THE TREE
(Picture of this tree on main page)

By: Benjamin Balsz

It was really rather small when I first came across it, the poor little pine tree. Small among the towering Oaks and Ponderosa's that surrounded it with their canopy and shelter. Poor little pine tree. I felt sad when I first saw it. I could easily surround the trunk with two encircled hands and have room left over. The sadness was because about a foot out of the ground, the tree had somehow been bent over at a 90 degree angle. There didn't seem to be too much damage at the bend, but the tree actually was parallel to the ground almost it's entire length. It's branches pointed in their new found unusual directions, still searching for light, but I felt it was all in vain and felt the tree wouldn't last very long. Life, whether it be Human, Animal or otherwise, is life just the same and it's eventual passing in what should be it's youth was not a pleasant thought. The thing that stood out were three little branches that stood straight up from the trunk, almost like little tree's of their own growing from the horizontal trunk below. Stretching upward toward the sky in their attempt at life, it seemed there was a lot of life left in that little guy. Being near one of my favorite hidden campsites, I was afforded the chance to 'Check' on my little friend once in awhile. I find solice and spiritual renewal in myself by experiancing and seeing life moving forward through arduous conditions.
Then, many years passed where I couldn't go out to some of my favored spots. As a result, it was a good ten years before I went to that certain camp site again. It felt good being in the old place, wood pile still there 10 yrs later just as I left it, the trees and animals still the same. Still, there was a longing, an emptiness. I hesitatingly went for a walk down that certain road where my little friend used to reside, knowing I would be disappointed in it's absence. My little pine, well, not mine, but you know what I mean. I walked the road, looked and looked. I did not find the little pine. I can't describe what I felt, almost like losing a lifelong friend, yet, this pine and I were but mere aquaintances, my passing ship seeking comfort in the glow of the lighthouse. I was truly saddened.
Walking back toward camp, head hung low, I chanced to hear a pinecone detatch from some high location above me and quickly looked up to see if I could catch a glimpse of it while it enjoyed it's free-fall to the ground below. What I saw made my mouth drop open.
A tree, a very large, huge tree, must have been 4 feet in diameter at the trunk, bent over way above the ground, leaving the tree running horizontal to the ground but about 6 feet in the air. And growing from that horizon like trunk were four, yes, four TREES. Not branches, but full thick trunked tree's shooting far into the above forest canopy.
It was the pine, my friend, the little tree. The tree I though had the least chance of surviving, the tree I felt so sad for was now this magnificent towering piece of Art that I just couldn't believe. I was dumbfounded. Then, inside, a thought awoke, and made me see that the journey and life of the little pine was just like the paths many people have taken. The little guy, feeling no good, defeated, having no value. What an eye-opener. The tree is the forest version to me of the old 'Ugly Duckling' story, and in that little tree, that little pine, my little friend, I found not just a tree, but myself. I may be a small tree, but I'll keep on growing as best as I can, and, who knows. Perhaps someday, I too, will peer over the top of the forest canopy while sheltering the smaller pines, below. I can only hope.
Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year. May you all have a safe and spiritually enlightening season, and God Bless you.

