AZ Sports & Lifestyle v5.6 2013 Nov-Dec

AZSAL_CVRandSpineNovDec13_Layout 1 11/6/13 3:43 PM Page 1

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE ▲

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:12 PM Page 2

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:13 PM Page 2

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:00 PM Page 2

▲ ▲ ▲

covering the game of life

▲

from the publisher Publisher

Joe Orr Editor

Hello readers! Welcome to another issue of Arizona Sports & Lifestyle Magazine (AZSAL).

Curt Blakeney Art Direction & Design

Here we are at yet another end of a calendar year. Halloween has passed, and we have Turkey Day, Christmas and a New Year ahead of us. What we all consider “good times.”

Dara Fowler Managing & Lifestyle Editor

Lynette Carrington That being said, AZSAL is bringing you a compelling story on local icon Alice Cooper and his charity, Solid Rock, which he and several others have put together to keep Arizona kids on the path toward prosperity and great music. Cooper’s “Christmas Pudding” is a star-studded holiday party that has earned high praise — so be sure to check that out. And we’ve put together a stellar list of activities and events to attend this holiday season — shall we say, something for everyone.

We’re also bringing you an exciting roundup on several new 2014 automobiles that are a must-buy if you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle. Some sweet rides, depending on your needs and tastes. And don’t forget about our Holiday Gift Guide — plenty of gadgets, gear and even toys for the kids. It’s bigger and better than ever!

Associate Editor

I.R. Hunthausen Senior Editor

Michelle Talsma Everson Copy Editors

Michele Dawson Rahal Desta Jennifer Reisinger Scott Verbout Director of Sales & Marketing

Kellie Dionne Photo Editor

And although 2013 has been a fantastic year for AZSAL, I personally would like to dedicate this issue to the loved ones that I lost this year… my dearest and best friend Derek Bondie, a close friend Greg LaBlanc, Mr. Gary Musial, and an ex co-worker Leann Hunt, who was loved by many, especially her 3-year-old daughter Sam.

Gene Lower Advertising Design

Joe Becker, Kristin Moore Production Assistant

Vince Van Groski You will all be missed and we will celebrate your lives.

Website

David Carrington We hope you enjoy this issue!

Now keep reading …

Contributing Photographers

Michael Fadyk Tommy Kowalski John McMurray Kristin Moore Bill Nash Contributing Writers

Joe Orr, Publisher AZSAL joe@azsal.com

Tony Capobianco Amanda Carter Laura Holloway Charles Hudson Chelsea Josten Byron Kline Stacey Lane Dr. Joseph Rucker Amanda Ventura Chaz Wolfenhiem 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 2013 — 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

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:14 PM Page 2

TOC_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:03 AM Page 2

▲

table of contents November/December 2013

▲ ▲ ▲

24

features

A Dish Served Up a la Rock Christmas Pudding, ALICE COOPER’s nightmare before Christmas, brings rock icons and good tidings ... and helps fund his Rock Teen Center in Phoenix

28

Deck the Halls

36

Against All Odds

44

The holidays are a whirlwind of community events, family gatherings, shopping and traveling

▲ ▲ ▲

40

28

Senior safety Alden Darby has overcome a number of obstacles throughout his life to become the captain of the Arizona State Sun Devil defense

Tucson Tough Joe Yager lives a double life as University of Arizona laborer and Bellator fighter

Stand Up Paddleboarding Makes Waves in Arizona

8 14 46

Leading Off

52

Good Eats Sapporo in Scottsdale

54

Wheels Nissan Pathfinder Lexus IS 250 Mercedes Benz ML350 Toyota Venza Toyota Tundra and Ford Explorer Sport

62

Music Arizona Opera Center Morris Day & The Time

64

Holiday Gear Guides Kid's Gear Outdoor Gear Scents

74

Self & Body Skincare by the Numbers

76

Fit & Trim Fitness DVDs

77

Comedy Comedian Anjelah Johnson

78

Rising Star Valley gymnast Shaye Hayden

80

AZ Real Estate Waterfront properties

46

The experts at No Snow Stand Up Paddleboards say the emerging sport is perfect for Arizona’s lakes

departments

8

Holiday Gear Guide Travel The Old Pueblo, Tucson

On the cover: Alice Cooper Photo by Hayes Button

62 44

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:22 PM Page 2

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 2

s

leading off

s

RECIPES OF THE MONTH

GM RASPBERRY PEACH MOJITO

MAMAMANCINI’S MEATBALL SUB

Ingredients: • 2 oz. Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach • ¾ oz. fresh lime juice • ¾ oz. simple syrup • A handful of mint leaves • 5 fresh raspberries • Club soda Preparation: Muddle mint and raspberries in shaker. Add ingredients except for the club soda and shake. Pour into a Collins glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Ingredients: • 1 pack frozen MamaMancini’s Meatballs and Slow Cooked Italian Sauce • 1 loaf French or Cuban bread • ¾ cup mozzarella cheese • 3 tbsp. parmesan cheese Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F. Slice meatballs in half. In a large skillet, heat meatballs and sauce over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes.

Slice bread loaf into three even portions, width-wise. Slice each portion in half, the way you would to prepare a sandwich. Divide marinara sauce (more or less according to taste) onto one side of each sandwich, so that 3 out of the 6 pieces of bread are evenly slathered. Divide meatballs evenly between each sandwich by arranging them across the piece of bread with marinara sauce on it.

Sprinkle approximately ¼ cup (according to taste) shredded mozzarella cheese across meatballs. Sprinkle approximately 1 tbsp. shredded parmesan cheese (according to taste) across meatballs. Place each sandwich (both sides, open-faced) on a cookie sheet and heat in oven for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove from oven and cover each meatballed slice of bread with its other half. Serves: 3-4; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cooking Time: 5 minutes

— Recipe courtesy of mixologist George Carney and Grand Marnier (www.grand-marnier.com).

— Recipe courtesy of MommaMancini's (www.mamamancinis.com)

LIGHT & STORMY Ingredients: • 2 oz. 10 Cane Rum • 4 oz. ginger beer (or ginger ale) • ½ oz. lime juice Preparation: Build in a highball glass over cubed ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

— Recipe courtesy of 10 Cane Rum (www.10cane.com) and Alliance Beverage Distributing Company (www.alliance-beverage.com).

s

8 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 3

CHICKEN WITH COLMAN’S MUSTARD AGAVE SAUCE Ingredients: • 24 oz. chicken tenders • 4 cups mixed greens • 16 grape tomatoes • olive oil • 2 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar • 1 cup yellow corn • 1 medium red pepper, diced

• 1 small onion, diced • 2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped • salt and pepper • 4 oz. Colman's prepared mustard • 4 oz. organic blue agave • 1 tbsp. parsley, chopped • 1 tbsp. rosemary, chopped • juice of ½ lime

Preparation: Lightly coat chicken with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat until cooked through. Remove from heat. Roast yellow corn in husks over medium heat until tender. Remove from husk. Add corn to large bowl. Sauté red peppers and onion in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Add red peppers and onion to corn in bowl. Add cilantro, salt and pepper and mix well. In small bowl, combine mustard, agave, parsley, rosemary and lime juice and stir to combine. In large bowl, combine 4 tbsp. oil and balsamic. Add mixed greens and tomatoes and toss. Plate the chicken and drizzle sauce over chicken. Serve alongside mixed greens and corn salsa. Serves 4.

— Recipe courtesy of Colman’s Mustard (www.colmansusa.com)

MIKE’S HARD SMASHED APPLE CIDER BBQ RIBS Ingredients: • 2 racks of St. Louis-style ribs (about 4 lbs.) • 2 tbsp. ginger powder • 2 tbsp. smoked paprika • 1 tsp. allspice • 2 cups brown sugar • ½ cup Mike’s Hard Smashed • 1 tsp. cinnamon Apple Cider Crisp Apple Preparation: Combine paprika, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger powder and allspice to create the dry rub. Rub the mixture all over the meat and season with salt and pepper (allowing ribs to marinate overnight). Preheat oven to 375°F. Place meat in a roasting pan and slather the ribs with Mike’s Hard Smashed Apple Cider Crisp Apple. Cover the pan with foil and bake for approximately 2 hours, until an inch of bone is showing. Finish on the grill over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes and glaze with BBQ sauce. Yields 8-12 servings.

MIKE’S HARD SMASHED APPLE CIDER BBQ SAUCE Ingredients: • 8 oz. can chipotle peppers • 2 cups thick BBQ sauce • 1 tbsp. molasses

• 2 tbsp. Mike’s Hard Smashed Apple Cider Crisp Apple

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract • ½ cup nonalcoholic apple cider

Preparation: Blend ingredients together until smooth.

s

— Recipe courtesy of Mike's Hard Lemonade (www.mikeshard.com)

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 9

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 4

s

leading off

FAVORITE LUNCH STOPS Detroit Coney Grill

Bombay Spice Grill

CREATING AN AUTHENTICALLY MIDWESTERN CONEY DOG is not a task everyone can execute, but that’s what one misplaced Detroiter has done by founding Detroit Coney Grill. This newly opened grill in Tempe is one of the few genuine coney dog grills in the Valley, serving fresh, hand-cut fries, made-to-order Angus beef burgers and, of course, Detroit-style coney dogs. With Michiganimported all natural casing surrounding a pure beef hot dog, topped with all-meat beanless chili, chopped onions and a few pumps of mustard, this dog is a real wiener. The burgers are made with 80-20 percent ground beef grilled on a flattop to ensure its juices marinate the meat as it cooks. Watch as the cooks prepare your meal fresh and the way you want it; there are no preset toppings to pick off. Don’t forget to grab your bag of Better Made potato chips and Faygo Pop to complete your truly authentic Midwest meal. With affordable prices and four-and-ahalf-star reviews, Detroit Coney Grill is sure to please your palate and your wallet. Hot tip: Head in when the Detroit Tigers are in a playoff game and get two coney dogs, fries and a drink for $8.88.

Location: 930 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480-219-7430. www.detroitconeygrill.com

WITH HEALTHY EATING ON THE RISE, Bombay Spice Grill is serving up its own dish of freshness with its Indian-inspired cuisine, complete with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Bombay Spice Grill has taken a Chipotle approach to serving its made-to-order bowls, salads, wraps and sandwiches. Pick your choice of white rice, brown rice or quinoa, add a sauce (curry, tikka masala, spinach or vindaloo) and top it with your choice of meat and fresh veggies. The ingredients are made with no butter, cream or frying, and 95 percent of the menu is less than 500 calories. Not satisfied with just a main course? Add a side of hummus, chickpea ceviche, lentil soup, samosas (baked pastry filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas, lentils, ground lamb, beef or chicken) or chicken wings. Try the delightful rice pudding or Carrot Halwa if you're craving something sweet. Order online for easy in-store pickup or have your meal delivered if you’re located within two miles of a store. There is even a loyalty program to rack up points and earn free stuff. With its unique and healthy twist on Indian cuisine, Bombay Spice Grill will be a favorite amongst those trying to eat more health-consciously but keep the flavor.

Locations: 4720 E. Cactus Road, Suite D118, Phoenix, 602795-0020; 681 E. Apache Blvd., Suite 103, Tempe, 480-9212077. www.bombayspice.com

s

10 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 5

1

DO’S AND DON’TS TO WARD OFF THE WINTER COLD DO’S

DON’TS

Do Work Out Regular exercise is a great secret to staying healthy but it actually helps to boost your immune system. Incorporate 15-30 minutes of exercise into your day to get maximal benefits. No time for the gym?

Take a walk or dance to some music. The more the cardio, the better you feel.

Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands Washing your hands on a regular basis is the easiest way to prevent getting sick.

Wash with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If water’s not available, use an alcohol-based substitute to kill viruses and bacteria until you can get to a sink.

Do Drink Milk Regular intake of calcium and Vitamin D can help prevent a cold.

These vitamins not only strengthen your immune system, but they are easy to get a hold of as well.

Don’t Smoke This goes without saying; quitting tobacco may be one of the most difficult things you can do, but it is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Talk to your doctor about tools you can use to quit.

Do Drink Water Drinking water regularly is an easy, inexpensive way of keeping your body hydrated and your skin intact. Your skin and linings of your respiratory tract are your body’s first and largest defense against bacteria and viruses.

Don’t Deprive Yourself of Sleep Sleep plays a vital role in good health and avoiding the cold. Getting eight hours of sleep on a regular basis is important and can help protect your physical and mental health. Staying up late and waking up early doesn’t allow for your body to get the rest it needs to fight off germs.

Do Have Fun Of course, stressing out is one of the best ways to weaken your immune system. Stress increases your body’s cortisol level, a hormone to help you handle stress. Laugh and play with friends and have lots of fun. Laughter reduces stress, and the less stress you

Don't Sneeze Into Your Hands Generations of parents and teachers have told children to cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough. The rule still applies, but aim for your elbows or sleeves. Your hands touch everything all day, including your own face.

have, the more effectively your immune system functions.

Don’t Drink Alcohol When you have the cold or flu, alcohol can dehydrate you. Increase your intake of hot teas, water and juices when you’re sick.

Try these doctor-approved Common Cold Essentials to fight off the common cold:

Source: Dr. Jennifer Collins, a New York-based physician specializing in allergy, asthma and immunology.

1. Halo Sani-Cuffs are comfortable, stylish, and collectible germ-fighting wristbands that dispense hand sanitizer at the push of a button. Refillable with any liquid hand sanitizer. www.armorteria.com

2

3

2. Cold-EEZE Cold Remedy is a homeopathic cold remedy clinically proven to shorten the duration of a cold by almost half. Its main ingredient, zinc gluconate, relieves symptoms including cough, runny nose and hoarseness, and is linked to boosting the immune system and decreasing viral activity. www.coldeeze.com 3. USANA’s Booster C 600 is a delicious lemon-berry flavored drink booster that gives your immune system the support it needs. Formulated with zinc, elderberry, high-quality echinacea, and USANA’s proprietary Poly C Vitamin C blend, you can add this powder to your drink or take it like Pixy Stix to avoid the common cold. www.usana.com

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 11

s

WWW.AZSAL.COM

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 6

s

leading off 1

BATHROOM ESSENTIALS

2

A person will spend on average 182 hours per year in the bathroom.

Spend your time wisely with these cool products:

3

1 • Shave the Dreadnought way with the Cut Throat Razor, a stylish replaceable blade shavette. It's a close relative to the straight razor with the difference being that the blades can be changed, just like a safety razor. $20; www.dreadnought-shaving.com

4

2 • Clean Well Disinfecting Wipes are made with a patented formulation of thyme oil that kills more than 99.9% of germs botanically on hard, nonporous surfaces. Unlike traditional surface disinfecting products that contain harsh chemicals, Clean Well disinfecting wipes are all natural. $3.99; www.cleanwelltoday.com 3 • Start your day fresh with AXE Black Chill Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant, which is energized with fresh citrus and mint, along with cedar wood undertone to keep you refreshed all day. $4.99; www.theaxeeffect.com

5

6

4 • Listerine Whitening Restoring Fluoride Rinse. Two-in-one formula that whitens while strengthening teeth with fluoride. Same germ-killing benefits of Listerine Antiseptic. $6.49; www.listerine.com 5 • Schick Quattro for Women — a high-performance four-blade razor that offers a shave so close, you can skip a day — added the new Floral Pack in a vibrant green handle.

