Saturday, September 17, 2011

Fall is the Time to Decorate and Feed Our Gardens and Ken Lain has all the info we need!

Fall is the Time to Decorate and Feed Our Gardens: "Yes, it's really fall. Already. Can you believe it? And, it's a super time to garden.

Fall can be a difficult time for gardeners who’ve come from Phoenix or California and are not used to a four season climate. These folks are accustomed to year-round landscapes that are neat and tidy with nothing out of place. However, in the mountains fall is a time of change, and things can be messy with the change of foliage and falling leaves. It’s a natural state of disarray that residents learn to anticipate and welcome."

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Remember George? George was 'the best accident description ever' man. He coined "Reality Hits You Hard, Bro' " and Now has the Merchandise to Prove it!

I am sure many of you remember our local George's accident testimony video from Fox 10. George's claim to fame was his comment that "Reality hits you hard, Bro." Soon after Georges testimony aired, he became a local sensation. Matter of fact, George became such a hit that his hit catch phrase, "Reality Hits You Hard, Bro' " , has a merchandise line at Zazzle!

Way to go , George! Glad you are safe and I hope reality hits you hard in a good way, bro!!!!

Grats on your Zazzle goods!

Get your own Reality Hits gear now!
http://www.zazzle.com/reality+hits+hard+gifts

See George's tape and his follow up below:











'Reality Hits You Hard, Bro' Merchandise: "The valley man who gave one of the most hilarious and animated descriptions of a car crash we’ve ever heard has already inspired a new line of merchandise.

The Web site Zazzle.com is selling T-shirts, caps and gift cards with George Lindell’s catchy phrase: “Reality Hits You Hard, Bro.”"

That was one of the more memorable things Lindell said Thursday after his minivan was rear-ended by an SUV that collided with an electrical pole. Ever since, our story has gone viral.

Power lines trapped Lindell and the other driver in their vehicles near 19th Avenue and Northern in Phoenix on Thursday, and Lindell gave our photographer a long, animated description of how it all played out.

Friday night, we brought George Lindell into the FOX 10 studio to hear how his 15 minutes of fame is treating him. The second time around -- is he just as unforgettable an interview?

Online: www.zazzle.com/reality+hits+you+hard+gifts

Arizona Ready pushes to get kids reading at grade level, beyond

Arizona Ready pushes to get kids reading at grade level, beyond: "In an age of rampant distractions, like cellphones with games and iPads with movies, teachers face more pressure than ever to help kids learn to read well.

A new state initiative, Arizona Ready, will require all third-graders to read at grade level by 2013. Those who still read like second-graders will be held back from fourth grade.

And Mesa Public Schools is setting an even higher goal for its elementary school teachers: Kids should not just be able to read but should have a passion for the printed word by the time they get to junior high."

'via Blog this'

Sheriff Arpaio's posse assigned to review Obama birth certificate

Sheriff Arpaio's posse assigned to review Obama birth certificate: "Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Arizona has constituted a special law enforcement posse to investigate allegations brought by members of the Surprise, Ariz., Tea Party that the birth certificate Barack Obama released to the public April 27 might be a forgery, WND has learned."

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Rogue states threatening the calendar - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com

Rogue states threatening the calendar - Maggie Haberman - POLITICO.com: "“I’ve been following what Arizona did and I’m still following what other states like Michigan and Florida may do. That certainly could have an influence on us,” Kemp told POLITICO. “It’s important for everybody to know we have all options still on the table and we’re going to continue to watch what everyone else does.”

The order of states in the 2012 calendar is more than an arcane procedural issue. Every time a state leapfrogs the calendar, it scrambles the strategic calculus for presidential candidates who have largely focused on a small band of officially sanctioned early primaries."

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Arizona Landscape Design Firm Launches Online Consumer Initiative

Arizona Landscape Design Firm Launches Online Consumer Initiative: "“Our 40 years of experience has shown us that the more information we provide to our clients, the more satisfied they are when the work is complete. We set out to create a website that would provide a similar level of information to potential customers. We want them to make an informed decision about the type of outdoor design they choose, whether it is tropical landscaping, a Mediterranean-inspired theme, or a Japanese garden. That information is now online and the feedback we are receiving is tremendous,” said Clark.
He added that many people tell him they did not know they could have such a variety of landscape options in the arid Arizona climate."

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Fitch Affirms Arizona's School Improvement Revs at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable - MarketWatch

Fitch Affirms Arizona's School Improvement Revs at 'AAA'; Outlook Stable - MarketWatch: " In the course of routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings has affirmed the 'AAA' rating on approximately $441 million of Arizona School Facilities Board state school improvement revenue bonds consisting of:

--Series 2002 revenue bonds;

--Series 2003 revenue bonds;

--Series 2005 revenue refunding bonds.

