Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today urged Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to immediately reconsider an Air Force recommendation that would lead to the loss of all F-16 fighter aircraft operated by the Iowa Air National Guard in Des Moines.

21 jets at the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard would be removed within two years under the plan, part of a larger effort to cut $8.7 billion from the Air Force budget.

"The Air Force gets an incredible value from the experienced pilots and maintenance personnel of the 132nd Fighter Wing," Braley said.  "That's why I'm disappointed that the Air Force has chosen to target one of the most cost-efficient units in their force to find savings.

 

"It doesn't make sense that the Iowa Air National Guard is on the chopping block while less efficient units and less experienced pilots are preserved as part of this plan.  How can you justify this decision when it's not in the best interest of our national security and not in the best interest of American taxpayers?"

 

Braley met earlier today with Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Timothy Orr and senior leaders of the Iowa Air National Guard to discuss the Air Force proposal.  Tomorrow, Braley will join the rest of the Iowa Congressional delegation for a meeting with Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley to discuss the removal of the jets.

Braley made the request in a letter to Secretary Panetta.  Text of the letter follows; a copy of the signed letter is attached.

--

 

February 8, 2012

 

Secretary Leon Panetta

Department of Defense

1000 Defense Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20301

 

Dear Secretary Panetta,

I write with serious concern regarding the Air Force's recently clarified decisions on force restructuring and its impact on the Air National Guard.  The combat aircraft retirements and re-missioning discussed in the Air Force proposal unduly affect the Air National Guard over the Active Component, and do not reflect an effort to maintaining the Guard and Reserve or show a balanced approach to achieving budget efficiencies.

Mr. Secretary, you've stated yourself that the Guard and Reserve forces have proved their combat readiness and combat effectiveness over the past 10 years.  As decisions are made to reorient our force and drawdown our current combat commitments, we must work to maintain that readiness and effectiveness while also capitalizing on the wealth of knowledge and experience within our Guard and Reserve units to maintain the total force.  The Air Force proposal highlights the value of our Guard forces in associations with the active component while also removing a significant number of combat aircraft from them

Furthermore, I have serious concerns over the lack of budgetary consideration in the decision. While I applaud the Air Force's efforts to find budget efficiencies through the early retirement and delayed procurement of some aircraft, I have great concern that the bulk of retirements appear to come at the expense of Guard and Reserve units.  The Guard and Reserve are highly efficient forces, maintaining experienced pilots and performing many of the same missions of active component forces when activated at a much lower costs to the Active Component over the long-term. The shifts of combat aircraft to Active Component and elimination of missions in the Guard Component achieves significantly less savings than if the situation were reversed. Furthermore, the decisions to replace combat air force missions in the guard with unmanned aircraft Remote Split Operations missions also make little budgetary sense as there is a continued need for unmanned aircraft in Afghanistan and elsewhere. These missions will require a significant investment of time beyond the standard drill periods of many of our Guard that will have a higher cost and a greater impact on our Guardsmen's civilian careers.

I recognize that the funding constraints we currently face require difficult decisions to be made in prioritizing the roles and resources of all aspects of the Air Force. I am disappointed that faced with these challenges, the Air Force chose to target one of the most efficient aspects of their force in finding reductions.  This proposal is deeply flawed and deserves a full explanation of the budgetary analysis that went into making it.  I urge you to reconsider this decision to better protect the National Guard and support its long-term viability as part of the force.

Thank you for your consideration of this important issue.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Braley

Member of Congress

 

Cc: Mr. Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force

 

# # #

Iowa Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments in Council Bluffs

Des Moines, February 8, 2012? On March 7, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Council Bluffs. The proceeding will take place in the Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College, 2700 College Road. The session will begin at 7 p.m.

