Prescott Event Highlights for October 16th - 31st 2011

Guess What I got Today? & Don't Forget to Enter our Contest!

Guess what came today? My Amazon gift card from signing-up with Happus_Phoenix! 


If you have been following us and our October Fall-ow Us Contest, then you know that the first 50 people to sign-up (for free) at the Happus_Phoenix website  get a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card!


I got my prize from Happus_Phoenix! Don't miss out on yours! Be one of the first 50 to register for free at Happus_Phoenix for an Amazon Gift Card then enter our October Fall-ow Us Contest , for a chance to win a $25.00 Mystery Prize!


Our contest is easy! It's all about Fall-owing! Follow us, follow this blog, follow our T-Shirt Tour then comment  (per Contest instruction) to let us know that you are entering! Contest ends at midnight on Halloween!


Click for contest details!

Deal on Poe Fest!

Poe Fest Ticket Deal !

$10 for a General Admission ticket to Curriculum Theater to see PoeFest ($20 Value)

Highlights:
Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm.Sunday's show is at 2:00 pm.
Fine Print:
Expires 10/31/2011.Voucher cannot be redeemed until the day after deal closes.See the fine print that applies to all deals.Adult general admission tickets only.Additional tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.May buy unlimited vouchers.Voucher is your ticket to the event, it is suggested you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to start time to reserve seating, since seating is subject to availability.

Ultra Theater Free Pass for Spookley the Square Pumpkin!

UltraStar Cinema Kidtoons!

Free Pass to Spookley the Square Pumpkin!
Every Saturday in October @ 10:30 A.M.

Arizona Ultra Theater Locations:
UltraLuxe Scottsdale Pavilions
9090 East Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale
UltraStar Surprise Pointe 14
13649 North Litchfield Rd. in Surprise

"In a world where “the only good pumpkins are round pumpkins!” Spookley is shunned by the other pumpkins because of his odd shape. Befriended by the three spiders, Edgar, Allan and Poe, who convince Spookley that square or not he is a pumpkin and every pumpkin as a right to be the “Pick of the Patch” on Halloween. Full of songs & laughs, based on the book by Joe Troiano. Also includes the following shorts: Maggie & The Ferocious Beast: “Trick Or Treat:” Maggie, Hamilton, the Beast and Rudy dress up and go trick-or-treating! “The Three Ghosts:” It’s a dark and spooky night and the Beast has dressed up as a ghost to scare his friends. What he doesn’t know is that Hamilton and Maggie are dressed up as ghosts, too!"

 
Spookley the Square Pumpkin 

Every Saturday and Sunday in October @ 10:30 A.M. Free Pass!

Without Free Pass:
Standard Viewings $2.50 Get Tickets!

National Taco Day - Free Taco @ Dos Gringos!

October 4Th is FREE TACO DAY at all Dos locations. You read that right. FREE TACO DAY!
Celebrate with Dos Gringos! Dos Gringos is having a FREE TACO DAY! Go get your free taco, any style, from 11 am - 2 am!



From the Dos Gringos Blog:

"Dos Gringos, Tres Agaves Tequila and College Times are celebrating National Taco Day on Tuesday, October 4th, with free tacos for all! To honor the holiday, all Dos Gringos locations will be giving away one free taco per person, with the purchase of a beverage (does not include fish or shrimp), from 11am until 2am.

Guests may choose any style taco they like (flour, street style corn, or TexMex) and fill it with tasty options like grilled chicken, grilled carne asada, pork chile verde, shredded chicken or shredded steak. Patrons will also be able to take advantage of Dos Gringos’ already popular Taco Tuesday food and drink specials.We’ll be serving up discounted drinks, $2.50 Coronas and $6 Premium Tres Agaves Margaritas all day and all night!

Happy National Taco Day!" 

Dos Gringo's has locations in S. Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale and Mesa! Find a Dos location near you and go get a Free Taco! Yum!

BNSF Railway in Arizona

I have always loved trains. Loved riding on them, loved watching them roll by. There is something reassuring , even haunting about a train whistling in the distance of the night.

I fondly remember taking rail trips between Arizona and Illinois as a child.

I stumbled upon the Friends of BNSF Railway's website today. The site is amazing! 

