09 May 2011

Disaster Aid to Iowa after Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Wind

By Sen Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON - May 5, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Iowa recover from the severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds that occurred on April 9-10, 2011.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"The damage caused by the storms and tornadoes warranted this designation and I'm glad the President addressed it quickly," Grassley said.  "These funds will help Iowans clean up the damage."

FEMA will provide assistance to Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas, and Sac counties through the Public Assistance program.  The Public Assistance program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Last week, Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Terry Branstad's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds that occurred on April 9-10, 2011.

A copy of the text of Grassley's letter can be found by clicking here.

09 May 2011

Fighting Fraud, Protecting Taxpayers

By Grassley Press

Leahy, Grassley Roll Out New Anti-Fraud Legislation

 Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act Will Improve Fraud Enforcement At No Added Cost To Taxpayers

WASHINGTON (Thursday, May 5, 2011) - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced legislation Thursday to bolster law enforcement's ability to investigate and prosecute fraud.  The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act builds on successful efforts by Leahy and Grassley in the last Congress to enact legislation to help the Department of Justice and other agencies fight fraud.

The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act will enhance existing efforts to investigate fraud, including the scourge of mortgage, foreclosure, financial and health care fraud that has victimized thousands of unsuspecting Americans.  The legislation will fill key statutory gaps to account for modern types of fraud, strengthening computer fraud and identity theft.  The bill also gives the Secret Service the needed authority to more effectively investigate fraud.  The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act also increases accountability by requiring the Justice Department to better manage and account for key spending.

"Combating fraud is a vital issue on which Senator Grassley and I have a long track record of working together, and with great success," said Leahy.  "In these trying economic times, cracking down on the fraud which has harmed so many hardworking Americans is more important than ever.  Americans are worried about their budgets at home.  We need to protect their investment in their government.  Fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars are issues Democrats and Republicans have worked together to address in the past, and in these difficult economic times, we need to continue in that spirit of bipartisanship."

"Fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars transcends politics and Senator Leahy and I have worked together on this matter for years. One of the most important parts of this new legislation is the transparency and accountability it brings to the Justice Department. Without transparency and accountability the fight to combat fraud often falls short.  To ensure that the funds and manpower are being used most effectively, and False Claims Act lawsuits aren't being settled for pennies on the dollar, the transparency provisions included in this bill are an important way to hold the department accountable for its actions," Grassley said.

The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act will direct a small portion of funds collected by the government in fines and penalties to investigating, prosecuting, and litigating fraud cases.  In the last fiscal year alone, the Department of Justice recovered well over $6 billion through fines and penalties.  The Leahy-Grassley legislation calls for approximately $15 million a year to be reinvested in anti-fraud efforts.  After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, some law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute fraud were redirected to anti-terrorism efforts.  The Fighting Fraud to Protect Taxpayers Act will help restore some of these resources.

In 2009, Leahy and Grassley authored the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, which strengthened tools and increased resources available to federal prosecutors to find, prosecute and jail those who commit financial fraud.  The bill was among the first signed into law by President Obama in 2009.  Leahy and Grassley also worked on key anti-fraud provisions that were included in other reform legislation last year.

The Senate Judiciary Committee dedicated its first hearing of the 112th Congress to examining ways to improve fraud enforcement.

 

# # #

09 May 2011

Grassley and Conrad Push For Better Access To Quality Rural Health Care

By Grassley Press

Washington -- May 5, 2011 - Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) are working to make it easier to receive quality health care in rural areas throughout our nation.  Today, the Senators introduced bipartisan legislation to allow physician assistants to serve Medicare hospice patients.

In some rural areas, physician assistants may be the only health care professional available.  Physician assistants can provide care to Medicare patients until the point when hospice care is needed, and patients must then find an alternative provider.  This can disrupt the continuity of care at a time when the Medicare patient is most vulnerable.

Grassley and Conrad introduced the Medicare Hospice Care Access Act of 2011, which would allow physician assistants to provide hospice care to their patients who elect Medicare's hospice benefit.  For individuals and families who rely on physician assistants as their principal health care professional, this legislation promises continuity of quality medical care when the Medicare beneficiaries and their families are most in need.

