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Showing posts from January, 2016

If we don't have your favorite song... We'll sing it!

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El NiƱo storms keep ADOT crews busy repairing potholes One-two punch of precipitation, traffic takes toll on asphalt PHOENIX – This winter’s El NiƱo-fueled storms are leaving the Arizona Department of Transportation and drivers with some bumpy reminders of the one-two punch our highways take from Mother Nature and traffic. The good news is ADOT crews regularly examine state highways for potholes and address them as quickly as possible, making short-term patches followed by long-term repairs. But conditions that lead to potholes will keep coming, including a storm forecast for early next week, meaning drivers should be keep eye out. How many potholes develop depends in part on how much rain and snow falls. Potholes can pop up quickly when moisture seeps into and below asphalt, which can be stressed by the combination of freezing overnight temperatures and daytime thawing. Add traffic, and that pavement can break away. The Flagstaff area usually experiences more t

Eastbound I-10 ramps at State Route 83 east of Tucson to close overnight Sunday

Eastbound I-10 ramps at State Route 83 east of Tucson to close overnight Sunday   The eastbound Interstate 10 ramps at State Route 83 east of Tucson will be closed overnight Sunday (Jan. 31) for paving operations. Both the on-ramp and off-ramp on eastbound I-10 at Exit 281 will be closed from 10 p.m. Sunday until approximately 8 a.m. Monday (Feb. 1). While the ramps are closed, eastbound I-10 traffic can exit at Vail Road (Exit 279) and return to SR 83 using the frontage road. Motorists using SR 83 to access eastbound I-10 can use the frontage road and return to I-10 using Vail Road. The work is part of a $15.1 million project to repave 17 miles of I-10 between Tucson and Benson and replace the westbound I-10 bridge at Davidson Canyon. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibilit

We all have our habits flossing, napping, e-mailing a naked photo

We all have our habits flossing, napping, e-mailing a naked photo. You wouldn't think the last would be especially common, yet 41% of the women Self magazine polled have e-mailed or used their cell to send nude images of themselves. Why are so many of us giving up our privacy? "These are sent in the heat of the moment, with no thought of the consequences. Technology makes it almost too easy," says Julie Albright, Ph.D., a sociologist at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. But easy doesn't mean without risks. "I sent a photo of my chest to my boyfriend's cell when he was visiting his parents," said one participate. "Unfortunately, his dad picked up the phone and began scrolling through the photos. He figured out who sent it, and I haven't been able to look him in the eye ever since."

All of us believe we are safe drivers

Almost all of us believe we are safe drivers, but 75% are guilty of DWD -- driving while distracted. According to a study from Nationwide Insurance, such distractions include talking on a cell phone, typing or reading a text message, daydreaming, adjusting music, eating and drinking. Almost 80% say they have been in a vehicle with a distracted driver behind the wheel, and more than 40% have been hit or almost hit by another driver who was talking on a cell phone while driving. The survey found that DWD can be squarely blamed on technology and our societal mindset to be available at all times. 48% considered cell phones to be the most dangerous distraction.

America's favorite movie star is

America's favorite movie star is Tom Hanks. His roles have taken him into the past and the future, into space and into a child's toy chest, and this year Tom Hanks has been crowned America's favorite movie star, according to a Harris Poll of 2,252 U.S. adults. To get to the top spot, he beat out Denzel Washington. Hanks, who was number one last year but dropped to number three this year. Johnny  Depp captured the second slot. The top 10 favorite movie stars are: 1. Tom Hanks 2. Johnny Depp 3. Denzel Washington 4. John Wayne 5. Harrison Ford 6. Sandra Bullock 7. Jennifer Lawrence 8. Clint Eastwood 9. Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts (tie) More facts to know and tell: This is Hanks' fifth time at the top of the list with previous wins in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2013. In 2015, he was number 5--so this is quite a leap to number 1. John Wayne has the distinction of being the only actor to be on this list every year since 1994 -- even though he has been dead

