Tuesday, May 30, 2006

 

MLA 2006 in Phoenix, Arizona

Many thanks to all the attendees - the presenters and the gatherers, the first timers and the old timers! Without you, there would be no MLA. We hope you liked Phoenix, and had lots of Phoen:-).

Many thanks to the MLA staffers who worked all hours, and made this a memorable meeting!

We appreciate your presence, and hope to see you all next year in Philadelphia!

The MLA LAC, Phoenix
 

The Party's Over...


Is it time to send in the clowns?

Some memories:
See many great photos at: http://www.mlanet.org/am/photo/ and consider contributing your own!

Remember to complete your evaluation to help us all learn for next year.

Check back here for LAC photos!

See you in Philadelphia!!!

Friday, May 19, 2006

 

Hold on to your hats on Monday evening!

UPDATED
Sports Mania in Phoenix on May 22
Monday night in downtown Phoenix will be seeing a lot of hopping and bopping, not to mention boisterous, lively and wild action: The ball will be in play! Get to the bar (or hotel lobby) early to be sure you have a good seat!

Basketball
Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinal playoff basketball series will be in Phoenix at the US Airways Center, with a start time of 7 or 7:30, between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. Google sources for Suns (Clippers) Tickets. Friday prices were $95 to $4,400 each.

Baseball

At the same time, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at 6:40. Many MLA'ers will be going to the Baseball Game.

According to some members of the LAC, when Phoenix wins, the party will begin in downtown Phoenix as both venues are only a few blocks from the conference hotels! If the Clippers win, we may also see some action!

No matter if your preference is the Pittsburgh Pirates, LA Clippers or the wonderful local teams - Be ready to go out and party!!!!!

Thursday, May 18, 2006

 

Phoenix Weather Update - May 18, Thursday!



Well, colleagues, the rain has come and gone, and the heat is rising...remember your hats, dark glasses, sunscreen, and maybe even an umbrella-for the sun! It's a bit of a walk to the CC from the hotels.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

 

Umbrellas, anyone?


It's raining in Phoenix...amazing.
 

Want to talk about Liaison Librarianship?

Join us Monday, May 22, 8:30pm at Seamus McCaffrey Irish Pub, 18 W. Monroe (walking distance from the conference I am told).

It seems that many of our libraries either have (or are considering) liaison programs to departments, some fairly recent and others well established. Anyone interested in discussing in a very informal way the "tips and tricks" of the trade is welcome to join me -- and I will even pick up a "pint" for the first ten liaisons who arrive. For this one, it would be helpful to know roughly how many might show, as it isn't a really large place (if the number is more than 30ish, alternative location might have to be arranged).

Posted on behalf of Terrance M. Burton, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 608-262-5943, tburton@library.wisc.edu

Check out the Pub at: http://www.seamusmccaffreys.com/seamus/default.aspx

Monday, May 15, 2006

 

Phoenix Weather Update - Week of May 14+


It's continuing to warm up, though the mornings and evenings are delightful!




From: http://www.azcentral.com/weather/

Sunday, May 14, 2006

 

Driving (and Parking) in Phoenix

If you are coming to MLA by car, or plan to rent for one day or several:

Maps
To Downtown - interactive map
Yahoo
MLA Links
Google

Parking costs
Downtown
Convention Center parking garages - $5-10.00 per event
Copper Plaza - Shop or Eat, & perhaps get your parking ticket validated

Hotels

Phoenix Hyatt - $14/day
Wyndham Phoenix - $14/day
Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Midtown - Complimentary parking, (free shuttle)
SpringHill Suites - Complimentary parking
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Phoenix/Downtown - Complimentary parking

Renting a car
  1. Airport rental locations tend to charge a dollar or five more per day to cover their location expense.
  2. The hotel concierge / desk crew are your friends, except that you have to give them $2.00 for help.
  3. Travel web sites such as Kayak, Mobissimo, Sidestep, or Travelocity can help you find a deal.
  4. Bring your frequent flyer number when you rent a car for extra miles.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

 

Ghold, Ghosts and Ghost Towns

Where's the gold?
Hunt for Lost Dutchman Mine over in Superstition Mountain looming to the east.... Find the cavern lined with gold nuggets, or join the hordes of spirits haunting the hills. After all, someone has to find the mine someday - why not you?

Ghosts
Stand on the corner, looking for shade .. the shades of the lost. (Although anyone who stands out in the sun in Phoenix in mid-May is likely to start seeing things :-)
Sighting Sites

Ghost Towns
Change ... Most ghost towns in Arizona were mining communities, abandoned when the ore ran out; others were railway depots, cowtowns or farming communities that came on hard times. Few, if any, are haunted; they are merely empty, with only dust and wind haunting their streets.
Sources
Haunted Phoenix
Shadownlands

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

 

Antiquing in Glendale, Arizona

Glendale is where Arizona antiquing is at. It has over 100 antique shops, and both USA Today and Sunset Magazine recommend Glendale shopping. Not only antiques, but also used books and fine cuisine are offered. Downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale also offer antique shops, mixed with arts and food.

