Vox

Dining Deals

You heard me say it before; Arizona sports teams will break your heart. Fortunately, they can also help fill your belly.

Two of the deals we've been taking advantage of:

Taco Bell's Diamondbacks deal - If the Dbacks manage to score 6 runs, you can get 3 free tacos with the purchase of a drink the following day between 4 and 6 p.m.

Papa John's Cardinals deal - Monday nights, Papa John's sells a large pizza for $7.99. For every touchdown the Cards score, you get one topping free. Last night we got a large 5 topping pie for less than $9 . . . and it was mighty tasty :-)
[I believe that if the Cards actually manage to win, they double the number of free toppings - but what are the odds of that ;-) ]

Convertible Weather

The weather outside may be frightful in some parts of the country, but here in Phoenix it is still glorious. Perfect for putting the top down and hitting the road (especially now that gas prices have dropped)

If you don't yet have your own convertible, why not consider giving yourself a nice little Christmas present.

This is the nicest 98 Corvette in Arizona. Or the nicest I have seen anyways it is garaged and only has 43k miles on it. Arctic white coupe LS1, 345hp, 6spd , rear window defrost, electronic dual comfort zone controls, 12 disc cd changer, memory package, dual leather power seats, tires only have 4k miles on them (BFGoodrich GForce TA KD's) Rear: 295/35ZR 18's - Front: 295/45ZR 17's It took me 2 years to find this car and I love it. But I have only driven it a handful of times in the past 4 years and it just sits in my garage. It is time for someone who will enjoy it and drive it to have it. This is the one to come see, you won't look any further I guarantee it.
$18,000

Phil Gordon Is A Weenie

Yeah, I know that is common knowledge, but in case anyone was doubting it Gordon intends to remove all doubt.

UPDATE: I have just been reading some of the comments on that story, seems that I am not nearly the only one who thinks Gordon ought to consider working within a budget rather than turning into just another outstretched hand looking for a taxpayer funded bailout.

That'll Do It

In Need of Cash

The current real estate market is killing me - so many great properties available and I can't buy them all.

I keep finding deal after deal after deal, too many for my meager bank account. If I get the two I am working on now, I will be just about at the limit. But there are so many more out there, just calling to me. "Buy me, buy me...."

Anyone else out there investing in this mess?

Arizona Sports Teams

..will break your heart.

Every time.

more. more. more. more.

We're Number 4!

Forbes.com made a list of the cities that suffer the most sports misery - and we couldn't even win that.

Still, at number four, there is lots to whine about. I've said it many times, Arizona sports teams will break your heart. Well, not the Cardinals - no one ever expects them to go anywhere. The other teams, however, play well enough to get your hopes up . . . and then they crash and burn.

Here is their list of why we are considered a Miserable Sports City:

4. Phoenix, Ariz.

Teams: Cardinals (NFL), Diamondbacks (MLB), Suns (NBA), Coyotes (NHL)

• Title round record: 1-2 (21st)
  
• Semifinal round record: 3-7 (25th)
  
• Total seasons/early playoff-round exits (or baseball 2nd place): 82/28 (23rd)
  
• Total seasons/championships: 82/1 (22nd)
  
• Years since last title: 7 (8th)
  
• Teams lost: 0

The Suns have lost six times in the NBA's Western Conference finals, and twice in the NBA finals, without a ring

Don't even get me started on the Suns.......

Light Rail Sucks

Yet another reason to hate light rail in Phoenix - my favorite Chinese restaurant is closed.

For good.

To make room for a Park & Ride.

Tragic.

Flu Facts

This week in Phoenix, according to FluFacts.com, the flu level is at an 8 of a possible 10.

Nationally it is averaging about a 7.

Just thought you might want to know.

Weather Whining

Global warming my !!

Drive Time

Found this on Gaping Void:

Driving in Phoenix Manifesto

1. We drive the temperature here, not the speed limit.

2. We have dedicated Left turn lanes, but don't worry, they are great places to catch up on the newspaper.

3. Since we have left turn lanes, blinkers, horns and lights are optional.

4. Only newbies and rookies use their horns, since we don't use our turn signals, no sense using anything else connected to the steering column.

5. The only exception to the horn rule is just before the sound of crashing.

6. If you are involved in a crash and the other person leaves, they are illegal, have no drivers license or insurance and it's their cousins car.

7. Your favorite store is always on the other side of town.

8. If the person in front of you has white hair, changes lanes and streets, they are snow birds, older than dirt, and have no idea where they are.

9. The Accident report on the radio is always longer than the newscast.

10. Drivetime is quality time, use it wisely, it's bedtime by the time you get home.

alan herrell - the head lemur
raving lunacy

Benefit Concert

A Concert to Benefit Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Earp

On September 16, 2006, Terry Earp, an award winning Arizona playwright and wife of Wyatt Earp, a direct descendant of Virgil Earp, was critically injured in a car/bicycle accident. She remains hospitalized. AMAZ Records along with Kerr Cultural Center, ArizonaEntertainers.com, Durant Communications and many other friends of Terry and Wyatt are presenting these concerts to assist with Terry’s long term recovery. All performers have volunteered their time for these events. At least 80% of all proceeds from these events will go directly to the Earp’s.

