10 Jan 2012

AARP Iowa Launches 2012 Consumer Utility Rate Protection Campaign

By Ann Black, AARP

DES MOINES, Jan. 5 – As the Iowa General Assembly prepares to convene Monday, AARP is launching a utility rate protection campaign to ensure that Iowa ratepayers' voices are heard as legislators start the 2012 legislative session.

 

Starting today, January 5, AARP is beginning a series of outreach activities including action alerts to AARP members, online advertising, and newspaper and radio ads, all designed to raise awareness of the potential negative impact on consumers of House File 561, a bill that would allow utilities to raise customers' rates up front for a possible nuclear power plant before it is built.

 

AARP Iowa State Director Kent Sovern explains that AARP is not opposed to nuclear power, but opposes the language of HF 561 that saddles consumers with up-front costs of a possible new facility.

 

"At a time when record numbers of Iowa residential customers are struggling to afford their utility bills, it would be unconscionable to force Iowa ratepayers, instead of utility companies and their shareholders, to front the high costs and cancellation risks of a possible plant years before it is built, when the actual costs to build are not known, and when it may or not be completed," said Sovern.

 

An AARP survey conducted last year finds that 72 percent of Iowans age 50+ oppose allowing advance ratemaking in Iowa.  The survey of 400 Iowa likely voters age 50+ conducted by Selzer & Co., May 23-25, 2011, also asked participants to evaluate three consumer protections that AARP has advocated as amendments to the proposed bill.

 

More than three-quarters, 79 percent, supported improving the proposal by allowing refunds to customers if the project were canceled.  Seventy-five percent said requiring a cost comparison of electricity options for increasing energy service in Iowa before moving forward with a nuclear plant would improve the proposal, and 74 percent said including a limit on how much the utility could charge consumers would make the proposal better.  The General Assembly failed to adopt any of these reasonable improvements supported by Iowans, and the Senate amendment filed the last day of session in 2011 failed to address any of these concerns.

 

"Throughout this debate last year, AARP said our opposition is not to any particular power plant but to the language of HF 561.  The legislation must include provisions that maintain Iowa's consumer protections," said Sovern.  "We were grateful that last year the Senate listened to the thousands of Iowans who voiced opposition to this bill, and we hope by renewing this campaign to start the session, Iowans will again speak up and the Senate will again listen and be a champion for ratepayers."

 

Iowans can make their voices heard and contact their lawmakers by calling a statewide toll-free connection to the State Senate at 1-800-480-4075, or via e-mail online at http://action.aarp.org/ia.

 

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10 Jan 2012

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 1/5 - 1/11

By QC Chamber
We had a blast celebrating New Year's Eve downtown, and we're excited to welcome 2012 with open arms!  The Adler is kicking January off with the Central High School Show Choir Dinner Theater on Saturday.  Grab tickets at the Adler for next week's performance by Mike Epps & Friends, too.

POsters Time is running out to see the inspiring Turn of the Century Posters Exhibit at the Figge Art Museum, and the College Invitational Exhibit is closing on Sunday, as well.  You can also enjoy a special guided tour of the UIMA collection on Sunday, so make sure you plan to relax and learn a little at the Figge this weekend.

From a speed skating competition to kids activities, there's something for the whole family during the Winter Celebration at River's Edge on Sunday.  This FREE event might be a great way to follow up your visit to the Figge! 

Construction is progressing on the the first two components of the Food Hub!  Read this QC-Times article and learn more about the upcoming Fresh Deli by Nostalgia Farms and Front Street Brewery expansion.  Remember to stop by the Freight House Farmers Market on Saturday, too. 

The White Rose Exhibit opens Saturday at the GeWhite Rose 2rman American Heritage Center.  This national exhibit explores one of of Germany's most famous civilian resistance groups; don't miss your chance to see it while it's in the QC.

There are plenty of free performances at River Music Experience this week including shows by Retro Ron, River Prairie Minstrels, Mike Cochrane, Steve Couch, and Nick Vasquez.  An all-ages show featuring E11Eventh Hour is only $5, and of course, you can always strut your own stuff during Open Mic Night.

