11 Nov 2010

Grassley, Kohl Seek More HHS Leadership in Physician Payment Sunshine Implementation

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Herb Kohl are asking the federal government to move forward in implementing new physician payment sunshine provisions.  The senators said some drug and medical device makers are preparing to meet the new requirements but in the absence of clear guidance from the federal government, are preparing payment data in non-uniform ways, causing the material to be difficult for the public to use.

Kohl is chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging and Grassley is ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance.  They sponsored the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, which became law as part of the health care overhaul enacted this year.  The new provisions require drug and medical device manufacturers to disclose to the Department of Health and Human Services anything of value given to physicians, such as payments, gifts, honoraria or travel above certain minimum thresholds.  The goal is to inform consumers in case they want to consider the role such payments or gifts play in the provision of medical care.  The senators said the information will be collected in 2012 but some companies are preparing now, and greater guidance from the agency would help the utility of the information for the public.

The text of the senators' letter is available here.

11 Nov 2010

LOCAL AUTHOR TO HOST BOOK SIGNING AT BELOVED FORMER SCHOOL

By Nicholas Depew

Mythical travelers using portals to move through centuries of time.  Political scandal and cold-blooded murder, written about from the confines of an insane asylum.  Anthologies of horror, dark fantasy, and supernatural fiction.  If you haven't read any works by Paul Thomas-Ferguson, you should!  Rivermont Collegiate is excited to present Dr. Ferguson, a local author from Rock Island, for an Open House and Book Signing to be held Thursday, November 18th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the Rivermont campus in Bettendorf.

Dr. Ferguson holds a Ph.D. in U.S., Urban, and Middle Eastern History and an M.A. in Medieval History.  He is a full-time government archivist and part-time history professor at St. Ambrose University.  Dr. Ferguson's works include A Life in Chiaroscuro (2008), The Ports and Portals of the Zelaznids (2009), and Dark Highlands Anthology: Volume I (2010), all available on Amazon.com.  He is Submissions Editor for Dark Highlands, a creative arts company that showcases regional writers, artists, and performers.

Dr. Ferguson attended Rivermont Collegiate (formerly St. Katharine's-St. Mark's) in 1984-85 for his freshman year of high school and cites this year as the most significant of his education.  Rivermont is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian preschool through twelfth grade college preparatory school, with a 126 year tradition of excellence!  We invite you to join us for an open house in conjunction with Dr. Ferguson's book signing and explore our campus and philosophy.  Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours.  At Rivermont, you'll find a family-like learning environment that nurtures intellect, stimulates personal growth and character, and encourages critical thinking and creativity.  Come explore what we're all about!

Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.  This event is free and open to the community.

For more information about Dr. Ferguson and his work, visit www.darkhighlands.com.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Thursday's Open House and Book Signing, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

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11 Nov 2010

Harkin Leads Bipartisan Group of Senators Calling on Leader Reid to Include Biofuels Language in Energy Bill, Extend Ethanol Tax Credit

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) led a bipartisan group of Senators in calling on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to include provisions aimed at expanding biofuels markets in energy legislation pending in the Senate.  Additionally, the Senators asked that Leader Reid consider legislation to extend the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEECT) beyond its current expiration date of December 31, 2010.  In the letter, the Senators point out that these steps are crucial to reducing the nation's dependence of foreign petroleum, creating jobs in the United States and addressing the issue of climate change.  It is estimated that the enactment of these policies will enable as much as a 5-fold increase in biofuels' displacement of oil-based fuel use in transportation within the next two decades.  Joining Harkin in signing the letter were Senators Christopher Bond (R-MO), Tim Johnson (D-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).  A copy of the letter can be found here.

"One of our most pressing energy issues is our continued dependence on imported petroleum for fueling our transportation systems.  On this issue, we are encouraged by the progress that is being made by vehicle efficiency gains and by the increasing contributions from domestic biofuels.  However, we are also deeply concerned that continued expansion of biofuels is being constrained by marketplace limitations," wrote the Senators.  "We therefore urge you to include biofuels market expansion provisions addressing these barriers in energy legislation considered by the Senate."

