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mylifemagazine.comjan-feb 2012 tm
100 years inthe grand
canyon
centennial Ridewith Dierks
bentley
interview with Director
josh tickell
eXclUSiVea PHoenician’S bRilliant inVention iS a game-cHangeR foR tHe Pool & SPa inDUStRy
One IonAt A Time
mylife jan-feb 2012 3
jan feb VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1
2012
one ion at a timeUsing chemicals to sanitize the water in pools and spas might just become
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8 20a thing of the past, thanks to Phoenix resident and inventor R.J. Wagner.
arizona at 100: the grand canyon State of timeAs Arizona celebrates its centennial
year, starting in February, it’s a natural time to think about what the passing of 100 years means onseveral levels.
30 fuel your freedom from oil Producer and director Josh Tickell shares with us the motivation behind
his films and talks candidly about the environment.
Spirit of the Southwest: Roger clyneWhat Springsteen is to New Jersey, 16
42what Mellencamp is to Indiana, that’s what Roger Clyne is to Arizona and indeed the entire Sonoran high desert country. Together with his longtime band, the Peacemakers, Clyne has forged his own unique brand of rock music.
composer trevor morrisSeeing is believing for most people, but for composer Trevor Morris, seeing is
hearing. He writes music for pictures—pictures that move.
main features
8
44
CoveR PHoTogRAPHy by JoHN MCMURRAy
mylife jan-feb 2012
mylife jan-feb 2012 5
Paging books with j.j. labarber: the “old man” Who made Hemingway Soar13
opinions
34
Told in language of great simplicity and constructed around the classic theme of courage in the face of defeat, of personal triumph won from loss, Hemingway’s classic has not been lost in history.
our great neighbors to the north!Why are our Canadian allies so often misunderstood by most Americans?
39 Steve jobs: a geek’s confessionWhat can you say or write about Steve Jobs that hasn’t already been said?
Technology guru Warren Jones takes a unique approach in remembering the iconic visionary.
ceo Series: an interview with brian muellerMueller is the Ceo of Arizona’s grand Canyon University.28
new|features
32 mylife ProfilesChristina Wagner: voice of the valleyZack Jones, Welcome
51 crossword PuzzleUp and Down Arizona: How well do you know your state?
letter from the editor6
mylife jan-feb 2012 5
man’s best friend ... Woof! 25vignettes
Sky Harbor: a gateway to the World26the Phoenix Soldiers foundation38
What’s Happening across arizona48events calendar|jan feb
52 concerts - Premier Destinations
54 Sporting events - arizona’s Pro
tekknowvations4046
13
39
46
chopper country46
mylife jan-feb 20126
A
voLUMe 3, ISSUe 1
FoUNDeR AND eDIToR-IN-CHIeF
Ed Martinez
PUbLISHeR
James L. Copland
ASSoCIATe eDIToR
Mary L. Holden
PHoTogRAPHeRS
Chad Koerber
John McMurray
Michael Merone
ARTISTS/ILLUSTRAToRS
Zack Jones
Edgar Martinez
CoNTRIbUTINg WRITeRS
Leslie James
Warren Jones
J.J. LaBarber
Craig Taylor
Lisa Wilhelm
MARKETING & SALES
(A division of Sentry Enterprises, Inc.)
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LOVE FOR COUNTRY AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS. That’s what I grew up hearing from my parents—alongside words like honesty, integrity, honor and compassion. But today, these words are losing their meaning in this great land that I love. For decades, those in power have succeeded at dividing us, while their greed and hunger for power has grown to unimaginable levels. By turning Democrat against Republican and conservative against liberal, our “leaders” have also managed to turn neighbor against neighbor and sometimes even family members against one another … while doing little to help their fellow Americans at a time when so many are suffering. I believe that 2011 was a year of awakening for many Americans, and I also think there are better days ahead. As I reflected on how we could solve America’s problems, I came to the realization that, instead of depending on our so-called leaders, it’s up to us to make the necessary changes. Sure, we could exercise our constitutional voting rights and replace those in power, as we have done in the past, but is that really how we can bring about true change that will result in a better America for our children? Although that could be part of the answer, I believe we have to go deeper. Removing someone from public office might lead to a temporary sense of satisfaction, and it might bring about a feeling of euphoria—the kind of feeling that prompts some people to smugly say words like, “You tree huggers, take that!” Or, “You lost, you Bible-thumping neocon!” Or, “You’re an anti-American socialist!” However, phrases like that and the feelings behind them are not going to change anything—and have you ever thought for a moment about how awful, disrespectful and hurtful such words are? Still, you see and hear them all the time in the media. It’s become a daily barrage. A greater focus on basic values is the answer, the key to bringing about change in oursociety. We no longer spend enough time helping our children navigate through life, teaching them right and wrong, showing them the importance of respecting other people—and other people’s beliefs. This is happening a lot in our country, especially in homes where both parents have to work to support their family, so we need to make sacrifices to ensure a better future for our children. And, it’s not even necessarily about how much time you spend with your children (or grandchildren)—it’s about the quality of the time. Teach them about America. Tell them stories about what it took to build this great country and the sacrifices that fellow Americans have made. Teach (and show) them the real meaning of words like honesty, integrity, honor and compassion. It all starts at home. Forget for a moment about your political affiliation, and think more about our country. It’s up to us, not those we’ve elected to public office, to bring about the change we need and desire. We are the ones with the power, the ones who are in control. We can start right now, by respecting each other, caring more for others and focusing on those basic values that will unite us all. This is how we will heal America. MyLIFE magazine shines the spotlight on amazing people who are contributing to our society. My hope is that these stories will not just inform our readers, but also spark conversation at the dinner table and prompt families to talk about important topics that face us all. Inside this issue, we celebrate Arizona’s centennial and feature some great stories about our state and its people. Please enjoy our first bimonthly issue, and have a prosperous new year! If you would like to share your comments or provide feedback, please drop me a note at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Ed Martinez
BASIC VALUESFROM THE EDITOR[ ]
TM
Celebrating 100 years 1912-2012
mylife
MA
GA
ZINE
Celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouting!
Be there when out first 100 years turns into our next 100 years.
602.452.7000 | 800.352.6133 | girlscoutsaz.org
In March, Girl Scouts will mark 100 years of inspiring girls and young women with the ideals of courage, confidence and character. Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, imagined that Girl Scouts could be “the magic thread” that would connect girls everywhere, and for 50 million women, the ties have never been stronger. Millions of active Girl Scouts, volunteers and alumnae will come together to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts builds tomorrow’s leaders one summer camp, one cookie sale, one troop, one girl at a time.
mylife jan-feb 20128
Every few decades, major technological advancements are made
and significant new inventions are developed. While most of the
time these inventions come from overseas, an invention that is
likely to revolutionize the pool and spa industry and provide
greater health and safety for you, your family and pets comes
to us from Glendale, Ariz. This game-changing innovation will
make swimming and “spa-ing” healthier, safer and more pleasant.
Everyone who owns a pool can afford it and should have one. It’s
an easy-to-install system, makes pool maintenance infinitely more
convenient and less costly, and can prolong the life of the pool and
operating equipment. No more allergies, skin irritations or that
unbearable chlorine smell.
Overall, little has been done in the last half century to change
established practices in pool maintenance. But now, thanks to a
wat
er p
urit
y
one ionR.j. WagneR’S BRILLIANT INVENTION IS LIKELY TO REVOLUTIONIzE THE POOL & SPA INDUSTRY.
AT A TIMEby CRAIg TAyLoR PHoTogRAPHy by JoHN MCMURRAy|
one ion
mylife jan-feb 201210
BY CRAIG TAYLOR
The pool product and distribution market is
a $5 billion industry. R.J. Wagner has learned
the hard way that new technology such as
his Eco Ion Water Treatment System faces a
tough path to acceptance. He tried to market
his system to established companies and was
met with resistance. So, he decided not to
fight established business and instead to find
a way to promote innovation in water purity
through his company, Krystal Klor.
Wagner said many attempts were made
to come up with a way to safely balance
mylife jan-feb 201210
breakthrough technology devel-
oped by Arizonan R.J. Wagner,
chlorine, which has long reigned
as the leading method for keep-
ing pool and spa water clean,
could soon become obsolete.
There are many drawbacks to
using chlorine and other chemi-
cals, and some can be quite seri-
ous. The chemical sting can leave
your eyes red and irritated for
hours. Children love to spend hot
summer afternoons playing and
splashing in the pool, but chem-
ical-laced pool water can burn
their eyes, nose and throat and
cause the tears to flow. Chlorine
can also change your hair color
(or your dog’s!) and take a toll on
your skin, your wallet and the en-
vironment. Just think about what
chlorine does to the surfaces of
your pool and deck, and then
imagine what it’s doing to your
body, inside and out. In fact, re-
cent studies have linked chlorine
to asthma, allergies and even cer-
tain types of cancer.
With the Eco Ion Water Treat-
ment System, Wagner has found a
way to banish for good these ir-
ritating and harmful side effects
and make swimming enjoyable
again. The system, which takes
less than an hour to install and
initially costs roughly the same
as conventional systems that re-
quire those nasty, harmful chemi-
cals, keeps pools and spas safe
and sparkling clean. And, the Eco
Ion system soon pays for itself by
eliminating the need for harsh
additives and weekly shock treat-
ments, saving on pool upkeep
and reducing wear and tear on
operating equipment and the pool itself. Over
time, these savings alone will pay for Wagner’s
system.
The system, which is available for small spas,
residential pools or commercial pools such as
those at apartment complexes and hotels, in-
cludes a tank that hooks up to the pool’s filter
system using two wires and a hose. The system
purifies water electronically. Essentially, the
Eco Ion system gets rid of harmful bacteria in
pool water the way a backyard bug zapper gets
rid of mosquitoes. The process is quick, conve-
DID YOU KNOW?
POOl Water ChemIstrY 101
BY CRAIG TAYLOR
Water is not just water! If you don’t
recall much from your high school
chemistry class, here’s a quick
refresher:
• Part of the mystery of H2 and O is
that water can be acidic, alkaline
or in pH balance. The pH of pure
water measures 7.0. A pH of less
than 7.0 is acidic; a pH of
greater than 7.0 is alkaline.
• Alkaline levels are important to
water cleanliness. Ideally, they’ll
score at 80 to 140 parts per
million on a water-testing strip.
Low alkalinity makes eyes red,
metals corrode and plaster stain.
Cloudy water means high
alkalinity, and chlorine becomes
ineffective. Shock, or acid, must
be added.
• Even if alkalinity is within range,
pH can still measure outside the
normal 7 points. The Eco Ion
Water Treatment System keeps
alkalinity in check with ions—not
added chemicals.
• Even with an Eco Ion system, a
stabilizer (cyanaric acid) still
needs to be added to your pool to
prevent the sun’s ultraviolet rays
from compromising water quality.
mylife jan-feb 2011 11mylife jan-feb 2012 11
“thIs Is a Game- ChaNGer that WIll ImPaCt the POOl aND sPa INDUstrY as We KNOW It—FOr the NeXt 50 Years.”
water chemistry in pools and spas. “It was
considered impossible!” he said. “My
idea was rejected by engineers at first.
They said it was contrary to physics,
but they did not take into account my
focus and drive—they were stuck in the
last century. I would not let anything
stop me. I found that each failure led to
an improvement. And now, the Eco Ion
Water Treatment System is the best and
only product of its kind in the world—
and it was invented here in Phoenix!”
on tiles or pool deck etching.
One of Wagner’s primary goals in
developing the Eco Ion system was
to make sure it would be affordable
for virtually anyone with a pool.
Switching from chlorine, chemi-
cals and salt treatments can generate
enough savings to pay for the system
in less than two years. And you, your
family and friends (and even the dog)
will reap the life-long health benefits
of swimming in clean, chlorine-free
water. Think of it as an investment in
good health for you and those you
care about.
nient and far safer than the traditional meth-
ods of pool cleaning are, with all of those
noxious chemicals (read more about how
the system works in the sidebar).
Wagner’s system requires minimal atten-
tion—supplies are added every three to four
months in warm weather, and even less often
in cooler weather. The tank is fully automat-
ed and requires no maintenance. That’s right.
No maintenance. It doesn’t get much sim-
pler than that. And, to make the system even
more attractive, there’s no calcium buildup
No more red eyes or green hair.
No more chemical-related hazards
to your health. No more horrible
fumes that keep you from enjoying
the pool or spa. Just delightful fun
in the sun. That’s what the Eco Ion
Water Treatment System delivers,
one ion at a time. And that’s why
Wagner’s system is a game-changer
for the entire pool and spa industry
as we know it today.
To learn more, or to purchase
your Eco Ion System, call 602-350-
4147, or 1-800-274-2930 (toll free).
You can also visit the website for
Wagner’s company, Krystal Klor, at
krystalklor.com.
hOW DOes It WOrK?
BY CRAIG TAYLOR
The Eco Ion system, which is available
in three sizes for use in small spas,
residential pools or commercial pools
such as those at apartment complexes
and hotels, includes a plastic tank that
hooks up to the pool’s filter system
using two wires and a hose. The tank is
also hooked up to the electrical system
that operates the pump. A combination
of hydrochloric acid (HCl, which is
safely used in many common food
products) and a solution called RK12 is
added to the tank, forming a gas
composed of ions. Bubbles from the
gas are pumped into the pool’s filter as
it is operating, and as those bubbles
move through the pool water, they
digest harmful bacteria, leaving the
water fresh and sparkling clean—and
your skin, eyes, nose and other body
parts free from harmful chemicals. The
ions then dissipate and leave the water
through the process of evaporation. The
pool water itself does not flow through
the Eco Ion system unit.
The HCl and RK12 only need to be
added every three to four months in
warm weather, and even less often in
cooler weather.
The initial cost of the system for
a 30,000-gallon residential pool is
$1,995, and the annual cost of RK12,
HCl and stabilizer for that pool would
be approximately $292.
