<body><script type="text/javascript"> function setAttributeOnload(object, attribute, val) { if(window.addEventListener) { window.addEventListener('load', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }, false); } else { window.attachEvent('onload', function(){ object[attribute] = val; }); } } </script> <div id="navbar-iframe-container"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/platform.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> gapi.load("gapi.iframes:gapi.iframes.style.bubble", function() { if (gapi.iframes && gapi.iframes.getContext) { gapi.iframes.getContext().openChild({ url: 'https://www.blogger.com/navbar/25388941?origin\x3dhttps://wildthoughtsfaq.blogspot.com', where: document.getElementById("navbar-iframe-container"), id: "navbar-iframe" }); } }); </script>
MWave 468x60

Lakaw is a journey is a step is a move. I love to travel around the world and this is my travel and travel gadget site. Welcome and Enjoy!

Snow storm in Brookings, South Dakota, again?!

0 comments | Friday, November 07, 2008

South Dakota is the only place to be for snow (and storm) lovers. Of all the possible topics that can be written about this U.S. State, the snow (and everything related to it) has captivated me more than anything. The past posts are a clear proof:

- Snowy Christmas in Brookings
- Scenes after the snow
- Brookings is cool! Take it literally
- Only a Filipino loves a snow storm
- Let the sunshine in
- Brookings, South Dakota in severe winter storm

Since yesterday afternoon, South Dakota has been stricken by a snow storm. It is the first snow storm of the season in SD and for the United States.

The reports said that some areas could be without power for days. My gully! No heating system inside the house could freeze me in hours.
A long stretch of Interstate 90 was closed. Some motorists have been stranded for more than 24 hours and search teams can't get to them because of zero visibility.

The storm has dropped 45.7 inches of snow near Deadwood, in the northern Black Hills. Reports of 10 inches to 2 feet of snow were received from many West River counties.

In some towns, residents reported drifts were blocking their doorways, and in the southwestern corner of the state, 20-foot snowdrifts were reported on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Alright, time for me to shovel the snow.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 11/07/2008 09:26:00 AM Permalink

|

Cottonwood Bistro in Brookings, SD

0 comments | Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Cottonwood Bistro in Brookings, South Dakota is home to fine foods and espresso. It is the first branch of the famous Cottonwood Coffee located at the Main Avenue.
I don't normally visit the Bistro as I see myself leaning more to the "Cottonwood-Coffee" fan category. The first visit to the Bistro, I was with my colleague Val, and was impressed by the vastness of the space inside. No partition walls, no intricate architectural designs, but simply tables and chairs laid out and arranged mostly on the sides. In comparison to the main branch, the Bistro pales quite a bit.

The staff are mostly those I often meet at the main Cottonwood branch. I know most of them by their faces, being a regular visitor myself. They probably have recognized me by now as the "coffee-mocha" guy.

My friend Val likes the Bistro, especially its Espresso double-size serving. There is one (maybe two) particular barista, though, that he doesn't like when it comes to preparing his well-loved coffee concoction. Once he enters the door, the first sight of the barista in charge at the counter is the gauge whether he stays for coffee or not.

Unlike the main branch, the Bistro closes at 2PM. This is a big disadvantage for working people who feel sleepy at mid-afternoons and would want to quickly take a coffee break. The only option left is the main branch, which closes at 9PM. This is exactly the reason why the main branch is the favorite hang-out place for students!

Cottonwood is owned by Jacob. I have seen him many times manning the bar with his baristas. He is a friend to most of the people from the Center where I work. I hope someday, he'd give me a free cup of mocha for blogging about his business. With Google robots crawling my blog so fast and ranking the post on top of the searches, geezz, don't I deserve a free coffee for a year!? :-)

As a final thought, Cottonwood Bistro, in general, is just one coffee place where sleepy heads convene for an inexpensive menu, yet high quality coffee drinks. Either in Bistro or at the main branch, Cottonwood makes you wish that coffee shops should not be judged by its brand name but by the fast service, friendly people and, most especially, the quality of its coffee.