The Rating Outlook is Stable."

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Panel wants volunteer’s name on preserve’s amphitheater and trailhead - Arizona News from The Arizona Republic

Panel wants volunteer’s name on preserve’s amphitheater and trailhead - Arizona News from The Arizona Republic: "When Chester “Chet” Andrews set out to join the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust in 1992, he wanted to do more than just preserve views of the McDowell Mountains.

Andrews, an avid hiker and co-organizer of the group’s steward program, said the land was meant to be explored and, at the same time, respected.

“We knew there were a lot of people who were interested in having the land preserved so they could go and hike in it,” Andrews said.

Scottsdale has set aside nearly 17,000 acres for its McDowell Sonoran Preserve, with plans to acquire another 4,500 acres this winter."

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'Salute to Arizona' a large-screen look at state's last 100 years - The Prescott Daily Courier - Prescott, Arizona

'Salute to Arizona' a large-screen look at state's last 100 years - The Prescott Daily Courier - Prescott, Arizona:



Check it out:

Arizona Best Fest!

Best Fest Coverage Forever Arizona from Prescott News

KTAR - A second "A-Z Best Fest" will be held in Tucson in January and a third in Phoenix around Feb. 12, Arizona's 100th birthday as a state.

Arizona Court of Appeals hears Mesa tattoo case - Arizona News from The Arizona Republic

Arizona Court of Appeals hears Mesa tattoo case - Arizona News from The Arizona Republic: "The Arizona Court of Appeals is weighing whether the Mesa City Council denied the constitutional rights of two tattoo artists by denying them an operating permit 21/2 years ago.

Attorneys argued both sides of the case Thursday morning at Coronado High School in Scottsdale. The court from time to time will hear a case at a school as an educational exercise.

The case stems from the council’s denial in March 2009 of permission to Ryan and Laetitia Coleman, who live in Nice, France, to open Angel Tattoo in a strip mall on the southeastern corner of Dobson and Baseline roads."

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A Mother’s War on Germs at Fast-Food Playgrounds - NYTimes.com

A Mother’s War on Germs at Fast-Food Playgrounds - NYTimes.com: "Dr. Carr-Jordan, a child development professor and a mother of four from Chandler, Ariz., has visited dozens of restaurant playgrounds in 11 states in recent months to test them for cleanliness. What the inspections and lab analyses have revealed is the widespread presence of an array of pathogens, from coliform bacteria to staphylococcus, at levels that experts said indicated that restaurants might not be disinfecting their playlands as diligently as they should.

Those same experts pointed out that germs are everywhere and that they are not always dangerous. They add that hand washing is an important safeguard."

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Kick off Restaurant Week! Participating Restaurants | Arizona Restaurant Week – September 17 – 25, 2011

Search the site, find a dining choice, call ahead to inquire/set reservations and enjoy!

Share your dining experiences here!



Participating Restaurants | Arizona Restaurant Week – September 17 – 25, 2011:

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States struggle for financing to meet road needs - Forbes.com

States struggle for financing to meet road needs - Forbes.com: " The Hoover Dam, one of the world's great engineering feats, is marred by roads with traffic so jammed along the Nevada-Arizona border that it tells a different story about the political will to maintain 21st century infrastructure.

The road leading to the dam cannot accommodate the torrent of tourists and spills them into the overwhelmed little town of Boulder City. Nevada lawmakers are trying to find a private company to build a $400 million bypass because the state can't afford it."

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Audio tapes released in sex case involving PHX mayor's son











Audio tapes released in sex case involving PHX mayor's son: "Phoenix Police released hundreds of pages and hours of audio tape, all surrounding allegations that the Phoenix mayor's son, a police officer, inappropriately touched a city employee.

Officer Jeffrey Gordon was also investigated for having oral sex with another woman at a Phoenix apartment complex while he was on duty.

The first case in question happened in December 2010. Gordon and the city employee tell investigators exactly what happened.

“He rubbed my back and my neck," said the city employee."

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Judge orders desegregation expert for Tucson district

Judge orders desegregation expert for Tucson district: "A federal judge has ordered a desegregation expert to help resolve a decades-long battle to end racial disparity in the Tucson Unified School District.

U.S. District Judge David Bury asked the district and Latino and black plaintiffs to find eligible individuals who could serve as a "special master" to make sure the district eliminates all vestiges of segregation.

The Arizona Daily Star said Saturday the person will make recommendations directly to the court while suggesting specific programs the district should implement and a financial plan to identify funding sources."

'via Blog this'

Scottsdale 6 Drive-In goes dark after 34 years - CBS 5 - KPHO

Scottsdale 6 Drive-In goes dark after 34 years - CBS 5 - KPHO: "After 34 years in business, the screens have gone dark at the Scottsdale 6 Drive-In.

