phoenix daily foto

temple of the unknown

2011-12-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

West of Black Canyon Freeway & Northern Ave, Phoenix

There is no sign to indicate what this humongous temple is about or what it is doing stuck in the midst of this urban through-fare. It is totally unexpected when you happen upon it. A double tiered cast iron fence surrounds the property. There is no way of getting near the building when its closed. It sits next to a run down vacant lot in a modest residential area. The intricate art work can be seen on the upper corner dragons and statues, if you have binoculars that is. As with many things in the Phoenix area, this place clearly serves a specific community that is not widely known to the general public.

taken 9/16/2011

smoke-n-toke

2011-09-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

McDowell Rd & 16th Street, Downtown Phoenix

taken 8/12/2011

Wig slaves

2011-09-17T22:44:00.000-07:00

Superstition Springs Mall, Mesa, AZ

taken 4/16/2011

azgraffiti.blogspot.com

2011-06-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

New blog highlighting graffiti and street art in the Phoenix area

http://azgraffiti.blogspot.com/

here comes the spirit

2011-04-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Pima Indian Cemetery, near Gilbert Rd & Thomas Rd

Wondering around the reservation one day, chasing some storm clouds, I happened upon this primitive cemetery, still being used. Nothing fancy, or ornate, just simple graves for those who died over the years.

Beautifully simple; a barren field with a hole dug for the body, then dirt mounded to cover the spot. Striking and sacred, I felt like an intruder visiting a world far removed from my own.

taken 12/2010

El Tiradito

2011-02-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

Barrio Viejo District, Tucson, AZ

taken 2/26/2011

the right road

2010-11-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

Pima Indian Reservation, West of the Beeline Hwy

milling mesquite

2010-11-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Salt River Pima Indian Reservation

We recently attended a Mesquite Milling and Pancake Breakfast on the reservation. We brought with us a 10 - 5 gallon buckets of mesquite pods to have milled into flour. Plus, they provided a complete mesquite pancake breakfast - all free of charge!

There were community vendors selling edible items as well as hand-made crafts. I bought some freshly made flour tortillas, as big as a pizza, it was the best tortilla my family has ever tasted.

all photos by Liev Fletcher

little house of sausages

2010-11-05T18:08:00.000-07:00

N. 7th Street, downtown Phoenix

lucky me

2010-10-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

7th Street & Osborn, Phoenix

It doesn't look like much but Lucky Boy has the best burgers, fries and fresh squeezed lemonade in town. It's been around forever, managed by the same friendly family ever since I've been patronizing this joint for the last 5+ years. Small sit down section adds just the right feel to this authentically old-diner like dive. A true local favorite. Don't pass it by!

water in the desert

2010-09-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

Tempe Town Lake

This is what happens when you try and put water in a dry river bed, and then aim to create a lucrative waterfront recreational area.

The City of Tempe failed miserably when they ignored warnings about the inflatable dam's deterioration. In July the dam broke apart and released thousands of gallons of water to the west side of Tempe, into Phoenix. The high end condos and buildings lining the "lake" are now overlooking views of unsightly ponds of mud embedded with debris.

taken 7/23/2010

Arron's Grave

2010-09-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

Pima Indian Reservation, south of Scottsdale, AZ

Driving through the reservation, there are many signs of death - falling old houses, abandon barren fields, and these roadside graves. They are not hidden or placed away from everything, they're just there, out in the open, amongst the homes, crops and roads.

Death seems to have a different meaning to the Pima's. Rather then having a fearful approach, they seem to accept it into their rhythm of life - we live, we die, we return to the earth.

taken 7/24/2010

not forgotten

2010-08-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

Pima Indian Reservation, along Indian School Road

taken July 24, 2010

the depth of beauty

2010-08-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

Pima Indian Reservation, Indian School Road

taken 7/24/2010

used to be somebody

2010-07-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

McDowell & 7th Street, Phoenix

taken 12/20/2006

more than just a haircut

2010-07-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

University & Horne, Mesa

taken 4/14/2007

set afloat

2010-06-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

First Crossing, Payson

You don't have to travel very far to get away from the desert heat. Many residents head up north into the mountains of the Mogollon Rim that surround the town of Payson. Temperatures are typically 10-15 degrees lower than in the valley. A weekend escape from the summer high temperatures will only take you 1.5 hours from downtown Phoenix. This swimming hole is just outside of town.

