Soil and Soul

The Arkansas Delta might be one of the poorest regions of the United States, but it's an area that is rich in musical culture and heritage, particularly the Blues. A friend told me about a website that offers a free CD of Delta music just for the asking. So, I asked and this is what they sent me.


In addition to the CD (which includes music from artists like Albert King, Al Green, Johnny Cash and Charlie Rich) there is a DVD of interviews with several musicians discussing the history of the Blues and the music it relates to such as Southern Gospel, Country, Jazz, Rockabilly and Rock & Roll. The brochure pictured with the CD/DVD is a promotional travel guide for the Arkansas Delta.

To get your own CD/DVD (it appears to be limited to those in the US), click on this link: Arkansas Delta Byways.

Thanks for letting me know about this wonderful freebie, Jamie!

Destination Science: Arkansas, USA

In the spirit of Rodney Dangerfield, I can say that quite often my home state of Arkansas "don't get no respect". So you can imagine my surprise when I turned to the "destination science" feature of the May 2010 issue of Discover Magazine and saw Arkansas, USA! Launching the article with the words "Arkansas is rarely on anyone's bucket list", writer Leeaundra Keany then goes on to praise the state and highlights four places especially worth visiting for their geological offerings. I found a copy of the article online here if you'd like to read all of it. Otherwise, here are the locations, a few details about them, and links to more information.

1. Blanchard Springs Caverns: The largest living cave system in the US.
www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ozark/recreation/caverns.html

2. Hot Springs National Park: 47 clustered hot springs serving two historic spas.
www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

3. Crater of Diamonds State Park: The eighth-largest diamond reserve in the world and the only spot on the planet where you can go prospecting for the gems and keep any that you find.
www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com

4. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources: Focuses primarily on petroleum and bromine, more of which is produced in Arkansas than anywhere else in the world.
www.arkansasstateparks.com/museumofnaturalresources

Now I have to be honest and admit that although I've lived all my life in Arkansas (with the exception of the years I spent in college), I've never visited Blanchard Springs or the Crater of Diamonds. I've been to Hot Springs a number of times, yet never visited Bathhouse Row. On the other hand, I've frequently been to the Museum of Natural Resources (orginally called the Oil & Brine Museum).