16 Dec 2010

Do-It-Yourself Deer Processing

By J. Wayne Fears
12/10/2010 - If you take a deer this season, don't miss out on some of the most-delicious meat ever. Researchers have proved that venison, a heart-friendly meat, contains fewer calories than the same size serving of chicken or turkey and one-half the calories of ham or ground chuck. Venison also has more protein than freshwater or saltwater fish and one-tenth as many fat grams as ground chuck. A rich source of trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and iron, venison has a cholesterol content comparable to chicken and turkey.

To process your venison yourself:

* Have your equipment ready. Always carry: a deer drag; a sharp knife like the Pro Tool Hunt Utility Knife, made of 3/16-inch-thick carbon steel and featuring a finger grip below and scalloped thumb grooves above, that gives me a secure grip and ultimate maneuverability for field dressing; gloves; and Hunter's Specialties' Wild Gamekeeper Spray, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria by lowering the pH on the surface of the animal, creating an acid base where bacteria can't grow in your daypack.

* Look for a hill or a log that you can drag your deer to as soon as you recover it. Put the deer's head up and the body down to make field dressing easier. Gravity will help the entrails to come out easier.

* Use a Hunter's Specialties' Butt Out Tool, a product that disconnects the deer's anal alimentary canal easily.

* Wear field dressing gloves to open the deer's cavity and remove the entrails.

 

* Don't wash the open cavity with water, even after removing the entrails. Use Wild Gamekeeper Spray, and coat the cavity with it.

* Hang the deer in a cooler or the outdoors, if the area has below-40-degree temperatures for 2-3 days. Then the animal can cool-down and age, which will mean better-tasting meat.

* Remove the hide, and cut-up the meat.

* Use a very-sharp, clean knife like the compact, perfectly-balanced Pro Tool Hunt Utility Knife and a saw to separate the meat.

* Cut away all fat, connective tissue and gristle before packaging the meat for the freezer to ensure the very-best-tasting venison when you prepare it later.

* Allow cuts of venison to unthaw in the refrigerator in heavily-salted water after removing the meat from the freezer for 24 - 48 hours. Be sure to wash all the salt off before preparing venison to eat.

In my new "Deer Hunter's & Land Manager's Pocket Reference" book that will be available in a few weeks at www.protoolindustries.net, there's a full chapter on how to clean and quarter your deer besides an abundance of vital information about deer. At the Pro Tool Industries website, you'll also find my book, "How to Make Jerky and Pemmican" and free venison recipes.


# # #
06 Dec 2010

Statement from Governor Pat Quinn on Passing of Cubs Legend Ron Santo

By Andrew Mason
CHICAGO - December 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the passing of Chicago Cubs legend Ron Santo.
"Anyone fortunate enough to meet Ron Santo met a man who cared about everything important in life," said Governor Quinn. "Ron Santo cared deeply about his family, the Chicago Cubs and their fans throughout the world. Not only did he play major league baseball while suffering from diabetes, he also dedicated his life to finding a cure for the disease. Ron Santo was more than a great baseball player and announcer - he was a great person and all of Illinois mourns his passing."
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02 Dec 2010

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS BRING BASKETBALL'S FIRST-EVER 4-POINT SHOT TO MOLINE

By Rick Martin
Basketball's most prolific innovators push sport forward once again;
Game-changing 4-pointer to make its mark at i wireless Center in Moline on January 8

 PHOENIX (December 2, 2010) - The Harlem Globetrotters, who have contributed more innovations to the game of basketball than any other team in history, have implemented the first-ever 4-point shot as part of all of its games on the team's 2011 "4 Times the Fun" North American tour, the team's record 85th season of touring.

The Globetrotters will debut the 4-pointer to a national audience on Sunday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. EST, when ESPN2 telecasts the Globetrotters' game against the Washington Generals from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

This game-changing innovation will be on display when the Globetrotters take on the Washington Generals at i wireless Center on January 8, 2011 at 7:00p.m. Tickets, starting at $16.00, are on sale at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, the the i wireless Center box office, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

"The Globetrotters have been at the forefront of basketball's evolution throughout the sport's history," said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. "From the alley-oop to the slam dunk to the behind-the-back pass, the Globetrotters have long brought innovations to basketball that are now staples of the game, and we're confident the 4-point shot will change the game of basketball going forward."

