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I'm a jazz guy, and although I spend a fair amount of time in the vaults of Verve, Riverside, Columbia, and many others, my first love is Blue Note. The relationship started when I heard Stanley Turrentine's Up at Minton's in the early 90s. Stanley himself is impressive, but Up at Minton's turned me on to the reason that I picked up the guitar – Stanley's sideman on the recording, Grant Green. Green was a session player on Stanley's record, and after seeing his name on the back cover of the record, I dove down deep into his catalog, which turned me onto a wealth of other players, like "Baby Face" Willette, Big John Patton, Hank Mobley, Lou Donaldson and many more. It all started with Stanley, but the collaborative nature of jazz, coupled with the sideman information on the back of all the records, enabled me to dig in deep to a catalog that rarely disappoints.
Back in the day, this discovery process was mostly a physical endeavor. I would take the Red Line to Harvard Square, and make a loop through all the areas record stores, starting at Mystery Train, then onto Second Coming, over to Looney Tunes, Tower, and finishing up at Newbury Comics. Excellent way to spend a Sunday.
Of course, physical retail has constricted since then, and while there are a lot of positive attributes associated with the convenience of digital music, one thing that has not been replicated particularly well online has been the discovery process. I have trusted sources and curators that help, but there are few online options that replicate the experience of walking into a store like Mystery Train, finding an amazing record with a little known sideman, and heading down the path of discovery for a brand new artist. This is the fundamental reason I like the Blue Note Spotify app so much. It is the best option for replicating this discovery process that I loved so much back in the day.
Walter Gross is the Senior Director of Digital Marketing at EMI, as well as a 1993 Berklee Grad in Jazz Composition. Walter spearheaded the development and execution of the Blue Note app on Spotify, and I spoke to him a couple weeks back about the creation process, what he was trying to accomplish with the app, and the opportunities that Spotify's API offers technologists.
Mike King: What did you want to accomplish with the Blue Note Spotify app?
Walter Gross: There was a small group at EMI that wanted to give this app a try, including myself. I'm a Blue Note freak, and I remember being in a Berklee course with Jackie Beard [Professor in the Woodwinds dept] in 1994, and listening to a Joe Henderson Blue Note record, and having the classroom asking questions like: who is this player? When the record was recorded? Who else is playing on this record? Experiences like that really played into the main reason we developed this app. I was reminded of that moment, and I wanted to try and replicate something close to thumbing through a record collection, or the bins at a record store, with this app. When we started talking about creating the Blue Note app, I immediately thought of what I loved about discovery in the past, and how I could structure the data in a similar way to replicate this process. There are a lot of improvements that can be made to the online discovery process, overall. If you look for John Coltrane's catalog online, for example, it's a mess. Nothing tells a story or takes you on a journey. It's like a jungle out there, totally convoluted.
MK: Can you talk more specifically about the process of building the app?
WG: Well, the idea really was in how to tell a story with finely tuned and structured data. I started talking to developers, and found a company that we really liked in the U.K. called Retrofuzz. They had done some apps that I was impressed with, and we decided to move ahead with them. I had heard a lot of stories about how meticulous Spotify was from a development standpoint, and I wanted to use a developer that had been through the process already. It was important for me to move through the development process as smoothly as possible. I went to Retrofuzz with a problem set covering 73 years of music, and I laid out all the data points I wanted to cover: artists, instrumentation, recording dates, and the ability to tag releases by simple genres. It was important to me that we kept it all simple, as I didn't want too many jumping off points, and I didn't want to pigeon hole artists.
The other thing I asked Retrofuzz to do was to override some of the incorrect cover art in Spotify. With old recordings, where records have been re-licensed, many times the album cover is not the right, or original, one. I wanted the experience in the app to be as authentic as possible, so we created a way to override any incorrect album covers in Spotify, and replace them with the original vintage covers.
With this app, the whole thing really is a very specific look at the artist's output on the Blue Note label. Of course with the merger of EMI and Universal, it's possible to include the Verve and Impulse catalogs into the app, but we wanted this to be just about Blue Note. We wanted this to be accurate for purists, which there are many of in this genre. For example, Cannonball Adderley has only one record on Blue Note, but many on Capitol. Our label-focused approach gives us the ability to put a long tail look at this thing, too. We can tell the Pacific Jazz and Capitol Jazz story at some point, for example. Michael Cuscuna was also a big inspiration. Michael is one of the foremost experts on the Blue Note catalog, and we wanted the type of detail that he would think was appreciate. We actually used his discography as a resource for plugging in a lot of the data.
MK: As a discovery vehicle, the app is outrageous. I'm a big fan of the label, and I'm surprised with how much I didn't know about the catalog. I'm constantly going down a different rabbit hole around some of the sidemen on these records, and being turned onto releases I had no idea existed. It must have been a serious process getting all this information into the app. What was that like?
WG: It was definitely a time consuming process to create that experience. When Retrofuzz finished building the CMS, I spent a full month plugging all the appropriate information in, all by hand. Our team had to set up the full artist info, like the first and final recording dates, sideman info, and so on. During this process, I had my wife yelling at me for spending so much time on it, and I had to say, "Trust me, this will be really cool!" I ended up bringing in some pf the rest of my EMI Digital Marketing team to input the data at one point. The problem there was that because I knew the info topically, I could blast through setting everything up quickly using Michael Cuscuna's book to see correct sideman and instruments, but for the folks I brought in who were not particularly familiar with jazz and the catalog, it was a slow and painful process. Should this be a this groove or tradition release? Is that an alto or tenor sax on this record? This was the sort of thing I knew intuitively, but for the folks I brought in, it was really tough. I actually used All Music and Wikipedia in the background as resources to double check everything, and in fact, all the bios are pulled from All Music.
MK: Is the entire Blue Note catalog available in the Spotify app?
WG: No, not all of the records are up on Spotify, and a lot of that is because of licensing issues. For example, some records are not available from a licensing standpoint in U.S., and for us, we need to look at the ones that can be cleared quickly going forward. There are a couple of inconsistencies that we have to work on, too. Some records simply never became fully finalized in the US, even though we have a worldwide clearance. It could have been a simple issue of the person setting up the licensing left the company, or forgot. There are some glaring omissions that we need to focus on, like Joe Lovano and John Scofield.
MK: Are you approaching this app as a potential revenue generating opportunity, or is this simply about awareness of the catalog?
WG: There is no one looking at this app saying "well, here's comes the money!" right now, but I can say that this could change with the scale. The analytics associated with engagement and usage far exceed our expectations. We just launched the app, and right now we are getting around 16,000 visits a day, and the average use time is over three hours. That's amazing engagement. I think that as this adoption grows, the app could drive revenue. Right now it's definitely an awareness tool, and a great opportunity to put the Blue Note brand and catalog back into the forefront. There are some really good things happening with the label right now. Don Was is now involved as the President of the label, and he is driving A&R. He came in last fall, and he brings great energy to what we are doing.
MK: Are you leveraging the work that Retrofuzz did for the CMS in other ways?
WG: We are. Retrofuzz built a really amazing database, and we are actually in the process of refining the Blue Note web site to be driven by this data base. The Spotify app will inform the Blue Note web site and we're planning using the same CMS to power Bluenote.com.
MK: What's your favorite part of the app?
WG: I'm a fan of the Blue Break Beats section. This is the area where we pull in content illustrating who sampled what in the Blue Note catalog. When we were conceptualizing the app, I had an epiphany: there has to be data out there that shows every sample from a Blue Note record, and where that sample occurs. There's a great site out there called "Who Sampled," and I ended up connecting with them and letting them know what I was looking for. They came back with hundreds of Blue Note samples, and we integrated all of this into the data structure. Everyone from Jay Z, to Madonna, to 90s hip-hop artists have sampled the catalog, and we structured the Blue Break Beats area to align the original recording and the sample side by side. For me, it's simply another great discovery tool, and I think the usage in the app is so high because there are so many ways to discover music within this app. It really illustrated the possibilities of how music discovery can be in an online environment.
You know, Spotify loves the app, too. They recognize that this steps the bar up, and they expect folks to improve upon this concept to offer more opportunities for deep music discovery. For me, it's nice to be part of a game changing development. I've done a lot in my professional career, but nothing has gotten the press or accolades that this app has gotten. It's a pretty neat thing to be involved with.


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subset: commoncrawl


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CRI's new website that seeks to engage, educate, and empower patients and their loved ones to learn more about cancer immunotherapy as a treatment option across numerous tumor types.
Cancer patients, donors, scientists, and other supporters all stand behind the Cancer Research Institute. Read their stories and learn about what motivates each of us to keep fighting against cancer.
By running in a marathon or hosting a bake sale, you can make a real difference for our scientists in the fight against cancer and allow them to bring newer immunotherapies to more patients.
We gratefully accept donations made in memory or in honor of a loved one. Your gift will be acknowledged to whomever you specify.
A $1 million challenge to spur innovative solutions to challenges in cancer immunotherapy research.
Curious about the latest developments in cancer immunotherapy research? Listen in as leading scientists discuss immune-based treatments across numerous cancer types in our free "Cancer Immunotherapy and You" webinar series.
When the Cancer Research Institute was founded in 1953, we knew then that immune-based treatments would transform cancer medicine. In more than six decades since, we've made numerous groundbreaking discoveries that have given more patients new hope today.
March 22, 2013 | Brian Brewer
The New York Observer is a great weekly newspaper providing all the latest on what's happening in and around New York City. As a nonprofit organization based in NYC, it's important that we stay on top of the goings-on here. It's one way for us to learn about the people—the celebrities, business leaders, politicians—who have potential to make significant gifts to the Cancer Research Institute.