Lee Blackmon and Andy Harris are providing even more free music at R CityRhythm City, and if you plan on watching the NFL playoffs this weekend, bring your buddies downtown and enjoy the game at one of our bars and pubs. 

Stay tuned for more details next week on the upcoming Boat & Vacation Show and RME's Winter Wine Experience!

See you downtown!

 

10 Jan 2012

News from the Iowa Judicial Branch

By Iowa Judicial Branch
STATE OF THE JUDICIARY MESSAGE – JANUARY 11

Des Moines, January 5, 2012– On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the House Chambers, Chief Justice Mark Cady of the Iowa Supreme Court will address a joint convention of the General Assembly on the State of the Judiciary.

Live audio of the speech will be streamed on the Judicial Branch website at www.iowacourts.gov beginning at 10 a.m. The speech will be shown on a delayed broadcast at 7:00 p.m. on IPTV Channel 11.1.  A synopsis of the speech will be released Tuesday, January 10, 2011.

Members of the media may obtain advance copies of the speech at 8:30 a.m. in the supreme court courtroom at the Capitol. The message will be posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website www.iowacourts.gov at 10:45 a.m.

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10 Jan 2012

When should you worry about "senior moments"?, from Harvard Medical School

By Rick Martin

BOSTON?Everyone experiences occasional episodes of forgetfulness.  When an older loved one has a few episodes of forgetfulness, friends and family members may wonder whether those misplaced keys or trouble finding the right word in a conversation is the result of normal age-related changes in memory or an early sign of something more serious. As the Harvard Medical School Special Health Report A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease reveals, the characteristics of these forgetful moments often offer clues as to whether Alzheimer's disease or another dementia may be the underlying problem. For example:

Recognizing and discussing episodes of memory loss. If the person complains about memory loss and can provide details about the episode of forgetfulness, normal aging is more likely. With dementia, it's common that the person affected will only complain about memory problems if she's asked about them and won't be able to recall specific instances.

Worry about memory loss. When dementia occurs, the person affected is often much less concerned about memory loss than her family members are. The reverse is true for normal age-related memory problems.

Losing the way. If your loved one doesn't get lost in familiar surroundings but does sometimes pause momentarily to remember the way, normal aging is likely. But if she gets lost in familiar territory while walking or driving and takes hours to return, Alzheimer's or dementia should be a concern.

Word-finding problems. Occasional trouble finding the right word probably isn't worth worrying over, but frequent word-finding pauses and substitutions ? for example, calling the telephone "the ringer" or "that thing I use to call you" ? are typical of dementia.

Changes in abilities and social skills. While it isn't uncommon for an older adult to be unwilling to operate new devices or to fumble a bit with their cell phone or DVR, it's a warning sign if the person has trouble operating common appliances like the dishwasher or has trouble using even simple new devices. Also, if the person has lost interest in social activities or if his or her social skills are in decline, it's worth noting.

Of course, while these tips can help distinguish between normal age-related memory changes and dementia, concerns about memory problems should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease includes more information on recognizing and managing Alzheimer's disease.

Also in this report:

  • Alzheimer's disease and changes in the brain
  • Medications for managing symptoms
  • Planning ahead on legal and financial issues, as well as residential care
  • Help for caregivers

A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease is available for $18 from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School. Order it online at www.health.harvard.edu/Alzheimers0112 or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

XXX

10 Jan 2012

Southwest Airlines Vacations Offers up to Two Las Vegas Show Tickets and up to $80 off MGM Resorts Vacation Packages!

By John Affebach

ORLANDO, Fla.?Las Vegas is on sale at www.southwestvacations.com. Travelers booking a flight plus hotel Las Vegas vacation package for three or more nights at participating MGM Resorts will qualify to receive up to two complimentary show tickets. Plus, save $50 per reservation when using promotion code MGM50JAN12 at time of booking for travel January 15, 2012 through February 29, 2012, or save $80 per reservation when using promotion code MGM80JAN12 at time of booking for travel March 1, 2012 through August 10, 2012.