taken 6/17/2010

tentacles and spines

2010-06-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

Chihuly Exhibit @ Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix

taken 1/3/2008

set adrift

2010-05-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Chihuly Exhibit @ Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix

As if the desert wasn't already a surreal enough landscape, glass artist Chihuly adds another dimension to an otherwise stark, hostile environment by confronting us with a child-like invitation to play.

taken 1/3/2009

happy place

2010-05-18T22:10:00.000-07:00

St. Peter's Mission, Gila River Reservation

taken 4/15/2010

this is love

2010-05-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

7101 W. Picture Rocks, Tucson

As I was wandering around the Redemptorist Renewal Center, I came across this beautiful, life-like statue on the grounds. I was immediately drawn to take a photo, but it wasn't until much later that I realized how intricate and detailed it was in capturing the human expression of the blessed Virgin.

taken 4/15/2010

where there is hope

2010-05-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

St. Peter Indian Mission School, Gila River

In the middle of almost nowhere is this beautiful mission serving the Indian community of the Gila River Reservation, just south of Chandler, near Santan.

The school is by all means modest, but there is a joyfulness about it. The kids were dutifully preparing for a funeral service, yet seemed so intent and fulfilled in their countenance. The staff of a visiting priest and seven residing, Franciscan, sisters were equally glowing.

Maybe it was the way the warm desert sun lit up that mission on the day I happen to be there, but it made it feel like paradise to me.

Holy Saturday

2010-04-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

St. Bridget Catholic Church, Mesa, AZ

On the night before Easter Sunday, Catholic churches all over the world initiate new members of the church through baptism and confirmation ceremonies. Through baptism, the elect vow to die to sin and be born again in Christ.

taken 4/3/2010

inbetween two places

2010-04-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

12th Street & McDowell Road, Phoenix

rock of faith

2010-03-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

San Xavier Mission, Tucson, AZ

Mission San Xavier del Bac is a National Historic Landmark. The church construction was started in 1783 and completed in 1797. Restoration has been underway since 1989. It is open to the public, free of charge.

Located about 1.5 hours from Phoenix, 9 miles south of downtown Tucson, off of I-19 (exit 92, San Xavier Road), follow signs.

taken 5-5-2007

colorforms

2010-03-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

University & Gilbert Road, Mesa

The Phoenix area may not have a lot in the way of historic buildings from a hundred years ago, but they do have the 60's and 70's era of architecture pretty well covered.

This is the front glass window of a local church. There is something nostalgic about color block that I just can't resist.

taken 4/14/2007

Last Call

2010-02-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

University & Horne, Mesa

These little mom & pop run convenience stores seem to really come alive when the sun goes down. Offering whatever you think you need, they lure you out for one more late night stop before you call it a day.

taken 4/2007

beautiful decay

2010-02-17T14:40:00.000-08:00

Central Phoenix, in an alley

I don't normally recommend spending much time walking the alleys in the inner city, but there was a time in my life when I would walk my dog everyday, looking for rich textures to photograph. The best source of material was the back alleys of my central Phoenix neighborhood. That's where the secrets of some perfect looking homes are revealed; as I walked around the backside, perusing the alley for neglected objects, I often found things that offered much more character then their front facade.

taken 09/07/2005

a pattern of disruption

2010-02-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

in an alley, 7th Street & Thomas, Phoenix

taken 12/2005

gas n' rub

2010-02-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

Lindsay & Main St, Mesa

Where else can you get a tank full of gas and an Asian massage in one place? Only in Arizona!

swim in

2010-01-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

Lindsey & Main St, Mesa

This is my all time favorite vintage sign. It's full glory is seen at night when the swimmer becomes animated as she begins her dive, finishing with a splash!

taken 1/23/2010

fantasy come true

2010-01-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

16th Street & McDowell Rd, Phoenix

Formal wear is a big need for the Hispanic Community, even for children. There are many shops in Phoenix catering to those necessities.

