Appoint Yourself As The "Armchair Mayor" Of Your City... Then Tell Us Why We Should Vote For YOU!

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The Beauty of a Self-Appointed, Virtual Mayoral Designation

...is the fact that you get to set the agenda for the issues in your city that should be one of the top priorities; as you see them!

Squidoo's new Squid Zipper lenses are the perfect platform for Armchair Mayors to engage in the political process... and do it without the need to raise millions of dollars in campaign funds! My first steps as Virtual Mayor will be to introduce you to our city, then move on to the weightier issues that have compelled me to build my Virtual Mayor's Office! I'm a mid-western transplant to the city, so my perspective of the Valley of the Sun is from a different vantage point than Arizona natives.

Each new day leads me to more new and wonderful things that Phoenix has to offer. Each new day also fills me with a driving passion to do something about the harsher realities of valley living.
Phoenix, Arizona is the largest metropolitan city in the Sonoran Desert, which is the only place where the famous Saguaro Cactus grows in the wild. The Sonoran Desert averages 3 to 15 inches of rain per year, making it the wettest desert in the world!

It may be the wettest in the world, but desert living requires some major adjustments for people, automobiles, animals and city engineers.

Increased water intake, adequate cooling systems, and stringent emergency measures all require forethought, daily implementation and perioidic maintenance measures. 

Join me on the journey through Phoenix to learn more about the pleasures; and perils of desert living!

This beautiful oasis at the Phoenix Zoo offers a cool resting place during hot summer outings at the zoo.

"Armchair Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona"

Greetings, Fellow Travelers and Squid Citizens!

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona
We're delighted you have chosen to spend some time with us. Our fair city is filled with a veritable feast of cultural diversity.

I invite you to journey with me as I continue to build the online tour of our town, and learn more about the beauties of the Valley of the Sun.

We're glad you're here!

Phoenix and Surrounding Areas

Great Destinations

Phil Gordon

Mayor Gordon (c) All rights reserved

Mayor Gordon lists his top three priorities for Phoenix as Public Safety, Education and Jobs.

His record includes the Light Rail, ASU Downtown, two new downtown hotels, expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center and the passage of an $878 million bond program.

Visit his website to learn more about Mayor Gordon.

Mayor Phil Gordon

Mayor Phil Gordon
The mayor's top three priorities for Phoenix are Public Safety, Education and Jobs

Appoint Yourself as Online Mayor of Your Zip Code

This Lens Is A Squid-Zipper Lens... I've Appointed ME As The Armchair Mayor of 85016!

Welcome to the Squid-Zipper Project

Now, with the help of the Squid Zipper, you can appoint yourself as the "Armchair Mayor" of your local zip code.

Are you as passionate about your local community as I am? There's a lot of work that needs to be done in our nation, and together we can change our country for good... one zip code at a time!

My neighborhood is Phoenix, Arizona; and I'm proud to be a transplanted citizen. Yes, I'm still a melting Buckeye, but I doubt that I will ever adapt to being outdoors in the scorchingly hot, desert summers...

So, when it's hot outside, I head for indoor entertainment. Our city is filled with enough activities and adventure to keep a Buckeye inside for the entire summer!


Do you think you can "govern" your zip code from the comfort of your computer chair? Let's find out!

Just follow the link to build your very own Squid-Zipper lens, and appoint yourself as the "Armchair Mayor" of your fair city. If you dream of changing the world for good, won't you join me? There is much suffering taking place in our country, and there's much work to be done!

Home of America's Virtual Mayors... How Will You Change Your City? 

Look For This Box at the Top of the Page, and Build Your Own Township

Big Jim & Bored of Education Love Squid Zippers

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Virtual Mayor Connie

Welcome to Phoenix, Arizona

As the "Armchair Mayor" of Phoenix, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to our fair city!

I have fallen in love with my new home, and hope that you will enjoy your visit as much as I am enjoying life in the Valley of the Sun.

It's extremely hot in the summer; but the winters and mild and wonderful!

There are approximately 3.2 million things to see and do in Phoenix, so stay tuned to the Visitor's Center for all the latest news and events in Phoenix, Arizona!

Weather in Phoenix, Arizona

Current weather conditions in Phoenix, AZ (85016)

Local Pollen Reports

79°F (Feels like 77°F)

Last update: 5/25/12 11:51 PM MST

Humidity: 25%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 40°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.66in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 5mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Tonight


Low
Low: 68°F
Sunrise: 5:22 AM
Sunset: 7:29 PM
 

Saturday
May 26 


N/A
High: 83°F
Low: 62°F
Sunrise: 5:21 AM
Sunset: 7:30 PM

Sunday
May 27 


Mostly Sunny
High: 89°F
Low: 67°F
Sunrise: 5:21 AM
Sunset: 7:31 PM

Monday
May 28 


Sunny
High: 96°F
Low: 70°F
Sunrise: 5:21 AM
Sunset: 7:31 PM

The Full Spectrum of the Desert Runs From Rugged Desert to Luscious Oasis

Taken at the Phoenix Zoo

HPIM1151

Hometown Stats

The population of 85016 is 45,866.

