13 Sep 2011

Feature Film about Homeless Man, To Donate Half of Film's Profits to Homeless.

By Rick Martin
Hi, I wanted to let you know about a movie we're working on.  The film is called "The Guitar Player".  The story is about a homeless street performer who gets a second chance in life but struggles with his painful past.  It seems only fitting that a film about someone who is homeless in a bad economy, will be funded by the public.  That is the intention of the filmmaker Michael Stein.  He has created an elaborate fund raising campaign to finance the film and intends on giving half his profits to homeless causes.  In this day and age where film companies are taking what they can get, it seems like a grand gesture.

The film scheduled to be shot January 9th in Los Angeles.  Due to the content and the film's cause many contributions have been made but the production still lacks liquid funds, so the filmmakers decided to raise funds publicly.

The Guitar Player is based on a fictional character named Robert Shiller (a.k.a "Robert Shiller The Killer") a seventeen year old champion high school wrestler in a small town in Northern California. One week before the state championship, Robert accidentally killed his best friend and team mate, during practice. The loss of his friend and the social stigma in a small town was more than he could bear, so he ran away from home, grabbing only what he could fit in his wresting bag and his best friend's guitar even though he did not know how to play.  Our story begins twenty years later with Robert living on the streets.  The screenplay was written by the director Michael Stein.

Stein has a knack for making lower budget films with a larger budget look and feel.  His last film, "Love Hollywood Style" starred Faye Dunaway, Andy Dick, Coolio and Stephen Tobolowsky and has become a cult comedy classic.  Stein's, first role came when he was cast by his friend Paul Thomas Anderson to play the lead role of Dirk Diggler in the original short film "The Dirk Diggler Story", that later became the feature film "Boogie Nights" which Michael Appears in as well.

"Getting funding has always been a struggle", Stein says.  "The past several years in Hollywood have seen a major change."  "They are not handing out movie deals like hotcakes the way they use to in the 90s."  It's been four years since Stein made his last film.  The problem was self funding a film in a bad economy along with the obligations of supporting his family.  He knew about crowd funding websites like kickstarter.com but did not feel that any of his scripts would go well with a crowd funding concept.  He then came up with an idea that he felt would be with the right vehicle.  A film that would be funded 100% by the public about someone who is homeless and the earnings of the film benefiting homeless causes.

The film's production is contingent upon the funds being raised.  The film's kickstarter campaign also has a high concept.  One of the packages, a thirty five hundred dollar pledge allows businesses to promote their products at each of the premieres, which will be in several major cities, including L.A. and New York.  Another package, a ten thousand dollar pledge includes "An Event for a Day" where one thousand tarps will be donated to a local homeless shelter and a screening in a movie theater in the city of your choice, all being promoted in honor of the pledge contributor.  There are many other elaborate incentives built around the premieres and promotion of the film.  Tricks of the trade Stein learned working with Peter Guber and John Peters on movie promotions when he was a twenty years old nightclub promoter.

The minimal funding goal for the film was set at one hundred and fifty thousand.  A typical low amount is always set for projects on kickstarter due to their "all of nothing" policy.  Stein and the Line Producer Aimee Flaherty hope to break the kickstarter's funding record for a film, which is approximately half a million.  Once funding is in place, Stein hopes to sell the film to one of the larger film companies and donate fifty percent of his profits to the homeless.

The fund raising campaign is being held for fifty days and expires on October 21st.  Tarp drives will be held in 14 cities around the country in order to bring more awareness to the project.  The tarp drives consist of one thousand tarps will be handed out at homeless shelters for people that are living on the streets.

If you are interested in learning more about the film or how you can help, you can visit the website at: www.theguitarplayermovie.com or contact me directly at 310-281-6946.  We need all the exposure we can get! Thanks.
13 Sep 2011

ALLEGIANT REPORTS AUGUST 2011 TRAFFIC

By Kristine Shattuck-Cooper

ALLEGIANT REPORTS AUGUST 2011 TRAFFIC

Las Vegas, September 6, 2011/ GLOBENEWSWIRE -- Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ:ALGT) today reported preliminary passenger traffic results for August 2011.

