By Crystal Carson
Photography by Fiona Garden for NOBASURA.com
Makeup: Jennifer Karsten for MAC Cosmetics
Hair: Kevin Anderson for Gstudio
Stylist and Producer: Crystal Carson for Mode Models
Models:
Kyli is a model for sim-agency.com
Levi is a model for sim-agency.com
Horse provided by Linda Leslie of Twin L Performance Horses, twinlperformance.com
Location: Carefree Resort & Villas, carefree-resort.com

The naturally wild textures of fur, suede, and leather bring a western flair to the fashion of fall 2008. The fusion of tradition and trend make this a unique collection of garments.

Man leaning on saguaro and woman standing with horse
KYLI
Gray microknit wrap sweater / BCBG Max Azria / Saks Fifth Avenue / $318
Rosary necklace / Guess / $20

LEVI
Brown ostrich cowboy boot / 1883 by Lucchese / Sheplers / $399.99
Gold aviators / YSL / Saks Fifth Avenue / $295
Toby Keith cowboy hat / Sheplers / $29.99
Dark denim slim boot-cut jeans / Joes / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $178
Dark brown duster jacket / Outback Trading Co. / Sheplers / $99

In Front of Store
LEVI
Brown felt cowboy hat / Scala / Sheplers / $39.99
Brown micro-cord trouser / Michael Kors / Saks Fifth Avenue / $195
Turquoise and brown plaid men’s dress shirt / double S / Sheplers / $35
Leather stitched lapel lambskin blazer / Scully / Sheplers / $299.99
Brown leather cowboy boots / 1883 by Lucchese / Sheplers / $399.99

KYLI
Turquoise scrolled leather belt / Sheplers / $65
Straw cowboy hat with blue detail / Scala / Sheplers / $29.99
Beige with blue yoke and floral embroidery shirt / Scully / Sheplers / $69.99
Brown skinny riding pant / Vince / Saks Fifth Avenue / $210
Light brown suede slouchy cowboy boot / Durango / Sheplers / $279.99

Woman on horse
KYLI
Jimmy Choo black suede fringe boot (bill) / Jimmy Choo / $1,295
Leopard print-trim rouched athletic shirt / Jaquette / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $64
Dark denim skinny capri / Guess / $138
Chinchilla-fringe hooded vest jacket / Adriene Landau / Saks Fifth Avenue / $775
Brown leather wristband / Guess / $24
Silver charm bracelet / Guess / $30.00

Sitting by stream
KYLI
Embellished artisan beige silk dress / Danang / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $150
Beige suede bootie with white belt / Givenchy / Saks Fifth Avenue / $595
Lemon topaz, sardonyx, 18K vermeil dangle chain Y-style necklace / Devon Leigh / $725
Amber quartz in 14K gold-filled wire earrings / Devon Leigh / $375
Crystal belt / waistedfashions.com / $145

LEVI
Brown distressed leather boot / Mark Nason / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $415
Premium distressed denim / Guess / $168
Distressed white long-sleeve T-shirt / John Varvatos / Saks Fifth Avenue / $155
Gray leather jacket / Armani / Saks Fifth Avenue / $1,745

Chuck wagon
LEVI
Sunset relaxed-leg jeans / Guess / $158
Plaid sheer button-up shirt / Jon Havataras / Saks Fifth Avenue / $165
Vest / John Havtos / $224

KYLI
Jerry ultra-skinny / William Rast / Scottsdale Jean Co. / $189
White bustier / Guess / $69
24K gold-wrapped white agate earrings / Devon Leigh / $298
Christie Vest / 100 percent cotton yarn-dye “dotted stripe” / Lily and Jae / Covet / $124

Close-Up
LEVI
White embroidered yoke men’s dress shirt / Scully / Sheplers / $72
Toby Keith cowboy hat / Sheplers / $29.99
Cowboy necktie / Sheplers / $59
Gold aviators / YSL / Saks Fifth Avenue / $295

KYLI
Brown suede vest / Cripple Creek / Sheplers / $139
White jersey bell-arm top / Guess / $59
Amber Y-style necklace / Devon Leigh / $525

By Matt Sheker

Summer was officially over last month, and yet many of us are still lighting up the barbecue and grilling some of our favorite meats because we just cannot let go. The smell of the food cooking makes you consider what bottle you are going to serve with your perfect dish.

