February 5, 2013 · 6:18 pm

Presidential also-ran museum in Norton Kansas…

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s portrait is the most recent addition to the “They Also Ran Gallery,” above a bank lobby in Norton, Kan.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney’s portrait is the most recent addition to the “They Also Ran Gallery,” above a bank lobby in Norton, Kan.

Now this is my kind of museum – dedicated to losing politicians, people who fought the good fight and lost but lived to see another day with their portraits on the walls of a museum in Norton, Kansas – which I see is in northwest Kansas, not far from the only place I wanted to go to up there, the near ghost town of Nicodemus, where there once was a sizable black community.  Apparently it’s not really a museum, really a portrait gallery in a room at a local bank (The First State Bank.)Here’s info on the museum in Norton (which just hung the photo up of Mitt Romney) and of Nicodemus, billed as the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the post-Civil War Reconstruction. (Last I heard there wasn’t much left there.)

A formal photograph of a stoic Mitt Romney has been hung in a small portrait gallery in Norton, Kan. The 2012 Republican presidential nominee and former Massachusetts governor was not present for the unveiling. His campaign did not even supply the official image. But the community’s enthusiasm was undiminished. Norton is home to what is believed to be the only museum in America dedicated to presidential runners-up. Romney was taking his rightful place in a pantheon of losers. (Boston globe)

Nicodemus National Historic Site, located in Nicodemus, Kansas, United States, preserves, protects and interprets the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the American Civil War. The town of Nicodemus is symbolic of the pioneer spirit of African Americans who dared to leave the only region they had been familiar with to seek personal freedom and the opportunity to develop their talents and capabilities. The site was named for a legendary African-American slave who purchased his freedom.

Nicodemus in 1885

Leave a comment

Filed under Kansas misc

Tagged as , , , ,

February 3, 2013 · 4:48 pm

Fleetwood Mac – pricey Des Moines concert in June. Trixie Whitley in Chicago in February

0
Tickets for Fleetwood Mac go on sale Feb. 2 through dahlstickets.com. (Metromix)

I first (and last) time I saw Fleetwood Mac was in 1981 at Wembley Stadium in London. Now they are coming to Des Moines’ Wells Fargo Arena  – on June 26, 2013 – and I don’t think I’ll be there. The tickets are too expensive and I’m not a huge-venue music-going gal any more (if I ever was.) But it’s funny because we thought of Stevie Nicks a week ago when we were watching Grace Potter perform (at a much smaller Des Moines venue, Hoyt Sherman). Potter has some Nicks-esque moves – as many of today’s’ young female rockers do. (Potter also reminded us at times of Grace Slick.) Right now I’m listening to the wonderful bluesy singer Trixie Whitley (we used to listen to her dad Chris, who sadly died young). The closest she’s getting into Des Moines, for now, is Feb. 12 in chicago at Schuba’s….

Trixie Whitley is a musician based in Brooklyn, New York.

Leave a comment

Filed under Chicago, Des Moines, music

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

February 2, 2013 · 5:03 pm

Hub Cafe – new this spring along the riverwalk in Des Moines

FILE - Dangos, five new public sculptures by Jan Kaneko were dedicated in the new pavilion plaza on the Principal Riverwalk. City of Des Moines employee Laura Graham feels the texture of a piece at the end of the ceremony. Mary Chind/The RegisterDangos, five new public sculptures by Jan Kaneko were dedicated in the new pavilion plaza on the Principal Riverwalk. City of Des Moines employee Laura Graham feels the texture of a piece at the end of the ceremony. Mary Chind/The Register / Mary Chind/The Register

In the midst of the winter deep freeze, I find myself daydreaming about the new Hub Cafe, due to open along the Principal Riverwalk on the Raccoon River in downtown Des Moines. It’s supposed to open this spring and should be a nice addition to the other attractions including the trails, gardens, fountains and cool pedestrian bridges. Bring it on!

Leave a comment

Filed under Des Moines, DINING

Tagged as ,

January 29, 2013 · 4:21 pm

Good deal on tix to tour FLWright’s home and Studio in Oak Park or Chicago’s Robie house

http://local.amazon.com/chicago/B00B4IGCN6?src=email&cid=em_dd_606_101_na_s1_&ref_=pe_254660_28017280

I don’t want to know HOW Amazon knows that I’m going to Chicago soon – and probably to Oak Park as well. It’s all a little too Big Brotherish for me. But I guess it’s nice to be offered a good deal – as Amazon has done – on tickets to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio in Oak Park (although I’ve done at least two times and probably won’t do again – at least during my next trip to Chicago in February.) But thought I’d pass it along in case anyone else is interested. The offer is also good for the Robie House on the South Side, which I also toured a few years ago.

