11 Feb 2015

ABC's The Bachelor Highlights Greater Des Moines; Watch Party Planned

By Rick Martin
DES MOINES, IA - A special episode of ABC's The Bachelor will air this Sunday, February 15 from 8 to 10 p.m. with a special one-hour segment prior to the show. The episode will feature the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, Des Moines Social Club with exhibits from local artist, Van Holmgren, RoCA, Wells Fargo Arena, West End Architectural Salvage and Rollins Mansion.

The episode was filmed throughout Greater Des Moines in October 2014, as confirmed previously by the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Des Moines Partnership.

"Our number one goal in partnering with ABC's The Bachelor is to leverage the opportunity to showcase our city as the artful, hip and vibrant region it is," says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission.

"This national and international exposure will put our region in the spotlight with millions of extremely passionate fans," adds Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "This is a golden opportunity to illustrate our city's rich economic growth and prosperity."

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Greater Des Moines Partnership will host a red carpet Watch Party in conjunction with this Sunday's episode from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Admission to the Watch Party is free, with limited availability. Fans must secure a ticket to attend the event; more information is available at catchdesmoines.com/TheBachelor.

Potential Story Angles Surrounding the Watch Party
--Interview opportunities with:
Spokespeople from the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau on how this national exposure will impact Greater Des Moines.
Individuals from the locations featured in the episode.
Fans of the show.
--Visual opportunities including interactive games for the guests, with themes surrounding the show.
--Additional activities, crowd engagement and photo opps will be available at the event.

Catch Real-Time Updates
Fans should follow the hashtag #IowaBachelor on the following social media channels:
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
--Twitter: @catchdesmoines
--Facebook: Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
--Instagram: catchdesmoines
Greater Des Moines Partnership
--Twitter: @Downtown50309
--Facebook: Downtown Des Moines
--Instagram: Downtown Des Moines

About ABC's The Bachelor
On ABC's hit primetime reality series The Bachelor, one lucky man is offered the chance to find true love. Chris Soules, a native Iowan from Arlington, is the star of the 19th edition of ABC's The Bachelor. Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelor is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. The following ABC social media channels will provide official updates:
Twitter
--The Bachelor: @BachelorABC and @TheBachelorTV
--Chris Soules: @C_Soules
--Chris Harrison: @ChrisBHarrison
Facebook
--The Bachelor: Facebook/TheBachelor
Instagram
--The Bachelor: @BachelorABC
--Chris Soules: @SoulesChris
--Chris Harrison: @ChrisBHarrison

For more information on ABC's The Bachelor, visit abc.com/TheBachelor

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.

06 Feb 2015

Allan Carlson's 'The Natural Family Where It Belongs' Named 'Outstanding Academic Title'

By Rick Martin

ROCKFORD, Ill., Feb. 4, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- CHOICE magazine, the influential journal for academic libraries published by The American Library Association, has recognized Allan Carlson's most recent book, The Natural Family Where It Belongs:  New Agrarian Essays, as an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2014.

Dr. Carlson is President of The Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society, Editor of its journal The Family in America, and Co-Founder and International Secretary of The World Congress of Families. The book is published by Transaction of New Brunswick, NJ, which Dr. Carlson also serves as Series Editor for Marriage and Family Studies.

According to the Editors of CHOICE, the "prestigious list" of volumes receiving this designation "reflects the best in scholarly titles and attracts extraordinary attention from the academic library community." Books awarded "Outstanding Academic Title" status must show: "overall excellence in presentation and scholarship;" "importance relative to other literature in the field;" "distinction as a first treatment of a given subject in book or electronic form;" "originality or uniqueness of treatment;" and "value to undergraduate students." Dr. Carlson's volume is one of only 24 books in the field of Sociology to receive this honor.

In The Natural Family Where It Belongs, Allan Carlson argues that agrarianism is alive and well in the twenty-first century, especially as a metaphor for the self-reliant and free natural family. The volume focuses on households where the sexual and the economic merge through marriage and child-bearing and where the family is defined in considerable measure by its material efforts. Dr. Carlson points toward the recreation of a family-centered economy and renewal of the true democracy, resting on autonomous homes, dreamed of by Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.