The court will hear lawyers argue in two cases:

Mall Real Estate v. City of Hamburg

Plaintiff, Mall Real Estate, asked the Iowa District Court for Fremont County to declare that the City of Hamburg's "sexually-oriented business" ordinance either did not apply to plaintiff's business or that it was an unconstitutional regulation and could not be enforced against plaintiff's business. The district court found the ordinance did apply to plaintiff's business and that it was a constitutional regulation. Plaintiff appeals the district court determination.

The lawyers for Mall Real Estate are: Brian B. Vakulskas and Daniel P. Vakulskas, Sioux City, and W. Andrew McCullough, Utah. The lawyer for the City of Hamburg is Raymond R. Aranza, Cedar Rapids.

American Civil Liberties Union v. Atlantic School District

Petitioner, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), seeks additional information regarding discipline imposed on two school district employees after a "locker room strip search" of five female students. The Atlantic School District claims Iowa law does not require public disclosure of such job performance documents. The ACLU argues the Iowa Court of Appeals incorrectly interpreted a recent legislative amendment that should have permitted disclosure of the disciplinary action.

The lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union is: Randall C. Wilson, Des Moines. The lawyers for the Atlantic Community School District are: Brett S. Nitzschke, and Emily K. Ellingson, Cedar Rapids.

"The Court looks forward to visiting Council Bluffs and appreciates the hospitality of Iowa Western Community College," Chief Justice Mark Cady said. "We received tremendous response from the three communities we traveled to last year. There was a great community turnout in each city and the people saw a court in action and how we work to resolve very complex issues. This is an opportunity for Iowans to see firsthand how legal matters that involve important issues can arise in the lives of Iowans and how the justice system and the rule of law operate to settle disputes and ensure the rights of all Iowans are fairly and impartially protected."

 

# # #

Hello!
Headlining our lineup of events this week is the IA/IL Regional Auto Show, which features everything from the hottest new cars to a variety of family activities.  Sunday is Family Day, so bring the kids to enjoy a bounce houses, a Niabi Zoo exhibit, and more.

Rodney C Tonight, comedian and songwriter Rodney Carrington is performing live at the Adler Theatre!  If you'd prefer an evening of symphonic music, don't miss the QCSO Masterworks Series at the theater Saturday.  Tickets to either show would make a great early Valentines Day gift!

The iconic Leon Redbone is returning to the QC this week for an intimate concert at River Music Experience!  RME is also hosting performances by
The Damn Choir & American Dust
, Casual Affair, QC Kix Band, and Chris Colson.  Area musicians should also take advantage of Songwriters in the Round, Acoustic Music Club, and the Open Mic Contest

Tell your friends who love live theater to check out The White Rose Play at the German American Heritage Center.  Thursdays at the Figge is back with a special Black History Month Talk, and consider joining a Sunday tour or Figure Drawing Class during your next visit to the museum.

The Whoozdads will be playing their crowd pleasing tunes this weekend at Rhythm City, and stop by the casino later to enjoy a free Cooking Show or live music by Jordan Danielsen.  Remember to pay a visit to the Freight House Farmers Market Tuesday or Saturday to find fresh local goods, too.

Buy Local NewValentine's Day reservations are coming in quickly for all of our downtown restaurants, but it's not too late!  Check out our list of downtown restaurants to book reservations today, and follow our Facebook page for more Valentine's Day specials

HeartShop downtown for your Valentine's Day gifts, too!  From flowers and spa gift cards to music, clothes, artwork, books and more, you're sure to find something special for your sweetheart. 

Connect with QC professionals at a fun and casual business after-hours networking event tonight (Thursday) at 5 p.m. in the Executive Square Building! Plan to enjoy food by Qdoba and meet new people this evening  in the historic home of the Davenport Chamber at 400 N. Main Street.

See you downtown!

 

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This Week's Events: February 9 - February 15


Thursday, February 9

 

$2,800 Bank It Blackjack Tournament

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: Registration 5 p.m. Tournament 6 p.m.

