Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

International Congress XXIII Endovascular Interventions, hosted by The Arizona Heart Institute

Nearly 1000 physicians, allied health professionals and industry from throughout the world met at the Phoenician Resort (6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale) February 28th to March 4th for the International Congress XXIII Endovascular Interventions, hosted by The Arizona Heart Institute and Arizona Heart Hospital, “The People Who Touch the Heart.”


As part of this annual Congress of world expert, Dr. Edward Diethrich played host to over 900 of the general public in a forum to educate on the latest developments in endovascular treatments for cardiovascular diseases. They actually performed live minimally invasive surgeries treating an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, a Peripheral Vascular Disease Stent to restore leg circulation and a hole in the heart of a young woman who suffered a stroke in child birth. Each surgery displayed on huge theatre screens in the main ballroom, showed the surgery with the surgeon explaining the procedures, monitors of vital signs, x-rays and ultrasounds including breaking technology intravascular ultrasounds.

Arizona Heart Institute did a fabulous job of explaining each procedure and factors that lead to the need for such surgery. They made clear the complications that can arise and how we often don’t catch the problems in time. It emphasized the need for early detection to save lives.

The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm surgery was especially meaningful to me as my mother experienced this surgery a year ago. Her eldest sister and father had both died of aneurysms in the days before we could detect such problems. Her path to the surgery and the procedure seemed more complicated than the 15 minutes of surgery we viewed. But it was nice to see it actually being done.

Before the forum vendors lined the halls displaying their wares and giving away goodies. Nurses and pharmacists were on hand to answer questions. The lines of seniors waiting to talk to the professionals, speaks to the concerns Americans have with their health care. There seem to be more questions than primary care doctors have time to answer. Public health forums like this one go a long way to helping people understand their health issues.

Then there’s the issue of following doctors orders for diet, exercise and medications. Or the issue of health insurance, procedure and prescription cost. Will the government’s attempts to create a health care system actually improve conditions? All questions to be addressed in the future…

Avatar: Exciting as Star Wars?

Roger Ebert said it best, "Watching "Avatar, I felt sort of the same as when I saw "Star Wars" in 1977. That was another movie I walked into with uncertain expectations. James Cameron's film has been the subject of relentlessly dubious advance buzz, just as his "Titanic" was. Once again, he has silenced the doubters by simply delivering an extraordinary film. There is still at least one man in Hollywood who knows how to spend $250 million, or was it $300 million, wisely."

I felt the same way. From the previews I was intrigued and being open minded I wanted to see what all the buzz was about. But it wasn't the type of movie I generally enjoy. I mean all of the computer generated animation, alien creatures, and fantasy stuff. It's okay in small bits but this was way pushing the envelope. So if I'm going to see it I go for the 3-D IMAX experience. And what an experience! I loved it!

Avatar is the story of a disabled ex-Marine, Jake Sully , who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar, a human mind is put into an alien body, where he finds himself torn between two worlds. Sully  went for the opportunity of walking again but found himself in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.

More than ten years in the making, Avatar marks Cameron's return to feature directing since helming 1997's Titanic, the highest grossing film of all time and winner of eleven Oscars® including Best Picture. WETA Digital, renowned for its work in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong, incorporated new intuitive CGI technologies to transform the environments and characters into photorealistic 3D imagery that transport the audience into the alien world rich with imaginative vistas, creatures and characters.

The imagery takes you into their incredible and beautiful world so completely you will find yourself ducking when creatures are flying toward your face. All they need is surround smell and a little shaking of your seat to give you the full Disneyland experience!

The cast includes many unknowns including Jake Sully played by Sam Worthington and the exotic Neytiri played by Zoe Saldana. Dr. Grace is veteran actress Sigourney Weaver who adds the balance between the scientific and the fantastic.

20th Century Fox presents this film written and directed by James Cameron. Running time: 163 minutes. MPAA rating: PG-13 (for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking). Box office $2,481,904,000 Worldwide: as of Mar 1, 2010

Western Coen Brothers Style with Classic John Wayne "True Grit" Remake

Western Coen Brothers Style with Classic John Wayne "True Grit" Remake


We read in the New York Times that the Coen brothers' are working on a remake of "True Grit" "True Grit" is scheduled to hit theaters at the end of this year, on December 25.

This is great news for western aficionados wanting westerns introduced to another generation who seem more preoccupied in the science fiction and fantasy of the future than the history of their ancestors past. Coens are capable of making a film the next generation will embrace and maybe open the door a crack for more westerns.

Jeff Bridges reunites with the Coens, taking the Rooster Cogburn role that was previously made famous by screen legend John Wayne. Also cast are Matt Damon and Josh Brolin, as Cogburn sidekick La Boeuf and main villain Tom Chaney, respectively. An unknown actress, Hailee Stanfield. 13-years-old, has been cast for the character of Mattie Ross.

"True Grit" is the story of Mattie Ross, a teenage girl who convinces Cogburn to help her find justice for the murder of her father at the hands of Chaney. Also investigating the crime is Damon's character, a Texas Ranger, whose idea of justice is more within the bounds of U.S. law than Ross and Cogburn's.

If you have never seen the original John Wayne "True Grit" movie, pick it up at BlockBluster or in the discount bin at Wal-Mart. It's a classic worth viewing over and over again.

The Back Roads (Arizona Highways: The Back Roads)

 

The Back Roads (Arizona Highways: The Back Roads)
I love back roads and where they lead. This book will stay in the vehicle while out on the back roads exploring. It is great to plan off road trips - a day or even longer. There is no place like the back country for solitude and peace of body and mind. Arizona is filled with history on our scenic back roads. This book divides the state into sections and lists the best trails in those areas. 40 Scenic trips with route finders directions and maps and 220 color photos make this a must read before you hit the trial!

2010 Year on a Dream Board

On Dec 30th , Guest speaker Dr. Matt Mannino - Personal Growth Trainer and Business Mentor spoke about the “Law of Attraction” and how it applies to the “Dream Board”. He was very interesting, especially in regard to how doubts and fear hinder our progress in accomplishing our goals.


The idea was to make your intentions- goals - dreams very clear for the 2010 year on a Dream Board. A Dream Board is a tool that allows you to place images and text about your dreams on a piece of cardboard. Then you place that board somewhere in your home or office so that you can constantly be reminded of those dreams. The Secret talks about the Law of Attraction and that is basically what the Dream Board is all about. That which we think about will manifest itself into our lives. So, what better way to think about our dreams than to put the images on a board so we can think about them more frequently.

Knowing I was planning to attend the meeting, I got a head start on my Dream Board. I started by printing images to symbolize the various projects I wants to achieve. Then I started examining what I really wanted in my life, where I wanted to live, who I wanted to be with, how I wanted to feel, what it would take to accomplish my dreams.

Ben Stein said, “The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.”

It sounds simple but when you really sit down and start writing it out, it is quite a process to set goals and determine how to get there. I have done this before, just about every new year’s eve of my life. But this year I have really approached it with much greater definition and structure. Perhaps it will lead me to greater success in realizing my dreams.

Thank you to Michael Gallegos for hosting the Dream Board meeting at Marie Calendar’s. I always meet the nicest people at his meetings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!


A friend sent me this message, "One noble intention can move the earth. One sincere effort can change the world. One step towards peace and prosperity can usher a positive change and make the world an amazing place to live. A great welcome to the year 2010 and a big hello to you." I thought it was so wonderful I wanted to share it with all of you ladies in the AZ Business Women's Network.

I believe we can all work toward positive change in 2010 by supporting each other in any way we can, to grow in our business and personal lives. We are women and we are strong!

So join us in our first meeting of 2010 at a new location : Shish Kebab House, 5158 W Olive Ave, in the Fry's Shopping Center NW Corner of 51st Ave & Olive. Glendale, AZ 85302 (623) 937-8757.

We meet every 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 11:30am to share lunch and our business stories, leads, ideas and learn from each other. There are no dues and we invite all business women too join us! Bring your friends!

We will be working toward a fund raising luncheon in March to benefit the Crisis Nursery. Bring your ideas!

Best wishes for a joyous and prosperous 2010

LeeAnn Sharpe

602-565-5785

lasharpe@cox.net

Book Review The Civility Solution

Book Review The Civility Solution
By LeeAnn Sharpe

The Civility Solution by P.M. Forni, published 2008 from St. Martin’s Press

ISBN 0-312-36849-6, has 166 pages.

This book answers many questions with an extremely civil attitude that common sense dictates to most people, but frequently seems to be lost in today’s world.

P. M. Forni, the award winning professor of Italian literature at Johns Hopkins University, has founded a Civility Institute. His 2002 book Choosing Civility has sold over a hundred thousand copies proving that what was once taught from childhood, has been lost for generations, and now must be learned by adults unaware that civility is what drives peaceful co-existence.

It’s no wonder we live in times where road rage and sideline parents at sporting events results in violence. Keeping one's cool in tense situations seems to be deemed as weak.

Forni’s book offers Eight Rules for a Civil Life that I find so simply elegant as to be words to live by.

1. Slow down and be present in your life. It sounds so easy but who among us isn’t guilty of rushing to get everything done. And isn’t that generally when civility flies out the window?

2. Listen to the voice of empathy. I know it can be hard when the creep you are trying to empathize with has just stolen your parking place, but it will do you more good to let it go.

3. Keep a positive attitude. No one likes a downer. Positive breeds happy and happy breeds joy and joy breeds… well you know.

4. Respect others and offer them plenty of validation. This goes exceptionally well for a child or spouse. But it applies to the rest of the world as well.

5. Disagree graciously and refrain from arguing. This is pretty much the most important chapter in this book in learning how to be civil. The book is worth it just for this one chapter!

6. Get to know the people around you. How many people don’t know their neighbors these days? There you are.

7. Pay attention to the small things. My Dad goes crazy when he works so hard to maintain his clean yard and the wind blows his neighbors unkempt leaves over. It may be a small thing but it leads to a loss of civility.

8. Ask, don’t tell. Wouldn’t we all enjoy a bit more civility in the world?

Retails for $19.95 at all fine booksellers today.
About the author: LeeAnn Sharpe is a freelance writer residing in Glendale, Arizona. Her love of the southwest and the western lifestyle have inspired her to a project called Keeping the Spirit of the Old West Alive. She also writes reviews on books and dining as well as several biographies of influential people.

Mark Everett Guardians of the Grain CD Review

Mark Everett "Guardians of the Grain"
 CD Review
by LeeAnn Sharpe
“Guardians of the Grain” by Mark Everett hit the market this month with 12 of the most delicious new tracks you could ever hear. Everett’s beautifully deep resonating voice brings life to articulately crafted lyrics telling stories in these ballads. Those with a love for history and bygone years will enjoy his nostalgic lines. Danceable and catchy, you will find yourself singing along in no time. He engages a theme of longing for the kinder gentler world of the past and offering hope for the future.
 Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Everett was raised all over Canada, with his guitar, a Christmas gift from his father in 1983, his constant companion. “I have always felt that old guitar has been there as my one truest friend...and music the truest form of my personal expression. I live for that!” he says.
 Beginning with melodic chords, “Guardians of the Grain” – (by Clyde Jorgensen, J. Watts, and Mark Everett) tells the story of grain silos on farms across Canada guarding the harvest in a time when farmers stood proud. The lyrics proclaim “Now the world has changed and those giants don’t rule.”  This number will really grow on you more each time you hear it.
 “Don’t Take it So Hard” – (by C.D. Lenard) has a crisp full life of it’s own. Try not to tap your foot to this song and you will not succeed. Your girl leaves “It’s not the end of the world” lyrics can be taken to heart in a number of ways; the lesson we all learn when a heart is broke.
“The Drive” – (by Mark Everett) is a slower paced heartfelt sorrowful ballad that came from personal experience of heartache and loss of his Dad. “Time will heal the pain I feel, they say. But I feel it will never be the same…” echo the same sense of loss that “Guardians of the Grain” and “Where the Mustangs Run Free” do. Each lyric speaks of a time when the promised land was ours and the recent changes in life aren’t always for the best.
 Everett grew up drawing influence from many different artists like Hank Thompson, George Jones and later Radney Foster and Randy Travis. “As I get older, I realize that only time brings life experiences that make for real personal artistic influence. For me, blessings and trials such as becoming a father, losing loved ones, and just plain old laughs and struggles down life’s sometimes hard and dusty road are ultimately the greatest sources of my music”, Everett commented.
 “Where the Mustangs Run Free”. (by R. Lane, Clyde Jorgensen, J. Watts, and C. Dunnagan) is, in my opinion, a musical masterpiece. With the longing for a past life, “Where the Mustangs Run Free” begins with crisp clear melodic finger picking guitar and strong bass that continues like a playful mustang running through at a good pace. A depth and dimension to the orchestration of this piece brings to mind the majestic themes of western movies and story telling that makes it an experience to be enjoyed time and again. You will see those mustangs and feel their hoof beats. And you too will long for a time and place where the mustangs run free.
 “Kiss My Ex” – (by Bill Turner) is sassy, humorous and upbeat, if I were to describe this ditty. Everett adds a little twang and character to his voice to a number that pretty much is explained in it’s title.  Everett met Clyde Jorgensen in 2001. He says. “He (Jorgensen) was the one who turned my idea of recording a CD into a reality. We took some material he had written, some I had written, and co-wrote a couple of tracks, putting them together to create the “Guardians of the Grain” album.”
 “When the Diesel Winds Down” – (by Mark Everett and Clyde Jorgensen) displays the collaborative power of this duo taking advantage of Everett’s voice and Jorgensen’s knack with lyrics. “Daddy drove rigs back as far as ’69…” Flashing back on memories again and how “When I feel sad I think about my dear old Dad”.
 “Welcome Home to Alberta” – (by Mark Everett) is a love song to the “true north strong and free, “It’s a place of wealth and beauty. It’s a place for you and me.” Everett’s love for Alberta rings true. “The beauty of this land is something everyone should see.”  Alberta’s Chamber should adopt this number real fast!  
“Truckin” – (by Clyde Jorgensen and C.D. Lenard) picks up the pace for an upbeat great dancing number.
 Work and family kept Everett travelling the highway between the northern Alberta family farm near High Level and his southern home near Lethbridge. He spent time in Phoenix working with Jorgensen, which as he says, “Made me feel like I have a third home there as well.”
  “Catherine’s Song (The Way You Love Me)” – (by Clyde Jorgensen) is a simple beautiful love song that showcases Jorgensen’s skill with words and feelings. He sings the harmony as well. He has one lucky lady. Although he would say it’s the other way around, that he’s the lucky one.
 “Would You Like to Dance” – (by Clyde Jorgensen and C.D. Lenard, B. Bailey) is upbeat and lively almost a Cajun beat. It makes a great dancing tune. “Would you like to dance or are you still mad at your Ex?” Can’t you just imagine hearing that at the bar?
 “Better Watch Out” – (by Clyde Jorgensen) Jorgensen makes this one a true duet with Everett. And the juxtaposition of Jorgensen’s rough gravel voice against Everett’s silky smooth voice is an interestingly successful contrast.
 “Once Again Your Love Surrounds Me” – (by Clyde Jorgensen) proves Jorgensen a true romantic with an ability to put words to music in a classic style. Yet each is fresh and new. Everett delivers the message with the feeling it deserves.
 “The success of this CD was made possible by Clyde and Billy William’s awesome talent and patience. These two veterans of the business made me laugh every time we were in the studio. So even though we put our all into it, it never felt like work,” says Everett.
 Also performing on this project were Billy Williams (guitar and piano), Mike Smith (steel guitar), Jerica Nicolaides (fiddle), Mike Brouchette (harmonica), Lycia Ware, Steve Parrish, & Clyde Jorgensen (background vocals).
Everett says, “I really hope my music connects with the folks who hear it. This first project has really opened up an exciting chapter in my life. I am already working on new material for another project. But first I’m very anxious to see the response to the “Guardians of the Grain”. I am really hoping everyone comes to enjoy these songs like I do.”
 You can learn more about Mark Everett at www.markeverettmusic.com “Guardians of the Grain” 2009 Daffy Dane Music, 10476 N Balboa Dr, Sun City, AZ 85351. Recorded and mastered at Billy Williams Studio in cooperation with Trails End Productions .

Whitey Hughes Hollywood Stuntman Nov 1920 - Jul 2009

Whitey Hughes Hollywood Stuntman Nov 1920 - Jul 2009

Whitey Hughes born Nov. 9, 1920, in Arkoma, Oklahoma, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Whitey Hughes is a name you may not remember. But you have seen his work. An actor and stuntman in the early years of the westerns we all grew up watching his talents without even knowing it was him. His resume is filled with the names of every major actor of the golden age of movies.

 From 1948 through 1953 Whitey worked for Robert Gilbert Productions as a stuntman and double for such stars its Reno Browne and Lee "Lasses" White in "Red Rock Outlaw" ('50). Whitey was doing stunts on Johnny Carpenter's low budget westerns like "Badman's Gold" (‘51) and "Son of a Renegade" ('53). His first location job was in Lone Pine, doubling leading lady, Lynne Roberts in Tim Holt's "Dynamite Pass" ('50).

Whitey was often called upon to double for women in these early days and would eventually do stunts for such luminaries as Rita Hayworth, Stephanie Powers, Barbara Hershey, Anne Baxter, Lana Turner, Kathleen Crowley and Virginia Mayo ("Along the Great Divide", again on location in Lone Pine). Whitey's credits include work on "The Wild One" with Marlon Brando, "Sitting Bull" with Dale Robertson, "Darby O'Gill and the Little People", "Charge at Feather River" with Guy Madison, "Geronimo" with Chuck Connors and Ross Martin, and Sam Peckinpah's "Wild Bunch".

Whitey was Johnny Crawford's double for four years on TV's "Rifleman" as well as Bobby Diamond's double during the run of the "Fury" TV series. Whitey also worked on "U.S. Marshal", "Californians", "MacKenzie's Raiders", "Black Saddle", "Wyatt Earp", "Lassie", "Rawhide", "Bonanza", "Monroes", "Hondo", "Gunsmoke" ... and hundreds more including work for both Roy [Rogers] and Gene [Autry] on their respective series. To see the caliber of his terrific stunt work watch Whitey in action in almost every episode of "The Wild Wild West", which he coordinated for four seasons ('65-'68). Whitey and his stunt crew do some amazing action sequences.

Whitey spent '70 - '71 preparing his own production, Smoke In the Wind. In the '70s, Whitey worked on series and films such as "Omega Man", "Harper Valley P.T.A.", "Spiderman", "Wonder Woman", "B. J. and the Bear", "Buck Rogers", "Father Murphy", "Fall Guy", "Blue and the Gray", "Little House on the Prairie" and many others. Whitey worked as an active stuntman for over 50 years. He was even in the 1997, "Men in Black" at age 77.

 Whitey Hughes, did his final "Take" last week but he will live on in a tremendous body of work forever.

'Alamo' movie set closes in respect of owner's death

'Alamo' movie set closes in respect of owner's death


Alamo Village in Brackettville is now closed. For decades, tourists have been able to visit the movie set where John Wayne held off Mexican soldiers in the movie "The Alamo,"

The owner of the village, 93-year-old Virginia Shahan, had kept it open to visitors, trail rides and other movie shoots for nearly 50 years. But after her recent death, the attraction has been closed to visitors until her family determines what to do next.

The movie inspired a generation of would-be cowboys and cemented in people's imaginations an outsized image of the Alamo that dwarfs the real thing in downtown San Antonio.

Astronomical Event 4,000 Years Ago Depicted on Desert Floor

Astronomical Event 4,000 Years Ago Depicted on Desert Floor
By LeeAnn Sharpe

Pete Norris is a man on a mission. His mission is to document and save ancient geoglyphs in the desert along Carefree Highway in Desert Hills AZ that are in

the path of future development. Geoglyphs are drawings made by ancient peoples on the ground, in this case using various size and types of rocks to form a pattern and tell a story.

Norris is an expert at crytanalysis, or the art of breaking codes. He believes that the geoglyphs he found in north Phoenix depict a known astronomical event some 4,000 years ago. The pattern and number of rocks clearly describe, to the trained eye, where the event happened and for how long. It tells of a meteor event, the number of meteor showers and the direction they crossed the ancient skies. The event is known to  astronomers and has been recorded elsewhere in history on pottery and wall art and is documented to have occurred in 3,200B.C. “The sequences and the counts line up with this meteor event,” he said.

The only question is whether these geoglyphs are as ancient as the event itself or a retelling of the story by more recent inhabitants of the area. Other archaeologists claim it’s unlikely the formation is 4,000 years old. More likely it is consistent with other sites historically documented in the area about a 1,000 years ago. Norris admits it is unlikely

to be as ancient as when the event occurred.

“This is a known corridor for petroglyphs, art drawn on rock faces, by tribes about a

thousand years ago. They came through these mountain passes and left their art as

they passed through, Norris says. “This may have been a spiritual place where the

telling of ancient stories were handed down in the form of this geoglyph.”

When the land was recently sold it went through an archeological survey, the survey

team overlooked the site. Norris said he is shocked that it was missed. The area is slated for development with a road going right through the site. Norris has brought the site to the attention of the state and developers in hopes of preserving the site.

Still as a site 1,000 years old it is amazing it has survived relatively untouched for so

long, so near areas of development. Few people in urban areas get to experience

actual original geoglyphs. The rocks, mainly volcanic, with some quartz, are laid out in a pattern that Norris claims is a “Genesis II pictorial script,” a form of writing that predates even hieroglyphics. “The rocks have not been moved in recent times, except maybe one.” Norris maintains each stone’s placement, shape and size is significant.

Geoglyphs are drawings made on the ground historically created by either trenching the earth, revealing lighter colored earth below the surface, or by the placement of stones in specific patterns.

This geoglyph is small, only about 10 square yards. Perhaps the most famous geoglyphs in the southwest region are the Blythe Intaglios near the Colorado River best viewed from the air and are hundreds of yards long.

Watching the alignment of the sun each day over the course of a year, Norris has been able to verify the timeline depicted is consistent with other sites around the world. They all line up to these same dates which coincide with the start of this historic meteor event.  

Norris says he is continuing to attempt to have the site dated and verified. His avocation lies in the interpretation of such sites, not the archaeology. “We really need to get some experts out here to see these geoglyphs before they are destroyed by construction.” Pete Norris can be contacted at 602-334-7209.

The Spirit of the Old West Alive Bob Boze Bell Interview

The Spirit of the Old West Alive Bob Boze Bell Interview

Featured November 19th at Bison Western Museum

The 3000 Club Food Rescue benefits from auction

(SCOTTSDALE) – The Spirit of the Old West Alive lecture series continued November 19th, the second in the series to honor people who have “kept the spirit of the old west alive”. Bob Boze Bell Executive Editor of True West Magazine was center stage and offered some candid insight to events never before discussed as he was interviewed about his life and times in Arizona.

“I don’t know if I can say this if there are kids in the audience,” Bell sheepishly confided. His story continued about how the “P” word got one of his books pulled from a bookstore for indecency when a customer complained. The audience laughed at the absurdity of the situation and at the endless quips Bell let loose in the 2 hours on stage.

The Spirit of the Old West Alive (SOWA) was founded by LeeAnn Sharpe with the purpose of collecting oral histories. “Too often we see the passing of significant people in our history without their stories being recorded. It means so much more to hear their stories directly from the individual. To hear their voice, to see their body language and pick up on their personality,” Sharpe comments. These video taped interviews will be available as DVD’s and online for research.

Why Bell? “We have to honor those people who have impacted our western experience. Bob Boze Bell has written a number of books on old west characters, created western art, and brought a publication, True West, back to life and introduced the history of the west to a whole new generation.”

