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Posts Tagged ‘Arizona Science Center’

Face Your Fears at Arizona Science Center

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Afraid of falling? Imagine being strapped to a platform that slowly tilts back, then falls to the ground. Scared of loud noises? Then picture yourself startled by noise and able to watch your own reaction, filmed in slow motion.

bee_beard7-330Both scary and giggle-inducing, the new exhibit at the Arizona Science Center will help you understand the science behind our common fears in a series of creative, first-hand encounters. “Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear” is another terrific example of the Center’s ability to make learning a thrilling, interactive experience.

In the Fear Challenge Course, you’ll have the chance to face four common fears – animals, electric shock, loud noises and falling – in a safe environment. Fear In The Wild is a put-yourself-in-the-picture video game that lets you explore common responses to danger, including the freeze, flight and fight mode.

Since most of us are overgrown kids, this exhibit is perfect for just about any age. It also includes a provocative look at the way media and pop culture reflect our collective fears, plus useful tips to help kids move past those early-age fears.

The exhibit is free to members, $15 per person for children and seniors and $17 per person for adults. And yup, that price includes general admission to the Center.

Want another Fear Factor experience? You have until March 12th to enter for the chance to wear a beard of live bees. True story; I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

On Saturday, March 20th, six winning entries, drawn at random, will proudly wear their bee beard at the Arizona Science Center. If you’d rather watch than participate, demonstrations begin at 11 a.m. and run every 30 minutes until 1:30 p.m.

As for me, I have apiphobia (fear of bees), and I’ll be happy to let you wear the beard in my absence. Just don’t try to shave it off.

For Downtown Pioneers, This Weekend Tops All Others

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

I love my city. I’ve called Downtown home for 10 years. I’ve seen my share of successes and failures down here. (Monroe’s will always hold a special place in my heart.) When I first joined the Downtown Pioneers, the energy Downtown was like a few sparkling grains of sand. You found a grain at the Web Theater, you picked up another grain or two over at the Bentley Projects or Lodo, and on the right night a golden handful at Modified Arts. If you weren’t careful or if the wrong person breathed on it, the sand would blow away, leaving nothing to show for your dedication and no way to prove to  the naysayers that what you found was unique and worth nurturing.

supercrossWell, my fellow Downtown Pioneers, we have our victory at long last! The community we’ve cared for and lovingly nurtured with scraped and bleeding hands has finally come to life. Its energy is palpable, heavy in your hand. You can breathe it in like fresh herbs or your favorite corner restaurant. And we can laugh in the faces of the naysayers as they now scramble for a plot in our beautiful urban garden.

If you would like to experience what I have just described then I say, “No more excuses!” You will not find a better example of what Downtown has become than this weekend, which just so happens to be my favorite weekend of the entire year. Want to know why? Here’s the rundown: The P.F. Chang’s Rock N’ Roll Marathon will bring at least 40,000 bodies Downtown. AMA Supercross will bring another 50,000 inside Chase Field, and another 10,o00 taking part in the FanFest all day Saturday before the racing begins. The Herberger is playing host to one of the best musicals ever written, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and will surely bring another few thousand people Downtown for the last shows of the musical’s wildly successful run. Kathy Griffin is in town at Dodge (5,000 people there), Master Peter’s Puppet Show’s Don Quixote will pack 2,400 into Symphony Hall, Disney On Ice has four shows scheduled at US Airways Center with 9,000 attending each one, and the World Music Festival is bringing two acts and 2,400 people to the Orpheum Theater.  

That doesn’t include the great family activites at Arizona Science Center, the Saturday market at Phoenix Public Market, Third Fridays Concert at Civic Space Park, or any of the restaurants and bars that will be spilling over with people.

So… remember that Downtown energy I mentioned earlier?

Best Holiday Lights Downtown

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

“Turn off those extra lights,” my dad told me. I had a feeling he was right, and then Al Gore confirmed it for me. During the holidays, though, it’s understandable if we all go a little nutty for things that plug in and sparkle.

So, without any further delay, here are some of the most dazzling light displays in Downtown Phoenix and a few reasons to go see them:

ArizonaCenterLightsMost Romantic

The gardens at the Arizona Center are always romantic, but this time of year, they’re nothing less than magical. At night, brilliantly colored lights illuminate the trees and walkways like day-glow fireflies. Take someone you love – or heck, someone you kind of like – and watch the effect.  No mistletoe is needed.

Biggest Home Electric Bill

Bob Rix must be one tired guy. This intrepid, hard-working Phoenician created front and backyard displays with animation, carved-out characters and 56,000 lights set to music. I just have to say that again: 56,000 lights. 1517 E. Brill Street.

Best Neighborhood Decorations

There aren’t any specific winners, but the historic districts are even more beautiful at the holidays. Take some time to drive – quietly, of course – through the Coronado District, F.Q. Story, Garfield, Willo and Encanto-Palmcroft, where many of my dream homes happen to be.

Thomas Edison Would Be Proud

At Heritage and Science Park, they know a thing or two about electricity, and it shows. Check out the lovely Christmas tree in front of the Arizona Science Center and stop by the Rosson House, which is aglow with lights and decorations.

Point of Pride

The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree is an 85-foot blue spruce from Arizona’s Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. When the tree lighting took place, the Arizona Congressional delegation and 12-year-old Kaitlyn Ferencik of Surprise, Ariz., were present. I know, it’s not Downtown, but I just thought you’d like to know.

Great Holiday Gift Deals Downtown

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

With the holidays nearly upon us, money is getting even tighter. Here are some recommendations for gifts you can pick up Downtown for just a little cash.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Give the gift of a gift certificate to a local business. Just $20 can buy you 4 $5 gift certificates to local businesses like Lux, Red Hot Robot, Bunky Boutique or MADE. At each of these businesses, a little goes a long way.

Give the Gift of Membership–It Lasts All Year Long!

Navajo Storyteller Angels byMarilyn AtsoJust $40 at the AZ Science Center, $60 at the Heard Museum or $75 at Phoenix Art Museum gives the gift of membership all year long. Plus, at all of the above cultural destinations, members get 10 percent off at in-house cafes and shops. For instance, you can find the pictured Navajo Storyteller Angels by Marilyn Atso at the Heard Museum Shop.

Thoughtful Gifts
For a well-chosen bottle of wine, stop by Cheuvront on Central. They can help you choose something affordable and wonderful. Plus, they have a wide selection of cheeses to compliment your choice of wine. It is a gift someone will be glad you took the time to choose.

A simple handmade ornament makes a thoughtful gift. Pick up some handmade ornaments at the Heard Museum Ornament Marketplace November 27-29. Ornaments are unique and start at only $12. Speaking of handmade, MADE offers great jewelry at even better prices! 

For the ASU fan, stop in their Bookstore downtown to browse official merchandise.

For the Foodie

Stop by the Downtown Phoenix Public Market and pick up a mix of hummus, coffee, chocolate, fish, bread, eggs, chocolate, pasta and more! Your foodie friends will thank you, and you can make up a great basket for under $40.