That's #1697 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

59% of the population is white, which is 15 points less than the national average.

The average household income in 85016 is $37,031, which is $7,333 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $131,500. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 67% from the typical value.

Men make up 40% of the population, and the typical age in this part of AZ is 35.1.

Stats about: Phoenix, AZ

Population: 45,866
Number of Households: 18,354
Average House Value: $131,500
Average Income per Household: $37,031
Elevation: 1,082 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

Latest News in Phoenix

FOX 10 News - Phoenix, AZ | KSAZ-TVCampaign styles clash in Wis. recall race
By SCOTT BAUER AP MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and his opponent, Democrat Tom Barrett, are locked together in a fiercely fought recall campaign, but that's where the similarity ends. They don't campaign the same way.
FOX 10 News - Phoenix, AZ | KSAZ-TVSmoke from massive fire spreads across NM ...
In Arizona, residents of the historic mining town of Crown King were allowed to return home after being evacuated because of a wildfire about 85 miles north of Phoenix. The fire started May 13 and has burned more than 16000 acres.
FOX 10 News - Phoenix, AZ | KSAZ-TVKan. gov. signs measure blocking Islamic law
Gele said laws similar to Kansas' new statute have been enacted in Arizona, Louisiana and Tennessee. Oklahoma voters approved a ballot initiative in 2010 that specifically mentioned Shariah law, but both a federal judge and a federal appeals court ...

United States Post Office - 85016

Phoenix Northeast
When you need to send a letter...
the post office is just around the corner!

A City Built on a Grid Provides Ease of Navigation

In a metropolis 4,000,000 plus, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're trying to follow directions!

If you know the layout of the city, navigating the huge volume of traffic is an easier task.

The city is laid out on a grid with a central reference point. You will find the streets on the east side; and avenues on the west side. Named streets run north and south, with a few variations to allow for circum-navigating a mountain or two!

It's a really clever design that makes daily driving in the city a much easier task!

Maps of Phoenix

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WARNING

Proceed With Caution When Driving in Phoenix!

A safety warning for drivers who are new to the city:
Beware of jaywalkers!

Pedestrians in Phoenix are notorious for crossing 6 lanes of traffic, and NOT at the traffic lights!

It's not uncommon to see parents pushing their infants and toddlers in strollers as they cross our extremely busy streets.

I find this practice to be completely appalling, but it a sad reality in our city! The dangers are apparent, so please be on the lookout when you are driving the streets of Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

Desert Engineering Requires a Lot of Foresight and Planning

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Saguaro Cactus

Taken at the Phoenix Zoo

Saguaro Cactus1

Saguaro Cactus (c) 2007 All rights reserved

Learn More About the Saguaro Cactus

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Spotlight on Saguaro Cactus

Saguaro Cactus (Early Bird Nature)

Amazon Price: $235.94 (as of 05/25/2012)Buy Now

Cheryl Cholley, Dragonfly and Gypsy Pirate Share Their Expertise in Desert Living

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Light Rail at Flickr

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Ride the Trolley Through Scottsdale

Streetwise Phoenix Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Phoenix, Arizona - Folding pocket size travel map with Scottsdale trolley routes

Amazon Price: $6.88 (as of 05/25/2012)Buy Now

Scottsdale is just around the corner from Phoenix... the Scottsdale trolley is available for your shopping pleasure!

Popular Attractions

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 85016

Desert Song Yoga & Massage (Phoenix)  
"I first started going to Desert Song about a year and a half ago with the intro class, and I am hooked! Mary Beth is amazing and makes you feel like she has..." more
Dreamy Draw Recreation Area (Phoenix)  
"We had a very difficult time finding trail 201 which was noted as one of the more strenuous hikes. We took trail 100 and came across some extreme mountain..." more
Camelback Mountain (Phoenix)  
"Not really an outdoor girl. I believe in exercising as God intended -- running in place indoors on a treadmill with some tunes playing! That said, I am..." more
Village Racquet & Health Club (Phoenix)  
"this place is unbelievable. i have been a member for 5-6 years; i was out of the country and thought my membership was on a 6 month hold; the emptied my..." more
Papago Park (Phoenix)  
"Papago Park is another childhood memory place that I still get to enjoy today. Growing up in Tempe, these strangely shaped mountains always set in the..." more
powered by Yelp

