editor: fred miller January 16, 2025 #85/January 2025 Hello, The calm before the storm-and after Stormy-is coming ... On the good news front personally, I got the all clear after my lower back operation last January. I can go out and walk on pesticide laden grass, whack the little white ball with a stick many many times, do Qi Gong relatively easy, and lots more. Including going to the Arizona St. Gym-which I highly recommend. However, I now have more screws in me than an historical brothel of Bisbee... We like Tucson. Medium size city, easy to get around although it is huge; 500 square miles. But lotsa good grub, scenic places in abundance, sunrises and sunsets that bathe the soul with beauty. Shopping, music, and more round it out. Soooo we be taking a bit of a break this weekend for a lil fluff and buff, some good eats, hopefully a few jazz tunes, and a couple of bread breaking visits with friends. At some point in a past issue, that I cannot find, I did a big section on Tucson; best streets to get somewhere, restaurants, parks, and more. Here is a few other things that might get you out of the Bisbee Bubble. The Tucson Jazz Festival swings into town from January 17-25 in several locations in downtown Tucson. Headliner is Paquito D'Rivera. Also Shiela E, Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio featuring Gerald Clayton and Anthony Wilson, Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Endea Owens & the Cookout, Brian Bromberg's Unapologetically Funky Big Bombastic Band, Emmett Cohen Trio, New Breed Brass Band, Gunhild Carling, Matthew Whitaker, Lewis Nash Power Trio and New Jazz Underground. For the schedule, dates, and places. Go here ....... GEM AND MINERAL SHOW Ya gotta go! It is truly amazing. Closest thing we'll ever get to a true middle east bazaar. There is some fine stuff along with weird things along with stones, rocks, jewelry, clothes, rugs, yard goodies, and minerals galore. Oddly enough though, it brings me a sense of wonder that the earth is so bountiful and beautiful. February 1-16 all over town. Lotsa free places, some for the trade only. Go here for info. Check out African Village and the many places alongside the west side of I-10 from Congress to 22nd. My suggestion is to have some loose cash in case because some of those merchants will deal. It never hurts to ask if they'll take a bit less than marked. The last day is a good day to go if you are buying cause there are many deals so merchants don't have to return ship their goods. This is another guide. ...... TUCSON VEGAN RESTAURANTS I ain't one, but here are some.... including Tumeric...Go here for more ........ TUCSON LIST OF MURALS A lil trek around town reveals the art that is omnipresent in the city. Go here for the list. Much appreciation to those who have already supported the Wire with contrabutions. (I'm keeping the Wire subs free, but I would be grateful for your donation to offset the cost of subscriptions to the many news site I use. Use the QR code for Zelle (bisbeewire@gmail.com) or send a check made out to fred miller, 39 Hazzard, 85603. Thank you) fred ...............AROUND TOWN................ THREE STRONG ROW HOUSES DESTROYED BY FIRE IN WARREN No one was hurt in the Saturday night fire, only one of the old structures had been occupied. There was fire damage to a fourth house. The fire began about 6:30 from an undetermined source and the cause is under investigation. (Maybe check who owns or has the mortgages on these properties that were in this condition.) This was on the same street that two houses had been destroyed by fire last year. +++++++++++ COCHISE COUNTY AUCTION OF STUFF Thursday January 16 runs for 10 days. View online at www.publicsurplus.com. All items ‘as is’ sold to highest bidder: desks, office chairs, tables, computer equipment. This one is for Cochise Count but the site has auctions from all public agencies (school districts, police depts. counties, cities) in Arizona. (All other states too). It is set so the viewer can choose to see states, counties, agencies, and categories such as Aviation, buildings, computers, electronics, furniture, heavy equipments, trucks, autos, SUVs,office equipment, and lots more. ++++++++++++ ONE NIGHT STAND OPENS AT NEW GALLERY Chimera 27 Gallery host the opening of Zushka Biros in person on Saturday January 25th, 2-5 pm. The new gallery is opening at 27 Main St. In Biros, provocative design meets untamed imagination in art furniture that is bold, unapologetic, and built for a lasting impression. The new gallery is in the building of the former Artemisia Foundation. ++++++++++ ANNIE GET YOUR GUN IN SIERRA VISTA A firearm and collectibles gun show will be at the SV mall on Jan. 25, 26, 9-5 . guns, knives, jewelry. ++++++++++ BISBEE MEDIA MENTIONS Montenegrins in Bisbee https://www.cdm.me/english/montenegrins-in-america-bisbee-arizona/ Most walkable https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/2025/01/03/walkable-cities-in-arizona/76504613007/ ++++++++++ THE CITY BUDGET PROCESS HAS BEGUN The city budget process has begun. You can see the current budget here If you want a say in how the city is run, this is the time to do it. Send your opinions and concerns, preferable specific, to your council person, mayor, and the city manager. Those contacts are here The best time to do this is in March before hearings begin. You can speak at the public hearings also, in April when there generally is a call to the public. If there isn’t ask why. These are basically the only times you will have to get your ideas/opinions/suggestions into the process. After that it is pretty much a done deal. FY 25-26 Budget Schedule 2/28 worksheets back from dept heads 3/03-3/13 dep[t. heads/finance/CM meetings 4/14 distribute budget to council and mayor 4/21, 22, 23, 24 Budget special sessions 5/1 any tax increases, publish 5/6 hearing adopting tentative budget 5/8, 15, publish budget 2 weeks 5/15 Truth in Taxation notice 5/25 second TnT notice 6/3 public hearing and vote on budget. Tax notice/TnT 6/17 adopt property tax levy +++++++++++ A NEW LOCAL NEWSLETTER The Arizona Water Agenda is led by Christian Sawyer, a water researcher and activist. He is one of the most knowledgeable people about valley water. This is a recently begun effort by the best statewide political newsletter, Arizona Agenda. Sawyer keeps his eye on local stuff worth a read. Subs are paid and free. +++++++++++ HERALD REVIEW GOLDEN APPLE AWARDS The Golden Apple Award is a means to recognize and honor some of our outstanding teachers, paraprofessionals, coaches and school support staff. Educators and the staff that supports their efforts are most important in nurturing our children’s inquisitive minds and preparing them for the challenges of the future. • Elementary • Middle School/Junior High • High School • Career/Tech Education • Special Education • Fine arts/Music education • Principal/Headmaster • Paraprofessional • Support Staff (office, custodial, cafeteria) go here for details +++++++++++ WRITERS, START YOUR FINGERS DANCING ON THE KEYBOARD Cochise College is calling on writers of all ages to participate in its 2025 Creative Writing Celebration contests. The contest, which is free to enter, includes categories for poetry, short stories (fiction), and memoirs (nonfiction) for adult participants. The contest also features a Kids Writing Contest designed for young storytellers 18 years old or younger. Submissions can be made through the online submission forms at www.cochise.edu/academics/creative-writing-celebration, with a deadline of Friday, March 14, 2025. The Creative Writing Celebration will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025. To register or for more information, visit the same website or email writingcontest@cochise.edu. This annual event, presented in cooperation with the Copper Queen Library and Sierra Vista Library, highlights the literary talent within Cochise County, offering a platform for creative voices across the region. from the Herald-Review++++++++++++GAIL GRIFFIN ONGOING EFFORT TO SOLVE WATER PROBLEMSGriffin is no fan of Cochise County voters’ decision to create an active management area, basically, local groundwater protections. She introduced two bills to provide ways to get rid of those designations. Likely these are the first of many as she seeks to exalt private corporations over the public good.
+++++++++++++++ STAINED GLASS, PISTOL FUNDAMENTALS, SAND CASTING, AND MORE Keep the fingers active and the mind churning with the Cochise College continuing education spring catalog ++++++++++++++ FLIGHTS FROM SAFFORD TO PHOENIX BEGIN Twice daily flights have begun from Safford to Phoenix. The nine passenger Cessna will be landing at Jackson Jet Center at Sky Harbor with shuttles to public transportation. Tix are $150 one way. Flight to Phoenix leave at 7:30 am and 3:00 pm. From Phoenix to Safford flight times are 9:30 am and 3:30 pm. Weekend flights are a bit different. Go here to the website for Grand Canyon Scenic Air for more info FOOD & BEV
LARGEST ALCOHOL DISTRIBUTOR SOUTHERN GLAZER SUED BY FEDS The Federal Trade Commission is suing alcohol distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits for alleged price discrimination. The alcohol distributor allegedly offered volume discounts and rebates since 2018 to large national and regional retail chains while withholding access to similar offerings for smaller independent businesses.