As director of marketing and communications, a part of my job involves reading through a lot of different media sources. I'm always on the lookout for stories about cancer treatment breakthroughs—have you noticed how many there've been about cancer immunotherapy lately, by the way? Take this article that ran in the New York Times yesterday about a very promising new treatment approach that brings the best of immunology and genetic engineering together to create potentially life-saving new cancer therapies (we funded the work of Dr. Michel Sadelain, one of the lead scientists on this project). Or this cover story from Time magazine about the Dream Team model of cancer research, a model we fund in partnership with Stand Up To Cancer to create new cancer immunotherapies.
So there I am, looking for cancer stories, and I come across Observer Philanthropy, a special supplement devoted to philanthropy in New York City. This issue happened to include the first annual list of the 20 Most Important Young Philanthropists.
Young people are an important group we work hard to reach. They're the future leaders, and it's important that we engage them now in our mission in hopes that we develop a lifelong relationship that benefits them and our mission. That's why we established the CRI Young Philanthropists Council five years ago. We wanted to find a way to harness all the energy that young people bring to a problem as monolithic as cancer. And to do it we knew we needed to make it fun and worthwhile. The Young Philanthropists have not disappointed. In the past five year's they've raised close to $150,000 from other young people in the New York City area. All monies support the Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists Postdoctoral Fellow, currently Dr. Katharina Kreymborg, a young cancer researcher at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
As I'm flipping through Observer Philanthropy I find the list of 20 people under age 40 the magazine considers the top young philanthropists in New York City. Some of the names listed include Eric Trump (yes, that Trump), Laura Bush Lauren (niece of George W. and daughter-in-law of Ralph), Gabby Karan de Felice (daughter of fashion designer Donna Karan), and Amanda Hearst (heiress to William Randolph Hearst's media empire).
Then I recognize a familiar face on the page. It's Alexis Feldman, chair of the CRI Young Philanthropists Council. Next to her photo is a write up about her work with the Cancer Research Institute and the Mentoring Partnership of New York.
I'm always thrilled to see Cancer Research Institute's name in print. The more people who learn about our important mission, the better. But it gave me a special joy to see Alexis' face. I've attended several of the Young Philanthropists benefits she and her fellow council members have organized, and I always have a great time with Alexis. She really cares about the quality of the event and has demonstrated exceptional leadership that has been instrumental to the council's success.
So, congratulations to Alexis. It's great to see when people who give up so much time (and money) in service to charitable causes are given recognition like this.
You can read our news release about this here.


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Buckeyes' spread offense ready to open playbookBy RUSTY MILLER , Associated Press
Aug. 27, 2013 1:12 PM ET
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Like a kid opening a present on Christmas morning, Urban Meyer can't wait to tear off the wrapping and bows to see what his latest Ohio State offense will do.
FILE- In this April 13, 2013, file photo, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller passes as head coach Urban Meyer, rear, watches during the team's annual spring NCAA college football game in Cincinnati. Miller didn't make any headlines during the offseason, but he has been under a microscope for the past two years, ever since he first took over as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)
FILE- In this April 13, 2013, file photo, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller passes as head coach Urban Meyer, rear, watches during the team's annual spring NCAA college football game in Cincinnati. Miller didn't make any headlines during the offseason, but he has been under a microscope for the past two years, ever since he first took over as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)
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FILE - In this April 13, 2013 file photo, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, center, watches the action during their annual spring NCAA college football game in Cincinnati. A year ago, a lot of eyes were on Ohio State and first-year coach Meyer to see how the Buckeyes handled a bowl ban, a new regime and the fallout from a losing season. Surprising many, they went 12-0. Now Meyer and Co. figure to be right back in the national title hunt in 2013. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)
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Ohio State went 12-0 in Meyer's first season as coach last year. But it wasn't because the offense was a NASCAR racer. It was more like the Buckeyes stayed ahead of the field by patching and tuning an old but reliable form of transportation.
Quarterback Braxton Miller's legs carried the Buckeyes for the first half of the season. After that, the offensive responsibilities were spread out, with tailback Carlos Hyde and the wide receivers assuming their share of the load.
Meyer, a major proponent of the hurry-up, no-huddle spread attack, barely recognized his offense. There was no H-back, a central figure as he designed the lethal Florida offenses built around the hybrid runner-receiver Percy Harvin. And most of the time, it just looked like something Woody Hayes might have installed.
Meyer concedes that the 2012 Buckeyes bore only a slight resemblance to the cutting-edge attack he had at Florida because H-back Jordan Hall was injured most of the year.
"That whole part of the offense didn't exist, which is tough," he said during fall camp. "If you evaluate last year's offense, we were a pro offense. There was not a lot of read components (and) that's the essence of what spread football is."
This year, Hall is finally healthy and figures to be a fly in the ointment of defenses, flitting out wide at times, into the slot at others, and running out of the backfield at yet other times.
"You'll see a different style of offense this year," Meyer vowed.
The thing is, the Buckeyes averaged 37 points a game last season, and that was with Miller having only middling success on medium-to-deep throws, Hall watching from the sidelines and the receivers having a good but not great year.
Now Miller is directing the offense instead of just taking snaps and taking off. And Ohio State's offense is much closer to what Meyer had hoped it would and could be.
Tom Herman, co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, also sounds like a guy who just handed the keys to a Bugatti.
"I don't know if I would ever say (we're) fully loaded," he said of the offense. "But we are closer than we've ever been. That's exciting."
He makes an interesting point that the coaching staff can't let their imaginations run wild. Even if the playbook is wide open now, that doesn't mean putting five receivers out wide or running the Statue of Liberty play is a good idea — just because you can do it.
"You have to be careful to temper your enthusiasm and creativity, because at the end of the day, you can overthink and overcoach yourself," he said. "(We have an) identity. This is who we are and this is what we are going to do and we are going to do it better than anybody in the country."
So the playcalling will undoubtedly include a few more razzle-dazzle plays. But when it comes to the nitty-gritty on third-and-short, don't look for a double-reverse when the best play might just be a fullback run off tackle.
That doesn't mean the veteran players don't want to take the new-look offense out for a spin.
"There's a lot of speed that just got infused into the program with these guys coming in to go with all the great skill players that we had here," offensive lineman Jack Mewhort said. "There's a quicker edge to us than a year ago."
Backs Ezekiel Elliott and Dontre Wilson are lightning-quick freshmen who add an upgrade to the team's speed. Young wide-outs have done the same to the receiving corps.
Leading pass-catcher Corey Brown was asked how many points fans might expect when No. 2 Ohio State opens against Buffalo on Saturday.
"If we eliminate the mistakes, a lot," he said, grinning.
Asked what he means by a lot, he added, "I don't know. We'll have to see."
And then he laughed.
Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/RustyMillerAP
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Knob Hill median real estate price is $182,811, which is less expensive than 84.1% of Colorado neighborhoods and 51.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods.
The average rental price in Knob Hill is currently $1,213, based on NeighborhoodScout's exclusive analysis. Rents here are currently lower in price than 66.6% of Colorado neighborhoods.
Knob Hill is a suburban neighborhood (based on population density) located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Knob Hill real estate is primarily made up of small (studio to two bedroom) to medium sized (three or four bedroom) apartment complexes/high-rise apartments and single-family homes. Most of the residential real estate is renter occupied. Many of the residences in the Knob Hill neighborhood are older, well-established, built between 1940 and 1969. A number of residences were also built between 1970 and 1999.
Vacant apartments or homes are a major fact of life in Knob Hill. The current real estate vacancy rate here is 18.2%. This is higher than the rate of vacancies in 82.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods. In addition, most vacant housing here is vacant year round. This can sometimes be the case in neighborhoods dominated by new construction that is not yet occupied. But often neighborhoods with vacancy rates this high are places that can be plagued by a protracted vacancy problem. If you live here, you may find that a number of buildings in your neighborhood are actually empty.


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Jerry Kill can share some stories about his life and his plans, but today's weekly news conference took a few entertaining avenues we haven't heard before.
First, we'll get to some of the news of the day and then the title of this post.
Kill said the big emphasis entering Saturday's home-opener against Western Illinois will be on limiting the mental mistakes that he says cost the Huskies early against Wisconsin.
"I think missed assignments and missed alignments will beat you long before mismatches," Kill said. "I thought we played hard. I thought we played physical and I thought we did some good things. There was no question about that. But we made some mental errors."
Kill didn't rule out simplifying the playbook for his young and inexperienced players. We'll have more on that in Wednesday's Daily Chronicle.
Punter Josh Wilber has been punting with a bruise on the top of his kicking foot, suffered in camp on a punt rush, Kill said. Wilber punted five times for a 37.8-yard average against the Badgers.
"He did OK," Kill said. "I think part of it is he hurt his foot earlier in camp. He was really punting well and he got hit on a punt rush. He's had a bruised top of his foot and I think that's affected him a little bit. He did OK. I'd like to see us be even better in the net punt. It wasn't bad. But it could be better."
Kill also gave a brief scouting report on Western Illinois quarterback Matt Barr, who threw for 437 yards last week against Sam Houston State.
"He reminds me a little bit of Nick Hill, who we had at Southern [Illinois]," Kill said. "He's a shifty guy, can get out of trouble. He's what I call a designated scrambler, can step up in the pocket, slide out of it and then throw it deep on you."
Now, about the title of this post...
Kill was asked about his two-year contract extension that we first reported late last week. Again, he said it wasn't about money and it was just an extension. He feels that he and athletic director Jeff Compher are a good fit and the two extra years on his contract will allow him time to build his program the right way.
Kill also discussed some the differences and similarities between him and the coaches of NIU's football past.
"I'm not a coach [Joe] Novak and I'm certainly not a coach [Bill] Mallory," Kill said. "We're all different but I stand for the same values and the same hard work and hard ethic and [Jerry] Pettibone and all those guys have been successful, ... same kind of personalities in a lot of ways. So it's a good fit."
The conversation then drifted to Kill's eventual exit from coaching college football, whenever that is.
