By Alana Stroud

27,000
The number of people who are victims of Identity Theft every day. Arizona has the most identity theft cases of any state.

The TOP 5 Richest People in 2008
1. Warren Buffet (stocks and investments)
2. Carlos Slim Helu (Mexican telecom mogul)
3. William Gates III (Windows and more)
4. Lakshmi Mittal (world’s largest steelmaker–India)
5. Mukesh Ambani (petrochemicals giant, Reliance Industries–India)

13
The fear of number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia, with triskaideka meaning thirteen in Greek. The word was coined in 1911.

2008 was Arizona’s 14th wettest year, with the most rainfall since 1998.

“It’s not based on any particular data point–we just wanted to choose a really large number.” – a Treasury Department spokeswoman explaining how the $700 billion number was chosen for the initial bailout, quoted on Forbes.com, Sept. 23.

Facebook
While not everyone in America is on Facebook (just over 8% of the adult population is, including almost 47% of Washington, D.C.), Facebook users are representative of a very important young, educated, and connected demographic.

bored.com/bighoaxes
This Web site features every hoax that you’ve ever fallen for. Read through them to see which are fact and which are merely myth.

Top-grossing movies of 2008
1. United States – The Dark Knight
    $530,723,626
2. Japan – Ponyo on a Cliff
   $164,241,290
3. United Kingdom – Mamma Mia!
   $100,526,508

Monopoly was invented during the 1934 Depression and at first was rejected by Parker Brothers because of some errors in design. Street names in Monopoly were originally taken from Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is estimated that Monopoly has been sold 250 million times throughout the world.

The Great Wall of China
It is a common mistake to say that The Great Wall of China is visible from outer space. It is too thin to be noticed from such a great distance. Only two man-made structures are visible from space: The Pyramids of Giza and the Hoover Dam. 

Onions, goat cheese, and thyme awaken the palate in this wintertime tart.

By Alison Malone

Brimming with robust flavor, members of the allium family—onions, garlic, leeks, scallions, chives, and shallots—are routinely used to add depth of flavor to savory dishes. What’s more, they are rich sources of antioxidants and have long been called upon for their medicinal properties. These veggies, however, rarely star in the kitchen; instead, they take supporting roles and allow more mellow-flavored vegetables to shine.

In this tart, onions are caramelized with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and thyme and then are baked in a flaky crust and topped with tangy goat cheese. Paired with a light green salad, it’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. While hearty and comforting, this vegetarian dish is also a welcome respite from the heavy meat-based dishes of the holiday season. After taking your first bite, you’ll agree that the tears you shed during preparation were well worth it.

Caramelized-Onion Tart with Goat Cheese and Thyme

Serves 6–8

Recipe developed by Hilary Malone

Ingredients:

2¼ tsp. dry active yeast
½ cup warm water (100ºF to 115ºF)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tsp. salt
3 pounds brown or yellow onions, thinly sliced
½ tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. dried thyme leaves
½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
3 ounces soft goat cheese, crumbled

Preparation:

Mix yeast and warm water in a small bowl and let stand until foamy (approximately five minutes).

Measure flour in a medium bowl; make a well in the center, and add yeast mixture. Whisk together egg, one tablespoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of salt. Add egg mixture to the yeast and incorporate the flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until smooth (around five minutes). Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover. Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size (approximately one hour).

Meanwhile, place remaining olive oil and onions in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until onions are soft and golden brown, stirring occasionally for around one hour. Add remaining teaspoon of salt and the pepper, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Cook for another five minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. On a floured surface, knead dough just enough to deflate. On a heavy baking sheet, pat dough evenly into a rectangle, turning up the edges. Sprinkle dough with parmesan cheese and spread caramelized onions evenly over top. Bake tart until the crust is golden brown (approximately 30 minutes). Sprinkle with goat cheese and serve warm.

O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub

20469 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 585-6329
odsaz.com

Taking its inspiration and its name from one of the most popular pubs in Dublin, Ireland, O’Donoghue’s provides the warm, authentic atmosphere and traditional Irish food, drink, and live music. This proud pub is designed, constructed, and owned by proud sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle and exudes the culture of the Irish. A cold pint and another to Valley residents, and may their pleasures outnumber the shamrocks with this fond tradition of the old Irish working class!