“NATURE OF THE CASE 1. Defendant Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, LLC (“Southern”) is the largest coast-to-coast distributor of wine and spirits in the United States. For years, Southern has violated the Robinson-Patman Act by selling wine and spirits to small, independent “mom and pop” businesses at prices that are drastically higher than the prices Southern charges large national and regional chains. Southern’s discriminatory pricing practices have victimized independent and family-owned neighborhood grocery stores, local convenience stores, and other independent retailers across the country. In 2023, Southern’s sales grew to approximately $26 billion, making it one of the ten largest privately held firms in the entire country. At present, Southern sells one out of every three bottles of wine and spirits purchased in the United States. In some states, Southern’s share of wine and spirits sales is so large that Southern operates as the gatekeeper for the majority ofwine and spirits sold in those states.” To read the suit, go here https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/001-REDACTED-Complaint.pdf ...............WHAT TO READ................ SOME STUFF TO READ THAT IS INTERESTING (The firehose of Information continues spewing nonstop into the new year with lots of pieces that are just plain interesting. Some are personal views like these of Jabbar's, and some are like these credit card don'ts. I'll periodically highlight stuff that I find interesting and maybe that you will too. fred)
Walking in Phoenix A depressing, but real take on Phoenix. Go here .............. Wearing gloves when delivering a calf? Why some Montanans think the TV show Yellowstone is a dirty word. ............. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar on the difference between celebrity and artistry. "But there is a mania loose in our society where so many people are pursuing celebrity rather than artistry. In other words, they want to be famous for doing nothing. Reality TV and social media have encouraged people to strive, not for greatness, but for recognition. They will even settle for notoriety, engaging in the most cruel, inhumane, and self-degrading behavior just to have people recognize them on the street. It doesn’t matter why they recognize them, only that they do." ......... Chat GPT and teachers; thoughts on the newly approved AZ school. "Dubbed the "2-Hour Learning Model," Unbound Academy’s model combines AI-driven personalized learning with an unconventional school day. Two hours of core academic instruction — delivered largely through computer programs — leaves the rest of the day for life skills workshops and student-selected interests." ............ Eight Credit Card Mistakes including not checking your balance and charges from who knows where and not paying off your balance. https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/credit-card-mistakes-you-shouldnt-repeat-in-2025/ ............. HOW RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS TOOK OVER PUBLIC VOUCHER PROGRAMS This is an informative read complete with strategy insights of how private voucher campaigns utilize a shoehorning of poor students that then allow more wealthy students and religious schools to suck up taxpayer money in Ohio and other states. ...............EVERYTHING ELSE................ MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES The Arizona statewide minimum wage increased to $14.70 an hour this year. The rise of 35 cents an hour reflects a cost of living boost of 2.4%. Under state law, Arizona adjusts its minimum wage once a year to reflect inflation.The new minimum-wage rate is equivalent to $30,576 in annual pay, based on a full year of employment and a 40-hour workweek. That will rise from $29,848 in 2024. AZ Central Some cities have opted for a higher minimum such as the $17.40 in Flagstaff. About 3% of Airzona workers receive minimum wage. Restaurants legally pay tipped workers $3 p//h less than minimum and a few other jobs are also exempt. Arizona’s minimum wage, which currently ranks 16th highest in the nation, compared with a federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour that still applies in roughly 20 states. ++++++++++ TEACHERS NOT HAPPY A recent report from Arizona State University, commissioned by Hobbs’ Educator Retention Task Force, found deep dissatisfaction among teachers in Arizona. Alison Cook-Davis, director of ASU’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy, explained the report to KJZZ’s Sam Dingman. More than two-thirds of teachers said they considered leaving the profession in the last year, she said, and many of them struggled with feeling like they were “stretched so thin” they couldn’t do the job right for their students. (from Education Agenda) ++++++++++ CANNABIS SALES; IT'S A DOWNER, MAN If you are interested in data, national and state, about the dope market, this seems to be the best source. Headset Arizona's cannabis market has experienced a notable contraction in recent months, with a year-over-year sales decline of 20.4% as of December 2024. This downturn is reflected in both the average item price and total units sold, which have decreased to $18.37 and approximately 4.95 million units respectively. The market's month-over-month sales also dropped by 3.3%, When comparing Arizona to other major markets like California and Colorado, it's evident that Arizona's market is contracting more sharply. For instance, California saw a year-over-year sales decline of 10.9%, and Colorado's decline was 8.3%, both significantly less than Arizona's 20.4% drop. The Flower category in Arizona has shown a significant decline, with