Participating Shows (based on availability):

  • Viva ELVIS® by Cirque du Soleil® at ARIA
  • Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert live at The Mirage
  • KÃ?® by Cirque du Soleil® at MGM Grand
  • Jabbawockeez at Monte Carlo
  • Zumanity®, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil® at New York-New York
  • CRISS ANGEL® Believe® from Cirque du Soleil® at Luxor
  • Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

For complete details on this offer, visit:
http://www.southwestvacations.com/Deals/Deal.aspx?deal=418

Las Vegas vacation packages must be booked between January 5, 2012 and January 12, 2012 by 6 p.m. Central Time for travel January 15, 2012 through August 10, 2012. One-day advance purchase is required. Blackout dates apply.

Customized Las Vegas vacation packages include roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines® to Las Vegas, hotel accommodations (including taxes), Rapid Rewards® points on the flight portion, 24-hour traveler assistance, and first and second checked bags fly free (weight and size limits apply). Even golf bags fly free! Savings of up to $120 per person, roundtrip.Â? Visit the Benefits of Booking a Southwest Vacation page to learn more about everything included in a customized vacation package.

About Southwest Airlines Vacations - Southwest Airlines Vacations offers vacation packages to more than 80 destinations with flight service available from every scheduled Southwest Airlines departure city. Travelers can customize vacation packages to include flight, hotel, car rentals, show tickets, attraction passes, tours, and more. Southwest Airlines Vacations is located in Orlando and operated by The Mark Travel Corporation (TMTC). TMTC is a member of the USTOA $1 Million Traveler's Assistance Program and ASTA TOP. For more information or to make a reservation,
please visit: www.southwestvacations.com.
Offer not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Limit two tickets per hotel room. Some restrictions may apply. Reserve your tickets within 72 hours of receiving your E-Travel Documents. Tickets are not available for all price categories at all performances. Limited seating is available for select performances. Seating availability and location is determined automatically on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets have no cash value and are non-transferable. Show tickets can only be redeemed by the primary guest as it appears on the package reservation. Guest must check into the hotel prior to redeeming show tickets. Offer does not apply to group reservations and may be cancelled or modified without notice at any time. Tickets must be picked up from the applicable Box Office at least four HOURS prior to show time or they are subject to be released.

Â?First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply. A pair of skis or a snowboard can be substituted for one checked bag. Checked baggage fee comparison is based on Southwest=1st and 2nd bag FREE vs. "The Other Guys"=1st bag $25/one-way; 2nd bag $35/one-way; or 2 bags $60/one-way and $120/roundtrip. Source: farecompare.com.

Seats are limited and may not be available on some flights that operate during peak travel times and holiday periods. Flight and hotel rates may vary by day of the week. Surcharges may apply to weekends, holidays, and convention periods. Flights available on published, scheduled service only. Rates may be subject to change until purchased. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. Discounts are valid per reservation before taxes are applied. Offer not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply. The Mark Travel Corporation is the tour operator for Southwest Airlines Vacations. Now accepting reservations through August 10, 2012. On January 22, 2012, Southwest Airlines will open the schedule for sale through September 28, 2012.

This message was sent by Southwest Airlines Vacations.
10 Jan 2012

January is National Radon Action Month: Test for Dangerous Radon Gas

By Chelsey Derks

(Kansas City, Kan., January 5, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 is encouraging people to take simple and affordable steps to test their homes for harmful levels of radon gas as part of National Radon Action Month.  Radon is an invisible, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water.  It causes no immediate symptoms but is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and kills more than 21,000 each year in the United States.

 

"Radon is a dangerous health threat to our families and communities that can be easily avoided through simple testing," said Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 Administrator. "This month, I urge everyone to test their homes."

