Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association

If you don’t win the Powerball this Saturday (an estimated $140 million) and still want to bring home some cash then you might want to head out to Hoosier Park Racing and Casino on Super Bowl Sunday. During the Colts game on Sunday they will be raffling off $500 every 15 minutes. Imagine the feeling you will have after the Colts bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Indianapolis and you are coming home $500 richer. Doesn’t sound like a bad time to me. And even if you don’t win one of the $500 drawings it doesn’t mean you can’t bring home some dough from some of their 2,000 slots and e-table games.

Aside from gambling, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino has nine restaurants and lounges including a first-class steakhouse and expansive buffet. They have plenty of high-definition TVs so you won’t miss a minute of the big game. And not to mention you will be kicking back and enjoying some ice cold beverages while you watch and play to win.

Hoosier Park is just minutes north of Indianapolis off of I-69 at 4500 Dan Patch Circle in Anderson. They are Indiana’s first-ever, one-stop destination for gaming, racing, dining, and entertainment.

If there is one place in Indianapolis that offers you a truly die hard Colts experience 365 days a year it is the Blue Crew Sports Grill. They take Colts football serious and as soon as you walk in you will know why. They have memorabilia covering their walls with pictures, jerseys and horseshoes everywhere you look. Not to mention they have a Mack fire truck in the parking lot that is decked out in blue and white.

This Super Bowl weekend they will be celebrating in style like only die hard Colts fans can. On Saturday they will have a huge tent outside with music from the Daniel Joseph Band from 2-5 p.m. The tent holds up to 600 people; it will have tables, televisions, and my favorite…a draft beer truck parked right next to it. There will also be plenty drink specials as well as some pretty cool prize giveaways for those in attendance.

Blue Crew Sports Grill is located at 7035 East 96th Street on Indy’s north side. Having the Colts represent our city in the Super Bowl isn’t an everyday occurrence. So if you want to want to have a Super Bowl experience that you will never forget I suggest checking it out. It's a smoke free environment so feel free to bring the whole family and the kids because Colts fans of all ages will appreciate this shrine to Indianapolis football.

I have lived in the state of Indiana my whole life. The funny thing is, my state capitol held zero importance until later in my life. I grew up in South Bend, tucked in the norther part of the state. Chicago was much closer than Indianapolis and when I thought "big city" I gravitated to the third coast. When it came to sports I was a Cubs/Bulls/Bears fan. In fact, I dressed up as Jim McMahon for halloween in the fourth grade (shades, sweatband...the whole 9 yards).

These days, I live and breathe Indianapolis on a daily basis. It amazes me that, though I was not far away, I had no real impression of this great city as a kid. I think this speaks to the strides that Indy has made since the early eighties. And, I think a lot of those strides can be attributed to the rise of Indianapolis as a sports city. Particularly, I think the Indianapolis Colts have helped put this city on the map and boost our national profile.

I have heard a lot of people question the economic impact of having an NFL franchise. This became a big issue just a few years ago when plans were put forth to build Lucas Oil Stadium. Fast forward to today, and you can't turn on the television without hearing the word "Indianapolis." The Colts are gearing up to beat on the New Orleans Saints in this Sunday's Super Bowl and the buzz is palpable. Grabbing headlines and getting press on a national scale is tough work, but the Colts make it easy. The name of our once sleepy town is now rolling off of tounges across the globe. If you don't think there is great value in that then you're not thinking. I heard the other day that a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl is going for over $2 million. Yet, our city is getting lip service around the clock for free. Cha-ching.

In addition to PR value I also witnessed first-hand the immense spending that took place just two weeks ago due to this great run by our team. The AFC Championship was taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium and downtown Indianapolis was packed. Bars and restaurants had lines wraped around the block and hotels were full. Money was flowing and it was directly benefiting not only the establishments, but the front-line hospitality employees who made a killing that day.

My last point is the least measurable. Every time I step into an elevator or simply walk the streets lately, I share a bond with the people I pass. We are united as a city behind our team. It's a group of outstanding men that have represented us proudly on and off the field. On behalf of the citizens of this city all I can say is thanks for all that you do and we are confident that you'll make us proud on Sunday. Go Colts!