a year-over-year sales drop of 26.7% and a similar reduction in units sold. Additionally, Arizona's average item price decrease is more pronounced than in these states, suggesting a possible oversupply or reduced consumer spending power. Marijuana tax revenue that helps fund community colleges, local police agencies and more, has also taken a hit. The Cannabis industry employs 22,000 people and the University of Arizona and Gateway Community College are now offering courses on running a cannabis business. Overview of Arizona market here November price averages in the state. Product Dec, 2024 Flower (Gram) $12.21 Flower (Eighth) $18.65 Edible (10mg) $10.48 Concentrate (Gram) $14.36 Top Strain: Apple Fritter Story Cannnabis serves Bisbee. A privately held company they have 18 locations in three states including 10 in Arizona and three grow sites. ++++++++++ WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING LAND Sometimes buying land and building new is cheaper or the same as fixing up an existing place. This article covers numerous issues before buying land, it is a good checklist. ++++++++++ ...............TECH................ WANNA DITCH TWITTER THE TWIT? BLUE SKY Bluesky is giving Twitter refugees a place to land. It will become more useful, informative, and effective as users flee Twitter and join Bluesky. >>>>>>>>>>> USE THIS EXCELLENT FREE SOFTWARE TO CHECK THE WEBSITES YOU VISIT. Engage Blacklight! Check websites frequently. It works by visiting each website with a headless browser running custom software built by The Markup. It then quickly returns info in several categories including: ads, cookies, tracking snippets, recording session, and more. To read our methodology. To visit site go here >>>>>>>>>>> ANOTHER WAY TO SNOOP Cell site simulator is a technology that mimics a cell phone tower in order to intercept cell phone conversations. Go here for an article about the dems convention and likely use of a cell site simulator to aurally peep. >>>>>>>>>> NEW TECH PRODUCT PREVIEWS Early January of each year the Consumer Electronic Show opens in Las Vegas. It is truly a homage to consumptive capitalism. Thousands of products, lots of people, and some weird wonderful and sometimes useful products are debuted. Lotsa stuff you didn't even know you needed. Several news outlets go to the show and sum up what they think are the most interesting products. Go here for Wirecutter Go here for Tech Radar Go here for CNET >>>>>>>>>>>> MAKING IT OH, SO EASY TO SHOP WHEREVER YOU ARE Screen time is turning into shopping time with clickable TV ads, The Amazon Ads and GlobalWebIndex survey revealed that while only 10% of grocery shoppers between the ages of 18 and 64 made a purchase through a shoppable ad in the last 3 months, 57% are open to it in the future. And Prime Video and other streaming services can deliver interactive ads that can help align consumers’ television habits with shopping preferences. Viewers can access deals and offers through their remote control or other devices by scanning displayed QR codes directly linking to purchasing platforms like Amazon.com. Brands can create campaigns with Amazon Ads to reach consumers via the content they will likely watch, helping viewers grocery shop while catching the big game or another favorite program. Isn't that convenient. and... According to the Amazon Ads and GlobalWebIndex survey, mobile apps with features like digital coupons, price comparison and shopping lists that assist the in-store experience are currently the most used grocery tech among shoppers between the ages of 18 and 64. ............... WORD............... I can't remember if I ran these or not, if so, read again, if not experience the joy of bad puns. 1. The fattest knight at King Arthur's Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi. 2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island. It turned out to be an optical Aleutian. 3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still. 4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption. 5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery. 6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road .. . . and was cited for littering. 7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart. 8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie. 9. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it. 10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. 11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. 12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.' 13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me. 14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab centre said: 'Keep off the Grass.' 15. The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. 16. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. 17. A backward poet writes inverse. 18. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes. 19. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion. 20. If you jumped off the bridge in Paris, you'd be in Seine. 21. A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.' 22. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says 'Dam!' 23. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too. 24. Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.' 25. Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? His goal: transcend dental medication. 26. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.
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An email newsletter about the Bisbee economy, Bisbee interests, and random items of progressive political interest plucked from the Firehose of information.
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