"It makes sense to allow patients to continue to see the same health care provider through hospice care," Grassley said.  "Patients benefit when they continue to see the health care professionals who know them.  This provision is especially important for rural areas, where physician assistants provide a lot of direct care, and where access to providers is always a challenge."

"We cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach to health care in this country.  Physician assistants are a crucial part of the health care system in North Dakota and other rural areas.  They provide quality health care to our seniors and should be allowed to continue when the patient transitions to hospice care. This legislation will make this transition easier and allow physician assistants to continue to provide these patients with quality care throughout the process," Conrad said.

The physician assistants profession was created more than forty years ago in response to a shortage of primary care physicians. Today, more than 75,000 physician assistants provide high quality, cost-effective medical care.  It is estimated that in 2009 alone, nearly 300 million patient visits were made to physician assistants, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants.  Medicare coverage was originally extended to physician assistants through the 1977 Rural Health Clinic Services Act, but the program has never been updated to allow physician assistants to deliver hospice care.

Grassley and Conrad are both on the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over health care legislation.

-30-
09 May 2011

Local students honored with induction into Phi Beta Kappa

By readMedia

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/05/2011)(readMedia)-- Augustana College has recently selected 51 students from its 2011 graduating class for induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most selective honor society in American higher education. The inductees include the following students from the local area:

  • Debra Butler from Bettendorf, IA, majoring in psychology.
  • Samuel Anderson from Rock Island, IL, majoring in mathematics and computer science.
  • Andrew Shaffer from Rock Island, IL, majoring in history.
  • Courtney VandeWiele from Rock Island, IL, majoring in political science and accounting.
  • Michael Seevers from Cordova, IL, majoring in geography.
  • Anna Smith from Moline, IL, majoring in biology and psychology.
  • Mark Stumphy from Moline, IL, majoring in biology.

Augustana numbers among a select 10% of American colleges and universities that have met the criteria for having a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Each year, the college elects approximately 8% of its graduating class for induction into the honor society. Students are selected based on a set of rigorous, nationally-prescribed guidelines, including a record of academic excellence, tolerance for diverse views and a strong commitment to the liberal arts and sciences.

Phi Beta Kappa was founded at the College of William and Mary in 1776. The Greek letters Phi Beta Kappa represent the initials of the society's motto: "Love of learning is the guide of life." Originally created as a secret society-the members wanted to preserve their freedom to discuss any topic they chose-Phi Beta Kappa is now openly recognized as one of the most prestigious honor societies in American education.

Sarah Horowitz, the Phi Beta Kappa chapter secretary at Augustana, is proud that the college is able to recognize the inductees' accomplishments with such a prestigious honor. "These students have fulfilled Augustana's mission of developing the mind, body and spirit in an exemplary manner. They are now part of a long tradition of excellence at Augustana and other Phi Beta Kappa chapters across the country. We expect great things from them in years to come."

About Augustana: Founded in 1860 and situated on a 115-acre campus near the Mississippi River, Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The college enrolls 2,500 students from diverse geographic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds and offers more than 70 majors and related areas of study. Augustana employs 287 faculty members and has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Augustana continues to do what it has always done: challenge and prepare students for lives of leadership and service in our complex, ever-changing world.

09 May 2011

DISCOVER SUMMER ADVENTURES AT RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE

By Tammi Burrell

Keep young minds sharp over the summer with educational programs at Rivermont Collegiate! Rivermont is offering an assortment of Summer Adventures for children from preschool age and up.  Programs cover a wide variety of interests - from cooking to poetry - to French and microbiology. Children from any school may register. Sessions run for one week from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. or from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.; each session cost $110 and some require an additional $25 lab fee. Students attending two classes per day need to bring a sack lunch. Lunch time will be from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Rivermont strives to prepare students who are grounded in the basics, yet able to think analytically and creatively, to confidently meet the challenges of the 21st century.  Check out full class descriptions and obtain a registration form at www.rvmt.org.