The Dubliner Irish Pub and Restaurant

3841 East Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
(602) 867-0984
dublinerpub.com

Since 1985, The Dubliner has been serving up Irish fare and fun to Phoenicians. While you chow down on some hearty Irish stew or throw back some imported Irish beer, you can enjoy live music, watch your favorite Ireland and Arizona teams the big screen TV, or simply relax with friends in a comfortable booth. Wireless Internet access is also now available.

Padre Murphy’s Pub & Restaurant

4338 West Bell Rd
Glendale, AZ 85308
(602) 547-9406
padremurphy.com

Sports fans may want to consider a visit to Padre Murphy’s, which boasts over eighty televisions that feature a continuous stream of live and classic sporting events. Relax in the rich bar ambience, sample their substantial food and drink menus, and peruse the large collection of sports memorabilia.

Which Road Do You Turn On for Legitimate Pet Care Advice?

By Dr. Cliff Faver

In this era of increasing media technology, we have so much often-differing information at our fingertips that it can be overwhelming and confusing to tell which to follow and which to dump. Pet owners find this true when they want to find out how to keep their furry friends healthy. We see cute ads on TV promoting flea and tick products. There are hundreds of thousands of pet advice postings from often-unqualified groups on the Internet. We are offered nutritional advice from inexpert pet store help and discover unlicensed pet breeders establishing vaccine schedules when that should be the veterinarian’s job. As the information mounts and conflicts, a pet owner may ask, “What do I do now?”

The answer is contact your professional veterinary care provider. If you were seeking tax advice, would you trust your finances to a check-cashing establishment or a stranger sending you a spam e-mail, or to a certified public accountant? To most, seeking advice from a veterinarian would appear to be the obvious choice; however, when it comes to pet care, everyone seems to have an opinion, whether it is about the latest pet products, a new natural raw diet, or available medical treatments.

Doctors, scientists, and researchers in the animal health profession spend innumerable hours every year researching and developing new products, nutritionally balanced foods, and medical treatments to enrich and extend the life of your pet. Rather than basing opinions on personal experience or hearsay, all of which may result in damage to your pet’s health, veterinary resources are backed by scientific finds, specialists, and research trials. This allows the veterinary professional to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Sadly, inaccurate advice from dubious sources is responsible for a large portion of animal hospital cases that could have been prevented by following accurate information. So, rather than taking chances with unverified resources, please partner with your veterinarian to improve and lengthen the life of your four-legged or otherwise–limbed friend by providing the best possible care available.

By Alana Stroud

The Irish Cultural Center’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire

March 14, All Day
1106 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004

When it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, there is no better company than the Irish! Enjoy live music on two stages, let loose and dance, watch the kids have fun in the children’s area, and check out the various vendors serving up tasty food and fun souvenirs.

Teddy Bears

Everyone loves teddy bears! No matter whom you may like to buy a bear for, there are many companies offering packages that include items like pajamas or candy along with your teddy bear. Be creative—visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop to create your own for that special someone.

Yellow

Has 2009 got you seeing yellow? Not to worry—it’s been named this year’s color, and we could all use a little sunshine! Whether your closet already is full of this cheery color or you are deciding on a color for your drab walls, new car, or spring accessories, adding some yellow accents to your life is a surefire way to remain color-savvy this year.

Buying American

With America’s economic struggles, it has never been a more prime time than now to perform your civic duty and buy American. There are many American-made products out there if you take the time to look, and there are a number of deals as well. Another great way to support our country is to buy from mom-and-pop stores—the little guys who depend upon their loyal customers to survive. Small businesses are the essence of America—don’t let your favorite local shops and restaurants disappear!

Remakes

News from Hollywood is that 2009 will be the year of the remake, so keep an eye out for movie trailers to see if one of your favorites is being done over with today’s new and rising talent.

