Wow, the weather is nice.  Downtown is looking great as construction of the light rail and other projects wrap up.  It's a world of difference from the downtown that I explored when I first arrived in Arizona in 2003.  Tonight a friend stopped over after she got off of work and we decided to take a bike ride from my house in Central Park up to Cibo for some pizza, wine and desert.  There was no wait for a table.  The food was great as expected.  We sat out on the patio.  The temperature was perfect.  Ahh yes, now I remember why I live in Arizona.  If you haven't been downtown lately I suggest that you bring some bikes and explore.  It's easy and safe to get around by bicycle and the weather is great for it.  I plan to attend the Mayor's "State of Downtown" speech tomorrow at the new Sheridan Hotel.  I'm sure he'll be talking about all of the great projects that have completed or are near completion.  I'm sure under normal economic conditions that these projects would spawn a ton of small businesses that would be popping up everywhere downtown.  However, most small businesses require a loan for startup capital.  These loans are close to impossible to come by right now so downtown isn't as vibrant has I hoped it would be by now.  But I'm still glad I moved here.  There's still plenty to do.  The small town feel in the city is kind of cool too.  And even though the choices for things to do are not as numerous as they could be the quality of options are much better than you'd find in Tempe or Scottsdale in my opinion.  If you are someone who has considered moving downtown this economic downturn is kind of good for you.  Get in while the getting is still good.  It looks like your getting in while good time has been extended.  For how long?  Who knows?  I know for right now there are cheap houses available down here(less than 150K).  If I had more money I'd buy another one. 

 -Mark