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Reading Rebecca's blog from yesterday, I had to chuckle at her saying, "I'm not a crazy cat-lady." She's really not. She's just crazy about cats. She's a great pet owner. Which brings me to the realization that while I'm not your mother, I'm about to sound like her with these friendly little reminders as we approach the 4th.
First, on the subject of pets - the fireworks will be going off tomorrow night. Have you tagged your pets properly? Updated the info on their ID tags, making sure it's current? Pets can get spooked by those colorful explosions... it would sure be a shame to lose a dog or a cat.
Second, it's hot out there - great pool weather, especially for the kids. But please, watch your wee ones at all times when they're out around the pool. Accidents happen, yes. But they can also be prevented with a little diligence on a parent's part.
Third, don't drink and drive. It's fun to celebrate, I know. But, the 4th of July is one of the deadliest on the roads. Don't become a statistic. Be the responsible adult you are.
Fourth, have fun and enjoy your long weekend. :) And, if you're up early tomorrow... Becca the "crazy-about-cats lady" and I will be here, waking you up with Daybreak.
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I promise -- I'm not a crazy cat lady. :-)
But, I do adore my felines, and therefore want to update you on my most recent rescue kitten.
I blogged about it five weeks ago -- Tony Arranaga brought me an abandoned kitten he found during a morning live shot.
We thought it was a girl -- but, alas, the kitten is a boy!
So, Bella is now Jasper -- named after another character in one of my daughter's favorite books, "Twilight" (the author is Glendale's Stephanie Meyer).
His eyes, once baby blue, are now green.
The day Jasper was rescued, he weighed less than a pound.
Yesterday, a trip to the vet revealed he is now almost four pounds -- and very healthy!
Here's a recent picture of Jasper sleeping -- his paws, with extra toes, look like catcher's mitts.
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I know I blogged a little while ago about the folks who work the overnight hours. Specifically, I was talking about our first responders. Still, you just can't say thanks enough. I guess this blog stems from the helicopter crash in Flagstaff... and thinking back to the times I worked with fire crews on various stories... and having to call on emergency services myself a time or two. Bottom line: thank you.
Consider this: it's going to be, what, around 111 or 112 today? Imagine being a firefighter in this weather... it's already hot enough when you're wearing shorts and a t-shirt. But turnouts!? 60 pounds of gear?! Fighting a wildfire or a house fire... which, if I'm not mistaken, adds at least a couple hundred degrees to our daytime highs. Wow.
Then, there are those who work as EMT's. I can't imagine the magnitude and range of human condition you see. And regardless of age, status... anything... you work to sustain life - the very thing that connects us to this earth.
Our police officers who work to maintain order and safety - who deal with the side of society that's not always savory and can be downright dangerous.
You know -- I think we take your services and efforts for granted a lot of the time. Sadly, sometimes it takes tragedy for your services to be put in the spotlight. I'm sorry for that... because in your day to day duties, there are so many "good news" stories that don't get airtime or printed in the daily papers. I'm talking about the life saved, the burglary averted, the home spared.
However, this time, your services became the big story of the day... because of an accidental tragedy. This time, though, I think we all should pause and collectively thank all of you for what you do. Thank you for your tireless efforts and protecting us from failing health, flame, or felon.
Thank you.
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By now, many of you have heard new cell phone laws go into effect July 1st in California.
16 and 17-year-old drivers can't drive and talk on the phone -- period.
Everyone else MUST use an earpiece (Blue Tooth or headset) when using their cell phones while driving.
The good news is -- the roads will likely be safer...in that state.
And, the new laws could very well lead to better health.
The jury is still out on whether cell phones cause brain tumors.
But, if you're using an earpiece --- you're cutting down on your risk...if there is one.
A doctor with ties to the University of Arizona is weighing in on the issue.
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We have a Daybreak intern here at ABC 15. Her name (I just asked her if she wished to remain annonymous, she said she didn't care) is Ashley. She is a senior at ASU. In fact, she's sitting here right next to me as I'm typing all of this. Reason being... well, I'm trying to show her what we do here... and I feel badly, because I feel like I could be doing more to further her educational experience. So... I came up with the idea to be her interviewee... (I just turned to her and smiled... she had no idea I'm doing this. So, now, I'll explain to her what this means... basically... her first assignment as a reporter.)