"Much like I said all my life, I'll be fishing on some lake in a one-room cabin eating peanut butter and jelly and I'll live a good life," he said. "If it came tomorrow and they told me, 'Hey coach, you're just not what we want.' I'm OK with it. I'm not going to have a press conference with me standing up here bellyaching and griping and complaining.
"When I come to work and it becomes work, I'll walk away from it. But I've got a lot of juice in me right now."
The natural next question was how often Kill gets to fish. The following is an edited transcript of his response:
"I get to fish one time a year. I need to do more of it but the way college football works, is that I meet my brother down in southern Illinois and we go to Lake Egypt. We bass fish for three days during the Fourth of July because that's the only time the football players aren't here in the summer. And I can get away and don't have to worry about somebody getting in trouble or something like that.
"That's my piece of mind. I look forward the Fourth of July. The second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, don't call me. I'm on Lake Egypt. And I'm fishing. And I'm bass fishing and I enjoy it. I have to learn how to do it every year. He does a lot of it so he has to teach me how to do stuff right. I catch a few, just enough to keep me enjoying it."


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A Referral Advisor will call you within two business days to assist you in coordinating with the DMC Physician you have selected.
Note: This feature connects patients with physicians through a three-way conference call; the Referral Service does not have direct access to physician schedules. If you prefer you may contact the physician office directly.


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Maril and Lani Abercrombie announce the marriage of their daughter Lisa to Cody L. Wadzeck, son of Conra Weber and Douglas Wadzeck on March 17 at the Gardner Village in West Jordan. A reception and dancing will follow at 6 p.m.
Lisa is also the daughter of the late Blayne Wilson.
Cody is the grandson of Larry and Norma Dean Hawkinson, Shirley Wadzeck and the late Harmond Weber.
Aubree Brooke Justice announces the marriage of her mother Chassie Bowden Justice to Jason K. Bingham on March 14 at 11 a.m. in the Ferron LDS Ward house. The couple will reside in Ferron.
Parents of the bride are Gil and Heidi Bowden. Parents of the groom are Craig and Brenda Bingham.
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Lake of Emery announce the marriage of their daughter, Amber Georgina to Jared M. Davis, son of Mr. and Mrs John Davis of Chicago, Ill. The couple have chosen March 14 to be married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
A reception will be held that evening from 6-8 p.m. in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Salt Lake City. An open house will also be held March 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the Emery Ward Cultural Hall in Emery.
Amber is a graduate of Emery High and Utah State University with a degree in interior design. She is currently employed as a designer for Richard and Bauer Architecture in Phoenix, Ariz.
Jared served a LDS mission in San Jose, Calif. He is currently a student at Arizona State University pursuing a degree in marketing.
Amber and Jared will make their home in Phoenix, Ariz.
Wilford Jay Stilson and Amberly Dawn Teichert have chosen March 14 to be married in the Logan LDS Temple. Parents of the bride are David and Sally Teichert of Cokeville, Wyo. Parents of the groom are Lewis and Leigh Stilson of Orangeville.
A reception will be held in their honor that evening from 7-9 p.m. at the LDS Chapel in Cokeville. An open house will be held on March 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the LDS Chapel in Orangeville.
Amberly graduated from Cokeville High School and has been working as a dental assistant in Logan. Jay graduated from Emery High, served a LDS mission to the Dominican Republic and will graduate from Weber State University this Spring.
They will be living in Logan until July when they will make their home in Cleveland, Ohio where Jay will be attending dental school.


text: I should not like you to think these reviews are thrown together. Notice the link with flying in Le Cinquième Jour and today's other movie. David Forest, a graduate from Cégep du Vieux Montréal, uses 2D elements notably in the opening credits, though the predominantly 3D short film serves as a contrast in style with that of Oscar's piece. It centres on the survival of a pilot whose plane has crashed high up on mountain crag, somewhat improbably towering over the clouds given that it supports a gaunt if undeniable tree. The pilot wrestles control of his parachute in a demonstration of strength against adversity. As with my companion movie, the conclusion is apt though different entirely in tone. David won the university's Best Short Film award for his year. He has a sound grasp of the drama of it all, an eye for the visual potential of parachute against a glorious sky and the technical/artistic skills to single handedly make the movie.


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Matt Smith visited Cardiff's Doctor Who Experience for the first time earlier this month, unveiling new Series 7 exhibits, chatting to the press, and just generally being a nice guy. He also said this:
The great thing about the Doctor is that, if you can imagine the alphabet, as a character, in the space of three or four lines, he gets to go from A to Z like that! [Clicks fingers.] The Doctor can just skip from being really happy to really sad to kind of okay – and I think having that palette, as an actor, is really exciting.
When faced with having to recollect the whole amazing day to an eager audience, this particular quote got me thinking.
Of course, the strict alphabetical order leaves little room for chronology. But never mind that. Humans: you're so linear.
A. Anticipation.
The Experience is bigger than expected. You can see it all the way back from Roald Dahl Plass and the Red Dragon Centre, where the previous exhibition was held. It's certainly impressive, and has been a long-time coming as Philip Fleming, Head of Communications at BBC Worldwide, says:
[It's been] three years since, I think, the first specific conversation started about this venue; three years of hunting for the right property. And at times, it seemed like it simply wasn't going to happen. In fact, the only reason it has happened is because we didn't find a property: we created a brand-new facility. And that was only possible through the hard work and very close co-operation that took place between Cardiff Council; the Welsh Assembly government; property developers; and the BBC, of course.
Ushered into the reception area – just behind Doctor Who Magazine editor, Tom Spilsbury! – it's hard not to get excited at the sight of a glorious new Dalek, the Cyberman head from Stonehenge, and Bessie. It's even decorated beautifully, with walls adorned with awesome art by Kasterborous co-creator, Anthony Dry.
But all that pales in comparison to the anticipation vibrating through the crowd; because we're going to not just meet, but also interview the man who is the Doctor.
After a wait that feels like an hour (but was probably only fifteen minutes), we head upstairs, catching tantalising glimpses of the shop, which sports all manner of marvellous merchandise, and enter the exhibition. The wrong way in. We start at the end, and huddle around, waiting for the main star to arrive…
B. Bow ties.
There's a distinct lack of bow ties here. It's certainly not a convention. There's a distinct air of professionalism (well, as much as a gaggle of journalists can muster, anyway), and I even hear a couple of people behind me laughing at the thought of asking Matt for an autograph. I put away my Sharpie.
Still, Matt acknowledges how important his refusal of a normal tie is; when asked what defines his Doctor, he says:
Probably a bow tie and fez, I think! And [showrunner] Steven Moffat's writing. I don't know, really. I mean, I hope it's inventive, and I hope it's funny in places… I hope there's an interesting take on it. That's what I try to do. I try to be inventive with the character and the ideas that come with it – and express them in a silly way!
Just when I think the day's going to end without a bow tie in sight, I find myself walking up the stairs behind a man with a pretty long scarf. He's obviously taking his inspiration from a certain Time Lord, I decide, even if the scarf isn't multi-coloured or 24ft long. At the top of the stairs, I'm welcomed with some red wine (I thought it'd be more like the gums) and the Silence with their Time Ship. Then I realise who I was just walking behind.
Sporting a quite incredible polka-dot bow tie, and being harangued by a couple of visitors, is production designer, Michael Pickwoad. He first began work on Doctor Who with A Christmas Carol, one of my favourite serials, and his dad is William Mervyn (Sir Charles Summer in The War Machines). This is incredible. I wonder who else I might see pottering about.
C. Celebrations.
Doctor Who's 50th anniversary is a hot topic, but Matt can't give anything away… Not that he knows everything anyway:
No, [Steven] doesn't share much with me. But I'm intrigued to find out. Something's got to happen, right?!
He continues:
We'll have something that honours the history and the heritage of the show in the biggest and best way possible. And I know that Steven will come up with something really inventive, and, y'know, we want to make it the biggest celebration for the biggest year of the show.
What about a multi-Doctor story?
I dunno; that's a Moffat question, actually. You've got to ask him. He's the man in charge of all things 50th anniversary. I think it'd be very exciting to think they could – whether or not it's possible nowadays. I don't know.
And so to Mr. Moffat. Is there anything he can tell us?
It's not an unfair question, and… no.
D. Daleks!
We're surrounded by all manner of creatures – some of which I'll get to soon – but what's Matt's favourite foe?
I think the Angels are the most interesting, and I've had so many battles with them as the Doctor that I love them. The Silence are very clever as an idea. And you've got to love the Daleks as well, I think – deep down somewhere!
The evolution of the Daleks display stands proud, almost like a mini-Asylum. There's Davros from Journey's End, the mysterious yellow Eternal Dalek, and a bronze RTD-era Dalek. One of the coolest is probably the Special Weapons Dalek, standing out from the crowd superbly.
But then there's the 1960s Dalek. Wow. That classic design is almost the stuff of legend.
It's weird. They're just props. But you can see how they could exterminate the universe, particularly as you meet the Supreme Dalek in the actual Experience: that deep, booming voice, the tank-like exterior, and that unforgiving stare. Let's move on. Quickly.
E. Exclusives.
The last stop for visitors will be the shop, filled with exclusives. Of course, the press went through it first – but then, the press are an odd bunch. It's still the last stop for me, as I didn't feel like lugging heavy and bulky collectibles around. I could probably manage the iPhone cases – displaying a variety of things including the eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver and the old TARDIS console – or the limited edition postcard sets. But I have some bigger beasties in mind.
Namely, an eleventh Doctor bust Experience exclusive with the burgundy bow tie. I'd missed the chance of the Victory of the Daleks variant from the Doctor Who Convention, so when I saw another variant there… well, it had to be bought. Especially at nearly half price.
F. Fish fingers and custard.
While perusing the Silence's time ship, and staring at the slightly-wonky Face of Boe, I'm offered jelly babies, Jammie Dodgers and… fish fingers and custard?! Surely not.