With an appearance by Wyatt Earp and these Arizona Performers:

Your MC for both evenings will be Jim Paxon

You may also assist Terry and Wyatt at any branch of Wells Fargo Bank

Make Deposits to Account # 2222432482 – Benefit for Terry Earp Accident Recovery Fund

Event produced by AMAZ Records with the assistance of the ASU Kerr Cultural Center, ArizonaEntertainers.com, Durant Communications and all the friends of Terry and Wyatt Earp.

He's Back

I was so happy to see Sean McLaughlin go, and now he's coming back. At least he won't be on NBC. I am getting freaking sick of seeing the stupid commercials about his return.

Consumer Insanity

This store is opening here this Friday and they are expecting over 100,000 people in the first three days. No, that's not a typo, 100,000 people converging on a massive sporting goods store.

I love sporting goods/outdoor shops, especially now that I am a gun owner again, though I have never heard of Cabela's. What I do know about it, however, is that they invested a lot of time and money in this location - they are going to be there for a while. I've been looking forward to the opening since I heard they were coming, but I don't understand the need to rush over there and fight these opening day crowds. There aren't any grand opening specials until the Grand Opening - next month.

For those of you who live/work/or otherwise have to drive over there, the city of Glendale is implementing the 511 traffic system, call 'em up to get up to the minute information on traffic, delays & parking.

UPDATE: Apparently I am familiar with this store, the family has been shopping from their catalog for years...who knew?

Uptown Girl

I have never enjoyed Phoenix's "downtown" area; traffic headaches, parking nightmares, lack of safety (or the impression of it), no reason to go down there and mess with it. Occasionally I have had to go there for work or a concert I felt strongly enough about, but it is always an anxious, unpleasant experience for me.

It is even worse down there now that the city has decided to destroy and rebuilt the Civic Plaza Convention Center at the same time they are building our light rail debacle system. It is some bureaucrats twisted apocalyptic fantasy. Getting there is half the fun? Nope, getting there is no fun at all.

Guess where I had to go today?

Just going would have been bad enough, but what should have been a quick in and out settlement, 20 minutes at the max, became a day ruining odyssey. I'll spare you all the details, but I will give you the highlights.

This is an annual deal with this client, one of the few clients that requires us on site for settlement. The process has been the same for years, the personnel haven't changed, but...
This year their rep(s) completely dropped the ball, changed the rules, then complained about the delays.
This year I ended up hiking all over the new 3 story building for 90 minutes, rushing our guys to get paperwork in order that they had no idea they even needed to look at for two more hours.
This year the one thing that remained the same was her comment, "Boy, labor is really high here in Phoenix" - yep, she says it every year.

I got a small check with an even smaller profit margin. My toes have more, and more painful, blisters than I remember them ever having.

I am once again reminded why I hate downtown Phoenix - and why I hate dealing with customers.

Old Town

I posted a while back about an old co-worker who was a friend of SG's, and was also friends with my favorite cousin. You might have missed it since it was part of the blog that my web host lost.

Anyway, she and I have been emailing and I mentioned I was gonna have lunch with my cousin, she told me to say hi for her. No problem.

Of course, once he and I got together we had to go over everything our families are doing (big families) and then started talking about what Phoenix was like back in the day. Legend City, Christown Mall, Wallace & Ladmo, the Wax Museum....

So, I had to call him after I got back to the office to say hi from her - I'm a dork.

Boom Boom Club

A few weeks ago, we took a day trip up to Prescott to visit this shop - now I am a gun owner (some might call it a canon).

The first range we took it to was Shooters World; conveniently close to work, air-conditioned indoor range. At $13 per hour (or portion thereof) it is a bit pricey, though. Also, though they may be watching through the windows, there aren't many employees on the firing line with the customers. If you need help or instruction you are on your own - though you may be able to get it in a class for a fee. It was a very humbling experience shooting at targets on a range, seeing how inaccurate I was at the various distances.

Yesterday we went to Ben Avery - what a difference. $5 gets you a whole day of shooting, or as much of it as you can take...we made it about 3 hours. There are an abundance of safety officers on the line, all quite friendly and open to questions. From that humbling experience at Shooters World, I was feeling pretty bad about my skills. I grabbed one of the range volunteers and told him I needed help - he gave me two tips and I hit just on the edge of the bullseye with my first shot. I emptied the whole clip in a 5-7 inch group. Wow - I was amazed :-) Now, that was sitting down and at a target 5 yards away. I didn't do quite as well standing up or at a longer distance, but I did SO MUCH better than I had been doing.
The boyfriend and his buddy had their hunting rifles, which one of the range workers sited in for them...quickly and for free.

A great way to, as Len says, "turn money into noise" - in my case just shy of 200 rounds and the range fee.....about $30 all together.

BTW: Forgot to mention that they carded me when I went to buy ammo. My birthday on Wednesday is decades away from the ammo buying threshold, so I thanked him profusely for making my day :-)

Signs of the Season

About Freaking Time

I Miss Summer

The view from my office

Bleh!

Gala Benefit

Jazz in Arizona, Inc's Jazz Refugee Project announces benefit concert to provide grants to displaced New Orleans musicians presently in Arizona. Funds will be used to allow them to share their stories and music with children throughout the state of AZ.

Tuesday October 11, 2005, Concert 7-9:30pm.
Doors open to auction/lobby at 6:15pm. Auction closes at 8:30.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave, Chandler 85225.