Scheduled Service

Aug. 2011 Aug. 2010 Change

Passengers                     478,518        517,680          (7.6)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                    439,408        472,141       (6.9)%

Available seat miles (000)                          476,227        525,399          (9.4)%

Load factor                         92.3%           89.9%          2.4 pts

Departures                     3,493            3,915        (10.8)%

Average stage length (miles)                        901               895             0.7%

 

Total System*

 

Aug. 2011 Aug. 2010 Change

Passengers                     507,712        539,655          (5.9)%

Revenue passenger miles (000)                    462,146        492,000          (6.1)%

Available seat miles (000)                          514,770        564,520          (8.8)%

Load factor                         89.8%           87.2%          2.6 pts

Departures                     4,004            4,381             8.6%

Average stage length (miles)                        854               865          (1.3)%

*Total system includes scheduled service, fixed fee contract and non-revenue flying.

 

Preliminary Financial Results

 

Change

July 2011 actual year-over-year

scheduled revenue per ASM (PRASM) change                                  24.1%

July 2011 actual year-over year

scheduled total revenue per ASM (TRASM) change                          20.2%

 

August 2011 estimated year-over-year PRASM change                20.2 to 20.6%

August 2011 estimated year-over-year TRASM change                15.3 to 15.7%

 

August 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - system                   $3.12

August 2011 estimated average fuel cost per gallon - scheduled             $3.32

 

Guidance

 

 

Capacity guidance, subject to revision

Year over Year Growth

 

Departures

ASMs

September 2011

 

 

Scheduled

(1)%

1%

 

 

 

3rd Quarter 2011

 

 

System

(3) to (1)%

(4) to (2)%

Scheduled

(6) to (4)%

(4) to (2)%

 

 

 

4th Quarter 2011

 

 

System

+7 to 11%

+8 to 12%

Scheduled

+5 to 9%

+7 to 11%

 

 

 

 

 

ASMs - Available seat miles

About the Company
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is focused on linking travelers in small cities to world-class leisure destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando, Fla., and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.  Through its subsidiary, Allegiant Air, the company operates a low-cost, high-efficiency, all-jet passenger airline offering air travel both on a stand-alone basis and bundled with hotel rooms, rental cars and other travel-related services.  In 2010, Allegiant was ranked number one for low-cost carriers in Aviation Week's Top Performing Airline study and ranked 25 on FORTUNE magazine's Fastest-Growing Companies list.  ALGT/G

Note: This news release was accurate at the date of issuance. However, information contained in the release may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

For further information please visit the company's investor website: http://ir.allegiant.com

13 Sep 2011

Chick-fil-A at Davenport and Heritage Church to Sponsor Financial Peace University

By Hannah Wagner

WHAT: The Chick-fil-A® restaurant at 2945 E. 53rd St. in Davenport, Ia. will partner with Heritage Church to sponsor a 13-week financial training course called Financial Peace University. The course is taught through video by author and nationally syndicated talk-radio host Dave Ramsey.

 

Course participants will meet each week to watch a video lesson and participate in discussion groups led by the Chick-fil-A at Davenport. The video course is geared to teach individuals how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future and give generously. The 13 sessions include the following topics:

  • Lesson 1: Super Saving
  • Lesson 2: Relating With Money
  • Lesson 3: Cash Flow Planning
  • Lesson 4: Dumping Debt
  • Lesson 5: Credit Sharks in Suits
  • Lesson 6: Buyer Beware
  • Lesson 7: Clause and Effect
  • Lesson 8: That's Not Good Enough!
  • Lesson 9: Of Mice and Mutual Funds
  • Lesson 10: From Fruition To Tuition
  • Lesson 11: Working In Your Strengths
  • Lesson 12: Real Estate and Mortgages
  • Lesson 13: The Great Misunderstanding

Those interested in participating are invited to attend an informational meeting at Heritage Church: Bettendorf campus in Bettendorf, Iowa, on Aug. 28 at 12 p.m. and Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The cost of Financial Peace University is $99.51 for an individual and/or couple, and covers the course and all necessary materials.

