Sculptured Hands, Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick, and a Super Party

Saturday in Super Bowl City was going to be hectic, as I planned to cram as much of the Super-hype surrounding the Big Game as possible into a few hours. The day would indulge some of my greatest passions: art, food, and sports.

My menu for the day: breakfast at the Fine Arts Expo in northern Scottsdale, lunch at the party in Glendale celebrating the Big Game in town, a mid-afternoon snack amidst the hoopla at the Westgate City Center which is "ground zero" for Super Bowl mayhem, and finally a late dinner and some poker at the Casino Arizona.

Fine Arts Expo, Scottsdale

After updating my blogs while drinking a "SKCDL" at Starbucks, I headed for the Fine Arts Expo located approximately six miles north of Loop 101 on Scottsdale Road. The FAE is home to over 100 artists from around the nation who come here for a few weeks to market their works and hold live demonstrations. A semi-circle of white tents surround a courtyard and sculpture garden that features many of the bronzes and stoneworks of various artists. Chairs and tables are available outside for a leisure time of eats, drinks, and relaxation as you watch the artists and patrons co-mingle and visit inside the tents or outside in the fresh cool air. The sides of the tents are open to take advantage of the wonderful weather, making the venue both an indoor and outdoor experience.

The weather was ideal, sunny and just warm enough. I arrived around 10:30 a.m. The FAE is next to MacDonald's Ranch which offers "authentic western adventures" with horse rides and such. Just across the parking lot from the Fine Arts Expo, the ranch has an old saloon, corral, horses, wagons, and lots of dust.


This is the entrance to the Expo. Just inside are booths set up by various artists, an office and ticket counter.

This is the view to the left just as you walk into the entrance.

An example of the live demonstrations which the artists offer to visitors. They actually set up a working studio in their booth area so you can watch them work.

I met Jerald Peterson, an artist from Oklahoma, New Mexico, and San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. He told me he is "self-taught" and began painting full time after retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency. I asked him, "What were you doing when you retired to paint full time?" He said, "I was a spy." Visit his web site at http://www.jeraldpeterson.com/.

I also met Susan Geissler, a sculptor from New York. Here she is working on a set of hands for a piece inspired by imprisoned Jews of the Holocaust. She creates life sized and maquette recreations of birds, animals, and human figures. Visit her web site at http://www.susangeissler.com/.

The wonderful thing about the Fine Arts Expo is that you can hang out and visit with the artists and ask them about their work. When I return to Scottsdale in March I'm sure I'll be spending more time there. They offer classes as well, and I was told that Old Town Scottsdale also has a great art school.

Glendale Super Bowl Celebration

I left the Fine Arts Expo just after Noon and drove west on Loop 101 toward Glendale, an old town that once was nothing but a place to grow cotton and watch the sunset over the valley desert west of Phoenix. But Glendale changed over night when they won the contest to build the new University of Phoenix stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals. The Westgate City Center complex and Jobing.com Arena are located nearby, making a "trifecta" of sports and upscale retail shopping and entertainment. Glendale is quickly becoming a national sensation.

The downtown plaza was party-central all weekend, with outdoor entertainment and food. I parked easily for free a few blocks from the plaza and walked down Glendale Ave. west toward the city center area.

As you can tell by this photo, I was not the only one to check out the fun. The plaza was packed with people from all over the country. Booths were set up selling everything from chocolate-covered strawberrys to clothing and sports memoribilia.

Tables and chairs filled the plaza, and a stage was set up for live music provided by various bands throughout the day. The weather was terrific and the crowd was very friendly and on their best behavior. What a great place to spend an hour and visit with people from all over the country. I met a couple from Sun City, Arizona, who moved there from Michigan for an improved lifestyle. The woman said that in Sun City, "...there are no bugs, mostly sunny days year round, and beautiful sunsets."


For lunch I had some Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick that cost me $4.50.

Westgate City Center

After leaving downtown Glendale, it was a short 15-minute drive west on Glendale Ave. to the Westgate City Center. The Westgate City Center and Jobing.com Arena are across the street from the Unverisity of Phoenix Stadium complex. I wasn't sure what to expect as I parked my car near the AMC Movie Theater.

I walked toward the activity and soon was overcome by the sensational development that is known as Westgate City Center. I could only say to myself, "Wow. What a place."

This photo was taken from the upper level looking down on the plaza that stretches out between the Arena and the rest of the development. The crowds had already begun to gather to spend the evening eating, dancing, drinking, and listening to an outdoor concert by a Tom Petty tribute band from Tucson, The Breakdown. The real Tom Petty was scheduled to perform the halftime concert at the Super Bowl.

