12 Jun 2009

WQPT INTRODUCES 2009 AMBASSADORS

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS announces their 2009 WQPT/PBS Ambassadors.

The WQPT/PBS Ambassador program is in its fifth year and provides an opportunity for college students to represent their local public television station at a variety of events throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois. "Ambassadors are a highly trained extension of our volunteer team," said WQPT Special Projects Coordinator, Bea Brasel. This year WQPT/PBS Ambassadors come from Black Hawk College, Western Illinois University, University of Iowa, and Illinois College.

The 2009 Ambassadors are Daniel Brasel, Joan Frank, Troy Keegan, Alan Morris, Koko Nicoue and Stephanie Reagan.

"We are particularly happy to have a number of students return as Ambassadors because they found the experience so rewarding," said Ms. Brasel.

WQPT has been the local public television station serving western Illinois and eastern Iowa since 1983.

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11 Jun 2009

WQAD News 8 & Meteorologist Terry Swails Announce Strategic Partnership

By Lori Evans

Quad Cities- IA/IL -- Two of the biggest names in weather in the Quad Cities announce a partnership that brings local favorite Terry Swails back to regular daily television and allows one of the most familiar people in the Quad Cities a chance to pursue his dream of running a weather website that services people in and around the Quad Cities.

In this partnership, Terry Swails will join Storm Team 8, the most experienced and accurate weather department in the Quad Cities. Terry will anchor the weather for News 8 at 6 Monday through Friday evenings, working under the direction of Chief Meteorologist James Zahara. James was recently appointed to the role after the retirement of Neil Kastor, another Quad Cities favorite.

"This partnership grew from a series of conversations I'd had over the last year with Terry," said WQAD-TV President and General Manager Larry Rosmilso. "Terry made it clear that he wanted to be with his family more, and that his passion for weather was leading him to become an entrepreneur and develop a weather service on the web. It soon became clear that joining the one station in town that has momentum and is investing in the future was the best place to use as a springboard for his business," Rosmilso added.

"The conversations with WQAD were so positive and appealing, I just knew it was a perfect fit for me," said Terry Swails, perhaps the most popular local television figure. "Nothing would please me more than to watch viewers make the switch to News 8," said Swails, a Quad Cities television veteran of 32 years. "I believe WQAD has positioned itself to be the leading news and weather authority in this television market and I want to be along for the ride. This will be an exciting challenge and I am grateful to the WQAD family for the opportunity and to the people of the Quad Cities for their unwavering support."

"This is the best of both worlds for both Terry and us," said Rosmilso. Terry gets back in front of the camera where viewers can see him each day like they want, and we can help him grow awareness for his new business, terryswails.com. It's the partnership you always want, a "win-win" where the biggest win is for the viewers that miss seeing him."

Swails will start his new role officially the week of July 6th with appearances on the air during coverage of the John Deere Golf Classic, in which WQAD-TV is the official host for the 28th consecutive year. His regular studio duties will begin the following week, in which he will preview his forecast during News 8 at 5 and then be the regular weather anchor on News 8 at 6. Swails will lend himself to an major weather coverage as James Zahara and News 8 ask of him, and the station will make a point of promoting the www.terryswails.com site and Terry's public appearances.

17 Apr 2009

WQPT Looking for PBS Ambassadors

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - Do you enjoy Public Television? Do you like to volunteer? Do you like new and exciting experiences? Then consider becoming a WQPT/PBS Ambassador.

WQPT is seeking energetic college students for an exciting volunteer opportunity. Entering its fifth year, the WQPT/PBS Ambassador program is an opportunity for college students to represent public television at a variety of events throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Ambassadors are a more highly trained extension of the WQPT volunteer force representing the station at fairs, community and fundraising events and on television.

Ambassadors have come from Black Hawk College, St. Ambrose University, Illinois College, University of Iowa, Illinois State University, Kaplan University, Northern Illinois and Western Illinois University.

