Big Brain Update: Phoenix Playwright Kim Porter

Leading up to this year’s Big Brain Awards, we’re checking in with past winners. Up today: Kim Porter. Kim Porter wants to do something new this year. The playwright is planning to push her story about strangers trying to not fall for each other, The Condom, to the max. Maybe…

Big Brain Update: Artist Joseph “Sentrock” Perez

Leading up to this year’s Big Brain Awards, we’re checking in with past winners. Up today: Joseph “Sentrock” Perez. Joseph “Sentrock” Perez may have moved to Chicago since winning a Big Brain Award in 2011, but the artist’s presence in Phoenix hasn’t waned. He returned to town for “Generations: Inspiration…

The Creative Center of Scottsdale Set to Open in Summer 2014

If you’ve driven through Old Town Scottsdale recently, you may have noticed some new changes on the horizon, starting with Sip Coffee & Brew House at the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Osborn roads. The new eatery is just a first taste of The Creative Center of Scottsdale, a community…

I Dated the Pretentious Bigfoot of Phoenix

Courting Disaster is Jackalope Ranch’s weekly column of dating horror stories, observations, how-tos, and more by Katie Johnson. Names of ex-boyfriends, past hookups, and bad blind dates have been changed to protect the guilty. They say there’s someone for everyone. Not true. Some people are dicks. And, as someone who’s…

Big Brain Update: Phoenix Performer and Activist Dulce Juarez

Leading up to this year’s Big Brain Awards, we’re checking in with past winners. Up today: Dulce Juarez. You might call Dulce Juarez a two-for-one. The performer and activist transitions between (and blends) the worlds of art and politics in compelling and creative ways. That’s a major reason why she…

Big Brain Update: Designer and Illustrator Jon Ashcroft

Leading up to this year’s Big Brain Awards, we’re checking in with past winners. Up today: Jon Ashcroft. Jon Ashcroft’s on the move. The illustrator and designer won a Big Brain Award in 2012 and moved to Seattle soon after. Since then, he’s ventured back several times — only to…

5 Places to Buy Vintage Video Games in Metro Phoenix

Sure, the high-tech features and high-definition graphics of the Xbox One and PS4 are great. But sometimes, it’s hard not to get nostalgic for running and jumping with Mario and Sonic or crushing your friends in Mortal Combat and Street Fighter. If you want to relive some childhood memories or…

Phoenix Is a Great City for Single Women, Apparently

Courting Disaster is Jackalope Ranch’s weekly column of dating horror stories, observations, how-tos, and more by Katie Johnson. Names of ex-boyfriends, past hookups, and bad blind dates have been changed to protect the guilty. Where are all my single ladies at? On their way to Phoenix, apparently. A recent report…

Arizona Is Full of Douchebags, According to Estately

When it comes to picking a place to party, a lot of things need to be factored in: the venue, the driving, and of course, the potential number of douchebags you’re going to encounter While douchebaggery isn’t that hard to spot — what with the man jewelry, tight shirts, and…