The fountains, restaurants, clothing stores and retail shops, huge billboards, and architecture all combine to overpower your senses. On a normal day, the place is just a fabulous venue to enjoy lunch and shop. Add a crowd of thousands to celebrate the Super Bowl and it's almost too much to comprehend.

The Super Bowl NFL Experience

I drove west on Interstate 10 to Loop 101 North. Once you make the exit, it's only a few minutes before you see the University of Phoenix Stadium on the east side of the highway. My destination was the NFL Experience, an interactive "football theme park" located in the parking lot next to the stadium.

The stadium looks like a huge silver spaceship that has landed in the desert. As you get closer to it, you really appreciate the enormity of the complex. I took the wrong exit, of course, and had to drive around to the other side to reach the entrance of the NFL Experience. Signs leading the way abbreviated the event as "NFLX". (I wonder if there is a topless bar up the street for the players called "NFLXXX"?)


I took this picture of a sign in the parking lot showing the layout. I had to park in the "Green Lot" on the upper left side of the stadium, then take a long walk south of the complex t0 the "NFL Experience" colored purple on the map on the right side (west) of the stadium. The point is: it was a very long walk! I was wore out before I even bought my ticket. They had golf carts for the disabled and elderly, however.

By the way, it cost $10 to park and $17.50 for an adult ticket. The ticket charge covered all the NFLX rides, shows, games, and there were lots of free things being handed out. So I guess the price is reasonable. Food was another story. Be prepared to pay $9 for a chicken sandwich or $6 for some nachos. Bottled water was $4 and soft drinks were $6. I passed on eating and drinking.

The long line above was the second line I had to negotiate. The first line snaked around forever, leading you to the ticket booth. Once you had your ticket, you were stuck in another line at the entrance of the NFLX park area. The lines moved quickly, so it wasn't that bad.

An estimated 200,000 were expected to make it through the gates. Another 125,000 people were attending the PGA tour event in Scottsdale (The FBR Open), where Phil Mickelson was losing again. Tiger Woods isn't playing, so the record-setting crowd at the golf tournament was a surprise. Phoenix is one busy sports town this weekend.

This is a view looking back toward the entrance to the park.

My biggest thrill was to see the actual Super Bowl trophy that will be handed to the Patriots when they beat the Giants on Sunday. It was at the center of the theme park in its own little "shed" providing you with a view from all four sides. If you wanted to stand in line, you could stand by it and have your picture taken.

They call the NFL Experience "interactive" because of the various games you can play. The man above is in the "Passing" area of huge white tent set up with various games. He's trying to throw the ball through the hoop that moves slowly from left to right.

The Topps Card Show tent was enormous. Inside dozens of booths were set up selling cards and memorabilia. One booth was raffling off boxes of cards, with a crowd of about 50 people jumping around like monkeys hoping to win something.

Some of the dealers had jerseys from various players that were "authentic game jerseys worn by players in an actual game." Some of the jerseys looked as if they had not been cleaned, grass stains and mud still intact.

I took this photo of a Tony Romo sticky wall poster at the Fathead booth. Tony being a fathead, it seemed appropriate. (I'm still mad at him and the Pokes for sucking so bad in the playoffs.)

Outdoor interactive games included the above area, where you had the chance to punt the ball to Home Depot volunteers. Whoever kicked the punt when I took this picture really got his leg into it. The ball bounced off the net above my head and fell into the waiting arms of a volunteer.

I was on my way to the NFL Network stage when I saw this guy operating a boom with a camera on it, broadcasting crowd shots. He was "at one" with the boom, looking more like an alien from the planet Transformaton.

As you exit the park area you walk by the main entrance to the stadium. The huge "XLII" sign out front is very cool.

The NFLX is a "must-see" for any football fan, especially if you have kids. The theme park is divided into various phases of the game (passing, kicking, receiving, running, etc.) providing interactive games for both adults and kids. One tent was a "Clinic" that demonstrated various rules of the game and defined such violations as defensive pass interference, false starts, and roughing the passer. NFL sponsors like the Home Depot, Sony, Pepsi, and Burger King all had interactive tents.

I admit it was fun, but I was acutely aware of the gross commericialization of the whole "experience". I felt like I had been sucked into a Super Bowl halftime commercial on steriods.

Downtown Phoenix...I Think I'm Lost

I left Tucson this morning and drove north on Interstate 10 to Phoenix, arriving here about Noon. Once in town I took the Glendale Ave. exit, but went east instead of west, and found myself north of downtown Phoenix.

If you come here, avoid Central Ave. due to construction. Central Ave. cuts the Phoenix metro area north and south into two pieces, and is therefore a heavily traveled road. But it's being widened and is undergoing a major construction effort, so avoid it at all cost.

I found a Starbucks on 7th Ave near downtown and I'm sitting here looking at a map trying to figure out where I am. I have found the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale and will drive there next. A Starbucks employee gave me some good directions, too. He said, "Look for the Ferris Wheel, helicopters, and blimps."

The weather is perfect, mid 60s and sunny. I'll be posting here throughout the weekend, so keep in touch.

Super Bowl, Here I Come!

It's time to drive north tomorrow...to Phoenix, actually, Glendale...for Super Bowl weekend. I'll be staying in Scottsdale and attending an arts festival there, in addition to having some fun with the Super Bowl events. The entire Phoenix metro area (Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe) are all going crazy, as you can imagine, to hold events during the weekend. This is a HUGE event for the area, and they are going to take advantage of it.

For my family and friends living in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, this will give them a glimpse of what the Super Bowl will be like when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys new stadium complex in 2011.

Below is a short list of events. I'm not sure which ones I'll check out, but it should be fun.

Celebrity Night at the Tables - February 1, 944 Village at the Scottsdale Waterfront
Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee's Super Taste of the Valley - 6-9 pm, Sunday, December 2
ESPN Broadcast Center, SouthBridge, January 28 - February 4, south side of Marshall Way trolley/pedestrian bridge
Hearts and Helmets - Pamela Anderson's Celebrity Party & Shawn Marion's Charity Poker Tournament, 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., January 30, Scottsdale
Ashlee Simpson performing Live at Myst on January 30. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Kevin Sorbo Celebrity Golf Classic - January 30-31, Talking Stick Golf Course
Westcor & Spree! The Art of Shopping - Are You Ready for SUPER Shopping that will BOWL You Over? Mornings, Thursday, January 31-Saturday, February 2.
E4 Football Bash, January 31 to February 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily
Martini Ranch Stetson Block Party, January 31 to February 3, Stetson between Drinkwater amd Wells Fargo
7th Annual Players' Wives Fashion Show - 10am-1pm, Friday, February 1 adjacent to Marshall Way near Scottsdale Fashion Square.
ESPN The Magazine Super Bowl Pary - Scottsdale Civic Center Mall on February 1-2
P.Diddy Block Party - January 31 at Axis/Radius.
Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year - Barcelona on February 1
Entourage Super Bash - hosted by Kevin Dillon and Baby Bash. At Myst on February 1.
Snoop Dogg performs at the Bud Bowl - Axis/Radius on February 1
Leather & Laces hosted by Carmen Electra - Galleria Corporate Center on February 1
2008 Landshark Big Game Bash - Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Glendale on February 1
Coors Light Super Bowl Event - Vice the Party/Coors Light, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2, Craftsman Court, between Third and Fifth Ave.
Coors Light Craftsman Court Scottsdale Block Party, Downtown Scottsdale February 1-2
Bud Bowl featuring Kid Rock - Axis/Radius February 2.
Sports Illustrated - Barcelona on February 2
Taste of the NFL XVII- Phoenix Convention Center on February 2
Saturday Night Spectacular hosted by John Travolta and Marshall Faulk - Galleria Corporate Center on February 2
NEXT O8 at the Super Bowl - Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on February 2
Gridiron Greats Super Jam at Hotel Scottsdale

And the above events are just a few of the things happening. Some of the events in Glendale, the home of the Arizona Cardinals and the Super Bowl stadium at the University of Phoenix complex: the NFL Experience, and the NFL Player Parade & Autograph Session at 6 p.m. at the Westgate City Center.

I'll be in Glendale Friday morning and will begin my adventure there.

A Snapshot Update, Christmas to January 20

Time to update my blog and get back on my regular schedule after a month of goofing off. I've not updated my blog since the middle of December...so, it's time to get back on track. Here we go...A Snapshot Update in Pictures.

Tombstone, Arizona Territory

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 2007

I thought about flying back to Texas for the Holidays, but decided I didn't want to fight the crowds at the airport. So, instead, I went back to the Old West and drove to Tombstone in the "Arizona Territory."

In the early days of the Arizona/New Mexico territory, Tombstone was a thriving mining town and center of government for the expanding territory. The capital was later relocated to Phoenix after Tombstone fell on hard times, having suffered two devistating fires that nearly destroyed every building in town. In addition, the mines played out and the town was all but abandoned. Then the Earp brothers came to town. The fight at the OK Corral became a celebrated duel in the streets of Tombstone and Boot Hill Cemetery became a tourist attraction. Tombstone now survives soley on tourism. The "town too tough to die" lives on for those of us who treasure the Old West and want to feel what it must have been like to live in the days of Doc Holiday and Wyatt Earp.