There is a distinct difference between the wines we consume during the summertime and the wines we tend to drink during the winter months. Winter wines seem to be heavier reds that need a lot of decanting. Summer wines tend to be lighter and have more refreshing characteristics. But regardless, light or heavy, the wine must complement the barbecue dish you are serving.

Wines that pair well with barbecued food are different from everyday drinking wines. Most everyday drinking wines are enjoyed without food; they tend to have more fruit on the front of the palate and have less structure and little acid balance. Wines that have a little more character to them—complex flavors, wood, spice, coconut, smoke, richness, texture, and acidity—pair better with spicier foods. Pinot noirs, zinfandels and cabernets sauvignons have a longer finish, have more berry-flavored aromas, and complement rich BBQ dishes.

If you are more of a white wine drinker, then look for a white wine with loads of acidity. The acidity is the key, in not only the crispness of the wine but also in how long the flavor lasts and how the wine reacts with the food. All food-friendly wines of any color have good bright acidity as a common denominator. Wines less compatible with food have less acidity and tend to have higher alcohol content.

If you’re grilling up fresh seafood and serving salads, try a chardonnay from the subappellation of Alexander Valley, which is known for acidic wines. Chardonnays will have characteristics of butter, vanilla, spice, toast, and flavors of apples, lemons, melon, pineapple, and other tropical fruits that will complement a barbecue dish. This is the perfect accompaniment to oysters, seafood, and light poultry. Pinot grigio, viognier, and sauvignons blancs will have similar characteristics with more emphasis on tropical fruit.

When you think of the flavors brought on by grilling meat, you think big, bold, and appealing. Red wines should also be big wines—full-bodied, with forward fruit flavor, spice, and pepper, along with good acidity. Wines for barbecue should be able to support the succulence of the meat brought out by the slow cooking and not be overwhelmed by or compete with the spiciness and sweetness of the sauce.

You’ve spent a great deal of time preparing this sumptuous souvenir of summer by choosing the right meat, creating your own world-famous spices and rubs, and slow cooking the barbecue to perfection. Why not complement the entire experience with a peppery zinfandel from Dry Creek? Bon appétit.

By Cassaundra Brooks

Men’s Club is a high-end, full-service barbershop whose old-time tonsorial charm and masculine environment invites men to enjoy a myriad of services offered while they sit in comfortable leather chairs. Individual televisions, dark cherry wood, and sports memorabilia—some signed photos from actual Men’s Club clients—help create a full, relaxing experience.

Owner Sayat Stepanyan, along with his wife Gayane and his brother Armen, opened the shop four years ago and has focused on quality of service and professionalism from Day One. Perhaps this explains the number of sports stars who frequent Men’s Club, including Tom Chambers of the Phoenix Suns, former Coyotes goalie Sean Burke, former football player Dick Butkus, and golfer Fred Couples.

The world-famous product line they use and sell exclusively also gives them an edge over the competition. Truefitt & Hill produces some of best professional products for men and has enjoyed widespread popularity in both America and Europe for years. Men’s Club clients benefit from their pre-shave oils, shaving creams, aftershave balms, colognes, brushes, and hair and bath products. These items are all made with natural ingredients that do not contain any alcohol, menthol, benzocaine or dyes, all of which are agents that can irritate and numb the skin. King George III of England, Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, and John Wayne are among the political figures, singers, and actors who have been known to use Truefitt & Hill products.

The upscale barbershop’s long list of services gives men good reason to get that desperately needed haircut or a nice clean shave. While you’re getting that shampoo and haircut, razor cut, color, or perhaps that overdue shave, try the hot towel treatment, a facial, a manicure or pedicure, a wax, or a shoeshine. And if you complete your visit with a relaxing stress massage, you’ll likely think that you need a haircut a little more frequently from now on.

Visit mensclubbarberspa.com for more information on Men’s Club Barber & Spa or call (480) 538-0999 to set up an appointment. 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054

By Alfonso Gonzales

As the weather in the Valley starts to cool and the holidays approach, the change in temperature signals a change in fashion and style. A quick and easy way to change with the season and stay fresh and current is to transform your hair.

With the holidays just weeks away, you’ll want to sport the latest looks at the office party and nights on the town. Follow the Hollywood socialites and A-list celebrities this season and you’re likely to see some common hair trends that you can adapt to fit your style.

