Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni of Glendale Story and Photos by Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Second Annual Summer Safety Fair 

In partnership with several City of Glendale Departments (Police, Fire, Transportation, Park and Recreation, Code Enforcement) Valley Metro, and Classic Rock 100.7 KSLX radio, the Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG) is presented the 2nd annual CPAAG Summer Safety Fair, sponsored by Target. MORE ARTICLE AND MANY MANY PHOTOS!>




This year’s fair was held Saturday, March 20 at the Target located on the southwest corner at 43rd and Peoria in Glendale. This year’s event had in an expanded area of the parking lot over last year’s fair and allowed more room for more families. Safety is something we all need to practice. 

 
Photo 5: Always have a planned escape route, just in case there is a fire. Res Cue or LoriBeth Bykerk (top left) and Firefighter Joe (Duane Kaitschuck) discuss fire safety.

Breaking Up Not That Hard to Do If…   By Bette Sharpe 

Breaking up a big heart (of white chocolate) can be a lot of fun especially if you bring a friend.  Today, Christianne Bailey, this year's winner of the very, very large white chocolate heart that is estimated to weigh 300 hundred pounds; came with her friend Rylee to break-up the big o’ heart into smaller, more portable chunks so she can take the chocolate home.

Christianne loves chocolate and her mom agrees.  Christianne, Rylee and three members of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC), Kei Lani Daniels and Lauren Sibeck both from Mountain Ridge High School, and Samantha Cooke from Cactus High School took about five minutes to breakup the two-and-one-half inch thick heart.  At first Anthony (Tony) Cerreta thought a hammer might be needed.  But no hammer was used in this event.  The girls, all rearing protective plastic gloves, went to work and in a short while the big heart was packed into 11  travel boxes for the trip home and then to school tomorrow.

Christianne, is a fifth grader at Highland Lakes Elementary, has a big heart herself and is sharing the chocolate with her classmates and giving the remainder to the school’s PTA.  The proceeds of the raffle support the Mayor’s Student Advisory Commission.  This year the raffled raised about $2000.00!

This is the first time Cerreta’s created a white chocolate heart for Glendale’s Chocolate Affaire.  This year’s Chocolate Affaire was held during the first weekend in February.  The heart was actually decorated by Joe Cetterta on both sides of the heart, because the heart is flipped over when it is removed from the mold (more goodness!).  No word on what year’s chocolate heart. We’ll just have to wait and see.

It is easy to shop locally, for chocolate at Cerreta Candy Company, 5345 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85301, 623-930-9000.  

For more information on MYAC, please visit the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission web page by following this link, http://www.glendaleaz.com/mayor/myac.cfm.

CITY OF GLENDALE LIBRARY AND ARTS 
Proudly presents: 
The 2010 Glendale Centennial Plein Air Painting Event

By Bette Sharpe  -  Glendale Daily Planet - Saturday, Feb 6, 2010 

 Doris Chamberlain (DC) was one of the three plein air artists I have the pleasure to see work during Saturday’s Chocolate Affaire. Will Coe and Becky Joy were the other two painters making art in the Historic Catlin Court area Saturday. Becky was working with oil paints while Doris and Will were using acrylics.... and working among several thousand people, I might add! Becky was on her second painting when I visited her around four o’clock. Will Coe was painting on the corner of Palmaire Avenue and 58th Avenue, where there were was plenty of activity due to the rides and kids. He seemed to be having a bunch of fun. He was just finishing up and by adding some lettering to the train cars in his picture.

Plein art was developed in France in the mid-19th century and means painting in the open air using available light and atmosphere. This technique allows the artists to “paint live” and capture the artist’s response to the outdoor setting. The 2010 Glendale Centennial Plein Air Painting Event is part of the city celebration of the official anniversary as an incorporated city. Doris Chamberlain (DC) was one of the three plein air artists I have the pleasure to see work during Saturday’s Chocolate Affaire. Will Coe and Becky Joy were the other two painters making art in the Historic Catlin Court area Saturday. Becky was working with oil paints while Doris and Will were using acrylics.... and working among several thousand people, I might add! Becky was on her second painting when I visited her around four o’clock. Will Coe was painting on the corner of Palmaire Avenue and 58th Avenue, where there were was plenty of activity due to the rides and kids. He seemed to be having a bunch of fun. He was just finishing up and by adding some lettering to the train cars in his picture.

