The twin threats are not lost to local leaders, Gallagher said. He mentioned a regular 11 a.m. call between local elected officials from the five major cities, two counties and others. Its a good organization that has helped us to ready not only to protect our area from COVID-19 but to take additional measures as spring floods will certainly be upon us, Gallagher said.

The governments of Davenport and Bettendorf are following recommended measures to avoid spread of the virus by postponing nonessential meetings, practicing social distancing and holding virtual or telephone meetings.

On Wednesday night, the Davenport City Council held its regular meeting and discussed the fiscal year 2021 budget. The mayor and four aldermen were joined by just a smattering of essential city staff. Other aldermen phoned into the meeting, which was streamed live online.

The flooding and pandemic crises might together create a severe challenge if a flood-related evacuation displaces people from their homes at the very moment locals are asked to stay home to slow the transmission of the coronavirus.

Weve thought a lot about that, Gallagher said. Locally here, weve pooled our resources to determine what needs we have, especially with regards to PPEs [personal protective equipment], so that if we have to stand up some sort of quarantine we would have those capabilities.

Read more:
Bettendorf mayor: 'Its an all-hands-on-deck cooperative effort here' - Quad City Times

In nautical terms, all hands on deck means that everyone on board from the cooks in the mess to the mechanics in the engine room pulls together to stave off a natural or manmade emergency.

Today, a similar call has gone out across America, asking all to put aside personal, partisan and parochial interests to tackle a pandemic that doesnt discriminate among those whose health it eliminates.

More than 80 years ago, on the beaches of Normandy, our nation experienced its finest hour. D-Day was the moment when we pulled together, and pulled out all the stops, fashioning a brand of unity America had never before seen, forged or felt.

Now we have a chance to show the greatest generation that younger generations are also able and willing to step up to save the world. During the Big War, the enemy was visible and vicious. Today it is invisible and wholly viral, and its time we unified the freedom fighters who would stand in its path.

Last weeks Rose Garden press conference did just that, as the president put the first wave of Americas Team on the field leaders from the private sector who proclaimed, to a person (and to a corporation) that they are in, all in, whatever it takes. Each of these leaders, in testimonials delivered with unwavering resolve and patriotism, lifted spirits across the land (and stocks across the Big Board). Collectively, they effused determination and derring-do, that unique combination of attitude and skill that we as Americans use to overcome any problem that challenges us or any crisis that threatens us.

From the indomitable Dr. Anthony Fauci who never met a disease he couldnt fight to the daily injections of assurance weve received from Drs. Deborah Birx and Stephen Hahn (FDA), it feels like we are taking on the worst armed with our very best.

Now we need everyone to jump on board every governor, mayor, senator, Member of Congress, officeholders from the past, political contenders in the present.

There are some encouraging signs.

The House and Senate are moving with lightning speed to vote in, and deliver out, badly needed financial help for businesses big and small and for people whose jobs have been quarantined by COVID-19. Instead of carping and criticizing, Republicans and Democrats are rapidly communing and cooperating.

The same can be said of governors, like Californias Democratic Governor Gavin NewsomGavin Christopher NewsomGoogle launches website offering info on coronavirus Hannity offers to help Cuomo in coronavirus response with radio, television shows The Hill's Campaign Report: Officials in spotlight over coronavirus response MORE. He may be suing the feds over the issue of state water rights, but Newsoms all-in to take on and take out the pandemic.

Here are two more potential COVID-busters.

First, Id love to see every living President Carter, Clinton, Bush, Obama join with the current president to say that when it comes to fighting this virus, there isnt an inch of separation between us. This tour de force would be a show of force, a decree that noblesse oblige that tradition of acting nobly and generously is alive and well in 2020 America.