Registration fees are due by Aug. 29 and can be turned in to Chick-fil-A in Davenport or Heritage Church: Bettendorf campus. Checks can be made out to Chick-fil-A in Davenport. The course will be held at Heritage Church on Mondays beginning Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by Chick-fil-A for each session.

For more details about Financial Peace University and other courses offered by Dave Ramsey, please visit www.daveramsey.com. 
13 Sep 2011

Grassroots Organizing For Ron Paul 2012 in Scott County

By Michael Elliott

A newly created grassroots organization supporting Ron Paul's bid for President is starting to prepare for the Iowa Caucuses as a result of a strong showing at the Iowa Straw Poll this year where Ron Paul nearly tied Michelle Bachmann within less than 1% of the vote. After the straw poll, the group formed a meetup.com website presence to help organize supporters for the 2012 election year.

Wednesday, September 7th, the Ron Paul Meetup Group met at the Blueport Junction on 6605 West River Drive in Davenport at 5pm and started building their precinct leadership and training for the February 6th, 2012 Iowa Caucuses. Anyone is welcome to join us at any of our events, even if you're still undecided. The Ron Paul supporters tend to be very outgoing and friendly.

To stay up to date regarding future local Ron Paul 2012 events, please visit www.meetup.com/ronpaul2012davenportia

13 Sep 2011

Labor, Juries, and Presidents, Oh My!

By Randy Stalsberg

East Moline's Labor Day Parade was a fun filled day for many folks on Monday, September the 5th. Among the many floats and walking groups in the parade, the Illinois Liberty Alliance of the SuperLiberty.com group sponsored entry of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential grassroots volunteers teamed up with the Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) to also celebrate Jury Rights Day which happened to fall on the same day as Labor Day this year.

The Illinois Liberty Alliance entry rolled through the parade with 11 volunteers, A white Ron Paul 2012 decorated van playing Ron Paul supporting music, two FIJA banners which read, "Called for Jury Duty? Know your Rights. FIJA.ORG", over 3,500 pieces of literature, and bags of candy and balloons. The literature included Ron Paul newspapers made by an Iowa grassroots group and Jury Rights Day cards created by the Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA).

 

Nancy Brandt of Henry County was the coordinator of this event. "We spent 5 1/2 hours stamping the literature with "Illinois Liberty Alliance. Find us at: SuperLiberty.com". We enjoyed walking with the banners, and we distributed 1600-1700 Jury Rights Day cards at East Moline, Illinois' Labor Day Parade. One man I gave a card to said, 'I better look at this. I've got jury duty coming up.' I told him to go to the FIJA website."
13 Sep 2011

GERMAN INFLUENCE IN DAVENPORT SCHOOLS

By Kelly Lao
GERMAN INFLUENCE IN DAVENPORT SCHOOLS with Jim and Maureen Schebler

Sunday, September 25, 2011, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd Street, Davenport, Iowa,

563-322-8844

This program presents an overview of German influence in the Davenport area schools, as well as a look at what resources are available to the public at the Davenport School Museum.  The presentation provides a look at some of the people with German heritage who made contributions to the development of education in this area and how settlement patterns influenced the development of the school system.  Not only was Davenport the site of Iowa's first kindergarten in the late 1860s, but the Davenport schools' introduction of drawing, physical education, and music classes in the mid- to late 1800s and the offering of "modern" foreign language (German) in 1867 were cutting-edge concepts in Midwestern schools and were all influenced by German Americans.  This presentation will include educators, students, and members of the public who have played a role in education in the Davenport area.  In addition to the program there will be a display featuring people of German ancestry who were important in the development ofDavenport area schools, some school artifacts, early student work, the history of the Kuhnen Medal, and some records of earlyDavenport schools that can help you trace some family history.  Jim Schebler personally found records for his father, aunts, and uncles at Polk School in the early 1900s.  He hadn't known that they attended that school at 8th and Marquette, along with many other students of German ancestry in that area of Davenport.  Who knows what you might find in the old school records?

