Beneful gets another Black Eye

By: Linda Gross

The $500,000 Dog Park Challenge

The news spread rapidly when Purina/Beneful announced a half-million dollar contest for a dream dog park in May. All the lucky winner had to do was to submit a 2 minute video showcasing why they were the most deserving of such largess. The winning entry would get a $500,000 “extreme make over” which would obviously result in one amazing facility for dogs and dog-owners. The contest began in May and this August viewers will vote for the winner.

You won’t find the Globe Park video in this coveted circle. And maybe you will decide after looking at the entries, that we didn’t deserve to be in the final ten. But like the award winning  ALLY BANK commercials which drive home the point about fair play and transparent communication, we found the Beneful contest rife with potholes for contestants trying to play by the rules.

Instead of generating good will and positive branding for the Beneful/Purina name, our experience through this process soured our opinion about the company.  Here’s why.

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Five and Dive: Quick Reference

Where to get your CARDS, Your CLUES and General Info …

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The Five and Dive Tour : Summer Zen

It’s a fact that Arizona Summers are sizzling hot and, as a rule, most sane people will spend the next six months in a mall or on their couch in air-conditioned comfort in front of their Big Screen.

Not Bikers. Bikers are always breaking the rules.

Few things in life will keep one from riding. They’re like those mail carriers who brag:

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stay us from the swift completion of our appointed rounds”

Bikers? They have a different motto.

“Whatever it is, it’s better in the wind.”

So, this summer, long after the last of the winter visitors have left for cooler climes, and even lizards have disappeared under their rocks to get away from the heat, we’ve designed a Summer Road Tour for The Children of the Wind. … Continue Reading

Homegrown- A facebook Farmers Market

A local group intent on developing an on-line community of growers, gardeners in the Globe-Miami region will be launching a facebook page called,”Homegrown-A Farmers Market” this month.  The only restriction is that it will be limited to only those products which come from the ground. This is a food-only Farmers Market. There will be a planning meeting for all interested parties on Saturday, May 22, at 9am at Vida E Cafe. see HOMEGROWN. … Continue Reading

Little Joe Evades Deportation

By: Jim Moss

Musician and Mexican American, Little Joe, apparently evaded an Arizona law enforcement round-up of suspected illegal aliens after Globe’s big Cinco de Mayo celebration last Sunday night.  While on stage with his band, Little Joe y la Familia, Joe publicly acknowledged that he was born in Texas to parents who were illegal immigrants.  After admitting this, Little Joe peered out into the darkness, above the audience, perhaps expecting legal repercussions — in this latest era of Arizona disgraceful politics.
Remember Arizona’s recent past disgraces?  Martin Luther King Holiday rejection, Governors Evan Mecham & Fife Symington?  Well, the recently hatched immigration law takes the cake!  This law represents a new low for right-wing ideology in Arizona politics.  What an embarrassment for our great state!   This law actually requires law enforcement officers to confront any person who is suspected of being an illegal alien — and demand proof of citizenship.  What is the criteria used to determine if a ‘suspected illegal alien’ should be confronted?  Rest assured, this blonde-haired, blue-eyed white boy(me) is not a suspect. … Continue Reading

Globe’s Tex-Mex Fest showcases talent

Javier Reynoso and his 'dancing horses' performed on Saturday

By Linda Gross

The Tex Mex Festival 2010 held at Globe’s Community Center did not have a shortage of great entertainment during the two day event. From Reynoso’s performance with his dancing horses, to the powerful performances by three Mariachi bands from Phoenix and Tucson, the colorful and well executed dancing of Ballet Folklorico tenochtitlan, the latin sound of New Frequency and, of course the two headlining bands: Tierra and Little Joe Y Familia, those in attendance were treated to teriffic performances! … Continue Reading

Mariachis take the Big Stage-Tex Mex Festival

The women of Mariachi Sonido de Mexico deliver an elegant performance

By Linda Gross

The afternoon winds and storm clouds kept many away from yesterdays full venue which included performances by three exceptional mariachi bands from both Phoenix and Tucson. But for those who braved the weather, the line up of mariachi bands delivered an full day of exceptional performances by three of the region’s best mariachi bands. … Continue Reading

Passenger Train arrives in Miami, Az

Rosemary Castenada, Ray Pini, Marlene Tiede, Darryl Dalley,and Wes Sukosky enjoy the view and the fanfare of the morning

This morning passengers flooded the Old Depot in downtown Globe, Az to board the Copper Spike for a special VIP trip to Miami and back. Over 150 people, made up of mostly local media,  area merchants, and political and community leaders found seats throughout the train’s five passenger cars.

The ride was free this morning. It’s intent to drum up enthusiasm and local support for extending the excursion rail line to Miami.

While this idea has floated around for decades, it seems the combination of Globes’ success in restoring their old Depot and drawing ridership from all over the State, plus the support of Mr. Ellis who owns Arizona Eastern and operates both the freight line and excursion train in this region, and the political will of those in charge at both the City and County levels may just move this idea from pipe dream to possible.

Ken Bitten, Director of Operations and Steve Torrico, Engineer with Arizona Eastern both have strong backgrounds in operating passenger and excursion rail lines.

According to Arizona Eastern engineer Steve Torrico, who is working his 3rd season with the Copper Spike and makes his home in Miami during the Nov-May season, this latest incarnation of bringing rail service to Miami began with the Genesis Group out of Miami, now headed by Susan Hansen, the Miami City Council, Kip Culver of Globe’s Main Street program and the Arizona Eastern Railroad.

“We all wanted to make an effort at building local interest at restoring the track between Globe and Miami and bringing back passenger service between the two communities,” he said. … Continue Reading

Facebook flags business

By Linda Gross

I’m enrolled in a Social Media conference for the month of May. Yes, I said month. It has over 20 high-profile speakers who will be speaking to 2200 people scattered all over the United States on topics such as facebook, building community, twitter-ology and more. The speakers are scheduled during the day – something many attendees won’t beable to be attend at the time, but all the speeches and discussions will be recorded and available to any registrant, at any time.

Welcome to Social Media and the power of new tools which allow you to GET clients and INTERACT with them on their time schedule – not yours. It’s just one of the ways Social Media is improving the way business is conducted. And one of the topics we will be discussing throughout the summer as we take a look at how social media is being used by those in rural communities to help their business, and their community. … Continue Reading

Posting Comments on News N Views

By: Linda Gross

I’ve recently gotten a few emails on how to post comments so I thought I’d just respond in a short post on the subject:

To post a comment you can go to the bottom of the post itself where it will say “Comment on this Article.”  It will ask you for a name and e-mail.Once you submit your comment, it must be approved by an administrator and will be released within 24 hours (usually much less) as long as it doesn’t contain any of the no-no’s. See below.

Do I have to use my real name?

You can use your real name or initials, or a handle like “YogiBear”. However, we encourage people to use their real name or initials. Just imagine if you are in a conversation with someone who prefers to put a bag over their head. Your comments have more weight to them if you are willing to be transparent. We do understand that sometimes the issue is sensitive and for your own reasons you may feel the need to comment annonymously. This is your call. … Continue Reading