This week on Arizona Illustrated…one local food truck is serving up grilled cheese and opportunities for our special needs community; a desert plant that provides beautiful yellow flowers all year; the tiniest of world records now resides at the University of Arizona; Giddy up at the annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival and start the new year with some awe at Meteor Crater.
Special Eats Food Truck
Tamara Varga couldn’t find a job for his 16-yer-old son with autism – so she created one. Alongside with her business partner Bill Harman, she created an inclusive environment and workplace for people with special needs, where the glue of the business is grilled cheese and love.
Desert Plants – Yellow Bells
Thousands of native or drought-tolerant plants can be grown in the Sonoran Desert, providing a colorful and intriguing options for the garden. Some plants can provide amazing color or food for pollinators, nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, and visual and textural appeal to homeowners. Yellow Bells or Tecoma stans is great option if you love an abundance of yellow flowers all year long.
World’s Fastest Electron Microscope
The Guinness World Record for developing the world’s fastest electron microscope now belongs to the University of Arizona, thanks to breakthroughs made by Associate Professor of Physics and Optical Sciences, Mohammed Hassan. The microscope is so fast that it can match the speed of electrons in motion, meaning that it can resolve clear images of these subatomic particles in real time and space. Soon researchers might be able to use the microscope to better understand the mysterious realm of quantum mechanics.
Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival
The Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival is a celebration of Arizona's ranching history and cowboy traditions. Held at the historic Empire Ranch, the event features live music, western reenactments, skilled horsemanship, and activities for all ages.
Field Notes Meteor Crater
Ever wondered what it feels like to stand at the edge of a crater formed by a massive meteorite impact? Join producer David Fenster on a journey to Meteor Crater Natural Landmark, as he experiences the power of nature and explores the emotion of awe.
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