The Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance Announces:

Advanced Screenwriting Workshop

Saturday May 15 2010 - 10 AM to 5 PM

Downtown Des Moines Library

1000 Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50309

Cost: free to Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance Members (ISA)

$15.00 for Iowa Motion Picture Association Members (IMPA)

$20.00 for non-members of ISA or IMPA

Learn about action movie scripts. This course, taught by a veteran filmmaker and screenwriter will cover the basics and three-act structure, action specifics, advanced structure, sequences, and character. There will be a one hour lunch break from noon to one for lunch on your own.

For anyone working on an action script, bring a one page summary of your story to share and obtain group feedback and help on your story.

To register, mail the following:

Name

Telephone Number

Address, City, State, Zip

Email address

Mail to: Deb O'Bryan 8918 Townsend Avenue Urbandale IA 50322

Or email information to Iowawriter@hotmail.com

For questions, contact Deb at 515-313-7866.

Men and women who serve within the military and have been stationed abroad often return home with post traumatic stress. Reconnecting these individuals with family and community is critical to their healing process. A forum for individuals and families to talk about their experiences, in the hopes of encouraging and inspiring a positive outcome from challenges faced, will be on air weekly.Family on the Frontline is a division of the non-profit organization Welcome Home Troops. Learn more about Welcome Home Troops at http://www.usawelcomehometroops.org/

Listen to Family on the Frontline radio show, Monday's at 4pm/EST on www.radioearnetwork.com , hosted by Angela Schaefers

ROCK ISLAND, IL - April, 8, 2010 - A crew from the PBS series "History Detectives" will be visiting the Rock Island Arsenal Museum to detail the story behind a watercolor painting of the Battle of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tenn., created by John Gisch during the time he was a Confederate prisoner of war at the Rock Island Barracks.

The watercolor is owned by an individual in Portland, Oregon.

The collection of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum includes a watercolor entitled "Main Avenue Military Prison Rock Island" that was created by John Gisch.

History Detectives will be filming Neil Dahlstrom, author of "Rock Island Prison, 1863-1865, Andersonville of the North Dispelled" (Journal of Illinois History, Winter 2001) at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Arsenal Museum on April 8.

Davenport, IA - March 3rd, 2010 -THIS TV, the free broadcast movie network from MGM Studios and Weigel Broadcasting, is coming to the Quad Cities!  While over-the-air viewers have been able to watch THIS Quad Cities on channel 26.2 since December 10th, 2009, Muscatine Power & Water Cable subscribers were recently introduced to THIS Quad Cities on digital channel 146 while Mediacom Cable viewers were able to start enjoying the station on digital channel 113 starting March 3rd! Some of Hollywood's finest motion pictures from the treasured MGM library of over 4,100 timeless films have been blended with 10,000 hours of television's golden age to create THIS TV.

"THIS TV gives viewers in the Quad Cities area a new and free programming alternative," stated John Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, MGM. "Audiences know the MGM brand stands for quality entertainment and THIS TV delivers on that promise and more.  With blockbuster films and nostalgic television series from MGM's vast library, movie and TV buffs of all ages will find it equally entertaining."

THIS TV is a free movie and entertainment channel that airs a wide variety of films featuring first-rate star power, ranging from sweeping motion pictures such as "The Alamo" starring John Wayne, to Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland in "The Great Train Robbery" and "Moonraker" with Roger Moore as James Bond; to more contemporary fare including "At First Sight" with Oscar winner Mira Sorvino and Val Kilmer, and Mickey Rourke in "A Prayer for the Dying."

Television classics include :  "Stargate SG-1," "The Addams Family," "Mr. Ed," "Flipper," "The Outer Limits" and "Cagney & Lacey." Saturday mornings feature a children's block with such shows as the "Busy World of Richard Scary," "Wimzie's House," "The Country Mouse, City Mouse Adventures," and "The Adventures of Paddington Bear."

In addition to a great selection of iconic films and television series from the MGM library, THIS TV features original specials, Hollywood tributes and uniquely themed program nights that make the channel relevant to what's happening in today's entertainment scene. Recent specials include a behind-the-scenes look at Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds" starring Brad Pitt and tributes to such stars as Farah Fawcett and David Carradine.

"Adding THIS TV was an easy choice for us," said John Bain, Director of Programming. "THIS TV has an ability to offer an enormous amount of high quality, star-studded movies that aren't the usual oversaturated fare found on other networks and we felt that a free movie channel will have mass appeal to our viewers."

For schedule highlights, viewers may check their local listings or visit http://www.this.tv/.

About THIS TV

THIS TV, cleared in over 80% of the United States, is a programming service for local television stations delivered over their digital platform. Created jointly by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Weigel Broadcasting, the channel leverages MGM's treasured library, which features over 4,100 films and 10,000 hours of television programming.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles.  Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com.

