06 Feb 2012

Schilling Congratulates RIA, FEMA's Region V Operations Center

By Rick Martin

Moline, Illinois - Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) released the following statement upon the announcement that the Rock Island Arsenal has been selected FEMA's Regional Operations Center for Region V, which covers Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin:

"I have long said that the Rock Island Arsenal is a national treasure, and I couldn't be more pleased by FEMA's announcement today that the Arsenal was selected to host the Regional Operations Center for our area.  The Arsenal's central location and existing capabilities make it the ideal selection for FEMA's new office.  I look forward to working with FEMA in this new capacity, and to seeing the Arsenal fill a vital role in both America's national defense and homeland security strategies."

Since March 1, 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been part of the United States Department of Homeland Security.  Schilling has worked to promote the Arsenal as centrally located and as home to the resources FEMA's Regional Operations Centers require.

# # #

06 Feb 2012

Study May Prove PTSD is a Medical, Not Psychological, Condition

By Ginny Grimsley

A Chicago physician is recruiting veterans with PTSD for a study of a medical treatment that erases symptoms in 30 minutes.

With $82,000 in funding from the state of Illinois, Dr. Eugene Lipov (www.ChicagoMedicalInnovations.org), author of Exit Strategy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, plans to treat 10 patients and follow up with biological marker tests that would help prove his theory that PTSD is a medical, not a psychological, condition. He's seeking corporate donations to broaden the study in order to hasten the Veterans Administration's acceptance of the procedure, which has been used to treat 95 patients.

"The Veterans Administration's treatment for PTSD involves intensive psychological therapy and psychotropic drugs that works only about half the time and can take months or years," Lipov says. "My treatment, stellate ganglion block (SGB), involves two injections and works very quickly. In 80 to 85 percent of patients, it completely erases symptoms."

Lipov has treated 50 patients with SGB, an injection of anesthesia into a cluster of nerves in the neck. His success stories date back to his first patient, who remains symptom-free after three years. Another 45 or so veterans have undergone the treatment at four military institutions, including a small study still underway at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

He theorizes that SGB works because it reduces excessive levels of cortisol, nerve growth factor and norepinephrine in the brain, all stimulated as an organic response to stress.

"This study will be the first that includes checking for post-treatment biomarkers," Lipov says. "If I can show there's a biological change, that the treatment's success isn't just a placebo effect, I can get more acceptance. Right now, part of the problem is credulity - people can't believe there's such a simple solution to a complex problem."

Treating PTSD with SGB is a new application for a procedure that's been safely used to treat other conditions since 1925. Lipov has FDA approval for its use for PTSD and recently it was approved for experimental studies by the Institutional Review Board.

But despite congressional support, he has been unable to secure federal funding for a large study that would hasten the treatment's acceptance by the Veterans Administration. So he's seeking private and corporate donors to match Illinois' contribution to his non-profit, Chicago Medical Innovations, so he can expand the biomarker study. People who buy his book Exit Strategy, about the latest PTSD developments, also help fund veterans' treatments; Lipov donates $5 from each book sale toward the two $1,000 injections.

"The more money I raise, the more patients I can treat, and the more veterans who get better, the more I can publish the results," Lipov said. "Basically, the more impressive the numbers, the more lives are saved."

An estimated 300,000 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffered post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, according to a Rand Corp. report. The debilitating condition is characterized by outbursts of rage, terrifying flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and other issues that lead to substance abuse, violent crimes, joblessness and homelessness.

About Dr. Eugene Lipov

Dr. Lipov graduated from Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University and completed two-year residencies in surgery and anesthesiology before receiving advanced training in pain management at Rush University Medical Center, where he worked as an assistant professor of pain management. Today he is the medical director of Advanced Pain Centers in Hoffman Estates, Ill. He has published research articles in several medical journals.
06 Feb 2012

LOVE & LOGIC PARENTING CLASS

By Kathy Yaudas

WHO:        GENERAL PUBLIC

WHAT:       LOVE & LOGIC PARENTING CLASS

WHEN:      6 WEEKS beginning FEBRUARY 22nd - MARCH 28th from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:    IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3834 ROCKINGHAM ROAD, DAVENPORT, IOWA

Immanuel Lutheran Preschool is offering a 6 week Love & Logic Parenting Class Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. February 22nd through March 28th. Cost is $10.00 per workbook. Join us for dinner at 5:30 p.m. (free-will offering for dinner) and childcare is provided.