Tickets: Under 21, free. Adults General Admission, $20. VIP Section, $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000. Tickets available as of October 7th at Chandler Center for Arts Box Office (480) 782-2680

The 2 1/2 hour concert will feature some of the finest world class musicians around. The guest of honor will be evacuee band Treme Brass Band, featuring New Orleans legend Benny Jones, Sr. Mr. Jones not only started the Treme Band (named after the Treme District near Louis Armstrong Park in the north end of the French Quarter), he also started the world famous Dirty Dozen Brass Band. He performed in numerous 2nd line gigs, and performed at Donna's and Preservation Hall. 7 members of The Treme Brass are now living rent free for three months thanks to "the Project'.

Irvin Mayfield, the concert's headliner, has been nominated for a grammy, is on staff of Dillard University Jazz Studies, board member of New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and the New Orleans Museum Board. He presently tours with three groups, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Los Hombres Calientes, and his own quintet. He has conducted numerous jazz workshops in Chandler, and he headlined the Chandler Jazz Festival twice.

Funds raised will allow the displace N.O. victims the opportunity to share their story and music with school age children across the valley, at least until N.O. is rebuilt.

Searching For A Friend

I thought I would use the power of the internet to try and locate someone I went to school with, Terry Woods. He seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth.

Things I know:

• He went to ASU Law School. Not sure when he graduated/passed the bar but it was probably the mid to late '80s. I searched the Bar Association web site where I found Terrance Woods who went through ASU - in 1973. I called the office just in case it was a typo - nope, he is in his 60s.
• He had been living in Bullhead City off and on for at least the past 10 years.
• He was living here and working at a law firm around 7th Ave & Thomas 6 or 7 years ago. (but I think he went back to Bullhead at some point after that)
• He was specializing in Family law.
• He went to Clarendon Elementary and Central (I think) High School.

Any leads?

Awwww

Another Arizona blog I missed (and you guys really sucked at pointing any out for me ...... but I found them anyway) is Stumbling Through Life With Grace. Today she gives a bit of an insight into her relationship - and relationships in general.

Been there, that's for sure. In year 2 right now.....

Sunny

Since they just got the first official snow of the season in Colorado, and we had a freeze warning in Northern Arizona, I thought I would add a weather sticker to my sidebar. As I am adding it at 6:30 p.m., it is 95° - jealous?

Aware of Your Surroundings

I made a stop by a dollar store today, in hopes of picking up some animal crackers for her. Unfortunately for her, they were out.

Unfortunately for them, they had just been robbed.

Some guy took the manager in the back room and made her open and empty the safe. And I saw him leaving; when I was getting out of my car, he was getting in his. But I didn't look at him. I made a brief note of the basics; black, short hair, glasses. Just general stuff, though, nothing specific that they didn't already know.

If I'd have taken two seconds to turn and smile at him, I would have seen what he was wearing, maybe what he was driving. Just the briefest glance in his direction and I might have been able to help. But no, I was in my own little world.

The good news is, nobody got hurt. My favorite cashier, a sweet older lady with an accent (German?) was very shaken up. She didn't see the guy and was out of the way stocking, but she was quite upset. I just wanted to hug her and tell her it will be OK - I've been through being robbed and it is so disconcerting. I'll have to check on her tomorrow.

 
SG claims that if I were single I'd have looked at the guy......

It's About Time!!!

I finally put a link to my sister's blog on my sidebar.

Sorry it took me so long

No Blogger Gathering

I didn't get any response to this. Seems like the initial interest was fleeting.

In light of that, and dealing with this stress and financial slam, I guess we will be taking a pass on the blogger get together this month.

I was really looking forward to meeting y'all - maybe we can do it later...or somewhere else?

Pigs And Cows

We have some amazing thunderstorms here, and they come out of nowhere. From blue sky to deluge in 6.2 seconds (or there abouts). I love them, always have - don't remember ever being afraid of thunder or lightning, just remember always wanting to watch it and sleep with the windows open.

Our storms are so cool Lori even picked it as her Happiness for today. I would normally agree with her, despite the fact that my garage, patio and workshop all flooded.

Unfortunately, SG's work can be adversely affected by the weather, and last night was the one night that it couldn't rain....but it did. Monday night, no problem, tonight, no problem - last night, BIG problem. So it made for a very unpleasant night for him, and possibly an expensive one. It might have been even worse if we hadn't gone out for ice cream and seen the storm, we were all comfy, cozy and unaware - and no one bothered to call him and tell him there was a problem. The forecasters had issued severe weather alerts in Northern and Eastern Arizona, but not here.

My plants may be happy but my yard is a mess again, and SG got clobbered. Not a good storm

Blogger Gathering

I am thinking of the 13th for this; Phoenix Arizona bloggers, Pot Luck, swim if ya' want to.

I finally got my yard guy to show up so, other than the blood in the carpet, the homestead shouldn't be too scary bad.

Are We Amused?

Decided to show myself a good time last night (get your minds out of the gutter) so planned some of my favorite things...

First up was Chinese food. I originally planned to go to The Silver Dragon which I think is the best Chinese in the Valley, but decided I wanted a drink or two so I went to the Golden Phoenix instead. Usually their drinks are better, but last night this was not the case. How do you screw up a strawberry daiquiri? I should have stuck with the original plan - Silver Dragon's Kung Pao is exceptional, Golden Phoenix's Kung Pao is OK - I remember them as being better in the past, off night or going downhill? Anyway, passable food, passable beverage - moving on.....

