Large swaths of Americans seem to have drastically different views of how humans came to be, according to a June Gallup poll.

Nearly half of America - 46 percent - agrees with the creationist view that humans are purely the product of God, absent of evolution, within the last 10,000 years. Fifteen percent believe humans evolved independent of God, which is 6 percent more than 30 years ago.

These millions of Americans are pitted on two sides of a conflictwhich has a solution, says engineering physicist Daniel Friedmann, CEO of the aerospace company known for building the space station's robotic arm and author of The Genesis One Code (www.danielfriedmannbooks.com).

"The creation-evolution conflict is a recurring point of contention in the United States, from the presidential election to what should be taught in schools," he says. "American science legend Carl Sagan tried to settle this conflict by calling both camps 'non-overlapping magisteria' - in other words, science and religion each preside as the source of wisdom over separate domains."

Friedmann argues that both wisdoms are two sides of the same coin and can enlighten each other. The reason the debate developed in the first place, he says, is because the discoveries of modern science of an old Earth seemed to conflict with descriptions in the Bible of a young Earth.

"People believed both could not be right," he says. "It had to be one or the other - science or religion."

But they both agree on the timeline for the development of the universe and life on Earth, Friedmann says. He has developed a formula that converts "Bible time" to years as we know them. When applied to calculating the age of the universe and life on Earth, the Bible consistently matches scientific estimates derived from the study of fossil timelines, the solar system and the cosmos.

His formula -- 1,000 X 365 X 7,000 -was derived from references in religious texts and science. The first number is found in Psalms, which says a year for God is 1,000 years for mortals. The second refers to the amount of days in one solar year. The third comes from scriptural study that indicates one creation day in Genesis equals 7,000 God years.

When those numbers are multiplied in human years, each creation day is an epoch of 2.56 billion years, he says. Using the formula, the biblical age of the universe is 13.74 billion years. Scientific estimates put the universe's age at 13.75 billion, plus or minus 0.13 billion, he says.

"I have nothing but respect for scientists like Sagan and Stephen Hawking, but I feel that both were wrong about religion to varying degrees, especially Dr. Hawking," he says. "Last year, Hawking dismissed religion, publicly calling it a 'fairy tale' for people who are afraid of death. I think that is a terriblynaive and misinformed view of what millions of people have believed in for more than a millennium."

These are a few of the reasons Hawking is wrong, Friedmann says:

• The Bible and science agree on what happened and when it happened with respect to the formation of the universe and the appearance of life on Earth.

• The term "creation days" can be shown from biblical sources to be 2.5 billion years. Using this conversion factor, it is clear that the Bible is correct about timelines we have confirmed through science, including the age of the universe.

• If the Bible and science agree on what happened and when it happened, do we really have a conflict? It is time to reexamine and bury the conflict between science and religion.  In fact, Friedmann in his book, shows that religion has answers to science's three biggest questions.

• By continuing this false dichotomy of religion vs. science, we are severely limiting progress and our potential as humans. Nearly 54 percent of the world's population - Christians, Jews and Muslims - assert the truth of biblical scripture. Recognition of a commonality among diverse cultures, while linked to scientific principle, provides a better chance to advance the understanding of our origins.

About Daniel Friedmann

Daniel Friedmann is CEO of MDA, anaerospace company in Canada, which among other things, specializes in robotics used on the international space station. He has a master's in engineering physics and 30 years' experience in the space industry. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics. He is also a longtime student of cosmology and religion.

The Scott County Board of Supervisors has received a request from the applicant to postpone the date of its Public Hearing originally scheduled on August 28, 2012, 5:30 p.m. at North High School Auditorium at 626 West 53rd Street in Davenport. The Public Hearing concerns the application to rezone 318 acres in rural Scott County on property located on the south side of 200th Street between Walcott and Davenport.

The Applicant has asked that the Public Hearing be postponed but no reason was given for the postponement. No new date for the required public hearing has been identified, as of yet. When that date is established public notice in accordance with Iowa and Scott County Codes will be given. Notice is given that the public hearing set for August 28, 2012 is cancelled.

Please feel free to contact Scott County Planning Director Timothy Huey at 326-8643 if you have any questions.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today sent letters to United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad urging them to use unspent highway funds to advance the Quad Cities' I-74 Bridge.  According to the Federal Highway Administration, $6,931,453.04 in unspent highway funds could be made available to the state of Illinois, and $2,330,683.79 could be made available to the state of Iowa.

