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Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
Cruise along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, where the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers converge. The 33-mile byway begins in Hartford, leading you through Alton and bends along the forested river bluffs to its end point in Grafton, at Pere Marquette State Park.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Illinois' only United Nations World Heritage Site. This 2,200-acre site preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. An Interpretive Center presents a coherent account of this sophisticated prehistoric culture. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and life-size village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.
Nov 30
Alton Hauntings Tours
Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city's most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Built in 1927, Old Chain of Rocks was the fifth bridge to cross the Mississippi River, which shortened the distance between St. Louis, Missouri, and Edwardsville, Illinois by 15 miles.
World's Largest Catsup Bottle
This 170-foot-tall bottle that resembles a Brook's Catsup Bottle served as a water tower for the catsup manufacturer after being constructed in 1949. A popular roadside attraction, it makes for a great photo op.
National Great Rivers Museum
Located adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Mississippi River, from its colorful history to its modern-day role as a major transportation corridor. The museum features kid-friendly, interactive and computer animated exhibits. Steer a towboat through the locks and dam via simulator, measure your water consumption or come face-to-face with river fish in the aquarium.
Laser Force Lazer Tag Zone
A 5,000 sq. ft. laser tag arena and a 2,500 sq. ft. game arcade is conveniently located by hotels and restaurants off I-64.
Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower
The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower is dedicated to the duo's history-making journey, and serves as a gateway to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. The Corps of Discovery voyage began here on May 14, 1804, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Take the elevator up to the top of the 180-foot-tall tower, where you'll step out to panoramic views of the swirling river waters (the view is particularly stunning at sunset). On platforms located at 50, 100 and 150 feet visitors learn about the early days of Hartford, as well as Lewis and Clark's journey.
J.E. Robinson Underground Railroad Tours
In the early 1800s, Alton became a safe haven for slaves escaping from the bonds of slavery. Because of the area's neighboring slave state of Missouri, runaways found refuge in the free land surrounding Alton. The tunnels of the Underground Railroad run deep beneath the streets along the "Alton Route." The area was a major stop along the Underground Railroad, hiding slaves in caves, barns and basements throughout Alton, Otterville and Jerseyville. Hear the slave's tales, feel their fear and learn about Alton's remarkable past on an Underground Railroad Tour. Tours available by appointment only.
Melvin Price Locks & Dam
Get the best view of Alton and the Mississippi River from eight stories in the air atop the Melvin Price Locks & Dam. Take a free guided tour and see towboats and barges as they push their way through this incredible structure. It's also a great spot to eagle watch in the winter.
Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater
The 4,000 seat Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater hosts a variety of events from community festivals to live concerts throughout the summer months. With the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop, bring your blanket and spread out for an evening under the stars. Check out our website for a list of upcoming events.
Oct 24
Underground Railroad Shuttle Tours
Learn about local, Underground Railroad sites on a shuttle tour with J.E. Robinson Tours and the Alton Regional CVB on the last Saturday of each month (10 a.m. to noon). The two-hour guided shuttle tours will stop at some of the sites that were part of the Underground Railroad system including the Old Rock House, Rocky Fork Church and more. Alton's riverfront location along the Mighty Mississippi played a vital role in helping slaves make connections to the freedom of the northern states. Buried beneath the streets of Alton and Godfrey, remnants of this period in history still exist.
Splash City Family Waterpark
Surfing in Illinois? Yes! The FlowRider creates a perfect wave for surfing and body boarding. Water slides, a lap pool, the lazy river, a sandy play area and "Monsoon Mountain" make for a family adventure.
Gateway Fun Park
Gateway features mini-golf, go-karts, an arcade, bumper boats, a kiddie track and Rudy's Restaurant.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall has many hidden gems. Open daily 9:30 am - 5:30 pm.
Argosy Casino-Alton
Enjoy three levels of action on the first riverboat casino in Illinois, with more than 1,000 of the most popular machines, from penny to $25 slots. Try your luck at the tables with blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, pai gow poker and craps.
Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail
Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and Civil War soldiers from both North and South. Experience the life of young Lincoln as a lawyer, duelist and orator. It was here that the final Lincoln-Douglas Debate took place, with the issue of slavery on the minds of spectators. It was here that Confederate soldiers were held captive, died and were buried. It was here that Alton resident and U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull authored the 13th Amendment, putting an end to slavery in the United States. Experience the 11 historic sites interpreted along the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail.
Confederate Prison Site
Built in 1833, Alton houses Illinois' first state penitentiary. During the Civil War, the facility imprisoned thousands of Confederate soldiers. Partial remains of the structure can still be observed today.
Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-1804 winter camp of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was at Camp Dubois that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared for their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The 14,000 square-foot exhibit space contains six galleries that outline the background and history of the Lewis and Clark expedition from its conception to its meaning for today's America. Exhibits are kid-friendly, offering opportunities for hands-on engagement. A "reconstruction" of the winter camp, Camp Dubois, is located on the grounds near the visitor center. Its design reflects 1803 U.S. Army regulations for the construction of military posts. Interpreters are on-site daily in the camp to explain how the men prepared for the journey.
Illinois Caverns
There are formations of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and more. An underground stream flows through the cave bed, and the temperature is a relatively constant 58 degrees.
St. Jacob Strawberry Festival
The Strawberry Festival Showcases their strawberry desserts with food and drink, crafts for sale, children activities and a 1,000 person fun bike ride over multiple routes.
CITY:St. Jacob
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
The Shrine has 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens and devotional areas, including the Outdoor Amphitheatre, Shrine Church, Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, Millennium Spire, the Visitors Center with a restaurant and gift shop, and the Shrine Hotel.
Prairie State Games
This multi-sport, Olympic-style festival showcases the finest amateur athletic talent in Illinois each year on the last weekend in June.
CITY:Fairview Heights
Beall Mansion - An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn
Indulge yourself at the Beall Mansion, a sumptuous Bed and Breakfast Inn located 12 blocks from the Mississippi River. Designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elegant mansion features 18 ionic columns, eleven and a half foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and marble and bronze statuary throughout. Let us pamper you with sumptuous feather beds, whirlpools for two, 24 hour "all you can eat" chocolate buffet, and optional gourmet breakfast in bed. Free Wi-fi. In room massage, spa, golf and corporate packages available.
Mac's Time-Out Lounge/Off Track Betting
Order off the extensive menu. Why not try the real Southern-style chicken and dumplings or meat-lover's pizza? You'll find fair prices, large portions & excellent dishes. Try eating outside at the comfortable terrace-style beer garden. Your whole family will have a pleasant dining experience. Place your bets at the off-track betting parlor. Stay late for a cold one.
Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail
Extending 20 miles from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs parallel to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway along IL Route 100, as well as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The route is completely paved and takes cyclists through the towns of Elsah and Grafton. Comfort stations are available at Piasa Park, Clifton Terrace Park, Elsah, Grafton Visitors Center, Grafton Harbor public restroom and Pere Marquette State Park. This is a great ride for cyclist of all ages, including families looking for a free day of fun!
Haagen Haus
Comfort, convenience and beautiful surroundings await you in this 1870's guest house located in the historic Christian Hill District. Enjoy private one or two bedroom units with secluded brick courtyards and cozy gas fireplaces. Located on State Street, the Haagen Haus is within walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, the scenic byway, biking and walking trails, and the Argosy Casino.
Mineral Springs Haunted Tours
Take an eight-block tour of some of the haunted locations in downtown Alton, investigate the four floors of the Mineral Springs Hotel, be part of a seance and top the evening off with a tarot card reading. All tours begin and end at the Mineral Springs Mall. Tour options include New Moon Haunted Tours, Waking the Dead Walking Tours, Cemetery Tours and Haunted Overnights.
