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covering the game of life
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from the publisher Hello readers! Welcome to another issue of Arizona Sports & Lifestyle Magazine (AZSAL).
Publisher
Joe Orr What a start of the year for us Arizonans. From the Super Cross, Barrett-Jackson, Monster Jam, and of course, the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl, as well as the Waste Management Phoenix Open! We had it all, and for all the world to see. Good stuff! So as the crazy time is in our past, we still have a few giant events and things happening around Arizona to look forward to. None better than Country Thunder in Florence. What better way to celebrate this extraordinary music festival than featuring Blake Shelton on our cover. He shares some of his history, future plans, his loves (besides his family and music) and much more. With Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan as the two weekend headliners, this year’s festival is a sure to be one of the best ever! I’m sure there are many of us out there that are looking forward to a successful season of baseball. With recent additions to their line up and staff, we are all seeing a bright future for our D-Backs! Take a look at our season preview to get a head start on what we should all look for. Good ball, that’s all! How about some history on the oldest active baseball field in America — Bisbee’s Warren Park? Read up on its rich history, as well as the town of Bisbee. I’m sure many of you, like me, had no idea that this great treasure was in our own backyard, or field, shall I say. A legendary comic, Super Bowl Fast Facts, hot cars, the Q Bar with a Friday Fish Fry that brings Valley residents from all parts of town, and some killer images from our AZSAL photographers. This issue is packed with what you’ve always loved from AZSAL. We hope you enjoy this issue! Now keep reading ...
Editorial Director
I.R. Hunthausen Art Direction & Design
Dara Fowler Senior Editor
Michelle Talsma Everson Copy Editors
Anthony Costello Grace Miller Director of Sales & Marketing
Dave Blouch Photo Editor
Gene Lower Advertising Design
Kristin Moore Production Assistant
Vince Van Groski Website
Mindi Bear Contributing Photographers
Michael Fadyk Tommy Kowalski John McMurray Kristin Moore
Contributing Writers
Joe Orr Publisher joe@azsal.com
Derek Bondie J. Adam Burch Gita Balakumar Roderick Bradford Jonathan Crist Salvador Huxley Kory Kilmer Marina Kirk Amanda Ventura Clayton Klapper Byron Kline Stacey Lane Dr. Joseph Rucker
Official Transportation for AZSAL Media: Yellow Cab
AZ Sports & Lifestyle Magazine
4537 E. Thistle Landing • Phoenix, AZ 85044
480.233.0409 • www.azsal.com To subscribe or advertise
call 480.233.0409 or email Joe@azsal.com Copyright 2015 — AZ Sports & Lifestyle Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Arizona Sports & Lifestyle Magazine is printed on 20% recycled (10% post-consumerwaste) paper. All inks used contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) standards. PRINTED IN THE USA
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table of contents MARCH/APRIL 2015
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features
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Blake Shelton
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Diamondback’s Season Preview
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Baseball and Bisbee
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Super Bowl by the Numbers
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Kids Golf Bank
Brining the sunshine and thunder to Arizona
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The players you know and will know when the dust settles on the mound
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A historical look at a town with a love of the game Interesting facts you may or may not know Growing the game of golf one kid at a time
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departments
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Leading Off
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AZSAL Was There
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AZSAL Was There NHRA
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Wheels Mitsubishi Outlander Kia Soul
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Comedy Paul Rodriguez
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Rising Star The Jones’ Boys
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Self & Body Staying young in the AZ sun
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AZ Real Estate Waterfront living
Gear Guide Good Eats Q Bar and Grill
On the cover: Blake Shelton performing here in Phoenix early last summer PHOTO BY GENE LOWER
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
THE SIDEBURN Ingredients:
• 1 ½ oz. Burnside Whiskey • ¾ oz. Aperol • ½ oz. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur • 1 oz. Fresh lemon juice • ½ oz. Lavender simple syrup
Preparation: Fill a 14 oz. rocks glass with ice, add all the other ingredients and stir. — Recipe courtesy of Eastside Distilling (www.EastsideDistilling.com).
BBQ FESTIVAL & REDNECK GAMES GET YOUR PORK ON Saturday, May 2, between 12 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale for the 6th Annual Arizona BBQ Festival & Redneck Games. It’s the largest honky-tonk in Arizona. The highlight of this event are the hilarious Redneck Games, with toilet seat horseshoes, bobbing for pig’s feet, a daisy dukes beauty pageant, and other redneckthemed contests. There will be more than 25 top pit-masters dishing out pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and all the fixin’s to keep you going. Every vendor will also offer a $2 sample item so you can try them all, plus full meal if you’re really hungry. A tented music stage, mechanical bull riding showdowns, and fun party bars round out the fest. Come in redneck costume (find tips on the website) and stop by the photo booth for a memento of your day out in Scottsdale. General Admission is $12, VIP is $60 ($75 at the gate) and kids 12 & under are free. Parking is free. All BBQ vendors offering $2 sample items. For more information, visit www.azbbqfestival.com.
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FAVORITE LUNCH STOP:
hookmeup BY DEREK BONDIE
The Razzle Dazzle sandwich
famous chicken, crisp bacon, fresh avocado and pepper jack cheese. Lastly Ms. Carlson brings out the deli classic “Rueben” sandwich; our mouths were watering just from the look and smell of this masterpiece. The best way to describe this giant sandwich is “Oh golly Ms. Molly … can I get an amen?!” Try one for yourself; taste buds will thank you. With sandwiches titled “The Goldberg,” “Trucker’s Delight,” and “Green Psycho Pig,” just to name a few, hookmeup gourmet sandwich shop is sure to please you with one of their 150 masterpieces. That’s right, 150! And they all have their own distinct name. Not to mention some killer homemade chili (Ms. Carlson would not share her secret recipe, but it was the bomb diggity!), as well as super tasty shakes and salads. And if you’re a vegetarian or health-conscious eater, hookmeup has plenty of vegan and low-fat options.Again, go in and taste for yourself. Enjoy! 15425 S. 48th Street, Suite 116, Phoenix www.hookmeup.com • 480-397-2604 • Call for franchise information.
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The hookmeup gourmet sandwich shop recently opened at the northeast corner of 48th and Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee, with a history rooted in Redding, Calif., by a group of restaurateurs who wanted to satisfy the appetite of Northern Californians. They serve up some scrumptious gourmet sandwiches named after people, places and things that celebrate America’s history. “Who in the world starts a business at 72 years old?” says owner Sharon Carlson, who also is originally from San Francisco but has been an Arizona resident since 1973. “It’s a fun place to come into, and I’d like to think we create some of the best sandwiches in the Valley.” On a recent stop into the sandwich shop, we started with the “I Am That, I Am,” which featured a very generous serving of fresh sliced turkey, honeyed ham, and Italian-Genoa dry Salami and American cheese. This sandwich passes all the tests for what is an American classic! Next was the “Razzle Dazzle” (Whenever I hear that phrase It always reminds me of Bill Murray in the movie “Stripes”). This sandwich has their world
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ROLL TO VEGAS THE BIGGEST CAR SHOW OF THE YEAR is back in town on Saturday, March 28, during the Lowrider Arizona Super Show at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Along with seeing the candy-painted cars, lovely ladies and awesome music acts, attendees will get a chance to roll their way to Las Vegas. Vegas Luxury Group VIP is sponsoring the “Roll to Vegas” promotion at the Super Show, where anyone who rolls a 7 or 11 with the dice will enter a raffle to win a free two-night hotel stay and VIP package in Las Vegas. The VIP package includes: beverage vouchers to FIZZ Champagne Bar at Caesars Palace, a cool lounge designed with the influence of Elton John, VIP admission to Chateau Nightclub at Paris Hotel & Casino, a $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate and free access to their own VIP concierge service. Interested in Las Vegas? Call 855-STRIPLV (787-4758) anytime for more information.
SPRING CLEANING TIPS FROM STORAGE WEST AFTER THREE MONTHS OF WINTER, it’s time to start planning for the annual rite: spring cleaning. Those who set out to do a major spring cleaning project usually take a week to complete the tasks on their list. While women will do half of the work, men and children are also being assigned work. Spring cleaning priorities for most are the bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens with ceiling fans, windows, and blinds being the most often cited projects. ORGANIZE & REORGANIZE Many households take advantage of the spring cleaning momentum to organize a cluttered closet or attic or to reorganize their bathroom and kitchen. It is actually a good idea to sort through a room before beginning to clean. Assess the functionality and condition of everything from clothing to linens to toys and divide them into boxes for trash, sell/donate, mend or store. Off-season clothing, sports equipment and linens should be stored away and replaced with summer items. This may involve trading out flannel sheets and down comforters, switching kitchen linens and bath towels and even rotating artwork or dishware. If you don’t have storage space in your attic, basement or garage, consider renting a self-storage unit for these items. HAVE A PLAN The most effective way to get through spring cleaning is to have a written plan. After all, you will want to do the usual chores like dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing bathrooms and mopping floors along with seasonal tasks like windows,
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grout cleaning and cleaning inside cupboards. Having a list for every room is a good start. Then decide whether you want to go room by room or task-by-task. For the latter, you would dust all the rooms, then vacuum all the rooms, then do room-specific tasks. You should also indicate on the schedule which family member is responsible for which task. For more information on spring cleaning or other tips, visit www.storagewest.com.
