In 1997, thousands of people saw the now-famous Phoenix Lights, including Arizona's governor at the time, Fife Symington. Last night, it appeared they'd returned to the skies above Phoenix.
Dozens of people called in to local radio and TV stations to report an eerie quartet of red lights. An FAA spokesman had no explanation for the phenomenon, but did have a sense of humor about it, given the agency's recent troubles:
It could be aliens coming down to save us from ourselves, you never know. The only thing I do know is if they were coming down, they weren't talking to air traffic controllers.
Former Governor Symington describes the original Phoenix Lights 45 seconds into this video.
Say it ain't so, PHX! The Phoenix airport, which we listed as one of the best in the US for WiFi, won't let you check out dirty websites while you're waiting for your flight. The airport filters web content in the terminals, a la Denver International.
Says The Rocky Mountain News, it's only one of a couple airports playing nanny for passengers:
A review of policies at two dozen of the nation's busiest airports found that DIA and Phoenix Sky Harbor are the only two that block content on their WiFi systems for travelers using their own laptops, according to [our] research.
As we told the author of the story, it's pretty ridiculous that the web is being censored while you can pick up nudie mags in the airport newsstand. (Though DIA should get some credit for making the WiFi free.) For more airports with free wireless, check out our handy map.
Now that we know it'll be the Patriots against the Giants in the Super Bowl, it's time to shore up those plans for a trip to Phoenix. The city's hosting Super Bowl XLII, but wants you to know that there's lots more to see than big, sweaty men smashing each other.
Besides Taliesin West, you could also check out the local spa scene or art galleries. (The Scottsdale Super ArtWalk happens on February 2.) And if you're into music, Diddy, Snoop Dogg and Dave Navarro will all be in town in early February. Even Tommy Lee and Kid Rock are flying in. Our Kid Rock Fight Venues map is at the ready!
On our recent trip to Scottsdale to get massages, pedicures and bodywork treatments in the name of, um, travel research, we learned that this desert oasis plays host to more than 40 spas, many of which are located in swank destination resorts. When you're in such close proximity to your five-star competition, you've got to offer something wacky, niche or ultra-luxe to win over guests--your basic Swedish rubdown or hydrating facial just won't cut the epicurean mustard.
Making our appointment at The Revive Spa at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge, we were urged to try The Turquoise Blue Sage Body Ritual, a 3-in-1 combination therapy designed to cleanse and purify our senses. As the name implies, the products used throughout the 80-minute experience feature the area's most recognizable rock, plus fragrant ingredients like sage and organic essential oils.
Guiding us into the treatment room, our spa therapist explained that turquoise possesses a kind of healing energy. We pondered this, more than a bit skeptical, as she began working a mineral-rich salt scrub into our skin. But as she coated us in a desert clay body mask, wrapped us inside a hydrating cocoon and worked us from head to toe in a full-body massage, we started to come around to her way of thinking. By the time the treatment rounded out with an energy ritual designed to cleanse our aura and balance our spirit, we were totally down with the whole desert healing vibe.
The Southwestern zen lingered for hours--at least, until we came inches from stepping on a live rattlesnake during hike in the nearby Sonoran desert. After such a traumatic, near-death event, we felt totally justified in booking another extra-long treatment at Revive.
The Super Bowl viewership numbers get higher and higher, but the performers they pick for halftime just get older and older. Apparently still freaked by the 2004 Janet Jackson Rhymes-With-Ripple Incident, the organizers of Super Bowl XLII, held in Arizona, might be ceding the stage to a crowd past their prime--the lovable crew from "American Idol," with Paula Abdul set to make her singing comeback. Yes, Paula "Opposites Attract" Freaking Abdul.
Even though "Idol" is the one mid-season television replacement sure to be a hit, do we want to see these jokers perform? They could just rewrite some Soulja Boy Tell 'Em lyrics and get those kids from "High School Musical" to do the dance. All the young'uns these days love that dance. Also, according to USA Today, Paula's new single is called "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow." Come on, the Bowl's less than a month away!
When my sister Jenn, best friend Holly and I arrived at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona at the end of 2007, we confessed that we hoped the getaway would jump start our New Year's resolutions to get healthy (read: stop inhaling Christmas cookies). After all, didn't spas serve the kind of bland, tasteless gruel that makes hospital fare seem like Jean Georges by comparison?
Lulled into a false sense of caloric security (and perhaps in an endorphin haze, thanks to multiple hours of kneading, buffing, steaming and soaking beforehand), we floated down out of the relaxation room and down the hall to Ristorante Tuscany. As three of the last patrons to arrive for dinner, we had the good fortune to meet the twentysomething chef du cuisine, Brian Archibald, who strongly encouraged us to try his tasting menu.
I'm dreaming of a *dry* Christmas, just like the ones I used to know... Did you get two feet of snow this week? How about some enchanting freezing rain? No one called a snow day at your office? Let's all fantasize about warm climates and warmer people. Take an early retirement with us and find someone to spend your best years with at these hot spots:
Mastro's Steak House -- This Wine Spectator-garlanded upscale red meat joint sets the scene to woo and be wooed, including women who look like they play for the other team. 8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., in Scottsdale
Uncle Bear's -- This late-night bar and grill specializes in burgers like prime rib sliders, perhaps perfect for a party of 3? 9053 E. Baseline Rd.
Tempe Center for the Arts -- All the adorable-toed park their feet at this municipal concert hall, now playing "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" and "Seussical! The Musical." 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway
The airport is giving people what they want: a free wireless signal throughout the three terminals of the airport--even before security. That could be a true blessing, as some airports and terminals only offer the `net in secure areas. (We're thinking of JetBlue's Terminal 6 at JFK.)
The airport network is just one chunk of the greater Phoenix area that's getting WiFi. A number of community centers--including the Phoenix Convention Center--are getting wired, or should we say un-wired. Hey, San Francisco, how's your city-wide system coming along?
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