Down to the Biltmore Fashion Park for some live music. The Coffee Plantation there has performers most every night and I was pleased to see they had a jazz trio last night. But then I sat for a while and watched and, um, well....pretty bad when the best thing you can say about them is that it was cool that they had their logo on the drums..... The guitar player was just beating the crap out of his guitar - the bass player was really busy in his lines - and the drummer was on top of them both. Then they would finish a song and fiddle around in dead silence for 2-3 minutes, and start playing again. No stage presence at all. No acknowledgment of the audience what-so-ever. Bah!

So I went over to Border's, 'cause you can't beat a book store on a Sunday evening. But I couldn't find anything I couldn't live without and their prices, especially on music, are just too high.

So I went back and listened to a little more music, got a strawberry smoothie and left. Stopped at WalMart on the way home to get a new car adapter for my MP3 player - Yay!

And you know what, as grumpy as this post sounds - I had a really good time. And I got home early. And I got a good night sleep so maybe I won't be as grumpy today

Party People

I was thinking that August might be a good time to have a BBQ/pool party for local bloggers and their significant others.

I live near Metrocenter, if I were to put this together at my house, how many of you would be interested?

Heat Index Gives Way To Noise Index

We are expecting a record high temp (116°) today here in Phoenix. This is my kind of weather

But, not everyone in the office agrees. Usually we have a decent compromise; they don't completely freeze the place, I wear a sweatshirt. Today, however, the AC is busted which would be perfect for me...but, alas, it is not to be. They've hooked up one of those portable shop swamp coolers, the monster size one. It isn't making the office too cold (yet), but it is soooo loud. Don't know how long I will be able to stand that.....

Yep, It's Here

re: this

My sister suggested I move my car out of the sun at the office since a shady spot had opened up. So I did.

And made the mistake of touching the metal tab of my seat belt which burned my arm. Big red mark so far, but I put ice on it right away so hopefully it won't be too bad.

But, yeah, I still LOVE the heat.

It's Here!

Happy First Day of Summer!!!

Stupid Questions

My sister and I went out for a walk today after lunch - fresh air and exercise are always good.

We passed a couple of guys going the opposite direction who asked us the oh-so-original question, "hot enough for you?" I think they were surprised by my (honest) answer - "not yet"

A) What answer do you expect to that?
B) At just over 90°, it isn't hot enough for me yet. But it's getting closer

Little Bundle

A young boy was left at a local fire station this morning under the Safe Haven program.

My questions are simple. How do I register my house as a safe haven? Do I have to turn the baby over or can I just keep him/her?

I'm just askin'

Location, Location, Location

el Gringo takes Jon Talton (and the other "Downtown or Bust"-ers) to task over which area needs to be 'artsified' in order to goose Phoenix's economic development.

If Phoenix needs a square mile or so of vibrant yuppie playground to prosper in the 21st century, why does it have to be in a mile radius from the offices of the Republic? You the reader can probably name several spots that are hopping on a Saturday (or any other) night. Why can't these other pieces of real estate serve as magnets to the creative class? Is there such a thing as an urban G-spot? Hit it and you reach economic nirvana, miss it and you're livin' in nowheresville daddy-o.

Worth The Paper It's Printed On

I am counting on one of our Arizona bloggers with more insight and political acumen (cough*Edward*cough) to give us an in depth report on the latest from our Governor, Janet Napalitano. I will include the full report I got in the extended entry, but the gist of it is: Napalitano wants some money spent on her pet projects, she goes to the legislature and makes a deal (a verbal deal) to sign some legislation they want if they pass the things that she wants, the legislature holds up their end of the bargain and sends through all three pieces, Napalitano signs the two she originally wanted and vetoes (some reports have her chuckling about it) the bit that she promised to sign in return.

Her word is now worth about as much as the pigeon droppings gracing our capitol building.

My main question here is, why would anyone have expected anything different from her? She has certainly shown herself to be opportunistic and deceptive in the past, I am sure she will continue to be those things in the future. I don't think her word has been worth more than bird poop in decades...but someone must've still believed in her. Look what it got 'em.

Late Friday afternoon, the governor vetoed a measure that would help poor and middle class children receive a quality education via corporate tuition tax breaks. This was part of an early May compromise between the Governor and Republican legislators on key educational issues. In return for the Governor’s support of this pro-education measure, Republicans agreed to her demands to spend more money on All-Day Kindergarten and the University of Arizona medical school.

Despite the apparent agreement, Napolitano vetoed the corporate tuition tax breaks bill, while signing All-Day K and the medical school bills. She claimed there never was an official deal.

“This smacks of pure Clintonism,” said Chad Kirkpatrick, president of the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers. “Instead of arguing what the definition of ‘is’ is, Napolitano is arguing what the definition of ‘deal’ is.”

The typically mild-mannered House Speaker Jim Weiers put it bluntly: “The governor lied to me.”

Senate Finance Chairman Dean Martin also had choice words on the veto. “It’s either her way or the Piestewa Peak Parkway. This is what you get with a trial lawyer as Governor; they will always find a way to weasel out of any agreement that does not serve their special interests.”

Both Speaker Weiers and Senator Martin played key roles in quelling a last minute rebellion of conservative legislators. Led by Rep. Eddie Farnsworth and Sen. Thayer Verschoor, the conservatives argued that Napolitano could not be trusted to side with parents and children over the government school lobby.