Dance Lessons

With Valentine’s Day coming up, surprise your sweetie by signing up for dancing lessons and have a romantic rhythmic experience! Classes are available at different studios all over the Valley. Infuse some Latin flavor into your relationship with salsa or mambo, get downright Western with line dancing, or exercise your elegance in the ballroom. There are group or private sessions available—no need to fear your dancing skills! Whether you’re looking for simple fun or aim to stun your wedding guests during your first bride-and-groom dance, you’ll find that the benefits of dance enhance your body’s circulatory system, boost confidence, and provide a wonderful bonding experience.

By Cassaundra Brooks

Sports

As this issue prints, our very own Arizona Cardinals battle the Pittsburgh Steelers for the coveted Super Bowl rings and all the glory the bowl bestows. They’ve made history this season, and what better time than now to set your Cardinal-crazed stud or sweetie up for next season? Call (602) 379-0102 or visit azcardinals.com to purchase season tickets or see about special ticket packages.

Pets

Why not add to the family this Valentine’s Day? The Valley is filled with canine companions and feline friends in need of families, and adopting a pet can be a joint venture for couples. Make sure the rest of the household is onboard with a new pet, and then go as a couple or family to visit local shelters and societies from which to choose your new friend. Check out our featured animals on page 90 or contact the Arizona Animal Welfare League at (602) 273-6852 or aawl.org and look into bringing home a fuzzy friend for Valentine’s Day.

Trips

People are staying a little closer to home and budgeting more, and that means some great deals are beginning to pop up to encourage travel. Romantic cruises are reasonably priced right now, whether you fancy a short three-day or weeklong cruise out of LA or a longer cruise to popular places like the Caribbean. The cost of nonstop flights to Hawaii has dropped as well. Of course, romantic excursions out of the country to warm tropical islands, snow-covered European cities, and summery Australia and similar hot spots are always a lovely choice. Contact Elan Travel at (623) 561-1111 or elantravel.com to explore your options.

Art

Artwork is a nice addition to any home, and with the selection of quaint galleries and art festivals in the Valley and surrounding areas, picking up a beautiful painting or intricate sculpture for your significant other is easy. This romantic gesture affords opportunity to showcase how well you know your girl—or guy—and to give her—or him—a well-thought-out, personalized gift.

Jewelry

Jewelry is not always a fail-safe option for the special woman in your life—make certain you have an idea of what she typically likes—but jewelry is timeless, and almost every woman likes shiny, glittery body ornaments! Hearts are a classic symbol of love and a good reminder of a special Valentine’s Day. Consider these or other heart-shaped pieces from Cornelis Hollander: 18K white-gold ring with 1.76-carat pink sapphire and diamonds for $14,735, silver bracelet with ruby charm for $390, or stingray bangle with sterling silver and black diamonds for $670. (480) 423-5000 or cornelishollander.com

Beer

Perhaps your favorite guy is a beer connoisseur. Members of the Microbrewed Beer of the Month Club receive lightly distributed, hard-to-find microbrewed beer each month, and have the option of ordering their favorites at discounted prices. Four types of membership are available; members also receive the Brew Harvest Review newsletter with information about breweries and featured beers. beermonthclub.com

Fifth Annual Drive the Dream Gala >> Childhelp, WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale

Photography by Jan Miller and Loren Anderson

This annual event is Childhelp’s largest annual fund-raiser, and this year, the organization celebrated fifty years of Childhelp by raising over $1.3 million. The gala, co-hosted by the world-famous Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at WestWorld, celebrated in classic Hollywood style to pay homage to founding actors Sara Buckner (O’Meara) and Yvonne Lime (Fedderson). Emmy-winning Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall served as master of ceremonies, FOX News Channel anchor Megyn Kelly accepted the Childhelp Positive Impact on Media Award, and local philanthropists Victoria and David Glimcher received the Spirit of the Children Award. Some participants of the Hollywood Squares game included Kathie Lee Gifford, Cheryl Ladd, Jane Seymour, and Connie Stevens. childhelp.org

By Lea Friese-Haben

Dear Coach,

I have a huge problem. I am desperately in love with my roommate’s boyfriend, Michael. He hasn’t said anything to me, but I can feel the sexual tension between us. I tag along with them often just to be close to him. Jennifer—my roommate—is a great girl, but lately she has asked to spend time alone with Michael and to free up the apartment from time to time. I don’t want to ruin a good friendship but I really like Michael and we have more in common than he does with Jennifer. I don’t know what to do.