Would you like to:

Handle misbehavior without breaking a sweat?

Have your kids listen . . . the first time?

Avoid power struggles?

Create limits?

If so this class is for you! This event is open to the public and registration is required by Feb. 15th. For more information please contact the church office at 563-324-6431.
06 Feb 2012

Guitar master class at RME cancelled

By Jared Johnson

Due to a scheduling conflict, the master class with Robert Belinic, guest artist with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, is cancelled. This master class was scheduled for Saturday, February 11, at 11 AM at the River Music Experience.

Belinic will be performing Joaquin Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra on February 11 and 12 as part of their Valentine's Day concert. For tickets to the Valentine's Day concert, call the QCSO Box Office at 563-322-QCSO (7276) or visit www.qcsymphony.com.

06 Feb 2012

Braley Statement on President's Veterans' Jobs Corps Proposal

By Randy Stalsberg

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today after President Obama urged Congress to create a new Veterans Jobs Corps that would put veterans to work as first responders or as workers repairing trails, building roads, and doing other projects on public lands:

"After holding a hearing just yesterday on reducing veterans' unemployment, I welcome the idea of a Veterans Jobs Corps.  One out of every four combat veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan is out-of-work, and this program could help reduce that number.

 

"Men and women who've put their lives on the line for our country deserve every opportunity when they return home.  Why not provide them the opportunity to continue contributing to the nation they love, whether as firefighters, cops, or rangers?  They've already rebuilt Iraq and Afghanistan.  It's time to give them the chance to help rebuild America."

Braley is the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

# # #
06 Feb 2012

Duesenberg presentation at GAHC

By Kelly Lao

Davenport- Automotive historian Bill Jepsen will be giving an illustrated presentation on the history of the Duesenberg brothers and the auto they developed right here in Iowa! 'It's a Doozy:The Life, Times & Automobiles of German Born & Iowa Raised Fred & August Duesenberg' will be presented on Saturday March 10th at 2pm at the German American Heritage Center, located at 712 W. 2nd St. Davenport, IA. Presentation lasts approximately one hour and will be followed by a question and answer session. Jepsen is the author of "Made in Iowa: Iowa's Automobiles - An Entertaining and Enlightening History." Books will be available for $25 ( a $39.99 value!)

For more information, visit www.gahc.org or call 563-322-8844. Free with admission. $5
Adults, $4 Seniors and $3 Children ages 3-17.

Photo: Fred and August Duesenberg, courtesy of Bill Jepsen

06 Feb 2012

Governor Quinn Announces Plan to Revitalize Vacant, Foreclosed Homes in Six Communities

By Andrew Mason

'Building Blocks' Pilot Program Will Rehabilitate Vacant Properties,
Increasing Affordable Housing and Stabilizing Neighborhoods

BERWYN - February 3, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn was joined today by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and six Cook County mayors to announce a new initiative to return vacant, foreclosed properties to productive use. An initiative laid out in the Governor's State of the State address earlier this week, the Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program will rehabilitate vacant properties and increase affordable housing in the communities of Berwyn, Chicago Heights, Maywood, Park Forest, Riverdale and South Holland.

In the pilot phase of the program announced today, a $55 million joint commitment from the state of Illinois and Cook County will help the six communities stabilize neighborhoods, protect property values, preserve the existing local tax base and increase affordable housing stock. The localities selected for the pilot have been among those hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis.

"The Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program is a strategic effort to help stabilize communities struggling with the foreclosure crisis," Governor Quinn said. "By turning vacant properties into affordable housing, we're assisting existing homeowners, strengthening hard-hit neighborhoods and boosting affordable homeownership options for working families."

Abandoned properties burden communities by creating blight, attracting crime and reducing the local tax rolls. On average, homes located the same block as a foreclosed property can drop $8,000 to $10,000 in value.

Returning properties to productive use benefits communities by creating jobs and increasing local revenue from property taxes and real estate taxes. Communities also benefit from increased consumer spending by contractors, as well as residents furnishing their new homes. The increase in affordable housing stock helps families starting out or starting again, and promotes economic growth.

"I am excited to partner with Governor Quinn and the state of Illinois in this joint effort to stem the tide of the foreclosure crisis in our underserved communities, and revitalize Cook County's neighborhoods," Cook County President Preckwinkle said. "We must continue to focus on a regional economic development strategy that more effectively leverages our resources to spur economic growth, and the Building Blocks program is a step in the right direction."