The last movies were screened Aug. 28 after its operator was unable to reach agreement on a new lease.

West Wind leased the 29-acre site from members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

There are reports that tribal officials may possibly redevelop the commercially-zoned land.

Closure of the Scottsdale 6 leaves West Wind's Glendale 9 Drive-In as the Phoenix area's only drive-in and one of two in Arizona.

The single-screen Apache Drive-In on U.S. 60 in Globe is closed until spring.

Following a national trend, Arizona has lost close to 50 drive-ins over the past half century.

The Scottsdale 6 was one of the first multiscreen drive-ins developed on tribal land."

'via Blog this'

Baby Gabriel's mother Elizabeth Johnson appears in court










Baby Gabriel's mother Elizabeth Johnson appears in court: "The mother of a missing baby Gabriel appeared in court Friday as a judge heard testimony on whether she is fit to stand trial.

Elizabeth Johnson did not testify. Instead, she heard attorneys on both sides read letters she has written from jail and sent to family and friends.

The judge also revealed Johnson has even sent him several letters."

'via Blog this'

Phoenix FD alerts restaurants to get CO2 detectors














Phoenix FD alerts restaurants to get CO2 detectors: "The Phoenix Fire Department is spreading the word about a potentially lethal danger with soda machine CO2 tanks.

Phoenix firefighters are being credited with helping a fire department near Savannah, Georgia solve the death of an 80-year-old woman. Now they want to make sure the word is getting out to restaurants and fire departments across the Valley and country."

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Photos: 'Border Wars' on the front lines in Nogales | azfamily.com Phoenix

Photos: 'Border Wars' on the front lines in Nogales

Photos: 'Border Wars' on the front lines in Nogales

Credit: © NGTV

Nogales, Arizona: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) teams fight to stop drug smugglers, human traffickers, and desperate migrants from entering the United States. officers. Here they are in a training scenario.

National Geographic Channel's Border Wars








Photos: 'Border Wars' on the front lines in Nogales | azfamily.com Phoenix: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Nogales, Arizona are on the front lines in the fight against drugs, terrorism, and illegal immigration. CBP's Nogales Station is the largest Border Patrol station in the United States and is one of eight stations in the Tucson Sector".

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Calif. ruling on day laborers to undermine SB1070?

Calif. ruling on day laborers to undermine SB1070?: "A new federal court ruling striking down a law aimed at day laborers could undermine a provision of a year-old Arizona law aimed at illegal immigrants, one that is now in effect.
One provision of last year's SB 1070, the broad-based measure aimed at illegal immigrants, has a provision designed to make it illegal to stand on a street corner to solicit work. The language is similar to the Redondo Beach, Calif., ordinance that the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down on Friday.
The Arizona statute has some key differences."

'via Blog this'

DPS Officer Chris Marano, Funeral was on Friday

In case you missed Officer Marano's Funeral, I am linking the slide from Azcentral. Sadly, Marano was struck down and murdered while assisting in a high speed chase.


Officer Christopher R. Marano



God Speed, Officer Marano. Prayers and blessings to you and yours always.

DPS Officer Chris Marano, 28, was killed on Dec. 17 while trying to stop a fleeing suspect. A funeral was held for him at Christ Church of the Valley in Peoria on Dec. 23.
Department of Public Safety"

Arizona centennial stamp unveiled!

Not what I was expecting. Then again, I am not sure what I was expecting! However, I L O V E this stamp!

What about you?


Arizona centennial stampHandout photo

Arizona centennial stamp






Arizona centennial stamp unveiled by Postal Service: "The U.S. Postal Service has unveiled a first-class stamp commemorating Arizona's centennial in 2012.

Ed Mell, a native Arizona artist, created the stamp design, which depicts Cathedral Rock in Sedona. A 10- by 15-foot replica was displayed Friday afternoon outside the historic Prescott Courthouse.

"This majestic work of art shows the spectacular beauty of our state and the abundance of blessings Arizonans are fortunate to enjoy," Gov. Jan Brewer said.

The design's unveiling helped kick off the Best Fest in Prescott, the first in a series of Arizona centennial celebrations to continue until Statehood Day on Feb. 14. For details, call 800-266-7534 or visit az100years.org or sharlot .org.

The new stamp will be available across the U.S. starting Feb. 14."

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Arizona community of Tusayan Still Bitterly Divided

Arizona community of Tusayan still divided: "In the bitterly divided community of Tusayan, even an annual bonfire celebrating Independence Day can blow up into a political inferno.

This year's event, sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, ignited a sheriff's investigation, prompted a council member to resign and added fuel to a political furor that goes back more than a decade."

