02 Nov 2010

BRIAN CUTEAN ROCK ISLAND CONCERT

By Brian Cutean
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From the Pacific Northwest, Oregon's troubadour traveler BRIAN CUTEAN (aka QTN) comes to Rock Island to celebrate the bounty of autumn. The concert is Friday November 19 at First Lutheran Parish House, 1620 - 20th St. This is an all ages event and admission will be $5 to $10 sliding scale and is not a church-related event.

QTN is a many faceted minstrel, a teller of wild tales filled with wordplay and wonder and powerful and colourful guitar chops, an award-winning songwriter-performer and an offbeat unusual and thoughtfully real voice in these days of mass-produced, unremarkable, disposable music.

After five albums and nearly 30 years of songwriting, performing metafables and stories, Cutean has released Guitarred and Feathered, a new CD of wordless acoustic guitar music for mindheartsouls to sing along with; antifrantic music that breathes and celebrates. The new disc has been garnering rave reviews and national and international airplay.

Based in the Willamette Valley of Oregon alternating between Portland and Eugene, Cutean makes annual trips to the southwest and midwest, and his concerts are community events.

With one guitar, a whirl of musical ideas and the sound of hands, wound wires and wood, Cutean weaves together instrumental songs with dynamic playing in the new CD. "The four elements I reached for in this recording, " says Cutean, "are melody, rhythm, a fun bassline and silence. This album is a breather from a world shrill with opinions, instant message me-me-me blogs and 24 hour news chatter. It is universal in every language and the stories it tells belong to us all."

Cutean writes songs like no one else's: love songs from another planet, spacious world poems, conscious wordplay meta-fables that roll off the tongue and folky jazz melodies with a gypsy blues beat and wry whole wheat sensibility. His wordless guitar stylings to provoke and inspire, his stories are laughable, affable and unforgettable; his presentation unpretentious, comfortable and unpredictable.

He has traveled the country for years playing festivals, coffeehouses, concerts, schools and gatherings. Brian's songs get airplay on radio stations the world over and he has been a guest on radio shows like the nationally-syndicated River City Folk. He is a favourite at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, Oregon Country Fair and many other venues.

Newspapers have said:

  • "...The Tom Robbins of folk music" (The Carbondale Flipside)

  • "Playful, energetic and honest." (The Oregonian)

  • "QTN is the guitarist with one foot in the groove!"  (DE Knight, Seraphic Park)

  • "An unclassifiable and irreverent acoustic performer..." (The Austin Chronicle)

  • "One of our leading contemporary songsmiths and music makers" (Victory Music Review)

  • "Brian is one of those rare guitarists who possesses a 'signature touch' that can be recognized in a moment.A splendid piece of work that will always be a jewel in my collection." (Kelly Mulhollan, Still on the Hill)

  • "An adept storyteller ...[whose] lyrics run the gamut of personal reflection to commentary on social issues" (Folkwax)

  • "Introspective, satirical, delightfully absurd and always acoustically gentle to the ears..." (The Austin Statesman)

01 Nov 2010

Operation Gratitude and CafePress Spread Cheer with Launch of Customizable Holiday Photo Cards Benefiting Our Troops

By Operation Graditude

Portion of Proceeds from Card Sales Donated to Operation Gratitude

Van Nuys, California; November 1, 2010 - CafePress, the leading source for custom printed products, has launched a special initiative to generate support for Operation Gratitude with customizable holiday cards. Cause-minded consumers can now send holiday cards customized with their own photos and text and benefit our Military at the same time.

With each customer purchase of a charity card, CafePress will donate 10% of the sale to Operation Gratitude to support its current mission of sending 50,000 Holiday Care Packages to U.S. troops deployed in harm's way.

To support Operation Gratitude, CafePress users simply select one of the cards designed especially for the organization at http://www.cafepress.com/make/operation_gratitude-holiday-photo-cards.  Then, they can easily customize it by uploading a personal photo and adding a festive message. Once they select from two types of high-end, textured paper and set their preferred quantity, they can send their holiday cheer on its way to friends and family.

