11 Oct 2011

Ron Paul to Celebrate Homecoming with an Event at the University of Iowa

By F. Breck
'Youth for Ron Paul' to host its first ever event in the Midwest in key early state
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will address University of Iowa supporters and community members at a special youth-oriented event held on the university's campus.

The event, which is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held at the University of Iowa Memorial Union in the Main Lounge on Friday, October 21st.  Doors will open to the public at 7:15 p.m.  To enter 15 minutes early, RSVP for the University of Iowa event featuring Dr. Paul at http://www.ronpaul2012.com/university-of-iowa-ron-paul-event/.

"No other candidate running for the GOP nomination generates support from students like Ron Paul does, and it is the youth vote that will help determine the 2012 election.  That's why Ron Paul enjoys bringing his message directly to students.  Young people who want authentic change gravitate to his reliable message of peace, prosperity and individual liberty," said Edward King, National Youth Coordinator for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign. 

"Let me add that it is an honor to add to the festivities surrounding the University of Iowa's homecoming celebration with Ron Paul's campus visit," said Mr. King.

Youth for Ron Paul (YFP), an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, launched on Wednesday, September 7th and since its inception more than 7,100 people signed up to join the campaign and get involved, forming more than 100 chapters.

The University of Iowa event is the third major YFP event, taking place two days after a planned visit to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  Last month, Dr. Paul spoke to a crowd of more than 1,300 Louisiana State University students, supporters, and community members in Baton Rouge prior to the grand opening of his Louisiana campaign headquarters.

"Since the announcement of Youth for Ron Paul, we've seen tremendous interest and excitement from students across the nation.  It's inspiring to be able to work with young people dedicated to their principles and Ron Paul's campaign," said Ani DeGroot of Iowa.  

"President Obama successfully organized young people in 2008, but he has failed to deliver on his campaign promises.  Young people now understand Ron Paul is the only candidate running who will significantly change Washington's failed policies at home and abroad," said Ms. DeGroot, who is on a leave of absence from the University of Iowa so she can serve as the campaign's Midwest Regional Director for Youth for Ron Paul.

To learn more and sign up for Youth for Ron Paul, please visit: www.youthforpaul.com and "like" the Facebook page found at: www.Facebook.com/youthforpaul.
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11 Oct 2011

ANF Game Day Underscores Why 'America Needs Farmers' to Maintain Food Choices

By Laurie Johns

Oct. 15 UI ANF Game Day Features First-Ever 'Card Stunt' and Former Hawkeye/NFL Players

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - October 10, 2011 - Iowa is insulated against the worst of the nation's economic woes, thanks to the strength and influence of agriculture, according to a recent survey by Creighton University economists.  "Farming has contributed 5,000 manufacturing jobs in this state over the past year and that's just one more reason why we want to share the good news of today's agriculture," says Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) President Craig Lang.

As part of the ANF partnership announced in August between the Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa Athletics Department, the football game this Saturday (Oct. 15) at historic Kinnick Stadium between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats has been designated "ANF Day at Kinnick." The game, to be televised live on the Big Ten Network (BTN) at 6 p.m. CT, will feature a host of activities celebrating why America Needs Farmers, including a pre-game autograph session with former Hawkeye stars Jared DeVries, Tim Dwight, Marv Cook, Ed Podolak and Gary Dolphin at the Legend's Tent in the Krause Family Plaza located immediately south of the stadium.

Other activities include Tailgate Toss with ANF prizes and the UI's first stadium 'card stunt', where all fans in the four grandstands of Kinnick Stadium will, on cue, hold them up and deliver two designs and messages for the enjoyment of the 70,000 people in the stadium and the national television audience watching on BTN.

ANF was first launched in 1985 during the height of the Farm Crisis by legendary Hawkeye coach Hayden Fry, who wanted to show an increasingly urban nation why agriculture matters.  "Farming has seen many innovations since then, which bring more food and energy choices and job opportunities to a new generation," says Lang, a fifth-generation Brooklyn, Iowa dairy farmer. "Today's farming isn't just about feeding people; it's about innovation in renewable energy, medicine, building materials, diagnostic tools, and more which combine what we know with what we grow."

