12 Dec 2011

SKYHORSE PUBLISHING TO PUBLISH BLUEWATER'S SPECIAL HARDCOVER, eBOOK EDITION OF"WRATH OF THE TITANS"

By Rick Martin
As the sword-and-sandals-epic "Wrath of the Titans" has become one of independent comic book publisher Bluewater Production most successful fiction titles, the original 2008 mini-series is being re-released this spring as a special edition graphic novel through partner Skyhorse Publishing.

According to Bluewater, the expanded version will include over 30 pages of never-before-seen material and be released in hardcover format and as an eBook through Paperless Publishing.

"It's a timeless story; a classic story and with all the new material, it still seems fresh," said Bluewater president Darren G. Davis, "I'm looking forward to seeing the title in libraries, schools and book stores across the country."

Written by Davis and his brother Scott Davis, "Wrath of the Titans" tells the story of Greek mythological hero Perseus after he has defeated Medusa, saved the city from the Kraken and became king of Argos. The story is full of Olympian intrigue, double-crosses, revenge, heroes, gods, monsters...and mayhem.

"Wrath of the Titans," scheduled for a March 2012 release, is a 128-page graphic novel (comprised of the four original individual issues plus additional promotional extras including a new cover by famed DC artist Joe Phillips). It is illustrated by Nadir Balan.

This book will be the first Bluewater title distributed as a hardcover edition. It includes a new cover by DC Comics' Joe Phillips.

"It is the first step of a great adventure," said Skyhorse Publisher Tony Lyons, "We look forward to the success of this book and to putting many future Bluewater titles in the hands of new fans."

Additionally the expanded edition is being prepared for an eBook rendition at the same time by Paperless Publishing.

"Our goal from the beginning of Paperless Publishing was to take eBooks and translate them into hard covers.  I am pleased that we are doing that with "Wrath of the Titans" and Skyhorse Publishing. Bluewater has been a great partner for Paperless Publishing as we have distributed over 100 of their eBooks to much success," said Meghan Kilduff, Paperless' publisher.

Bluewater president Darren G. Davis emphasizes that "Wrath of the Titans" is an extension of the original movie's vision and concept and has no current ties with the sequel to the "Clash of the Titans" remake baring the same name.

The graphic novel will retail for $18.99. It will be available through traditional retail outlets, comic book shops, traditional book stores and several online venues including Amazon.com and the Barnes and Noble.

High-resolution images and interview opportunities are available upon request.

About Bluewater Productions

Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers "10th Muse" and "The Legend of Isis" "Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner ("TekWar Chronicles"),  legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen ("Wrath of the Titans," "Sinbad: Rogue of Mars," "Jason and the Argonauts," et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price ("Vincent Price Presents"),  Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles "Female Force" and "Political Power."

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry's top artists and writers.

Bluewater's books are managed by Jarred Weisfeld of Objective Media.

About Skyhorse Publishing
Skyhorse Publishing was launched in September 2006 by Tony Lyons, former president and publisher of the Lyons Press, and its first titles were published in March 2007. Lyons talked to dozens of potential investors, all of whom asked the same question: "Can a new book publishing company make it in the current environment?" His response remains: "Succeeding as an independent publisher is not going to be easy, but by scouring the country for genre books that large publishers ignore, resurrecting forgotten classics, and by moving both more quickly and with greater attention to detail than other publishers, I believe we can flourish."
Skyhorse?with its four imprints (Arcade Publishing, Allworth Publishing, Sports Publishing, and Sky Pony Press) now boasts a backlist of 1,500 books. Since its founding, Skyhorse has published an eclectic and maverick list that includes books on history, politics, rural living, humor, and more. With its new imprints, the Skyhorse program now includes business, art, fiction, regional books, and children's books.
About Objective Entertainment (Paperless Publishing)

Paperless Publishing was founded by Objective Entertainment's Jarred Weisfeld and is a full service book to eBook conversion and publishing house. Meghan Kilduff has moved over from Objective Entertainment to be the new company's Publisher. Paperless Publishing is looking to publish both fiction and nonfiction in all genres. We plan to publish over 100 titles in the next year.
12 Dec 2011

'THE CITIES WITH JIM MERTENS' CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ON THE AIR

By Rick Martin
MOLINE, ILLINOIS - On Thanksgiving night 2010 WQPT premiered a brand new public affairs program called "The Cities with Jim Mertens." This Thanksgiving the program celebrates one year on the air. Producer Lora Adams said "We've interviewed more than 100 guests, everyone from Governor Branstad to original Freedom Rider, Diane Nash. Plus, we've been able to introduce our audiences to variety of local musicians and artists."