As the former Chairman and now senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Harkin has been a long-time leader in promoting the production and use of biofuels as an important part of the nation's energy strategy.  Recent Harkin initiatives and actions aimed at promoting biofuels include : 
  • On August 4, Harkin led a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing an amendment to the pending energy bill to expand the U.S. biofuels market by increasing the percentage of vehicles manufactured for sale in the U.S. that are flex-fuel capable; increasing the number of blender pumps at refueling stations so more consumers can buy fuels with higher percentages of ethanol; and authorizing loan guarantees for renewable fuel pipelines.  More information can be found here.
  • On August 2, Harkin convened a meeting between a bipartisan group of senators and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman to urge prompt approval of E15 ethanol blend for use in all gasoline-fueled vehicles.  At the meeting, Harkin urged for the approval of E-15, as well as E-20, which EPA is also reviewing.  More information can be found here.
  • On June 28, Harkin and six other senators wrote to President Obama urging his Administration to move rapidly to integrate biofuels into the nation's transportation fuel supply.  In the letter, the senators expressed concern that the Department of Energy (DOE) had not yet completed testing of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, which would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the use of gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol.  More information can be found here.
  • On June 23, Harkin spoke on the Senate floor expressing his disappointment in EPA and DOE's delay in making a decision on E-15 and calling for an end to the delay.  Audio of that can be found here.
11 Nov 2010

Governor Quinn Highlights Veterans Programs

By Kara Beach

Encourages Support for Programs that Help Illinois Veterans, Servicemembers and Their Families

CHICAGO - November 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today highlighted programs that benefit Veterans, servicemembers and their families throughout Illinois. At an event in Chicago, Governor Quinn was joined by representatives from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, the Illinois National Guard and the USO of Illinois.

"We must do everything we can to support our Veterans and servicemembers," said Governor Quinn. "It is our duty to honor the men and women in uniform who have selflessly served our state and country."

At today's event, Governor Quinn highlighted a number of programs that he has established or supported during his time in public service.

Helmets to Hardhats is a national initiative modeled on Illinois' program which connects National Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty military servicemembers to high-quality construction industry training and employment opportunities. The program seeks to ease the challenging transition to civilian life for servicemembers and their families. For more information please visit www.helmetstohardhats.org.

The Illinois Military Family Relief Fund allows residents to donate to Illinois military families in need of financial assistance while loved ones are deployed overseas. Since its launch in 2003, the program has distributed nearly $12 million dollars to families across the state. Donations may be sent to Illinois Military Family Relief Fund, 1301 North MacArthur Boulevard, Springfield, IL 62702.

Operation Support Our Troops is devoted to sending care packages with items that are not readily available to servicemembers overseas. Beginning on Veterans Day 2010, OSOTIL will be accepting donated items at MB Financial locations across the Chicagoland area. For a list of needed items and drop-off locations, visit www.osotil.org.

Operation Hero Miles makes airline tickets available to military families for travel related to a servicemember's medical condition. Servicemembers being treated as a result of an injury can also request a ticket to travel home while on medical leave. To donate airline miles for families to visit wounded military personnel at medical centers, please visit www.fisherhouse.org.

For more information about programs for our Veterans, visit www.operationhomefront.org or call the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs at 217-782-6641 or 312-814-2460.

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11 Nov 2010

Undead Dance At the Figge

By Stephen Mohr

In conjunction with its exhibition, Dancing Towards Death, the Figge Art Museum will be hosting Ballet Quad Cities for a special encore performance of I, Vampire at 6:30 PM Thursday, November 18. Join us for a special night of art, dance and other activities as two great Quad Cities cultural institutions collaborate to entertain and educate on the dead and undead!  Ballet Quad Cities will give a reprise presentation of I, Vampire in the third floor gallery space at the museum. Inspired by local author Michael Romkey's1990 novel about the transformation of Chicago lawyer David Parker into one of the undead, this modern-day ballet explores the sinister yet sensual relationship between vampires and their victims.