Price: $20 entry fee

Website

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$50,000 Sweet Winnings Candy Bar

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Brady Street Pub Lunch Specials & Happy Hour

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: Lunch specials every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Time: Happy Hour specials every weekday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Time: Sunday, drink specials all day

Prices: See website

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Exhibition Reception: Fins & Feathers

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Mike Cochrane

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Million Points Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 10:00 a.m., Noon, and 2:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

River's Edge Monthly Turf & Ice Schedule

Discover dozens of sporting events at River's Edge!  Follow the links below to see the complete ice and turf schedule for the month.

Ice Schedule

Turf Schedule

Website

 

Rodney Carrington - Laughter's Good Tour

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $43.75

Website

 

Thursdays at the Figge

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Website

 

Trivia Challenge - Win Gift Certificates!

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Friday, February 10

 

$15,000 Sweet Winnings Giveaway

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

All-Ages Show Featuring A Casual Affair, Kings, Haddonfield, My Beautiful Mistake

Where: River Music Experience, Performance Hall

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Price: $6

Website

 

Exhibition: Beyond the Surface: Charles Turzak Prints from the Great Depression

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

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

Website

 

Exhibition: Fins and Feathers

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

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

Website

 

Exhibition: Restoring the Spirit: Celebrating Haitian Art

Where: Figge Art Museum

Time: 10:00 a.m.

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

Website

 

Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $7 and under

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Live Lunch with Tony Hoeppner

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

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

 

The Damn Choir with American Dust

Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage

Time: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

The Whoozdads

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Price: FREE live entertainment,

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Valentine's Weekend Pre-Fix Menu

Where: Hotel Blackhawk, Bix Bistro

Time: N/A

Price: $42 per person

Website

 

Saturday, February 11

 

An Evening with Leon Redbone

Where: River Music Experience, Redstone Room

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Price: $26 in advance, $30 day of show

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

 

Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show

Where: RiverCenter

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Price: $7 and under

Website

 

Jammin' At The Edge - Live Band!

Where: River's Edge

Time: 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Price: $10 admission, $3 skate rental

Website

 

Kilkenny's Live Music

Where: Kilkenny's Pub

Time: 9 p.m.

Price: FREE

Website

 

Ladies Day Saturdays

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Public Skate

Where: River's Edge

Time: 2:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Price: $5 and up

Website

 

Quad City Symphony Orchestra: Masterworks Series - Valentine's Day

Where: The Adler Theatre

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Price: $11 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

 

Songwriters in the Round
Where: River Music Experience, Community Stage
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Website

 

The White Rose: A True Story of Freedom in Nazi Germany - Live Reading

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Price: Museum Admission ($5 and under)

Website

 

The Whoozdads

Where: Rhythm City Casino
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Valentine's Day Gala

Where: Hotel Blackhawk

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Price: $125

Website

 

Valentine's Dinner with the Bandits

Where: Modern Woodman Park
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Price: $60 to $90 per couple
Website

Valentine's Weekend Pre-Fix Menu

Where: Hotel Blackhawk, Bix Bistro

Time: N/A

Price: $42 per person

Website

 

Zither Ensemble

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Price: Museum Admission, or FREE with membership

Website

 

Sunday, February 12
$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

 

Brady Street Pub Sunday Special

Where: Brady Street Pub

Time: All Day

Price: $2 domestic bottles

Website

 

Drop-In Hockey (Adult)

Where: River's Edge

Time: 9:45 p.m. - 11:15 p.m.

Price: $10

Website

 

Exhibition: The White Rose

Where: German American Heritage Center

Time: All Day

Price: Museum Admission ($5 and under), or FREE with Membership

Website

 

Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show

Where: RiverCenter

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

Price: $7 and under

Website


Main Library Open

Where: Davenport Public Library - Main Branch

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

Price: N/A

Website

 

Men's Day Sundays

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

 

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro

Where: Blackhawk Hotel

Time: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Price: Adults - $17.95 and Kids - $8.95

Website

 

Sunday Shopping Spree

Where: Rhythm City Casino

Time: 6:00 p.m. - Midnight

Price: FREE

Website

Follow on Facebook and

You Probably Know What's In Your Kids' Peanut Butter, But Do You
Know What's In Their Toothpaste?

