In 1902 the Valley was growing much faster than expected and more electricity was needed. So SRP took advantage of Mother Nature's power and installed hydroelectric turbines at the Falls. This was so effective that in 1902 they upgraded the installation, putting a larger plant into operation. Somehow in the 1950's the plant fell into disuse and was shut down. But in 2003 SRP revitalized the project and now Arizona Falls produces up to 750 kilowatts of electricity. That's enough to power up to 150 modern-day homes.

The Falls also got a social upgrade at that time, bringing it back into popularity as a gathering place. Environmental Artists Lajos Heder and Mags Harries of Cambridge MA, in collaboration with SRP and the Phoenix Arts Commission, created a new look for the area. (photo #1) The main entrance is now on the South side, through a section of piping. A large section, don't worry! You don't have to squeeze through, there's room to walk upright. (photo #2) A bridge leads to a viewing platform on the North side. (photo #3, looking back from the North) In a nod to the site's history, there's a dance floor, but it's been updated with some spiffy modern lighting effects.

On the lower level there's a “Water Room” where visitors can peer through the falling water to view the antique gears that were used in the former hydroelectric plant. (photo #4) Boulders are scattered around for seating. (photo #5) The canal has been directed into...

As a woman who squeals and jumps onto furniture at the sight of a furry little cheese-eater, I've become awfully cozy with my computer's mouse. In my defense, though, I've never caught sight of it out of the corner of my eye, unexpectedly scurrying across the floor.

To ease my reliance on my computer's mouse, I can take advantage of shortcuts from my keyboard. And most of them work on pretty much any version of Windows. For example, have you ever noticed the little key nestled comfortably between Alt and Ctrl? The one with the same flying windows thing you see on every box of Microsoft software? That key is cleverly called "the Windows key". OK fine, maybe 'cleverly' is too strong a word, but the little devil is functional! Some keyboards have one on each side, some have only one on the left side.

One thing you can use it for is as a shortcut to Internet Explorer. Hold the Windows key and press E, then let go of both of them. It's like magic! Internet Explorer popped right up! And it happens every time, even if you have a program open! Well, usually. Hey, this is Windows, you can't expect to get the same result every time you press a key! In some programs, holding the Windows key and pressing E will get you to the program's Edit menu. Try it to find out which result you get. It's like a little Windows surprise! In Vista it brings...