 

Nearly one of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Simple steps to prevent this health hazard can be taken:

 

  • Test: EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes, both with and without basements, be tested for radon. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available at home improvement and hardware stores and online. A qualified radon tester can also be hired by contacting your state radon office.
  • Fix: EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels above 4 Picocuries per Liter (pCi/L). Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.
  • Save a Life: By testing and fixing elevated levels of radon in your home, you can help prevent lung cancer and create a healthier home and community.

 

Radon can enter a home through cracks in the foundation or other openings, such as holes or pipes. Although radon can enter a home through the water supply, entry through the soil is a much larger risk. Radon in a home's water system is more likely when the home has a ground water source - such as a private well or public water supply system that uses ground water.

 

In addition to testing for radon, there now are safer and healthier radon-resistant construction techniques that home buyers can discuss with builders to prevent this health hazard.

 

In 2011, EPA announced the Federal Radon Action Plan, along with General Services Administration and the departments of Agriculture; Defense; Energy; Health and Human Services; Housing and Urban Development; Interior; and Veterans Affairs. This action plan will demonstrate the importance of radon risk reduction, address finance and incentive issues to drive testing and mitigation, and build demand for services from industry professionals.

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10 Jan 2012

Invite Your Sheriff Today to Attend Constitutional Sheriffs Convention Jan 30 - All Expenses Paid

By Todd McGreevy
Good morning,
If you are interested in having your individual rights protected, then the most effective effort you can make is to ensure you have a constitutional sheriff upholding their oath of office, which includes enforcing the Bill of Rights.

Every sheriff in America is invited, all expenses paid, to the January 30th Constitutional Sheriffs Convention in Las Vegas, NV.    All 3,000+ member sheriffs of the National Sheriffs Association have been emailed the invitation twice so far, since Dec 29, 2011.  The event is being paid for by individual donations and sponsorships. Over 60 county sheriffs have registered thus far.

You can help get your sheriff there by ensuring he/she has the invitation and support of their constituents to attend. 
This event, which includes training on the 10th Amendment, 2nd Amendment, Interposition, Nullification and the Bill of Rights is being hosted by the Constitutional Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association, chaired by former Graham County, AZ Sheriff Richard Mack.

The invitation from Sheriff Mack is available online at www.CountySheriffProject.org/Invite and includes a list of county sheriffs who are standing up for the Constitution who will be sharing their experiences with their fellow sheriffs as well as the slate of guest speakers providing training on the issues named above. There is an extensive list of FAQ's at www.CountySheriffProject.org/faq and sheriffs can register to have their entire expenses paid for to attend this historic event at www.CountySheriffProject.org/register

Here's where you come in to help!

Please send a personal email, or hand delivered note with the invitation links or PDF found at the site, to remind your sheriff that he/she is invited to attend, and that their expenses are paid for... and that if they cannot make it, their designee's expenses are all paid for.
You can download the PDF of the invitation, or forward the invitation from the page at: www.CountySheriffProject.org/Invite

Here in the Quad Cities your county sheriff contact info is below.
If you need help finding your sheriffs contact information, just let me know, I can look it up very quickly for you. 

Sheriff Dennis Conard - Scott County Iowa - DConard@ScottcountyIowa.com

Sheriff Jeffery Boyd - Rock Island County Illinois -  (309) 558-3410

There is no down side for your county sheriff to attend this one day event, all expenses paid.
The event is still accepting donations (at the site and by mail) so more and more sheriffs can attend and several of us here in Scott County have donated hundreds of dollars to support our sheriff attending.
Thank you for reading this far.
Please check out the FAQ's section and if there are any questions I can help you with, please let me know.
If you are into Facebook, there are over 1500 followers at the County Sheriff Project FB page here
Thanks much,
Todd McGreevy
10 Jan 2012

TobyMac coming to Davenprt!

By New Anthem

Coming to Davenport this month!

TobyMac

A Night of Unplugged Stories & Songs

Special Guest: Jamie Grace

  7:30PM  Thursday, January 19, 2012

Adler Theatre, downtown Davenport, Iowa

 Excellent seating is still available!

Tickets available at Adler Theatre Box Office, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com or Ticketmaster outlets. 