Two aloe formula conditioning strips on each cartridge provide an incredibly smooth shave. $7.39 for 3-pack; www.quattroforwomen.com 6 • Gold Bond Powder is now available in a new no-mess powder spray that delivers the odor and wetness protection of the original in a convenient, easy-to-use spray. It provides tripleaction relief: cools on contact, absorbs moisture and soothes skin. $7.99; www.goldbond.com

SPOT FAKE PERFUMES DURING HOLIDAY SEASON PERFUMES, COLOGNES AND FRAGRANCES are some of the most popular gifts during the holiday season. For most shoppers, getting fancylooking goods at low prices is a good enough reason to buy counterfeit products. But a knockoff is not always a great deal, especially when it comes to counterfeit perfume. Here are a few ways to tell if a perfume may be fake: • Is the perfume available far cheaper than the market price? It is probably not genuine or is old.

• Check the outer cover of the perfume for any spelling errors. Reputable companies almost never use cheap, filmy material for packaging. Carefully scrutinize the logo, trademarks, labels, country of origin on the box. Check for a bar code or batch number on the bottom.

• Check the sprayer. Is it smooth and easy to operate? Check the sprayer tube for proper length and color.

• Check the fragrance color. If you find anything floating inside, or if the color isn’t consistent all over, it’s a fake perfume.

• Is the fragrance too pungent? That’s a sign of a bad perfume.

• A genuine fragrance has three notes: base, middle and top. The top note lasts for a few minutes and sets in. The middle note will linger for a few more minutes, finally giving way to the base notes. The base notes will linger for a few hours or half a day. Make sure your fragrance does not disappear in a matter of minutes.

— Ami Ahuja, www.Grandperfumes.com

s

12 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:24 PM Page 7

LeadingOff_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:25 PM Page 8

s

leading off

COLLEGE GOLF AND GAMBLING:

EDITOR’S PICKS

A HIGH-STAKES WAGER

SOFTWARE: OmniPage 18 is the fastest and most precise way to convert paper, PDF files, and even digital camera pictures into documents you can edit in your favorite PC applications. Don’t retype your documents ... convert them. Delivers unrivaled accuracy, speed and innovative features. $105; www.nuance.com SMARTPHONE ACCESSORY: A cell phone user's worst nightmare? Dropping it in the toilet.

Stress no more. The Bheestie revives wet electronics after water emergencies, absorbing water and helping to prevent corrosion. $17.95; www.bheestie.com SMARTPHONE ACCESSORY: The CardNinja attaches to the back of most smartphones and smartphone cases, allowing you to hold several credit cards, IDs and cash. Yet it's secure enough so items will not fall out even if you flip it upside down. $19.95; www.cardninja.com COMPUTER ACCESSORY: MimoBot Bruce Lee USB Drive is a limited-edition USB flash drive featuring Bruce Lee from his epic film "Enter the Dragon." Available from 8GB up to 128GB capacities and USB 3.0 speeds for lightning quick data transfer. $19.95+; www.mimoco.com DVD: Danny Trejo, Anthony Michael Hall and Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke star in the unrated, action-packed battle for vengeance “Dead in Tombstone.” Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. $34.98; www.universalstudiosentertainment.com BOOK: “The Patrón Way” details the unorthodox building of the brand, the extraordinary creativity and marketing ingenuity of Patrón's co-founder, Martin Crowley, and his life partner, Ilana Edelstein, and the way Patrón singlehandedly transformed the face of the liquor industry. $18.20; www.thepatronway.com

s

14 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

ACCORDING TO THE NCAA’S QUADRENNIAL SURVEY on gambling, male college golfers in Division I are more than four times as likely to engage in sports betting as student-athletes in other collegiate sports (21.3 percent compared to about 5 percent of college basketball players and football players). While gambling has leveled off or declined in all other sports, the report shows a rise in golf and golf alone. The most frequent betting activity among men’s college golfers is “games of personal skill,” which includes on-course bets, followed closely by lottery tickets and card games.

Why are college golfers risking wagers when others are not? Athletes as a whole may be at heightened risk for sports gambling because of their inside knowledge of the game and penchant for competition. College golfers have the added challenge of a country-club culture that normalizes gambling behavior.

Perhaps most problematic of all, some college golfers may be setting themselves up for a lifelong addiction. Between 3 and 11 percent of American college students have gambling problems. In many cases, the problem developed long before college and is entrenched by the time they step on the golf course.

A significant obstacle, especially in a sport like golf where gambling is entrenched, is acknowledging the problem. For those who recognize addictive patterns and seek treatment, the road to recovery is similar to overcoming drug and alcohol addictions. A multifaceted approach is typically most effective, using a combination of 12-step meetings (Gamblers Anonymous) for peer support, individual and/or group therapy to address underlying issues, and family therapy to rebuild relationships affected by the addiction.

A primary goal of treatment is learning the skills that allow young gambling addicts to cope with difficult emotions rather than gambling. There are also practical interventions college athletes can use to resist the urge to gamble, including calling someone who will hold them accountable, replacing gambling with enjoyable activities and enlisting someone else to manage their money for a time.

By intervening early, college athletes have a chance to hold onto the things they care about most, including their ability to continue playing their sport.

— By David Sack, a board certified M.D. in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine and the CEO of Elements Behavioral Health. For more information, visit www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:23 PM Page 2

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:24 PM Page 2

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

gear

▲ ▲ ▲

Skullcandy Navigator Headphones

▲ ▲ ▲

The Navigator headphones crank out thumping bass, natural vocals and precision highs for incredible sound. This sleek and retro-looking earpiece includes the Mic3, allowing you to take and make calls, adjust the volume, play/pause and track control. $99.99; www.skullcandy.com

Carrera 5002/S Sunglasses

Coming from the Craze Collection of Carrera, these unisex sunglasses have a square frame and multilayer lens. Seasonal and edgy, it comes in six different color choices and bold designs. $112; www.solsticesunglasses.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Louisville Slugger Z-2000 USSSA End Loaded Softball Bat

Chicks dig the long ball. So will you with this end-loaded bat from Louisville Slugger. Strong and durable, with more mass toward the end of the barrel makes this softball bat feel heavier while bringing more energy through the hitting zone. LS-2X Composite technology allows for a thinner, high-strength wall ... for a lighter swing weight, better performance and lasting durability. $249.99; www.slugger.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Cambridge Audio Minx Go

This Bluetooth portable speaker features an auxiliary input and USB charging port, making it perfect for on-the-go music listening without draining your device battery. It may be small, but it packs enough power to fill your room with deep, crisp and immersive sound. $149; www.cambridgeaudio.com

▲

16 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

Dex Wolverine Red Sole Oxford Shoes This stylish Dex Wolverine is the ultimate outdoor casual shoe for men. Made with waxy suede, Dri-Lex technology, leather midsole and leather welt, and yes, a red sole. It comes in dark brown and black suede color. $140; www.wolverine.com

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 3

▲ ▲ ▲

DeLonghi Circolo EDG 605 Coffee Maker

DeLonghi's powerful design offers 15 bar pressure, ensuring even distribution of water and pressure is delivered through the capsule to maximize the flavor extraction. Its innovative capsule-based system guarantees an intense and fragrant flavor. Features an adjustable drip tray with stainless steel cover and flow stop technology. $179.95; www.delonghi.com

Drosselmeyer Nutcracker

If standard performance on the course is 72, the standard for performance in golf fashion is Antigua’s Performance 72 line for spring. The Highlight is a 100 percent polyester, shortsleeve polo that boasts Desert Dry Xtra-Lite moisture wicking. $65; www.antigua.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Mastrad Mortar & Grater

Antigua Performance 72 Golf Collection

▲ ▲ ▲

Nutcracker, inspired by the character in Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, is the first hand-held nutcracker to have a patented doublelever mechanism and a container to collect broken shells. $39.99; www.drosselmeyerusa.com

This two-in-one combo mortar and grater is both stylish and practical, with a bamboo accented design and removable silicon base that doubles as a lid. The unit comes with a steal mortar, pestle and cheese grater blades. $69.99; www.shopmastrad.com

▲

The Sensor Velocity will not spit or leak and removes wrinkles like a pro iron. Featuring new leading edge soleplate technology and a built-in steam sensor that responds to user's touch when desired. $169; www.reliablecorporation.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Reliable Sensor Velocity V200 iron

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 17

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 4

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

gear ▲ ▲ ▲

BlueTune Solo Speaker

Portable Bluetooth speaker combines superb stereo, hands-free speakerphone and daisy chaining, ideal for music on-the-go. Rechargeable lithium ion battery has 10 hours life $49.99; www.divoomusa.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Bella NutriPro Juicer

The NutriPro Juicer’s cold press technology with a built-in strainer compresses fruits and veggies to produce more juice and nutrients instead of pulverizing them. It comes with a four-day juicing plan, 50-recipe booklet, to-go cup, easy juicing color wheel and a 5-year warranty. $249.95; www.nutriprojuicer.com

The Fuser

▲ ▲ ▲

SimpleHuman Tension Shower Caddy

Organize and de-clutter your shower space with the corrosionresistant Tension Shower Caddy.

The reinforced aluminum pole with high-compression springs will fit floor to ceiling showers and comes with three adjustable wire-frame shelves. $129.99; www.simplehuman.com

▲

18 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

▲ ▲ ▲

The Fuser allows people to hear the ideal blend of headphone music and the world around them. It uses its own built in microphone and amplifier to mix the music in the headphones with the surrounding sounds. Simply plug any device into the input jack and any headphone into the output jack. $29.95; www.thefuser.com

Kinivo BTH240 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Lightweight, foldable Bluetooth headphones wirelessly stream music and more directly from your mobile device. Stylishly slim, foldable design with built-in noise cancelling microphone that automatically pauses music when users receive an incoming call. $30; www.kinivo.com

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 5

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 6

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

gear

▲ ▲ ▲

Puma RS100 HL Shoes

▲ ▲ ▲

An oldie but goodie, the RS100 was first introduced in the '80s as a technical runner. Now introduced as a lifestyle shoe for winter, the update to the shoe is seen in eye-popping color and styling details. $75; www.puma.com

Evolution Memory Foam Pillow

The innovative Evolution Pillow by Cabeau is ideal for sleeping upright in a car, plane or train by offering support for your neck. Features a washable velour cover, media pouch on the side, and compact travel bag that will compress the pillow down to one-fourth its size. $34.99; www.cabeau.com

This powerful little speaker is Bluetooth-enabled, has a 3.5mm input and is NFC compatible. Available in five colors and has a battery life of 8-10 hours. It also doubles as a speaker for your phone with a noise canceling microphone inside. $99.99; www.musemini.com

▲ ▲ ▲

MuseMini DBoom Speaker

Scrub, rinse, clean and dry your carpets all with one lightweight device. With an easy-to-fill, empty and clean Smart Tank system and SpinScrub technology, you’ll rest assured knowing that your carpets are deep cleaned.

Comes with extra tools, hose, cleaning solution and tool storage bag. $199.99; www.hoover.com

Hincapie Jeans Hincapie's line of premium denim jeans make a fashion statement for those who take life by the horns. With distinct style, a fit designed for athletes and maximum comfort through a fusion of cotton and lycra, its jeans are the perfect choice for life's go-getters and sports enthusiasts. $145; www.hincapie.com

▲

20 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

▲ ▲ ▲

Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 7

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 8

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

gear

▲ ▲ ▲

Samsung Galaxy S4

▲ ▲ ▲

The Samsung Galaxy S4 goes toe-to-toe with the iPhone 5, and comes out the winner. This phone features a 5-inch full HD super AMOLED display, slim body, unique textured design and a 13-mega pixel auto focus, dual shot camera all on an Android 4.2.2 interface. If you’re looking for brains and beauty, this phone is it. Starting at $199.99 with 2-year contract; www.samsung.com

TomTom VIA 1605 TM

▲ ▲ ▲

Enjoy lifetime traffic and map updates on this TomTom navigation series. Six inch touch screen, roadside assistance, advanced lane guidance and speeding alerts are just a few key features. Includes maps for the U.S., Canada and Mexico. $219.95; www.tomtom.com

Parker Sonnet Holiday Set Timeless and elegant, Sonnet is hand assembled and checked for flawless quality. The solid gold nib gives high precision and exceptional writing comfort for every occasion, coupled with a stylish and classic design. $95; www.parkerpen.com

Sure Fit Vintage Leather Sofa Cover

▲ ▲ ▲

Reversible with broken-in leather on one side and plush Sherpa on the other, this throw is perfect for those looking to keep their sofas in pristine condition from kids or pets alike. It comes with three deep organizer pockets on both sides and a 50-inch backdrop to fit any sofa. $109.99; www.surefit.net

T-fal UltraGlide Iron Non-stick ceramic Ultraglide diffusion soleplate is scratch resistant and provides faster and easier ironing. Pointed tip works well for pleats, buttons, and seams. Easycord system keeps the cord out of the way when steam ironing and prevents from re-wrinkling already-ironed fabrics. Anti-drip technology. $39; www.t-falusa.com

▲

22 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

Gear_novdec2013_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:25 PM Page 9

▲ ▲ ▲

Ninja Ultima Blender

The Ninja Ultima Blender (BL800) provides professional performance thanks to dual stage blending technology and variable speed settings, offering everything from gentle blending to total crushing to nutrient and vitamin extraction. Powerful 1500-watt motor cranks out 2.5 peak horsepower and 24,000 RPM. $199; www.ninjakitchen.com

speeCup Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

▲ ▲ ▲

This portable 8” speaker features gesture control and Siri/S Voice response. It is designed to play music and function as a hands-free speakerphone in your car, home or office. It's a snap to set up, and fits perfectly in your car's cup holder, boat, RV, golf cart, bicycle, desk, bar or bookshelf. $129; www.speecup.com

Stadium Panoramics

Show off your favorite team in style with these Stadium Panoramic Posters from Everlasting Images.

Sports photographer Rob Arra captures America's favorite stadiums, arenas and ballparks in breathtaking clarity. $99 framed at Box Seat Collectibles in Phoenix; www.boxseatcollectibles.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Moby Wrap

The Moby Wrap evenly distributes weight across your back and shoulders and provides babies with ergonomically-correct support. Children up to 35-lbs will enjoy the comforts of being carried, but allows parents hands-free mobility. $47.95; www.mobywrap.com

▲

The Versa Style Iron achieves the results of five salon tools — a flat iron, roller set, and three curling irons — in one easy-to-use tool. It features ProCurling technology, complete with rounded rubber edges to curl, wave or create incredible root lift. Ceramic-coated, tourmaline-boosted plates deliver long-lasting shine. $159.99; www.rowentabeauty.com

▲ ▲ ▲

Rowenta Versa Style Iron

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 23

AliceCooper_MagSeven 11/6/13 2:48 PM Page 2

By Chaz Wolfenhiem

A Dish Served Up

PHOTO BY DALE MANNING

AliceCooper_MagSeven 11/6/13 2:48 PM Page 3

A LA ROCK Christmas Pudding, ALICE COOPER’s nightmare before Christmas, brings rock icons and good tidings ... and helps fund his Rock Teen Center in Phoenix DEAR ALICE COOPER, IT MIGHT BE A LOT TO ASK, SEEING AS YOU HAVE ALREADY WRITTEN ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC SONGS IN HEAVY METAL HISTORY AND LAUNCHED THE SHOCK ROCK MOVEMENT, BUT MAYBE YOU COULD FIND IT IN THAT INSPIRINGLY DARK HEART OF YOURS TO CREATE, IN THE DEPTH OF YOUR NIGHTMARISH MIND, THE SICKEST MOST OUTOF-CONTROL ROCK N’ ROLL SHOW FOR CHRISTMAS. OH, AND MAYBE IT COULD INCLUDE AN ENSEMBLE — A DREAM TEAM IF YOU WILL — OF THE HARDEST-HITTING ARTISTS EVER! SINCERELY, LITTLE MR. NICE GUY Maybe it was a letter from a young metal-head like this that inspired Alice Cooper to create his awe-inspiring "Christmas Pudding" show. Now, in it’s 13th year, Cooper is bringin’ the ruckus once again with guests like Rob Zombie, Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe, and Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer of KISS. Also taking the stage alongside these royal rockers will be the winners of the "Proof is in the Pudding" contest that began in September. "Proof is in the Pudding" is a musical talent competition, sort of like Cooper’s own maniacal version of "American Idol," for bands or soloists 25 years or younger. Talk about a musician’s ultimate Christmas dream come true — the winners get to do their thing at Comerica Theatre on Dec. 7.