Sunset story
Phoenix antiques - Explore three shop-filled neighborhoods (10/04)

For crafters, Glendale has a great bead museum.

Rent a car or share a cab. Glendale is about 9 miles from the Convention Center.
Map

Monday, May 08, 2006

 

Phx Weather, week of May 8+


Looks like we will hit 100 by Thursday. They've been incorrect before, however.
 

Museums

May is Museum Month - 2-for-1 admissions through May 31 - so go with a friend!

Phoenix's leading museums are

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

 

Failte! Irish Spring Fundraiser-Music, Dancing, Food - Sunday, the 21st

On Sunday, May 21st, Noon - 4pm, enjoy Irish Spring, a rousing celebration of Irish music and dance, presented by the Arizona Irish Festival. This event will launch the Festival’s Early Bird ticket promotion. Join us for this taste of Irish fun and culture at the Irish Cultural Center, 1106 North Central Avenue in Phoenix - about ten blocks from the Convention Center.

Irish Spring will offer non-stop entertainment from noon till 5pm. Performers include Black Velvet Band, Blackwood, John Good and Sheila Maguire, Pat McCrossan and Brazen Heads. Dancers from Irish dance schools such as the Celtic Dance Academy and McTeggart School of Irish Dance will also entertain. And guests can kick up their own heels in a traditional Ceili called by Sarah King.

Food and Drink

Donation: Adults $5. Children 6-12 years old $1, Children under 6 free

The Sixth Annual Arizona Irish Festival, like all of its predecessors, will benefit the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation (ICLF), a 501(c) 3 organization. The ICLF, housed at the Irish Cultural Center at 1106 North Central in Phoenix, provides programs, classes, exhibits and special events to share the history, music, art, dance, literature, drama, crafts, and language of Ireland and of the Irish in America with the people of Arizona. ICLF and the Cultural Center also provide a gathering place for Arizona’s other Celtic organizations and other community groups and activities.

For Further Information, contact:

Marketing Chairman James Weber
Telephone: 602-308-4601, Ext. 201
Email: publicity@azirishfestival.org

Press release posted on the Festival Web site: www.azirishfestival.org


Tuesday, May 02, 2006

 

Dine Around Restaurant Descriptions

See below, next story, for dates and details.

Mi Patio - Mexican
Posted by captaindback on 02/19/2006
Hot, inexpensive Mexican food in unpretentious surroundings. Understated but responsive waiters; any mistakes are promptly corrected. Friendly host/owner. Menu has all the standards plus a few spinach/feta dishes. Sounds Greek to me ; ) Undersized main room very casual - you'll feel fine in shorts and t-shirt. For relative intimacy, try the cozy nook in back. Dont visit to impress hard to please guests. Mi Patio is more like an old friend: reliable, decent, without any airs.
Pros: Hearty food, Comfortable,clean, CheapCons: NoneOverall user rating: Highly Recommended

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AZ Diamondbacks – Ballpark food (Note: the ballpark used to be called BOB, now known as Chase)

From: http://cityguide.aol.com/phoenix/entertainment/venue.adp?id=101794834
Best Food at the Park: Nearly a quarter- mile-long stretch of concession stands offers traditional eats such as popcorn, peanuts, cool brews, desert ices and signature Diamondback Dogs. Favorite chain chow selections include Blimpie, Ben & Jerry's, Garcia's, Little Caesar's and McDonalds. For a real splurge, check out appetizers at Hi-Tops Cafe or anything from the Jack Daniel's Grill at TGI Friday's Front Row Grill. -- Shelley Coriell

From: http://www.ballparkwatch.com/visits/bob.htm
Other smaller stands ringing the concourse offer fresh snacks (vegetables and cheese trays) and grilled-to-order sausages and brats. For a change of pace check out the concession stands near sections 130 and 325, where a "Visiting Team Special" -- such as a Dodger Dog -- is added to the menu for each series.If ballpark food doesn't grab you, there are third-party vendors who have opened up shop at the BOB: McDonald's (home of the $3 Big Mac), Desert Ice, Blimpie's, Little Caesar's, Garcia's (a local Mexican eatery) and Ben & Jerry's.The beer flows freely at the BOB. On draft at most concession stands is MGD, Miller Lite or Bud Light ($4 for a small beer, $7 for a large), while a few stands also serve Fat Tire beer, a microbrewed beer from Fort Collins, Colorado (of all places). There are many other beer stands where you can find Budweiser, Coors or Sonora (brewed by a Phoenix microbrewery) beers on tap. The same beer stands also have a wide selection of bottled beers ($4.75 for bottles, $8 for "bombers"), including Rolling Rock, Sam Adams, Corona, Fat Tire, Beck's, Beck's Dark, Heineken and Foster's. Other alcoholic beverages are served at the BOB as well, including wine, mixed drinks, and slush cocktails (frozen margaritas, strawberry daiquiris).

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Casino Arizona – Buffet

Elvis is alive and well and living on the Pima & Maricopa Indian Reservation at Casino Arizona .

A complete evening of fun, attend “Show Stoppers,” a 40 min. revue of
Impersonators of very famous performers, Elvis, Madonna, Temptations and more
Excellent free show, with a 2 drink minimum.(approx 5.00-6.00 total).