Fire away, Ashley... ask me anything about my job.
"When did you first know you wanted to be a journalist?" She asks.
"Well, I've always loved to write - even as a kid! That's back when we actually wrote with a pencil and paper, too. So, journalism seemed the route for me."
Ashley: how long have you been in the business?
Jenn: Hmm... well, I really felt as though I "started" in the business in college at NAU. They had a student-run TV station there... and I've been working ever since.
Ashley: Any funny reporter experience stories, etc?
Jenn: Like embarassing ones... or just funny moments?
Ashley: whichever one would make me laugh so hard I could cry.
Jenn: I feel like crying sometimes when my alarm clock goes off at 1:15am. But, the job is fun... once I get there. Well, let's see... umm, I may be the most boring reporter ever. I don't think I've had that experience yet. However, when you work with a photographer, and you are both tired and cramped from sitting long hours in a car driving to and from a story shoot... the delirium of the day can cause spontaneous laughter - it's hysterical... but you have to be there. You'll see what I mean, someday.
Ashley: any horror stories?
Jenn: I've seen the dark side of life. Murder victims, child abusers... that is horror to me.
Ashley: How long do you want this interview in your blog to be?
Jenn: That's funny!!! Ok - let's wrap it up. One more question.
Ashley: What's the best part of your job?
Jenn: Well, I have a multi-faceted answer: I'm impressed with how many people still care about current events... Sometimes, it seems as though we live in such a passive society -- however, people still feel compelled to leave comments about stories we do, people email me their thoughts on issues -- that's so great. It shows we're still alive and kickin' -- even though sometimes it seems as though there is a lack of -- well, interest, in our community, what's going on in the world, etc.
I also love thinking that I made one person smile. (Cheesy answer, but it's true.) The fact that I'm not cooped up in a cubicle all day is great, too. And, my job forces me to read and study and never stop learning. How's that?
Ashley: fantabulous. I feel inspired. And slightly tired.
Jenn: well... I hate to say get used to it... but, we can talk about that over coffee sometime. Strong coffee. :)
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I was sitting here at my desk - and got a phone call from Tony Arranaga. His mother just called him to say that as of July 1st, drivers will no longer be allowed to talk on their hand-held cell phones. She lives in California, just so you know. If that happened, what would you think? It's a story I think we'll be working on in some form or another for Daybreak, so sound off on this now. Here's a newspaper article for more
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There was a study done recently, highlighting the challenges faced by teen girls in Arizona. To sum it up, it found we have the 4th highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation and the 9th highest rate of high school drop-outs in the nation - when it comes to teen girls. Each week in our state, 65 babies are born to these teen mothers.
What is going on out there? I don't pretend to be from a slightly older generation... but what has changed? I sure don't remember things like this when I was growing up 15 years ago or so.
I'm asking this honestly and forthrightly: what is happening to our youth? Do we not inspire them anymore? Do they just not care? Do we, as an "older" generation find ourselves too preoccupied to care? I'm kind of leaving this blog open for dialogue here... because if you think about it -- what are the kids of these un-wed teens going to be like when they reach teenage-dom themselves? What kind of statistics will we find ourselves mulling over then?
As someone who feels somewhat responsible (can I mentor more effectively, how much more time can I give? etc) I wonder what more can be done. What ideas do you have, reader? How can we help? Is it even our place?
I don't know the answers... which perhaps is the sentiment shared by these teen gals. Maybe they don't know the answers either... and, beyond that, maybe they don't even know the questions to ask... to avoid becoming a statistic.
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We get so many stories in from overnight here at ABC 15. In fact, our police and fire scanners are hardly ever silent. Even overnight. I would know - I got here exceptionally early this morning and heard it buzzing away.
In this 24-hour society we live in... most people are sleeping the night away, which is the "normal" thing to do. Still, there are those who are keeping watch over communities and working to keep us safe long after the sun goes down and day gives way to night. These nocturnal heroes I'm talking about are our first responders, our 9-1-1 operators, emergency department doctors and nurses and the like. Your work does not go unnoticed... your compassion shared with those who may call on you in a panic is so appreciated. Thank you so much for the job you do... and to everyone... enjoy your weekend!