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW? According to a recent survey of drivers all over the U.S., more than half said that seeing police lights in their rearview mirror is the most stressful thing they could encounter on the way to work. An online poll revealed that 53% of people feel taking a class or group activity is the best way to meet someone. The average woman has a favorite piece of clothing for 13 years. Over 85% of Americans over age 100 still alive today live in urban areas or in and around cities. A Career Builder.com survey says that 11% of people say they missed work because of bad weather.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Paul Kantner, the founding member, guitarist and singer for Jefferson Airplane, and then Jefferson Starship, has died reports Rolling Stone. He was 74. Former American Idol contestant Pia Toscano is engaged... to a guy she says Jennifer Lopez introduced her to a couple of years ago. Paul Kantner, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, died of multiple organ failure after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week. He was 74. Rihanna is offering a free download of her new album at smarturl.it/RihANTI with the password ANTI. Kanye and Whiz Khalifa are having a Twitter feud. Joseph Fiennes has been chosen to play Michael Jackson for an upcoming British TV comedy. He's white. Just in time for Super Bowl 50, one of Budweiser's Clydesdales gave birth to a cute-as-can be baby. A report says that 54-million Americans, one third of the work force are either freelance, self-employed or subcontractors in what they're calling the "gig"

ON THIS DAY

ON THIS DAY On this date in 1845, Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" was published under a pseudonym in the New York Evening Mirror. You know, I wish they had another name for pseudonym. In 1861, Kansas became a state. Up until then, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz had no idea where she wasn't. On this date in 1886, Carl Benz patented the very first successful gas-engine car, a 3-wheel machine with a top speed of 10 mph. Or, as it's known in Miami, speeding. It was basically the size of a smart car. Amazing how we've come full circle. It took over 120 years before Toyota could perfect the one with a sticking gas pedal. In 1904, the University of Chicago football team became the first athletes to receive letters. Until that time, no one knew what to call letterman's jackets. On this date in 1920, Walt Disney got his first job as an artist for $40 a week. It wasn't long before he left that Mickey Mouse operation and started one of hi

Music Calendar...

Music Calendar...    In 1781 Mozart's opera "Idomeneo" premieres in Munich, Germany.    In 1958 The Champs' single "Tequila" is released.    In 1962 Peter, Paul & Mary sign with Warner Brothers Records.    In 1964 The Beatles record German versions of "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and            "She Loves You" at the Marconi Studios in Paris.    In 1966 "I Fought The Law" by the Bobby Fuller Four and "Working My Way Back            To You" by the 4 Seasons both enter the U.S. top 40 chart.    In 1967 The Who and Jimi Hendrix stage a concert face-off as part of a            tribute to the late Beatles' manager Brian Epstein.    In 1971 Allen Klein, who once controlled the finances of the Beatles and the            Rolling Stones, is found guilty of tax evasion.    In 1972 "Everything I Own" by Bread enters the U.S. top 40 chart.    In 1973 Johnny Rivers receives a gold record f

Today In History..

Today In History...    In 1820 Britain's King George III dies insane at Windsor Castle.    In 1845 Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" is published under a pseudonym in the            New York Evening Mirror.    In 1850 Henry Clay introduces in the Senate a compromise bill on slaverey            which included the admission of California into the Union as a free            state.    In 1861 Kansas becomes the 34th U.S. state.    In 1886 Carl Benz patents the first successful gas-engine car, a 3-wheel            machine with a top speed of 10mph.    In 1900 The American League is organized with 8 baseball teams in            Philadelphia.    In 1904 The University of Chicago football team receives the first athletic            letters.    In 1920 Walt Disney starts his first job as an artist at $40 a week.    In 1924 The ice cream cone rolling machine is patented.    In 1936 The first members of Baseball's Hall of Fame, including Ty Cobb

Born On This Day...

Born On This Day...    In 1700 Mathematican, Daniel Bernoulli (theory of probability)    In 1737 Political essayist, Thomas Paine (Common Sense, Age of Reason)    In 1754 Pioneer/soldier, Moses Cleaveland (founded Cleveland, Ohio)    In 1756 Revolutionary, Harry "Light Horse" Lee    In 1843 William McKinley, 25th U.S. president (1897-1901) ($500 bill)    In 1850 Inventor, Lawrence Hargrave (box kite)    In 1860 Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov (The Cherry Orchard)    In 1862 English composer, Frederick Delius    In 1874 Financier, John D. Rockefeller Jr.    In 1879 Actor, W.C. Fields (My Little Chickadee) [d: 1-25-46]    In 1889 Folk singer, Leadbelly (King Of The 12 String Guitar Players)    In 1901 Engineer/inventor, Allen B. DuMont (cathode ray tube) [d: 11-15-65]    In 1909 Actor, Alan Marshal (Adventrues of Sherlock Holmes) [d: 7-9-61]    In 1912 Actor, Irwin Corey (Andy Williams Show, Car Wash) (104)    In 1913 Actor, Victor Mature (One M