If giving local talent a chance to shine at one of the most anticipated shows of the year wasn’t enough, all proceeds from "Christmas Pudding" go to Solid Rock, Alice Cooper and his wife Sheryl’s center for teens. Solid Rock is a 501 (c)(3) Arizona non-profit originally envisioned as an organization solely dedicated to helping at-risk teens. For many years, Solid Rock raised money and awareness for foundations and organizations with a similar goal; until, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Solid Rock came into its own.

Alice, Sheryl and Chuck Savale proposed the construction of a physical complex that could provide an outlet where teens could flourish and understand themselves through the discipline of music, dance, and self-expression. The Rock Teen Center is located at The Rock at 32nd Street, on the southeast corner of Thunderbird Road and 32nd Street in Phoenix. It’s 22,000-square-feet of awesomeness. It includes an auditorium, dance studio, and music rooms full of guitars, amps, drums, and musical equipment donated by Fender and other generous supporters.

Before Cooper donned his signature look and transcended the boundaries of rock, he was a teenager ...

I swear. He kept himself occupied between school and sleep, avoiding some of the pitfalls of youth.

AliceCooper_MagSeven 11/6/13 2:48 PM Page 4

AZSAL

• Last year's 2012 Pudding guests were Johnny Depp, Alice and his band with Orianthi, Sebastian Bach, Don Felder and L.A. Guns.

• When completed, The Rock at 32nd Street, which includes Alice Cooper's Rock Teen Center, is expected to expand to 60,000 square feet with the proposed addition of a gym and indoor skate park.

• "Alice Cooper's A Taste of Christmas Pudding" was released Oct. 29 at Zia Records, and digitally on iTunes and Amazon. All tracks are performed by Alice Cooper's "Proof is in the Pudding" contestants.

• When asked about what music changed his life and shaped his musical career, Cooper replied, "The Beatles were my role models. They opened a door to all new music, style, everything. We all listened to music, but when the Beatles first came out we all looked at each other and said 'Yea! That's what I wanna do.'

They really shaped us as young musicians."

• David and Marla Stern and their company Precise Corporate Staging (PCS) have donated more than $1 million in equipment services and labor for Solid Rock, specifically for the annual "Christmas Pudding," the annual golf tournament, and all the special events at The Rock Teen Center. “If we can change one life, then it can help change the world,” Stern said.

▲

"I was on a track and cross country team," Cooper said. "I was in a band that rehearsed for 6 hours after school, and on weekends I went to the San Carlos Indian reservation to do missionary work with my father. So there really wasn't much down time for me."

Cooper never forgot where he came from, and knowing not all teens have the advantages he had growing up, he and his wife were inspired to pay it forward.

"The idea [for Solid Rock] originally was to provide something for kids that they wouldn't normally be able to have access to," Cooper explained. "Most of these kids have never been to a concert, they have never taken ballet, they have never played an instrument. They don't have a choice in their situations at home, but they do have a choice on where they will spend their free time. I think everyone has potential, and we were just trying to give them an outlet for that potential. And if you change one kid on the block, you end up changing an entire neighborhood."

So, how does Solid Rock transcend what some teen programs become, which is just another hangout, and truly inspire the young people who come through its doors every day? Cooper told us straight up, “We put the emphasis on the music and dance. We're essentially a free music and dance school, and I think that's really what sets us apart. This is a place where kids can learn how to do new things. By helping kids develop a talent and to help them create something from nothing, we're really changing the way they think."

There is no doubt Cooper knows his audience, on and off the stage. “Rock n' roll is young people's music. Most kids don't want to listen to soft music. They have adrenaline and energy. Rock is their language. The attitude and spirit of the music really captures what kids are all about."

FAST FACTS

DAVID AND MARLA STERN WITH JOHNNY DEPP

A big dish of Christmas Pudding Come Dec. 7, treat yourself to a big helping of "Christmas Pudding" at Comerica Theatre. It’s everything you'd expect and more from Alice Cooper — an insane night of music, comedy, dance and plenty of mayhem to be enjoyed. Former Seinfeld and Family Feud star John O'Hurley will serve as a guest host for this year’s "Christmas Pudding" festivities. Tickets range from $38 to $253, with all proceeds from the event benefitting Solid Rock. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

▲

26 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

Project14_Layout 1 9/9/12 8:11 AM Page 1

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 2

Deck

the

The holidays are a whirlwind of community events, family gatherings, shopping and traveling.

Here are our favorites.

By Amanda Ventura

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS THANKS TO THE FANTASTICAL MYTHOLOGY of winter months, Christmas is one of the most magical times for children.

Make it one to remember with these family-friendly events throughout Arizona that take the focus off the hottest selling toy or gadget and back to the importance of spending time with people you love.

Polar Express Every winter, the Grand Canyon Railway transforms into the fictional Polar Express, based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The hour-long trek through the wintry Williams, Arizona wilderness ends at the “North Pole,” where children will meet Santa and his reindeer and get to sip on hot cocoa while listening to a reading of “The Polar Express.” The Polar Express leaves on select days in November and almost daily throughout December at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Visit www.thetrain.com/specialevents/polar-express or call 1.888.848.3511 to reserve tickets.

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 3

Halls North Pole Experience

▲

Flagstaff may not be close to the North Pole, but it sure does feel like it for the average Arizonan. If your child is asking the tough questions about Santa, take him to Santa’s secret 8,500-square-foot workshop in Flagstaff. Kids get to see Santa’s Toy Hall of Fame, his workshop, a bakery, Elf University and “Area 47” — where St. Nick keeps his sleigh. The North Pole Experience has also partnered with various hotels that provide specials on extra festive hotels, including The Little America Hotel, which is decked in more than a million lights. Tickets available on select dates at end of November and throughout December. Visit www.northpoleexperience.com for ticket information.

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 4

LIGHTS, LIGHTS, LIGHTS HOLIDAY LIGHTS AS WE KNOW THEM — electric bulbs strung through the branches of a tree or on the exterior of a home — were first created by an associate of Thomas Edison and displayed in 1882.

It would still be another 50 years or so until a majority of people replaced lit candles in their trees with Christmas lights. Now, Christmas lights are a celebrated tradition worthy of HOA discrimination and public events. Though driving aimlessly through the arterial streets of the Phoenix metro in search of lights is encouraged, try out the list of Arizona’s notable light exhibits below.

Arizona Celebration of Lights Every night between Nov. 16 and Jan. 6, you can take a milelong drive though five tunnels of 600 animated and still light displays made up of 7 million lights. You may have even seen this from Phoenix Event Complex, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, www.azcelebrationoflights.com, Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Saturday and holidays, 5:30 to 10 p.m., $15 to $50

Loop of Lights The holidays are all about community, and no neighborhood does it better than those in the Loop of Lights.

Since the subdivision’s beginning in 2007, the residents of Waverly have decked their houses. Now, 90 of its 110 lots participate. Pack some cocoa and ride or walk through the exhibit. Parade of Lights is scheduled Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. Pecan Creek South, San Tan Valley, www.loopoflights.com, Dec. 1 to 25, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., free

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park This relatively inexpensive train ride takes passengers through a light display and into a winter wonderland that will include a visit with Santa through Dec. 23. 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, www.thetailroadpark.com, Dec. 13 to Jan. 4, excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31, 6:30 to 9 p.m., $2 to $3

Lake Havasu City’s Festival of Lights Stroll under the London Bridge or cruise along the English Channel for a view of more than 500,000 lights reflected off the waterway from surrounding buildings.

Lights are up from Nov. 29 to Jan. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m.

▲

30 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

▲ Glendale Glitters This annual light festival begins Nov. 29 and doesn’t stop until Jan. 11. Every weekend in between those dates is themed and draws nearly 250,000 people over the six-week period. This free event, which lasts from 6 to 10 p.m., includes 1.5 million lights throughout 16 blocks. On the final day of the event, more than 20 tethered hot air balloons will give Glendale one last glow before next season. For more information, visit www.visitglendale.com

▲

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 5

ZooLights

Phoenix, Nov. 28 to Jan. 12 Tickets: $9 to $14, Phoenixzoo.org/event-items/zoolights; 602.273.1341 Though few zoo animals are out at night, the real attraction at this annual event are more than 700 light displays, comprised of 3.7 million lights. This year’s attractions include a Wizard of Oz-themed display, the Music in Motion exhibit that includes 52 “dancing trees,” Jengo, a talking giraffe, and a zip line, among other things.

Tucson, Dec. 3 to Dec. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., Thursdays through Sunday Tickets: $3 to $5, www.Reidparkzoo.org Take in the zoo after dark and take in lots of twinkling lights, play in the snow and meet Santa.

ARIZONA TRADITIONS THERE ARE A FEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS exclusive to Arizona — from the illumination of large tumbleweed to shock rocker Alice Cooper’s annual Christmas Pudding concert.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting For 57 years, Chandler has forgone the traditional tree lighting festivities in favor of illuminating a tree built of tumbleweeds.

Here’s to hoping there’s no wind. AJ Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, www.chandleraz.gov, Dec. 7, 4:30 to 9 p.m., free

Christmas Idea House Every year, a luxury home resident temporarily moves out and the Desert Club moves in, turning the place into Martha Stewart’s dream — a house full of decorating ideas. This year’s home is 9,000 square feet and decked in the theme “12 Days of Christmas.” Proceeds from this event are given back to the community in the form of scholarships and charitable donations.

2697 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert, www.christmasideahouse.org, Dec. 6, 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $12

▲ Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding The proof’s in the pudding — Alice Cooper is a man who can bring the unlikeliest of celebrities and musicians together to the stage — Rob Zombie and Glen Campbell, for example. Last year, he coaxed Johnny Depp and a guitar onstage. The guy just never tires, especially when it’s for charity. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., www.alicecoopersolidrock.com

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 6

LUMINARIAS

PERFORMANCES

A LUMINARIA, ALSO KNOWN AS A FAROLITO, is a paper lantern with a candle set inside. In Mexico and parts of the Southwest, luminarias are a symbol of Las Posadas — a nine-day holiday beginning Dec. 16 and ending on Christmas Eve. Many gardens in Arizona have found this decoration a perfect fit for night strolls. Here’s where to catch the best luminaria displays.

FOR MANY PEOPLE, December is a time for pageantry, recitals and entertainment.

Christmas and winter have inspired quite a few mainstays in the art world. Here are places to see your favorite traditional holiday performance.

Luminaria Nights

Luminaria Run See the lights of the city as you ascend this 5k or 1-mile race route’s hills before descending into a recreation area full of festive performances. Cave Creek Regional Park, 37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek, Dec. 7, 5:20 p.m., $10 to $22

Las Noches de las Luminarias

▲

Grab a warm cup of cider and stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden’s 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags. The event runs on select dates and times from Nov. 29 to Dec. 31. Tickets are between $25 and $30.

Visit www.dbg.org for more information.

▲

32 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

▲

Walk through Tucson Botanical Garden’s holiday trees and wreaths softly aglow with thousands of luminaria bags. Refreshments and musical entertainment also provided during this three-day tradition, running Dec. 6-8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $7.50 to $13.

“The Nutcracker”

“The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition worldwide. It’s the tale of young Clara and a magical nutcracker who takes her on an adventure through a world of dancing toys and a relentless rat king to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s classic score, which will be performed by Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Symphony. Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix, www.balletaz.org, Dec. 6 to 24, times vary, $23.50 to $169

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 7

“The Dates of Christmas” & “The Santaland Diaries”

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Christmas may be a time of joy and sharing, but it’s also a time of cynicism and loneliness — at least for the protagonists of “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sedaris and “The Twelve Dates of Christmas,” by Ginna Hoben.

These shows may only be suitable for adults. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, www.mesaartscenter.com, Nov. 6 to Nov. 16, times vary, $16 to $20

If you’ve ever watched a Christmas movie or walked through a department store during November or December, you’ve heard of Mannheim Steamroller. It’s the No. 1 Christmas music artist in history. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, www.mesaartscenter.com, Dec. 8, 4 and 7:30 p.m., $35 to $80

“White Christmas” Based on the film and 17 songs written by Irving Berlin, this holiday classic is about two World War II veterans who meet up with two singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a lodge owned by the vets’ former army commander. Mainstage at Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Nov. 20 to Dec. 24, times vary, www.phoenixtheatre.com, $30 to $60

“A Christmas Carol” The Charles Dickens classic has been touched by mainstream franchises ranging from The Muppets to Walt Disney and, most recently, Doctor Who. It’s an adaptable tale about greed and a change of heart. Hale Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, Dec. 5 to 24, times vary, www.haletheatrearizona.com, $16 to $26

“Holiday Pops” Mesa Art Center’s most popular holiday concert, performed by the Salt River Brass, includes carolers, a chorus of more than 1,000 voices, and traditional as well as child-friendly (Chipmunks, anyone?) tunes. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, www.mesaartscenter.com, Dec. 15, 3 p.m., $15 to $22

HolidayRndUp_MagSeven 11/6/13 1:33 PM Page 8

FUN RUNS

AZSAL Fast Facts

HOW’RE YOU SUPPOSED TO FIT ALL OF THOSE WORKOUTS in between your pumpkin spice lattes and glutinous family gatherings?

There’re plenty of fun runs and races to keep you on track. Not only will training for these races cancel out at least a few sugar cookies, it’ll also get you in shape for that last-minute shopping and prep you for those New Year’s Eve resolutions.

12Ks of Christmas This one’s for anyone looking to get the most out of his Santa costume or who may enjoy Christmas carolers at every kilometer along the race route. This 12k, 6k, 1.2k run/walk celebrates its fifth year of “giving the gift of health.” Freestone District Park, 1045 E. Juniper Rd., Gilbert, Dec. 14, 9 a.m., www.12krun.com, $30 to $35

Jingle Bell Run Bring a toy donation, tie bells into your shoelaces and race Santa to the finish line. Reach 11 Sports Complex, 2425 E. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix, www.4peaksracing.com, Dec. 21, 8 a.m., $20 to $35

▲

Hot Chocolate Run

Who wouldn’t run 15k if it meant charging into a haven of hot chocolate? Participants can also register for a 5k. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, Dec. 8, 7:30 a.m., www.hotchocolate15k.com, $44 to $66

▲

34 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

• The U.S. Postal Service delivers 20 billion cards and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. • Christmas was declared a national holiday in 1870.

• Live Christmas trees grow to their typical height of about seven feet between four and 15 years. But seven years is the usual growing time.

• Sears, Roebuck & Company offered the first artificial Christmas trees about 1883. Customers could buy 33 limbs for 50 cents or 55 limbs for $1.

• Hanukkah is celebrated every year between the end of November and the end of December. It begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, which varies from year to year on the Western calendar.

• Kwanzaa (which means “first fruits of the harvest”) is a seven day celebration of African culture, celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

The holiday ends with a large feast on the final evening called Karamu.

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:16 PM Page 2

ASU_Darby_MagSeven 11/5/13 3:34 PM Page 2

Senior safety ALDEN DARBY has overcome a number of obstacles throughout his life to become the captain of the Arizona State Sun Devil defense

AGAINST A

ASU_Darby_MagSeven 11/5/13 3:34 PM Page 3

By Byron Kline

T ALL ODDS

PHOTO BY STEVE RODRIGUEZ

IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG TO SPOT ALDEN DARBY. Whether on the football field or anywhere around campus, he’s almost always the center of attention; chatting, laughing, or maybe even dancing. Whatever it is, you can guarantee he’s doing it with a smile.