This season’s bob is hot, and you can see it worn on several celebrities. It is clean, yet versatile. The long bob, blunt bob, textured bob, and bob with a fringe are popular ways to modernize a classic style. Long bobs fall past the shoulders in length. To update this look, your stylist can add layers or even texturize the ends to add movement to the hair. Layers and texture will transform the look from a static, crisp style to a softer, more feminine feel once weight from the hair is removed. To capture an even edgier look, adding multiple uneven layers or “shredding” the hair will create a contemporary style sure to attract attention.

This season, several bobs include fringe, formally knows as bangs. Turn the pages of celebrity gossip magazines and you’ll see stars sporting their new bobs with various lengths of fringe. The Kate Moss fringe, for example, is nothing more than a long textured bang, so long that some pieces cover the eye. Moss’s bob has varied lengths that create movement and volume. Short and long pieces within the cut create movement and allow versatility in how you style your hair. You can have the look, too, so be brave—try it and embrace your wild side.

For those of you not ready to give up your longer hair for a bob, there are plenty of upstyles or updos for your holiday gathering. This season, you’ll see a combination of styles worn up and down. If you’re looking to style your hair into an updo, try a soft look that’s loosely pinned. Hair that flows with voluminous curls creates an elegant style that is always clean and classic.

The Hollywood glamour of the 1930s and 1940s are foundation for this season’s styles for hair left down. These styles have been updated with natural curls that are fanned away from the face, either with a middle or side part. Although reminiscent of a classic period, these styles can be modernized with texture and styling.

Whatever your plans are for this holiday season, consider a new look for your hair. Even a subtle change can bring fun and excitement to your holidays.

By Amy Vynalek
Photography by Jamie Peachey

Gary and Susan Atkins
Gary and Susan met more than seventeen years ago and have been married for eleven years. Ohio-born Gary has close to thirty years of worldwide experience in the financial service and asset management in the electronics industry. Susan moved from the Midwest to Phoenix at the age of ten. She worked in the semiconductor industry in The Netherlands and worldwide for most of her career, but now her most important jobs are wife and stay-at-home mother—they have two boys, who keep the family on the go. The Atkins’s community service work includes volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Sun Angel Foundation, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Our Lady of Joy Church, Pope John XXIII School Development Board, the American Cancer Society, and the Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation.

Scott and Jackie Baumgarten
Jackie and Scott Baumgarten met at a bar in Tempe, quickly discovered that they both worked at the same company, and spent the next year in a forbidden office romance! They married in 2007. Scott grew up in California and now works in the commercial real estate industry as an office broker with Grubb & Ellis BRE, where he is a senior associate. Jackie is a Valley native and works in commercial real estate at CB Richard Ellis. When the Baumgartens aren’t busy with their community service work—which includes volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House, St. Vincent DePaul, Brokers for Kids, St. Luke Board of Visitor and the Thomas J Pappas School—they enjoy entertaining, traveling, attending concerts around the Valley, and spending time with their dog, Ivy.

Bryan and Meghan Gottfredson
Bryan and Meghan Gottfredson met in college at the University of Arizona and married in 2002. Bryan was born in New York but was raised in Tucson, where he became a true Wildcat when he attended law school at U of A. He is now an attorney at Galbut & Galbut, and currently serves in the Phoenix Men’s Arts Counsel, is on the University of Arizona Law College Class Alumni Committee, is a volunteer lawyer for the Democratic Clean Elections Program, and is a member of the Beta Theta Pi Board of Directors. Meghan was born and raised in California before attending U of A for her undergrad degree, and she returned to California for her master’s degree. She currently is a second-grade teacher. Meghan’s most recent community service activities include Junior League of Phoenix, Tucson Children’s Museum Board of Directors, and Habitat for Humanity. Together, Bryan and Meghan enjoy golfing, entertaining, watching Pac 10 sports, and visiting friends and family. They now call Phoenix home.

Patrick and Carrie Klein
Patrick and Carrie Klein met at the University of Arizona and are huge Wildcat fans. They have been married for ten years. Patrick, who is originally from San Diego, is now an attorney at Fennemore Craig and previously worked for the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. His community service work includes serving on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and volunteer work with Brophy College Prep. Carrie is currently a yoga instructor at Desert Song Yoga and Massage Center, where she also serves as marketing director. Community highlights include serving on the Board of Directors for the Phoenix Art Museum’s Women’s Metropolitan Arts Council, and volunteering with the North Central Parenting Group and the Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center. The Kleins are the proud parents of a 2-year-old son, Kellen, and enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring all Arizona has to offer.