A complete review of the book, appearing in an earlier issue of CHOICE, calls it "a brilliant history and analysis of the most important building blocks of civilization: marriage and family." The review continues: "Throughout the work, Carlson demonstrates the outworn nature of standard political categorizations of 'Left' and 'Right' by perpetually skewering the sacred cows of both. Consequently, the book will generate vitriol from many corners, but that is merely one of many reasons his essays deserve the widest of audiences." It concludes: "In a time obsessed with the possibility of redefining both marriage and family, Carlson's work is simply indispensable. Summing up: Essential."

The hardcover edition of The Natural Family Where It Belongs appeared in early 2014. As of February 2015, a new paperback edition is also available. In addition, the volume can be secured as a Google eBook.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Dr. Carlson at (815) 964-5819 or send a query to acarlson@profam.org or media@worldcongress.org.
02 Feb 2015

Upcoming Bettendorf Library Event

By Joan Mauch
Feb. 11, 7-9:00 pm. Bettendorf Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf. Quad-Cities Waterkeeper Art Norris and Joan Mauch, author of "The Waterkeeper's Daughter" will give a presentation as part of the library's "Read Local" program. Light refreshments will be available. Free.
23 Jan 2015

1170 AM - KBOB TO BROADCAST ALL BANDITS GAMES IN 2015

By Rick Martin
DAVENPORT, Iowa (January 21, 2015) - The sounds of Quad Cities River Bandits baseball will be back on the radio airwaves in a big way in 2015, with every regular season and playoff game broadcasted live on 1170 AM K-BOB Real Country, a Townsquare Media Quad Cities station. K-BOB delivers the largest listenership of any station to ever broadcast River Bandits games on radio.
The broadcasts will begin Thursday, April 9, when the River Bandits, the six-time Midwest League Champions and Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, open their 140-game season by visiting the Peoria Chiefs at Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill. Each broadcast will be anchored by River Bandits Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations Marco LaNave, entering his fourth season as the "Voice of the Bandits." LaNave also began broadcasting high school sports for Townsquare Media Quad Cities stations last September.
Townsquare Media owns and operates a diversified group of leading radio, digital, marketing services, and live event properties across the United States including 97X, B100, The HAWK, ESPN and 1170 AM in the Quad Cities.
"We are delighted to work with our great partners at Townsquare Media Quad Cities to broadcast all of the exciting action of River Bandits baseball on one of the Quad Cities' most popular country stations," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Radio remains an effective and beloved medium, and at a time when other teams are discontinuing radio, we are really happy to be ramping it up. The Quad Cities loves country music, and they love their Bandits, so our new partnership with K-BOB Real Country and Townsquare is a perfect match!"
Since purchasing the former Cumulus cluster of radio stations in the Quad Cities, Townsquare has made a significant commitment to sports programming. In May, Townsquare picked up the ESPN affiliation and launched the Quad Cities' only FM sports radio station. ESPN 93.5 is the home of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and local high school football and basketball.
"The combination of ESPN 93.5 and 1170 AM will broadcast more local and regional live sports exclusively to the Quad Cities area," according to Market President Bruce Law. "The addition of the River Bandits only strengthens the dominant sports line-up offered for the local fans."
In addition to the radio broadcasts, fans can listen to each game on RiverBandits.com and 1170kbob.com. They can also watch live streaming video of every River Bandits home game on MiLB.TV for a second straight season in 2015. MiLB.TV subscription includes access to all minor league online broadcasts, so fans can watch alumni as they move toward the major leagues.
"As an organization, our goal is to grow the connection of our fans to our players, and Townsquare continues to be a critical partner in doing so with enjoyable, high-quality broadcasts," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "This new broadcast partnership with Townsquare will bring the media experience of River Bandits baseball to its highest level ever."
"I have been blessed to be part of many memorable moments and historic achievements in the Quad Cities; having the River Bandits broadcast all of their games, not merely on the radio, but on the most-listened-to station in River Bandits history, is among the most exciting for me," LaNave said. "Broadcasting sports with Townsquare has been a highlight of my broadcasting career, and I am thrilled that will continue with River Bandits games this spring."
The River Bandits will have a running start to their opening weekend in 2015 with the third annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11. The home opener is at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, against the Clinton LumberKings at Modern Woodmen Park.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
***
20 Jan 2015