Casino Queen
The bright lights of Vegas have nothing on the Casino Queen, home of the loosest slots! The Queen has had the loosest slots in the entire country for six years running, plus the hottest table games in town. Hungry? The Queen has you covered from fine dining to casual. The best view in town is from the Casino Queen Hotel.
CITY:East St. Louis
Hidden Lake Winery
Walk the trails around the five-acre lake, or sit and enjoy the waterfall and views of the Silent Forest as you sip a glass of wine.
Jackson House - Alton
Jackson House offers a Victorian elegance in the main house, or secluded luxury in a guest house. Sink into a king-sized bed in the spacious master bedroom or snuggle under a quilt in the atmospheric Fireplace room. After slumbering in the loft of The Barn, enjoy the woodland landscape while lounging on the enclosed porch. In The Cave, a cozy earth house, you might bask in the glow of the fireplace, or in the summer, relax on the romantic patio.
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Exposition Center
Home to the annual St. Clair County Fair, several craft shows and monthly flea markets, the complex also includes the Belle-Clair Speedway, with stock car races and demolition derbies.
Kaskaskia River Marina/Campground (New Athens)
100 sites available year round, recreation building, cable TV, swimming, fishing, tent camping, handicap access
CITY:New Athens
Fast Eddie's Bon Air
Fast Eddie's Bon Air in Alton is like no other. Over 4,000 half barrels of beer and thousands of cases of cans, bottles and liquor quench the thirst of our patrons every year. Some even say that Bon Air is the #1 volume bar in the world. A food bar serves an assortment of grilled burgers, shish-kabobs, bratwurst and boiled shrimp all sold at the same low prices as when they were added nineteen years ago.
J-H Bison Ranch
Tours of this family-run bison ranch include baby bison feeding, herd tours, and photos with baby bison, llamas and horses.
Louis Latzer Homestead
Louis Latzer, the founder of the Pet Milk Company, built this homestead for his wife and family in 1901. The home had many modern features of the day, including running water pumped by hand to a holding tank in the attic, a manufactured gas light system, speaking tubes between many of the rooms and one of the first telephones in the community.
Piasa Bird Mural at Piasa Park
Located on the edge of Alton, Piasa Park is an attractive stop for motorists, picnickers and bicyclists. The park is set at the base of the giant Piasa Bird mural that is painted on the side of a huge bluff. A large granite arrowhead tells the story of the Piasa Bird, which, according to legend, Chief Ouatoga and his 20 warriors killed with poison darts.
Weezy's Route 66 Bar and Grill
The restaurant is known for charbroiled burgers, homemade pies and hearty breakfasts, particularly biscuits and gravy made with fresh sausage from locally produced hogs. The decor follows a diner theme with a black-and-white checkered floor and red vinyl seat cushions on chrome booths, tables and chairs. Walls are lined with vintage signs, photos of old vehicles and other Route 66 memorabilia and even has an outdoor patio.
Alton Marina
A destination port on the Mississippi with picnic area's, playground, and outdoor pool. Within a half of a mile to Alton's historic antique district and the Argosy Casino.
Beall Mansion Historic Tours
Tour the mansion built as a wedding present by railroad baron and riverboat magnate Z.B. Job for his son and bride Mary Drummond, heiress to the Drummond tobacco fortune. Today this three-story mansion serves as a bed and breakfast.
The Edge
The largest laser tag arena in the region also includes mini-golf, a big video arcade with the coolest games on the market, and food at D.S.Vespers Sports Pub and Eatery.
Fairmount Park Racetrack
Fairmount Park is home to live thoroughbred horse racing action. From March through September, the horses run on the one-mile oval dirt track Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
RiverView Suites
Located in a historic downtown Alton building, these suites are private, secure and first class in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Fully furnished one and two bedroom units. Kitchen, VCR, digital cable, washer and dryer, free local calls. Located within walking distance to local restaurants, clubs and shopping.
Alton Museum of History and Art
Winged monsters, explorers, riverboats and a gentle giant. The Alton Museum of History & Art shows the crossroads of American history in Alton. The museum is located in the historic Loomis Hall across from the Wadlow statue. Loomis Hall is the oldest building in the state of Illinois continuously utilized for education. One of the most popular rooms, the Wadlow Room, pays tribute to Alton's "Gentle Giant" and the World's Tallest Man. The Pioneer Room explores the history of Alton from the Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Civil War with exhibits on Elijah Lovejoy, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the "Alton Route" on the Underground Railroad. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.
Homestead Flea Market
The Homestead Flea Market may be small, but it makes up for it with the quantity of merchandise available. This shop is full of treasures from antiques to handmade folk art. There is literally something for everyone - home, kids, and adults - at this multifaceted store. Hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Gateway Geyser Fountain
As the world's tallest fountain, the Gateway Geyser Fountain reaches 627 feet in height, and is centered in a pond that holds five million gallons of water.
CITY:East St. Louis
Gateway Grizzlies at GCS Ballpark
The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team based in Sauget, IL. The Grizzlies are a member of the West Division of the Frontier League – which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. The Grizzlies played their home games during their inaugural 2001 season at Sauget Field. In 2002, GCS Ballpark, (formerly GMC Stadium) opened and has remained the club's home since. This 5,000-seat stadium, home to the Gateway Grizzlies minor league baseball team, has reserved box seats, lawn seats and a hot tub.
Lincoln-Douglas Square
The final debate of Stephan A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln took place in front of Alton's city hall at the corner of Broadway and Market Streets. The senatorial debate drew national attention along with more that 6,000 visitors. Life-like statues of the two statesmen keep the famous series of debates in 1858 frozen forever in time.
My Just Desserts
Follow the lead of the locals in Alton and order dessert first, at My Just Desserts, as fresh-baked favorites like the Tollhouse brownies and Mrs. Ledbetter's chocolate pie sell out early. Every morning 9 to 13 pie varieties are baked fresh. You'll swear you stepped back in time when you enter this unique establishment, from the squeak in the hardwood floors to the Mason jar glasses.
Atrium Hotel and Conference Center - Alton
If you're searching for full-service hotels in Alton, IL, look no further. In addition to state-of-the-art event facilities, we have a large atrium with comfortable seating to encourage conversation. We also have added all new 32" flat screen tv's in all guest rooms. Located at the intersection of Route 140 and Route 3, and within minutes of I-255 , I-270, and the Amtrak Station, this hotel boasts unparalleled amenities and the friendliest staff, as well as ideal proximity to downtown Alton. Amenities include free Wi-fi, sauna, whirlpool, on-site guest self-laundry, fitness center and a business center. There is also a full service restaurant and two lounges on-site.
Old Fire Engine Museum
Learn how firemen fought fires throughout history. See all of the antique firefighting memorabilia.
CITY:Granite City
Wood River Refinery History Museum
Step back in time more than 75 years at the Shell History Museum in Roxana, Illinois. Trace the history of Shell Wood River and neighboring communities as you look at early photographs and the many items of interest, including vintage gasoline pumps, glass motor oil bottles Shell product advertising and city maps.
Alton Square Mall
Anchored by JCPenney and Macy's, Alton Square Mall is the area's regional mall destination. A full-service food court, U.S. Post Office, satellite city library and Christian Science Reading Room are also featured at the mall. Hours: Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Alton Antique Center
There is something for everyone at the Alton Antique Center. Merchandise from around the world, from inexpensive to investment quality pieces, abound in this shop located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Rare one-of-a-kind items, exotic pieces, oddities, and items from Asia, Great Britain, Europe and America are available. From beautiful to whimsical, there is always something to capture the eye and the imagination at the center.