Iowa farmers lead the nation in what they grow.  Just this week, the world celebrates the efficiency and sustainability of today's farmers through the 25th anniversary of the World Food Prize honoring another Iowa farmer, Norman Borlaug. "In less than a generation, the world's population will need 100 percent more food than we are growing today on a finite amount of productive land.  IFBF is always looking for ways to show consumers how we plan to do that, while maintaining the integrity of the land, water, and rural communities where our farmers raise their own children," said Lang.

Iowa farmers realize with an increasing number of consumers curious about innovations in farming and food production, they need to find ways to make farming more transparent.  Larry Sailer, a Hardin County Farm Bureau member who farms near Iowa Falls, says, "Anything you can do to start a conversation with consumers about food and agriculture is good. We want to know what questions they have about what we do and why we do it. And in a high profile event, like an Iowa Hawkeye football game, it's literally a new way to show them this whole new playing field of modern agriculture."

For more information about the Iowa Farm Bureau/U of I ANF partnership and additional ANF Game Day activities or merchandise, click on www.americaneedsfarmers.org.

-30-

11 Oct 2011

Students Step into Action to Promote Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates Program

By Rick Martin

At-risk students walk to highlight the importance of increasing Iowa's high school graduation rate

DES MOINES, Iowa - Oct. 10, 2011 - Dozens of at-risk students will lead their communities in the Walk Across Iowa event Tuesday, Oct. 11. The purpose of the walk is to increase awareness for Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates, a program that helps students graduate from high school.

iJAG helps students at the highest risk of dropping out to stay in school, graduate, and ultimately increase graduation rates in communities across the state. Since iJAG began in Iowa 12 years ago, the program has helped more than 7,000 students graduate, with an average 93% graduation rate, compared to Iowa's 89% statewide average. Approximately one-sixth of iJAG students are the first in their family to graduate.

"The iJAG program is an amazing resource for high school students in danger of dropping out of school," said Sue Cheek, iJAG board member and director of talent management for MidAmerican Energy Company. "MidAmerican Energy has been a sponsor of the program for several years. We value the continuous economic impact iJAG has on the state, not only today, but for years to come. The program truly changes lives."

The iJAG program partners with 13 Iowa communities to support 26 iJAG in-school programs. iJAG programs allow specialists to work with students during the school year and summer months on academics, career skills, leadership and career guidance. The program helps students to graduate and provides assistance one year after high school as they transition to college or enter the job market. More than 43% of iJAG graduates have continued on to college.

Concluding the Walk Across Iowa event, students and business leaders will join Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, iJAG Board Chair, at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, on the west steps of the Iowa State Capitol. The students will present signatures collected from communities supporting iJAG to Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds. The Governor will sign a proclamation in support of the students' efforts and iJAG's mission. A Student Success Reception will follow at the State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust St., from 4 to 6 p.m.

More than 1,000 students are expected to take part in the iJAG walk. In each community, iJAG students tell their success stories to local business owners, legislators and community leaders along the walking route. To learn more about iJAG, visit www.ijag.org.

Schools with iJAG programs:

 

Cedar Rapids Jefferson

Cedar Rapids Washington

Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln

Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson

Council Bluffs Wilson

Creston

Davenport Central

Davenport Kimberly Center

Davenport North

Davenport West

Des Moines East

Des Moines Hoover

Des Moines Lincoln

Des Moines North

Dubuque Hempstead

Dubuque Senior

DMACC

East Moline United Township

Keokuk

Marshalltown

Ottumwa

Perry

Sioux City North High School

Sioux City North Middle School

Waterloo East
11 Oct 2011

IP Seance with Dr. Alfred Egan

By Nathan Porteshawver
Location: Haunted Hibernian Hall, 421 Brady St.
Help us Spread the Word!

Dr. Alfred Egan, leading spiritualist of the Arkham Theosophical Society in Massachusetts has halted The Internet Players production of their Haunted House due to apparent paranormal activity and concerns for the safety of their student volunteers.

