Tons of Cool Happening in the PHX is a post from: Rail Life

From large projects to small, there seems to be a lot of cool things happening in Downtown Phoenix neighborhoods lately. Last week’s grand opening of Lucky Strike at CityScape was definitely cool; the same weekend saw the opening of Bliss and ReBar at 4th St and Garfield. Thanks to some friends, I attended the Lucky Strike opening and found it to be a LOT of fun.

While I missed the grand opening of Bliss and ReBar, I was able to hang out there last night with a bunch of ultra-cool Downtown Phoenix people to get a feel for what a cool, local spot can produce. Thankfully, our friends at Radiate Phoenix chose Rebar as their meeting place this month which gave me a great excuse to check it out. Mark Howard is one of three owners behind the concept of Bliss and ReBar, and he shared with us some of the ideas that will ( in my opinion ) make this a great new addition to the area. Good food, affordable prices in a “stylistic & urban environment.”  Heck, what’s not to like about reasonably priced food and fun?

If you missed Tuesday’s party or even last week’s blow-out at Lucky Strike, please don’t despair, you have many more chances coming up to hang with the cool kids. You can start by hitting the RSVP button for the Dine4AZ tweet-Up this Thursday at Switch Restaurant & Wine Bar. Switch is located at 2603 N Central which is between the Encanto and Central and the Thomas and Central light rail stations. Yep, you guessed it. There is lots of cool involved with this event. The place is cool, the people are cool, and the organizers are cool. Don’t miss out, ya’ hear?

Finishing up the week in true Downtown Phoenix coolness we have First Friday. Heck, even the weather is gonna’ finally start to cool off a bit. With ASU students back in full force and a bunch of stuff to check out Downtown, I have a feeling that there will be a lot more in the cool department coming up very soon.

Stick around, we will try to keep up with some more of the action. One thing is for sure, if you are really cool, “Your Life Is On The line!”

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” Of The Week – Tap That Card is a post from: Rail Life

School is back in session and ASU students are rockin’ the METRO light rail as expected. One of the best deals around is the ASU U-Pass for students and faculty. ( Just $80.00 for the academic year! ) METRO has been getting the word out to students about the availability and proper use of their super-cool discount card.

From the METRO Facebook page we found this little tidbit of information about your ASU U-Pass.

“These cards must be validated or touched to the orange target on vending machines BEFORE EACH AND EVERY RIDE. To ensure proper validation, hold the card flat against the orange pad until you hear a confirmation din…g or "enjoy your ride" appears on screen. Bypassing validation is fare evasion and can result in fines.”

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

Strike One For Downtown Phoenix is a post from: Rail Life

There has been a lot of talk about today’s opening of Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge at CityScape in Downtown Phoenix. If last night’s preview “VIP Party at Lucky Strike” is any indication of their future success, the owners and developers must be pretty happy.

Many times before we have talked about the “chicken and egg” syndrome that Downtown Phoenix faces. Not enough people to sustain cool places and not enough happening Downtown for people to want to live downtown.

Believe it or not, I hung out in a bowling alley last night and it was one of the coolest parties I have attended in Downtown Phoenix, period. The mix of people was great, the food and drink was great, there was excitement in the air, and you could tell people were having a LOT of fun. BIG props to Lucky Strike and to Amanda Vega Consulting for pulling off a GREAT night of fun for a bunch of cool people.

From movers and shakers, to TV personalities, METRO employees, and those “in the know” with everything happening in Downtown Phoenix, the crowd at Lucky Strike showed that it is possible to have a good time downtown without the help of the Suns or Diamondbacks.

Lucky Strike is open until 2am on the weekends and will offer another fun way to get out with friends. The project is very convenient for light rail travel, as there are light rail stations very close. The map below will show you the general area and we will try to update the restaurants, shops, etc. in the future.

So, what do YOU think? Are there enough people downtown to sustain all of these new places at CityScape? Will it be a catalyst for growth? Given the fact that there are a LOT of new businesses and attorneys, etc. coming to take up shop at CityScape, will we see new life? Let us know because, “Your Life Is On The Line!”

View CityScape Phoenix in a larger map

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” Of The Week – Who’s Running The Show? is a post from: Rail Life

The ASU football team had a scrimmage this weekend and many people are asking about the quarterback situation. According to Paola Boivin, there is a front runner in Junior Steven Threet although Brock Osweiler has been getting a lot of attention to date.

Around here, we are getting pretty pumped to resume some serious “RailGating” action for the upcoming ASU football season.

For some of the games this year, we are in for a HUGE treat as our friends at Smokin’ Aces BBQ will be joining us and cookin’ up some of the best railgating grub around!