I was able to see old tourism brochures, maps, fact sheets, historic archives, view videos, download free swag and even request a free 2012 calendar.

Mostly, I was able to educate myself about BNSF Railway's contributions to our state.  BNSF is Arizona's largest rail provider. Through BNSF Arizona receives delivery of international and domestic consumer goods, industrial products , clean burning coal , lumber and auto's every day! 

Packaged goods, clothing, appliances, paper products, electronic and auto parts - so many consumer goods are delivered to Arizona via BNSF!  In this day and age, so laden in speedy technology, it is easy to forget steadfast faithfuls such as our railways.

BNSF's 30 strategic western inter modal facilities help to relieve congestion on our roadways, too.

BNSF has rail yard's in Phoenix, , Kingman, El Mirage , Winslow ,  Flagstaff and Glendale. Glendale is also home to a major hub center, the Glendale IBU.

Supporting BNSF’s rail network in Arizona are more than 1,100 dedicated 

men and women who earn a combined payroll of more than $88 million!

Until today, I was unaware of how many jobs BNSF provides directly to our state. Unaware how instrumental to our Arizona economy a railway company could be. BNSF Railway is providing nearly 700 jobs to our state & BNSF Railways contributes to several charities in Arizona.

BNSF has raised over $200,000 in various charitable contributions. They offer a Children's Special train event that helps to care for children with needs and military families.

Overall, I was surprised and impressed with the Friends of BNSF website and all this railway brings to our state.

Next time you hear the train rolling in over the tracks, the early morning whistle blowing sentimentally in the background, take a moment to remember our supply chain and how lucky we truly are to have access to these goods - today,  take a moment and remember BNSF Railway Company.

Check out the BNSF Railway Fact Sheet for Arizona! 

Scottsdale Drive-in Facebook Survey! Would You Attend a 'Pop-Up' Event? I Would!

Please take a moment and respond to the Scottsdale Six Drive-In Facebook Survey. I was really excited to see new Facebook activity from our beloved drive-in!


The survey says...."if a pop-up drive-in event was held in the East Valley, would you attend?"


I think this is some very exciting news! What an innovative , inspirational idea! I can see pop-up events doing very well and growing into something really great as well as being trend setting!


Imagine the possibilities! Movies mean many things, one of them is snacks and novelties. I am guessing there will be some good opportunities involved!


My vote, of course, was yes! I think its a fun idea and our family would certainly attend a pop-up event from Scottsdale Six!


I support this pop-up idea, what say you? 


Scottsdale Drive-In Facebook Page Survey

Peoria teams with Applebee’s to battle breast cancer - East Valley Tribune: West Valley

Peoria teams with Applebee’s to battle breast cancer - East Valley Tribune: West Valley:

"National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in its 25th year in October.
Peoria city employees and the Peoria Firefighters Charities are teaming up to help raise funds to fight the disease.
Every Tuesday and Thursday during the month, the public can participate in the Dine to Donate at Peoria Applebee’s restaurants (8001 W. Bell Road and 9330 W. Northern Ave.) from 11 a.m. to close. Ten percent of your bill is donated to the breast cancer campaign.
A barbecue luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Peoria City Hall Amphitheater, 8401 W. Monroe St. The public is invited for a $5 donation,
Raffle prizes and entertainment highlight the event. For information contact Peoria Fire Captain Danny Comella at 623-297-5007. "

'via Blog this'

Phoenix-based TV pitchman dies in federal custody - Yahoo! News

There is something unsettling in reading of Mr. Lapre's death. Years ago , Mr. Lapre became king of complaints. Sad situation ending even sadder.

Phoenix-based TV pitchman dies in federal custody - Yahoo! News: "A U.S. Marshals Service spokesman says a Phoenix-based TV pitchman charged with running a nationwide scheme to sell essentially worthless Internet-based businesses has died in an apparent suicide while in federal custody.
Spokesman Matt Hershey says Donald Lapre was found dead in his cell at a Florence facility Sunday morning. His trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Hershey says the death remains under investigation.
A grand jury indicted Lapre in June on 41 counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and promotional money laundering. He was accused of overseeing and promoting the opportunity through his company called "The Greatest Vitamin in the World.""