Arizona History Briefs
By: Benjamin Balsz

The Superstitions
I remember my mother used to say these were her
mountains. I wonder how many people in this state
feel that way. I introduced myself to the mountains
back in the 80's when I spent alot of my free time
roaming the state whenever I could. Still do, just
not as much. My first venture into these hills was
one night at midnight when the idea for a midnight
hike seemed like a plan. After parking at the end of
the Don Peralta Trailhead, I was just about to get my
flashlight, when I realized there wasn't one there.
"Nope, we're going to hone our nighttime skills", this
remark coming calmly from my friend Ed. Indeed, the
stars were cast across the sky in their milky blanket
way and you could kind-of see, a little. Well, we
bounded off into the dark, stumbling here and there on
who knows what. It was about 3 am when we were on the
side of some rocky hill, climbing upward, as up was
the only way to go. Getting tired, a rest was in
order. I put my backpack behind my head and dropped
right off to sleep. If only I knew. I awoke to
morning light, and at that time noticed the very small
ledge the night had been spent on. To take a half
step in any direction would have meant a 200 foot
fall. Funny, it didn't look like that last night.
Well, at least we were still there. We headed over in
the general vicinity of weavers needle as it's a great
landmark to head for.
You just have to remember the proper way back. All
the books and stories I heard about the mountains
filled my head as I wandered about them. Did Jacob
Waltz, walzer, whatever, really have a mine (The Lost
Dutchman)? I tend to believe otherwise but only
because of the wealth of material available to read on
this topic. One belief is that the gold came from the
area between Globe and Florence and was skillfully
packed through the Superstitions to give the
appearance it was from there. I've had shotguns put
in my face when I've inadvertadly stumbled on
someone's active gold claim out in the middle of
nowhere in my ghost town pursuits, so I could believe
one would go through great efforts to protect their
own cashe way back then, especially if it was a rich
find. Tell too many people, and it becomes like a
desert beer party. Soon, you have people coming out
of the woodworks in search of free beer, or, in this
case, gold.
Another story, more believed, is that he found an old
Native american mine where gold was more a by-product
than a desired material (Gold belonged to the
Kachina's who are the thunder Gods who reside here).
The malachite and copper ores were more ornamental and
colorful. I guess it would be interesting to
chronical all the events in all their different
versions. But, believe it or not, I know where the
real treasure is because I have the record (total
confusion now fills the readers mind).
The Hage twins buried a certificate worth ,000.00
in the superstitions and then made an album telling
all about it through clues in the songs. This album
was released back in the 70's or 80's and speaking
with family recently, the prize has yet to be found.
The copy I have was given to me by the family, and is
still in it's shrink wrap. I love looking for
treasure in the deserts and mountains, but my kind of
treasure isn't gold or silver or copper. It's in the
tree's, plants, wildlife and breath that being out in
the wild affords. This is why I never opened the
album. (I can give you label and release information
on the album, just E-mail. -- --)
I'll leave that temptation for another seeker of those
kinds of fortune. My treasure lies in the
superstitions, in the way my mother carried them in
her heart. It's more a feeling I can't describe. To
this day, Every time I embrace the mountains, I open
my eyes and ears patiently awaiting for nature to
bestow her secret wonders treasures upon me. I have
seldom been disappointed.




Arizona History Briefs
By: Benjamin Balsz

Day Trips
Arizona is a wonderful place to take 'Day Trips'.
A Day Trip simply is a journey that takes a day or
less (I tend to lump a few together and camp out
between, not really day trips, but wonderful
nevertheless).
So how do you plan a day trip? Well, first think
where you want to go or what you want to do. For
example, if you've never been to Pine or Strawberry,
there's a place to go. Then pick the route offering
the scenery and/or time requirements for the trip
(There and back), pack your bags and off you go. Day
trips don't have overnight accomodation problems
(Unless you break down) and with our states
outstanding differences in landscapes, it's possible
to traverse the deserts to the high mountains in just
a few hours, and of course, the more diverse the
scenery, the better the photo opportunities. A good
two day trip would be Jerome. Going there, you could
pass through Flagstaff, Winslow, Payson, Pine, Campe
Verde, Cottonwood or Clarkdale depending on how you
route yourself.
I find that for the best success, a road trip should
be done during the week, avoiding busy weekends and
holidays as these times tend to have clogged roads and
services no matter where you go. I like visiting
towns on the 'Off Days' so I can see what life's
really like there, and experiance the real thing.
People tend to be more polite and helpful too when
they aren't besieged with tourists.
I carry a camera, so I know I look like a tourist, but
you never know. I love the state and seek out the
hidden nooks and cranny's and a camera is a great ally
to record the amazing things that (could) happen.
So, whatever your love, Day Trips offer a change of
pace, relaxation (depending on the trip) and something
to do. Also, you don't have to go to a 'Special'
town. Even the next one down the road could offer the
variety you seek. Even a trip to the outlet stores
could qualify dor a day trip. Just make sure to enjoy
the view and people along the way (Being respectful of
cultural diversity and our states lands).
{Caution: Safety is the utmost so be sure you have a
dependable vehicle and emergency/safety supplies
should a mishap occur. It's best to be prepared. A
mobile phone is great, but have some sort of backup in
case you get in an area without service. Assuring
safety assures a good trip with minimal conflicts.}
Here's some places you may want to make a day trip to.
Globe/Miami, Chinlee, Flagstaff, Meteor Crater,
Rainbow Natural Bridge, The Grand Canyon, and many
more. All these are within our grasp. We have only
to reach out.