On Friday August 17, Secretary LaHood announced that the Administration is making this money available for states to create jobs and improve crumbling roads and bridges.  By October 1, states must identify projects on which they intend to use the funds.  The U.S. Department of Transportation will have to approve the projects before states can move forward.

"We specifically support the inclusion of I-74 in the announced plan by the Administration to use unspent funds to help move transportation projects forward in each state," the Congressmen wrote. "This bridge fits the important criteria of fixing our crumbling infrastructure, creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery, and we encourage you to include the I-74 Bridge in this plan for funds in each state that will not be used for their original purpose."

Secretary LaHood joined the Congressmen in viewing the I-74 Bridge in May, when he called it "one of the worst bridges [he's] ever seen." Loebsack and Schilling worked to include an authorization for $500 million in transportation reauthorization for the Projects of National and Regional Significance program to fund large, interstate bridge projects such as the I-74 Bridge.  Loebsack and Schilling called on House Appropriators to fully fund this program while crafting future appropriations bills to ensure I-74 can compete for funding and move forward as quickly as possible.


In 2005, the I-74 Bridge became the most traveled bridge in the Quad Cities with an average of 77,800 vehicles crossing daily.  This is despite the fact that it was built for 48,000 such crossings.  The Bridge itself is functionally obsolete, however, and has never met Interstate standards.  In addition to improving travelers' safety, the I-74 Bridge project would spur economic growth, create construction jobs, reduce traffic backups, and improve air quality.

The full text of the lawmakers' letter to Secretary LaHood can be found here, and their letter to Governors Quinn and Branstad can be found here.

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Law to Increase Access to Vaccines as Kids Head Back to School

CHICAGO - August 21, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today continued his commitment to improving the health and wellness of Illinois children by signing a new law that will make it easier for them to receive flu shots and other preventative vaccines. With the start of the new school year quickly approaching and cases of whooping coughing increasing across Illinois, the governor visited pharmacies in Chicago, Rockford, Milan and Peoria to let parents know about their new options.

"We are blessed with modern medicines that can prevent illnesses, but we must make sure children have access to them," Governor Quinn said. "This new law means more children will be getting vaccinated, which means healthier children, healthier families and fewer days away from school."

Senate Bill 3513, sponsored by Sen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) and Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago), allows pharmacists to administer influenza and TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccines to children ages 10 to 13, with a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Previous law had allowed children only as young as 14 to receive these shots from pharmacists. With nearly 630,000 more children getting vaccinated, outbreaks of influenza and other diseases will be less widespread. The law takes effect immediately.

"Thanks to this legislation, families with younger children will no longer have to seek out and travel to medical facilities that may be far away. Now, they'll have the convenient option of going to any of their local pharmacies that offer these shots," said Sen. Martinez.

Governor Quinn was joined in encouraging parents across Illinois to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible by local leaders, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and pharmacists at Walgreens, CVS, Target and Kroger, which are among the many Illinois retail stores that offer vaccinations for children and adults.

"We're proud to join Governor Quinn in helping to provide greater access to immunizations for families and neighborhood communities throughout Illinois," said Mark Wagner, president of operations and community management, Walgreens. "Our pharmacists have played an integral role in improving immunization rates for flu and other diseases, and with today's legislation, Walgreens pharmacists will serve as an even more valuable health care and immunizations resource in helping people get, stay and live well."

"Expanding access to vaccinations is critical especially for children, and the collaboration between the retail pharmacy and medical community to make vaccinations more readily available is an example of sound public policy," said David Vite, President/CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association. "Allowing parents to get their children vaccinated at the local pharmacy gives them a quick, easy and inexpensive way to meet the changing vaccination needs of the public schools, and we should thank Governor Quinn and the legislature for making access much easier for busy families."

As part of August being National Immunization Awareness Month, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding parents and health care providers that all sixth and ninth graders are now required to show proof of having received the TDAP vaccine before being allowed to attend school. The shot includes protection against pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough) which has been on the rise in Illinois. In 2011, health care providers reported 1,509 pertussis cases to IDPH for the entire year. With five months still to go in 2012, providers have already reported more than 1,300 cases of pertussis.

"The single most important thing parents can do to protect their children against whooping cough and other preventable diseases is to receive a vaccination," said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck.

For more information about vaccinations, please contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 217-782-4977 or online at http://www.idph.state.il.us/home.htm.