The Cabins & Cottages at Shale Lake
There are four different cabins in various sizes to choose from and each one comes with a beautiful view of the lake. All the cabins have a screened in porch, a/c, full kitchen, 3/4 baths and an open floor plan.
Eckert's Country Store & Farms - Belleville
This Eckert's location has a greenhouse, restaurant, Country Store, and fruits and vegetables to pick in season.
Argosy Casino - Captain's Table Buffet
Even the heartiest of appetites is no match for the Captain's Table Buffet. Enjoy seasonal favorites, hand-selected by our chefs. From comfort foods like special-recipe fried chicken and mashed potatoes to fresh fish and steamed vegetables we are sure to have exactly what you are looking for.
Aquatic Center
Splash around at the Aquatic Center. Climb up four stories and launch down your choice of two water slides with more than 320 feet of winding turns and diving wells, or take a dip in the pool.
CITY:Wood River
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Cougar Field and SimmonsCooper Baseball Complex
These newly constructed additions to the sports facilities at SIUE serve as the home of the softball and baseball teams, respectively.
Patchwork Corner Crafts
Patchwork Corner Crafts has a wide variety of quilting and craft supplies.
Drury Inn
As home to the world's largest catsup bottle, Collinsville is not to be missed! Located just across the mighty Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis. The Drury Inn is also not to be missed, with all of our FREE extras! Hotel Services • Free Hot QUIKSTART® Breakfast • Free 5:30 Kickback® - Hot Food & Cold Beverages • Free Wireless Internet • Free 60 Minutes of Long Distance • Free Soda/Popcorn in Lobby (daily 3-10 pm) • Free Local Phone Calls • • HBO, Our Exclusive Premium Movie Channel • CNN, ESPN, Weather Channel & More • Free Parking • Free In-room Coffee Service • 24 Hour Business Center • Exercise Room • Fax Services • Guest Laundry • Guest Voice Mail • Hair Dryers in All Rooms • Indoor Pool • Iron & Ironing Board in All Rooms • Meeting Rooms • Microwaves & Refrigerators in All Rooms • Two-line Phones & Data Ports
Bilbrey Farms
Just outside of Edwardsville, Bilbrey Farms is home to exotic animals and trained birds. Come feed the animals or stay at the bed and breakfast.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Ralph Korte Stadium & Sports Complex
This 3,000-seat venue is home of the SIUE track & field and soccer programs. The complex, which has hosted the NCAA Division II Championships on three occasions, is completely lighted and has a seperate throwing area for field events.
Alton Stained Glass
Visit this working studio to shop for hand-crafted works of art - lamps, window panes, ornaments, sun catchers, glass beads and more. From decorative items to window panes, make a purchase from the floor or have Lynne custom design a piece for you and your home. Classes are also available. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. or by appointment.
Alton Hauntings Tours
Based on the book Haunted Alton by Troy Taylor, Alton Hauntings Tours offers an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown, taking visitors to the most authentic haunted places in Alton. Uncover the eerie folklore, ghostly tales and documented haunted spots on a three-hour walking tour of the city's most haunted sites. Visitors will see sites that have become nationally known, like the old Alton penitentiary, First Unitarian Church, Enos Sanitarium and many others. The tours have been proven to be popular with ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike, and nowhere else can you learn as much about the real, haunted history of Alton. Walking tours and bus tours are offered during two touring seasons – Spring & Summer and the Haunted Fall Season. Private tours are also available for groups of 20 or more. Reservations must be made in advance for all tours.
Robert Wadlow Statue
In 1918, Alton became the famous birthplace of Robert Wadlow, "The Gentle Giant." Born a normal eight pounds in 1918, Wadlow suffered from a pituitary gland problem. He was almost nine feet tall and 500 pounds when he died of complications from a foot infection at age 22. He is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man alive. A life-sized statue on College Avenue lifts visitors' heads in amazement. The Alton Museum of History and Art have devoted an entire room to Wadlow, including his third-grade desk and oversized grade school ring.
George Street Suites
Perfect for pleasure and business. Stay by the night, week or month. One, two and three bedroom furnished apartments with full kitchen, coffee maker, stove, microwave and dishes. Enjoy all the modern conveniences including digital cable TV, DVD, and complementary Wi-Fi. Located in the Middletown Historic District next to the award winning Beall Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Close to shopping and businesses, marina, wineries, restaurants, hiking and biking trails, historic sites and the Argosy Casino Alton.
Schorr Lake Vineyards
This secluded winery focuses on environmentally-friendly wine making methods. Relax on the deck overlooking the vineyards and enjoy these estate-grown and produced table and fruit wines.
Pleasant Ridge Park
Tucked back away from the street, a relaxing place to get away from it all is Pleasant Ridge Park. The centerpiece is the Kensella Log Home.
CITY:Fairview Heights
Confederate Cemetery and Memorial
This monument remembers those who died in the infamous Alton prison. A smallpox virus spread rapidly through the Alton Prison in 1863, killing more than 1,435 incarcerated soldiers. The soldiers are laid to rest here and each of their names is commemorated at the Memorial. The Alton Prison and Confederate Cemetery are some of the rare northernmost monuments to the Confederate Soldier.
Alton Little Theater
Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vadalabene Center
The Vadalabene Center on the Division I campus at SIUE is a flexible venue with seating for 4,000. The main gym can be configured for several different court setups: three full-sized basketball, six volleyball or five badminton. The center is also home to the SIUE wrestling program.
Livingston Muffler Man
The Livingston-Staunton Muffler Man, in his spiffy orange "Harley-Davidson" shirt, is located outside the Pink Elephant antique mall. He's clearly visible from I-55 now, but looks so tiny in the middle of a field with nothing for reference. You can see him and many other "Muffler Men" along the historic route.
Wilson Park
Wilson Park offers baseball fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, and much more. Each year the 74-acre park is replanted with seasonal flowers and plants.
CITY:Granite City
Ben's Antique Mall
For over 17 years, Ben's Antique Mall has offered furniture, antiques, and Belleville items.
Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel
Originally called Monticello, the village of Godfrey was named for a Massachusetts sea captain, Benjamin Godfrey who founded the Monticello Seminary in 1838. One of the more rapidly growing Illinois community colleges, Lewis & Clark Community College, now calls the Monticello campus home. Located on the campus, the Benjamin Godfrey Chapel, built in 1854, has become a landmark in the community. This church has been designated as one of only six churches outside of the northeastern United States that are authentic copies of New England church architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tony's Restaurant
Family owned for more than 50 years, Tony's is located in Alton on Third Street. Known for their mouth-watering pepperloin steaks, the family recipe has been a crowd pleaser for years. Homemade pastas and family recipes make for a memorable meal. Tony's offers the best of both worlds with a formal dining room, perfect for a romantic meal or to celebrate a special occasion. The Third Street Cafe entrance features a sports bar atmosphere perfect for kicking back to enjoy a slice of fresh secret recipe pizza, a juicy half-pound steakburger or a basket of wings. From casual family dining to a cozy meal together, Tony's is your place!
Jacoby Arts Center
Jacoby Arts Center is dedicated to creating opportunities for individual artists in their pursuit of artistic excellence and economic success. The stunning gallery presents works of regional and national artists and the retail shop, known as The Artist Shop, showcases items in a variety of media while providing artists a retail outlet to their audiences.
McPike Mansion
When just about any native of the Alton area thinks of a haunted house, normally one name comes to mind - the infamous McPike Mansion. Thousands of visitors and paranormal investigators have visited the grounds of the notorious McPike Mansion claiming spirits still roam this property. Some claim the haunts date back to the property before the mansion was even built, with native American ghosts and a residue from a possible Underground Railroad stop. Other mysterious stories include servants of the building, a cook in the kitchen and a strange death of a woman in the bathtub. Some even believe that Eleanor and Henry McPike still roam the corridors of their former home. All total, more than 11 different spirits have been experienced in recent years.
