LOS ANGELES, CA, January 31, 2012 - As part of its expansion into the entertainment arena, Raging Artists, Inc. has announced the establishment of a division dedicated to the development, production and promotion of independent films. These three components are not mutually exclusive, according to founder Hershel Rephun. "Returning from Sundance, it was clear to us that the opportunity exists to nurture unique ideas and content with the potential to reach a broad audience," he said, "whether we are involved at the promotion stage or as early as development."

Known for marketing broadcast and Web content from a wide range of companies in commercial production, post, and fashion, Raging Artists has an unusual perspective on the relationship between brands and artists.

"We're starting with a few properties that are fully produced but can benefit from bold, strategic promotion," said Partner/CEO Juicy Diaz. "Whether it's a documentary dealing with special needs like GORK! - which had no brand involvement - or a couple of films sponsored by brands but which retain an independent spirit, we can help them reach their audiences." Diaz noted that courage and freedom are two traits that hit home for Raging Artists. "The unifying element is fearlessness," he said. "We aren't traditional, not in our culture, not in our content. So we're seeking out people who mirror that dynamic in the work they do."

Produced by Bottoms Up Productions and directed by Devon Terrill, "GORK!" won the Audience Choice award and Interrobang Film Festival and screened at the Landlocked Film Festival, both in the summer of 2011 (due to overflow crowds, the fest held an encore screening of the film last September). The documentary turns a spotlight on Terrill's outrageous, charismatic, and perplexing younger brother Adam, his challenges and disabilities, and his impact on the dynamic of his 7-member family. It is a film that has garnered accolades from critics and audiences alike for its frankness and its willingness to challenge the status quo. "GORK!" and Raging Artists are gearing up for a May 2012 DVD release and accompanying campaign.

"There is a sense of urgency at our company and I think that's worked to our advantage, with PR, marketing, even standup comedy," said Partner/CFO Ernie Noh. "We like to do, not talk. This quote is already too long."

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

Washington, DC - This morning, at the request of Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01), two Iowans testified before the US House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity about lowering the rate of unemployment for the National Guard.  Braley is the highest-ranking Democrat on the subcommittee.

Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Timothy Orr joined Dick Rue, the state chair of the Iowa Employer Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR), to testify about their experience helping veterans return to work when they come home from a deployment.

Last October, Braley brought the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity to Waterloo for a field hearing on veterans' job creation.

High-resolution photos of the hearing can be downloaded here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/repbraley/sets/72157629146584591/

High-resolution video of highlights from the hearing can be downloaded here: http://www.mydigitalmanager.com/index.php?a=ViewItem&i=3228

The River's Edge   Located at 700 W. River Drive (Across from Modern Woodmen Park)   The Early Spring "Learn To Skate" Open House will take place on Tuesday, February 21 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM in the Large Conference Room at The River's Edge. The Open House is designed to provide an opportunity for first-time students and their family members to meet the Skating Instructors, learn about the US Figure Skating Association Endorsed program format and goals, learn how to dress for class, learn how to lace up skates and get a feel for the expectations of each student.  Emphasis will be placed on trying one's best, having fun and developing an enjoyment of activities that take place on the ice for a lifetime. The Early Spring "Learn To Skate" Session runs Thursdays and Saturdays on the following dates:   Thursdays Feb. 23; March 1, 8, 22, 29; April 12 & 19 (No classes March 15 and April 5) Times:  5:15 - 6:00 PM and 6:00 - 6:45 PM Fee:  $92.00 For this session, on Thursday nights only, students will be given an opportunity to perform in a Spring Skating Show at The River's Edge on May 5, 2012. 20 - 25 minutes of each class will be spent on skill development and 20 - 25 minutes of each class will be spent on choreography for the show.   Saturdays Feb. 28; March 3, 10; 24; 31; April 14 & 21 (No classes on March 17 and April 7) Times:  8:00 - 8:45 AM and 8:45 - 9:00 AM Fee:  $92.00 This 7-week session of "Learn To Skate" will continue to focus on skill development with an emphasis on providing the instruction and practice time to help students move up to the next level in the USFSA "Basic Skills Curriculum.   The Ultimate Super Bowl Party   While parents are enjoying the big game with adults, kids are invited to have a Super Bowl Party all their own!  Kids will enjoy Super Bowl Action on the big screen, snacks, games, arts and crafts, and sport activities.  REGISTER TODAY!  Date: Sunday, February 5th from 3:30pm-one hour post game, Fee: $25/person, Ages: 6-14yrs   Jamm'in At The Edge! - Especially For Teens! Come on out and skate while you enjoy live local bands and DJ's. All ages welcome!  Admission:  $10/Person, $3/Skate Rental, Date: Saturday, February 11th from 9pm-11pm, Band: Hi-Fi Bands for Jammin: February 11th 9pm-11pm: Hi-Fi March 3rd 9pm-11pm: Surface Tension   Daddy Daughter Dinner and Skate This is a fantastic time for Dads to spend quality time with their daughters.  Fun will be had while enjoying a bite to eat and ice skating!  REGISTER TODAY! Date: Friday, February 24th from 5:30pm-8:00pm, Fee: $15/person   Ice Carving Demonstration-SPECIAL $1.00 Admission! Come on out and see the ice carving demonstration on center ice during the public skate session!  Date: Sunday, February 26thfrom 2:15pm-3:45pm, Fee: $1/person, $3/Skate Rental