Jim and Maureen Schebler have had a lifelong interest in history, especially local and regional history.  Maureen graduated from Marycrest College in Davenport with majors in social studies and secondary education.  Jim graduated from St. AmbroseCollege with majors in political science and secondary education.

In high school and college Maureen was employed in a variety of positions in the Davenport Public Library.  After spending time as a stay-at-home mom in the early years of their marriage, Maureen was employed by the Davenport Public Schools as a para-educator in media.

Jim was employed by the Rock Island Public Schools for 39 years as a teacher of social studies.  After his retirement, he was employed as a part-time instructor in the Education Department at Augustana College in Rock Island for 10 years.  He taught the secondary social studies methods course and also worked with the supervision of student teachers.  Several articles that he has co-authored have been published in the Illinois History Teacher magazine.

Today Jim and Maureen are volunteers at the Davenport School Museum and have been working on digitalizing items in the collection of the Museum and preparing presentations based on these collections.

Red apples and yellow pencils will be given out at the beginning of this program while supplies last.

13 Sep 2011

Award-winning Film on Life, Death and Rebirth of One-Room Schools to Screen at German American Heritage Center

By Kelly Lao
Davenport, IA?Award-winning filmmakers Tammy and Kelly Rundle will appear with their documentary film Country School: One Room - One Nation at the German American Heritage Center, 712 West Second Street, Davenport, Iowa on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. The program will feature a special presentation on German influences in Davenport schools by Jim Schebler from the Davenport Community Schools Museum followed at 2:00 p.m. by the documentary film and Q&A with the filmmakers. Apples and pencils will be given out on a first-come basis to attendees. This program is free for members and free with admission to the GAHC museum for non-members.

From immigration issues in early schools to the controversial demise of their widespread use in the 1950s and 1960s, Country School: One Room - One Nation combines visually stunning images of a myriad of restored and decaying buildings?including one designed by Frank Lloyd Wright?with surprising, humorous, and heartwarming stories from former teachers and students. More than just nostalgia, Country School also delves into the dark side of the one-room school experience and dispels the myths behind the revered institution that helped bind a young nation together.

Quad City Times film critic Linda Cook gave the film 4-out-of-4 stars and wrote: "Another documentary gem...vivid and fascinating."

Film reviewer Mike Schulz of the River Cities Reader wrote, "Country School emerges as a definitive portrait of education in a one-room environment, a work that's every bit as informative, engaging and impassioned as those telling its tales."

Country School: One Room - One Nation premiered at the State Historical Building in Des Moines in November 2010 and has been screening throughout the U.S. ever since. The DVD was released regionally in March and a national DVD release is scheduled in the fall through the Passion River Films. Midwestern PBS broadcasts are planned for Country School in 2012.

The filmmakers previously produced the award-winning documentaries Lost Nation: The Ioway and Villisca: Living with a Mystery. They are currently in production on the documentaries Movie Star: The Secret Lives of Jean Seberg and the sequel Lost Nation: The Ioway 2 & 3.

Country School: One Room - One Nation was funded in part by Humanities Iowa, the Kansas Humanities Council, the Wisconsin Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

###

13 Sep 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Debuts Latest 2012 Campaign Ad

By Gary Howard
'Trust' contrasts Paul's consistent conservatism with the record of another leading candidate LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign announced today the release of its latest advertisement, "Trust." The sixty second spot emphasizes Paul's longtime conservative credentials and early support of Ronald Reagan, while pointing out Rick Perry's former chairmanship of Al Gore's presidential campaign.

"Congressman Paul has an unparalleled record of championing true conservative principles," said Ron Paul 2012 Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. "Dr. Paul's ideas of limited Constitutional government, sound money and balanced budgets have won the day."

"Other candidates are trying to parrot Dr. Paul's principles, but their records prove they cannot be trusted to live up to their rhetoric. Dr. Paul is the only candidate with the credibility and integrity to restore America now."