"This is a wonderful way for our supporters to send their personal holiday greetings and also spread the word about Operation Gratitude," said Carolyn Blashek, founder of the non-profit Military Support organization.  "And each greeting card purchase helps us send another care package to a Service Member who will be far from home for the holidays-that makes these cards extra special."

"At CafePress, we know how passionate and active our customers are when it comes to giving back to the charities close to their hearts especially during the holidays" said CafePress Vice President of Marketing Amy Maniatis.  "With the launch of our stationary line, we saw the opportunity to use our unique platform to allow customers to both participate in a long-standing tradition of sending photo holiday cards as well as give back to the charity and cause close to their hearts."

To create a holiday photo card to benefit Operation Gratitude, please visit http://www.cafepress.com/make/operation_gratitude-holiday-photo-cards.

01 Nov 2010

RIVERMONT CELLIST AMONG TOP IN STATE

By Brittany Marietta

Rivermont Collegiate is thrilled to announce tenth grade student Kelsey Qu has attained the highest individual honor available to Iowa high school musicians by being selected as a member of the 2010 All-State Orchestra!  Kelsey, a cellist, is the daughter of Xin Liu and Zhiming Qu of Bettendorf.  Auditions were held Saturday, October 23rd, with only about 17% of students who auditioned being selected for the All-State ensembles.

All-State Festival participants will rehearse in Ames, IA on Friday and Saturday, November 19th and 20th.  The Festival Concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 20th in the Hilton Coliseum, located on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames.  The concert is open to the public - tickets are $15 and available through Ticketmaster. 

In addition, Iowa Public Television will record the concert for re-broadcast scheduled for Thursday, November 25th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 28th at 5:30 p.m.  Tune in!

Additional Quad City high school students selected for the All-State Orchestra include :

Christine Kao - Bettendorf High School - Violin

Oliver Kao - Bettendorf High School - Violin

Adam Bengfort - Assumption High School - Viola

Jacob Warner - Davenport North - Cello

Noah Sund - Davenport North - String Bass

Kelvin Tran - Davenport North - Percussion

Michael Goodyear - Davenport Central - Oboe

Jennifer Keys - Davenport Central - Bassoon

01 Nov 2010

Corps of Engineers waives day-use fees at recreation areas on Veterans Day

By Ron Fournier
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is waiving day-use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide on Veterans Day, November 11.
The Rock Island District is waiving day-use fees at the following boat ramps on the Mississippi River in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin:
·         Big Slough, Thomson, Ill.
·         Blanding Landing, Hanover, Ill.
·         Cattail Slough, Fulton, Ill.
·         Thomson Causeway, Thomson, Ill.
·         Lock & Dam 13, Fulton, Ill.
·         Pleasant Creek, Bellevue, Iowa
·         Clark's Ferry, Montpelier, Iowa
·         Shady Creek, Muscatine, Iowa
·         Grant River, Potosi, Wis.
"More than 350 million visitors a year enjoy the outdoors at Army Corps of Engineers' recreation projects.  This Veterans Day we will continue the valued tradition of honoring our veterans, active and reserve service members, and their families with an invitation to visit one of the thousands of Corps recreation sites throughout the country, free of charge.  As the Corps is an active member of this administration's America's Great Outdoors initiative, we hope that you will join us," said Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
The day-use fee waiver requires only verbal confirmation of service.  This waiver covers boat launch ramp and swim beach fees.  The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters.  Other agencies that manage recreation areas on Corps lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the Veterans Day waiver of fees in the areas that they manage.
"We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served our nation and the armed forces, and to encourage them and their families to visit and enjoy one of our many recreation areas," said Steve Stockton, Director of Civil Works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Corps is the nation's largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation, managing more than 400 lake and river projects in 43 states.  The more than 2,400 Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide provide a diverse range of outdoor activities to people of all ages, and the Corps estimates that nearly 89 percent of its recreation projects are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas. To discover the Corps recreation areas nearest you, please visit http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm
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01 Nov 2010

Spirit of 1776 Summit Press Release

By Gregg Cummings

As a primary source of information for the public, we are sure that you will be interested in the attached press release announcing the first annual Spirit of 1776 Summit.