EDITOR’S EDITOR'SPICKS PICKS 1. Supplement: ME Sports protects and enhances your brain with a careful blend of ingredients, including EHT, a proprietary extract that has been shown to be neuroprotective, improve motor function, and restore balanced brain chemistry. Promotes better brain health and strengthens neuronal networking. $59.99; ww.mesports.me 1
2. Travel: Vinnibag Inflatable Travel Bag safely get bottles of wine or olive oil back home after a trip. Don’t use a rolled-up hotel towel, but an inflatable, reusable Vinnibag. Works with carry-on’s or checked luggage. TSA friendly. $28; www.vinnibag.com 3. Arts & Crafts: Rolli is a one-inch printing press for kids. Rolls out fun patterns like ribbons, dolls and cupcakes. $9.99; www.funnyboneproducts.com 4. Allergies: MyAir reduces the moisture lost in exhaled breath, and blocks germs and allergens. Ultra thin with an advanced filtration system and attractive design. $19.99; www.myairmask.com
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5. Supplement: One serving of VINIA contains a similar amount of Resveratrol as found in 1,000 grapes or one bottle of fine red wine. Supports blood circulation, healthy arteries and blood pressure already within normal range. Made from the Avnir red grape. $119.99; www.BioHarvest.com 6. Skincare: CLn Skincare's Sports Wash was designed by dermatologists for athletes with skin prone to acne and folliculitis. Non-drying formulation can be used after sports, exercise and other activities that promote sweat and oil on the skin. $32 (3.4 oz) www.clnwash.com
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ASU RELEASES SUN DEVIL STADIUM PLANS PROVIDING A REVISED LOOK AT THE REINVENTION OF SUN DEVIL STADIUM, Arizona State University and Sun Devil Athletics released an updated rendering of the iconic venue from the design team of Gould Evans and HNTB Corporation. The rendering accurately reflects the design plan for Sun Devil Stadium following the approval of the construction budget by the Arizona Board of Regents. The reinvention of Sun Devil Stadium will feature the “Double Inferno” upgraded student section, enhanced seating and legroom, more restrooms and concession options, technological upgrades, improved air and traffic flow through the venue, a connection to the surrounding landscape, additional premium seating options, and a new video board and sound system, among other new amenities. The design allows for Sun Devil Stadium to be multifunctional, community facility that will host a variety of events year round. The first of three phases of construction, Phase 1 will create a new student section in the south end zone, removing existing steel bleachers and replacing them with concrete treads and risers and permanent stadium seating. The south end zone section will be complemented by the implementation of a student section in the north end zone, creating what head football coach Todd Graham has coined the “Double Inferno” student sections at both ends of the field, unlike any stadium in the Pac-12. Phase 1, which will be completed by August 2015, includes the removal of a majority of the existing loge structure in the southwest and southeast corners of the stadium as well as the demolition to the upper deck of the northeast end zone. The area cleared by the removal will be redeveloped in a configuration that is dedicated to students for seating and standing, enhanced concessions, food service, restrooms and dedicated student entrances to the stadium. Phase 2 work will be conducted on the east and north sides of the stadium in 2016, upon conclusion of the 2015 football season. The Phase 3 work will begin in January of 2017 with work on the west side of the stadium and on the Student Athletics Facility, completing in time for the 2017 football season.
THE BOOK SHELF In “Bully Bean” authors Thomas Weck and Peter Weck realize the need to address the issue of bullying in a way kids can understand. Now with their 5th book in the Lima Bear Stories series they offer a valuable approach: turn a bully into a friend. $15.95; www.limabearpress.com “Tales from the Arizona Diamondbacks Dugout” by Bob Page is a compilation of fascinating vignettes that give baseball fans an inside look at the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks’ world championship season as well as many of the magic moments that preceded it. $19.95; www.skyhorsepublishing.com “Flying without a Helicopter: How to Prepare Young People for Work and Life” by Dr. Connell tackles the issue of why young people struggle in the workplace and provides a much-needed manual on what it takes for the millennial generation to overcome the common hurdles of their generation. $14.25; (Kindle); www.flyingwithout.com “Overcoming Fake Talk” will help you master the nuances and skills for holding real conversations for results. Be it in a professional or personal setting, our ability to communicate either creates respect, builds relationships and achieves results — or it doesn’t. $9.99 (Kindle); www.overcomingfaketalk.com In “Why Motivating People Doesn't Work” top consultant, trainer, and coach Susan Fowler says “Stop trying to motivate people. They are already, but generally in superficial, short-term ways.” $11.99 (Kindle); http://motivationbook.susanfowler.com “The Hidden Leader: Discover and Develop Greatness Within Your Company” by Scott Edinger shows managers how to recognize and cultivate talented but under-utilized employees. Finding hidden leaders who are critical to an organization's long-term success is crucial. $12.49; www.thehiddenleader.com “Vampire in the Scrying Glass” by R.E. Mullins tells the tale of Rafe Blautsauger, a vampire and enforcer, who must put aside his feelings for the mortal Morgan Maquire — a love forbidden by the Nosferatu Council. $5.99 (Kindle); www.amazon.com
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happy anniversary
Cartoon Mark!
TO VIEW ALL OF CARTOON MARKS GREAT WORK, LOG ON TO WWW.AZSAL.COM
IT IS NOW 3 YEARS AGO that I was enjoying a frosty beverage with a good friend of mine at our local watering hole, when I first met Mark Hopkins. Mark was my good friends- "good friend". Meanwhile, as we were having a fun night filled with some cold beers and a few games of pool, it was then that "Cartoon Mark" grabbed a kids menu, a few crayons, turned over the kids menu(for the blank side) and he started drawing. Needless to say, I was so impressed with his work, I asked him where he publishes his stuff, "I don't, I just do it for fun" replied Hopkins. Well, I replied back, "your work is way to good to NOT be seen by the public". The rest is history! This is a shout out to Mark on his 3rd anniversary. Here's just a taste of a few of his creations. Best, Joe Orr Publisher
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gear guide
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Apple TV Tray and Holder by Tinsel & Timber
Available in your choice of sustainably sourced American Walnut or Maple. Handsome and functional piece keeps your Apple TV and remote organized. Plus, won't it be nice to always know where that remote is? $49; www.topwick.com
BottlePops Sports-themed bottle opener that make fun sounds when you use them. Simply place over the bottle cap and pull; a magnet captures the bottle cap as you lift. Choose from numerous sports including golf, baseball, football, basketball and more. $14.95; www.bottlepops.com
Rowenta Straight Express Iron
Provides a contemporary and efficient way to store your knives. Perfect for mixing and matching various sets of knives since there are no pre-sized slots. $29.99; www.ebase4.com
A salon-quality straightening tool, with exclusive 3D-Straight technology that perfectly straightens hair in just one pass. Ready to use in less than 30 seconds, the iron features 16 integrated teeth that comb, stretch and pre-straighten hair, saving time and protecting hair from styling damage. $179, www.ulta.com
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Bamboo Magnetic KNIFEDock
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Charlie’s Club
Now you can have the highest quality e-cigs delivered directly to your door. When you join Charlie’s Club, all you’re paying for are monthly refills. You get your custom Charlie’s Club e-cig kit, which includes two premium quality, rechargeable e-cig batteries and all the accessories you need for free. $34.99+/month; www.charliesclub.com
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Canyon Weather Defense Pack
Keep hiking and camping essentials centrally located and close at hand with this sturdy and durable weather-resistant backpack. Equipped with two zippered internal compartments and a built-in deluxe organizer for added convenience. Hydration compatible. $29.97; www.outdoorproducts.com
Boombot REX With a revolutionary acoustic design and a noise-canceling microphone, it allows you to stay connected and jam out to cool tunes. Weatherproof and rugged, it’s built to withstand the demands of an active lifestyle, so you can bring music to where you enjoy it most. Customizable design. $79; www.boombotix.com
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Baby Sleepsie Pajamas
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Quilted soft cotton keeps baby warm and cozy. Midnight diaper changes made simple with easy-zip feature. Non skid soles. Available in five sizes from 3 months to 2T. $30; www.babydeedee.com
Viva La Juicy Gold Couture
Bison Airlighter Designed for serious grillers, tailgaters and campers, it combines a high velocity flame with a jet-air-stream that ignites charcoal instantly. It is an environmental breakthrough by reducing the amount of fuel needed to get your grill going. $79.95; www.airlighter.com
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A decadent rendition of Viva la Juicy that indulges the senses with luscious wild berries, a kiss of honeysuckle and a luxurious elixir of golden amber, melted caramel and vanilla. $72; www.macys.com
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gear guide
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Vtech Phone Answering System
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The CS6529-4B with DECT 6.0 digital technology has four handsets each with its own color for easy identification. Features include caller ID/call waiting, speakerphone and backlit keypad and display. $69.95; www.vtechphones.com
Darn Tough Tab No Show Ultralight Ultra-light sock perfect for runners and cyclists with true seamless construction that reduces hotspots and blisters. Fine gauge Merino Wool offers a fast drying and breathable all-weather fabric. $15; wwwdarntough.com
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Wally Duo
A sleeve-style wallet with a reversible design. Crafted with fine Argentine leather in smooth black that reverses to a full-grain brown, it's like two wallets in one. Reduces all bulk that comes with a normal wallet. $39.99; www.distilunion.com
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Zabada Kitchen Marvel Ditch the chemical household cleaners and make an environmentally-sound choice. The microfiber Kitchen Marvel is soft and super-absorbent, leaving a streak-free and lint-free finish. Replaces cloths, sponges and paper towels in the kitchen and bathroom. $30; www.zabadaclean.com
Radio Flyer EZ Fold Wagon
Designed as a full size wagon, yet folds compactly. With an easy one hand fold, you can take or store the wagon anywhere. Two kids ride comfortably with two seats, four cup holders, seatbelts for added safety and a removable canopy. $199; www.radioflyer.com MARCH/APRIL 2015
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gear guide
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Bialetti Moka Express
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This stovetop espresso machine is one of the world's most recognized and cherished coffee makers. This distinctive, Italian-made aluminum pot is easy to use and produces rich, delicious, aromatic espresso in just minutes. $39.99; www.bialetti.com
Woodland Friends SpaceSaver Jumperoo
Baby’s natural jumping and kicking actions send the seat bouncing up and down with lights, sounds and music. New styling features the bouncy spring in the back and lets you easily fold the whole frame flat for portable play or space-saving storage. $69.99; www.fisher-price.com
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Buck Knives Bantam BHW
Features a drop point blade that is tough enough to take on some of the most difficult tasks. The Mossy Oak Infinity textured ETP handle has ridges that provide an optimized grip. Made in the USA. $29.99; www.buckknives.com ▲ ▲ ▲
Puma TITANTOUR Golf Shoes
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Golf shoes are ready to enhance your game with a cooler, more comfortable fit, enhanced by a memory foam interior. Ultra premium, full-grain leather upper and suede lining offers a soft feel and sophisticated look. $169.95; www.cobragolf.com
Zippo Super Bowl XLIX Lighter
Zippo celebrates the New England Patriots win in Super Bowl XLIX with this limited-edition windproof pocket lighter. Features high-polish chrome with logos of the Patriots and Super Bowl XLIX. $33.95; www.zippo.com ▲ ▲ ▲
Cobra CXR 825
Amazingly tiny, yet high-powered GMRS/FRS walkietalkie radio with 27-mile range. VibrAlert notifies you of a call in noisy or all-quiet environments. Voice-activated transmission frees hands for other tasks. Includes compact lithium ion batteries for longer use between charges. $99.95; www.cobra.com
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Panasonic Link2Cell Digital Phone
Brilliant system that syncs your iPhone to your home phone via Bluetooth connection. Cell phone calls can then be made or received using your home handsets. Never miss a text with talking ID alerts from Link2Cell handsets. Keep your iPhone5 charged via lightening connector. $199; www.panasonic.com
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Scoopy Condensation Squeegee Designed to tackle window condensation in the home. Begin bottom of the window and push upward, collecting condensation in the handle for easy disposal. Use the microfiber cloth to take care of any streaks left behind. $24.95; www.scoopy.biz
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Chamberlain Automotive Portable Jump Starter
Will jump start your vehicle up to 20 times on a full charge. Also contains multiple outputs for charging and powering cell phones, tablets, GPS, portable game consoles and cameras. $129.99; www.chamberlain.com
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Spot It NHL
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Between any two cards, there is always one matching symbol. To win, be the first to spot it! Features the logos of all NHL teams, plus mascots and iconic imagery. Develops attention, visual perception, speech-language and fine motor skills. Fast-paced fun for ages 7+. $16.99; www.blueorangegames.com
BISSELL CleanView Complete Vacuum
New technology delivers powerful suction and an innovative brush that cleans on the first pass. Well-designed dirt tank and washable foam filter make maintenance simple. Premium pet attachments provide fast and more effective cleaning. $139; www.bissell.com
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good eats By Stacey Lane and J. Adam Burch
The Other Q Bar and Grill 20818 N.19th Ave., Phoenix AZ 85027 623-580-0591 Q Bar and Grill 6750 W. Olive Ave., Peoria AZ 85345 623-979-9333
Wall-Eyed Menagerie Q Bar and Grill has the Secret Ingredients for Staying Power
www.qbarandgrill.org
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Q BAR AND GRILL WAS CREATED by Chuck Rohlfing in 1988, and continues to be owned and operated by his family. Rohlfing moved to Arizona from Alaska where he spent many years as a bar owner and a commercial fisherman. In an industry where many restaurants go out of business after a few years, the Q Bar and Grill’s longevity is a testament that there is something unique about the place. Tastes exclusive to this family owned establishment can be the frills to your action-packed Arizona adventure. You are greeted happily and take in the smells of freshly flown in walleye. Speaking of wall-eyes, as you uncover unique attractions of Arizona, your dining experiences can provide a memorable and perhaps an unsuspecting atmosphere as well. In between legendary southwest ghost towns the bustle of the big city can hide a dining jewel guarded by a menagerie of woodland creatures. Your trip to the Other Q Bar and Grill will be a story to tell as you take in the “locals-come-here” atmosphere and try to identify as many perfectly preserved wildlife as you can before your food arrives. Rohlfing’s daughter, Julie; whose welcoming and positive demeanor further permeated the room, shared her memories of the restaurant’s launch, “My father
opened the restaurant with beer served from a cooler, burgers, fries, his homemade sausages and 60 pounds of fresh fish.” Julie recalled the first Friday fish fry that made the restaurant famous, “It began at 4:30 and we ran out of fish by 6:00 p.m.” Today, 1,000 pounds of fish are sold each week at their two locations. The Catfish is flown in fresh from Mississippi, the Cod comes from Alaska, the Pollack comes from North Atlantic and the Walleye from Minnesota. Delight in a hearty helping of the lightly breaded cod fried to perfection and when dipped it in the special home-made sauce made from the Rohlfing’s family recipe; the combination was heavenly. The Spicy Italian Sausage is also a family original; juicy meat laced with rich and succulent flavors with a combination of peppers, onions and swiss cheese that patiently wait to melt in your mouth. The insanely delicious Green Chili, the crispy, zesty cole-slaw and flavorful dipping sauces, all made from Rohlfing’s treasure trove of recipes. As an expert introduces the menu and you find that even the most common Reuben sandwich has corned-beef cured in-house and will keep you wanting to come back for more.