Jeff Bridges, Share Our Strength’s No Kid
Hungry™ Campaign Spokesperson
A child who is distracted, is often sickor struggles to learn could be one ofthe millions of hungry kids in America.End childhood hunger in America.
TAKE THE PLEDGE.No Kid Hungry.org
SOS_jeff_FNmag_full.indd 1 12/1/10 10:45 AM
mylife jan-feb 2012 13
I have been reviewing books for more than 30 years, and one of the first books reviewed by this column is Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man
and the Sea. An indication of the book’s last-ing power: When I wanted to re-read the classic, my library informed me that I would have to be put on a waiting list. I was told that all available copies had been requested, and that waiting for a copy of this book was quite normal. That is certainly a true mark of an outstanding and long-standing writer and his work. The excitement initially created by “The Old Man” is apparently still very much alive—60 years later! Hemingway once stated, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a type-writer and bleed.” And that he did, until his death (by suicide) in 1961. By then, he had established himself as one of the, if not the, most influential and powerful writers of the 20th century. The books poured out of him: The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, To Have and Have Not, Across The River and Into the Trees and The Old Man and the Sea—all written in 1952. Work that catapulted Hemingway to the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 and the Nobel Prize for Litera-ture in 1954. The Old Man and the Sea has become a classic for Hemingway’s “powerful, style-forming mastery of the art of narra-tion.” This hugely successful novella, written while the author was living in Cuba, con-firmed Hemingway’s power and presence in the literary world. Yes, as one of the most important influences on the development of the short story and novel in American fiction, Hemingway seized the imagination of the
“The Old Man” Who Made Hemingway Soar
WITH J.J. LABARBER
PAGING BOOKS[ ]o
gD
eN e
NTe
RTA
INM
eNT
mylife jan-feb 201214
American public (and the world at large) like no other 20th-century writer. Now … to the review of The Old Man and the Sea. Told in language of great simplicity and constructed around the classic theme of courage in the face of defeat, of personal triumph won from loss, the tale centers on Santiago, an old, experienced fisher-man, his everyday dream of catching the “big one” and his epic struggle with a gi-gantic marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. He has gone 84 days without a catch. From the story itself: The old man was thin and gaunt with deep wrinkles in the back of his neck. The brown blotches of
and by noon of that day a big fish that he is sure is a marlin takes his bate. Unable to pull in the great marlin, he instead finds the fish pulling his skiff. And so the brutal struggle begins. Two days and two nights pass in this manner, during which the old man bears his ten-sion of the line with his body. Though he is wounded by the struggle and in great pain, Santiago expresses a compas-sionate appreciation for his adversary, of-ten referring to him as “a brother.” But the marlin has not the slightest sympathy for Santiago, whose personal thrust is: “I will not give up!” His con-stant conversation with himself has the reader constantly wanting to answer him, to lessen his extreme loneliness. On the third day of the ordeal, The Big Fish begins to circle the skiff, in-dicating his tiredness to the old man. Santiago, now completely worn out and almost in delirium, uses all the strength he can muster to stab The Big Fish, at-tach it to the side of his skiff, as it is too large to bring into the boat, and head for home with his prize catch. But, alas! Hungry sharks in the area start feast-ing on his catch. What was once a prize catch is quickly reduced to a mere skel-eton, which Santiago knows will now be used for “garbage” instead of providing a sizeable income from its glorious meat. But, he humbly accepts the ultimate outcome. He is at peace with himself, knowing that he finally caught his Big One.
A Heming Way Brief: Born in 1899 in
Oak Park, Ill. Started writing for The
Kansas City Star in 1917. Was an
ambulance driver in Italy during World
War I and part of the expatriate circle
in Paris in the early 1920s. Wrote The Sun Also Rises in 1926, which became
the voice of “the lost generation.”
Hemingway was an American literary
giant for the next 40 years. Won the
Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1953 and
the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954.
Committed suicide at his home in
Ketchum, Idaho, in 1961.
IMAG
E: W
ARN
ER B
RO
S.
the benevolent skin cancer the sun brings from its reflection on the tropic sea were on his cheeks. The blotches ran well down the sides of his face and his hands had the deep-creased scars from handling heavy fish on the cords. But none of these scars were fresh. They were as old as erosions in a fishless desert. Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same color as the sea and were cheer-ful and undefeated. Eighty-four days without a catch. On the 85th day, Hemingway’s singular ability to pull the reader into the boat with Santiago is masterful. One is right alongside the old man as he sets out alone, taking his skiff far out into the Gulf. Santiago adjusts his lines,
Hemingway, at all times, has the reader fully engulfed in spectacular, gripping,
“man-against-all-odds” imagery, which was fully captured by the 1958 Warner
Bros. movie starring spencer tracy (the film garnered Tracy Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for best actor).
In 1999, Russian animator aleksandr Petrov won the academy award for
Short Film for a film that follows the plot line of Hemingway’s classic. Petrov’s
short consisted of 29,000 images (painted pastels on glass). It was the first
animated film to be released in ImaX.
hOllYWOOD ImaGerY
mylife jan-feb 2012 15WWZA_TravelHostHalf.indd 1 10/21/11 8:59 AM
mylife jan-feb 201216
ROGER CLYNEby ALAN DIPeRNA
spir
it o
f the
sou
thw
est
CLYNE IS A THIRD-GENERATION ARIZONAN ANd FOUNdER OF ROGER CLYNE ANd THE PEACEMAKERS
The music of Roger Clyne is as integral to
Southwestern culture as the bolo tie, the
crystalline sting of a premium tequila or a
night spent gazing at the stars above Four
Peaks. What Springsteen is to New Jersey,
what Mellencamp is to Indiana, that’s what
Roger Clyne is to Arizona and indeed the
entire Sonoran high desert country. Togeth-
er with his longtime band, the Peacemakers,
Clyne has forged his own unique brand of
rock music—earnest and heartfelt, with lyr-
ics in English and español, filled with tales
of desperados and loners. As heard on the
band’s newest album, Unida Cantina—or
anywhere else in their rich back catalog and
frequent live shows—it’s a sound that is red-
olent of the big skies and dramatic landscape
of the Southwest.
“There is a very unique cultural con-
fluence in this region,” Clyne said. “I’ve
been to a lot of different places, and there’s
nothing like it. I’m very fortunate to be
here and to be a native of this land.”
Clyne’s gift for expressing the depth
and richness of the Southwest experience
is homegrown. As a kid, he divided his
time between urban Phoenix and the ru-
ral charm of his grandparents’ cattle ranch
near Sonoita, Ariz.
“I got to grow up learning about horses,
cows, chickens and livestock,” he laughed.
“I Iearned to ride before I could prob-
ably walk. Spent a lot of summers getting
up and working from dark to dark with
Grandpa. My songs have so many heroes
and villains who wander those wildlands.
MUSIC HISTORY
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers’ last six consecutive album releases have debuted among the top 10 on Billboard’s Internet Sales Chart, the first-ever independent band to achieve this feat.
Two of those albums, 1999’s Honky Tonk Union and 2004’s Americano!, debuted at #1. That streak of creating timeless rock music continues with the band’s newest and sixth studio album, Unida Cantina.
PHo
To b
y Jo
HN
MCM
URR
Ay
where’s the leadership?
We haVe ValUes, PrINCIPles aND strONG BelIeFs. We are NeIther DemOCrats, rePUBlICaNs NOr INDePeNDeNts, BUt rather We are all amerICaNs FIrst. We mUst all thINK aND aCt lIKe amerICaNs—DemONstrate INteGrItY aND CharaCter—aND
alWaYs DO What’s Best FOr all amerICaNs, NOt JUst thOse WIth INFlUeNCe.
mylife jan-feb 201218
cross-pollination among everybody who was artistic. There
was a lot of theatrical stuff going on, painting and even
movie making—a lot of creativity.”
When the Refreshments wound down at the end of the
’90s, Clyne and drummer Paul “P.H.” Naffah launched the
Peacemakers, effectively transplanting the Refreshments’
power pop heart into the deeper and more ancient soil of
the old Southwest. Many of the songs for Honky Tonk Union,
RCPM’s 1999 debut album, were written during campouts
in the Whetstone and Santa Rita Mountains of southeastern
Arizona. When the album hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s
online album sales chart, Clyne and his band were on their
way to carving their own unique niche in the American
musical landscape. They built their reputation the hard way,
touring relentlessly and winning fans one at a time, night
after night in bars and clubs across the land.
“We’re fortunate in that the people consider our band a
part of their lives,” Clyne said. “Even if the crowd isn’t gi-
ant, it’s humbling to be so welcome, so wanted. We want to
respond to that. Players want to play. The audience gives you
the chance.”
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers hit a new high-water
mark with their 2004 studio album and DVD, Americano!,
placing high in Billboard’s Heatseekers and video sales
charts. Written during the early stages of the Iraq War, songs
on the album questioned the dubious sanity of warfare and
indeed what it means to be American here in the troubled
dawn of the 21st century. In contrast, the band’s new disc,
Unida Cantina, is a bit more personal and introspective.
“If there’s an underlying theme to Unida Cantina, maybe
it’s the breaking of illusion, and coming through to a reck-
oning with truth and real life,” Clyne said. “I’m in my forties
now, a middle-aged man. I’m a lucky man. But when I was
younger, I never would have pictured myself as a father of
three, a business owner and a struggling artist concerned
with politics, world citizenship and morality. So, the album is
sort of a reckoning for myself and a lot of people my age. A
lot of us are in the same sort of dizzy spell now. But I’m still
a fan of rock and roll, and fun. I wanted to make this a cel-
ebratory, jaunty sort of record as well. Hopefully it is that.”
Buoyed by more long, hard touring, Unida Cantina has
proved to be another solid success for Roger Clyne and
the Peacemakers. Roadwork for the album was just winding
down when MyLIFE spoke with Clyne. He was looking
forward to spending some time with his family and pursu-
ing some of his extra-musical passions, which include soc-
cer, sailing, local Mexican eateries and tequila. A few years
But at the same time, it was great to be a city kid, too. I had a horse in
the summer and a skateboard in the winter. Somewhat under duress,
I was listening to Willie Nelson, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash on
my father’s side. And then, when I had the freedom to chose my own
music, I was getting into more of the punk scene: the Sex Pistols,
Psychedelic Furs, Lords of the New Church and Violent Femmes. So
all that stuff mixes together in my music.”
Clyne first made his mark with his power pop band the
Refreshments in the ’90s. The band was part of the fertile Tempe
music scene spearheaded by the Gin Blossoms. “They really paved
the way,” Clyne said of the latter group. Something about the Gin
Blossoms’ first album, New Miserable Experience, focused a lot of at-
tention on this thing called the Southwest sound, whatever that is.
People came out here looking for more bands. The Refreshments got
discovered because the Phoenix New Times picked us to go to South
by Southwest in Texas in 1995.”
For Warhol’s proverbial 15 minutes of fickle pop culture notoriety,
it looked like Tempe was going to be the next Seattle, a new heartland
rock mecca. “Everyone kept saying that,” Clyne said with a laugh. “I
think it really was only about 15 minutes! The scene was so small. We
only had a two-square-mile area, but there were lots of stages to play:
The Sun Club, Long Wong’s, Ethyl’s Attic .... It was all right there in
the heart of the [Arizona State] University area. That just created this
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mylife jan-feb 2012 19
back, he launched his own premium
tequila label, Mexican Moonshine,
in conjunction with John Bulla, who
runs the Heard Museum cafe.
“John and I share a passion for the
spirit,” he confided. “We put together
a business plan many, many years ago.
It’s been slow in its development, but
Mexican Moonshine is starting to
proliferate in Arizona, and I believe we
have it in 19 other states now. It’s still
really small and hard to find, but well
worth the search.”
Clyne is a longtime fan of the Heard,
as well. “I love their ever-changing
2301 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004 | 602.252.8848 | heard.orgHeard Museum | American Indian Art & History | Special Events | Shopping & Dining
Beyond Geronimo: The Apache ExperienceOpens February 11, 2012
Presented by
11-MRK-MyLIFE_GeronimoAd.indd 1 12/9/11 10:36 AM
displays,” he said. “They’re always so
high quality, and there’s always some-
thing new to see.”
While Clyne’s music often evokes
desperate men in the remote wilds,
he’s also perfectly content to lounge
around his house in Tempe. “When I
come from touring and the casa is fall-
ing apart,” he said, ”I don’t mind nail-
ing it back together. I actually find a cer-
tain feeling of usefulness and Zen therapy
in putting lightbulbs back in ceiling fans,
fixing the tree house out back or replac-
ing a water pump in my car. And now
that we just completed a full nationwide
tour for Unida Cantina, I’m grabbing my
guitar and starting to write again. We’re just
going to keep on doing what we do, making
music. Just business as usual.”
“WE’RE FORTUNATE IN THAT THE PEOPLE CONSIDER OUR BAND A PART OF THEIR LIVES.”
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To listen to sample tracks by Roger Clyne
and the Peacemakers, visit the band’s website
at azpeacemakers.com.
mylife jan-feb 201120 mylife jan-feb 201220
BY MARY L. HOLDEN | FINE ART BY BRUCE AIKEN
ARIZONA AT 100: THE GRAND CANYON STATE OF TIME
ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO CONTEMPLATE THE NATURE OF TIME AND THE TIME OF NATURE IS ARIZONA’S GRAND CANYON.
