Author: Sam Richard
Sam likes to think of himself as Burton Barr Central Library — full of information you don't want, or at the very least, didn't know you needed until you heard it. Seriously, though, once you get past the awkward lingering smell of too many forgotten showers, the library shows its true beauty. And, much like the architectural masterpiece, Sam's chiseled specimen is a thing of beauty. But, not chiseled in the conventional sense, no. Sam is crafted in the exact shape of the Beacon of Books — with a slight bulge in the middle. And, whether or not you're looking for a conversation about urban governance, the state of professional sports media or the history of the modern folk music movement, you can be sure to find the information you need with Sam — or at Burton Barr. Sam is the five-story mind behind The Bearded Truth, which you can find here on DPJ Monday afternoons. He lives in the heart of the city with his beautiful wife, Kim.
The Bearded Truth | It’s Our Town, Slow Down
Many of the streets in Downtown Phoenix are residential roads because (newsflash) people live in Downtown Phoenix.
The Bearded Truth | The Art of Phoenix
In the spirit of continually making Phoenix more amazing, I suggest to you that supporting local artistic endeavors should be at the top of your holiday shopping list.
The Bearded Truth | ASU as a Partner
The once-lifeless capital city of Arizona has taken on a new look and feel recently, complete with a bustling Arizona State University campus in the heart of Downtown.
The Bearded Truth | Size Does Matter
In Phoenix, city councilors are responsible for a flock of nearly 200,000 people — many times made up of dozens of smaller communities with uniquely individual needs.
The Bearded Truth | Leadership vs. Management
Let’s allow our city manager to manage, and hold our elected leadership accountable for the future of Phoenix.
The Bearded Truth | Oh Captain, My Captain
We have an outstanding portfolio of visual and performing artists in the Phoenix area, but I think it’s time for a writing renaissance in the Valley.
The Bearded Truth | The Locavore Lifestyle
I try as hard as I can to partake in the locavore lifestyle. However, I find that sometimes a green life requires that other type of green.
The Bearded Truth | Time for a Spirited Movie Experience?
The concept is not new — many cities around the country have movie theaters and bars in the same building. But, as light rail, professional sports and great food has showed us, it doesn’t need to be a new idea to have a huge impact on Downtown Phoenix.
The Bearded Truth | Shop Local, Eat Local, Vote Local
While the national elections are exciting, and monopolize most water cooler conversations and chain emails, I find the real excitement of politics when the issues are close to home. Yes, even elections are going local.
The Bearded Truth | August 10
A new academic year starts on August 24, which means that the 10,000 or so students that take classes on the Downtown Phoenix campus will be hanging out around campus more often. Of that number, over 1,000 will be living at Taylor Place – the new residence halls at 1st and Taylor streets.
