The Nation’s Christmas tree will come from Arizona this year and will be displayed on the U.S. Capitol lawn.  It will come from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Show Low and you can help select it!  Keep in mind that it must be straight and look good from all sides. 

You can also start making ornaments for the tree because it will need 4,000 to reflect the theme of  “Arizona’s Gift From The Grand Canyon State.”  A tree nomination form and ornament guidelines are at www.CapitolChristmasTree2009.org  but hurry, deadline is June 24th!

Coffee Filter Basket Adjustment          Reorganized Living Room

Tom & Maria were talking about names that professional sports teams considered before settling on what we know them as now.  For example; The San Antonio Spurs were almost the Gunslingers.  The Florida Marlins almost were called the Flamingoes.  The Orlando Magic was close to being the Juice. And the Baltimore Ravens were almost called the Marauders.  What professional team had the name “Up Jumpers” in the hat for consideration?  Just follow the link below to find out.  (Thank goodness they didn’t pick that one!)

http://www.nba.com/suns/history/behind_the_name.html 

147 national parks and monuments around the country will suspend entrance fees during three weekends this summer to help out budget travelers.  That includes 16 places in Arizona, but only applies to the cost of getting in.  It doesn’t cover fees for things like camping, tours or using concessions.  The three weekends are June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16.

In Arizona, the parks are…

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

Chiricahula National Monument

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Grand Canyon National Park

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Petrified Forest National Park

Pipe Spring National Monument

Saguaro National Park

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Tonto National Monument

Tumacacori National Historical Park

Tuzigoot National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Wupatki National Monument

PetSmart is holding a contest to find a new interactive toy or product that keeps pets entertained while their owners are away.  There’s a $25 entrance fee with the winner getting $2,500 and a percentage of future sales.  Deadline is July 9th.  Details at … www.edisonnation.com/petsmart

The Beatles Rock Band video game is coming!  You can see the trailer for the game at www.thebeatlesrockband.com/trailer

A British dairy farmer and ice cream maker has flown in an Italian opera tenor to sing to his cows in the hope they will produce creamier milk.  He’s convinced it will create a happier work environment for the cows and in return, they will give a better product!  The singing began last Friday.  The ice cream comes out later this month.  I was wondering if the program included anything from La Bovine?  Maybe not, but I believe he sang selections from “Madame Buttermilk.”  Let’s hope he doesn’t sing from “The Butcher of Seville.  Or even worse, “Cheeseburger In Paradise.”  Here’s a picture….

Can you believe that Memorial Day is right around the corner?  Where is the year going!!!

 If You’re going camping over that weekend, here are some websites that might help you…

Reserve a site at www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777

Arizona Fire Restrictions at www.AzFireInfo.az.gov

You’ve gotta watch this.  By the way, both dogs belong to the same owner and will be okay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdO9lGUL59s

Red Mountain Freeway (202) east and west off-ramps will be closed at Scottsdale road from 8pm-10:30pm for the President’s visit.

Veteran’s Way will be closed from Mill to University beginning at noon and lasting until traffic clears tonight.

Eastbound University at Mill will be closed between 8pm until most traffic clears the area.

Westbound University west of McClintock will be closed from 8pm until traffic clears.

Southbound Rural road between Curry & 6th street will be closed from 8pm-until traffic clears.

Northbound Rural road between University and Rio Salado Pkwy will be closed from 8pm until traffic clears.

Southbound Rural road between University & E. Terrace road will be restricted to two lanes from 1:30pm-10:30pm.

For more information, www.valleymetro.org or www.asu.edu/parking

Its funny how the route out to make their mark usually travels through your house again! 

 If you’re going to the graduation ceremony, hit this website first for the info you’ll need…

www.asu.edu/graduation