Old Six Mile Museum in the Emmert-Zippel House
This 158-year-old home has displays of historic items including Civil War artifacts, a Native American collection, and 1830s furnishings.
CITY:Granite City
Villa Marie Winery
Villa Marie is set in the rolling countryside on the eastern edge of Maryville. The vineyard grows Corot Noir, Noiret, Vignoles, Norton and Traminette wine grapes.
The Wildey Theatre
Opened in 1909 as an opera house and a meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows, the Wildey has undergone many transformations through the years. The most recent one is a $2 million renovation inside and out.
Melvin Price Memorial Park
The 24-acre park has a pavilion, walking trails, and many other amenities. It is also the site of the Veterans of All Wars Memorial and the September 11 Memorial.
Main Street Jazz & Blues
Join the group at this small intimate club featuring performers from St. Louis and the local area.
Bubby and Sissy's
Located just a few blocks from the riverfront Argosy Casino Alton, this bar hosts drag shows every weekend, karaoke on Thursdays, amateur drag queen and king shows the last Wednesday of the month, and dancing to DJ-driven music.
Spring Equinox Sunrise Observance at Reconstructed Woodhenge
Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge to hear an explanation of the discovery, form end function of this post-circle sun calendar. Arrive by 6:45 a.m.
Centerfield Park
Spend the day tackling go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a video arcade.
Family Fun Tyme
Located in Maryville, this facility has an indoor arcade, batting cages and lots more fun for kids. Alfonzo's Restaurant is right next door for pizza lovers.
Heartland Rivers Wine Trail
Taste your way along this trail made up of unique wineries located in small towns throughout Southwest Illinois. Must-stops include Piasa Winery in Grafton, featuring live music on its riverside deck.
Scheve Park
This expansive park features picnic areas, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts. The centerpiece of the park is an old train depot, a full-size caboose, and a train car that can be reserved for groups.
National Lampoon's Vacation - Poplar Street Bridge
In this wacky comedy a Chicago family takes a hysterical road trip across country to reach a theme park on the West Coast. Illinois scenes include Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago's Grant Park (seen spouting its famous cascades of water in the background as the family leaves Chicago) and the Poplar Street Bridge that spans the Mississippi River in East St. Louis (where the family gets lost).
CITY:East St. Louis
Lewis and Clark Memorial
This memorial commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-04 winter camp of Lewis and Clark where they launched their Corps of Discovery expedition to the Pacific.
Thomas Kinkade Gallery
The Thomas Kinkade Gallery of Belleville is full of beautiful works by Thomas Kinkade.


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Research hasn't shown superslow strength training to be superior to other forms of strength training. Still, superslow strength training is a reasonable tool if you want to vary your strength training routine.
Superslow strength training is a strength training technique in which you lift and lower a weight more slowly than usual -- about 10 seconds to lift the weight and another 10 seconds to lower the weight. The goal of superslow strength training is to limit momentum. This forces your muscles to work harder through their entire range of motion when you lift the weight.
Superslow strength training may help prevent boredom in your strength training routine while you challenge your muscles in a new and different way.
If you try superslow strength training, start with a familiar strength training exercise and a weight that tires your muscles by 12 to 15 repetitions -- which might be less weight than you usually use. As with any type of strength training, remember the importance of good form and proper technique.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Pan & Scan: You Have Now Entered The Danger Zone
By IMAX on October 16, 2014
No seriously, The Pan & Scan is known for being a safe place. No danger here. Except if you're on the other side of Dracula's wrath and then…you're on your own.
Thank you. We value your opinion and appreciate your feedback.
No seriously, The Pan & Scan is known for being a safe place. No danger here. Except if you're on the other side of Dracula's wrath and then…you're on your own.
This week we're giving you a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Clicks away!
Sure, fabulous works have been written by Shakespeare and Dickens; but we like how this galactic wordsmith keeps it simple. Grootify your browser.
Start this weekend with a smile. Because the sun is shining somewhere and The Pan & Scan is back. Let's bask in the possibilities of full circle rainbows over the land down under and Hobbit Happy Meals. Let's just.
(Via: NASA)
We are thrilled to announce that advance tickets to see Christopher Nolan's Interstellar are on sale now for domestic IMAX® theatres (international advance ticketing dates coming soon). Interstellar will be available 2 days early in domestic IMAX® theatres using 15 perf/70mm film projection on November 5 and all other IMAX® theatres beginning November 7. (Check below for full list of IMAX® theatres featuring 70mm film projection.)
Interstellar chronicles the adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.
"It's taking your experience in a normal theatre and putting it on steroids."
We had the opportunity to sit down with The Equalizer director Antoine Fuqua to discuss what it was like seeing his film for the first time in an IMAX® theatre. Watch as he shares his experience below:


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Fairfield Inn & Suites Burlington
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Paris March the experience 1967 March 3 Travel March 4 1967 Appearance St. Quentin Flea Market Île-de-France London United KingdomSearch Results
March 03rd, 1967
The Experience fly from London, England to Paris, France
March 04th, 1967
The Experience visit the St. Quentin Flea Market at the suggestion of Alain Dister, who accompanies the group throughout the afternoon. Photos from the afternoon later appear in Dister's book, It's Only Rock And Roll.


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Steve Madden's 'Troopa' is all you need to join the army- trend that is! Military chic gets a cute combat bootie with this distressed leather lace-up. An update to the popular 'Harllem,' Troopa has a roomier shaft and tonal lacing. Lace it all the way up or tie it low for a looser fit around the ankle.
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I do think that Xvid or x264 efforts are patented. Besides I would rather disagree there is not much to gain with hardware decoding. There is pleanty of devices which cope with decoding of Full HD material only if done by the graphics driver example of which would be many low powered devices including AMD E-350 which I am happy owner of.
IMHO it would be great gain for Linux in general if one could use device like that to it full extend therefore I believe that mesa should extend its vdpau implementation or add a way to use external vaapi that is done so great by Intel guys


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United Republic of Tanzania
Area: Mainland--945,000 sq. km. (378,000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than New Mexico and Texas combined. Zanzibar--1,658 sq. km. (640 sq. mi.).
Cities: Capital--Dar es Salaam. Major metropolises--Arusha; Mwanza, Dodoma, Mbeya, Mtwara, Stonetown, Zanzibar.
Terrain: Varied.
Climate: Varies from tropical to arid to temperate.
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Tanzanian(s); Zanzibari(s).
Population: Mainland--32 million. Zanzibar--1 million (est.).
Religions: Muslim 45%, Christian 45%, Indigenous beliefs 10%.
Language: Kiswahili (official), English.
Education: Attendance--74% (primary). Literacy--67%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--98/1,000. Life expectancy--50 years.
Work force: Agriculture--80%; industry, commerce government--20%.
Type: Republic.
Independence: Tanganyika 1961, Zanzibar 1963; union formed 1964.
Constitution: 1982.
Branches: Executive--president (chief of state and commander in chief) vice president, and prime minister. Legislative--unicameral National Assembly (for the union), House of Representative. (for Zanzibar only). Judicial--mainland: Court of Appeals, High Courts, resident Magistrate Courts, district courts, and primary courts. Zanzibar: High Court, people's district courts, kadhis court (Islamic courts).
Political parties: Chama cha Mapindu (CCM), Civic United Front (CUF), Chama cha Demoirasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD), National Conversion for Construction and Reform (NCCR), National League for Democracy (NLD), Tanzania People's Party (TPP), United People's Democratic Party (UPDP), National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) Popular National Party (PONA); Tanzania Democratic Alliance Party (TADEA), Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), The United Democratic Party (UDP), The Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FORD), Democrasia Makini Haki Na Ustawi (CHAUSTA)
Suffrage: Universal at l8.
