Tucson: A Good Place To Settle-Family & Individuals
Since moving to Tucson in 2001, life has been quite satisfactory. The warmth and friendliness of its residents struck me immediately in my first days, almost in my first hours. Apparently the spirit of years gone by has never left. As an easterner from Atlantic City, NJ, I watched many a western movie in which the word "neighborly" seemed dominant. Whether passing others on the street or dining out or just grabbing a snack, friendly greetings and polite conversation seem to be everywhere you'd like it to be.  Custom Search Again as an easterner, being familiar with the kind of traffic jams to be dealt with in AC or Philadelphia or New York, be assured that rush hour here is absolutely nothing like it is in the aforementioned cities. During the busiest periods, usually December or January to late March or April, rush hour might take 10 or 15 minutes longer than normal to go from the east side to the the west side, if that. To me the difference is hardly noticeable. Very nice accommodations are available at reasonable prices and the choices of surroundings are quite varied; the one constant being the mountains, which consist of four different ranges, covering North, South, East and West, a background which most residents find quite pleasant and appealing. This pleasant city is the seat of Pima County, Arizona. The distance to Phoenix, Arizona is almost the identical distance-118 miles- as Atlantic City to New York for those from my original area. The city is southeast of Phoenix. Interestingly it is also 60 miles north of the Mexican border, the same distance as Atlantic City to Philadelphia.The population, according to the Census Report of July 2006, is 518,896 in the city proper, expanding to 946,362 in the entire metropolitan area. It is the second largest city in the state of Arizona. The main campus of the University of Arizona is somewhat near the downtown area of Tucson. Campus surroundings, including Wildcat Stadium are quite expansive and pleasant. The university has a large, first class theater where top entertainment is seen on a year round basis, including many first rate shows that run and have run on Broadway. Suburbs include Oro Valley and Marana northwest of the city, and South Tucson and Sahuarita south of the city. It is often referred to as "THE OLD PUEBLO" The University of Arizona is the center of much economic development in the OLD PUEBLO. Serious development also centers around Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, which is south and east of the campus and stadium area. Yet another base exists further south and east at Fort Huachuca, the largest employer in the region in nearby Sierra Vista. Fort Huachuca is a US Army Intelligence Center which has attracted numerous high-tech industries, including government contractors, in the area. More than 50,000 people are employed in the high-tech industries of Southern Arizona, by the 1,200 plus, businesses which have taken route. There are so many beautiful golf courses in the metropolitan area and elsewhere in Arizona one hardly knows where to start. This site will provide extensive coverage on various courses, starting today with my favorite 1200 N Dorado Club Dr Tucson, AZ 85715 (520) 885-6751 Dorado Country Club is an 18-hole executive length golf course in Tucson, Arizona. This short layout will reward good shots and provide a fun golf outing for everyone. Online tee times may be available at Dorado Country Club or at nearby golf courses, usually offered at a discount from the normal rate. Dorado Country Club is part of Dorado Country Estates. Upon entering the property, parking and the clubhouse are right in front of you, with convenient easy access. After parking there is a slight winding path leading to the clubhouse, About halfway down that path, you will come into a beautiful view of the surroundings which is very pleasant and which lends itself to quite a feeling of comfort. For we tortured golf addicts, whose talent is somewhat underwhelming, every bit of comfort counts. In the clubhouse, you will likely be greeted by Jim, Mike or Storm, each of whom is quite friendly and helpful. Fees are reasonable, to say the least. The range through April 2008 was from $20-after 2 on weekdays-up to $33 during the most expensive times, including a motorized cart. There are lower rates available without a motorized cart. The fairways are in very good shape and the greens have all been