At 7:00 PM. St Ambrose University professor of Art & Art History, Terri Switzer, will talk in the John Deere Auditorium. The lecture, "The Queen of Sins and 'la mort qui danse': Late 19th Century Femme Fatale Imagery", will explore imagery of the popular European theme of the diabolic seductress  through the deadly embrace and bewitching beauty of vampiric man-eating females, syphilis-ridden prostitutes, and the many Salomes and Judiths carrying severed male heads.

Admission to the museum and all activities is FREE after 5 PM. The Figge will be providing a free art lesson in the studios from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Guided gallery tours start at 6 PM. The bar and café open at 5 PM. The museum is open until 9 PM.

-end-

11 Nov 2010

Winter Bird Feeding Program Slated

By Lisa Gerwulf

On Saturday, November 20th at 10:00 A.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a program on winter bird feeding. Come learn how you can attract and feed our common feathered friends on any budget.  Simple supplies can get you started right in your own backyard.

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 2010

"Mi-Do-Ri" Composition Contest

By Jared Johnson
To celebrate the visit of world-renowned violinist Midori, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the St. Ambrose University Music Department announces the "Mi-Do-Ri" Young Composer Competition. Young composers are invited to compose and submit a piece for solo violin or violin and piano using a central 3 note musical theme based on the name Midori. All composers currently in local elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, colleges or universities in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas are eligible. Only one submission per composer is allowed and all music must be unpublished. For complete application, rules and guidelines go to www.qcsymphony.com/midori. The winning composers will receive special recognition, a performance of their score during the 2011 residency of Midori, and a CD recording of the performance.

William Campbell, PhD., Assoc. Professor of Music Theory and Composition at St Ambrose, will offer three separate workshops for composers to guide them through the composition process. Each workshop will include opportunities to teach participants about the genre, musical form, and composition techniques. Workshops will be held at St. Ambrose on three separate Saturdays: December 11, January 22 and February 19, 9 AM-noon. These workshops are optional and open to all interested.

Applications must be submitted via mail to arrive no later than Friday, March 4, 2011. The winning compositions will be announced on the QCSO website by March 25, 2011. Email questions and names of student participants by Friday, Nov. 12 to midori@qcsymphony.com.

Send entries or written inquiries to:
Young Composer Competition
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
327 Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52801

###
11 Nov 2010

Handmade City Launches Renegade Arts and Crafts Show

By Johanna Smith

Theo's Java Club to Host Inaugural Event

November 9, 2010 (Rock Island, IL) - Handmade City is proud to announce the launch of their renegade arts and crafts show on Saturday, December 4 from 10 AM - 4 PM at Theo's Java Club located at 213 - 17th Street in Rock Island.  Artists from around the Quad Cities will be selling their one-of-a-kind handmade creations just in time for Christmas.  Confirmed artisans include The Adventure Orange, Betty Round, Cupboards Zine, Dilly Baby, Doug, Jack & Me, Fannie's Closet, Ladynoble, Leah Sprott, Lil Squeeks, Oh So Little Prints, and Terrible Delicious.  The event is free and open to the public.

"This inaugural event provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the talented artists living right here in the Quad Cities, said Rose Noble, Handmade City Creator. "Our goal is to make Handmade City the premier leader in producing events that showcase local talent and allow them to bring their products to the community at large."

Handmade City is an underground crafts + art collective, supporting modern local handmade artisans. Established in 2010, Handmade City supports the do-it-yourself craft collective and modern art available in the Quad Cities.  We pride ourselves on unique craftsmanship and encourage other likeminded artists and consumers to make Handmade City their destination for quality handmade crafts in the Quad Cities.