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Connie (Corcoran) Wilson will be signing her new collection of short stories entitled Hellfire and Damnation (Sam's Dot Press) at Barnes & Noble bookstore at Northpark Mall in Davenport from 1 to 3 p.m. (or later) on Saturday, March 13th. Visit www.HellfireandDamnationtheBook.com to see a trailer.

The Iowa Law Review article "Patentable Subject Matter" authored by Charlie Damschen, an associate with Davenport's Hamilton IP Law, focused on how courts should judge whether certain software qualified for patent protection. This article has recently been cited by the Franklin Pierce Law Center in its Petition for a Writ of Certiorari amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. Later, Damschen's paper was also cited by William M. Schuster in his article in the Columbia Science and Technology Law Review.

This article focuses on the merits of a patent case similar to Bilski v. Kappos, which is now before the U.S. Supreme Court.  Oral arguments for this case were heard in November and it looks like a decision will come down this spring.  "It's a thrill that my thoughts on this issue are being considered at a national level," cited Damschen.

In the Bilski v. Kappos case, Bilski filed a patent covering a method of hedging risk in the field of commodities trading. Because software is a method performed by a computer, courts treat it as a method when determining patentability. The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled the method in Bilski as non-patentable subject matter and decided a method must transform a particular article into a different state for the method to be eligible for patenting. The software and related services sector employ 1.7 million people earning an average of $85,000 annually. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly affect this industry's growth.

Hamilton IP Law aids entrepreneurs in securing protection for all forms of intellectual property.  The firm serves a variety of specializations, including software, agricultural equipment, electrical components and industrial processes.  Hamilton IP Law provides counsel ranging from individual inventors to medium-sized businesses.  Its founder, Jay Hamilton, is a member of the Scott County Bar Association, a board member of the Quad City I-Club and a frequent guest lecturer at various small business and inventor forums.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Charlie Damschen

331 West 3rd Street, Davenport, IA

Phone: (563) 441-0207

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WLLR is among 32 Clear Channel radio stations nationwide hosting radiothons February 11-12

(Quad Cities, IA) - (February 8, 2010) - Radio station WLLR will host its 18th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids radiothon Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12th from 6am to 6pm on both days, live from the HyVee in Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA. The radiothon raises money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, one of the world's premier center for the research and treatment of cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.


Among this year's highlights, Quad Cities-area St. Jude patient Eric will share his experience with radiothon listeners. Eric was a former St. Jude patient and is now healthy and living in the Quad Cities area. Eric is just one of the tens of thousands of children who have benefited from the cutting-edge research and treatment at St. Jude since it opened in 1962. Local listeners interested in helping Eric and other children like him can pledge a donation by calling 800.345.4673 or by visiting WLLR's Web site, www.wllr.com.


At St. Jude, families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and no child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. Like most organizations, St. Jude has not been immune to the effects of the economy. Now more than ever, St. Jude needs the support of country music listeners to continue its mission of finding cures and saving children.

 

The radio fundraising program began in 1989 after Randy Owen, lead singer of the music group ALABAMA, met St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Since its inception, Country Cares has grown to be one of the most successful radio fundraising events in the nation with more than 200 radio station partners raising more than $365 million in pledges.


"I'm so proud that the music that helped me put bread on my table and have a career is the same music and the same fans, to a certain degree, that have made incredible contributions to Country Cares," Owen said. "I look forward to the future. I absolutely know we're making a difference in a very positive way."


St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.

 

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MOLINE, ILLINOIS - WQPT, the area's regional public television broadcaster welcomes Jamie Lange as the new Chief Development Officer for the station. Ms. Lange comes to WQPT from the American Red Cross of Quad Cities Area where she served as the Financial Development Coordinator. A graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and Iowa State University, Ms. Lange began her career in the Quad Cities as the Fund Development Manager for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.  She was honored as one of the Leaders Under 40 in 2005 and she serves on the Leadership Council of The Network: Young Professionals of the Quad Cities. Additionally, she is President for Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities chapter.

"As WQPT prepares to transfer its license from Black Hawk College to Western Illinois University, the station wanted to implement a part of the strategic plan, which was to bring on a full-time development professional, whose duties were focused entirely on fundraising," said WQPT General Manager, Rick Best.  "We are very excited to have Jamie Lange join WQPT as we head into a new chapter in the history of the station." Mr. Best added that Lora Adams, who served as Chief Development Officer, will become the Director of Marketing and Local Content, retaining her duties regarding marketing and as producer of WQPT pledge drives. Her new duties will also include the creation and production of new local programming.

WQPT is located in Moline, Illinois on the campus of Black Hawk College.