Our crew seems to grow a bit each year as my crazed ASU friends Matt Martinez, Dean Ouellette, Jack Smith, Bill Risser and Kevin Hardin are occasionally joined by alums Tyler Hurst and Chuck & Amy Reynolds, amongst others.

I hope to see you at the games this year. If you have an opinion as to who will be starting at quarterback, let us know. Hopefully, we will all know soon enough! See the video below where the ASU cheerleaders get us ready for some football…

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

Welcome Back ASU Students! is a post from: Rail Life

A big Welcome Back is in order for ASU students, teachers and faculty. I am sure the restaurants, business owners and city officials that love you and the money you spend, are grateful to have you back!

Speaking of money and students, don’t forget to grab your “U-Pass” to save some cash on getting around. Most of us have to pay normal fares for riding the bus and light rail but discounts are available for ASU students! The cost of a U-Pass is just $80.00 for the academic year of 2010-11 which is valid Aug. 16, 2010 – May 15, 2011 and gives you unlimited use of “METRO Light Rail; Local, LINK, Express and RAPID Valley Metro bus routes.” For transit related information around campus, you can follow ASU Parking and Transit on Twitter.

Remember, if using a U-Pass, students must validate every trip before boarding the light rail. The fare is validated by simply touching the back of your U-Pass to the orange card reader (“target”) located on the transit vending machine kiosk at each boarding station. No type of printed confirmation or ticket is issued. Seriously, it’s not hard to tap a card. Yes, I made that up and it rhymes!

Many people are looking forward to some fun and exciting things for this academic year. The University recently held a meeting where school spirit and support of the athletic department was a huge priority. I was told there is some consideration of trying to get METRO to help promote getting more students from the Phoenix campus to sporting activities in Tempe, railgating style. It will be cool to see a BUNCH of Sun Devil fans at the games this year!

Again, welcome back Sun Devils. It’s gonna be a good year but remember… “Your Life Is On The Line!”

Score One For Living Green is a post from: Rail Life

There are many ways to define green living and the reasons for people wanting to live a more green lifestyle can vary greatly. For some, it’s about saving the Earth and for others, it’s about saving some cash. Obviously, it can be both.

In the past, I have mentioned how cool I think the “Walk Score” application can be when choosing a place to live. Basically, Walk Score ranks a property and gives it a “score” based on walk-ability. Like most applications, there will be limitations to the accuracy of an outcome based on the data provided. While Walk Score provides a great way to gauge the “walk-ability” of a neighborhood, there have recently been new advances to bring the value of public transportation into a larger part of the equation. By introducing Transit Score and Commute Reports, many of the neighborhoods along transportation lines show people some of the benefits of living nearby. Currently, the neighborhoods along the METRO line here in the Valley are not included. For now, it looks like these super-cool rankings are limited to a handful of cities but the numbers are growing. Google Transit is a welcome addition around here, and I am hopeful that our local data feeds can soon be used by Walk Score to enhance their service locally.

“When deciding where to live and work, not only do you want to know what amenities and services are nearby, you also want to understand your transportation options. How easily can you walk, bike or take the bus? How long will it take to get from point A to point B? And how much will it cost?” – Walk Score

The type of data that Walk Score provides can be great when looking at the overall affordability of a home in a given area. Location and lifestyle, along with overall monthly expenses, can be key points in a smart person’s decision making process when choosing a “green” home. As far as home features are concerned, there is more than solar, low flow water fixtures, and high efficiency appliances. I believe that location can be a green feature, as well. Reducing the dependency on a car to get to restaurants, shops, entertainment, school, work, etc. can make a significant impact on the environment and on your wallet.

If you are curious as to what the Walk Score might be in your Valley neighborhood, try this nifty little search tool on for size…

Life on the Light Rail is a post from: Rail Life

There’s been plenty of stories on how well-used the light rail is, how it’s become a convenient people mover for students, sport fans and a healthy amount of commuters, and even plenty of glamour shots of bands playing in cars, events at stations of the trains themselves.

I’m here to tell you what it’s REALLY like to ride the light rail. No fancy angles or impressive stats, just a blow by blow account of a typical experience riding the light rail from Roosevelt and Central (my ‘hood!) to Mill Ave and 3rd St (dinner with Katie!) on a random weekday afternoon. As seen from my POV and from my iPhone. Apologies in advance for the quality of images, I’m blaming that completely on me. Quite impressed with the iPhone 4’s camera quality, I am. Here we go:

My humble abode, as seen from my entryway. Yes, that’s Austin Powers.

Always good to lock your door. I do live in the CITY, you know. They’re all crime-ridden.

It’s like a fixie, but it has gears. Does that make it a cruiser? Notice Katie’s bike behind, still missing a seat. Jerks!

That there is a good-lookin’ car, no? Almost paid off. No interest. Only 23 mpg though, and I don’t think they’re making a hybrid model.