On a silver tray, there they were. Fish fingers – not your ordinary bit of finger food. And three dips: two of which are pretty normal, and the last… is custard. "It's surprisingly nice," I'm informed.
In our exclusive interview, Matt tells me:
I love The Eleventh Hour, when the Doctor meets Amelia Pond. That 'fish fingers and custard' scene is probably one of my favourites, I think.
G. Gary Russell.
After the crowds have looked around, Matt returns, flanked by the two robots from Dinosaurs on a Spaceship. He signs a few autographs (where's that Sharpie gone?!), poses for the cameras and laughs as the robots clunk about.
When he's gone, everybody just dots around, trying their best not to be intimidated by the robots that are posing for their own photos. Then I spot Gary Russell. His name's all over Doctor Who. He edited the official magazine in the early 1990s; has written loads of books; produced for Big Finish and script-edited The Waters of Mars and The End of Time.
I'm on a collision course with him. Then one of two things happen. One: it suddenly goes through my head that I'm wrong; that my knowledge of Doctor Who isn't as extensive as I thought it to be. He's not Gary Russell. His name's Chris Brownett and he works for the NHS. Why he's here is a complete mystery.
Or two: I get a bit nervous (even though I've just interviewed Matt Smith) and slow down momentarily. I then remember that I've just interviewed Matt Smith – Matt Smith – and speed back up. But too late. Two people corner him – and they're there for the long-haul. I walk away cursing myself because, y'know, that was Gary Russell. Ah well. At least I've just interviewed Matt Smith.
In Part 2: Matt's plea for work, Sontarans and some very short shorts.


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Showing 97-192 of 247 items found in Food & Drink
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Pizza, sandwiches and fun for the whole family,
Gator's has great frozen custard and other treats, delicious and fun for the whole family.
Stop by this old-fashioned diner featuring American and Greek dishes. Family owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. You'll find tasty meals that are reasonably priced.
Geno's 140 Club in Bethalto is a great place to have lunch or dinner. The original owners began Geno's in 1942. The same traditions of excellent food and friendly service were begun on their opening day and have continued. Famous for our steaks, stromboli and salads, Geno's 140 Club has a wide menu that has something for everyone. Pasta and sandwiches are offered alongside steak and chicken entrees, with generous portions to satisfy the appetite. Venture out to Bethalto for your next meal at Geno's 140 Club. We'll be happy to see you and you'll be glad you came.
Located in Historic Downtown Alton, Gentelin's offers a relaxed fine dining experience with an incredible view of Alton's famous Clark Bridge. The restaurant features a full menu ranging from appetizers and sandwiches, to pasta, steak and seafood. There is something to satisfy everyone's taste buds!
You're in for good food in a relaxing atmosphere when you go to Geo Wings & More. There is something for everyone here, wings of all varieties, salads and pizza.
Ginger Buffet has five types of sushi, beef & broccoli, General Tsao's chicken, and many other buffet items, a large dessert bar, a large salad bar, and much more.
CITY:Fairview Heights
Grace Manor Restaurant at Klingel House
Grace Manor Restaurant offers American dishes that celebrate the flavors of the season, in a warm and friendly environment. Happy Hour Tues. - Sat. 4-6.
Explore our menu at the Great Rivers Tap & Grill. Special menu items are hand crafted and made from scratch by our own Chef Kenny and his trained culinary staff. Food is served daily 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Join us for Karaoke every Friday and Saturday hosted by Partytime DJ starting at 10:00 p.m. Open Friday & Saturday as late as 3:00 a.m. serving beverages. Grab a refreshing cocktail or sip one of our 16 carefully selected local, craft and domestic beers on tap.
Gruchala's has delicious food in a great atmosphere.
Taste your way along this trail made up of unique wineries located in small towns throughout Southwest Illinois. Must-stops include Piasa Winery in Grafton, featuring live music on its riverside deck.
At Hicks BBQ, Barbecue is taken very seriously. They have always taken great pride in offering the highest quality, best tasting, and just dog gone good Southern Illinois barbecue. Their pork butts and beef brisket are slow smoked for 12-14 hours over Southern Illinois applewood, with just enough smoke (but not too much!) to give it the perfect taste. The Hicks family is proud to have opened our first barbecue restaurant after years of serving the community at many events. Dine In, Carryout, Drive-Thru.
Hidden Lake Winery & Banquet Center
Welcome! Hidden Lake Winery and Banquet Center, located in rural Aviston, IL, is situated in "Silent Forest," a wooded parcel of land abounding in local lore. Our winemaking began in 2004 and is influenced by the German heritage of the farming families who settled this part of Illinois. At Hidden Lake Winery, our goal is to offer a variety of wines that will satisfy many different palates. Our wines are produced with locally-grown fruit and bottled here in our cellar. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine (or other beverage if desired) in a tranquil setting with old friends, or perhaps with new ones.
High Flyers is a neighborhood bar and grill serving a full menu of appetizers, salads, soups, pastas, burgers, and steaks (including our famous Pepperloin kabab with garlic butter) and chicken.
CITY:East Alton
Hops House- Argosy Casino Alton
Hops House offers a view in every seat along with over 60 beer selections and features local labels from 4204 Main Street Brewery, Old Bakery Beer, Schlafly, Founders, 4 Hands and an exclusive "Argosy Ale." Enjoy a variety of snacks, sandwiches and appetizers while watching all major sporting events on HD TVS. Must be 21.
Hot Shots has delicious American favorites, with lots of TVs to view the latest sports games.
House of Plenty has a quaint, old-fashioned atmosphere, with delicious homecooking. Be sure to try one of their excellent homemade pies.
Hy-Ho offers great food, affordable prices, and excellent service in a cozy atmosphere.
I Scream U Scream we all scream for ice cream and we have it, with large variety of delicious flavors and toppings, you will leave screaming for joy!
Ice Cream Haven's menu is full of frosty delights for all ages.
Imo's Pizza is known for their famous thin crust. Imo's uses Provel cheese instead of mozzarella. Their fresh, never frozen ingredients are piled edge to edge over their homemade sauce. Side that with a salad. Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
India's Oven offers delicious authentic Indian food such as goat, chicken, vindaloo, mango pudding, and also vegetarian appetizers in a casual atmosphere.
International House of Pancakes
Casual dining specializing in breakfast foods.
CITY:Wood River
Japanese Gardens offers excellent cooking table service, with many delicious dishes, and a large sushi bar and built in entertainment as the chef cooks your dinner right in front of you.
This family-owned restaurant has become a staple of fine-dining in our community. Our warm, intimate atmosphere, combined with the love and dedication put into every dish we serve, continues to provide us with what brings our family the greatest satisfaction: happy, loyal patrons. Whether it be our delicious selection of Greek dishes which have been handed down from generation to generation, or our selection of both modern and classic fine-dining staples, we strive to ensure that every dish leaving our kitchen is of the absolute highest quality. It is our hope that you may come, eat, and enjoy yourselves to the fullest. OPA!
Jo-Al Winery and Country Store
Jo and Al, husband and wife vintners, produce wines made from local fruits of nearby orchards and berry fields. Apples make a nice dry to resemble Chardinay. Blackberries are a little sweet with a dry finish. Strawberries are sweet and smooth. Their country store has home-made jellies, candies, pickles, beef jerky and one of the best salsas in Illinois. Come in for a free taste sample or to browse the gift shop.
Joe Boccardi's has over 35 years of experience in authentic Italian family dining, Boccardi's offers delicious pizza, salads, sandwiches, seafood, and much more.
Joe Boccardi's Ristorante offers soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steak and more.
Family restaurant with that old diner feel! Breakfast specials that can feed the hungriest of stomachs.
Home of the "original pork tenderloin," pond raised catfish and homemade onion rings. Alton's most affordable sit-down restaurant. One of Alton's best kept secrets!
Enjoy a Girls' Day Out with lunch at Josephine's Tea Room in Godfrey. Fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts made daily highlight the menu. While at the tea room, browse the many gift shops on the complex, including Josephine's Gifts, the Monticello House, Fred's Shed featuring discounted merchandise and the new Christmas House. Jospehine's is the perfect stop for a girls' day out shopping and having fun. Hours: M -F 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., S 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Open on Sundays in December 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Try the "Big Mac" pizza at JR's Place in Hartford and you'll be hooked. This signature pizza tastes just like it's famous namesake burger, but in pizza form. The menu is for those adventurous diners who like to step outside the box when they eat. The kitchen closes early on Saturdays and is not open on Sundays.
Delicious American dishes such as ribs, pulled pork and chicken, pork steak, pizza, fish on Fridays, and much more.
Koke's offers great food and drinks in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
CITY:Fairmont City
Home of the bottomless cup of coffee with a nice blend of breakfast and lunch menu options, Kumar's offers a homey, friendly coffee-shop atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Famous for their omelets and hashed browns. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.
CITY:Wood River
The Lantern Restaurant provides a casual dining experience with weekend and daily specials. Just a few items on the menu are steak, seafood, and Mexican.
The newly renovated Laux Brickhouse Grille is the place to be. Offering great local favorites, daily food specials, and icy cold drinks. Perfect for a casual dinner with the family or a date night. Laux Brickhouse will have your mouth watering the second you walk in the door. Open Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
"Simply delicious" pastries and desserts that are sure to please every palate. Whether you are looking for a little taste of Europe, delicious coffee & tea, or cookies like grandma made (with just a little panache) you will find them at LuciAnna's Pastries. Come & relax in our warm inviting atmosphere.
Mac's Time-Out Lounge/Off Track Betting
Order off the extensive menu. Why not try the real Southern-style chicken and dumplings or meat-lover's pizza? You'll find fair prices, large portions & excellent dishes. Try eating outside at the comfortable terrace-style beer garden. Your whole family will have a pleasant dining experience. Place your bets at the off-track betting parlor. Stay late for a cold one.
A gypsy inspired coffee shop located inside Alton's historic Milton Schoolhouse.
