Q: What type of business services or products do you provide?

This weekend was warm enough that locals seemed to collectively change their wardrobes from light layers to tank tops, shorts and other summer staples. If you cringe at the thought of your right to bare arms, then it’s time to take the Tough Lotus Challenge.

New tax laws create confusion and endless opportunities for business owners so from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday join guest speaker Pat Lang, JD, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CFS, FLMI, at the Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, to get the nuts and bolts of 2013 income tax, capital gains and estate tax rates, plus favorable exemptions. Find out retirement planning strategies and options available to small business owners and how you can take advantage of the new tax laws.

If you aren’t in the mood for a big, fat rant — skip this article. If you are (most find my ire humorous), sit back and enjoy. Because “obesogens” have me riled up.

Jim Engel

Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Company has been canning its core brews — Devil’s Ale, HefeWeizen Wheat, Epicenter Amber Ale and Hop Shock I.P.A. — for some time. Now, it’s introducing its seasonal beers to the inside of a mini-keg.

In a first-of-its-kind debate on Wednesday night two experts gave Phoenix residents a lot to think about before they drink their next glass of water.

It sounds like an unfolding epidemic: A decade ago, virtually no one in the U.S. seemed to have a problem eating gluten in bread and other foods. Now, millions do.

Shattered Kennys, an Ahwatukee Foothills-based band, has quickly climbed the charts to No. 1 for punk/rock/alternative music on reverbnation.com for the Phoenix area. Band members include: Jacob Paige, 14, bass player; Joshua Paige, 17, drummer; and Sarah Polenick, 14, singer. All three are currently attending Desert Vista High School. Their manager, Jay Zarecki, is the guitar player.

Shattered Kennys, an Ahwatukee Foothills-based band, has quickly climbed the charts to No. 1 for punk/rock/alternative music on reverbnation.com for the Phoenix area. Band members include: Jacob Paige, 14, bass player; Joshua Paige, 17, drummer; and Sarah Polenick, 14, singer. All three are currently attending Desert Vista High School. Their manager, Jay Zarecki, is the guitar player.

To tip or not to tip?

At its best, getting kids out the door for school each morning is an exercise in herding cats. At its worst, well, here’s a wall, some Jello, and a nail. Have at it.

Next time you see a concert or play at Mesa Arts Center, keep this in mind: You can get a deals or discounts at more than 20 nearby restaurants just by showing your ticket stub or printed online ticket.

Next time you see a concert or play at Mesa Arts Center, keep this in mind: You can get a deals or discounts at more than 20 nearby restaurants just by showing your ticket stub or printed online ticket.

It used to be that baseball fans would head for the concourse to grab a beer between innings, a cold one as much a part of America’s pastime as hot dogs and Cracker Jack.

It used to be that baseball fans would head for the concourse to grab a beer between innings, a cold one as much a part of America’s pastime as hot dogs and Cracker Jack.

He’s the guy you took the time to make babies with. He’s the fellow your kids call dad. If you’re lucky, you still call him darling and in today’s world, that ain’t bad.

Construction will begin this month on an 11-story hotel in downtown Tempe, which has witnessed a flurry of development and new business openings in recent months.