Spring Break Fever

By: Laura Stennerson

I could hardly remember my user name for News and Views. I think it’s been at least four weeks since I have posted. That is how long it has been since I have written anything but comments, lesson plans, and a few random poems. Yes, I have found a paying gig. I have stepped up to join the ranks of the working poor. But luckily, I have found; creative minds, a piece of native silver in the wash, and a $1,000,000,000 bill on the sidewalk in downtown Phoenix. My family couldn’t believe my luck. My children all wanted to know who this Richard Nixon was, and how did he get his face on a million dollar bill?  They were happy to know we were richer today than we were yesterday. It is good to be lucky. … Continue Reading

Molly ‘n Me (a Valentine)

By Darin Lowery

Molly is the only woman I know who can go to a fancy-dress party (hair high, neckline low), grab her Craftsman power drill from the back of her truck, and fix the host’s garage door. Then, ladylike, wipe her hands on the back of her cocktail dress and join the other guests. I adore that about her.

Molly, perky at nine in the morning, says, “We have to decide what our Retail Spring Colors will be for the shop…. got any ideas?”

“Black,” I mutter. Nine a.m. is so early.“Aw, come on! Let’s pick something bright, and we’ll do the whole shop in it!”

“Black and, oh… I don’t know. Black. That’s it- black and black.”

“Spring colors, Darin! Spring! Happy-Happy!”

“Molly”, I groan, “I am trying to read the Copper Country News. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made page one again-“

“Please, don’t start. Let’s just run over to the Country Kitchen and get some waffles-“

I laugh. “Hey! The newspaper should buy the restaurant and call it the Copper Country Kitchen! ‘Table for two? God Bless You’.” … Continue Reading

Az Tourist News weighs in. Keep the Parks. Drop the Dept.

This just in from Arizona Tourist News. Tony Venuti, editor of ATN suggests the State take the money from the department to keep the State Parks open. Here are his thoughts.  I’d love to hear your thoughts so be sure to weigh in on the comments and let us know what you think of so many State Park closures!

Imagine the horror of all, literally, to all who hold dear that which is our birthright. Arizona State Parks closing. No more the natural surroundings familiar to all those who treasure the myriad of experiences that our Parks provide. We identify with our Natural Theme park, that which IS Arizona…to deny parks is to essentially deny our birthright. … Continue Reading

The 2010 Census and Uncle Dick

By: Jim Moss

What will you do if a 2010 Census Taker knocks on your door to gather information about the occupants of your dwelling?  Be prepared — because this may happen to you soon.  The United States Government — you know, that BIG sinister thing from Washington D.C. — wants to know who is really living behind your closed doors, wants to know if you believe America is a Christian nation, if you own any guns & know how to use them, and wants to know if you have any cash, gold, or diamonds stashed under the mattress. … Continue Reading

Cited: $9000 for European Vacation

By: Linda Gross

The recent complaint letter by Dr. Timothy Trent directed at GUSD’s School Board is accusing them of, among other things damaging an otherwise exemplary reputation when they removed him to home rule to conduct an audit into both financial and personnel matters. The results of the audit being conducted by the Board  are due out this month, but a recent 90-day letter to the District from the State Auditor General seems to point out several deficiencies in managing the District’s money as well as tracking student attendance. It was was simply the latest in a series of letters from the State identifying “deficiencies” – all under the watch of Superintendent T. Trent. In addition, it might be pointed out that he was sued by a teacher while he was a Principle at Kyrene Elementary before coming to Globe (as reported by the East Valley Tribune) …and for some of the same kinds of actions he is currently accused of in the class action suit filed recently in Gila County.  It seems his “exemplary” career may have just a few smudges. … Continue Reading

Pet Project OR Progressive Leadership?

By: Jim Moss

Can you think of one significant community project resulting in improved quality of life — that did not require foresight and strategic planning?  Do you recall any major municipal improvement that came without a price tag, or without controversy?
So it shall be with a recent Globe City Council decision to move toward a revitalization of our Public Library.
Is the Council’s majority decision to purchase the real estate on both sides of the existing Library (as a first step toward revitalization) — an example of visionary leadership OR irresponsible city governance? … Continue Reading

All Cable Talking Heads Are Not Equal

by: Jim Moss

In response to the Arizona Silver Belt staff writer, Tyler Kent’s November 11 editorial, titled, “Change the Channel” — I say both Amen!  &  Oh, NO!