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One of the best places in the world to con-template the nature of time and the time of nature is Arizona’s Grand Canyon. As Arizona celebrates its centennial year, start-ing Feb. 14, 2012, it’s a natural time to think about what the passing of 100 years means on several levels. Or layers.GeOlOGIC tIme It took a river running through, and pos-sibly an earthquake, to sculpt an image of what canyon time looks like. As for the Grand one, at least seven layers have been named by time’s progress—from remnants of the former mountain range that exists at the very bottom, up to the Hakatai Shale layer showing an ocean’s retreat, to the Cardenas Basalts proving an era of volca-nic activity, up to the top layer of Kaibab Limestone that is estimated to be about 250 million years old. Estimates vary widely on how old the Grand Canyon is—geological studies have placed it between six and 17 million years. As contrast to the canyon’s age, scientists believe that the Rocky Mountains came into being between six and seven million years ago. Given that Earth is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old, the ratio between it and the canyon can be compared to the 125 years between when Delaware became the first state of the union (when it ratified the U.S. Constitution) in 1787 and Arizona’s admission into the union of states in 1912. The difference between 4.3 billion geo-graphic years and 125 years of social his-tory matches dinosaurs to oranges, but the comparison has the concept of time as its common denominator. The largeness of the chasm can also be
measured in terms of humanity. From the few humans who visited or lived near it in the past, 4.5 million people now visit the Grand Canyon each year. sOCIal tIme The first human beings to see this vast and layered hole were Native Americans, perhaps some of the Anazasi, who did not leave any written or oral record. So this is where readers can plumb the depths of imagination—what thoughts would you have had if you had been the first person to step up to the rim? In 1540, a Spaniard wrote about another man’s tale of the experience on seeing this place of time, distance, stone and water. Garcia Lopez de Cardenas was a conquista-dor who led a party of explorers sent on a mission to view the river at the bottom of this rumored canyon. The orders came from explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who then lived in the region of Arizona in a town known as Cibola. The explorers were curious about tales they’d heard from Hopi tribe members that the canyon was the place from where humans first emerged from the Earth. Cardenas brought Pedro de Sotomayor with him as a secretary, and af-ter the trip, Sotomayor told the story to an historian named Castaneda, who wrote an account of the exploration: As Don Pedro de Tovar was not com-missioned to go farther, he returned from there and gave this information to the gen-eral, who dispatched Don Garcia Lopez de Cardenas with about twelve companions to go to see this river. He was well received when he reached Tusayan and was enter-tained by the natives who gave him guides for his journey. They started from there laden with provisions, for they had to go
through a desert country before reaching the inhabited region, which the Indians said was more than 20 days’ journey. After they had gone 20 days they came to the banks of the river. It seemed to be more than three or four leagues in an air line across to the other bank of the stream which flowed between them. This country was elevated and full of low twisted pines, very cold, and lying open toward the north, so that, this being the warm season, no one could live there on account of the cold. They spent three days on this bank looking for a passage down to the river, which looked from above as if the water was six feet across, although the Indians said it was half a league wide. It was impossible to descend, for after these three days Captain Melgosa & one Juan Galeras and another companion, who were the three lightest and most agile men, made an attempt to go down at the least difficult place, and went down until those who were above were unable to keep sight of them. They returned about four o’clock in the afternoon, not having succeeded in reach-ing the bottom on account of the great dif-ficulties which they found, because what seemed to be easy from above was not so, but instead very hard and difficult. They said that they had been down about a third of the way and that the river seemed very large from the place which they reached, and that from what they saw they thought the Indians had given the width correctly. Those who stayed above had estimated that some huge rocks on the sides of the cliffs seemed to be about as tall as a man, but those who went down swore that when they reached these rocks they were bigger than the great tower of Seville. They did
ARIZONA AT 100: THE GRAND CANYON STATE OF TIME
mylife jan-feb 201222
not go farther up the river, because they could not get water. Because the land was rugged and water was scarce, no further written record of exploration happened until 1776, when two Spanish priests who were exploring southern Utah happened upon the canyon’s North Rim in Utah. In the 1860s, a Union soldier and geologist, Major John Wesley Powell, explored the Grand Canyon by boat and wrote about his observations of the place. His book, The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons, is known as a classic. It’s one thing to be an explorer, and quite an-other to be an inhabitant. Modern settlement along the South Rim of the canyon most notably began with John D. Lee, the man who established Lee’s Ferry in 1872. He lived at Lonely Dell Ranch on the South Rim while he ran the ferry operation. Unlike Lee, fortune seekers mining for precious metals put up temporary shelters before moving on in search of other promises. A railroad line to the Grand Canyon was fin-ished in 1882 opening the scenery to visitors, and by then people who made their living via tour-ist trade became permanent residents of the area. The El Tovar lodge was opened in 1905 as Fred Harvey’s company constructed several lodges and built a reputation for great hospitality. An indicator of the social history of the Grand Canyon area is the school district. It is the only national park with a boundary that includes a K-12 school. The first school opened on July 10, 1911, just seven months before Arizona became a state. The present elementary school and high school were built in 1940, and nearly 300 stu-dents attend the schools today.state tIme Perhaps the lure of the canyon helped Arizona get its seal of statehood in 1912. Of the many vis-itors to the Grand Canyon, President Theodore Roosevelt laid his eyes on this prize in 1903; in 1906 it became the Grand Canyon Game Preserve, and in 1908 it was named a national monument. It took an act of Congress under President Woodrow Wilson to become a national park on Feb. 26, 1919—seven years and 12 days after statehood was established. Todd Berger, of Flagstaff, Ariz., is a historian as well as the director of publishing for the Grand Canyon Association. He was unaware of any cel-
mylife jan-feb 201122 mylife jan-feb 201222
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mylife jan-feb 2012 23
ebration of statehood on the canyon’s South Rim, but Mike Anderson, another historian who Berger claims “has more knowledge in his head about the canyon’s history than probably anyone on the planet,” made a conjecture. Anderson, of Strawberry, Ariz., said, “Grand Canyon Village was a small, close-knit community at the time, and I suspect they took notice that Arizona was gain-ing its statehood.” According to him, tele-phone service was in place in the Village as of 1903, so the news could have been transmitted on the same day. It would take a feat of time travel to learn how statehood was celebrated on the South Rim on Feb. 14, 1912. Seeing the canyon, unless you live there,
is brief, but remembering it can be done anytime through the aid of lens and brush. Within the last 100 years, the Grand Canyon has been the subject of billions of photographs. Emery Clifford Kolb’s name has gone down in history for being one of the Grand Canyon’s earliest photogra-phers. He and his brother Ellsworth made the first motion pictures in the canyon during a river trip in 1911. Artists have recreated the Grand Canyon on canvas for eons, but one con-temporary painter, Bruce Aiken, now of Flagstaff, lived at the bottom of the can-yon for 33 years with his wife, Mary. They raised three sons there, and one of them still lives in the canyon. Aiken’s paintings can be seen in his book, Bruce Aiken’s
Grand Canyon – An Intimate Affair, or on his website, bruceaiken.com. CeNteNNIal tIme It often happens that people who live near a noted attraction never visit it, but the Grand Canyon should be seen and cel-ebrated by travelers from near and far, as it has been for years. Travel in 2012 is easy; plan for it to take approximately four to 4.5 hours by automobile from Phoenix when you travel I-17 to Flagstaff and then take I-40 to State Highway 64 all the way to the South Rim. The cost to enter the national park is $25 unless you have the Golden Eagle annual pass. If you want to drive as far as Williams, Ariz., and take the Grand Canyon Railway along a 65-mile route to the South Rim, the adult round-trip ticket
is $70. The cost for a day trip by air from Scottsdale to the South Rim is around $450 per adult and $400 per child. You can plan a day trip to the Grand Canyon, but if you stay overnight, there are many lodging options within 75 miles of the South Rim, from camping (check with the National Park Service regarding a per-mit) to staying at a national park-run hotel, historic hotels or bed and breakfasts. Finally, here’s what to do when you get there: Walk to the rim. Hold onto the rail and get your bearings. Be in awe! Witness the state of Arizona’s first 100 years as the top 1/100th of an inch layer of the canyon’s walls. Arizona and the Grand Canyon. They are both just a matter of time.
“I LOST MYSELF FOR THREE STRAIGHT YEARS jUST STUDYING PLANTS IN THE CANYON ... THE ROCKS
ARE STILL A FOCUS FOR ME.” ~BRUCE AIKEN
There are several small villages near the canyon:
Grand Canyon Village, Havasupai, Cameron,
Bitter Springs. At present, the town of tusayan,
six miles from the rim, is the newest and smallest
incorporated town in Arizona. To accommodate
the residents who support the many ways
tourists visit the canyon—by airplane, helicopter
and bicycle, on foot and on rafting, mule-riding
and guided tours—not to mention those who
work in hospitality, curio shops and restaurants,
Tusayan is experiencing some growing
pains.
Tusayan’s Vice Mayor Cecily Maniaci
spent summers in her girlhood in the
canyon because her parents owned a gift
shop there. She said, “Arizona is young, as
states are counted. In another 100 years
we will be gone, but the canyon will hold a
small memory of all who visit it and all who
have lived here.”
around the CanYon
"ACqUIeSCe" oIL/CANvAS 28"x32" (1996) by bRUCe AIKeN
“WeST RIM SUNDoWN” ACRyLIC/CANvAS 20”x30” (1985) by bRUCe AIKeN
mylife jan-feb 2012 25
The point is, our four-legged friends offer us unconditional love and affection, regardless of who we are. You see, in doggie-land, they couldn’t care less what political party you support, where you work, how much money you make, what you wear, how big your house is, where you live or what type of car you drive—just as long as they can stick their head out the back window when you hit the road. If you don’t have a dog, then maybe you should consider getting one because you certainly don’t want to miss out on one of life’s treasured relationships. Treat them like family, and they will become part of your family. And, dogs generally come without any of the “daily baggage” that friends, rela-tives and other two-legged creatures often bring with them! Most dogs have three basic wishes: to give love, to receive love and to be fed. Pretty simple philosophy, don’t you think? Yes, you might have to replace a pair of shoes that have been nibbled on or clean up an occasional “accident” on the floor, but the countless hours of undeniable love and ap-preciation you’ll receive from your furry friend more than make up for those minor annoyances. It’s a small price to pay for years of happiness. I remember when I once found myself in
maN’s Best FrIeND … WOOF!Maybe we should say instead, anyone’s best friend.
the “doghouse” for staying out a little too late, as I lay on the family room couch at 1:30 in the morning, it didn’t take long before a wet nose was brushing up against my face. As I turned to look, there was Shaunessy, my much-loved Irish Setter, staring at me with his big brown eyes, as if to say, “Don’t worry, this too will pass, but meanwhile, how about a treat and a little loving?” After his pass-ing (the loss of a true family member), then came Hunter, who also passed, and now we have Riley and Duffy, all of whom embody the same common traits for wanting and giving affection. I often think that a “dog’s life” might not be so bad, especially when one considers how humans sometimes behave toward other hu-mans. Maybe we could all learn something from our four-legged friends about loving, bonding and simply how best to treat our fellow man. In some ways, though, dogs are like hu-mans. For instance, they need regular check-ups. So, if you have a dog, make sure you take him or her for an annual visit to the vet. If you don’t have a furry friend (of the four-legged variety, that is) but would like to adopt one, you’ll find many at the Arizona Humane Society who are simply “begging” for a good home, where they can love and be loved in return. —JAMIE COPLAND
COMMUNITY
know?youdid
There are about 5,000 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters.
Five out of 10 dogs in shelters and seven out of 10 cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them.
The cost of spaying and neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.
The average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is $700 to $875 annually.
About 75 percent of owned pets are neutered.
It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
++++++++++++++++++++
Get INVOlVeD!asPCaaspca.orgarIZONa hUmaNe sOCIetYTel. (602) 997-7586azhumane.org
SOME ASPCA FACTS
mylife jan-feb 201226
MORE THAN 100,000 PASSENGERS (roughly equivalent to the population of Berkeley, Calif.) arrive at or depart from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport via the facility’s three runways on a daily basis—heading to or coming from Europe to the east, Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, the Pacific area to the west and all points in between. That’s nearly 40 million per
year. Each day, there are more than 1,200 take-offs and landings, including commercial, cargo, general aviation and military flights—adding up to more than 400,000 flights per year. And, despite an unstable global aviation market, Sky Harbor is continuing to show sustained passenger and cargo growth. “This is the twelfth straight month of increased passenger activity at Sky Harbor,” said Airport Director Danny Murphy early last October. “In these incredibly volatile times, we’ve continued to grow.” At that time, the airport released its monthly numbers and showed almost a 9 percent growth in passengers for August 2011, a particularly active month for the Phoenix airport. This leap paralleled July’s jump of 9.2 percent more passengers and June’s increase of 6.3 percent more passengers. Between January and August of 2011, Sky Harbor welcomed 27 million passengers, an increase of 6.1 percent relative to the same period in 2010. It’s not generally known, but the Phoenix airport system is
the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona. As a major component of the metropolitan Phoenix economy, the sys-tem creates jobs, income and revenues both on and off the airport. In 2007, for example, the system’s total economic impact was $33
billion. It supported 305,136 jobs in Arizona, with a payroll of $11.9 billion. Sky Harbor is also a source of employment and payroll for airline employees, food service, security and air traffic control personnel. Currently, more than 33,500 people are employed at the airport, generating an annual payroll of $1.7 billion. An interesting factor: No local taxpayer dollars are utilized for the airport’s administration. Revenue is primarily generated through terminal rentals and fees, aircraft landing fees, retail sales, parking and federal/state grants. SOME NOTABLE SKY HARBOR FACTS: 17 commercialairlines serve the airport, including AeroMexico, Air Canada, British Airways, Continental, American, Delta and US Airways. It is one of the 10 busiest airports in the United States. The airport services approximately 85 domestic and 17 in-ternational cities with daily flights, including: Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Calgary, Cancun, London, Mexico City, Toronto and Vancouver. Many of the flights are nonstop.Direct and connecting service is available to and from almost anywhere in the world. There are also a number of international cities with nonstop service one or more times per week. The airport is intense in its desire to be a good neighbor to those living close by. It has provided sound mitigation services to more than 1,700 residences in adjacent neighborhoods in Phoenix and Tempe and offers similar services to nearby churches, schools and community centers. —J.J. LABARBER
SKY HARBOR A GateWaY TO THE WORLD
DID YOU KNOW?
mylife jan-feb 201228
by james copland bRinging bacK tHe ameRican DReam
CEO SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN MUELLER
rand Canyon University (GCU), located on West
Camelback Road in Phoenix, is a regionally ac-
credited, private Christian university that was
to the next generation a lower standard of living … another
first in American history, which is really embarrassing, so the
question must be how are we going to get out of it?