Insiders believe Napolitano’s actions only strengthens the conservatives.

Representative Russell Pearce summed up the feelings of many moderate and conservative legislators. “Governor Napolitano apparently does not know the meaning of "Contract" or "I promise." Apparently her word is not her bond and any future negotiations will be very difficult when you have to negotiate with someone you cannot trust to be honest in their dealings.

“Governor Napolitano agreed to this budget that had her top priorities in it (which we had to swallow very hard), and this budget had a couple of very important issues for the Majority in the legislature that she agreed to.”

UPDATE: I just went to their site and got a headache. The information is great, the presentation is bafflingly absurd. Someone, somewhere, please give their website an extreme makeover

Phoenix Fund Raiser

IMPORTANT -- FUNDRAISER AND WONDERFUL MUSIC.

May 20th Fundraiser for Liver Transplant to feature trumpeter WAYNE BERGERON

A great concert is scheduled May 20 for a great cause.The three-star program will feature the Arizona All-Star Big Band, Young Sounds of Arizona and special guest WAYNE BERGERON, acclaimed jazz trumpeter from Los Angeles.

The concert at 7 p.m. May 20 at Central High School, 4525 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-271-2300, will be a wonderful jazz experience, and a way to help raise funds to expedite a liver transplant for 26-year-old Dennis Doyle.

Doyle will graduate summa cum laude from Arizona State University West the week before the concert. His younger brother, Danny, is a member of Young Sounds and the Mesa Community College Big Band. Both he and sister Tracy are donor matches to give part of their livers to help Dennis return to health.

Tickets are $25 at the door or reserved by calling 623-570-9786.

"Every musician performing is donating time and talent for the concert, so ALL door proceeds will go into the fund started in Dennis' name," said Barb Catlin, one of the organizers. "We hope to raise $10,000 from the concert, to help with the $70,000 it will cost for the transplant."

Dennis Doyle has been diagnosed with a rare liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PCS), the disease that took the life of Chicago Bears team member Walter Payton in 1999. The only cure is a liver transplant, and both Doyle siblings are matches. Transplant costs will reach $70,000, and this concert is a start.

An account has been opened with the National Transplant Assistance Fund, 3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 230, Newtown Square, PA 19073, 800-642-8399, where donations in his name may be mailed, checks with notation "In honor of Dennis Doyle."

Guest artist Wayne Bergeron is one of the most active West Coast musicians, including studio and theater work, performing with major orchestras, clinics and jazz gigs. I have heard him many times in various special jazz events in L.A., including last October's Maynard Ferguson celebration and, in every performance, he satisfied the international audience of veteran jazz fans. I vividly remember his exciting rendition of the theme from Rocky, "Gonna Fly Now," one that rivaled even MF's original hit recording.

Bergeron is a thrilling high-note trumpeter whose style will astound listeners with its searing clarity and exhilarating eloquence. He has performed with the bands of Quincy Jones, Jack Sheldon, Bill Watrous and Gordon Goodwin, and has recorded with Diana Krall, Rosemary Clooney, Tito Puente, Chicago and Celine Dion. Bergeron has worked on more than 250 film soundtracks, including "Sweet Home Alabama," "Catch Me If You Can," "American Pie 2," "Meet Joe Black" and "Ace Ventura." His TV credits include "American Idol," "Emmy Awards," "Latin Grammys" and "Jeopardy."

Bergeron is on the staff of California State University Northridge and also teaches privately. The Arizona All-Star Big Band is a showcase of the best jazz pros in the Valley, an ensemble that was organized to support the Doyle family.

Trumpets are Fred Forney, Dennis Monce, Rob Hunter, Dave Coolidge and Scott Yandell; trombones Bill Foy, Gina Wagner and Jeff Martin; saxes Bryon Ruth, Jerry Donato, Dave Schmidt and Mike Crotty; and the rhythm section of Barb Catlin piano; Chris Champion, guitar; Steve Millhouse, bass and Dom Moio, drums.

Young Sounds of Arizona is the all-star Valley high school band, and members between the ages of 14 and 19 are chosen by audition. This band was founded in 1971 and is the oldest program of its kind in the nation. It is sponsored by the Professional Musicians of Arizona, Local 586 of the American Federation of Musicians. Young Sounds now consists of two big bands and a jazz combo, directed by Catlin.

UPDATE: I found another link to this exact same press release - but the site it is on must have an overactive porn filter - see for yourself. Ah, the humor of automation...

Local Eats

We have a wonderful system at the office that generally results in the boss buying us lunch once a week. We have several favorites we regularly visit, but occasionally are tempted to try something new through our membership in the Lunch Club Today was one of those days.

The restaurant was Blue Willo Café, and it is truly a great find. Located just down the road from the office at 2928 N 7th Ave, two of us walked and the boss drove down to meet us.

The menu offers a wide variety of choices, making the decision a tough one. There are also daily surprises depending on the chefs mood - today they were featuring Southwestern Style Chili. Apparently the menu is just a suggestion, though, as she is very flexible and accommodating - tell them what you are in the mood for and you may just get it.

I got the turkey breast sandwich on nine grain bread ($4.75) - a selection so huge I barely made it through half, but so tasty I didn't want to stop eating. My companions got the Chicken Dijon Salad sandwich and Sally's Chicken Salad sandwich. Their reviews were glowing, as well.