Second, Joe BidenJoe BidenDemocrats grow nervous over primary delays The Memo: Democrats grapple with virus response Obama ebola czar hits Trump virus response in Biden campaign video MORE the presumptive Democrat nominee whos been floating his own coronavirus plan criticizing the administrations should show similar class and selflessness. In words his political advisors might spurn but all America would cheer, Id like to hear Biden say to the president, Look, you and I can air out our differences, and debate the other issues of the day, once weve put COVID-19 behind us. Until we do, Mr. President, Im all in. How can I help?

In other words, how about a little less Howard Dean and a little more JFK? You know the words: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

During World War II, General Motors, Ford, and others mass-produced tanks, guns, and airplanes to fuel the Allied victory over tyranny.

During the past week, we heard American companies are now retooling their factories to manufacture badly-needed medical supplies from masks to ventilators.

Theyve heard the call, and so have we.

For America, its all hands on deck.

Adam Goodmanis a national Republican media strategist who has advisedRudy Giuliani,John McCainand Jeb Bush. He is the first Edward R. Murrow Senior Fellow at Tufts University's Fletcher School. Follow him on Twitter@adamgoodman3

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President Trump is right Now's the time for 'all hands on deck' | TheHill - The Hill

It is coming up to 75 years since Pan Am signed a contract for 29 units of the new Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. The double-decker plane could fit up to 100 passengers inside one of the first pressurized cabins and was a truly innovative aircraft for its time.

The spacious long-range piston airliner was heralded for its luxurious offering, often associated with the glory days of passenger services. Pan Am scheduled its first flights with this Boeing model in 1949, four years after the end of World War II, marking a new era in aviation. The first service took off in April with an operation between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Introduced April 1,1949 by Pan American, the Boeing 377 #Stratocruiser was considered the most luxurious airliner aloft. Its unique fuselage was equipped with two decks; the upper contained a roomy main cabin, while the lower featured a popular cocktail lounge. #avgeek pic.twitter.com/7rbIutSswP

SFO Museum (@SFOMuseum) February 1, 2020

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Boeing had produced 56 Stratocruisers between 1947 and 1950. The manufacturer states that this plane marked the firms first significant success in selling passenger planes to operators across the globe.

Some overseas customers included the Israeli Air Force, Nigeria Airways, and Scandinavian Airlines.Meanwhile, the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) flew them on transatlantic routes.

Domestically, along with Pan Am, DAI Airways, Northwest Orient Airlines, Transocean Air Lines, and United Airlines operated the 377.

The Stratocruiser was the first commercial model built by Boeing since the Stratoliner. Using the companys experience of producing planes during wartime, this aircraft possessed the speed and technical improvements available to bombers at the end of WWII. In fact, it was based on the B-29 Bomber.

Despite its powerful delivery, the cabin of the aircraft is what truly left a legacy. It had set a new standard for air travel with its grand design.

The extra-wide layout was accompanied by gold-appointed dressing rooms.In addition, its circular staircase led to a lower deck beverage lounge where passengers could mingle. Meanwhile, flight attendants prepared hot meals for those onboard in the one-of-a-kind galley.

"Chicken, or the fish?"

Female cabin crew preparing dinner service in a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser galley. #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/SrmWZEgdLP

Bloc Gatwick. (@BlocHotelLGW) December 27, 2018

However, the icing on the cake was the upper-and-lower bunk beds that could sleep 28 fliers. With a range of 6,800km (3,600nmi) and a cruise speed of 301 mph, this was the ultimate long-distance luxury aircraft for its time.

Despite its grandeur, after a decade of enjoyment, it quickly became superseded by jetliners. Models such as its counterpart the 707, along with the de Havilland Comet and Douglas DC-8, soon became favored by airlines.

After over a decade of making history with the plane, Pan Am retired its last 377 in 1961. This marked the end of an era for commercial aviation as air travel started to become more accessible.

Several units were sold to smaller airlines and modified into freighters by Aero Spacelines. These variants were heavily enlarged and resembled bloated fish, giving them the nickname of Guppy.