The downstairs security door where I always catch a whiff of dog feces.

Because pet owners don’t toss their poop out by the dog park, they throw it in here, and this garbage can isn’t emptied very often. The joys of city livin’, folks!

I didn’t know Lola’s had donuts! They must, because there are always cop cars around my place. This did not deter my old bike from being stolen, however.

Can you see the light rail in the distance? Just two streets and I’m there! Told you I lived close.

Now I bet you can see. It’s a short walk and I bet in this heat, most people aren’t willing to walk more than that. I think most people said up to a half mile would be acceptable. My commute is about 1/5 mile.

There’s my train! Think I’ll make it in time? I still haven’t bought my ticket.

Nope, it left. Damnit. Well, I’ll wait. Only 10-12 minutes, right? No big deal.

The ruffians you barely see behind the pole offered to sell me a bus pass. You know you’ve reached big-city status when bus passes are sold like drugs.

Ticket bought. 6:21pm and my wait begins. No one else on the platform, the DBacks must be out of town.

Air! Seriously, air vents out of here. It’s hot, but it’s better than standing on the platform in 100+ degrees with no wind, though it might be just as hot.

A comfy chair! Nice that it’s preheated from 5ish hours in the AZ sun. Hmmm…warm seat, warm air or just stand there?

Fair Trade is packed after dark, but slow during rush hour. Shoulda grabbed myself a coffee.

6:24 and STILL NO TRAIN. The sunbeams from the afternoon AZ sun are great for suntanning, bad for standing on a platform.

My lucky hat. Katie likes it. Still, even the straw doesn’t alleviate the heat. Now I’m sweating, but that’s nothing new.

Did I mention it’s 105 degrees?

Oh sure, a northbound train. Always there when you don’t need it.

6:27 and I’ve taken off my hat, contemplating going shirtless. Funny story, I’ve actually ridden the light rail sans pants and sans shirt, but not at the same time.

The nice voice in the loudspeaker says I have five more minutes until a train arrives. I’m unsure as to why exactly they announce both two and five minutes, but hey, it’s on the way.

FINALLY. Another train at 6:32. That’s almost exactly 12 minutes.

Oh god, where should I sit? So many options. Being used to AZ by now, I shall try to sit as far away from people as possible. Wow, that AC feels GOOD. Metro definitely got that part right.

Nice, upholstered seats are cool to sit on. In fact, the entire car’s temperature is very comfortable.

Visitors! From the sound of it, they’re from the east coast and have been in New York extensively. Their conversations seem…very east coast. They talk about issues and experiences, not people.

First stop on my journey to Tempe. Van Buren, maybe? Lots of students getting on and off. Wait, maybe this is the second stop. First stop after the bus station.

The east coasters are STILL ON THE TRAIN. They keep talking about trains (heavy ones) on the east coast. Makes me want to go.

Hey, biker dude. I see far more bikers use the train during the not as sweltering hot months.

Biker dude made it on. Now we’re on our way out of downtown Phoenix.

Hello, Chase Field sign! This marks the end of our downtown Phoenix tour. Anyone still call it the BOB?

What kind of shoes does someone like me wear on the light rail on my way to a date? Vibram KSOs. In black. These are my “dressy” barefoot shoes. Yes, Katie allows this.

I believe this is the New Times building, as seen through the window at the first stop outside of downtown.

Had never heard of Eastlake Park until I saw it written on this stop, but hey, we have an Eastlake Park!

One of the many businesses you’ll see while riding the light rail between Tempe and Phoenix.

Another establishment. Not sure what these businesses do, but at least they’re not real estate agents. We have enough of those!

Classy! I’m waiting for the four-sided billboard with lights. Wait, are these really called billboards at this point?

We’re almost to 24th street. Do YOU know what’s on 24th street and the light rail track? Seriously, because I don’t.

It’s that fish place! I’ve always wanted to go there, but I forget it exists until I pass it on the way somewhere. I have it on good authority it’s a tasty place. Wonder if their business has increased due to the light rail.

The former greyhound track and flea market, now I think it’s just a flea market. Pretty big one, too. Packed on weekends, empty during the week.

It’s the people mover for the airport! No more shuttles to deal with, though they work quite well.

About to catch a plane, I bet. Or staying at Aloft, which is a fantastic traveler’s hotel. This intersection is pretty nice.

We’re at the airport stop! Even with the shuttle transfer, the light rail to the airport is super convenient. Usually takes me 45 minutes from my door to the ticket counter, no matter the time of day.

I have never been to this business, but they seem to like girls!

Starbucks! Pretty sure this is one of only two that are visible from the light rail. So un-city like.

The views in Tempe by Rio Salado apartments and APS (or is it SRP?).