But behind that smile is a young man who has overcome more than his fair share of challenges in order to get where he is today.

Like many of his Arizona State teammates, Darby hails from Southern California. Unlike them though, he grew up on the east side of Long Beach, near 21st Street and Lewis Avenue. It was a part of town once popularized by early ’90s hip hop artists Warren G and Nate Dogg for its high crime rate, gang activity, and hard core drug scene.

“Growing up out there, there was a lot of peer pressure,” Darby said. “There was always something bad or negative going on in the area. I was forced into some bad situations and to hang out with the wrong people. It was rough. Growing up in that environment, there was no escaping doing the wrong thing.”

Darby’s parents divorced at a young age. His father moved to nearby Los Angeles, leaving him and his three older sisters to stay with their mother, Nellie, who spent time in and out of jail throughout his childhood, forcing the four siblings to often fend for themselves.

“Unfortunately, when she would go to jail, I would have to bounce around and live with my aunties or friends or my stepfather when I was younger,” he said. “It was rough, but I made the best out of the situation and I never held a grudge or was mad or sad. I don't know why, but I would always just roll with the flow, no matter what situation was tossed at me.

“But there was always something that kept me from falling all the way in and that was football.

Ultimately, it was football that kept me sane and kept me heading in the right direction. I'm very blessed and thankful that there was something greater than me that kept me on the right road."

Darby starred at Millikan High School where, as a senior, he was the fourth highest rated wide receiver in California before being moved to quarterback after the team’s starter suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener.

Darby would go on to lead the Rams in both passing and rushing yards, while being named to the All-Moore League First Team and the league’s Offensive Player of the Year. But despite all of his accolades, Darby failed to receive even one scholarship offer by season’s end, leaving him to take recruiting matters into his own hands.

Just weeks before national signing day, Darby assembled a small list of schools he thought might be a good fit for him. He mailed out his highlight

ASU_Darby_MagSeven 11/5/13 3:34 PM Page 4

tapes and left voicemails with each school’s coaching staff in one final attempt to extend his academic and football career, and ultimately get out of Long Beach.

The very next day, former Arizona State receivers coach Eric Yarber called, offering Darby the opportunity he long sought.

“The next morning, Coach Yarber called and was like, 'Man, I don't know how we weren't recruiting you but we just got done watching your highlight tape and we want to offer you a full scholarship,’” he recalled with a smile and a sense of relief. “To tell you the truth though, ASU treated me like family right off the top. They didn't talk to me about how they were going to use me on the field or in the defense. All they cared about was getting my school in order and getting my life going.”

Darby arrived in Tempe in 2010 and, despite his prowess for being a multi-dimensional offensive threat, was immediately converted to defense. During his first two seasons, he played in 23 games at a variety of positions, including cornerback, safety, and even outside linebacker as he developed into a full-time defensive specialist.

He was finally given a permanent position and role to fulfill when Head Coach Todd Graham took command in 2012, moving Darby back to safety and challenging him to become one of the leaders on the Sun Devil defense.

“They looked at all my skills and assets and said they were going to move me to bandit safety and let me do what I do best; just sit back there, roam, read the quarterback, and go get the ball,” he said. “Now, I love playing safety. I feel like I can see everything. Sometimes I don't even have a responsibility; just see the ball, get the ball."

In his first full season as a starter last year, Darby finished fifth on the team with 80 tackles, to go along with three interceptions — including a 70-yard touchdown return against USC in Los Angeles — and a pair of sacks for a rejuvenated

AZSAL FAST FACTS • Alden Darby is heavily involved in the Scholar Baller Outreach Program, which calls for ASU student-athletes to develop and teach a curriculum centered around helping high school students become successful students.

• His nickname is "The Juice Man," a moniker bestowed on him by head coach of sports performance Shawn Griswold for Darby's boundless energy.

• Darby had a career moment against USC in 2012, returning an interception 70 yards for a touchdown at the LA Coliseum in front of family and friends.

• Was a two-way starter at Millikan Senior High School in Long Beach, Calif.

• Now a safety, Darby was a two-star rated wide receiver (by Scout.com) coming out of high school.

▲

38 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

Arizona State secondary that finished as one of the premiere pass defense units in all of college football.

“Darby is the heart and soul of our team,” said cornerback and four-year teammate Osahon Irabor. “He's all about defense. He's our leader on and off the field. He's a great person with great character. That's like my brother. He's a great leader and that ‘C’ on his jersey is well-deserved."

“Darby's very vocal, obviously, but he also leads by example,” said Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach Chris Ball. “When you can have one of your best players come out here and practice like he does every day, that's leading by example. That makes a huge difference, especially in my group. It shows some of the younger players what it takes to play at this level. When they can come out and see a guy like him not coasting and busting his butt every day, that's leadership."

Darby’s leadership extends off the field too, where for the last three years he’s been an active participant in Arizona State’s Scholar Baller program while visiting various high schools throughout the Valley, mentoring young students and teaching them the value of hard work and perseverance through his own experiences.

“I really care about being a giver and helping people out,” he said. “So I go to these schools just to make sure the kids are heading in the right direction and hopefully I can make an impact on their lives and they can take it from me what they should and shouldn't do. I talk about school, community leadership, discipline, accountability and everything it takes to be successful in life.”

“Anytime I see a group of people on campus getting a tour, I'll just stop and talk to them and share, because growing up I didn't have anybody that gave me the keys to success. I just care about helping people out in general, regardless if I know them or not.”

Selflessness, humility, and determination are just a few of the traits that characterize Darby’s

▲

▲

winning personality and help him stand out as a student-athlete, along with his playmaking abilities on the football field.

As a result, Darby became the first Sun Devil player last year to earn the right to wear the Pat Tillman PT42 camouflage practice jersey, a tradition started by Graham that carries on the Tillman legacy at Arizona State and recognizes players for epitomizing the “Sun Devil way.”

"It's an honor just to be looked at in any type of category as Pat Tillman,” said Darby. “He was a guy who represented this program with honor, respect, passion, integrity, and hard work and just to be able to say Darby and Pat Tillman in the same sentence is amazing to me and I'm honored just to be out there wearing his number. I wear it with high respect and high regard for what he did for this country and this university."

Heading into the 2013 season, Darby was named to the Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list for the nation’s most outstanding defensive back as well as the Lott IMPACT Trophy Award, which is presented to the defensive player who demonstrates the highest positive influence on the field and in the community.

But for Darby, his proudest achievement since he’s been at ASU was being able to reunite with his mother and move her out of Long Beach to live with him in Tempe.

“I moved her out here because it wasn't good for her to be in California and I wanted to make sure she wasn't getting into trouble and to get her away from all of that negativity out there,” he said. “And my older sister, she's got four kids, so I moved the two older ones out here with me because she's going through some things and it was a lot for her to have all four of those kids at the same time. I moved them out here, got them in school, and now my mom watches over them.”

“We've got a great big family now. I come home every day to a clean house and a homecooked meal every night. I love it."

PHOTO BY STEVE RODRIGUEZ

ASU_Darby_MagSeven 11/5/13 3:34 PM Page 5

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 39

Yager_MMA_MagSeven 11/6/13 10:26 AM Page 2

JOE YAGER lives the double life as University of Arizona laborer and Bellator Fighter

T

Yager_MMA_MagSeven 11/6/13 10:26 AM Page 3

By Tony Capobianco

Tucson

TOUGH JOE YAGER SMASHES FACES AND SWEEPS FLOORS FOR A LIVING. He used to just sweep floors. Then, a chance meeting with Mixed Martial Arts trainer Joey Rivera transformed Yager from a janitor at the University of Arizona into the baddest hombre in Tucson.

“I work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m." Yager said. “I've got a two-year-old kid that I have three nights a week. Those three nights are the nights that I have off, unless she wants to run with daddy. I run three miles before work two, three, four times a week. Every night that I don’t have my kid, I’m in the gym, whether it’s Saturday or Sunday, and I put in four to five hours. In order to be good at this sport and get to where I want to be, I've got to put in the work.”

Despite sharing custody of his daughter, she is the driving force of his career.

“I think of her all the time,” Yager said. “She’s my motivation. I want to make an easier life for the both of us.”

The 32-year-old Yager has 26 years of wrestling experience, including college at Central Michigan. Originally, he preferred to use his experience as a coach. He never had the desire of fighting MMA, but meeting Rivera changed everything.

One day, Rivera caught Yager working voluntarily on a Saturday. Rivera originally came to Yager’s office for some supplies, but then he noticed the wrestling tattoo on Yager’s leg. That tattoo was the icebreaker and led to Rivera asking Yager to coach wrestling at his gym. That little moment would lead to the beginning of Yager’s MMA career.

“Three weeks later, he says ‘I got a fight for you,'" Yager said. “I told him I wasn’t interested, because it wasn’t what I wanted to do. But the son of a gun came into my house and talked me right into it. So I went in, and the moment they closed the cage doors and the hairs on my neck stood up, I knew it was for me.”

Many MMA fighters have a background in wrestling, including Chael Sonnen, who was an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler at the University of Oregon in the late 1990s.

“Wrestling is the base of this sport,” Yager said, “because you pin people against the cage, you’re on the ground. When you’re up standing, it’s a whole different game. I feel comfortable there. I learned enough where I’m comfortable on my feet, but if it feels like it’s going in a direction that I don’t want it to, I know

Yager_MMA_MagSeven 11/6/13 10:26 AM Page 4

"I come prepared. I come conditioned so that I can go 15 minutes non-stop regardless ... If I don’t come prepared in that

avenue, then I failed ..."

▲

I can get it to the ground. I know I can get it to the cage, where I like to be.”

Once wrestlers go from college to professional MMA, they have to quickly learn how to effectively punch and kick. Those skills take some time to figure out, said Yager, who built his ability through boxing.

Combat sports are some of the best cardio workouts you can do. And in mixed martial arts, cardio is a highly important, yet highly underrated, quality. Like many, Yager knows that well and does not take the possibility of an early knockout for granted.

“I anticipate every fight going the distance,” Yager said. “You have to, because the level I’m fighting, everyone is good. This guy I’m fighting is just as good as me. I come prepared. I come conditioned so that I can go 15 minutes non-stop regardless of what happens in that fight. If I don’t come prepared in that avenue, then I failed and my coaches have failed.”

Yager’s young MMA career is on the rise. As he progresses in Bellator, success will soon follow the pride of Tucson.

“Bellator is a fantastic organization,” Yager said.

“I’m so excited that I’m getting my opportunity with them. They really take care of their fighters. It’s nice to have that.”

AZSAL

FAST FACTS

• Joe Yager is adding jujitsu to his fighting repertoire. He is currently a white belt, even though his instructor says that he is at the level of purple belt.

• His nickname is “Yagerbombz.”

• Yager is associated with Apex MMA in Tucson.

▲

42 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:15 PM Page 2

SUP_NoSnow_MagSeven 11/6/13 10:31 AM Page 2

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING

MAKES WAVES IN ARIZONA

By Michelle Talsma Everson

The experts at No Snow Stand Up Paddleboards say the emerging sport is perfect for Arizona’s lakes IF YOU THINK ARIZONA is the last place you’d find an up-andcoming water sport, think again. Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fast-growing aquatic activity that involves minimal equipment and maximum fun. Better yet, unlike surfing, there is no ocean required — the Valley’s lakes and other bodies of water do just fine.

What is SUP? For starters, stand up paddleboarding involves a few pieces of gear: • A flat paddleboard, which mirrors a larger, wider surf board.

• A stand-up paddle.

• A personal flotation device (like a life jacket).

• Proper attire, such as a swimsuit, and sun protection.

Once you have your gear, the object is to get up on the paddleboard, balance and row with the paddle. Many beginners start by balancing on their knees. The sport is ideal for calm water and — although it requires balance — is surprisingly easy to learn. SUP has become popular among surfers, snowboarders, skateboarders and other athletes in, addition to outdoor enthusiasts.

“Stand up paddleboarding is something you can do in Arizona year-round,” says Court Fetter, who, along with his wife Heather, own No Snow Stand Up Paddleboards in Mesa. “You can go anywhere from Lake Powell to any of the manmade lakes around town.

We’ve seen people from ages 6 to 69 participate in SUP; almost everybody can do it.”

F

n

SUP growing in the Valley When it comes to SUP, the folks at No Snow Stand Up Paddleboards are helping to lead the way here in the Valley.

Fetter said he always enjoyed surfing and, upon discovering SUP, he realized it was something he and his family could do together. A year-and-a-half ago, he found a SUP board he liked and showed it on social media. One thing lead to another, and he and Heather began renting boards out and taking others on SUP trips. Eventually, their business outgrew their garage and they opened up No Snow SUP, which Fetter says is the only exclusive SUP shop in the Valley.

“We rent and sell only the best SUP boards, paddles and accessories, and we also provide lessons through certified instructors,” Fetter said. “Usually people would have to wait to order a board elsewhere, but they can find one here and walk out with it.”

Fetter said the sport of SUP is in its infancy and people are just now catching on to it. It is popular in places like California and Hawaii, and he hopes to see it take off in Arizona.

“Looking to the next year or so, we’d like to have regular group meet-ups to go stand up paddleboarding; there is definitely a social aspect to it,” he adds. “No Snow SUP is the place to go if you’re even just considering the sport.”

“Stumbling into paddleboarding in Arizona was like winning the lottery — I have met so many dynamic people,” Heather said. “Who knew the water could bring so many together?”

Stand Up Paddleboarding Pointers For those considering SUP, Fetter offers a few tips to help transition into the sport: • Make sure your board fits.

Every person has different SUP board needs and you’re not going to have any fun if the board isn’t right. You can get measured for a board at pro shops like No Snow SUP. • Consider renting SUP gear first. Typical prices run from $50 for a half day to $70 for a full day.

• If you plan to buy, expect to spend at least $1,200 for a quality board and paddle.

s

S

To learn more about No Snow Stand Up Paddleboarding, visit www.facebook.com/NoSnowSUP. For more technical pointers about SUP, visit www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/paddleboarding.html.

s

G

SUP_NoSnow_MagSeven 11/6/13 10:31 AM Page 3

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 45

Travel_Tucson_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:32 AM Page 2

▲

travel

By Laura Holloway, Lynette Carrington and Chelsea Josten

New Life for the Old Pueblo Tucson offers Southwestern charm, tradition and modern luxuries for a first-class vacation experience

▲ ▲ ▲

Tucson is much more than a college town.

Favorite attractions such as the Reid Park Zoo, the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Hi Corbett Field ... draw crowds from all over the country.

Arizona Inn

IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA, settled in Pima County, Tucson is a bustling city of around 990,000 citizens and countless cultural and recreational opportunities — the ideal place for residents and visitors alike. Rich in a history of wild western tales, the "Old Pueblo" makes its home in the Sonoran Desert, situated only 60 miles north of the US-Mexican border, and is surrounded by five major mountain ranges, including the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Rincon Mountains.

Home to the University of Arizona, or U of A to the locals, Tucson is a hub for college football enthusiasts, "bearing down" and filling the newly renovated and expanded Arizona Stadium with more than 50,000 Wildcat fans. Around 39,000 students make UA their academic home each year, but

Tucson is much more than a college town.

Favorite attractions such as the Reid Park Zoo, the Tucson Botanical Gardens and Hi Corbett Field, home to the Arizona Wildcats baseball team, draw crowds from all over the country.

