This interesting historical display is located in the Food Court area of Phoenix’s Metrocenter Mall near Dunlap and I-17. Since the photo can’t do it justice, I’ll just say that the map shows Phoenix as a small town 80+ years ago. So much has changed, including Metrocenter itself. Founded in 1973, Metrocenter was the area’s […]
I don’t collect as many kinds of things as I used to (no more room!) but I still love to buy signed books, particularly if they’re by local authors. A few years ago, I got a copy of a slim book called Cibola’s Promise at a convention and promptly forgot about it. I rediscovered it while […]
Reviewing Arizona’s Eateries Serra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse 16160 N 83rd Ave, Peoria 2-14-18 First impression: 3 out of 5 croutons. There is a large bar area to the side, and the hostess station is right in front The ambiance: 1 out of 5 croutons. The many tables are so close together that you must inch […]
Reviewing Arizona’s eateries. Top Shelf, 35th and Peoria Avenue, Phoenix 2-17-18 First impression: 3 out of 5 croutons. The lobby was spacious, with a fountain in the center. Lots of cheerful disembodied voices greeted us as we were seated immediately. The ambiance: 3 out of 5 croutons. Nothing special here. It is the same as […]
The following is the conclusion of the origin story of the Clockwork Caballero, by Vaughn Treude. Earlier installments are part1, part2, and part3. The Captain spat out the chewed-up cigar he’d had clenched in his teeth and replaced it with a fresh one. From his pocket, he pulled out a match, struck it on his […]
When I was growing up in North Dakota, we had long, harsh winters, lasting at least five months. On Halloween night, we often wore our parkas as we went trick or treating on snow-packed sidewalks. By Christmas, the snow drifts would be high and sparkle in the moonlight, as the days get really short when […]
It’s become traditional for people to express their thankfulness each year at this time. Yes, it’s a cliché, but I don’t care. It’s a good cliché. This holiday reminds us that as much as we may complain, we’ve still got many good things in our lives. The pilgrims were thankful to survive a year in […]