The ad also notes the similarities between the candidacies of Paul and Reagan, with both being attacked by the political establishment as "too extreme" and questioning their electability. Reagan, like Paul, was dismissed by the establishment elites. Congressman Paul was one of only four Congressmen to endorse Ronald Reagan against incumbent Gerald Ford and lead the Texas delegation for Reagan to the 1976 Republican National Convention.

The ad will appear in both broadcast and web format, with substantial air-time buys in New Hampshire and Iowa. The spot will also be sent to multiple conservative and TEA Party email lists and appear in banner ads across the internet.

Jesse Benton will be available for interview to discuss the ad and the contrast between Dr. Paul and Governor Perry's records.

Link to the ad here: http://youtu.be/PXNqcYh0MpA


###
13 Sep 2011

Labor Day Overshadows Jury Rights Day

By Michael Elliott

The first Monday of September is always Labor Day which happens to be September 5th this year. Well, September 5th also happens to be Jury Rights Day. in commemoration of the William Penn case in 1670 which firmly established protection for the jury, and firmly established the right of the jurors to refuse to accept bad government laws. Labor Day tends to be more commonly recognized by Americans than Jury Rights Day. Labor Day is so popular with Americans, that there is sure to be a parade in town somewhere celebrating the holiday.

Members of the local Ron Paul meetup and the local Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) are teaming up together to educate the large crowds that will be gathered together to watch East Moline's Labor Day parade this morning from 11AM - 1PM. The group will be both promoting Ron Paul for President and promoting Jury Rights Day via banners and signs. Although Labor Day overshadows Jury Rights Day, the groups believe this provides for a unique opportunity to promote the importance of jury rights in our system of government.

Rafe Thrasher, a Ron Paul supporter in Illinois said, "Ron Paul is a huge promoter and educator of jury rights, so it makes sense that we join forces with the local Fully Informed Jury Association (FIJA) and help them promote Jury Rights Day in a Labor Day parade." The members of either group are brought together through the Illinois Liberty Alliance and can be contacted through the SuperLiberty.com website.

###

Iowans For Accountability (IFA) is fighting to hold politicians accountable to we the people, and make sure government works for all of us, not just wealthy special interests and the well-connected. IFA is a Non-Party Political Organization (NPPO) that actively supports or opposes ballot issues or candidates, regardless of party affiliation and when necessary, IFA runs its own candidates. Michael D. Elliott is the IFA Chairman. Website: www.ScottcountyIFA.com
13 Sep 2011

Concerned Citizens Have a Voice

By Michael Elliott

The second edition of the Concerned Citizen newsletter has just been released over the weekend. Created by members of Iowans For Accountability (IFA), the first edition of the newsletter covered local political issues in Scott County, Iowa such as the 911 dispatching consolidation project, sustainable development, Fully Informed Jury Information (FIJA), had a suggested reading list, a schedule of local liberty meetings and government meetings, and even a local politician directory. 5,000 copies were printed and distributed. The second edition is now available to the public and can either be delivered or be picked up at the River Cities Reader building at 532 w 3rd st in Davenport. If you require delivery, please call Michael Elliott at (563)570-5395.

This second edition covers topics like the Bi-State Regional Commission, an open letter to the Scott County Grand Jurors, the IFA YouTube channel information, a new suggested reading list, and the new meeting schedules. These newsletters not only inform Scott county residents of important political issues in their local area, but also act as a way to give them a voice on various local issues that may not be covered by other media outlets in the Quad City Area. These newsletters are made possible by donations made out to Iowans For Accountability (IFA) which can be mailed to PO Box 514, Blue Grass, IA 52726 or dropped off at the River Cities Reader as listed above.

Both, the first issue and the second are available online as well. First addition is available here at http://www.scribd.com/doc/54185285/The-Concerned-Citizen-Vol-1-Issue-1, and the newly released second edition's link is here at http://www.scribd.com/doc/63923542/Scott-County-IFA-s-Concerned-Citizen-Sep-Oct-2011-Edition.

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