Host Jim Mertens had wanted for some time to do a longer format public affairs program. "I have the best of both worlds," Mertens said referring to his job as morning anchor at WQAD and his hosting duties for WQPT. "We've had the opportunity to talk with folks about the most up-to-the minute topics. From the flooding on the Mississippi to a couple who were caught in the civil unrest in Egypt to most recently, discussing the construction projects taking place in downtown Moline. We're also really excited that the Victor and Doris Day Foundation,
who were the original funders for the program, have once again provided funding for a second year" Mertens said.

"The Cities" is taped at Fusion Communications in Davenport, Iowa and airs on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 5:30 pm. WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University, located in Moline, Illinois.

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06 Dec 2011

There Are No More Fences Says Western Author

By Nicholas Depew

British writer Chris Scott Wilson who has five of his westerns released worldwide as ebooks by Boson of North Carolina is gratified to see they now have trailers to help promote them on YouTube. Chris admits he is pleased publishers can now generate video teasers just as Hollywood always has done for movies. "I find it tremendously exciting," he enthuses. "It's a new kind of marketing for books, and any step forward in bringing books to the public's attention can't be a bad thing. And presenting them visually hauls them into the 21st century."

"I also find it incredible that somebody on the other side of the world from the US," Chris reveals, "in Europe, India or Japan, or even Australia can turn on their computer and see a trailer for one of my books. Even more amazing, now that we're moving into a digital age, they can follow on from watching the trailer and visit their on-line retailer to buy the book and have it downloaded on their computer within minutes if not seconds. All the fences have gone."

While there are those who rigidly stick to their taste for print books, Chris says, "There's no reason print and digital can't exist side by side. There are those who want to keep books on their shelves. I do too, but there are also times when we read on the move, for example on holiday or commuting, and ebook readers enable us to carry as many as we want. Technology is advancing so fast. We should embrace, not resist those parts that are beneficial to us." He smiles. "I like to think of my ebook reader as an iPod for my books."

To see the trailers, either follow links from Chris's website www.chrisscottwilson.co.uk or search for "chris scott wilson" on Youtube where you will locate a list. His books Desperadoes, The Quantro Story, Double Mountain Crossing, The Copper City and The Fight at Hueco Tanks can all be found on leading US ebook retailers' websites, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble,  Appleapp.com, Books on Board, Booksamillion and many others.

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22 Nov 2011

Biltmore Who's Who Selects Donna Marie Beserra as an Honored Member of the Executive and Professional Registry

By Holli C.

Moline, IL -– Donna Marie Beserra, Publisher and Author for Artisitc Creations Book Publishing, has been selected as an Honored Member of the Biltmore Who's Who Executive and Professional Registry. The selection recognizes Donna Marie Beserra's commitment to excellence in Children's Books.

Beserra, who began working in book publishing in 2002, started her own business just five years later, writing, producing and publishing children's books.

Currently working on an autobiography that she hopes will help others interested in writing and publishing books on their own, Beserra studied creative writing at Black Hawk College and has taken numerous business, writing and self-publishing courses over the years.

In addition to her writings, Beserra is currently producing her own television show, Discover Your Talent, which is viewed on Mediacom's channel 19 on Monday evenings at 8pm central time. Her "Creative Creatures" interactive books are featured on the show, along with creative ideas and acts performed by various children.

"I hope to inspire kids around the world to discover their talents," Beserra said about her show.

Beserra is a member of the Midwest Writing Center and has taught numerous classes at Black Hawk College. She hopes to soon have her first book, Twirly Shirley In My Sister The Twister, made into a computer animated film or an onstage production.

Beserra will be offering some free ebooks on her website on how to write a children's book, please visithttps://sites.google.com/site/discoveryourtalentshow/. She also has a new Christmas site at http://sites.google.com/site/christmaswonderful/.

About Biltmore Who's Who:

Biltmore Who's Who specializes in providing members with pertinent biographical information of key Executives and Professionals that comprise its membership throughout North America. Biltmore Who's Who encourages all members to use the publication to contact and network with other members to enhance public relations or possibly develop mutual and beneficial business relationships.