The Illinois Building Blocks Program, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), has three components:

  • Financing to rehabilitate vacant properties to prepare them for productive use and for sale;
  • Assistance to homeowners to purchase homes in pilot communities; and
  • Support for existing homeowners in the communities to prevent additional foreclosures.

The rehabilitation component includes $40 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program and  $10 million from Cook County to facilitate the acquisition and rehabilitation of vacant properties within the targeted areas. As the rehabbed homes are sold, funds are replenished into the revolving fund to purchase and rehabilitate additional properties. The pilot program could rehabilitate at least 500 properties in the six communities.

The second component provides $5 million in assistance for homeowners to purchase vacant properties, including those rehabilitated in the pilot project. Grants of $10,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance are available for up to 500 homebuyers purchasing vacant properties. The program also includes affordable first position mortgages for qualified buyers in order to make the cost of purchasing vacant homes in the communities as affordable as possible. The pilot also permits a lower FICO score threshold, so that a greater number of potential homebuyers can qualify for loans.

The Illinois Building Blocks Program will also help current homeowners in the six communities by providing tools to prevent foreclosure. The efforts will build on the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (KeepYourHomeIllinois.org), launched in the Governor's State of the State address. Programs in the six communities will include free one-on-one foreclosure counseling, loan modifications, and access to financial assistance to homeowners who have trouble paying their mortgage payments due to unemployment or under-employment

The Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program builds upon existing efforts already under way in many of these communities, particularly federally-funded Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) development.  Under Governor Quinn, Illinois has committed $58 million in NSP funding and is already restoring nearly 450 foreclosed or vacant housing units in Illinois, creating an estimated 580 jobs.

"With the highest inventory of foreclosed homes in the nation, the Chicago region requires a focused foreclosure response like the Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program," said Mary Kenney, IHDA Executive Director. "This program represents a multifaceted approach and is an important part of Governor Quinn's overall housing strategy to address the economic, public safety and quality of life issues caused by abandoned and foreclosed properties."

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (www.ihda.org) is an independent, self-supporting bonding authority that finances the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Illinois. Since 1967, IHDA has allocated more than $10.6 billion to finance more than 215,000 affordable housing units for the residents of Illinois.

###

06 Feb 2012

This Week in the Senate by Senator Shawn Hamerlinck

By Shawn Hamerlinck

February 3, 2012

On Wednesday the Senate Education Committee passed a bill to approve a 4% allowable growth for schools.  This would be an increase of $146.2 million, pushing total state expenditures on K-12 education to $2.66 billion.  There is no doubt K-12 education needs more resources however, politicians are confused on the definition of "resource."  Where Iowa once set the national standard, student achievement scores have continually slipped over the past twenty years and now we are below the national average.  We continually hear the mantra that more money will solve the problem.  There are many more aspects than money at play.  Parts of the governor's education reform package have merit.  The question is if we can get any part of it to move through the Senate.

On Wednesday the Senate Natural Resources Committee passed a bill requiring all deer stands to be tagged with the owners name, address and hunter's license number.  Supporters argued it was done to curb poaching.  Logical thought would say, people who poach probably won't put their name on the equipment they use to poach.

The Iowa House issued their budget targets for the 2013 fiscal year.  Total expenditures are projected to be roughly $100 million more than last year and $190 million less than the governor's budget.  This budget suggests the Economic Emergency Fund ($350 million), Cash Reserve Levy ($600 million), and Taxpayer Relief Fund ($60 million) accounts will all be full.  Also, it projects an ending balance of $285 million.  The fiscal health of our state is very strong as many of our neighbors look at Iowa with envy.

On Tuesday Iowa Republican Party Chairman Matt Strawn stepped down.  Chairman Strawn was successful in pushing the Iowa GOP to campaign and issue successes it hasn't seen in twenty years.  Though now may be the time for transition and new leadership, I wish the Republican Party the best of luck in trying to replace him.

I always welcome your opinions, thoughts and ideas. 

Thank you for letting me serve as your voice in the Capitol.