Planning a Super Bowl party is something most men take a lot of pride in. It's important they have the best beer, the best food, and the biggest TV. Call it an ego booster, but to us it's one of the few chances we get to impress guests. Standard light beer can usually get the job done but when it comes to meat there's no room to slack. The difference between frozen and fresh meat is undeniably a pivotal choice when hosting. So let me share with you a certain place in Indianapolis that will elevate you above your competitors in terms of food. That place is Claus’s German Sausage and Meats. Starting today (Wednesday) at 3 p.m. they will be selling “Colts Blue” brats until 3 p.m. on Saturday. They are $4.55 per pound, the same price as their traditional white brats.

Claus’ German Sausage and Meats is located on the south end of Fountain Square at 1845 South Shelby Street, only two miles from downtown Indianapolis. And if brats aren’t your cup of tea then don’t worry because they have plenty of other options. Claus’ specializes in beef, pork, veal & lamb products, homemade German sausage, lunch meat, and fresh & smoked meats. They also cure and smoke their own meat. You can't say that about many places.

So if you’re looking to wow your guests this Super Bowl Sunday then you’re going to need some top notch food. And nothing will impress them like quality meat from a trusted Indianapolis meat shop. Especially one that bleeds blue.

I don't really care if Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday or not.  If rodents were really that skilled in weather forecasting, I'd prefer Mickey Mouse on the evening news to a groundhog anyway.  All I know is that the days are getting longer and I've spotted the sun over the last couple of weeks.  So I have hope that spring is just around the corner and before you know it, we'll be out and about showing that groundhog with all of those bearded friends what's up.

If the weather's not warm enough for you yet (or it's a rainy SPRING day), may I suggest a little free outing for you?  Catch the Indianapolis Art Center's newest exhibit: Art from the Heartland.  It features more than 70 works of 50 different talented artists all here from our very own "backyard" - Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio.  The mediums are varied but the works resonate with life.  And that life makes me think of spring.

You can catch the exhibit - which was juried by Paul Klein (An Art Letter) - between now and April 18th to see the best of the best from the Heartland.  The Indianapolis Art Center is located less than ten miles from downtown Indianapolis and often offers great free exhibits for visitors to enjoy.  I'm pretty sure they don't let men wearing top hats who are carrying groundhogs in, though.

Can’t make it to Miami for the Super Bowl this Sunday? Yeah, me neither. But have no fear because there are plenty of places in Indianapolis where you can cheer for the Colts while getting your eat and drink on for the big game.

Scotty’s Brewhouse will be partying all day long come Super Bowl Sunday. They will have $10 60oz blue Coors Light pitchers, $10 all-you-can-eat wings, and autographed Indianapolis Colts apparel giveaways! They have two Indianapolis locations, downtown on Virginia and one on the north side at 96th St. Scotty’s has quickly become a popular spot here in Indianapolis and is embraced by many of the city’s locals. From supporting local breweries to all of our city’s sports teams, Scotty’s Brewhouse has become one of Indy’s biggest fans.

So let's recap:
What: Super Bowl
Where: Scotty’s Brewhouse
When: Super Bowl Sunday
What: $10 60oz blue Coors Light pitchers and $10 all-you-can-eat wings plus special Colts giveaways.

Check back in the rest of the week to see other recommendations for good times and good deals on Super Bowl Sunday.

I suppose you might be thinking I have free tickets to give away to the Super Bowl (I wish).  While they might not be for the biggest game of the year, it's a good deal for a good cause, nonetheless. Let me break it down mathematical style to illuminate:

Indianapolis being a city that cares + a great number of awesome theaters in said city = a fabulous opportunity to expose young people to the arts.

Right now, several of the theaters located in and around downtown Indianapolis are offering youth a chance to see productions for free.  Actors Theatre of Indiana, Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and the Phoenix Theatre have all agreed to balance the equation of introducing youth to performing arts.  Tickets are available to those between the ages of 13 and 19.  There are a set number of tickets, too so if you're interested, don't delay.  Contact one of these theatres today to see which dates/performances have available tickets.

Who knows, you just might have a Shakespeare, a costume designer, a lighting expert, or an avid theatre fan living under your roof who just doesn't know it yet.  Add a little something to his or her life with a free ticket and make that equation infinitely better.

Cold weather might be keeping you inside more than usual if you live in the Indianapolis area.  And if you're like me, you begin to look at the walls and realize your house is due for an update.  If you're even more like me, you realize you have no idea where to begin when it comes to DIY home updates.  What colors should you choose?  What materials are best?  And my biggest question, when is it best to go the most economical route and when will that actually cost you more in the long run to spend less on home repairs.  