As detailed in the release, the Spirit of 1776 Summit is a gathering of all Americans, Tea Parties, 9/12 Projects, and other groups or individuals that want to take action in support of a smaller and constitutionally limited government, less spending, and a return to the principles and values of our founding fathers.

Should you wish to speak to the coordinator of this summit, or require additional information, call 641-455-1917 or via email at greggcummings@yahoo.com.  This press release may also be downloaded from our website, at www.spiritof1776summit.com.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Gregg Cummings

Coordinator

641-455-1917

greggcummings@yahoo.com

01 Nov 2010

Governor Quinn Announces Nearly $90 Million for Transportation Enhancement Projects

By Andrew Mason
Federal Investment to Fund 120 Statewide Bicycle, Pedestrian and Landscape Improvement Projects; Support More Than 900 Jobs

CHICAGO - October 29, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced nearly $90 million in federal transportation enhancement funds for bike paths, streetscape beautification and other improvement projects in communities across Illinois. The funding is a part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), a federally-funded competitive grant program that promotes alternative means of transportation. The latest round of awards includes a total of 120 Illinois projects and is expected to create or retain 900 jobs.

"This federal funding will give communities throughout Illinois the opportunity to beautify their streets, develop bike paths and improve hiking trails," said Governor Quinn. "These community-based projects will create jobs, expand travel choices, enhance safety and improve the quality of life for Illinoisans."

The ITEP is designed to improve transportation safety and the quality of life and in Illinois by promoting alternative transportation, bike and pedestrian travel, and streetscape beautification. The federal funds are awarded competitively, and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required, and work must begin on the projects within three years.

"We are pleased to announce this federal special project funding for communities across the state," said Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Thanks to this funding, transportation enhancement projects will make Illinois a better place to work, live, do business and raise a family."

The Illinois Department of Transportation received 391 applications requesting ITEP funding totaling just under $370 million.

Last year, Illinois received funding for 68 transportation projects totaling $22 million through the ITEP. The program is funded through SAFETEA-LU, the federal surface transportation funding bill.

A full list of projects is attached. For more information please visit www.dot.state.il.us/opp/itep.html

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01 Nov 2010

Fix Lax Oversight at Public Housing Agencies

By Grassley Press

Grassley Presses the Administration to Fix Lax Oversight of Tax Dollars at Public Housing Agencies

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is pressing the federal government to fix its lax oversight over the billions of taxpayer dollars given to public housing agencies.  Grassley's review and media reports have exposed millions of dollars being paid to local agencies that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has classified as "high risk," salaries for some housing agency directors that exceed the governor's salary in their state, and sexual predators residing in public housing.

"This tax money is supposed to provide housing that's safe, decent and sanitary," Grassley said.  "So far, the federal government has failed to protect its tenants and the American taxpayer.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development appears to have lost sight of its mission and ultimately the tenants and the communities suffer the consequences.  It's an understatement that too many public housing authorities operate poorly.  It's up to the Administration to require improvements and hold the authorities accountable to taxpayers and residents."

Over the past year, Grassley has conducted oversight of federal stimulus spending, including that given to public housing authorities.  HUD has received approximately $14 billion in total stimulus funding, including approximately $4 billion to the public housing authorities.  HUD has obligated more than $94 million in stimulus funding to housing authorities that HUD classified as "high risk."

This week, Grassley wrote to HUD, expressing concern about high salaries and allowances being paid to some executive directors of public housing authorities and sexual predators residing in public housing.

The text of his letters is available here and here.