'via Blog this'

Oh Christmas tree - East Valley Tribune: East Valley Local News

Oh Christmas tree - East Valley Tribune: East Valley Local News:

"The holidays are still a couple of months away, but it's almost time to get your Christmas tree permit.
The U.S. Forest Service has partnered with 19 commercial vendors across the state to offer the public convenient access to permits. Beginning Oct. 13, the permits will be available for purchase at three Big 5 Sporting Goods stores in the East Valley: 2050 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler; 2930 N. Power Road, Mesa; and 1244 S. Gilbert Road, Mesa.
Each permit costs $15 and is for a specified cutting area of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott or Tonto national forests. Some cutting areas offer a very limited number of permits and may sell out quickly, according to a news release. Maps of the cutting areas are available at participating vendors. Cutting season begins Nov. 19.
In addition to commercial vendors, some National Forest offices will sell permits over the counter. Call the Christmas Tree Hotline at (928) 333-6267."

'via Blog this'

Last Day to Get 2 Arizona Taco Festival Tickets for $10.00

$10 for 2 tickets to the Arizona Taco Festival ($20 Value)

Last Day to Get Two Tickets for $10.00. Don't Miss It!

    

Highlights

• Music by the Surfside IV. 
• Over 40 taco teams compete cooking in chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and anything-goes categories. 
• Some will serve up salsa and guacamole, and all are up for a Best Booth of the Fest Award. 
• At the bar: Corona, Modelo Especial, Tres Agaves Margaritas, and Rockstar Energy Drink.

Fine Print

• Expires 10/15/2011.
• Voucher cannot be redeemed until the day after deal closes.
• See the fine print that applies to all deals.

• Present voucher at ticket window for admission.
• Date of Event: Saturday, October 15, 2011
• Entrances are on Marshall Way and Stetson Boulevard.
• May purchase multiple vouchers.

About This Deal:

Year two of this wildly popular event promises to be bigger and better, as the Arizona Taco Festival takes over the streets around the Scottsdale Waterfront event site on Saturday, October 15th. Your admission will grant you access to tantalizing south-of-the-border eats, live music by The Surfside IV, Lucha Libre wrestling, plenty of margaritas and cold cervesas, a huge Kid's Zone and a hot chile pepper eating contest. You can even learn how to create some of the best taco dishes at home with celebrity chef demonstrations from Alex Stratta from Las Vegas and Stephanie Izard, a Food Network "Top Chef" winner. Also, don't miss the Tequila Expo (extra charge for entry) with over 100 tequilas to sample!

Over 40 competitors battle to produce the most palate-pleasing taco ever for a grand prize of $7,500 and all the fame and glory of the title. You will have the opportunity to scarf down as many of these gourmet tacos as you can manage for just $2 each. Tacos will be cooked with chicken, beef, pork, seafood and anything else these imaginative chefs can come up with along with favorite sides like guacamole and salsa.The event will be held at the Scottsdale Waterfront at 7125 E. Via Soleri and will run from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm with the

Taco Awards at 5:00 pm. This is the only event of its kind in the world, and early October in Scottsdale is a perfect time for it! Don't miss it!

Phoenix Suns audition Golden Grannies Oct. 8 - East Valley Tribune: West Valley

Phoenix Suns audition Golden Grannies Oct. 8 - East Valley Tribune: West Valley:

"Auditions for the 2011-12 Golden Grannies dance team will be Oct. 8, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. in the Casino Arizona Pavilion at US Airways Center.
The Golden Grannies dance team is comprised of highly energetic seniors who will have the opportunity to perform at select Suns home games during the 2011-12 season. Those who are excited about Suns basketball and willing to perform in front of large crowds are encouraged to attend.
Performers can park for free in the US Airways Center parking garage, located on the west side of the arena (on 1st Street just south of Jefferson).
For more details, please contact Kip Helt via email at khelt@suns.com or by phone at 602-379-7951."

'via Blog this'

Mr. T - Making all the Right Choices!

Finally, after a row of it, Mr. T made the wise decision to T up and get on the Harley!
Mr. T rode on down to a local game store. The game store has a pending  Mr. T a photo op - but hey, he doesn't mind the wait!  Who needs to primp when you have a hog like this?