Cottonwood Bistro Location
Brickwood Plaza
1710 Sixth Street
Brookings, Sodak 57006
605-692-8938

Link to Cottonwood Bistro.
Link to Cottonwood Coffee.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 8/10/2008 12:52:00 AM Permalink

|

Squirrels mass killing

0 comments | Sunday, July 06, 2008

Summer is the season that squirrels propagate in numbers. These small or medium-sized animals breed like rabbits. We just located a breeding hole near our garage, just beside the pavement.


We noticed one fine day a little creature popping out of the hole and running to the opposite side of the pavement. We thought it was the only one, but another head popped out, and then another, and then another. We lost count how many were exactly in the small burrow.



The little squirrels were nice to look at, actually. Although they look like rats, the kind that one finds munching in garbage bins, they were cute and seemed cuddly. As I walked towards the office two days ago, I saw a number of them flat dead on the streets, run-over by vehicles. The little creatures didn't know anything about road hazards and the possibility of getting killed by cars especially at night.



It's a pity to see them dead.  They were supposed to enjoy life as a young crawling creature. Life was cut short because of Mother Squirrel not watching over them. Youngsters should not wander at night!

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 7/06/2008 08:45:00 PM Permalink

|

Free Wi-Fi in Brookings, South Dakota

0 comments | Friday, July 04, 2008

During weekends when you cannot enter the office, or when you are just bored on your office chair and would want to finish some stuff somewhere, there are few places in Brookings, South Dakota where you can spend your hours in, with free internet connection or free Wi-Fi.


On Saturday and Sunday evenings, I spend most of my time in Cottonwood Coffee along Main Ave. It is one of the Wi-Fi hotspots in this "small city". Internet connection is pretty fast although it could get slow at times when students flock the coffee shop and play games on their laptops. Cottonwood Coffee is best for studying, browsing the internet, having conversation with friends and even playing board games (they have a number of free board games for customers).



There are other Wi-Fi hotspots around the town too. You can try try the Brookings Public Library at 515, 3rd Street.



Here is another: Lodge Coffee and Espresso, 503 Main Ave., Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness. I've heard they have free internet too, but the space inside the coffee shop is so small, not so many students visit the place actually.



Wi-Fi hotspot at Safari Lounge? I've been there last night, playing billiards with American friends (oh well, I lost in all 4 games). I haven't tried their connection yet. The place has nice tables and it is quite spacious. But one of the problems you probably would encounter is, at some point in time, drunk men shouting. Safari Lounge is also a drinking bar where bar-hoppers spend time gulping beers and most booze you can think of. It is advisable to go before 6PM when the bar is not yet populated with night-drinkers.



The University Lutheran Center at 1404, 8th St., offers free Wi-Fi too. It is just right across the Catholic church and is open to everyone. You don't have to be a Lutheran to be there. Feel free to stop by.



The most popular among students is the South Dakota State University, Hilton M. Briggs Library along 9th Street. It is open till 12 midnight on regular days. Wireless internet is fast especially if you are a student since you can enlist your laptop to access the university wireless. There are public connections that can be detected too. These are for guests and other visitors of the library.



Most hotels in Brookings have free Wi-Fi: Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Super 8 motel, Fairfield Inn & Suites. I am not sure about Days Inn if it has one.



That's it. Connecting online is not a problem in this small city of Brookings. Wi-Fi is everywhere.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 7/04/2008 02:51:00 PM Permalink

|

Bird attacking my window

0 comments | Thursday, July 03, 2008

Today, just when I arrived home and proceeded to the kitchen to prepare my lunch, a bird (I don't know the name, just see the photo) suddenly perched on a bush near the kitchen window. At first, I didn't mind it. At this time of year, birds of various species, abound in Brookings South Dakota. [video after the jump]


Few minutes later, however, as I was comfortably seated, watching Wimbledon Grand Slam Tennis live on TV, I heard this short banging against something. I thought it was just the clothes dryer that my housemate left running the whole morning. It wasn't. Slowly, the noise was becoming irritating. It was then that I realized that the little yellow-green-chested bird was banging or attacking the glass window.


"Confused bird", was my first reaction. Maybe the bird thought something inside the house was appealing. Maybe the bird thought she could go through a glass window by simply banging its head or flapping its wings against it.


