Wednesday, April 16, 2008
How To Drive In Phoenix
This was sent to me by John a CBS 5 Morning News Viewer. It made me laugh and I'm sure for all of you commuters out there it'll do the same.
Thanks John!!!
HOW TO DRIVE IN PHOENIX:
1. You must first learn to pronounce the city name, it is: FEE-NICKS'.
There are other names to learn such as Awatukee (Ah-wa-Too-Kee) but that will be included in the advanced course.
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 7:00 pm. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday morning.
3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 85 mph. On Loop 101, your speed is expected to at least match the highway number. Anything less is considered 'Wussy'.
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Phoenix has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, East Valley, SUV-driving, cell phone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.
6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's another offense that can get you shot.
7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in Phoenix. Detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment pleasure during the middle of the night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting.
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cows, horses, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, squirrels, rabbits, crows, vultures, havelinas, roadrunners, and the coyotes feeding on any of these items.
9. Maricopa Freeway, Papago Freeway and the '10' are the same road unless it's the part of the 17 that's also called the Maricopa Freeway.
SR202 is the same road as The Red Mountain FWY unless it's east of the 101 and then it becomes the SanTan, then it ends, and then becomes the SanTan again.
SR 143 is a street AND a freeway at the same time. Either way, it's the Hohokam Expressway.
No one really knows what purpose SR153 has exactly.
SR51 has been called both the Squaw Peak Freeway and Piestewa Freeway. Depends who's talking to you.
US60 on the east side is the Superstition Freeway. On the west side it's a diagonal road with lots of traffic lights that's best avoided altogether.
Sometimes you'll hear things on the traffic reports that refer to 'the innerloop.' No one (besides traffic reporters) ever called anything in Phoenix by that name. Matter of fact, I'm not sure where that is exactly.
Dunlap and Olive are the same street.
Jefferson becomes Washington, but they are not the same street.
SR 101 is the Pima FWY east of I-17, which is the Black Canyon FWY (south of the 101, north of the 101 it is Veterans Memorial HWY) unless you are south of the 202 then the 101 becomes the Price FWY. SR 101 west of I-17 (at all times) is the Agua Fria FWY.
No one is quite sure where Bethany's Home is.
Lastly, Thunderbird Rd. becomes Cactus Rd. but, Cactus Rd. doesn't become Thunderbird Rd. because it dead ends at a mountain.
10. If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been 'accidentally activated.'
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be 'flipped off' accordingly. If you return the flip, you'll be shot.
12. For summer driving, it is advisable to wear potholders on your hands.
13. It's a sport to make a yellow light from at least 500 feet away.
Thanks John!!!
HOW TO DRIVE IN PHOENIX:
1. You must first learn to pronounce the city name, it is: FEE-NICKS'.
There are other names to learn such as Awatukee (Ah-wa-Too-Kee) but that will be included in the advanced course.
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00 am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 7:00 pm. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday morning.
3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 85 mph. On Loop 101, your speed is expected to at least match the highway number. Anything less is considered 'Wussy'.
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Phoenix has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, East Valley, SUV-driving, cell phone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.
6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's another offense that can get you shot.
7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in Phoenix. Detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment pleasure during the middle of the night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting.
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cows, horses, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, squirrels, rabbits, crows, vultures, havelinas, roadrunners, and the coyotes feeding on any of these items.
9. Maricopa Freeway, Papago Freeway and the '10' are the same road unless it's the part of the 17 that's also called the Maricopa Freeway.
SR202 is the same road as The Red Mountain FWY unless it's east of the 101 and then it becomes the SanTan, then it ends, and then becomes the SanTan again.
SR 143 is a street AND a freeway at the same time. Either way, it's the Hohokam Expressway.
No one really knows what purpose SR153 has exactly.
SR51 has been called both the Squaw Peak Freeway and Piestewa Freeway. Depends who's talking to you.
US60 on the east side is the Superstition Freeway. On the west side it's a diagonal road with lots of traffic lights that's best avoided altogether.
Sometimes you'll hear things on the traffic reports that refer to 'the innerloop.' No one (besides traffic reporters) ever called anything in Phoenix by that name. Matter of fact, I'm not sure where that is exactly.
Dunlap and Olive are the same street.
Jefferson becomes Washington, but they are not the same street.
SR 101 is the Pima FWY east of I-17, which is the Black Canyon FWY (south of the 101, north of the 101 it is Veterans Memorial HWY) unless you are south of the 202 then the 101 becomes the Price FWY. SR 101 west of I-17 (at all times) is the Agua Fria FWY.
No one is quite sure where Bethany's Home is.
Lastly, Thunderbird Rd. becomes Cactus Rd. but, Cactus Rd. doesn't become Thunderbird Rd. because it dead ends at a mountain.
10. If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been 'accidentally activated.'
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be 'flipped off' accordingly. If you return the flip, you'll be shot.
12. For summer driving, it is advisable to wear potholders on your hands.
13. It's a sport to make a yellow light from at least 500 feet away.
Posted at 6:29 AM by Marya Piani
Monday, March 10, 2008
12 years at KPHO!!!!!!
Happy Anniversary to Me!
This week I received an email from our Station Manager congratulating me on 12 years of service at KPHO-TV. I was surprised, because it doesn't feel like 12 years. But as you can see, looking back at pictures, yes it's been that long. I started at the age of 25 a young aggressive reporter, breaking stories, jumping at every assignment. Now at 37 and more "seasoned" I still have the same attitude toward work, maybe that's why I've hung on so long in a very unstable business. Or maybe it's just luck! Either way, it's been a great learning experience on all levels. There is only one reporter at CBS 5 that has been at the station longer than I have, and that's Donna Rossi. What does the future hold? Who knows! But If I stick around another 8, I think I get 5 weeks vacation!
Posted at 7:45 AM by Marya Piani
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
As a working mom, who gets up at 1:30am during the week, I get about 5 hours of sleep at night. That doesn't include the two or three times a night that I'm up to get the little ones something to drink or take them to the bathroom. I try to catch a nap during the day for about an hour when my youngest naps and my pre-schooler is in class. But some nights it's 2 to 3 hours of sleep. I know there are lots of parents out there just like me. So what does it mean?
According to the National Sleep Foundation: How much sleep you needs depends on you. Ok, I think it's safe to say 3 hours isn't enough. On average 7 would be ideal. Less than that can put you at risk for:
* Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
* Increase in body mass index – a greater likelihood of obesity due to an increased appetite caused by sleep deprivation
* Increased risk of diabetes and heart problems
* Increased risk for psychiatric conditions including depression and substance abuse
* Decreased ability to pay attention, react to signals or remember new information
Here's what is interesting: On the other hand, some research has found that long sleep durations (nine hours or more) are also associated with increased illness, accidents and death.
Researchers say that both sleeping too little and sleeping too much may put you at risk!!! Yikes!
For more information here is the website:
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2417325/k.3EAC/How_Much_Sleep_Do_We_Really_Need.htm
I want to know how much sleep you get, and I'll post it on my blog!
email me at mpiani@kpho.com
***Gary writes: I routinely sleep 7-8 hours per night. And, Marya, you know how important REM [rapid eye movement/dreaming/ ] stage of sleep is. If memory serves me [and it should since I sleep so well !] , REM occurs typically in the latter stage of our sleep cycle [closer to our wake-up]. This resting/rejuvination period is when we are most at rest. So-if you were dreaming, you probably had a good rest.
Also, Marya.. POWER-naps [15-30 minute] are very beneficial in preventing the physiological "drain" that results from lack of rest. - Thanks Gary!!!
As a working mom, who gets up at 1:30am during the week, I get about 5 hours of sleep at night. That doesn't include the two or three times a night that I'm up to get the little ones something to drink or take them to the bathroom. I try to catch a nap during the day for about an hour when my youngest naps and my pre-schooler is in class. But some nights it's 2 to 3 hours of sleep. I know there are lots of parents out there just like me. So what does it mean?
According to the National Sleep Foundation: How much sleep you needs depends on you. Ok, I think it's safe to say 3 hours isn't enough. On average 7 would be ideal. Less than that can put you at risk for:
* Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
* Increase in body mass index – a greater likelihood of obesity due to an increased appetite caused by sleep deprivation
* Increased risk of diabetes and heart problems
* Increased risk for psychiatric conditions including depression and substance abuse
* Decreased ability to pay attention, react to signals or remember new information
Here's what is interesting: On the other hand, some research has found that long sleep durations (nine hours or more) are also associated with increased illness, accidents and death.
Researchers say that both sleeping too little and sleeping too much may put you at risk!!! Yikes!
For more information here is the website:
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/site/c.huIXKjM0IxF/b.2417325/k.3EAC/How_Much_Sleep_Do_We_Really_Need.htm
I want to know how much sleep you get, and I'll post it on my blog!
email me at mpiani@kpho.com
***Gary writes: I routinely sleep 7-8 hours per night. And, Marya, you know how important REM [rapid eye movement/dreaming/ ] stage of sleep is. If memory serves me [and it should since I sleep so well !] , REM occurs typically in the latter stage of our sleep cycle [closer to our wake-up]. This resting/rejuvination period is when we are most at rest. So-if you were dreaming, you probably had a good rest.
Also, Marya.. POWER-naps [15-30 minute] are very beneficial in preventing the physiological "drain" that results from lack of rest. - Thanks Gary!!!
Posted at 2:41 AM by Marya Piani
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Super Bowl Fever
Things to do for Super Bowl Week:
NFL Experience
Jan. 26 - Feb. 2
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale
50 interactive games
$17.50 adults
$12.50 children 12 and under
Saturday, Jan. 26th
Super Fiesta
At the Dodge Theatre the Super Fiesta is offered to the general public as part of its Super Celebration Series of Events. It will be Super Bowl XLII's largest celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture, showcasing Arizona's diversity. Featuring a performance by Mexican pop superstar Alejandra Guzman, Super Fiesta's stellar musical lineup includes artists in a variety of Latin music genres such as Mariachi, Regional Mexican, Cumbia, and Latin Pop.
NFL Experience
Jan. 26 - Feb. 2
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale
50 interactive games
$17.50 adults
$12.50 children 12 and under
Saturday, Jan. 26th
Super Fiesta
At the Dodge Theatre the Super Fiesta is offered to the general public as part of its Super Celebration Series of Events. It will be Super Bowl XLII's largest celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture, showcasing Arizona's diversity. Featuring a performance by Mexican pop superstar Alejandra Guzman, Super Fiesta's stellar musical lineup includes artists in a variety of Latin music genres such as Mariachi, Regional Mexican, Cumbia, and Latin Pop.
Tuesday, Jan. 29th
Eric Dickerson Super Bowl Fundraiser
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
The Jack Daniels Experience
noon - 1am
Westgate City Center, Glendale
Lawrence Taylor's golf paring party
9pm - 2am
Martini Ranch Scottsdale
Wednesday, Jan. 30
Tony Dorsett Hosts Golf Tourney - at Legends at Arrowhead Golf Course in Glendale. There is a 1 p.m. Shotgun Start and 5:30 p.m. Souvenir Silent Auction
Jordin Sparks Hosts Charity Event - The Jordin Sparks Celebrity Charity Gala, hosted at Skye Supper Club in Peoria, Many celebrities have already committed to attending, including Jordin Sparks, Darren Woodson, Matt Leinart. The Jordin Sparks Celebrity Charity Gala will start at 7:30 p.m. with early access to celebrities and VIP ticket holders.
Thursday, Jan. 31
Avondale To Hold Pre-Bowl Bash - Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, is rolling out the "green carpet" and hosting a Pre Bowl Bash party to help the West Valley and visiting sports fans get into the spirit before "The Big Game." It runs from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
AVP Crocs Super Court-Pro Beach Volleyball - A portion of Westgate's parking areas will be transformed into the Valley's largest beach party as AVP Pro Beach Volleyball returns to Westgate for an exhibition to pre-market and create buzz for the upcoming season. The court will be open Thursday, Jan. 31 through Sunday, Feb. 3, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
Friday, Feb. 1
Symphony Hall Hosts Bowl Gospel Celebration - The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration can only be described as a remarkable fusion of inspirational music from the biggest names in the music industry and soul-stirring testimonies from top NFL players.
