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Author Archives: RJ Hamster
I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
Things to Do in Phoenix
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Hondo Rodeo Fest in Phoenix announces 2026 lineup
Some very big names in country music are coming to Chase Field in November.
By Jennifer GoldbergREAD MORE
Photos: Sidewinder celebrated 2 years with hot dog showdown
Competitors downed dozens of hot dogs on Sunday. Here’s a look at the sausage-filled shenanigans.
By Tirion Boan
Phoenix Symphony closes season with Kendrick Lamar classical mashup
The work of the master lyricist meets music by Stravinsky this weekend.
By Geri Koeppel
Ballet Arizona’s artistic director plans to tell new stories on stage
The company will celebrate 40 years with classic ballets and daring new productions for the 2026-2027 season.
By Jennifer Goldberg
Top Phoenix chefs pair up for Devour’s second summer dinner series
Summers are tough for Phoenix restaurants. So local chefs are pooling their talents to host five unique, ticketed dinners.
By Shoshana Leon MORE EVENT STORIES
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pitbull – I’m Back with special guest Lil Jon
Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Wed., May. 27 | 8:00 PMTICKETS
Swamp Izzo
Walter Studios
Thu., May. 28 | 8:00 PMTICKETS
CANN PRESENTS: YACHT ROCK REVUE – PRIMETIME
The Van Buren
Thu., May. 28 | 8:00 PMTICKETS
DJ BOOMER // SOUL / FUNK / WORLD / HIP-HOP
Valley Bar
Fri., May. 29 | 6:30 PMTICKETS
The HU and Apocalyptica with Special Guest The Rasmus
The Van Buren
Fri., May. 29 | 7:00 PMTICKETS
ALT BLOOM
Valley Bar
Fri., May. 29 | 7:30 PMTICKETSMORE THINGS TO DO
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
The 10 best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix
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The 10 best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix
The Valley is rich with excellent Mexican restaurants. These 10 spots stand out in the crowd.
By Tirion Boan, Sara CrockerREAD MORE
OUR TOP STORIES
• Photos: Sidewinder celebrated 2 years with hot dog showdown
• 2 Valley doughnut shops named among best in U.S.
• Health-focused eatery Sweetgreen opens third Valley location
• ‘Texas would like a word.’ Readers react as Arizona spot named best barbecue
• Line mania hits Phoenix: Huge crowds heap demand on new Valley eateries
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Lock in your tickets for the 602 Day Hospitality Crawl!
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Everything to know about the Phoenix Bat Cave
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Everything to know about the Phoenix Bat Cave
It’s bat season, y’all. Here’s how to see thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats every night in the middle of Phoenix.
By Jennifer Goldberg
Phoenix suburb among most affordable U.S. cities for homebuyers
Looking for a new home? As the old saying goes, “Go west, young man.”
By Clarissa Sosin
2 Valley doughnut shops named among best in U.S.
In a national ranking, these Valley shops made the cut for their standout sweet treats.
By Sara Crocker
The 10 best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix
The Valley is rich with excellent Mexican restaurants. These 10 spots stand out in the crowd.
By Tirion Boan, Sara Crocker
TODAY’S TRENDING STORIES
Map: Where ICE has been seen in Phoenix so far
Publicly reported sightings – which represent a fraction of ICE activity – show agents hitting some areas more than others.
By Morgan Fischer
Hondo Rodeo Fest in Phoenix announces 2026 lineup
Some very big names in country music are coming to Chase Field in November.
By Jennifer Goldberg
Police shot and killed a man in her car. She’s burdened by questions
Cops killed Jesus Flores in February as he tried to flee in a hobbled car. His partner, Danielle Flores, was there.
By Clarissa Sosin
Phoenix Symphony closes season with Kendrick Lamar classical mashup
The work of the master lyricist meets music by Stravinsky this weekend.
By Geri Koeppel
Photos: Sidewinder celebrated 2 years with hot dog showdown
Competitors downed dozens of hot dogs on Sunday. Here’s a look at the sausage-filled shenanigans.