GOLF

Indoor Golf Range is now open at The Rivers' Edge, 700 West River Drive. Golfers may purchase a small bucket of balls for $3 or a large bucket for $5. The indoor golf range will be available the following hours:

7am - 3pm, Monday, Wednesday & Friday
12:30pm - 3pm, Tuesday & Thursday

There are 9 stations available, first come, first served. Not available on weekends.

There will be no price increases for 2012!

Log on to www.golfdavenport.com to see the latest announcements for 2012 season.

Player Cards - A great feature for individuals or your golf league members, are now available at The Rivers Edge, 700 West River Dr in downtown Davenport.  The River's Edge is open 6am - 10pm every day.

Player Cards are re-loadable cards for use of Green Fees, Cart Fees, and Range Fees and are valid on all 3 public courses in the city Emeis, Duck Creek, and Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center.  Cards purchased through Feb 28th 2012 will include a 10% bonus on the card, compliments of Davenport Golf.  For example, a Player Card purchased for $200 will have $220 of value on the card.  Player Cards will not include concession and Pro-shop merchandise purchases and Player Cards will require a $100/minimum transaction.

City Golf Tournament

Mark your calendars!  The City of Davenport Golf Tournament will be held July 21 and 22 and Emeis and Duck Creek Golf Courses. More information to follow.

We never imagine ourselves as the victims, but sometimes, the things we think could never happen to us find a way of happening.

Too many of us replay in our minds the events that led to those circumstances, but life coach Teri Johnson believes that reviewing the past isn't the answer. What we do next is what matters the most.

"All the things you never thought you'd experience, but did, leave behind lingering after effects that can stop us in our tracks," said Johnson, author of Overcoming the Nevers (www.overcomingthenevers.com). "Shame, guilt, anger and resentment start to sink in. We start to believe lies about ourselves, such as 'I'm not good enough' or 'I'm undeserving.' We escape our pain and these toxic feelings by retreating into unhealthy behaviors and addictions. But there is freedom from the struggle. There is hope in discovering the truth. There is a way to fall in love with who we are to experience a joy-filled life."

Johnson shares a solution to overcome those feelings in a series of 12 simple steps that she feels can be practically applied to our lives - if we are ready to do the work.  Here are five of the these steps...

• Willingness - Freedom starts with willingness. You have to want this for yourself. There is no one who can decide for you, or do the work on your on your behalf. Willingness is readiness.

• Acceptance - Do you have the strength to make the changes necessary to turn a situation around through an attitude of acceptance? Or will you remain powerless, remain in the state of non-acceptance and let everything around you dictate how you feel? I can't change somebody else. Period.

• Surrender - All of us are surrendered to something.  What we surrender ourselves to ultimately becomes our god, what we worship, turn to, or rely upon.  The question is, what are we surrendered to? Is it something firm, solid and long-lasting, or something that can slip away, burn to ashes or be swallowed?

• Courage - We cannot overcome an issue we do not know exists, we need to search. We cannot become who we were created to be, without embracing our strengths and uncovering our God-given gifts and talents. So we need to look through our lives carefully to find the answers. How do we do this? Without fear with courage, boldness and bravery.

• Responsibility - We have a responsibility for ourselves in all areas of our lives in all of our roles. No one can attempt to change us or to control us, unless we give them the power. We need to be the change. Admitting opens this door. Will you walk through it?

"Many people just want a quick fix and aren't willing to put in the work required," she added. "I believe that, in this economy, everyone is experiencing 'nevers' they didn't believe they'd ever encounter. Some are affected by the loss of job, foreclosure or even bankruptcy. People who hold down two or more jobs may find their health diminishing, or even joining the ranks of the millions of Americans who suffer from obesity. Divorce, drugs, addictions, workplace issues - they can all creep up on us if we aren't diligent. The key thing is to understand how to handle those 'nevers' when they occur, and not be daunted. It's never easy, but always worth it."

About Teri Johnson