 

Adler Theater
136 East 3rd Street
Davenport, Iowa

 

Brought to you by:
ECHO MINISTRIES

 

Tickets ($25, $35) On Sale Now!

For group sales, contact the box office 563-326-8555. Groups of 10 or more get discount of $4 off per ticket in each price category.

No added fees for sales at box office or for group sales!

TOBYMAC UNPLUGGED - A Night of Stories and Songs, featuring special guest Jamie Grace, is coming this Fall to select cities. It will be a totally different TobyMac show, a time where it's not about the lights, smoke, big stage, numerous musicians... instead it will be more intimate and personal, a "storyteller's night" where TobyMac will share where the songs came from. The song arrangements will be different... not completely acoustic, but basically acoustic–thus the name UNPLUGGED.

The ascension of TobyMac's solo career has been nothing short of spectacular.  In an era of declining music sales he has consistently defied the odds and has seen his sales increase with each new album release. Having climbed the mountain once with the group dcTalk, TobyMac knows how difficult the journey can be and how much work the process actually takes.  Upon embarking on his solo career, Toby sought to surround himself with a talented and diverse cast of characters, aptly named the Diverse City Band. The result has been a musical fusion that radiates with an unquenchable energy and a penetrating message.

Tickets available here:
* Adler Theatre Box Office
* Online at Ticketmaster.com
* Charge by phone at 800-745-3000
* and at all Ticketmaster outlets
* Special Ticket Offers available!

 

Adler Theatre Box Office:
136 East Third Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801
Phone 563-326-8555

 

Internet Purchasing: online at Ticketmaster.com

Charge By Phone: call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000

10 Jan 2012

"9-9-9 The Revolution" Cain: "Brains and Ballots, Not Bombs and Bullets"

By Rick Martin

(New York) On Fox News' "Hannity" television show Wednesday night, Herman Cain told the world he intends to start something?a revolution. He has launched "Cain's Solutions Revolution."

Due in part to its incredible popularity, the first focus of "Cain's Solutions Revolution" will be "9-9-9 The Revolution". This movement will promote real solutions to the serious problems that have, for far too long, kept government power out of the hands of the American people, out of the very hands where government power truly belongs.

Mr. Cain assures this revolution is not simply slogans or empty promises, "This movement is not about bombs and bullets. It's about brains and ballots," Cain said. "With the simple key solutions we have outlined at www.cainconnections.com, we the people, can - and will - take back our government."

In addition to '9-9-9 The Revolution', 'Cain's  Solutions Revolution' includes several other very important solution areas:

  • Regulatory Reform
  • Energy Independence: "Made in America"
  • Monetary Reform: (Make the dollar as good as gold)
  • Peace through Strength and Clarity
  • Candidate Commitments

"Cain's Solutions Revolution" will also provide the strategy and tactics for our citizens to make these solutions come to life - across the nation, in our states and in our local communities.

Through bus tours, town hall meetings, rallies and many other outreach efforts, the "Cain Solutions Revolution" will energize and empower not only those who want to 'keep 9-9-9 alive' but who are inspired to have a major, positive impact on the future of our country in this critical 2012 election season and beyond.

For more information, please visit www.cainconnections.com

10 Jan 2012

MAURICE SENDAK BOOK DISCUSSION AT MOLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

By Jennifer Christiansen

A book discussion featuring picture books by renowned children's illustrator and author Maurice Sendak will take place Wednesday, February 1st, 7:00 p.m. at the Moline Public Library.   Aimed at adult readers, this book discussion will explore the artwork, stories, and common themes among  three of Sendak's most beloved titles: Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, and Outside Over There.  Registration is required for the discussion.  To register and obtain copies of the books, visit the Moline Public Library at 3210 - 41st Street, Moline or call 309-524-2470.

The book discussion is presented in conjunction with the traveling exhibit In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak, on display December 28th, 2011 through February 24th, 2012.  In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak was organized by the Rosenbach Museum & Library, Philadelphia, and developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library       Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life.

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