UPDATE: Highway improvement project to begin Feb. 1 on SR 85 north of Ajo

UPDATE: Highway improvement project to begin Feb. 1 on SR 85 north of Ajo     The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin a project on Monday (Feb. 1) to improve an eight-mile segment of State Route 85 between the town of Ajo and the Pima County-Maricopa County line. The project will include sealing cracks in the existing asphalt, applying a chip seal coat and finishing with a fog coat that will combine to improve the driving surface of the highway. Crack sealing work will be done weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday (Feb. 1) through Wednesday (Feb. 10). A lane closure will be in effect during work hours with a pilot vehicle escorting motorists in both directions through the work area, where the two-lane highway is restricted to one lane. Delays of as much as 15 minutes can be expected. Crews will return in late April to apply the chip seal and fog seal, with final striping scheduled in May. Both activities can only be done in warmer weather. ADO

Weekend Travel Advisory January 29 - February 1, 2016

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SR 77 Construction north of Tucson to be completed spring 2016

SR 77 Construction north of Tucson to be completed spring 2016 The construction on State Route 77 (Oracle Road) between Tangerine Road and the Pinal County line will be completed this spring 2016 when the final paving and striping will be done. The project improvements included: An additional 12-foot wide travel lane in each direction for a total of six travel lanes throughout the project area 10-foot wide shoulders allowing cyclists to use widened shoulders (7-foot wide with curb in Catalina) Raised-center medians and left-turn lanes in the Catalina area Retaining walls Sound barriers Traffic signal improvements Drainage improvements Shared-use path on the east side of Oracle Road from Wilds Road to Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard Two wildlife crossing structures Speed limits will be raised back to 45 mph from Tangerine Road to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and to 40 mph from Rancho Vistoso Boulevard to Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard by en

I-10 restrictions for tunnel maintenance begin Friday night (Jan. 29) in Phoenix

I-10 restrictions for tunnel maintenance begin Friday night (Jan. 29) in Phoenix     Tunnel maintenance work will require weekend I-10 closures beginning Friday night (Jan. 29). Please allow extra travel time and use alternate routes while the following restrictions are in place:     I-10 eastbound closed between I-17 (Stack Interchange) and Washington St. for tunnel maintenance. State Route 51 southbound and Loop 202 westbound ramps to I-10 eastbound also closed. DETOUR I-10 eastbound traffic will detour to I-17 southbound at Stack Interchange and reconnect with I-10 near Sky Harbor Airport. 9 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 30)     I-10 westbound closed between I-17 (Split Interchange) near Sky Harbor Airport and Seventh Avenue for tunnel maintenance. State Route 51 southbound and Loop 202 westbound HOV-lane ramps to I-10 westbound also closed. Westbound Sky Harbor Blvd. ramp to I-10 westbound closed. DETOUR: I-10 westbound traffic will detour to I-17

Roundabout construction begins on SR 89 at Perkinsville Road in Chino Valley

Roundabout construction begins on SR 89 at Perkinsville Road in Chino Valley Work will begin on Monday   PRESCOTT - The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin construction next week on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 89 and Perkinsville Road in Chino Valley. Starting on Monday, Feb. 1 crews will begin shoulder work and place temporary fencing through the work zone. Drivers should be aware of increased truck traffic at the intersection, weather dependent. The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. This $1.5 million project consists of a new roundabout at the intersection of SR 89 and Perkinsville Road between mileposts 328 and 329. Additional work includes removal and replacement of existing paveme

Southbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) ramps closed to eastbound I-10 beginning Friday night (Jan. 29) in the West Valley

Southbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) ramps closed to eastbound I-10 beginning Friday night (Jan. 29) in the West Valley Maintenance work on Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) will require southbound Loop 101 ramps to be closed to eastbound I-10 beginning Friday night (Jan. 29). Please use caution and allow extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place: Loop 101 southbound (Agua Fria Freeway) ramps to I-10 eastbound closed. DETOUR: Please use alternate routes, including exiting Loop 101 southbound to eastbound Thomas or McDowell roads and using southbound 91st or 83rd avenues to connect with I-10 eastbound. 9 p.m. Friday - 10 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 30) 9 p.m. Saturday - 10 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 31) For highway conditions across Arizona, visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Information also is available on ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT).