Furthermore, five retired Stratocruisers were modified and used for military missions with the Israeli Defense Force. Despite its twist of fate, the 377 will be remembered for its classy onboard experience.

What are your thoughts about the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser? What is your favorite aspect of this historical aircraft? Let us know what you think in the comment section.

More here:
The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser The Double Deck Plane That Changed The World - Simple Flying

Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Paget Berry and Ciara Dugganare currently still working in the Mediterranean in Italy while the country remainson lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Paget shared in a post on Instagram on March 14 that he and Ciara are still working on a boat in Italy, the site of Europe's worst coronavirus outbreak. "Unfortunately Ciara and I are not in quarantine in Bali Indonesia, but we are currently working in Italy on a boat where the Coronavirus has hit the hardest in Europe so far. Everything is in lockdown, bars, restaurants, gyms, you name it, its shut!" Paget said in a post that featured a throwback photo of the pair vacationing in Bali. "Current routine is work, washing hands, work, washing hands, work, you get the point! So dont be selfish and get back in your house."

View this post on Instagram

Unfortunately Ciara and I are not in quarantine in Bali Indonesia, but we are currently working in Italy on a boat where the Coronavirus has hit the hardest in Europe so far. Everything is in lockdown, bars, restaurants, gyms, you name it, its shut! Current routine is work, washing hands, work, washing hands, work, you get the point! So dont be selfish and get back in your house

A post shared by Paget Berry (@pagetberry) on Mar 14, 2020 at 11:51am PDT

Ciara also reminisced about their past trip to Bali on Instagram, sharing that she's thankful to be "able to continue working and keep myself preoccupied." She also encouraged her followers to "#staypositive."

Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on March 19 that the national lockdown would be extended beyond its original April 3 end date, according to CNBC.The lockdown first went into effect on March 10, instructing citizens to only leave home to get food or medicines, with grocery stores and pharmacies the only businesses remaining open, or to perform other essential services or go to work.

Nearly 36,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus with nearly 3,000 deaths from the disease reported in the country as of March 18.

For the latest, most accurate information on the coronavirus pandemic, go to theWorld Health Organization (WHO) website. And tune in to NBC News Special Report: Coronavirus Pandemic with Lester Holt on Thursday, March 19 at 10/9c on MSNBC or NBC News to get all the up-to-date information you need.

The Daily Dish is your source for all things Bravo, from behind-the-scenes scoop to breaking news, exclusive interviews, photos, original videos, and, oh, so much more. Subscribe to The Daily Dish podcast, join our Facebook group, and follow us on Instagramfor the latest news hot off the presses. Sign up to become a Bravo Insider and be the first to get exclusive extras.

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Paget and Ciara Are Working on a Boat in Italy Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak - Bravo

Below Deck season 8 stopped filming early, likely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Captain Lee Rosbach began sharing photos and tweeting last week as he returned home to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He observed empty beaches along the stretch of the Fort Lauderdale Strip. Rosbach shared a photo to Instagram and wrote, Not a swinging dik onFt Lauderdale Beach. Spring Break 2020 brought to you by#coronavirus. All beach goers banned. Today at 5 pm all restaurants and bars close for 30 days. Be safe and use common sense peeps.

On Twitter, Rosbach wrote, Im back. Will get some rest, and then reengage. Get ready. Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean replied, Welcome Home!

Robach and Bravo havent confirmed if filming stopped early, but an unnamed source told Page Six filming stopped short of two charters.Theyre wrapping early and flying everyone home, the unnamed source said. There were a few more [yacht] charters that they were supposed to film that it doesnt appear that theyll get to.

Despite the shorter filming schedule, the source added that the season wont necessarily be significantly impacted. The season was reportedly filmed in the Caribbean.

Rosbach was treated to a heros welcome as his dog Oscar anxiously awaited his dads return. Oscar waiting not so patiently for his Dad to arrive from overseas.#mansbestfriend#mybiggestfan#unconditionallove, Rosbach shared along with a video of his dog excitedly awaiting his return. Rosbachs wife Mary Annes voice is heard in the video asking Oscar if hes ready to see his dog dad.