At some point, no number of hours of watching HGTV will make up for having real live people to answer your questions and show you what works best.  Right now, if you find yourself in such a quandry, head to the Indianapolis Home Show just outside of downtown Indianapolis at the Indiana State Fair Ground.  From January 29th - February 7th, you can get expert advice, see an amazing Centerpiece Home constructed by Davis Homes, meet designer supa stars like Paul Dimeo and Shari and Matt from "Room by Room," and most exciting to me is that Sarah the Thrifty Decor Chick will be on hand to share special ways to decorate big while spending small.  Go here for all of the details.

Tickets are $12 at the door but if you buy them online, you can save $3!  So get off the couch and stop staring at that crack in the ceiling (she says to herself), and head to the Home Show to be inspired and educated.

A few days ago, I was sharing about all of the great menu prices at many downtown restaurants as a part of Open Wide: Devour Downtown Winterfest.  Now you have the opportunity to do more than just feed your face.  You can even have the chance to feed Flipper!

For starters, the lovely folks who put together Devour Downtown are running a special giveaway.  EVERY. Stinkin' Day. while the citywide event is going on, they're giving away a $30 gift certificate.  Your experience could be totally free, you lucky dog.  Go here to enter.  AND you also will be entered into the grand prize drawing which includes a behind the scenes experience at the Indianapolis Zoo where you get to feed the dolphins.  If you can find things to do in Indianapolis that are more awesome than that, let me know.  (Random side note: If you want to hear the Indianapolis Zoo's animals' predictions for the big game, go here).

Now if dining out isn't your thing or you're "Restaurant Free" yourself right now, then check out this offer from the Pacers.  For 2 games next week, you can get two (TWO!) tickets for only $30.  These seats are normally $80-$95 a piece.  Go here for details.  So you can see the Pacers take on the Raptors or the Pistons with a friend for less than what you'd normally pay on one ticket.  What a steal!  Devour this deal before it's gone.

Here in the Queendom, we have a very warm fuzzy and special place in our hearts for a little mischievous monkey and his best buddy who enjoys all things banana colored.  Don't believe me?  Here's what I could gather in five minutes from one room that proves our love.  



And I know for certain there's a rubbermaid tote full of other items in my garage.  We LOVE all things Curious George - so much that the Eldest Princess came home to a nursery filled with monkey love nearly 8 years ago.

If you're like us and love monkeying around, don't miss Curious George Live next week (2/5/10 - 2/7/10) at the Murat.  Unfortunately tickets aren't free; however, what kind of Queen would I be if I didn't share at least one or two ways to save some money if you want to take your little monkeys to see one big monkey?  For starters, check out this link where you can get special offers and updates from Curious George.  And if you can find it, there's also a free ticket offer inside of Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas DVDs.  Finally, here's a link with a code (not sure how long it will last) with a $5 off your ticket offer.

There are SO many things to do in Indianapolis with monkeys of all ages, just ask Lady Casey.  Now, if you'll excuse me I believe my youngest monkey has gotten into some mischief that I need clean up.  Luckily no bananas were injured.

It's Friday and I'm tired. You see, yesterday was the the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association's(ICVA) 2010 Annual Meeting. As the Creative Director for the ICVA I've gotten very little sleep in the last week building up to our big day at Conseco Fieldhouse. I hope my kids still recognize me when I return home. Anyhow, it was a major success and I woke up today filled with optimism about the coming year.

The theme of the event was "Right Now!" and it couldn't be more on point in terms of the forces shaping the city of Indianapolis. Step back for a moment and think about this. At a time of economic stress across the country we're adding an unprecedented amount of infrastructure.



Indianapolis International Airport - First impressions go a long way and our new airport is setting a new standard. Visitors are blown away and for good reason.

Lucas Oil Stadium - "The Luke" was home to the AFC Championship last week and will host the NCAA Men's Final Four in early April. We've also booked over 80 conventions utilizing this new addition to downtown.

Marriott Place - While most hotel projects are coming to a screeching halt Indy is moving forward with a 1,600+ room complex that is architecturally stunning. Within the conventions industry having a 1,000 room hotel is a must for consideration on top shows. The JW Marriott Indianapolis pushes to another tier and is an absolute game-changer.

Indianapolis Convention Center Expansion - For our industry this project is most pivotal. We are nearly doubling the amount of space available for hosting conventions. This is huge. When completed it will be connected via skywalk to 12 hotels. Again, this is huge. In fact, it will be connected to more hotels than any convention center in the country. When complete, this project moves us to entirely new competitive set and holds the promise of keeping downtown Indianapolis vibrant for decades to come.