For some kids, it means wearing dreadfully restrictive attire that requires painful care to avoid soiling, but for imaginative little girls, these dresses have all the makings of a fairytale dream.

taken 11-23-2006

old lines

2010-01-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

16th Street & Thomas, Phoenix

taken 02-06-2006

my people

2010-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

12th Street & Thomas, Phoenix

taken 10-11-2005

state dish

2010-01-11T19:51:00.000-08:00

16th Street & McDowell Road

Every town has their own version of regional cuisine. Some would think here in Arizona, it would be a Southwestern style Tex-Mex dish; huge plates of melty, cheesy, meat filled tortilla masses, lying next to a puddle of thick, pasty beans. That would be the gringo fare.

You'd be missing the whole tamale if you didn't check out some of the little taco dives littered throughout the city, especially in the Hispanic neighborhoods. Maybe not the sort of place to impress your mother-in-law unless she has a stomach for the real deal - like cow tripe (stomach lining), tongue, or brains. But you don't have to be in an adventurous mood to eat this rich, homey ethnic food that taste like some one's Mexican grandmother is cooking back in the kitchen (cause sometimes she actually is!).

taken 11-11-2006

simple & true

2010-01-10T17:28:00.000-08:00

12th Street & Thomas, Central Phoenix

There is nothing pretentious about some parts of Phoenix. That's what I love about it. The genuine ways people live, no need to impress. Underneath the surface the texture richness is revealed.

taken 12-13-2005

just us

2010-01-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

7th Street & Oak, Central Phoenix

taken 09-08-2005

forgiven

2009-12-31T16:14:00.000-08:00

7th Street & Thomas, Downtown Phoenix

taken 10-11-2005

in season

2009-12-29T19:53:00.000-08:00

12th Street & McDowell Rd, Downtown Phoenix

taken 12-31-2005

sunshine paradise

2009-12-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

Lindsay & Main St, Mesa

taken 10/09/2009

trailer park express

2009-12-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

Lindsey & Main Street, Mesa

Grass, desert or train??

Most of us here in the Valley of the Sun seem to think we only have two landscaping options for our yard - grass or desert. These people decided to create another possibility - why not have a complete miniature village set-up right in your front yard!

taken 10/09/2009

temptation wins

2009-11-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

32nd Street & Southern, Mesa

taken 10/9/2009

National Veteran's Cemetery

2009-11-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

Pinnacle Peak & Cave Creek Road

This is where my father is interred. This is a beautiful, desert cemetery on the outskirts of town, and it is one of my favorite places to go because it is so quiet and peaceful.

There are many hundreds of graves here, from older WWII veterans to the present Iraqi war. Unfortunately, there are sites being added everyday, many of them being young soldiers.

taken 5/25/09, Memorial Day

faith fulfilled

2009-11-08T21:02:00.000-08:00

Mesa Drive & University, Mesa, AZ

This is not my church, but I liked the architectural design. There is a good sample of 60's era church buildings in Mesa, including, the predominately present Mormon churches. I will post some more styles in the future.

taken 10/12/2009

the little people

2009-11-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

Lindsay & Broadway Rd, Mesa

We call them "snowbirds", although the politically correct name is winter visitors. They come from the northern states, stay through the winter, then leave by May before the heat comes in for the summer. Generally happy folks; as smiley as the Arizona sunshine. What a life!

taken 10/15/2009

think big

2009-11-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

Stapley & Main St, Downtown Mesa

taken 10/15/2009

a world away

2009-10-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Main Street & Stapley, Central Mesa

taken 10/15/2009

time for a visit

2009-10-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

Mesa & Brown Rd, Central Mesa

taken 10/15/2009

convenient corner

2009-10-18T00:26:00.002-07:00

Gilbert & Broadway Rd, Central Mesa

There is one thing about the Valley, we have no shortage of convenience stores. There seems to be one on every corner, luring people in for ice cold drinks, candy, six packs, cigarettes and gas too. Seems there's always something you can get, right down the street.

taken 10/14/09

sneaking around again

2009-10-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Stapley and 8th Ave, Mesa, AZ

taken 10/15/2009

western sky

2009-09-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Main Street & Dobson, Downtown Mesa

taken 5/5/2007

decades

2009-09-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Downtown Phoenix, near 7th St & Thomas, alley view

Remember when Phoenix was the ideal Southwestern city? We didn't have many fancy restaurants back then, but we had lots of beautiful desert. And maybe this wasn't the place to spend a lot of time; more of a fly in, drive out, but it was very affordable. We didn't have the big store names as much back then. But we did have lots of entrepenuers that would sell you almost anything, for not very much, cause the rent was so cheap.

Now we have the Metrorail, big sports arenas and $10 martini's. We have high end people living in low end parts of town, securely protected by iron gates and big dogs. What little character there was here seems too diluted to notice anymore.

I guess, some people have changed the city, but the city hasn't changed some people.

taken 08/23/2005

a quiet response

2009-09-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

Downtown Phoenix, alley near 12th Street and Palm Lane

There's are somethings I don't really talk about, usually meaningful moments in my life. I don't talk about them because I don't want to trivalize them with verbage. So I take pictures and I let the photos express my feelings.

I know they're not pretty pictures, or places you'd even want to spend time. I guess I choose them for their raw, uncovered, exposed nature; no hidden veneer here. To me, that's truth; the inside, the under parts, stripped of any facade.

taken 09/22/2005

another dollar

2009-09-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Downtown Phoenix, off of 7th Street & Thomas Rd

You sure don't have to be rich to live Phoenix. Just about everyone, of any economic status, can get by well enough here. Fancy, multi-million dollar homes on Camelback Mountain are only a few miles away from simple, single story apartments, big enough for one person to live a fairly quiet lifestyle. Life is what you make of it; you choose your way.

taken 10-31-2005

pot of gold

2009-08-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dayton and Monte Vista, Downtown Phoenix

To some people, the Phoenix alleys are an eyesore and they would like to permanently do away with them. It may not show the best side of the city, but to me, it was a treasure chest full of color and texture.

Amoungst the decay and neglect, I could discover something different and wonderful everyday.

taken 08-23-2005

vintage quality

2009-08-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Coranado Historic District, Downtown Phoenix

The old days of Phoenix are being condensed into smaller and smaller areas, due to the rapid expansion of loft condos, growing Latino neighborhoods, and stucco homes popping up everywhere there is a empty space.
Still, you don't have look too far to find remnants of the way things used to be. We sort of got stuck in time for little while, but maybe that wasn't such a bad thing!

taken 08-23-2005

do unto me

2009-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Near 7th Street & Virgina Ave, Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix used to be known as a very conservative area. With all the growth from the last several years, the city is moving towards the left (though still right of center). Nevertheless, there are still many that embody the old ways; those who just want to be left to do their own thing.

Along with this attitude is tolerance, and even yielding, but most of all an independent spirit that believes strongly in freedom and privacy.

taken 01/17/2007

if dairy queen was in mexico

2009-08-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

16th Street & McDowell Road

Colorful hand painted windows catch your attention, luring you into a mouthwatering place. Once inside, you will not be disappointed. A choice of fruity creations intoxicate the senses, as you are compelled to decide which flavor to pick. Will it be a scoop of rich coconut, creamy banana, or tangy mango? Or shall you be more daring and try out tamarind, or even mango-chile flavor ice cream palettas? Maybe just a large cup of fresh fruit and rich cream will do you well?

If you perfer to resist the sweets, you can always settle for nachos, elotes (corn) or tortas (mexican sandwiches). Either way, the experience of these common shops are fun, colorful and satisfying.

taken 01/08/2007

work to live

2009-08-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

Downtown Phoenix, off Thomas Road and Monte Vista

When we first moved here in 1992, Phoenix was a little big city. It was very affordable and had lots of people trying to make an honest living. About 15 years later, it became unaffordable; as investors snapped up properties, values inflated beyond reason.

Now it's coming back around again. You can actually buy a modest home for less then $125k. The big time investors have run away crying, and every neighborhood has a bunch of foreclosures. Those that moved here to make Phoenix their home, are still live around. Phoenix has come back to earth; a little more hip, a bit more urban, but still a city filled with people that still love living here.

taken 12-13-2005

eye of the camera

2009-08-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

alley off of 7th Street and Palm Lane, Downtown Phoenix

If you take enough pictures, you will soon feel yourself transformed. The camera is no longer just an instrument to document events, but it becomes an extension of yourself. No longer are you seeing things in the same way, now it's all in a camera's perspective; a still moment, a lonely fragment, something special.

When I see something visually interesting, I want to photograph it. It's like the camera is my way of absorbing and understanding the world. It's gives me an excuse to contemplate the light, the person, the scene, in one little piece of time. And then later, in the completed photograph, I can decompress the situation, disecting the elements as if they had some special meaning that would not readily be seen, except in a photograph.

taken 01/20/2007

one for all, all for one

2009-07-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

E. McDowell Road & 16th Street, Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix is a community of communities. There are lots of little secrets here; places, groups, and businesses. Some you would never know about unless someone took you there in person. Nevertheless, I don't think Phoenix has the anonmity of some large urban areas. Everyone here has a place, somewhere to fit in, in some way or other. Yet, no one is so attached to their micro community that they don't feel at home within the larger population. There's that casual welcome in the form of a subtle, authentic smile; it's here on most any face.

taken 01/09/2007

time to share

2009-07-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

Near 7th Street & Thomas Road, Downtown Phoenix

If anything, Phoenix is an outdoors place. This is surprising since we are known for our extreme summer heat. Some may think residents are rarely seen out of their hideaways, always seeking relief from the blazing sun. Like the other desert creatures, we are lured outside as soon as the sun goes down. It's plenty hot still but the evening offers release of all the stored up energy of the sheltered day, as we come alive in the night warmth.

taken 01/20/2006

in service

2009-07-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wilky's, corner of Mesa Drive & Main Street, Downtown Mesa

There is something about this shop that really attracted me. Maybe it's the cluttered layout that seems to lack any discernable organization, or the way the parts are condensed into every square inch of available space. Or maybe it's just the way it was lit up at night - seeming sort of empty, yet crowded. But I think it's that it reminds me of some old shop my father used to take me to when I was a kid; kind of like a dad's hangout away from mom.

taken 04/14/2007

the little people

2009-07-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Coranado Pool, 12th Street & Oak, Downtown Phoenix

Almost everyone in the Valley seems to have a pool. Everyone but inner city kids. The City of Phoenix saw to it to provide one as a place to go for relief from the extreme summer heat. They made it free for kids under 12 years old, sometimes even providing a bag lunch too.

This summer the pool never opened. In fact, city budget cuts have caused some pools to close down permenately. It's always those who have the smallest voice that the government seems to target first!

taken 01/11/2006

a good night's sleep

2009-07-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

Main Street & Alma School Road, near downtown Mesa

Unlike Phoenix, Mesa (a suburb of Phoenix) has kept much of it's original businesses in tact, at least for now. Time is suspended in the many old neon signs remaining from the decades past when Mesa's Main Street was a primary throughfare for travelers coming from the east.

Many of those motels are now empty or have become low-rate apartment rentals. Only the signage alludes to better days, provoking daydreams of northern vistors in plaid shorts and wide-brimmed hats, sipping margaritas by the pool.

taken 04/16/2007

sausage factory

2009-07-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

Downtown Phoenix, around Washington and 7th Avenue

Long abandoned, this meat factory is not in the nicest part of town. Trash blows along the side of the building. The train tracks to the south are a hang out for those engaged in suspcious activities. Next door is a large homeless shelter where crowds of desparate-looking people roam around, seeking food and shelter.

I found this mural a bit of a novelty, especially with the chain link fence, as if to keep the animals from escaping their beautiful farm paradise.

taken 03/02/2007

a momentary relief

2009-07-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Main St & Mesa Drive, Downtown Mesa

It's hot and I want ice cream. It's 9 pm and the tempreture is 104 degrees. It was 113 degrees earlier today. I drove around to get estimates for the broken air conditioner in my car. It was unbearable to be in the car for more then an 15 minutes, even with all the windows open.

The heat is not the "dry heat" we are known for here. This is monsoon season, which is when the dry heat combines with moisture, making it most unpleasant. We won't get much break until September, which will have high day temps but the nights will begin to cool down (below 100 degrees, that is).