Contact: Biltmore Who's Who, Hollywood, Fl.
Holli C., 954-893-0114

21 Nov 2011

Local Student Makes Movie in Hollywood

By Andrew Valentine

Davenport native, Brendon O'Connor is currently seeking donations for her upcoming graduate student thesis film. O'Connor, in her final year of graduate film school at Chapman University is production designing "The Devout", a new short thriller film set during the Black Death that follows one woman who must risk everything to ensure the safety of the ones she loves. The film, which shoots in January, in Los Angeles is funded by the students.  The filmmakers are hoping to reach out to local support back in Iowa for donations, which will fund camera and lighting rentals, and construction cost of the medieval village. O'Connor, graduated from Davenport Central high school in 2004 and is receiving an MFA in Production Design this spring. Please visit www.thedevoutfilm.com to learn more about the production and how you can help. We are also accepting donations at http://www.indiegogo.com/TheDevoutfilm

SYNOPSIS

A story filled with secrets, isolation, agony, and love, The Devout takes us on a journey into the dark world of the Black Death. Set in the early 1400's, The Devout follows the people of medieval Exmoor, England as they witness the systematic killing of the village's sick by a demonic, cloaked rook creature. Two conflicting avenues emerge to lead the villagers to salvation, each guided by a brother and sister, Luke and Emery. One avenue is led by Emery, an intelligent woman who serves as the village doctor and mentor to Ana, Luke's daughter. The other avenue falls under the watchful eyes of the town preacher, Brother Luke, who attributes the recent deaths as a punishment from God and directs the people of Exmoor on a journey to find salvation by openly repenting their sins. As Emery and Ana wield the proven practices of science, Emery faces the ultimate test when she must go against her brother and his beliefs to ensure the safety of Exmoor at whatever cost.
14 Nov 2011

German American Heritage Center Events

By Egon Gerdes
GAHC Members and Friends,

 

If you are unfamiliar with the "Germans in America" series previously broadcast by WQPT, (Digital Channel 24.1 and 24.2 or Cable Channel 10) or would like to see it again, take note of the following episodes on Monday evenings through Novermber, 2011. Programs begin at 9:00 p.m.

 

Monday, Nov. 7
"Into the Promised Land" A group of German-Americans from Loose Creek, Missouri travel to Germany in search of their roots.

 

Monday, Nov. 14
"The Price of Freedom" Recalls the stenuous ordeals faced by the first German settlers to arrive in Texas.

 

Monday, Nov, 21
"Little Germanies" German-speaking communities bloomed all over the country in the second half of the 19th century.

 

Monday, Nov. 28
"A People Disappears" German-Americans try to keep their identity under wraps as intolerance grows during the world wars.
01 Nov 2011

The Teacher Salary Project Presents the Screening of American Teacher

By Melissa Gravert
A definitive look at the state of teaching in America that offers a solution to the education crisis.
Narrated by Matt Damon
In collaboration with Microsoft Partners in Learning

Sunday, November 6th, 2011
6:00 pm
Rozz-Tox
2108 3rd Ave Rock Island, IL 61201
This is a free event.

American Teacher is the feature-length documentary produced and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Roth; produced by Ninive Calegari, co-founder of the literacy nonprofit 826 National, and bestselling author Dave Eggers; and narrated by Academy Award-winner Matt Damon. American Teacher chronicles the stories of four teachers - Erik Benner, Jonathan Dearman, Jamie Fidler, and Rhena Jasey - who live and work in disparate urban and rural areas of the country. By following these teachers as they reach different milestones in their careers, the film tell the deeper story of the teaching profession in America today. The film shows us the experience of these four young teachers as they recognize the importance of what they do, and how much they love what they do, but have to ask themselves: Can I afford to continue to teach?
01 Nov 2011

$25,308 Grant to Iowa Public Broadcasting for Environmental Education

By Kris Lancaster

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 27, 2011) - EPA Region 7 has awarded Iowa Public Broadcasting an environmental education grant totaling $25,308. This is one of six grants being awarded to schools, universities and organizations in the Agency's four-state region to fund the development of new environmental education projects. The execution of these environmental education projects will further EPA's commitment to protecting human health and the environment.