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Arizona bike-safety plan aimed at cutting down on fatalities

Arizona bike-safety plan aimed at cutting down on fatalities: "Arizona is one of the deadliest states in the country to ride a bike, but now the state has a plan to change that.

Last year, 19 bicyclists died and more than 1,500 were injured, according to new Arizona Department of Transportation statistics. Those figures mark an improvement from 2009, when 25 cyclists died and Arizona had the fourth highest bicycle fatality rate in the nation.

State officials believe they can bring that toll down even further."

Fair Tale Brownie - Fund Raising for Share Our Strength

Once upon a time ... yum! - East Valley Tribune: Phoenix & The Valley Of The Sun: "Then you should head over to Fairytale Brownies Bakery, 4610 E. Cotton Center Blvd., near 48th Street and Broadway in Phoenix, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday for a special bake sale. The event is part of Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America.
Fairytale Brownies' cookie and brownie boo-boos, desserts, and other baked goods will be sold at the bake sale, with 100 percent of proceeds going to Share Our Strength. Also, 20 percent of the day's purchases made at the Fairytale Bakery will go to Share Our Strength."

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Jared Loughner may return to Arizona for hearing

I wonder how that works - really, I am being sincere with my inquiry - but how does a psychiatrist know when a person will be competent?

America has its share of murder, no doubt - but mass killings (thankfully!) are far, fewer between. How many mass murderers have they been able to study to make this type of statement about Jared's mental abilities being restored.

The say the forced medication has worsened Jared yet they feel quite promising that they can make him a competent person again.

What do you think? Should Jared be forced medication? Do you think there is a logical time frame, that can ensure Jared will be competent in X amount of given time?



Jared Loughner may return to Arizona for hearing: "Tucson-area massacre defendant Jared Loughner may be back in Arizona next Wednesday to attend a court hearing about how to try to restore his mental health so that he can stand trial.

Loughner, 23, who is accused of killing six people and wounding 13, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, in January, has been in a hospital in Springfield, Mo., since May as lawyers argue over whether he should be forcibly medicated. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule on the matter sometime soon."

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No bus stop, please - Property Manager Does not want a stop near her apartment complex

No bus stop, please: "Alison Solt, the property manager for Forest Meadows Apartments, takes pride in her complex being quiet, clean and smoke-free -- all things she thinks could be put at risk if Mountain Links riders stand at the edge of her property waiting for the next bus headed to and from Northern Arizona University."

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Follow up on 9/11 Flag Hand Out @ NAU

Flags flap more civil at forum: "Northern Arizona University is willing to re-examine its policies about the use of its buildings by student groups, including when flexibility is called for.
The openness is a reach for compromise after the university recently gained national attention when three students, who wanted to pass out American flags, pins and stickers in remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks, were asked by NAU employees to go outside or move to a different area inside the University Union.
They had been passing out the flags outdoors but moved inside without a required permit when it began to rain."

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Franks outlines measure to block Glendale casino - East Valley Tribune: West Valley

Franks outlines measure to block Glendale casino - East Valley Tribune: West Valley: "Glendale resident Nancy Robinette is against the Tohono O’odham’s plans for a casino-resort at 91st and Northern avenues, though she is quick to point out she has no issues with gambling.
“I don’t mind gambling but I feel strongly about this,” she said. “It’s not about what they want to do, it’s about how they’ve gone about doing it.”"

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Fire Sale on Fancy Desert Estates - Valley mansions on sale and worth their salt


Once priced at $22 million, this enormous Paradise Valley, AZ estate is selling for almost half that.
Photo: Trulia




Fire Sale on Fancy Desert Estates - Yahoo! Real Estate: "Paradise Valley, Ariz., the small, affluent town outside Scottsdale — not to be confused with Paradise Valley Village in Phoenix — is composed of sprawling estates topped with palatial private residences, a personal manifestation of Southwestern sprawl."

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Lake Havasu Makes Top Five Non-Ocean Beach List!

Summer may be coming to a close, but there's still time to get your beach on, even if you're nowhere near an ocean. Below are the top 5 "beach" destinations in North America, ocean not required:


Top 5 non-ocean ‘beach’ destinations | Wanderlust - Yahoo! News: "Lake Havasu, Arizona! Contrary to popular belief, Lake Havasu isn't just for beer-chugging Spring Breakers. It's actually a family-friendly vacation spot, with plenty of activities for both little kids (beaches and water sports) and big kids (casinos and off-roading). Fun fact: Lake Havasu City founder BOUGHT the London Bridge (the actual London Bridge from the song) for $2.4 million in 1968. He had it shipped over, rebuilt and London Bridge "re-opened" in 1971."

