I know the extensions of Phoenix’s METRO Light Rail are pretty much set in stone and that there most likely won’t be any new extensions any time soon. But I thought of a line that should be considered. It links downtown Phoenix (and ultimately Tempe and Mesa) to the State Capitol complex, the State/County Fairgrounds, downtown Glendale, and Westgate/University of Phoenix Stadium.
Right now, the light rail turns off of Washington and Jefferson at Central Ave and 1st Ave respectively. New tracks would be installed that would connect the existing system with my proposed 14.5-mile extension.
Here are the stops that I propose:
2nd Ave/Washington and Jefferson (City/County complex)
I’m afraid that the US Republican Party is losing its standing as a loyal opposition party to the Democrats. Their response to both the recently-passed stimulus package and also to President Obama’s budget plan has been loud cries of “no!” and “it’s Socialist!”. But being at an institution of higher learning, we know that simply saying “no!” in response to an argument would not make the grade.
After the 2008 Republican National convention, I wrote up a quick entry touching on this same topic. I said this:
What are your stances on policy issues, Republicans? I know I can go to your various campaign websites and see for myself, but I want a principled argument from your side why I should vote for you. To say that Obama is inexperienced – even if he might be – is not the basis for an academic argument.
So, let’s get back to the basics: if you, Republicans, are against President Obama’s budget and other policies, simply saying “no!” is not an appropriate response. Let’s hear what your ideas are. Political parties that are in loyal opposition to other parties would work best, I believe, if they offered constructive arguments and constructive dialogue to other groups. Anything else, I believe, just doesn’t make the grade.
After about a year on the Blogger platform, I decided to move the show over to WordPress. The move was for two reasons, really: the first being so that the blog was more integrated to my online presence, www.edwardjensen.net, and the second being that I’m finding self-installed installations of WordPress more friendly and customizable.
So here we are. If my work was done correctly, then RSS subscribers shouldn’t have to change anything. All I have to do is type here instead of over on Blogger.
Attention everyone wanting to know more about when Janet Echelman’s dynamic sculpture, “Her secret is patience,” will be installed:
At the Art, Space, and the City public art symposium/lecture on Thursday, Ed Lebow, City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture director, said that Janet Echelman’s long-awaited dynamic sculpture, “Her secret is patience,” will be installed the week of March 9th. This is the same week as ASU’s spring recess.
We at the Downtown Phoenix campus of ASU are very excited that the new Civic Space will be opening soon (the signs say March 2009 and the progress on the park would seem to agree with that!). With how University Center is set up, the windows I look from most of the time overlook the construction scene outside.
So here are some pictures from the Downtown Phoenix Civic Space that I have taken in the past year:
With all the cuts in the Phoenix city budget and Maricopa County budget, there are going to be far fewer services to help the homeless get off the street and back into productive living. We need to step up and help – NOW. Whether it’s serving food at St. Vincent de Paul, or Andre House or getting involved at the Lodestar Day Resource Center or making a financial donation (even $5 will be welcomed) to CASS or SVdP — every little bit helps. In my experience, volunteering my time to help those in need provides far greater personal rewards than the help that I give. I particularly suggest it if you are having your own pity party about your personal financial situation. It helps put life into perspective. Donation and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.stvincentdepaul.net.
Please feel free to pass this along to your contacts and networks so that we can make Phoenix a better place, even if it is in a time of economic hardship. -Edward Jensen
The forum explores the process of how public art can be a change agent for the community, enhances community identity and impact economic development. Come and find out why public art matters.
Panel: Introductory Remarks: Dr. Robert Denhardt, Director, ASU School of Public Affairs
Moderator: Dr. Betsy Fahlman, Professor of Art History, School of Art, Herberger College of the Arts and Member, Tempe Municipal Arts Commission
Speakers:
Mary Lucking, M.F.A., Public Artist, Tucson, Arizona
Dianne Cripe, Public Art Specialist, City of Goodyear
Ed Lebow, Public Art Program Director, City of Phoenix
Valerie Vadala Homer, Director Scottsdale Public Art Program & Vice President Scottsdale Cultural Council
Nancy Levinson, Director, Phoenix Urban Research Laboratory, College of Design, Arizona State University
Cyd West, Director of Research and Economic Partnerships, Maricopa Partnership for the Arts
Faculty, students, staff and members of the community are invited to attend, offer feedback, and discuss the importance of public art in the community.
Yesterday (6 February 2009), the Barrett Honors College hosted the Barrett Light Rail Party, with 250 players in over 50 teams. Starting at the ASU Tempe campus and finishing at the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, the teams and players found items, took pictures, and answered trivia questions along the twenty-mile line.
