11 Nov 2011

Winter Bird Feeding Program Slated

By Lisa Gerwulf

On Saturday, November 19th at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a winter bird feeding program. Come learn how you can attract and feed our common feathered friends on any budget.  Simple supplies and preparation can get you started right in your own backyard.  Call to register, (563) 328-3286

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.
11 Nov 2011

Being an American Essay Contest Deadline Approaches

By Rachel Gillespie

Students Can Win Up to $1,000 in National Essay Competition Focused on the Constitution

 

Arlington, VA - The deadline for high-school students and their teachers to submit essays for the Bill of Rights Institute's national Being an American Essay Contest is fast approaching.  The Contest asks students to explore the Founding principles outlined in the Constitution by answering the question: "How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?"

The Contest, which has quickly become the largest high-school essay competition of its kind, totaling over 80,000 submitted essays, is administered by the Bill of Rights Institute, a non-profit educational organization in the Washington, D.C. area devoted to educating young people about the Constitution and Founding principles.

"This contest is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to think about the important Founding principles communicated in our Constitution," said Dr. Jason Ross, Bill of Rights Institute Vice President of Education Programs. "This contest is vital to helping students see the Founding principles as a meaningful part of the American experiment of self-government."

The top three student winners from each of five geographical regions will be awarded cash prizes of $1,000 (First Place), $500 (Second Place), and $250 (Third Place). Teacher sponsors of each student winner will also receive a cash prize of $100.

Essays must be submitted online at www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/Contest by 11:59 P.M. PST on December 15, 2011. Supporting contest materials, including lesson plans meeting Common Core standards, are provided at no cost to teachers who want to incorporate the Essay Contest into their classroom.

The Contest is sponsored by the History Channel. "We are pleased to support the Bill of Rights Institute's Being an American Essay Contest," said Dr. Libby O'Connell, SVP, Corporate Outreach and Chief Historian, History Channel. "The contest encourages students to think critically and truly makes the past relevant in their lives today."

The Essay Contest serves as a key part of the Bill of Rights Institute's mission to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society. Complete contest details can be found below.

 

MEDIA FAST FACTS:

BEING AN AMERICAN ESSAY CONTEST

2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR PARTICIPATING REGIONS:

North Eastern Region:
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Southern Region:
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia as well as Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands

Mid-Western Region:
Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin

Central Region:
Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming

Western Region:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington as well as Guam, American Samoa, and American Armed Forces Schools Abroad (APO)

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION: Bill of Rights Institute, Arlington, VA.

The Bill of Rights Institute, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit educational organization. The mission of the Bill of Rights Institute is to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.

FUNDING PROVIDED BY: History Channel (New York City, NY).

CONTEST GOAL: To help promote dialogue among students and teachers about American Founding principles. The Essay Contest serves as a key part of the Bill of Rights Institute's mission to educate young people about the words and ideas of America's Founders, the liberties guaranteed in our Founding documents, and how our Founding principles continue to affect and shape a free society.

ESSAY QUESTION: "How does the Constitution establish and maintain a culture of liberty?"

ELIGIBILITY: Students in grades 9-12 who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and are either attending public, private, religious, or charter schools, being home-schooled, or participating in a GED or correspondence school program but are no older than 19 years of age.  Military bases and U.S. territories are also invited to participate.

ESSAY LENGTH: No more 1,000 words.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

  • Adherence to Essay Question
  • Originality
  • Organization
  • Writing Style
  • Depth of Analysis

JUDGES: High school teachers

STUDENT CASH PRIZES: Three cash prizes per region will be awarded to students:

  • First Prize: $1,000 each
  • Second Prize: $500 each
  • Third Prize: $250 each

TEACHER CASH PRIZES: Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded to the teachers of all winning students:

CONTEST START DATE: September 17, 2011

DEADLINE FOR ESSAY SUBMISSIONS: December 15, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. PST. All essays must be submitted at www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/Submit.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: February 2012

WEB SITE AND CONTEST GUIDELINES: www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/Contest

11 Nov 2011

Grassley Reacts to Holder Testimony before Judiciary Committee

By Grassley Press

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley released the following statement after Attorney General Eric Holder appeared before the Judiciary Committee for a regular oversight hearing.