I shout out a wholehearted Amen! to Kent’s recommendation of The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, on PBS.  For serious, in-depth coverage of important news, The News Hour has no rival on television.  It serves as a role model for the journalism profession.  And, I agree with Tyler Kent, that the ‘talking heads’ on cable TV are as much about commentary as news.  HOWEVER, I emphatically assert a big Oh, NO! to the suggestion that all cable TV ‘talking heads’ are created equal.  Oh, NO! There are crucial and monumental differences between the cable news shows — differences other than political viewpoints.

… Continue Reading

Why I Blog

By: Linda Gross

When I moved to Globe over 8 years ago and found myself in new territory and in need of re-inventing myself (no real need for an office furniture salesman here), I started “blogging” because I wanted to prove I was an old dog (approaching 50 at the time) who could learn new tricks. My first blog was going to be about “the view from my front porch” which was the bed and breakfast which my mother and I operated on Cedar Street.I talked about planting iris and visiting with guests, and my closest friends always read the blog. (All 6 of them!)

That all changed when tragedy struck close to home.

Six months after launching my blog, the Pioneer Fire took out the hotel and our beloved Globe Theater. And I had front and center seats since it was just across the street from me. I posted my eyewitness accounts and pics of the fire within 4 hours that morning and the post received almost 6000 hits. Today, if you google “Cedar Hill” or “Pioneer Fire,Globe Az”, you most likely will end up with the blog posting I did on the Pioneer Fire.That was my first inkling to the power of the BLOG!  Since then I, along with thousands of others – both small business, individuals and huge corporations- have added their voices through blogs. In fact, the blog-o-sphere has become as influential as titans like The New York Times and Washington Post.

Go Figure! A bunch of voices- trained and untrained- competing with the majors.

I was hooked.

Not only because it is exciting to find someone reading your “stuff”, but because it was accessible. I’ve never been a computer geek and even I could figure out how to post pictures and write posts.

Add to that, my 30 year old degree in journalism and a once dormant passion for the written word, the healthy debate on issues, and the belief that at least ONE of the things that makes it great to be an American is the ability to be heard. Blogging makes being “heard” very egaltarian.

So, although I was the creative force behind GMT News-n-Views, I launched the blog  because I believe in real-time comments, debate and expression. I’m sure there will be many who log on who won’t/don’t share my views. Cool. I think it is better to air views than to let them stew in anonimity. That is when they will bite you in the #*%.

So, welcome to GMT News-n-Views. It is for all of us. And I fully expect it to contribute to what makes us a community I’m so grateful to call HOME!

~Linda

Local Media Shills for Mining Industry?

By: Jim Moss

Think about everything you have read or heard from local media sources pertaining to the ongoing debate in the Resolution Copper Co. land swap saga.  Has the prospect of another ‘copper boom’ inspired some local media to bury their journalistic hats and don the mining helmets of Resolution Copper Co.?

Examine the lead story in the October 14, 2009 issue of the Copper Country News (CCN)  — remember the handsome photo of Navajo President, Joe Shirley, featured prominently above the fold, on the front page?  The headline declared, ” Hopis Evict Environmentalists; Navajo President Approves”.  Why did CCN print this ‘Navajo news release’ and attach such great importance to it for its Globe-Miami-SanCarlos audience? … Continue Reading

Globe-Hopping

By: Darin Lowery

Re-printed from Globe Miami Times: Fall ‘09

Let me explain something: I am not a traveler, and as a tourist I’m a washout. Other folks want to board a tour bus and toast the Pacific or the Pyramids with regional varietals at midnight. Give me a few pots of coffee and a chance to ditch my companions and I’ll go junking, digging my way through boxes of old marbles, postcards and 1960’s publicity stills.

Keep the sunsets and give me the Salvation Army thrift store.

But hey- that’s just me.

Don’t get me wrong- I love a good vacation. But after the cabs and airports and security precautions- after being jammed into a jet with people who cough a lot- and then, having to endure the security precautions, airports and cabs again in a foreign locale… well, it’s just too much for a simple guy like me.