Bison Western Museum is an excellent partner in the SOWA program as their goal is also related to gathering history of the southwest. The lectures are presented in their theatre seating 125 people. With the gorgeous museum upstairs for guests to explore while enjoying a buffet of hor d’ouveres and a cocktail, the location is about as enjoyable as possible. (www.bisonhomes.com )

Also sponsoring the event is the Wild West Gazette dedicated to promoting Arizona history, education and tourism. Sharpe as Editor of the publication had little trouble convincing Publisher Sid Hagel to jump onboard. The current November issue of Wild West Gazette boldly depicts the first two lectures in the series. ( www.wildwestgazette.com )

The 3000 Club Food Rescue (www.the3000club.org) was a beneficiary of a third of the evenings receipts. The 3000 Club Food Rescue, with founder Lon Taylor and Ethel Luzario, do incredible work transporting produce that can not make it to market to food banks that would be otherwise sent to landfills. Their program makes a major impact feeding the hungry with high quality nutritious produce. A portion of the proceeds from the SOWA lecture will support their efforts. Taylor took the stage to describe the work they do in these much needed times. He told how they had lost a major sponsor and needed to raise $30,000 to replace that income to keep the project going. “We need 3000 members to donate as little as $100 to make this happen,” Taylor commented. The audience responded with questions of how to join. The website above has an application online. Or call 602-549-1011.

The next lecture will be January 7th and honor Wyatt Earp Grandnephew of the famous lawman. as one of the people who keep the “Spirit of the Old West Alive.” Earp has preserved the family history and performs a one man show. He has traveled the world with his show and certainly is deserving of this honor.

Bison Western Museum is located at 16641 N. 91st St., Scottsdale, AZ (just north of Bell Road) Parking is free and admission is a $15 donation to benefit our selected charities. Doors open at 5PM, Cocktail hour begins at 6pm and the program will begin at 7pm and last until 9pm. (www.spiritoftheoldwestalive.com )

Review by Sarver Marshall Trimble Interview

Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s Official State Historian Honored by “Spirit of the Old West Alive”
By Karen Michelle Sarver

Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s Official State Historian, was honored with a “Spirit of the Old West Alive” award Nov. 5 at the Bison Western Museum in Scottsdale.
LeeAnn Sharpe, director of the program, presented the award following her videotaped interview of Marshall. The video is the first in the lecture series, “People Who Keep the Spirit of the Old West Alive,” created to promote the history of the West both online and in museums nationwide.
The interview, accompanied by a slide show, focused on Marshall’s life as a teacher, historian, and musician. While Marshall is certainly all of those—and more--the presentation proved he is also a man with a lot of friends.
The late Senator Barry Goldwater was one of them.
Marshall met Barry Goldwater in 1972 when the senator spoke at Scottsdale’s Coronado High School where Marshall was teaching Southwest history.
Marshall said he and the senator became friends that day, “and we were friends until the day he died.”
Following his introduction of Goldwater at the high school, Marshall said he went on to introduce the senator “on the Barry Goldwater Lecture Series for more than twenty-odd years.”
“We never talked politics,” Marshall said. “Barry had this whole other side; he liked to talk about Arizona history…we always talked history. That suited him and it suited me too.”
Another of Marshall’s friends was Henry Cordes, grandson of German immigrant John Henry Cordes who established the town that bears his name in 1883, and became its first postmaster.
Marshall’s family met Henry when their 1936 Ford broke down in Cordes.
“Not Cordes Junction, Henry Cordes’ town,” Marshall clarified. “We lived there for two, three, four days. We were the guests of Henry Cordes.”
He added, “I think the population of Cordes was one.”
Besides a politician and a town founder, Marshall’s list of friends included an Academy Award winner: Ben Johnson.
Marshall called Johnson, who acted in “The Wild Bunch,” “Shane,” “ Junior Bonner” and other westerns “one of the best storytellers.”
The two men camped together in Monument Valley for a week for an “Arizona Highways” piece that Marshall was writing about the actor.
“Other than his loud snoring, we had a very wonderful time,” Marshall said. “You met him and it felt like you knew him all your life.”
Marshall said that when he heard the news of Johnson’s death in 1996 he had to pull his car off to the side of the road to gather his thoughts.
“He was just that kind of guy. I’ll never forget him.”
But one of the Official State Historians dearest friends is Arizona Official State Balladeer Dolan Ellis. Marshall and Dolan have performed together since about 1978.
“He’s a great guy, like Ben Johnson,” Marshall said, “to know him is to love him.”
Marshall recalled that when he “went down with a heart issue” and couldn’t make his performances, Dolan called him, asking if Marshall had any shows he needed covered.
“I said, ‘Yeah, all of ‘em.”
Marshall said Dolan drove “all over the place to cover my shows. And when the checks came in and I tried to give ‘em to him he wouldn’t take ‘em. We’re that kind of friends.”
Marshall concluded the interview with a reflection on his book signing for “Ash Fork,” his book about the history of his childhood hometown.
“The day… that the book came out and we went up there for the book signing, there was a blizzard,” Marshall said. “I started signing books at…noon and it snowed up at Flag. and Prescott—everywhere. And people came from as far away as Kingman and Flagstaff, through the storm to come to the book signing. And, those,” he said, “are friends.”
To learn more about Marshall Trimble, visit his website at www.marshalltrimble.com

Bob Boze Bell Featured November19th

The Spirit of the Old West Alive Announces
First Interview in Lecture Series

Bob Boze Bell Featured November19th at Bison Western Museum

Cowgirl Designs displays art and The 3000 Club Food Rescue benefits from auction

(SCOTTSDALE) – The Spirit of the Old West Alive lecture series continues November 19th, the second in a series to honor people who have “kept the spirit of the old west alive”. Bob Boze Bell Executive Editor of True West Magazine will be center stage interviewed about his life and times in Arizona.

The Spirit of the Old West Alive (SOWA) was founded by LeeAnn Sharpe with the purpose of collecting oral histories. “Too often we see the passing of significant people in our history without their stories being recorded. It means so much more to hear their stories directly from the source,” Sharpe comments.

Bison Western Museum is an excellent partner in the SOWA program as their goal is also related to gathering history of the southwest. The lectures will be presented in their theatre seating 125 people.

Also sponsoring the event is the Wild West Gazette dedicated to promoting Arizona history, education and tourism. Sharpe as Editor of the publication had little trouble convincing Publisher Sid Hagel to jump onboard.

Sponsors also include photographer Karin Johnson of Cowgirl Designs who will auction some of her horse photography art work to benefit the designated charity for the evening, The 3000 Club Food Rescue (www.the3000club.org).

The 3000 Club Food Rescue, with founder Lon Taylor and Ethel Luzario, do incredible work transporting produce that can not make it to market to food banks that would be otherwise sent to landfills. Their program makes a major impact feeding the hungry with high quality nutritious produce. A portion of the proceeds from the SOWA lecture will support their efforts.

Sharpe says, “I hope to build an archive of stories that combine to tell the history of Arizona. The lectures will be entertaining evenings for anyone interested in cowboy western art, music, history and lifestyle. It’s also a great opportunity for business and social networking! We had 88 people attend our event for Marshall Trimble on Nov 5th and expect a similar crowd for this event.”

Bob Boze Bell is a historian, a humorist, a storyteller, and as True West editor has brought the history of the old west to people all over the world. It seems only fitting that he should be the among the first to be honored as one of the people who keep the “Spirit of the Old West Alive.”

Bison Western Museum is located at 16641 N. 91st St., Scottsdale, AZ (just north of Bell Road) Parking is free and admission is a $15 donation to benefit our selected charities. Cocktail hour begins at 6pm and the program will begin at 7pm and last until 9pm.

1883 Cordes Ranch

Sept 19
Bob and I met at his home in Black Canyon City and went up to Cordes Junction to interview a very interesting fella name Bob Rains. Bob had been with SDOT for 18 years and was about to retire. He is also an accomplished leatherworker.
We had breakfast at the CJ Diner hidden back behind the gas station. What a nice clean and economical place this is hidden back where most people might not find it or even know it is there.
Later we went to interview Cathy Cordes at the 1883 Cordes Ranch 3 miles west of I-17 off Bloody Basin Road which quickly becomes the Crown King Road. What a treat that adventure turned out to be! She manages the original stage stop/general store built in 1883 but burned down in 1910 and rebuilt on the same spot at the junction of the Crown King Road and Antelope Creek Road – the original Black Canyon Highway – the old stage route between Black Canyon City and Mayer. Her great granddad ran the saloon, store and stage stop from 1883. He acquired it after the former owner was stabbed to death by a drunk customer.
Cathy is opening the store on weekends and has an incredible collection of artifacts and antiques. Every vehicle her grandfather owned is in that back yard! And the views and beauty of the landscape is overwhelmingly beautiful. It rained while we were there and the frequent rain this summer has left the hills green and filled with wild flowers. The cattle roam free and have their head to the ground all the time enjoying great grazing.
Cathy’s mom still runs the cattle ranch on the same 160 acres her granddad bought back in 1883.
It’s about 17 miles up the Old Black Canyon Highway from Black Canyon City and I’m told it is good road all the way – graded but dirt. We took the road from Cordes Ranch (called Antelope Creek Road on maps now) to Mayer about 8 miles and it was smooth sailing. It dumps out about where the Dollar Store is on the Highway 69.
In Prescott Valley I had the opportunity to interview Dixie Northcutt author of Trekking Home and a rancher from the Arizona Strip in some of the loneliest land in the northern most part of the state along the north side of the Grand Canyon. It’s almost more a part of Utah than Arizona being separated by that huge canyon. The nearest large town was Kanab Utah. She had interesting stories of ranch life in tough country. Her stories will make a series of articles in the Wild West Gazette.

