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April 29, 2005/Nisan 20 5765, Volume 57, No. 35
Grads
Celebrate their achievement
JENNIFER GOLDBERG
Special Sections Coordinator
No more pencils, no more books - graduation is here and school is over (at least for the summer). Reward a hardworking student with a special acknowledgement of his or her achievement.
Taking a ride
Gas is expensive these days. A new bicycle is a great gift for a college freshman who needs to make it to class on time, or a young professional moving to a crowded urban center.
Novara road and urban bikes from REI outdoors stores are great choices for in-city riding. The 2005 Novara Metro Bike has a lightweight aluminum frame and linear pull brakes for excellent speed control and reliable stopping power. The sporty red-and-silver design and Velo Comfort seat mean that this bike feels as good as it looks. Cost is $329.
For a grad looking to take his bike off-road as well, try the 2005 Novara Ponderosa FS Bike. This bicycle features RockShox front and rear suspension to help soften landings and reduce rider fatigue. Cost is $949. Visit www.rei.com for information and store locations.
Fun in the sun
Summer is vacation season anyway, so why not celebrate a grad's achievement with a cruise to a tropical island?
Carnival Cruises offers a wide range of trip lengths and destinations.
Caribbean and Mexican cruises are available for as little as three days. Spend time exploring ports in Mexico or jewels of the Caribbean such as St. Thomas, Aruba and Barbados. Carnival Cruises ships include a number of dining options, nightly entertainment, casinos, bars, shopping, dance clubs, spas and much more.
Cruises begin at $129 per person. Visit www.carnivalcruise.com.
The gift of music
Some of today's biggest musical acts are stopping in the Valley this summer, and what better way to congratulate a grad than with tickets to a hot concert?
Hip-hop fans would appreciate tickets to the May 19 Cricket Pavilion concert featuring Snoop Dogg and The Game, or the Anger Management Tour starring Eminem and 50 Cent, which stops at Cricket Pavilion in Phoenix on July 26.
Grads into other types of music might enjoy the June 16 Alanis Morrisette show at the Dodge Theatre, the Aug. 5 Jack Johnson concert at the Dodge or the Aug. 30 Dave Matthews Band concert at Cricket Pavilion. Visit www.ticketmaster.com, www.cricketpavilion.com, www.dodgetheatre.com or call 480-784-4444.
The future's so bright
Give the gift of hip eyewear to the special grad in your life. They'll be grateful. Designer sunglasses from Nationwide Vision includes some of today's top designers, such as Ralph Lauren and Kenneth Cole.
Try the angular Organic Reaction shades from Kenneth Cole Reaction for a modern, textured look, or the Guardian Angle style from Kenneth Cole New York for a sleek, classic image. Also, the elegant Varick frames from Coach are a sure hit in classic tortoiseshell. The Kenneth Cole glasses cost $50, while the Coach eyewear sells for $170. Nationwide Vision has dozens of Valley locations; visit www.nationwidevision.com to find a location near you.
Stylish gifts make a statement
Give the gift of style with cutting-edge accessories from DUO jewelry store. For the girls, try an eye-catching birthstone necklace. Set in stainless steel, the necklace includes white topaz, rhodalite garnet, citrine, amethyst and blue topaz stones. Cost is $264-$322.
For the guys, a stainless steel and black rubber casual bracelet is unique and stylish. It goes equally well with casual and more formal looks. Cost is $230.
DUO is located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, on the top level across from Neiman Marcus. Call 480-945-5540.
Know when to hold 'em
Poker is the hottest game around, so give the grad hours of high-stakes fun with the Professional Poker Set from Brookstone. Included in the deluxe felt-lined carry case are two decks of officially recognized playing cards, five dice, 400 professional-weight high-quality chips, and a set of cards that teach the games everyone's playing, including blackjack and Texas Hold 'Em. Cost is $125.
For the true poker aficionado, also consider the Portable Poker Table. The 48-inch tabletop is designed for up to eight players and includes World Series of Poker graphics, chip and card holders and a place for a beverage. It folds away to a duffle bag for easy storage. Cost is $99.
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