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Quad Cities USA - Guide to Davenport & Bettendorf Iowa and Rock Island & Moline Illinois
 

The 35 Greatest U.S. Political Films of All Time

April 30th, 2017
The 35 Greatest U.S. Political Films of All Time

In preparing a list of “the greatest” of anything, you are limited by your own exposure to the films (i.e., ‘Did you see these movies?”)  If you did see them, do you remember all of them? Fortunately for those of you longing for a political fix that isn’t nauseating (but actually entertaining), I have personally seen every single movie on this list—some of them more than once. I concentrated on the American political experience, not that of another country. For that reason, films like “Z” by Costa-Gravas, or his equally impressive “Missing” (Chile) or Helen Mirren’s“The... Read More

Believe in the Power of Art for Community Identity!

April 28th, 2017
Believe in the Power of Art for Community Identity!

The Quad Cities Community is as unique and eclectic as many large cities but with different geographical attributes. It serves as a cultural hub that is united by the Mississippi River. The diversity and distance is also the glue that binds the river towns and unites the region as an increased popular destination site. When seeking the pursuit of arts, culture and festive community events, one only has to take a short drive or cross the bridge that spans the only part of the river that flows East to West of the mighty Mississippi. Art has been an integral part of creative placemaking and growth... Read More

Ensemble Work Can Bring About Magical Chemistry

April 26th, 2017
Ensemble Work Can Bring About Magical Chemistry

In looking back on the previous year, there are many good memories on stage for me to savor, particularly in regard to working with some very talented ensembles. As I grow older and more aware of the chaotic mess that is show business, I am more and more appreciative of the power and magic of an ensemble. An audience has no idea how difficult it is to find that spark but those of us on the inside know when it happens the process AND product will be exponentially better. 2016 afforded Quad City audiences plenty of opportunities to see these kind of vibrant ensembles and I would like to praise two... Read More

I’m NOT Complaining, Just Explaining! – April 24th 2017!

April 24th, 2017
I’m NOT Complaining, Just Explaining! - April 24th 2017!

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What Are Your Creative Goals For 2017?

April 21st, 2017
What Are Your Creative Goals For 2017?

As I entered the New Year, I was reflecting on my creative and artistic plans for 2017. Creativity and Innovation resonated with me in each thought. Many people don’t realize that they are, in fact, CREATIVE! People may not think they are “innovators” but you cannot be innovative without first developing some ideas. Creativity has been the center of my life through motherhood, teaching, advocacy and personal art. It is a pleasure to be in the Quad Cities as it grows in innovative ideas and we have our local “Creatives” to thank. In reflection, I’ve been repeatedly asked through my teaching... Read More

All Hail Timothy Olyphant In This ‘Diet’!

April 19th, 2017
All Hail Timothy Olyphant In This ‘Diet’!

All hail Timothy Olyphant (and Netflix). Olyphant stars in a new Netflix original series called Santa Clarita Diet and it could not be more irreverent and at the same time appropriate. Irreverent because, in a time of intense turmoil, it’s nice to have something to turn to something that has absolutely nothing to do with anything. Appropriate because, in a time a time of intense turmoil, it’s nice to to turn to something that has absolutely nothing to do with anything. The story revolves around a Santa Clarita real estate couple: Olyphant’s pot-smoking, overly devoted, classic... Read More

I’m NOT Complaining, Just Explaining! – April 17th 2017!

April 17th, 2017
I’m NOT Complaining, Just Explaining! - April 17th 2017!

Jeff Bernat is an entrepreneur originally from East Moline, Illinois. He has many ideas under his belt, and the latest endeavor is a comic strip of his trademark saying “I’m NOT Complaining, Just Explaining!” “I got the idea for this from my dad, who is one who likes to complain. His response one day was ‘I’m not complaining, just explaining!’” With some persistence and assistance from a few of his friends, Jeff is creating a variety of life’s everyday scenarios in comics form in the hopes of bringing a smile to your face. Hope you enjoy it!  Read More

Plenty of HOT Rookies To Watch In Fantasy Baseball

April 17th, 2017
Plenty of HOT Rookies To Watch In Fantasy Baseball

There are plenty of HOT rookies to watch on the Fantasy Baseball fields this year! Make sure you snap one or more of them up for your teams! American League: Andrew Benintendi (OF) Boston Red Sox: He is listed at number 1 on the depth chart in LF.  Benintendi a 22 year old hit lefty hit 20 career home runs, had an average of.312, and 107 RBIs in 151 minor league games.  If the Cincinnati native can transfer those numbers to the majors, maybe people will not miss Big Papi so much. In keeper leagues he should go pretty quick, in rounds 3-4 depending how big your league is if you get your chance,... Read More

Time To Get Back To Slamming The Comics Industry!

April 16th, 2017
Time To Get Back To Slamming The Comics Industry!

After two weeks talking about explosions, comic books and community action, I think it’s time to get back to what this series is best at: complaining about the comic book industry. This week while going through the stack of Marvel comics at Mellow Blue Planet, I was looking at Champions #4. I was just examining the cover, front and back, and after a minute or so I noticed near the bottom left corner of the comic, just above the top right corner of the UPC bar, was printed in smallish white letters “Second Printing”. This really hacked me off. Why, you may ask? That’s because printings are... Read More

Local Businesses Supporting The Arts

April 14th, 2017
Local Businesses Supporting The Arts

Tour the Quad City downtown areas and you will find good examples of how creative people are growing as innovators – serving in a two-fold manner of providing products and services while supporting local creatives of all types. From artists to writers, local businesses are supporting a manifesto that CREATIVITY and the ARTS matter. This practice is economically benefiting our local community members and adding flair to tourism and recognizing the QCA as a cultural and vibrant destination point. It is this partnership that can also build a competitive advantage while assisting in advancing... Read More