Saturday, Feb 2
Taste Of The NFL Dinner
Playboy Hosts Super Bowl Party At Rawhide
Maxim To Host Super Bowl Party
Counting Crows Headline Free Concert
Chandler To Host Snoop Bowl
Scottsdale Hosts Super ArtWalk
NFL Hosts Celebrity Golf And Bowling Charity Event
ESPN Magazine Hosts Interactive Experience
P. Diddy Hosts Scottsdale Block Party"
944 Magazine’s Super Village To Transform Super Bowl Entertainment Experience
Sunday, Feb. 3
Arizona Sonoran Bowl - II
Posted at 6:32 AM by Marya Piani
Friday, January 4, 2008
Happy New Year!!!!
Resolution?
I've never been one to make new years resolutions. I don't know why. I think setting goals are important. But I try to stick to my life goals everyday, so I don't have to set new ones each year. This year in Time Square in New York City there was a 'Wishing Wall', where people could post their 'wishes' for 2008. I like the idea of a 'wish' instead of a 'resolution'.
Here is my 'Wish' for 2008
My family, and friends have a healthy and happy 2008! ( And winning the lottery would be great too!)
Happy Wishing!
I've never been one to make new years resolutions. I don't know why. I think setting goals are important. But I try to stick to my life goals everyday, so I don't have to set new ones each year. This year in Time Square in New York City there was a 'Wishing Wall', where people could post their 'wishes' for 2008. I like the idea of a 'wish' instead of a 'resolution'.
Here is my 'Wish' for 2008
My family, and friends have a healthy and happy 2008! ( And winning the lottery would be great too!)
Happy Wishing!
Posted at 7:03 AM by Marya Piani
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Last Minute Holiday Shopping
Ready...Set...Go get the Deals!!!!
The Saturday before Christmas is historically the busiest shopping day of the year even though Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving gets the most publicity). This year, retailers are concerned that people aren't spending as much as they did last year, so they are slashing prices. If you are a last minute shopper you may have the last laugh and could end up with the best deals of the year!
If you're headed out to the stores here are some of their holiday hours:
A number of Westcor malls, will be open until 10 p.m. Saturday Dec. 22, 8 p.m. Sunday Dec.23 and 6 p.m. Monday Christmas Eve. They are closed Christmas Day.
Walmart is open until 8 pm on Christmas Eve. They are closed Christmas Day.
Target is open until 11 pm on Christmas Eve. They are closed Christmas Day.
Walgreens - they are open Christmas Day. The Non-24-hour Walgreens stores will be open until midnight through Dec. 23, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Eve and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Day.
Anthem Outlet Stores Saturday opens at 5am - 9pm. Sunday and Monday Open at 9am - 6pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Tim from Mesa - Mervyns at Superstition Springs Mall is Open 5AM-2AM Friday, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY.
Happy Shopping!!!
Email me other other store hours and I will add it to my blog.
mpiani@kpho.com
The Saturday before Christmas is historically the busiest shopping day of the year even though Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving gets the most publicity). This year, retailers are concerned that people aren't spending as much as they did last year, so they are slashing prices. If you are a last minute shopper you may have the last laugh and could end up with the best deals of the year!
If you're headed out to the stores here are some of their holiday hours:
A number of Westcor malls, will be open until 10 p.m. Saturday Dec. 22, 8 p.m. Sunday Dec.23 and 6 p.m. Monday Christmas Eve. They are closed Christmas Day.
Walmart is open until 8 pm on Christmas Eve. They are closed Christmas Day.
Target is open until 11 pm on Christmas Eve. They are closed Christmas Day.
Walgreens - they are open Christmas Day. The Non-24-hour Walgreens stores will be open until midnight through Dec. 23, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Eve and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Day.
Anthem Outlet Stores Saturday opens at 5am - 9pm. Sunday and Monday Open at 9am - 6pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Tim from Mesa - Mervyns at Superstition Springs Mall is Open 5AM-2AM Friday, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY.
Happy Shopping!!!
Email me other other store hours and I will add it to my blog.
mpiani@kpho.com
Posted at 6:20 AM by Marya Piani
Friday, December 7, 2007
Christmas Card Stress
Here it is, the 2007 Christmas Card Photo. Every year it's an ordeal. When will we all be together? Where will we take it? What will we wear? Will everyone be looking at the camera? And how many pictures will we have to take to get one good one?
3/4 of the stress is behind me. The picture is done!!! We're all together, and smiling! We took the picture on Thanksgiving when Brooke was home from College for the holiday. And we took 7 pictures to get a good one!
I ordered my picture cards online and 3 days later they arrived. Wow, pressure is on to get them in the mail. But not yet, they are still in the envelopes sitting in the office collecting dust. I'm trying to update my address list, some people I haven't talked to since I got married 11 years ago.
One year I got this far and never mailed them. As for a personal note in the card, I used to hand write one for each person. But as we added kids to the family the notes got shorter and shorter. This year, I'm sticking them in the envelopes, and then right into mail box. I'm hoping that when people see the picture they'll draw the conclusion that we are all OK.
I love getting Christmas cards in the mail. Picture cards are the best, because you get a chance to see people you may not have seen in a long time!!!! But , it's not easy! Hopefully I'll get mine out this year. If not. You've seen the picture and we're doing just fine!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Posted at 7:12 AM by Marya Piani
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Duel in the Desert
Fork'em Devils!!!
Here we go! Arizona State will play The U of A for the Territorial Cup on Saturday.
The Sun Devils come into the match up with Arizona ranked #13, yes 13, in the AP Poll, the USA Today Coaches poll and the BCS Standings. Hopefully the number 13 is lucky for us!!!
Here at CBS 5 our anchor desk is split, well sort of. Nicole went to the U of A. Chris and I are Arizona State alumni. So there are more Devils than Wildcats in the news!
Here's what's at stake Saturday night: The Territorial Cup. It was presumed gone forever until a few years ago, when it was found in the basement of a Tempe church that was about to be demolished. The Cup is registered with the NCAA as the oldest rivalry trophy in college football!
Coach Dennis Erickson said it best this week in a press conference. "It's bragging rights, that's what it's about. To me, those are the most important games there are. As you go through the season, there are important football games, but at the end of the day, when you look at it at the end of the season, the most important one is the rivalry game, no question about that."
Coach Dennis Erickson said it best this week in a press conference. "It's bragging rights, that's what it's about. To me, those are the most important games there are. As you go through the season, there are important football games, but at the end of the day, when you look at it at the end of the season, the most important one is the rivalry game, no question about that."
If this game is a sell out, which I'm sure it will be, it would give ASU three consecutive home sellouts for the first time since 1987.
If you can't go to the game, you can watch it. It will be on ESPN2.
Fork'em Devils
Posted at 6:22 AM by Marya Piani
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BLACK FRIDAY SALES
For all you die hard shoppers, Black Friday is November 23rd. There are several websites that get ahold of the stores' sales ads before they are distributed. Here's a list to help you get a head start on all the sales.
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/
http://bfads.net/
http://www.blackfriday.info/
http://www.blackfday.com/
Stores are open early on Black Friday.
4AM: Kohls, JC Penny
5AM: Walmart, Best Buy, Circut City, Toys R Us, KB Toys, Comp USA, Old Navy.
6AM: Macy's, Target, Kmart.
Most Westcor Malls open at 6am.
*Outlets at Anthem will be the only mall in the Valley to open at midnight after Thanksgiving on Black Friday
Happy Shopping!!!!
http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/
http://bfads.net/
http://www.blackfriday.info/
http://www.blackfday.com/
Stores are open early on Black Friday.
4AM: Kohls, JC Penny
5AM: Walmart, Best Buy, Circut City, Toys R Us, KB Toys, Comp USA, Old Navy.
6AM: Macy's, Target, Kmart.
Most Westcor Malls open at 6am.
*Outlets at Anthem will be the only mall in the Valley to open at midnight after Thanksgiving on Black Friday
Happy Shopping!!!!
Posted at 6:35 AM by Marya Piani
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Mother Who Left Child In Car
I just can't believe it. It makes me sick to my stomach, knowing that child died while sitting in a hot car for 7 hours. His Mother forgot him when she went to work in north phoenix. How do you forget a child???? As a parent I can't imagine how it happened, but it happens too often. Hearing the story - I wonder if I've ever been sleep deprived enough, stressed enough, distracted enough, and not thinking straight to do the same thing? NO!!! I just don't see how it happens. The only one who can answer that is the toddlers mother. She's been arrested for negligent homicide.
Posted at 8:37 AM by Marya Piani