The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo, Voted One of the Nation's Top 5 Zoos for Kids
Includes general information, animal photos, scientific fact sheets, zoo maps, and information on educational workshops, tours, and conservation.
Phoenix Zoo - Guide to Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo - information for visitors. ... Phoenix Zoo, founded by Robert E. Maytag of the appliance family is one of the country's largest privately-owned ...
The Phoenix Zoo - Visit the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix Arizona
A visit to Phoenix wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Phoenix Zoo. Adults and children alike will enjoy the Phoenix Zoo.
Phoenix Zoo- Phoenix, AZ - VirtualTourist.com
Insider tips on Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix. Reviews, tips and photos of Phoenix Zoo posted by real travelers and locals.
The Phoenix Zoo: Working at the Zoo: Job Opportunities
Mail to The Phoenix Zoo, Attn. Human Resources, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ, 85008. Once received, your application will be input into our tracking ...
The Phoenix Zoo: Visit the Zoo: Driving Directions
The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance to the Zoo is off Galvin Parkway in the heart of Papago Park, between McDowell ...

Phoenix Zoo

The Cheesecake Factory is a Local Favorite

Yes, the food is delicious!

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The Arizona Biltmore

Phoenix, AZ | Official Website of Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa ...
Phoenix Arizona jewel of the desert, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for family vacations, romantic retreats, weddings, ...
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa- Phoenix, AZ - VirtualTourist.com
Insider tips on Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Reviews, tips and photos of Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa posted by real travelers and locals.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Biltmore Sprites
The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa proudly displays its statue entitles "Sisters" which has an intersting history involving Frank Lloyd Wright.
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. ... Copyright 2006 © AZ Biltmore Golf & Country Club Graphic Design: Gentry Smith Design, LLC ...

Phoenix is home to the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, also known as the "Jewel of the Desert."

The Arizona Biltmore

Go Arizona Cardinals!

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Arizona Visitors Guide for Sports Lovers

Professional Sports Teams in Arizona
Arizona is a sports lovers dream!
Visit the online guide to professional sports teams located in sunny Arizona.

As Is The Case Across the Country... The Beauty of Phoenix is Overshadowed By the Plight of the Homeless

Homelessness is my passion because of my personal experience with it!

I am happy to tell you that the experience is behind me, but I am grateful for the knowledge and insight I have gained from my great mis-adventure. It was one of the hardest challenges I've ever endured, but I intend to glean the experience for every nugget of wisdom I can capture!

I intend to spend the rest of my life advocating for others who are still facing this most devastating life circumstance.

Clara (c) All Rights Reserved
Clara is made from a pair of sweatpants I was given while I was "living" in a homeless shelter. Her name is short for Clarity, because that's the real treasure that was uncovered during my experience of living life with no place to call home.

Why Should You Vote For Me As The Armchair Mayor of Phoenix?

My goal is to assemble a Virtual Council of Armchair Mayors whose passion to help create social change in America is as deep, and intense as my own. I have several projects in process, and would love for you to join me as I continue to define and refine those projects.

Do you care about the weightier issues that our country is facing? Squidoo provides the platform for us to establish ourselves as the resident expert at whatever it is that we are the resident expert. In my case, my experience with homelessness is yet another opportunity for me to engage in my love for creative writing.

I believe communication is critical to solving our darkest social concerns, and I believe that social networking can become a priceless weapon in the war on poverty, homelessness and ever escalating numbers of incarcerated, addicted and broken-hearted.

We CAN make a difference, and I'm asking you to vote for me as one of the voices of clarity in the war on homelessness in America. We'll start with the United States, and as we heal, we will branch out to help address this issue for our global neighbors. You see, I believe my dark life experiences have all been founded in the plans and purposes that God designed specifically for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

A long dark road that leads to a glorious rainbow is a plan I can live with... if the twists and turns of your life have left you floundering, I invite you to consider the possiblity that God also has a good plan in mind for your life. You might experience a few bumps and bruises along the way, but believe me... God's Good Plan is an adventure in living that you won't want to miss!

Cast Your Vote Here:

  • tandemonimom May 9, 2009 @ 5:26 pm | delete
    Great Phoenix lens! I have featured it on my SquidZipper lens VanGo Pottery | Phoenix AZ.
  • Susan52 Aug 22, 2008 @ 7:58 am | delete
    Nice lens, Madam Mayor!
  • boredofeducation Aug 16, 2008 @ 9:38 pm | delete
    Great SquidZippers lens!
  • BigJim Aug 15, 2008 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    Nice lens! Thanks for joining the Squidoo City Guide.

This Zipper Lens Was Built With Tender Loving Care by a Giant "Armchair Mayor"

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