John McCain and Amy Poehler in a photo tweeted by @SenJohnMcCain Thursday.

It’s official: Sen. John McCain will put Arizona on the map, again. This time it will be in the form of a half hour comedy spot on prime-time television.

No, seriously, the senator has reportedly wrapped filming on the set of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” for the upcoming season 5. Just in case we had any doubt about the former presidential candidate’s acting career, he confirmed via Twitter last week: “Had a great time shooting @ParksandRecNBC today w/ Amy Poehler – I think it’s an Emmy!”

McCain was joined by Sen. Barbara Boxer (California) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine) as guest stars on the show.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the bipartisan episode – titled “Ms. Knope Goes to Washington” – is expected to debut on September 27, and will center around Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope visiting D.C. to see her boyfriend Ben Wyatt, played by Adam Scott. More on season 5 here.

Here in Arizona it feels like sandals are appropriate footwear 90-percent of the year. Of course that could mean monotony. Not anymore. Behold, the completely customizable do-it-yourself idea for any pair of sandals courtesy of Daily Candy and I Spy DIY Style.

Here’s all you will need: a pair of sandals (old or new), various colors of string, the tiniest bit of super glue and scissors.

To get started, wrap the the first color of string around a desired strap or piece of your sandal and tie in a knot. Continue wrapping the string to desired width. Knot it to the next color and repeat. Reinforce knots with dabs of superglue. For more detailed instructions, watch the video here.

Since the string isn’t glued directly to the sandal itself you risk nothing. Feel free to try this same trick over and over with different sandals, different types of string and different color combinations and patterns … that will keep you on your toes.

The Wiley One, an Arizona-based Hip-Hop, Reggae, Blues (and more) band, released a new music video for their latest single, UFO Man. UFO Man is a track off the band’s lastest album, Kill It With Love, which was released earlier this year.

We found their latest spin on the music video concept unique to say the least. Be sure to let us know what you think below. For more The Wiley One music videos, click here and for concert dates, click here.

Shopping and dining are among the attractions of Bisbee's historic main street. Courtesy photo.

‘Tis the season for family vacations, amusements parks and long hours in the car where the proverbial “are we there yet?” can be heard if not by children, then by the voice in your own head. If you’re thinking of keeping it local and enjoying the low-fuss adventure of a (shorter) road trip getaway, here are some Arizona destinations for your consideration.

Bisbee – Just 200 miles southeast, the combination of Bisbee’s mining past and modern attractions make this town unique. While it’s Ideal for the history lover, Bisbee is not a bad choice for the foodie or the shopper either. Visit the historic main street; choose from a variety of tours and museums, or catch a Copper Kings game at Warren Ballpark.

Jerome – 115 miles north. In a town once known for mining, prostitution, gambling and – unofficially – ghosts, you’ll now find bed and breakfasts and more than 30 galleries and studios. During your visit, don’t miss the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum for the history buffs, the Jerome State Historic Park for the outdoorsy types, the First Saturday Art Walk for the art lovers and The Jerome Winery for the … (well, you get the idea).

Sedona – 100 miles north. Whether it’s hiking or mountain biking trails, yoga and the healing effect of the vortexes or booking a relaxing resort experience, Sedona’s stunning Red Rocks provide a perfect back drop. Catch the The 17th Annual Sedona Taste or the The 4th Annual Sedona Dine & Wine Fest this summer, but while you’re there, you gotta visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Slide Rock State Park.

Other noteworthy landmarks (think Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation): The Titan Missile Museum, The Meteor Crater and The Four Corners Monument. Pack up the car and escape the heat of the Valley some weekend soon. It’s cheap, educational and good for the local economy.

Mikey L’Heureux, photographer, graphic artist and a budding filmmaker from Mesa, Arizona now in Los Angeles is on the clock with us today. Mikey was one of eight winning photographers selected by Ron Howard and Canon as part of “Project Imagin8ion,” the first user-generated photo contest in history to inspire a Hollywood film. Over 100,000 submissions were reviewed, with Mikey winning in the MOOD category for his “City Lights,” shot inspiring the short film that became “when you find me.” Canon will be bringing the film to Phoenix Thursday, February 2nd at The Ahwatukee 24 Theatre at 6:30 p.m.

So what inspires the Mesa-native in his artistic quest? Want to know more about the photo and the competition? Are you ready Mikey? Roll ‘em…

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Presented by our pals at Local First Arizona, this monthly series highlights the state’s best getaways. Up next, Safford, a charming college town and high desert farming community near the New Mexico border.

We love this ironic take on AZ’s immigration controversy

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