Thank you for letting me represent the 42nd District.
hamerlinck signaturesmall.jpg
Shawn Hamerlinck
State Senator

06 Feb 2012

STATE FARM® HIRING Top Employer Seeks Qualified Candidates

By Missy Dundov
Bloomington, IL (February 3, 2012)--State Farm reports nearly 3,000 openings across the United States and Canada.
State Farm's commitment to creating innovative solutions to serve customers and policyholders is generating employment opportunities.
"As we continue to define our workforce to best meet our customers' evolving needs, we are seeking skills and talents from numerous diverse labor markets," said State Farm Vice President Human Resources, Mary Schmidt.
Named a top employer, State Farm is a family of insurance and financial services companies that together serve tens of millions of customers. Our business lines offer more than 100 products.
State Farm has offices in all 50 states and three Canadian provinces. Current openings exist in:
  • Claims
  • Customer Service
  • IT/Systems
  • Underwriting
06 Feb 2012

Feeling Anxious, Depressed?

By Ginny Grimsley
Stop Focusing on Money, Warns Financial 'Whiz Kid'

He was the 31-year-old stockbroker dubbed "The Wall Street Whiz Kid" by Good Morning America's Steve Crowley for his uncanny knack of predicting market highs and lows.

Now, after 25 years and two debilitating bouts of clinical depression, Peter Grandich, author of  Confessions of a Wall Street Whiz Kid, (www.confessionsofawallstreetwhizkid.com), says Americans' market-driven fixation on amassing a fortune is driving us crazy.

"The fight to keep up with the Joneses is leading to more people with intolerable levels of anxiety and stress, which contribute to serious mental health problems," says Grandich, who runs Trinity Financial Sports & Entertainment Management Co., a firm that specializes in offering professional athletes, celebrities and the general public estate planning from a Christian perspective.

A January Gallup poll found Americans at their highest money stress levels in 10 years, with 51 percent worried about maintaining their standard of living.

"Our whole culture now is built on the premise that we have to have more money and more stuff to feel happy and secure," he says. "Public storage is the poster child for what's wrong with America. We have too much stuff because we've bought into the myth fabricated by Wall Street and Madison Avenue, which rely on millions of people driven to make more money so they can profit from this insane quest."

Grandich was one of those people, he says. He loved making money, making more, and spending it. By his mid-30s, he was a multi-millionaire suffering his first disabling panic attacks. Looking back, he says, part of the problem was a life out of balance.

"My priorities were, No. 1, me, my reputation and my ego, and then my wife and our daughter," he says. "There was not much else."

Everything rode on how he did in the market, and when that wavered, Grandich grew increasingly anxious. Within a year of his first panic attack, bouts of crippling anxiety and hopelessness rooted as a deep and pervasive depression. Twice, he came to the point of attempting suicide.

In 1995, Grandich left the professional money management and brokerage business, but it took him several more years to find his way back to enjoying his life. He wants to warn others caught up in the money chase, and to offer hope to the one in 10 Americans who suffer depression.

He offers this guidance from his own experience:

• Anybody who has suffered depression more than once is at risk to go through it again. Grandich says he learned he is genetically predisposed to clinical depression because of his family history. "Be prepared to understand that it will always be with you," he says. "It's medically driven due to chemical imbalances in the brain."

• Get professional help. Without medical help you have no chance. "For me, it was talk therapy and pharmaceutical intervention to flip that chemical switch in my brain," Grandich says. "You can't just 'snap out of it' because you don't think rationally."

• It's not a sign of weakness and nothing to be ashamed about. With men especially, the "macho thing" gets in the way of seeking help, Grandich notes. It's not something that can be fixed with will power or that you can just snap out of; the brain is injured.

• Get seriously reacquainted with your Creator. Grandich grew up without religion and became a Catholic simply to marry his wife. He had no spiritual anchor and his relationship to God was "the occasional 9-1-1call." He has found comfort in recognizing that there is "someone bigger than me" in control and in having rules that make sense for governing his life. When friends ask, "What if it turns out there really is no God and no afterlife?" he says, "It's still a better way to live."

Grandich says he's grateful for the revelations he experienced, and that he found a way out of the painful darkness.

"I'm satisfied it happened for a reason, and not to use my experience to help others would be unfair," he says. "The blessing for me is, I've been shown the mess I was. There are still a lot of people out there who don't yet realize that, if money is their god, they're headed for a lot of suffering."

About Peter Grandich

Peter Grandich became renowned in the financial industry when he predicted market crashes and rebounds in The Grandich Letter, a newsletter he created in 1984. It's currently a blog featuring his commentary on the world's economies and financial markets as well as social and political topics. Grandich is co-founder, with former New York Giants player Lee Rouson, of Trinity Financial Sports & Entertainment Management Co., a firm that specializes in offering guidance from a Christian perspective to professional athletes and celebrities.

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar