Hello, Scottsdale...and Phoenix

I arrived today in Scottsdale to begin my extended stay, what I like to refer to as my "March Madness." I'll be here to watch the Texas Rangers play some ball and also tour the area.

This is actually my second visit here. I was here for the weekend of the Super Bowl about a month ago. I was only here for a couple of nights. Now I'll have the time to get to the know the place. Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Surprise are all crammed together attached by Loops and Highways.

Any way, it should be fun to spend some time in the central Arizona sun.

By the Time I Get to Phoenix...My Car's Emissions Will Be Clean

I began this day with a mission: get my Arizona car tags before leaving Tucson. One year ago this month I was in east Texas and had my car inspected. I then returned to Dallas and renewed my license registration with no problems.

But now my car tags and inspection sticker are set to expire. I have discovered this about Arizona: (1) they do not require car inspections as in Texas, (2) they DO require an emissions test on your car if it's older than a 2004 model, (3) if you fail the emissions test it is a pain in the ass to repair it so you can get on with your life, and (4) you must pass the emissions test or you cannot register your car in Arizona.

None of this would matter to me, except I failed the test. I drove to the local DMV, where next door they have an emissions testing center. After 5 minutes and $12.50, I was told I failed the test. Oops. What now?

Well, you find a mechanic to fix it. Happily, and suspiciously, there were a dozen mechanic shops next to the DMV all licking their chops hoping to get your money to repair your car. (Seems like a set up to me.) The mechanics, some standing outside looking at me, reminded me of hookers posing on the streets in Singapore (I've seen photos) trying to lure you inside their domain. I chose to drive back to Sears Automotive at the Parks Place Mall to have them fix my problem. At least I can walk the mall while they tinker with my catalytic converter or air pump.

But the Sears mechanic tells me, "Sorry, we don't do emissions work."

Give me a break. "So, where should I go?" I ask.

"Go to CP's on 22nd Street. He'll treat you right."

So I drove to CP's and left him my car. I then walked back to the Park Place Mall for the day while CP tinkers with my hoses and sensors. The walk was pleasant, though tedious. I'm not used to walking for 45 minutes without sitting down for a while. Only in Tucson would I even attempt such a trek.

So here I am at the Border's Bookstore, laptop in lap, killing time until my car is repaired. I hope to pass the emissions test later today, maybe tomorrow. I think, however, I'll get a taxi back to the auto shop.

Time to Move On, For Now

It's been a fun time here in the desert, but it's time to move on. I'll be driving to Scottsdale tomorrow. My plans are to remain in the Phoenix area through the month of March. I've got tickets to see the Texas Rangers play some Spring ball in Surprise, Arizona. I'll also be studying art and will continue to visit artists and galleries in the area.

I've been in Tucson since October 29 (you can read my blog entry on that day: http://2vegas.blogspot.com/2007/10/i-made-it-to-tucson-today-monday-after.html ). I love it here, and I can't think of a better place to spend the Winter. I'll be back, guaranteed.

To Britta, Kasie Jo, and Lettie: thanks for keeping me out of trouble...don't work too hard.

To the dealers at the del Sol: thanks for making me feel comfortable and easy and part of the family in your poker room. Keep up the friendly atmosphere and "down home" approach...and let me hit a nut-flush once in a while, OK?

To Linda, Don, Two-Pair, Dave, Fast Eddie, and other players: spend my money wisely. And Linda, keep in touch...we'll meet up again. Have fun in Hawaii.

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.

It's Saturday morning and I'm at a Starbucks on Indian Bend Road at Loop 101, Scottsdale. I'm going to the Celebrate Art festival for a couple of hours. Over 100 artists have set up white tents to sell their art and hold demonstrations of how they work. I received a free ticket from an artist while I was at an art festival two weeks ago in Carefree.

Later in the day I'll check out the scene in Scottsdale, party central for the Super Bowl. I may also drive back to downtown Glendale where they are having an outdoor art and antique show. The Westgate City Center is located across the street from the stadium and is playing hosts to a number of events and parties, so I need to make a visit there, too. The ESPN outdoor broadcast booth is located there.

Tonight I'll be back to the Casino Arizona for some poker and a free dinner. I would like to attend the party being hosted by John Travolta tonight, but tickets are hard to come by as you can imagine. It will be the "event" to see all the celebrities in town. Terrell Owens is also hosting a party, but he's a jerk and you couldn't pay me enough to attend his ego-fest.

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.