You can do it, Mr. T!

I think Mr. T had some "bug" envy (see the background) but he did it! Ride On, Mr. T Ride On!

Location 3: Harley See contest for details

Mr. T - Fence Sitter!

Mr. T - Fence Sitter! 

So Mr. T is still settling in. We had a bit of a tiff tonight. It seems Mr. T was caught in the middle , being a fence sitter! He couldn't decide if he wanted to go for a ride on my neighbors bike (*cough* not a Harley) or on our bad boy!  Egads! Mr. T and me might go rounds this month if we can't see eye to eye!


Location 2: Fence Sitter See contest for details

Mr. T and his new "Lady Friend"!

At first, it seemed Mr. T was quickly settling in to his new home and easily making friends. Here he is hanging out with his new gal pal, Ms. T.  Ms. T is from a neighborhood car wash that Mr. T likes to visit. It seems the two T's have hit it off quite well! But to my surprise, Mr. T sort of turned into a fence sitter! What the heck Mr. T?!? Your own washer and dryer and that's not good enough?

Mr. T Hanging out with his new gal pal, Ms. T!

Location 1: Hanging out with Gal Pal! See contest for details

Contest Post Example

Mail Call! This is my, hopefully soon to be infamous, Arizona Pest Control T-shirt! As you can see, kind of, the T-shirt was mailed in a nice, soft envelope to ensure that it would arrive safely to its destination. 

The envelope didn't quite show up , in this pic, as well as I had hoped. Notice the nice touch of autumn leaves?

This is Mr. T's third day at our home as well as the first day of his Fall-ow Tour for our blog contest!

Example Post Photo for Contest

This is an example of a T-shirt location post that you will want to include in your contest entry this month! For instance, if this were an eligible post, you would simply include that you saw the T-shirt @ my home on your entry.

Stay tuned! Mr. T is quite the rascal! 


Post example for contest see details

Arizona Essentials October Fall-ow Us Contest!

Arizona Essentials first contest is limited to Arizona Residents. Contest rules may change in the future, for now, this contest will remain local.


This is Arizona Essentials First Contest - Please be Patient and Have Fun Fall-owing along!

All links necessary to the contest are listed below the rules.


The contest rules are simple: Fall-ow Us, Fall-ow the T!


1. Like Arizona Pest Control & dear, sweet little ol' me, Arizona Essentials, on Facebook. Sign-up free @ Happus_Phoenix.


OR


Follow Arizona Pest Control, Happus_Phoenix & Arizona Essentials on Twitter. 
*This applies to NEW followers only. If you already follow us on Twitter, please Like us on Facebook or do the free Sign-up options available per site. Sign up, free @ Happus_Phoenix. Sign-up for the Arizona Pest Control Newsletter.


2. Follow Arizona Essentials Blog - Follow Box is toward the bottom of blog.


& then


4. Name one location I have Blogged, Tweeted, Facebooked about regarding my #AZPestSwag , Arizona Pest Control T-Shirt. See this post for an example. These Touring T posts will be dubbed , Mr. T - doing some activity or another.


Arizona Essentials will be taking our Bug Squashing Champion Title T on Tour and using photo's to entertain you while we do it - so stay tuned to our adventures if you want to win!


5. Comment on this post to let me know that you have done all the contest requirements and are entering to win. Don't forget to name a location that I mention with my #AZPestSwag T-Shirt! Let me know who you are so I can confirm Likes, Follows & Sign-up's , please. 


The contest will run the entire month of October. Your Likes and Follows must stay for the entire month of October, too. I know , so mean! It's to protect our regulars and new friends equally. If you want a chance to win, make sure you're still Liking and Following during the time of the drawing - November 1st. 


Contest ends at Midnight on Halloween. Come back to Arizona Essentials on November 1st , to see if you are a winner!


On November 1st, Arizona Essentials will do a random drawing (via an online service) and announce the winner ASAP!


For now, it's a $25.00 Mystery Prize! 


How bad can it be? If I creatively fall on my face, and you win, you will at least get 25 bucks, one way or another! 