The series shifted to Tahiti and then Thailand after a devastating hurricane in the Caribbean destroyed a good amount of the landscape in 2017. Hurricane Irma also impacted many of the cast members as Rosbach and chief stew Kate Chastain both lived in Florida at the time. Evacuated to a hotel in Orlando waiting for #HurricaineIrma Cant believe the damage Im seeing in so many of my favorite Caribbean places, Chastain tweeted.

Rosbach rode the storm out at home and didnt have power. We have, in addition to no power now lost internet. Had to get in my car to get this out on my phone. Not sure if I can tweet tonite or not, Rosbach tweeted.

He shared his experience with the storm. Irma was one pissed off lady, Rosbach said in a Bravo digital original. I mean, she was hot! If you took a thing of pickup sticks. Thats what the boats looked like down there. Stacked everywhere. Just on the road and peoples houses and underneath the houses. Its horrendous and we only got Category 1 winds where I live. He recalls going without power for 10 days too.

Hurricane Irma slammed the Caribbean as a Category 4 hurricane. Yacht Harbor shared photos of some of the yachts that were destroyed in the Caribbean as a result. A Below Deck production boat sunk during filming in February too. No one was injured.

Read the rest here:
'Below Deck': Did Production Have to Shut Down Filming Early? - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Tampas Deck Pizza started a fresh chapter a few weeks ago at 2202 W Platt St., the same spot where it initially debuted in 2004.

Original founder Scott Quinn, who goes by his middle name Ryan, has teamed up with partners Al Rogers and Hank Brown to reopen the pizzeria just off the SoHo strip at the urging of the community.

We had a lot of neighbors that kept asking to bring it back, Quinn said.

According to Quinn, the first Deck Pizza was around for more than 10 years until the late hours, and other businesses he had at the time, including a body shop and the now-defunct Bungalow, became too much to juggle with a family. (A different pizza place, Platts Pizza Pub, moved into the space in 2015 for a short while after that.)

Back in the day, regulars frequented Deck Pizza for one item in particular, which remains on the menu.

It was definitely for the pizza hand-tossed, New Jersey-style. People loved it, Quinn said. We use all fresh ingredients.

Calzones, stromboli and salads accompany the lineup of thin-crust pies you order at the takeout window. Pasta and grinders will soon be added, as well as beer and wine.

The pizzeria features high-top tables and a wrap-around rail with bar stools. Games and more laid-back seating options like couches are planned for the AstroTurf out front.

On top of feeding Bar Hwrd, the recently launched hangout next door that Quinn, Rogers and Brown are also partners in, Deck Pizza is set to tap into delivery. The service will begin in the next 30 days.

(813) 375-0753. deck-pizza.com.

Read more here:
Deck Pizza, known for its signature pies, reopens in Tampa - Tampa Bay Times

Jeskai Fires and Temur Reclamation continue to dominate the Magic: The Gathering Standard meta.

Several changes have been made to the MTG esports schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But online events are still taking place, with a total of 20 MTG Arena players qualifying for Mythic Invitational during the MTGA qualifiers this past weekend.

The list of winners includes two well-known Magic players: Ronald PrediMTGMller and Mike Siggy Sigrist.

Both players won their 10 matches with Jeskai Fires, a deck that continues to dominate the Standard meta. Temur Reclamation also performed well at the MTG Arena Invitational qualifiers this past weekend.

Those who qualified for a Mythic Invitational seat will compete during the October tournament due to schedule changes made because of the coronavirus pandemic. Players wouldve earned a seat at the July Core Set 2021 Mythic Invitational, but thats been pushed back to the October Zendikar Rising Arena Mythic Invitational.