Throughout the 2011 North American tour, which will travel to 220 cities in 46 U.S. States and six Canadian provinces between December 26 and April 17, every Globetrotters game will now feature two designated 4-point shooting spots on each side of midcourt, each located 35 feet from the basket (the spots are 12 feet beyond the NBA's official 3-point line). The 4-point option is expected to further open up the playing floor for the Globetrotters as well as their opponents, the Generals, and is expected to generate even more high-scoring action and competitive play.

"Bring it," said Washington Generals President Red Klotz, whose team has not beaten the Globetrotters since January 1971, when Klotz himself sank a game-winning shot in Martin, TN. "Long-range marksmanship is a Generals trademark, and we've already installed several new plays to take advantage of the 4-pointer. If anything, this only makes us stronger."

"I only wish they had this shot when I was playing," said Globetrotter Legend Curly Neal, one of only five Globetrotters in history to have his jersey number retired. "I could have lit up that scoreboard all night long."

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, Howard Johnson Hotels, America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, Greyhound Lines and Spalding, the Original Harlem Globetrotters continue a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages.

Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 120 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans?among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents?over more than eight thrilling decades.

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02 Dec 2010

Cross Country Ski Clinic Planned

By Michael J. Granger
On Saturday, December 11th at 9:30 A.M., the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a cross country ski clinic.  Come learn the basics of cross country skiing and explore the wintery open spaces of the Wapsi River Center.  All experience levels are welcome.  Please call 563-328-3286 to register for equipment - please provide gender, height and shoe size of each participant.

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 turning north at 52nd Avenue and following the signs for about 1 mile.

22 Nov 2010

RIVERMONT ALUMNI TAKE TO THE COURT

By Brittany Marietta

Rivermont alums score big on and off the court!  Rivermont Collegiate will host the annual Alumni Basketball Game on Tuesday, November 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the gym on the Rivermont campus. This special event gives alumni the opportunity to re-connect and reminisce with classmates and faculty while enjoying some friendly basketball competition - often against former teammates!  Alumni Cheerleaders will be performing and Alumni will have the opportunity to meet the current Rivermont Varsity Basketball team and Varsity Cheerleaders.  Rivermont Alum Kevin Ferris (Class of 1980) and former Assistant Headmaster Ken Ferris will be serving as referees for the night!

With a 126 year tradition, our alumni come from St. Katharine's School (affectionately known as St. Kit's), St. Katharine's - St. Mark's School, and now Rivermont Collegiate.  Alumni are a key piece of the Rivermont community and play many critical roles, from returning to teach and coach to serving on the Board of Trustees.  As an independent college-prep school, Rivermont turns traditional education inside out.  Customized learning ensures students nourish personal talents, while taking risks in academics, leadership, athletics, arts, and service.  A traditional curriculum infused with innovative ideas and technology provides a solid foundation, creating alumni who sustain a path of life-long learning and engage fully in their local, national, and global communities.

Alumni who plan to attend should RSVP to Athletic Director Ed Knupp at knupp@rvmt.org.

This event will take place on the Rivermont campus, located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf (directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware).

08 Nov 2010

Harkin Commends EPA Decision to Deny Ban on Lead in Fishing Gear

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its decision to deny a petition calling for a ban on the manufacture, use and processing of lead in fishing gear.  On October 15, Harkin wrote to EPA expressing his concern that such a ban on lead in fishing gear would impose major changes and possibly business failure for fishing gear manufacturers.  He also raised concerns that it would require major changes for recreational sport anglers across the country.  Harkin asked EPA to thoroughly consider whether or not such a ban on the federal level was warranted.  A copy of that letter can be found here.  In 1995, Harkin introduced a bill in the Senate (S.505) to prohibit similar EPA action after EPA issued a proposed rule for a similar ban.