I shooed the bird away twice. Twice it flew past the road across the house just to come back a few minutes later, at the same spot of the bush, and attacked the same window. That's the time I decided to take a video. I tiptoed towards the kitchen side, placed my camera close to the glass window and, alas, the bird didn't even care. The bird merely looked at my camera and continued with its performance. So I had good shots at it's crazy show, in the end.



Watch the video.





Tell me what you think. What is this bird doing?

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 7/03/2008 11:03:00 PM Permalink

|

Roads destroyed, trees cut

0 comments | Saturday, May 31, 2008

I am saddened to see the trees in front of Cottonwood coffee shop in downtown Brookings cut to the ground.
The trees were a good source of shade. They also beautified the main street. Isn't it pleasing to see greens lining the streets? Too late, with the road renovations going on this summer, the trees were affected and had to go.


I wonder what their plans are along the alleys now that the trees are gone.

Visit the site wood and you'll see the sad scene.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 5/31/2008 08:26:00 PM Permalink

|

Dandelions are weeds -- really!

0 comments | Sunday, May 25, 2008

The cherry yellow flowers on your yard might be dandelions. Dandelions, in the United States, are considered weeds. Weeds have to be eliminated, though they seem to look good on the front yard. Sadly, I wonder why they are considered weeds. Just because they grow on your lawn and perhaps "pollute" your "very green" yard, it doesn't mean they don't beautify the place. They do. Watch them in early morning when they are in full bloom, aren't they beautiful?
This year, the dandelions grow by the dozen on our lawn. Despite the fact that I like looking at them, they have to be mowed. Considered weeds by most gardeners and lawn owners, Brookings law dictates "yards must be green" - in other words - "get rid of the dandelions!"
Don't you know that dandelions have several uses too? Here are few facts.
1. It is a medicinal herb.
2. It is a leaf vegetable. The leaves can be eaten cooked or raw in various forms, such as in soup or salad. The leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron, carrying more iron and calcium than spinach.
3. Dandelion flowers can be made as dandelion wine.
4. Ground roasted dandelion root can be used as a coffee substitute.
5. A leaf decoction can be drunk to "purify the blood", for the treatment of anemia, jaundice, and also for nervousness.
6. "Dandelion and Burdock" is a soft drink that has long been popular in the United Kingdom with authentic recipes sold by health food shops.
7. The milky latex/extract has been used as a mosquito repellent.
8. Dandelion contains luteolin, an antioxidant, and has demonstrated antioxidant properties.

So stop the dandelion massacre. Leave them alone. Make use of them. They only appear on spring and summer, that is so short a time to even appreciate them.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 5/25/2008 08:35:00 PM Permalink

|

Hillary Clinton [in Brookings] failed me

0 comments | Friday, May 23, 2008

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton visited Brookings, South Dakota today for a town hall meeting at the Agricultural Heritage Museum. She arrived on the dot at the scheduled time of 5:30PM.
Since I am rooting for Hillary Clinton this coming U.S. election [although I really couldn't vote], I was eager to meet and see her in person. This was the best time to meet a soon-to-be president of the United States, so I thought. Also, the Agricultural Heritage Museum is just a stone-throw away from my office or from my house.

The place was open to the public. I was at the gathering area at exactly 4:00PM, as advertised, in time for the hall opening. Alas, there was already a long queue of mostly Americans (of course) and few curious foreigners (like me) eager to see Clinton.

It took more than 30 minutes to finally be a couple of meters near the gate, since secret agents were inspecting everyone head to foot upon entry. However, luck wasn't just on my side. Just as I thought I'd set foot in the hall and find my seat, officers blocked the entrance and announced that the hall was full. Damn! I was outside with other hundreds of Americans.

After about 20 minutes of standing outside, Hillary Clinton arrived. At first, it was hard to see her as she didn't even stand on the platform while delivering her speech. Knowing that I am so deficient in the height category, vis-a-vis, the American standards, I had to tiptoe most of the time to somehow get a glimpse of Clinton. I had to move my head left and right, trying to avoid the tall people in front of me and not to mention the press people and police officers crisscrossing the hall.
Yipee, Clinton's old blonde hair shimmered in the limelight, good enough to catch my attention and to fix my eyes on her. I took photos from where I stood, though I knew it would be blurred.