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Clark Will Discuss Economic Opportunity and Innovation in Forestry at the Conference

EUGENE, Ore. - Over the past two years John Deere's Nate Clark has helped craft policies aimed at creating new and sustainable economic opportunities for the forestry industry. As keynote speaker for the Oregon Logging Conference, he will discuss public policies, economic opportunities and innovative ideas for the industry during his address on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 8:30 a.m. in the Lane Events Center's Wheeler Pavilion in Eugene, Ore. The Oregon Logging Conference will be held at the Lane Events Center Thursday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 27, and will focus on the theme, "Forest Biomass...Fuel for the Future?"

Clark, director of public affairs for John Deere's construction and forestry division and John Deere Power Systems, believes new innovation has the ability to inspire the industry to reach greater heights. "The logging industry must emphasize innovation as an essential core value, and innovation is at the very heart of the Oregon Logging Conference's theme this year," he says. "We see in forest biomass the promise of creating a resilient logging industry serving our nation's energy needs, national security, environmental interests and beyond."

"Inspiration is certainly in short supply right now as job losses continue in the logging industry," says Clark. "However, by meaningfully building the logging industry on innovation, the industry will not only grow economically but also in spirit."

Ed Hendrix, 2010 Oregon Logging Conference president, is excited to share Nate's message with conference attendees.

"Nate has worked on a number of public policies critical to the logging industry," says Hendrix. "I'm looking forward to his presentation on innovation and its inherent ability to inspire. We could all use some inspiration in this difficult economy."

About The Oregon Logging Conference

The 72nd Oregon Logging Conference will return to the Lane Events Center in Eugene, Ore., on Feb. 25 through Feb. 27. The conference, renowned for its high-quality education opportunities and networking events, is a great value to participants. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn nine professional logger credits and eight SAF-CFE credits; view logging, construction, trucking and heavy equipment; and to enjoy several networking opportunities over three days for just $85. To register for the conference or for more information, visit the Oregon Logging Conference Web site, www.oregonloggingconference.com, or call (541) 686-9191.

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ROCK ISLAND, IL (01/21/2010)(readMedia)-- The artistic and musical talents of Augustana students will be the focus of the third annual Augustana Sights and Sounds at Bucktown Center for the Arts (225 E. 2nd St., Davenport) on Friday, January 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. The free event will feature distinctive student photography from both Augustana and Quad-City area high school students and a raffle fundraiser for the Fistula Foundation.

Augustana Photo Bureau students will display a series of photographs that highlight student life on the Rock Island campus, experiences in the Quad Cities or the world through international study programs. The event will incorporate the photography on display with several existing galleries and music. Three pieces of artwork will be raffled off by the Augustana Artisans to benefit the Fistula Foundation. These include two paintings from Augustana student Maria Ford and a photograph by Hunt Harris, a local businessman.

High school photographers who would like to be featured can submit their work in the categories of music, dreams, urban wilderness and portraits by January 18. Members of the Photo Bureau will judge the entries, and winners will receive scholarships to Augustana College.

Photo Bureau students featured in the show are Veronica Smith, Corynn Hanson, Dana Gustafson, Maren Mathisen, Mark Marogil, Matthew Peters, John Cairns and Grace Drenth. Smith, who serves as the Photo Bureau manager, assisted with planning the event. To view a students' work, click on each name to access a high-resolution photograph.

From your area this includes:

Mark Marogil, a sophomore from Moline, IL majoring business administration-advising.

Grace Drenth, a first year from Davenport, IA majoring liberal studies.

The Augustana Photo Bureau was established in 2005 to support the publications, events, news and online needs of the Office of Communication and Marketing. The bureau has grown to support other departments and special events on campus. Under the direction of their advisor, Marla Alvarado Neuerburg, the students have the opportunity to learn and apply photographic skills.

Midcoast Fine Arts is a non-profit agency created by artists to promote regional artists and cultural organizations that advance the quality of life and marketability within the Quad Cities. The Bucktown Center for the Arts opened in 2005 as a creative community for local artists.

The Augustana Artisans is a student organization created to appreciate, create and share the love of art. The club meets weekly to learn and create art and hold sales to raise money for charities such as the Fistula Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on the treatment and prevention of fistula worldwide. Fistula is a hole that can develop between a woman's birth passage and one or more surrounding organs over many days of obstructed labor or as a result of sexual violence. To learn more about the organization, visit www.fistulafoundation.org/index.html.

The Augustana Photo Bureau and the MidCoast Fine Arts are coordinating the event during Bucktown's monthly Final Friday art show. For further information about the event, contact Marla Alvarado Neuerburg at (309) 794-7632 or marlaalvarado@augustana.edu.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls nearly 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 60 majors and areas of study. Augustana employs 226 faculty and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

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