Service Disruption for Some TV6 Viewers Using DIRECTV

By Eric VanWinkle

KWQC-TV6 has become aware that some DIRECTV subscribers have been unable to receive Channel 6 since last week.

The TV6 engineering staff has looked into the issue and it appears to be a software glitch on DIRECTV's end.  The issue only affects some models of DIRECTV set-top receivers.  We understand that DIRECTV is aware of the problem.

Some KWQC-TV6 viewers have reported restoration of Channel 6 after pressing the red reset button on their receiver.  Others reported success after resetting and unplugging their receiver.

Contrary to some previous reports, there is no contract dispute between KWQC-TV6 or NBC and DIRECTV.

KWQC-TV6 is freely available to the community and can be received with an over-the-air antenna.

Updates regarding the situation will be posted at www.kwqc.com.

http://kwqc.com/2015/01/13/service-disruption-for-tv6-viewers-using-directv/
12 Jan 2015

Rock Island Libraries Closed Monday, Jan. 19

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: All locations of the Rock Island Public Library will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 so that staff can attend an in-service training day.

The one-day closing affects the Main Library location at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 9010 Ridgewood Road.

For January only, the library's 30/31 Book Club will meet at the Hauberg Civic Center, 1300 24th Street, on Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 pm. Members will discuss "Emma" by Jane Austen. Library book club discussions are open to anyone who has read the selected book.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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07 Jan 2015

'Confession' shows poetess views on life, love

By Rick Martin

Author Zohour Almandil creates collection of multifaceted poetry

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Author Zohour Almandil has always believed that when it comes to human relationships, sincere and heartfelt feelings is the fastest route to another person's heart. This was the reason she has written down her own feelings. "Confession" (published by Xlibris UK) shares her own emotions with the world.

"Confession" is a bold and concrete attempt that has broken the silence of long-repressed emotions, a silence that has long been hanging over an aspiring poetess in a masculine-dominated society. It is a book that valiantly refuses to hold back or conceal genuine emotions. This book shows the author's own perceptions on society and life in general. It is also a way to vent her feelings of frustration and covers a myriad of themes such as contemplation, passion and indulgence in on-and-off vain attempts of forgetfulness.

This book takes an in-depth look into the soul of a true poetess who refuses to follow the constraints of society and freely speaks her mind.

"Confession"

By Zohour Almandil

Hardcover | 6x9 in | 118 pages | ISBN 9781499089646

Softcover | 6x9 in | 118 pages | ISBN 9781499089622

E-Book | 118 pages | ISBN 9781499089639

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Zohour Almandil lived her childhood in Riyadh and then went with her family to many Arab countries where she learned a lot about other cultures. This has nurtured her instinct as an artist , poet and writer.

or call 0800 056 3182 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisUK on Twitter for the latest news.

29 Dec 2014

Rock Island Library Adds New Online Magazines to Flipster

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: If you're looking for something to do with that new computer or tablet, the Rock Island Public Library has added 16 new magazine titles to its digital Flipster magazine collection.

New magazines now available for online reading from the library's subscription include Atlantic, Cooking Light, Ebony, Esquire, Kiplinger's Retirement Report, Ladybug, Muse, Organic Gardening, Real Simple, Seventeen, Shopsmart, This Old House, Time, Town & Country, Yum Food and Fun for Kids, and Zoobooks. The new titles include choices for ages from children to adults.