Most parents are careful about learning what's in the stuff their kids eat and drink. They avoid artificial dyes, preservatives, chemicals, and sweeteners. Yet ask just about any of those same folks if they have ever looked at what is in their toothpaste and you'll likely get blank stares.

Considering the fact that children - and adults -- ingest toothpaste twice a day every day, it's probably the most frequent thing we put in our mouths other than water or other beverages. And still, most people have never looked at what is in their toothpaste.

Dentist and national oral health care expert Harold Katz, (www.therabreath.com), suggests that needs to change. Many ingredients in some commercial toothpastes are of questionable benefit and some are just plain bad for you.

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the hidden toxins in foods, beverages and eating and drinking utensils, he says. They avoid high fat and high sodium foods, sulfates in their personal care products, aerosol sprays, and toxic chemicals in their household cleaners.

"They're taking no chances, and rightfully so. Remember the rush to replace plastic baby bottles with glass ones after the BPA scare in 2008?" he asked.

However there has been a surprising lack of attention to toothpaste, Katz says. The dentist suggests that all consumers - but especially parents - take the time to read their toothpaste tubes today. Effects of potentially unhealthy toothpaste ingredients are multiplied in the smaller bodies of children.

Here are a few ingredients to stay away from:

• FD&C blue dye No. 2: This commonly used toothpaste dye is one of several on the list of additives to avoid, maintained by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It's said to be linked to learning, behavioral and health problems, severe allergic reactions, and headaches, among other problems.

• Sodium lauryl sulfate: The American College of Toxicology reports this ingredient in cosmetics and industrial cleaning agents can cause skin corrosion and irritation. Doses of .8 to 110 grams/kilogram in lab rats caused depression, labored breathing, diarrhea and death in 4 out of 20 animals.

• Triclosan: An anti-microbial ingredient, the federal Environmental Protection Agency lists triclosan as a pesticide and regulates its use in over-the-counter toothpastes and hand soaps. According to the agency's fact sheet, "Studies on the thyroid and estrogen effects led EPA to determine that more research on the potential health consequences of endocrine effects of triclosan is warranted. ... Because of the amount of research being planned and currently in progress, it will undertake another comprehensive review of triclosan beginning in 2013."

• Saccharin and aspartame: Both of these artificial sweeteners are on the Center for Science in the Public Interest's list of additives to avoid.

Toothpaste buyers should look for natural ingredients, such as aloe vera juice, which cleans and soothes teeth and gums and helps fight cavities, according to the May/June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical, peer-reviewed journal. Aloe vera tooth gel is said to kill disease-causing bacteria in the mouth, Katz says.

Also, avoid all toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a harsh detergent that has been linked to canker sores. Toothpastes that are free of sulfates include Weleda's Salt Toothpaste, TheraBreath and Tom's of Maine.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and get children into the habit from a young age, Katz says. You'll have fresh breath, avoid painful dental problems, and be far more likely to have your teeth in your mouth when you go to sleep at night as you age.

Just be sure to check what's in your family's toothpaste and avoid buying anything with problematic ingredients. And when it comes to brushing kids teeth use a pea-sized drop of paste on the brush - no more - and oversee brushing to ensure young children don't swallow their toothpaste, says Dr Katz.