Excerpt from:
Here are the MTG Arena Invitational Qualifier winners and decks - Dot Esports

Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Mediterranean acknowledges that stressful situations like the coronavirus pandemic can be especially triggering for people in recovery from addiction.

Yawn posted a video on Instagram where she reached out to those who may be struggling right now. I just want to share with a lot of you, who have stopped drinking. If youre struggling theres meetings you can go to online, she said.

Theres a link on myFacebook page, she said. I struggle too. It certainly crossed my mind. This is so stressful. In my lifetime, I have never experienced anything like this. I keep trying to find the positive. I cant turn the news on anymore. Oh my gosh, youd think its Armageddon.

If youre struggling and you need some support, Ill leave you a message, she added. Yawn said people could send her a direct message but asked them to be patient as she might not be able to respond immediately.

Yawn said people in recovery are especially vulnerable during a pandemic or other highly stressful situation. Obviously, its in you, Yawn told Showbiz Cheat Sheet. What do people do when its stressful? A lot of people take a drink. So many people relax by drinking a glass of wine or here in Denver smoking pot or having some edibles, right?

I dont have that luxury, she continued. Because I have it in my genes. Im an addict, an alcoholic. I have to exercise, go to meetings. And know that this will pass. This too shall pass. Thats what I keep saying to myself. I call my sponsor, I stay engaged with people in recovery. And its hard, its a struggle.

She disclosed that even though shes been in recovery for decades, she still thinks about drinking.

The other day, it crossed my mind, she shared. Im not kidding you. When theres nothing else to do I said to Leah [Shafer], You know what I would do today? Id be in a bar, playing pool, listening to the jukebox, getting smashed. Hammered. If there was a problem, I would drink. Its like you go in to fix it [with drugs or alcohol] but you come out and the problem is still there.

Yawn knows that many people are self-medicating during the pandemic. I just want to say, you dont have to [self-medicate with drugs and alcohol]. Instead, do the things that youve always wanted to learn, she suggested. Like, I want to learn to play the piano. Leah bought me this keyboard and Ive been playing that.

And between doing my taxes and the social media, just ramp it up because I want to be there for the people who obviously watch our show. I had thousands of messages. I cant keep up.

I just want people to know they are not alone, she added. Im not an introvert, Im an extrovert. So its hard for me to not be around people. Which makes it even harder.

Yawn suggests that attending an online meeting, or even a meeting in person where they are practicing social distancing, can help. Alcoholics Anonymous has a meeting locator guide here. They also have 24-hour meetings at the clubhouses and dont close, she adds. You can go online, its 24/7.

Yawn is also a big believer in exercise. She acknowledges that a number of gyms are closed but says there are ways to still work out. My friend Randi posted the quarantine workout sheet! So yeah, you can go online and print anything. Do push-ups. I do the burpees and lunges and situps. Another option is to check out an online streaming fitness platform likeNEOU. The fitness app features Andy Cohens trainer and many more.

Finally, Yawn had a message about fear. I decide how I think, she said. It isnt a force in my mind. If I read something or hear something, I decide. Its up to me. I choose to live in faith and not fear.

How to get help: In the U.S., contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Visit link:
'Below Deck Med': Captain Sandy Reaches Out to Those Struggling With Their Sobriety During the Pandemic - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Even though we know that reality TV isnt everything, but this Coronavirus has had an effect on some of our favorite shows. Watch What Happens Live suspended production and the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 12 reunion has been postponed.

Now, theres word that the next Below Deck season has been cut short as a precautionary measure. Obviously, this was the best call. The safety of the cast, crew, and guests is extremely important.

Page Sixconfirmed that filming for the next Below Deck season has been cut short. Apparently, the cast was shooting in the Caribbean before they decided to shut down.

However, there is some good news as far as the fans are concerned. They managed film most of the season. There were only a few episodes missing before everyone headed home. That probably means that we are still going to see those episodes. If the show stopped filming much earlier, that might not be the case.