Contest Links:


Arizona Essentials Twitter
Arizona Essentials Facebook
Arizona Essentials Blog

Happus_Phoenix Twitter
Happus_Phoenix Free Sign-Up
Happus_Phoenix


Arizona Pest Control Twitter
Arizona Pest Control Facebook
Arizona Pest Control To the right, scroll down for the free newsletter Sign-up.


P.S. Happus_Phoenix is offering five dollars Amazon to first 50 sign-ups so let's get started!!!






The Fine Print:
Arizona Pest Control and Happus_Phoenix are not responsible for this contest. They are included as a show of support from this blog and allowing me to include them for the fun. Please do not direct questions to either entity. All inquiries about this contest should be directed to Arizonaessentials@gmail.com. Thank you for your understanding. Drawing will be done via an online service to ensure fairness and accuracy. Prize will have a minimum value of $25.00 and be limited to those that have followed contest rules and entered accordingly , as per contest instructions, on this blog.  If no Facebook is available for an entity listed in this contest, please take advantage of both site's free sign-up as a replacement and qualifier for the Facebook Like & Existing Twitter Follower portion of this contest. Obviously, you will have to supply contact information if you are a winner. How else will I get the goods you way? This contest is limited to Arizona residents only please. We may consider going national or international with our contests in the future. If you would like your business to be part our Arizona Essentials Give-Away's, involvement is simple and minimal. Please contact me Arizonaessentials@gmail.com for details. Contest ends at midnight on Halloween MST. 

October is a Good Month - Time for a Contest!

October is my favorite month!  It's the "kick off" to all the years upcoming fun.


Not only is it my birthday, it's Autumn & Halloween - simply put, it's my favorite time of year! October is the month that starts our yearly festivities. 


I have already been blessed with a few gifts this month (and it's only a day in).  


My adoring (okay,  sometimes reluctant but loving) husband gave me a new digital camera! He totally saved me with this camera, too! I was floundering and flustered -debating between upgrading to a more modern phone with a camera or if I should repair the digital camera that I have - or better yet, just replace it! 


Receiving a camera , as a gift , certainly removed my stress and indecision - at least, for now! TY husband!


Also, remember the post I made about being really excited to win something? 


I won a T-Shirt from Arizona Pest Control! 


I know, on the surface, it's like Whoop...So you won something - now get over it! but beyond my initial exuberance, it is not just about the win,  It is because I actually RECEIVED the item that I won! 


I have entered several contests and give-aways and even won a couple in my day. However, I have not always received the item that I was said to have won. 


Now that can be heartbreaking to a silly girl like me - and it was! 


I recently won a Road Trip contest prize. When I logged in to confirm at the link the company sent me, the message said I had won the "Cooler Package".  A cooler,  chock full of fun items. How exciting! The cooler has yet to arrive and the contest is long over.


Not only did I win and receive the T-shirt I won, immediately - I may add it arrived w/in 48hrs. , AZPest has been a really fun Twitter friend!  


AZPest is a great sport about us followers having fun with our #AZPestSwag (the affectionate Twitter hash tag for the T-shirts we have won from Arizona Pest Control.) The same for Happus_Phoenix!  Happus is a great resource and a friendly sport. 


You certainly won't be disappointed by either of my Tweet friends.


I am going to mix my love and appreciation for my new friends, local companies & gifts and then share it with all of you!


The way I see it, there is no better way than to pay my small blessings and appreciation forward & what funner way (and time) to host my very first blog give-away contest?!?! 


That's right, a contest!


I know, I am excited, too!


The Prize will have a minimum value of $25.00, perhaps more if I can scare up some deals. As soon as the prize is agreed upon by those helping me to sponsor (gotta love my family and friends!) the give-away, I will post! 

Stay Tuned!

It's Officially Adopt a Shelter Dog Month - Cats No Fee!

For Immediate Release from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Services:

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control Services

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Fall brings cooling weather and a slowdown in pet adoptions.  Yet Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) can still see up to 150 animals come through the doors every day. Last year, over 46,000 dogs and cats were brought to MCACC. While some of these animals are reunited with their owners, many healthy, happy dogs and cats are left sitting in kennels waiting for a loving home. MCACC wants to find these sweet animals’ homes, and hopes to educate the public about the many ways that responsible pet ownership can reduce pet homelessness.

