In Phoenix/Scottsdale right now just working, while waiting for the conference to start.
Thoughts about Phoenix: This is the third time I have been here. I am less impressed every time. Alcor is probably THE most interesting thing in the valley of the sun. Really. Otherwise the city is just a typical American sprawling environmental disaster. My apologies to all the people living in Phoenix. Maybe you agree with me. Most cities in fly-over country get the same designation from me (and I live in fly-over country!), but Phoenix might top the list, mainly because there is not much structure to the city. It doesn't really have a "downtown". It is endless repetition of gas stations, strip malls, box stores, freeways, parking lots, etc... As far as the eye can see. One interesting thing I wanted to see was FirstSolar, which is "headquartered" in Phoenix, but that didn't work out too well. It also has Intel and Honeywell. Not much else. The top private employer is Walmart.
There is some nice shopping, some very upscale retirement/snow-bird enclaves, and great golf courses. That is about it.
I have attached a picture of the typical scenery you will see driving around 97% of Phoenix.
Hey Alcor, good job giving Phoenix a little cache'
I don't know Mind, I was there on a preplanned trip 2 weeks ago for the very first time and I have a completely different impression of it. First question I have to ask is if you actually got to Phoenix? Scottsdale/Paradise Valley have some pretty awesome hiking areas, some of which are dog friendly like Camel Back, and I really enjoyed them. At least most homes in the urban sprawl aren't wasting water on lawns, heh.
I also liked the old part of Scottsdale, there area around ASU, and I also drove out to the cave creek area which was fun. I did like Sedona way more though once we got there.
Anyways, I made a impromptu visit over to Alcor on a Monday and Aaron was nice enough to show me around, despite the impending conference, and explain everything to my wife with enough detail and precision that she is now considering perhaps joining me as a member. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.
Edit: I guess I should have included the entire area for hiking. One of the easy hikes I did, Squaw Peak I believe is actually *in* Phoenix.
Here is a familiar face in Cryonics: Rudi Hoffman
You can always pick him out at LE/Cryonics conferences because of his bright suits. He is a great salesman of course, but part of his "charm" is that he cares deeply about advancing cryonics. His wife also came along this time around. It was great to meet her and she was quite charming as well. For those who don't know, she does most of the "back office" work for Rudi.
Yeah his wife is great. Both of them are super friendly and Rudi himself is quite the character. I really enjoyed meeting them at the last Cryonics get together he had at his house. Kind of nice having such a wonderful resource practically in my back yard.
Edited by mikeinnaples, 29 October 2012 - 04:16 PM.