Billie Jean King, a Champion still championing great cause

Where do you start with a champion like Billie Jean King? Her incredible tennis career? Her decades of fighting for social change and equality?

Billie Jean King’s legendary career in sports does seem to be eclipsed only by her endless efforts on behalf of the rights and dignity of people across the globe. The American icon spoke Tuesday night as part of the Smart Talk series at the Civic Center of Des Moines. She continued to champion a commitment to worthy causes.

King retired from competitive tennis 19 years ago, but it’s hard not to highlight some accomplishments on the court: 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon. Starting as a 15-year-old in 1959 in her debut at the U.S. Championships, King gained international recognition just two years by winning the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon. Things just got better: for one 10-year period from 1966 through 1975, King won

• 12 Grand Slam singles titles
• 9 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, and
• 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.

On March 24, 2009 at the Civic Center of Des Moines, Billie Jean King paid little homage to these statistics, instead focused on lessons learned in her extraordinary life.

Three themes framed her message -

• Accept and cherish the relationships in your life.
• DON’T make assumptions. About yourself, or others.
• Accept pressure as a privilege.

King, (named “one of the 100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century” by Life Magazine in 1990), emphasized the work that still needs to be done to achieve equality in all facets of our culture. The crusader for women’s sports, told of her passion for empowering others with “micro financing”, where small loans to entrepreneurs in poor countries can “change generations” of poverty. Of course, King has been helping people stand on their own two feet for decades – whether fighting for Title 9, or for equal rights for the Gay and Lesbian (GLBT) community.

Crowd favorite’s on Tuesday night included her illustrious victory over Bobby Riggs in 1973, dubbed the “Battle of the Sexes”, and how at the last minute she decided not to just crush opponent Riggs, but to run him all over the court. And of course her 37 year relationship with Sir Elton John, and how the #1 hit and homage to King, Philadelphia Freedom, came to be. The song was played at her entrance and exit from the Civic Center stage.

Following up in the “Meet and Greet” after the show, Billie Jean was generous and attentive to her fans, talking freely about family, human rights, her favorite tennis moment, and expressing a love for Bigelow Tea. Once she signed everything, from her latest book Pressure is a Privilege to several tennis racquets, it was clear that her championship ways included the message from her presentation, that the most important relationship is being comfortable with yourself.

Photo by flickr by The Heart Truth

Article written by David Borzo

State Historical Museum of Iowa

And a good time was had by all.

The State Historical Museum of Iowa is a wonderful place. Visit frequently

• by yourself
• with your children
• with your grandchildren

Use any excuse.

They are quite pleased to tell you that they are open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s a credit to them; they serve the public first.

The museum has permanent exhibits and changing exhibits, and they are all very well done. One exhibit that seems to be a sure hit traces the history of people in Iowa and their connections to our natural resources. That’s where the buffalo above is found, along with loons, foxes, raptors, and other Iowa creatures.

When you first enter the museum, you are greeted by a mammoth skeleton. When I was there Tuesday that prompted the question, “Was it really that big?” Mammoths ranged from 9′ to 15′ tall and roamed the Midwest during the Ice Age. Read up at the museum’s site or go see for yourself.

There are also artifacts and modern representations of Native American cultures including a walk through bark shelter. While I went through it four times in both directions, my unofficial 7 year old guide was leading a fast-paced tour, and some of the details have escaped me – a decent docent nonetheless.

If you like local history Patten’s Neighborhood is terrific.

And you can visit a few exhibits on-line.

I went to the museum on Tuesday for the Irish Fest and did something for the first time: I got a green stegosaurus spray painted on my face. I thought it matched my personality.

Keep posted about the goings-on at the State Historical Museum. Until you get there, you won’t know how good it is – so go.

• visit the museum
• visit the gift shop
• use their archives
• use their libraries and special collections
• check out the education resources
• visit their remote historic sites away from Des Moines
• check out their historic preservation program
• read their publications
• volunteer and get involved

You can even rent space!