"In Iowa - and across the county - millions of anglers take to rivers, lakes and oceans to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time fishing; and thousands of locally owned small businesses rely on this industry for their livelihood.   I strongly believe that it is important that we do all we can to protect our environment and conserve our natural resources, but at this time there is not enough evidence to show that lead in fishing gear warrants a federal ban that would cause serious problems to the fishing supply industry and disruptions to the sport fishing community," said Harkin.  "I commend EPA on today's decision and especially on their recognition that the sport fishing community is already increasingly using non-lead fishing gear alternatives.  I look forward to continued collaboration with EPA on this, and other issues, that are so important to small businesses and recreationalists."

On August 3, 2010, the American Bird Conservancy and a number of other groups petitioned EPA under Section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act to "prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers."  On August 27, the EPA denied the portion of the petition relating to ammunition because the agency doesn't have the legal authority to regulate ammunition.  In a letter today to the petitioners, EPA indicated that the petitioners had not demonstrated that the requested rule is necessary to protect against an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, as required by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  The letter further indicates that the increasing number of limitations on the use of lead fishing gear on some federal and state lands, as well as various education and outreach activities, call into question whether a national ban on lead in fishing gear would be the least burdensome, adequately protective approach to address the concern, as called for under TSCA.  EPA's letter also notes that the prevalence of non-lead alternatives in the marketplace continues to increase.  A copy of EPA's letter and more information can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemtest/pubs/sect21.htm.
21 Oct 2010

2011 "4 Times the Fun" World Tour primed to astound fans at i wireless Center

By Rick Martin

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TAKE THE GAME TO UNPRECEDENTED HEIGHTS TO COMMEMORATE 85 CONSECUTIVE SEASONS

2011 "4 Times the Fun" World Tour primed to astound fans at i wireless Center in Moline on January 8

Hot on the heels of the most successful year in franchise history, the legendary Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 85th consecutive season when their dazzling 2011 "4 Times the Fun" World Tour stops in Moline, showcasing the wholesome family entertainment that has provided lifetime memories for generations of fans.

The Harlem Globetrotters will take the court at i wireless Center on January 8, 2011 at 7:00p.m. Tickets, starting at $16.00, will go on sale on Monday, November 1, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at www.harlemglobetrotters.com, the i wireless Center box office, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

"Our 85th season promises to be a landmark year, with never before seen innovations in the game," says Michael Kenney, the Globetrotters' senior vice president, live event marketing. "You'll want to get your tickets now to witness firsthand what we have in store for our wonderful fans around the world."

The North American leg of the 2011 "4 Times the Fun" World Tour will tip-off on Dec. 26, 2010, and runs until mid-April.  The team will play over 270 games in more than 220 cities in 45 states and six Canadian provinces.

Sponsored by Campbell Soup Company, Howard Johnson Hotels, America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, Greyhound Lines, and Spalding, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have played in 120 countries and territories on six continents, entertaining over 132 million fans and breaking down barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life, earning induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

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30 Sep 2010

John Kiley Fun Run

By Kathy Weiss

DAVENPORT, IA–October 1, 2010–A remembrance honoring late community advocate John Kiley is planned for Saturday, October 16th with an unofficial "fun run" on Arsenal Island and a gathering at the Blue Cat Brew Pub in Rock Island.

An invitation is extended to all Quad-Citians who knew Kiley, an accomplished runner, volunteer and supporter of social justice causes, who died suddenly February 15, 2009 at his home in Davenport.

There is no cost or registration for the three-mile fun run that begins on the Arsenal at 5 p.m.  A photo ID is required to enter the island.  Participants are invited to walk, jog or run a three-mile course around the island.  A celebration "In Honor of John" will follow upstairs at the Blue Cat Brew Pub in Rock Island.

Organizers hope to gain local support for establishing an annual "5Kiley" celebration in the Quad-Cities.

"We want to honor a man who loved the Quad-Cities," says Kathy Weiss, one of several organizers.  "We would also like to support those organizations and projects that were near and dear to John, such as Café on Vine." Kiley helped establish the Davenport soup kitchen while serving as Social Action Director for the Catholic Diocese of Davenport, a position he held until his death.

