Arizona: The Place to Be! It is a great time to live in Arizona. Why? First, congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals for winning the NFC Championship and going to the Super Bowl for the first time in their history. Whether you follow sports or not, Arizona was in the world spotlight last year when we hosted Super Bowl XLII for the second time, and the most watched Super Bowl ever. This year, our own team is in the Super Bowl! By the time you read this, we’ll know if they are world champions. But regardless of the results, as the first NFL team in Arizona history they are winners in our book. Or even our magazine! Second, our beloved former Governor Janet Napolitano has been appointed as Secretary of Homeland Security. I don’t have to tell you how important this job is today. We were proud to have her as our Governor. She attended many of our dinners and supported many of our causes. We’ll miss her in Arizona but we welcome her contribution to our country. But it took a great man to recongnize her talents. Not only has President Barack Obama hired a very cabable and bipartisan team, but he has united and excited this country like never before. Even people who didn’t vote for him can’t deny that there is an excitement in the air. I don’t even have to mention our great weather, a new Metro Light Rail, growing GLBT community and, of course, ION Arizona. Yes, t’s good to live in Arizona!
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We are working on some exciting new programs to be launched in the next couple of months. First we are bringing back our ION VIP Key Chain and introducing a new monthly ION Party Crew Party. Then we will be publishing an expanded Phoenix Pride Special Edition in April and in July, we’re launching an all new annual publication called the ION Yearbook - The Year In Pictures. It’ll be like no other. Plus, we are launching our own Facebook, Twitter in addition to our updated MySpace along with our weekly ION Party Spam e-mail blasts. Go to our website to link to these great features and sign up for Party Spam so you don’t miss a thing. I don’t have to tell you that times are tough for many gay and gay-friendly businesses. They need your support more than ever. So instead of going to Applebee’s or Cheesecake Factory, go to Switch, FEZ, TICOZ or any of the other restaurants featured in ION. When looking for a unique gift for youself or someone you love, go to Root Seller Gallery or Off Chute Too instead of Walmart. Eat and shop at private and independent restuarants and merchants when possible. And by all means, get out and have some fun at our many bars and clubs advertising in ION. Did you know that we have more gay bars per capita than any other city? “More bars in more places.” I like that. Enjoy this issue, get out, have fun, volunteer, donate and get involved. Be a part of the community. Your community. It needs you! Jack Tesorero Publisher
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