"The Attorney General did a lot of dodging and weaving today.  He didn't seem to be alarmed that nobody notified him that the guns found at Agent Terry's murder scene were from Fast and Furious.  And, while he said that he regretted the fact that the department provided false information to Congress, it's unclear what he will be doing to hold accountable those in the department who knew it was false.  It's unconscionable that a federal agency would let such a misleading letter stand for more than nine months.  The head of the Criminal Division knew it was false, his deputy knew it was false, the whistleblowers knew it was false, the documents suggested it was false, and I discovered it was false?but, if Congress had relied on the department's official talking points, we still wouldn't know the truth today.  Congress deserves more candid and honest responses to our questions."
11 Nov 2011

Bringing Families of Fallen Servicemembers Together

By Spc. Dorian Daily, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BELLEVILLE, IL (11/08/2011)(readMedia)-- Losing a family member can be difficult, especially when that loved one made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his or her country. However, those who grieve do not have to take the journey alone.

The Illinois Connections for Families of the Fallen (ICFF) held a conference "Connections in Southern Illinois: Bringing Families of the Fallen Together" on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College Nov. 5. ICFF is a coalition of more than 25 organizations, including the Army Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) program.

"ICFF ensures families are connected to resources, connected to their local community, and connected to peer support," said Bob Gillmore, the support coordinator of Army Survivor Outreach Services and native of Petersburg.

The event was open to the families of fallen servicemembers. Participants were asked to bring a personal token of remembrance to use as a symbol of strength.

The event was comprised of three tracks: groups/workshops, resources, and creative arts.

In the groups/workshops track, participants discussed how they coped with the loss of their servicemember. Everybody described their grieving process differently.

"We found that we were so busy, we really didn't have time to grieve," said Sheila Tracy of Palestine, who attended on behalf of her son, Pfc. Jacob Tracy.

In the resources track, participants learned how to improve advocacy skills, develop peer networks in their home area, reach financial goals, and change or restart their careers.

The creative arts tracks helped participants reveal a creative side some may have thought they never had.

"Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses a creative process and art materials to help people express themselves," said art therapist Leslee Goldman of Evanston. "When it comes to mourning a loved one, it becomes another language of expression for those who cannot find the words to say. The grieving process can be long and challenging and not everyone is comfortable with just talking."

Children also attended the event and participated in activities with their family. The activities were designed to help families share positive memories of their loved one.

"My dad was a really nice person who wanted to make his family happy and laugh," said a young Belleville participant describing his father, who served in the Marine Corps and Air Force. "He is irreplaceable."

Another young participant, Jayse Weikert of Jacksonville, described his father, Illinois National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Weikert in only one word: "Awesome!!!"

Participants also had the opportunity to contribute to The Memorial Mosaic Wall, which was created by using tile pieces. Everyone contributed one piece to create an entire picture. It will travel throughout Illinois to enable others to contribute to this ever evolving piece.

The purpose of the SOS program is to provide long-term support to families of the fallen. This is done by facilitating support groups, providing life skills education, and connecting Survivors with counseling resources. SOS also works closely with benefits coordinators, casualty assistance officers, and others to ensure survivors receive the necessary services.

11 Nov 2011

Billions saved if Pay-for-Delay deterring legislation were enacted

By Grassley Press

Kohl-Grassley Generic Drug Bill Would Save Taxpayers Nearly $4.8 Billion, Congressional Budget Office Says

 

WASHINGTON - A new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate finds that a bipartisan bill aimed at cutting costs by encouraging competition from generic drugs would save taxpayers nearly $4.8 billion over the next decade.

CBO anticipates that enacting the Preserve Access to Affordable Generic Drugs Act (S. 27) would accelerate the availability of lower-priced generic drugs and generate $4.785 billion in budget savings between fiscal years 2012 and 2021. CBO also estimates that earlier entry of generic drugs affected by the bill would reduce total drug expenditures in the U.S. by roughly $11 billion over the decade.

The CBO estimate can be found here.

The bill would deter "pay-for-delay" settlements in which brand name drug companies settle patent disputes by paying generic drug manufacturers in exchange for the promise of delaying the release of the generic version into the market. Under the legislation, these anti-consumer pay-off agreements would be presumed illegal and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be provided the authority to stop the agreements.

"Generic drugs are essential to making medicine affordable and holding down costs for taxpayers," Kohl said. "As CBO's new cost estimate shows, backroom pay-for-delay deals are keeping generic drugs off the shelves at a great cost to consumers and taxpayers. Congress and the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction should take this opportunity to fix this problem."