We must appreciate how significant these projects are. In Indianapolis one out of every eight jobs is in the hospitality industry. This city's commitment to tourism insures that this economic train keeps rolling.

In addition to these projects there are oodles of other cool things happening this year:

Indianapolis Cultural Trail - An urban bike trail that it truly the first of it's kind. Two more legs will be completed in the coming year.

100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park - One of the largest museum contemporary sculpture parks in the United States opens this year at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The IMA is another institution that continues to raise the bar year after year.

Major exhibits - Barbie at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Cheetahs at the Indianapolis Zoo and Pistols at the Eiteljorg...to name a few. No shortage of things to do this year.

Sports - The Big Ten Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse, the NCAA Men's Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Centennial Era at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and more. There is plenty to cheer about this year in sports.

Right now is our time to shine and I hope Indy residents are proud. I also hope that anyone outside of Indianapolis pays a visit to see for themselves what is happening in this amazing city. We're good now but we are getting oh so very much better. Enjoy 2010...I know I will.

For more information on things happening in 2010 go to visitindy.com/rightnow.

Need something a little different to do this weekend? Getting tired of the same bar crawls? Bored with "Pokerface" blaring and people dancing on that "stage" at Brothers. (Yes, you all know what I speak of.)

Disclaimer: I have both danced on that stage AND deeply love Lady GaGa, thank you very much.

But moving on...

Several of my friends have told me about Melody Inn off 38th and Illinois Streets in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood and I think it's about time I go check it out. (Clearly NOT that old roller skating rink. Eesh. Creepy.)

From what I hear, Melody Inn is a great place to sit and enjoy live music, everything from indie to pop. Actually a friend of mine went to see a show there and ended up driving some toothless singer of the performing band around town until about 5 a.m. Hmm... but that is another story.

This weekend they'll be having a special event for John Barth who is running for City County Council. This guy must be pretty cool because the only people I know that frequent the joint are people... well, that are way cooler than me. And he is just all KINDS of connected. Twitter. Facebook. And now throwing a party at one of the coolest small venues in Indy. Social media AND a fan of great music?... A man after my own heart. 

The event is tomorrow at 7p.m. It starts with a networking event and then The Foster Grants will be performing until about 9:30 p.m. Seem to early to end the party? Don't worry, there are other bands playing until 11:30 p.m. 

So experience some Indy (indie) culture this weekend and head over to Melody Inn for some great beverages and good 'ol Saturday night fun.

I’m not hard to please when it comes to food, nor am I picky about what I eat. Thus, I don’t eat at nice restaurants very often. But recently I ate at one of the best seafood restaurants I think I have ever been to. I went to The Oceanaire Seafood Room in downtown Indianapolis. Easily the swankiest place I have been in years. Aside from the good food, the restaurant itself is an experience. From the charming waiters and waitresses to the classy atmosphere, they have everything you would want in a fine dining experience. The waiter encouraged me to get the Panamanian Mahi-Mahi Oscar and I am glad he did. I will swear by that stuff. But at a restaurant like this no matter what you get it's going to be delicious. Plus, you can’t help but feel as though you're rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. And since I’m not the least bit rich nor am I even close to being famous it was a great feeling to say the least.

And fellas, don't forget Valentine’s Day is coming up VERY soon. The Oceanaire is the perfect place to take your date. So if you want to impress your lady then make reservations for this place before they are all filled up. It will be a decision you (and she) won’t regret. It won’t be cheap, but for food like this, what do you expect? So don’t be a cheapskate and take her somewhere nice. She’s worth it.  You can check out their Valentine’s Day menu to see what they will be having.

So for the past couple of months we've had the privilege of hosting some rather impressive football games at Lucas Oil Stadium. Even though the Colts won't be showing off yet another victory on the home turf this weekend (they're saving that for Miami), there is still something worth checking out at LOS. This Saturday evening the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam will be heading to Lucas Oil Stadium. What is that you might ask? It’s a monster truck rally, duh. And it’s your weekend dose of manliness.

This year local favorites Tom Meents and Maximum Destruction will be taking on the infamous Grave Digger. Some of the other trucks include Superman, Blue Thunder, El Toro Loco, Bounty Hunter, an Escalade and plenty more exciting stuff. Don't miss the best monster trucks in the world showcase racing and phenomenal freestyle competition. The event starts at 7 p.m. but the Built Ford Tough Party in the Pits is from 2-5 p.m. You can buy tickets online or you can get them at the gate. Prices range from $15 to $125 and pit passes cost $10 but don’t wait until you get there because last year the tickets sold out in advance.