I-17 temporary overnight closures (up to 30 min.) begin Saturday (Jan. 30) in North Phoenix

I-17 temporary overnight closures (up to 30 min.) begin Saturday (Jan. 30) in North Phoenix Overhead sign work will require temporary overnight closures (up to 30 min. each time) on I-17 beginning Saturday night (Jan. 30). Please allow extra travel time and be prepared for slowing or stopped traffic during the following overnight restrictions: I-17 closed temporarily (up to 30 min. each time) in areas near Deer Valley and Jomax roads in north Phoenix for overhead sign work. 11:30 p.m. Saturday - 1:30 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 31) For highway conditions across Arizona, visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov or call 5-1-1. Information also is available on ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT).

US 60 east of Superior to close for blasting operations next week

US 60 east of Superior to close for blasting operations next week Two four-hour closures scheduled for passing-lane project  Motorists using US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week should plan ahead and consider alternate routes as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work to build a passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior. Construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require two full closures lasting four hours: Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227), and traffic on westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235), until the blasting work is completed and debris is cleared. Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete bar

I-10/I-8 interchange detour in place in Pinal County

I-10/I-8 interchange detour in place in Pinal County The westbound Interstate 10 on-ramp to westbound Interstate 8 and the eastbound I-8 off-ramp to westbound I-10 are closed around the clock in Pinal County through late February. Drivers on westbound I-10 wishing to access westbound I-8 will be detoured to Jimmie Kerr Boulevard to eastbound I-10 to westbound I-8. Drivers on eastbound I-8 wishing to access westbound I-10 will be detoured to eastbound I-10, to Sunland Gin Road, to westbound I-10.  Nightly restrictions on I-10 at the I-8 junction will be in place in both directions Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. through February. Beginning Monday (Feb. 1) paving will begin on I-8 between milepost 176 – 177 during the hours of 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thornton Road will be closed beginning mid-February through late March. Drivers should anticipate delays of no more than 15 minutes during the detour and lane restrictions. The w

SR 77 Construction north of Tucson to be completed spring 2016

          SR 77 Construction north of Tucson to be completed spring 2016 The construction on State Route 77 (Oracle Road) between Tangerine Road and the Pinal County line will be completed this spring 2016 when the final paving and striping will be done. The project improvements included: An additional 12-foot wide travel lane in each direction for a total of six travel lanes throughout the project area 10-foot wide shoulders allowing cyclists to use widened shoulders (7-foot wide with curb in Catalina) Raised-center medians and left-turn lanes in the Catalina area Retaining walls Sound barriers Traffic signal improvements Drainage improvements Shared-use path on the east side of Oracle Road from Wilds Road to Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard Two wildlife crossing structures Speed limits will be raised back to 45 mph from Tangerine Road to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and to 40 mph from Rancho Vistoso Boulevard to Eagle Crest

GSA Auctions Trucks, Tractors and Ground Vehicles Update

2010 CHEVROLET COLORADO 01/28/2016 11:40 AM EST CURRENT BID: $500    STATE: AZ    NO. OF BIDDERS: 0     CLOSE TIME: 02-04-2016 10:40 AM CT.   2010 Chevrolet Colorado extended cab 3.7L Five cylinder engine, AT, 4X4, 60/40 bench seat, AM/FM, AC, VIN: 1GCKTBDE9A8135613, Est mi: 53,180. Inoperable. Repairs required including but not limited to: engine overheated and sustained internal damage. VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE TOWED. Note: This diagnosis is the opinion of the mechanic located at Phoenix Area Office . Mechanic's diagnosis states "Inspected vehicle and found that it does not start. No compression or oil in ac cleaner. No coolant in engine. Removed all spark plugs, cleaned, and reinstalled. Vehicle started but it is blowing oil out of|the valve cover breather and smoke is coming out of the radiator fill port. Recommends a new engine". Sold as is, where is. Inspection is strongly recommended. (149498 5322 #0001) 14949853220001 2002 CHEVROLET TAHOE 01/28/2016 11:3

Utility work to bring travel restrictions on SR 86 at Valencia Road Sunday morning