Hillary Clinton talked about a variety of things, which are included in her election platform:
1. Protection of the next generation through paying off the United States debt.
2. Reduction of outsourcing-bring more jobs back home.
3. Reduction of taxes within a balanced budget.
4. Shortage of teachers by providing a salary increase.
5. Fight terrorism with cooperation.
6. Support for universal coverage through affordable health care options for all citizens.
7. Support strengthening the Medicare program.
8. Restricting the number of troops in Iraq and limit war funding.

And more...

I love Clinton over Obama because I think the lady has the tested leadership skills to put the United States back on track. Obama? He is inexperienced and he loves to play with words. I don't want someone who just talks about it and whose views are very immature. I want to hear concrete plans and directions. I believe Senator Hillary Clinton is by far the best choice to be the next President of the United States.

After the Q&A, I was hoping Clinton to come out of the hall and shake hands with those unable to see her up close. She didn't. People waited long outside just to be informed afterwards that she had left the hall minutes ago.

Hillary Clinton failed me. I was upset not to get closer to her. She didn't even mind the chanting of the other hundred fellow "hopefuls" outside - "We want Hillary! We want Hillary!".

In that aspect, I was very disappointed. But in the end, I still went home quite amused. After all, I was almost there. Almost. Just 20 meters or so away.

Next time, I will be the earliest bird on the scene!

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 5/23/2008 11:49:00 PM Permalink

|

Downtown Laundry is the answer

1 comments | Sunday, May 18, 2008

Having problems with your clothes washing machine or your dryer? In Brookings, South Dakota, all you need to do is drive yourself to the nearest 24-hour laundry shop and let the lines of washing machines and dryers do the job for you for only a few dimes.
DSC04428
Last night, my friend and I headed to "Downtown Laundry" shop to have our clothes dried. It was late at night, around 11PM and nobody was inside the shop except us. Probably, everyone in Brookings have these huge machines in their homes.

Anyway, waiting for 45 minutes for the clothes to dry wasn't bad at all. We enjoyed watching the "Saturday Night Live" on TV. Yes, there are two TVs inside, cable connected. There are magazines too to spend the time with.

I took pictures of Download Laundry of course. To those encountering problems with the shop, there are phone numbers available for you to call [see photo].
DSC04433
DSC04441
DSC04439

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 5/18/2008 08:25:00 PM Permalink

|

Brookings, South Dakota in severe winter storm

0 comments | Friday, April 25, 2008

I had to wade through 5 inches of snow going to the office this afternoon. It is supposed to be spring season in Brookings, South Dakota. But the weather doesn't say so.
A couple of days ago, it felt like spring has finally arrived, with the blooms starting to appear. Opps, wrong. As my American friends jokingly said "There is no spring in Brookings".

They are probably right. At this time of the year, Brookings should have been enjoying sun-shinny days. But ridiculously, blizzard/severe winter storm warnings were up the whole day. Snow plus strong wind is equal to a terrible day outside. Blizzards have created a dangerous condition. Vehicles were warned of icy slash slippery slash risky roads. The roads were not shoveled promptly and pathways too.

I walked from home to the office with my head a little bowed to cover my face from the raging snow falling somewhat sideways. It was a terrible flight. It was the longest 10 minutes of my life ever!

Wishing tomorrow would be fine...

I want sunshine. I want greens. I want spring.

Here are photos of the Brookings blizzard.




Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 4/25/2008 10:32:00 PM Permalink

|

Where to stay in Brookings, South Dakota

0 comments | Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Since I am from Brookings, I am listing hotels, motels and inns available in the area.

Frankly, there are not so many choices when it comes to "where to stay" in Brookings, South Dakota. The city is small. It can even be classified as a town, if I may say.