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Friday, September 16, 2011

Sad News for Scottsdale Six Drive-in and fans - Tribe eyes redevelopment of closed drive-in theater's land

I know we all assumed as much, but it is so terribly sad that we will lose our beloved S6 Drive-In to new development. We have plenty of office space, plenty of residential space. Arizona prefers to build out,  to avoid blocking our beautiful views, however, this often leaves our cities with vast amounts of empty space after space and neglected, ugly corner views. I have often wished that Az would follow other states that have rules and regulation in regard to maintaining empty and abandoned spaces- specifically corner spaces. Yet, that is a total different topic.

Sometimes it would be nice to see people forego the wanton desire for the modern, the want of more cash and just see people doing the right thing. I can't imagine anything more attractive,  than this piece of Americana Drive-In , taking over that acreage. Our local drive-in was a nostalgic icon, a fun place to go, a tradition and now?  Now it will be just like all the another industrial or residential eye sores in the desert.

Anyhow, the full article :





Tribe eyes redevelopment of closed drive-in theater's land: "It appears time has run out on the Scottsdale 6 Drive-In.


The last picture shows were screened Aug. 28 and the drive-in has gone dark after 34 years. Its operator, West Wind Drive-Ins, was unable to reach agreement on a new lease for the drive-in southeast of Hayden and McKellips roads, said Tony Maniscalco, vice president of marketing for the San Rafael, Calif., theater company.


The last films included "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Our Idiot Brother" and "The Smurfs."


"The little blue people were there to send us off," Maniscalco said.


Closure of the Scottsdale drive-in leaves West Wind's Glendale 9 Drive-In as the Valley's only drive-in and one of two in Arizona. The single-screen Apache Drive-In on U.S. 60 in Globe is closed until spring. Following a national trend, Arizona has lost close to 50 drive-ins over the past half century including the Round-Up at Thomas Road and 65th Street.


Outdoor theaters nationally have dwindled from about 4,000 in 1958 to 374 in 2010, according to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association.
Suburban development eliminated many drive-ins that operated on the urban fringes.

Redevelopment likely at site

Now redevelopment of the Scottsdale 6 site is likely.
West Wind leased the 29-acre site from members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.


"I believe they have other plans for the land," Maniscalco said of the landowners.
Quannah Dallas, Salt River economic development division manager, said that times are changing and "there are different opportunities for our landowners" for the drive-in site.
West Wind did not provide all the required lease documents by the deadline, she said.
There have been inquiries about redevelopment of the commercially-zoned land but no lease proposals have been submitted to the tribe, Dallas said.


The Salt River tribal council would have to approve plans for the site after public hearings, and the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs would review the proposal because it involves individual landowners, she said.


Offices and retail uses are possible. Residential development for non-community members would not be allowed, said Stacey Gubser, Salt River community development director.
The drive-in site is on the southwestern edge of the Salt River reservation east of Scottsdale.
The Scottsdale 6 was one of the first multiscreen drive-ins developed on Native American land, Dallas said.


Salt River community members were among the patrons but most of the customers were from Scottsdale and other parts of the Valley, she said.
Valley drive-in enthusiast Barney Kahn said he was not shocked that the Scottsdale 6 closed but it is upsetting.


"I get an overwhelming feeling of loss knowing the great times and fond memories I'll be missing," he said.


He plans to make the drive to the Glendale 9 to continue watching movies under the stars.
West Wind owns the land for its Glendale drive-in and plans to keep operating the theater and its weekly swap meet on Saturdays and Sundays.
Attendance has been up at all of West Wind's drive-ins, including Scottsdale, Maniscalco said.
It now has seven drive-ins in California, Nevada and Glendale.





Scottsdale 6 Drive-in Theater Closes; is Featured in Upcoming Exhibition by William LeGoullon - Phoenix Art - Jackalope Ranch

Scottsdale 6 Drive-in Theater Closes; is Featured in Upcoming Exhibition by William LeGoullon - Phoenix Art - Jackalope Ranch: "
WilliamLeGoullon_Table.jpg


William LeGoullon
"Table"Archival Pigment Print on Canvas39 X 40*image taken at The Scottsdale Century Six Drive-In
​William LeGoullon has been going to the drive-in movies for as long as he can remember. The local photographer says he was always drawn to their "iconic Americana" feel and timelessness, which is also why he was so disappointed to hear that the Scottsdale 6 Drive-in (pictured above) had closed and was was completely shut down as of yesterday. "

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“The Dog Who Saved Halloween” DVD Contest @ DogTipper.com






I know this is not exclusive to Arizona but it sure is essential to Arizonan's just because its all in good fun!

I was looking for reviews for the The Dog Who Saved Halloween because the movie is premiering on Cox Cable , OnDemand, New Releases ; tonight - and I stumbled onto this cute website - dogtipper.com. Dogtipper come up in the search for the movie review. I am glad I clicked on Dogtipper and found the giveaway. There are a few options to winning The Dog Who Saved Halloween on DVD so why not try your luck and have some fun with Fido, too!?!