Nicole Gonzalez-Valentino and Ryan Patterson
Ryan Patterson and Nicole Gonzales-Valentino were engaged this last April and are busy planning their June 2009 wedding in Puerto Rico. Nicole was born in California and spent her youth living in Puerto Rico, Honduras, and other countries. She graduated from the University of Arizona Law School and is public affairs manager for the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Her community service work includes volunteer work with YMCA and the Red Cross, fund-raising for the U of A College of Law, the Hispanic National Bar Association mentoring program, and others. Ryan is a Valley native who also attended law school at the U of A. He now is an attorney with Quarles & Brady. Ryan’s community service highlights include fund-raising for the U of A College of Law, being a homeroom parent at an underprivileged elementary school, and volunteer work with the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA. Ryan and Nicole are excited about starting their lives together and planting their roots in Phoenix.

John Shaff and Charlotte Risch
John Shaff and Charlotte Risch met at an Arizona Cardinals football game and are currently planning their wedding in January of 2009. John is an Arizona native and a physician’s assistant at Arizona Hand and Wrist Specialists. John is a member of the Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation, and has volunteered time at Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity. Charlotte hails from the Midwest. Following a career in TV and advertising, she started her own PR business, The Media Push, three years ago. Charlotte has been a Fiesta Bowl Media Relations Committee member since 1999, is a mentor for the Pat Tillman Scholar program, and provides numerous hours donating her talent in public relations to local charities. When they aren’t planning their wedding or working, they enjoy watching local sports, going out to eat, watching movies, and throwing pool parties at their Phoenix home.

Curt and Leslie Smith
Curt and Leslie are both Valley natives and were high school sweethearts at Brophy Prep and Xavier. Curt is a CPA, has his MBA, and has worked in commercial banking for more than thirteen years. He is senior vice president and Southwest Credit Executive at MidFirst Bank. Curt volunteers on the executive council for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix and as the board liaison to the Board of Directors. Leslie practiced law at Snell and Wilmer for ten years and is now working in government for Federal Judge James A. Teilborg. Leslie participates in the Volunteer Lawyers Program and contributes pro bono services to several charitable organizations. She is a member of the Junior League and spent two years on the Women Living Free Committee. They are proud parents of 4-year-old Carter and 1-year-old Madeleine. The family enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Cory and Christine Whalin
Cory Whalin and Christine Corey Whalin met on April Fools Day, and some say fate brought them together, given the name they have in common. They were married in 2006 and reside in Phoenix. Cory is from Texas. He joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves and served in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa. After service, he followed his passion and opened Scottsdale’s First Winery, Su Vino Winery. His community service work includes helping the Epilepsy Foundation, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and more. Christine is proud to call herself an Arizona native. She attended Northern Arizona University and is currently an attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. Christine supports the Ronald McDonald House and served as a Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

–GROUP PHOTO–
Top Row (left to right): John Shaff, Ryan Patterson, Curtiss Smith, Leslie
Smith, Bryan Gottfredson, Carrie Klein, Patrick Klein, Cory Whalin, Scott
Baumgarten
Seated (left to right): Charlotte Risch, Nicole Gonzalez-Valentino, Meghan
Gottfredson, Christine Whalin, Jackie Baumgarten
Not Pictured: Gary and Susan Atkins

By Marshall Trimble, Arizona’s Official State Historian

The Old West was quickly fading from reality into the realm of myth by the mid-1920s. Most of the old-time gunfighters had gone on to their great reward, and Hollywood took up the chore of reinventing them. So, Tom Mix ended up making $17,000 a week performing superhuman feats from atop his famous horse, Tony. During the Roaring Twenties, the heroes of the silver screen packed two six guns, which never needed reloading, wore cowboy boots with their trouser legs tucked in them, were quick on the draw, and never lost their hats in a fistfight.

Soon, the public, especially children, began to believe these shooting stars represented the real gunfighters.

In the late 1920s, there was still one old gunfighter left. His name was Jim Roberts. He was nearly 70 by this time and walked with a stoop. He was still wearing a badge and was the law in the mining town of Clarkdale.