Administrative subdivisions: 26 regions (21 on mainland, 3 on Zanzibar, 2 on Pemba).
Flag: |
GDP (2001): At market prices: $9.43 billion. At factor cost: 8.66 billion U.S. dollars. This is using the average 2001 Bank of Tanzania exchange rate of the Tanzanian shilling, which stood at 876 shillings to the dollar.
Average growth rate: 5.6% in 2001, up from 4.9% in 2000.
Per capita income: $260.
Natural resources: Hydroelectric potential, coal, iron, gemstone, gold, natural gas, nickel, diamonds.
Agriculture (48% of GDP): Products--coffee, cotton, tea, tobacco, cloves, sisal, cashew nuts, maize.
Industry (8.3% of GDP): Types--textiles, agribusiness, light manufacturing, oil refining, construction.
Trade: Exports--coffee, cotton, tea, sisal, diamonds, cashew nuts, tobacco, flowers, seaweed, fish and cloves. Major markets--U.K., Germany, India, Japan, Italy, and Far East. Primary imports--petroleum, consumer goods, machinery and transport equipment, used clothing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals. Major suppliers--U.K., Germany, Japan, India, Italy, U.S. United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Kenya
Population distribution in Tanzania is extremely uneven. Density varies from 1 person per square kilometer (3 per sq. mi.) in arid regions to 51 per square kilometer (133 per sq. mi.) in the mainland's well-watered highlands and 134 per square kilometer (347 per sq. mi.) on Zanzibar. More than 80% of the population is rural. Dar es Salaam is the capital and largest city; Dodoma, located in the center of Tanzania, has been designated the new capital, although action to move the capital has stalled.
The African population consists of more than 120 ethnic groups, of which the Sukuma, Haya, Nyakyusa, Nyamwezi, and Chaga have more than 1 million members The majority of Tanzanians, including such large tribes as the Sukuma and the Nyamwezi are of Bantu stock. Groups of Nilotic or related origin include the nomadic Masai and the Luo, both of which are found in greater numbers in neighboring Kenya. Two small groups speak languages of the Khoisan family peculiar to the Bushman and Hottentot peoples. Cushitic-speaking peoples, originally from the Ethiopian highlands, reside in a few areas of Tanzania.
Although much of Zanzibar's African population came from the mainland, one group known as Shirazis traces its origins to the island's early Persian settlers. Non-Africans residing on the mainland and Zanzibar account for 1% of the total population. The Asian community, including Hindus, Sikhs, Shi'a and Sunni Muslims, and Goans, has declined by 50% in the past decade to 50,000 on the mainland and 4,000 on Zanzibar. An estimated 70,000 Arabs and 10,000 Europeans reside in Tanzania.
Each ethnic group has its own language, but the national language is Kiswahili, a Bantu-based tongue with strong Arabic borrowings.
Northern Tanganyika's famed Olduvai Gorge has provided rich evidence of the area's prehistory, including fossil remains of some of humanity's earliest ancestors. Discoveries suggest that East Africa may have been the site of human origin.
Little is known of the history of Tanganyika's interior during the early centuries of the Christian era. The area is believed to have been inhabited originally by ethnic groups using a click-tongue language similar to that of Southern Africa's Bushmen and Hottentots. Although remnants of these early tribes still exist, most were gradually displaced by Bantu farmers migrating from the west and south and by Nilotes and related northern peoples. Some of these groups had well-organized societies and controlled extensive areas by the time the Arab slavers, European explorers, and missionaries penetrated the interior in the first half of the 19th century.
The coastal area first felt the impact of foreign influence as early as the 8th century, when Arab traders arrived. By the 12th century, traders and immigrants came from as far away as Persia (now Iran) and India. They built a series of highly developed city and trading states along the coast, the principal one being Kibaha, a settlement of Persian origin that held ascendancy until the Portuguese destroyed it in the early 1500s.
The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama explored the East African coast in 1498 on his voyage to India. By 1506, the Portuguese claimed control over the entire coast. This control was nominal, however, because the Portuguese did not colonize the area or explore the interior. Assisted by Omani Arabs, the indigenous coastal dwellers succeeded in driving the Portuguese from the area north of the Ruvuma River by the early 18th century. Claiming the coastal strip, Omani Sultan Seyyid Said (l804-56) moved his capital to Zanzibar in 1841.
European exploration of the interior began in the mid-19th century. Two German missionaries reached Mt. Kilimanjaro in the 1840s. British explorers Richard Burton and John Speke crossed the interior to Lake Tanganyika in 1857. David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary-explorer who crusaded against the slave trade, established his last mission at Ujiji, where he was "found" by Henry Morton Stanley, an American journalist-explorer, who had been commissioned by the New York Herald to locate him.
German colonial interests were first advanced in 1884. Karl Peters, who formed the Society for German Colonization, concluded a series of treaties by which tribal chiefs in the interior accepted German "protection." Prince Otto is von Bismarck's government backed Peters in the subsequent establishment of the German East Africa Company.
In 1886 and 1890, Anglo-German agreements were negotiated that delineated the British and German spheres of influence in the interior of East Africa and along the coastal strip previously claimed by the Omani sultan of Zanzibar. In 1891, the German Government took over direct administration of the territory from the German East Africa Company and appointed a governor with headquarters at Dar es Salaam.
Although the German colonial administration brought cash crops, railroads, and roads to Tanganyika, European rule provoked African's resistance, culminating in the Maji Maji rebellion of 1905-07. The rebellion, which temporarily united a number of southern tribes and ended only after an estimated 120,000 Africans had died from fighting or starvation, is considered by most Tanzanians to have been one of the first stirrings of nationalism.
German colonial domination of Tanganyika ended after World War I when control of most of the territory passed to the United Kingdom under a League of Nations mandate. After World War II, Tanganyika became a UN trust territory under British control. Subsequent years witnessed Tanganyika moving gradually toward self-government and independence.
In 1954, Julius K. Nyerere, a school teacher who was then one of only two Tanganyikans educated abroad at the university level, organized a political party--the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). TANU-supported candidates were victorious in the Legislative Council elections of September 1958 and February 1959. In December 1959, the United Kingdom agreed to the establishment of internal self-government following general elections to be held in August 1960. Nyerere was named chief minister of the subsequent government.
In May l961, Tanganyika became autonomous, and Nyerere became Prime Minister under a new constitution. Full independence was achieved on December 9, 1961. Mr. Nyerere was elected President when Tanganyika became a republic within the Commonwealth a year after independence.
An early Arab/Persian trading center, Zanzibar fell under Portuguese domination in the 16th and early 17th centuries but was retaken by Omani Arabs in the early 18th century. The height of Arab rule came during the reign of Sultan Seyyid Said, who encouraged the development of clove plantations, using the island's slave labor.
The Arabs established their own garrisons at Zanzibar, Pemba, and Kilwa and carried on a lucrative trade in slaves and ivory. By 1840, Said had transferred his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar and established a ruling Arab elite. The island's commerce fell increasingly into the hands of traders from the Indian subcontinent, whom Said encouraged to settle on the island.
Zanzibar's spices attracted ships from as far away as the United States. A U.S. consulate was established on the island in 1837. The United Kingdom's early interest in Zanzibar was motivated by both commerce and the determination to end the slave trade. In 1822, the British signed the first of a series of treaties with Sultan Said to curb this trade, but not until 1876 was the sale of slaves finally prohibited.
The Anglo-German agreement of 1890 made Zanzibar and Pemba a British protectorate. British rule through a Sultan remained largely unchanged from the late 19th century until after World War II.