Arizona History BriefsBy: Benjamin BalszArizona FirstsHere's some stuff for you Arizona History trivia fans. I thought I'd address some of Arizona's First's.The First Capital?Camp Clark in Little Chino Valley is said to have beenthe first, moving only three to four months later toPrescott which got the title until Nov 1, 1867 when itwas moved to Tucson. Later, it moved back to prescottand then moved to Phoenix in January of 1899.The First Printing Press?A Washington Hand Press #25 made in Cincinnati Ohiowas the first, arriving in Tubac on a route via CapeHorn and Guaymas in 1858.The First Newspaper?'The Arizonian' published in Tubac (Hmmmm, a presshelps) by Colonel Ed. Cross It had 4 pages and 4columns and came out in early 1859. The Arizona Highways Magazine? Vol. 1, No. 1 came out in April of 1925 and basicallyspoke about roads and highway projects in thestate.The magazine was devoted to the interest in agood road system in the state.The First Cattle? The first are believed to have been brought in byFather Kino to the Southern Missions near Tucsonbetween 1690-1700. The First Christmas Tree?According to a story by Elizabeth Toohey in theDecember 1934 Arizona Highways, it was erected inPrescott Christmas day in 1865.The First Governor?John Gurley of Ohio, Appointed by Lincoln March 4th,1863, he died in Washington in early august of thesame year and never assumed office.The First Counties?Castle Dome, Ewell, Mesilla and Dona Ana. SylvesterMowry, elected first and second delegate to Congress,but not admitted got a map out and divided Arizonainto the four a-fore mentioned counties. The bill,known as 'The Gwin Measure', never passed congress. In 1864, the First Territorial Legislation organizedand came up with Yuma, Pima, Mohave and Yavapai.The First Arizona History Brief?Actually aired as a :30 second ad on a local FM radiostation, then adapted to print especially for 'TheMaverick'.The First ???? If you have some 'Firsts' for Arizonain your family history, I'd like to hear about them.



Arizona History Briefs
By: Benjamin Balsz


SO AWHILE BACK......
I wrote about doing family histories and I'd like to
alter that view just a tad and focus on individual
histories.
Namely, yours. What's transpired in the world since
you've been around?
I never really thought about it on a personal level,
but have since applied the thought and found quite a
listing in my own personal and non-personal history
backlogs.
I first remember living in a farm style three story
house on a hill where Red and Black Raspberries and
Rhubarb were something to eat when you were out
playing. Kennedy was deeply involved in the Cuban
Missle Crisis and came on TV to let us know.
I remember the first record I ever saw, I mean really
took a close look at it on the turntable. Of course
being 3, my arm knocked the needle across the disc in
a screeching horror. My fourth birthday was going
great, until Kennedy was shot in Dallas. I remember
how many people were crying, holding each other in
grieving loss of a president and an almost etheric
persona.
Then I lived in a bigger house, a 20 room Tudor style.
It was one of about 6 or 7 houses of such stature on
a circle type drive. The back lawn emptied out
unhindered onto a golf course pond. That was nice.
The not so nice aspect saw the number of people who
lived in these huge castles unhappy, money not being
the answer and I remember our neighbors wife who
started the car in the garage and read a book to end
her sufferings. Money. Not everything people think
it is. That was in New Jersey and it was also at a
time when the tensions, racially, between the blacks
and whites were easily sparked into violent
confrontations. Strange, that I did not notice it at
the time for my family shared life and were not bound
by race or culture and my friends were just that.
Friends, not colors or groups.