replaced and upgraded as of the summer of 2008. The improvement in the greens includes the latest improvements to withstand the punishment of the Arizona sun. The first fairway, like the first view of the surroundings, sets a very pleasant tone for an enjoyable day. Off tee number 1, there is a ravine about 30 yards wide-no water-to get over, almost immediately in front of you. I have seen practically no difficulty in getting across. The fairway is wide open, with lots of room to go to your right and still have a good approach no matter how far to the right. There are a few big trees but not much else to prevent a shot with a good angle. The left side is somewhat more tight, although it would take take quite a hook to wide up in bad shape or with an unretrievable ball. A fence and housing, border the left side of the fairway. The 1st is a par 4 which big, big hitters can reach in one. For most hitters, I would say a good drive, followed by an 8 or 9 iron and for plenty, no more than a wedge would be fairly common. Republicans nominate Arizona Sen. John McCain for president
Full article Arizona Star Tribune ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republicans have nominated Sen. John McCain for president, handing the senator the prize that eluded him eight years ago. By a roll call vote Wednesday, the Arizona senator clinched his party's nod. The late-night vote was conducted after vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin addressed the Republican National Convention. McCain is scheduled to accept the nomination in a speech Thursday night. He heads into a competitive fall campaign against Democratic nominee Barack Obama. If elected, the 72-year-old McCain would be the oldest first-term president. Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) Votes Flake, Two Others 100% Friendly to taxpayers. ### ### GIFFORDS ALSO SCORED 2% WITH CLUB FOR GROWTH-SUPPORTED 49 OUT OF 50 DEMOCRAT SPONSORED PORK LADEN BILLS Three of Arizona'a 8 U.S. House members are in the group below. However Tucson's rep Gabrielle Giffords has not done so. Representative Giffords has also shown no serious effort of which I'm aware to see the border with Mexico secured. Below is a quote on the website of Congresswoman Giffords "I spoke on the House floor and called upon oil companies to increase their exploration and bring down gas prices. [June 18, 2008] [July 17, 2008]" I would describe this as Pelosi light. We want and should have drilling-now. No lala-land double talk about 68,000 acres and all the other nonsense HOUSE MEMBERS Sworn Off Pork (41 members) Jeff Flake (AZ-06) John Campbell (CA-48) Jeb Hensarling (TX-05) John Shadegg (AZ-03) John Boehner (OH-08) John Kline (MN-02) Tom Price (GA-06) Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03) Virginia Foxx (NC-05) Trent Franks (AZ-02) Michele Bachmann (MN-06) Eric Cantor (VA-07) Patrick McHenry (NC-10) Marilyn Musgrave (CO-04) Paul Ryan (WI-01) Walter Jones (NC-03) Devin Nunes (CA-21) Louie Gohmert (TX-01) Paul Broun (GA-10) Henry Waxman (CA-30) Joe Pitts (PA-16) Mark Kirk (IL-10) Todd Platts (PA-19) Patrick Tiberi (OH-12)* Mark Udall (CO-02) Joe Wilson (SC-02) Ron Kind (WI-03) Dan Burton (IN-05) Jim Cooper (TN-05) Mike Pence (IN-06) Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05) Dave Reichert (WA-08) Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) Marsha Blackburn (TN-07) Nathan Deal (GA-09) Michael McCaul (TX-10) Judy Biggert (IL-13) John Linder (GA-07) Dave Camp (MI-04)* Thad McCotter (MI-11) Jackie Speier (CA-12)* SENATORS Sworn Off Pork(7 members) Tom Coburn (OK) Jim DeMint (SC) John McCain (AZ) Claire McCaskill (MO) Richard Burr (NC) Russ Feingold (WI) Barack Obama (IL) Tucson's rep, Congresswoman Giffords received an F from the National Taxpayer's Union. Her score was a woeful 9% out of a possible 100%. NTU'S rating system takes bills that spent money unnecessarily, usually money that goes first to the district of powerful committee chairmen, then to those who support the chairman's pork/earmark desires. Below are the grade and the score Flake ...A ...96% Franks ...A ...93% Giffords...F....9% Grijalva ...F...3% Mitchell...D ...18% Pastor ...F...2% Renzi...C-...42% Shadegg...A ...92% State Average ...45% Out of 50 votes against pork projects in the Democratically controlled House of Representatives, Gabrielle Giffords Voted in favor of 49 out of 50 such pork projects. Three of Arizona's members got the highest score possible-100%. The three were Jeff Flake, John Shaddeg and Trent Franks. Thank goodness we have some who care about taxpayers' hard earned dollars more than being under the thumb of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Gabrielle Giffords final score out of 100% was 2%. These scores reflect the percentage of YES votes on 50 anti-pork amendments, which will be itemized at a later time. Four House members, who passed away, were not included on this scorecard: Three places you will truly want to discover in Tucson are those listed below. A very general statement which applies to all three is "the food is delicious." Not just delicious, but consistently delicious. Fortunately the crowds in each of these establishments in Tucson, are supporting that consistency. Next, each place is clean, and cheerful with a comfortable atmosphere. Third, each place is a very good buy, i.e. you get your money's worth with plenty to spare. In fact these places go beyond being a good buy, each is an outstanding buy. All three are a great combination of delicious food at very reasonable prices. Let's assume you'll first want to know about the first meal of the day-breakfast. For breakfast in Tucson, go to Phil's Cafe. Phil's Café 2513 N Campbell Ave Tucson, AZ 85719 All the basics at Phil's rate 5 stars from this patron. Phil's is clean. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable. The decorations are charming and not overdone. They consist of many small knick-knacks, making for a cozy atmosphere. The service is prompt and pleasant, provided totally by a family owned operation. Most of all, the food is delicious, hot, presented beautifully and quite reasonably priced. Even after my food arrives, I'm distracted as other food passes by; it's such a pleasure to take note of the presentation. Various Omelette combinations, are obviously very popular; they seem to be constantly parading by. Because I'm a light eater, I usually select just 1 pancake $1.95, which is plate size. I can only eat about one-half each time. The pancake is delicious, the best I can ever remember having. On just one occasion, I tried something else, a scrambled egg with toast and coffee. The egg was tasty and again hot, ditto the coffee. Including tax, it came to less than $3.00. My brother Bob's favorite is peach pancakes $2.50, also plate size. Added to the regular pancake ingredient, is a delicious sweetened glaze, making it crispy around the edges. Bob has used syrup on his pancakes for his entire life. When he saw this pancake the first time, it looked so good, he decided to try it without syrup. He has not used syrup since. Five stars ***** Phil's does not have a website. Plenty of free parking. Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Sunday 5:00 am - 2:00pm. Closed-Monday & Tuesday(520) 207-4110 WE TAKE GUESTS T0 PHILS Joe, Kathy and Mark Our most recent guests were former tax clients of mine back in New Jersey. Their son Mark works in Tucson, so the five of us went to Phil's. They were delighted with the whole experience. Mark's father, Joe, had a cheese omelet $4.75. Like everyone at the table his pleasure at seeing the food when it arrived, was matched later by his positive comments and his obvious enjoyment of the whole experience. A pity, omelets are too heavy for me; this golden, fluffy delight made me yearn for my digestive capabilities of earlier years. Bob's description of the special glazed pancake caught the attention of Mark's mother. Besides Peach pancakes, Phil's offers this special version in pineapple--apple and cinnamon--and--banana and walnut. Kathy selected banana and walnut, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She agreed that Bob had not overstated how delicious these type of pancakes are. Young Mark also had the banana walnut pancake, ordering 2 large pancakes instead of 1--$2.50 each. He loved what he had but could not finish. He took the unfinished portion home, finished it later that day and later commented on how delicious it was, the second time around. Mark has not only become a regular at Phil's, he now gets a double order each time he goes. One to eat in house; the other to take with him. There is an organization about Phil's that is hard to explain. The whole operation functions in an easy, low key, efficient manner. I have lived in Tucson for nearly seven years and have eaten at and enjoyed many breakfast restaurants during that time. The breakfast at Phil's Café has moved very comfortably to the top of that list. The specials are hearty, reasonably priced and include many items to choose from. Five stars is still holding ***** Steady as she goes. We Take Pat and Nancy To Phil's Tucson Pat and his wife Nancy are both professors at the University of Arizona. They eat out on a regular basis. Although they love the variety of eating places in Tucson, they cannot name a great many places where the food really wows them. When we told them how exceptional the breakfasts at Phil's were, they immediately suggested that the four of us "have a go at it" as they say in jolly out England. So, several weeks later, we did exactly that. Continued... FOR LUNCH GO TO: East Coast Super Subs 187 N. Park Ave. Tucson, AZ 85719 Again stressing the three basics, delicious food, great atmosphere, reasonable prices. This recommendation however has one more dimension, great personality and personal attention to practically all who arrive. 36 year old Keith McNesby has become a minor celebrity in Tucson. This very personable young man and founder, operates this business, East Coast Super Subs, with a passion for delivering delicious food and getting it out "hot" to patrons. East Coast servers don't have to be told twice to deliver it hot, nor told to make sure the order from each customer comes back to the kitchen precisely the way the customer ordered it, with attention to every detail. McNesby then makes sure it heads back out with the same precision. Whether he is on the grill with his equally dedicated colleague, Mark, or expediting, McNesby is out in the dining area, as soon as he can be, saying hello to every guest who stays long enough to receive a visit. He loves talking to his customers socially and loves seeing that satisfied look on their faces, especially when accompanied by their complimentary comments about his food. He has yet to speak ill of anyone bestowing those compliments. Although cheesesteaks from Philly are slightly more famous in name, than those of Atlantic City, the AC style may be favored by just as many from the East, especially the way they are made at East Coast. Italian subs (regulars) are especially hard to top in the AC tradition and the (Jim McKenna) grilled turkey with the cheese melted in on a browned, hot, crispy sub roll would not be receiving its due if it was described only as "delicious." Price wise, except for super-sized subs, these 8 inch hearty delights are between $5.50 and $6.75. The selection is tremendous.Menu East Coast Super Subs East Coast Super Subs serves beer and wine. 187 N. Park Avenue Tucson, Az 85719 (520) 882-4005 Open 7 days a week 11 AM To 8 PM Closed Some holidays-Call Ahead Free parking on premises FULL DISCLOSURE: Keith McNesby is my son, so I ask you to read a typical review rather than take my word for it. I also will give no rating in stars. That will be for you to decide. If you visit East Coast due to the above suggestion, I hope you'll let us know if Dad has been accurate. The Decorations East Coast sports and entertainment figures-make the atmosphere something that many marvel at. Colorful paintings on the walls, rows of T-shirts on the ceilings, rooms covered wall to wall with baseball cards, hats and helmets; scenes of championship outcomes, historical making sports snapshots all done in a most tasteful and well-ordered manner. There may be no more loyal base in Tucson than the base found at East Coast Super Subs. CUSTOMER COMMENT FROM TUCSON CITY SEARCH, MAY 2008 East really does meet West 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended 05/04/2008 Posted by sweetbabygin This place really does exceed expectations. The subs here are phenomenal, as I would expect the rest of the food to be for the owner is the chef who has brought a 45 year family business to our little valley. For those sports buffs, this place is jam packed FULL of memorabilia. There's not a bare spot on the walls, or ceilings! The only issue you may have is finding the bathroom among this vast collection. Everything Jersey, Philly, and NY can be found here wether it be sports, entertainment, or the best part....the food. Service here was beyond 4 stars, even the other wait staff would come check in and chat with us. And don't be surprised if the owner comes around and shares some his east coast charm. We left there feeling like one of the family. A place definitely not to be missed! TRY NOT TO MISS IF TIME ALLOWS Tucson To Editorials
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