The desserts looked amazing but I was good and resisted. Apparently the chef trained at the Culinary Institute in San Fransisco, originally as a pastry chef. I will definitely be going back to sample her work with sugar.

The cafe was cozy, though you can tell they have only recently moved in, and the staff was very friendly. Access from 7th Ave, and getting out of the parking lot, are a bit tricky - but worth it.

On the Word Of Mouth scale:

Glass Half Full

On the plus side of this, the pool hasn't needed filling in weeks.....

The Weeds Are Greener...

Whoever said "It's a jungle out there" must've seen my yard.

All this rain is causing explosive plant growth - and, once again, my lawn guy is AWOL. I have weeds up to my bum!

BTW: I'm not the only one sick of all this water.

Whine, Whine, Go Away!

Crud

OK, the weather is beautiful here 300 days of the year - I am not complaining. However, the recent rains we experienced (that we really needed) have left us another problem. Potentially contaminated water.

It doesn't help that two of our treatment plants were already down for maintenance. I completely forgot the alert yesterday and showered (long and hot), did laundry, drinking tap water.... duh!

Art Benefit

FYI for those in town:

Visit the Phoenix Art Museum next week and your admission dollars will benefit those affected by the recent tsunami in Asia.

– 100% of general admissions revenue for the week of January 11-16 will be donated to American Red Cross

– Museum visitors can view art from Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India

Phoenix Art Museum will donate all of its general admission revenue for the week of Tuesday, January 11, through Sunday, January 16, to the Red Cross to aid in the tsunami disaster relief efforts. There also will be a cash donation box for those visitors who wish to make additional contributions to the cause. The Museum is eager to help in this way out of honor and respect for its long established ties, collegial relationships and friendships in the stricken region that have made it possible for the Museum to develop a very well-respected and active Asian art department. Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to appreciate art objects in the Museum’s collection from several of the affected countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India.

Examples of what people will see in the Museum’s Asian art galleries when they visit during the week include a large, 9th century stone sculpture of a seated Buddha from Indonesia; a group of 18th century bronze Buddhist sculptures from Sri Lanka; Indian bronze and carved sculptures of Hindu deities from the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries; and more. These works provide a stunning and emotional connection to the vast and intricate cultural histories of the areas so drastically affected by the tsunami’s destruction. Come help us help others.

Things To Do

Los Compadres 2350 West Northern Ave, Phoenix

Live jazz featuring Sherman Mitchell, Paul Lucas, David Valdivia, Vic Kottner, and Tom Goodwin. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call 602-864-0043 for cover.

BTW: I am not going - I got way too far behind on this project. Apparently waiting till the last minute runs in the family :-)

Things to do in Phx

Tonight is the Republican Meetup at The Cheesecake Factory (yummy)

If you are in the Phoenix area and lean to the right, come and join us. If you lean to the left, give it a rest and stay home tonight. This isn't the time or the place.

Cheesecake Factory
24th St & Camelback
right next to Border's Books
7:00 p.m.

KOOL

Our local KOOL FM has started a "Thank You For Serving" drive. There are several events in November to show your support for those who serve. Let's make sure they know we care.

French Week

Liddy & Hill were discussing the upcoming National French Week, something Phoenix celebrates with our sister city, Grenoble. They asked for people to call in with suggestions for ways to celebrate the occasion, so I did. And I sat on hold for 45 minutes. And they never took another caller (they had taken one before I dialed in).

So, I give you my ideas here:

• No bathing for the week. Women, no shaving.
  
• Anyone sporting an American flag on their car must replace it with a white flag instead.
  
• Every day find someone to surrender to, be rude to everyone else.
  
• Speak German ~ because that's what they would be speaking if it weren't for the United States.

BTW:The only two people I have met who were from France were quite delightful - of course, they had also left that country over 20 years ago.....

UPDATE: Added a link to the press release now that I found it. It doesn't actually say what the dates are, but there are French Week activities from Nov 5th through the 20th. Apparently the French have strange calendars.

Conservative Comedy

These guys are in town tonight and tomorrow. I can't make it 'cause I didn't know in time - but wanted to let the rest of you Phoenix area folks know, just in case.

They also sell some fun merchandise, like this

The Weekend

Things to do in Phoenix

• Thursday: The (wonderful) Phoenix Symphony kicks of their season with "Beethoven & Tchaikovsky" at the (fabulous) Orpheum Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
  
• Friday: (the incredible) Arturo Sandoval at the (not so fabulous) Rhythm Room, 9 p.m.
  
• Saturday: Broken's birthday celebration, somewhere in central Phoenix (only a priviledged few have the scoop ), 7 p.m. - ???
  
• Saturday: The (wonderful) Phoenix Symphony continues with "All Beethoven" at the (fabulous) Orpheum Theatre, 8 p.m.
  
• Saturday: Reba McEntire at (the enormous) America West Arena, 8 p.m.

Arizona Primaries

It was the revenge of the right Tuesday as conservative Republican challengers took out several high-profile moderates after one of the most bitter and negative legislative primary campaigns in recent history.

Primary Endorsements

Our Arizona Blogfather is back to his blog (after a much too lengthy hiatus) just in time to present us with his endorsements for tomorrows primary election.

Welcome back, "Edward"!