A major list of appetizers highlight the menu at Magnums Bar and Grill. Also on the menu: sandwiches, a variety of steak dinners, ribs, frog legs and a unqiue array of open faced dinner sandwiches. Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. and Sunday, Noon - 8:45 p.m.
CITY:East Alton
Join the group at this small intimate club featuring performers from St. Louis and the local area.
The welcoming staff at Mallo's Bakery make you feel at home the minute you walk in the door. Mallo's offers handmade donuts, scones, buns, and much more. Also, Mallo's makes beautiful wedding cakes for your special day.
Mama Mia's offers delicious Italian food in friendly, homey environment.
CITY:Granite City
Marco's offers delicious salads, pizza, and much more. So come in to Marco's on Main to experience a little Italy!
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
Margarita's Mexican Restaurant offers excellent Mexican food in a south of the border atmosphere, with friendly staff waiting to serve you.
Mariachi's offers delicious, authentic Mexican food in a great atmosphere. Mariachi's is family owned and will make you feel like part of the family with their fast and friendly service.
They use only select Midwestern grain that is harvested by local farmers who can maintain unparalleled control over their crop. Next they ensure perfection by working with small hand-crafted batches that can be carefully produced. This is not the easiest way to create vodka, but it's the only way to craft perfect vodka. Call for tour information.
CITY:Pontoon Beach
Maxwell's offers great hamburgers, pasta, and all around great food in a cozy, casual atmosphere, and served by a warm, friendly staff.
Michael's Swiss Inn has a restaurant next door called Michael's, offering delicious food served in a wonderful atmosphere.
Come on in for your favorite latte, drip coffee, and the Midwest's best gooey butter cake in a variety of flavors baked fresh every day. We are also baking up a variety of other goodies including our own banana nut bread, lemon poppyseed and more. Don't forget about breakfast and lunch. We have a variety of items offered for breakfast including French toast, biscuits & gravy (our own sausage gravy) and we offer a few specialties that are just ours.
Offers local and imported beers, Irish whiskeys and a food menu featuring an Irish wrap, cottage pie, and corned beef brisket served in this Irish themed pub.
Mr. Chiu offers delicious Chinese food made the way you like it: mild, medium, or spicy. On the menu: General Tsao's chicken, Mongolian beef, curried shrimp, and much more.
The Original Mungo's offers delicious, fresh Italian food in a casual, romantic atmosphere, and served by a friendly and helpful staff.
CITY:Fairview Heights
Follow the lead of the locals in Alton and order dessert first, at My Just Desserts, as fresh-baked favorites like the Tollhouse brownies and Mrs. Ledbetter's chocolate pie sell out early. Every morning 9 to 13 pie varieties are baked fresh. You'll swear you stepped back in time when you enter this unique establishment, from the squeak in the hardwood floors to the Mason jar glasses.
Fine American cuisine with excellent service in a casual but stylish setting. Enjoy the more casual, lighter fare in our full-service bar.
Lunch Tues. - Saturday. Dinner Wed. - Sunday. Candlelight dining Friday and Saturday nights. Homemade entrees. German and International cuisine. Wine, beer, and desserts. Patio seating in season. In a historic 1875 house.
Olga Bread - it's bread you'll find at the center of everything here. A secret-recipe bread used in side dishes, desserts and every one of the delectable sandwiches you'll find at Olga's Kitchen. Try any of their soups, salads or sandwiches. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is welcoming and the food is always fresh.
Oliver's is located on the Runway of Parks Airport in Cahokia, Illinois. You can watch the planes land and take off while you enjoy a great meal.
Every day, trained bakers craft and bake loaves of bread from scratch, using the best ingredients to ensure the highest quality breads. Panera Bread understands that great bread makes great meals, from made-to-order sandwiches to tossed-to-order salads and soup served in bread bowls.
Papa Vito's serves up the great pizza, salads, sandwiches, and wings. At Papa Vito's, every dish is created using only the finest, all natural ingredients. They use real cheese, real meat and fresh vegetables.
Papa Vito's has delicious pizza and sandwiches.
Located in a beautiful, historic building, Paulo's at the Mansion has succulent Angus steaks, salads, pastas, seafood, pork chops, lamb, and an affordably priced kid's menu. Enjoy drinks in Jerry's Lounge.
Wood fired pizza, wings, pasta, calzones and desserts - a unique restaurant located in Edwardsville. Pair your meal with a fantastic wine or craft beer from Peel's extensive menu and your meal is sure to be memorable. Come in and enjoy a great meal for lunch or dinner with family and friends.
Peel Wood Fired Pizza & Brewing Company
Peel Wood Fired Pizza & Brewing Company boasts a large dining room, a lounge area with couches and oversized chairs, a 30 seat brew pub, and a 40 foot butcher block bar. In the brewing area, you will find an impressive display of the brew house and fermentation equipment. The 7bbl brew house and 8 vessel fermentation room can be viewed by visitors through glass panels. We bake our pizza creations in a Mugnaini wood burning pizza oven, for authentic Old World Italian baking.
Peking Gardens offers some of your favorite, authentic Chinese dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Fresh ingredients, no MSG. Banquet room available.
The Pizza Market offers delicious pizza and more.
Ponderosa Steakhouse - Collinsville
All-you-can-eat buffet and steakhouse.
Popeye's has great steaks, chops, olive oil salads, and much more, all in a dinning room with a rustic feel, and excellent service.
CITY:St. Rose
Porter's Steakhouse offers a casually chic dining atmosphere. Deep earth and wine tones envelop the space, with dark wood accents and a stone fireplace adding detail. The ambiance is inviting and comfortable. Several different private dining areas offer great flexibility for accommodating larger groups. An experienced Chef has put his own personal touch on the menu - updating several classic dishes and adding a few new items of his own. Of course Porter's is known for its amazing steaks, but also offers an array of fresh seafood, fabulous sides and house-made desserts. Appetizers are also featured in the bar, where guests can enjoy a casual meal or cocktail in a laid-back setting.
Take a trip to Italy with the homemade treats of Princivalli's Cafe. This a great spot for a lunch or dinner with a vew of the river and classic decor, right down to the red and white check tablecloths. Bring the family and share a slice of some of the best pizza in town. Enjoy traditional Italian favorites like homemade pizza, the signature house sub, parmesan chicken, a variety of pasta dishes and much more! The atmosphere is welcoming, the service is fast and friendly, and the food is out of this world!
Combine gourmet burgers with a sharp bar atmosphere and you will have the Pump House Bar and Grill. The signature Pumpjack Burger is a great "go-to" burger with pepper jack cheese, onion jam, tomato jam and banana peppers. Sides are as fresh as the burgers and sandwiches. Hours: Daily 11 a.m. - 10 a.m. Bar is open until 2 a.m.
CITY:Wood River
Rachel's Garden is a wonderful restaurant with food fresh from the garden.
Order from the menu with choices of delicious, New Orleans-style food. Known for late-night breakfasts. Enjoy live piano music and dueling pianos on the weekend. Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday, Noon - 3 a.m. and Sunday, Noon - 2 a.m.
Ramon's has authentic mexican cuisine, a Mariachi band that plays from table to table, and a good selection of beer, including imports such as Dos XX and Modelo.
Randy's award winning House of BBQ is dedicated to providing excellent quality BBQ in a casual comfortable atmosphere. Their Pork, Chicken, Ribs, and Beef Brisket are prepared just like in the old days in a pit cooked over Hickory, Apple, and Wild Cherry wood. This is so you can taste as well as smell the flavors while enjoying your meal. Whether you are looking for a place to take your family to dinner or if you would prefer to just stop by and pick it up, we have the grill fired up and ready to serve you.
Known for pressure fried chicken, great Italian dishes, mouth-watering steaks, and a huge menu with generous portions. We are unique in that every entree is a three course meal at reasonable prices.
Ravanelli's is a family restaurant known for their pressure fried chicken and great Italian food. They have a huge menu with generous portions, and their food is made with only the freshest ingredients.
CITY:Granite City
Recess Brewing is a Community Supported Brewery that is happy to call Edwardsville, Illinois home. The goal is simple. Provide delicious, locally crafted beer and educate the masses about how the magic happens. Our location on Main Street houses a 1500 square foot brewery and a 1100 square foot taproom which is open to everyone.
Red Apple has tasty, homestyle cooking, and is a perfect place to take the entire family. Red Apple always has fast and friendly service.
Redz has delicious ribs and barbeque with tantalizing sides.
Reifschneider's features a variety of appetizers, brick oven pizzas, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Fast becoming classics are their calamari with hints of fennel, buffalo ranch pizza, the filet, and the sterling grade pork chop. Chef Jeremy Carle developed the menu, and uses only the freshest ingredients for the best dining experience.
Reinhardt's Restaurant & Lounge
Reinhardt's has all the delicious food and fun you can handle with pizza, steak, meatloaf, roast beef, fried chicken, and more. For fun, there's several big screens, pool, and video games all in a great family atmosphere.
Riverbend Billiards provides 10,000 sq. ft. of entertainment. There is great food and beverages for everyone, plus a full bar for our over 21 crowd. You'll find 15 7-ft. bar tables and two 9-ft. Gold Crowns. Dart machines and video games are available for the kids. Riverbend Billiards sells a wide variety of pool cues, cases and miscellaneous pool supplies as well as a large selection of soft tip darts and dart supplies. Open Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., and Sunday, Noon - 1 a.m.
Are you in the mood for authentic Mexican food? Riviera Maya offers a great variety of Mexican cuisine. Stop in for a family dinner or margaritas with the girls. Fresh chips and salsa as soon as you sit down. Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Enjoy delicious steak, chicken, great sides, and much more, in a casual atmosphere.
Roemer Topf is a family owned and operated and offers international appetizers, salads, authentic sides, special entrees, traditional desserts, and uses only the finest, freshest ingredients.