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An air of friendship and shared history emanates throughout the Q Bar, where some of the patrons have been coming back for 30 years. At the Q Bar and Grill, the second most powerful secret ingredient you will discover is the people you will find there. ▲
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Having made the Dean’s List on CBS 5’s Dirty Dining Report and passing the health and safety inspection with flying colors; Julie’s family's passion for running a high caliber restaurant has paid off. The patio has a slightly upscale feel with spacious seating, yet is cozy enough that you could naturally converse with the table next to you. Some of the people sitting at the bar seemed like old friends, and it turns out, many of them are. Ninety percent of the patrons are return customers, and in a city like Phoenix that teems with newness, finding an atmosphere of connectedness born from long standing ties are rare.
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AZSALwasthere
▲ ▲ ▲ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The entire world had their "eye" on the Valley of the Sun during the weeks leading up to and during Super Bowl XLIX. AZSAL Photo Editor Gene Lower also has an "eye" when it comes to capturing "the moment" with his award winning images, as this University of Phoenix Stadium photo shows the granger of the event. Two BIG football fans showing off the cover of AZSAL Magazine's Super Bowl issue at the Man Cave at Coach's Corner Bar and Grill. AZSAL MAGAZINE/GREG LABLANC
Joel McHale, comedian, actor, best known as host of TV series Soup, chatting with AZSAL TV hosts, while on the red carpet of The Friars Club ESPN Sports Roast of Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw. He was the host for this event held at the Arizona Biltmore here in the valley. AZSAL MAGAZINE/JOE ORR NFL Football Hall of Famer' Marcus Allen hamming it up with a few lucky Phoenix Suns Lil' fans at the Celebrity Pro Am, at this years Waste Management Phoenix Open. AZSAL MAGAZINE/MICHAEL FADYK
Katy Perry's halftime performance at Super Bowl XLIX did not disappoint. Perry plowed through her plentiful collection of hits with the help of some special guests, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot. AZSAL MAGAZINE/GENE LOWER Movie star Will Ferrell makes his appearance to a packed house of fans at Talking Stick Fields D-backs vs. Reds game. All for a new special from Funny Or Die, in partnership with Major League Baseball, to air exclusively on HBO later this year. Ferrell is also honoring the historic feat by Bert Campaneris five decades ago by playing every position on the field and maybe some off the field for 10 different teams in the same day. AZSAL MAGAZINE/GREG LABLANC Tiger Woods teeing off at hole 15, while many fans on hand get a glimps of the Eldrick (did you know that was his real first name?) and getting their own "snap shot" of him. With this being his first time playing in the WMPO in over ten years and not making the cut, we may not see him for another few years, if at all. AZSAL MAGAZINE/GREG LABLANC
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BOYS ’ROUND By Clayton Klapper
Blake Shelton headlines a star-studded lineup at the 2015 Country Thunder Music Festival WHEN YOU THINK OF THE CONSTANT LEADERS ON THE BILLBOARD CHARTS you think of names that are bigger than the music itself. You think of artists who have award winning music but are entertainers outside of their songs as well. With his work on The Voice, his recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, and countless partnerships over the years including some with Pizza Hut, Pepsi and JC Penny, Blake Shelton is the epitome of success. He has created a brand for himself that stretches across all entertainment platforms. Shelton, along with several other big name country music stars are headed to Arizona from April 9th to the 12th for one of the biggest music festivals there is. Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Dallas Smith and Jerrod Niemann are just a few of the 21 names currently scheduled to perform over four nights during Country Thunder. “There’s more to it than walking on stage, singing a song and walking off. I knew I wasn’t a good enough singer for that to be it,” Shelton said during an interview with 60 Minutes. “You have to perform but you also have to entertain. You have to tell a joke or tell a story, make the most of the time you’re out there so people remember you when you walk away.”
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“You have to perform but you also have to entertain. You have to tell a joke or tell a story, make the most of the time you’re out there ...
so people remember you when you walk away.”
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While Shelton is now a household name and country music star, he started off as a small town kid in Ada, Oklahoma who just loved his family and music. His dad was a used car salesman, and his mom ran a beauty parlor in the town of just 20,000. Shelton spent his days after school hunting and fishing with his brother and dad, and when they were inside his brother Richie always blasted country music classics. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Shelton became addicted to music as well. But when Shelton was 14, everything changed when Richie was killed in a car crash. Shelton has said that was the moment he was thrust into adulthood and transformed from a 14-year-old boy to a 14-year-old man. He finished up high school and at the age of 17 dropped everything to move to Nashville, Tennessee and pursue his singing career. It took several years but once Shelton got a deal with Giant Records, his career took off. He was introduced to the country world with the song “Austin” in 2001, which spent five weeks as number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. His first self-titled album came out under the Giant Records name and was gold certified. It also produced two more top 20 hits, including “Ol Red” and “All Over Me.” Giant Records closed shortly after the debut of “Austin” and Shelton was transferred to Warner Brothers Records in late 2001. Over the next few years he released two more albums, The Dreamer and Blake Shelton’s Barn and Grill. Both were also gold certified and produced his number one hits “The Baby,” and “Some Beach.” Though already successful, Shelton’s personal and professional life took a major turn with a television performance in 2005.
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FAST FACTS
• Shelton was slated to release the song “I want to talk about me” as his first single. At the last second, however, the record company decided they didn’t believe the song was fit for his first release. Toby Keith later recorded the number one song. • Shelton’s mother entered him in local beauty pageants, so he could sing on stage as a child during the talent portions. • Shelton once received a live iguana as a gift from a fan after a performance at a fair. • Blake Shelton has had 19 number one singles in his career on the Billboard US Country Airplay charts. • Shelton convinced Warner Brothers to make a video for “Ol’ Red” by telling them if it didn’t work out they could drop him from their label. • Shelton often has Miranda Lambert sample his music before he decides which songs to cut for albums.
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Just two years after he married his long-time girlfriend Kaynette Gern, Shelton was paired with another rising country star named Miranda Lambert for a duet on CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets special. Although Shelton was still married at the time, both Shelton and Lambert admit they fell for each other during that performance. Shelton and his first wife were divorced in 2006, a decision Shelton said was so tough that it rivaled the loss of his brother. He and Lambert started dating shortly after, as Shelton continued to climb the country music charts. His next album Pure BS produced songs “Don’t Make Me,” “The More I Drink,” and his cover of Michael Buble’s hit single “Home,” which became Shelton’s fourth number one song. In 2010, Shelton recorded a duet with Trace Adkins called “Hillbilly Bone,” which hit number one and was the title track for his next album. Months later he was inducted into the Grand Ole’ Opry, which Shelton called, at the time, the greatest honor he’d ever received. Later that year he also won the Country Music Award for male vocalist of the year, putting him at the top of the industry. While the country world already knew plenty well who Shelton was, 2011 was arguably the year that made him a household name across the entertainment industry. He was approached by NBC and accepted an offer to be a judge on a new show called The Voice, which is currently in its eighth season. During its run Shelton has gone from being probably the least recognizable judge on the show, to the most well known. That same year Shelton’s album, Red River Blue, released four number one singles led off by one of his most successful songs to date, “Honey Bee,” which was the fastest single to reach gold in country music history. Shelton and Lambert also tied the knot in 2011 after over four years of dating. As their relationship grew, he continuously told her stories about his brother and their childhood together. The two wanted Lambert to feel as close as possible to knowing Richie, because they never got the chance to meet. One night the two sat down in Shelton’s tour bus and started to write together. What they came up with was the song “Over You,” circled around a message from Shelton’s father. When a teenaged Shelton asked his dad how to deal with his brother’s death, he would respond that “you’ll never get over it, you’ll just have to learn how to live with it.” That was the focus of the message of the song, which Lambert originally recorded because Shelton said he didn’t think he would be able to sing it without breaking down. The song was named CMA song of the year for 2012 and was named single record and song of the year at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. Shelton has since recorded the song himself, and now often sings it while out on tour. Over the last two years Shelton has solidified his place at the top of the entertainment industry. His album Based on a True Story helped him reach a
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AZSAL also had the opportunity to interview Dallas Smith, a Canadian born country singer, whom he still calls Canada home. Smith has been performing since 2002, as what he calls "sort of an accident" when speaking of singing country music. He along with many other long timers will be out there warming up the down home, die hard, country music fans. AZSAL: Tell us a highlight or two about your career. Dallas Smith: "One of the biggest for sure was in 2010 when we got to go to Afghanistan to play for the troops over there for team Canada, along with many other countries. We sat and ate meals with the soldiers, they had us do some basic training even, and of course played music the four days we were there" says Smith.
AZSAL: Along with a star studded line-up, you're performing at this years Country Thunder Arizona, Have you ever played or attended the festival in the past and what are you looking forward to when here? Dallas Smith: "I've never played nor attended Country Thunder, but we are very excited to play at this years festival along side, as you said, so many great country music artists. We can't to play to fans that come out for a four day fun fest!"
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record 11 straight number one singles on the Billboard Country Airplay charts and the streak hasn’t stopped since. The first two singles off his most recent album Bring Back the Sunshine, “Neon Light” and “Lonely Tonight,” have also hit number one on the Country Airplay charts putting him at 13 straight number ones. Bringing back the Sunshine is the perfect title of Shelton’s latest release. When asked by AZSAL for a glimpse at what mused such a moniker Shelton said, “There’s something magical about that title, and given what this album is all about, I thought ‘Bringing Back the Sunshine’ is like I’m bringing back some country music, some of these sounds we don’t hear that much anymore in country, at least in the mainstream. Country music is sunshine to me.” With his busy schedule taping The Voice, Shelton doesn’t tour nearly as often as most country artists. When he does, however, it makes it that much more special. Shelton gets on stage and sings about the things he’s most passionate about. He sings about his family, his friends, love and tragedy, and his songs connect with a wide range of fans who feel the same way he does. With his ability to relate to his audience, you might think that country music singers and writers have an advantage over other music genres. AZSAL had a chance to ask Shelton about just that. “Country’s defined a lot of different ways by a lot of different people, but when I open my mouth, it’s country, and always has been.” It’s the interjection of shameless self-awareness and a desire and openness to share that with his fans that make Shelton accessible and likeable as a super star. “If somebody wants to get the gist of who I am from start to finish, I think this album musically encompasses all the roads I’ve explored as an artist.” The people taking the stage with Shelton at Country Thunder think along the same lines, making for one of the most exciting events Arizona hosts every year. The event gives fans the chance to see the biggest names in the industry all on one stage and also gives up and coming artists the chance to share the big stage. Taking the stage Thursday night during Country Thunder is Jayme Lynn Spears, who has just recently released her first country music album. The album is a compilation of songs that have been put together over the past six years and the start to what should be a very successful country music career. “It's an honor for me to be able to be a part of an event like this with so many artists that have really made a place for themselves in this industry,” Spears said. “I love watching a seasoned artist take the stage with the confidence that only comes from really owning who you are, and I learn so much from seeing that.” Spears has taken the last six years to be out of the spotlight and focus on her daughter and writing music in Nashville. “I had a daughter and wanted to just take time away to be a mother,” Spears said. “After I had my daughter I started writing a lot and felt it was exactly what I wanted to do, so I moved to Nashville and focused on that part of the process first.”
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Whether you make it to Country Thunder for one night or the entire four day weekend, you won’t be disappointed. Each night has several big name headliners, as well as a few up and coming opening acts who will be looking to wow crowds into following them as their careers progress. So request time off, buy your tickets and reserve your camp spot and make sure you’re at Country Thunder. We’ll see you there!
“It's an honor for me
to be able to be a part of an event like this with so many artists that have really made a place for themselves in this industry.” — JAYME LYNN SPEARS
COUNTRY THUNDER LINE-UP (in order of appearance at event) OLD DOMINION CLARE DUNN THE RAILERS DALLAS SMITH BRETT ELDREDGE THE LACS MADDIE & TAE DIAMOND RIO THE SWON BROTHERS JOE NICHOLS BIG & RICH JAMIE LYNN SPEARS CHRIS JANSON PHIL VASSAR JERROD NIEMANN BLAKE SHELTON LOGAN MIZE LOVE AND THEFT JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY DUSTIN LYNCH LUKE BRYAN
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SOME YOU KNOW, SOME YOU WILL
NEVER FORGET An exclusive glance at the Arizona Diamondback’s upcoming season
BY CLAYTON KLAPPER Photos by Jennifer Stewart/Arizona Diamondbacks
WITH SPRING IN FULL GEAR, the Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the limelight and, if you’re like countless others, you’ve spent your winter watching football and yelling at the TV during Suns games. But don’t worry; we’ve got your cheat sheet. From pitching battles to comeback stories and the addition of one of the most promising Cuban prospects in years, this spring has plenty of storylines. We’ve taken this spring’s roster and split it into four categories, covering everything from the ones who are shoe-ins, to the ones who are still trying to make a name for themselves. So sit back and get to get to know your 2015 Arizona Diamondbacks.
THE PLAYERS YOU ALREADY KNOW
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PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT It’s no secret that Paul Goldschmidt is the face of the Arizona Diamondbacks; yet if you met him in a coffee house, you wouldn’t know him from Adam. He isn’t flashy and doesn’t want to be the voice of the clubhouse. He’s more focused on being a leader on the field. “I just show up and try to meet the guys and play each day like any other spring,” Goldschmidt said. He added he isn’t worried about the mood after last year’s struggles or the mix up the roster faced over the offseason. “We’ll really get to know each other on the field and that’s when hopefully I can make some plays behind guys and really build chemistry and get things going.” Like any other player headed into a new season, Goldschmidt has his own goals. For “America’s first baseman,” this spring has been about getting back to the basics and bouncing back from the broken hand that sidelined him last season.
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TREVOR CAHILL This year will be about trying to start fresh for Trevor Cahill. After a few rough seasons, he spent the summer perfecting a new throwing motion, meeting with pitching coach Mike Harkey in California several times to get a head start on workouts. He’s also one of many pitchers who has spent time working with the former pitchers like Randy Johnson, who are on this season’s staff as pitching assistants. “Going into the season we’ve all been sort of star struck. It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Cahill said. “It’ll take some time before we can open up and realize they were in our shoes at one point and definitely have some things they can share with us.” Cahill will look to take his new throwing motion and the advice he’s gotten from the pitching staff to earn a spot in the starting rotation or later on in the season.
JOSH COLLMENTER This season is different from any other for Josh Collmenter. Headed into the regular season, Collmenter is expected to be the opening day starter, less than a year after he was shuffled from the rotation to the bull-pen and back. He’s got the chance to become the cornerstone of a rotation that has been marred by injury, and once again has the opportunity to prove that he can handle being a full-time starter.
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DANIEL HUDSON If you’ve heard even a bit of Daniel Hudson’s story then you’re in his corner. The veteran is coming off his second Tommy John surgery and pitched out of the bull-pen in three games late last season for the first time in nearly two years. Hudson will be given the chance during spring training to start a few games once again, but will most likely begin in the bullpen this season while he gets his arm back to full strength. If things go right for Hudson and he gets the chance to make a few starts, 2015 could be one of the greatest comeback stories baseball has seen in quite a while.
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AARON HILL With a group of young players crowding the infield, Aaron Hill will be counted on as a veteran leader this season. He’ll be looked at to help supplement Chris Owings, as he rehabs from his shoulder injury, and will most likely be his counterpart on opening day to fill the middle infield depending on the progress of prospect Nick Ahmed.
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THE PLAYERS YOU SHOULD KNOW ▲ ▲ ▲
YASMANY TOMAS If you haven’t paid attention this offseason, this is the name you need to know. Yasmany Tomas defected from Cuba after starting in the 2013 World Baseball Classic and drawing a whirlwind of attention from major league clubs. Until now, he has been a power hitting outfielder but the Diamondbacks have been working with him at third base, where the team thinks he will be able to soon take over in everyday play. Whether it’s opening day or a bit down the road, Tomas is by all accounts expected to be a big part of the team’s future, warranting him a six-year, $68.5 million contract.
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TUFFY GOSEWISCH After eight and a half seasons in the minor leagues, Tuffy Gosewisch finally got the call up in 2013 to play for the Diamondbacks. Since then he’s played backup for Miguel Montero, but this season will be different. The former Sun Devil is expected to be the starter, come opening day, and the spot is essentially his to lose with several other newcomers knocking on the door.
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CHRIS OWINGS Headed into last season’s spring training, the story of the infield was a battle between Didi Gregorius and Chris Owings for the starting job at shortstop. After Owings won the job, Gregorius was sent to the minors and eventually traded to the New York Yankees. Owings started the season off hot and was successful until being sidelined by a shoulder injury. Knowing the team is expecting him to produce in his role as a middle infielder, Owings is determined to be ready for opening day. “I’m still trying to get back to where I was before my injury. I just want to make sure I’m out there for opening day on April sixth, and I just want to try to help this team win,” Owings said. Whether he plays at second base or at shortstop, Owings is ready for either, as the middle infield is crowded with young talent. “I’m going to do whatever they tell me to do,” Owings said. “I’ve been practicing at short and second, I’m just going to go out there and be wherever they need me.”
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DAVID PERALTA While there were plenty of downsides to last season’s injuries, one of the upsides was the development of David Peralta. Peralta started his career as a pitcher in the St Louis Cardinals organization but was cut in 2008 after a series of injuries and struggles on the mound. Peralta eventually made his way to the Diamondbacks’ farm system and made the switch to the outfield. He finally got the chance to play, when AJ Pollock went down with an injury, and shined right away. “When I got hurt it was unfortunate, but to see a guy like Peralta come in it was exciting,” Pollock said. “He was a pitcher all his life, and I think of him and wonder why nobody told him he might want to take a few more swings out there!” Peralta tied a Diamondbacks record by recording seven multi-hit games in his first 15 appearances. With a crowded outfield Peralta will look to prove he belongs in the everyday lineup along with guys like AJ Pollock and Mark Trumbo, who are both expected to be back and fully healthy on opening day.
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ADDISON REED After being named the team’s closer for most of last season, Addison Reed struggled a bit down the stretch. Although he converted 30 of 38 save opportunities, he struggled with a 1-7 record and a 4.25 ERA. Barring any injury Reed will, without a doubt, start the season as the team’s closer. He still comes with a very high ceiling and is expected to be the closer of the team’s future. In 2015, Reed will look to get back to the success he saw in his first few seasons with the Chicago White Sox, while being supplemented by Brad Ziegler and a talented bullpen staff.