Old timers remembered Jim as the top gun in the notorious Pleasant Valley War between the Grahams and the Tewksburys. After that war ended, he became a lawman and was one of Arizona’s greatest peace officers.

Kids would hear about Uncle Jim’s days as a fearless gunfighter and lawman, but his appearance was disappointing. He didn’t dress like Tom Mix. They’d ask him to demonstrate his quick draw, and he’d slowly pull his nickel-plated Colt revolver out of his hip pocket and, holding it with both hands, would take deliberate aim.

Why, they asked, didn’t he fan his pistol like Tom Mix? And why did he pack his pistol in his hip pocket instead of using a silver-studded holster? Uncle Jim didn’t even wear a cowboy hat! They began to look at the old timer with doubt.

Uncle Jim just grinned and went about his duties, and in time, the children began to believe the stories their parents told were just tall tales.

All those doubts about Uncle Jim Roberts were laid to rest one day in 1928 when two bank robbers held up the Bank of Arizona in downtown Clarkdale. They walked out the door and jumped into their car with $40,000. It was the largest robbery in Arizona history at the time.

The desperadoes turned the corner just as Uncle Jim was making his rounds. Spotting the old lawman, one fired a shot that ricocheted off the sidewalk in front of him. As the car sped by, Uncle Jim drew his pistol from his hip pocket, took aim with both hands, and shot the driver through the head. The car careened off the road and the other robber meekly surrendered.

Those youngsters in Clarkdale knew they’d seen the real McCoy in action that day. As far as they were concerned, Uncle Jim could outshoot, outthink, and outfight those silver-screen cowboys any day of the week.

Uncle Jim died of a heart attack on January 8, 1934 while making his rounds. It seems fitting that one of the Old West’s greatest lawmen and the last gunfighter of the Pleasant Valley War should die with his boots on. But wait a minute—one thing I forgot to mention was that Uncle Jim didn’t wear cowboy boots.

By Greg Rubenstein

Your next luxury car could—and very well should—be a diesel. Far-fetched, you say? Not in the least! With the reintroduction of diesel engines by pioneering diesel manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, these new oil-burning luxury vehicles are exceptionally quiet, powerful, and economical.

What’s made this all possible is the government’s new ultralow sulfur diesel regulations. Begun in 2006, this fuel is now standard at pumps across the country.

Prior to the 2009 model year, engines that could use the new diesel and meet super-stringent U.S. emission regulations were essentially nonexistent. There still aren’t many, but Mercedes-Benz is leading the way with its introduction of BlueTEC SUVs, including the five-passenger 2009 ML320.

Compared to its V6 and V8 gasoline-powered siblings, the turbocharged and intercooled 3.0-liter V6 diesel powering this luxury SUV produces far more useable power while achieving at least 20 percent better fuel mileage per the EPA’s estimates. In our experience, we observed even better results, averaging 23 mpg in city driving with a very heavy right foot.

In almost a week of motoring between work, during hitting the mall and running various other errands, we burned barely more than a quarter-tank. It would have been nearly time to fill-up had we been in the gas-powered V8 ML550.

Even if better fuel economy isn’t always paramount to luxury buyers, what makes this ML320 so appealing is the overall package of tremendous utility it offers. With a stout towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, gracefully styled exterior design, refined and spacious interior with all the expected appointment, plus a cruising range of up to 600 miles between fill-ups, there are no drawbacks to this marriage of luxury and diesel.

Mercedes-Benz has gone the extra mile to eliminate intrusion of the “diesel clatter,” which is completely absent from inside in the ML320. There is no wait time to start up, nor is there any telltale blue smoke puffing out the tailpipe. In fact, Mercedes claims that this engine’s exhaust is so clean that you can hold a white handkerchief over the exhaust tip and it will remain white.

Equipped with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission and all the expected safety features Mercedes-Benz is renowned for, the ML320 starts at $48,125, about $2,000 more than the gasoline V6 model, but $7,000 less than the V8 model it most closely matches in power. Expect popular options like navigation and entertainment packages to add around $10,000 to the base price.

For the 2009 model, the ML receives revamped exterior styling with a larger front grille and modified headlights, larger side mirrors and stainless-steel skid plates. Inside, updated sportier seats are new, along with four-stage power lumbar for the driver and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle-shifters.