List of hotels and inns (with telephone numbers:

Brookings Inn
2500, 6th St. E.
(605) 692 9471

Comfort Inn
514 Sunrise Ridge Rd.
(605) 692 9566

Holiday Inn Express
3020 LeFevre Drive
(605) 692 9060

Fairfield Inn
3000 LeFevre Drive
(605) 692 3500

Sonshine Inn
108, 6th St. W.
(605) 692 6345

Staurolite Inn and Suites
2515 E., 6th St.
(605) 692 3111

Super 8 motel
3034 LeFevre Drive
(605) 692 6920

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 3/12/2008 04:46:00 PM Permalink

|

China Night at SDSU -- it's all about food!

0 comments | Monday, March 10, 2008

I heard about the China night last year but I didn't care to attend. I thought I have learned so much about the Chinese culture that there is no need to join any event about China.
However, yesterday, I attended the China Night 2008. Like what I did when I attended the Nepali Nite few weeks ago, I will also give my no-holds-barred views about the China Nite.

Cultural presentation. It was good. There was a dragon dance, but not as lively as I always see on TV or in China towns. Rating - 7/10.

Attendance. The auditorium was filled from corner to corner. I am sure people were there for the food, which the Chinese culture has so much to share to the palette. Rating - 10/10.
Knowledge-gained. Truth be told, in my many years of staying in the Philippines with so many Chinese people around, I have already gained quite a huge idea of China and its culture. Also, I had so many Chinese students before who were eager to share about their country. For the sake of what I already knew, rating is 7/10.

Emcees. Much better than the Nepali emcees -- much livelier! Rating - 9/10.

Food. What can I say? Food was amazingly good. I might be biased in the sense that I am used to eating Chinese food - from noodles to soup to chopsuey. Nonetheless, in comparison to the Nepali food, last night's dishes suited my taste. So, perfect rating - 10/10.
Chinese people. ...so many of them. Last night, except for the ushers who were stationed to sell tickets, some were not friendly. I am basing my views in the number of times they smile to their guests, even if they were busy preparing food. Rating - 6/10.

Until next review.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 3/10/2008 10:55:00 PM Permalink

|

Cottonwood Coffee in Brookings

0 comments | Saturday, February 23, 2008

Cottonwood Coffee in Brookings, South Dakota is the place where I spend most of my weeknights at. The coffee shop is located at the main street, close to Wells Fargo bank and fronting the Post Office.

The schedule that I am usually in is from 6 to 9 PM. The evening staff might have probably noticed my every visit as I, most of the time, am the last one to leave the premises seconds before closing time.

Coffee mocha, medium size, priced at $3.00 (without tax) is the order that I always take. I don't even have to tell the staff, they know what I want the moment I enter the door. Oh, here's comes the little Filipino guy again!

Just tonight, I got a free cup of mocha. Not that I was given a free serving. I earned this free cup, of course! Like the promo in one coffee shop in Cebu, Philippines, Cottonwood gives regular customers a chance to earn a "store stamp" for every order made. Ten stamps would mean a free cup of coffee in whatever flavor you want. So I had my card fully stamped for being an avid mocha drinker!

This shop is best for studying. Students who feel sleepy inside their quarters can take a walk to this place and get their dose of caffeine and a free WiFi on the sidelines.

Here are the coffee prices in dollars (for small size orders of hot drinks):

Latte - 2.35
Cappucino - 2.75
Americano - 2.00
Brew - 1.50
Red-eye - 2.75
Spiced Chai - 2.75
Breve - 2.75

There are still other variety of coffees available. Come visit the place to taste them yourselves.

Opening hours: 7AM - 9PM Daily

Read my Review for Cottonwood Bistro.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 2/23/2008 08:21:00 PM Permalink

|

Radio Stations in Brookings

0 comments | Thursday, February 21, 2008

There are only few local radio stations available in Brookings, South Dakota. If you are really into radio listening, you'd be bored with these radio channels.
1430 AM KBRK - It is for musical standards from the 1940s to 1970s.

B-93.7 FM - It is adult contemporary music from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

X107.1 FM - Serving you with music from 70s, 80s and some new music.

K102.3 FM - Purely country music.

Brookings Radio 910 AM - Weather, rock and roll oldies.

KSDJ 90.7 FM - It's an SDSU-owned radio station offering native, rock, jazz and blues. It reports campus information too.

88.3 FM - South Dakota Public Broadcasting network.

There you go. Enjoy tuning in.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 2/21/2008 09:25:00 PM Permalink

|

McCrory Gardens in Brookings

0 comments | Sunday, February 17, 2008

This is the garden or park I usually pass through whenever I go to WalMart by foot. It is the shortcut to my grocery-shopping trip. This place in Brookings, South Dakota is awful during winter when everything in the garden is indistinguishable. But wait when summer comes. The garden is transformed into a little paradise of colors.
McCrory Gardens feature a 20 acres of formal display gardens and 45 acres of arboretum. There are 14 formal theme gardens and a rose garden with more than 30 varieties, a herb garden, a children's maze, a historic gas station renovated as a garden cottage and a memorial to the late Governor George S. Mickelson. Benches scattered throughout the grounds provide resting place with unbeatable blooming views.


Here is a little fact:
In 1985, faced with major fund cuts, a fundraising drive – supported by alumni, the local community, state and local businesses, and horticultural enterprises and associations throughout South Dakota – began to keep the Gardens open and growing. An endowment, managed by the SDSU Foundation, was established in 1986. Since that time, all maintenance and development at McCrory Gardens has been supported by public donations of money, equipment, labor, seed, plants, and other supplies. The “Friends of McCrory Gardens” are a continuing source of enthusiastic support.

South Dakota State University's McCrory Gardens are open 24 hours and all visitors are welcome and admission is free.

McCrory Gardens location:
McCrory Gardens is located on the corner of 6th Street and 22nd Avenue in Brookings, SD (a few blocks west of I29).

Visit some sights.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 2/17/2008 05:38:00 PM Permalink

|

Great Clips Hair Salon in Brookings: a review

0 comments | Friday, February 15, 2008

Great Clips Hair Salon is one of the very few hair shops in Brookings, South Dakota. It is also one of the most visited by residents among the few. It is because it is very accessible and there are quite a number of hair stylists/dressers/cutters that could immediately attend to your hair needs as soon as you enter the door.

If you are in need of haircut, I would advise you not to go to Smart Style hair salon in Walmart. Aside from the fact that in most times they only have one hair cutter, the service is not that impressive too. One time, the lady pruned my hair like it was her backyard lawn - quick and messy. I went home very unsatisfied. I wasted $13 dollars for a service likened to a child's play!

There is another hair shop located at the downtown center. I haven't been there yet, but for now I would recommend Great Clips Hair Salon.

Great Clips
Address: 1831 6th St, Brookings, SD 57006
Telephone number: 605-692-2289

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 2/15/2008 07:51:00 PM Permalink

|

South Dakota Art Museum Information

0 comments | Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Starting today, I will be posting stuff people want to visit or see in Brookings, South Dakota. There might just be few of them, but they're worth visiting or seeing.

Let me start this with the South Dakota Art Museum.

The South Dakota Art Museum has been a place for people from many different parts of the world to enjoy the artistic legacy of South Dakota in all its diversity. Permanent galleries, changing exhibitions, publications, lectures, workshops and guided tours provide the public, artists, university students and faculty with a variety of opportunities to learn about art and engage in the centuries-old dialogue between artist and viewer.

The Museum features 6 spacious galleries, the Museum Store and the Kid's Sensation Station.

Address:
South Dakota Art Museum
Medary Ave. at Harvey Dunn St.
Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-5423
Toll Free: 1-866-805-7590

Hours:
* Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
* Saturday 10am – 4pm
* Sunday 12pm – 4pm

Admission:
Admission is free to the Museum. There is a charge for some programs, such as concerts, films, classes, performances, etc. For more information call the Museum at 605-688-5423.

Directions

From the North:
Take South Dakota I-29 South. Follow south. Merge onto the Exit 133 ramp and follow the exit ramp to US 14 Bypass. Turn right off ramp. Follow this road until the US 14 Bypass and Medary Avenue intersection (first light). Turn left onto Medary Avenue. The South Dakota Art Museum will be on the left hand side of the street on the corner of Medary Avenue at Harvey Dunn Street.

