About.com

A Topic I Have Deliberately Avoided: Amy's

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:06:17 +0000

I have, by design, not jumped into the Amy's Baking Company fiasco. I am sure that other websites closely following the sordid story of Amy's Baking Company in Scottsdale are making more money on it than I am. I do want to say, however, that the entire situation leaves me ... disappointed.

...

Read Full Post

Memorial Day Weekend in Phoenix

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:14:03 +0000

As the weather warms up for this holiday weekend, many people will head to various recreational activities after they honor our fallen military heroes for Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Weekend signals the start of summer in the Valley. The lakes will be packed, the river tubers will be out in full force, there will be long lines at the water parks. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there have been ten or fewer boating fatalities in Arizona during each year since 2008. That's good, but there have been many more non-fatal accidents than that. Be careful out there!

Arizona Game & Fish Department offers these tips before going to the lake or river:

Make sure enough life jackets are on board the boat for everyone, and make sure they're all the right size, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, and in good working order, free from holes.
Know the "rules of the road." The correct direction of travel on Arizona lakes is counterclockwise (shoreline off your right shoulder).
Check that your boat's motor and propulsion system are working right.
Keep in mind that alcohol limits for boat operators are identical to those for motor vehicle drivers and you could be arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol if you exceed those limits.
Don't crowd other boaters, and remember to maintain a safe distance when passing others.
Know the passenger and weight limits for your boat, so you can avoid overloading it.
Make sure your fire extinguishers work.
Put drain plugs back in your boat after winter storage.

You can find more boating regulations, as well as information on safe boating classes, at Arizona Game and Fish Department online. "Boat safe, boat smart, and boat sober."

Are you going out of town for the holiday weekend? If your plans are taking you to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, make sure you are familiar with the new PHX Sky Train. Check these travel tips, including information about a coupon you can use to get 40% off if you are parking at the airport.

Connect With Judy:
Twitter | Facebook | Free Newsletters

Upcoming Activities, Fundraisers and Entertainment (Issue #82)

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:05:11 +0000

In this issue: see a movie, go to the ballet, run in the mud, show off your shoes, attend a baby shower, and let your kids play golf.

This column includes announcements of seminars, workshops, community events, fundraisers and other programs for which there is an admission charge, a donation expected or you are otherwise expected to spend money, such as shopping events. Advance registration is required at some these events, so you might see them listed here weeks before they are scheduled to occur.

...

Read Full Post

5 Free Things To Do In and Around Phoenix - May / June 2013

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:32:31 +0000

This week you can get crafty, see Ariel, heat up the yoga, find a fish, and learn to save a child.

This column includes activities and programs in the Greater Phoenix area that have free admission. If you are looking for fundraisers, seminars, workshops, and other community programs that have an admission charge, or where donations are expected, I have a separate column for those. You can find those listings in my blog. They tend to cover a wider range of dates than a week, because advance registration is often required. For the long list of activities and festivals that are annual events in Greater Phoenix check the calendar.

...

Read Full Post

Sneak Into a Museum

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:18:52 +0000

Actually, you don't have to sneak in. Several museums in Phoenix are offering free admission or discounts in recognition of International Museum Day on Saturday, May 18, 2013. We have ...

Read Full Post

Judy Isn't a Popular Baby Name

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:36 +0000

It's OK. I'm not hurt. I just thought I'd mention that I think Judy is a perfectly good name. So is Judith.

I want a
cool name like Judy.
Photo: Getty Images

Last ...

Read Full Post

Upcoming Activities, Entertainment, and Fun in the Dark (Issue #81)

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:49:23 +0000

In this issue: swim in the dark, FlowRider competition, scotch tasting, Prokofiev, bunco, and night golf.

...

Read Full Post

15 Free Things To Do In and Around Phoenix - May 2013

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:44:43 +0000

This week you can check out the cars, fly with Peter, watch artists, plan for the future, get crafty, buy a dog, see stars, check in the hotel, be a super hero, watch skaters, go to the fire department, do yoga, hear marches, see a performance and go to the prom.

...

Read Full Post

Jodi Arias: Guilty of First Degree Murder

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:50:32 +0000

The jury has spoken. The next phase of the process will determine whether or not Jodi Arias will be given the death penalty relative to the murder of Travis Alexander in June 2008.

...

Read Full Post

Upcoming Music, Activities, Plays for Kids (Issue #80)

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:47:13 +0000

In this issue: discover tortoises, a fairy tale, a great trumpet, the beat of Brazil, lots of hot dogs, nature walk, open kitchen, two days of bands, and a play about a butterfly.

...

Read Full Post