Dr. Egan's investigations will include a series of public séances expected to determine the magnitude of activity currently present in historic Hibernian Hall. The séances will be open to all interested as a way to compensate for lost revenue.

Curator Ron Bellamy has agreed to host guided tours of the Haunted Hibernian Hall for a first-time ever glimpse into the secrets harbored in this historic building. The tour will last approximately 30 minutes.

Tickets will be extremely limited, so get yours now! Tickets may still be available at the door.

DATES & TIMES

Thursday October 20th- Sunday, October 23rd, 8pm to 11pm

Thursday, October 27th- Monday, October 31st, 8pm to 11pm

PRICE

$10
Buy your tickets ONLINE at: www.theinternetplayers.com

Spread the word about our upcoming event!
11 Oct 2011

Ron Paul Places First in 2011 Values Voter Summit Straw Poll

By Drew Ivers
Handily wins 37 percent of votes cast in key contest
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul placed first in the 2011 Values Voter Straw Poll today garnering an impressive 37 percent of the total number of votes cast.

In placing first, Dr. Paul placed ahead of Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry who placed second, third and fourth with a mere 23, 16 and 8 percent, respectively.

Held annually each year since 2007, the Values Voter Summit presidential straw poll is seen as a benchmark for how well Republican candidates will appeal to Christian conservative activists.  Endorsement by this core activist community is likely to energize voters nationwide that identify with family-friendly issues such as parental decision-making concerning children's education, less government interference in local communities, and the sanctity of human life.

"Dr. Paul's standing among Christian conservative voters is growing as people become more familiar with the man as well as the message,"said Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

"Dr. Paul is a humble man of faith, who has personally delivered more than 4,000 babies, so he's well acquainted with the sanctity of life.  And importantly, he never fails to connect the worthiness of the liberty message he champions with that system's moral superiority over schemes that promote coercive government activism leading to the breakdown of the American family,"said Mr. Benton.

Speaking of Dr. Paul's speech earlier today Doug Wead, a born again Christian and former adviser to two U.S. Presidents, said he was blown away by Dr. Paul's command of the scripture.  "He offered a scriptural rationale to every position and moved from one passage to the next without hesitation.  The man knows the Bible."

Mr. Wead says that the rising numbers of born again Christians turning to Dr. Paul shows that, "For many of us, the best way to assure our own religious freedom is to get back to the Constitution and defend everybody else's freedoms too."

To view Dr. Paul's statement of faith, click here.  To view his positions on abortion and homeschooling click here and here, respectively.


Authorized and paid for by Ron Paul 2012 PCC Inc. www.RonPaul2012.com
11 Oct 2011

Governor Quinn Announces Next Step in Implementation of Statewide Electronic Health Records

By Katelyn Tye

State Selects Vendor to Develop Electronic Information Exchange

CHICAGO - October 8, 2011. Governor Quinn announced today the selection of InterSystems Corporation as the vendor assisting the state in the next stage of development of Illinois' electronic health information system. After a competitive bidding process, the Illinois Office of Health Information Technology selected InterSystems to develop the technology infrastructure for the Illinois Health Information Exchange. The Exchange will connect physicians and hospitals electronically, enabling the secure exchange of patient health records statewide.

"Building our electronic health information exchange is a major step in transforming health care and helping patients," Governor Quinn said. "Statewide access to electronic records means that vital patient information will be instantly available to doctors and hospitals when it is needed most, improving health care delivery and saving lives."

The development of the Illinois Health Information Exchange is funded through a federal grant program established to allow states to assist health care providers and hospitals with the exchange of electronic health records. Illinois received $18.8 million over four years to develop this capacity, and the first phase of exchange services is expected to be available statewide in April 2012.

Like states across the nation, Illinois is actively participating in federally-funded programs to promote the widespread adoption and exchange of electronic health records.  Delays in sending paper records and the difficulty of storing, retrieving and transmitting paper documents are major contributors to inefficiency and unnecessary cost in health care. In addition to promoting better care, electronic health records also reduce the need for patients to fill out redundant forms and increase patient access to their own medical records.