This past weekend some of my friends and I ventured into downtown Indianapolis the night before the big AFC Championship game between the Colts and the New York Jets. We headed down there for two reasons, A.) We wanted to partake in all of the excitement and banter going on between both cities' fans and B.) It was my friend Doug’s 23rd birthday. And downtown was packed! There was a great showing from Colts fans but seeing all of the New York fans made me feel like I was in the middle of a Jersey Shore Reunion. What up Snooki? Let’s just say the Jets fans lived up to every stereotype I could think of. Very entertaining as I’m sure you can imagine.

The birthday entourage laid claim to Kilroy’s Bar and Grill and we stayed there for the majority of the night. This was my first time going to Kilroy’s, a place I have heard so much about, especially from those who frequent their Bloomington location near the Indiana University campus. The place was awesome. Now I know why everyone loves it so much. Not to mention the place is huge…this coming from a guy who frequents the bars in Broad Ripple. (I love B-Rip, but they just aren’t that big.) It was nice to be in such a big place and see so many people having a great time. And for a downtown bar, drinks weren't all that expensive. So of course, I loved it.

It turned out to be a very successful birthday night for my friend Doug and a successful weekend for the city of Indianapolis as our Colts drilled the New York Jets and clinched a Super Bowl berth. Hopefully in two weeks I will be writing about the celebration in downtown Indianapolis after the Colts get another Super Bowl victory under their belts.

Hey Indianapolis! Does this look familiar?

For some reason this winter has been the dreariest I have ever experienced. It even led me to buy one of those fake sunlight lamps that I bake in front of for a while several times throughout the day. And if the sun dares to peek through for even a moment? I'm lying in the sunny patch on my floor like a very large sun starved lizard.

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm not part bear because the idea of curling up in a ball and sleeping until this weather is gone? IS AWFULLY APPEALING.

But alas, life must go on, dreary damp weather or not. So with that I give you some pretty places to be. Places to remind you that warmth and green and color will return soon enough to our dreary Midwest sadland.

First? Garfield Park Conservatory. About ten minutes South of downtown Indianapolis and free you can escape here on your lunch break to enjoy the Koi or just breathe in some humid air that is well above freezing. Feel free to walk around and around and around until you've convinced yourself that cloudy skies will pass and green will come again.



Also downtown but not free (unless you have a membership which if you have kids hello you should) is White River Gardens and the zoo. I'm shocked at how many people frequent the zoo but never make the two minute walk over to White River Gardens. Similar to Garfield Park you can walk around in this warm lush oasis as well until you feel refreshed. Also? You think the zoo is just for sunny weather? Head into the deserts pavilion and you'll be pushing lizards off rocks just so you can feel the sweet sweet warmth of dry heat (I hail from a desert originally, so that dry heat is like a gentle massage to my chilled bones.)



Last and also free is the IMA and Lilly Gardens, now the outdoor gardens may not be all that fantastic, but there's always the greenhouses. Full of orchids and lovely things that bloom. If you have longer to wander, head over to the IMA and imagine yourself in some of the paintings. With the last few weeks I swear I can feel the warmth radiating off the pictures of our beach vacation. Priceless works of art are no different to a sunshine starved soul.

Not only do I like to score things for free (and help you do the same) but upon occasion, I like to issue myself a little "free" challenge to see if I can succeed.  Let me explain.  Here in the Queendom for the past 4 years, I've been soda/coke/pop free.  What started out as a little abstention turned into permanent habit (probably for my betterment).  We've gone tv-free before.  On January 1, we went white flour/white sugar free.  And we're also in a period of being "restaurant-free."  For the last 27 days, we haven't dined at a restaurant.  Almost every year - for both financial and health reasons - we try to stay out of restaurants during the month of January.

It doesn't sound like much of a sacrifice until you consider all of the yummy restaurants Indianapolis has to offer!  Thank goodness next week is February AND that Open Wide: Devour Downtown Winterfest is going on right now.  What is Devour Downtown?  I'm so glad you asked!

Devour Downtown is Indy's biggest showcase of amazing food and drink at a much lower price than usual.  It happens twice a year and we're in the midst of the winterized version.  From January 26th - February 6th, high end restaurants drop their prices to either $30/person or $30 for 2 (depending on locations which you can check out here along with links to their special menus).  Last year, we were overwhelmed with great food (and lots of it) and service at Scotty's Brewhouse.  This year, I'm hoping we can squeeze in a trip to BARrcelona Tapas.  Sir Jeff has raved about it and it truly sounds like my kind of place.  YUM-O.