For additional information or to exhibit at future events, contact Handmade City at handmadecityinfo@gmail.com
11 Nov 2010

Water for Christmas announces "Wine to Water," a fundraising event for charity: water

By Rick Martin

Quad Cities, Iowa/Illinois?Unclean water is the leading cause of death in undeveloped nations. Such dirty, unsanitary water kills 45,000 people each week, 90 percent of them being children under the age of five.  That means 4,500 children die each day to water-related illnesses.  The numbers are grim, the facts are startling...but thankfully, a growing group of Iowans believe there is hope.

Water for Christmas, a grassroots effort born in Iowa, is on a mission to ensure that all people have access to clean water.   Specifically focused on the nation of Liberia, Water for Christmas offers people an opportunity to trade consumerism for compassion during the holidays and beyond.  Since its inception in November 2008, Water for Christmas has raised $325,000 for the organization charity: water and has inspired people all over the country to action.

This Saturday night, a "Wine to Water" fundraising event will take place at the third floor of the Redstone Building in downtown Davenport.  Event organizer, Tesi Klipsch, says that the Wine to Water party is all about what individuals can do in working toward a solution for a global issue.  "If you come, you'll see people you've seen in the community?at the Y, at the grocery store, at restaurants?who have found something they are passionate about. The party will have a very underground, grassroots type of feel, which we love because that's just how Water for Christmas started."

Last year the "Wine to Water" event raised $13,000 from a small group of individuals. This year, Klipsch is hoping to reach out to people who haven't heard just how extensive the water crisis is around the world. "We are asking the public to come join us, hear a little about why we're doing this and have some fun while they're at it. Local wine by Wide River Winery, local desserts by some of the best in our community and local musicians like Lojo Russo and the BE Project make this evening the perfect event to bring what is global, local," she says.

Based in New York, charity: water is a highly recognized organization that has raised over 10 million dollars in the last four years, changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of people by building fresh-water wells in places that are without.  Charity: water takes 100 percent of all donations directly to water solution projects and follows up with proof...pictures and Google earth coordinates of all completed projects.

Event details:

Saturday, November 13th, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

3rd floor Redstone Building, 2nd and Main, Downtown Davenport

Music by Lojo Russo and The BE Project, local wine and dessert tasting 

$20 minimum donation at door

11 Nov 2010

Quad Cities selected for 2011 Navy Week Celebration

By Navy Hometowner
America's Navy will "come home" to the Quad Cities in conjunction with the Quad Cities Air Show, June 16-22.

Quad Cities Navy Week celebration 2011 gives area residents an opportunity to meet some of the Navy's Sailors and learn about the Navy's mission and its broad-ranging capabilities.

The U.S. Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy.  During a Navy Week celebration, the Navy concentrates a variety of outreach events in a metropolitan area for a week, sharing the Navy story with as many people as possible.

The Navy plans to include the following elements in Quad Cities Navy Week:

- The Navy Flight Demonstration Team, "Blue Angels"
- Sailors from the destroyer USS Sullivans (DDG 68)
- Sailors from the amphibious ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8)
- Navy Band musical performances
- Admirals and other senior Navy leaders, who will meet with local corporate, civic, government and education leaders
- Navy Diver demonstrations in local aquariums
- Navy simulators and other interactive displays
- Community service projects and events with local sports franchises

Other areas that have been selected to host a 2011 Navy Week include : Tampa, Fla., Austin, Texas; Mississippi; Dallas-Fort Worth; Denver; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Chicago; Rochester, N.Y.; Detroit; Los Angeles; Fargo, N.D.; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Omaha, Neb.; New England; Albuquerque, N.M.; El Paso, Texas; and San Antonio.


For more information on the 2011 Quad Cities Navy Week, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Pam Bou at pamela.bou@navyweek.org.  More detailed information on each Navy Week can be found at our website, www.navyweek.org.  For high resolution photos from past Navy Week celebrations, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/navyweek/sets/.

The 2011 Navy Week season will also help commemorate the Centennial of Naval Aviation, which kicks off in 2011 and continues as a year-long celebration with a variety of commemorative events planned across the country throughout the year. For more information on the Centennial of Naval Aviation latest information, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/centennial/Pages/welcome.aspx.

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