"CBO estimates that there would be significant savings to both the federal government and consumers if our legislation were to be enacted. When people across the country are having a hard time making ends meet, this could be a real boost to their bottom line," Grassley said.  "I urge the deficit reduction committee to include this legislation in their efforts to make the necessary reductions in the federal budget."

Last month, Kohl and Grassley urged the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to include the bill as part of its budget-cutting effort. The letter can be found here.

The Federal Trade Commission also released a report last month that found that drug companies entered into 28 potential pay-for-delay deals in FY 2011, nearly matching the previous fiscal year's record of 31 deals. Overall, the agreements reached in the latest fiscal year involved 25 different brand-name pharmaceutical products with combined annual U.S. sales of more than $9 billion.

In July, the Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported the Preserve Access to Affordable Generic Drugs Act.

Previously, CBO estimated that the bill would save the federal government - which pays approximately one-third of all prescription costs - $2.68 billion over ten years. The president included a provision to end pay-for-delay settlements in his FY 2012 budget and estimated it would save the federal government $8 billion over ten years.

-30-
11 Nov 2011

Tthe Figge brings France to area college students

By Susan Horan

Davenport, Iowa - November 2011 - College students looking to be immersed in French culture will find just that at the Figge Art Museum's annual College Night.  As an extension of the current exhibition, Turn of the Century Posters from the Krannert Art Museum Collection, which features works from French artists, "Paris When it Sizzles" will be a night full of engaging French-themed activities and ambiance. The event is co-sponsored with the University of Iowa Museum of Art and hosted by Western Illinois University Museum Studies students.

On Thursday, November 17 from 7-10 p.m. students, faculty and staff from any college or university will be welcome to the museum for free. Guests will be greeted by student volunteers from Western Illinois University dressed in period costumes. Guests can participate in "Cabaret Karaoke" presented by ABC Karaoke, printmaking demonstrations in the studios and various creativity challenges.

"The Naughty Tour" of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's posters featured in the Turn of the Century Posters exhibition will show guests the wild history surrounding the artist and his subjects.  Visitors can also check out "Paris, Je T'Aime," numerous film shorts about life in the City of Love. Truffles, crêpes and other French treats will be served throughout the night to guests completing a scavenger hunt. The museum café will also be open, serving delicious croque-monsieur and croque-madame sandwiches, in addition to other menu items.

In addition the current exhibition, the 2011 College Invitational will be on view in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery. Over 40 works from area college students will be featured in the exhibition covering a variety of mediums, including book arts, drawing, painting, photography, and video.  This exhibition will be on view until December 31, 2011.

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in Downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, Sundays noon to 5 pm and Thursdays 10 am to 9 pm.  To contact the museum, please call 563-326-7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
11 Nov 2011

The Turn of the Screw opens Tuesday November 15 at District Theatre

By Lora Adams

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS - The old adage "the show must go on" has proven all too true after an accident left actor Lora Adams with a torn ankle ligament. "We seriously looked at doing another show where I could sit, but in the end we decided to push back the opening a few days so I could heal enough to do the show," said Adams.

The play, which features Adams and Steve Lasiter will open on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 pm, with additional performances on the 17th, 18th and 19th at 7:30 pm and Sunday the 20th at 2:30 pm.  "Ideally, we would have liked to do all 8 performances, but "A Tuna Christmas" is scheduled to open right after on November 25th so we hope that we can fill the seats for these performances," said associate producer Tristan Tapscott.

"The Turn of the Screw" is being directed by Patti Flahrety, stage managed by Joe Maubach with lighting design by Tristan Tapscott and costumes by Candace Eastman.

The performance on Thursday, November 17th is a fundraising event for the Bettendorf Rotary.

The Turn of the Screw runs November 15, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm and November 20 at 2:30 pm. Admission is $20 general admission, $18 Seniors (60+) and $15 students. The District Theatre is located at 1611 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. Reservations can be made by calling 309-235-1654.  More information can be found at www.districttheatre.com

11 Nov 2011

Braley Announces Veterans Administration Online Career Fair

By Jeff Giertz

Over 60 national employers participating in virtual career fair this Thursday

 

Waterloo, IA - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual online job fair for veterans this Thursday November 10, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Central Time, the day before Veterans Day.

"Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our nation and after returning from the battlefield they deserve good jobs," Braley said. "I am committed to use every opportunity possible to help these veterans.  Iowa veterans should visit www.veteranscareerfair.com to register and take advantage of this great opportunity."

Over 60 national employers and nearly 40,000 veterans have already registered to participate in the online career fair.