Hey, I used to live there! One of two apartment complexes I lived in during light rail construction. BOTH apartments completed light rail construction just after I left.

If you lived here, this would be your stop. Or if you worked for SRP (or maybe it’s APS).

It’s the bridge over Tempe Town…puddle?

Note the crane in the distance, hard at work fixing the ruptured dam bladder.

And the Tempe Center for the Arts, as well. Nice sunset.

The lake actually looks really pretty here, though it’s probably about three feet deep at this point, though I swear it was never much more than that.

I MADE IT! Felt like it took forever, but a mere 45 minutes after I leave my home, I’m in Tempe ready for my date.

Goodbye, light rail car. We had some good times.

The east coasters! WHY ARE THEY FOLLOWING ME?

Ahhh….A mountain, where the A stands for Arizona? ASU? AZ?

East coasters getting into a cab. See, just like a real, big city!

Who cares about the food, prices or when they’re actually in business, these guys open at 6am! Perfect time to get a drink after the night shift or keep your buzz after a loooong night.

Quality tshirts at reasonable prices. I’m a frequent customer.

Independent theater that I’ve never been to. I’ve heard it’s lovely.

If you have never been to CookieZ, go and order an ice cream sandwich. You will thank me. Lots.

I’m a huge fan of their ads, which I look at for the pictures.

Did we have a problem with antique tequila bars?

I’ve arrived. Time for nice dinner with a hottie.

Taking off my hat might have been a mistake. Perhaps I should put it back on.

And there she is! Dinner time.

Rail Life “Flickr Pic” Of The Week – Sunshine On A Cloudy Day is a post from: Rail Life

This past week, I was once again at One Lexington checking out their cool condos. After poking around in the Penthouse for a bit, I went down by the pool and took this shot because I thought the clouds looked kind of cool.

I hope you like it, too…

Remember, Rail Life has a Phoenix Light Rail Group on Flickr. Basically, we want to share some of our pictures from the community and allow people to add their pics (or videos), as well. These can be light rail related, but we also want pics of your favorite spot, restaurant, sports team, community, event etc.

REBlogWorld in Vegas– Where The Cool Kids Play is a post from: Rail Life

The buzz for the annual REBlogWorld and the BlogWorld & New Media Expo in Las Vegas is beginning to get pretty loud. This years events will be jam packed into three days of amazing material and out of this world fun. Yeah, I said fun. As in Las Vegas style fun and games with the entire conference held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Billed as the “World’s Largest Social Media Conference,” people come from all over the globe to attend this annual event. Anyone interested in new media, social media, monetizing media, Facebook, Twitter, podcasting, video blogging etc can and should attend this Granddaddy of all geek fests. Everyone can use an excuse to get to Vegas once in a while and this is a perfect opportunity to learn some cool stuff from people considered to be the best in their industry and to have a great time while doing it. Within the conference, there is also the Social Media Business Summit where all aspects of the business of social media will be covered for thousands of attendees by 200+ speakers, 150 educational sessions, and more than 100 exhibiting companies. Seriously, the amount of information available is like drinking water from a fire hose. Come see professional bloggers, mommy bloggers, God bloggers, military bloggers, real estate bloggers and just about any kind of industry related information you care to consume. If you need 10 reasons to go to Vegas for a conference like this, check out what my friend @nik_nik has to say.

For my friends in the real estate industry, REBlogWorld is the day before BlogWorld ( Oct 14 ) and will have some very cool speakers filling out a day of great industry knowledge.  How about this for an early line up:

• Content Creation vs. Content Sharing – Brian Solis
  
  
• Using analytics to listen to your customers. Heavy emphasis on AB Testing – Gahlord Dewald
  
  
• Using Video in Real Estate Blogging – Dale Chumbley & Ted Mackel
  
  
• Innovative Ideas for Real Estate Blogs & the Secret Plug-ins Needed to Make Them Happen – Stacey Harmon & Ricardo Bueno
  
  
• Developing a Fail-Proof Content Production Cycle for Your RE Blog – Garron Selliken
  
  
• Introduction to CSS, How-To, Tools to Manipulate – Kelley Koehler & Dave Smith
  
  
• Is the Real Estate Blog Dead? – Panel – Rob Hahn, Sarah Stelmok, Jay Thompson (plus+)
  
  
• WordPress 3.0 – Case Studies, Benefits, Examples of how the new features can be utilized in Real Estate – Reggie & Nicole Nicolay

If you hurry, there are some discount codes available on the REBlogWorld site that will save you a boatload of cash. Should you need any more information, contact the REBlogWorld Team or shoot an email to reblogworld AT gmail.com.

When looking at pricing and discounts, make sure and pay attention to the “full access pass” which I believe is worth it’s weight in gold. The full access pass is good for: