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Wow, what a whirlwind of a morning.
The Democratic National Convention takes place next week -- and the Republican National Convention a week after that.
You can count on ABC-15 Daybreak to provide complete coverage of both.
That said -- a lot of planning is taking place right now.
Jenn and I, along with the rest of the Daybreak crew, can barely keep up with all of the phone calls and emails. :-)
During the next two weeks, we will bring you live reports from delegates at both conventions -- who are in the thick of it all.
From senators to congressmen to political reporters -- we're giving you inside views into the DNC and RNC.
This is just the warm up into what is sure to be a every eventful campaign for President of the United States.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow Democracy 2008.
Check out these websites for more information on the upcoming conventions:
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The saying "friends make the world go round" is so true.
And, perhaps I'm a bit biased -- but, I think I have the greatest friends on earth.
In a transient business like broadcasting -- where you tend to jump from market to market in the beginning -- you meet so many people along the way.
And, I've been lucky to form wonderful friendships everywhere I've worked -- including here at ABC15.
We work so closely together, especially on Daybreak.
Many of us work together and play together.
Take Saturday game night for example -- and, there was no shop talk involved!
Game night -- may sound dorky.
But, honestly, it is so much fun.
And, depending on what games you play -- you can learn so much about each other.
If you're thinking of grabbing a group of friends around the table this weekend -- a good game pick would be Apples to Apples.
It's a word comparison game -- and, really allows your sense of humor to come out.
Or, Trivial Pursuit anyone?
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One of our Daybreak producers, Marc, recently introduced me to a great guy -- Rick Reilly. Maybe you know of him? Some might say he's a sports writer. Well, that's true. But I would like to classify him as a writer of life related to sports. You may ask, why is a news anchor blogging about this? Well, part of my morning duties is to scan the web when I get to work and look for interesting tidbits which we might turn into stories to be used on Daybreak. I saw a story today, written by Rick Reilly, and knew we most likely couldn't use it on the air. However, it was so inspirational and... well, good. It was a really good story... brought to light by a really great writer. He wrote about a man who is not only a lawyer for the city of Pittsburg, but an avid skiier, hunter, fisher and recently triathlete. Oh, by the way, Craig Dietz, was also born with stubs where his arms and legs should have been, all because of a genetic malfunction... a fluke, if you will. Have a great weekend, everyone. If you want to read the complete story, click here.
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I was having an interesting discussion about life with one of our photojournalists here at ABC15 earlier this morning.
We were talking about grown-up things like feeding families, paying mortgages, trying to figure out how to manage the stresses of everyday life... fun things like that.
We also touched on how kids are going back to school now - to which I chimed in with, "Do you remember being 8?"
As in 8 years old. A child.
I think kids worry about things - as worry and stress in life are all relative, I'm sure, to age.
Still, I don't ever remember being heavily stressed when I was 8. What did I have to worry about? Looking back - not a whole lot.
In fact, that reminds me of a story that we talked about on Daybreak today - how Mesa's child drownings are down.
Kids, whether 8 years or 8 months are always susceptible to accidents - especially around water. But I don't think they *worry* about drowning. I don't imagine a backyard pool stresses them out.
Which is why one element of that story stood out to me: today in Mesa, the mayor will honor not an 8-year-old, but a 6-year-old with saving his 3-year-old cousin from drowning.
The action in itself is great... but even more so... that someone, likely an adult, felt concerned enough to teach this 6-year-old the right things to do around a pool -- not to create worry or stress... but rather, to avoid it and be proactive if the time ever came for this 6-year old to use those skills.
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You know, if I'm honest, I will tell you a lot of times, I leave work with such a serious attitude. News, typically, isn't always happy. As someone (a viewer) once told me: "you guys report on plane crashes. But how often do you report on planes making successful landings at the airport?" Point taken, my friend. So, in surfing the web, trying to come up with ideas for tomorrow's Daybreak... I came across this piece of video which made me LOL. (is that laugh out loud? or lots of laughs?) Anyway, I needed the laugh - so I thought I'd share it with you. See it here! Enjoy. And while you're at it - find a bit of joy (or humor) in your day as well. After all, in the time it took me to write this blog, I would be willing to bet that there were more than a few successful landings at Sky Harbor. Not headliners - but very good happenings, nonetheless.
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I am a huge fan of Arizona's exciting monsoon storms -- when I can enjoy them tucked away safe in my house.
Last night, on my way home from the Cardinals/Saints game -- I had the misfortune of driving right though the heart of the storm as it pounded the central Phoenix area.
I thought I was going to die.
I have never seen such heavy downpour -- blinding in fact.
My windshield wipers couldn't keep up!
I was the lady in the SUV, in the far right lane -- going about 30 miles an hour down I-10 -- with my nails dug into the steering wheel.
My poor, dear friend Heather was in the passenger seat -- as I nearly had a meltdown trying to navigate quickly flooded roads, once we got off the freeway.
The wind -- so strong it felt like four giants were pulling each of my tires in different directions!
We made it home okay.
But, I was still shaking when I pulled into my garage last night.
For those of you who happened to be unlucky enough to be driving last night -- I share your terror.
Next time, I'm staying home!
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For those who didn't take French in high school, that means "ready to wear." It seemed like a cute title for this blog, because I want to answer a question Rebecca and I hear a lot: "do you guys have a wardrobe at work?"
The answer is no. In fact - here's a really long explanation which might answer a lot of other questions about our "wardrobe." (My "wardrobe" consists of whatever is mostly clean, on a hanger, and void of dog hair and major wrinkles.)
Every night, at around 6 or so, Rebecca and I text back and forth as to what we're planning to wear the following day. The electronic conversation goes something like this:
Rebecca text: Hi! What are you wearing tomorrow?
Jenn text: Ugh. I have no idea.
Rebecca text: Me too.
Jenn text: I think I'll wear sweats ;) (I'm always kidding when I say that)
Rebecca text: Just text me in the morning when you decide.
Jenn text: ok. 'night!
Rebecca text: Sweet dreams!
From there - we both go to sleep and then I'll text her the next morning with what color I'm wearing. She'll then pick something other than that color so we don't look like twins who color-coordinate for the first day of school.
I also get asked if I ever wear the same thing twice. Nope. I wear the same thing a lot more than twice. I have clothes which I still wear today, from when I was a budding morning anchor in Flagstaff! (You learn to take good care of your work clothes, they last longer that way.)
I hope that clears up at least some of your questions. I do want to thank you though, if you're one of the nice folks who email us with compliments. Your thoughtfulness in those kind words just makes our day - and I know we both appreciate you taking the time out of your day to send those little notes!
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Summer break came to an end for thousands of valley kids today -- time to go back to school and hit the books!
This is a big year for me -- and all of the other parents of the class of 2012.
Our children are now HIGH SCHOOLERS!
My daughter started her freshman year at 8:23 this morning -- full of nervous anticipation.
I must admit, I was probably more anxious than she was.
This is a big step toward adulthood!
I clearly remember my first day of high school.
My friends and I had heard all of the rumors about what perils awaited freshmen -- or "fresh meat," I believe was the term upperclassmen used for us.
Stay away from the fountains -- or you'll be pushed in.
Avoid the trash cans -- or you'll end up in them.
None of that ever happened -- and, before we knew it, we were seniors.
So freshmen, enjoy the next four years.
Study, work hard and make great friends and memories.
Time goes by fast!
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That's the title of Stephenie Meyer's new book.
If you have a teenager -- you know who she is!
The valley author is being touted as the next J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter).
Her vampire romance books -- VERY popular with teens and young adults alike.
My daughter has been a fan for years -- having read Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and The Host.
She convinced my best friend to read the series -- who is now telling me that I MUST read them as well.
Lisa knows good books -- so, I'm going to add them to my summer reading list.
Tonight is a big deal for Meyer's fans -- Breaking Dawn will be released at 12:01 Saturday morning.
And, bookstores across the valley are holding parties, starting at 10:00 tonight, in anticipation.
So, just how big of a deal is Meyer?
Well, Hollywood has come knocking -- and, a movie version of her book Twilight hits theatres in December.
If you want to learn more about Stephenie Meyer, and get your young teens hooked on reading, check out her website: www.stepheniemeyer.com.
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Tomorrow is the big pet telethon here at ABC 15. You would not believe how much work our production staff has been putting into this event! They've been setting up all week! I know for them it's work - setting lights, checking the set... basically getting everything ready for the live broadcast on Saturday.
If you haven't had a chance to watch the annual pet telethon - you should! (and not just because it's going to be so hot tomorrow, you'll really want to hunker down inside and watch TV). Really, though, take it from me - it's the best live 6 and a half hours of television to watch. It's heart-warming... and it's truly amazing to see how the community rallies to help the Arizona Humane Society... and the animals.
So-here's the info: tune into ABC 15 tomorrow from noon until 6:30pm. Start a little competition between your neighbors, co-workers, etc - who can donate the most money? Or perhaps you'll adopt a pet! As the mom of 3 dogs, I can tell you - adopting a pet is one of the best choices you can make.
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If you've been to Sedona recently -- you know that getting into town on State Route 179 is a NIGHTMARE.
Once the road improvements are completed -- that highway will be a breeze.
But, in the meantime -- expect bumper to bumper traffic on SR 179.
Trust me, I hit the road last weekend -- and it took me more than an hour to get from SR 179 at I-17 to the heart of Sedona.
Normally, it takes about 20 minutes.
Road rage, anyone?
So, here's some advice.
When heading for Sedona, exit I-17 at 260 W, near Camp Verde -- instead of SR 179.
Then take the 260 W and turn right (North) on to the 89.
That road will take you into Sedona.
If your destination is Tlaquepaque (my favorite dining and shopping area) or Oak Creek -- just turn right (East) on SR 179.
Getting OUT of Sedona on SR 179 isn't a problem.
Technically, taking the 260 to the 89 is longer -- but, right now, it's a much faster route to Red Rock Country.
Happy travels!
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It's going to be hot this weekend -- maybe even rainy.
So, what better place to escape to -- than a movie theatre!
There are a lot of films to choose from right now.
But, if you haven't seen Batman "The Dark Night" -- make it a priority.
You need not have seen the previous Batman films or be a fan of action adventure.
I saw the blockbuster last weekend, and in my opinion, the acting, storyline and special effects offer something for everyone.
Heath Ledger's performance was phenomenal -- scary -- and, it has nothing to do with his recent death.
I can't imagine he'd find another role that could top this one.
This is definitely a dark movie -- not a film to take the little ones to.
Now, if you're in the mood for fun, romance, great ABBA tunes and beautiful Greek islands -- check out "Mama Mia."
Who knew Meryl Streep had such a great voice???
As usual -- her performance is top notch.
And, Amanda Seyfried, who plays her daughter, has one of the most beautiful voices I've heard.
Be warned -- this is a TOTAL "chick flick."
Ladies, grab your girlfriends and leave the guys at home -- unless they REALLY love musicals.
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It must be tough to be a kid these days... at least from an adult's perspective.
They have, it seems, so many things to worry about that we never knew: keeping up a MySpace, facebook, etc. page... wondering who's talking about them online, via text or cell... being bullied either in person or through 21st century technology.
With some schools starting class on Monday... there's the issue of peer pressure, academic pressure (I grew up in a day and age where my graduation did not hinge on a test) and for some kids, parental pressure to over-achieve in activities, academia or sports.
Then there's the issue of not even being able to play outside for fear of child predators. For instance, police are giving the *entire Valley* a warning to watch your kids... all because some guy has taken it upon himself to prey on girls.
That's the most alarming... to have someone steal innocence so callously. If you need more information on this child predator... we've got it right here at abc15.com. Or, if you have information... please call Silent Witness: 480-witness.
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Whhewwwww!
It's been a busy day.
If you tuned in to Daybreak this morning, you saw a jam-packed show with live, team-coverage of an overnight monsoon -- along with breaking news.
Can you imagine waking up to a car barreling through your home and then having those inside the car try to rob you?
That's what happened to a family in Glendale this morning.
The good news is police caught the bad guys and nobody was hurt.
Today's show was the result of a lot of hard work -- and team work
Kudos to the photographers who shot the great video...the producers and reporters who gathered the information... and the production crew who put us on the air and rolled with a lot of punches.
Oh yeah, the four gals who bring you news, traffic and weather deserve a high five too. :-)
But, wait -- we can't forget you, the viewer!!!
Thanks for watching and for being a part of the ABC15 family -- by sending us great pictures of news and weather.
Please keep them coming -- we love to use them in our newscasts!
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If you've ever had the pleasure of enjoying a pedicure - you know the soothing feeling of warm water on your feet... the fun of picking out a new color for your toes (if you choose to have them painted)... the ticklish nibbles of fish as they feed off your calluses. WHAT?!
Yep. It's all the rage in our nation's capital. Tiny carp nibble your tootsies as you soak your feet in a tank. You see, the carp take the place of razors used to scrape off callous. Sounds gross, doesn't it? Yet, I guess it's actually more sanitary than using traditional tools. But... what about when their little fish tummies get full? That can't be sanitary, can it?
I don't know. I'm a little skeptical. I guess I have this image in my head of piranha-like carp, voraciously attacking unsuspecting callous... maybe even taking a pinkie toe off in the process.
Anyway - we may feature more on this story tomorrow on Daybreak. As they stay... stay tuned.
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