Zanzibar's political development began in earnest after 1956, when provision was first made for the election of six nongovernment members to the Legislative Council. Two parties were formed: the Zanzibar Nationalist Party (ZNP), representing the dominant Arab and "Arabized" minority and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), led by Abeid Karume and representing the Shirazis and the African majority.
The first elections were held in July 1957. The ASP won three of the six elected seats, with the remainder going to independents. Following the election, the ASP split; some of its Shirazi supporters left to form the Zanzibar and Pemba People's Party (ZPPP). The January 1961 election resulted in a deadlock between the ASP and a ZNP-ZPPP coalition.
On April 26,1964, the Tanganyika union with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, this was to be renamed the United Republic of Tanzania on October 29.
United Republic of Tanzania
TANU and the Afro-Shirazi Party of Zanzibar were merged into a single party (Chama cha Mapinduzi-CCM Revolutionary Party) on February 5, 1977. On April 26, 1977, the union of the two parties was ratified in a new constitution. The merger was reinforced by principles enunciated in the 1982 union constitution and reaffirmed in the constitution of 1984.
The elections that followed the granting of self-government in June 1963 produced similar results. Zanzibar received its independence from the United Kingdom on December 19, 1963, as a constitutional monarchy under the sultan. On January 12, 1964, the African majority revolted against the sultan and a new government was formed with the ASP leader, Abeid Karume, as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. Under the terms of its political union with Tanganyika in April 1964, the Zanzibar Government retained considerable local autonomy.
In 1977, Nyerere merged TANU with the Zanzibar ruling party, the ASP, to form the CCM as the sole ruling party in both parts of the union. The CCM was to be the sole instrument for mobilizing and controlling the population in all significant political or economic activities. He envisioned the party as a "two-way street" for the flow of ideas and policy directives between the village level and the government.
President Nyerere stepped down from office and was succeeded as President by Ali Hassan Mwinyi in 1985. Nyerere retained his position as Chairman of the ruling party for 5 more years and was influential in Tanzanian politics until his death in October 1999. The current President, Benjamin Mkapa, was elected in 1995 and will stand for re-election in nationwide balloting scheduled for October 2000. Zanzibar President Salmin Amour was elected in single-party elections in 1990. In 1995, he was named the winner of Zanzibar's first multi-party elections, a victory widely deemed to have been tainted by fraud. He is not eligible to run for a third term.
Tanzania's president and National Assembly members are elected concurrently by direct popular vote for 5-year terms. The president appoints a prime minister who serves as the government's leader in the National Assembly. The president selects his cabinet from among National Assembly members. The constitution also empowers him to nominate 10 non-elected Members of Parliament, who are also eligible to become cabinet members. Elections for president and all National Assembly seats will be held in October 2005.
The unicameral National Assembly elected in 2000 has 295 members. These 295 members include the Attorney General, five members elected from the Zanzibar House of Representatives to participate in the Parliament, the special women's seats which are made up of 20% of the seats a particular party has in the House, 181 constituents seats of Members of Parliament from the mainland and 50 seats from Zanzibar. Also in the list are 48 appointed for women and the seats for the 10 nominated members of Parliament. At present, the ruling CCM holds about 93% of the seats in the Assembly. Laws passed by the National Assembly are valid for Zanzibar only in specifically designated union matter.
Zanzibar's House of Representatives has jurisdiction over all non-union matters. There are currently 76 members in the House of Representatives in Zanzibar, including 50 elected by the people, 10 appointed by the president of Zanzibar, 5 ex-officio members, and an attorney general appointed by the president. In May 2002, the government increased the number of special seats allocated to women from 10 to 15, which will increase the number of House of Representatives members to 81. Ostensibly, Zanzibar's House of Representatives can make laws for Zanzibar without the approval of the union government as long as it does not involve Union-designated matters. The terms of office for Zanzibar's president and House of Representatives also are 5 years. The semi-autonomous relationship between Zanzibar and the union is a relatively unique system of government.
Tanzania has a five-level judiciary combining the jurisdictions of tribal, Islamic, and British common law. Appeal is from the primary courts through the district courts, resident magistrate courts, to the high courts, and Court of Appeals. Judges are appointed by the Chief Justice, except those for the Court of Appeals and the High Court who are appointed by the president The Zanzibari court system parallels the legal system of the union, and all cases tried in Zanzibari courts, except for those involving constitutional issues and Islamic law, can be appealed to the Court of Appeals of the union. A commercial court was established in September 1999 as a division of the High Court.
For administrative purposes, Tanzania is divided into 26 regions--21 on the mainland, 3 on Zanzibar, and 2 on Pemba. Ninety-nine district councils have been to further increase local authority. These districts are also now referred to as local government authorities. Currently there are 114 councils operating in 99 districts,22 are urban and 92 are rural. The 22 urban units are classified further as city (Dar es Salaam and Mwanza), municipal (Arusha, Dodoma, Iringa, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya, Morogoro, Shinyanga, Tabora, and Tanga), and town councils (the remaining 11 communities).
Principal Government Officials
President--Benjamin W. Mkapa
Vice President--Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein
Prime Minister--Frederick T. Sumaye
President of Zanzibar—Amani Abeid Karume
Minister of Foreign Affairs--Jakaya Kikwete
Ambassador to the United States - Andrew Daraja
Tanzania maintains an embassy in the United States at 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-939-6125.)
From independence in 1961 until the mid-1980s, Tanzania was a one-party state, with a socialist model of economic development. Beginning in the mid-1980s, under the administration of President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Tanzania undertook a number of political and economic reforms. In January and February 1992, the government decided to adopt multiparty democracy. Legal and constitutional changes led to the registration of 11 political parties. Two parliamentary by-elections (won by CCM) in early 1994 were the first-ever multiparty elections in Tanzanian history.
In October 2000, Tanzania held its second multi-party general elections. The ruling CCM party's candidate, Benjamin W. Mkapa, defeated his three main rivals, winning the presidential election with 71% of the vote. In the parliamentary elections, CCM won 202 of the 232 elected seats. In the Zanzibar presidential election, Abeid Amani Karume, the son of former President Abeid Karume, defeated CUF candidate Seif Sharif Hamad. The election was marred by irregularities, and subsequent political violence claimed at least 23 lives in January, 2001, mostly on Pemba island. Also, 16 CUF members were expelled from the Union Parliament after boycotting the legislature to protest the Zanzibar election results.
In October, 2001, the CCM and the CUF parties signed a reconciliation agreement which calls for electoral reforms and set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths that occurred in January 2001 on Pemba. The agreement also led to President appointment of an additional CUF official to become a member of the Union Parliament. Changes to the Zanzibar Constitution in April 2002 are now paving the way for both the CCM and CUF parties to nominate members to the Zanzibar Electoral Commission. President Mkapa, Vice President Omar Ali Juma, Prime Minister Fredrick Sumaye, and National Assembly members will serve until the next general elections in 2005. Similarly, Zanzibar President Karume and members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives also will complete their terms of office in 2005.
Significant measures have been taken to liberalize the Tanzanian economy along market lines and encourage both foreign and domestic private investment. Beginning in 1986, the Government of Tanzania embarked on an adjustment program to dismantle state economic controls and encourage more active participation of the private sector in the economy. The program included a comprehensive package of policies which reduced the budget deficit and improved monetary control, substantially depreciated the overvalued exchange rate, liberalized the trade regime, removed most price controls, eased restrictions on the marketing of food crops, freed interest rates, and initiated a restructuring of the financial sector.