The growth of online magazine offerings reflects the new service's popularity with cardholders. With 412 uses in November, about four times as many magazines have circulated through Flipster since the service replaced a previous digital product on November 1. Ease of use seems to be part of the draw. To use the service, patrons simply log onto Flipster with their Rock Island Library card number and select the magazine they want. There's no need to create an account.

Flipster, a product of EBSCO Information Services, allows Rock Island Library patrons to read digital versions of popular magazines on a computer or mobile device with no waiting for a print copy. Rock Island Library cardholders can access digital Flipster magazines 24 hours a day with a live Internet connection, or download a free app that allows them to read the magazine later on their tablet. The download app is available for both iPad and Android tablet users from the iTunes and Google Play stores.

To check out the service, go to the Download This menu on the Rock Island Library website, www.rockislandlibrary.org. More information is also available at the library's Facebook and Twitter sites, or by calling the library at 309-732-READ (7323.)

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19 Dec 2014

WQPT/FOURTH WALL FILMS PREMIERE NEW DOCUMENTRY 'LETTERS HOME TO HERO STREET'

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, QUAD CITIES PBS and Fourth Wall Films have teamed up to produce a new documentary "Letters Home to Hero Street." The project is funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.

 

The 30-minute film draws on the letters home from one of eight soldiers lost to war who lived on 2nd Street in Silvis, IL, now known as Hero Street USA. "Letters Home" gives a glimpse into one of the heroes through his letters home to his family.

 

The large amount of documentation and supporting materials is what made the decision for us to focus on him," said Director Kelly Rundle. "Our soldier was not chosen because he is more important than the other seven heroes, nor more important than others who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice. In 'Letters Home to Hero Street,' he stands in for the seven and for all who have served."

 

A premiere of the film is being held Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 800 17th Street, Silvis, IL. The event is open free to the public. The filmmakers, actors and others associated with the film will be available to answer questions.

 

The following day (Jan. 16) the film will air on WQPT at 7 p.m. For more information, visit wqpt.org or fourthwallfilms.com.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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09 Dec 2014

Governor Quinn Welcomes New Fox TV Production to Illinois

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today visited the set of the new TV drama "Empire" to welcome the series to Illinois. Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong for Twentieth Century Fox Television, "Empire" is filmed in Chicago and employs approximately 250 Illinois workers. The event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Thanks to the investment we made to build Cinespace Studios, Illinois is now the top destination outside Hollywood for the next summer blockbuster or TV series," Governor Quinn said. "'Empire' is the latest major production to come to Illinois, creating hundreds of good jobs and generating millions of dollars in economic investment."

Since 2009, Illinois' film industry has driven more than $1.2 billion in economic growth, including roughly $600 million in wages for Illinois workers. "Empire" is spending $25 million in 2014 to shoot its first 12 episodes. Of that amount, about half will go directly to Illinois wages. The production is using 75 Illinois vendors.

"Empire" is being filmed at the Cinespace Chicago Film Studios on the city's near west side. The Cinespace facility was constructed with $5 million from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program in May of 2011 coupled with a large private investment and currently stands as the largest soundstage in the United States outside of Hollywood.

Since its opening in 2011, revenue to the state from the film industry has grown substantially. In 2013, the industry generated an estimated $358 million in spending, a record that nearly doubled the prior all-time high set in 2012. In 2013, the industry supported more than 4,200 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois.

The Cinespace studio has been home to major productions such as TV series "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D." and "Boss," as well as blockbuster studio films such as "Transformers" and "Divergent."

"The tremendous growth in Illinois' film industry was made possible by our film tax credits, talented crews, iconic shooting locations and world-class sound stages and studios," Illinois Film Office Managing Director Betsy Steinberg said. "All of this stems from Governor Quinn's commitment to fostering a thriving film and television industry in Illinois."

The film office, part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, actively promotes the state as an ideal location for video productions. The office also administers the Illinois Film Tax Credit. Governor Quinn signed a 10-year extension of the credit in 2011, which has led to more productions throughout the state. The 30 percent tax credit is awarded to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents.

"Empire" is a hip-hop family drama and is scheduled to premiere on Jan. 7, 2015.

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