This October, MCACC has lowered the cost of dog adoptions. All dogs are $51. The fee includes spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination (if over three months), and dog license (if over three months). As we still have many cats looking for their forever homes, all cats over a year old can go to a good home for $0.

Adopting an animal not only saves a life, it brings love and companionship into your home. And who doesn’t need a little more love in their lives? So come in and adopt an adorable, cuddly animal (or two).

Andy Kunasek, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors encourages families to think about adopting this month. “Consider a shelter pet as the next addition to your family,” he said.

 If you are already a pet owner, you can help by being a responsible one. Spay or neuter your pets. It greatly reduces the urge to fight, spray and roam. It also cuts down on the number of unwanted pets in Maricopa County. Keep your pets inside or safely enclosed in the back yard. Walk your dog on a leash at all times. Keep a dog license on your dog’s collar and an ID tag on your cat. Consider a microchip for your pets. Provide daily food, water and care to your pets. Of course, you can also add to your family by adopting another dog or cat!

Help us lower the number of animals looking for a good loving home - adopt and get your pets spayed or neutered. Visit pets.maricopa.gov for locations or call (602) 506-PETS (7387).
 

Movies, Malts, Meals & More - Save $ Daily Deals Around Arizona!

$15 for a Movie Outing for Two at UltraStar Cinemas ($31.50 Value)

$5 for $8 Worth of Old-Fashioned Homemade Shakes at 5 & Diner - Superstition Springs!

Pumpkin-Patch Outing for Two or Four at MacDonald's Ranch in Scottsdale

One Ticket to See "The Spitfire Grill" at Phoenix Theatre on October 5 or 6 at 7:30 p.m. Two Dates Available.

$10 for $20 Worth of American Fare at Big Guy's Sports Grill 

One or Four Tickets to Improv Comedy Show at National Comedy Theatre Phoenix in Mesa


$35 for $70 Worth of American Fusion Cuisine and Drinks at Razzâ?Ts Restaurant and Bar in Scottsdale

$29 for one month of swim lessons and a pair of swim goggles at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools

*The Greer Lodge and Dining Deals are Still Available - posted earlier*

Great Play 2 Kids Drop Off Classes!

Everything Kids Fest Deal Still Up!

Color Me Art Spa Class $5!

Congratulations to Great Harvest Bread Co. -Phoenix NewTimes "Best Of" Winner!!

Congratulations, Great Harvest!

Great Harvest Bread Co.

Remember an earlier post here , at Arizona Essentials, about Great Harvest breads? 


Guess what? 







That's right! Great Harvest is officially an Arizona, Phoenix NewTimes "Best Of" Winner!






Great Harvest won a "Best of" award from Phoenix NewTimes! Great Harvest won for having the "Best Farmers Market Samples". If you have ever visited the Farmer's Market and had a soft, warm piece of bread with awesome , handmade nut butter; then you know what the talk is about!


Check out some of what the Phoenix NewTimes said about Great Harvest samples:

"...She also sets out a bunch of jars of delicious peanut butter handcrafted in Michigan and shipped to Arizona every week. Leslie is a mistress of the soft sell at the market — she lets her family business' products mostly speak for themselves. That they do. She offers bread and peanut butter samples to the dozens of folks who stop by..."

Best Farmers Market Samples 2011 - Great Harvest Bread Company 

Great Harvest on Facebook

Telling time from the stars

Telling time from the stars:

"With its place in the middle of the city and its presence advertised on billboards as far away as Phoenix, Lowell is easily Flagstaff's most recognizable observatory and an attraction for tourists and locals alike.
But, tucked way in the hills west of town is the city's other set of eyes on the sky. Tonight at 6:30, the U.S. Naval Observatory will open its doors to the public for a tour of their facility and a view of the night sky through its telescopes.


It is the facility's only open house of the year."


Continue:

'via Blog this'

First light in Flagstaff in 1955

First light in Flagstaff in 1955:

"The first U.S. Naval Observatory was built in 1830 in Washington, D.C.