Utility work to bring travel restrictions on SR 86 at Valencia Road Sunday morning Motorists traveling on State Route 86 (Ajo Way) near Valencia Road may encounter delays Sunday (Jan. 31) during morning utility work. Both eastbound and westbound SR 86 will have intermittent closures between 7 a.m. and noon Sunday for installation of fiber optic cable. Delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511. For more information about this project, please call C.T. Revere, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer, a

Digital Photography Workshop for Teens

Digital Photography Workshop for Teens  John Buono, a local photographer who has won awards for his work, is bringing his workshops to the Sierra Vista Public Library Saturday, Jan 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. These workshops are recommended for ages 12-19. Registration is required. During this second workshop, John will deliver hands-on instruction to 15 participants and show them how to properly use their digital cameras. Contact the Sierra Vista Library at 458-4225 for details and to register for the workshop. 

25th Annual Arizona Military Vehicle Show

25th Annual Arizona Military Vehicle Show  The 25th Arizona Military Vehicle Show, a salute to veterans of all wars, celebrated for more than two decades with a vast display of multiple privately owned and restored military vehicles. Held Jan 30-31 at Tempe Diablo Stadium East Parking Lot - 2200 W Alameda Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282. Show times are 0900-1700 (5PM) on Saturday and 0900-1600 (4PM) on Sunday. Admission is $5, kids and Active Duty Military are free. For more information, visit www.armytrucks.org . 

Tombstone Quilt Show

Tombstone Quilt Show The annual Tombstone Quilt Show will be held Jan 29 through Feb 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Tombstone Art Gallery, 317 E. Allen Street. Over 100 quilts and quilted items will be on display and a raffle drawing will be held. For more information, call 520-255-3700 

STEM Discovery Day Camp

STEM Discovery Day Camp  UA Cooperative Extension Military Outreach, in collaborative partnership with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson, announce their STEM Discovery Day Camp at the Boys & Girls Club Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse (Tucson) on Saturday, Jan 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featured Activities are geared toward military affiliated (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, and Veterans from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy) youth ages 9- 15 years and include 4-H Rockets to the Rescue, 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics Clip- mobiles, Squishy Circuits and more!! The event is free and registration is required. Click here to register! For more information, contact Teresa Noon, Pro- gram Manager via email tmnoon@email.arizona.edu , phone 520-626-9085, or visit www . extension.arizona.edu/military-outreach-stem-discovery-day-camp-rockets-cars-squishy-circuits-january-2016 . 

Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase

Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase  For two weeks near the start of every year, Tucson becomes playground the world of international gem and mineral trading, buying, and bargains. Enjoy this year’s showcase Jan 30-Feb 14 at various locations around the city of Tucson with the main show at the Tucson Convention Center Feb 11-  14. This international marketplace of gems, minerals, fossils, beads, and jewelry -making supplies as well as museum exhibits and other treasures includes 40 different sites at hotels, special venues, and tents located across town. Visit the Tuc- son Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase 

Star Party at Catalina State Park

Star Party at Catalina State Park  Catalina State Park will host a Star Party, Jan 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with astronomers available to answer questions and discuss the elements of the night sky as darkness descends. Visitors should meet at the main trailhead parking lot. When the night sky arrives, astronomers will volunteer their expertise and telescopes for visitors to view an assortment of night sky attractions including star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. Visitors should bring water, snacks, a red light (to protect every- one's night vision), sweater or jacket. This stargazing opportunity is supported by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association with volunteers who bring telescopes to teach visitors about stars. Catalina State Park's entrance fee applies and is $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). 

Movie News

Movie News Bryce Dallas Howard Knows "Some Stuff" About the Jurassic World Sequel After Cornering Director Colin Trevorrow. Bryce Dallas Howard is nothing if not persistent. E! News' Zuri Hall caught up with the 34-year-old actress at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and asked her to share some details surrounding Universal Pictures' upcoming Jurassic World sequel, scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 22, 2018. Howard, who played the park's operations manager, Claire, in the 2015 blockbuster, said she's received some intel from screenwriters Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly. "I can't tell you anything, but here's what I'll say: Every single time I bump into Colin and Derek...I, like, corner them and harass them until they tell me something," she said. "They've told me some stuff and I'm so excited." Fans of the fourth film in the franchise mocked the heels Claire wore while running from the park&#