By Tirion Boan
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MUSIC
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Score BOGO Tickets to Ever After at The Phoenix Theatre Co 🎟️
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GET DISCOUNTED TICKETSLEARN MOREMORE PROMOTIONSInspired by the beloved film starring Drew Barrymore, the breathtaking new musical Ever After takes you beyond the myth to discover the story of Danielle de Barbarac, a fearless young woman who dares to defy expectations, challenge a prince, and write her own ending.
Leading the company are Bailee Endebrock* as Danielle and Jason Gotay* as Prince Henry, joined by Tony-nominated David Garrison* as Leonardo da Vinci and Drama Desk Award winner Lisa Howard* as Rodmilla, plus Grammy-nominated SIX: The Musical original cast member Andrea Macasaet*.
Buy One Get One Free tickets for any Wed, Thurs, and Fri show.
Promo code DISCOVER.
Expires June 12 at 11:59pm.
Ever After runs May 6 – June 14 in the Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre.
*Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
‘Texas would like a word.’ Readers react a…
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‘Texas would like a word.’ Readers react as Arizona spot named best barbecue
A Phoenix smokehouse was named the best in the country. The comments went wild.
By Tirion Boan
Gilbert Gourmet: Chef Kenny Cuomo brings big-city flavor to the East Valley
His new restaurant instantly raised the bar for dining in Gilbert. Meet the chef behind the magic.
By Tirion Boan
2 Valley doughnut shops named among best in U.S.
In a national ranking, these Valley shops made the cut for their standout sweet treats.
By Sara Crocker
Iconic Old Town Mexican restaurant reopens in Scottsdale
The Old Town spot served customers for 30 years. Now, it’s back with a fresh look.
By Sara Crocker
LATEST FOOD & DRINK
Line mania hits Phoenix: Huge crowds heap demand on new Valley eateries
At a new Gilbert bakery and a Phoenix sandwich shop, lines stretch around the block. What to know about the wait.
By Sara Crocker
Phoenix farmers market staple levels up with permanent Valley eatery
Known for savory bulgogi and fluffy milk bread, Let’s Toast is now serving customers six days a week.
By Zach Oden
Health-focused eatery Sweetgreen opens third Valley location
The rapidly expanding chain is now bringing salads and bowls to a new neighborhood.
By Tirion Boan
TRENDING
Award-winning Scottsdale brewery to open a second Valley taproom
Where to find the best hot dogs in Phoenix
Photos: Sidewinder celebrated 2 years with hot dog showdown
LISTS
The 10 best Mexican restaurants in Phoenix
The Valley is rich with excellent Mexican restaurants. These 10 spots stand out in the crowd.
By Tirion Boan, Sara Crocker
Where to find the best hot dogs in Phoenix
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, otherwise known as hot dog season.
By Sara Crocker, Tirion BoanMORE LISTS
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Live & Loud: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Returns to Arizona!
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1201 E. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Stories That Inspire
Stories That Inspire
Every day offers a new chance to grow—so explore stories filled with real-life inspiration, practical wisdom, and ideas that fuel your next step forward. Discover uplifting content curated to support your personal growth, and join thousands of readers who visit our site daily for motivation, insight, and a positive boost.
“Before you measure today against what you hoped it would be, measure it against who you were and how far that person has come.”
As the day winds down, it’s tempting to take inventory of everything left undone. But tonight, try a different kind of accounting — one that looks at what you gave, what you navigated, and how you showed up even on a difficult day. You moved through something today. You persisted. You are still here with an open heart. That is not nothing. That is everything. Rest well knowing that.MORE INSPIRATION
You’re always one blessing away from a brighter day… and a bigger life. May these stories, affirmations, prayers, and insights lift your spirits and inspire you to lift others.
Go forth and be blessed!GET BLESSINGS 🕊️
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$25,000 → $1.29 Million in 2 years… Stock Flipping?
$25,000 → $1.29 Million in 2 Years… Stock FLIPPING?!
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RJ Hamster 