Our test model came equipped with the impressive Airmatic air suspension, an optional system that uses air bladders instead of coil springs. Combined with gas struts, this suspension provides a variety of sport and comfort modes as well as manual or automatically adjustable ride height, all at the touch of a button.

In sport mode, the ride is crisp and quite trucklike, while the comfort setting soaks up almost every bump for a very gentle, more relaxed drive. Off-road, the Airmatic can raise the ride by more than three inches, offering almost 10.5-inches of ground clearance.

When we last test-drove the ML320, we thought the 2007 model’s interior was a bit less than what it should have been. For 2009, that shortcoming has been eliminated, and now this model is easily the best value in luxury SUVs.

With diesel fuel available at almost every gas station out there, you can now go green with luxury. Try it—you’ll love it!

By Rob Graham, CVT

Halloween is a fun time for kids and grownups alike, but how will it affect our pets? Some pet owners include their pets in the festivities, and I’m sure that many of you have seen the e-mail pictures of our animals adorned in Halloween costumes. I wonder what the pets think about all this. If they’re anything like my kids, they just appreciate the extra attention!

Although Halloween is a fun time, there are some things we need to realize when it comes to our pets. There are certain dangers that can jeopardize our best friends’ well-being. With a little knowledge and minimal planning, we can avoid big problems for little Fluffy.

First things first: chocolate is toxic to your pet. This isn’t usually a concern with cats because they are less likely to raid the bag of candy lying on the floor except to bat the contents around. You need to keep chocolate away from your dog because he or she will eat all of it at the first opportunity. Dogs tend to eat first and ask questions later. While baking chocolate is the most concentrated as far as toxic quantities, the milk chocolate can still cause problems such as vomiting and diarrhea. The wrappers on the candy can also irritate the lining of their bowels. If your dog ultimately gets into any chocolate, it is imperative to seek veterinary help to determine whether your canine friend ate a toxic quantity and whether medical treatment is necessary. However, any type of candy can cause gastrointestinal problems, so be sure and keep it all out of reach of your pet.

The next potential problem is stress. Some animals become very distressed by all of the accompanying commotion. Some costumes may scare your pet, and the doorbell ringing and all of the excitement outside can adversely affect some pets. If your pet tends to be a little on the nervous side, you may want to take measures to keep him or her comfortable during trick-or-treat time. A kennel in a quiet part of the house is a good idea. Some pets may even require sedation.

Another danger that our pets face during Halloween is abuse. This is an unfortunate but real problem that we see this time of year. There are bad people out there that find some kind of sick satisfaction in abusing animals, especially black cats. The best bet is to keep your pet indoors and safe from any potential threat of abuse.

Just being aware of these potential dangers will help you keep your pet safe and healthy during the holiday. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your veterinarian. Happy Halloween!

Contact Dr. Graham at askthevet@northvalleymagazine.com.

By Jon Kenton

Q. Over the last year, I became frustrated with the limitations of my point-and-shoot camera and recently bought my first digital SLR camera. I just got back from my vacation where I was trying to capture some of the beautiful landscapes in the Rockies. My results were not quite as I had hoped—either the sky looked great and the mountains dark, or the mountains were perfectly exposed and the sky was white. I thought the exposure systems on DSLRs were supposed to help with this. Am I doing something wrong, or what would you suggest?

A. I can understand your frustration, as the situation you describe is very common and one of the most difficult shots to capture, whether you have a $100 P&S or a $10,000 Hasselblad.

The fundamental issue is dynamic range (i.e., the range in brightness between shadow and highlight). The human eye is an amazing optical instrument; in camera terms, it’s able to resolve approximately an 11-stop range of brightness. Most cameras can only manage around five stops at best—hence the challenge you describe—so a camera can’t always capture what you see. A camera’s exposure system samples values from many points, averaging them to arrive at what it thinks the optimum exposure is. If there is more sky in the frame, it will tend to underexpose the foreground. With smaller amounts of bright sky, the foreground exposure will improve but the sky becomes overexposed, or “blown out.”

There are a few solutions:

1. Your DSLR will have a “bracketing” function. This automatically takes extra shots set above and below the averaged exposure. If the range is not too wide, one of these may hit on a better result.
2. A graduated neutral density filter can be used, which essentially adds sunglasses to half your lens, thus limiting light from the bright sky. You would align the graduated portion with the horizon, and it will help balance the differences. These filters are available in different sizes and amounts of light reduction.
3. Because the photos are digital, you can correct afterwards in software. If you have a tripod, take multiple exposures with different settings and then blend the results to obtain the perfectly exposed image.