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This is what we in the news biz call "advancing a story." I'm giving you the inside scoop right now on a story we will cover tomorrow morning during Daybreak. Here are the "Cliff Notes" for now. You may find this as shocking as we on the Daybreak team did. Read on...
A group of teen girls in Massachusetts make a pact last year to get pregnant. They apparently want to raise their babies together.
Today, 17 of those high school students are going to get that chance. By the way, as of last year... those 17 girls were younger than 16 years old. One of them slept with a homeless man in his 20's - in an effort to conceive.
According to the high school's principal... when they went in for pregnancy tests at the school's health clinic, they hi-fived each other when the results came back positive.
We'll of course have more tomorrow on the air (Daybreak begins at 5am) but, reader of this blog, I would love to get your thoughts on this story out of Gloucester, Mass. Please take a moment and comment. This story has so many facets... I encourage you to "sound off" on anything and everything about it.
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It's very interesting to see what goes on in the wee hours of the morning as I'm driving into work. I live out in, well, what I would call a rural area with cows aplenty and crops that stretch off to the horizon. Sometimes, in the darkness of what usually is about 3am... I see lights out in those crops (no, I'm not blogging about aliens making crop circles) from farmers out on their machinery giving those crops the attention they need.
I have such a respect for those farmers - the unsung heroes of keeping food on our plates. Speaking of food... and farmers (I smell a segue), there's a great resource I'd be willing to bet most of you are unaware of: it's to the Arizona Farm Bureau. Not only is it a great learning tool... but would you believe, you can actually plan your menu out for a week... and it's a menu of items that are actually at a lower cost... because there's an abundance of the featured foods! I love it! Without further ado, I would encourage you to check out the menu page, which I've posted a link to below. But also, check out the main page of the Farm Bureau as well. By the way, just to add a little music to your farm bureau research... well, just click the youtube link. You may gain not only an appreciation for your local farmer... but perhaps you'll think twice about getting hot under the collar next time you get stuck behind an International Harvester. ;)
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Ever wonder how researchers in the realm of higher education spend their time? This one guy in Colorado (Colorado State University social psychologist William Szlemko) somehow found a correlation between bumper stickers and road rage. For example, the more bumper stickers, decals, etc you have on your car... the more likely you are to... umm... stick it to someone on the road (sorry, couldn't resist).
Now, Mr. Szlemko found it didn't matter what these bumper stickers said... which is rather humorous to me. Of course it's easy to visualize (and stereotype) the car plastered with such things as "my kid beat up your honor student" or "get in, sit down, shut up and hang on" driving by you at break-neck speed on the 101, the driver giving you the death look because you are only going 5 miles per hour over the speed limit, thus slowing him (or her-let's be fair here) down.
But, imagine one of those sleek, environmentally-friendly cars with such slogans as "peace please" or something even more warm and fuzzy stuck on the back bumper ("I brake for ponies and unicorns" or "hug a saguaro"... whatever, I don't know, but you get the picture). Imagine that nice car, with the assumed nice driver inside who just wants world peace. Now, imagine that driver roaring past you on the same stretch of the 101. Sure, you're only going 70mph... but did that driver really have to roll down the window and salute you? Or, was she (or he) telling you that they're number one? You get the picture. It's offensive. Actually, it's a picture I have very clearly in my head. Except it wasn't the 101 I was driving on... it was the I-10. As a side note: I didn't know a Prius could go that fast. Perhaps, sir or madam if you're reading this, when driving at illegal speeds, it would be a little better to keep both hands (and all ten fingers) on the wheel.
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Arizona's monsoon season officially started yesterday -- June 15 -- and will continue through September 30.
This is a big change from years past -- when the National Weather Service said we had to have three consecutive days of dew points above 55 degrees.
If you're new to the valley...here's what you can expect.
During the next several months, thunderstorms will often roll in during the afternoon and put on quite a show.
Heavy rain, flash floods...thunder...lightening...dust storms (haboobs) and high winds are all part of the deal.
If you know what to expect, and are prepared, these storms are a blast to ride out in the comfort of your home.
Personally, I LOVE monsoon weather.
I find it really exciting: thunder that sounds like it could level your home....howling wind.
You just have to remember to bring in your patio furniture, so it doesn't end up in your pool.
If you're driving down the freeway and see a sand storm (haboob) coming your way...exit at the nearest off ramp.
These dust storms are terrifying to drive in.