Former Ambassadors have said:

"The most rewarding part about being an Ambassador is seeing the smiles and joy on the kid's faces at the events. In all honesty, I feel as if I have just as much fun as the kids do - if not more!" Stephanie Regan from St. Ambrose University

"As I teach the kids, I feel as if they are teaching me something at the same moment. I learn from the kids that the simple things in life can sometimes be the most amazing ones!" Troy Keegan from Black Hawk College

"Being around kids makes me feel like I'm a kid again. Being a WQPT Ambassador is priceless--I know because I've been one for 3 years." Jessica Chen from University of Iowa

For more information and an application log on to www.wqpt.org. Application deadline is May 1, 2009. You may also mail applications to Quad Cities PBS, Attn: Ambassador Program, 6600 34th Avenue, Moline, IL 61265. Inquiries can be made at (309) 796-2424.

16 Feb 2009

Allen Schares named Iowa Public Radio Music Director

By Iowa Public Radio

Allen Schares, content manager for Iowa Public Radio's contemporary music stream Studio One, has been named music director for Iowa Public Radio. In this new role, Schares will lead the efforts of IPR's two music services, Iowa Public Radio Classical and Studio One. Schares' appointment became effective February 10. "Iowa Public Radio's classical and alternative music streams will benefit greatly from the organizational experience and leadership skills Al brings to the job as he and his colleagues endeavor to present the highest quality public radio music programming possible to the people of Iowa," says Mary Grace Herrington, CEO of Iowa Public Radio. Schares' public radio background includes more than 20 years in various critical roles from program host and producer to music director of Iowa Public Radio's KUNI stations and, most recently, AAA content manager for IPR's Studio One network. His responsibilities as music director for IPR will include leadership, management and oversight of all Iowa Public Radio music activities for both the classical network and Studio One, including programming, online music-related content and live musical events. "I'm looking forward to working with the incredibly talented music staff of Iowa Public Radio," says Schares. "Together, we'll work to bring the best classical and contemporary music to Iowans as we redouble our efforts to reflect the eclectic tastes of our listeners and continue our support of homegrown artists." Iowa Public Radio offers three streams of programming?news, classical music and alternative music?and broadcasts throughout the state on over 21 frequencies. Iowa Public Radio includes WSUI-AM and KSUI-FM at the University of Iowa, WOI-AM and WOI-FM at Iowa State University, and KUNI-FM and KHKE-FM at the University of Northern Iowa. The operations have combined revenues of over $6 million annually and about 60 employees. The five member Iowa Public Radio Board of Directors includes one representative from each of the three state universities as well as two Iowans appointed by the Board of Regents. ###

26 Sep 2008

"Zoiks! Online magazine relaunches after 3 year hiatus."

By Allison Grady

September 26, 2008 - MOLINE, IL - Zoiks! Online, a magazine of humor, entertainment and pop culture, published by Jason Tanamor, author of "Hello Lesbian!" and "Anonymous," will relaunch on October 1, 2008. The magazine will include various columnists, authors and commentators from all over the country. The web address for the magazine is http://zoiksmag.blogspot.com.

Influenced by People, Interview and a bit of Mad Magazine, Zoiks! does not disappoint readers of pop culture and well-crafted comedy. "There's a strong mix of humor and entertainment," commented Tanamor, creator of Zoiks! Online. "Included are regular columns, movie and music reviews, profile stories and interviews with people in entertainment. 'Best Of' print editions of the magazine will also be available in the future." Issues have featured Frank Caliendo from Frank TV; Harry Shearer, voice from the Simpsons; Larry the Cable Guy from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour; and Mitch Fatel, regular correspondent to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Future issues will include features on Tommy Chong, Godsmack, Blind Melon, Pauly Shore, Dave Coulier, and Norm MacDonald.

Jason Tanamor has contributed to numerous publications and has been praised and supported by industry professionals. "Tanamor's humor has the appeal of Saturday Night Live's "Deep Thoughts." It's not just offbeat - it's an entirely different time signature. Giving rise to plenty of double-takes and raised eyebrows, the writing is simple and uproariously funny. The result will leave readers in stitches," said Jenna Glatzer, author and Editor-in-Chief of Absolute Write.