Eat at the Eagles Nest Buffet, for one of the best bargains in town, approx. 15.00, or at one on the other three restaurants at the Casino ranging from fine dining, to very light, fast fare.

If you feel lucky, you can play the slots, keno, or even Blackjack, there is a small lounge you can relax and listen to music. There is even a nice gift shop.

Free transportation from the Hyatt Hotel at 6:15 P.M.
Arrive at Casino Arizona in time to see the 7:00 P.M. Showstoppers Show.
Return transportation provided, plan for 3 or 4 hours.

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Cibo – Pizza/Wine Bar

The couple who helped popularize the salad/pizza/wine bar trend is now making a big splash in the revitalized Roosevelt historic district near downtown Phoenix. Karen and Tony Martingilio were trendsetters when they introduced Grazie in Scottsdale, and they haven't lost their touch. The charming Cibo ("food" in Italian) is in a beautifully restored 1913 home. The three intimate dining areas feature hardwood floors, exposed brick, a stained-glass panel and a fireplace. The modestly-priced food is first-rate, featuring fresh, locally-grown organic produce that highlights half a dozen salads. They're a prelude to a series of dynamite pizzas: thin-crust, slightly crisp and a bit chewy. The salads and the 12-inch pizzas are big and best shared if you order them both. Cibo's Capriccioso is loaded with ham, mushrooms, artichokes and olives. The Quatro Formaggi, a white pizza, offers a four-cheese melt of Fontina, Parmesan, pecorino and mozzarella. To better appreciate the delicious, fragrant tomato sauce, try the basic Margherita, with just cheese, sauce and basil. You can top it off with Cibo's incredible dessert crepes. -- Cecil Tuck from http://cityguide.aol.com/phoenix/dining/venue.adp?sbid=288159

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Cheuvront Wine and Cheese Café – International

State Senator Ken Cheuvront takes constituent service to a new level at his delightful cafe. Look for ancho pork empanadas, poached pear salad with walnuts and blue cheese, lamb loin rolled around bacon, spinach and figs and pissaladière, French tarts topped with likes of wild mushrooms and Gruyère. There's an outstanding cheese collection and interesting wine flights.
From: http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dining/RestaurantDetails.php?OccurrenceID=89320
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Wright’s – Contemporary American

Wright's at the Arizona Biltmore Resort sets its elegant and romantic atmosphere with Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, a garden patio and formal decor. Not romantic enough? Dine privately in either of the two wine cellars, which can be reserved for your most special occasion. The cuisine is contemporary and new American, with more than 750 available wine labels, Wright's has one of the largest cellars in the Valley.Although known for decadent desserts and seasonal Sunday brunches, Wright's dinners win praise from locals, critics and visitors. Notable selections include appetizers seared foie gras with ahi tuna and arugula and baby beet salad; entrees prime filet mignon Roquefort and citrus-crusted ahi tuna; and for dessert, Wright's Chocolate Tower and Blueberry Financier. An after-dinner stroll is all but required, and fortunately The Arizona Biltmore can provide for that as well, with lushly landscaped grounds and flower gardens.Dinner at Wright's may not be for the faint of checkbook, but with all that the resort and restaurant have to offer, you'll enjoy every minute of it. -- Jill McCabe from http://cityguide.aol.com/phoenix/dining/venue.adp?sbid=101811668
 

MLA '06 Dine-Arounds Being Planned...

The LAC is identifying Dine-Around opportunities for conference attendees. They will be offered Fri-Sunday evenings, and sign-up sheets will be at the Hospitality Center! We are still seeking hosts for each restaurant visit, so please consider offering to host. Descriptions of the restaurants are in a separate blog posting. If you want to host, please write to Molly at molly.harrington@chw.edu

MLA ’06 Dine-Around Schedule

Inexpensive

Friday
May 19
6:30 p.m.
Mi Patio, 3347 N. 7th Ave., Phx
2.6 miles from downtown Hyatt

Saturday
May 20
6:40 p.m.
AZ Diamondbacks Baseball Game
401 E. Jefferson, Phoenix
2 ½ blocks from Hyatt Hotel

Sunday
May 21
6:15 p.m.
Casino Arizona, 101 & McKellips, Scottsdale, 14 miles from Hyatt (free transportation)


Moderate to Expensive

May 19
6:30 p.m.
Cibo, 603 N. 5th Ave., Phx
1 mile from Hyatt
Molly Harrington

Saturday
May 20
6:30 p.m.
Cheuvront’s, 1326 N. Central, Phx
1 mile from Hyatt

Sunday
May 21
6:30 p.m.
Wright’s (Biltmore), 2400 E. Missouri St., Phx, 8 miles from Hyatt

Monday, May 01, 2006

 

Hot Hot Hot!!!



With 18 days to go, the Phoenix weather has turned a corner, one we face with a bit of dread each year. We're now looking at 3 digit temps...

So - please return to the blog on at least a weekly basis, and check out our weather at: http://www.azcentral.com/weather/ so you will be prepared. And...know that Zonies always carry water, wear dark glasses, hats, sunscreen, and seek shade!

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