"As we work to help Veterans find good paying jobs, it is important that we take advantage of online resources that connect our Veterans with employers around the Nation who want to hire these highly qualified and experienced men and women," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for the online career fair.  During the career fair on Thursday, veterans from across Iowa and the country can log in and visit virtual employer booths, search for and apply to job openings, and chat with recruiters online.

Braley is the Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and last month held a field hearing in Waterloo that focused on veterans' economic opportunity and job creation, focusing especially on Iowa National Guard and Reserve members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

# # #
11 Nov 2011

River Pilot Vodka Honored With National Awards As Distillery Reaches Visitor Milestone

By Ryan Burchett

Le Claire, Iowa, November 8, 2011 - Mississippi River Distilling Company has recently been recognized with two exceptional industry awards for their spirits.  MRDC's River Pilot Vodka received the Beverage Tasting Institute's (BTI) Gold Medal in the International Review of Spirits as well as a Bronze Medal at this year's 2011 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC).

River Pilot was recognized in BTI's Unflavored Vodka category.  The tasting was completed in BTI's Chicago Tasting Room on November 1.  River Pilot received a score of 90, which put it in the "Exceptional" category and garnered the gold medal award.

BTI described River Pilot as, "Aromas of rye cracker and salt water taffy with a satiny dryish medium-to-full body and a grainy, creamy vanilla, dusty stone, and Brazil nut accented finish.  A nice balance of raw and refined characteristics."

The Beverage Testing Institute relies heavily on highly experienced, professional guest tasters who are either retailers, restaurateurs, or prominent writers that are especially knowledgeable about the beverage category being reviewed.  All panelists are rigorously screened and audited and then trained in BTI's proprietary blind tasting methodology.

The second award came from the prestigious New York International Spirits Competition.  NYISC uses trade-only judges from top to bottom that consist of people who are buyers from the top retail stores, restaurant and bar owners, distributors and importers.  Each submission is placed in its product category and along with other spirits in its same price range.  While the full list of 2011 winners has not yet been publicized, in 2010 only 2 medals were awarded in this highly competitive category.

"These are fantastic awards and such a compliment to what we are doing," Ryan Burchett, owner/distiller says.  "To have a product handmade from local ingredients be recognized with by two prominent nationally recognized organizations in the industry is just outstanding.  It lends a lot of credibility to what little guys like us are doing."

These awards are on the heels of another national recognition for MRDC's River Baron Vodka.  In August, River Baron was recognized as the 8th best vodka made in the United States by TheFiftyBest.com.

It's been an exciting time at the distillery as MRDC crossed another big milestone over the weekend.  The distillery welcomed its 20,000th visitor in less than 11 months of being open.

"It has been so encouraging to visit with all the people who have stopped in to see what we're all about," said owner/distiller Garrett Burchett.  "People have taken such a tremendous interest in our locally grown products.  We love having the opportunity to share our story with everyone who walks in the door and for them to see the grain-to-glass process in person."

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.  Mississippi River Distilling Company's next product release will be their much anticipated Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey will hit store shelves on December 2, 2011

11 Nov 2011

A simple 'thanks' may boost well-being, from the Harvard Mental Health Letter

By Rick Martin

BOSTON–Before digging into Thanksgiving dinner, it is customary to take a moment to give thanks for the people and events that positively shape our lives. But, as the November 2011 issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter reveals, it may be beneficial to express gratitude on a more regular basis.

Research shows that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Reflecting on what one is grateful for results in more positive emotions, greater satisfaction from good experiences, improved health, greater ability to deal with adversity, and stronger relationships.

Editor in Chief Dr. Michael Miller notes that whether someone is thankful for past blessings, present happenings, or is focused on remaining positive for the future, expressing gratitude forces him to refocus on what he has instead of what he lacks. And, while any expression of gratitude is likely to boost morale, like a muscle, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.

This month`s issue reviews the benefits of gratitude and offers advice on how to cultivate this state of mind, from writing a thank you note to praying or meditating.

Read the full-length article: "In praise of gratitude"

Other topics covered in this issue include :

  • Preventing mental illness in children with depressed parents
  • Causes of common memory lapses
  • Could nicotine boost weight loss?
  • Best psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder
  • People with borderline personality disorder often recover with time
  • Sleeping problems increase chances of cognitive decline
  • Is it possible to become addicted to chocolate?

The Harvard Mental Health Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $59 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/mental or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

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