Tip: If you want to try to get the best from a single shot, err toward exposing the sky correctly. It’s always possible to recover details from the shadows, but once the sky is blown out, the data has gone forever.

I hope this helps, and that you manage to capture some great landscapes.

Q. My family is dispersed across the country and they have been pestering me to get a computer so we can e-mail. I have been resisting—I’m now 81! My grandson just gave me one, so I have broken down and am learning how to use it. The mouse is my main trouble, as the double-click is hard for me, and that darn arrow is difficult to see. Is there a way to make it easier?

A. What a fantastic thing for your grandson to do. I’m sure you won’t regret it. Your family can also send you photographs, and then there is the Internet to explore.…

Yes, there are things that can help. If you access the control panel (hit the start key on the lower left and click Control Panel), then click Printers and Other Hardware, you will find an option for Mouse, which lets you control how it works. Depending on the version of Windows you have, instructions may vary. Three things should help immediately.

1. The double-click speed can be made slower, usually done with a slider.
2. You can change the style of the pointer using schemes in the Pointers tab. There is normally an option for Extra-Large.
3. Lastly, look for a setting called “pointer trails” under the Pointer Options tab in the Mouse Properties window. This creates a trail behind your pointer as it moves, making it much easier to follow and see.

Trying some of these settings should improve your mouse challenges and make life easier. Good luck, and do stick with it.

By Tyson Qualls

Marble sculptor Pete Incardona represents the third consecutive generation of quarry owners, and has a wealth of knowledge that can only be gained from several lifetimes of experience. It is no wonder that he has an immense amount of respect for the raw product.

“I just try not to overpower what God has already done,” he says.

The Incardona family is an embodiment of the now venerable concept of the American Dream. The family began the trek to America in 1916. Incardona’s grandfather emigrated from Italy, and after becoming financially stable in the United States, he returned to Italy to retrieve his family and settle down in America. Quarry work was in the blood of his ancestors, and Incardona has successfully continued the tradition.

The world of marble sculpting has evolved significantly over the years. Incardona’s father did not have the luxuries of today’s tools. It is hard to believe that in his day, he sometimes had to spend over nine years working on a single project. Incardona has been able to craft new and exciting creations without sacrificing the traditions of generations of rock sculptors. While he may not take nine years to finish a piece, he still puts his heart and soul into each work of art.

Specializing in custom work, Incardona’s Sunrise Mine Marble Gallery houses a multitude of treasures. Seeing them in photos represents only a fraction of their beauty, and luckily for potential clients, Incardona is far from a reclusive artist. Warm and friendly, he readily opens up about his life’s work. As a well-respected businessman, Incardona serves the entire Valley with pride.

Incardona’s workshop at the Sunrise Mine is a haven for limitless projects. Anything can be found there, from sculptures and fountains to benches and tables. Incardona is known for his ability to take on even the toughest custom requests from clients. While his specialty is fountains, Incardona is capable of creating a masterpiece out of any client’s assignment. Two of the most popular types of marble handled by Incardona are Arizona onyx and Aguila stone. He has used these frequently throughout his career and enjoys working with such beautiful types of rock. The easiest way to get your hands on these prized possessions is to head up to Wickenburg, Arizona and meet with Incardona at the Sunrise Mine. With a little bit of time and imagination, he can satisfy the needs of any customer, no matter how difficult the project may be.

As a frequent contributor to ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, Incardona also understands the need for a society that helps support those less fortunate. All work done for Extreme Home Makeover is without compensation. A man of principle, Incardona once put ABC executives on hold so he could finish an important cut so as not to sacrifice the quality of his work. His charitable work factors in his future goals. In the present sagging economy, he has made it his mission to “try and make custom marble work affordable for the public and more in the realm of people’s pocketbooks.”

Incardona is deeply zealous about his line of work. The creative opportunities and unique work environment goes beyond a traditional nine-to-five. It is rare to encounter an individual who is so enthralled with his profession. A man of many talents, Incardona is a kindhearted artist with a passion for helping others. Ironically, the reason behind his love for marble sculpting is as simple as it is ingenious.

“Every time I cut a rock, I see something I’ve never seen before,” he says.