Classic Rock Coffee Co.

Lindsay's Kitchen at 14 Mill Market

Traveller's House Coffee & Tea

Miami Marlins vs Kansas City Royals

 

Boulevard Beer Hall

 

Han the Sushi Man

Hellraiser Roll and Num Yummy

Arkansas State Capitol

The Arkansas State Capitol, located in Little Rock, has a rich history marked by its impressive architecture and significant role in the state's governance. Built to replace the Old State House, which had become inadequate for the state’s needs, the planning began in the late 19th century. The cornerstone was laid in 1899, and the building was designed by architect George R. Mann, who drew inspiration from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Construction was completed in 1915, although it had been partially occupied and used since 1911.

The Capitol is notable for its Classical Revival style, featuring a grand dome and a symmetrical facade with a central portico supported by columns. The exterior is made of limestone, while the interior includes marble and granite from Vermont and Colorado. The building's dimensions are 400 feet long and 180 feet wide, with the dome rising to a height of 213 feet.

The construction faced several challenges, including funding issues and political disputes. The project was overseen by multiple architects and contractors over the years, leading to delays and changes in the original plans. Despite these difficulties, the Capitol was completed within budget at a cost of approximately $2.2 million.

Since its completion, the Arkansas State Capitol has been the seat of the state's government, housing the offices of the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Supreme Court of Arkansas. It has been the site of many important events in Arkansas's political history, including legislative sessions, inaugurations, and significant civil rights events.

Over the years, the Capitol has undergone several renovations to preserve its structural integrity and historical features. These efforts have included updating the mechanical systems, restoring the dome, and preserving the decorative interior elements.

Today, the Arkansas State Capitol is not only a functioning government building but also a public landmark. It is open for tours, allowing visitors to explore its historic chambers, the Governor's Reception Room, and the beautiful grounds, which feature various monuments and memorials. The Arkansas State Capitol stands as a symbol of the state's history and governance, reflecting both the architectural grandeur of its era and the dynamic political heritage of Arkansas.

Little Rock Central High School

Little Rock Central High School, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a significant historical site primarily due to the events surrounding the Little Rock Nine in 1957. This event was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and a critical test of the United States' commitment to desegregation following the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

In 1957, Little Rock Central High School became the focal point of the struggle to integrate public schools in the South. Nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, were selected by the NAACP to integrate the previously all-white high school. The students were: Melba Pattillo, Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Minnijean Brown, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls, Jefferson Thomas, Gloria Ray, and Thelma Mothershed.

Governor Orval Faubus opposed desegregation and, in a show of defiance against the federal mandate, deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent the nine students from entering the school. This action resulted in a highly publicized standoff. On September 4, 1957, the Little Rock Nine arrived at the school but were turned away by the National Guard, an event captured by national media and broadcast across the country.

The situation escalated, prompting President Dwight D. Eisenhower to intervene. He federalized the Arkansas National Guard and sent the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock to enforce the students' entry into the school. On September 25, 1957, under the protection of federal troops, the Little Rock Nine successfully entered Central High School.

The Little Rock Nine faced severe hostility and harassment from some white students and members of the community. Despite the presence of federal troops, the students endured physical and verbal abuse throughout the school year. Their perseverance and courage under these conditions were widely admired and became a symbol of the fight for civil rights and social justice.

The integration of Central High School was a significant victory for the Civil Rights Movement and highlighted the federal government's willingness to enforce the Supreme Court's desegregation rulings. The courage of the Little Rock Nine helped galvanize further action toward ending racial segregation in schools and other public institutions across the United States.

In recognition of their bravery and the historical significance of the events, Little Rock Central High School was designated a National Historic Site in 1998. The school remains an important educational institution and a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and civil rights in America.

David's Burgers

 

The "Little Rock"

The founding of Little Rock, Arkansas, can be traced back to its geographical significance and early settlement patterns. The city is named after a small rock formation along the south bank of the Arkansas River, known as the "Little Rock." This formation was a well-known landmark for early explorers and travelers navigating the river, distinguishing it from the larger rock formation nearby called the "Big Rock."

The area around Little Rock was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw. European exploration began in the 18th century when French explorers and fur traders traversed the region. The "Little Rock" served as a key navigation point for these early adventurers.