From the South:
Take South Dakota I-29 North. Follow North. Merge onto the Exit 132 ramp, labeled BROOKINGS / HURON, and follow the exit ramp to US 14 ( 6 th Street). Turn left onto US 14. Follow this road until the US 14 and Medary Avenue intersection. Turn right onto Medary Avenue. The South Dakota Art Museum will be on the right hand side of the street on Medary Avenue at Harvey Dunn Street.

From the East:
Take US 14 West into South Dakota. Follow on US 14 West into Brookings. Continue until you reach the US 14 ( 6 th Street) and Medary Avenue intersection. Turn right onto Medary Avenue. The South Dakota Art Museum will be on the right hand side of the street on Medary Avenue at Harvey Dunn Street.

From the West:
Take US 14 East. Follow US 14 ( 6 th Street) into Brookings. Continue until you reach the US 14 and Medary Avenue intersection. Turn left onto Medary Avenue. The South Dakota Art Museum will be on the right hand side of the road on Medary Avenue at Harvey Dunn Street.

Info Source
For more detailed information, please visit the website.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 1/23/2008 10:57:00 PM Permalink

|

Finding my place at Cottonwood coffee shop

0 comments | Tuesday, September 25, 2007

It is more than just sipping coffee.
Over the years, as medical experts and researchers are busy gathering compelling evidences of the side effects of too much intake of coffee in the body system, I seem to evade countless stories of heartburn, anxiety, high blood pressure, hyperactivity and many others that caffeine, a type of drug or stimulant found in coffee beans, appears to be a causal factor. In most nights that I am inside Cottonwood coffee (a shop located in downtown Brookings), I please myself many times with the piece of information that caffeine used in moderation is not particularly destructive (I'm too defensive). A magazine article even cited that studies of the harmful health effects from coffee are ultimately coming to a close after there are a number of verified rewards to partaking it in a daily cup or two.

Here are a few I gathered.
1. Coffee drinking may lower your risk of colon cancer by up to 25 percent because of its ability to help keep you regular.
2. Two observational studies found that regular coffee intake reduced the risk of developing kidney stones.
3. People with asthma who drink coffee can have up to 25 percent fewer symptoms because one of the compounds in coffee - theophylline - acts as a bronchodilator.
4. Other diseases that coffee may help prevent: cirrhosis of the liver, Parkinson's disease, skin cancer, and gallstones.

In the October 1999 edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, an Israeli researcher detected a calcium increase in brain cells exposed to caffeine. He said caffeine may boost levels of brain-cell calcium, a mineral essential in memory. Alright, I have no medical expertise to substantiate these claims. As a coffee drinker, I only have the impression that coffee has a delightful taste people do not need a white man in robe to inform them what a dose of caffeine could bring in or how a dose benefits them.

For me, an hour or two inside a coffee shop with my fave coffee is more than enough, while at the same time enjoy the free wireless internet connection. Cappuccino, unlike brewed coffee, latte, espresso, flavored coffee, and other multitude of iced coffee beverages – appeals to me more. Blame it perhaps to the distinctive roasted strong, obviously not bitter, flavor that never fails to excite my taste buds. Blame it to my order of medium size mug (in most cases) that sufficiently fills the longing, stimulates the wit and awaken ideas to move like troops of a grand army to a point of becoming so enthusiastic of anything that I often miss to notice how time flies so fast inside the café.

But it is more than just sipping coffee. Coffee shop is the place to meeting hard-to-find friends for the much-awaited hangout. In many instances, I was surprised to know lots of secrets leisurely exposed over a cup of coffee. These secrets deal with a love lost and found, new business started, or simply family squabble. Every sip offers a story wonderfully told.

I will tell more stories about coffee sooner. Honestly, I have many things in mind to continue blabbing and getting your nod on how coffee could be so beneficial.

Happy drinking coffee - for now!

Here is a video I stumbled upon on YouTube. It is the interview of Jacob Limmer, co-owner of Cottonwood Coffee in Brookings, South Dakota.

Visit the Cottonwood Coffee site.