Water, at last

We had some nice little storms this week - nothing like we should be having, but nice just the same.

Rachel is out in an area where they got a fair amount of rain. She went and played in it and posted pictures, including some of herself in a wet t-shirt.

Get Out The Vote

No, nothing as important as the Presidential election.

My mother is an avid scrapbooker and is participating in a contest at one of our local stores, Scraps n Stamps. Normally, I wouldn't beg for votes, but her page this month really is the best of the bunch. It is a wonderful tribute to (some of) the soldiers in our family (we couldn't find pictures of them all on short notice) including my ex-hubby if you are curious what he looks like. She notes the operations they were each involved in but she gipped the ex and only credited him with Desert Storm even though he is still in and has participated in all the conflicts in the last decade or so. If any of you live or work near 19th Ave & Northern, stop in and cast your vote for "#1 Our Heroes". Voting ends August 15th.

Thanks!

Pigs Are Flying

Mark your calendars, I agree with something in the New Times

John Dougherty, though blustery and reactionary, makes some solid points regarding the expansion of our convention center.

I am not sure about the direction he goes with the Chapter 27 restriction (perhaps some of you legal eagles out there have a clearer grasp on whether it holds water in this case) but I don't believe expanding the Civic Plaza will miraculously result in increased revenues. If they can't fill it now, how will they fill it when it is larger and more expensive to run. I feel the same way about the new Cardinals stadium, btw, if the old stadium is mostly empty (unless the Cowboys are in town) then why do we need to give them more seats they can't fill.

Of course, full disclosure, I don't believe the government should be paying for any private enterprise. Someone else is going to make the profit, he can damn well take the risk.

Stupid Criminals

Not much to add, other than: if you are going to report a robbery, make sure you aren't also breaking the law.

Reagan Memorial

There will be a gathering at Republican Party headquarters Friday at 8:30 a.m. They will have the funeral broadcast on so we can all watch together.

Arizona Republican Party
3501 North 24th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85016

Heat Wave

I love the weather here in Phoenix, I wish the summer would last even longer. Over 100 degrees? Bring it on!

Lori posted recently about the solar oven that is our fair city, offering tips for surviving the triple digits.

Here I offer a reassuring image of one of the things I love about the Southwest:

Cowboys with their shirts off!

For Phoenicians

Speedy Pit Stop at 7th St & Thomas, Unleaded $2.08 a gallon

Jumping Jack Gas 7th Ave near Campbell, unleaded $2.09 a gallon

Things To Do In Phoenix

Thursday 27th, 7:00 p.m. Republican Meetup, Border's Books at the Biltmore

Friday 28th, 7:00 p.m., Pete Pancrazi Quartet, Desert Botanical Gardens

Saturday 29th, 7:00 p.m., Phoenix Symphony Celebrate America, Symphony Hall

Sunday 30th, 8:00 p.m., The Princess Bride, Cinema Under the Stars, Steele Indian School Park

Finally

We have some pretty lame newscasts here but, for the most part, Channel 12 does OK.

Except for a couple of glitches like....Sean McLaughlin. Despite all the awards he has apparently won, he is terrible. I turn away during the weather because he is such dork. Thankfully, he is leaving. Going to a network gig (which is good for him) on cable (so I won't stumble across it)

No idea on the replacement, but they're bound to be an improvement.

Now if they can just get rid of Mekahlo Medina and find someone who is able to pronounce basic words.

Danger, Danger

Dodenhoff points out that he is 30 seconds from the 4th most dangerous intersection in the nation.

I'm just up the block from number 7.

"Public" "Art"

In the area where I work, they recently formed a merchants association. One of their first projects was a plaza reconstruction involving an art installation. This involved months of disruption disguised as construction. I have spoken to the local residents, whose general opinion seems to be "why?" and "what a pain in the a**"

I love the part of the article where they say "For too long, 7th Avenue has been a street that Phoenix residents have used to simply get somewhere else" Apparently I have been using streets wrong all this time.

I often ride my bike to work, but have not been riding down 7th Avenue for a few months due to the construction. Today I decided to take a peek at the new plaza.

While the sidewalk used to be fairly straight-forward (literally) they have rerouted it through the little plaza. So now, rather than head straight down along the road, I had to swerve through the seating area - something that will be unpleasant for any visitors they might actually attract.

As I snaked my way around to the other side I found they have placed their 'art' right in the middle of the sidewalk. So, I then have to snake back again (no straight shot or way to avoid this without using the street on either side) but there is barely room for me. It would probably be fine for pedestrians (as long as they aren't too big), but for a bike or wheelchair it is treacherous. Poor planning.

Oh, and the art? Fairly generic and probably not long for the area - it's not a great neighborhood and the billboard-like installation seems just ripe for vandalizing. The installation itself looks like it is probably done by someone who tried to get the light rail commision, but didn't make it.

Our tax dollars at work.....

Why I Love Arizona

Beautiful, sunny day - high of 88 degrees.

Long walk at lunch, can't wait for summer.

UPDATE: Apparently Bill Brown had a much different experience with the weather today than I did. I won't get hot enough on my walks to carry water for a couple of months, but I walk around the central corridor. There are convenience type stores on every corner so I always have an out. And, I am one of those looney types who love it when it gets into the triple digits.
I hope he has recovered.