About Dr. Harold Katz

Dr. Harold Katz received his degree in bacteriology from UCLA and is the founder of The California Breath Clinics and author of The Bad Breath Bible. He has been featured on ABC's "Good Morning America," CBS's "Early Show" and "The View" with Barbara Walters and countless other TV shows. Dr. Katz's formulated the TheraBreath oral care program in 1994 and has continued to update products in order to make use of the most effective and most natural ingredients.
New Ground Theatre's next production of "Sudden Theatre" will take place at 7 pm on February 18th. In "Sudden Theatre" plays are written and rehearsed within a 24-hour period and are then performed for an audience. Five playwrights will meet on the evening of February 17th and will be given a writing topic. They will have all night to write the plays; the next morning directors and actors begin rehearsals and the plays are produced that night.

"One of New Ground's primary missions is to encourage new playwrights" said Chris Jansen, Artistic Director for New Ground. "This area is loaded with talented writers, and 'Sudden Theatre' is lots of fun for everyone involved" she said.

Playwrights for the up-coming Sudden Theatre are Jason Platt, Michael Callahan, Jacqueline DeVore Madunic, Shea Doyle and Dana Moss-Peterson. Directors and actors are still needed. Anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to contact Chris Jansen at cljansen@hotmail.com.

Tickets are $5.00 at the door. No reservations are required. New Ground Theatre is located at 2113 E. 11th Street, in the East Village of Davenport..

A school fitness and nutrition program.  A campaign to make personal care kits for families in transition out of homeless shelters.  25 handmade quilts to be sent to Ethiopian women recovering from surgery.  Packaging over 25,000 meals to feed needy children.  What do these things have in common?  They are all initiatives organized by Iowa students!

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have named Kayla De Weerd, 14, of Hull, IA and Hannah Jorgensen, 13, of Adair, IA as State Honorees for outstanding acts of volunteerism.  Kayla, who piloted a nutrition and physical activity program at her school, and Hannah, who organized a campaign to make personal care kits for families transitioning from homeless shelters, will each receive $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.  In Washington, Kayla and Hannah will join the top two honorees from each state, ten of which will be named National Honorees.

The Quad Cities is home to two Distinguished Finalists in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards!  Pavane Gorrepati, a senior at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, and Julianne Delessio, a junior at Pleasant Valley High School, are among four students recognized as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities.

Pavane Gorrepati, 18, of Davenport, created a nonprofit organization called Warning about Warming (WaW) to educate young people about environmental issues.  Her work has included speaking at rallies and conferences, traveling to India to teach students about sustainable practices, and persuading the Rivermont Collegiate Board of Trustees to initiate a "no-idling" policy for parents dropping off and picking up students.

Julianne Delessio, 17, of Bettendorf, brings the joy of dance to those who otherwise could not participate due to illness, disability, or financial restraints with her program Dance for Me.  Julianne has provided workshops for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, children with cancer, and children from low-income families.  She is currently developing a dance workshop for children with Down syndrome.

The Quad Cities is extremely proud to be home to these outstanding young women!  "Through their selfless acts of service, these award recipients have greatly improved the lives of others," said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld.  "We hope their stories and their dedication inspire other young people to do the same."  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards represents the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteer service.  More than 5,000 Local Honorees were reviewed by a judging panel, which selected State Honorees and Distinguished Finalists based on personal initiative, creativity, effort, and impact.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, contact Brittany Marietta, Director of Admission, at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or marietta@rvmt.org.

For additional information on The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, visit www.spirit.prudential.com

-END-

On Saturday, February 18 from 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. Scott County Park (Whispering Pines Shelter) will be hosting a "Get Outdoors" Day. Come join Wapsi River Center naturalists to explore and enjoy a few healthy, winter recreational activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing (please bring winter boots), hiking and sledding (please bring your own).  Equipment will provided throughout the day on a rotating basis.  We will have the shelter to warm up, plus hot drinks will be provided - BYOM (bring your own mug).  Participants are welcome to bring a "picnic" lunch as well to enjoy by the fire!  This event is weather dependent; if conditions are not favorable the event will be cancelled.  Please call (563) 328-3286 to register.