 

Preschool - Junior Kindergarten - Kindergarten

June 20-24          Mad Science! (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

June 20-24          Stories & More (12:00 - 3:00 p.m.)

June 27-July 1     Cooking Class     (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

July 18-22            Take Me Out to the Ballgame (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Grades K - 2

July 18-22        Dig Into Dinosaurs (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Grades 1 - 5

June 20-24        Bits, Bytes and Hopefully NO Bugs! (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

June 27-July 1     Poetry, The Symphony of Words (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

June 27-July 1     Got Game? (12:00 - 3:00 p.m.)

Grades 3 - 12

June 27-July 1     Une Semaine à Paris! (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

July 18-22            Scrapadoodle (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

Grades 8 - 10

July 18-22            Seeing the Unseen: Basic Microbiology Techniques (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

July 25-30            Plagues & Poxes & Pestilence - Oh, My! (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.)

 

For enrollment information on Rivermont Collegiate contact Cindy Murray at 563-359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

For additional information on Summer Adventures at Rivermont Collegiate contact Tammi Burrell at 563-359-1366 ext. 337 or burrell@rvmt.org.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only independent, non-sectarian, PS-12 college preparatory school, ranked #1 on Iowa's AP Index.

 

-END-

09 May 2011

The Internet Players' Summer Workshop Series

By Rick Martin
The Internet Players' Summer Workshop Series

From a Blank Page... To a Stage

When: June 1st - 4th 2011
Where: 421 Brady Street, 3rd Floor Davenport, IA
Who: Students Age 8 -12 & 13 - 18
What: Story Telling In Action (8-12) & High School Workshop (13-18)
Session Fee $75

Register today for The Internet Players Summer Theatre Workshop Series! Two, student workshops will be offered from June 1st - 4th. Each section will meet for three hours a day. "Story Telling In Action" will take place from 9:00am - 12:00pm. In it students will explore how play can help them better comprehend the challenges they will face as adults. They will develop a better awareness of their physical abilities, vocal range and confidence to shine as individuals. Students will have the opportunity individuals to perform at the end of each class.

The "High School Workshop" will take place from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. The workshop will help students explore their physical abilities and the similarities humans share across, gender, race, and economic lines. They will develop better understandings of themselves in relation to their environment and capitalize on what makes each person a unique performer. As a culmination of the work the students will do throughout the week, we will present a showcase on June 4th at 4:00pm.

This Workshop Series will be taught by our founder and Artistic Director, Nathan Porteshawver. He has studied many different theatre techniques and theories at Brandeis University and Royal Holloway University in London. Some of those theories include Noh Drama, Suzuki acting method, Feldenkrais acting method, stage combat, Stanislavski and Bogart theatre. He's particularly well versed in  ancient Greek and ancient Japanese theatre, as well as a more modern approach, called Kinesthetic Acting. He has recently combined some of these theories into his own class called "Noise Interaction Games."

Nathan has taught children of all ages and even college students. The first class he taught was at Brandeis University and was about the relationship between politics and theatre. Locally, he has taught politics at Davenport Junior Theatre, where he developed a new and original play for his class to perform at the end of the week.

Class sizes are limited, so sign up now! Parents and students can register ONLINE at www.theinternetplayers.com or email theinternetplayers@gmail.com to receive your brochure.
09 May 2011

Smart remodeling adds value to your home

By Morgan Zenner

Start planning for your summer remodel during Home Improvement Month

Des Plaines, Illinois, May 4, 2011?Spring is in the air, and homeowners are starting to plan their dream home remodeling projects. To commemorate May as National Home Improvement Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers homeowners a few words of advice for getting the most value out of your remodeling investment.

More Americans are staying in their homes rather than moving. According to Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey released in November 2010, 85 percent of the general population believed it was a bad time to sell their home. There's a lot more to be gained through remodeling besides increased functionality, new appliances, efficient systems, updated décor, additional space or the pure enjoyment of making your home your own. There's also the increased value your home receives when you make improvements.

With so many options available today, NARI offers a few considerations for homeowners who want to get the most out of their remodels.

  • Curb appeal goes a long way. Exterior home improvements such as roofing, siding, windows and doors are subject to the elements and usually need to be replaced after a number of years. In terms of re-sale value, updated exteriors give sellers an edge over buyers who are attracted to your home before entering.
  • According to Energy Star, half of a home's energy use is dedicated to heating and cooling. If a system is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. New, energy-efficient systems are not only more cost-effective but are also better quality.
  • All homes benefit from increased insulation and sealing, regardless of climate. Older homes are traditionally under-insulated compared to new homes. And recent insulation innovations like spray foam or cellulose increase the ability to trap air inside. Proper insulation evens temperature flows, reduces energy use and has long-term benefits.
  • Kitchen and bath renovations are still popular?and for good reason. Homeowners continue to see the value in updating areas of the home that are used frequently and are high functioning. Universal design concepts are commonly incorporated into kitchen and bath areas to accommodate people of all sizes and abilities and conveniences for long-term residents.

Most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touch-ups, but it's recommended they consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home's structure.

Homeowners that need to make several updates to their homes but cannot afford a complete overhaul may be interested in phased remodeling. In this instance, remodeling projects are broken into phases over time, for a long-term project plan. This also lessens the burden of remodeling to the homeowner as they remain in the home as work is being done.

As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed new regulations for contractors working in homes built before 1978. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule mandates that remodelers who intend to work in pre-1978 homes to register their company and complete an 8-hour training and certification course with an accredited trainer. The course teaches remodelers how to safely contain lead in a home as it is being disturbed and reduce exposure to residents and workers. Homeowners should be aware that this new rule is enforced and should be skeptical of any contractors who choose not to follow the law. Visit www.nari.org to find a Certified Lead Renovator in your area.

NARI members represent a select group from the approximately 800,000 companies and individuals in the U.S. identifying themselves as professional remodelers.

09 May 2011

Lieberman, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Honor African American Heroes of the Revolutionary War

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON, DC- Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation today that would authorize the establishment of a memorial in Washington, DC, to recognize African American patriots who fought for the United States during the Revolutionary War.

According to the Daughters of the American Revolution, over 5,000 African Americans, including over 800 from Connecticut, served as soldiers or sailors for the U.S. during the Revolutionary War.

This bill was inspired by the work of Maurice Barboza, a Connecticut native who, after discovering that a distant relative of his had fought for the American forces, has passionately fought for these patriots to receive the recognition they deserve.  Barboza has also founded the National Mall Liberty Fund, DC, a private nonprofit organization that will be entirely responsible for raising the funds needed to construct the memorial in Washington.

The legislation was previously introduced in the 111th Congress by former Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), along with Senator Grassley.

Grassley co-sponsored similar legislation more than two decades ago.  During the 1980s, a group of young Iowans helped organize an initial push for such a memorial.  An African American Revolutionary War patriot named Cato Mead who originally was from Connecticut spent his final years in Southeast Iowa, and there is a monument dedicated to Mead in the Montrose Cemetery in Lee County, Iowa.

"The important role that many African Americans played during the Revolutionary War is too often overlooked," Lieberman said.  "This memorial will honor these patriots' sacrifice and ensure that this important part of our nation's history is not forgotten."

"The nation's capital is an appropriate place to honor the part that African Americans played in the American revolution," Grassley said.  "A memorial will broaden Americans' understand of the diversity of the patriots who helped to secure America's independence," Grassley said.

###

09 May 2011

Governor Quinn Urges People to Stay Out Of Flooded Areas until Deemed Safe

By Laurel White

Robust State Response Supports Local Flood Efforts

SPRINGFIELD - May 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today urged people who have evacuated from flooded communities to heed instruction from public officials about returning to their homes. Ten communities have issued voluntary evacuation orders, while the city of Cairo called for a mandatory evacuation as river levels in the area began climbing to new record highs.

"We've seen water levels drop in some areas following the Army Corps of Engineers' action Monday evening, but we're not out of the woods yet," said Governor Quinn. "These are very difficult times for people who were forced from their homes. But it's very important that everyone follow instructions from public officials, who are working day and night to protect lives during this dangerous situation."

On Monday, Governor Quinn traveled to Cairo, where he met with local officials working to save the town of nearly 3,000 from record-breaking flood levels on the Ohio River. Governor Quinn first traveled to southern Illinois on April 28 to visit the devastated community of Olive Branch.

Governor Quinn said the state last week implemented a robust response to flooding in southern Illinois.  Hundreds of state personnel, Illinois National Guard troops and correctional inmates have been involved in efforts to bolster strained levees, assist local officials and ensure public safety.

Highlights of the state's response to date include :

Illinois Emergency Management Agency

  • Coordinating state's flood response through 24-hour operation of the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield, the Unified Area Command post in Marion, and an Incident Command post in Alexander County.
  • Providing equipment, including nearly 200 portable radios, two mobile command vehicles, two portable communications suites, a supply trailer, equipment to reinforce emergency communications and a mobile fuel tank to support Illinois National Guard operations.

Illinois National Guard

  • Nearly 450 troops have been deployed to various locations throughout southern Illinois to assist with sandbagging, levee patrol, traffic control, welfare checks and more.
  • An Illinois National Guard Chinook helicopter was used to move and position more than 2,500 sandbags on a levee in Murphysboro.

Illinois Department of Corrections

  • Working around the clock, inmates at the Tamms, DuQuoin, Dixon Springs, Hardin and Vienna facilities have already filled more than 475,000 sandbags for sandbagging operations in seven counties.
  • Inmate crews have filled thousands of sandbags in several counties since April 25. On Wednesday, nearly 100 inmates are assisting with sandbagging in three counties.
  • Inmates are washing laundry for Illinois National Guard troops deployed for flooding, while others have assisted with moving files and equipment from flood-threatened state offices in Cairo and Metropolis.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

  • Continual updates from IDNR's water resource experts on flood projections and levee conditions are critical to planning and response efforts.
  • Nearly 50 conservation officers and 25 fishery biologists with 50 boats have been deployed to perform levee patrols, welfare checks and delivery of bottled water. DNR personnel have performed more than 450 evacuations and rescues in the affected areas.
  • Teams also have transported utility workers to shut off utilities and assisted the U.S. Postal Service with mail deliveries is areas inaccessible due to floodwaters.

Illinois Department of Public Health

  • Deployed a nine-member Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) to handle medical needs at the American Red Cross shelters.
  • Coordinating with local health departments in southern Illinois to ensure they have an adequate supply of tetanus shots.

Central Management Services

  • Locating, procuring and ensuring delivery of needed supplies, such as sandbags, plastic, pumps, generators, drinking water, shovels and more.
  • Supported relocation of critical files and electronic equipment from state offices in Cairo and Metropolis.

Illinois Department of Transportation

  • IDOT personnel have delivered more than 2 million sandbags, along with delivery of sand, plastic, water, pumps, hoses and other needed supplies.
  • Supporting road closures and traffic control efforts in flood-impacted areas.
  • More than 8,600 staff hours and 7,900 equipment hours already have been dedicated to the flood response.

Illinois State Police

  • Conducting two flights a day to assess levees and bridges in the affected area.
  • Assisting local officials with evacuations, security and other law enforcement services.
  • Controlling access over the 60/62 bridge into Missouri

American Red Cross

  • Operating seven shelters for people displaced by the floods.  More than 200 people stayed at the shelters Tuesday night.
  • To date, more than 13,000 meals and snacks have been provided to people and responders.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

  • Monitoring public water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities in the affected area for impacts on operations.
  • Monitoring for potential hazardous materials releases.
  • Preparing for potential post-flood environmental issues.

Illinois Commerce Commission

  • Coordinating with utility companies in the affected area to maintain awareness of power outages and related issues.
  • Working with utilities on power restoration plans.