Get 'em While They're Hot

Zonitics points us to an Arizoner blogger, Dan at Jackalope Pursuivant, previously overlooked by yours truly.

I repent.

Dan even went to the trouble of surveying other Arizona blogs - look there I am.

And there is another overlooked local blog - The Short Strange Trip. He's in Tucson, so not quite as cool as Phoenix bloggers but funny as hell. Sometimes the simplest observations get ya' right here.

Life Is Hard...

...when you break the law. At least it should be.

Now one of the lame-a** wastes of carbon matter, who held hostage and sexually assaulted a female guard for 15 days, is complaining that he didn't get all the terms of the negotiated surrender. As Zonitics puts it, Boo Fricking Hoo.

Belated Birthday

It seems I missed a very important birthday on the 14th - and I am ashamed. So, here now, Happy 92nd Birthday to Arizona!

Fortunately, Lori is all over it. She's corralled some interesting tidbits about our beautiful home state, always fun to find out new things.

Very Tired...

...because of this. But, I still love my new job at the airport - even after tonight.

And how was your day?

BTW: I love the guy that blames this on "the Bush administration" - what an idiot.

Fun Times

This is what happened at work today, how was your day?

A cargo jet made an emergency landing at Sky Harbor International Airport on Tuesday night after a bomb threat was phoned in to the United Parcel Service.

UPDATE: It was a hoax

Our Governor

Here in Phoenix we are stuck with a Governor who has a profound inability to lead. David Dodenhoff nails one of her main faults - when under pressure, she behaves like a spoiled child. This trait has been glaringly evident during our gas crunch.

Mixed Bag of Music

S.O. Man and I decided to go out for a casual evening to take advantage of the fact that he wasn't working Friday night (rarely happens). We didn't really have any strong feelings about what to do, but thought live music might be nice. I checked several websites and even stooped to the local rag - the Phoenix New Times. The AZ Republic site listed Border's at the Biltmore Fashion Park as having Audra (folk/acoustic). Never heard of her, but how bad could it be, and since nothing else interesting was listed we headed out.

As soon as we walked in Border's it was obvious that whatever was happening was not acoustic. The windows were rattling!

We made our way upstairs to see what it might be, and it just got worse with every step. It was some sort of 'rock' trio (I say 'rock' because they weren't cool enough to be rock) made up of kids that looked to be about 15-17. And they were SO LOUD. I had hoped to make good use of the trip to a book store and actually shop, but you can't browse when you feel like someone is hitting you in the head with a 2 X 4 - repeatedly!

The looks on the faces of the other shoppers were priceless, all contorted and squinchy. As I said, the windows downstairs were shaking. Upstairs was like being surrounded by jackhammers. For all I know they might actually have had some talent - but how could you tell at that volume?

I went to the information kiosk to find out who they were. Nothing listed on the schedule, so I ask at the desk. They were not booked by the regular entertainment person (duh - that would imply they were entertaining) but were a friend of a friend of someone who works there. That's how they got to come in and blast the customers out of the store. No one seemed to know what they called themselves, so I'll just call them The Blaring Cacophony. The employees looked as anxious for them to leave as the customers. I hope Border's lost a ton of business so they never do that to their customers again, ever.

After we made our escape, we headed down the mall to the Coffee Plantation where they also usually have live music. Bingo. A trio (two guitars and a bass), chick singer, reasonable volume. Cool.

Got a drink, grabbed a seat, enjoyed the show. The name of the band is Boot Hill. Clever since it is a family band - and their name is Graves. They were actually pretty good. All three sang, they did a very eclectic mix of tunes (in a slightly odd twist, they followed Summertime with The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down) They made a misstep by trying to incorporate a mandolin into one song, and the mando player hasn't gotten his chops up yet. He was fine on guitar, but he tried to play the mando as if it were just a smaller version of his stratocaster. Not a pretty site - or sound.

Their card says they are available for "Parties, Weddings, and other occasions" I would go see them at a coffee shop again, definitely, I like to support competent musicians when they play live. I might consider them for a party. I don't think they are quite polished enough that I would hire them for a wedding, but I would like to see how they grow in the future.

So, the evening started with a fright and a headache, but the ending was rather pleasant.

Gouging or Free Market

John Moore at Useful Fools does a very good job of filleting the AZ Republic article regarding price controls.

As much as I hate the idea of paying $5 a gallon for gas, I am much more upset by the idea of our politicians deciding what the market can bear. Zonitics spells out plainly the case for gouging - heck, he's demanding it. Perhaps the higher prices would cut down a bit on the hoarding that is going on now. I believe that, had the media not whipped the public into a frenzy, there would be plenty of gas to go about our daily routines.

Good news: The Feds have given their approval for testing to begin on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. Don't know what this means timewise, but it seems to be a positive step.

Oh, Yeah!

And how was your week?

CNN.com - Phoenix sizzling in record heat - Jul. 25, 2003

Windshields exploding, candles melting indoors - just another summer.

How hot was it?

This is what's happening in my neighborhood:

Explosion Rocks Apartments

I feel for the people who have been displaced. However, you just can't miss the fact that, in spite of an earth shaking explosion, the only injuries sustained were by a girl who burned her feet running across the parking lot. Apparently the burns were pretty serious - ouch - but she is expected to recover.

That's brisk, baby!
********************
This is also worth keeping in mind when you are thinking of taking your dog for a walk - don't burn their little feet.