Feeding the tree of knowledge

What’s Cracking Good — Classes

I love classes.

Since I’ve started freelancing, I’m constantly taking classes; Either to get a sampling of something new or go more in-depth about something I already knew.

In the past 6 months, I’ve taken classes on CSS,  gardening, raising chickens, cooking with chilis and master gardening. I’ve looked at classes for jewelry making, ceramics, Japanese, Spanish, wax casting and about 20 other things.

For awhile, it became a point of slight embarrassment when the answer to the “What are you doing?” question became consistently, “I’m taking a class in (fill in the blank).”

That said, there are SO many great places to take classes…some expensive, some no-reason-to-pass-up cheap. Here are a few places to try:

• The city
• Community colleges
• Local organizations (Phoenix Permaculture Guild)
• Local business (Sweet Basil Gourmet)
• Mesa Arts Center

Anything I’m missing?

Phoenix things to do: August 28 – 31

FRIDAY
944 Birthday Bash
In honor of its 8th birthday, 944 is having a 3 day bash starting Friday. Visit the W Hotel in Scottsdale for an array of DJs …and probably some outstanding people-watching.

944 is 8 party
W Hotel
7277 E. Camelback Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
7 p.m. – 2 a.m.

SATURDAY
Planning your Garden @ Scottsdale Home & Garden Expo
Master Gardener Doreen Pollack dishes about good planting practices for the fall season.

Scottsdale Home & Garden Expo Center
13802 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Requested donation: $10

Miniature Tigers @ the Ice House
I’ve heard precious little about this show, but word on the street (and a few places online) say it’s on…early.

6 p.m.
The Icehouse
429 W Jackson St
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-257-8929
Free

Def Leppard @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
My very favorite ’80s hairband is coming to Cricket Pavilion. I remember taking my younger sister to Compton Terrace in the late ’80s to see them for her birthday. I was  wearing my newly-ripped jeans, she was wearing those sandals with change-able laces. Good times. Oh yeah, Poison and Cheap Trick are going to be there too.

Def Leppard with Poison & Cheap
Cricket Wireless Pavilion
2121 N. 83rd Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
Tickets are $29.50-125
8 p.m.

Phoenix things to do: July 17-19

FRIDAY
Get free stuff @ Bliss Scottsdale at the W Hotel
Friday’s the last day to pick up your free goodies from Bliss, which includes water, a Fairytale Brownie, Bliss products, and coupons for future Bliss treatments. Just drive up to the salon…and honk. They’ll bring your gift to your car!

Bliss Scottsdale at the W
7277 E Camelback Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
10 a.m to 1 p.m and 5 to 8 p.m.

Go see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
If you didn’t get in line at midnight on Tuesday to see the first showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, you have all weekend to partake. Darkness descends on the wizard and muggle world, and Harry must help Dumbledore figure out how to defeat He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. The story is exciting, the effects are amazing…and you know…it’s Harry Potter.

Get showtimes

SATURDAY
Free nutrition clinic @ Karve Studio
Break the dieting cycle and learn how to make eating well a part of your regular lifestyle.

Karve Studio
7154 E. Stetson Drive Suite 215
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Saturday, July 18
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Derby Dames @ the Coliseum
The Runaway Brides will battle the Schoolyard Scrappers, and the Bombshells will go against the Brutal Beauties at this roller skating rumble. Watch and be afraid.

Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
1826 W. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
6:30 p.m.
$12, $20 VIP (adults and children), and free general admission for children 12 and younger.
For more information, www.arizonaderbydames.com

SUNDAY
Make applesauce in one morning
Got apples? Join Heather Welch and learn to make applesauce that will last for the next year….all in one morning.

The Urban Farm
6750 N. 13th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85014
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$15
Note: Bring small jam or jelly jars, new lids and rings.