Roma's pizza was established in Bethalto, IL in 1973 by the Pizzo family. Now into their third generation running this local favorite. They serve their own original recipe pizza from Italy and many other Italian dishes. Open Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Don't miss out of their mouth watering pizza.
Ron's Lounge has hot sandwiches, pizza, cold drinks, and much more.
Wood fired thin crust St. Louis-style pizza, burgers, a dozen different appetizers and a full dinner menu aren't the only things that bring customers to Roper's Regal Beagle. Dine and play games; watch all your favorite sports games on the big screen and other TVs and after hours, listen to the live bands and dance, but make sure you take the kids home first. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Welcome to S & S Sandwich Shop of Alton - North Alton's only independently owned sandwich shop. Our goal is to provide fresh, quality, seasonal food fare at a great value. Every attempt is made to use only local products in our menu items. We currently serve sandwiches, soups and salads prepared by our chefs. Our daily specials change often to exploit the best of each season. Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sammi's Grill Woodstock Lounge
Local bar where the beer is cheap, the jukebox is loud, and three flat-screen TV's proudly display the evening's most crucial sporting event.
The meat is smoked daily and served without sauce so you can choose your own. Try their homemade Sweet BBQ Sauce, Hot BBQ Sauce or Mustard Sauce.
Schiappa's Pasta Pizza & Wings
At Schiappa's try the challenge, two people must eat one 29" pizza in a 1/2 hour, or you can just come for the delicious pizza, salads, soups, shrimp, and more.
Schiappa's Pasta Pizza & Wings
Schiappa's originated in Lebanon in 1979 with family recipes from Italy and the east coast. Schiappa's prides itself on having the best & most carefully crafted pizza in the area. The biggest as well! Our pizzas are not churned out on a factory line; we know that some people will wait a while for quality. Unlike many pizza parlors, Schiappa's makes its own dough & only uses the freshest ingredients on a daily basis. It's home of the 40" pizza. Check out our website for menu items.
School House Grill at Senior Services Plus
Senior Services Plus' School House Grill offers a selection including a daily special, a soup and salad bar, as well as a variety of grill options. The School House Grill is an option for any age and is open to the public. Come join us for breakfast or lunch. Daily lunch specials include our own chef's creations and "GET FIT" meal items.


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Jason Gregor
December 20 2010 10:58AM
Do you remember the wickedly awesome video game for Intellivision, Slap Shot: Super Pro Hockey? If not, the pic above illustrates the kick-ass graphics, and the advanced thinking of why the NHL should go to a 3-on-3 format before the shootout.
It was a great game in the early 1980s, and while at first glance it might not stack up to NHL 11, depending on your skills as a gamer, it could wear on you.
NHL 11 is like a sexy top-end draft pick. You expect immediate satisfaction and results, whereas super pro hockey looks more like a mid to late round pick that will take some time before you appreciate it for its simplicity.
The Toronto Maple Leafs made their annual trek out west last week, and when they stopped in Calgary and Edmonton the eastern media compared the future of the Leafs to the Oilers and Flames. "Would you rather have a rebuild like the Oilers or the Leafs", and "Which team's future looks better, the Leafs or Flames?"
Most seemed to be in agreement that on paper, and in the early stages on the ice, the Oilers rebuild looked better, while fans were split on who's future looked brighter in Calgary and Toronto.
The Flames and Oilers own their first round pick this coming summer, while the Bruins own the Leafs courtesy of the Phil Kessel trade. In Edmonton, many fans are hoping for one more top-five pick to complete the rebuild, while Flames fans are contemplating trading Jarome Iginla and Mikka Kiprusoff for picks, get a top-five pick and start the rebuild.
In Toronto, Brian Burke remains adamant that his team can compete without a top pick, while the Canucks aren't even in the conversation because they are a Stanley Cup contender.
Is there a blueprint for the perfect rebuild? I'd say there isn't one.
You can look at Chicago's rebuild that started in 2002 by drafting Duncan Keith and finished with Patrick Kane going first overall in 2007, or the Penguins five top-five picks from 2002-2006 and say that losing eventually allows you to win. It worked for them, but it hasn't generated the same success for other teams.
Tthe Islanders had nine top-ten picks from 1994-2000 and never got any better. They are in the midst of another run of top-ten picks and have yet to see any success. Columbus has had a top-ten pick in ten of the last eleven years, but they've only made the playoffs once. They picked 4th, 8th, 1st, 4th, 8th, 6th, 6th, 7th, 6th, 21st and 4th. The Thrashers had four top-two picks in their first four drafts, 1999-2002, and that led to a measly one playoff berth in 2007.
Getting top-five picks can increase your chances of turning your franchise around, but if you don't draft the right players it won't matter.
In Edmonton, Oiler fans want another top-five pick, Flames fans are pondering what it would feel like to have their first ever top-five pick, while Leaf fans feel if their team doesn't improve, the Phil Kessel trade could do down as one of the most lopsided in NHL history with the Leafs surrendering two top-five picks.
Looking at the top scorers, goalies and defenders reveals that a team's odds are higher they will get an elite scorer, but it is shows that many of the top players in the game can be found outside of the top five picks.
The current top 30 scorers have a wide range of draft picks.
Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin were 1st overall.
Daniel Sedin, Eric Staal and Dany Heatley were 2nd overall picks.
Henrik Sedin, Jonathon Toews and Matt Duchene went 3rd while Nicklas Backstrom and Andrew Ladd went 4th.
The other 19 scorers were taken in a variety of spots.
Jeff Carter and Anze Kopitar 11th overall.
Jarome Iginla 12th.
Alex Semin 13th.
Ryan Getzlaf 19th.
Claude Giroux 22nd.
Mike Richards 22nd.
Corey Perry 28th.
Derek Roy, 2nd round, 32nd overall.
Loui Eriksson, 2nd round, 33rd overall.
Paul Stastny, 2nd round, 44th overall.
Brad Richards, 3rd round, 64th overall.
Milan Hejduk, 4th round, 87th overall.
Patrick Sharp, 3rd round, 95th overall. (Compensatory picks made 95th in 3rd round)
Pavel Datsyuk, 6th round, 171st overall.
Ryan Clowe, 6th round, 175th overall.
Henrik Zetterberg, 7th round, 210th overall.
Dustin Byfuglien, 8th round, 245th overall.
Martin St. Louis, not drafted.
In the past 20 years the only truly dominant D-men taken in the top-five were Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger and possibly Drew Doughty. Ed Jovanovski is a solid D-man, but I don't consider him a franchise D-man. Out of the current top 30 offensive D-men, only three were taken in the top-ten of the first round.
Jack Johnson, 3rd overall.
Joni Pitkanen, 4th overall.
Ryan Whitney, 5th overall.
Cam Fowler, 12th overall.
Sergei Gonchar, 14th overall.
Brent Seabrook, 14th overall.
Kevin Shattenkirk, 14th overall.
Erik Karlsson, 15th overall.
Brent Burns, 20th overall.
Niklas Kronwall, 29th overall.
Jordan Leopold, 2nd round, 44th overall.
Nicklas Lidstrom, 3rd round, 53rd overall.
Duncan Keith, 2nd round, 54th overall.
Alex Goligoski, 2nd round, 61st overall.
Kris Letang, 3rd round, 62nd overall.
Alexander Edler, 3rd round, 91st overall.
Keith Yandle, 4th round, 105th overall.
Lubomir Visnovsky, 4th round, 118th overall.
James Wisniewski, 5th round, 156th overall.
Jean-Micheal Liles, 5th round, 159th overall.
Stephane Robidas, 7th round, 164th overall.
Marek Zidlicky, 6th round, 176th overall.
Tomas Kaberle, 8th round, 204th overall.
Tobias Enstrom, 8th round, 239th overall.
Dustin Byfuglien, 8th round, 245th.
Kimmo Timonen, 10th round, 250th overall.
Dan Girardi not drafted.
Mark Giordano not drafted.
Brian Rafalski not drafted.
Dan Boyle not drafted.
Even fewer elite goalies are drafted in the first round, and many of them are taken late in the draft. Out of the top twenty goalies only five were taken in the first round.
Marc-Andre Fleury, 1st overall.
Kari Lehtonen, 2nd overall.
Roberto Luongo, 4th overall.
Carey Price, 5th overall.
Cam Ward, 25th overall.
Michal Neuvirth, 2nd round 34th overall.
Ondrej Pavelec, 2nd round, 41st overall.
Ilya Bryzgalov, 2nd round, 44th overall.
Corey Crawford, 2nd round, 52nd overall.
Jimmy Howard, 2nd round, 64th overall.
Jonathon Quick, 3rd round, 72nd overall.
Craig Anderson, 3rd round, 73rd overall.
Miikka Kiprusoff, 5th round, 116th overall.
Ryan Miller, 5th round, 138th overall.
Henrik Lundqvist, 7th round, 205th overall.
Tim Thomas, 9th round, 217th overall.
Tomas Vokoun, 9th round, 226th overall.
Jaroslav Halak, 9th round, 271st overall.
Nicklas Backstrom, not drafted.
Sergei Bobrovsky, not drafted.
Jonas Hiller, not drafted.
Note: JS Giguere was also a first rounder, 13th, in 1995 but he isn't in top 20.
If you want an elite scorer getting a top-three pick definitely helps, but if you need depth on the blueline or in goal you can draft those players outside the first round and still develop them into becoming solid NHLers. The list of teams that have multiple top-five picks, but never win, is longer than those with top-five picks that do win.
Another top-five pick should help the Oilers in the long run, but there is no guarantee it will, and if the current crop of kids continues to play well, and they end up with a top-ten pick instead they still should be okay if their scouting staff chooses the right player.
The Flames have never had a top-five pick. They've had the #6 three times, and only found one decent player in that slot; Cory Stillman in 1992. Daniel Tkaczuk and Rico Fata in 1997 and 1998 respectively were both busts and a major reason why the Flames missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons until their miraculous run to the Cup in 2004.