I stayed in a hotel on Fremont Street two blocks south of the OK Corral. I checked in on Christmas Eve and stayed two nights. On Christmas Day, the town was quiet except for me and few other tourists. We had the streets of Tombstone to ourselves. The ghosts of dead cowboys and Apaches were present as we walked the streets.

Here's an exerpt from my personal journal:

"I left Tucson yesterday morning, drove to Benson, then on to Tombstone and arrived before noon. My first stop was Boot Hill Cemetery just north of town. The cemetery is on a hill, overlooking a beautiful view of the mountains to the east and a valley below.

I then drove on to Tombstone and walked around the old western town before deciding to get a room at the Adobe Lodge on Fremont, a block east of the famous Allen Street where all the saloons gunfights took place in the 1880s. It’s a great location to stay, with all the attractions within easy walking distance. I ate lunch at the Longhorn Restaurant, walked the town, attended a reenactment of the shootout at the OK Corral, and bought some jewelry. The weather was cool, but very pleasant with a warm sun. I ate a light supper, just a “Tombstone Club” sandwich at the Cashman Café, a historic site across from the old mine, on Toughtnut Street. The old lady who runs the place was a character, with a deep German accent, and a very friendly and funny demeanor.

This morning, being Christmas Day, I wasn’t sure if any place would be open. Luckily, the Circle K gas station on the edge of town was open, so I bought some cereal, milk, and donuts for breakfast. I also bought a sandwich from Cashman’s last night and have it yet to eat.

I just walked for about an hour and half through the deserted streets of Tombstone. A few tourists joined me in walking around the town unmolested by the usual tourists you see here on a daily basis. No businesses were open, but for the old mine. Remarkably, they were offering tours of the mine today. While sitting on a bench resting myself, a Mexican gentleman rode up on his bike passing out flyers. He said he opened his Mexican restaurant today because he knew everyone else was going to be closed. I wished him luck, and will pass on the opportunity to eat there.

My impressions? The OK Corral is all about western myth and history. It is fun to think about what happened on that October day in 1881. More than 25 shots fired in less than 30 seconds, ending up in the death of three men and the wounding of a couple more. Wyatt Earp was the only one who came away without a scratch. The stage play/reenactment was like something you would find at a Six Flags or other tourist park: a mixture of bad acting, humor, playing with the audience, and cheesy entertainment. Walking through the corral where the actual fight took place was rather eerie. I enjoyed the Fly’s Photo Shop, located next to the corral. Doc Holiday was staying in a room provided by the Fly’s when the fight broke out just outside his window in the corral. The “HIstorama”, a cheesy and outdated multimedia presentation on the history of Tombstone was a little silly. Narrated by Vincent Price, you’d thing they would have updated the presentation by now. The show is in a small theater and is included in the $7.50 price you pay for the shootout reenactment and tour of the OK Corral.

Tombstone itself, is the real attraction. The three or four blocks of Allen Street running north and south look like an old western town. You can take a stage ride tour, eat in historic locations like the Longhorn Restaurant or Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. Numerous retail stores selling everything from jewelry to Stetson hats line both sides of the street. Plaques located throughout the town designate the places where historic events took place."

Boot Hill (or is it Boothill?) Cemetery was my first stop just north of Tombstone. I walked among the graves of various Apache indians, criminals, children, and of course those who died at the O.K. Corral.

I took this photo of a painting that was hanging in the window of an art gallery in downtown Tombstone. Handlebar mustaches were common, I guess.

Christmas Eve day in Tombstone. The horses evidently don't like working on holidays. The hotel is the famous "Crystal Palace" where an Earp brother (I can't remember which one) was shot weeks after the OK Corral gunfight.

Looking east from Allen Street toward the mountains on Christmas Eve day.

I attended the last show of the day that was a reenactment of the famous OK Corral gunfight. I took this photo just as Doc Holiday takes aim at one of the Clantons. Doc was grazed by a bullet in the hip; Wyatt Earp was the only one to come out of the fight without a scratch.

The entrance to the Good Enough Mine, the large and prosperous silver mine that made Tombstone one of the most thriving mining towns of the late 1880s. Unfortunately, the mine gave out due to technical problems (something to do with water pumps and other mining stuff I really don't understand). Tombstone was all but dead after most people abandoned the place. At one time there were more than 18 mines operating in the area.

A view of the boardwalk looking north in downtown, on Allen Street. Tombstone was rather quiet on Christmas Eve day. Normally, these sidewalks would be full of tourists.