Arizona SideCar Adventures

Sept 18
Mom’s birthday and she had a doctor’s appointment first thing in the morning. Everything looked good from all of her tests. That is good news to get on your 78th birthday!
TJ and artist Roger Merritt met me in Cave Creek Recreational Area to shoot video of the Arizona SideCar Adventures sidecars driving through desert. He had to pay a fee to shoot up there and later we went to Pinnacle Peak where I think we got even better video in the Pinnacle Peak Patio Parking lot! I know I ended up with a sunburn even with sunblock on.
It was Thursday so that meant Thursday with Bog Marv and once again we documented Pinnacle Peak Patio history by scanning documents of history. Marv’s brother Herman showed up and we were able to get many questions answered by Herman. He is also the world’s leading authority on the artist Lon Megargee and A1 Brewing. Herman and his wife had just returned from a raft trip down the Colorado and both say never again! It was much more strenuous and intense than they had been led to believe. Once begun there is no turning back or early exit from the ride.

I showed Herman an old issue of the Valley National Bank Eagle employee newspaper for which I had been the staff photographer from 1976-1982. One issue had an article about the Lon Megarge art the bank had purchased under the direction of former bank president Walter Bimson. About 17 pieces were in the bank’s collection and most hung at 56th Street and Camelback Road. Of course, the bank has changed hands a couple of times since and Herman had heard they had auctions all of the art off at extraordinarily low prices because no one knew about the auction.

Cave Creek After Dark

Sept 17
I met with the folks from Rim Country Gazette about consulting for their publication. The success of Wild West Gazette has become legendary!

Cave Creek After Dark had about 100 people show up for the Cave Creek Visitor Center ribbon cutting. The Mayor and the Peaglers cut the ribbon of the newly decorated Marshall’s Office. It looks great! TJ Wooten gave people rides in his Arizona SideCar Adventure Sidecars around the block. What great fun! Sue Kern-Fletcher was there and we shared introductions to many people we know.

Carefree Corridor Business Group

Sept 16
The usual Carefree Corridor Business Group meeting at Pioneer Restaurant. Jim Tuemler made a nice presentation of his real estate business and the photography for the virtual tours he has online for his properties. He has a very nice website at www.desertlifestyles.info

Glendale Photography Club

Sept 15
The Mighty Cup & Spoon Coffee Shop hosts the Out of Box Photography Club to about a dozen very interesting photographers. Mike Moore conducted the meeting and has much of his photography hanging in the coffee shop. He had recently returned form a shoot in Jerome and found the Gold King Mine and Don Robertson as photogenic and filled with opportunities as Bob and I had a few weeks ago. It is definitely worth the trip and time to explore. Mike especially liked the old cars. I was amazed at the condition of some in garages there. Between the buildings, tools, animals and views it’s a photographer’s dream location.

The Apache Trail in Arizona

The Apache Trail in Arizona was originally a stagecoach trail that ran through the Superstition Mountains. It was named the Apache Trail after the Apache Indians who had used this trail to move through the Superstition Mountains for thousands of years.
The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.

Today, much of the Apache Trail is paved, and the section east of Apache Junction is known officially as State Route 88. It is also the main traffic corridor through Apache Junction, turning into Main Street as the road passes into Mesa, and regains the Apache name by becoming Apache Boulevard in Tempe, ending at Mill Avenue. Prior to the completion of the Superstition Freeway in 1992, the Apache Junction portion of the Apache Trail was part of US Highway 60, which was rerouted to the Superstition once it was completed.

The Trail winds steeply through 47 miles of rugged desert mountains, past deep reservoir lakes like Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. The narrow, winding road is unpaved from just east of the town of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam; there are steep cliff drops. The trail requires caution when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs, or SUVs. Some RV rental companies in the US do not allow their vehicles to be taken on this route.

We begin in Apache Junction. The Apache Trail follows the course of the Salt River which ancient peoples known as the Hohokam would travel along the shoreline through the Mazatzal Mountains for thousands of years.

In the late 1800's settlers found the are attractive for farming but the Salt River was unpredictable and prone to flooding. In 1902 President Roosevelt signed the National Reclamation Act and Roosevelt Dam was begun, completing construction in 1911. To bring supplies to the dam site a road was built following the ancient trail.

A stretch of the road through the Goldfield Mountains was referred to as the "Little Alps". President Roosevelt was quoted as saying, "The Apache Trail combines the grandeur of the Alps, the glory of the Rockies and the magnificence of the Grand Canyon, then adds an indefinable something that none of the others has. To me it is the most awe-inspiring and most sublimely beautiful panorama nature has ever created."

The drive from Tortilla Flats to Roosevelt Dam takes about 2.5 hours with an average speed of about 25mph.

The entire adventure ride features spectacular scenery to rival any in the state. The twenty mile graded dirt section of the trail provides magnificent views of twisted igneous mountains with dense forests of saguaro and cactus with several deep blue lakes along the way. Fish Creek Canyon is perhaps the most awe-inspiring section. The road hangs on the side of this high-walled canyon and winds its way along tremendous precipices that sink sheer for hundreds of feet below.

Sites along the way: Goldfield Ghost Town a rich gold strike that led to the establishment of Goldfield Mining District in 1892, and old buildings still line the dirt road. The famous Mammoth Saloon, Goldfield Livery, Lost Dutchman Museum, Coffee Cantina and Bakery, Rock Shop, Live Rattlesnake Exhibit, and Gold Mine Tours.

Superstition Mountains, 160,000-acre mountain range has a history of legends, mystery and lost gold mines. The most famous story associated with the area is the Legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine. Lost Dutchman State Park, is where numerous hiking trails led into the mysterious Superstitions.

Tonto National Forest

Canyon Lake was formed in 1925 when the Mormon Flat Dam was completed. The beautiful lake provides a refreshing retreat from the desert sun, has a marina, restaurant and the well-known "Dolly," which provides steamboat cruises on the lake.


Tortilla Flat, an old stage stop which was built in 1904 as a rest area on the way to the construction site of the Roosevelt Dam. During its boom era, the tiny town had 125 residents, a school, church, post office, hotel, livery, general store, saloon and a restaurant. In 1942, a devastating flood swept through Tortilla Flat, destroying many of the homes and most of the town. Today, when you drive into Tortilla Flat, you enter another era -- a remnant of the past. Since the big 1942 flood, a small portion of the settlement has been rebuilt or refurbished, and six residents live there year-round to greet tourist who venture down the Apache Trail.

This is a trip of a lifetime and not to be missed!
Take an Arizona SideCar Adventure trip to many areas of Arizona viewed a a slower pace and up close. It's an "E" ticket ride! Call 602-565-5785 for more information.

Barrett

Sept 11
My daughter’s best friend Karrie had a healthy baby boy Barrett at well over 8 pounds.

Grants

Sept 10-12
University of Phoenix hosted a Grant Institute class with about a dozen students from all over the state and one Californian. Our instructor was from Houston TX by way of Washington DC. We had 3 days of intensive writing and drills for grant writing and ended up earning our certification certificates. It was a good educational experience hearing how others will use their skills to fund projects. I was surprised how many small and large government entities are forced into finding funding through grants for things that are of major safety concern for the general public good.