I always tell people, this is like our winter - everyone stays inside during the day. For the other 9 months of the year, we have nearly perfect weather. Even though it's still hot at night, I love the balmy summer evenings.

This old DQ stand reminded me of when I was a kid back in the 70's.

taken 04/14/2007

shabby chic

2009-07-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

Coranado Historic District, 12th St & Oak

Almost anywhere you may live in Phoenix, you're never but a stone's throw from a neighborhood of varying economic status. Truly urban and genuinely Arizona, this is Phoenix; portrait of a southwestern city with adobe roofs rising up over of a thick influence of Old West and Hispanic color.

taken 2/06/2006

out of town

2009-07-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

I will be out of town for 4 days. No new photos will be uploaded. I will resume daily fotos on Saturday 7/11.

shopping in the hood

2009-07-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

Clothing store on 16th street & Oak

Throughout the city are pockets of shops catering to the large Mexican Community living in all parts of the valley. These speciality shops are not necessarily clustered with like businesses but offer a range of services to a for one area, all within walking distance of each other. This clothing store is adjacent to a laundromat, beauty salon, tire retailer, two small Mexican restauraunts, a dollar store, liquor store and a bakery-ice cream parlor.

taken 01/08/2007

ol' times, good times

2009-07-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Mr. Lucky's, on Grand Avenue, going towards Glendale

I don't know what sort of going on's happened at Mr. Lucky's, but I couldn't resist this sign. It loomed over a large parking lot with an abandoned looking building to the west. Like many business on Grand Avenue, it looks as if it's seen better days, seeming anything but "grand".

taken 2/26/2007

simple living

2009-07-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

10th Street and Oak, Coranado Historic, in downtown Phoenix

Some historic areas have beautiful, well kept homes that are occupied by those who can afford the higher cost and maintainance of a home over 75 years old. In Phoenix's Coranado neighborhood, there are quaint, 2 bedroom homes from the 1920's, usually owned by singles or couples in the upper-middle income bracket. These historic homes are scattered amoung small, inner city homes or apartments, usually rented by those in the lower-middle income bracket. This combination makes Coranado more affordable, edgy and characteristic of an urban neighborhood.

taken 4/19/2006

in pursuit of happiness

2009-07-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Coranado Historic Neighborhood, south of 12th St & Thomas Rd

In the older neighborhoods, there are alleys behind each house. Certainly not the most scenic area to stroll through, but I often found them to offer a unabashed range of color, depth, and character that depicts the way people really live. In our pursuit of style, wealth and thrills, we don't always take note of the way things really are, or accept that it's not necessarily something that needs to be changed.

taken 01/05/2007

room and board

2009-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Downtown Phoenix, W. Madison and S. 1st St, next to US Airways Arena

Phoenix has gone through years of attempted urban renewal. Looks like we've finally succeeded at making downtown a place to hang out before and after the game. Then there are those people who hang out cause they have no place else to go.

taken 2/26/2007

night time snack

2009-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Rainbow Donuts on McDowell Road, between 12th and 16th Streets

Always looks empty but never seems to shut down. If you were to meander in one night, or early morning (they open at 4 am), you'd most likely find a diverse range of passerby's - or no one at all.

taken 1/09/2007

hostile grounds

2009-06-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

A cholla cactus forest, near the Salt River, east of Phoenix

These cactus have "jumping" balls that will cling to anything or anyone that gets within an inch of it. Once they adhere to your skin, there are a dozen of barbed needles to pull out. I think a cholla attack is a type of initiation innocently inflicted on all desert newcomers.

taken 3/22/2007

real food

2009-06-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

A little taco stop on Main Street, near Country Club Drive, in Mesa

There are many 24 hour taco stands throughout the city. They cater to the all the late night workers that keeps our offices and businesses spic and span.

taken 4/14/2007

brides behind bars

2009-06-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

A bridal shop east of 16th Street and McDowell Rd

Marriage may be a fading industry among white Americans, but the Hispanic community is keeping up the quota. Funny how the bars seem to almost imply a certain irony.

taken 11/23/2006