A source toldPage Six, Theyre wrapping early and flying everyone home. There were a few more [yacht] charters that they were supposed to film that it doesnt appear that theyll get to. Overall, this is for the best, obviously. Safety is of top importance.

That same source said the season should be minimally affected by this.

Of course, none of this has been confirmed from the network or any named sources because we dont even know whos in the cast for next season. It is safe to assume that Captain Lee Rosbach is back at the helm. But, other than that, its anyones guess, especially since Kate Chastain retired from the Below Deckfranchise.

Hopefully, everyone was able to safely travel home. Hopefully, they are all taking care of themselves and staying healthy.

Reality Tea recommends that all readers comply withCDC guidelinesand remain as isolated as possible during this urgent time. Visit the Centers for Disease Control atCDC.govor the World Health Organization atWho.intfor the latest information on the coronavirus and learn what you can do to stop the spread.

TELL US- WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BELOW DECK SHUTTING DOWN PRODUCTION BEFORE THE END OF THE SEASON?

[Photo Credit: Bravo]

Read more here:
Below Deck Season 8 Wrapped Filming Early Because Of Coronavirus - Reality Tea

Georgia Grobler from Below Deck Sailing Yacht seems to finally be hitting her stride. She struggled during the first few charters, being brought to tears at one point after feeling diminished by chef Adam Glick.

Grobler also had a strained relationship with chief stew Jenna MacGillivray. She confided in MacGillivray about Glick but became exasperated with MacGillivray when she broke her confidence. MacGillivray told Glick that Grobler was struggling to help, but it seemed to do more damage to their relationship.

Although they got off to a rocky start, Grobler seems to be more confident and happier in her job. But what does she think about MacGillivray? Plus, what did MacGillivray tell Showbiz Cheat Sheet about why she laughed when Grobler was crying?

Despite the tension, Grobler said she has respect for MacGillivray. I still have a respect for Jenna, I mean, I even have respect for Adam, Grobler told Decider. Youre my bosses, you can do whatever you want and say whatever you want, that is the nature of the business. Im a third stew, Im literally at the bottom of the hierarchy, so its cool.

Grobler also likes MacGillivray socially. Jenna in a different context, when you take out the boss element or you take out the Adam/Jenna gossip circle thing, when you take all of that out, I like Jenna, she shared. She and I chat a hell of a lot. Social medias laid into Jenna recently and Im one of the people that if I wanted to I could be all whiney about mine and Jennas dynamic but I feel sorry for the way people are attacking her because shes a strong cup of tea.

But what about when MacGillivray wanted to give Grobler a hug when she was crying? UmIve got physical boundaries and Ive got very serious physical trust. I really have to trust you. We have to be close for us to hug or do this and that, she shared about why she rejected a hug from MacGillivray.

MacGillivray also has compassion for Grobler and likes her. I have empathy for Georgia, she told Showbiz Cheat Sheet. And, you know, being new and not having worked for somebody, and that was really difficult. Honestly, Georgia, one on one was really cool we had some really good conversations. And shed be somebody who I would totally go out with and have fun with and enjoy.

She added that she typically has time to train green stews, but that wasnt in the cards this season. When I hire students, I typically have a couple of months to prepare them for charter, she said. I feel [badly] for green stews to come into something like that and dont know whats going on or what to expect. Thats super hard, I totally get that.

MacGillivray also clarified what happened when she was caught laughing while Grobler was in tears. I never laughed at Georgia crying. In that moment I did laugh. I did. But I was laughing at the absurdity of it. Like if you asked your kid to clean up his room and he was like, No! and started crying. Its like, Oh my God, I made him cry! It was like that. It wasnt like I was like, F**k her. I was never my intent.

Below Deck Sailing Yachtairs Mondays at 9/8c on Bravo.

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'Below Deck Sailing Yacht': Georgia Grobler Reveals What She Really Thinks of Jenna MacGillivray - Showbiz Cheat Sheet