The Tanzanian Government agreed to a new 3-year Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) arrangement with the International Monetary Fund in November 1996. Tanzania also embarked on a major restructuring of state-owned enterprises. The program has so far divested 275 out off some 425 parastatal entities. Overall, real economic growth has averaged about 4% a year, much better than the previous 20 years, but not enough to improve the lives of average Tanzanians. Also, the economy remains overwhelmingly donor-dependent. Moreover, Tanzania has an external debt of over $8 billion. The servicing of this debt absorbs about 40% of total government expenditures. Tanzania has qualified for debt relief under the enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.
Agriculture dominates the economy, providing more than 60% of GDP and 80% of employment. Cash crops, including coffee, tea, cotton, cashews, sisal, cloves, and pyrethrum account for the vast majority of export earnings. The volume of all major crops--both cash and goods, which have been marketed through official channels--have increased over the past few years, but large amounts of produce never reach the market. Poor pricing and unreliable cash flow to farmers continue to frustrate the agricultural sector.
Accounting for only about 10% of GDP, Tanzania's industrial sector is one of the smallest in Africa. It has been hit hard recently by persistent power shortages caused by low rainfall in the hydroelectric dam catchment area, a condition compounded by years of neglect and bad management at the state-controlled electric company.
The main industrial activities include producing raw materials, import substitutes, and processed agricultural products. Foreign exchange shortages and mismanagement continue to deprive factories of much-needed spare parts and have reduced factory capacity to less than 30%.
Despite Tanzania's past record of political stability, an unattractive investment climate has discouraged foreign investment. Government steps to improve that climate include redrawing tax codes, floating the exchange rate, licensing foreign banks, and creating an investment promotion center to cut red tape. In terms of mineral resources and the largely untapped tourism sector, Tanzania could become a viable and attractive market for U.S. goods and services.
Zanzibar's economy is based primarily on the production of cloves (90% grown on the island of Pemba), the principal foreign exchange earner. Exports have suffered with the downturn in the clove market. Tourism is an increasingly promising sector, and a number of new hotels and resorts have been built in recent years.
The Government of Zanzibar has been more aggressive than its mainland counterpart in instituting economic reforms and has legalized foreign exchange bureaus on the islands. This has loosened up the economy and dramatically increased the availability of consumer commodities. Furthermore, with external funding, the government plans to make the port of Zanzibar a free port. Rehabilitation of current port facilities and plans to extend these facilities will be the precursor to the free port. The island's manufacturing sector is limited mainly to import substitution industries, such as cigarettes, shoes, and process agricultural products. In 1992, the government designated two export-producing zones and encouraged the development of offshore financial services. Zanzibar still imports much of its staple requirements, petroleum products, and manufactured articles.
Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere also was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement and, during the Cold War era, Tanzania played an important role in regional and international organizations, such as the Non-Aligned Movement, the front-line states, the G-77, and the Organization of African Unity (OAU). One of Africa's best-known elder statesmen, Nyerere was personally active in many of these organizations, and served chairman of the OAU (1984-85) and chairman of six front-line states concerned with eliminating apartheid in Southern Africa.
Tanzania enjoys good relations with its neighbors in the region and in recent years has been an active participant in efforts to promote the peaceful resolution of disputes. Tanzania is helping to broker peace talks to end conflict in Burundi and supports the Lusaka agreement concerning the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In March 1996 Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya revived discussion of economic and regional cooperation. These talks culminated with the signing of an East African Cooperation Treaty in September 1999, which should in time lead to economic integration. Tanzania is the only country in East Africa which also is a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).
The United States has historically enjoyed cordial relations with the United Republic of Tanzania. A new chapter in that relationship was launched on August 7, 1998, when terrorists bombed the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam. This act horrified Tanzanians and Americans alike and also drew condemnation from around the world. In the aftermath of the bombing, relations between the U.S. and Tanzania became even closer, and cooperation broadened to include areas such as anti-terrorism and law enforcement. President Benjamin Mkapa visited the U.S. in September 1999 with a delegation of business executives, reflecting the increased level of cooperation on trade and investment issues, and Tanzania's commitment to economic liberalization. The U.S. Government provides assistance to Tanzania to support programs in the areas of health, environment, democracy, and development of the private sector. The U.S. Agency for International Development's program in Tanzania averages about $20 million per year.
The Peace Corps program, revitalized in 1979, provides assistance in education through the provision of teachers. Peace Corps also is assisting in health and environment sectors. Currently, about 82 volunteers are serving in Tanzania.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Robert V. Royall
Deputy Chief of Mission--Michael Owen
Director, USAID--Ray Kirkland
Public Affairs Officer--J. Michael Korff
Director, Peace Corps--Ronald Campbell
The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania is located on Kinondoni Road, Dar es Salaam. The consulate on Zanzibar was closed on June 15, 1979.


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With East in sight, Braves call on local prospect Hale
Georgia native set to debut as Kennedy tries to keep Padres rolling
If everything plays out in their favor, the Braves can lock up the National League East as early as Sunday.
But to secure their first division title since 2005 at Turner Field -- they start a six-game road trip Monday -- they have to win their series opener against the Padres on Friday night. The Braves will certainly welcome the return home after losing four of their seven games on the road and eight of their last 13 games away from Turner Field.
David Hale, recalled last week, will make his Major League debut. The 25-year-old posted a 3.22 ERA in 22 games (20 starts) with Triple-A Gwinnett.
Hale grew up just 20 miles north of Atlanta in Marietta, Ga., idolizing the Braves' famed trio of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine, the crux of the 1995 team that won the franchise's last World Series.
"I've thought about it plenty," Hale said. "I don't think it will compare to what it will actually be.
"It's crazy to think I was 4 or 5 years old going to Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium watching these guys play. It's going to be cool to be a part of it."
Though his strikeouts were down in the Minors -- 77 in 114 2/3 innings, compared to 124 a year ago -- his ERA was the lowest since he made seven appearances in Rookie ball in 2009, when the Braves drafted him in the third round of the First-Year Player Draft out of Princeton.
While the Padres are mathematically eliminated from NL West contention, they are in the midst of a late-season surge, winning six of eight entering Thursday night's finale against the Phillies. San Diego will try to keep rolling behind Ian Kennedy (6-9, 4.86 ERA), who has lost only once since joining the Padres in a Trade Deadline deal with the D-backs.
Kennedy has shown noticeable improvement since the deal, going 3-1 with a 3.76 ERA in seven starts with his new team. He had as many wins in 21 starts this season with Arizona.
Kennedy threw five innings in a Sunday victory against the Rockies, allowing two runs (one earned) and striking out seven. Padres manager Bud Black pulled him after only 87 pitches.
"In the regular season [before Sept. 1, when the rosters expanded], he probably stays in that game," Black said.
Braves: Rotation changes for final stretch
With Freddy Garcia's start Thursday, the Braves skipped rookie left-hander Alex Wood's turn in the rotation and he will start next week in a critical series against the Nationals.
Paul Maholm is skipping his start Friday due to elbow soreness, but an MRI exam revealed no damage in his left elbow and he could return to the rotation next week. Maholm is 10-10 with a 4.35 ERA in 24 starts this year.
Wood, who joined the rotation in late July after spending the first portion of the season in the bullpen, is 3-2 with a 3.86 ERA in 10 starts.
Padres: Alonso progressing
First baseman Yonder Alonso, who hasn't played since August 30 because of soreness in his right hand, has been cleared to play defense. He's expected to hit in the cage this weekend.
"Yonder is doing great, he's going to be able to play defense," Black said. "We're comfortable with him throwing and are comfortable with him if he has to dive. There's motivation for Yonder to get back on the field."
Alonso missed 34 games earlier this season with a fractured metacarpal bone in his hand. He returned from the disabled list on July 12, but didn't have the same success he enjoyed earlier this year, when he hit .284 with six home runs in his first 190 at-bats.
