I just got a friend request from a Hotel. The Super 8 in Moline. I approved the request, as I normally do approve requests from commercial entities seeking to pad their friend count (hey, I’m a businessman too, I know the game), and also because I thought it was funny that a hotel, particularly the Super 8, sent me a friend request. However, the friend request I really want to get is from the Traveler Inn. The Traveler is a little off-the-highway craphole in Davenport that boasts closed circuit TVs on their sign. I guess at one point that was a big draw. That one point? 1955. I’ve never... Read More

The following column is excerpted from Sean Leary’s upcoming humor book, Do Vampires Poop? And Other Incredibly Important Questions, available in bookstores worldwide in September. Ever walk into your house after you’ve been away, or walk into a room and notice a strange smell? Of course, once you do, you have to try to find it, because who wants a strange smell in their house? I’ll usually look for some dropped food or something behind or under furniture, and sometimes that’s the case. Some bit of stray potable that tried to escape and sadly discovered its motion was limited to whatever... Read More

For the last 26 years, Ya Maka My Weekend has been a tradition in The District of downtown Rock Island. This festival celebrates the culture of the Caribbean. It is known for its colorful atmosphere, delicious foods, and lively reggae music. This year, the celebration takes place from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday Aug. 12. Ya Maka My Weekend will be held on the Great River Plaza, 2nd Avenue between 18th street to 1st and 3rd avenue, in downtown Rock Island, IL. Admission is $9 for a one-day pass and $14 for a two-day. Group discounts are available in advance. Children 12 and under are free and no... Read More

Have a child, boy or girl, interested in soccer? The summer soccer camp, the Rock Island Red Dragons Camp, will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 13, 15, 20, 22 and 27 at Hauberg Park in Rock Island! Beginners (less than seasons played or ages 5-7) are at 4:45 p.m., Intermediate players (ages 7-11 or three seasons or more played) are at 5:30, Advanced players (four seasons or more played, or ages 8-11) are at 6:15 p.m. Cost is just $50 in advance/$60 first day of camp and beyond and kids get a Red Dragons jersey. If you’re interested, email seanleary@seanleary.com.  Read More

The graphic novel/comic book art of Sean Leary will be flying onto the walls this weekend at the latest Taste of Q-C Art at Taste Buds, 1629 2nd Ave., Rock Island (in the District, across from Bennigans). An opening reception for the show will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday. Patrons can meet and talk to the artist and indulge in free coffees, smoothies, candy, snacks and more. Leary will be on hand to also sign copies of his graphic novels in the Dark Equinox series. The series is a YA horror tale about a teenager who survives a suicide attempt and as a result is able to see the world of demons... Read More

Sara Holtz brings a fun, whimsical quality to her multi-media paintings and that buoyant spirit will fit in perfectly with the light, happy environment for her first solo gallery showing as the latest Taste of Q-C Art creator at Taste Buds, 1629 2nd Ave., Rock Island (in the District, across from Bennigans). Holtz has had artworks on display at other area galleries, including Bucktown and the Star Dog Gallery, but this is her first solo gallery show. An opening reception for the show will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday. Patrons can meet and talk to the artist and indulge in free coffees, smoothies,... Read More

As the weather becomes brighter and the days become longer, the blooms break through the ground, a familiar sound of school bells grows silent as children across the area get revved up for spring break — and parents are suddenly hit with the thought of what they’re going to do with those kiddies during that time off. However, parents need not get too worried, as the Bettendorf Family Museum is ready with a full slate of activities to keep the kiddies happy, thinking and burning off some of that excess energy. All events and performances are included with admission or membership! Sponsored... Read More

From restaurants to living rooms, millions of people will be celebrating the Super Bowl this year with fun, friends and, of course, food. And what foods are going to be the hottest, literally and figuratively, on Super Bowl party platters and tables? We asked a number of our friends at local restaurants and culinary arts schools about what foods are going to score the most points at Super Bowl shindigs. “What’s really hot this year is multiple soups, with people bringing different soups, one person brings a lobster bisque, another brings a chicken noodle, and so on, and the host provides the... Read More

The biggest American band on the planet right now crashed into Moline Sunday night. Since they showed up on the pop culture radar screen, Twenty One Pilots have been lofted to the airy realm of superstars by their fans, shot down by their haters, alternately loved and loathed by critics but continue to soar high. They were the biggest band of 2016 by any count and anyone objectively watching the show Sunday night could see why, as to the rabid adoration of a packed house of 11,000 fans, they electrified the sold out crowd with a terrific two hours of brilliant, genre-bending emo pop rock. My eight-year-old,... Read More

You can get a taste of Quad-Cities art while getting a taste of some delicious snacks and beverages beginning Jan. 20 at Taste Buds, 150 16 ½ St., Rock Island. A Taste of Q-C Art is a new rotating art exhibit featuring area creators debuting at the Rock Island shop notable for its smoothies, coffees, candy and other snacks. Every other Friday, a new local artist will have their works exhibited on the walls of Taste Buds, and starting Jan. 20, every other Friday at 5 p.m. will be an opening reception for the new artist in which they’ll be able to talk about their works. Free refreshments will... Read More