There has been an uncontrolled amount of greed, not across
the board, but certainly enough from Wall Street, that has
created an economic downturn.
Copland: I grew up, as I’m sure you did as well,
Brian, with strong family values and core prin-
ciples. Today, it seems that a major part of the
reason we find ourselves in this mess is because
today’s society has strayed away from those same
family values. What are your thoughts?
Mueller: I don’t think there is any doubt about that. I believe
many have strayed from the core values that this country was
built on. I grew up in a working-class, middle-class family in
Wisconsin. There were eight children; I had six sisters and a
brother. The primary cornerstone to our family was faith, and
Gfounded in 1949. The university emphasizes individual atten-
tion for both traditional undergraduate students and working
professionals in seven colleges: Business, Education, Nurs-
ing, Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts and Production, Christian
Studies and Doctoral Studies. GCU offers traditional pro-
grams on its growing campus in Phoenix and through online
degree programs. The university’s curriculum fuses academic
and clinical rigor with Christian values to prepare its stu-
dents to be skilled, caring professionals. For more information
about GCU, visit gcu.edu.
Copland: Brian, we all know that our economy and
debt are out of control. Can you share with us your
thoughts on the current economic situation?
Mueller: First of all, I will admit that I am a free-market
capitalist to the core. I believe in the potential to bring
prosperity to people, and to bring prosperity to greater
numbers of people, in broadening the middle class, and yet
for the first time in history, our generation is going to pass on
PrOFIleName: Brian Mueller
Birthplace: St. Joseph, Mich., 1953
College attended: Concordia University (Nebraska)
Joined GCU: 2008
moved to the Valley: 1987
Favorite charity: Not disclosed
Family: Married with four children
Pets: A dog, Gunner
Favorite arizona destination: “Grand Canyon University”
mylife jan-feb 2012 29
CEO SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN MUELLER
out of that faith came all of the core values that were important
to us ... character, integrity, honesty and a hard work ethic that
were expressed to us on a daily basis. We were taught the need to
save, look out for the other person—that work was not a right,
but rather it was a privilege to go to work and be able to take
care of the family. My dad was often asked, “How is the Mueller
family?” and he would typically reply, “Well, some of us have
one job, most others have two, but we’re doing fine.” We were
a generation that was grateful for what we had, and I think this
was because my parents had come through the Depression, so
they knew what it was like to have nothing, or near nothing .…
Copland: What is your vision for Grand Canyon
University over the coming years?
Mueller: Let me go back to my feelings on capitalism and how it
played a key role with this university. Seven years ago, GCU, after
a long and storied traditional of being a private-based Christian
university of about 1,500 students, was $20 million in debt and
was about to go bankrupt. A few people stepped forward and
assumed the debt. We changed from a not-for-profit status to a
for-profit facility. We created a business plan, sought additional
business investment and, in November of 2008, went public and
received a huge injection of fresh operating capital.
Today in Arizona, it’s a really interesting situation in that we
don’t really have a very strong “traditional private university”
system. For example, in California they have seven, Texas has
50 and Michigan has 20. In Arizona, we don’t have that, so my
vision, when I think about Villanova in Philadelphia, Marquette
in Milwaukee, Xavier in Cincinnati … when I think about
those great private traditional universities with a Christian-
based foundation, that’s Grand Canyon University.
Today, we have 4,000 students that will grow to 12,000 in three
years. We have 40,000 online students going to 60,000. We offer
a great education to lower income/middle class families at low
and affordable rates, with no expense to the taxpayer. We have a
$200 million building fund and are the fastest-growing employ-
er in the state of Arizona. So, out of literally nothing has come
something that is benefiting so many people, especially those
that live on the west side … and this could only have happened in
a capitalist free market system and from people who had a vision.
Copland: What family values and core principles still
resonate with you today that you have also brought to
the workforce?
Mueller: I believe there are three, and faith is definitely first. It’s
the Christian foundation that everyone is important and everyone
has value. The second is the privilege of work, and I don’t think
we all talk about it enough. I speak to my kids about it all the time,
that’s it’s not a right to work. We live in a great country, the most
economically prosperous country in the history of the world, and
over the course of time we have become unappreciative of the
privilege of being able to have a job and the ability to go to work
to provide for our families and to pass on a stronger standard of
living. That privilege of working is very important. I often tell our
staff that we have a job and we are all working for a university that
has a strong purpose, so let’s never lose sight of that. And I think
the third thing is humility. My mom and dad were very humble
people. They deflected praise, and what was important to them
was family. They never assumed what tomorrow would bring.
They always taught the need for saving, were frugal with their
resources and always took care of the important things first. I feel
strongly that they felt this way because they both came through
the Great Depression.
Copland: Do you have any final comments you would
like to share with our readers?
Mueller: At Grand Canyon University, we will have living space
for about half of our attending students, a division one athletic
program, a fine arts program with music and theater. The cost
of higher education in this country is out of control. There is no
excuse for it, so at GCU, we will make available a private
university education to members of lower income and middle
class families for less than it costs to go to a state-run university.
At GCU we intend to take those necessary steps that will provide
an affordable, private university education that will change the
lives of many generations to come. That’s what we are trying to
do here.
mylife jan-feb 201230
by mary l. holden gReen liVing
FUEL YOUR FREEDOM FROM OIL
hy are they good? These films educate people to
know about—but to not feel so overwhelmed by—
environmental ruin, and to show how individuals
can take responsibility by using fuel conversion Wkits in their cars to prevent the damage caused by dependence on
crude oil.
If you’ve been busy buying gasoline to get where you need to
be, it’s possible that you’ve missed the chance to see his films. The
first one, “Fuel,” was shown in theaters in 150 cities in the United
States in 2009. Showings included Q-and-A sessions with audi-
ence members after the show. Having won the 2008 Audience
Award at the Sundance Film Festival, the documentary attracted
some attention from the general public.
But let’s face facts—it wasn’t enough. Most cars still run on
gasoline.
Resistance to change is a fact of life. Tickell said, “Everything
I do, I encounter resistance. Getting people to see how they can
make change touches the emotions. But using environmentally
friendly fuel is not an emotional issue. It is an issue of logic. And, it
can be done today. Right now!”
What kind of change can happen right now? Car engines were
GOOD thINGs OFteN COme IN threes. ChOCOlate, VaNIlla, straWBerrY. PrO-tONs, eleCtrONs, NeUtrONs. “FUel,” “the BIG FIX,” “FreeDOm.” that last set OF three Is the lIst OF tItles OF DOCUmeN-tarY FIlms PrODUCeD BY DIreCtOr JOsh tICKell.
originally designed to use vegetable oil for fuel. And there is a
way today for people to reduce dependence on gasoline with-
out having to give up the cars they already own. They can even
keep going to their usual gas stations for fuel.
Please. Read that last paragraph one more time. There is a way
to stop your individual dependence on fossil fuel. It is not difficult,
but it does cost a bit of money up front. The good news is that
one of the distributors of a product that will let you do your part
admitted to keeping prices low because it’s aware of how the down
economy puts so much stress on people and makes them afraid.
Flex Fuel manufactures conversion kits that are made here in the
United States. The distributor, a company known by its website,
change2e85.com, sells the kits and offers information and videos
about converting your car’s engine to run on clean-burning etha-
nol. The kits (which at press time were selling at reduced prices
online) retail for $250 to $500 and they’re easy to in-stall in your car’s fuel injection system. In the course
of a year, the kits save money on fuel and will pay
for themselves through your savings on gas.
A small drawback, according to Tickell, is
that there may be a 10 percent drop in
the car’s fuel efficiency, depending
on the make and model of au-
tomobile. But, using a conver-
sion kit keeps your air cleaner. Really?
David Virtue of Littleton,
Colo., is the owner of
Change2e85.com. He picks up
the phone when you click on the
website to place a call. “We’re a small
business,” he said, “compared to the big
oil companies.” He said he has watched
the example set by the country of Brazil,
explaining that “the technology to use
ethanol was invented by Brazilians about
25 years ago, and now all the vehicles
there run on it. The big oil compa-
nies do not want ethanol to take hold in this country like it did in
Brazil. Our politicians take money from big oil to run their elec-
tions. I watched this with Gov. Tim Pawlenty. He was very much
behind the move to change to ethanol. In fact, he was behind the
fact that Minnesota has the most—over 300—ethanol stations in
the country. But as soon as he began a presidential campaign, he
stopped being an ethanol proponent.”
Back to that part about resistance. There was even a propagan-
da campaign, backed by an entomologist and an attorney, which
mylife jan-feb 2012 31
FUEL YOUR FREEDOM FROM OIL
claimed that changing to ethanol would cause food shortages.
Tickell said, “There are about 2,400 gas stations across the country
that sell ethanol, and most are in the Midwestern states. Ethanol
comes from corn. And no, using corn for fuel will not cause food
shortages!”
Tickell, along with his wife, Rebecca Harrell Tickell, have in-
vested a lot of their own energy into these documentaries as a
way to get people to open up their minds to changing the way we
think about how we live and what we consume. Earlier this year,
they presented their second documentary, “The Big Fix,” at the
Cannes Film Festival. The film is about the Deepwater Horizon
oil spill off the coast of Louisiana in the spring of 2010 and how it
was a wake-up call about the waste of precious, yet not-as-clean-
burning-as-ethanol, fossil fuel.
To further educate people on changing they way they use fuel
for transportation, Tickell produced the movie “Freedom,” which
was rolled out to 50 theaters across the country between August
and October (also offered on DVD). If you missed seeing “Fuel” at a theater, you can watch all 112 minutes of it on the
Internet at hulu.com/watch/158468/fuel.
Tickell is passionate about getting
consumers to realize that they have
a choice right now to stop using
oil-dependent gasoline. “It is
depressing to see how little
capacity Americans have to
deal with real-world prob-
lems. We grew up with
illusions by watching
television. When people
wake up and realize that
they have the power to
make real and wise changes,
it’s like being thrown into a
cold lake. They come up for air
in different ways: some want to
make changes immediately. Others
take a little while longer to get their
breath. But, it is possible right now for people
to make individual changes to reduce our collective dependen-
cy on oil’s commercial byproduct: gasoline.”
The movie “Freedom” demonstrates how an ethanol-powered
(retrofitted to motor-home status) school bus was driven across
the country, using fuel provided by the leftover cooking oil that
KFC and Long John Silver’s franchises let Tickell have.
Theoretically, we all should be on this bus, on the way to
learning how it is possible to—as Tickell says—“take our coun-
try back, as individuals, because it can happen through the tech-
nology we already have. Why wait for an elected leader to solve
the problem, to perform magic, when each person already has
the power to use this ‘magic’ technology?”
Good question.
So what’s next for Tickell and his wife, now that this series of
three fuel-awareness documentaries is complete? “We’re work-
ing on creating a city that is totally sustainable.” When he gets
it done, you can be sure that all of the cars on the streets of this
city will run on ethanol.
FleX FUel IllUstratION BY JOãO FerraZ
mylife jan-feb 201232
A multitalented professional, Zack Jones is very much at home in the various disci-
plines of photography, art and illustration. He was recently commissioned by MyLIFE
Magazine to create a series of prints that will focus on key political, national, local
and community subject matter the magazine feels needs printing. It is also planned
that, at some point, these commissioned renderings will be available for purchase at a
special event, and a portion of the proceeds will aid selected local charities. Jones’ first
illustration, “We Are All Americans First!”, appears on the next page.
The editor of MyLIFE is certain this illustration will resonate with the magazine’s
readers.
A resident of Cave Creek, Ariz., Jones attended the Art Institute of Phoenix and is
a self-taught oil painter. He first started his artistic journey at age 25. In 2002, he
WELCOME, ZACK jONES
VOICE OF THE VALLEYAs marketing director for Phoenix radio station KFNX (1100 AM),
Christina Wagner meshes her talents as an on-air personality, a sta-
tion executive and one who has the pulse of just what’s happening in
Arizona—politically, economically, culturally and socially. She could
easily be the cover-subject for Cosmopolitan and Vogue magazines. Yes,
she could!
As a youngster, being a “military brat,” she moved about the county to
various Air Force bases, where her stepfather served as a cardiovascular
surgeon. At one time the family was scheduled for overseas duty. It,
however, never happened; they were assigned to Keesler Field at Biloxi,
Miss., instead.
“My real father,” Wagner said, “had much to do with my interest in
art. Every summer that I visited him, we would attend the Chicago Art
Museum—which served to enhance my passion for the creative life. He
died two years ago … [he] was one of the strongest advocates for assist-
ing our military and veterans. I find it fitting that his birthday falls on
November 11, Veteran’s Day. I remember him fondly.”
Wagner blazed onto the Phoenix scene in 2008, with her launch
of the Darn Good Deals brokered radio show on KFNX, and quickly
became known as the AZ Deal Girl. Her successful social media
campaign caught the attention of the conservative talk radio station.
Wagner has served in the coveted position of marketing director at
KFNX since 2010.
Wagner is a leader in social media strategy. Her methods have
increased the KFNX brand awareness.
A true believer in networking (she’s also been nicknamed
“Networking Queen” by her peers), she is the president of Arizona
Women Networking and AZ Social Networking. Both organizations
offer business professionals a valuable resource for networking and
connecting.