"By about 1930 or so, it became obvious that Washington, D.C., is a terrible place to look at a dark sky," Shankland said.
The agency looked at some sites in the Appalachians and a few others across the United States before settling on Flagstaff, where the current observatory opened in 1955.

"From that time in 1830, the [U.S.] Navy has always been involved in navigation on the high seas using star maps and celestial navigation," Shankland said. "That's roughly what we're still doing today. Unlike the old days, we don't run around [creating maps] -- and it would be a really bad day if we were relying on sextants in our world now. But we practice because it's a good skill set and there's an automated process where we still provide star maps for navigation. These are primarily for spacecraft.""

'via Blog this'

Arizona's Centennial Essays From Elementary, Middle and High School Student's - "Why I'm Proud to Live in Arizona "

East Valley Tribune: Arizona's Centennial:

"Why I’m proud to live in Arizona"

As part of Arizona’s centennial celebration, the East Valley Tribune asked students to write an essay on why they’re proud to live in Arizona. Here are the best submissions, organized by school level:

Middle School Essays

High School Essays

Elementary School Essays

Awesome Vogue Magazine Subscription Discount!

Subscribers , and new readers alike,  will enjoy this savings on Vogue home subscriptions.


$8 for 12 Issues of "Vogue" Magazine ($15 Value).

Aqua Tot's Deal - Almost 60% Off ! ! !

Ah, the time I spent at Aqua Tots when the kids were little! I can't think of a parent that wouldn't love this deal.


$29 for One Month of Swim Lessons at Aqua-Tots Swim School (Up to $70 Value).

Planning a Sedona Trip? Deal up for ATV rental!

There is a deal up for a 10- or 24-Hour ATV Rental at ATV Rentals of Arizona in Sedona!


I have never tried ATV rentals but now might be a good time. I like trying new venues, places, products etc. when I can get a deal - kind of like a test drive. 


Have any readers rented from ATV Rental of Arizona, in Sedona? Would love a review!

If you Love Brick Oven Pizza - You will Love this Deal

A deal is up for Classic Italian Pizza in Tempe. If you are a fan of brick oven baked pizza, then you will love Classic! $20 for $40 Worth of Italian Fare at Classic Italian Pizza in Tempe 

R.T. O'Sullivan's Deal! 10 for 15!

R.T. O'Sullivan's Deal @ Groupon -  $10 for $15 at R.T. O'Sullivan's!


 I love R.T's fish and chips with a nice Guinness. YUM!

DVR Alert! Arizona Film - Saturday 10AM - EWSTN Arizona Raiders

Arizona Raiders, Audie Murphy

Arizona Raiders will be airing on EWSTN , tomorrow morning @ 10:00 A.M.


Arizona Raiders features Audie Murphy, as an ex-Quantrill's Raider, who teams up with Ben Cooper, & upon their release from jail - the two get deputized as Arizona Rangers. The rangers set out to hunt down part of a gang that is rumored to be hiding out in a town close to the border.


In real life, Murhpy went on to become a WWII hero receiving the Congressional Medal as well as bravery medals from countries such as France and Belgium. Credited to killing over 240 German Soldiers, wounding and capturing even more ; Murhpy was honored with 33 Medals overall. Murhpy is America's most decorated WWII Combat Soldier.


Arizona Raiders was filmed at both Apacheland Studios, 4369 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon AZ 
&  
Old Tucson 201 South Kinney Road, Tucson AZ.


After suffering two fires, years apart, Apacheland closed its doors for good and awaited revival. Today, Arizona celebrates Apacheland Days in January.


Nightfall Az


Old Tucson

Apacheland Days


Apacheland Museum


Remembering Apacheland


IMDB Movies Filmed at Apacheland


AzCentral Travel Article Apacheland Movie Ranch

Sergeant Audie L. Murphy

Ben Cooper

Own Arizona Raiders, Today:

Greer Lodge Grill Food Deal - Goes Great with The Lodge Stay Deal !!!

If You Snagged the Greer Lodge Deal (Here!) Then you Might Want to get Today's Deal, Too! It's for the Restaurant at the Lodge! Fifteen for Thirty Dollars at the 373 Grill , Greer Lodge!


I Love when you get two that you can get two deals that go together!