Plein art was developed in France in the mid-19th century and means painting in the open air using available light and atmosphere. This technique allows the artists to “paint live” and capture the artist’s response to the outdoor setting. The 2010 Glendale Centennial Plein Air Painting Event is part of the city celebration of the official anniversary as an incorporated city. MORE HERE


Doris Chamberlain  captures the true spirit of downtown Glendale Az,   which is an eclectic blend of the old and the new.
  - Photo By Bette Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet

15th Annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire

Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate
Dominated Downtown Glendale February 5-7
By - Ed Sharpe -  Glendale Daily Planet  

  This weekend before Valentine’s Day, was a delicious delight for the senses as the 15th Annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire took over downtown Glendale to create a chocolate-lover’s dream!   (Many More Items on This Festival HERE)

 ARIZONA’S LARGEST CHOCOLATE VALENTINE 
CREATED FOR GLENDALE CHOCOLATE AFFAIRE

By: Ed and Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet 02/04/2010

 Bryn Barasha,  Junior Xavier HS   - Jackie Barela, Junior Ironwood HS - Natalie Morice,  Senior Ironwood HS -  Jerry Cerreta, Cerreta's Candy Co, - Dallas Mogenson, Senior Deer Valley HS - Samatha Cooke, Freshman Cactus HS - All except Jerry are members of the Mayors Youth Advisory Council and were on hand to assist in the pouring of this giant white chocolate heart!) - Photo By Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet

Historic Downtown Glendale, Cerreta’s Candy Company, 5345 W. Glendale Ave.

Arizona’s largest chocolate valentine heart was poured at the candy factory. This monstrous, solid piece of chocolate will weighs nearly 300 pounds and measures four feet tall! The heart will be raffled during the Glendale Chocolate Affaire to support the Glendale Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission....
(More Items on This  HERE)

        Watch Video HERE

Kimber Leigh interviews Arizona Film & Media 
Coalition president: Mike McGinn.

The Arizona Film & Media Coalition, Inc. is a group whose mission is to enhance the economic vitality of the Arizona film and media communities through public relations, education and legislation.

To learn more about AFMC go to http://www.azfilmandmedia.org/

Credit: Frame Pull from the video - Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Tune in for Kimber's interview  with Steve Wargo... HERE

Frame Pull from the video - Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Kimber Leigh and Ed  and Bette Sharpe 
 Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV covered 
events at the AZFAME MEDIA and Film Expo

Movie Reviewed: The Book of Eli

By Jamise Liddell, Ed.D- Entertainment Critic
Syndicated Lifestyle, Entertainment Reporter, Glendale Daily Planet  Entertainment Editor -

Directed By:  The Hughes Brothers

Starring:  Denzel Washington ("Eli), Mila Kunis ("Solara"), Gary Oldman ("Carnegie"), Malcolm McDowell ("Lombardi"), Michal Gambon ("George"), Jennifer Beals ("Claudia")

Rated:  R for some brutal violence and language

Runtime:  118 minutes

Studio:  Warner Bros. Pictures

The end of the world seems to be a popular theme these days.  With the rotten economy, the never ending wars, and the general fear of change, Hollywood must feel a need to sensitize the masses with “worse case scenario” programming.  First there was “2012”, then “The Road” and now, arguably the best of the bunch, “The Book of Eli.”

Box office super trooper, Denzel Washington turns action warrior for his  latest film, “The Book of Eli”,  a strange yet recognizable tale of a man on a mission.  Eli ( Denzel Washington) travels solo, through the devastated dregs of a once thriving America, to save the last copy of the Bible.  

Read entire review HERE

VIDEO!

Winston Venable, who had played at GCC 
and now Boise State being interviewed by
 Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet KKAT-IPTV

Winston attended Glendale Community College and talks
to us about his days there, the up-coming game and more!
 CLICK TO WATCH!