"He also supported local arts and the music scene," Weiss said.  "He played basketball at St. Ambrose and ran countless Bixes and marathons.  He touched so many lives here and we feel it's important to celebrate this rare gem, who was a friend to all."

For more information or to volunteer, please email kileyrun@gmail.com.

--end--

20 Sep 2010

Chicago To Get World's Highest Ice Skating Rink

By Agency 360

WORLD CHAMPION HOCKEY TOWN TO GET WORLD'S HIGHEST RINK

John Hancock Observatory Announces Plans for State-of-the-Art "Ice" Rink More Than 1000 Feet Up

CHICAGO (Sep. 9, 2010) - Against a fairytale background of endless sky and water, officials of John Hancock Observatory today announced plans for the world's highest skating rink to open in January 2011 on the 94th floor of one of Chicago's most legendary landmarks.  The rink, which will be approximately 50 feet by 20 feet and constructed of a state-of-the-art synthetic substance called XTRAICE, will be more than 1,000 feet above The Magnificent Mile, and will overlook sky-high views of the city's lakefront skyline and bustling Lake Shore Drive.

"Our guests already feel like they're floating on air, so now they can literally glide around the sky," said Daniel Thomas, General Manager.  "We are constantly looking for ways to innovate, for new ways to entertain our guests and give them a unique story to share with their friends and family.  This rink is going to provide our visitors with an opportunity you just cannot get anywhere else in Chicago, or the world."

Thomas was joined in his announcement by skating stars of Disney On Ice, currently in town with its Princess Classics production, and local children-many of whom sported World Champion Chicago Blackhawk jerseys-who enjoyed the inaugural sky-high skate on a temporary replica of the rink that will be open to the public from January 1, 2011 thru March.  Thomas also announced that tickets for the Princess Classics and future Disney On Ice shows will now be sold at the Observatory's concierge desk.

"Chicago has a rich tradition of public skating rinks and now more than ever families are enjoying the fun of being on the ice," said Thomas.  "Who knows, maybe a future Stanley Cup or Olympic Gold Medal Champion will lace up his or her skates right here."  The Observatory will rent skates at the rink and will also offer private skating parties (for inquiries call Andrew Apa at (312) 654-5021).  Bleachers will be constructed to allow families and friends to watch skaters against the skyline background of Lake Michigan and Lake Shore Drive.

About John Hancock Observatory

Located inside the iconic John Hancock Center, John Hancock Observatory is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and, at 875 North Michigan Avenue, stands in the heart of the Magnificent Mile next to hundreds of shops, restaurants, attractions and entertainment venues. Highlights include spectacular 360° views spanning 80 miles and four states and the city's only open-air Sky Walk, all accessed by the fastest elevators in the country. John Hancock Center and John Hancock Observatory are owned and operated by affiliates of Golub & Company. More information at www.hancockobservatory.com. 

13 Sep 2010

Rock Island Grand Prix - final results

By Roger Ruthhart
Wiegand dominates gearbox; Lawson scores 4-wins; Udell and DeLaO win twice in their first Rock Island Grand Prix

ROCK ISLAND, IL. - Ohio's Gary Lawson notched four more wins to run his win total at Rock Island to an amazing 20 victories, while Kyle Wiegand won his third King of the Streets title at this year's Rock Island Grand Prix, presented by AT&T.

Wiegand started the day off right by winning the coveted King of the Streets stock moto title over a tough field including reigning King Jordon Musser. Wiegand benefited from some attrition behind him as Derek Crockett got into the barriers. Nick Lucido also bounced off the plastic barriers and ended up sideways and collected Musser in a nasty crash. This left Wiegand just having to avoid lapped traffic and mechanical failures as he cruised to win the 30-lap race over Jake French. Canadian Max Gamble finished third, but was removed by a technical DQ giving the third spot to Cole Mathewson.