Wagner is also on the executive board of Rock Me Arizona, a turn-
key events company specializing in extraordinary corporate events,
fashion shows, charity fund-raising, live entertainment and unique
productions.
Her most recent endeavor has been to shift focus in Arizona from
the general negative malaise to unheralded positive attitudes, which
are in force. Her vehicle for doing this is her weekly show on KFNX,
”Voice of the Valley,” which airs on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Each
week the show highlights local businesses, charities, events and
personalities doing some good in the Valley. “The show spotlights
the good news—not the bad news!” she said with a big, engaging
smile.
Christina Wagner, an outstanding business leader, blends her
social strategies with enthusiasm, boundless energy and her endless
networking connections. And what sets her apart is her ability to
walk the talk. She is also a dedicated mother and one who extends
her singular brand of friendship to one and all. —J.J. LABARBER
>> TO VIEW MORE ARTWORK FROM ZACK jONES, VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/ZjPAINTINGS OR CONTACT HIM AT [email protected].
met Cave Creek artist Sergio Ladron de Guevara and, despite the age and cultural differences between them, the two instantly connected. Their
teacher/student relationship continues to this day.
“I primarily paint on location, or from my photographs,” Jones explained. “Photography has, incidentally, become as important as the paint-
ing. My photography career started with a class in 1995. Working in the photography industry and being exposed to professional photography has
been my biggest influence. The pen/ink/watercolor studies are my version of illustrations. Sergio has influenced this technique tremendously.”
Jones’ work has been singularly featured at Esteban Sabar Gallery in Oakland, Calif., the Old Market in downtown Omaha, Neb., and Galleria
Bellas Artes in Cave Creek. —J.J. LABARBER
myl
ife p
rofil
es
mylife jan-feb 2012 33
34 mylife jan-feb 201234
Peyto Lake, an attraction of Banff National Park, in the Canadian province of Alberta Canada’s capital in Ottawa, Ontario (Parliament building with its new Mosaika sound and light show) The city of Vancouever has been ranked as “the most livable city in the world” by the Economist several times Peyto Lake, an attraction of Banff National Park, in the Canadian province of Alberta Canada’s capital in Ottawa, Ontario (Parliament building with its new Mosaika sound and light show) The city of Vancouever has been ranked as “the most livable city in the world” by the Economist several times
the time) with sizeable military forces? Under President James Madison, American leaders were confident they could easily take over Canada. In fact, Madison proclaimed that the ac-quisition of Canada would be “a mere matter of marching.” William Eustis, the U.S. Secretary of War at the time, declared, “We can take the Canadas without soldiers, we have only to send officers into the province and the people … will rally round our standard.” In the two years that followed, despite sending American armies onto Canadian soil in three differ-ent military engagements, in each case, British forces made up of Canadian militia, Native Americans and French Canadians prevailed. These were decisive defeats for the Americans. First, allow me to say that both countries have very proud patriots who feel strongly about their respective nations. Canadians, though, tend to be closet patriots (except when their team is playing hockey in the Olympics or in situations involving the Stanley Cup), while Americans wave the flag a little more readily. However, this is changing, and more and more Canadians now wave the red maple leaf. Another salient fact is that Canada is experiencing a far more prosperous economy than we are and currently has as one of the most stable economies in the free world. How can this be true, mon ami, when Canada’s government offers so many socialist programs to the country’s citizens—programs that many U.S. politicians discredit on a frequent basis? This editorial might surprise you and offer some insight into how Canadians live, act and prosper, with ideas not typically part of today’s American fabric, but which also work well in many other countries around the world. Canada’s confederation took place on July 1, 1867. The
anada is America’s greatest neighbor, ally and trading partner—we are two sovereign nations who have the world’s largest unmanned, open borders anywhere in the world (5,000 miles of no dang fences). C
Canada should be known for more than ice hockey (and the sport’s coveted Stanley Cup trophy—the envy of most professional sports teams), maple syrup, french fries and gravy, and the Canadian Beaver. But when one considers the bigger picture, Canada has long been somewhat misunderstood by many Americans, especially those living in states that do not border Canada. I can remember growing up in Montreal during the ’50s. Americans would visit in midsummer, when it was 90 degrees, arriving with skis strapped to the roof of their car. Fifty years later, friends tell me that Americans still do the same thing, thinking that Canada is the “frozen north,” where inhabitants live in igloos or ice castles and it’s dark six months of the year. I remain convinced that many Americans know little about their Canadian neighbors, but the same cannot be said for Canadians, who seem to know more about America. For example, how many know that during the War of 1812, the United States attempted to invade and take over Canada (which was still under British rule at
last sUmmer, I VIsIteD VICtOrIa IN BrItIsh COlUmBIa, CaNaDa,
FOr a FamIlY eVeNt. WhIle I Was there I Was INUNDateD WIth
qUestIONs aBOUt What Was GOING ON IN the UNIteD states WIth
reGarD tO POlItICs, the UPCOmING eleCtION aND the eCONOmIC
meltDOWN. ON mY retUrN tO the states, I thOUGht It mIGht
Be INterestING tO INtrODUCe YOU tO OUr Great NeIGhBOrs
tO the NOrth—YOU KNOW thOse haPPY-GO-lUCKY, FrIeNDlY,
FUN-lOVING, hOCKeY-CraZeD aND VerY COmPassIONate CaNUCKs.
OUR GREAT NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH!by leslie james eDitoRial
Peyto Lake, an attraction of Banff National Park, in the Canadian province of Alberta Canada’s capital in Ottawa, Ontario (Parliament building with its new Mosaika sound and light show) The city of Vancouever has been ranked as “the most livable city in the world” by the Economist several times
mylife jan-feb 2012
Peyto Lake, an attraction of Banff National Park, in the Canadian province of Alberta Canada’s capital in Ottawa, Ontario (Parliament building with its new Mosaika sound and light show) The city of Vancouever has been ranked as “the most livable city in the world” by the Economist several times
35
terparts. Canada’s full-time forces total roughly 65,000, with 45,000 in reserve. The United States has roughly 1.5 million full-time forces and nearly 825,000 in reserve, with an annual defense budget that surpasses $600 billion. Canada’s army, navy and air force are held in high esteem by all NATO nations, who view them as sophisticated and highly trained. Canada’s armed forces continue to support American efforts in the war in Afghanistan. Thus far, Canadian troop deployments have totaled roughly 5,000, and by any standard, as with American casualties, Canadian combat losses have been far too high. I served a stint in the Canadian navy during the ’60s. Re-cently, I wore with great pride my Canadian navy T-shirt into a local gym. The shirt is dark blue, with Canadian Navy in bold gold print across the front and a red maple leaf smack in the middle—it looks awesome. As I was leaving the facility, a middle-aged gentleman approached me and asked, “Canada has a navy?” Half-jokingly, I responded by saying, “They cer-tainly do!” His reply was, “What do they do, patrol the Great Lakes?” The Canadian government continues to mandate stronger regulations and stiffer guidelines and financial controls for doing business in Canada, all of which are all intended to protect Canada’s population from scams and unscrupulous programs that can hurt the country’s citizens. Canada has only six chartered banks (none of which ceased operations during the recent financial meltdown), whereas the United States has 6,453. The total pre-meltdown figure was closer to 16,000. I recently mentioned this fact to a business associate, who replied by stating that America is 100 times bigger than Canada so it should have 100 times the banks. I explained to my
country remained part of the British Empire and flew the Union Jack, the flag of England, until 1965, when Canada replaced that flag with its colorful red maple leaf. Canada remained a mem-ber of the British Empire until 1982, when under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau Canada patriated the Canadian Constitution from England. This event was called the Canada Act of 1982, which was signed into law by Queen Elizabeth II. Canada then became a sovereign nation. From coast to coast, Canada is the second largest country in the world, behind Russia and ahead of the United States. Canada and the United States are the largest global trading partners, and yet Canada has a population of just 34.6 million, which is about the same population as in the state of California, while the United States has a population of 312.6 million. Canada also lays claim to having North America’s oldest com-mercial corporation, known as the Hudson’s Bay Company, which received its charter in 1670, 106 years before America attained confederation. The company, headquartered in Toronto, is still in business. America imports more crude oil from Canada than any other nation in the world—roughly 25 percent of its total annual con-sumption. Canada is self-sufficient in most every natural resource and has the world’s third largest crude oil reserve, the Alberta Tar Sands. Only Saudi Arabia and Venezuela have larger reserves of crude oil. And, Canada is not a member of OPEC. In addition, the province of Quebec, located in eastern Canada, provides America’s eastern seaboard, from New Hampshire to Florida, with almost 40 percent of its annual electrical power. The Canadian armed forces have a long and distinguished history, although they remain much smaller than their American coun-
OUR GREAT NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH!
mylife jan-feb 201136 mylife jan-feb 201236
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CANADA
Founded – July 1, 1867
Capital – Ottawa, Ontario
Population – 34.6 million
motto – From Sea to Sea
Official languages – English and French
Official flag – Until 1965, the Union Jack;
after 1965, the Maple Leaf
anthem – O Canada
royal anthem – God Save the Queen
monarch – The queen
Government – Parliamentary democratic
system
Governor General – Queen’s representative
Prime minister – Elected by the people
legislature:
Upper house – Senate – 105 members,
appointed and serve to age 75
lower house – House of Commons – 308
members, elected
Political parties – Liberal, Conservative,
New Democratic Party, Bloc Quebecois,
Green
Provinces – 10
territories – 3
military – Voluntary force (regular and
reserve); 110,000
Capital punishment – No
Currency – Canadian dollar
Canadian banks – 6
5 largest cities (in population) – Toronto,
Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton
associate that the United States is about nine times larger than Canada in terms of population, but even so, six banks multiplied by 100 would total only 600 banks, not 6,000 and then some. Canadians don’t have the luxury of a mortgage interest tax deduction. They have to save more to own a house because they pay for their home mortgages with after-tax earnings. Despite this additional financial burden, Canada has a bus-tling economy. Canadian banks can’t sell the home mortgages they write, which is a common practice in America. They have to hold them for the full term of the note, 15 to 30 years, because the Canadian government believes the whole concept of selling mortgages can lead to unscrupulous business practices, which ultimately could hurt the country’s citizens in the pocketbook—and that is ex-actly what caused the home mortgage collapse in America. Maybe America could benefit by adopting the fiscal responsibility and govern-ment controls Canada mandates? Recently, Canada’s total government debt bur-den was ranked the lowest at the G8 summit meeting, which was attended by rep-resentatives from countries with the eight largest economies in the world: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. As America focuses on the 2012 national elections, I thought you might find Canada’s election process and the associated campaign costs of significant inter-est. How do Canadians hold national elections, and how much is spent on their elections? Canadians go to the polls just as Americans do. The process starts when the prime minister of Canada elects to dissolve the country’s parliament and asks the governor general to call a federal election. Canada must hold an election every four years, unless the prime minister wishes to call one earlier. The entire election process (from the dissolution of parliament and national campaigning for re-election to the actual voting, counting of votes and declaration of a winner) typically takes place in less than six weeks. You heard me right. Six weeks, not two years. Most candidates running for office spend less than $150,000, and those seeking the office of prime minister spend less than $30 million in total campaign expenditures—equal to what some U.S. candidates spend just to run for a seat in Congress. Early reports estimate that for the 2012 U.S. presidential election, each candidate could spend close to $1 billion, with a total of $5 to 6 billion for all candidates combined. And this during at a time when America is in the worst financial mess in decades; home foreclosures are in the millions, unemploy-ment remains at its highest level since the Great Depression and 50 percent of Americans are earning less than $27,500 per year. Most Canadians pay personal income tax rates between 34 percent and 40 per-cent, despite what many U.S. politicians propagate. The claims are that Canadians pay so much more than Americans because they have to pay for all of the social pro-grams they receive from their government. Even though that’s not true, one could argue that at least Canadians get something for the taxes they pay, while Americans get what? What is fundamentally true is that most every Canadian does pay taxes, while in the United States, it’s reported that less than 45 percent of the population pays taxes. And those who do—everyday working stiffs—pay the same as most Canadians (approximately 35 percent). And then you have America’s wealthiest 1 percent, many of whom make millions or even billions and pay far less than those Americans who make pennies in comparison. It doesn’t matter how you cut the cake, what Canadians get in return for their taxes is substantial. Canada’s government provides a larger system of social pro-grams, most all of which are not afforded by its U.S. counterpart. One such pro-gram is the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, a national broadcast system that
mylife jan-feb 2012 37
openly reports on world events. Other programs provide significant government funding for universities and colleges nationwide, making a college education affordable for all Canadians; it can cost as little as $5,500 per year to attend a top-ranked university. Canada also has a largely government-funded universal health care system. Contrary to popular belief here in the United States, the U.S. gov-ernment spends more on health care than the Canadian government does (14.6 percent of total gross domestic product vs. 10 percent, respectively). Moreover, life expectancy and infant mortality rates are better in Canada. It should also be noted that Canadians receive two forms of monthly pension payments. Canada Pension (the equivalent of Social Security) payments are based on what an in-dividual has paid in, and it remains a solid investment for all Canadians (there are no IOUs against this fund). In addition, every Canadian, upon reaching the age of 65, receives a monthly payment of $500 from Canada’s Old Age Pension. No country is perfect, no government does everything right and not every program is the best, even though something is nearly always better than noth-ing. Of greater importance is for citizens of both countries to know that every elected official who seeks a higher office should do so with the desire to make the lives of their constituents better. Every day as these elected officials go to work, their only job should be to provide a better future and a higher quality of life for the entire population. Recently one of Canada’s most beloved statesmen passed away. John Gilbert “Jack” Layton was the leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, the official opposition party in Canada. Layton joined politics to make a difference. He was a staunch advocate for taxpayers’ rights. He believed that what’s good for
every Canadian is also what’s best for the country and would make Canada a better place. His “never say die” attitude propelled his political party to almost win last year’s national election. Prior to his death, Layton penned a letter to his party and his fellow Canadians. In the let-ter, he wished his party to be principled and unfailing in character, and to allow honesty and integrity to set the benchmark. And he reminded all Canadians that a bright future for the country was in their hands. “Canada,” he wrote, “is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one—a country of greater equality, justice and opportunity. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.”