Or you can read what I said last year.

photos by James Lindberg and the Purple Wren

Iowa Barnstormers, Kurt Warner, Hips

It’s feeling more like spring than winter. Aren’t we all waiting for the crack of the bat? Well, in Des Moines we’re going to hear the crack of the helmets and pads first. It’s time for the Iowa Barnstormers and its league af2 (not to be confused with Des Moines’ earlier league affiliation Arena Football).

Iowa Barnstormers

• first game on March 27, 2009 in Milwaukee against the Milwaukee Iron (Too bad Newton doesn’t have a team; they could be the Newton Washers.)
• first home game on Saturday April 4 2009 against the Tulsa Talons, Wells Fargo Arena.
• tickets are listed as $12, $15, $19, $26, $42, and $58
• As of 3/19/2009 the prices are listed but the seating chart is not available, but I am sure they will post that information soon. Wouldn’t ya’ think?

I went to a Barnstormers game a few years ago. It’s quite entertaining. It’s rough like college and professional football, but it is faster paced, smaller field, closer (hence more personal), higher scoring, and – the out of bounds? – well, as you can see out of bounds is the wall.

There are a few regional names on the roster

• Tim Dodge (Rockwell City and Iowa)
• Jason Ripke (Newell and Simpson)
• DeAndre Jackson (ISU)
• Pete Traynor (Iowa)
• Donva Louder (Graceland)
• Mike Matthes (Williamsburg and UNI)
• Joe Brannen (Colo and Coe)
• Dusty Cain (Prairie City and Simpson)
• Tanner Varner (Ottumwa and UNI)
• J. J. Payne (Davenport)
• Eric Rothwell (Iowa)
• Charles Johnson (Cedar Falls and UNI)

Of course the Iowa Barnstormer and local boy we most like to remember is Kurt Warner (CR Regis and UNI) who went from Hy-Vee sacker to DE sackee in just a few short years. In case you missed it, Warner is making a few million dollars along the way (quite a few actually). He has won several MVP awards in the NFL and one in the Super Bowl. Kurt Warner had some surgery on his hip yesterday; it’s officially reported as hip labrum arthroscopic surgery. Want a nice description of what causes a hip labrum tear and how it gets fixed? The surgeon (who also repaired a damaged Alex Rodriguez), reported that he removed a few loose fragments from Warner’s hip.

Loose fragments happen.

According to the Arizona Cardinal site, Warner was up and on a stationary bike within hours but will miss the minicamp.

At any rate you’ll be able to see the Iowa Barnstormers in action soon. They play at Wells Fargo Arena.

photo by flickr by brood_wich

Beer, breweries, and food science

Do you think you know everything there is to know about beer? Maybe, maybe not, but you will have a chance on Wednesday night to find out.

Dr. Robert Bates is a food scientist and one smart guy. He will be visiting Simpson College to talk about:

• The Chemistry and Alchemy of Brewing
• Wednesday, March 18, 2009
• 7:30 pm
• 215 Carver Science Center (on the map)
• Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa

Dr. Bates retired in 2003 after a 35 year career at the University of Florida in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. He is such a popular speaker that he has been on tour for the American Chemical Society giving many talks each year. He is visiting as a guest of the Ames Section of the ACS, Iowa State, and Simpson; his local host at Simpson is Professor Cliff Meints of the Chemistry Department (515/961-1828 or cliff.meints@simpson.edu).

Here is the press release on the talk:

Beer making, one of the oldest examples of biotechnology, is a fascinating study of chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering. It combines well recognized and controllable reactions and operations with complex, poorly understood phenomena, including the psychosensory response. Surprisingly, some of the most sophisticated science and technology are employed in the efficient production of mass advertised, mediocre beers. In contrast, traditional alchemy-driven methods can produce exceptional yet under-recognized beers. Fortunately, there is an achievable balance between these extremes. This presentation will cover the brewing process from raw material selection and preparation through fermentation to consumption. Emphasis will be on major pathways employed by brewers to produce a wide range of beers. These are exciting times for brewers and beer connoisseurs in the U.S. Future industry developments of relevance to consumers will be mentioned. With dedication and practice, the average chemist can brew above-average beers; so can the experienced kitchen alchemist.

It’s a short trip. Take advantage.

photo by flickr by pete4ducks

St. Patrick’s Day in Des Moines, O’Iowa

The folks at the State Historical Museum have a little green up their sleeve. Last year was their first annual Irish Fest in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. It was quite the family event, and true to their word they will do it again! It is quite the event:

• music (Barn Owl Band, The Foy Irish Dancers, Flatland Ramblers, Mackenzie Highlanders, Aran Daughters)
• dancing – learn some!
• art
• workshops

Want to see what they did last year? It is a definite winner!

I love a parade, and there’s going to be a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Des Moines.

• noon, Tuesday, March 17, 2009
• St. Patrick’s Day
• along Locust Street from 15th Street going east to the Embassy Suites

Who would be better with the parade details than the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick?

But remember. Don’t report back to work with green foam on your upper lip!

If you’re not in Des Moines, check this list of St. Patrick’s Day parades worldwide.

photo by flickr by toyohara and Dave Schumaker and Allen’s Vision

Iowa Boys Basketball State Tournament 2009

It begins with a youngster and a basketball and it ends with the state tournament.

The Iowa Boys Basketball State Tournament is being held March 9-14, 2009 at Wells Fargo Arena (directions). There’s a great week of games coming up. Don’t miss it!

The schedule and brackets

The results

photo by flickr by flasporty

Massage

Doesn’t everyone love a massage?

The Mayo Clinic supports massage for relief of stress and pain as well as for promotion of the healing of various medical conditions. You may find a host of massage therapists locally using the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) website including therapists in Ankeny, Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, or many other communities across the country., or you can find many more in the Yellow Pages.

Jennifer Main (owner of Massage Heights in Ankeny, a franchise headquartered in San Antonio, Texas) would prefer that you visit Massage Heights. She passed along the following comments about the benefits of massage.

For many, thoughts of having a massage conjure up images of getting a relaxing rubdown in a lavish beachside resort.

While massages may have been more of a luxury item in the past, today more and more American’s are getting massages because of their health related benefits.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 36 percent of adult Americans who received a massage in the past 5 years did so for medical purposes, such as for muscle soreness and spasm, injury recovery and rehabilitation, and pain relief.

Besides helping to relieve pains associated with things like muscle soreness and back pain, there are also several other not as commonly known health benefits of a massage.

Other benefits include boosting the body’s immune system, easing post-operative pain, reducing headache frequency, easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and decreasing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Massages have even been shown to decrease pain and anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients.

With all of these benefits, healthcare professionals are more frequently promoting the benefits of massage therapy to their patients.  Last year, the AMTA reported that 13 percent of adult Americans discussed massage therapy with their doctors, with more than half of those doctors strongly recommending it.

So when thinking of a way to reduce stress and relieve some of those aches and pains at the same consider visiting your local massage therapist.

photos by flickr by zen118

DOA in Iowa

In the State of Iowa the Department of Elder Affairs is changing its name to Department on Aging. Local politicos think that the acronym DOA is too much of an in-your-face reminder. They are falling all over themselves trying not to use it.

The change from elder affairs to aging was made in order to conform with the names of federal agencies dealing with the elderly. Reuters reports that Iowa’s elder affairs chief John McCalley will not use the DOA acronym; he favors DA. That’s very sensitive of him. It’s bad enough to be feeling a little arthritic. We surely don’t want to be heading through a door that says DOA !

On the other hand DOA has a nice ring to it.

• It is a medical term, dead on arrival, meaning that a person was already dead upon the arrival of medical personnel. Oops. Sorry. That’s the reminder we’re trying to avoid here, isn’t it?
• D.O.A. was a 1950 movie, and if you remember it, you have business with the Department of Elder Affairs.
• It was also a 1988 movie and If you only saw the D.O.A. remake with Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, try the DONQOTH BC, Department of Not Quite Over the Hill, But Close.
• If you think DOA stands for Dogbert Outplacement Agency (Dilbert), you probably have a sense of humor that allows you to think Iowa’s DOA flap is funny.
• If you think that DOA stands for the band Disciples of Annihilation with hits like Ya Mutha and Pound Down on Your Brain, I’m sure you’re not reading this blog.

In the meantime, don’t take yourself too seriously.

photo by flickr by Mike Licht