An awesome analysis of how Dubuque landed the IBM project from Tom Daykin of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel today that discusses not only the intimate details of how the IBM-Dubuque-Iowa partnership came about, but talks about Dubuque in general, it’s economic history, and the great transformation we’ve made from a strictly industrial-manufacturing community into a hub for banking, technology, and tourism.

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Article Here

I especially love the tone of the article in which the author uses the Dubuque example as a waypoint for Milwaukee’s leadership to guide them, hoping to assimilate the success the Dubuque area has been taking part in, not only the IBM project, but also Hormel’s new production facility, the newly-opened Diamond Jo Casino, and the (renovated and now re-named) Mystique of Dubuque.

Just an hour ago, we spotted a pair of deer walking through Waterford Estates in Dubuque.  We were on tour to discuss new construction with Ruhl & Ruhl’s New Construction Coordinator, David Falk, and happened by a pair of deer taking advantage of the slightly warmer weather and snow melt to locate some apples still on the ground from last year.

Encyclopedia Dubuque is one of those Internet gems you happen to stumble upon now and then.  I don’t know how I’d not found this prior to today, but here’s a really cool site which I’ll be adding to my blog roll on the sidebar to the right of this web page.  It an wiki-style online encyclopedia specific to the Dubuque area. 

 Encyclopedia Dubuque

 It’s not all that extra fancy, but it’s a great quick resouce for Dubuque information. If you wanted to look up information about Union Park, The William M. Black, Dubuque Greyhound Park, or any of hundreds of Dubuque-specific entries, they’re in there.

Following a recent show at the Mississippi Moon Bar at the all-new Diamond Jo Casino, music star Jewel did some relaxing with friends at Cherry Lanes, also within the Diamond Jo complex.  Here’s a short video of her experience (and not-so-great bowling skills) at Dubuque’s newest bowling alley.

You have no excuses if you’re moping around the house this weekend, complaining about nothing to do.  Four big events in the Tri-State area should be able to find something for you to do.

First up is the TH’s Annual Big Boy Toy Show at the Grand River Center from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.  Iowa Hawkeye football players Shonn Greene, Matt Kroul, and Brandon Myers as well as Wisconsin Badger players Mike Newkirk and Chris Pressley will be there Sunday to sign autographs.  Superstar fisherman Babe Winkelman will appear on Saturday.  Throughout the event there will be RV’s, ATV’s, Fishing Boats, Big Screen TV’s, Sports Memorabilia, Food, and for many guys, most importantly Beer! 

Get you testosterone fix on, head to the Big Boy Toy Show – see you there!

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The 2009 Winter Iowa Games kick-off with an grand opening ceremony at the Five Flags Center at 7pm Friday night.  A weekend full of events includes Basketball, Broomball, Ice Hockey, and Volleyball.  This year’s theme is Shoot For The Gold.

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Ice Fest 2009concludes three weekends of snow and Ice activities at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.  This weekend’s event include snow and ice harvesting, winter programs, and live animals.  The Dubuque Fire Department will have open-water rescue demonstrations.  There will be a chili Cook-Off at Noon on Saturday and KWWL’s Jeff Kennedy will be hosting a winter workshop.

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Last up, Bald Eagle Days in Potosi will be held from 8am to Noon both Saturday and Sunday at the Wildlife Observation Deck at Cassville’s Riverside Park.  Winter is an excellent time to observe our nation’s official bird in it’s natural habitat along and about the great Mississippi River.

As with any post, your comments and questions are encouraged…