01 Nov 2010

Harkin Announces $11 Million to Rebuild Iowa Homes and Businesses Affected by Flooding and Tornadoes

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that more than $11 million in Federal loans are coming to Iowa for residents and business owners affected by the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that occurred June 1- August 31 of this year.  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved these funds, which will help to rebuild residents, businesses and non-profit organizations.

"Our state has seen more than its fair share of severe storms and natural disasters in the past few years, but Iowans have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity ," said Harkin.  "Our rebuilding efforts are ongoing and today's loans will provide an additional boost for those most affected by this summer's storms.  This is an important step to help get us back on our feet and to help rebuild our state's buildings and economy."

Today's SBA disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their damaged or destroyed primary residence.  Homeowners and renter are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses of any size and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets.  SBA can also lend addition funds to help homeowners and business owners with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent and minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.  Interest rates can be as low as 2.75 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for private, non-profit organizations and 4 percent for businesses.  SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition, with those with a weaker financial circumstance getting the lower rates.

The deadline to register for property damage is November 12, 2010.  Residents and business owners who sustained damaged can register by calling (800) 621-3362or (800) 462-7585 (TTY).  More information can be found at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
01 Nov 2010

Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities, Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By The Buzz Gallery of modern Art
(Bettendorf, IA - October 28, 2010)   Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities will hold its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, November 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the school located at 2119 E. Kimberly Road in Bettendorf. The school boasts 22,500 square feet of classroom, laboratory, and office space.

"This will be an exciting day for our community, and our students and staff," says Kao Odukale, President of Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities. "Our new campus will further improve the academic environment we offer to our students so they can continue on a path of personal and professional growth that will positively impact their families and community. Additionally, we are delighted to be a member of the Quad Cities community and offer academic programs to a diverse population of students."

Local dignitaries, business, and community leaders from the Quad Cities community are expected to attend the ceremony include : Tim Stecker, Alderman At-Large, City of Bettendorf, Iowa; Gene Meeker, Alderman At-Large, City of Davenport, Iowa; and Tara Barney, CEO, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. They will join Mr. Odukale, faculty, staff, and students in celebrating this significant event for Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities.

For information about the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony or Brown Mackie College, contact Nancy Cerny at (563) 344-1519 or e-mail ncerny@brownmackie.edu or visit http://www.brownmackie.edu/pr.aspx?ID=BMC2240.

###

Brown Mackie College - Quad Cities is one of 25 school locations of the Brown Mackie College family of schools (www.brownmackie.edu), which is dedicated to providing educational programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in a competitive, rapidly-changing workplace. Brown Mackie College schools offer bachelor's degree, associate's degree, certificate, and diploma programs in health sciences, business, information technology, legal studies and design technologies.
01 Nov 2010

Lack of Oversight at International Trade Commission

By Grassley Press

Grassley Releases Report on Lack of Inspector General Oversight

at the International Trade Commission

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on the lack of Inspector General (IG) oversight at the International Trade Commission (ITC).  Although, the Inspector General Act requires that agencies appoint an IG to detect waste, fraud, and abuse, the ITC failed to fill the position for more than four years.  Instead, the GAO report found, ITC relied on "acting" and "temporary" appointments for most of the period between November 2005 and December 2009.  For 17 months during that time, ITC operated with neither an acting nor a temporary IG, according to the GAO report.

"Agencies need to understand that Inspector General oversight is not optional," Grassley said.  "The law requires that they have an IG on the job and that the IG be given the resources and access to information necessary to do the job.  The ITC needs to finish implementing the GAO's recommendations for corrective action as soon as possible to ensure that there is adequate oversight of the agency from now on."

GAO also found that the ITC failed to support the temporary and acting IGs with policies and procedures to ensure access to agency records.  The ITC failed to provide notice and coordination with the temporary IG on a criminal referral to the Justice Department.  And, the ITC kept the IG's budget flat while its own budget increased by 23 percent.

Grassley is ranking member of the Committee on Finance, with jurisdiction over international trade, and a long-time advocate for inspectors general.

The GAO report on the ITC is available here.

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