Office of the State Fire Marshal

  • Continually assessing readiness of fire departments in the affected area.

Illinois Department of Agriculture

  • Arranging for potential sheltering needs for pets of people evacuated from their homes.

Illinois Department on Aging

  • Coordinating with local Area Agencies on Aging on flood-related issues.

Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS)

  • The state's fire service mutual aid organization has deployed 17 light towers, six decontamination trailers (shower facilities), and two "tent cities" that are accommodating more than 200 Illinois National Guard troops and 60 Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) personnel in Marion.
  • Deployed trailer to support Unified Area Command.

Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS)

  • The state's law enforcement mutual aid organization is supplementing local law enforcement in several counties 64 officers.
  • Providing security at shelters as needed.

Illinois Emergency Services Management Agency (IESMA)

  • The state's emergency management mutual aid organization has provided more than 30 emergency managers to assist local emergency management agencies with planning, logistics and evacuations.

Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force (IL-TERT)

  • Two three-person teams are assisting with logistical communications in the Unified Area Command during this first-ever activation of the state's telecommunicator mutual aid organization.  Additional personnel are prepared to rotate into service later this week.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

###

09 May 2011

Announcing the re-launch of Quad Cities Alive

By Derek
QCalive.com was originally built 5 years ago to help people find new places to eat, drink, and hang out in the Quad Cities. It started off as a basic restaurant review site, and has been a helpful service for years, but has since been dwarfed by national review sites like Yelp, Urbanspoon, etc...
Over the past year, the team behind Quad Cities Alive decided to change directions to help draw people away from national franchises and into our great LOCAL establishments. The first phase of this new focus was a long overdo refresh of our site, that is packed with many new, exciting features.
Here's what we launched this week with phase 1:
A new Focus on Local
This is where we're really putting our energy. All of our local establishments are setup to stand out on the site. Whenever users view a listing for a merchant that's not local, we're going to provide them with local alternatives. For example, if you look at Olive Garden on our site, we're going to tell you about Trattoria, Lunardi's, etc. We're excited about the local businesses in the Quad Cities, and want to show those off.
Ease of use
We've completely redesigned the site to make it even easier to browse, navigate, and search. Rating locations has also gotten much simpler. We've removed those confusing half-star ratings and have added the ability to rate a location without writing a full review. We've also added Facebook Connect for easy registration and all site listings can now be sorted by name or rating.
New Data
We've gone hyperlocal and have began displaying neighborhood information. We're also now displaying tweets for all of our locations that have a Twitter account. These tweets will be aggregated on our homepage, and also be displayed on their respective merchant pages.
Power to the people!
We've given users a lot more freedom with this version of the site. Registered users can add new listings to Quad Cities Alive as well as add tags to any of our existing listings. We're also no longer moderating reviews before they're submitted. Users can even mark reviews as helpful or not helpful... so the most helpful reviews will always be the most visible.
Other new features
We've greatly improved our search functionality and have added Google Maps to our locations. Looking for the best wings in town? Search for wings and we'll show you some great options. Also, if someone stumbles upon a location on our site that has closed, (either through a Google search or old link), we're going to provide that user with some similar local alternatives. For example, the old Portabella's will try to draw that visitor to places like Centro, Trattoria, Lunardi's, etc.
How we're different than [insert random restaurant review site here]
First and foremost, the team that built Quad Cities Alive has a vested interest in The Quad Cities. Half of us grew up in the QC and have plenty of friends and family in the area, as such, we can easily focus on promoting local establishments. We have the ability to provide content curation and offer higher quality content than some of these giant national sites. We're not interested in "worldalive.com" or "unitedstatesalive.com." You will never see us launch an alive site in a city that we don't know and love.
There's much less noise on Quad Cities Alive than on other bigger review sites. We're focusing on something very small, and you won't find giant, hard to navigate pages full of fast food chains on our site. We're also offering plenty of data for our merchants that some of these national sites cannot such as tweets, etc.
Go check it out and rate or review a couple of your favorite places!

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