Visitors and locals claim Congress Street as a favorite hub of activity, housing historic beauties such as the Hotel Congress and the St. Augustine Cathedral, along with a smattering of well-loved bars, taverns and unique boutiques. Famous arts venues, such as the Rialto and the Fox Theatre, host some of the biggest events and concerts in the area, including popular musicians, respected speakers, acclaimed ballets and mesmerizing orchestral performances.

Tucson has a textbook desert climate, presenting strong summer and winter seasons, with brief encounters of spring, fall and monsoon. The heat of the summer is pacified by relatively mild winters, and with around 350 sunny days a year, Tucson is easily an attractive place to vacation or call home. Outdoors enthusiasts are never without an activity, as the weather and terrain make hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and cycling enjoyable and easily found. Golfers also flock to the Old Pueblo, making tee times at the five municipal courses, all playable at prices everyone can afford.

▲

Travel_Tucson_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:32 AM Page 3

AZSAL

FAST FACTS

• The world's largest concentration of Saguaro cacti is surrounding Tucson.

• One of the largest telescope mirror labs in the world is underneath the University of Arizona’s football stadium.

• Tucson is also known as “Optics Valley” because of its high number of optics companies.

• Tucson is home to the largest gem show in the United States, the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show.

• There is a statue of Hippocrates outside of the College of Medicine on UA campus that is composed of marble from the same quarry used to build the Parthenon. ▲ Lodge on the Desert

historic accommodations, offered casitastyle, with contemporary Southwestern decor, 10-foot ceilings, Simmons Beautyrest memory foam bedding with luxurious linens, first class amenities and terry-lined bathrobes. For relaxation and style, the rooms at the Lodge are comfortable and homey. Many rooms also boast a hydrotherapy whirlpool spa tub or a relaxing fireplace, perfect for those cold desert nights.

The restaurant at Lodge on the Desert offers dining all day, with fresh American cuisine options by chef Ryan Clark, Tucson's Iron Chef. Clark’s farm-to-table concept and slow food motif is an ideal complement to the hotel’s casual and homey atmosphere.

The simplistic charm of dining on the courtyard patio is often the perfect end to a day of sightseeing or golf. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a private, tiled patio with a four-sided fireplace and a daily happy hour invites guests to unwind and stay a while. For special events, the Lodge offers 6,700square-feet of artfully landscaped outdoor

space and six banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 175 guests, and onsite event planners are available to take any hassle out of the planning process.

Arizona Inn 2200 East Elm Street Tucson, Arizona 85719 (520) 325-1541 www.arizonainn.com The Arizona Inn is a favorite of tourists and history buffs, family-owned and operated since its 1930 inception. Created by Arizona's first Congresswoman, Isabella Greenway, the Inn is on the Register of National Historic Places, and is home to an onsite cabinet-making shop, a strong nod to "The Arizona Hut," Greenway's original entrepreneurial effort.

The Inn is world-renowned, still retaining the feel of a family's country estate and offering a quiet escape from everyday hectic lifestyles.

Ninety five guest rooms and suites are situated on the 14 acres of lush gardens and privacy landscaping, and the feel of each ▲

WHERE TO STAY: Lodge on the Desert 306 North Alvernon Way Tucson, Arizona 85711 (520) 320-2000 www.lodgeonthedesert.com The Lodge on the Desert has been described as an oasis in the desert, with 103 guest rooms and suites and countless amenities for guest enjoyment, this beautiful hotel is ideal for family adventure, romantic getaways or even hosting special events. The main building of this stunning hotel was actually constructed as a private residence in 1931, built of adobe brick with a nearby horse corral and bunk house. In 1936, Lodge on the Desert came to exist as a hotel, growing in size and reputation as the years progressed.

A complete renovation and expansion in 2009 brought even more charm to Lodge on the Desert, and its convenient midtown location puts it right in the center of everywhere you want to travel in the Tucson area.

Only five minutes from UA, guests revel in the

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 47

Travel_Tucson_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:32 AM Page 4

â–˛

travel continued

including a la carte breakfast and lunch menus. If the comfort of the room just cannot be abandoned, the in-room dining menu serves up a wide array of favorites, all available at the touch of a button.

Omni Tucson National Resort 2727 West Club Drive Tucson, Arizona 85742 (520) 297-2271 www.tucsonnational.com Home to many NCAA and PGA Tour events, the Omni Tucson National Resort was chosen as one of Golf Digest's "75 Best Golf Resorts in North America," and it's no wonder with the stunning courses to the luxurious accommodations. A recent $30 million renovation has further inspired the resort's beauty, with lavish gardens, western themes and perfect green fairways.

Sporting options such as tennis, sand volleyball and biking offer even more to this resort's all-inclusive feel.

Each guest room feels instantly relaxing,

with private balconies and patios and wide views of crystal waters and splendid mountains, including the recently remodeled Mountain Vista Collection, with 79 guestrooms on the Catalina Fairways. Tiled wood floors and luxurious master bathrooms add to the inviting atmosphere of each room, along with plush robes, turndown service, feather pillows and custom artwork. The Haciendas suites, on the western edge of the 650 acre resort, are wonderful for longer stays or guests traveling with families or large groups. These suites offer a more rustic, though no less exquisite, decorum, with extended living areas, kitchens and gasburning fireplaces.

Golf at the Omni is enjoyed by golfers from all around the world, bathed in green and overlooking the stunning Santa Catalina Mountains. Offering two separate courses, the Omni Tucson National Golf Course is beautiful and challenging with long and short practice areas and a well-stocked pro shop.

The spa at the Omni has won many awards of its own, and its 13,000-square-foot facility boasts 11 spa treatment rooms and a salon. Hot-stone massages, body wraps, facials and much more can be the perfect way to unwind on your Tucson vacation.

The Omni has several options for dining, including Bob's Steak and Chop House, a firstclass steak restaurant that has been around for more than 20 years. Specializing in the finest Midwestern prime beef, there's something for everyone on the menu, including decadent seafood dishes, fresh salads and mesmerizing desserts. Bob's Signature Happy Hour is offered each day from 5-7 p.m., with appetizers, house wines, cocktails and beers, â–˛

room is true to its historic beginnings, maintained and restored to still hold the charm of yesterday. Rooms are available in several sizes and offer a variety of views and amenities, but all offer an enchanting feeling of hominess and sophistication, or as the Inn states, "quiet, privacy and sunshine."

Only one mile from UA, the Arizona Inn is in a wonderful location for any Tucson adventures on your list, and is also a popular choice for weddings, meetings and other large group event, with over 5,000-square-feet of meetings space. The Inn presents several options for dining, including Tucson's awardwinning Four-Diamond Main Dining Room, featuring a cathedral ceiling, fireplace and courtyard and serving up classic and contemporary delicacies for every palette. Audubon Bar also presents a delicious choice for on-site dining, serving lunch and dinner each day, with live piano music in the evening.

If the Inn's beautiful pool is too inviting to leave at mealtime, breakfast and lunch are available each day for poolside dining,

Omni Tucson National Resort

Travel_Tucson_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:32 AM Page 5

Tanque Verde Ranch 14301 E. Speedway Blvd.

Tucson, AZ 85748 (520) 296-6275 www.tanqueverderanch.com If you’re looking for an in-state getaway, Tanque Verde Ranch, just outside of Tucson, fits the bill for vacationers who want to get away from it all, but who crave outstanding food, lots of outdoor activities and even a bit of educational fun.

The ranch sits on 60,000 acres at the eastern edge of Tucson. The quiet desert surroundings are a great escape from the

▲ Tanque Verde Ranch

city, but the activities on property will keep you busy whether you’re staying for a day or a week. Since every vacation at Tanque Verde Ranch is all-inclusive, there’s no need to worry about driving or going anywhere else. Activities include horse lessons and riding, cookouts, hiking, biking, fishing in the spring-fed Lake Cochran, tennis, relaxing treatments at La Sonora Spa and discovering the nature center. There is something for every member of the family.

One of the main draws at Tanque Verde is the variety of horseback riding activities.

Learn to herd and pen cows or embark on a sunset or breakfast trail ride. The staff instructs guests every step of the way. One enhancement to the ranch experience is the Harmony with Horses program (an additional cost) for guests who want to advance their

knowledge of horses and riding. Guests learn horsemanship techniques and improving their riding skills.

Rooms at Tanque Verde Ranch come in just about every size and function. Whether you vacation on your own or are traveling with a corporate group or family, rooms are spacious and have all the comforts and luxury amenities to rival any fine resort.

Accommodations include guestrooms and suites with desert and vista views and a lot of peace and quiet. You won’t mind what’s missing — the TV. Kids get their own special vacation experience at Tanque Verde. For kids ages four to 15, the ranch offers riding lessons, lope rides, crafts, a nature program, trail rides, horse grooming, hayrides and more. This frees up mom and dad to enjoy their pursuits. ▲

perfect for those just coming off the course.

The Fiesta Room Patio is available for breakfast each day from 6:30-11 a.m.

Legends Bar and Grill is another favorite of golfers, with casual club menu offerings, single malt scotches, cigars, shuffleboard, billiards and sports coverage.

The Sweetwater Cabana Bar presents poolside dining, perfect for a snack or cocktail while lounging in the sun and in-room dining is also an option for travel-weary guests or those just looking to enjoy a bite from the comfort of their own room.

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 49

Travel_Tucson_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:32 AM Page 6

▲

travel continued

Clockwise from top: Pima Air and Space Museum, Reid Park Zoo, Biosphere 2, Kartchner Caverns State Park and Old Tucson Studios.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT TUCSON

THINGS TO DO IN TUCSON: The Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson is a popular tourist spot, with one of the world's largest aircraft collections on display, including more than two hangars of WWII planes, supersonic spy planes and the world's smallest biplanes. The museum even employs veterans serving as tour guides, so for former airmen or tourists, this museum is not to be missed. www.pimaair.org The Reid Park Zoo is a favorite of families visiting Tucson, as well as animal fans from the world over. From elephants to lemurs, to bear and giraffes, this small yet popular zoo offers a number of beautiful exhibits as well as yearly special events, such as Howl-O-Ween and the Conservation Lecture Series. The zoo has a picnic area and strollers and wheelchairs are available for a small fee. www.reidparkzoo.org Tucson's Biosphere 2, a part of UA Science, is an excellent educational and visual activity, and one of the top to-do's in the Tucson area. The 3.14 acre facility contains 7,200,000-cubic-feet of sealed glass, with 6,500 windows and is modeled after planet Earth, the first biosphere. Ecosystems ▲

50 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

under the glass include Mangrove wetlands, a tropical rainforest, savannah grassland and an ocean, complete with a coral reef.

Group packages are available and many educational programs are also available for participation. www.b2science.org Kartchner Caverns State Park is a live cave located about 52 miles south of Tucson. It features stunning limestone formations and is host to a unique variety of minerals and calcite formations. Stalactites drip down like icicles and enormous stalagmites protrude from the ground giving the caves a creepy yet beautiful look. Be sure to book a tour before you visit the cave site, same-day cave tours are limited and require advanced check in. www.azstateparks.com Just west of Tucson lies Old Tucson Studios, a movie studio and theme park. It was originally built in 1939 for the movie “Arizona” and has since been a host to numerous others. Adventures and lovers of the old west will swoon for this attraction featuring three streets and a town square of western-inspired saloons and stagecoaches. Awarded Trip Advisor’s 2013 Certification of Excellence, you won’t want to miss your chance to step back in time to the Wild West. www.oldtucson.com ▲

The restaurant is top-notch and is open to guests and the general public. Lunch is an upscale buffet style with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Lunch includes the most incredible dish — a butternut squash ravioli with just a hint of brown sugar, topped with pine nuts. On the weekend, the ranch hosts a sunset cookout at the Cottonwood Groves, complete with live music, home-style ribs and peach and apple cobbler with Tanque Verde’s famous homebaked biscuit.

fractionals_Layout 1 11/6/13 1:45 PM Page 1

Eats_Sapporo_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:33 AM Page 2

▲

good eats

By Chelsea Josten

A New Twist on a Valley Favorite

Sapporo 14344 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 (480) 607-1114 www.sapporoscottsdale.com

Sapporo's new fall/winter menu combines traditional Japanese food with modern flavors to create delicious new offerings

▲ ▲ ▲

Filet of Beef Tartare. Some might shy away from tartare because it’s served raw; thankfully, however, the tartare at Sapporo is made with the highest quality of beef tenderloin, so it’s both safe and delicious.

The appetizer is served in butter lettuce cups, making it just slightly unique to the general lettuce wrap. The truffled sweet soy sauce is sweet and slightly salty and when paired with the beef, it creates a caveman’s fantasy starter. There’s also the addition of Japanese Ebi with vegetable and tofu fritters served with Gochujang aioli. This traditional Japanese shrimp dish is battered and deep fried with a crispy outside texture and a contrasting tender inside. The vegetable and tofu fritters offer the same crunchy shell with a juicy inside thanks to the tofu, which keeps the fritters moist.

The chef has also introduced the Crispy Duck and Chinese Kale Salad, served with aged parmesan, shaved fennel, roasted pepitas and yuzu mango vinaigrette.

The kale has a peppery and pungent aftertaste but is balanced with the tender duck and vinaigrette dressing. One standout entrée is the New York Strip Tataki with green and white asparagus, wild mushrooms and ginger garlic pan butter. This scrumptious plate is an absolute must for meat eaters who love rare beef!

▲

▲

Sapporo's dramatic entrance has been welcoming patrons for years.

Middle: Teppanyaki tables at Sapporo are a big draw.

Bottom Right: Blue Jumbo Crab Cakes

KNOWN FOR ITS OUTSTANDING HAPPY HOUR and modern Asian vibe, Sapporo in Scottsdale has become well-established in the Valley, making it a favorite spot for sushi and teppanyaki amongst locals. But how does a restaurant stay current and popular? By adding new seasonal menu dishes, of course, and that’s just what Sapporo has done.

Chef Stephen Stromberg has deliciously prepared a fall/winter menu that gives you choice and satisfaction with any of the nearly dozen new dishes listed. He has three new appetizers available, each with their own personality and packed with flavor. The first is the Blue Jumbo Crab Cakes; a pair of moist cakes is served with a grilled corn and cucumber salsa in a charred yellow pepper cream sauce. If you’ve never had crab cakes before, you’ll want to feast on these sweet and tender crab meat cakes with a slightly crispy, breaded shell that is perfectly seasoned and holds in the aroma and taste of ocean goodness without being overwhelmingly fishy.

If you’re not in the mood for seafood to start, try the chef’s Truffled Sweet Soy

▲

52 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:14 PM Page 2

Wheels_Nissan_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:34 AM Page 2

▲

wheels

By Curt Blakeney

Extreme Makeover Improved gas mileage and a more stylish appearance make the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder a truly next-generation SUV

▲ ▲ ▲

One test drive and we were completely sold: The new Pathfinder — with architecture shared with its sister Infiniti JX — goes toe-to-toe with other top seven-seat SUVs on the market ...

NOW MORE THAN A QUARTER-CENTURY OLD, the Nissan Pathfinder has undergone a complete personality overhaul, from a rugged, old-school rock climber to a sexy, nimble crossover SUV. In 2013, Nissan completely redesigned the Pathfinder, going from body-on-frame to unibody construction, resulting in a more refined car-like ride; and the 2014 version only made it stronger.

One test drive and we were completely sold: The new Pathfinder — with architecture shared with its sister Infiniti JX — goes toe-

to-toe with other top seven-seat SUVs on the market like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The 2014 Pathfinder is available in six trim levels: S, SV, SL, SL Premium, Platinum and Platinum Premium. We tested the SL 2x4 version. The SL version adds luxurious amenities like leather-appointed seats (front and second rows) and door trim, remote start, heated leather seats (front and second rows), and a power lift gate. The premium version adds a trailer tow package,

Wheels_Nissan_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:34 AM Page 3

The EZ Flex system makes getting in and out of the third row easier by allowing the second row to move forward and back 5.5 inches. Both the second and third rows also recline. Second-row legroom is massive at 41.7 inches.

