's app (epa.gov/enviro/mobile) to help plan outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. UV rays from the sun (and from artificial light sources such as tanning beds) can lead to skin cancer.

Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing: Apply a palm-full of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to exposed skin about 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours. Wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses also prevents sun damage.

Seek shade, not sun: The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so seek shade during this time.

Although less common in individuals with darker complexions, skin cancer does not discriminate and is more often fatal for individuals with darker skin. Overexposure to the sun also causes immune suppression and up to 90 percent of wrinkles, brown spots, leathering of the skin and sagging.

EPA's SunWise program offers factsheets online that have state-specific information (epa.gov/sunwise/statefacts.html). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the states with the highest melanoma death rates include Nebraska, Vermont, Colorado, Kentucky, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Idaho.

More on SunWise: http://www.epa.gov/sunwise

More on FDA sun safety: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm258416.htm

More on NPS Healthy Parks Healthy People: http://www.nps.gov/public_health/hp/hphp.htm

More on CDC skin cancer prevention efforts: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention social media opportunities: http://twibbon.com/cause/Don39t-Fry-Day-7/Join

Roth, Vargas Llosa, Boyle, Brooks, Cornwell, Eugenides, Finney

To Speak at 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival

 

Event to Take Place on National Mall Sept. 22 and 23

 

Renowned authors Philip Roth, Mario Vargas Llosa, T.C. Boyle, Geraldine Brooks, Patricia Cornwell, Jeffrey Eugenides, and poet Nikky Finney will be among more than 100 writers speaking at the 12th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, between 9th and 14th streets on the National Mall.  The event, free and open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine.

Other authors and poets slated to appear at the festival include Natalie Babbitt, Bob Balaban, Robert Caro, Stephen L. Carter, Sandra Cisneros, Michael Connelly, Junot Diaz, Thomas Friedman, Joy Harjo, Steve Inskeep, Walter Isaacson, Jewel, Poet Laureate Philip Levine, Mike Lupica, Lois Lowry, David Maraniss, Chris Matthews, Walter Dean Myers, Mary Pope Osborne, Chris Raschka, Marilynne Robinson, Lisa Scottoline, R.L. Stine, Elizabeth Dowling Taylor, Craig Thompson, Colson Whitehead and Daniel Yergin.

The 2012 National Book Festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions, including two Sunday-only pavilions: Graphic Novels/Science Fiction and Special Presentations.  Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, have photos taken with PBS storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities. An estimated 200,000 people attended in 2011.

Details about the Library of Congress National Book Festival can be found on its website at www.loc.gov/bookfest/. The website offers a variety of features, and new material will be added to the website as authors continue to join this year's lineup.

The 12th Library of Congress National Book Festival is part of a larger Library of Congress "Celebration of the Book" in 2012 and 2013. The celebration will encompass several events and an exhibition, opening late in June in the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building, featuring "Books That Shaped America."

"The book's role in passing knowledge from person to person, from generation to generation, is unique and irreplaceable," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

Philip Roth won the Pulitzer Prize in 1997 for "American Pastoral." In 1998 he received the National Medal of Arts at the White House, and in 2002 received the highest award of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Gold Medal in Fiction. He has twice won the National Book Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. "The Plot Against America" won the Society of American Historians' prize for outstanding historical novel on an American theme in 2003-2004.

Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa, winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize for Literature, has used his writing to oppose authoritarianism and to condemn societies that fetter personal freedom. His works include "The Time of the Hero" (1963), "The Green House" (1966), "Conversation in the Cathedral" (1969), "The War of the End of the World" (1987), "The Storyteller" (1987) and "The Dream of the Celt" (2010). In the early 1970s Vargas Llosa began to advocate democracy and the free market. In the late 1980s he ran unsuccessfully for the presidency of Peru, recorded in his memoir "A Fish in the Water" (1993).

T. C.  Boyle is the author of 22 books, including, most recently, "When the Killing's Done" (2011). His awards include the PEN/Faulkner Prize for best novel of the year ("World's End," 1988) and the PEN/Malamud Prize in the short story ("T.C. Boyle Stories," 1999).

Author Geraldine Brooks, a native of Australia, worked as a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and in 1982 won a scholarship to the journalism master's program at Columbia University in New York City. Later she worked for The Wall Street Journal, where she covered crises in the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans. Brooks was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel "March." Her first novel, "Year of Wonders," was an international bestseller, and "People of the Book" became a New York Times bestseller.

Jeffrey Eugenides, a native of Detroit, published his first novel, "The Virgin Suicides," to acclaim in 1993. His novel "Middlesex" won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Yale Review, Best American Short Stories, The Gettysburg Review and Granta's "Best of Young American Novelists."

Patricia Cornwell is an award-winning and best-selling writer of forensic mysteries that focus on medical autopsies and investigations. Her novels are prized for their authenticity and revealing glimpses into the psychology of professionals at work. Cornwell has expanded the role of the female detective in the mystery genre; her early journalistic work, in which she witnessed autopsies, contributes detail to her writing.

Poet Nikky Finney came of age during the civil rights and Black Arts Movements. At Talladega College, nurtured by Hale Woodruff's Amistad murals, Finney began to understand the powerful synergy between art and history. She has authored four books of poetry: "Head Off & Split" (2011) which won the 2011 National Book Award for poetry; "The World Is Round" (2003); "Rice" (1995); and "On Wings Made of Gauze" (1985). A professor of English and creative writing at the University of Kentucky, Finney also authored "Heartwood" (1997) edited "The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South" (2007), and co-founded the Affrilachian Poets.