And, if you see a flooded road -- even if it doesn't look very deep -- do NOT try to cross it.
In Arizona, we have a stupid motorist law -- and, you will get slapped with a pricey ticket if you get stuck.
Another tip from a long-time desert dweller: replace your windshield wipers.
If it's been a year since you've done so -- take a look.
They're probably a bit warped from last years summer heat.
Oh, one more thing!
If your trees need trimming, do it right away.
This will decrease the odds of overgrown branches falling during high wind and causing damage.
Don't forget, you can count on Daybreak's Kaley O'Kelly, and the rest of the ABC 15 weather team, to bring you the very latest on our monsoon and keep you ahead of the storms.
Have fun and stay safe this monsoon season!
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You know, I don't think I would ever want to be President. Imagine the scrutiny. Imagine the unrelenting analyzing of your every move. "Uh-oh... Jenn wore a rain jacket with a plastic shell and a faux fur-lined hood. *gasp* Plastic is petroleum-based. *bigger gasp!* She must be pro-oil-anti-environment-pro-this-anti-that. We must impeach her now! Down with rain jackets and Jenn! Let's start a new campaign - back to burlap!" Then the masses would jump on the burlap bandwagon and call for my impeachment. Silly, yes... but you've seen similar situations played out before in the political arena. To that I say: no thanks. I don't think I'd hold up under that kind of pressure. (Besides, -dare I say- I like faux fur. It's cheap and kind to animals.)
This is all coming about from an abc15.com web-poll we had this morning on Daybreak- whether folks agreed with Dennis Kucinich on his resolution to impeach President Bush. In fact, I believe it's still there on the front page of abc15.com as I type this. As the numbers stand now (at 9:45am) 46% say yes, they agree with Kucinich... and 54% say no. These numbers are ever-changing... so don't hold me to them by the time you get around to reading this blog. You know, we get enough of that scrutiny as people "on TV." I will refrain from typing exactly what kind of scrutiny I'm talking about. Besides, I've probably opened the floodgates by admitting I like faux fur. I can hear the petitions circulating now...
If you'ld like to read more about the resolution to impeach President Bush, click on the link below:
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Today I find it hard to come up with an original topic for my blog.
What is EVERYONE talking about these days?
Gas!
I've blogged about the high prices before -- but, the subject won't go away.
It just keeps getting worse.
Prices in the Phoenix area have now topped $4 a gallon.
And, I'm sure most of you don't find any consolation knowing folks over in Europe pay twice that.
It really is hurting everyone.
Even people who make good money are finding themselves with less disposable income.
That fun money is now going toward gas...and in turn...higher food prices,etc.
It's a ripple effect, and we have yet to see the full consequences of this.
ABC-15 works hard to bring you gas-saving tips -- but, there's only so much you can do.
Websites, identifying service stations with the cheapest gas, can hardly keep up with the ever-changing (increasing) prices.
Personally, I fill up at Costco.
I've found it to be the least expensive.
And, I fill my tank while it's still dark and cool (relatively) outside.
Experts say you get more bang for your buck that way -- less evaporation.
I also find myself driving the speed limit on the freeway. (I know one should be doing this anyway.)
65 MPH is the most-fuel efficient speed after all.
Ughhhh, I feel tired just thinking about our worsening gas crisis.
But, as my wise aunt always says: "This too shall pass."
Let's just hope someone finds a solution -- SOON!
P.S. Don't forget to sound off on today's WebXtra web poll: Should the U.S. explore oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge so we can pay less for gas?
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I haven't been in grade school for quite some time... but I assume they still teach the kids history. I was just perusing the headlines from various news sites... and thinking, wow - I wonder what this moment in America will look like in the history books. We've got a historic election campaign happening, gas hitting record highs, a mortgage/housing crisis... the list goes on.
I just feel as though we're facing a fork in the road - but to what? Robert Frost made a fork in the road sound so beautiful and serene with green grass growing in a yellow wood. He even said he was sorry he couldn't travel both roads... even though in the end, he took the road less traveled.
But, what of the path we're heading down? Which road will America choose - and will we be sorry in the end?
I hope when this present moment becomes history - our kids are reading about it from a very positive place... a destination brought about by choosing the right path as it diverges into the uncertain wood of our future.
ROAD LESS TRAVELED
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
Robert Frost
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