Cedar Rapids is often associated with corn, the great flood of 2008, The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and perhaps the film, Cedar Rapids staring Ed Helms and a few other funny actors. But it is also is home to the much lesser-known Flying Wienie. Originally a Shell Oil Station, this restaurant was founded in 1999 by chef John Martin. When one drives by, its hard not to miss spotting this homey restaurant. First of all its name … [Read more...]
Herbert Hoover, Library & Birthplace – West Branch, Iowa – December 2024
"In the middle of nowhere" as it were when Herbert Hoover was born here, it still seems that way for visitors not from this area. Located along the great interstate 80 (which spans New York to San Francisco), the Herbert Hoover Library & Birthplace is about a 15 minute drive from the nearest town, Iowa City (population about 80,000). It is humbling to see where Hoover was born - a since restored very small wooden two-room cottage. He did not grow … [Read more...]
Lake of the Ozarks sets its Sights on Breaking the World Record for the Largest Boat Parade
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO - It was announced during a press conference that the Lake of the Ozarks will make a second attempt at breaking the current record for the largest official boat parade in the world on Saturday, June 11, 2022. The current record, according to Guinness World Records, stands at 1,180 vessels and was set in Terengganu, Malaysia in September 2014. Over the years, there have been many attempts to break the record by different … [Read more...]
“Hiko in Tonga” – A Vanishing Culture of Women Jugglers in Tonga – Interview with Paprika Leaverton, Filmmaker, Professional Juggler and Entertainment Performer
Hiko is an ancient form of juggling in Tonga where women continuously toss tui tui nuts in the air. It is a game played only by women in this Polynesian nation and is on the verge of extinction. Paprika traveled to Tonga to capture this long-lost tradition on film. Recently, I had a chance to ask Paprika a few questions about this award-winning documentary. Q. How did you get into juggling, what drew you to juggling and what juggling does to … [Read more...]
The Winemaker, by Dr. Richard G. Peterson
This is Dr. Richard Peterson's first book - and you wonder why it took him so long to write a book - until you finish it. Then you will understand perfectly. Throughout his career he has done everything but sit idle. If one grows up with a connection and appreciation of the land, one keeps that throughout his entire life. Dick's upbringing was during the Great American Depression outside of Des Moines, Iowa. From the outside, his family was … [Read more...]
Port of Los Angeles Delivers Authentic Experiences
LA WATERFRONT DELIVERS AN AUTHENTIC VISITOR EXPERIENCE STEEPED IN HISTORY AND THE AMERICAN SPIRIT With Small-Town Charm and Family-Friendly Attractions, the LA Waterfront at Port of Los Angeles Offers a Slice of American Life, Both Past and Present SAN PEDRO, Calif. — June 1, 2013 — Many who visit Los Angeles often miss out on the rich history and heritage that made Southern California the thriving metropolis that it is today. Much of … [Read more...]
The LA Waterfront Has Something For Everyone This Season
SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Oct. 24, 2012 – Milder temperatures and smaller crowds make the fall and winter season a great time to explore the LA Waterfront in San Pedro and Wilmington. Set against the stunning backdrop of America’s Port®, the Port of Los Angeles -- the LA Waterfront is quickly earning a reputation as a destination filled with all kinds of activities for visiting families, cruise-bound tourists or people looking for a fun night of … [Read more...]
Port of Los Angeles – LA Waterfront Plans
30-Acre Frontage Location will be the Retail-Commercial Focal Point of the Port’s $1.2 Billion “LA Waterfront” Development Program in San Pedro Description: PortsO'Call_lowres (2)SAN PEDRO, Calif. — July 27, 2012 — The Port of Los Angeles has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for qualified commercial real estate developers interested in redeveloping the 30-acre, fully entitled San Pedro waterfront property known as Ports O’ Call Village, … [Read more...]
Norfolk a surprise of food, arts and other delights
For me, the best part of traveling has to be the delight of surprise, finding unexpected pleasures in places you thought you had a handle on, even if you haven't been there before. Norfolk, Virginia, provided that in a great, grand way on a recent trip I took there, as I found it a place with scenes of the culinary, arts and sports stripe. I'd gone thinking, perhaps as a stereotypically snooty Northerner, "Well, old, southern … [Read more...]
Language Abroad: When Your French is Bad, An English-Speaking Stranger Can Become an Intimate Friend
It was five days into my research trip to Rennes-le-Chateau, a village in the French Pyrenean foothills, and I was lonely. Gathering details for my novel, I had hiked the hilly red dirt of the countryside dotted with helm oaks and dry broom, had walked the narrow roads of the village to the accompaniment of squawking roosters, and had admired the humble stucco houses. I stood in the rooms of the presbytery where my characters -- a priest and his … [Read more...]