Sept 12
Bob and I met for dinner at Bill Johnson’s and once again found the Wild West Gazette box empty! The manager Karen says they go really fast and everyone really enjoys our publication. We usually have dinner there every Friday night so we try to keep it full. We doubled up the number this time to see if they last.

Spirit of the West Alive Marshall Trimble Nov 5

Sept 9
Meeting with Mike Savarino at Bison Western Museum regarding the schedule for “Spirit of the West Alive” lecture series. The time slot open all through there calendar is Wednesday nights. He suggested “Hump Day at the Bison” as a slogan.
He will have Gary Martinson call on Marshall Trimble for the first night November 5th.

Spirit of the Old West Alive

Introduction
As much as we love the
"American Old West"
the very things we love about it are disappearing every day.
That's why capturing the stories of the old west,
straight from the
"People Who Have Kept
the Spirit of the Old West Alive"
is an important project.

“Spirit of the Old West Alive” is a project
co-sponsored by the Bison Museum in Scottsdale.


We will be moderating a series of lectures on “People Who Keep the Spirit of the West Alive” to be audience viewed and video taped oral histories. The edited videos will be played online and around the country in museums promoting the history of the west. They will go into archives for future historians. This all starts in October 2008 and the series of lectures should run through at least 2012, Arizona’s Centennial.

As I think of the people who keep the “Spirit of the Old West Alive” I thought of you. You know someone whose efforts keep the time honored spirit of the west. Or you know a company that would want to sponsor these lectures. Or you know a charitable organization that would like to share these evenings to spread their message and raise funds. If you are interested please contact me so we can begin planning and scheduling a time for your participation in any of the three opportunities mentioned above.

Join us as we interview and record oral histories before they fade away...

I would also appreciate your spreading the word to your friends about
“People Who Keep the Spirit of the Old West Alive!”


Thank you for your kind consideration of participation in this worthy project.
LeeAnn Sharpe, Spirit of the Old West Alive
602-565-5785 cell
PO Box 6536
Glendale, AZ 85312-6536

Castle Hot Springs - Hieroglyphic Mountains & Bradshaw Mountains

Castle Hot Springs - Hieroglyphic Mountains & Bradshaw Mountains
Travel the winding dirt mountain roads leading up to one of the richest mined mountain ranges in world history. Dozens of mining towns filled these mountains, all long gone. Their wealth is said to have build the splendor of San Francisco. All that is left in the Bradshaws are mysterious roads leading you through beautiful hidden valleys and unique little oasis of green tucked into a desert.

Castle Hot Springs was a famous luxurious resort that saw the likes of John Kennedy, Clark Gable and Teddy Roosevelt.

You come out on Hwy 74 next to Lake Pleasant which is a beautiful desert lake with a marina and visitor center well worth the cost of admission.

Arizona SideCar Adventures will be your host to a customized trip to meet your time and travel requirements. Call us today to book your tour.

602-639-6303

HISTORY: In 1865 Yavapai County Arizona Territory, Col. Charles Craig, commander of troops at Prescott's Fort Whipple, pursued a group of Indians who had just raided nearby mining camps. This pursuit ended when the troops defeated the Indians and stopped to rest at what is now known as Salvation Peak. The surrounding peaks resembled castles and a creek at the bottom prompted the men to name the area Castle Creek. After finding the elusive "magic waters", or hot springs, of the Apaches, they named the area Castle Hot Springs. Apaches attributed healing powers to the hot, clear water that poured out from the canyon rock.
Frank Murphy obtained the land in the1880's with plans of building a secluded resort hotel. Frank Murphy's brother, Nathan Oakes Murphy, became the general manager of the development and hired other professionals to aid in the project. Civil Engineer, Andrew Barry, surveyed the roads and the site while a landscape gardener named Smith laid out the grounds. Toohey and Webster were also hired as contractors. In 1896 the first "hot springs resort" opened with additions between 1900 and 1905. In 1895, the construction of the north-south railroad, also commissioned by Murphy, allowed the Santa Fe Railway to take guests from all over the country to Morristown, formerly called Hot Springs Junction along what is now Hwy 60, near the junction with Hwy 74 . Guests would take a four-hour stagecoach ride almost 24 miles to the resort. The resort employing a full-time resident physician, masseur, and a masseuse.

Advertising pamphlets were sent eastward to potential clients boasting the “Oasis in the Mountains” as a beautiful and luxurious resort. The pamphlets also described the healing springs as a curative for rheumatism, blood disorders, insomnia, kidney disease, anemia, and other ills. Murphy believed the hot springs to have the perfect combination of healing water and hot dry air of the desert.

In its early years, Castle Hot Springs functioned as the first territorial winter capital of Arizona, as well as the local jail. Hangings were said to have been carried out on the administration building's balcony.

During this time the resort installed the first telephone in Arizona and its number was "1". In 1901, the resort became the first in Arizona to be electrified with the construction of an “electric light” plant and an ice plant.

On June 23, 1917, Frank Murphy died and left the Castle Hot Springs Hotel Company to his attorney, T. G. Norris. Norris maintained the resort and improved the integrity of the structures, replacing the wooden steps, platforms, and stone retaining walls with concrete. The property was sold on March 14, 1925 to Walter H. Rounsevel with the financial support of Thomas Fortune Ryan. The resort continued to blossom until the Great Depression following the market crash in 1929. On August 8, 1930, Natt Head Group bought the property but it was soon returned to the Castle Hot Springs Hotel Company due to a foreclosure agreement

In the 1920's and 30's the Wrigleys, Vanderbilts, Weinberg's, Rockefellers and even Zane Grey stayed in bungalows at the Castle Hot Springs resort.

Closed during World War II because of rationing and food shortages, the site was leased by the military for the recuperation of pilots. In 1945, a young naval officer named John F. Kennedy spent three months at the property recovering from combat injuries. This distinction earned Castle Hot Springs a special dispensation, allowing the American flag to be flown 24 hours a day on nearby Salvation Peak. Today the flag is maintained by the Boy Scouts of America.

The resort was then sold to Oasis Hotel Corporation.

Over the next 30 years the resort continued to operate until the famous "Palm House" burned down in a devastating fire in 1976. After the fire destroyed the main building, the property and its remaining cottages were donated to Arizona State University, by Mrs. Mae Talley, the owner of the resort, which used it as a conference center. ASU sold it in 1987 for $3 million to the Trainer brothers, who visited the property when they were children in the 1950s. Charles and Steve Trainer, two heirs to the Schlitz Brewing Co. fortune, and their partner, Scottsdale developer Fred Unger sold the property to Garrett Hotel Group of Burlington, Vt., whose owner David Garrett envisions a 50-room luxury hotel and spa . When Garrett bought the property, it had 167 acres. He later bought another 40 acres to the west.

The 207-acre property with year-round natural hot springs is about seven miles northwest of Lake Pleasant and 55 miles from downtown Phoenix. Due to the historical significance of the surrounding 405 acres, 16 buildings, and 8 structures, Castle Hot Springs was added to the National Historic Register in 1991.

Now only a caretaker remains and the resort has changed hands many times. Much remains including the main house, the employee house, the movie theatre, swimming pool (supposedly the largest free form pool in the world), golf course and more.

The hot springs are fed by an enormous cistern created by the displacement of tertiary volcanic rock, tens of thousands of years ago. Each day, this underground reservoir produces 400,000 gallons of water at 122 degrees Fahrenheit—the hottest temperature known for a spring which is not volcanically active. The waterfall emerges from a crack in the rock wall, supplying Castle Creek and its three deep pools with water that is quite pure, odorless, and crystal clear. Its superb quality indicates a source depth of 7,000 to 10,000 feet.
Notes on Castle Hot Springs: Castle Hot Springs Road off Hwy 60 on to Hwy 74 east near Wickenburg will take you through the Bradshaw Mountains to Lake Pleasant Road off of Hwy 74

The first two miles off Hwy 60 is asphalt through a neighborhood of luxury homes. As the neighborhood ends, the blacktop becomes a graded, red dirt road in various states depending on recent weather conditions. Some areas are barely wide enough to handle a hummer. Often the road and river bed are one in the same with a small stream at road edge for miles.

The road goes through the White Picacho mining district overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the valley of the Buckhorn and Hieroglyphic Mountain foothills (which actually have no hieroglyphics but do abound with Indian petroglyphs) with the Bradshaw Mountains ahead.

The road goes just north of the rugged Hells Canyon Wilderness. California fan palm trees 45- to 60-foot-tall trees line the property of JL Bar, a retired cattle ranch built in the late 1800s.

Flanked by bougainvillea and emerald lawns, Castle Hot Springs Resort is now closed, a “private” sign and caretaker protecting it's secrets. Perhaps one day the sprawling estate will be reopened to societies elite once again.

Take an Arizona SideCar Adventure trip to many areas of Arizona viewed a a slower pace and up close. It's an "E" ticket ride! Call 602-565-5785 for more information.

Pinnacle Peak Patio Thursdays with Big Marv

Sept 4
Pinnacle Peak Patio Thursdays with Big Marv. Once again (Week 6) we spent the evening with Big Marv and scanned in history and photos from the last 50 years. The databases are getting huge and we find we have to stop after about 6 hours as the computers get over heated from scanning and printing. Bob (Arizona Duuude) designed some really great little wooden blocks to set under the computers to raise them off the vinyl tablecloth so they stay a little cooler longer. We have gone through about 3 ink cartridges so far printing documents. The little Neat Receipts scanner does a great job on anything flat and smaller than 8.5”x11” that can run through it’s feed mechanism. But I also brought an HP All in One Scanner, Copier and Printer for things we need to lay onto a flat bed for scanning. Many large items need to be scanned in sections I will piece together later. Of special interest tonight was Marv’s brand book. He has so many brands and ranch documentation 3 inches thick. He also has a general cowboy collections book of interesting art and books he has seen.

Mental Health

Sept 3

It was a new experience for me today as I was called to court to testify as to the mental state of an acquaintance. The state will take control of an individual for a period of time if he is considered a threat to himself or others as this person was at the time.

The level of pressure such a situation was unknown to me until tossed into the middle of the circumstances I had no desire to be a part of, yet had no control once so involved. You question rights of an individual to control their own life and how much you relinquish when mental illness comes into play. Of course the compassionate thing to do is to be there to help the person with professional support, therapy and medication. So if that person has gone through all society has to offer and still wants to end his life, do we have the right to intercede. As Christians we are taught to protect and preserve life. This opens so many questions about quality of life and responsibility. It makes my head and heart hurt. One thing I do know now is society needs to find more compassion for the mentally ill.

All Roads to Lead to Yuma

Sept 2, 2008

Today we had another wonderful meeting with Patricia A. Etter, M.L.S., Emeritus College, Arizona State University at the University Club. Ms. Etter has been keeping us updated on the historic trails symposium being planned by the Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) for January of 2009.

Billed as “All Roads to Lead to Yuma,” the symposium will feature speakers and tours covering several of the pioneer and early routes that converged on the historic crossing point of the Colorado River, from the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition in the 1770s to the Gold Rush era of the 1840s and 1850s to the stage routes of the late 19th Century. The dates set for the Yuma event are January 16 – 18.

Ms. Etter is on the steering committee along with John Krizek. Registration information through OCTA will be available in the summer at OCTA’s Web site www.octa-trails.org

Yuma’s unique history as the crossroads of the Southwest was recognized by the United States Congress in 2000 with the official designation of the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area — the first entity west of the Mississippi River to be so recognized, according to city historian Tina Clark. Ms. Clark is assisting the committee with suggestions for tours and site visit locations. The Yuma Visitors Bureau also is helping
to facilitate arrangements for the Yuma symposium. “For 250 years, all roads in the southwestern U.S. have led to Yuma,” reports Krizek. “What better time of year than January to explore this historic corner of the country.”

Wild West Gazette is planning to attend the conference and report our findings in the March 2009 issue. We strongly encourage those interested in southwest history to consider attending and supporting this worthwhile endeavor.

After getting more familiar with Ms. Etter’s knowledge and experience of southwest history I have added her name to my list of “People Who Keep the Spirit of the West Alive”.

La Piazza Al Forno Gourmet Brick Oven Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen

Dining Review
By LeeAnn Sharpe

La Piazza Al Forno Gourmet Brick Oven Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen, 5803 W. Glendale Ave., in Historic Downtown Glendale. 623-847-3301 Hours Mon-Thur Lunch 11am-3pm Dinner 5pm-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm Select Sundays. Website: www.lapiazzaalforno.blogspot.com

Their menu states, “Our passion is crafting delicious Italian meals using simple time honored recipes… Just like the original Pizzerias and Trattorias of Italy, La Piazza is a place for friends and family to gather for good food.”

It was just by chance that my friends and I ended up at La Piazza. But what a fortuitous chance that was. Just south of Murphy Park at 58th Ave & Glendale, it’s tucked away in an almost hidden store front. The food was excellent and the people very friendly. And the prices were very moderate with generous portions.

We all started off with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cheese and cucumbers with a nice Italian dressing, $3. A basket of Italian Bread was $1.50. They offer a short beer and wine list. We had a nice house red wine $5.25 glass. They also offer Calamari $7, Shrimp $7, and Bruschette $3 for Appetizers and a good variety of salads as well.

My favorite has always been Chicken Marsala and its one dish I always compare at any new Italian restaurant. The Chicken Marsala is a grilled chicken breast topped with mushrooms in a Marsala Wine Sauce with a side of pasta $10. It was delicious and large enough serving to make two meals. It made a great lunch the next day!

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce $7 or with Meatballs or Italian Sausage $9, both were tasty and filling. My friend is sensitive to too spicy foods, but enjoyed the meatballs saying they were just right. Just like Momma used to make! Another had the Italian Sausage and was very pleased with the taste and texture. Some places are too greasy, but these were perfect and flavorful.

The menu offers Ravioli $8, Parmigiano $8, Scampi $12, Linguine $10, Rigatoni $10, Lasagna $9, and Fettuccine Alfredo $8, as you would expect from any respectable Italian restaurant. They offer a selection of sandwiches including Meatball $6, Sausage & Peppers $6 and The Godfather $6.

But saving the best for last, you have to try their pizza! The wood fueled brick oven pizza brings you back to the classic pizza of years past. The crust has texture, volume and flavor to it and is crispy and tasty. Fresh ingredients like mozzarella, ricotta, basil and garlic generously top a pie you can pick up in your hand and feel some weight. They offer a nice menu of “Specialty Pizzas” with a wide selection of traditional (not designer) toppings for only $11 for the 14” to $17 for the 16”. If you want a pizza with real taste, check this one out. It’s a real treat after too many plastic and cardboard tasting pizzas the chains serve up. Now that I’m spoiled for good pizza, it will have to be La Piazza’a!

A family operation, La Piazza Al Forno owned by the Piazzas, (Justin, Rachel, Dennis, Anita and the kids), will make you enjoy family dinners out without breaking the bank and in an atmosphere you will feel comfortable. And the food will make you smile as much as the company!
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"Mamma Mia!" Movie Review

"Mamma Mia!"

By LeeAnn Sharpe

"Mamma Mia!" is great fun! The audience sang along, clapped, giggled and ahhhed as the songs ran the gamut of emotions. Mamma Mia flies on the wings of the golden oldies of ABBA and the crazy musical romps where the entire cast joins in wonderfully joyful choreographed dance routines. Every minute of this flick will refresh your spirit with beautiful views of the Greek island and blues of the ocean, along with classic music.

Meryl Streep is so well loved that even though this musical part of this role may have been a stretch for her, she made it work. Her voice actually sounded good. But Pierce Brosnan, who played her old flame Sam, should stick to acting. His voice was like the guy at the office singing karaoke and everyone tries to ignore the pain of it all. Still he is well cast as the great love of her life. Colin Firth who actually learned to play guitar for this role and took some singing lessons sounded pretty decent. Not that he will have a new music career, but he can carry a tune. Julie Walters and Christine Baranski took their comedic acting skills to a new level with their over the top musical performances. Stellan Skarsgård as Bill, one of three possible fathers of Donna’s daughter, had the audience rooting for him all the way.

ABBA, the Swedish pop act who has sold more than 400 million records to date and continues to sell well, has created timeless universally popular music. There is a strong camp appeal to the music that’s reminiscent of a kinder, gentler place in time. So it’s no surprise when the audience sings along and actually knows all of the words. Those who don’t sing along are looking superior, above all that, but they are still smiling behind the sneers. A magic in the music places a spell on all who hear it, a fan or not.