"Educating our communities on environmental issues is crucial to creating a safe and healthy environment for children to learn and grow," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The diversity of the proposals selected shows the commitment of the people of Region 7 to producing and sustaining a healthy environment."

Iowa Public Broadcasting will use this grant to provide professional development to 100 middle school science teachers in rural areas. This project will also assist teachers with instructional skills to engage students in problem-solving learning in the classroom.  Five courses will be offered over a two-year period and will address issues of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

The Environmental Education Grant program provides seed money for new projects and assistance to advance existing projects. The projects increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.

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25 Oct 2011

Midland Communications Help SMBs Utilize Softphone Technology to Enhance Mobility

By Janet Dufour
DAVENPORT, IA - October 20, 2011 - Midland Communications, a leading unified communications provider, announced today that the company is deploying softphones to help small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) increase their mobility and flexibility. Softphones are the ultimate solution for the road warrior, and they enable workers to function "as if" they're in the office, regardless of their physical location.
Softphones are software programs which enable users to make phone calls over the Internet using their laptop or home computer eliminating the need for a physical instrument. Recently, they have been gaining in popularity among SMBs primarily because they reduce the cost of calls to virtually nothing.  Also, they have a surprising number of ancillary advantages for end users.
Firstly, softphones are extremely easy to setup. Typically they require little more than a bluetooth headset and the proper software, and employees can be up and running in minutes. Softphones can also easily integrate with existing phone systems and leverage all current capabilities. For example, many phone systems in today's market have Instant-Messaging (IM) embedded so co-workers can supply one another with answers to customer service questions on the fly. The goal of softphones is to better connect an organization and create more opportunities for mobility and collaboration.
Jason Smith, Vice President of Midland Communications comments, "softphones are predominantly utilized by companies that desire additional levels of mobility. In an increasingly globalized world, mobility and speed have become even more important to survive and this helps explain why demand is up." Jason also adds "With the call quality equivalent to that of a cell phone, softphones are making a big impact in the technology sector and businesses across all industries are jumping on board. The bottom line with softphones is that they enhance productivity, increase profitability and create a competitive advantage regardless of industry."

ABOUT MIDLAND COMMUNICATIONS
Midland Communications began more than 60 years ago in 1946 as the Worldwide Marketing Arm of Victor-Animagraph Projectors. In 1977 a communications division was formed due to a partnership with NEC America. Today, As a distributor of NEC America, for 33 years, Midland Communications has a customer base of more than 3,000 satisfied customers that include general businesses, government agencies, Universities, colleges, hospitals, and hotels.
Midland provides a wide range of communication services including VOIP, PBX and key systems, Wide Area and Local Area networking, computers, Computer integration, voice mail, CCIS, and video conferencing and paging systems. Our philosophy is simple, provide quality products at a fair price, backed by an average emergency response time of twenty minutes, and the best service in the industry. For more information on Midland Communications, call (563) 326-1237 or visit www.midlandcom.com.


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03 Oct 2011

WQPT HOLDS SPECIAL SCREENING AND DISCUSSION OF "A CLASS APART" FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

By Rick Martin

MOLINE, ILLINOIS - In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, WQPT will be holding a special screening of the American Experience documentary "A Class Apart" followed by a panel discussion at the Moline Public Library. The event is scheduled for October 4th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the library. The panel discussion will be moderated by Alfred Ramirez and features panelists Bob Ontiveros, Ernie Rodriquez and Henry Vargas to discuss the Hispanic experience in the Quad Cities in the 1960's and '70's.

"A Class Apart" tells the little known story of how a band of underdog Mexican-American lawyers take the Hernandez v. Texas case to the Supreme Court, challenging Jim Crow-style discrimination.  The full documentary will air on WQPT on October 11th at 7 pm.

"The committee that WQPT formed to work on their April Freedom Riders event and the upcoming Freedom Riders event in October, felt like we had more work to do," said Dr. Tammy Werner, a professor at Western Illinois University. "We didn't want to let the momentum end and decided to highlight some of the challenges and opportunities that our Hispanic neighbors deal with locally by focusing on this particular documentary and having the opportunity to hear from these panelists."

The screening and discussion event and Hispanic Heritage Month programming on WQPT has been underwritten by Ascentra Credit Union with additional support from The Moline Public Library, Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Western Illinois University.  WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

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