President Johnson had something to do with Vietnam,
and after this occurred, I remember America banding
together because we made it to the moon. School
stopped and every ear was turned to the radio or TV
for those words from SPACE. Then they got together
again rallying for and against Vietnam. Not knowing
all the whys or what for's made for a sticky domestic
situation but we have always been strongest at times
like these. Some still have the POW/MIA braclettes
being worn for those who have not returned. Nixon got
most of them out in '72. The boys were back in our
town.
Then the seventies. Polyester? Neon Orange? Hawaiin
shirts? And to think I was a part of it. I forget,
therefore, I wasn't. I joined the service and saw the
'world' in a different light, usually buildings
without windows. Then the Iran Contra affair came
along. The Shaw of Iran came to Wilford Hall Medical
Center on Lackland Air Force Base in San Antone,
Texas, hmmmm, 'bout 1/2 a mile from my door. John
Lennon was shot. President Reagan has an attempt made
on his life, thankfully unsuccessful. A few other
fights here and there, the Gulf war which seemed more
like playing nintendo for a day than the reality that
it was, for some of us. Others know. There was the
Oklahoma Bombing, the World Trade Center and now
global awareness that it could be in your own
backyard. I haven't and won't mention those close to
me who have passed on. As far as our neighbors, A
friend of mine, Adam Milman, said it best when he said
that we should all be aware and tolerant of cultural
diversity. I agree as that is what we in this country
are.

This is just a history I came up with of events Seen
and Done within my few years. I can and do call many
places home, but I an first and formost a 4th
generation Arizona native. Make your own list. You
may just get an 'A'!.


Arizona History Briefs
By: Benjamin Balsz

We all know that mining has been and still is a major
industry here in the state. But what has been mined?
I thought I'd take a look at just a few old mines to
see what they were after. Of course, Gold rates right
up there as the mineral to find, and it has been found
all over our state, from the cracks and crevaces of
the high peaks to the lowest beds in some of the dry
river beds that cover Arizona from head to toe. The
Vulture Mines, near Wickamburg and Aguila, was so
abundant that a town sprang up right at the mines,
Vulture City. On a personal note, the tree that became
the hanging tree at the Vulture mines started out as a
childrens swing. My Great-Grandmothers. ALso, near
Vulture, There was a claim nearby called Angel Camp
which lured investors seeking to buy good Gold Claims
that actually were nothing but words. Created to take
the money of people willing to believe in gold dreams,
it was nothiong but a grand hoax. You might say that
the Miners were mined for their money.
Tip Top, a mine and small town high up in the Southern
Bradshaw Mountains, began as a silver mine (A Tip Top
Prospect). When silver prices fell, the mine began
selling an altenate mineral found there. Tungsten.
This mine and town eventually were abandoned.The Tip
Top mines also employed chinese laborers in those
days, and there are a few cemetaries of interest there
if you've the talent to find them. Kind of like
Congress, which has three. One being current, one
being from the past, and yet another hidden among the
desert scrub that's even older. These are watched by
residents who do not like to part with their location
to most folk. Just down the hill from Tip Top are the
remains of the old Mica Mule Mine, where they mined
for Mica (Biotite) deposits in the hard quartz that
fills the area there. Mica was used I believe for
Insulating purposes in stoves and the like. So, not
only did Silver and Gold come from the Bradshaws, but
Tungsten and Mica also.
Once a prospector walking Pinal creek near a place
called 'Radium', found a large globe, or ball, of
silver about 9 inches in diameter. It was 99% pure
and valued at ,000.00. A Commonly accepted story
for the origin of the town named Globe, one certain
fact is that the silver was rich. In it's mining,
other, less valuble ores were cast aside. When silver
prices fell (as above), the value of the Copper Ore
was finally realized and has been the biggest thing
mined there ever since. In a 1929 District Report,
it shows that there had been production of over
,000,000.00 in Gold and Silver, but over
,000,000.00 in Copper from Globe.
So there are just a few of the items mined here. Gold,
Silver, Copper, Tungsten, Mica and even peole have
been mined. There are a vast assortment of minerals
beneath our lands. Researching into what's out there
may open a new world to you.
My kind of mining is finding great rocks for the yard
and home, from the hand-held to the
truck-moved.Besides, If I know there's an area where I
may find certains stones (Like big sections of Clear
Quartz or Garnet beds) I love going out there and
making a camping trip of the whole thing. There's also
nothing like fresh coffee at four a.m. under a blanket
of stars and just a moment away from first light.
Always seems to taste best right around then.
Anyway, on your next outing, check out the rocks in
the area, bring a few home and find out what they are
and why they are there. You may find a 'Gold Mine' of
information just around the next
page.