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THE PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR ARCHIE BRADLEY After a disappointing 2014 season in the minors for Archie Bradley, coupled with injury, he’s back in the running for a starting job this spring. Although his advancement to the major leagues has taken longer than most had hoped, Bradley is still a big part of the team’s future and is expected to be a top of the rotation starter when the time comes. Whether in the rotation or more than likely in the minor leagues to start the season, it will be interesting to see if Bradley can make his way to the majors later in the year and finally begin what has been a highly anticipated career.
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▲ ▲ BRADEN SHIPLEY ▲
While Archie Bradley has garnered most of the focus as the pitcher of the Diamondbacks’ future, Braden Shipley’s outlook is just as positive, if not more so. The 23-year-old reached AA last season and carried a 3.86 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 126 innings. He was recently named the number 16 prospect in baseball by ESPN and could easily be a late-season call up, who could shine for the first time on the Diamondbacks this season.
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PETER O'BRIEN While Tuffy Gosewisch is expected to start the season as the everyday catcher, Peter O’Brien has clearly been labeled as the catcher of the future. O’Brien was dealt to the Diamondbacks in a deal for Martin Prado and is considered one of the top catching prospects in baseball. He’s a power hitter who already has a major league bat and has been working on his fielding at catcher over the offseason, after being bounced around to different positions in the past few minor league seasons. “If I had to knit-pick, I’d say my transfer (going from catching to throwing to a base) is my biggest weakness,” O’Brien said. “That comes with getting the reps and spending time back there. I’ve been moved around a lot in the past, so having the time this spring to focus on my catching is a big asset.” Depending on O’Brien’s progress, we could see him on the major league roster come opening day, or he could be a late season call-up as his defense improves. Regardless, O’Brien is someone the team has high confidence in moving forward.
JORDAN PACHECO Every team needs a reliable utility player, and Jordan Pacheco is just that. In his four seasons in the majors Pacheco has played first base, second base, third base, catcher and even took to the outfield at one point. Although he isn’t a family name as of yet, in 270 games with Colorado over four seasons, Pacheco hit .281 with 8 HR and 98 RBI. He’s an unselfish player who should be a strong utility off the bench or when called upon to start during the season. “I’m going to play as many positions as I can and hopefully see myself on the roster this season,” Pacheco said. “I want to use my versatility to help me and help this team, and do whatever they need me to do.” With that kind of attitude, Pacheco could be a nice surprise on a team where there will be many question marks, and he is bound to see some playing time with the kind of attitude and approach he has brought to the table.
THE QUESTION MARKS
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Patrick Corbin and Bronson Arroyo are both rehabbing from Tommy John surgeries and won’t be ready come opening day. Corbin is a bit ahead of schedule and could make his return come July. Arroyo is eyeing an August return, but their progress will be watched closely, and it will depend heavily on how the rest of the roster shakes out, and the team’s record at the time.bullpen staff.
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A JEWEL IN BASEBALL’S HISTORY
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISCOVER BISBEE VISITORS CENTER
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Alive and well in Southern Arizona, Warren Ballpark has a century old story waiting to be told By Kory Kilmer
THOUGH WRIGLEY FIELD AND FENWAY PARK ARE BOTH MORE WELL KNOWN, the oldest baseball stadium in the country quietly sits in an old mining town in Southern Arizona. Built in 1909 in Bisbee as an outlet for rowdy miners, Warren Ballpark played host to numerous major league teams as they barnstormed their way out west in the 1940’s. “You feel what this ballpark is and all its history when you walk into it,” explains Mike Anderson who is the official historian of Warren Ballpark. “I don’t get that when I go to Chase Field. But when you walk in here, that moment, you look around and realize that it is all still here — the history, the tradition — it is all around this place.” In November of 1913, the New York Giants and Chicago White Sox made a stop in Bisbee. On the field that afternoon were six future members of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, as well as legendary Olympic athlete Jim Thorp. Over the years at least 16 Hall of Famers have been documented taking the field as either a player or manager at Warren Ballpark — names such as John
Tony Antista, outfielder for the Bisbee Bees Class D minor league team, batted .430 in 1930, leading all of professional baseball that year. Antista, nicknamed the "Walloping Wop" by the local media, also worked as a musician across the line in Mexican nightclubs, where thirsty Americans went for a legal drink during Prohibition. — PHOTO COURTESY MIKE ANDERSON
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FAST FACTS
• Though there is no official record of the first game played at Warren Ballpark, it is known to have taken place on June 7, 1909. • Warren Ballpark was originally built for $3,600 by the Arizona Mining Company. As mining left Bisbee, the ballpark was sold for a mere $10 to the Bisbee Unified School District in 1936, which has owned it ever since. • The Copper Queen Mine in the heart of the Mule Mountains has produced almost three million ounces of gold and more than eight billion pounds of copper, making it one of the richest in the world. • By the early twentieth century Bisbee’s population had eclipsed 20,000 people, making it the largest city in the Arizona territory, and it was considered one the of most cultural cities in the Southwest. • The St. Elmo Bar in Brewery Gulch is the oldest, continually-operated drinking establishment in Arizona, having opened its doors in 1902. • The Turquoise Valley Golf Club opened its original nine holes as a diversion to misbehaving miners in 1908, making it the oldest, continually-operating golf course in the state. It is also home to the infamous “Rattler,” a 747-yard par 6 which is considered the 5th longest hole in the United States and the 10th longest in the world.
Warren Ballpark FriendsOfWarrenBallpark.com Gym Club Suites GymClubSuites.com 520.534.5921 Old Bisbee Ghost Tour OldBisbeeGhostTour.com 520.432.3308 Old Bisbee Brewing Company OldBisbeeBrewingCompany.com 520.432.BREW Bisbee Breakfast Club BisbeeBreakfastClub.com 520.432.5885
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McGraw, Connie Mack, Honus Wagner, and Mel Ott. Legendary New York Yankees player and manager Billy Martin even punched an opponent in the face at the entrance to the clubhouse after the two spent nine innings spiking one another on the base paths. Not included in the list are the rumors of Babe Ruth having once made his way to Bisbee to play ball, since they have yet to be verified. There are also legends recounting that members of the Black Sox Scandal of 1919, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, who after being banned from the Majors headed to the outlaw leagues of Mexico, occasionally migrated up to Bisbee for a game. However, the relevance of Warren Ballpark extends far beyond the world of sport. In what has gone down in history as a key incident in US labor relations, over 1,100 striking miners and their supporters were taken from their homes by 2,000 armed vigilantes in July of 1917. They were held captive at the park and asked one-by-one to abandon their strike. Those who refused were boarded onto boxcars once used to haul manure and shipped across the New Mexico border, where they were simply abandoned in what is today known as the Bisbee Deportation. The Friends of Warren Ballpark (FriendsOfWarrenBallpark.org) are actively gathering the old stories of the ball field before another generation of those who were there to experience those early days are gone. The group is also willing to share those stories and open up the ballpark to anyone with an interest who reaches out. Nothing follows a day of exploring baseball’s past in the high desert quite like a hand-crafted beer and a bratwurst, and The Old Bisbee Brewing Company does not disappoint. Sitting right in the heart of Brewery Gulch, an area of town long known for its abundance of saloons, and at one point long ago, ladies of the night, the brewery offers a handful of house and rotating The New York Giants and Chicago White Sox stopped at Warren Ballpark in 1913 to play an exhibition game while on their World Tour. Six future Baseball Hall of Fame inductees and legendary Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe were on the field in Bisbee that day. Major league teams frequently stopped at Warren Ballpark to play exhibition games. The last major league exhibition game played there, between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians, took place in March 1947. — PHOTO COURTESY MIKE ANDERSON
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Erie Street in the neighborhood of Lowell ... has been restored to look like it came straight out of the 1950’s, all the way down to the cars parked along the side of the road ...
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Bisbee Breakfast- Cooper Queen Skillit
beers, including their Copper City Ale. Based on a recipe of a beer from back when Wyatt Earp patrolled the area, the Copper City is smooth and malty with just enough hops thrown in to make their presence felt. With the help of Old Bisbee Ghost Tours, nights in Bisbee offer their own unique look into the past. Regarded as one of the most haunted towns in the country and the focus of many books and television shows, Bisbee is proud of its connection with the supernatural. Dressed in black with a lantern in hand, guides navigate groups through streets and down allies, stopping to share tales of those not quite ready to go quietly to the afterlife. In addition to their standard tour, throughout the month Old Bisbee Ghost Tours also offers a ghost hunt and a Haunted Pub Crawl, which they proudly boast as the only one in which the “Spirits are guaranteed.” Bisbee is full of a unique variety of accommodations, but there is no better place to set up home base than the Gym Club Suites. Located within walking distance of both Main Street and Brewery Gulch, the building was built in 1903 by the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company as a YMCA, but was remodeled into apartments in the 1980’s. Several of the units include large patios with views of the Mule Mountains to the west and a peek into Mexico eight miles to the south. A hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee are necessities on the way out of town, and nobody serves it up better than the Bisbee Breakfast Club (BBC). The restaurant is located on a small strip of Erie Street in the neighborhood of Lowell, yet to be swallowed up by the Lavender Pit Mine. Much like the street itself, which has been restored to look like it came straight out of the 1950’s, all the way down to the cars parked along the side of the road, the BBC has also held on to its timeless diner feel. However, there is also some substance behind all of BBC’s linoleum and Formica. Nothing helps cure the morning-after symptoms of Brewery Gulch like a Copper Queen Skillet, a blend of fresh eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, and onion over a bed of potatoes and tucked under a blanket of cheese and a layer of spicy sausage gravy. Chase it down with a cup of locally roasted coffee and then hit the open road back home.
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2015
SB_ByTheNumbers_MagSeven 3/16/15 4:50 PM Page 2
SUPER BOWL XLIX
BY THE NUMBERS
36
Points, the largest second-half deficit a team overcame to win, New England Patriots
49
Kickoff return yards, both teams, the fewest combined total ever.
TOTAL KICKOFF RETURNS, BOTH TEAMS, THE FEWEST EVER IN ONE SUPER BOWL.
3
10
21
Pass completions, the most in a single Super Bowl helping Tom Brady extend his other ‘Big Game’ records for career completions (164) and total yards (1,605).
YARDS, THE LONGEST PUNT IN SUPER BOWL HISTORY, KICKED BY NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT RYAN ALLEN.
Career Super Bowl touchdown passes, with Tom Brady breaking Joe Montana’s record.
First downs converted by passes, most ever, New England Patriots.