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Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. is celebrating 22 years of service to the Quad Cities with a New Orleans style Jazz Brunch at Crow Valley Golf Club on Sunday, September 23, 2012, from 11am to 2pm. Sarah Marie Young, a Chicago vocalist, will once again be the featured entertainer and she will be accompanied by a pianist and a string bass player. Sarah Marie was awarded first place in the international Montreux Jazz Voice Competition in Switzerland last year.

This year we are adding an auction featuring an opportunity for you and your friends to have lunch with either Sam Allen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Deere and Company, or Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD., President of St. Ambose University.

Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. (HMHI) has provided supportive housing for 711 single parents and their 1391 children during these past 22 years. These families were homeless at the time they entered the program. HMHI provides single parents with the tools and support to complete degrees, find jobs, and move into their own homes. Children learn there is a different way to live; some have become the first in their family to complete high school and go on to college. Over 400 applications from single parent families, including nearly 600 children, are received each year and yet HMHI has space and staff to provide services to only 47 of these families at any one time.

Please join us in our celebration and support this valuable community asset.

For more information, please contact our office at 563-326-1330.

SPRINGFIELD - August 21, 2012. 2012 was a banner year for the Illinois State Fair.

Attendance soared 13 percent this year.  According to newly released figures from state fair officials, 918,875 people passed through the gates during the fair, which is 103,275 more than a year ago and the most since 2002. The fair concluded on Sunday.

"This was a great fair," Governor Pat Quinn said.  "Every year our State Fair team makes Illinois proud. Special thanks to State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick, Agriculture Director Bob Flider and everybody who visited the fairgrounds, especially the buyers who demonstrated their commitment to Illinois agriculture during this difficult time for the industry."

Grandstand attendance was up four percent, thanks to strong sales from country stars Eric Church and Miranda Lambert.  Church's concert on opening night of the fair drew 12,643 spectators, and Lambert's show on the final Saturday drew 10,103.  Collectively, the acts sold 51,732 tickets, the most in 12 years.  Several records were set during the 11-day run of the fair as well.

The grand champion junior steer shown by Seaton teenager A.J. Line sold for a record $52,000, surpassing the previous high of $51,200.  It was one of five record prices fetched at the Sale of Champions, the auction of prize-winning Illinois State Fair junior livestock.  The grand champion barrow ($24,500), grand champion sheep ($17,200), Land of Lincoln barrow ($11,000) and Land of Lincoln Supreme Dairy Champion ($3,000) were the other record-setters.  The event raised $159,210, not only for the youngsters who raised the animals, but also for the state's 4-H and FFA youth education programs.

"While the attendance is gratifying and makes the effort that goes into putting on the event worthwhile, it's what can't be quantified -- the lasting memories the fair creates, that is most important.  The families who attended this year likely will never forget their trip to Springfield," Acting Agriculture Director Bob Flider said. "It's those memories that I hope will keep them coming back for years to come."

Preliminary, unaudited figures indicate revenue from admissions and parking also was up, increasing 33 percent to $1.5 million.

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Site offers information on age-related health changes, safety tips and driving adjustments
The National Institutes of Health today unveiled a new online resource for older drivers and families seeking information on an often sensitive topic: Is it still safe to drive? Developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at NIH and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Older Drivers topic offers up-to-date information on how aging may affect driving, including physical changes, safety issues and ways older drivers can cope when driving skills change. The new topic is available at http://nihseniorhealth.gov/.

Do you know what is the second leading cause of lung cancer?  I didn't, until I started to learn about Radon.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking and almost 400 Iowans a year die from radon induced lung cancer. What's more is that seven out of 10 Iowa homes have dangerous radon levels. Radon is a gas that occurs naturally in the soil underground that can get in to buildings.  You may be breathing this in every day without even knowing it.

It's also in our children's schools. Iowa is ground zero for this deadly, odorless, invisible gas, yet we have almost no radon prevention and mitigation (safely venting the radon out of a building) legislation at all.

Over the next few weeks, you'll hear from a radon cancer survivor, learn about radon in schools, and find out how you can help us get important, lifesaving radon legislation passed.

For now, I encourage you to learn more about radon in Iowa.

Card Grading Company in Bettendorf Leaves Sports Fans Empty Handed

The Better Business Bureau serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region is issuing a consumer alert about Global Authority of Bettendorf, IA.  According to the company's website, Global Authority offers "authentication and grading services for a wide spectrum of collectibles."

The BBB has closed 21 complaints against this company in the last year and has received over 100 inquiries.  Global Authority has earned an F rating with the BBB due to failure to respond to complaints, many of which are considered serious in nature.