Two Tickets for a Guided Interior House Tour

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust
Sold by LivingSocial
The Details

Get a glimpse inside one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous works with this offer from the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust:

  • $15 ($30 value) for two adult tickets for a guided interior tour beginning February 2
  • Explore Wright’s Home and Studio in Oak Park or Robie House in Hyde Park
  • Tours last about 45 to 60 minutes
  • Both locations are National Historic Landmarks
What You Need to Know
  • Limit 2 per customer, up to 2 additional as gifts
  • Limit 1 per couple per visit
  • Each voucher valid for 2 people at choice of Chicago or Oak Park location
  • Advance reservations highly recommended
  • Without advance reservations, guests will be placed on the next available tour upon arrival; space on each tour is limited and is filled on a first-come, first served basis
  • Availability is greater on weekdays; morning arrival is recommended
  • Please note that the museums have limited access for those with mobility restrictions
  • Entire value must be used in a single visit
  • Valid for all published guided interior tour dates beginning February 2, 2013 through November 17, 2013
  • Available for use beginning February 2, 2013
  • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES FOLLOWING NOVEMBER 17, 2013
  • PAID VALUE EXPIRES 5 YEARS FROM THE PURCHASE DATE

Leave a comment

Filed under architecture, Chicago, Illinois

Tagged as , ,

January 26, 2013 · 6:34 pm

Sen. Grassley tweets about Delta Sky Magazine’s Iowa package.

Finally – the big time! Iowa’s famous tweeting senator,  Chuck Grassley, tweeted about a story I wrote – or a package in Delta Sky magazine that includes a story I wrote. Too Funny. My 21-year-old son, an avid Grassley follower on Twitter, spotted it and passed it along! It’s a keeper….

ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley)
1/26/13 7:58 AM
Iowans don’t brag(our sin)So we lucky DeltaAir does. Read Delta”Sky”:”The Iowa Advantage” Find out how great Iowa is. Pass it on BRAG/PROUD

1 Comment

Filed under Airlines, Des Moines, Iowa

Tagged as , , , ,

January 25, 2013 · 10:49 pm

Glad I gave Cafe Fuzion a second chance in Des Moines

On a bitter cold day, while in search of a bowl of steaming hot soup, a friend and I decided to give Cafe Fuzion a try. It’s a small Vietnamese/Asian restaurant in a worn shopping mall on the east side of Des Moines. I wasn’t impressed when we went there several years ago for dinner but for lunch, it was fine and the Vietnamese soup I had – Pho (pronounced pheh – not pho, as I commonly mispronounce it) was excellent – great beefy flavor, meat that wasn’t too fatty or gristly or synthetic (which has been a problem at other Vietnamese restaurants), and steaming hot! I’ll be back.

An order of Healthy Spring Rolls with shrimp from Cafe Fuzion.

An order of Healthy Spring Rolls with shrimp from Cafe Fuzion.

Leave a comment

Filed under Des Moines, DINING

Tagged as , ,

January 22, 2013 · 6:21 pm

Now this is tempting…a getaway weekend in Dubuque from Travel Zoo

Travel zoo must have read my mind – or more likely my emails and blogposts because they’ve sent me a good weekend getaway deal offer for a place I’d like to go – and maybe you would too. See below

The Deal

Experience the charm of downtown Dubuque’s historic Old Main District and stay at one of its top hotels for more than 50% off regular rates. For $99 per night February-April, two people can indulge in upgraded suite accommodations at the Hotel Julien, which was voted the No. 1 hotel in Dubuque by TripAdvisor readers. This deal also includes $20 to spend at the on-site modern American restaurant.

For an added dose of luxury, a $199-per-night package boasts an overnight stay in a suite along with two signature massages at the hotel’s full-service Potosa Spa, and a $20 dining credit.

Select the Premier King Suite with an open living room and private bedroom, as well as a kitchen with granite countertops and full-size appliances. Or choose the Luxury Queen Suite with a private bedroom with two queen beds and a separate living room with sleeper sofa.

The Hotel Julien, established in the mid-1800s, has hosted the likes of Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain and Al Capone. It overlooks the Port of Dubuque on the Mississippi River and is within walking distance of an array of shops, restaurants and bars.

Other nearby attractions to explore include the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Diamond Jo Casino and the “Field of Dreams” movie site, a timely destination for an early spring getaway.

Terms and Conditions
Once the room is reserved with the hotel, hotel cancellation policy prevails, and cancellations or changes must be made seven days prior to arrival. Hotel-imposed penalties may apply. Any unused promotional value credit will be forfeited upon checkout. Up to two additional adults in the Premier King Suite and up to four additional adults in the Luxury Queen Suite are allowed and are priced at $10 each per night. Up to two children 17 years of age and younger are free. Parking is complimentary. Pets are not allowed. This deal cannot be combined with other offers. Taxes and gratuity are additional. Voucher must be used in 1 visit.