Giveaway: “The Dog Who Saved Halloween” DVD (3 winners) | DogTipper.com: "Are you and your dog getting ready for Halloween yet? Here’s a giveaway that will be a treat for Halloween hounds: three lucky DogTipper winners will win copies of “The Dog Who Saved Halloween,” a new movie for all ages. "


Found this clip on Starz:



THE DOG WHO SAVED HALLOWEEN
Just before Halloween, George is walking his dog Zeus and notices something strange coming frypically, it all goes awry for everyone, and only Zeus can save Halloween.


Mesa school board changes October schedule - East Valley Tribune: Education

Mesa school board changes October schedule - East Valley Tribune: Education: "Due to scheduling conflicts and fall break, the Mesa Unified School District governing board decided this week to shift around its normal meeting schedule for October. The board will now hold regular meetings Oct. 4 and Oct. 18. The next scheduled meeting will be Sept. 27, as already planned.
With the board in discussions about consolidating and repurposing junior high sites, other October meetings could be scheduled in the future.

For more information, see www.mpsaz.org."

'via Blog this'

Higher tax bills ruffle East Valley homeowners - East Valley Tribune: Arizona

test4School District Tax Rates

School District Tax Rates




Higher tax bills ruffle East Valley homeowners - East Valley Tribune: Arizona: "Many East Valley homeowners who've suffered through years of lower property values have been getting a jolt when opening their mail and discovering substantially higher tax bills.
The higher bills have appeared in pockets across the Valley where property values declined the least. Some Mesa neighborhoods were especially hard hit, said Paul Petersen, a spokesman for the Maricopa County Assessor."

'via Blog this'

Two more candidates enter Tempe mayor, council races - East Valley Tribune: East Valley Local News

Two more candidates enter Tempe mayor, council races - East Valley Tribune: East Valley Local News: "Michael Monti, owner of the landmark Monti's La Casa Vieja, is running for mayor. And Dick Foreman is running for the council after 10 years on the governing board of the Tempe Union High School District.

Monti joins Councilman Mark Mitchell in the race to replace the outgoing Mayor Hugh Hallman when his term ends in mid-2012. Both hail from prominent families."

'via Blog this'

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base barricade situation over

Tucson Police Department Community Services Officer Tracy Kranz guards a gate at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base after the base was placed on lockdown in Tucson on Friday. Michael Schennum/The Arizona Republic

Tucson Police Department Community Services Officer Tracy Kranz guards a gate at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base after the base was placed on lockdown in Tucson on Friday


Davis-Monthan Air Force Base barricade situation over: "The barricade situation at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was resolved late Friday afternoon, and authorities have reopened the base.

Base officials reported shortly before 5 p.m. they have terminated their response to the security situation, but they did not elaborate on details.

The base was placed on lockdown Friday after an armed civilian got on to the base and holed himself up in a room on the second floor of a building known as the "Old Dorm," a source told The Arizona Republic."

'via Blog this'

University of Arizona auctions off everything from bikes to laptops Tuesday

University of Arizona auctions off everything from bikes to laptops Tuesday: " The University of Arizona is opening up its surplus property room and auctioning off everything from bikes to laptops.

The auction starts at 8 a.m. The Arizona Daily Star reports the school wants to sell off office furniture, filing cabinets and shelving.

There’s also some science stuff thrown in like a centrifuge or a spectrometer.

The Surplus Property Office ‘is located at 1145 South Warren Ave., near East 22nd Street and South Cherry Avenue."

'via Blog this'

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base security situation live

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base security situation live

Tucson's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on lockdown

Tucson's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on lockdown: "Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson is on lockdown, but a spokesman said no shots have been fired and no one has been hurt.

Details remain scarce, however, other than the lockdown is still in effect, meaning no one is allowed on or off the base. In a brief press release issued around 12:30 p.m., base officials said reports of "suspicious activity" caused officials to declare a higher state of security.

The base is best known as the boneyard for old military and government airplanes."

'via Blog this'

Community Food Connections

Community Food Connections: "Our work includes:

Hunger Prevention through the Arizona Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, the EBT at Farmers' Market Project.
Building self-reliant local and regional food systems with strategies that include creating and offering on-going workshops to develop community leaders and community solutions to meet local food needs, develop infrastructure to support identified strengths and address gaps.
Creating and supporting local and regional economic and community development activities like the Downtown Phoenix Public Market and a pilot Farm to Cafeteria Program in order to improve overall quality of life and create healthier choices for Arizona households."

'via Blog this'

Valley Permaculture Alliance - Join us in creating a more sustainable Phoenix!