Worth noting
• First baseman Freddie Freeman belted his 20th homer in Friday's win to celebrate his 24th birhtday, giving the Braves a league-best 166 this year. It also ensured Freeman's third consecutive 20-homer season.
• Kennedy is 2-0 with a 3.64 ERA in five career starts against the Braves, but he's struggled at Turner Field. In two starts -- both no-decisions -- he has a 5.91 ERA.
Ian McCue is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Geography | Government | HistoryGeographyMalaysia is on the Malay Peninsula in southeast Asia. The nation also includes Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo to the east. Its area slightly exceeds that of New Mexico. Most of Malaysia is covered by forest, with a mountain range running the length of the peninsula. Extensive forests provide ebony, sandalwood, teak, and other wood. GovernmentConstitutional monarchy. HistoryThe ancestors of the people that now inhabit the Malaysian peninsula first migrated to the area between 2500 and 1500 B.C. Those living in the coastal regions had early contact with the Chinese and Indians; seafaring traders from India brought with them Hinduism, which was blended with the local animist beliefs. As Muslims conquered India, they spread the religion of Islam to Malaysia. In the 15th century, Islam acquired a firm hold on the region when the Hindu ruler of the powerful city-state of Malacca, Parameswara Dewa Shah, converted to Islam. British and Dutch interest in the region grew in the 1800s, with the British East India Company's establishment of a trading settlement on the island of Singapore. Trade soared, with Singapore's population growing from only 5,000 in 1820 to nearly 100,000 in just 50 years. In the 1880s, Britain formally established protectorates in Malaysia. At about the same time, rubber trees were introduced from Brazil. With the mass production of automobiles, rubber became a valuable export, and laborers were brought in from India to work the rubber plantations. Forming the Independent State of MalaysiaFollowing the Japanese occupation of Malaysia during World War II, a growing nationalist movement prompted the British to establish the semiautonomous Federation of Malaya in 1948. But Communist guerrillas took to the jungles to begin a war of national liberation against the British, who declared a state of emergency to quell the insurgency, which lasted until 1960. The independent state of Malaysia came into existence on Sept. 16, 1963, as a federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (North Borneo), and Sarawak. In 1965, Singapore withdrew from the federation to become a separate nation. Since 1966, the 11 states of former Malaya have been known as West Malaysia, and Sabah and Sarawak as East Malaysia. By the late 1960s, Malaysia was torn by rioting directed against Chinese and Indians, who controlled a disproportionate share of the country's wealth. Beginning in 1968, it was the government's goal to achieve greater economic balance through a national economic policy. Economic Reform and GrowthIn the 1980s, Dr. Mohamad Mahathir succeeded Datuk Hussein as prime minister. Mahathir instituted economic reforms that would transform Malaysia into one of the so-called Asian Tigers. Throughout the 1990s, Mahathir embarked on a massive project to build a new capital from scratch in an attempt to bypass congested Kuala Lumpur. Beginning in 1997 and continuing through the next year, Malaysia suffered from the Asian currency crisis. Instead of following the economic prescriptions of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, the prime minister opted for fixed exchange rates and capital controls. In late 1999, Malaysia was on the road to economic recovery, and it appeared Mahathir's measures were working. Abdullah Badawi Tries to Reduce Government CorruptionIn Oct. 2003, Mahathir retired after 22 years in office. His rule witnessed enormous economic growth, but was also characterized by repression and human rights abuses. Malaysia's new prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, had a more statesmanlike reputation, and in his first year in office he made headway on reducing corruption and instituting reforms. In March 2004, the ruling National Front coalition won an astonishing 90% of parliamentary seats, and Abdullah was reelected . The governing coalition under Prime Minister Badawi suffered a stunning defeat in March 2008's parliamentary elections. Opposition parties quadrupled their representation in Parliament, and Badawi's coalition, although it won 136 of 222 seats in Parliament, lost its two-thirds majority, which is necessary to amend the constitution, and control of five state assemblies. It was the worst showing for the National Front coalition in four decades. Shortly after the election, Badawi trimmed his cabinet, removing several ministers who had been accused of corruption, and appointed a prominent lawyer to oversee judicial reform. Leading opposition figure Anwar Ibrahim was arrested and jailed on suspicion of sodomy in July 2008—for a second time. Ten years earlier, when he was serving as deputy prime minister, he was convicted of sodomy and corruption. The conviction was overturned after he spent six years in jail. Anwar denied the charges both times, claiming to have been set up by the government—allegations that had a broad base of supporters, both domestically and abroad. Prior to each arrest, Anwar's political challenge to the governing party had been gaining momentum. Indeed, days before his arrest, he had announced plans to run for Parliament. In August, Anwar won a by-election to return to Parliament after a 10-year absence. He defeated the government party's candidate, 31,196 to 15,524. After a two-year trial, Anwar was acquitted of the sodomy charge in January 2012. In March 2009, the ruling United Malays National Organization chose Najib Razak to succeed Abdullah Badawi as Prime Minister of the nation and leader of the party. Razak has promised to make big changes in the ruling party, which is facing renewed competition. However, Razak is largely viewed as an insider who is too entrenched in party politics to follow through on his promises of reform. Halim Serves Second Term as KingIn October 2011, Abdul Halim was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or Malaysia's the head of state. With the election, he became the first person to become head of state twice. He also became the country's oldest ruler ever at 84 years and 15 days old. Halim's official coronation was on April 11, 2012, although he began his second term in December 2011. Violence on Borneo Unites Philippines and Malaysia Against Sulu SultinateA Filipino citizen living in Manila has laid claim—as sultan of Sulu—to the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo. Jamalul Kiram III's claim is based on a token rent which Malaysia pays the royal house of Sulu for the use of Sabah. Calling themselves the Royal Army of Sulu, the clan members said they were descendants of the Sultanate of Sulu in the southern Philippines, which ruled parts of northern Borneo for centuries. The April 2013 invasion by more than 200 Filipinos seemed to take both the Philippines and Malaysia by surprise. At least 60 have been killed in the ongoing conflict. The Malaysian government has been forced to take the worsening situation seriously, and launched an offensive on March 5, which included fighter jet air support. Prime Minister Dissolves ParliamentOn April 3, 2013, Malaysia's prime minister Najib Razak dissolved parliament and called for a general election in hopes reestablishing his National Front coalition's mandate, which has been in place for almost six decades. Despite winning less than 47% of the popular vote, Razak's coalition took 133 out of 222 parliamentary seats (district lines are drawn in the coalition's favor). Anwar Ibrahim's three-party alliance, which had hoped to unseat Najib's party with a pledge of a cleaner government, alleged the election was rigged. Malaysia Airlines Flight DisappearsMalaysia Airlines Flight MH370, carrying 239 people, lost contact with ground controllers en route to Beijing, China, on March 8, 2014. The plane disappeared between Malaysia and Vietnam. Two days later, rescue crews continued to search for the missing plane. Meanwhile, officials reported that two passengers on board MH370 had used stolen passports and booked their tickets at the same time. All causes for what happened to the jetliner were being investigated, including hijacking. For days, rescue crews searched for the plane and investigators hunted for clues about what happened. Finally, on March 24, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announced that satellite data confirmed that the plane went down in the southern Indian Ocean, a remote location far off course. Many questions remained unanswered, including why the plane ended up where it did and why it went down. Inmarsat, a British company, analyzed satellite data and the plane's flight path and determined the area where the plane went down. An Australian Air Force plane reported seeing "a grey or green circular object" and "an orange rectangular object" in the area, but the Australian government did not confirm that the debris was from the missing plane. The search for the plane will continue. See also Encyclopedia: Malaysia. Information Please® Database, © 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
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