13 3 64
NUMBER OF SUPER BOWL MVP TROPHIES WON BY TOM BRADY, TYING WITH JOE MONTANA.
4
PLAYERS ON ONE TEAM TO CATCH TOUCHDOWN PASSES IN ONE SUPER BOWL, THE MOST EVER, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.
0
KICKOFF RETURN YARDS BY ONE TEAM IN A SUPER BOWL, FEWEST EVER, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS.
1
THE NUMBER OF PLAYS SEATTLE COACH PETE CARROLL WISHES HE HAD BACK AFTER THE SEAHAWKS THREW AN INTERCEPTION IN THE CLOSING SECONDS, HANDING NEW ENGLAND THE WIN.
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SUPER BOWL XLIX, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. was the most-watched television show in history with over 114 million viewers. Football fans young and old have claimed the contest between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks was perhaps the best championship game in NFL history.
S
The game saw a number of Super Bowl records broken or tied, mostly by Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady, and some surprising non-football statistics:
Gallons of beer consumed on Super Bowl Sunday-enough to fill almost 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
14,000,000
HAMBURGERS AND/OR CHEESEBURGERS COOKED, SERVED AND SCARFED DOWN AT SUPER BOWL PARTIES.
$
Viewers who watched Katy Perry’s halftime show, breaking last year’s Bruno Mars/Red Hot Chili Peppers’ record of 115.3 million.
120.8 MILLION PEAK NUMBER OF VIEWERS FROM 9:45 – 10 P.M. EST IN THE DRAMATIC FOURTH QUARTER.
2,168,300
12.5 MILLION PIZZA PIES SOLD ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.
Number of Facebook, Twitter and blog shares of Budweiser’s “Lost Dog” ad.
%
1,820
125 MILLION Chicken wings sold including mild, medium, hot, nuclear, teriyaki, barbecue, etc.
Increase in the number of searches for the Lexus RC 350 on Kelley Blue Book’s website after the car company’s ad aired.
71 MILLION Pounds of avocado, mostly used for guacamole but some destined for sandwiches.
265 MILLION Number of game related posts, comments and likes on Facebook, up from 50 million in 2014.
$206 million: Estimated direct spending in the Phoenix area in tourism, lodging and transportation.
$4.5 million The price of a :30 television ad, an increase of $500,000 over last year’s game.
Global tweets from kickoff up to 30 minutes after the game ended.
325,000,000
118.5 MILLION
28.4 million
SUDS&SNACKS
Media
By Bill Tybur
$102,000
THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EACH PLAYER ON THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS EARNED FOR WINNING SUPER BOWL XLIX.
$14.3 BILLION
ESTIMATED AMOUNT AMERICANS SPENT ON SUPER BOWL RELATED PURCHASES.
51k
$
The paycheck each player on the Seattle Seahawks receiving after blowing the lead with 25 seconds left in the game.
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AZSALwasthere
▲ ▲ ▲ CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JFR Racings John, Brittany and Courtney Force posing for our AZSAL cameras, sporting their new sponsors, Peak and Lucas Oil, to snap a great "family photo". Courtney set a record for fastest speed for a Nitro Funny Car over the weekend at WHPMSP. AZSAL MAGAZINE/JOHN MCMURRAY
Driver for the U.S. Army Top Fuel Dragster and eight-time NHRA Champion Tony Schumacher, stands on the winners podium excepting the "Wally Trophy" (named after NHRA founder Wally Parks) for his win in the finals at Wild Horse Pass Motor Sports Park. Go Army! AZSAL MAGAZINE/GREG LABLANC
Kevin Harvick surely has been Pettyesque. He now has a PIR track-record seven Cup wins (12 overall in various classes), and in motoring to win No. 7 in the No. 4 Jimmy John's Chevrolet, it appeared he barely broke a sweat, leading a race-high 225 of 312 laps. AZSAL MAGAZINE/JOHN MCMURRAY
2014 NHRA Champion Matt Hagen and his Mopar/Rocky Boots Dodge Charger win another close one against NHRA great Del Worsham in what was one of the most exciting finals, for all categories, in the tracks 30 year plus history. AZSAL MAGAZINE/JOHN MCMURRAY
Del Worsham comes within' just a few hundredths of a second in the finals against Matt Hagen. AZSAL photographer John McMurray captures this great shot with the AZSAL signage in the background! Good stuff! AZSAL MAGAZINE/JOHN MCMURRAY
RACING
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wheels By I.R. Hunthausen Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
Crossing Over And Transcending Style The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWC rides like a car and is tough like an SUV
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The Outlander is an outstanding leap in the right direction to promote the crossover breed. If a ride can combine pragmatism and a goodtime drive there is little more left to desire?
WHEN I THOUGHT OF A CROSSOVER I used to envision a curvaceous SUV like vehicle with an interior fit for kids and an affinity for eating up gas mileage. I had an issue with practicality when it came to the unique breed of auto. They never seemed butch enough to tackle the back-country jobs that a traditional sports utility can and never had the street aesthetic their hatchback brethren tended to carry. So, when I spent a week cruising around in Mitsubishi’s 2015 Outlander Sport
SE with the windows down, the sunroof open, the music playing, all with a smile on my face, any previous prejudice to the crossover genre were put on hold and now have been assuaged completely. The first thing I noticed about the Outlander was its body styling. It has a sturdy front end that is broad and confident and looks solid cruising. The design showcases a pedigree that puts emphasis on the Outlander’s SUV side of the family tree, while the handling is remarkably swift and responsive — not too far removed from the likes of its two-door low profile cousins. The agility this high-riding auto possesses makes it a pleasure to drive. Adaptable is the one word I would choose to describe the drivability of the Outlander. Within a couple of blocks I was totally confident on my first drive — which was great because it gave me ample time to enjoy the finer details the Outlander offers. I cruised the Sirius MX stations, bouncing between Octane and Faction, while basking in the late January afternoon sun that tricled in through the sunroof. Arizona weather this time of year is a rare treat, which made mid-day sojourns inevitable and well received as I took the Outlander up and
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HIGHLIGHTS AZSAL was given a 2015 Outlander Sport SE AWC with Touring Package
let me know it was quite the upgrade from my beat-up, yet reliable old civic. We rolled in confidence to our practices with plenty of leg and head room, even with the back packed with balls, cones, and clipboards. The Outlander is an outstanding leap in the right direction to promote the crossover breed. If a ride can combine pragmatism and a goodtime drive there is little more left to desire? Maybe a killer sticker price (just unde $30,000 MSRP), or outstanding gas mileage (drivers save $1,250 over 5 years)? Well, I guess we can’t have everything right. Or can we? It’s versatile, fun to drive, economic, and secure — I was sad to turn over the keys at the end of the week. ▲
around downtown Chandler. It was easy to relish an extra trip around the block on the way home, and for a couple days I was more than happy to run errands for any reason. There is a room for your peeps and room for play with seven-passenger seating standard and fold-flat third row seats — which pays when you have plenty of both. I spend most of my winter and part of my spring coaching high school basketball. When it comes to brutally honest opinions, especially when not warranted, teenagers are the crème de la crème of telling it how it is. As soon as a handful of us piled into the Outlander my players took in the new car smell and
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• 2.4L 166-hp MIVEC DOHC 16-valvue 4-cylinder engine • Super-wide HID headlights • Color LCD multi-informational display • 6.1” Touch panel display audio system with 140-watt audio system with 5 speakers • Average of four star crash test rating by NHTSA with five star side crash rating • Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning System with Forward Collision Mitigation • 27 combined city/highway MPG with annual fuel cost just uner $2,000 • Touring Package Includes: 710W Rockford Fosgate premium sound system
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Wheels_Soul_Health&Body BEAUTY 3/16/15 4:54 PM Page 2
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wheels By I.R. Hunthausen
The Eco-Friendly Emissary To The Urban Driver KIA’s Soul EV is the next step in the evolution of electric autos
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While the Soul may have appeared to be a gambit of concept car and novel pragmatics ... it managed to stake a claim in the hearts of consumers.
IT’S HARD TO FORGET THE LAUNCH of KIA’s stylish, urban lifestyle-inspired Soul six years ago. Moreover it’s hard to forget the fun loving, mildly disturbing, hamsters that found their way from the spinning wheel to riding in style, in mass Technicolor, no less, thanks to the discovery of the “new way to roll” KIA Soul. While the Soul may have appeared to be, and for all intensive purposes was, a gambit of concept car and novel pragmatics that could have easily fallen to scrutiny because of its oddness and been yet another Edsel, cast off into obscurity, it managed to stake a claim in the hearts of consumers. It had some solid predecessors that may have inspired its design — most notably the Nissan Cube that was marketed in North America circa 2009. The Scion xB predates
the Soul but has seemed to fade into obscurity. The Soul has staying power. So, it’s no surprise that the latest incarnation of the Soul is electric — literally. It was about four in the afternoon when I pulled onto my street to see a twotone Soul, in all its sleek boxy glory, resting in my driveway. Its shiny Caribbean Blue body, with a milk-white roof, made it look like a giant matchbox car waiting for me to unwrap and play with it. I’d just come off a week of driving the KIA Sedona, so I was pretty comfortable with the general layout of the KIA cockpit — keyless ignition, LCD display, easy NAV controls, and a pleasant jingle upon startup and shutdown. The one thing I didn’t expect — or rather had forgotten about since it had been easily two years since I had been behind the wheel of a fully electric car — was the silence. I must have turned the car on and shut it off twice before my numbskull self realized it was actually on. It was something that was easy to forget on the road and took a little getting used to, especially at stoplights where it was the instigator of more than one awkward conversational silence. There was a slight zipping sound at acceleration and that was it.
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MECHANICS: 27kWh Lithium Ion Polymer Battery, 109hp (81.4kW) AZ Synchronous Electric Motor SAFETY: Dual Front Advanced/Seat Mounted and Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) INTERIOR: NAV System with 8” Display & UVO EV Services, Leather Seat Trim, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, 60/40 Split Folding Rear Seats, Rear Camera Assist FUEL: 105MPGe (120 city/92 highway), Drive Range 93 miles per full charge, Annual Fuel Costs $600
I had to be careful given the fact that there is no delay between the depression of the “gas” pedal and full torque get up and go acceleration. It’s been said that electric cars can, off the line, beat some of the gnarliest sport cars on the market. I can say the “suck you into your bucket” factor was present in the Soul EV. My drives around town were pleasant. The handling for such a — physically speaking — bulky car was quick and responsive. I wouldn’t be playing wheelman in the thing, but if there ever was a car that had the space to pull a worthwhile heist, this was it. The 40/60 seats makes the Soul utilitarian to the “T”. The only draw back was the Soul’s driving range, which was limited to about 90 some miles on a full charge — which took almost 12 hours to achieve when starting just under one third charge from the standard wall socket in my garage. I was averaging about a mile and a half per true street mile; however this ratio was
inverted completely when I took it on the freeway. In the Valley where freeway driving is almost unavoidable, the Soul EV meets its match. But with government incentives still in existence the EV would make a wicked second car to scoot around the city or the suburbs in, without a doubt. The Soul EV stays true to its roots — a progressive car with edge and curb appeal. The hamsters might have to turn down the jams to save on mileage but it’s a small price to pay with the true savings an electric future will bring. ▲
2015 KIA Soul EV
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Comedy_PaulRod_Health&Body BEAUTY 3/17/15 12:25 PM Page 2
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comedy By Gita Balakumar
Paul Rodriguez, The Original Latin King of Comedy! Still “Livin’ La Vida Loca” even if it’s only in Rush Hour Traffic to the Airport
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Paul Rodriguez’s reputation of hilarity, sincerity and perseverance is all wrapped up in a style of comedy that is unique, grounded and enduring for more than three decades.