For his efforts, the Top Kart driver won a $1,000 check, a special KartRaiser Electric Kart Stand valued at approximately $890 supplied by Michael Polizzi and Full Bore Karting, and the coveted Rock trophy. "After all these years, I finally don't have to lift the kart onto the stand any more," said father and tuner John Wiegand.

The race was sponsored by the 42 area McDonald's restaurants and Ronald McDonald placed the traditional cape and crown on the winner. Wiegand had previously won the King's title in 2004 and 2005. With the two first-place paychecks, Wiegand surpassed Alan Rudolph as the all-time money winner at Rock Island with $19,535.

Meanwhile, Gary Lawson carved his way through the streets of the city to win the 2-cycle Senior Sportsman Medium and Heavy classes sponsored by CBS4, as well as 4-cycle Animal Heavy and the Rumble at The Rock Animal Medium classes sponsored by AT&T.

"I had really good starts today and that's what made the difference. Getting out in front and not having to deal with too much traffic kept it clean," said Lawson.

This was the first year that the Rock Island Grand Prix co-promoted four classes with Championship Karting International and the blending of the organizations seemed to work well. Wiegand also won the CKI North American Street Championship for KZ2.

"Rock Island has such a rich history of bringing all levels of karting together for this unique event, that CKI could not pass up the opportunity to be a part of this tradition," said Kevin Williams, CKI's General Manager. "There was fantastic racing in all categories and everyone at CKI is thrilled with the results of the weekend."

Texan Alec Udell won the Rotax Junior race sponsored by Kids Racing for Kids, over Cameron Smock and Drake Woodard. He was challenged early by Austin Self but he ended up in the barriers at Turn 2. Arizona's Phi De Lao O won the Rotax Senior and Leopard events. Each of the four CKI classes also brought with it a $500 certificate to the Bob Bondurant School of Performance Driving besides a check and a Rock.

"After I got in the lead, I just put my head down and focused. There was no real excitement except for what I put on myself to hit my marks and not trick myself," said DeLaO.

Udell (Top Kart/Rotax) also added a hard-fought win by just .069 of a second over Texas teammate Bristol Gunderson (Top Kart/Rotax) in TAG Junior sponsored by Kids Racing For Kids. Hers was the top finish by a female driver for the weekend. Indiana's Alan Berry was third.

The biggest field of the weekend was in TAG Senior sponsored by AT&T where Sam Beasley (Arrow/Motori 7) bested Nevin Nelson (Energy/Rotax) and Eric Schumacher (Kosmic/Rotax). Alabama's Mack McCormack (Arrow/Motori 7) won the 23-kart TAG Masters race over fellow veterans Scott Hamble (Margay/Motori 7) and John Dixon (Tony Kart/Sonik).

The 2-cycle Pipe Heavy class sponsored by Lafarge North America was a battle between a number of Rock Island-area drivers with Tim Goettsch taking the checkered flag, but losing the win when he came in light at the scales. This gave the win to Drake Ostrom with Michael Dittmer second and Garrett Bouchard third.

Minnesota's Chris Enderlein found himself in a duel to the finish with Lance Lane before winning the 125cc shifter Masters race sponsored by CBS 4. Graham Wilcock was third. After competing at Rock Island for eight years, Enderlein finally won his Rock.

"It was the first time I didn't look behind me. I just drove. I've been here so many times before and been in front and thought I was going to win and crashed out or hit the walls," he said. He originally hadn't planned to race, but changed his mind at the last minute.

The new 4-cycle International (clone) exhibition race sponsored by Schurr Power Racing was won by Travis DeVriendt of nearby Sherrard, Illinois over a field of 22 drivers. Indiana's Scott Hamble was second and Mark Luna of Illinois third.

The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world's largest karting street race, draws entries from throughout the United States and Canada, competing for one of karting's largest purses. It has also hosted racers from Italy, France, Colombia, Costa Rica, England, Argentina, Bermuda, the Philippines and Mexico. It includes 15 feature races in 4-cycle, 2-cycle, TAG and shifter classes.

Complete results can be found at: http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=588926

The next Rock Island Grand Prix will be 3-4 September 2011.

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