One feature that makes the drive brighter and more enjoyable: an all-glass dual panorama moon roof that stretches over all three rows of seats, letting in plenty of light and allowing a nice breeze to flow through the cabin. ▲

Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive can be locked in on the AWD system, which adds $1,600 to the bottom line regardless of trim level.

On the inside: The interior is luxurious and comfortable, with soft materials and plenty of bells and whistles including Bluetooth phone connectivity, a seven-inch color multi-information display, a rearview camera and an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player, satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.

As soon as you open the doors, you'll notice a roomier Pathfinder from the pre2013 versions. While the 2012 Pathfinder offered a mere 100.6 cubic feet of interior space, the 2014’s increased exterior dimensions result in a 57 percent improvement in interior volume, or a total of 157.8 cubic feet. Cargo space is still ample, with 79.8 cubic feet with the second and third row down, and 16 cubic feet with the back seats up.

VITAL STATS

MSRP: $38,410 (as tested) Engine: VQ35 3.5-liter V-6 Output: 260 hp/240 lb.-ft.

Fuel Economy: 20/26 mpg, city/highway

▲

dual panorama moon roof and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.

Under the hood: The lighter unibody Pathfinder (approximately 500 pounds lighter than its predecessor) no longer needs the beefy 4.0-liter V-6 or 5.6-liter V-8.

Instead, Nissan’s reliable VQ35 3.5-liter V-6 — which also powers the Maxima, Altima and 350Z — delivers ample muscle and acceleration. The stout powerplant packs 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. The XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) eliminates gears by using a metal drive chain instead of traditional fixed metal gears.

The CVT allows for quick acceleration (zero to 60 mph in 7.76 seconds) and lower revs when cruising, but I noticed it suffers some lag for quick bursts of power when passing.

The Pathfinder boasts an excellent EPA-estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway with front-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive versions are rated 19/25 mpg.

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 55

Wheels_Lexus_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 2:18 PM Page 2

▲

wheels

By Curt Blakeney

Sexy Go-Getter With the IS 250, Lexus has built a sports sedan that is good looking, snug and fun to drive

▲ ▲ ▲

With aggressive styling inside and out, trackhoned performance and advanced technology, the Lexus IS is sure to win its fair share of awards.

LEXUS UNVEILED ITS REDESIGNED IS SERIES for 2014, and we were thrilled to be one of the first magazines in Phoenix to get a test drive. The IS line is challenging the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Cadillac ATS and the Infiniti Q50 in the luxury/ performance market. With aggressive styling inside and out, track-honed performance and advanced technology, the Lexus IS is sure to win its fair share of awards. It's a sexy car; the bold design of the headlamps and front grille, and its muscular and menacing body styling, are head turners.

Two engines are available in the IS line (the 250 and 350), with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, and F Sport packages available on the entire range, making it easy to find a combination to suit all tastes.

We test drove the rear-wheel-drive IS 250, which is the most affordable model.

Under the hood: The drive train in the IS 250 is a 2.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 204 horsepower, coupled with a paddle-shift six-speed transmission. While it's not going to generate hair-raising speeds, it's up to the task of accelerating the car to highway

Wheels_Lexus_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 2:18 PM Page 3

a 60/40-spit fold-down rear seat, enhancing the vehicle's versatility and cargo space.

Advanced safety features include the optional Lane Departure Alert and a PreCollision System (PCS) — I marvel at the technology, a preview of things to come.

▲

on the road. Much of the central screen's functions, like navigation and the infotainment system, are controlled by a Remote Touch clicky mouse/joystick. The whole system is laid out in an intuitive way, but it's still a bit clunky to use. We recommend letting a co-pilot handle the controls.

Standard features include an eight-speaker premium sound system, dual USB ports for iPod and memory stick connectivity, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Contoured seats hug the body and give ample back support for a comfortable ride in traffic. Its low driver's sports seat, pedals and steering wheel are angled and positioned for a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing comfort or visibility.

The longer wheelbase of the 2014 IS (over the 2013 model) creates three inches of added space in the rear seats, providing backseat riders with substantially more leg room. And for the first time, the IS features

VITAL STATS

MSRP: $36,860 (as tested) Engine: 2.5-liter V6 Output: 204 hp/185 lb.-ft.

Fuel Economy: 21/30 mpg, city/highway

▲

speeds at a pleasing rate. The car’s stiffer body structure, redesigned suspension system and updated transmissions engage the driver with poise, sharp steering, a precise throttle, and a smooth-shifting transmission that always seems to pick the right gear and hold it as long as necessary for optimum acceleration. The IS 250 does zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. If you're really enamored with speed, we suggest upgrading to the 350, which sprints to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Gas mileage for the IS 250 is rated at 21/30 in rear-drive models.

On the inside: The wide, symmetric dashboard, a beefy steering wheel that feels solid in your hands, and a tight instrument cluster all enhance the driving experience. The massive raised center console keeps the important controls well within driver's reach, and the large interface screen is close enough to the windshield that you can scan it and still keep your eyes

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 57

Wheels_Mercedes_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 2:22 PM Page 2

▲

wheels

By Curt Blakeney

Simply Awesome The 2014 Mercedes Benz ML350 is at the top of the class in the luxury SUV market

▲ ▲ ▲

Mercedes lives up to the hype ... What's not to love: posh interior, quiet operation, smooth ride, ample power, solid gas mileage, and plenty of room.

WHEN I FOUND OUT I WAS GETTING THE KEYS for a test drive of the Mercedes ML350, I was a bit giddy. After all, this was Mercedes Benz — unmistakable engineering and unparalleled design and craftsmanship. I got goose bumps as I opened the door, sat in the plush driver's seat, and started the ignition. Mercedes lives up to the hype. I could find no inadequacies, and was enthralled by every detail, every gauge, every button. What's not to love: posh interior, quiet operation, smooth ride, ample power, solid gas mileage, and plenty of room.

Now in its third generation, the M-class (which includes the ML350, ML350 BlueTec, ML 550 and ML63 AMG) is an elite family of luxury SUVs building an increasingly firm grip on a market segment it helped to create.

Now three years into its current design, the 2014 ML350 could be the perfect mid-size crossover SUV. The ML350 and the ML350 (turbodiesel) BlueTec represent the entry end of the ML Class. We tested the ML350.

Under the hood: The base engine in the ML350 is a 3.5L Direct Injection V-6 engine, which is superb. Power is at 302 horsepower, and torque is at 275 poundfeet, and this engine works in harmony with the seven-speed automatic transmission that is smooth, responsive and efficient.

The rear-drive ML350 can sprint to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. In an era of unprecedented mpg consciousness, the ML350 boasts 17 mpg city and 22 highway.

It offers pretty good towing capacity too: 6,600 pounds. While the ML350 possesses a fair degree of off-road ruggedness, most owners instead will use it to haul kids from school to soccer practice.

On the inside: With this generation of M-Class, Mercedes made considerable advances in its refinement and materials, bringing the cabin appointments and ride

Wheels_Mercedes_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 2:22 PM Page 3

well equipped, and the standard ML350 measures up to that expectation. But there’s a long list of dizzying options, and it doesn’t take long to jack the price into the mid-$70,000 range. ▲

Many features can also be accessed via the integrated steering-wheel controls. It was seamless and intuitive, perhaps the finest system of controls I've ever encountered.

Seating in the ML350 is luxurious: cushions are well contoured, and the front seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering all-day support. Second row seats are roomy and cozy, while trunk capacity is 38.2 cu ft (rear seats up) and 80.3 cu ft (rear seats folded).

You’d expect a vehicle in this class to be

VITAL STATS

MSRP: $48,715 (as tested) Engine: 3.5-liter V6 Output: 302 hp/273 lb.-ft.

Fuel Economy: 17/22 mpg, city/highway ▲

quality up to par with that of the brand's sedans. The ML350 adopts a design that very much is influenced by the S-Class sedan flagship, with the gently sculpted lines and swooping curves of Mercedes' sedan instrument panels.

Hand-finished wood, hand-fitted upholstery and subtle metallic details define a cabin that's generous with both room and refinement. Crisp, clear gauges with a vivid color multifunction display are placed at the same height as the large color central screen with the latest version of Mercedes' Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system.

Featuring a high-resolution 7-inch color display and a central controller on the console, the COMAND system gives drivers a convenient control of audio, video, handsfree calling and optional navigation functions.

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 59

Wheels_Toyota_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 2:20 PM Page 2

▲

wheels

By Curt Blakeney

RoboCar Part luxury sedan, part mid-size SUV, the 2014 Toyota Venza Limited V6 AWD is an impressive family-friendly wagon

MSRP: $40,650 (as tested) Engine: 3.5L 6-cyl Output: 268 hp/246 lb.-ft.

Fuel Economy: 18/25 mpg, city/highway

wasn't too familiar with the model. But I was pleasantly surprised by the midsize, fivepassenger vehicle tabbed by Toyota as a "crossover sedan." The Venza is shorter and sleeker than Toyota's popular Highlander and is a pleasure to drive.

The Venza is available in three trim levels: LE, XLE and Limited; all models are offered in either FWD or AWD, and have either a fourcylinder or V6 engine. We test drove the topof-the-line Limited V6 AWD, which includes leather trimmed seats, premium navigation, a kickin' 13-speaker JBL sound system, a 7-inch high-resolution touch screen with split-screen capability, front and rear parking sonar, LED daytime running lights, Smart Key system with push button start, and a back-up camera.

The Venza's 3.5-liter V6 generates 268

horsepower and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, accelerating from 0-60 in just 6.7 seconds. Venza 's low center of gravity, wide stance and 20-inch wheels make for a nimble ride. The all-wheel-drive system is intended for inclement weather, not scaling Sedona's red rocks, though it can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with the Tow Prep Package. The V6 returns 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, but the AWD configuration saps fuel economy by 1-2 mpg.

Inside, the Venza looks sharp and sophisticated with wood-grain trim, smooth surfaces and curved lines. A monster center console stack splits the two front seats, housing the shift lever, audio system and climate controls, which are logically placed and easily accessible.

Near-ideal seating height makes entry and exit easy, and the seating is comfortable for adults in both front and back rows.

The Venza features a spacious interior and 34.4 cubic inches of cargo space behind the second row of seats. Rear cargo is enhanced by the 60/40 split rear seats that fold flat, providing additional storage space for extra long items. For added comfort, the rear seats recline up to 14 degrees, a nice feature on long road trips. Thirsty? Ten front and rear beverage holders are arranged throughout to ensure that everyone enjoys a cold beverage. ▲

▲ ▲ ▲

VITAL STATS

ADMITTEDLY, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT from the Toyota Venza, because I

Wheels_Testdrive_NovDec_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:36 PM Page 2

▲

wheels

By Curt Blakeney

Test Drive

2014 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4X4 CREWMAX 5.7L V8 LTD

The Ford Explorer has come a long way since it launched in 1990.

The current generation, the first to use unibody construction, debuted for 2011 with a modern design, new technological enhancements, and a more carlike driving experience. I've always been a big fan of the Ford Explorer, and Ford engineers have done a nice job keeping up with the times. The nameplate that helped define an era has gone from rugged truck to familyfriendly crossover SUV, but I dig the changes.

Now in its fourth year, this generation of the Ford Explorer remains an attractive choice in the competitive three-row crossover segment The Sport's twin-turbocharged and directinjected 3.5-liter "EcoBoost" V6 is good for 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic unit with paddle shifters, while Ford's Terrain Management light-duty off road control system makes the best use of its all-wheel-drive system. For those looking to haul around a boat or trailer, the Explorer Sport provides a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Gas mileage is better than expected, rated at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

As the top model in the Explorer lineup, the Sport comes well-equipped with a wealth of luxuries: leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 12-speaker Sony sound system with two USB ports, an SD card reader and audio/video input jacks, SYNC with MyFord Touch, dual-zone automatic climate control, Ford's MyKey system and a rearview camera.

Price as tested: $40,780

The Tundra is in an unenviable position of going toe to toe with many popular full-size pickup trucks on the market: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500 and Ford F-150. Pickup truck owners are particularly brand loyal, but Toyota continues to build its pickup truck credibility with 2014's updates to the Tundra, sharpening the image and refining the equipment while maintaining its strong capabilities.

An array of engines are available from Toyota, but the most potent one is the 5.7-liter V8, and it’s married to a six-speed automatic transmission. It generates 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. Fuel efficiency on 4x4 models is a below par 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway. Need hauling power? When equipped with a tow package, maximum tow capacity is 10,400 pounds.

The Tundra is one of the quietest trucks in its class and the Limited's handsome interior with rearranged instrument display and center console really stands out. The Limited edition adds a navigation system, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, woodgrain interior accents, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-sliding rear window, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and universal garage door opener, and 20-inch alloy wheels. All Tundras come equipped with a rear parking camera, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and Toyota's Entune touchscreen infotainment system. With the CrewMax cab configuration, the backseat is vast and the seat cushions tip up for added storage space.

Price as tested: $42,990

▲

▲

2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 61

Music_AZOpera_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:36 AM Page 2

▲

music

By Stacey Lane and Amanda Carter Photo by Tim Trumble

Music to My Ears A night at the Arizona Opera offers a fascinating experience for anyone wishing to learn more about this dramatic art form

recognize songs from the “HMS Pinafore,” making it a wonderful entry point for opera. Quick added that even though “HMS Pinafore” premiered over 140 years ago, many of the jokes and themes in Gilbert and Sullivan's writing are still relevant today.

For some, it was the first time catching a glimpse of an opera setting. Students quietly slipped into the viewing gallery to watch the hilarious antics of the “HMS Pinafore” cast during a rehearsal. "One of the things we learned about in the rehearsal is that the floor is covered with lines of green tape that lets the singers know exactly where to stand. Also, directors are there and the piano is playing while singers practice songs and how it should be acted," fifth-grader Jazmin Arredondo said.

Both teachers and students were thrilled to experience the tour as it was both hands and ears on. These interactive behindthe-scenes experiences can engage both the opera novice and aficionado.

The morning was wrapped up with a Brown Bag Lunch Series, where both students and community shared in the lunch time recital, learning more about stories worth singing.

A person is never too young or too old for great stories set to classical music, making the Arizona Opera and its performances lovable for all ages. ▲

▲ ▲ ▲

Arizona Opera Center 1636 North Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85004 www.azopera.org (602) 266-7464

THE FIFTH- THROUGH EIGHTH-GRADERS of the Academy of Excellence were the first students to tour the new Arizona Opera Center, located at 1636 N. Central Avenue directly across from the Phoenix Art Museum.

Students explored the new center by watching a rehearsal, learning about the creation of costumes and wig construction, and exploring the production activities at the facility.

Students also learned about the Arizona Opera’s season, including the opening of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore,” which took place in mid-October at Symphony Hall.

Arizona Opera Director of Production Doug Provost educated the kids about the audition process while sharing how practices are conducted. In addition to showing where the staff meetings were held, Artistic Administrator Zackery Hayhurst took the students into a special music room where thousands of opera tapes had been donated.

Students were excited not only to see but to hear all about the history and makings of an opera. ”We got to see the characters rehearse and sing. We also got to hear about how costumes and wigs are made," sixthgrader Honorata Uwikunda said.

Marketing Manager Caitie Quick explained to the students that Gilbert and Sullivan have cropped up in so many different places outside of the opera house that many people who haven't had much exposure to opera

Music_MorrisDay_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 12:58 PM Page 2

▲

music

By Charles Hudson

Minneapolis Funk Masters Morris Day & The Time are ready to bring back their party to Phoenix

than 20 million copies worldwide, and

Morris Day & The Time Friday, Nov. 22 at 8:30 p.m.

Celebrity Theatre 440 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix Tickets: $15, $20 and $35 www.celebritytheatre.com

AZSAL: What influence did Prince have on you?

catapulted Prince into superstardom status

Day: We starting playing together in a

back in the mid '80s. The film "Purple Rain"

band back in high school. I was a drummer and

grossed more than $80 million at the box

I heard his band Grand Central play. And I never

office, and the coolest cat in the movie wasn't

heard anything like that out of young guys my

Prince ... it was Morris Day. The exposure for

age. I was mesmerized with their sound. I heard

Morris Day and his band, "The Time," was the

they were having some problems with their

musical equivalent of winning the lottery.

drummer, and they heard me play and I was in.

Morris Day & The Time, and their unique Minneapolis funk sound, went on to score such monster hits as the iconic “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.” Day also scored a solo hit with

That experience really changed my whole outlook on music.

AZSAL: What artists influenced you growing up?

"Fishnet." Combined sales of Day's solo work

Day: I listened to everybody. In

and The Time is in excess of 10 million albums.

Minneapolis, we had no urban music on the

Morris Day & The Time make a tour stop

radio, only certain acts like the O'Jays and Diana

through Phoenix on Friday, November 22 at

Ross who topped the pop charts. We also

the Celebrity Theatre. AZSAL caught up with

listened to a lot of rock music like Grand Funk

Day, who now calls Las Vegas home.

Railroad, Elton John and Aerosmith. Then some

AZSAL: What was it like during the "Purple Rain" days?

Day: It was a lot of fun. It was a crazy

of the stuff we got at mom-and-pop record stores, like Parliament and James Brown. All those different styles influenced our sound.

time. We were working, touring, performing. It

AZSAL: You've been performing for

was hectic, like a rollercoaster ride. It was very

more than 30 years. How do you keep

positive in many ways, but there were a lot of

entertaining fans?

drama and negativity going on.

AZSAL: Was that the real Morris Day on the screen?

Day: There are not many bands like ours that are still out there doing it. We bring pop, rock, funk ... we have the whole package. We got

Day: It had sides of my real personality.

the pimp suits; we create a party atmosphere

It was more of my on-switch that I hit before

that no one else can duplicate. It's visually

I went on stage, but ramped up to like 20.

pleasing, sonically pleasing. It's a party ... we rip it

(laughs)

up. People love it.

▲

▲ ▲ ▲

THE ALBUM "PURPLE RAIN" SOLD MORE

KidsGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:38 PM Page 2

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

kidsgear 1

▲ ▲

1 Flutterbye Fairies This is the only fairy that a girl can fly simply from the palm of her hand. These cute fairies are inspired by flowers and star dust, bringing love and sweet dreams to all little girls who fly her. $34.99; www.toysrus.com 2 Lakeshore 3-Way Tabletop Easel This easel works three ways: There’s a chalkboard on one side and a super write and wipe surface on the other, so kids can create with chalk, markers or paint. Best of all, it’s small enough to set up practically anywhere, and it's easy to store. Comes with two easel clips. $39.95; www.lakeshorelearning.com

2

3 Furreal Friends Cuddles, My Giggly Monkey Pet Lifelike pet has more than 100 responses and a range of interactive emotions.

She will respond to many patterns, such as feeding, diaper changing, cuddling, tickling, swinging and rocking to sleep, and will react in a new way each time. $79.99; www.hasbrotoyshop.com 4 Zoomer Family Pet This cute, silly and interactive dog is all of the fun and none of the responsibility.

Kids can easily play with Zoomer because he actually listens and learns. With lifelike expressions and voice-activated commands, Zoomer is the most technologically advanced robotic dog ever made. $99.99; www.spinmaster.com

3 5 Super Me Pack Perfect for preschool and kindergarten-aged kids, this backpack has a cape tucked away in a hidden pocket to help little ones easily transform into their own superhero persona. The messenger bag provides little superheroes a hands-free way to carry lunch, snacks, drinks and essential superhero gear. $29.90-$39.90; www.supermehero.com 6 Big Hugs Elmo When tots give their red furry friend a hug, Elmo will wrap his arms around them to show how much he loves them.

This cuddly 22-inch lifelike Elmo has flexible arms and a soft head. He sings a sweet song about hugs and a bedtime lullaby, and encourages pretend play. $59.99; www.hasbrotoyshop.com

4

5 6

▲

64 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

KidsGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:39 PM Page 3

7

8 7 Micro Chargers Light Racers Hyper Dome Kids can launch their Micro Chargers Stunt Cars into the battle dome and battle it out until one car falls to its demise. The Hyper Dome is a racing experience unlike any other as the light-up cars battle to the finish. This set includes a battle dome, one Micro Chargers Stunt Car, and a handheld charger. $29.99; www.walmart.com

9

8 Nerf N-Sports Cyber Hoop Set Shoot. Score. Share. The Cyber Hoop set lets players turn any room into a virtual stadium and challenge friends to a basketball showdown. The set includes hoop, ball and free app download. $19.99; www.hasbrotoyshop.com 9 Lego Turtle Lair Attack Build the three-story lair, complete with skate ramp, lab, training dojo, TV corner, catapult and pizza oven. This 488-piece set comes with five mini figures: Leonardo, Raphael, Master Splinter, Dark Ninja and a Foot Soldier.

Accessories include 10 weapons, two skateboards, TNT, pizza, ooze canisters and more. $49.95; www.lego.com 10 Korner'D Korner'D is a puzzle that's also a game. The rules are simple: just match the colors on the tile to the pattern on the board. Play all of your tiles, and you win. Korner'D is so basic, yet so compelling. It's a mind-bending, abstract strategy game of perception. $19.99; www.endlessgames.com

10

11 Lincoln Logs Collector's Edition Case This set contains the highest quality, real wood pieces stained to match those of the original Lincoln Logs. It captures the timeless beauty and simplicity of Lincoln Logs with red chimneys and green slats for building fun. The wooden storage case adds timeless appeal and true collector quality. $69.95; www.knex.com

â–˛

11

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 65

KidsGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:39 PM Page 4

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

kidsgear

▲ ▲

12

12 Nerf N-Strike Elite Centurion Blaster Feel the power when you wield this blaster, which possesses an unparalleled 100-foot dart-firing distance. It also features the new whistling Mega dart, measuring more than twice the size of a standard Elite dart. $49.99; www.hasbrotoyshop.com 13 Gear Ball Gear Ball is based on a revolutionary new concept of interconnecting gears that fit together to form a ball. This unique mechanism creates a fluid twisting and turning sensation. Every gear in your brain will be cranking as you try to align all six sides at once. $24.99; www.recenttoysonline.com

13

14 Power Up Airplane Remember making paper airplanes? Well, now you can power them with the Power Up 2.0 Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit. Create holiday memories with the kids by making planes with your own paper or the Power Up templates and watching it take flight. $14.99; www.poweruptoys.com 15 Air Hogs AtmoSphere This powerful levitating sphere requires no remote control and hovers above any surface. Control it with the palm of your hand or watch it fly autonomously in any space. Its spherical shape allows it to smoothly bounce off walls and ceilings for non-stop flight. $24.99; www.airhogs.com

14

16 Spy Gear Panosphere 360 Spy Cam Roll it into any room and capture 360-degree panoramic video, then download footage on the computer via USB cable. It has enough storage to take 2,000-plus HD photos or record 10 minutes of 360degree video. Slide it, stick it, or strap it with three attachments for secretly placing it anywhere. $59.99; www.target.com

15

16

▲

66 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

▲

fractionals_Layout 1 11/5/13 4:13 PM Page 1

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 67

OutdoorGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:41 AM Page 2

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

outdoorgear 1

▲ ▲

1 Wheeleez Beach Cart-Folding With its big beefy wheels, the Wheeleez is the perfect beach cart for carrying a cooler, towels, chairs, fishing gear and beach gear. Who wants to lug around all that stuff by hand? It folds compactly for storage and fits even the smallest car. $259; www.wheeleez.com 2 New Balance 880v3 The 880v3 is a lightweight, go-to shoe for neutral runners. The 880v3 features an Acteva Lite midsole combined with premium cushioning for maximum comfort with every strike of the road. The shoe also brings you superb support and torsional stability from T-Beam technology. $114.99; www.newbalance.com

2 3 Schwinn Sprite Designed for 6 to 8-year-old girls, this bike boasts a stylish steel frame and a pretty lavender color that would be hard for any little girl to resist. It even comes with a cool LED speedometer, so she can see how fast she is flying down the sidewalk.

Rear coaster brake help kids stop fast. $269; www.schwinnbikes.com 4 Prospecs Trail Walk 401 Made with a high-abrasion outsole, the Trail Walk provides durability in a lightweight, high-performing trail shoe. Also designed with Prospecs MoveFrame Technology, the Trail Walk features an underfoot support system that cradles the foot in place for support and stability to tackle any terrain. $149; www.prospecs-usa.com

3

5 Eagle Creek Morphus 22 Ultra-durable, ultra-versatile, ultra-light hybrid. The innovative construction allows you to zip off the front gear bag from the polycarbonate back shell and use the morphing technology to create a second full-size bag. That's right — we're taking two carry-on-sized travel bags. Seriously, it’s like nothing you have ever seen. $395; www.eaglecreek.com

4

5

▲

68 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

OutdoorGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:41 AM Page 3

6

6 Kaenon Polarized Clarke The Clarke looks good on the street, at the fishing hole or on the golf course — anywhere that you'd want a bit of to-die-for style to go with killer tech. The Clarke gives you broad-spectrum UV protection, razor-sharp clarity, and impact-resistance all in one ultra-lightweight, durable lens, Kaenon's world-class SR-91. $198.95; www.kaenon.com 7 Buck Spitfire Knife The Spitfire is designed for everyday carrying. The wicked sharp blade can easily be opened with one hand and locks open with the lockback design. The aluminum handles offer a sleek and lightweight design. Offered with or without serrations and multiple colors. $52; www.buckknives.com

7

8 Skora Core Get in touch with what Skora calls "real running." Skora's minimalist shoes are designed around the way our feet are made, and how we were meant to run. The Core concept is really quite simple ― a luxurious leather upper and a low-profile sole wrapped around a natural last. Your feet will love these. $155; www.skorarunning.com

8

9 Survivor Mossy Oak iPad case Simply put, the Griffin Survivor Case is the most protective case we've seen, and it comes in world-famous Mossy Oak camo patterns. This extreme-duty case is designed from the inside out to protect iPads from extreme conditions ... dirt, sand, rain, shock, vibration and a host of other environmental factors. $89.99; www.griffintechnology.com

▲

9

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 69

OutdoorGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:41 AM Page 4

▲

outdoorgear 10

▲ ▲

10 ScoreBand ScoreBand is the revolutionary 4-in-1 scorekeeping wristband designed for sports. ScoreBand offers four quick-touch scoring modes: golf, tennis, all sports and watch. It's slim, lightweight and water-resistant.

When the game is over, leave ScoreBand in "time" mode as a comfortable timepiece for everyday use. $24.99; www.scoreband.net 11 Morakniv Bushcraft Forest Knife A first-rate, all-around knife with a profile-ground blade of Swedish cold-rolled special stainless steel and a patterned high-friction grip. $39.99; www.IndustrialRev.com

11

12 Bandi Belt The Bandi has all the utility of a fanny back ... but with style! Bandi belts are sleek with a unique pocket fold that secures small essentials without bulky fasteners or zippers. With a hip-hugging fit and a wide array of fun prints, it’s perfect for style-conscious fitness buffs. $28; www.bandiwear.com 13 Vasque Mantra 2.0 Built for enduring endeavors, the Vasque Mantra 2.0 hiking shoes supply all-day comfort and lasting performance for demanding day hikes, fastpacking and more. Nubuck leather uppers offer durability, flexibility and natural water resistance; abrasion-resistant nylon mesh provides breathability for added comfort. $120; www.vasque.com

12

14 Polar RC3 GPS The Polar RC3 GPS combines built-in GPS for pace and distance data, a 12-hour battery life and Smart Coaching features to enhance your training, all in a sleek watch design. Automatic Lap takes hands-free splits, Running Index calculates your run economy and the "back to start" feature can help you navigate home if needed. $299; www.polar.com

13

15 Smith Approach Max Polarized A do-it-all pair of shades for glare-free running, riding or hiking, the Smith Approach Max polarized interchangeable sunglasses offer maximum coverage and a set of lenses for any light level. $179; www.smithoptics.com

14

15

▲

70 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:11 PM Page 2

ScentsGear_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:57 PM Page 2

▲

Holiday Gift Guide

scents 1

▲ ▲

FOR WOMEN 1 Francesca's Signature — A floral blend with fresh bergamot, sensual jasmine and creamy vanilla. $28; www.francescas.com

2

2 Guess for Women — A juicy tangerine and green apple note introduces an absolutely feminine heart of dewy freesia, pink peony and delicate muguet. $29.95; www.grandperfumes.com 3 Lucky You — A refreshing, feminine fragrance with notes of fresh florals, sandalwood, musk and fresh citrus. $24.77; www.grandperfumes.com

3

4

4 Wonderstruck Enchanted — An irresistible blend of luscious wild berries and sugar-glazed petals for a captivating fragrance. $59.50; www.macys.com 5 Yves Rocher Cocao and Orange Collection — Yummy, irresistible fragrance in a hand cream, liquid hand soap and perfumed shower gel. $3.50-$5; www.yvesrocherusa.com 6 Viva La Juicy Limited Edition Parfum — Super-rich glam Parfum edition of Viva la Juicy with gotta-have-it charm and bling in a white enamel bottle. $98; www.macys.com

5

7 ACEQUIA Bath and Body Collection — From nature’s bountiful oils and blissful butters in signature fragrances that tantalize. $18 for travel size; www.capistranosoap.com

6

8 Ava Scent — Hope, Love and Joy perfumes from essential oils are perfect for everyday use. $18.95; www.avanaturals.com

7 8

▲

72 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:12 PM Page 2

Beauty_Skincare_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:40 PM Page 2

▲

self&body

By Dr. Joseph Rucker

Skincare By The Numbers Determining your skin code and how you can fix it

▲ ▲ ▲

Here in the Southwest, sun, dry heat and the lure of outdoor activities create the perfect storm for exacerbating skin conditions and premature aging.

WHILE SKIN, HAIR AND EYE COLOR are general classifications that cannot be disputed, do they tell the whole story? What about age? Lifestyle? Environment? Are we to believe that identical twins — one living in Vermont and one in Phoenix — have the same skincare needs based solely on genetics?

Here in the Southwest, sun, dry heat and the lure of outdoor activities create the perfect storm for exacerbating skin conditions and premature aging. It is never too early or too late to give your skin the care it needs and deserves. Let’s explore what causes skin damage and how to avoid loss of collagen, inadequate moisture and chronic inflammation.

not vigilant about protecting the collagen we have, we may experience permanent damage. Over time, consistent exposure to elements harmful to skin cells will destroy both collagen and elastin.

Product can make a difference, but the key lies in finding a formula that accelerates and supports absorption. It must penetrate deeply and repair skin so it can hold water in and is allowed to heal.

What you can do: • Use serums containing Vitamin C, peptides and antioxidants.

• Always use sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and reapply often.

• Pay attention to diet: Increase Omega 3

Arizona Skin Damage Foursome:

rich foods, beans, dark fruits and vegeta-

1. Moderate to high air pollution levels.

bles, and green tea.

2. Excessive sunshine (85 percent annually).

3. Dry heat.

4. A significant number of high ozone days per year.

Collagen: For youthful-looking skin Think of collagen as a tightly woven net that provides our skin its underlying structure; it is vital for giving skin elasticity and strength.

Our bodies produce collagen, but as we age, production decreases. Because our skin cells are inherently sensitive and fragile, if we are ▲

74 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

• Avoid sun exposure, smoking and topical collagen, which cannot penetrate the skin.

• Use a stem cell serum to help reverse damage and help prevent further aging.

Moisture: Dry skin plus desert heat equals a lethal combination The Southwest is renowned for its dry environment, and as we age, skin has trouble retaining moisture. So when you combine inherited dry skin with the desert heat, you have a lethal combination, which can result in

Beauty_Skincare_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:40 PM Page 3

1

2

fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same. Dry skin results from an imbalance of essential oils. Dehydrated skin is one that has been stripped of moisture through bad diet, too much sun/wind/heat, and age.

AZSAL RECOMMENDED SKINCARE PRODUCTS

3

What you can do: • Ask your doctor about injectable dermal fillers that will hydrate from the inside out.

• Use a humidifier at night and moisturize right after showering.

• Treat yourself to oxygen-based facials or a hydrating mask.

• Wash with a hydrating cleanser to remove chemical and biologic

1 NuSkin ageLOC Tru Face Essence Ultra utilizes the power of Ethocyn, an ingredient clinically proven to restore your skin to its naturally youthful state. Tru Face aids in protecting your skin from oxidizing free radical damage, as well as elastin and collagen from degradation enzymes that viciously attack skin protein. $140; www.nuskin.com ▲

• Try products with hyaluronic acid to smooth and plump skin.

irritants without reducing the skin’s moisture content. ▲

Inflammation: The age accelerator Sunburns are actually an acute form of inflammation, which can destroy healthy tissue and compromise new tissue. Sun exposure also destroys elastin and collagen. When natural antioxidants are exhausted, free radicals are released and inflammation is triggered. This results in crepe-like skin and wrinkles.

4

3 TNS Essential Serum is an all-in-one antiaging product that improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and the overall tone and texture of skin. Works synergistically with peptides to build the extracellular matrix.

Seven antioxidants fight free radical damage. $168; www.skinmedica.com ▲

What you can do:

2 Organic Male OM4 RESURFACE Citrus Bamboo Resurfacing Scrub contains fruit acids that are microblended with exotic botanicals to produce an amazing resurfacing agent that will turn back the hands of time. The regenerative properties of Tangerine detoxify and potentiate the formation of collagen and stimulate cellular repair. $40; www.om4men.com

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

• Limit sugar intake at all costs; it breaks down collagen.

• Avoid sun and wind exposure as much as possible.

▲

5

▲

Dr. Joseph Rucker is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has developed a proprietary skincare line called Enza Essentials, specifically formulated around lifestyle, age and location. Visit Dr. Rucker’s website at www.enza.com to learn more about his customized skincare suite for the Arizona lifestyle.

4 Boots No7 Photo Fix Wrinkle Filler & Primer reduces the appearance of the signs of aging. A unique complex combines filling properties with light diffusing particles to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and put uneven skin tone and pores into soft focus. $19.99; www.us.boots.com ▲

So where do you start if you live in our Southwestern zip code? Focus on making skin healthy rather than just alleviating symptoms. It takes more than one product or a single serving dose treatment at your doctor’s office to make a dramatic improvement to your skin and fight the signs of aging. The effects of aging are not one-sided, so your anti-aging plan shouldn’t be, either. It is never too early to start your anti-aging regimen and avoid harsh Arizona elements if you can.

5 Enza Essentials Sustaining Cleanser lifts away makeup and the impurities of the day while replenishing your skin’s natural moisture. Licorice and chamomile smooth away dry cells and fine wrinkles. Brightening vitamins A and E rejuvenate your tired skin. $35; www.enza.com

▲

• Add antioxidants to your diet, such as berries and nuts.

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 75

Fitness_DVDs_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 3:59 PM Page 2

▲

fit&trim

How to get in shape before the holidays Prenatal Workouts features two safe and fun prenatal programs in a value-priced, 2-DVD collection.

Staying healthy while you’re pregnant takes more than eating right; it also means keeping fit with exercises specifically designed for pregnancy. The workouts combe specialized Pilates, kegels, sports conditioning and true-blue body sculpting with the lengthening and strengthening effects of yoga. $24.99 From the breakout star of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and former Miss USA comes the secret for looking fit and fine with Kenya Moore: Booty Boot Camp. Alongside instructor Nikki Veal, Kenya offers three 20-minute workouts that will sculpt your lower body, shrink your waistline, flatten and define your abs, and lift and firm your backside. $16.99 Arthritis Rx features easy and effective exercises clinically proven to help get you stronger, fitter and more active. Renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Vijay Vad, bestselling author of “Arthritis Rx” and a PBS personality, created these exercise programs to help you reduce pain, enhance mobility and decrease your dependence on medication, regardless of your current fitness level. $19.99 Featuring the perfect mix of fast workouts to help you lose weight and stay healthy for life, Quick Fit offers 30 five-minute workout blasts. The moves are designed for full-body fitness and allow exercisers to do exactly what they want for as long as they want. This 2.5-hour jam-packed program features 10 blasts each of cardio, strength, and Pilates. $19.99 Prevent and relieve pain and stiffness in your back, neck and shoulders with Yoga to the Rescue: For Pain-Free Back, Neck & Shoulders, two easy and effective programs from celebrated yoga instructor Desirée Rumbaugh. Make aches and pains a thing of the past as you reduce stress, fight fatigue and release tension throughout your body. $24.99 Featuring seven 10-minute workouts, Exhale: Core Fusion Barre Basics for Beginners is designed to sculpt the legs, lift glutes, flatten abs and increase overall strength and flexibility. Core Fusion co-founders Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp draw on their extensive knowledge for a transformational toning and strengthening workout. Each of the workouts explains correct poses, alignment and movements. $16.99 With Ballet Body: Core Workout, you can flatten your midsection and develop core strength with this dynamic, Pilates-inspired workout. You’ll start with standing balance exercises and movement sequences before progressing into variations on side planks and mat work. Complete the routine with exercises to support the spine and back, along with deep stretches for flexibility. $16.99 Designed by certified strength and conditioning specialist Leah Sarago, Ballet Body: Lower Body Workout helps exercisers lose inches while building lean muscles with movements inspired by ballet, dance, Pilates and yoga. The muscle-sculpting moves lengthen the thighs, lift the backside and sculpt the backs of the legs for sleek definition and a slim figure. $16.99 ▲

▲ ▲

WANT TO GET IN SHAPE BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS? Choose one of these eight new DVDs from Acacia. (www.AcaciaLifestyle.com)

▲

76 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

Comedy_Anjelah_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:41 PM Page 2

s

comedy

By Chelsea Josten

Not Your Average Comedian Anjelah Johnson is bringing joy to people’s lives one laugh at a time

s

audiences at her shows all over the U.S. “There are people in this random part of the country that I’ve never been to before that know who I am and they love the stories that I tell and the characters that I present to them," Johnson said. "I’m telling stories about my family members and people feel like they’re a part of my family.”

Her relatable experiences paired with a comedic delivery are what makes Johnson a standout among stand ups. After her “Nail Salon” sketch became a YouTube hit, it opened the doors to more stand up opportunities and she was asked to join the cast of MADtv in 2007. And that’s when Bon Qui Qui, an obnoxious, over-the-top dramatic fast food employee, was created by Johnson herself. Since then, she has created a life around being funny. She’s currently on tour and has released three satirical, fulllength songs as her character Bon Qui Qui with more on the way.

You can find Johnson in movies, including a cameo role in the upcoming “Mom’s Night Out.” She even has an app that lets you Bon Qui Qui-ify your pictures. Johnson has built an empire around her hilarious characters and delivery of real-life scenarios, reminding us again that she is not your average comedian.

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 77

s

s s s

ANJELAH JOHNSON LIVE December 12-15, 2013 Stand Up Live 50 W. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85003 Tickets are $32, plus two drink minimum. www.standuplive.com

ANJELAH JOHNSON IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE COMEDIAN. She can act, dance, sing, tell jokes and fly. Okay, so she can’t fly, but she can do everything else. After a brief stint as a professional cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders (yes, you read that correctly), she moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to pursue her passion for bringing joy to people’s lives.

What came as a shock to her, though, was that her passion would lead her to comedy.

“I never thought I was going to be doing stand up,” Johnson said. “It was such a surprise to me.”

Anjelah, 31, is best known for her characters Bon Qui Qui and a Vietnamese nail salon employee. She credits her family for her comedic ways. In fact, her elderly grandfather still pulls jokes on cashiers at the grocery store. “My grandpa is a practical joke kind of guy,” Johnson said. “He’ll tie a clear fish wire to a little plastic cockroach and he’ll put the string around his neck. And then he’ll get to the register line and pull on the string so it looks like a cockroach is crawling out of his pocket. Like, are you kidding me?”

Growing up in San Jose, California, Johnson was exposed to what she refers to as a “melting pot” of people with diverse backgrounds, cultures and sexualities.

Experience with a wide-ranging group of people has enabled her to connect with the

RisingStar_Hayden_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:43 PM Page 2

▲

risingstar

By Michelle Talsma Everson Photos by Champion Images

Jump Start Thirteen-year-old Valley gymnast Shaye Hayden is on the fast track to the Olympics

▲ ▲

LIKE MANY YOUNG ATHLETES, 13-yearold gymnast Shaye Hayden dreams of going to the Olympics. While her path there isn’t guaranteed, she recently became closer to turning her dreams into reality when she made the USA Gymnastics Olympic Developmental National Team, considered a stepping stone to the big games. Perhaps even more impressive is that Hayden, who trains at North Valley Gymnastics in Phoenix, has only been in the sport for three years.

Hayden is ranked first on the USA Gymnastics Olympic Developmental National Team in the girls’ 13-14 Double-Mini category. As part of the national team, she will compete on the international stage and hone her skills in her specific area of gymnastics — trampoline and tumbling (T&T). In addition to this recent honor, she was also a 2012 national tumbling champ.

So what exactly is T&T? Hayden explains: “T&T is a gymnastics discipline that consists of four events: individual trampoline, synchronized trampoline, double-mini trampoline and power tumbling. Both boys and girls can participate in all events. Individual trampoline has been an Olympic event since 2000. T&T is a more extreme discipline of gymnastics.”

Before starting her gymnastics training at age 10, Hayden was a competitive dancer. She says she joined T&T originally because she wanted to do what kids do best—have fun.

“I wanted to bounce on [a] trampoline and do a lot of flips,” Hayden said. “It seemed more fun than traditional gymnastics

“Shaye is an incredibly talented gymnast who, through her drive, has achieved more in three years than most gymnasts achieve in a lifetime”

▲

78 AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE

NOV/DEC 2013

because there’s action. When I have bad days I just think about how far I've made it and all the things I still want to learn and accomplish.”

Countless hours of practice later, Hayden proves to be a natural fit for the intense sport.

“Shaye is an incredibly talented gymnast who, through her drive, has achieved more in three years than most gymnasts achieve in a lifetime,” said Chelsea Rainer, T&T program manager at North Valley Gymnastics. “She is very dedicated to her gymnastics and is always willing to try new things, which is one of the reasons she is so competitive for her age.”

Hayden says her goal is to attend the 2020 Olympics and she also plans to be a gymnastics instructor. Today though, she is a busy eighth grader whose favorite subject is English. Her hobbies include

RisingStar_Hayden_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 1:43 PM Page 3

• Hayden’s home gym, North Valley Gymnastics, is one of the largest gymnastics facilities in the Valley. It is one of only seven programs in the state for T&T. • Her favorite T&T event is the double-mini.

• Hayden’s team at North Valley Gymnastics is called the Twisters.

• The 2020 Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan.

▲

• Hayden comes from a big family: she has five siblings.

hanging out with friends and being “a normal teenager,” she said. Still, like most student athletes, finding time to enjoy typical activities can be a challenge between school and sport. Hayden does her best to balance it all.

“I come to gym straight from school and get my homework done,” she says.

“When traveling I get my assignments in advance and try to study and complete the work during the flights.”

With a lot more traveling and competing in her future, it’s a balancing act that Hayden is sure to perfect. To learn more about, North Valley Gymnastics, visit www.northvalleygymnastics.com.

Shaye Hayden with 2008 and 2012 Olympian Logan Dooley.

▲

FAST FACTS

▲

AZSAL

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 79

RealEstate_Gary_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:46 AM Page 2

▲

realestate

By Michelle Talsma Everson

Home by the Water Arizona is the perfect place for waterfront property — yes, really!

▲ ▲ ▲

At any given moment there are hundreds of waterfront properties available in the Valley ...

These homes range from estates to penthouses to suburban style properties on manmade ski lakes.

A rare island estate

WHEN YOU THINK OF ARIZONA HOMES you probably picture desert landscaping and miles of suburbs, but the Valley is actually a haven for waterfront living as well. In fact, according to recent estimates, there are more than 7,000 houses on the water in the Phoenix metro area.

These homes span the Valley — from Gilbert’s Val Vista Lakes to impressive properties in Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Paradise Valley, the Arrowhead area, northern Arizona, and beyond. 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.

A rare island estate One high-end example of waterfront living is the rare island estate pictured here.

It originally started out as 160 acres of raw land purchased in 1986. The original owner built a spectacular estate with resort style grounds and, in 1989, decided to expand and subdivide 80 of the 160 acres, carving out 80 acres for the original estate in the center of the community and surrounding the home with 16 acres of lake accessed by private bridge and gated entry. He also expanded the residence with shops, a helo pad and hangar. In an effort to maintain privacy for the incoming high profile new homeowners, such as actor Chad Everett, a 20-foot exterior wall was also constructed.

This exclusive community consists of a total of 33 homes and Charlie Randall of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty had the privilege of selling all of the lots at the time that the community was subdivided. The home was sold in 1993 to the current owner.

Types of waterfront homes At any given moment there are hundreds of waterfront properties available 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

▲

RealEstate_Gary_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:46 AM Page 3

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.

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.”

▲

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 expert Gary Colin. “And with many second homes being purchased, waterfront homes

WWW.AZSAL.COM

AZSPORTS&LIFESTYLE 81

RealEstate_Gary_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/6/13 10:46 AM Page 4

▲

realestate continued

▲

Scottsdale’s Waterfront

Holiday events on the water With the holiday season upon us, you can’t ask for a more one-of-akind experience than a holiday boat parade. Here are some of our favorites:

• The Annual Boat Parade of Lights at Lake Havasu: In its 31st year, this holiday tradition takes place at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 14 in Lake Havasu City. www.lhcboatparadeoflights.com • The Islands Holiday Boat Parade: Every year the Islands community in Gilbert hosts a lighted holiday boat parade — and this year all three lakes will participate beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14.

Search for “The Islands Community Association” on Facebook for details.

• The Lakewood Community Boat Parade: This waterfront community, located in Ahwatukee, will host its holiday boat parade from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 14. Insider tip: viewing for both lakes will be by the greenbelt.

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 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. ▲

• The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, presented by SRP: This popular event takes place at 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14 at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe Town Lake. www.millavenue.com

For complete details on this and all of our Exclusive Buyer Consumer programs

call Gary at 602.501.4580

Each KW franchise independently owned and operated. Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale. * conditions Apply

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:18 PM Page 2

PubLtr_NovDec13_Health&Body BEAUTY 11/5/13 4:11 PM Page 2

Buyers and sellers of diamonds, fine gold and estate jewelry.

LONDONGOLD.COM arrowhead

scottsdale

(623) 979- 4445

(480) 367-1717

chandler (480) 705-4191