"The secure exchange of patient information throughout the state is critical to improving health care and health outcomes in Illinois," Illinois Health Information Exchange Authority Board Chair Cheryl Whitaker, MD said. "With the move away from paper records to the electronic exchange of structured data, physicians will get a more comprehensive picture of a patient's health care history and needs, leading to better diagnoses and treatment."

"Financial incentives offered through Medicare and Medicaid are driving Illinois health care providers and hospitals to adopt electronic health record systems in unprecedented numbers," Laura Zaremba, Director of the Illinois Office of Health Information Technology said. "The Illinois Health Information Exchange will help them use those systems to increase care coordination and ensure that proper security measures are in place to protect patient privacy."

The selection of InterSystems Corporation is the result of a competitive bidding process that sought industry leaders in health information technology. The selection criteria included expertise in health information management, patient privacy and security, and competitive pricing.

InterSystems Corporation is the vendor for several health information exchanges in the U.S., including the Rhode Island statewide health information exchange, the Healthcare Information Xchange of New York and the Brooklyn Health Information Exchange.  The company also provides the database and infrastructure for more than 100 health care software applications nationwide, and supplies database technology to U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Veterans' Affairs hospitals.

For more information, please visit www.hie.illinois.gov.

 

##

11 Oct 2011

Grassley Office comments on Attorney General Holder's Response to Fast and Furious Controversy

By Grassley Press
Following is a comment from Beth Levine, spokesperson for Ranking Member Grassley, in response to the letter sent to Senators Grassley and Leahy and Congressmen Issa, Smith, Cummings and Conyers from Attorney General Holder.

"The goals of Senator Grassley's investigation, from the first time whistleblowers brought him the allegations of wrongdoing, has been to find out who approved a stupid program and to make sure it never happened again.  He believed he owed those answers to the family of slain Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, especially since the family wasn't getting answers from the executive branch.  Instead of helping get to the bottom of the disastrous program, the Justice Department stonewalled Senator Grassley's investigation and denied him access to documents and key personnel.  If the Attorney General had come clean with Congress from the beginning instead of having his staff send false and misleading responses to Senator Grassley's letters (Jan. 27th letter and January 31st letter) , then the public discussion of these issues could have been more productive.

"Now, eight months after Senator Grassley personally raised the issue with him, Attorney General Holder has officially admitted that this case involved 'weapons that should have been interdicted but were not.'  That's quite a reversal from the Department's initial denial, which claimed the whistleblower allegations were false and that 'ATF makes every effort to interdict weapons that have been purchased illegally.'

"Documents provided last week make clear that (1) senior officials discussed whether it would be wise for the head of the Department's Criminal Division to attend press events given the number of guns that were walked, (2) the Attorney General's current chief of staff took notes regarding operational details during a presentation on Operation Fast and Furious in March 2010, and (3) the connection between the guns found at Agent Terry's murder scene and Operation Fast and Furious was immediately briefed up to the Attorney General's current chief of staff just two days after Agent Terry's death.

"These documents raise as many questions as they answer about which senior Department officials knew what about Operation Fast and Furious.  In addition to these documents, getting at the truth also requires taking testimony from the key officials involved.  The Attorney General's denials of any personal knowledge will have to be tested against all the evidence as the investigation continues, just as the Department's initial denials were."
11 Oct 2011

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Address Enhancing Global Security at Events in Iowa

By USDA Communications Office

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2011 -Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will give remarks on global food security on TUESDAY at Iowa State University in Ames and on THURSDAY at the World Food Prize in Des Moines. Vilsack will discuss how the continued innovation and creativity of American scientists, farmers and policy-makers are essential to confront the combined challenges of feeding a growing global population, mitigating the effects of climate change, and meeting increasing energy demands at home and abroad.

 

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

5:00 p.m. CDT

WHAT: Secretary Vilsack to give remarks on global food security at the Iowa State University Lecture Program World Affairs Series.