Consumer complaints primarily allege that after sending trading cards to the company for authentication and grading, Global Authority refuses to return the cards and consumers are unable to reach the company.

One disgruntled customer stated, "I sent them a 1954 wax pack of Bowman Football cards to be graded and encapsulated by them.  They sent me confirmation that they received the item and would start the grading process.  They did not bill my credit card, but they kept the pack, which is quite valuable.  They would never return my calls or emails regarding this."

The BBB has made several unsuccessful attempts to reach out to the company both by phone and by mail.

The BBB understands that handing over one's collectibles can be risky business.  Personal collections can be of value to their owner for both monetary and sentimental reasons; therefore, the BBB offers the following advice when looking for a reputable authenticating service:

ü  If possible, look local. There is always an inherent risk in sending valuables through the mail.

ü  Look for companies with a good reputation in the industry. In the world of sports memorabilia, there are card graders that are known and respected throughout the hobby by the majority of serious collectors.

ü  Take appropriate measures before mailing your treasures. If you decide to do business with a company that requires you mail your goods, make sure you keep a detailed track of your inventory, insure the package and record your tracking number.  Also, make sure your items are adequately covered under your homeowner's policy, should they not be returned.

Please contact the BBB if you feel you have been a victim of this company.  As always, the BBB reminds you to start your search with Trust.  Find trustworthy businesses and consumer advice at www.iowa.bbb.org.


Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs): Cool, Affordable, Earth-friendly Rides
Learn What Makes These Street-legal Vehicles the Way to Go

Augusta, Ga. (Aug. 21, 2012) -  October 15 is National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day and a good time to answer a question many people ask when they catch their first glimpse of a low-speed vehicle (LSV): What the heck is that?

These small, bright, Euro-style cars ? also known as neighborhood electric vehicles ? look more like something you'd see in Barcelona than Boston. Yet they're turning heads from Manhattan's Upper East Side to South Beach to San Diego.

"LSVs are the automotive equivalent of the slow-food movement," says Mary A. Sicard, consumer marketing manager at Club Car, the manufacturer of the Villager LSV. "They're timely, intelligent and cool. What's more, they encourage the slower-paced lifestyle so many people want."

Clean, Green Driving Machines

These electric, emissions-free cars are especially popular among people who care about the environment. Many of them know that every gallon of gas burned by a conventional car creates about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide for an annual average of six tons of carbon dioxide per car.

One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to drive an electric car. The Department of Energy's Clean Cities Initiative's Alternative Transportation Program reports that electric vehicles have saved nearly three billion gallons of petroleum since 1993.

Enjoy the Ride of Your Life
Then there's the fun factor.

Stuffy gas guzzlers tend to isolate people from one another and the environment. LSVs, on the other hand, are open to sights, scents and sounds. These small, nimble vehicles make it easy for drivers to stop at shops, restaurants and to chat with friends. They foster social interaction and integrate shopping and dining into the fabric of your life. And they're silent. No revving engines or backfiring.

"Residents of gated, retirement and urban communities are using their Villager LSVs for neighborhood transportation, shopping, running errands, dropping kids off at school, going out to dinner, zipping to the gym or just cruising," Sicard says. "These vehicles make driving a pleasure, not just a means to an end."

Although people sometimes mistake them for golf cars, LSVs are often a more practical choice for neighborhood transportation.

LSVs vs. PTVs vs. Golf Cars  
The term "golf car" is commonly used to refer to many different types of vehicles.  Specifically, golf cars are vehicles for use on golf courses for the game of golf.  When golf cars are used off the golf course, they are classified as Personal Transport Vehicles (PTVs).

A PTV is a vehicle with a maximum speed of less than 20 mph that is for personal use. They may be powered by gasoline or electricity and driven on public roads as defined by state and local laws for purposes unrelated to golf. PTVs are not classified as motor vehicles under federal law and are not regulated by the NHTSA but by state and local governments.

The LSV is classified as a motor vehicle and regulated by the NHTSA. These vehicles travel at speeds between 20 -25 mph. They are allowed on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less in most states. But they must have vehicle identification numbers, be registered and insured, and be equipped with windshields,  turn signals, head and tail lights, seat belts and other safety equipment.

Here's the rub. Original manufacturers of golf cars keep the maximum speed below 15 mph. Yet owners sometimes have their vehicles modified to increase the speed. According to Fred Somers, secretary, treasurer and legal counsel for the International Light Transportation Vehicle Association (ILTVA), an organization that regulates and promotes the safety of golf cars and other small four-wheel vehicles, this can have ramifications that many owners are unaware of.