After thanking and encouraging his party members, “fellow Quebeckers” and Canada’s youth, he concluded by saying: “My friends … love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic, and we’ll change the world.” Forty-eight hours later, Jack Layton died … and the country lost a truly great Canadian. The Honorable Stephen Harper, Canada’s prime minister, called for a state funeral, a rite normally reserved for heads of state. What country, what government, what political system would not want the “never say die” attitude and strong character of a Jack Layton in their corner? America, Canada is at your doorstep. Embrace it. Canada is a land of sheer beau-ty, and that beauty starts with Canada’s people. Some might be greater than oth-ers, but all Canadians have heart. Canada is a world-class country. I invite all of you to take the time to learn more about your great neighbors to the north. They are worth getting to know better.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UNITED STATES
Founded – July 4, 1776
Capital – Washington, D.C.
Population – Approx. 312 million
motto – In God We Trust
Official languages – None at the federal
level; however, English is the national
language
Official flag – The Stars and Stripes
anthem – The Star-Spangled Banner
Government – Federal constitutional republic
President, Vice President – Elected by the
people (both run on one ticket for the party)
Speaker of the House – Elected by the people;
appointed by the party
Chief Justice – Appointed by the president
legislature:
Upper house – Senate – 100 members,
elected by the people
lower house – House of Representatives –
435 members, elected by the people
Political parties – Republicans, Democrats,
Independent
states – 50
military – Voluntary force (regular, reserve
and National Guard); approx. 2.4 million; the
president serves as commander-in-chief
Capital punishment – Yes
Currency – U.S. dollar
U.s. banks – Approx. 6,453
5 largest cities – New York, Los Angeles,
Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia
JaCK laYtON 1950 – 2011
mylife jan-feb 201138 mylife jan-feb 201238
CHRISTOPHER SIEDENTOP AND HIS PHOENIX SOLDIERS FOUNDATION are, in a way, an extension of the Marine Corps’ legendary motto: Semper Fi – “Always Faithful.” The foundation makes an effort to honor continuously the sacrifices that our military men and women make for our country. Siedentop worked closely with Navy SEAL teams and Army Special Forces, training them in antiterrorist driving techniques. He is, proudly, an honorary member of the POW/MIA/KIA Honor Guard. He founded Phoenix Soldiers Foundation in 2011 in honor of Sgt. Nathaniel Lindsey, a 26-year-old Army veteran who lost an arm fighting in Iraq. In a show of appreciation, the foundation arranged for Sgt. Lindsey and his family to be picked up in a limousine and taken to spend five days in a million-dollar, resort-style home, complete with a private chef and massage therapist. During their stay, Sgt. Lindsey and his family enjoyed five-star dining and a luxurious private pool. Siedentop also organized myriad activities for the family during their stay. “My mission is to seek out wounded veterans and active-military personnel to offer them vacations, gifts or whatever they may need. Without their service, this country would not exist,” Siedentop said with great conviction. “I feel that every veteran deserves to be pampered and taken care of. In support of wounded soldiers, our foundation has created the ultimate retreat for special troop members and their families.” When Siedentop is not overseeing the foundation’s work, he runs Siedentop Personal Assistant Services (SPAS), which provides services to approximately 100 families from Scottsdale and Canada. Dedicated and discreet, SPAS expertly manages day-to-day business and household tasks. The company offers confidentiality, on-demand availability and “unparalleled attention to the details of your life,” according to Siedentop, who stressed that SPAS is more than a property man-agement business. He said the services he and his brother, Jake, offer can be “the gateway to first-class social and special events, from intimate dinners to grand celebrations.” Whether the occasion
involves five guests or 500, Chef Jake Siedentop creates unique dining experiences as rich and refined as any luxury five-star restaurant worldwide. Another facet of SPAS: The business specializes in the rental and sales of luxury golf-course properties in secluded, exclusive locations throughout the Valley. It also provides services for people who own more than one home, in addition to vacation home watch and international vacation property rentals. Currently managing a property portfolio valued at more than $40 million, SPAS also offers weekly house checks and inspections. A personal note from Siedentop: A man named Parks was my inspiration for starting the Phoenix Soldiers Foundation. One day, after a quick trip to purchase a sleeping bag, some warm clothes, food and gloves, I set out to find somebody deserving. Heading south on 15th Avenue, I spotted an old guy pushing a shopping cart through a field. I stopped and watched. He was collecting weeds and grass to be used for something. He came to my window and reached for my hand. “My name is Parks,” he said. He asked what church I was from. “No church,” I replied. My eyes quickly looked at his feet. I always look at a person’s shoes second and eyes first. He had mismatched shoes—two left shoes, and they were in bad shape. I asked him about the weeds and trash in his cart. He replied that he “was making a bed.” I got out of the car and pulled the bags from the trunk and began my version of wealth redistribution. Parks was not some lazy guy looking for a handout. I chatted with him for a while and found out that he had been a decorated horse trainer and was now homeless. I had a new pair of running shoes in my car, so I had him sit down and put them on his swollen feet. He got them on, and I watched him walk away with a new spring in his step. Good-will mission accomplished! —BY J.J. LABARBER
the PhOeNIX sOlDIers FOUNDatIONServing Those Who Have Served
ChrIstOPher sIeDeNtOPPassionate about serving our veterans
1.888.437.5551
mylife jan-feb 2012 39
hat can you say or write about Steve Jobs that hasn’t already been said? Since his death on Oct. 5, the world’s most powerful and influential people have come forward with remembrances,
thoughts and anecdotes regarding the life of Steve Jobs. To simply restate what others have said would be a gross injustice, a waste of ink, and the idea of my humble musings being cemented in the annals of history has slowed my normally fevered fingers across the keyboard of my MacBook Pro. My friends and family know I have been an Apple junkie my whole life. No one ever asks IF I’ve purchased the latest iGadget, they simply ask to see it. So, when I somberly walked into work the day after his death, I was often asked how I was feeling. It was quite odd, mourning the loss of someone I’d admired for so long. When I learned of Michael Jackson’s death, I was saddened, and I even cried during the funeral, but this was much dif-ferent, this was much deeper. I tried to explain to others just how I was feeling, and through the emotion this explanation came: “It’s like losing an uncle you’ve never met, who gives you amazing Christmas and birthday gifts.” Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Steve Jobs, it was like the loss of a family member whom you had grown up hearing stories about and who, like most uncles, enabled you to dream big and take chances. One of the biggest reasons I felt impacted by the loss of Steve Jobs was his vision of what’s to come. The ability to see a block of marble and create David is an incredible talent in its own right, but the ability to see the physical manifestation of ideas and their interactions is something entirely different. It’s uncanny when you look back at how often Jobs was told “that will never work” or “what a dumb idea,” and yet he ended up being right. People said in 1976 that personal computers would never catch on. Others said when Toy Story came out in 1995 that no one would watch computer-animated movies. Still others doubted the omission of a floppy drive on the first iMac in 1998, the opening of retail stores (just after 9/11) and the introduction of iPods in 2001, the iPhone
with no Flash in 2007 and the iPad in 2010. Who knows what else could be added to that list in the future. Does Jobs have, as he always said, “just one more thing” left wait-ing in the wings? Many people think it’s a television set, with a voice-activated user interface. And while that would be amazing, it would be too simple—it wouldn’t be Apple. Where’s the revolu-tion? If there’s one thing Steve Jobs taught us, it was that if you’re not going to radically re-think, re-design and re-engineer some-thing, don’t waste your time. Steve Jobs and his team at Apple changed the way the world views and interacts with technology. From the first Apples to the
iPad, there is a progression, a breaking down of barriers to how we view technology and its place in our lives. The first Apple computers simply helped us accomplish tasks but were elegant enough to be vis-ible fixtures in our homes, not tucked away in an office corner or bedroom. Jobs thought that making computers perform functions that inspired creativi-ty, art and music created a bond between man and machine that nothing else could do. Perhaps we have it backwards— maybe Jobs’ greatest idea was that he wanted those who used his
products to change the world, instead of changing the world with his products. At some point we all want to score the game-winning shot, hit the walk-off homer, rescue the damsel in distress, discover some-thing never before seen, rock the stage to a sold-out arena or walk the red carpet. Perhaps the loss of Steve Jobs is difficult for us because we remember, at some point, we wanted to change the world. So often we get caught up in the myth that all good ideas are being formulated in billion dollar research labs and think tanks. But, take a moment to think about where your tech company of choice began—in a basement, a garage or maybe a dorm room—and remember, before we knew their names, they were afraid. Be-fore they made millions, they made burgers. Before we listened to them, they listened to us. So, here’s to the crazy ones.... Thank you, Steve.
by warren jones a geeK’S confeSSion
STEVE jOBS
ILLU
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SECOND-LOOKERS
TEKKNOWVATIONSBY WARREN jONES
Remember watching Back to the Future and seeing those
killer auto-lace sneakers Marty McFly had? Yeah, so do we.
Often called the greatest shoe Nike never made, the sweet
kicks from Back to the Future are now a reality, minus the
auto laces. The Nike MAG is a limited edition shoe, with all
1,510 pairs auctioned off and proceeds going to the Michael
J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. Although the
original auction is over, you can still score a pair on eBay for
around $5,000. If that seems a bit steep, you’ll just have to
build a time machine into a Delorean ....
back4thefuture.com.
shoes niKe mag
In an effort to keep the criminal element on its toes, the Treasury Department is once
again updating its $100 bill. In addition to the security features we all know and love,
the Treasury has added a new 3-D security ribbon just to the right of Benjamin, as well
as a Liberty Bell within a copper inkwell that appears and disappears as you tilt the
bill. The new $100 should be hitting the public’s hands very soon.
newmoney.gov.
currency neW $100 bill
Flying around like Superman has been a dream for many of us,
and now the brilliant minds at NASA have brought us a little bit
closer to that dream. Sort of. The Puffin personal flying suit is the
creation of a NASA scientist working on his doctoral dissertation.
The Puffin is an all-electric, 12-foot-long personal flying vehicle
with a 14-foot wingspan. It takes off and lands on its tail using
a propeller on each wing. Too bad for us this thing is still just a
concept. Let’s hope someone decides to make this a reality. Soon.
nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/puffin.html.
personal flight PUffin
mylife jan-feb 2012 41
There are few cars on the road that can suck the masculinity right out of you, but
near the top of that list is the Prius. Toyota’s hybrid is a bland, style-less,
bean-shaped chick repeller. However, Toyota hopes to change that with the Prius
G. The G gives you all the same eco-friendly hybrid-ness of the original but adds
exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in sporty Dunlop tires, a retooled and
stiffened suspension and an all-new front fascia and side skirts, presumably to keep
up with the sporty Volt and offerings from Tesla.
toyota.com.
green technology PRiUS g
Lexus promises, “From this car forward, exhilaration will be unleashed,” and proof of
that is in the fighter jet style of the new GS F-Sport, which is designed to intimidate
onlookers, while under the hood the true beast lurks—a 3.5L, 306 hp V6 engine that
can rocket you from 0-60 in 5.7 seconds. Lexus hasn’t given a price but has said the
GS F-Sport will hit showroom floors in February 2012.
lexus.com/gs-2013/fsport.
high-performance 2013 leXUS gS f-SPoRt
Owning the 80-inch Sharp Aquos will get
you two things for sure. Number one is the
satisfaction of knowing you own the largest TV
on the block, by a LONG shot. Number two is
the guarantee that every major sporting event
will be at YOUR house for the foreseeable
future. You can grab one of these sets for about
$5,000—but isn’t that worth it? We thought so.
sharpusa.com.
home theater aQUoS
It’s a boat. No, it’s a tank. Actually, it’s both
... and it’s slow. The Iguana 29 is designed to
get your boat to the water at roughly five miles
per hour, without the need for another vehicle.
Unfortunately, at $290,000, it’s cheaper to
get yourself a nice truck than an Iguana 29.
iguana-yachts.com.
amphibious igUana 29
mylife jan-feb 201242
Seeing is believing for most people, but for composer Trevor Morris, seeing is hearing. He writes music for pictures—pictures that move. Televised historical fiction: “The Tudors,” “Pillars of the Earth,” and “The Borgias” helped Morris score his career, but he’s also written music for the computer games “Sim City” and “Need for Speed.” If you’ve seen movies such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “The Last Samurai,” “Some-thing’s Gotta Give” or “The Immortals,” then you’re starting to get a picture of who is the man behind the music. The sound of his music—which he describes as “violent yet elegant, grand yet personal”—is per-fectly matched to each part of the story. “I produce to the picture,” he said. Morris is a Canadian by birth. His love
for music first happened while he was sit-ting on the lap of his grandmother, Kaye, as she played “Puff the Magic Dragon” on the piano. He claims his skill for compos-ing is self-taught, but he was encouraged by teachers at the schools he attended. When Morris was 13, the principal of his grade school, St. Mary’s School for the Arts, rec-ognized “something” in Morris and paid him $50 to write a score for piano, and a four-part choir in honor of a 1983 visit by Pope John Paul. The lyrics for that score were based on the book Beloved Young People, written by that pope. After he graduated from high school Morris chose to pursue learning about recording arts by attending Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program, Canada’s most prestigious school for
HEARING IS BELIEVING
Morris’ love for music first
happened while he was sitting on
the lap of his grandmother, Kaye,
as she played “Puff the magic
Dragon” on the piano.
by MARy L. HoLDeN — PHoTogRAPHy by Dove SHoRe
soundsandsights
trevor morristrevor morris
MAX TravelhostMyLifeHalf:Layout 1 11/30/11 10:13 AM Page 1
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recording and production. In 2007, Morris won his first Primetime Emmy award: Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for “The Tudors,” a cable television show spanning four seasons that chronicled the life of King Henry VIII. For other television shows, Morris has since collected five nomina-tions and four wins through the Emmy, ASCAP and Gemini Awards organizations for music that backs up historical fiction stories. Of the violent elegance of his work, Morris said, “I view myself as a musi-cal storyteller. I react to the visual source of the story then hear the melody. For scoring ‘The Tudors,’ I learned that King Henry was a very violent man who per-formed beheadings, yet he also had a persona that suited the polished image of royalty. Such disagreement enters the music and makes the story, and my music, better.” With success in manifesting music to help tell stories from history, Morris has “connected the dots.” He did not spe-cifically study history before he wrote the scores for these shows—he produced the
music according to the way he felt when he looked at the pictures. He doesn’t have any particular outside influences but says he enjoys “medical music. I was a big fan of the television show ‘ER’!” He said, “My work with ‘The Tudors’ led to ‘Pillars of the Earth,’ which led to writ-ing the score for ‘The Immortals.’” His theory that this music needed to be “per-sonal yet grand” is demonstrated in the way he recorded the “personal” phrases in “The Immortals.”