The first significant European-American settlement in the area occurred in 1812 when William Lewis and his family established a home near the "Little Rock." This marked the beginning of permanent settlement in the region. Over the next few years, more settlers arrived, attracted by the area's natural resources and strategic location along the river.

In 1820, Little Rock's development gained momentum with the establishment of a post office, signaling the growing importance of the settlement. The following year, in 1821, the Arkansas Territorial Legislature decided to move the territorial capital from Arkansas Post to Little Rock, recognizing its central location and potential for growth. This decision was a pivotal moment in the city's history, solidifying its status as a key political and administrative center.

Little Rock continued to grow steadily throughout the early 19th century. By 1836, when Arkansas became a state, Little Rock had established itself as a thriving community with a growing population, businesses, and infrastructure. The city's growth was further fueled by its position as a transportation hub, with the Arkansas River serving as a major artery for trade and travel.

Throughout the 19th century, Little Rock's importance continued to expand. It played a significant role in the Civil War, being occupied by Union forces in 1863. The post-war period saw continued growth and development, with Little Rock emerging as a major center for commerce, industry, and governance in Arkansas.

Today, Little Rock stands as the capital and largest city of Arkansas, with a rich history rooted in its early settlement and strategic significance. The original "Little Rock" remains a historical landmark, symbolizing the city's origins and evolution over the centuries.
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library

Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, served from 1993 to 2001. His presidency was marked by economic prosperity, political battles, and personal controversies. Clinton was a Democrat from Arkansas and the first Democratic president to be re-elected since Franklin D. Roosevelt. His administration focused on centrist policies, often described as "Third Way" politics, which aimed to reconcile liberal and conservative approaches.

Clinton's first term saw significant legislative achievements. He implemented the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and pushed through welfare reform, which changed the welfare system to require work in exchange for time-limited assistance. He also signed the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. Economically, the 1990s experienced significant growth, a booming stock market, and budget surpluses, partly attributed to the tech boom and sound fiscal policies.

Despite these successes, Clinton's presidency was fraught with challenges. His first two years saw the failure of his ambitious health care reform plan, led by First Lady Hillary Clinton. The 1994 midterm elections resulted in Republicans gaining control of Congress for the first time in 40 years, leading to intense partisan conflicts. This period included a government shutdown in 1995-1996 due to budget disputes between Clinton and the Republican-led Congress.

Clinton's second term was dominated by foreign policy initiatives and scandals. He navigated complex international issues, including the Balkans conflict, where NATO's intervention in Kosovo was a notable success. He also dealt with crises in Somalia, Haiti, and Rwanda and efforts to negotiate peace in the Middle East and Northern Ireland.

The most significant controversy of Clinton's presidency was the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998 on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. The Senate acquitted him, and he completed his second term, although the scandal left a lasting impact on his legacy.

Clinton left office with high approval ratings, reflecting his administration's economic achievements and effective communication skills. His presidency remains a topic of significant analysis and debate, with opinions varying on his policy impacts and personal conduct.

Willie Mays

Willie Mays, widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, has a legacy that spans over six decades of excellence and influence in the sport. His career is a testament to his exceptional talent, determination, and the barriers he broke as an African American player in Major League Baseball.

Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama. His remarkable baseball journey began in the Negro Leagues, where he played for the Birmingham Black Barons as a teenager. Mays's time with the Black Barons was crucial in honing his skills and showcasing his immense talent. His performance in the Negro Leagues caught the attention of Major League scouts, leading to his signing with the New York Giants in 1950.

Mays made his Major League debut in 1951 and quickly established himself as a superstar. Known for his all-around abilities, he excelled in hitting, fielding, and base running. His iconic over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series, often referred to simply as "The Catch," remains one of the most memorable moments in baseball history. Throughout his 22-year career, primarily with the New York/San Francisco Giants and later the New York Mets, Mays amassed 660 home runs, 3,283 hits, and won 12 Gold Glove Awards.

Willie Mays's influence extended beyond his statistical achievements. He played during a transformative period in American history, contributing significantly to the integration and acceptance of African American players in Major League Baseball. His charisma, sportsmanship, and excellence helped pave the way for future generations of black athletes.