Where the heck is Bill?
Still here. I've just been on the go here and there doing those things we all must do in life. I hear that 'Tounge-N-Groove' is now playing at the Black Bull. I got a chance to see them at Helga's (Show Low East Lounge) about a month back and they were fun and entertaining. I even got to sit in for a set and I wish to thank them for that. I had a blast. So, if your in the bull area, check them out and E-mail me with what you think of them.
If you were an Indy Live listener, you know that I am no longer on the air. This was by my doing and by my choice. I apologize that you can't hear it on FM anymore (for the time being) and that I didn't have time to tell you before my last show, but I have taken Indy Live to the club scene. I still play the Independents of all styles and genre's from artists and bands from around the world, but do it now in Holbrook at The Mesa Sports Bar and Grill every friday and saturday night from 9 to 1. I actually play everything from the 50's on up to the present in commercial and independent music and you can even do Karaoke if you want. Imagine. Karaoke, Commercial and Independent D.J'ing and all together in one package on the same night. It's a force to be reckoned with. Of course Indy Live is still going and growing and you can still find out more about it and the changes it's been going through at the Indy Live website which is also how you can find out how to get you band or materials played on the show or in the local clubs. This will also be a good way to keep informed as to where and when it will be on the radio waves next. Even when I get back on the air, I think I'll keep a version of Indy Live in the club scene somewhere and am even going to be putting Indy Live compilations in jukeboxes here and there in the next month or so thanks to some great club owners who have agreed to carry it. So if you see the Indy Live compilations on the boxes in your area, give them a spin. You just may find a new band to love. If you want Indy Live compilations in your establishment, let me know. I provide the CD's virtually free as I'm not in it for the $, but rather to get these great upcoming musicians heard, and besides, when the artists make it, you can say you were there before they made it big. Groundbreaking stuff. Ask Hollywood, TV, etc. Independents are the cutting edge, the new styles before they become fads and popular. It's great to get in on the ground floor and most trade mags will confirm that the Independent scene is what leads to every new trend in music and film.
Speaking of new artists, there will be a group called TNT at the memorial hall in Whiteriver Saturday night (Aug 31). There were there back during the election celebrations a few months ago so if you saw them then, you know who I am talking about. I think they're a rap based band but don't quote me on that. The sound company handeling the gig informed me they'd be there so a big thanks to them for that, otherwise you wouldn't be reading it here. I am happy to help you promote your band or musical endeavors, be it on a professional level, a college band or whatever. I just want to see the entertainment options grow up here so there's more places to go and more things to do and see.
I was askied why I do this? Am I making big bucks? No. But I have the richness of knowing I'm at least trying to bring good entertainment to everyone. I'm just like you in many aspects and want something to do that's interesting and that I don't have to drive to Phoenix for. How about racing? To alot of folk, the sound of racing cars zipping around a track is music to their ears. A good movie is music for the soul. A good night of dancing is music to the muscles and even helps if oyur on a diet. Eat to much last night? Work it off another night by dancing or whatever. Just get out there and do something.
If your not the kind of person who likes to go out, all these can be enjoyed at home. Racing on the TV, music on the stereo or dancing in the dark. We all need relaxation and stress relief because this world sometimes gets to everyone. Seeing people happy is the true payment and my true reward for MUES'IK and I. Ask anyone. They'll tell you I'm not rich. Not in money, but the richness that comes from simply bringing a smile to even just one person. To me, there are no greater riches.
(If you want your event, band or such mentioned here, just drop me a line. . Iam no longer with Petracom/KRFM, but I'm still with all of you, and for this I say Thank-you.