PHXations—Saturday, May 29

The BBC catches wind of the ‘Dora the Illegal’ meme that has been circulating through the various social media sphere’s:

For almost a decade, the doe-eyed cartoon heroine has been one of the most prominent Hispanic characters on children’s television in the US. Her TV show has spawned a global empire, with her smiling face appearing on everything from lunch boxes to computer games. But as the controversy over illegal immigration has intensified, Dora has been drawn into the political debate.

[…]

The Dora police mugshot was originally created last year by Debbie Groben of Sarasota, Florida, for a contest on the fake news site FreakingNews.com.

More on Mayor Gordon’s slush fund

“It’s troublesome to me (that) people are basically writing checks to the mayor for his discretionary use,” said Fred Solop, chairman of the department of politics and international affairs at Northern Arizona University.

It raises lot of questions, he said: “Under what auspices is the money raised? If there was purpose, who is governing that?”

Another celebrity obit (New York Times):

Dennis Hopper, whose portrayals of drug-addled, often deranged misfits in the landmark films “Easy Rider,” “[Apocalypse Now]”(http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/2675/Apocalypse-Now/overview)“ and “Blue Velvet” drew on his early out-of-control experiences as part of a new generation of Hollywood rebel, died Saturday at his home in Venice, Calif. He was 74.

The cause was complications from metastasized prostate cancer, according to a statement issued by Alex Hitz, a family friend.

Hopefully the celebrity deaths won’t overshadow the remembrance of the true heros this weekend: our Veterans.

Phoenician spend an average of $33 a month on coffee. More than San Francisco, Denver or Tucson. (HT Chris Tingom)

AZCentral.com reports on another example of our state’s misplaced priorities:

Neighborhoods in 10 locations around the Valley would get more relief from freeway noise under a $26 million plan that could begin later this year.

The Maricopa Association of Governments and the Arizona Department of Transportation plan to build or replace noise walls along freeways in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria and other parts of the northwest Valley.