The Oilers have only had two top-five picks, Taylor Hall in 2010 and Jason Bonsignore in 1994. Hall looks like a player while Bonsignore was a bust. The Oilers have had decent success in the #6 slot, with Paul Coffey in 1980, Ryan Smyth in 1994 and Sam Gagner in 2007, while Boyd Devereaux and Steve Kelly never really panned out.
The Canucks have had thirteen top-five picks in franchise history, and have had more misses than hits. Dale Tallon (2nd overall, 1970), Jocelyn Guevremont (3rd, 1971), Don Lever (3rd 1972), Dennis Ververgaert (3rd, 1973), Jere Gillis (4th, 1977), Bill Derlago (4th, 1978), Rick Vaive (5th, 1979), Jim Sandlak (4th, 1985), Trevor Linden (2nd, 1988), Petr Nedved (2nd, 1990), Bryan Allen (4th, 1998) and the Sedins (2nd and 3rd in 1999).
Linden is revered in Vancouver, and is one of the truly great people in the game, but he wasn't a franchise player. Only the twins have turned into cornerstone pieces for the Canucks, and that's a big reason why they have yet to win a Cup.
In the modern era (1970-present) the Leafs have had six top-ten picks. Lanny McDonald (4th,1973), Gary Nylund (3rd, 1982), Al Iafrate (4th, 1984), Wendel Clark (1st, 1985), Scott Thornton (3rd, 1989) and Luke Schenn (5th, 2008). Not bad choices, but four top-four picks in seven years never translated to being a dominant team.
- Alex Ovechkin has become more of a playmaker this year, but he only has 12 goals, and the most surprising stat for Ovie is he only has TWO powerplay goals. In his first five years he's tallied 21, 16, 22, 19 and 13 on the PP. He is second in the league in PP assists with 12, but he needs to start shooting more on the man advantage. He is tied for 102nd in PP goals. Ouch.
- What is Steve Yzerman waiting for? He needs a goalie bad in Tampa Bay. Dan Ellis and Mike Smith have cost his team probably six to eight points already. The Bolts have the third worst GAA in the league, but they've given up the second fewest shots per game. That is a clear indication that his goalies stink, and if he can't land Evgeni Nabokov he needs to find a goalie soon. If he doesn't the Bolts won't be getting home ice advantage in any playoff round.
- Logan Couture played 25 games last year, and because he didn't play 26 he is considered a rookie. He did play 15 games in the playoffs, and some voters might hold that against him in the Calder voting. Couture currently leads NHL rookies in scoring with 24 points, one ahead of Jeff Skinner and two ahead of Jordan Eberle. He does have 17 goals though, which is seven more than second place Taylor Hall. If Couture is close with one of those three in April, his playoff experience from last year could hurt him in the voting.
- The Philadelphia Flyers are the best team in the NHL. They have loads of offensive depth along with size and grit up front. They have the best set of D-men in the league and Bobrovsky is giving them something they haven't had since Ron Hextall; a legitimate goalie. If they are healthy come playoff time, they'd be my favourite.
- Who is the best tandem in the league? The Sedins? Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf? Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis or Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom? Stamkos and St. Louis have combined for 37 goals and 86 points. The Sedins have 22 goals and 75 points, the Ducks' Duo has 29 goals and 73 points while Ovechkin and Backstrom have 23 goals and 72 points. The Bolts pair is the most productive now, but I wonder if Ovechkin finds his scoring touch if they can close the gap?
- If Sidney Crosby had a decent winger, Chris Kunitz has 20 points, you know he would be in the conversation. In fact, even with Kunitz's 20 points they would sit right behind the Sedins with 74 points. Just another stat to show how dominant Crosby has been, and he's pretty much doing it by himself.
- The Predators are the streakiest team in the league. They started the season 5-0-3, then lost five straight, then went 4-3-2 and now are on a 8-1-1 streak. They have two solid goalies. Pekka Rinne started 19 of their first 24, with a GAA of 2.38 and SV% of 0.918. He got hurt and now Anders Lindback has started eight straight going 6-1-1 and has a 2.27 GAA and .0925 SV% on the season. I wonder if Yzerman is calling David Poile?
- Matt Duchene has eleven goals and 20 points in his last 15 games, and he has really stepped up since Chris Stewart broke his hand fighting Kyle Brodziak. In the ten games without Stewart, Duchene has seven goals and 13 points. The Avs were ecstatic when Duchene dropped to number three in 2009, and it looks like Duchene might turn out to be a better player than John Tavares.
December 20 2010, 04:28PM
I think the Calder is unimportant and people shouldn't worry or care who wins it.
I disagree. It could be said that the #1 overall pick is unimportant as well, as we look at Gregor's article (great read BTW).
It is the recognition to the scouts and management that they have done their job drafting impact players. Having 2 (arguably 3....very arguably) rookies in the mix for the Calder speaks to the scouting staff.
I think Couture is a really good player, but if he wins I would be disappointed. It is almost like winning because of a loophole. He came into this season with 50 games of NHL experience, and even further, 25 of those games were playoff games where the intensity, as we all know is so much higher.
With all of the talent there has been for the Oilers since their inception into the NHL, and all of the accolades and personal success of players, there has never been a Calder winner. I would like to see a Calder winner wearing the Oil Drop.
December 20 2010, 04:35PM
On a side note, talking about tandems, I have Stamkos in my pool, but I just traded Datsyuk and Timmonen away for St.Louis, Pronger (I made the deal before he was hurt-crap) and Shattenkirk. So I now have Stamkos and St. Louis. Any thoughts on if losing Datsyuk is a bad idea? It kinda hurt to let him go.
December 20 2010, 05:02PM
@NastyNate-i was referring to the MSM. Not Renney. I don't think they ask him any tough questions. For the record, I am a big fan of Renney and he is a nice change of pace but when is someone going to grow some stones and grill him about the PK? Or why JFJ is still in the lineup? Not just, "boy, taylor looked good tonight didn't he?" It just seems like everyone asking questions is being paid by the Oil. just what it looks like to me, but then again, I'm just some putz from Slovenia who doesn't know a lot about this ice hockey...
December 20 2010, 05:24PM
Gotcha, like i said i don't really tune into to presser comments. Does anyone know who the PK Coach is? I was under the impression that Buchy was coaching the PP, maybe someone should take off their rose colored glasses and get him coaching the PK because lord knows he shouldn't be anywhere near the PP
You two keep suggesting that the PK has to be an article. Do you think the PK has stayed the same all year? It hasn't. They have tried different systems. They don't just play a diamond.
If you watched the Columbus game you should have noticed that they got their D-man to pressure the guy on the wall. They did that specific for CBJ, because Nash is great on the wall. And if the D-man goes to that guy, and they move the puck down low it is imperative that the high forward on the opposite side slides down and takes the forward.
Their PK isn't the game every game, and suggetsing that they haven't tried new things would lead me to believe you haven't watched the games that closely.
They thought Fraser and Cogliano would be decent PKers. Same with Penner and Horcoff.
You keep throwing out the same point every article, and it is old and boring. "They should have got good penalty killers. Well which ones should they have went after?
Who are these so-called great penalty killers?
Do you think one player makes a great PK. If all guys don't work in unison with one another they break down. Just because a guy is a good killer on one team, doesn't mean he'd come here and be just as effective.
The bigger issue is faceoffs. Problem is they don't have guys who are getting better. I could write about their faceoff woes weekly, but it won't make them better unfortunately.
So, you can only bring in one good PKer if you also bring in his partner?:)
Pretty sure this is one of the first times I've mentioned the PK on ON.
You said:
You keep throwing out the same point every article, and it is old and boring. "They should have got good penalty killers. Well which ones should they have went after?
Actually I said:
When a veteran PK'er like Horcoff is getting lit up at over 3 times his previous year's average, and the rest of the team is the same, I think the coaching staff should be questioned on the scheme.
Oilers need better PK'ers? Sure The players are entirely at fault for this horrid PK? Not a chance.
The Oiler PK this year is one of the worst of all time and I have yet to see an article in the Sun or Journal about. It is a big story. One of the worst or best all time anything is a story
December 20 2010, 07:06PM
Has anyone mentioned yet that Nashville is a goalie producing machine? Well if not, then I just did. Is it their system, is it their defence or do they just draft really well? I would suggest the system as few of their goalies have done all that well after being moved out of town.
Shaun... I was thinking the same thing until I did a little research. In their brief NHL history, they've used 6 goalies on a semi-regular basis:
1) Mike Dunham - he was okay. Didn't do much after leaving Nashville, with only a decent half-season on broadway to show before three sub .900 save % seasons.
2) Tomas Vokoun - as consistent a goalie as there has been in hockey during his post-Habs career with a save% around .920 and a GAA hovering around the 2.50 mark. Too bad he's never had a winner in front of him.
3) Chris Mason - he's been a decent NHL goalie, but no one has been willing to make him the #1 of a winning team.
4) Dan Ellis - good in Nashville for one season. Since then he's been threatening to beat the snot out of the Mendoza line on save%. He certainly hasn't thrived in Tampa this season.
5) Pekka Rinne - typical Nashville goalie numbers. About .910 on the save% and just under 2.50 for GAA on average says he's the 2nd best goalie to Vokoun on this list.
6) Anders Lindback - small sample size, but he's posting good numbers early on.
At this point, I'd say Nashville has gone through a lot of good goalies, but given the consistency shown from their keepers as a whole, I'd think it has as much to do with the system the team plays as the goalies themselves, as other than Vokoun, none of the other three that have left, have really established themselves as a true #1 anywhere else.
I never said anything about Hall.
My entire post was about Couture.
Good for you.
The context of the article was comparing the two, so I kicked in my two cents.
December 21 2010, 01:30PM
Nice homework, Aitch.
Nashville must play a defensive style that is complementary to goaltenders - allowing lots of perimeter shots to increase sv%.
But as your analysis concludes, most of these guys haven't been all that spectacular once they leave Nashville, except for Vokoun of course and a half-season from Chris Mason.