Zoiks! Online originally launched on Sept. 1, 2004, and issues run on the first of each month. For information on advertising or submitting to Zoiks!, please email zoiksonline@yahoo.com.

24 Sep 2008

We're Heroes

By Dave Cox

2dogs digital audio got to step up and perform heroically for NBCs hit series "Heroes" last week

As actor David Anders stopped by 2dogs after a hard day on the set of "Children of the Corn"

(currently being shot in the QC area) to replace some lines of dialog for a couple of up coming shows.

The session was done locked to picture at NBC-Universal in Los Angles via ISDN from the 2dogs'

studio in Moline Illinois.

11 Mar 2008

"New novel, "Anonymous" written in Palahniuk style."

By Administrator

March 11, 2008 - Jason Tanamor, award-winning writer and author, has a new novel out called, "Anonymous." The novel is a series of stories. Stories are what make the world go round. And they're also what keep a group of prisoners going. Everyday, locked up in their cell, these prisoners spill their guts to the others through toilets and drain pipes, hoping to "pass" the time until they are able to see the light of day. Some of the stories, they disclose things that only locked up criminals should hear. The other stories, they explain why most people would agree that this group of misfits should be locked up. An excerpt, as well as ordering information, is available at: http://www.createspace.com/3334599.

Influenced by Chuck Palahniuk ("Fight Club") and Bret Easton Ellis ("American Psycho"), Tanamor does not disappoint readers of well-crafted, intense, and intelligent writing. "There is a strong mix of humor and in your face craftsmanship," commented Tanamor. "I like to write about the stories that people don't necessarily like to tell, but like to hear." Palahniuk is so much of an influence, "Anonymous" is an homage to the author, written in the style of the "Fight Club" writer.

Jason Tanamor has won honors for his short screenplay, In My Dreams, and has been praised and supported by industry professionals. "Tanamor's humor has the appeal of Saturday Night Live's 'Deep Thoughts.' It's not just offbeat - it's an entirely different time signature. Giving rise to plenty of double-takes and raised eyebrows, the writing is simple and uproariously funny. The result will leave readers in stitches," said Jenna Glatzer, author of "Celine Dion: For Keeps." He also has support from his hero, Chuck Palahniuk, and Stan Stankos, writer for top comedian George Lopez.

"Anonymous" also is available at major booksellers like Amazon.com and Tanamor's MySpace page at: http://www.myspace.com/zoiks_online. For interviews with Jason Tanamor, please email e-mail jasontanamor@yahoo.com.

-END-

25 Sep 2006

Save independent media, help The NewStandard

By Michelle chen

The NewStandard, one of the only reader-funded, collectively run, hard news sites on the web, will close its doors in three weeks if it does not secure the necessary funding from readers to continue publishing.

Maybe you're already a reader of The NewStandard. Maybe you've never heard of it before. Either way, this message is for you, because everyone stands to lose when an alternative to the corporate media is forced to shut down. And we're hoping you will help to save it.

13 Sep 2006

Teacher Librarian

By Marcia L. Jensen

Piece of Cake? 45 Concoctions

08 Aug 2006

QC First Fridays presents "A Coming ART" Party

By Hiram Harris

The QC First Fridays Family invite you to their "Coming ART" party Friday, September 1st from 6P-10P at the Isle of Capri, 1777 Isle Parkway in Bettendorf, Iowa. Watch as they "paint the town red" with the talents of Quad City artists specializing in contemporary and modern art. Mr. Jesse Adams, Art Instructor of Rock Island High School and others will be prominently featured. Musical entertainment will be provided by the world-renowned jazz duo "Boris & Tony." Admission will be in the form of donations, and all proceeds will be contributed to the September 11th Disaster Relief Fund. All professionals must attend! Come out and continue building professional and personal relationships at this social networking event. Drawings will be held for prizes, and we ask that individuals bring announcements or advertisement paraphernalia promoting their business, company and/or organization for us to display. For more information, contact Hiram Harris at 563-391-9693 or 678-588-2799 or e-mail (HiramCHarris@aol.com). "QC First Fridays - Mixing Business With Pleasure!" Website: www.geocities.com/qcfirstfridays/qcfirstfridays

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