"If a golf car is modified to go 20-25 mph, it becomes by definition an LSV and is subject to the NHTSA requirements. In effect, many people are driving LSVs when they think they are driving golf cars," he says.

Here are the major differences between PTVs and LSVs:

  • Where they are allowed. State and local governments may decide the type of roadways on which Personal Transportation Vehicles and Low-Speed Vehicles are allowed, what safety equipment is required, who can drive and many other factors. Generally, LSVs can hit streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less in almost all states. PTVs are usually limited to golf car lanes or designated low-speed roads within one mile of a golf course, but this varies by locale.
  • Number of passengers. LSVs come in two- and four-passenger models. Most PTVs carry two.
  • Speed. LSVs can travel at a maximum of 25 mph; PTVs, 19.
  • Weight. LSVs can weigh up to 3,000 pounds. (The Villager LSV weighs about half that, thanks to its rustproof aluminum chassis.) PTVs can tip the scales at 1,300 pounds.
  • DMV regulations. LSVs are subject to state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) rules. They must be titled, licensed and insured, and can be driven only by licensed drivers. PTVs may not have to meet DMV requirements. "It's very important to understand your state and local regulations," says Sicard. "The laws vary by jurisdiction."
  • Safety standards. LSVs meet federal safety guidelines. PTVs do not. "The Villager LSV comes equipped with auto glass, four-wheel brakes, three-point safety belts, turn signals, brake lights, a horn, halogen head lamps, adjustable mirrors, windshield wipers and other features golf cars and PTVs are not required to have," Sicard says.

Slash Your Transportation Costs
LSVs also let you avoid sticker shock at the pump and on insurance and maintenance.

In the United States, LSVs cost about half as much to operate as gas-powered vehicles.

"Villager LSVs can be charged through a standard 110-volt outlet, so you won't have to pay $300 - $1,500 to install a 220-volt outlet as you would to juice an electric car. And you'll get up to 30 miles from a six-hour charge," Sicard says.

Take the Path Less Traveled
Obviously, you can't drive an LSV down I-95 or on a cross-country road trip, but you can use it for hundreds of short trips each year. And, with more than 75 percent of all American vehicle trips coming in at 10 miles or less, these jaunts adds up quickly.

Since LSVs are so compact, nimble and easy to park, they're great for retirement and gated communities, motor home owners, second homes, beach front living, college campuses, military bases, industrial plants, small towns, urban environments with congested driving and parking conditions and many other areas.

Distinctively Yours
You can also customize your LSV to your lifestyle, climate and application.

The Villager LSV, for example, accommodates a range of options designed specifically for the vehicle. These include a whisper-quiet cooling system, stereos and MP3 players, sporty upholstery, a 12-volt accessory outlet, luxury dashes, a single point battery watering system for easy maintenance, and a cargo bed for hauling groceries, golf clubs and gym gear.

If you're ready to transcend the ordinary, stop by your local Authorized Club Car dealer and test drive a Villager LSV today. To find a dealer near you, visit www.clubcar.com and select "dealer locator."

Photos

Club Car Villager 2 LSV on the beach: http://bit.ly/Sg0zn8

Club Car Villager 2 LSV on fishing pier: http://bit.ly/SK4fJy

Club Car Villager 2+2 LSV: http://bit.ly/Pz2Sx4

Studio shot of Club Car Villager 2+2 LSV: http://bit.ly/Ps4NpG

About Club Car

Club Car, one of the most respected names in the golf industry, is the world's largest manufacturer of small-wheel, zero-emissions electric vehicles. The company's Precedent® golf cars and Carryall® Turf utility vehicles are integral to successful operations at thousands of courses around the world. The company also offers a complete line of new and used golf cars, XRT utility vehicles and street-legal, low-speed vehicles (LSVs) for personal use, all backed by Club Car's 50+ year legacy of superior design, manufacture and service.

Club Car is part of the Industrial Technology Sector of Ingersoll Rand, and is based in Augusta, Ga. Visit www.clubcar.com.

About Ingersoll-Rand

Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) advances the quality of life by creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments. Our people and our family of brands?including Club Car®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® ?work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings; transport and protect food and perishables; secure homes and commercial properties; and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to a world of sustainable progress and enduring results. For more information, visit ingersollrand.com.

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