Other poets, authors or illustrators slated to participate in the Library of Congress National Book Festival include Katherine Applegate, Avi, Fergus Bordewich, Natalie Pope Boyce, Christopher Bram, Giannina Braschi, Peter Brown, Douglas Brinkley, Bryan Collier, James Dashner, Anna Dewdney, Michael Dirda, Maria Dueñas, Stephen Dunn, John A. Farrell, Sharon Flake, John Gaddis, Michael Grant, Linda Greenhouse, Jenny Hahn, Charlaine Harris, Paul Hendrickson, Ellen Hopkins, Nalo Hopkinson, Tony Horwitz, Eloise James, Tayari Jones, Laura Kasischke, Charles Kupchan, Hope Larson, David Levithan, Margot Livesey, Thomas Mallon, Leonard Marcus, Sonia Manzano, Steven Millhauser, Corey Olsen, Patricia Polacco, Laura Amy Schlitz, Francesca Serritella, Susan Richards Shreve, Anita Silvey, Sally Bedell Smith, Jerry Spinelli, Philip C. and Erin E. Stead, Margie Stiefvater, David Ezra Stein, David O. Stewart, Raina Telgemeier, Jeffrey Toobin, Justin Torres, Vernor Vinge, Siobhan Vivian, Eric Weiner and Jacqueline Woodson.

Internationally known artist Rafael López, who has illustrated several books including "The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred" by Samantha  R. Vamos, "My Name is Celia, Me Llamo Celia" by Monica Brown, "Our California" by Pam Muñoz Ryan and "Book Fiesta!" and "Yum! MmMm! Que Rico!" by Pat Mora, designed the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival poster and will speak at the festival.

Representatives from across the United States and its territories will celebrate their unique literary offerings in the Pavilion of the States.  The Let's Read America Pavilion will offer reading activities that are fun for the whole family. The Library of Congress Pavilion will showcase treasures in the Library's vast online collections and offer information about Library programs. Sponsor Target will reprise its  "Family Storytelling Stage" featuring authors and musical acts popular with young children.

The 2012 National Book Festival is made possible through the generous support of National Book Festival Board Co-Chair David M. Rubenstein; Charter Sponsors Target, The Washington Post and Wells Fargo; Patrons the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts and PBS KIDS; Contributors Barnes & Noble; Digital Bookmobile powered by OverDrive and Scholastic Inc.; and?in the Friends category--the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, The Hay Adams and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Thanks also to C-SPAN2's Book TV, The Junior League of Washington and The Links.

The Library of Congress, the nation's oldest federal cultural institution, is the world's preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled collections and integrated resources to Congress and the American people. Many of the Library's rich resources and treasures may be accessed through the Library's website, www.loc.gov.

 

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A veterinarian is asking anyone who will listen - legislators, judges, fellow pet owners - if the loss of a pet is akin to the loss of furniture, a computer or a car.

Kenneth Newman, a 33-year veterinarian and author of Meet Me at the Rainbow Bridge (www.meetmeattherainbowbridge.com), has proposed a law that answers his question. Gracie's Law recognizes the emotional bond between pet and owner by entitling the owner of a pet killed through an act of malice or negligence to $25,000 in damages.

"It's time we change the laws to more accurately reflect what pets mean to the average American," says Newman.

Gracie's Law would not supersede current laws, he says, which entitle owners to the property value of their pet. And it would not replace criminal prosecution for acts of malice. And owners who decline a recommended veterinarian procedure to save a pet would not be held accountable under the law, he says.

Newman's dog Gracie was killed in April 2008 when a negligent driver backed up 25 yards without looking, crushing Newman and Gracie between two vehicles. The vet escaped with a broken leg; Gracie saved his life, he says.

"An attorney looked me in the eye and said that my dog was a piece of property, that I wasn't entitled to anything for the dog, and that this was a simple broken-leg case," he says.

In every state, he says, laws view pets as property. Owners are entitled to no more than replacement value; no law takes into consideration the loss of companionship, grief, or pain and suffering.

Newman says that doesn't jibe with Americans' attitude toward their pets. According to an American Animal Hospital Association survey, 90 percent of owners consider their animals part of the family. Other findings:

• 52 percent of Americans would rather be stranded on a deserted island with their pet than with another person.

• 83 percent call themselves "Mommy" or "Daddy" in reference to their pet.

• 59 percent celebrate their pet's birthday.

Cases involving pet owners' bonds are increasingly showing up in the courts, Newman points out:

• Matrimonial law: Attorneys have experienced a 23 percent increase in pet cases, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. This includes custody battles over pets, veterinarian bills and visitation rights. Harvard now has a course dedicated to pet law.

• The North Carolina Court of Appeals: While the plaintiff's wrongful death lawsuit was denied, animal activists applaud a judge's willingness to at least hear a case involving a Jack Russell terrier that died while undergoing tube feeding at a state facility.

• Texas justice: On Nov. 3, 2011, Fort Worth's 2nd Court of Appeals ruled that value can be attached to the love of a dog. That overruled a 120-year-old Texas Supreme Court case, which held that plaintiffs can only recoup the market value of their pets.

• Largest award: In April, a Denver judge awarded Robin Lohre $65,000 for the death of her dog, Ruthie. Lohre had accused Posh Maids cleaning service of negligence for allowing the dog to get outside, where it was hit by a car. Newman notes this sets a new precedent for pet value, but that such uncapped awards may threaten affordable veterinary care.

To read Gracie's Law and copy it to share, visit meetmeattherainbowbridge.com, click "image gallery" and scroll down.

About Kenneth Newman DVM

Kenneth Newman graduated from Purdue University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1979, and has since been a practicing vet. He experienced a badly broken leg and the death of his Labrador retriever Gracie due to the negligence of a driver in April 2008. Since then, he has proposed and advocated Gracie's Law, which recognizes that pets are more than common property. Newman lives with his wife and their son, as well as several pets.

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