Tonight's Minor League Baseball game at Rickwood Field, a tribute to Negro League Baseball, held a special focus on Willie Mays. As soon as word of his passing was announced, there was a spontaneous moment of silence in honor of the former Black Baron. This spontaneous moment of silence was a touching tribute to Mays's impact on the sport and his roots with the Birmingham Black Barons. It was a moment I will forever be grateful to have experienced at Rickwood Field.

Montgomery Gray Sox vs Birmingham Black Barons

The Montgomery Gray Sox and the Birmingham Black Barons have rich histories rooted in the legacy of Negro League Baseball. Tonight, their legacy was honored with a Minor League Baseball game at Rickwood Field, paying tribute to the contributions and history of Negro League players and teams.

The Montgomery Gray Sox were a prominent Negro League baseball team based in Montgomery, Alabama. The team was active primarily during the 1920s and early 1930s, a period marked by the segregation of professional baseball. The Gray Sox competed in various leagues, including the Negro Southern League, which was one of the many leagues that provided a platform for African American baseball players to showcase their talents during a time when they were barred from Major League Baseball.

The Gray Sox played an important role in the development and popularization of baseball among African American communities in the South. They helped pave the way for future generations of black athletes and contributed to the rich cultural tapestry of Negro League Baseball.

The Birmingham Black Barons, based in Birmingham, Alabama, were one of the most storied teams in Negro League history. Established in 1920, the Black Barons were a charter member of the Negro Southern League and later joined the Negro American League. The team played its home games at Rickwood Field, sharing the venue with the white Birmingham Barons.

The Black Barons were known for their strong competitive spirit and produced many legendary players, including Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who began his professional career with the team as a teenager. Other notable players who donned the Black Barons uniform include Satchel Paige, Lorenzo "Piper" Davis, and Charley Pride, who later became famous as a country music star.

Throughout their history, the Black Barons won several league championships and were renowned for their skill, sportsmanship, and contribution to the civil rights movement through their success on the field. They helped to break down racial barriers and demonstrated the high level of talent and professionalism present in Negro League Baseball.

Tonight's game at Rickwood Field, featuring Minor League Baseball teams paying homage to the Montgomery Gray Sox and the Birmingham Black Barons, was a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Negro League Baseball. This special event celebrated the rich history of these two teams and honored the players who overcame immense challenges to pursue their love of the game, leaving an indelible mark on the history of baseball and American society.

Rickwood Field

Rickwood Field, located in Birmingham, Alabama, is the oldest professional baseball park in the United States. It was built in 1910 by industrialist Rick Woodward, who was the owner of the Birmingham Barons. Woodward wanted to create a state-of-the-art facility for his team, inspired by major league ballparks of the time, such as Philadelphia's Shibe Park and Pittsburgh's Forbes Field.

The field was designed by architect Paul Davis and featured a grandstand made of steel and concrete, which was quite advanced for its time. Rickwood Field officially opened on August 18, 1910, with the Birmingham Barons playing against the Montgomery Climbers. The Barons won the inaugural game 3-2 in front of a crowd of over 10,000 fans.

Throughout its history, Rickwood Field has been home to several teams, most notably the Birmingham Barons and the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro Leagues. The Black Barons played at Rickwood from the 1920s until the integration of baseball in the late 1940s. The field saw many legendary players, including Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, and Reggie Jackson.

Rickwood Field was also the site of numerous significant events beyond baseball. It hosted football games, boxing matches, and even concerts. In the 1940s, the field underwent several renovations to modernize its facilities, including the installation of lights for night games.

By the 1980s, Rickwood Field had become outdated, and the Birmingham Barons moved to a new stadium. However, the field was not abandoned. Efforts to preserve Rickwood as a historic site gained momentum, and in 1992, the Friends of Rickwood organization was established to maintain and restore the ballpark. Today, Rickwood Field hosts the annual Rickwood Classic, a vintage baseball game where the Barons return to play in throwback uniforms, celebrating the rich history of the park and the sport.

Rickwood Field remains a beloved landmark in Birmingham, symbolizing the city's deep connection to baseball and its storied past. The field's preservation efforts have ensured that future generations can experience a piece of baseball history firsthand.

