With Missouri's official launch into legal sports wagering in 2025, the Midwest’s entertainment map has shifted. The Show-Me State’s arrival in the regulated gaming arena puts it shoulder to shoulder with neighboring heavyweights like Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa. But legality is only part of the story. For sports fans, weekend travelers, and casual gamers alike, it's about the full experience, convenience, pricing, culture, and game-day energy. … [Read more...]
Charles A. Ray, Former US Diplomat and Author
Charles A. Ray is a retired U.S. diplomat and former ambassador to Cambodia and Zimbabwe. Before joining the Foreign Service, he served 20 years in the U.S. Army. Over his diplomatic career, he held key positions including Deputy Consul General in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Deputy Chief of Mission in Sierra Leone, Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs. He is a prolific … [Read more...]
Coffeyville, Kansas – May 2025
Located in the far south east corner of Kansas (just across the Oklahoma state line), this tiny community of 10,000 is not on the itinerary of most travelers - in other words, visitors generally do not randomly pass through its city limits. Perhaps known as the site of the last two bank robberies attempted by the Dalton Gang (Coffeyville was their hometown). Visitors will want to stop in the quaint old historic part of town - (almost feels like … [Read more...]
Step Right up to the 16th Annual Lawrence Busker Festival: A Circus on the Streets
LAWRENCE, KS – The quirky and eccentric town of Lawrence, Kansas, is gearing up for the 16th Annual Lawrence Busker Festival presented by Free State Beer, scheduled to take place from May 24 to May 26, 2024. This extraordinary event promises a weekend filled with oddities, wonders, and the finest street performances that will leave you marveling at the talent on display. Circus on the Streets: Where Quirky Meets Magic Prepare to be … [Read more...]
Guanajuato, Mexico: Bimbo Trucks and God-Sized God Statues
In Guanajuato, I discovered something I never wished to stumble upon in Mexico and I never did anywhere else in this beautiful land: the dreaded Chinese tourist, the scourge of the Seven Seas, bane of all decency, destroyer of innocence. This is not racism; it is fact. Pose the question to anyone with experience dealing with this species of tourist, as I have to numerous Thailand tour operators: mirror, mirror, on the wall, who are the worst … [Read more...]
Exploring the Midwest of the United States of America
I stopped in Chicago, one of my favorite food and wine towns in the entire country. I enjoyed some exceptional wine and food at the Greek Restaurant Avli on the Park on top of a tall building just up from the waterfront. I headed south that evening, arriving in South Chicago. It was very dark. I arrived on a street filled with people running around, yelling, drinking and cars double parked. I felt out of my element. My desired space for the night … [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...]
Princess Cruises: New and Noteworthy Food and Wine Options
In the debate of nature versus nurture, I’m pretty certain I was a food lover from the get-go. Born into a family of serious eaters, my food-obsessed parents honed my innate proclivities from a very young age. My New York City childhood was a culinary horn of plenty. While other babies were slurping rice cereal and applesauce, I nibbled spicy Indian samosas and Jamaican beef patties. I was blessed with restaurant-loving parents who exposed me … [Read more...]
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Named Most Beautiful Place in Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks, MO - In a recent article published by Condé Nast Traveler, the Lake of the Ozarks' Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located at 1491 State Highway D near Camdenton, was named the most beautiful place in Missouri. The article, which listed the most beautiful and compelling place in each of the 50 states, urges readers to consider the list as a "starting point to the most epic cross-country trip ever." According to Condé Nast: … [Read more...]
Added Flights, Expanded Train Service Offer Easy Travel Options to Colorado Ski Resorts
DENVER – New direct flights to and from Colorado’s eight regional airports and expanded service on the Winter Park Express will provide skiers and riders from across the country easy and convenient travel options to their favorite Colorado ski resorts by train, plane or car this winter. The Amtrak Winter Park Express, coming off a highly successful inaugural season, will offer expanded service for the 2017-18 ski season. The Winter Park … [Read more...]