Christmas Day, Tombstone. The town is totally abandoned except for me and a handful of tourists. I walked alone down Allen Street and tried to imagine what it was like during the day when the Earps and Clantons were in town.

The Oriental Saloon, home of Wyatt Earp and his clan. Wyatt ran a card game and spent most of his time here.

_____________________________________________________

Around Town in Tucson
Bringing in the New Year, early January

The Cowboys had just clinched the playoffs and home-field advantage, so I was a happy guy when I took this photo. I had just left the Fox and Hound Sports Grille and tossed my hat on the seat next to me. Why did I take this photo? I have no idea.

Showing off my new sunglasses bought at the local Goodwill Store for 79 cents. They are Ohio State glasses and are very cool.

My favorite hangout is the Starbucks on University Drive, one block west of the University of Arizona main campus. The building used to be someone's home: wooden floors still intact.

The fireplace (there are two) in the Starbucks back room. Back in the day, this was someone's bedroom. It's a very nice place to hang out, relax, and visit with UA students.

A mural on the wall in the Starbucks...reminds me of a girl I once dated. She also was flat, cold, and expressionless.

The Casino del Sol, located west and south of downtown Tucson on the Pascua Yaqui indian reservation.

The east entrance to the Casino del Sol. The poker room is located just inside those doors beyond the trees. I spend 20-30 hours a week here, trying to become a card player like Doc Holiday, who was known as a real card shark and was regularly threatened by gun-toting losers who couldn't play very well. Luckily, guns are no longer allowed inside the poker room (at least not this one!)

A "Moment of Zin" at a Motel 6. As you can tell, I sometimes get bored.

My supplies for a stay at the motel: cell phone, plastic utensils, fresh fruit, and junk food. Living in motels can be ruiness to one's diet, so I've learned to buy fruit instead of Hostess Twinkies. I rarely eat junk food any more, choosing to eat from a grocery store or at a restaurant.

I have a beautiful drive to work, traveling along the foothills of the mountains on Sunset Road. I took this photo on the morning after a cold and rainy day...the sky was blue and the air was crisp and very clear. I never tire of the scenery here.

Homes along the foothills. One day I would like to own a home in this area of Tucson (we can only dream, of course.)

Inside the Fox and Hound Sports Grille on the day the Cowboys lost to the New York Giants. I was sick for days. This room in the Fox has huge TV screens along the wall.

My Two-Day Trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale

Carefree Arts Festival, weekend of January 18-20

These bikers were headed north on Hwy. 51 toward the little town of Carefree. There is a six mile "scenic route" from Scottsdale.

These mountains overlook Carefree. If you look hard, you can see a house on the very top of the mountain.

Looking north toward downtown Carefree.

The views around Carefree are just beautiful. I took this photo looking northeast just outside of town.

Downtown square, Carefree, Arizona. The downtown area is imaculate, landscaped, with brick streets, quaint offices, retail shops and a very cool atmosphere.

Early morning view of the Arts Festival, featuring artists from around the nation. The crowds began to slowly arrive and by noon the streets were packed. I was early, so I had breakfast at a cafe called "The Sundial."

After three hours of walking around looking at art, I sat on a bench for a break. This was my view looking west.

Some art pieces via my Nikon digital camera. A rather artistic shot, I must say.

This artisan makes indian clothing, blankets, quilts. She was working on a piece outside her booth at the festival. Some of the artists were demonstrating their techniques at their booths.

The wine tasting pavilion was a popular hangout at the festival. I was a little tipsy when I took this shot.

The Wild Holly Gallery. I took this photo primarily because I liked the art piece; the girl looking at the woman in the brown shirt as if to say, "why don't you take me home with you?".

The wine tasting pavillion also featured live music. A guitarist, Patrick Ki, played while I was there.

The art festival in Carefree is offered by a group of artists called The Thunderbird Artists, and they set up their booths here four times a year. The Thunderbirds offer festivals throughout Arizona, providing one way the artists can sell and promote their works.

I took this self-portrait looking at some mirrors encased in glass and ceramic. Moments after I left, the mirror was sold for hundreds of dollars.

McDonald's Car Show, Scottsdale

I was headed for my motel on Saturday after leaving Carefree and I ran into a car show in Scottsdale. The car show was sponsored by McDonald's, and there were hundreds of vintage cars strewn across acres of a shopping center parking lot.

I love the palm trees sticking up in the air like paint brushes overlooking hundreds of very expensive cars.

This is a red 1952 Corvette with only 15,000 original miles. It can be yours for only $150,000.

This 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door sedan is canary yellow and decorated with enough chrome to make your eyes hurt.

Check out this paint job.