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

Justice Alito taken to hospital last month after falling ill during event: Sources

Justice Alito taken to hospital last month after falling ill during event: Sources Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was treated at a hospital last month after leaving early from a Federalist Society dinner in Philadelphia in his honor. Newsicon News for you, Peter 50-year-old pizza chain closes all restaurants, files Chapter 7 Pizza should be the perfect food for challenging economic times. It’s filling, relatively affordable, and comforting. You …TheStreet More than 3 million eye drop bottles have been recalled from CVS, Walgreens and other national retaile…The eight generic products are made by K.C. Pharmaceuticals and sold under store brand names.Yahoo News ‘Mild stagflation’: Bank of America rips up economic forecasts, braces for $100 oil all year on Iran w…Bank of America analysts see mild stagflation ahead as $100 oil takes a toll on inflation and growth.Yahoo Finance Lakers star Luka Dončić to miss remainder of regular season with hamstring strain, will ch…Luka Dončić left Thursday’s loss to the Thunder with a left hamstring injury.Yahoo Sports Ford CEO Jim Farley says America is sleepwalking past its ‘essential economy’ crisis. Go…Does America have enough essential AI workers? Not really.Fortune Navy Researchers Scanned the Seafloor and Tracked a Ping. Then They Found a Staggering 500-Year-Old Sh…At 8,200 feet underwater, it’s the deepest wreck ever found around France’s coastline.Popular Mechanics California gas prices are the highest in the U.S., but there’s no proof of price gouging. Here’s why.For years, California leaders accused oil companies of price gouging at the pump, but a state investigation found no evide…CBS News The 3 little words TV fans can’t stop obsessing over Fans of the hit medical drama “The Pitt” can’t stop saying, “Baby Jane Doe.” How a throwaway line beca…Yahoo Entertainment NASA’s Artemis II blasts off for historic mission to the moon The first crewed mission of the Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon successfully launched into the atmosphere…AccuWeather The toxic fallout from the Alex Bregman debacle has the potential to contaminate the entire Red Sox se…Alex Bregman spent just 114 games in a Red Sox uniform, but the ripple effect of his Boston tenure could last for years.SB Nation More like this Today's game Today’s game Play Crushable by Candy Crush Play, match, and spark chain reactions! Trending now icon Trending now1. Emmanuel Macron2. McDonald’s3. Iran Conflict4. Stock Market Open Good Friday5. Final 46. Pooh Shiesty7. Josh Allen8. Randy George9. Harry & Meghan10. Pam Bondi

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Rock stars on campus: remembering the gold…

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Rock stars on campus: remembering the golden era of ASU concerts

A look at the era when music’s biggest stars played in Tempe.

By Niki D’Andrea

SiriusXM host Sluggo recalls growing up in Phoenix

Long before he was on the air, he was shopping at Tower Records in Tempe and hanging out at Metrocenter.

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

The 13 best arcades in Phoenix right now

Ready player one? Metro Phoenix’s top joystick joints are calling.

By Benjamin Leatherman

Maricopa County Fair 2026 starts this weekend. What to know before you go

Two weekends of rides, fried favorites and crowd-pleasing attractions return to the fairgrounds.

By Benjamin Leatherman

THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES

What to do if you get caught by a Phoenix speed enforcement camera

Get a ticket from a Phoenix speed camera? Read this guide before you pay it.

By Clarissa Sosin

10 best concerts in Phoenix this weekend

Live sounds abound in the Valley this weekend. Here are some top options.

By Benjamin Leatherman

Here’s how much money it takes to be considered ‘rich’ in Phoenix

What counts as being in the top 20% varies depending on what Valley city you’re in.

By Clarissa Sosin

Every Desert Diamond Arena concert announced for 2026 (so far)

Demi Lovato, Megan Moroney and Rush are bringing their tours to the Glendale venue.

By Benjamin Leatherman

These 11 restaurants are now open at PV, with more coming soon

Velvet Taco joins the growing list of eateries now open at the revamped Paradise Valley Mall. Four more are on the way.

By Sara Crocker

A legendary LGBTQ bar is headed to Phoenix

A popular Southern California leather and bear bar is getting a second act in Phoenix’s Melrose District.

By Benjamin Leatherman

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One organ donor can save multiple lives. Registering as a donor is a simple step that can make a lasting difference for patients and families in your community.

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The 13 best arcades in Phoenix right now

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The 13 best arcades in Phoenix right now

Ready player one? Metro Phoenix’s top joystick joints are calling.

By Benjamin Leatherman

Arizona candidate makes AI show tune about ICE’s Surprise facility

How much do you like musical theater? ICE? AI? The answers will determine how much you like this song.

By Morgan Fischer

Why Friday is the wildest night of the year in Downtown Phoenix

Tournaments, free festivals, famous politicians: Downtown Phoenix has it all on April 3.

By Jennifer Goldberg

The 6 best bites and sips we tasted around Phoenix in March

Stellar cocktails, decadent desserts and a stacked styrofoam plate wowed us last month.

By Sara Crocker, Tirion Boan

TODAY’S TRENDING STORIES

These 11 restaurants are now open at PV, with more coming soon

Velvet Taco joins the growing list of eateries now open at the revamped Paradise Valley Mall. Four more are on the way.

By Sara Crocker

Downtown’s new all-day cafe invites customers to slow down and settle in

The popular new spot is a coffee shop, restaurant and cocktail bar all in one. Here’s what to order.

By Sara Crocker

Video: Phoenix cop kills barricaded suspect after tense stand-off

Phoenix police shot and killed Justin Schmidt after a long stand-off at his west Phoenix townhome on March 15.

By Clarissa Sosin

25 Years of Showing Up: Brandon Rafi Returns to Where It All Began

The Rafi Law Group founder marked a 25-year milestone by returning to St. Mary’s Food Bank, reinforcing a lifelong commitment to Arizona through the expanded impact of Rafi’s Hope.

By Cynthia Barnes

Final Filiberto’s reopens after 8 locations abruptly closed

The lights are back on in Scottsdale, ending the drama around a wave of closures last summer.

By Sara Crocker

The Sun Is Stronger Than You Think

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Trucks from our farms are landing in stores with everything you need for spring planting! Stop by and let our team help you select the perfect trees and plants.Book Free Consultation*

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*Trip charge applies to all delivery orders. See store for complete details. Free planting offer valid for Huge specimen trees and larger. Crane and heavy equipment not included. Not valid with any other offers. Some restrictions apply. Excludes packages and wholesale prices. 50% off discount is from original list box tree price. Unless noted, ad is valid 10 days from issue date and all offers are for in-stock items. Blue select trees are excluded from all offers. Not valid on Super and smaller sizes or hard goods, e.g., statuary, pottery, fertilizers. Package pricing based on Platinum Select Trees, unless noted. Pricing applies to the locations listed. Other areas may vary. See store for complete details.

^Within 20 miles of nearest Moon Valley Nurseries retail locations. Surcharges apply beyond the 20-mile radius.