Valley Permaculture Alliance - Join us in creating a more sustainable Phoenix!:

Found this awesome site! Chock full of information!

Maricopa Community Garden's


    I was looking into starting a community garden and by chance, I found there are already a few near me!

    I am going to post the list of known community gardens in Maricopa County in case anyone else is interested.


    Have you started or participated in an Arizona Community Garden?

    Let me know! I would love to hear all about your gardening experience, get some tips etc.


    Community Gardens in Maricopa County
    (NOTE: These are the addresses of the contact person for the garden.) 
    Garden of Pride
    Mr. Ken Carver, Director
    604 S. Bellview St., Apt. B
    Mesa, Az. 85202
    (480) 835-7592 
    Garden Location: 544 S. Bellevue, Mesa
    Directions to Garden: Drive east on Broadway Road past Mesa Drive. Look for large water tower between Mesa Drive and Horne.
    Drive south on Bellview Street. Look for sign to garden on west side
    Grace Wagner
    316 E. Carol Avenue
    Phoenix, AZ 85020
    (602) 944-4462
    Garden Location: 9000 E Chaparral, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
    Directions to Garden:
    Take Chaparral East to Dobson
    Turn Left (North) on Dobson
    At the next stop sign (Jackrabbit) take a left
    Look for the Red Barn

Bacteria in Your Digestive System Can Keep You Healthy

Bacteria in Your Digestive System Can Keep You Healthy: MyFoxPHOENIX.com














Bacteria in Your Digestive System Can Keep You Healthy: "Doctors say there's a link between a healthy digestive system and our overall health -- and it all comes down to bacteria.

Fox 10’s Kristin Anderson explains why what you eat really can cause you health problems -- such as migraines and depression -- and how health issues can be fixed with probiotics.


Read About Probiotics Online:

nccam.nih.gov/health/probiotics"

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Technology, Railroad Brought Change in 1912 - Really Neat Article From Eastern Az Courier!

The year of Arizona’s statehood, 1912, was an amazing year for a confluence of changes and new technology, according to local historian Hal Herbert.

It was also the year that parachutes, Oreo cookies and Life Savers candy were invented.

In the Gila Valley, four technological advances made life easier and more convenient. 



Those advances follow: 

Telephone switchboards played an important role in communications in the Gila Valley in 1912.Photo by Jon Johnson







Telephone service

Residents of southeastern Arizona experienced improvements in telephone service throughout the Valley. The big change in telephone service was a consolidation of the central phone offices of Thatcher and Safford. A new line was built along the railroad right-of-way to a new office where a bank of switchboards would be manned. This change meant that a person in Safford could be directly connected to a person in Thatcher without going through two separate switchboards. It wasn’t until several years later that Pima and Solomonville joined the consolidated service.

Pressurized water system

A new pressurized water system that was capable of moving water into kitchens took several years to complete. The idea was to eliminate outdoor hand pumps and buckets used to haul water into the house. One of the big complaints, though, was that water brought from sources on the mountain during the summer became muddy and often stopped running completely. Pressure came from the use of reservoirs built near Robinson Ranch, where the golf course was later located.

Electric light bulbs

Electric light bulbs began to replace candles and kerosene lamps, which were not only inefficient, but were fire hazards. L.G. Haby was the first to introduce electricity to homes and farms in the Valley. This advertisement from a 1912 issue of the Graham County Guardian was for a system for a single farm: “The Pony Motor operated on gasoline and had an open oil reservoir. It was connected to a direct current, or D.C. generator that was used to charge a bank of glass batteries that supplied direct current to light bulbs for lighting houses, hotels, and barns.”

Rail Service

Rail service improved travel to and from the Valley, and more modern conveniences were easily shipped to this rural area. The Southern Pacific Railroad that stopped at the Bowie Station became regular and reliable. Not only was passenger service both eastbound and westbound available, but even more important to the Valley was the importation of manufactured goods from all over the world.

Solomon-Wickersham wholesalers built a rail spur directly to its warehouse.

The company employed a full office of young men in white shirts and ties who entered detailed accounts of items to be distributed to local businesses. 

Post Office Wants to End 1-Day Delivery

Post Office Wants to End 1-Day Delivery: "How often do you go to the post office or mail a letter or bill? Most people are now doing these things online, and it's hurting the post office financially.

The US Postal Service is being forced to make some big changes.

The Postal Service says it lost more than $3 billion last year, and it needs to drastically downsize -- or it will be forced to shut down by the end of next summer.

USPS' latest proposal is to end one-day delivery of First Class mail.

USPS is closing half of its mail processing facilities, including three Arizona facilities in Phoenix, Gilbert and Tucson."

