She has interviewed presidents, flown with Mother Teresa, given a face to depression and helped HIV-infected orphans. Long-time Arizonans know her as the first primetime television news anchorwoman in the Phoenix market. But, teenage girls growing up in the ‘70s regarded her as their own personal hero, a real-life Mary Richards (played by Mary Tyler Moore), who really could “turn the world on with her smile.” Mary Jo West’s smile continues to break barriers and warm hearts. She lives by what … [Read more...] about Mary Jo West Uses Her Famous Voice to Advocate for Social Justice, Mental Illness, Children
On the Grid – College Graduate’s First Job
College Graduate's First Job Part 1 [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317797332" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /] Part 2 [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/328003303" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" … [Read more...] about On the Grid – College Graduate’s First Job
Flagstaff’s Original Tourism Adventure Retraced
Ultra Runners Follow Historic Stagecoach Route to Grand Canyon It may well have been Northern Arizona’s first ultimate wildland adventure for tourists and the start of organized tourism in Flagstaff. In 1892, the Flagstaff Board of Trade in partnership with the railroad promoted the Stagecoach Line from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. Public relations efforts included a free trip for travel writers, who praised the journey and the views, and even an appearance by Buffalo Bill! That … [Read more...] about Flagstaff’s Original Tourism Adventure Retraced
There’s No Business Like Snow Business
For Aspen Sports Owner Jerry McLaughlin, selling outdoor sports equipment, for which much of it depends on a commodity that melts, is challenging. But this year, with Arizona Snowbowl’s ability to make snow, a projected opening day of Friday, Nov. 29, and the expectation of at least a four-month skiing and snowboarding season, McLaughlin says retail businesses like his should experience more stability. “It’s a relief. We’ve definitely ramped up the inventory this year,” he said. “In 25 years … [Read more...] about There’s No Business Like Snow Business
Growing Human Skin and Jobs from Bok Choy
Step into Dr. Robert Kellar’s lab and you have entered the future. On McMillan Mesa, this 39-year-old scientist, professor and president of Development Engineering Sciences has figured out how to put plants to work to grow human protein. When his patented products have cleared the clinical trial stage and entered the manufacturing stage, he plans to put some 30 to 40 people to work in this field of regenerative medicine. Basically, Kellar is growing human skin and his business plan calls for … [Read more...] about Growing Human Skin and Jobs from Bok Choy
2013 Science Fest – Manifestation of Curiosity
From the darkest oceans to deep space, into the frigid ice caps and across blistering deserts, the 2013 Flagstaff Festival of Science will explore Life in the Extreme, Sept. 20 – 29, 2013. Leading the free 10-day adventure is planetary explorer and Mars rover boss Professor Steve Squyres. With the most up-to-the-minute images and information from the nail-biting Mars rover missions and their extraordinary findings, this planetary geologist will set the pace as the Festival’s … [Read more...] about 2013 Science Fest – Manifestation of Curiosity
Tourists Bagging Bargains
Whether you are in search of a questionable Coach, an unreal Rolex or an imperfect Prada, a stroll through lower Manhattan’s Chinatown may have you quickly considering a counterfeit. The trademark infringement business may seem like a harmless amusement for tourists, but it is illegal and is said to cost New York City $1 billion a year in lost tax revenue. However, not everybody knocks the knockoffs. Flagstaff resident, “Carol” (not her real name), frequently visits Manhattan for … [Read more...] about Tourists Bagging Bargains
Flagstaff’s Crowning Jewel Sparkling
At one time, Flagstaff residents and visitors could enjoy an evening of billiards, card games and refreshments in the basement of the elegant Weatherford Hotel. That was a hundred years ago, but history is about to repeat itself. The latest phase of the nearly 40-year restoration project will bring major improvements to the historic Victorian building from the bottom up, including an underground 1920s speakeasy-style game room, an expanded ballroom and the completion of the decorative … [Read more...] about Flagstaff’s Crowning Jewel Sparkling
Making Room for Greatness
Racing down Sunset Crater’s paved trails on 18-inch roller skis, World Cup gold medalist Mark Arendz is training at Northern Arizona’s high altitude in preparation for the 2014 Winter Paralympics. As the world’s best para-biathlete, the 23-year-old Canadian knows he’s the one to beat in Sochi, Russia during the competition that combines cross-country skiing with marksmanship. “I’m the one with the target on my back,” he said. Meanwhile, in Northern Arizona University’s Wall Aquatic Center, … [Read more...] about Making Room for Greatness
Polluted Properties Bringing Lots of Opportunity
It had served an important purpose in 1916. The property near the northwest corner of South Beaver Street and West Phoenix Avenue contained a steam-powered utility company that burned sawdust from the timber mills and converted it into electricity for downtown businesses. Also on this property was an operation that treated power poles and railroad ties. Fast-forward 90 years and the businesses are gone, but not without a trace. Left behind were 832 tons of contaminated soil, sticky with … [Read more...] about Polluted Properties Bringing Lots of Opportunity