While a trip around the world can be Hell, a trip to Globe is more than manageable.

However, I’ve tried hiking at South Mountain. It doesn’t work. I cannot keep the ice cubes in a rock glass, and after years of smoking (and finally quitting), I can’t walk and wheeze at the same time. Rafting the Salt River, or swimming at Roosevelt? Fun, of course, until the skin grafts.

‘So what do you do for fun’, people ask, ‘here in Globe, Arizona?’

Recently, I had to drop off my vintage auto for repairs – it’s a white 2000 Ford DUV (Darin Utility Vehicle- actually a sleek n’ sporty station wagon). I last changed the oil around Christmas five years ago. My pals at McSpadden Ford try not to roll their eyes when I haul it in, and I love them for it.

I had a satisfying and lip-smacking repast at the downtown Mexican bistro El Ranchito. The enchiladas are muy bueno. Globe is known for serving the finest Mexican food north of our southern neighbor, and all of the Mexican restaurants here are terrific.

It took me awhile, but I’ve just now discovered the Globe Dog Park (this is in plain view out of my kitchen window, but I am often distracted). The Dog Park is an old baseball diamond near the Noftsger Hill Bed & Breakfast, a former grade school. My Border Collie Velma has lost ten pounds since we began meeting our new friends there. That’s because I pick up someone’s Chihuahua and chase her relentlessly.

One of the best spots in town is the blue iron Nob Hill footbridge which spans the canyon between Apache and Bailey. Linda Gross took a group of us during a Thanksgiving ‘let’s-walk-off-that-30-pound-turkey-dinner’ tour of Globe. The height is just right- no vertigo- though it has a sort of ‘Mission: Impossible’ feel to it.

The shopping in Globe is diverse and unexpected. Each shop has a distinct personality. Forget the ‘big box’ stores: I’ll take Molly’s White Porch, Shirley’s Gifts, Simply Sarah and Sam’s Good Junk every time. I’m partial to the Pickle Barrel Trading Post (not just because I work there) and Past-Times feels like Grandma’s house. You’ve really gotta visit the Blue Mule Gallery, too- the floor is like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

For an evening out, the Drift Inn Saloon is wild- the original tin ceilings look twenty feet high, and it’s the oldest tavern in Arizona. For dinner, we all go to DeMarco’s for fresh Italian and Hog Haven for mouthwatering BBQ.

Come the first week of November, our Copper Spike Railroad returns to the rails with a new 30’s coach in tow, behind the 1954 Domeliner and a ’47 Calumet Club Car. The train runs from the (recently and gorgeously renovated) Globe Depot, to the Apache Gold Casino and a bit beyond. It’s a lot of fun. The passengers talk and laugh like they’re long lost cousins. Nothing beats a good train ride.

Around the same time, the Globe Theatre reopens. The original was destroyed in a fire four years ago: this is the first building to be constructed in the Historic Downtown section in twenty years, and I expect a public weary of TV Land will flock to the flickers in droves.

When I’ve got some down time, I pick up my galpal Esther and we hit vida e caffe for coffee and, like, 17 pastries, which we split. The combo sugar/caffeine high is awesome, and sometimes I go home afterwards and vacuum the roof.

Want fun and cheap? Drive around and check out the little bungalows; the sprawling acreage; the funny little homes that cling to the sides of the hills. Some folks think the Valley is Heaven, and maybe that’s true if you’re into Neo-Tuscan Revival with plastic landscaping. Such élan, no charm. If you’re visiting Globe in February, leave the driving to us and take the Historic Globe Home Tour- always a treat, as is homemade cobbler at Joe’s Broad Street Grill afterwards.

There’s so much more- Apache Jii (a celebration of Apache culture and crafts), Pumpkin Carving and Pictures on the Porch at the Center for the Arts, and the Electric Light Parade at Christmastime. A major streetscape and signage improvement program for Broad Street and beyond commences shortly; by this time next year, the Belle of Broad Street will be…. Broad Street.

What is there to do in Globe? Start at the beginning, silly- there’s a map in the middle of this newspaper. (See Fall Edition’o9)