WHERE: Iowa State University

Memorial Union - South Ballroom

2229 Lincoln Way

Ames, IA 50014

 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

10:15 a.m. CDT

WHAT: Secretary Vilsack to give remarks on global food security at the World Food Prize panel, "Sharing Agricultural Knowledge to Drive Sustainable Growth."

WHERE: Marriot Hotel

700 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50309

#

11 Oct 2011

Herbert Hoover NHS News Release: "A Sense of Place" Photography Exhibit and the Film "Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern"

By Adam Prato

WEST BRANCH, IOWA–Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will host "A Sense of Place", an exhibit of fifty black and white photographs of rural and
small town Iowa by photographer David Plowden. Dating from the mid-1980s, the photographs document the disappearing face of the rural Iowa  landscape. "A Sense of Place" is on loan from Humanities Iowa and will be displayed at the visitor center from October 14 through April 1. Concurrent to the
photographic exhibit, the film "Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern" will be shown at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from October 15 through April 1.

For four decades, the award-winning photographer David Plowden has documented our country's vanishing landscapes and artifacts. He has described himself as "an archeologist with a camera" who has spent his life "one step ahead of the wrecking ball." "I have been beset," Mr. Plowden says, "with a sense of urgency to record those parts of our heritage which seem to be receding as quickly as the view from the rear of a speeding train. I fear that we are eradicating the evidence of our past accomplishments so quickly that in time we may well lose the sense of who we are."

"Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern" is a 1995 documentary by filmmakers Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher.  The film explores the farm crisis of the late 20th century through Jordan's own family, as the family wrestles with the end of their Iowa family farm.  The film received the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize for best documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature.

"The park's landscape features are meant to remind us of open spaces, much of which was small family farms at the time Herbert Hoover was born here," said Superintendent Pete Swisher.  "This exhibit and film is an excellent connection of that idea, and a vivid reminder of what once was."

The exhibit and the film are both free. "Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern" is 88 minutes long and is unrated.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho

Follow @HooverNPS on Twitter.
11 Oct 2011

Q&A: The World Food Prize

By Grassley Press

Q:        How is The World Food Prize tied to Iowa?

A:        Two Iowans were behind creation of the World Food Prize, the international award recognizing individuals who improve the quality, quantity and availability of food in the world.  Dr. Norman Borlaug (1914-2009) -- an agronomist, humanitarian, Nobel laureate (the only recipient to receive this honor for working in agriculture), and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal -- grew up in rural Cresco.  He was the father of what's called the Green Revolution when, from the 1940s to the 1970s, research, development and new technologies increased agricultural production around the world.  Dr. Borlaug was involved with the development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, modernization of management techniques, and the distribution of hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to farmers.  Dramatically increasing crop yields saved hundreds of millions of people from starvation.  Dr. Borlaug's leadership and tireless work gave the world's poorest people access to food.  It's said that he saved more lives than any other person in history.  Dr. Borlaug envisioned a prize as a means of recognizing and inspiring achievements in fighting world hunger.  His vision was realized in 1986, when The World Food Prize was created.  In 1990, the first sponsor of the prize withdrew, and Iowa businessman and leading philanthropist John Ruan (1914-2010) stepped forward to endow the prize, making it possible to continue Dr. Borlaug's vision.  The World Food Prize organization is located in Des Moines.

 

Q:        Who is considered for the prize?

A:        Contributions by individuals in any field that's involved in the world food supply - including food and agricultural science and technology, manufacturing, marketing, nutrition, economics, poverty alleviation, political leadership, and the social sciences - are recognized by The World Food Prize.  The prize values a nutritious and sustainable food supply for all people.  Outstanding individuals from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Cuba, Denmark, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, and the United States have received the prize.  It's most fitting that this prestigious award is given each fall in Iowa.  Iowa farmers are blessed with some of the best soil in the world, and our state's productivity and agricultural abundance have made significant contributions to global food security, humanitarian relief, economic growth, job creation and national security.

 

Friday, October 7, 2011

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