The story goes twenty-year-old Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), raised in Greece, invites three men to her wedding, one of whom she is sure must be her father. As the wedding guests arrive the bride-to-be with her two best girlfriends and her Mom and her two girlfriends vamp down memory lane with various musical numbers. Then the three would-be dads meet and bond and sing and try to figure out why they've been summoned to sunny Greece, where each enjoyed a lovely tryst with Donna years ago .

"Mamma Mia" will be your "Waterloo," as you enjoy a musical film like no other. "Super Trouper", "Dancing Queen", "Knowing Me, Knowing You", "Thank You for the Music", "Money, Money, Money", "The Winner Takes It All", "Voulez Vous", "I Have a Dream" and "SOS". It’s pure feel good fun from beginning to end. So let yourself go and enjoy! Warning you will have ABBA in your head for weeks to come!

MAMMA MIA! is a Universal Pictures release directed by Phyllida Lloyd from a script by Catherine Johnson. Running time: 108 minutes. Rated PG-13 for some sex-related comments.
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“Pistol Packin’ Paula” Benefit

“Pistol Packin’ Paula” Benefit
Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek was recently (Jun 29th ) the site of a very special benefit for Phoenix Arizona’s own World Champion Lady Six Gun Spinner, Bull Whip Artist and All-Around Wild West Performer, Paula Saletnik, who, for over 12 years entertained Tens of Thousands of Guests at the World Famous Rawhide Theme Park in Scottsdale, performed for Hundreds of Corporate Events and Fund Raisers, and performed at the World Famous Ponderosa Ranch {Home of TV’s Bonanza}.

Paula Saletnik, aka “Pistol Packin’ Paula”, was recently involved in an automobile accident, from which she sustained very serious bodily injury. During the evening of Thursday, January 10, Paula struck a deer while driving on a county highway near her home in Boerne, Texas. As she swerved to miss the animal, her truck rolled countless times and was thrown from the vehicle through the driver side window. When she regained consciousness, she was lying in the nearby grass, with the wheels upturned on her vehicle. As she realized she needed to call for help, her cellular phone was missing from it’s holder. Unable to move, she was encouraged when Pepper, her beloved dog, ran nearly a mile to a nearby farmhouse to get help. It was at this exact time that Paula’s landlord called her. Fortunately, she was able to reach the cell phone located near her knee, truly a Godsend. An ambulance arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, and she was transported to a nearby “Flight for Life” location. She was then airlifted by helicopter to the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.

Paula’s diagnosed injuries included a broken sternum and pelvis {both sides, front & back}, cracked ribs and fractures to three vertebrae. A surgical procedure was performed on Tuesday, January 15, with several permanent pins implanted. Her doctors expect a full recovery, however, this will take several months or years of therapy and determination. Paula’s tough Cowgirl Spirit is intact and she WILL twirl her guns and ride her horse again! After her hospital stay, Paula has left the hospital and is staying with friends for the next several months, who will assist her in her therapy and recovery.

Dr Buck Montgomery, of Dr Buck Productions {Producer of the Annual Wild Western Festival in Phoenix AZ Sept 26-28 at CJS Film Studios www.wildwesternfestivals.com}, a personal friend of over 15 years and a fellow entertainer has contributed to and created a Trust Fund for Paula, {Donations can be made at Any “Bank of America” Branch, to the “ THE PAULA SALETNIK MEDICAL FUND”}

The Paula Benefit on Sunday, June 29th, 2008, from 2pm to 6pm, was hosted by Barbara & Larry Wendt at their Historic Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse, located at: 6811 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331. Despite the 110 degree heat a good number of people attended keeping close to shade and misters and sipping cool beverages. The event featured World Class “Best of the West” Entertainers, Live Music, Games, Activities, Raffles, a great Silent & Live Auction. TC Thorstenson also a long time friend of Paula’s, previously working together in his Champions of the West Wild West Shows, performed for the audience with his World Famous Buffalo Harvey Wallbanger. Although Harvey didn’t want to lie down in the hot sand, he pulled through like the great performer he is and even jumped through a ring of fire with TC on his back. Gary West Magician entertained the group with his old west style magic show. Casino tables from Arizona Nights kept guest cool inside with blackjack and roulette. Chris Putman did his strolling magic, Tumbleweed Junction played their cowboy music, Justus Harrison entertained the crowds, Arizona Duuude shook hands and welcomed guests and Gary Kotula artist drew caricatures all to benefit their friend Paula.
For further information on how you can help Paula, contact Tammy Youngs at {480} 703-6702 or email:TLYoungs@cox.net or Dr Buck at {623} 521-3856 Fax: {623} 882-9428 or email:DRBuc@cox.net DR BUCK PRODUCTIONS, PO Box 7123, Goodyear, AZ 85338.


Johnny Ringo of Carefree Adventures bought the “One for Each of You” Buck Taylor print of Doc Holliday at the OK Corral (Val Kilmer in the movie Tombstone) beautifully framed by local artist Gary Graham Double G Frames.

Sharlot Herself: Selected Writings of Sharlot Hall

Book Review
By LeeAnn Sharpe

Sharlot Herself: Selected Writings of Sharlot Hall Edited by Nancy Kirkpatrick Wright with an introduction by Margaret F. Maxwell Illustrations by Carlos Parra Copyright 1992 by Sharlot Hall Museum 415 W. Gurley Street Prescott, AZ 86301
ISBN 0-927579-04-9 Sharlot Hall books can be ordered at phone: 928.445.3122.


Recently my friend Bob Roloff, the Arizona Duuude, introduced me to the writings of Sharlot Hall. First I read her biography by Margaret F. Maxwell, “A Passion For Freedom: The Life of Sharlot Hall”, “Cactus and Pine” and then the Arizona Strip book. Finally I have completed the series with the “Sharlot Herself: Selected Writings of Sharlot Hall”, Edited by Nancy Kirkpatrick Wright.

With each book I have come to love Sharlot Hall more. Her dedication to the state of Arizona and love of early history runs parallel to the course I have set for my own life. Sharlot’s way of turning a phrase using the jargon of the western cowboy and Arizona pioneer makes her stories especially interesting.

It is almost beyond belief that a woman of her era was able to travel so extensively and participate in so many daring and adventurous activities generally associated with men. As a young girl she rode her pony with her pioneering family from Kansas to Lonesome Valley Arizona outside Prescott. That in itself led to many adventures and strengthened her spirit.

Her chauvinistic, self-centered, brute of a father probably did her a favor in setting her mind against marriage at an early age. Seeing how her mother was merely his property and slave, worked to death without the affection due as reward for her commitment, Sharlot vowed never to be yoked by any man.

Perhaps once or twice she felt genuine affection for men in her life, but they didn’t see her as wifely material, not that she was interested. Rather she was almost an intellectual equal or student to sit at their feet and learn, take advice and fawn over their ideas.

Samuel Putnam, a proponent of the Free Thought Movement who lectured in Prescott in 1895 caught her eye and she became an ardent follower until his death just a year later. Her poems reflected her deep love for him and regret that he was gone from her life forever. At the same time she seemed almost angry with him that he was gone or maybe more that she had fallen for him so deeply. It must have hurt her knowing he was traveling with a young woman much like herself. But then the woman has died in the same gas accident as Putnam.

Her life was filled with exciting men of history including the renowned publisher Charles F. Lummis, the last Arizona territorial governor Richard E. Sloan, first state governor George W.P. Hunt, President Calvin Coolidge and artist Maynard Dixon.

Sharlot Herself: Selected Writings of Sharlot Hall presents many of Sharlot’s previously unpublished bits and pieces of prose and letters into the context of her life at that time. It helps to flesh out the character of this rugged individualist with a unique talent for throwing a lariat to lasso up just the right words to express her feelings and experiences. When she went north to the Arizona Strip she went through territory few people had traveled. Her descriptions of nature; flora, fauna and geology aroused the interests of many businessmen looking at the area for mining and lumbering potential.

Each of the books mentioned above would be of interest to anyone with a love for early Arizona history. Reading about a brave adventurous woman like Sharlot Hall is inspirational.