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10 things to do in Arizona this weekend

10 things to do in Arizona this weekend:

'via Blog this' 1. COMEDIAN JAY MOHR Where: Phoenix, Stand Up Live When: Sept 17 – Sept 18, 7 p.m. Cost: $30 More Info: www.standuplive.com He’s been in everything from Saturday Night Live to Jerry Maguire. The popular comedian is in Phoenix. Must be 18 & over and there is a two drinks minimum.

2. My-Oh-My Apple Pie Weekend & Country Craft Fair Where: Wilcox, Apple Annie’s Orchard When: Sept 17 and Sept 18, 7:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Cost: Admission is free. You pay for any fruits and vegetables you pick. More Info: www.appleannies.com A celebration of all things Apple! Start your day with a pancake and apple pie syrup breakfast. Then indulge in homemade Apple Crumb Pie ice cream. Later, a apple-smoked burger lunch will be served. Enjoy a complimentary wagon ride to the orchard to pick-your-own apples. Homemade crafts, apple baking contest and more.

3. 14th ANNUAL BALLET UNDER THE STARS Where: Sun City West, Beardsley Road When: Sunday, Sept 18, 7 p.m. Cost: Free Event More Info: www.balletaz.org Ballet Arizona presents some of their most gifted dancers at these free performances under the night sky.

4. EL ZARIBAH SHRINE CIRCUS Where: Scottsdale, West World When: Sept 16 through Sept 18 Cost: $15 ($12 Military and Seniors) More Info: w.el-zaribah.org Fun for the whole family! One Boy’s and one Girl’s bicycle will be given away and elephant and Pony rides for children.

5. PICKIN’ IN THE PINES BLUEGRASS AND ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL Where: Flagstaff, Pepsi Amphitheatre When: Sept 16 – Sept 18 Cost: $65 More Info: www.pickininthepines.org Workshops, bluegrass bands, food and much more.

6. RHYTHM ROOM 20th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Where: Phoenix, 1019 E. Indian School Road When: Sept 16 – Sept 18 Cost: $10 More Info: www.rhythmroom.com It’s a blues bash in Phoenix. This established rhythm and blues clubs is celebrating 20 years in the valley this weekend.

7. NATIVE AMERICAN ART AUCTION Where: Hubbell Trading Post, Navajo Reservation When: Saturday, Sept 17 Cost: Free Event More Info: www.nps.gov/hutr The auction includes contemporary and antique Navajo textiles, Pueblo Katsina dolls, pottery, paintings, carvings and baskets from many tribes. Prices range from just $20 to well over $4,000.

 8. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Where: Mesa, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre When: Now through October 1 Cost: Start at $28 More Info: www.broadwaypalmwest.com A Tony Award winning musical that tells the tale of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime.

 9. 10th ANNUAL ROASTED GREEN CHILI FESTIVAL Where: Tucson, Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market When: Saturday, Sept 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: Free Event More Info: www.rvfm.org/ Over 2,000 people are expected to eat, enjoy and buy locally grown fresh green chilies. This delicious festival is in Tucson this weekend.

10. SHOW LOW FARMERS’ MARKET & ART WALK FESTIVAL Where: Downtown Show Low When: Saturday, Sept 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost: Free Event More Info: www.showlowfarmersmarket.com/ Offering locally grown plant starts, meats, fruits and vegetables.

Today's Weather Forecast in Arizona






Today's Weather Forecast in Arizona: "Another trough of low pressure will swing through our state today keeping shower and thunderstorm chances going in the high country.  We will see a 30% chance along the Mogollon Rim and a 20% chance in the Tonto National Forest.

Our Valley forecast will stay dry but there is a slight chance in the foothills like Fountain Hills and Carefree, and Apache Junction may see a few rain drops."

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Tip from Phoenix helps solve McDonald's death in Georgia







Tip from Phoenix helps solve McDonald's death in Georgia: "“It was actually a call from City of Phoenix, Arizona fire department that had a similar incident in May of this year. They actually contacted us, kind of started us down that path. It was another thing we were looking at but kind of sped us up and moved us in that direction,” said Pooler Fire Chief Wade Simmons.

That call from Phoenix fire investigator Jonathan Hill ended up giving Simmons and his investigators the answers they were looking for.

"

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It is Friday finally, and our Smart Shopper Daphne Munro has some free things for you to do

It is Friday finally, and our Smart Shopper Daphne Munro has some free things for you to do: "If you love yoga, take a few classes for free. They'll be held every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. through October 27th at W Scottsdale with Lululemon Athletic AZ. They will be offering complimentary free flow yoga classes featuring vinyasa flow and power yoga. This class is open to the public and requires no advance registration -- just head over to the WET deck near SWEAT and bring your own mat and towel. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/shadelounge and www.facebook.com/lululemonscottsdale ."

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