Another season and I am addicted again. I found myself racing home today after work so I could be in front of the television by 7pm to watch the girls sing their hearts out on American Idol. I even told my husband I wouldn’t have time to pick-up dinner as originally planned because I’d miss the beginning of the show (turned out to be sandwich night). I know, pathetic. But there’s alot of you out there in the same boat who has to get his/her fill of the show even though you may not like to admit it.
I think this season the girls are way better than the guys. And as cruel as Simon’s comments can be, I find myself usually agreeing with him! I definitely think there are a few people who stand out: Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle are in a league of their own; our hometown girl Jordin Sparks is also incredible and she has a shining personality that I think will take her far in the competition; I think Stephanie Edwards is also one to watch. As for the guys, I like Chris Richardson, Jared Cotter and Nick Pedro. But I truly believe the next Idol will be one of the ladies.
So for the next few months, my Tuesday and Wednesday nights are booked… as I get my fill of American Idol. One thing I would change about the show though.. the results night! They drag that out so bad, it kills me!
3TV Anchors & Reporters, Tess Rafols
Yes. I am. I am in denial. I never imagined it would come to this–OK, actually, I did. I knew it was a matter of time. I knew that sooner or later the news would be confirmed. I knew it! I just didn’t want to believe it. I chose to pretend it was a rumor, a bad rumor. But it’s not a rumor and I must now face reality. I’m telling you folks, this is the end of an era.
After spending the last four years at 3tv, I am sad to announce that one of my absolute favorite people in the world is leaving. He is one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met; he’s a talented reporter, a great friend and all around cool person! I am sad to say that my good friend Antwan Lewis is leaving us! He’s moving to Chicago to report for WGN News. There’s no doubt in my mind that Antwan will be fantastic at his new job and it puts him closer to a true love him and I share…NEW YORK CITY!
Over the years we’ve shared a lot of great times! Some of my favorite include a trip we took to Flagstaff where we spent time with good pals Javier Soto and photographer Nolan Tornquist and his lovely wife, Kim. We had so much fun! Then there was my birthday party last year! That was sooo much fun! Then there’s all the funny times we’ve spent at work! After all, if our viewers only knew what it’s like behind the scenes and what it takes to put tv on the air!! And believe me folks, Antwan certainly makes it interesting!
I am going to miss him a lot! So please help me congratulate Antwan on his new job!!!! Write and tell me your favorite Antwan moment so that I can send your comments to him before he leaves. I am sure he will greatly appreaciate your thoughts!
Antwan, you know I love ya! You are my big brother, always there for a good laugh, a good hug and good times! Thank you for being such a good friend to me!
I wish you lots of luck! Say ‘HI’ to Oprah! And after Chicago, I’m sure we’ll see you at the Network!
Con mucho cariño tu amiga,
Claudia Rivero
3TV Anchors & Reporters
Mardi Gras was a good day to be hanging out at the Red Fish restaurant in Chandler. I always enjoy doing the morning show at a live location. It’s a break in the routine and since you can’t go hide in your cubicle between your segments, everybody hangs out together.
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Arizona
I did not grow up a baseball fan. In my house, it was football and basketball. Probably because, growing up in Seattle, the Mariners were such a terrible team. But in 1995 something wonderful happened. The team won, and did it in miraculous fashion. Beating the Angels in a one game playoff to end the season, then beating the Yankees in five games to start the playoffs. I’ve been a baseball fan ever since.
Phoenicians know just how I feel, in fact, even more so, since the D-backs had a similar run in 2001, except they did what the Mariners didn’t, they actually won the World Series. And the best part is, they did it in similar fashion by coming back to beat the Yankees (seriously, does anything feel better than beating those guys).
I say all this because it’s time to start thinking about the possibilities again. Spring training is upon us. The first games will be played next week and now that I live here in the valley I know just how special that is. There is no other event where fans can get so close to the greats of the game (okay maybe golf, but that doesn’t count). There are plenty of autographs to be had by all. A Saturday or any day really at the ball park is a special experience and I encourage all to try. You just never know when magic will touch your team.
Arizona
I should have done this before Valentine’s Day, because there’s nothing like a good book to cuddle up to for company, but here it is. I love to read. I don’t always make enough time for it (and make too much time for reality TV), but when I read something good , it is very fulfilling. So here, I’ll pass on a few recommendations.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Arizona
What’s the point, really? Seeking revenge seems like so much more of a hassle than what it’s worth. Forget the moral implications. I’m just looking at this from a practical stand point.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Carey Peña
“Learn While you Drive…”
I’ve decided to challenge myself with a new hobby… learning to speak German.
I have been wanting to learn for a few years now, but just haven’t been able to make it a priority. Now that I’ve relocated to this beautiful part of the country.. and I’ve got a nice little commute each morning and evening… I figured there I can put that time to good use!
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Kirsten Joyce
You expect to see grocery carts at the grocery store. And in Phoenix, you also expect to see grocery carts on the sidewalk, in yards and of course in SRP canals.
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Arizona
I admit I’m not a huge sports fan. I grew up in the Valley, watching Suns games on tv but that was about it. When I was in college, we got the D-backs.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters
I got to “telecommute” from my house today, and I have to say I liked it a lot. We were here because fitness guru Chris Powell was talking about the food in your pantry, so we went live from my house.
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Arizona
In my never-ending search for new neighborhood joints to enjoy, I found a fantastic one this month! From an outdoor patio with seating and a roaring fireplace, to an intimate and hip bar to enjoy mouth-watering food, the Vig in Phoenix has quickly become the new neighborhood joint for many!
The Vig
4041 N. 40th St.,
Phoenix. (602) 553-7227.
3TV Anchors & Reporters, Suzanne Bissett
I was fortunate to attend Super Bowl 41 in Miami thanks to a good friend Matt McMahon who bid on the trip at a charity event and invited me.
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3TV Anchors & Reporters, Arizona, Scott Pasmore
It’s so funny how there’s so much hype and promotion over Valentine’s Day. Sure, it’s a great holiday to let your someone special know how much he or she is loved… but the holiday has become one of expensive dinners, hiked-up prices on roses, jewelry, lavish gifts, etc. I’ll admit, I was one of those girls who expected flowers, I expected a big gift. But years ago that changed. Remember being in grade-school and getting so excited to write out those little Valentine cards to classmates? And being equally as excited to get those little one-sided cards in return (like those cute Barbie ones, Scooby Doo, or the Smurfs– I know, I’m aging myself). Why can’t we be happy anymore with such things as a simple card? Well, we can. My husband and I have made Valentine’s Day even more special with personal, home-made or inexpensive gifts. My best gift ever was a hand-written poem he wrote a few years back. He titled it “Valentine’s Day Poem” and wrote it on just on a sheet of lined paper, folded it up.. no fancy stationary, not even an envelope! The other day I was cleaning out a box and found the poem. It warmed my heart, put a smile on my face. I can’t wait to find it years later, when we’re old and grey. This Valentine’s Day… may your heart be warmed in such a simple way.
3TV Anchors & Reporters, Tess Rafols
My wallet is huge and over-flowing… and its not because I make so much money. Its full of cards. About a million of them.
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Arizona
High heels, short skirts, and big framed “Hollywood” sunglasses, it sounds like a night out at a Scottsdale club. However it’s the middle of the day and the only music playing is in your head (cue “Legs” by ZZ Top) as you watch the women work the “green carpet.” That’s right the FBR Open is in Scottsdale this weekend and let me tell you, it’s a sight to see.
Last year was my introduction to the event properly titled “The Greatest Show on Grass.” I heard about the woman and their enthusiasm to be at a PGA event, but I wasn’t ready for what I witnessed. How can I describe it? It’s like golf meets Project Runway, meets Captain Morgan Talk about some really great people watching. Even funnier is my eager Photographer James Apaletegui and I received a play by play commentary from two lovely ladies who were working, yet made time to discuss the attire of many they called “hoochie mommas.” We heard everything from “Oh look at this one right here,” to “her mother would be ashamed.” So as any young journalist would do, I went to ask the “golf bunnies” a few questions about what else…..golf.
What does it mean when someone yells “Four?” “They are ordering four drinks for my friends and I at the Bird’s Nest.” How much is the purse for the FBR Open? “There’s a golf tournament here?” Why are you here? “To PARTY!!!!”
You get the picture. So if you’re not busy this weekend, you might want to head over to the FBR OPen. It’s something you have to see for yourself. By the way, the purse for this year’s winner is 6 million dollars. And for the lovely ladies working the “green carpet,” that can buy a lot of Manolo Blahniks.
3TV Anchors & Reporters, Javier Soto