Dear Roomie,

Back the boat up—never screw over a friend and roommate over some guy. By your own words, this guy has never said anything to you, so why would you even consider messing up a friendship? You are not desperately in love—you are perhaps desperately in lust mode with some possible jealousy undertones. Go out with some friends, find a nice guy, and leave Jennifer’s man alone! Otherwise, you could lose your reputation, your friend, and a place to live. Move on, Sweetie. Men are like buses—there’s always another one coming.

Appreciation Works Two Ways

Dear Coach Lea,

I am about to turn 49, have been divorced for ten years, and have wasted countless time and money on women who don’t appreciate me. Women don’t ever date me more than a few dates because I don’t make a million dollars, I live on the West Side, and my vehicle of choice isn’t a Porsche. I am so mad at women and their frivolous choices. They won’t even bother to give a nice guy like me a chance. I am sick to death of the plastic women!

Dear Angry,

I can tell by the tone of your e-mail that you are angry with women, but not all women are the way you describe them. (I will admit there are some plastic women). Since you live on the West Side, why don’t you try your own zip code? You’ll save gas and frustration in the process. You may even want to talk to a counselor about your anger issues with women. I have seen men like you—men who are angry and who can maintain for a date or two and then can no longer contain their rage. You may not want to hear this, but I will say it anyway: you are the common denominator in all these mishaps. Get some therapy for your anger! When on a date, be in the moment and leave your expectations at home. You might have a great time and meet someone you can really spend time with if you do. Good luck!

Several Ounces of Caution

Dear Coach Lea,

While visiting friends in Yuma, I happened to watch you on the news talking about online date rape. Is that really a problem here in the Phoenix area? I am recently single and saw your newscast, and am now concerned about online dating.

Dear Concerned,

Wow, I didn’t know anyone saw that newscast. In response to your question—yes, online date rape does happen. The Internet is a good way to meet someone; however, you have to use some common sense. First dates should be made in public, such as coffee or lunch. Get information about the person before meeting him, and tell friends where you are going and that you will be checking in. Remember to also give them the information about whom you are going with. Always drive yourself to the destination. And lastly, never leave your drink alone for a second! Dating is fun—just use some common sense before you meet someone for the first time.

By Rhona Raskin

The first time you realized that a stage of life had left you in the sawdust might have been the time you didn’t make the all-star kindergarten junior soccer team. Or how about when the National Ballet School officials trolled your second-grade dance class for divas and let you know they wouldn’t be back for you in grade three—or ever? And so began the long series of life’s little expiration dates.

Several passages leave greasy pencil marks on your life’s scorecard. Some are merely annoyances; others are proof that you are not now nor ever will you be special enough to be included in certain talented subsets. Your chance of becoming a musical genius, for example, disappears by age 10. Oh yes, there’s still time to be a proficient musical accompanist, or a technician, or to strum a guitar at family gatherings and impress the less musical. But the Majestic Mozart Award will go to someone else.

But hey, there’s still time to train for a marathon, and you can build a kayak anytime you fancy. Ditto for learning a language or traveling. In fact, there’s no statute of limitations on lots of life’s better offerings.

The few areas that are roped off give some people the biggest grief. Few people really believe that motherhood is a great idea at 67. Nor is there much of a payoff to putting off stretching and exercising until gravity does you in. Today is the day to write down what you really want to accomplish before they cart you away. Here are some entries for consideration:

• Am I going to fling myself into a career? If I do, will I be able to hit the pause button long enough to explore family-making possibilities, if that’s in my anticipatory future?

• Will I live alone for part of my life to find out who I am? And will I do that before or after I weld myself to another human for an ever-after of eternal romance and sharing Teflon pots?

• Do I want to live farther than 27 feet from my birthplace/parents/friends/university? When will I do this? Have I gathered the brochures on vaccines and visas necessary for a hike to New Guinea?

• How important is it that I achieve my personal bests? Do I need to finish the 12K run in under two hours?

Life is like a piñata—you know there’s good stuff in there, but it sure takes a lot of motivation and a stick to break through. But don’t be afraid to bend over and reach out for what you want. As Oscar Wilde once said, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”

By Matthew and Adam Toren

It’s that time of year again! The champagne has been popped, we’ve stayed up until midnight with Dick Clark, we’ve reminisced about the past year, and we’ve made some resolutions for this New Year. The year 2009 is sure to be an exciting and interesting time for small-business owners, and New Year’s resolutions are a great way to get yourself focused on a productive year of business. If you’ve found it difficult to stick to yours, we have a few resolution suggestions that will keep you moving onward and upward as the months go by. It’s never too late to make some resolutions.

1. Keep your chin up.

This is one of those “harder than it sounds” resolutions. Let’s face it: things are looking gloomy for a lot of businesses during the current recession, and if you have a small business, you may be holding on for dear life right now. But the reality is that no matter how hard it gets, being discouraged and panicking will only make it worse. In fact, you can literally sabotage yourself by worrying so much that you end up manifesting your fears. Instead, resolve to stay positive and keep yourself from dwelling on the “what ifs.”

2. Invest in your continuing education.

Many of us become so engrossed in running our businesses that we may forget how important it is to continue educating ourselves in order to stay competitive. Make a commitment to periodically enroll in training, seminars, and classes that can keep you up to date on the rapidly changing practices and technologies in the marketplace. It may mean setting aside some time and spending a little money, but in the end it really is an investment in your business.

3. Take care of yourself.

You simply cannot ignore your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and expect to be successful. Granted, hard work and dedication are essential to making a small business work, but it must also be tempered with rest and relaxation; exercise, nutrition and sleep; nurturing relationships and taking time to enjoy your family. If you find yourself unbalanced more often than not, sit down and evaluate how you can reprioritize your time to better take care of you.

4. Set specific, attainable goals.

Goal setting is one of the most basic of business practices; but the key to reaching your goals is making sure they are both specific and attainable. Having small weekly, monthly, and quarterly goals is a great way to keep yourself moving forward toward your larger annual goals; and it keeps you from being overwhelmed by the idea of attacking the big goals all at one time.

5. Celebrate your successes.

Reaching your goals is great, but to really make them count, it’s important to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate them, too. Share your successes with friends, family, and employees. Reward yourself in small ways—perhaps going to dinner or taking the afternoon off to play golf—as a way to recognize your own hard work.

6. Read a new book each month.

One of the most common characteristics of successful people is that they continually stimulate their minds and spend their free time reading about ways to improve themselves. This year, make a resolution to read a new book each month. Short books can be finished with less than ten minutes of reading a day, and you’ll find yourself mulling over the new ideas you’re reading about while sitting in traffic or waiting in line. There are plenty of free e-books online that you can download and enjoy, too!

7. Start a blog.

If you have a business and you don’t have a blog, you need to get one. Blogging has never been more popular or easier, and it doesn’t have to be a complicated process. A simple blog to announce new products, let people know about special promotions, or just relay industry information to your clientele is absolutely invaluable. A blog is free and easy to maintain, and it will give you additional visibility on the Internet, which will only help your business grow.

8. Remember your mission!

One of the first things you probably did when you started up your business is write a mission statement. You should say your mission statement out loud every single day. Staying focused on the purpose of your business and your higher goals is what will guide you as you make day-to-day decisions.

9. Take a vacation.

Some people literally go years without taking a vacation. That is no way to live. Your business will only benefit you if you are rejuvenated and refreshed on a regular basis. Taking a vacation means spending time away from your work. If you are like me, you will want to have access to e-mails, and it’s totally fine to check them periodically. Whether you sit in your backyard and read cheesy novels or take a two-week hike through the Brazilian rain forest, take time off from work and let yourself remember the reasons you started your business in the first place.

10. Have fun.

Starting up and running a business is hard work, but if you are miserable, there’s no point to doing it. Learn to enjoy your challenges and have fun with your work. Make a resolution to smile and laugh during work. Your enthusiasm will attract new clients and will carry you through the difficult days when you are struggling to make things work.

Starting up and running a business is an everyday adventure. As the New Year progresses, use some of our suggested resolutions, or make your own. We’d love to hear about your plans for 2009. E-mail us at info@northvalleymagazine.com.