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WHAT DOES PAUL RODRIGUEZ HAVE IN COMMON WITH THESE THINGS?: Nintendo gets plugged in, “Back to the Future” makes us time travel, “MacGyver” fixes all things single handedly, Calvin and Hobbes runs in our imagination, start of David Lee Roth’s solo career, detention-angst teens in “The Breakfast Club” sulk, and the global love song ‘We are the World” triumphs? Thirty years of solid fun and laughs. Paul Rodriguez’s reputation of hilarity, sincerity and perseverance is all wrapped up in a style of comedy that is unique, grounded and enduring for more than three decades. Paul Rodriguez is not only one of the Original Latin Kings of Comedy, but an admired comedian, actor and humanitarian. From Mexico to Los Angeles by the age of two, Paul’s fortuitous detour into stand-up comedy started from acting classes ventured somewhere between the Air Force and Stanford law school aspirations. AZSAL Magazine had an exclusive interview with Rodriguez recently after the news that he, and his business partner Paul Hopp announced that the nearly opened Arizona location, once recognized by USA Today as “The No.1 comedy club in the nation,” the world famous Laugh Factory is coming to the valley! Yes indeed, Stand-Up
Live and Improv comedy fans, this historic comedy club will soon open its sixth location and certainly will “kill ‘em” with the fans and the other two big clubs in town, showcasing to hearts, or shall I say wrenching stomachs, some of the top comics in the country. AZSAL asked Rodriguez how he thought it would’ve worked out for him at Stanford Law School and he replied “Basically, I took some acting classes and that’s all lawyers are ... are actors.” I would have been a perfect one.” This solidifies that there’s more to comic greatness, Paul Rodriguez. But don’t get all deep now ... he was on a roll. Rodriguez and Hopp also would like to offer comedy classes for unwed mothers at the Laugh Factory, which he proclaims, is “Selfserving,” jokes Rodriguez. Q: What were some of your influences or inspirations? He didn’t profess to have a lot of these but the key for Paul was motivation with a capital M. A: “I wanted to get outta Compton.” However, Paul’s moment of clarity was when he saw Freddie Prinze. “I saw him on the Tonight Show and thought ‘He looks like me and he’s funny.’ (Back) Then, there was no such thing as a Mexican-American
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AZSAL
FAST FACTS
• Rodriguez, once upon a time, was a driver for Richard Pryor. • Has a professional gold-medaled skater son aka “P-Rod.” • Chairman and advocate for the California Latino Water Coalition.
comedian. We weren’t allowed to be funny.” Paul knew he was a funny guy with his friends, but never thought of it as a profession. He wasn’t the class clown as some may assume. He was determined and with the work ethic of migrant farm workers, Paul will be the first to tell you “I took care of business. There’s a time and place for everything. It’s what you make it.” A career involved and evolved beyond comedy to acting, teaching and charity. He acknowledges that, “Acting is a byproduct of comedy.” Comfortable with doing what he does and performing the roles he’s offered, you get the sense that he is sound in his principles while not taking it all too seriously. Even directing plays has allowed Rodriguez to take this as a teaching method. Q: What is something that people don’t know about you? A: “Well they don’t know my social security number, I hope.” He goes on to describe himself, “I have a private life with a very public job.” He straddles the line of telling us who he is versus what a lot of people think he is on stage. Q: How are you connected to Phoenix? A: “I started in Phoenix. I worked in
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comedy continued
Q: How do you handle the fame? A: “I don’t have fame that stops traffic. I was in Northern California doing a movie with Clint Eastwood (Bloodwork, 2002) and we go to a club. We walk in and everyone in the whole club freezes and stares at him. I turn and say, ‘These people never seen a famous Mexican comedian?’” Obviously, there’s some immunity for the draw of fame for Rodriguez. However, it is the stage that still calls out to him. He sends out a tweet describing his own smitten derangement for comedy: “Standup comedy is being butt naked in a room with the air conditioning on full blast and a bunch of strangers looking for a laugh from you.”
A: “A lot of good comedians have come out of there.” Rodriguez was offered by Jamie Masada to invest back in 19941995 and thought “Is this guy out of his mind? It’s down the street from the Comedy store. It was ridiculous because the Laugh Factory could only hold 15 people in there; it’s a hole in the wall.” Rodriguez recognizes that extending the Laugh Factory to Phoenix is a great way for stand ups and comedians to hone their stand-up chops without the struggled commitment to Los Angeles. “Phoenix is a great place for comedy; it always has been.” The Laugh Factory has been named by USA Today as the “The No.1 comedy club in the country.” Rodriguez, an investor, states the club will provide amateur night for newbies while providing acting classes and a comedy
Q: Can you elaborate, Paul? A: “It’s a scary place for some people. You’re controlling your nerves and putting yourself out there in front of a bunch of strangers in a cold room. And we all know what the cold does to a man’s genitalia, but they are staring at you.” Q: But why do it? A: “It’s a like a disease.” Q: Laugh Factory is something close to your heart. How long have you've been a part of Laugh Factory?
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camp for 9- to 14-year-olds. The comedy camp is where comedians like Rodriguez coach underprivileged kids’ creativity and positivity through humor. Q: Who is your wish list for the Laugh Factory? A: “Of course, Seinfeld, Tim Allen, Drew Carey…” Laugh Factory will extend its reputation to Phoenix by March 2015 delivering novices and seasoned comics. If it’s true what he says about comedy, then bring a sweater cause we hope they turn up the A/C at the Laugh Factory. Laugh Factory is located on the northwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard. ▲
Phoenix before L.A. There was one saguaro and you could go a put a hat on it.” Rodriguez pounded the payment and came up through the ranks with the likes of Richard Belzar and Paul Hopp, even entertaining Arizona state prison inmates.
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risingstar By Bill Tybur
Photos by James “Jimmy” Orr
Scottsdale Pre-teens Have a Need for Speed Jones’ Boys Determined to Follow in Father’s, Grandfather’s Footsteps ▲ ▲
JACE AND JAGGER JONES ARE MUCH LIKE ANY OTHER 10 AND 12 YEAR OLDS. Both students at Cheyenne Traditional School in North Scottsdale, they participate in many different activities, from team sports to theater, to media and communications and charitable activities. They are well known and liked by their classmates, most of who have no idea about their true passion in life; only that they do well in school, excel at basketball and football and soccer and “race gokarts” sometimes. Now there’s an understatement. When most people think of go-karts they think of the kind of karts found at
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amusement parks or indoor karting facilities, powered by lawnmower engines or electric motors and built for reliability and low maintenance — but not speed. The Jones boys have no interest in those types of karts. They race hi-tech, hi-speed “Shifter” karts on both national and international stages. Each has a goal of advancing through the ranks toward becoming professional race-car drivers at the highest level — just like their father and grandfather. Their Dad is P.J. Jones and their Grandpa’s name is Parnelli. P.J. raced NASCAR stock cars, IndyCars, dirt cars, sports cars and off-road racers. Parnelli is
an Indy 500, NASCAR, dirt track and offroad racing legend whom Mario Andretti called “The best driver of his era.” No wonder Jagger and Jace are into racing; It’s in their blood, and the strength of their motorsports DNA is already evident. Jace, who just turned 10, races “Cadet” karts featuring 60 cubic centimeter, 2-stroke engines that provide enough power to reach speeds of nearly 70 mph. Jagger races full-size karts with 125 c.c. engines and top speeds of 80 mph. While Jace is just now getting ready to move up to bigger karts full time, Jagger is simply tearing up the tracks. He
RisingStar_Speed_Health&Body BEAUTY 3/17/15 12:26 PM Page 3
AZSAL
FAST FACTS
• Jagger Jones was just selected as one of two Junior Drivers to represent America in this year’s CIF-FIA Karting Trophy Academy program, racing in Spain, Belgium and France this summer. • Serious kart racers in Phoenix can get started with PKRA (Phoenix Kart Racing Association) an organization featuring a ¾ mile track at 22500 N. 43rd Ave. in Glendale. • Both boys were born in North Carolina — NASCAR country. Their favorite driver is Jimmie Johnson, because their dad and him have been friends since the early 1990s when both raced off road in Southern California. • Parnelli Jones won one of the last Champ Car races at the old Arizona Fairgrounds track in 1961 and started from pole position for the first race at Phoenix International Raceway in 1964. He won the Indy 500 in 1963 and came within a few laps of victory in 1967 driving the famous STP turbine car.
• MHT Wheels, IMPACT, Pure Karting LLC, PJ1, C&R Racing, AIRAID and High-Rev Engineering are among the Jones’ Boy’s most valued sponsors.
was the 2014 SKUSA SuperKarts National Champion, clinching the title at the prestigious ProTour SummerNationals in California. He also finished second out of 92 racers by class in the SuperNationals in Las Vegas and finished 10th out of 105 racers in the World ROK Cup in Italy, making him the highest placing American finisher in all divisions. Jace is also showing his prowess. Last year, in combined races with mostly older drivers, including his brother, he had two third-place podium finishes — both times
with Jagger on the top step. Their racing aspirations? Jagger wants to compete in open wheel cars, like IndyCar or Formula 1. “I love road racing,” Jagger said, “It’s the best. Ovals are okay but road racing, turning right and left and keeping someone behind from passing you while trying to pass the driver in front, that’s what I want to do.” Jace, on the other hand, likes road racing too but he wants to eventually make it to NASCAR. “I like to pass people,” Jace said. Grandfather Parnelli, with proud
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• P.J Jones won the last IMSA (Sportscar race) at P.I.R. at the wheel of Dan Gurney’s GTP Toyota. He now races off-road on occasion and operates PJ’s Performance Products, catering to off-road enthusiasts.
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risingstar continued
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74 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE
am with what’s best for the boys.” Father P.J. is naturally proud as he can be with his sons’ success. “To win in karting, its seventy-five percent driver, twenty-five percent everything else,” he said. “Even though the karts have no suspension there are nearly one hundred different adjustments a good mechanic can make to find maximum speed on any particular track. The driver has to tell his mechanic, and ours used to be in NASCAR, how the kart is handling to make those adjustments. Both Jace and Jagger are great at giving feedback. That’s important in any kind of racing.” The Jones Boys are definitely on
“There’s not much danger in kart racing and it provides us with so much fun as a family ... the environment is perfect, from the loading up to the driving to the racing.“ their way to the top rung of the motorsports ladder. Even at their young ages they understand all they have to do to become champions in whatever discipline they choose. ▲
satisfaction, said “It’s because he likes a little contact when he races.” Pics of his kart are confirmation. Jace loves using “The chrome horn” without hesitation if someone in front won’t get out of the way when he’s faster. “I want to pass so bad,” Jace said with a grin. And what do his parents think about their sons’ racing? His mom Jolaina Jones is all for it. “I’m loving all this,” she said. “There’s not much danger in kart racing and it provides us with so much fun as a family. Last year we made 21 trips for races and the environment is perfect, from the loading up to the driving to the racing. I’m not obsessed with racing but I
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KIDS GOLF BANK:
Growing the Game of Golf
One Kid at a Time! Local junior golf organization provides free golf and practice rounds to valley youth. By Jonathan Crist PHOTOS BY MICHAEL FADYK
MANY OF THE SUCCESSFUL SKILLS THAT PEOPLE ACQUIRE THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES SHARE A COMMON THREAD WITH ATHLETICS, including the game of golf. The patience required to learn something that can never be mastered; accountability for each shot, good or bad; humility in the face of adversity that every golfer faces sooner or later; and the confidence that comes from the joy of a well-struck shot are all examples of useful values found on, and off, the golf course. Despite this, golf is sometimes still overlooked as a learning platform when in fact it combines athletic skill with a lifetime of learning opportunities like no other sport. These lessons don’t necessarily resonate with the younger generation, so some clubs have tried to boost youth participation by experimenting with interesting ideas from widening the cup to combining golf with Soccer and Frisbee. These concepts, while thought provoking, detract from this royal and ancient pastime and do very little to help the game in general. After centuries of success why change it at all? The problem isn’t the game, it’s the lack of players. So why not just encourage more youngsters to take up the game? This is exactly what the Kids Golf Bank aims to do; one kid at a time.
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"In golf, as in life, players compete
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against themselves and the golf course. They alone are responsible for success or failure – a great way for young people to learn and grow into independent adults."
Like many sports, golf requires a measure of financial investment. Through coordination between junior golf organizations, golf facilities, golf industry leaders and individual donors, the Kids Golf Bank provides young golfers with free lessons, practice sessions and rounds of golf at participating courses, effectively breaking down fiscal barriers and creating lifelong relationships between children and the game. Dr. Mick Carroll, a child psychologist and founder of the Kids Golf Bank, drew inspiration from his daughter, Michelle Carroll, who was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma during childhood. Although she survived, the extreme chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant stunted her growth, making participation in team sports difficult. Despite doctors and statistics telling her she would never play, Michelle took to the game of golf like a duckling to water, and after countless hours learning, playing and practicing on a local First Tee golf course with dad faithfully on the bag, she “Grew” (4 feet, 11’ inches 83 pounds) into a fine golfer who played four years of high school and became captain of her college golf team at Millikin University. Michelle is now a Pediatric Oncology nurse in St. Louis, helping others overcome the same challenges that she faced many years ago. Her success is proof positive that golf is a catalyst for learning and confidence. In golf, as in life, players compete against themselves and the golf course. They alone are responsible for success or failure – a great way for young people to learn and grow into independent adults. It’s high time to change the way youngsters think about golf without changing the game itself. Golf is far from an elitist sport built specifically for the wealthy, it’s a tool to teach all young people how to be accountable for their actions, among other things. Making the holes wider or concocting a soccer-golf hybrid are just the latest examples of gimmicks that undermine the foundation of the game. Instead, organizations such as the Kids Golf Bank offer the most effective and economical options to create a new generation of enthusiastic golfers that will actually play the game as it is intended.
For more information visit: www.kidsgolfbank.com Or call 480-478-6492
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self&body By Dr. Joseph Rucker
BEAT THE CLOCK: Staying Young in the Arizona Sun
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Life in the Valley is full of warm sunshine and outdoor activities, but those dreaded signs of aging can creep up on you faster when you spend your days in the sun.
THEY SAY GROWING OLD IS BETTER THAN THE ALTERNATIVE, but aging certainly is not for the faint of heart. You live an active, healthy lifestyle. You don’t have a lot of time to worry about aging. But maybe those unwanted fine lines and wrinkles have already started showing on your face. Life in the Valley is full of warm sunshine and outdoor activities, but those dreaded signs of aging can creep up on you faster when you spend your days in the sun. Sun exposure is not the only factor that affects your youthful look; changes in skin texture, volume and appearance, pigmentation problems, broken
capillaries and dullness become more pronounced with every birthday. We cannot stop the hands of time, but knowing the factors involved with aging can lead to an understanding of what we can and cannot influence when striving to look our best. First, the basics — the skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and a deeper subcutaneous tier. The epidermis is the outer layer and its role is protection. This layer loses lips (fat-like substances), making the skin dry. In your 30s, it will shed itself every two months. The dermis is the skin’s inside layer, responsible for texture and elasticity. This is the home of collagen and elastic fibers that break down over time. The subcutaneous inner layer is composed of fat and connective tissue and allows us to maintain constant body temperature. INTRINSIC AGING: Changes that happen within the body. • Fine lines and wrinkles • Thin and transparent skin • Loss of subcutaneous layer attachment to bone, resulting in sagging and folds • Thinning of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets and loss of firmness on the hands and neck • Drying of the skin • Gray hair and hair loss
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• Consult with Dr. Rucker and his staff. We have developed a skin treatment program that has been used by over 1,000 patients. Let us discuss personal options that will fit your lifestyle and priorities. Visit enza.com for a customized skincare consultation. • Tri-Peptide Cell Activator: Dr. Rucker’s exclusive wrinkle-reduction serum formulated with Resveratrol, Tripeptide-3, and Swiss apple stem cells, clinically proven to reduce signs of aging. ▲
PREVENTION + TREATMENTS: We cannot stop the aging process, but we don’t have to surrender quietly. Signs of aging can be corrected with fillers, lasers or ultrasound. Pharmaceutical-grade skincare products can further repair damaged skin. • Avoid deliberate tanning, including use of indoor tanning devices. • Prevent damage from the Arizona sun by applying sunscreen year-round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Using an effective sunscreen, such as Enza Essentials Advanced Protection SPF 30, on a daily basis will make a big impact on the skin and help prevent future damage.
Dr. Joseph Rucker is a board certified plastic surgeon who has developed a proprietary skin care line called Enza (www.enza.com) specifically formulated around lifestyle, age and location.
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EXTRINSIC AGING: Skin changes due to external factors: • Sun exposure, resulting in age spots, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles • Facial expressions: Repetitive facial movements actually lead to wrinkles, often referred to as “Character lines” • Gravity: Our skin gradually ceases to “Snap back” due to gravity • Sleeping positions: Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night can contribute to the development of facial folds • Smoking: People who smoke regularly are more likely to develop wrinkled, leathery skin, especially wrinkles around the mouth.
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realestate By Salvador Huxley
Desert Shores Await It’s a fact: Arizona is the perfect place for waterfront property
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The lavish beauty and sensory appeal of crystal blue waters, gorgeous views, sparkling sunsets and water sports await homeowners ...
WATERFRONT LIVING IN THE HEART OF ARIZONA sounds crazy right? No, it’s not a mirage of an idea — it’s the real deal. You really can have the relaxing lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of, right here in the Valley. The lavish beauty and sensory appeal of crystal blue waters, gorgeous views, sparkling sunsets and water sports await homeowners in a variety of upscale communities across the Valley. On or off the shore there are a multitude of benefits for community members. To owners, amenities like fishing or boating
or time at one of the many parks and green belts are some of the settings that will create an escape from the surrounding stress of city life. A home’s value can have above average appreciation due to the community’s benefits and the lifestyle that comes along with waterfront living. In today’s market there is still value to be found. With interest rates still low, the possibility of making that dream home a reality is within reach. So, stop thinking of Arizona homes as picturesque Sonoran abodes with desert landscaping in a menagerie of suburbs. The Valley is truly a haven for waterfront living. In fact, according to recent estimates, there are more than 7,000 houses on the water in the Phoenix metro area. From Gilbert’s Val Vista Lakes to impressive properties in Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Paradise Valley, the Arrowhead area, northern Arizona, and beyond, these homes span the Valley. There are more than 250 waterfront properties currently listed for sale in a variety of price ranges. Here, Arizona Sports & Lifestyle features just a fraction of these. Types of waterfront homes At any given moment there are hundreds of waterfront properties available
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in the Valley ranging in price from the early $100,000’s to $5.5 million and up. These homes range from estates to penthouses to suburban style properties on manmade ski lakes. For example, the Crystal Point Estates community in Gilbert is centered on a manmade ski lake and is home to internationally known skiing and water sport champions. Many waterfront homes are found in master planned communities in Phoenix, Scottsdale and downtown Tempe. These communities not only boast access to the water but other perks like community clubhouses, ongoing events, scenic greenbelts, and more. While all residents in these communities enjoy access to the water, the premier experience many crave is to have access to the lake through personal docks where small electronic pontoon boats, canoes and other high-end water “toys” are kept. It’s the best thing next to ocean front property. expert Gary Colin. “And with many second homes being purchased, waterfront homes continue to attract a variety of out-ofstate buyers.” “It makes sense because, when you get home and you’re looking at the lake, you
forget you live in the city,” Colin continued. “Waterfront living is a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle and many residents take advantage of the peaceful nature of living near the water with an evening boat ride or casting a line into their private lake.”
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Why waterfront property? “Many people who live on the water tell me that their home becomes the perfect place for entertaining family and friends but gives them unique advantage when selling their home,” said Valley real estate
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hottest shops, restaurants and nightlife locations. Want to retire by the water? Check out East Valley waterfront condos and smaller homes. For active families, a home by the water where they can enjoy water skiing and other water sports offers a unique living experience like none other. To learn more about available waterfront property in the Valley, call Gary Colin at Keller Williams Sonoran Living. ▲
Perfect for all lifestyles Between the variety of locations, prices and styles of homes, waterfront property in the Valley offers something for everyone in all walks of life. Penthouse homes near the water in places like Scottsdale’s Waterfront and Tempe’s Hayden’s Ferry offer chic, urban living amenities for busy professionals. Love to wine and dine? Many North Valley waterfront properties are steps away from the
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