You can't just swing through the Drive Thru after 31 days of being restaurant free.  You've got to go somewhere unique.  And luckily right now, you don't have to pay big bucks for a fabulous meal!

I come to you as a seasoned veteran of kiddie shows. Some involving ice skates, some involving trampolines and all of them involving sequins.

Our first "show" was the circus. Addie fell asleep by the end of it.



There were a few puppet shows and plays sprinkled in here and there, we also went back to the circus, but the next big show was Sesame Street Live. Elmo, Cookie Monster, the whole gang. I hate to admit it but I'm pretty sure the only person who liked it more than me was my friends two year old (she's in THAT Elmo phase, every parent knows of the Elmo phase I speak of.)

We then hit up The Wiggles. Wow. The Wiggles. Really there are no words for The Wiggles live and in the flesh except "Hot Potato Hot Potato!" (And others, but let's keep this family friendly, the point is my friend and I survived with battle stories and Addie and her little friend loved it.)

To tell the truth I was a little bummed I was out of town when The Imagination Movers came through Indy, that Smitty, always thinking.

We did hit up Disney on Ice Celebrations. Aside from the fact our tickets were stinkers, I managed to get a little teary at all the Disney Magic.

Why do I tell you all of this? Because we are the parents. Sometimes we have to do things for our kids that make us want to tear our ears out. Other times we do things more because we want to do them but we have the excuse of "OH MY KID TOTALLY WANTS TO DO THAT." (For example, I could watch Princess and the Frog over and over and over...but I don't, because I'm almost 30. And almost 30 year olds sitting alone in theaters crying over dead cartoon bugs is not really healthy. So I bring along the five year old and balance is restored.)

Whether Curious George is your thing or not, your kids are going to love this new Curious George Live show that will be going on at the Murat Theater Friday February 5 through Sunday the 7th. I consider myself a bit of an expert with kids shows at the Murat and I can safely say that anywhere in the balcony is the place to be. So whether you consider a singing monkey equal with Harry Connick Jr. serenading you or you rank it right up there with bamboo under your fingernails...take it from this survivor...DO IT FOR THE KIDS.

A week from Sunday night, I'm guessing you won't be able to reach most Indianapolis residents.  They might be home but they're not going to answer your calls, texts, or e-mail alerts.  If they're not in Miami, everyone will be gathering around the best flat screen they can find to cheer on the Colts.  

I'm thrilled to see the excitement (not to mention free Indianapolis events) that will flood the streets in the next week and a half.  Everyone will be caught up in the spirit.  You'll be seeing blue everywhere you go.  Jerseys will become appropriate on days other than casual Friday.  You might even spot Blue or Colts Cheerleaders around the city, getting everyone amped for the big game!

And I'm sure Mayor Ballard and Governor Daniels will place some sort of friendly bet with Mayor Nagin and Governor Jindal.  A little rivalry is fun.  But I have to admit I smiled VERY big when I read this blog post on the Twitter Smack Talk going on between the Indianapolis Museum of Art (one of the best free Indianapolis attractions in my opinion) and the NOMA.  These directors are serious about their hometown teams.  I wish I was more cultured than I am, because I'm pretty sure this is some serious SMACK being thrown down.  And I have to say I'm more than a little bit proud of Max Anderson - director of the IMA.  He knows without a doubt that the Colts can get the job done.

So in the next week, show you Believe in Blue as much as Max does!

Can I get this out of the way first?  GO COLTS!  

I think I've shared with you before my passion for history.  I'm also passionate about helping children (both my own and the children of others) learn about the past (both my own and the history of others).  It's more than simply teaching history in order to avoid repeating.  There's beauty in everyone's story.  If you can't find that beauty, you're either asking the wrong questions or researching the wrong angle.  

If you'd like to learn how to teach children about researching their own personal family history, you won't want to miss this!  Check out the great workshop the Indiana State Library is offering on January 28th from 5:30 - 6:30 PM entitled "Introducing Family History Research to Children."  I can see this as valuable for both parents and teachers.

Have you been in the State Library before?  I feel like it's one of the lesser known Indianapolis attractions that doesn't get enough press.  It's a place that just breathes history and peace.  It. is. beautiful.  So even if you can't make this workshop, be sure to check out the other programs, events, and exhibitions they offer.  Or simply go for a quiet afternoon with a book.  They have lots of them there.  Or play with the microfiche and think of me.