Labels:

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 9/25/2007 12:57:00 AM Permalink

|

Inauguration of David L. Chicoine - SDSU President

4 comments | Saturday, September 15, 2007

With south winds blowing to about 20 mph and the weather commanding a 50-degree temperature in Fahrenheit scale (that's around 10 degrees celcius), the inauguration of the 19th President of South Dakota State University could have been a big disappointment for all. However, everything went just fine as planned.
The inauguration of David L. Chicoine (Chicoine is pronounced SHE'-kwihn) started on time at 1.30 PM at the outdoor Coolidge Sylvan Theatre. It was my first time to see the theater being used, although I constantly pass by it on my way to church.

Initially, I thought the outdoor theater isn't functional and that it only existed for landscaping purposes. To my amazement, today it looked so nice when guests were on the elevated greens and many others were watching from down below the sloping ground.

Trees surround the area and the way the platform was decorated was simple. Not even a streamer that says "Inaugural of the President" hanged somewhere. For wondering passersby, they had to ask to know what the occasion was all about.

Only the colors blue and yellow dominated the backdrop. These colors are significant to the university's historic culture.
I arrived just in time for the processional. I saw the former President, Peggy Gordon Miller. She already has a place in my heart. Almost all in academic attire or formal wear, I felt like an outsider with my black jogging pants and coat, white shirt, and a black-and-white cap. With no intention of staying longer than an hour [my attendance was aimed for this blog report alone], I stood under a tree nearby - about 20 meters or so away from the platform - and observed the event unfolded so quickly. Unlike in the Philippines where guest of honors deliver their speeches that take ages to finish, especially if politicians are involved, the spiel of each guest lasted for only few minutes. Even the speech of the Governor of the State of South Dakota, Michael Rounds, was brief yet sharp. Only the inaugural acceptance speech of Pres. Chicoine took a little longer, which was expected being the special honoree.

The audience listened to the illuminating talk of the President with dragonflies hovering their heads under the bright sunshine that tried to neutralize the coldness in the air. The world flags that aligned the pathways danced through the wind in a parallel direction. Of course, I looked for the Philippine flag and found it in the middle of the pack. I felt proud.
Nearing the end of the event, I silently tip-toed away. I heard the president spoke and am assured of more good things to come for the university.

Through the greens I walked towards home.
To the new President, David L. Chicoine, congratulations to you!

More photos here.

Labels: ,

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 9/15/2007 08:11:00 PM Permalink

|

A Crime Witness, I was!

0 comments | Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Brookings, South Dakota has a zero crime rate, literally. When you watch the newscast, you will most likely see news events about road mishaps or the state of the hot summer weather. None of such nature like men in motorcycles firing the house of a politician, or men robbing a bank located beside the police station -- you know, those kind of crimes that we consider ok-fine in the Philippines. If you want to see something tragic, you'll get frustrated.

I think the most catastrophic crime that can be committed in this city is bike stealing. HAHA. Funny, but I am quite certain it is. In as much as I would want to experience a crime more than just that, I just cannot. Because Brookings is peaceful (can also be translated to boring). [warning: there is a crime video after the jump]

Last weekend, around 9PM, I became a witness of the awfully terrible crime of bike stealing. It happened just across my home, at the student halls, when the sun was beginning to wrap up its last few beams.

Two men. Since my room is facing the student halls, I clearly saw how the guys took bikes from a row of bikes parked on the rack. First, they monitored the surroundings for human presence - the usual step to a perfect crime. When assured that no one was within distance of them, they started to force open the bicycle locks, one after the other. I am not sure how they took the chains out, if they had metal cutters or what. I am certain though that the bikes were not theirs. They managed to steal two at first and took them somewhere to the other side of the hall. Few moments later, they came back for the rest of the bicycles and I saw that they were joined by two women.

This time, I armed myself with my cam and took a video of the ongoing heinous crime (heinous...hahaha). I suddenly turned into Agent 007. If I would want to, I could report the incident to the police. But I decided to keep it here on my blog and let the police discover this blog first before they would discover the crime. I bet they are monitoring my posts for updates on Brookings.

Watch the video. Or report this link to the police.

Labels: ,

Continue Reading >>>

posted by talk

at 7/24/2007 06:55:00 PM Permalink

|
Related Posts with Thumbnails