I just don't know all these great Pkers are that you think would have been so easy to bring in. They struck out on Malhotra, and the reality is that few veteran guys want to sign on a rebuilding team.
We all agree a faceoff guy would have been a smart addition, and some thought Fraser was that, but he hasn't been that at all. It's the stop gap part of a rebuild.
They need some players want to commmit to being better on the PK. If guys don't realize this might be their last chance in Edmonton, who is a bottom feeder, then they might wake up out of a job next year.
I'm just saying that it isn't as easy as saying, sign this guy or that guy.
I'm old and mature enough to just say let's agree to disagree:)
I think the club thought some guys could fill certain roles just because they Thought they could and they had no evidence to go on. And if the PK continues at something even close to this pace then there's no defending them.
It's not enough to Try; you succeed or you fail. If the skilled guys can't kill penalties then you get guys for your bottom who can do it.
So you find those guys or you failed.
December 21 2010, 04:13PM
So do or do not, there is no try. Young Padawan.
..Ok, sorry, I'll never quote Star Wars again
*crosses every finger he has
But I have to agree with Gregor only for the fact that there are only so many guys out there, and only so many that will come to a rebuilding team, and only so many teams that have those guys to trade. It is easy to say "Oh, just trade for them", but Edmonton isn't really bargaining from a power perspective. I'm sure there are some ridiculous offers for a guy like Konopka, or Reasoner.
In a rebuild, you have to look to making the future better, not just the today, as the team has done in the past. That would be following the Toronto rebuild model.
December 21 2010, 05:44PM
The most interesting point in this whole article? Someone broke their hand fighting Brodziak. Who would have thought?


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Picasso Spider Jig Round Bend
Offering a very vertical fall, which allows you to more accurately hit your targets, the Picasso Spider Jig comes equipped with a super sharp, original round bend flipping hook for rock solid hook sets even in the heaviest of cover. Made with super hard Pro Metal Alloy and coated with a chip-resistant Duraseal finish, the Spider Jig offers increased sensitivity to help you feel every rock and stick it comes in contact with, and it can also hold up to the worst poundings you can dish out. Its completely recessed line tie prevents it from hanging up or rolling in structure, and its weed-guard is not cast in the alloy, so it performs perfectly with no metal, epoxy or paint "blooming up the weed-guard." Available in a range of colors, the Picasso Spider Jig even comes complete with a loud removable rattle for added fish attraction.
8 Colors
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Explore the dramatic rock formations, cliffs and trails of the most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest. Millions of years in the making, the Garden of the Gods provides spectacular views unlike anywhere in the Midwest. See Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, Devil's Smoke Stack and other magnificent rock formations in this hiker's and photographer's wonderland.
CITY:Karbers Ridge
The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest has a system of 403 miles of equestrian/hiking trails). Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy. Nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs. If you're into climbing than a must-see is Jackson Falls, located near the town of Ozark in the Hidden Springs Ranger District in Shawnee National Forest. The climb takes place on 60 feet of sandstone cliffs and boulders that include numerous freestanding towers.
Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge offers something for everyone, from families and honeymooners to outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy some Southern hospitality while staying in a real log cabin or one-of-a-kind tree house. Each of the units, including the tree house, is equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, heating and air conditioning. Physical Location: Karbers Ridge, IL 62955 GPS: 37°33'52.18?N 88°20'17.03?W
Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater's paradise. All within a stone's throw of your cabin. Within minutes of your cabin, your family can enjoy guided expeditions such as; horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, geo-caching, wildlife photography and many other outdoor activities. Whether planning a single activity or multiple activities for your group, we at Egyptian Hills are your personal concierge in planning your ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether onsite or through one of our partner guides, all activities are tailored for all ages and experience levels.
CITY:Creal Springs
A nature lover's dream, Rim Rock offers cabins with all the amenities in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, adjacent to the popular Rim Rock Recreational Trail and Garden of the Gods. Rim Rock's is within short driving distance of all Southern Illinois has to offer, and features its own private hiking trail on its 77-acre site.
Located near the town of Ozark in the Shawnee National Forest, Jackson Falls offers arguably the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are roughly 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, each with multiple named routes on them. There are over 500 named routes in all. Most of the routes are 50-60 feet in height. The whole area sits in a very scenic glen. Most of the routes at Jackson Falls are sport routes, though there are a number of traditional routes, and a few areas suitable for setting up a top-rope. There are also many excellent bouldering opportunities here.
The Little Grand Canyon trail is located within the Shawnee National Forest. Experience the easy 3.6 miles of beauty it offers as you ride your bike or hike these fun trails that meander past lush wooded canyons, riverside bluffs, songbirds, woodpeckers and deer; while hawks and vultures soar high above the cliffs. Explore towering rock walls, eroded sandstone canyons, craggy bluffs and moist bottom lands, too.
If you want to truly experience the Shawnee National Forest, and Southern Illinois, then the River-to-River Trail in Illinois is for you. The Trail spans 160 miles of Illinois from Battery Rock on the Ohio River to Devil's Backbone Park in Grand Tower Illinois on the Mississippi River, and it can take up to 2-3 weeks to complete in its entirety. With a combination of plains, bayous, bluffs and upland forests, there's something for everyone to feast their eyes on. And, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to hard there's a path for everyone in your party to enjoy.
CITY:Karbers Ridge
Pyramid Acres Campground & Marina
Offers gas, bait, tackle, ice, beer, groceries, contour maps and camping with water and electricity. Open all year. Located at the northeastern edge of the lake.
Pickers Outlet Mall is a new 5,000 square foot building located on the busy Herrin Road (1.5 miles west of I-57). The mall can accommodate about 43 vendors. It is set-up like an antique mall, but has more to offer than antiques. It is a fun place to shop where the merchandise is changing daily.
CITY:Johnston City
Lake of Egypt is a privately owned reservoir located six miles south of Marion, Illinois and covers 2,300 acres with 90 miles of shoreline. The lake has an average depth of 18 feet. The lake is owned by the Southern Illinois Power Cooperative (SIPC), who created the impoundment in 1962, by damming the South fork of the Saline River, to supply cooling water for a coal-burning electric power plant.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located primarily in Williamson County, with small extensions into eastern Jackson and northeastern Union counties of southern Illinois. At almost 44,000 acres and with three lakes (Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen,) endless opportunities abound for watching wildlife, hiking nature trails, photography, swimming, fishing from the bank or by boat, and hunting. Four seasonally operational campgrounds are open from April-October and offer full hook-up, water, electric, or non-electric sites. Refuge staff and volunteers at the visitor center welcome visitors and sightseers 7 days a week from 8am-4:30pm. Visitor activities such as guided hikes, bald eagle tours, and monthly F.U.N. programs help connect families with the diversity of flora and fauna that Southern Illinois has to offer. The Refuge provides many opportunities for wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation for the nature lover in us all.
The American Fluorite museum is located on the site of the Rosiclare Fluorspar and Mining Co., which was once the largest fluorspar mining company in the U.S. It features photographs, ore specimens, mining paraphernalia and colorful dioramas.
We offer 2 cabins and 131 campsites. Enjoy the biking/running trails, bird/eagle watching, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting, rock climbing, rappelling and the Shawnee National Forests.
Lusk Creek Canyon is the most well known whitewater run in Southern Illinois. The creek starts out in woodland bottoms with relatively minor gradient but soon is surrounded by rocky hillsides and cliffs. These cliffs rise out of the water to heights over one hundred feet. After the canyon section, the cliffs recede and the creek is surrounded by forest for the final mile. Rapids on this creek are at low to moderate levels and are mostly Class II in nature. However, this is not a good beginner run. This creek flows through forests before entering the canyon.
Located on the northeast corner of Johnston City, this 35-acre lake includes a paved boat ramp for fishing, walking path, and campground. Only electric motors and canoes are permitted. You will find largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black and white crappie, and channel catfish in this small reservoir. Pedal boat rentals are available from July-September.
CITY:Johnston City
Egyptian Hills Resort is your passport to the Ultimate outdoor family vacation. Whether you are into waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, sport fishing, or pleasure boating; the Lake of Egypt is a boater's paradise. All within a stone's throw of your cabin. Our cabins and chalets sit next to soothing, running streams and waterfalls – with breathtaking lake front views. Each cabin/chalet features a full kitchen, living room, large deck, full bedroom, 2 loft bedrooms and full bath.
CITY:Creal Springs
Lake Glendale Beach & Campground
Beautiful beach located on the shore of an 80 acres lake in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Beach open Memorial Day-Labor Day, 7 days a week. Concessions available
Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground
Centrally located in the Shawnee National forest, campgrounds have all the hookups; lodge has 6 rooms; beach, fishing, horseback riding at its best; box stalls for horses; hunters welcome; great hiking & mountain biking.
Miss Emily's is a new gastropub located downtown in Marion Illinois. We serve lunch, dinner as well as craft beers, fine liquors and mixed drinks. The décor is designed to have a burlesque/speakeasy feel with lots of brass and hardwood throughout.
Features 5 cabins and a lodging facility on the highest hilltop in Pope County, overlooking and literally surrounded by the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Most cabins have private baths, kitchenettes and charcoal grills outside.
Lucy's Place is an upscale neighborhood coffee house / pub located along major intersections where customers can play their favorite video poker and slot games while enjoying a snack with a drink without the crowd and noise of the bar scene.
Southern Illinois Miners Baseball
The Southern Illinois Miners are a professional baseball team based in Marion, IL. The Miners are a member of the East Division of the independent Frontier League. Since 2007, the Miners have played their home games at Rent One Park. The "Miners" name refers to the Southern Illinois region's history of coal mining.
This fascinating pioneer village includes the original Saline County Pauper Farm (now a three-story museum), an old jail, an 1859 one-room schoolhouse, the Cain Church, several 1800s log cabins, a barn and country store.