The south entrance to Scott County Park (18850 270th Street ~ Eldridge) is located off old Highway 61 just north of Parkview.  The whispering pine shelter can be found by taking two, consecutive right-hand turns upon entering the park (from the south).

Davenport- The reader's theater play "The White Rose: A True Story of Freedom in Nazi Germany" by Josephine Cripps will be performed on Saturday February 11th at 1:30pm with a second performance at 3:00pm. The play is directed by Nathan Porteshawver and has a cast of local actors who tell the tale of the White Rose, a resistance group consisting of many young university students that resisted Hitler and paid for it with their lives.

The performance will be held at the German American Heritage Center at 712 West 2nd St. Davenport, IA, in conjunction with the White Rose exhibit running through the 24th of February. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children ages 5-17. Free for members and children under age 5. Refreshments will follow the 3:00 performance. Support for the play is provided by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, the Rock Island Community Foundation, the Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and the Rauch Family Foundation II and the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center. For more information contact Kelly Lao at GAHC, 563-322-8844 or kelly.lao@gahc.org.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the House Republicans' version of a bill to ban insider trading by lawmakers that removes a Grassley-added provision to require political-intelligence practitioners to disclose their activities for the first time and make them adhere to the same registration requirements of lobbyists.  The growing industry collects information that it sells to Wall Street, which uses the information to make money.  The House legislation replaces Grassley's disclosure requirements with a study of the industry.  Grassley's provision passed the Senate 60 to 39.

"It's astonishing and extremely disappointing that the House would fulfill Wall Street's wishes by killing this provision.   The Senate clearly voted to try to shed light on an industry that's behind the scenes.  If the Senate language is too broad, as opponents say, why not propose a solution instead of scrapping the provision altogether?   I hope to see a vehicle for meaningful transparency through a House-Senate conference or other means.   If Congress delays action, the political intelligence industry will stay in the shadows, just the way Wall Street likes it."

RED DRESS RUN PLANNED TO RAISE AWARNESS FOR HEART DISEASE

February 8, 2012 - Since 1963, February has been celebrated as American Heart Month, urging Americans to join the battle against their No. one killer - heart disease. More than half of those directly affected with heart disease are women.  This February, the American Heart Association is calling on the Quad Cities to raise awareness about the mostly preventable disease by participating in the Red Dress Run.

Quad Citians are invited to wear a red dress on Saturday, February 11th for the 2nd Annual Red Dress Run coordinated by the Quad Cities Hash House Harriers. Runners and spectators are invited to gather in the District of Rock Island at the Daiquiri Factory at 1:00 pm for a run through the Quad Cities in red dresses- yes, men and women - in red dresses.

As a tradition of Hash runs, the route and length of the run are not announced prior to the event. Two Hash members will act as the "hares" and the runners will chase the hares.  Along the route, there will be twists and turns, challenges and chants. All runners and spectators are encouraged to make a $10 donation to the American Heart Association and will be welcome to join in live music from performer Tim Stop, beverages, snacks and fun at the Daiquiri Factory following the run.

Applestone Homes, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS along with the Daiquiri Factory are this year's sponsor of the Red Dress Run.

About the American Heart Association 

Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.  To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases ? America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers ? we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health.  To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.americanheart.org.

About the Quad Cities Hash House Harriers

Hash House Harrier roots extend back to the old English schoolboy game of "Hares and Hounds," in which some players, called "hounds," chase others, called "hares," who have left a trail of paper scraps along their route across fields, hedges, streams, bogs, and hills. One of the earliest Hares and Hounds events on record was the "Crick Run" at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, first held in 1837.

The Quad Cities Hash House Harriers (Raccoon Chapter) describe themselves as a drinking club with a running problem.  The group hosted their first run in January 2010 and boasts over 30 members with runs on most weeks of the year. To learn more about the Quad Cities Hash House Harriers visit www.qchashrun.com or visit them on Facebook, key words:  Quad Cities Hash House Harriers - Raccoon Chapter.

 

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