Trevor Morris poses
with his Creative arts
emmy award in Los
Angeles Sept. 10,
2011. Morris won
Outstanding Original
Main Title Theme
Music for the TV
series “the Borgias.”
soundsandsights
Sonically, personal scenes of close hu-man interaction require a “close-in mi-crophone in a very small room,” he said. “For example, in the first meeting of the gods on Mount Olympus in ‘The Immortals,’ the sound you hear is a uku-lele. I wanted to use notes from a small wooden instrument of the Earth. Then I took a risk and had the sound of the choir come in behind the ukulele when that personal scene turned into the grand.” To supplement his skills in engineer-
ing sound recordings, Morris built a state-of-the-art scoring studio in Santa Monica. He calls it “an artist’s space where I write music and have a mix-ing room.” The studio includes a wine cellar—Morris is also a certified Level 1 sommelier and is part of a wine produc-tion company in Toronto. There are as many layers to Trevor Morris as there are levels of the history he’s put music to. He adores his family —wife, Zoe (who he credits as his fa-
vorite adviser and Morris said “she is the ultimate audience member!”), and children, Josie Kaye, age 2, and Jackson, age 1. He does his best to understand his talent but says, “I am constantly insecure. I question it, find my way through self-doubt and try to get to the heart of the matter. The ability to write music comes easily, and I do recognize it as a gift, but I am amazed by it.” Those who attended a benefit speech Morris gave in November at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles were amazed, too. After the lecture, he took his talent from the private realm to the public by composing a score live, in front of the audience, and then having it played by an or-chestra as soon as it was written. That demonstration was something for the history books. “Composing on the spot is rare! I think it was the first time it’s ever been done,” Morris said. Perhaps if he finishes matching music to stories written in the realm of the past, Morris will write music for stories written about visions of the future of humanity. Watch, and listen.
“MY jOURNEY ON THE MAIN TITLES [THE TUDORS] ENDED WITH ME GETTING FIx NOTES, AT 7 A.M. THE MORNING AFTER CHRISTMAS, IN TAHITI, ON MY HONEYMOON WITH MY NEW WIFE. I KID YOU NOT.”
PHO
TO: R
EUTE
RS
PRO
UDLY
MA
DE
IN T
HE U.S.A.
It has to be a Cornelis Hollander.....
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mylife jan-feb 201246
Early Spanish explorers noted the ex-istence of copper in the region of Arizona. Later, with help from the Southern Pacific Railroad, copper mining, refin-ing and shipment became a viable indus-try. Copper became one of the “five C’s” to represent Arizona as a state, along with cattle, citrus, climate and cotton. Now, in 2012, add a few more “C” words to Arizona’s list, such as country-and-western music, ’cycles, chopper, centennial and cel-ebration. A one-of-a-kind “Copper Chopper” mo-torcycle is the official mascot of Arizona’s centennial. The idea is to have the Copper Chopper be a featured attraction at cen-tennial celebrations and then be raffled off in a drawing on Feb. 14, 2012, statehood day. Raffle tickets, $5.00 each, are avail-able at Circle K locations in Arizona or at any centennial event, and they can be purchased online through az100years.org. Money raised supports centennial celebra-tions. Paul Yaffe owns Paul Yaffe Originals, a company that makes custom motorcy-cles and parts. He is a perfectionist when it comes to motorcycle design, and it was he who built the chopper after his friend Kerry Dunne, a promoter with R Marketing, asked if he could make a mo-
torcycle out of copper in honor of Arizona’s centennial. Yaffe took the challenge and called it “an honor.” He used about 200 pounds of copper—all in solid blocks—to form the parts or to plate items such as the aluminum wheel rims. The seat of the Copper Chopper looks like a Western-style leather saddle, tooled to look like plywood, with the centennial logo and concho designs. The air filter, sculpted from a solid block of copper, is a map of the Arizona territory in 1902 that state his-torian Marshall Trimble helped design. In keeping with the 100-year theme,
the engine measures 100 cubic inches, it has 100 horsepower units and delivers 100 foot-pounds of torque. It took 12 months to build. A sponsor supplied the copper, Yaffe do-nated the labor and the bike’s estimated value is approximately $140,000. Yaffe said that putting it up for a raffle is a little dis-concerting. “My personal wish is to see it preserved in a museum. I’m working on starting a fund to perhaps buy it back from the winner and see that it is preserved. If anyone would like to help with this, please e-mail [email protected].” On Feb. 11, 2012, country-and-western singer and native Arizonan Dierks Bentley will take a motorcycle seat alongside the Copper Chopper as it is driven (most like-ly by Yaffe himself) in a Centennial Ride Celebration in Phoenix. The route will begin at Mesa Riverview and end at the Arizona Capitol, in front of the Arizona Best Fest Mainstage to be located between the House and the Senate. Bentley’s song “Home” is the official song of the centennial. Although he now lives with his family in Nashville, Bentley said, “Being from Arizona, this state will always have special meaning to me, and it is defi-nitely one of the places I’m thinking about when I sing ‘Home’ every night.” As for the opportunity to join the Copper Chopper in a parade, Bentley is excited. “A motorcycle ride has to be one of the best ways to cel-ebrate Arizona’s 100th birthday. It’s a great firsthand reminder of how beautiful this state is.”
COUNTRYc(h)opperBY MARY L. HOLDEN
PHO
TO C
RED
IT: j
AM
ES M
INC
HIN
III
Home of
tHe Hand
tossed
margarita
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FRIDAY $3.00 Wine Special $3 Hot Chick Margaritas
*Subject to change without notice.
• Bocce Ball court
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• liVe MuSic FriDayS A different band every week
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Aunt Chilada’s7330 N. Dreamy Draw Dr.(602) 944-1286 auntchiladas.com
mylife jan-feb 201248
events calendar >>
WHAT’S HAPPENINGACROSS ARIZONA
ICE SKATING IN THE PARK PHOENIXenjoy a winter blastoff at Cityscape Ice skating rink. Public skating hours are 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. Jan. 1 – 13 —cityscapephoenix.com
ARIZONA NATIONAL HORSE SHOW SCOTTSDALEarizona’s largest livestock show. exhibits and competitions. held at WestWorld in scottsdale. Jan. 5 - 8 —anls.org
DOWNTOWN MOVIE SPECIAL PHOENIXall shows, monday - thursday ($5 before 6 p.m.)Jan. 2 - 31 —amctheatres.com
BRIDAL FASHION DEBUT PHOENIXmore than 600 of the Valley’s wedding professionals help you plan your wedding. Phoenix Convention Center.Jan. 7 - 8 —arizonabridalshow.com
FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL CAREFREE Featuring more than 165 artists, paintings in all mediums, bronzes, photography, pottery, glass wood, mixed media, live music, wine and microbrew tasting, gourmet food and chocolates. Jan. 13 - 15 —thunderbirdartists.com
SUNDAY A’FAIR SCOTTSDALEheld at scottsdale Civic Center Park. Come and browse the fine arts and crafts, or shop outside. activities for children and families. sundays, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. —scottsdaleperformingarts.org
PHOENIX CARS SWAP MEET PHOENIXattending arizona’s largest Car swap meet and Car Corral is an absolute must for all antique and classic car enthusiasts. arizona state Fairgrounds. Jan. 7 - 8 –phoenixcarswapmeet.com
MOVIES AT THE MUSEUM PHOENIXmovies at the Phoenix art museum? they may not have popcorn, but they do screen thought-provoking art films and films that relate to special exhibitions or the museum’s collection. Jan. 8, 15, 20, 22, 25 —phxart.org/events
MARICOPA CO. HOME & GARDEN SHOW PHOENIXhundreds of exhibitors at the arizona state Fairgrounds.Jan. 13, 14, 15 —maricopacountyhomeshows.com
CHANDLER MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL CHANDLERFood, music, dance, displays, storytellers and more at the Chandler Public library. Jan. 14 —chandleraz.gov
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN PHOENIXsunday afternoons from noon to 2 p.m. at Desert Botanical Garden.Jan. 8, 22, 29 —dbg.org/events-exhibitions/music-in-the-garden
MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS GLENDALE The world’s premier indoor motocross series comes to Chase Field.
Experience 17 rounds of heart-stopping action as riders from all over the
world compete on the most challenging courses in the sport.
Jan. 14 –supercrossonline.com
mylife jan-feb 2012 49
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY PHOENIXmobile food trucks line the streets of downtown Phoenix selling a variety of cuisine. musical entertainment included. Fridays —Phoenix Public Market
CELEBRATING THE ARIZONA CENTENNIAL PHOENIXthe Phoenix art museum hosts photographs from the Center for Creative Photography and Norton Photography Gallery.through mar. 4 —phxart.org
ARTLINK SATURDAYS PHOENIXFree self-guided tours of more than 40 art spaces in and around downtown Phoenix. saturdays —artlinkphoenix.com
RUSSO STEELE SCOTTSDALEthis five-day signature event offers auction excitement and more than 700 classic cars. Jan. 18 - 22 —russoandsteele.com
ARIZONA ANTIQUE MARKET PHOENIXat the arizona state Fairgrounds.Jan. 20 – 22 —azantiqueshow.com
FINE ART EXPO SCOTTSDALEthis award-winning and nationally recognized event unites an impressive gathering of 100 nationally celebrated artists who passionately produce art in studios. North scottsdale.Jan. 20 – apr. 1 –arizonafineartexpo.com
APACHELAND DAYS APACHE JUNCTIONCelebrating the anniversary of apacheland movie ranch. living history demonstrations, gunfights, Native american dancers. Jan. 20 – 22 —superstitionmountainmuseum.org
P.F. CHANG’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON PHOENIXthis seventh annual event runs through three spectacular cities, making for a world-class event, while 70 live bands, 40 cheer squads and a free headliner Concert make for an all-out rockin’ party. Jan. 15 —runrocknroll.competitor.com/arizona
AVIATION DAY AT THE CAPITOL PHOENIXthis premier event is a statewide industry opportunity to promote the variety and vitality of aviation in arizona and to meet with state legislators personally and individually.Jan. 18 —azaviationday.org
ARIZONA SONGWRITERS GATHERING GLENDALEWorkshops, performances, informal singing and sharing. Glendale main library. Jan. 21 —glendaleaz.com/library
BARRETT JACKSON SCOTTSDALEWhether you’re in the market to buy a world-class classic car or just enjoy looking at them, this event is not to be missed. Jan. 15 - 22 —barrettjackson.com
RM AUCTIONS PHOENIXheld annually at the beautiful and majestic arizona Biltmore resort & spa, rm auctions’ arizona auction is one of the premier events on the collector car calendar, attracting enthusiasts and collectors from around the world to Phoenix each January.Jan. 19 —rmauctions.com
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY PHOENIXa major exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on the celebrated architect’s seven-decade career.through mar. 4 —phxart.org
AVANT-GARDEN PHOENIXPrepare for the Chinese New Year and take in the spectacles of traditional celebrations through music and dance. Desert Botanical Garden.Jan. 19 —dbg.org
PHOENIX QUILT, CRAFT & SEWING FESTIVAL PHOENIXFind a wide variety of sewing, quilting, needlearts and craft supply exhibits from many quality companies. arizona state Fairgrounds. Jan. 26 - 28 —rustybarn.com
GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOWCASE OF TUCSON TUCSONthe “world’s largest event of its kind” has museum-quality exhibits and vendors of gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites, beads, art, jewelry and supplies at nearly 40 locations. Jan. 28 - Feb. 12 —visittucson.org/visitor/events/gemshow
WESTGATE HOT RODS AND CLASSICS CRUZ-IN GLENDALEDirect from Broadway, the classic holiday movie WhIte ChrIstmas comes to the stage at last! asU Gammage.Jan. 28 —westgatecitycenter.com
MILITARY VEHICLE SHOW PEORIAmany privately owned military vehicles of all nations and types. Vendors and food. the public is invited to bring their own military vehicles for show. meet new people into heavy machines. If you like military vehicles, you will enjoy this event. Peoria sports Complex.Jan. 28 - 29 —armytrucks.org
mylife jan-feb 201250
WASTE MANAGEMENT OPEN SCOTTSDALE Come and see why this event is considered “the Greatest show on Grass.”Feb. 2 – 5 —wastemanagementphoenixopen.com
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: ARIZONA LANDSCAPES TEMPEthis exhibition celebrates the state’s centennial with beautiful landscapes of arizona. tempe Center for the arts.Feb. 11 – Jun. 9 —tempe.gov/tca
CARNAVAL DO BRAZIL TEMPEthe event will host a variety of Brazilian bands, musicians, drummers, performers, dancers, costumes and, of course, amazing Brazilian food and drinks! Feb. 4 —carnavalbrazilaz.com
SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SEDONAacademy award winners, up-and-comers and old friends will complement and enhance the week-long experience surrounding the 145 films to be screened at the 18th annual sedona International Film Festival. Feb. 18 – 26 —sedonafilmfestival.com
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK EXCAVATION EXHIBIT NORTHERN ARIZONAthe exhibit includes 24 large prehistoric artifacts, including pots, mutates, bowls, jars and stone tools and other artifacts from the excavation site. through aug. 5 —musnaz.org
BLUES BLAST MESAhosted annually by the Phoenix Blues society, Blues Blast takes place in the beautiful grassy-sloped mesa amphitheatre. Feb. 19 –bluesblast.info
ARIZONA CENTENNIAL BEST FEST PHOENIXa signature event of the arizona Centennial Commission — it’s the arizona party of the century! Feb. 11 – 14 —az100years.org
CROSSROADS OF THE WEST GUN SHOW PHOENIXOffering hundreds of tables to meet the needs of everyone, from the once-a-year hunter to the avid collector.Feb. 19 – 20 –crossroadsgunshows.com
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL APACHE JUNCTION escape to the arizona renaissance Festival, where pleasure and
celebration are the only orders of the day, as decreed by the king!