$99 – Luxury Suite at Dubuque Riverfront Hotel, Reg. $209
By Wendy Wollenberg  |  Source: Hotel Julien
As the state’s oldest city, Dubuque, Iowa, “has reinvented its Mississippi River waterfront as a lively destination,” praises Midwest Living Magazine. In the heart of this bustling district is the historic Hotel Julien, where an exclusive $99 getaway for two includes an overnight stay in an upgraded suite and a dining credit for more than 50% off regular prices.
Why we love this deal
  • Offer is valid daily February-April — ideal for a weekend getaway
  • Guests receive $20 to spend at Caroline’s Restaurant, known for “American cuisine with a twist” — with menu items from artichoke fritters to lobster mac n’ cheese bake
  • Suites have separate living rooms and kitchens with granite countertops
  • This recently renovated historic hotel has hosted many notable guests including Abraham Lincoln, “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Mark Twain and is said to have been a hideaway for Al Capone
  • Spa packages that include two 50-minute massages are $199 (reg. $349)

Leave a comment

Filed under Iowa

Tagged as , ,

January 22, 2013 · 12:46 am

Tour the international space station – by internet

 

My dad provided me with this post fodder – an internet tour of the International Space Station. It’s a brave new world.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/doN4t5NKW-k

and here’s a list of possible dates to see it over Iowa….


THE FOLLOWING ISS SIGHTINGS ARE POSSIBLE FROM MON JAN 21 TO TUE FEB 05

SATELLITE LOCAL DURATION MAX ELEV APPROACH DEPARTURE
DATE/TIME (MIN) (DEG) (DEG-DIR) (DEG-DIR)
ISS Tue Jan 22/06:41 AM 5 18 10 above NNW 10 above ENE
ISS Wed Jan 23/05:52 AM 2 15 15 above N 11 above NE
ISS Thu Jan 24/06:37 AM 4 27 11 above NW 17 above ENE
ISS Fri Jan 25/05:48 AM 3 20 20 above N 11 above ENE
ISS Sat Jan 26/05:00 AM < 1 12 12 above NE 11 above NE
ISS Sat Jan 26/06:33 AM 4 53 15 above NW 33 above E
ISS Sun Jan 27/05:44 AM 2 33 32 above N 21 above ENE
ISS Mon Jan 28/04:56 AM < 1 15 15 above ENE 13 above ENE
ISS Mon Jan 28/06:29 AM 4 60 18 above WNW 19 above SE
ISS Tue Jan 29/05:41 AM 2 73 73 above NE 21 above ESE
ISS Wed Jan 30/04:53 AM < 1 14 14 above E 14 above E
ISS Wed Jan 30/06:26 AM 4 23 18 above WSW 11 above S
ISS Thu Jan 31/05:38 AM 2 29 29 above S 12 above SSE

ONLY DAYS WITH SIGHTING OPPORTUNITIES ARE LISTED

This data last updated on 21 Jan 2013 17:35:25 GMT

A silhouette of the ISS shown orbiting above the Earth. This image is suspended within an orange and purple shield, with the words 'International Space Station' above the image, and laurel leaves beneath. ISS insignia

Leave a comment

Filed under Adventure travel

Tagged as ,

January 20, 2013 · 4:02 pm

Haiku for Sushi/Asian food in Des Moines!

ImageIf I was really clever, I’d write this post as a haiku – but bit much to ask on a Sunday  morning. I don’t know why it never occurred to us to try Haiku – a sushi/Asian restaurant in a strip mall near us at the western edge of Drake University. (Maybe because it’s in a strip mall near us at the western edge of Drake University). And when our friend Art suggested it – he’d had a good lunch there, I believe – I remained skeptical. But it was really good. We had several very inventive dishes – a sushi appetizer (my favorite was Leo’s Treat  Tempura- crabmeat, shrimp, avocado, asparagus & cheese),  a very interesting Haiku Salad with spring greens, seaweed, chopped squid, crabmeat, crispy Tempura bits in a sweet-tangy dressing.  Our  entrees were refreshingly lightly seasoned and sauced stir fries. The heavy use of panels of blue light in a darkened dining room with black furniture was a bit jarring at first but our table – at least – ultimately decided it created a soothing atmosphere. We arrived at 6 p.m. on a Saturday and the place was almost empty but was full when we left 1 1/2 hours later (to catch a movie.)

Leave a comment

Filed under Des Moines, DINING

Tagged as ,

January 19, 2013 · 9:56 pm

Joffrey dances to Frank in Chicago!

Pleased to see that my next trip to chicago coincides with performances by the Joffrey Ballet – a program called American Legends that includes “Nine Sinatra Songs” sung by Frank Sinatra and choreographed by Twyla Tharp. The other three pieces looks promising too! (one choreographed by Jerome Robbins)…a little less happy about how expensive the tickets are. I think I’ve lived in Des Moines too long – getting used to the cheaper prices here. The performances are Feb. 13-24 (with a few gaps)…

Leave a comment

Filed under Chicago, dance

Tagged as , , , ,