This week, in a special tribute to the Negro Leagues, Minor League Baseball teams from Montgomery and Birmingham, as well as Major League Baseball teams from St. Louis and San Francisco, will play games at Rickwood Field. These events are part of an effort to honor the legacy of the Negro Leagues and celebrate the historic significance of Rickwood Field, bringing renewed attention to the contributions of African American players and the rich history of baseball in Birmingham.

Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came (1885)

"Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came"
1885
Oil on Canvas
Thomas Moran

"Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came" originally appears in William Shakespeare's play King Lear (Act 3, Scene 4), where it is spoken by Edgar in his guise as Tom o' Bedlam. This single line, filled with mysterious and evocative imagery, inspired Robert Browning to write a poem that would expand on the haunting journey hinted at by Shakespeare.

Robert Browning’s "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came" was published in 1855 as part of his collection *Men and Women*. Browning crafted the poem as a dramatic monologue, a form for which he is well-known. The poem is narrated by Childe Roland, a knight on a seemingly doomed quest to reach the Dark Tower. The journey is fraught with ominous and desolate landscapes, strange and threatening encounters, and a pervasive sense of foreboding.

The poem is rich with allegory and symbolism, often interpreted as a commentary on perseverance, existential dread, and the struggles of the human condition. Browning uses vivid and bleak imagery to depict the knight’s journey through a dystopian landscape filled with references to death, decay, and ruin. The poem begins with Roland encountering a sinister figure: "My first thought was, he lied in every word." As Roland advances, the landscape becomes increasingly desolate: "For, looking up, aware I somehow grew, / 'Spite of the dusk, the plain had given place / All round to mountains — with such name to grace / Mere ugly heights and heaps now stolen in view." The poem culminates in Roland’s arrival at the Tower: "Dauntless the slug-horn to my lips I set, / And blew. 'Childe Roland to the Dark Tower came.'"

Thomas Moran, an American painter associated with the Hudson River School, was inspired by Browning’s poem to create two paintings titled "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came." The first version, painted in 1859, captures the foreboding journey of Childe Roland through a desolate landscape, emphasizing the bleak and ominous atmosphere described in Browning’s poem. This version is housed in the Denver Art Museum. The second version, created in 1889, shows Roland arriving at the Dark Tower. It captures the culmination of his quest, with a dramatic and haunting portrayal of the Tower itself.

Stephen King has often cited Browning’s poem as a major influence on his Dark Tower series. King’s epic narrative, spanning eight books, follows the gunslinger Roland Deschain on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, which is the linchpin of all realities. King's series weaves together elements from Browning’s poem, Moran’s paintings, and a wide array of other literary and cultural references. The name "Roland" and the central quest for the Dark Tower are directly taken from Browning’s work. Themes of perseverance, destiny, and the hero’s journey are deeply embedded in both Browning’s poem and King’s series. King’s narrative also explores the dark, surreal landscapes and encounters reminiscent of those described in Browning’s poem.

"Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came" stands as a powerful and enduring work, originating from a single line in Shakespeare, expanded into a full poem by Browning, visually interpreted by Moran, and ultimately inspiring an epic modern saga by King. Each iteration adds layers of meaning and connection, illustrating the timeless nature of the quest motif and its resonance across different art forms and generations.

Birmingham Museum of Art

Highlights of the Birmingham Museum of Art Collection

1. "The Starry Night" by Edvard Munch
2. "Portrait of a Man" by Diego Velázquez
3. "The Dance" by Fernando Botero
4. "Annunciation" by the Workshop of Botticelli
5. "Water Lilies" by Claude Monet
6. "Untitled" by Mark Rothko
7. "Dance at Bougival" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
8. Roman Sarcophagus
9. "Mother and Child" by Mary Cassatt
10. Japanese Edo Period Screens
11. African Art Collection
12. Southeast Asian Art Collection
13. "The Red Vineyard" by Vincent van Gogh
14. American Quilts Collection
15. The Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden

I've included pictures of several of the works that specifically spoke to me. Overall, the BMA was a wonderful experience and one I'd happily spend more time exploring.