Feb. 12 - apr. 3 —royalfaires.com/arizona
ARIZONA FAMILY HISTORY EXPO MESAlearn about how you can trace your roots. mesa Convention Center.Feb. 20 – 21 —familyhistoryexpos.com
events calendar >>
D-BACKS FAN FEST PHOENIXthe arizona Diamondbacks fan appreciation day at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix.Feb. 12 —arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com
CHANDLER CLASSIC CAR AND HOT ROD SHOW CHANDLER the Chandler Classic Car and hot rod show was founded in 2003 by the late Jerry Biondi and maury Williamson, owners of the Country Clipper Barber shop located in the Chandler historic Downtown area. Feb. 26 —chandlercarshow.com
LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS (TUCSON RODEO) TUCSONthe tucson rodeo Grounds hosts the first major outdoor event on the PrCa circuit, with more than 650 cowboys and cowgirls competing for $420,000 in prize money. Feb. 18 - 26 —tucsonrodeo.com
BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION & FESTIVAL PEORIAlive music, kids zone. Osuna Park in Peoria.Feb. 25 —aznbhc.org/newsandevents.html
SCOTTSDALE FINE ART & CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL SCOTTSDALEJust in time for Valentine’s Day, this event features works from more than 150 uniquely talented artists from throughout the United states. scottsdale Pavilions. mid February —scottsdale.com
SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW SCOTTSDALEOne of the largest arabian shows in the world. a must-see scottsdale signature event with parties, shopping, food and decorated barns. WestWorld.Feb. 16 – 26 —scottsdaleshow.com
WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS-ACCENTURE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP TUCSONthis match play tournament on the PGa tour circuit features the Official World Golf rankings’ top 64 pro golfers playing for a $1.4 million grand prize at the ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove mountain. Feb. 20 – 26 —pgatour.com/tournaments/r470
FOUNTAIN HILLS GREAT FAIR FOUNTAIN HILLSthis will be another world-class gathering of artists. the festival will showcase an assortment of jewelry, paintings, pottery, photography, sculptures and so much more! Feb. 24 – 26 —fountainhillschamber.com
mylife jan-feb 2012 51
DOWN1 Staple crop
2 Oldest Continuous Rodeo
3 Close to barbeque town
4 48th state
6 A penny for your thoughts
7 Liquid border
8 Business brothers
11 The old ones
12 Reptile slugger
16 Celestial depression
17 Trained travelers
18 Pole city
20 This bird keeps rising
21 Party dish
22 Puff for tacos or honey
24 Colored connector
27 Wet ride
30 A place to see art
31 Lost guy
36 Handmade weapon
37 Stinger
39 Last county
40 Not you, dad but...
43 Tribe
45 Stop the river!
47 Sliding town
49 CCC built for ski ski ski
51 Office Rose
52 Scary Gila
54 A Harvey House
55 Instrument city
56 Spin city
58 In Florida too aCrOss
4 Garlic town
5 In Law
6 Manmade waterway
9 Frijole holder
10 Kino was here
13 Peach family
14 Cliffs of color
15 Higher learning
19 Native American ghost town
23 Dark park
25 Old school
26 Stone tear
28 Flagstaff mansion
29 Cats gone wild
32 Green truth
33 Waterless way
34 Edge of a mug
35 Heart chakra city
38 Desert sickness
41 Au H2O
42 Handy tree
44 Haute cuisine
46 Canyon photographer
48 Well traveled magazine
50 Artsy hive of a town
53 Underground desert dweller
57 Afternoon dust
59 Bird of plume
60 One of the five Cs
61 Sticky arms
62 Cattle guard
63 Used to be normal
64 Bird of summer
IT’S ARIzONA’S CENTENNIAL. HOW WELL DO YOUR kNOW YOUR STATE?
aNsWers
For the answers to this crossword puzzle, visit MyLIFe magazine website at: mylifemagazine.com/crossword.
puzzlecrossword
across & down arizona
mylife jan-feb 201152 mylife jan-feb 201252
events calendar >>
CONCERTSPREMIER DESTINATIONS
COMERICA THEATRE TICKETS PHOENIX400 West Washington street, Phoenix, aZ 85003
livenation.com
FOreIGNer aCOUstIqUe: the ClassICs UNPlUGGeDJan. 15 —foreigneronline.com
the DeaDmeat tOUr: steVe aOKI & DatsIKJan. 19 —deadmeattour.com
GaBrIel IGlesIas staND-UP reVOlUtION tOUrJan. 28 —fluffyguy.com
GIGaNtOUr FeatUrING meGaDeth WIth mOtOrheaD, VOlBeat aND laCUNa COIlFeb. 25 —gigantour.com
ASU GAMMAGE TEMPE1200 south Forest avenue, tempe, aZ 85287asugammage.com
rODGers aND hammersteIN’s sOUth PaCIFICJan. 10 - Jan. 15 —southpacificontour.com
sheN YUN PerFOrmING artsJan. 27 - 29 —shenyunperformingarts.org
WIlCOJan. 21 —wilcoworld.net
meNahem Pressler WIth the asU ChamBer OrChestraFeb. 3 —menahempressler.org
WICKeDFeb. 15 - mar. 11 —wickedthemusical.com
JOBING.COM ARENA GLENDALE9400 West maryland avenue, Glendale, aZ 85305jobingarena.com
BIll GaIther hOmeCOmING tOUr 2012Feb. 10 —gaither.com/tour
the art laBOe ValeNtINe’s sUPer lOVe JamFeb. 17 —artlaboe.com
TEMPE IMPROV TEMPE930 east University Dr # D201, tempe, aZ 85281tempeimprov.com
KeVIN O’Dea’s COmeDY CIrCUs
Jan. 5 —tempeimprov.com
aNthONY JeselNIKJan. 6 - Jan 7 —anthonyjeselnik.com
teN FOr teNJan. 12 —tempeimprov.com
aleX reYmUNDO - “reD-NeXICaN” tOUrJan. 13 - Jan. 14 —alexreymundo.com
JIm NOrtONJan. 27 - Jan. 28 —eatabullet.com
PaUl rODrIGUeZ sPeCIal eVeNtFeb. 3 - Feb. 4 —paulrodriguez.com
shaNGFeb. 9 —iamshang.com
mylife jan-feb 2012 53
tOmmY ChONG & shelBYFeb. 10 - Feb 11 —cheechandchong.com
DaVe FOleYFeb. 24 —twitter.com/davesfoley
BeethOVeN lIVes UPstaIrs
Jan. 7
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5119
PartIes OF NOte
Jan. 11
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5480
DVOrÁK: CellO CONCertO
Jan. 12 - Jan. 14
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5047
PICtUres at aN eXhIBItION
Jan. 19 & Jan. 21
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5049
the mUsIC OF JOhN WIllIams
Jan. 26
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5355
rImsKY-KOrsaKOV: sCheheraZaDe
Feb. 2 - Feb. 4
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5059
GrOFÉ: GraND CaNYON sUIte
Feb. 16 & Feb. 18
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5051
BrOaDWaY rOCKs!
Feb. 24 - Feb. 26
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5095
US AIRWAYS CENTER PHOENIX201 east Jefferson street, Phoenix, aZ 85004
usairwayscenter.com
WWe raw super show
Jan. 18 - Jan. 22 —disney.go.com/disneyonice
GeOrGe straIt WIth sPeCIal GUest martINa mCBrIDe
Feb. 3 —georgestrait.com
mOrmON taBerNaCle ChOIr
Feb. 10 - Feb. 11 —mormontabernaclechoir.org
harlem GlOBetrOtters
Feb. 17 - Feb. 18 —harlemglobetrotters.com
the rOCK & WOrshIP rOaDshOW
Feb. 17 - Feb. 18 —therockandworshiproadshow.com
ORPHEUM THEATER PHOENIX203 West adams street, Phoenix, aZ 85003
orpheum-theater.com
PhOeNIX OPera: DmItrI hVOrOstOVsKY
Jan. 10 —phoenixopera.org
the rat PaCK
Feb. 12 - Feb. 15 —ratpack.com
JeaNNe rOBertsON
Jan. 19 —jeannerobertson.com
mOmIX: BOtaNICa
Jan. 27 —mosespendleton.com
mY FaIr laDY
Feb. 16 - 19 —myfairladythemusical.com
PHOENIX SYMPHONY PHOENIXOne North First street, suite 200, Phoenix, aZ 85004
phoenixsymphony.org
GershWIN: rhaPsODY IN BlUe
Jan. 6 - Jan. 8
tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/single/EventDetail.aspx?p=5089
CELEBRITY THEATER PHOENIX440 N 32nd street, Phoenix aZ 85008
celebritytheatre.com
tesla - tWIsteD WIreD tOUr
Jan. 6 —teslatheband.com
DeNNIs mIller
Jan. 21 —dennismillerradio.com
GarrIsON KeIllOr
Feb. 2 —prairiehome.publicradio.org
OaK rIDGe BOYs
Feb. 10 —oakridgeboys.com
the DarKNess
Feb. 18 —thedarknessrock.com
ONe NIGht OF qUeeN
Feb. 26 —garymullenandtheworks.com
mylife jan-feb 201254
events calendar >>
SPORTING EVENTSPRO SPORTS
PHOENIX SUNS BASKETBALLDate Jan. 2
Jan. 4
Jan. 6
Jan. 8
Jan. 10
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Jan. 15
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Jan. 20
Jan. 23
Jan. 24
Jan. 27
Jan. 28
Jan. 30
Feb. 1
Feb. 3
Feb. 4
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
GameGolden State
Dallas
Portland
Milwaukee LA Lakers Cleveland
New Jersey
San Antonio
Chicago New York
Boston Dallas Toronto Portland
Memphis Dallas
New Orleans Houston Charlotte
Atlanta
Milwaukee
lOCatIONUS Airways Center
@ Dallas
US Airways Center
US Airways Center
@ LA Lakers
@ Cleveland
US Airways Center
@ San Antonio
@ Chicago
@ New York
@ Boston
@ Dallas
US Airways Center @ Portland
US Airways Center
US Airways Center
@ New Orleans
@ Houston US Airways Center
@ Atlanta
@ Milwaukee
Date Feb. 9
Feb. 11
Feb. 13
Feb. 14
Feb. 15
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Feb. 20
Feb. 22
GameHouston
Sacramento
Golden State
Denver Atlanta LA Lakers
LA Lakers
Washington
Golden State
lOCatIONUS Airways Center
@ Sacramento
@ Golden State
@ Denver
US Airways Center
@ LA Lakers
US Airways Center
US Airways Center
US Airways Center
PHOENIX COYOTES HOCKEyDate Jan. 3
Jan. 5
Jan. 7
Jan. 10
Jan. 12
Jan. 13
Jan. 16
Jan. 18
Jan. 19
Jan. 21
Jan. 24
GameBlues
Kings
Islanders
Rangers Red Wings Blue Jackets
avalanche
Ducks
red Wings
lightning
senators
lOCatION@ Blues
@ Kings
Jobing.com Arena
@ Rangers @ Red Wings Jobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
@ Ducks
Jobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
mylife jan-feb 2012 55
Date Jan. 31
Feb. 4
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 9
Feb. 11
Feb. 13
Feb. 16
Feb. 18
Feb. 21
Feb. 23
Feb. 25
Feb. 28
GameDucks
Sharks
Red Wings
Stars
Flames
Blackhawks
Canucks
Kings
Stars
Kings
Flames
Oilers
Canucks
lOCatIONJobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
@ Stars
Jobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
@ Canucks
@ Kings
Jobing.com Arena
Jobing.com Arena
@ Flames
@ Oilers
Jobing.com Arena
PHOENIX COYOTES HOCKEy
480 362 WINSLOOP 101 &INDIAN BEND
Who knew having so much fun
could do so much good$4 Million Raised From the 2011 WM Phoenix Open
$48 Million Raised For Local Charities in the Last Decade$75 Million Raised For Local Charities in the Tournament’s 76 Year History
It’s amazing how so much good can come out of something so much fun. The Waste Management Phoenix Open, knownfor the fun of 16, the coolness of the Greenskeeper and the excitement of the Birds Nest, is also one of the largest contributors to charities in Arizona. The tournament host Thunderbirds, Marcus from United Cerebr al Palsy and Arizona’scharities thank you, the fans and our countless sponsors for your unwavering support of The Greenest Show on Grass.
Join us for the 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Openat the TPC Scottsdale January 30 – February 5
For tickets, visit wmphoenixopen.com
Lind
y D
rew
Learn more about United Cerebral Palsy
WMPO UCP 8.375x10.875_. 12/5/11 12:18 PM Page 1