This is Ed Sharpe, KKAT -   and today we are here with Winston Venable

 Last year Winston Venable played football a Glendale Community College. This year he is at Boise State and at the Fiesta Bowl; an interview with Winston Venable, by Ed Sharpe, KKAT-IPTV, Glendale, Arizona

 
KKAT-IPTV Frame pull from Ed Sharpe -Winston Venable Interview at Fiesta Bowl Media Day

Ed, This is Ed Sharpe, KKAT-TV Glendale, Arizona and we are here today with Winston Venable

Ed, Winston, tell us a little about your road back to Arizona.

Winston, It’s nice.  It’s nice being back.  It’s been a year. It’s seems like a short year.  But you know, I’m glad to be back.  The weather is good, a little chilly.  I tell some of these guys that Arizona gets a little chilly; might bring a sweatshirt.  They always think it’s going to be hot out here.  It’s been nice weather a lot better than up in Boise.  I’ m excited to be back--see some friends, some coaches.   Just enjoy my time.

  Ed, You are not from the Glendale area. 

  Winston, No, Nope, originally from northern California, right outside San Francisco.

  Ed, What a beautiful part of the state.

  Winston, You know it, the bay area.

  Ed, Did you have relatives in sports?

  Winston, Yeah, you know my dad played football then baseball.  My brother plays baseball right now.  He was a basketball player in college.  But he also plays baseball.  Yeah, my mom was even a swimmer when she was in high school and college.  So, it kinda just runs in the family.

  Ed, It’s good, seems like you do well at it.

  Winston, Definitely

  Ed, How did you enjoy Glendale Community College?  Tells us a about your experience?  What classes did you take?  What were your days like?

  Winston, Glendale treated me well.  I really liked the campus.  Took some general classes some, communication classes, couple of math classes and things like that.  You know I enjoyed football, enjoyed the atmosphere, the people were great.  I had a real relaxed feeling you known as far as junior college goes—you kinda lift some weights, go to practice, and get to go home after that.  It is not as intense as it is at the next level, like here.  But it was a good time for me.  It was a good time to be able to really just start my year, my career off--not too intense of a situation--kind of being relaxed and enjoying it, as far as just playing on the field; then the atmosphere.  You get to this next level and everything steps up a notch.  The schedule is a little tighter and you have a little more things to do.  I am glad I choose that junior college route to kind of just let me ease into what I have going on now.

  Ed, Glad you enjoyed it.  It’s is my alma mater also.  I put in my two years also.

  Winston, OK!  There you go!

  Ed, I put my two years in also.

  Winston, Nice!

  Ed, Tell us about the up and coming game?  What are your feelings on the game?

  Winston, You know, I think it’s going to be a good one, both teams going in undefeated.  We battled it out them last year.  I was not apart of that, since I was at Glendale.  But, these guys battled 16 to 17 last year.  They got a great offense.  They got a great defense.  We got a great offensive.  We got a great defense.  So, I think you are going to see some great plays out there.  Hopefully, it will come down to the wire.  It has got set up for us to both to have a good game and come down to the fourth quarter.

  Ed, Any messages for the people in Glendale?

  Winston, Well, Glendale, hopefully you guys will all be watching.  Go Gauchos!  You got the Valley of the Sun Bowl this year.  Hopefully you can bring up another one next year.

  Ed, Good to be with you.

 Winston, Thanks

 Ed, There you have it; this is Ed Sharpe  KKAT-TV Glendale, Arizona.

Fiesta Bowl Media Say Jan 1, 2010 - Photo by Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

FOOTNOTE: Reported after Fiesta Bowel 2010

Winston Venable (Broncos #17)  stopped TCU cold and the game in the game’s last seconds when he intercepted the ball on TCU’s fourth down in the fourth quarter.  Time ran out and the Boise State Broncos have the game and are 14-0!  Perfect!  What a perfect ending to a great game for Winston and the Broncos!  Final score was Broncos 17 and TCU 10.

Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge top prize 
won by Challenge Charter School Glendale Arizona
Photos and article by  Ed and Bette Sharpe -  Glendale Daily Planet     

Congratulations to  the winning team and all the  contestants on work well done!

Presenting: The winning team going by the name:  NASA’s Newest are, 6th graders and are 11 years old

Front row from left to right: Scott D. Altman (Captain, USN Ret.), Andrew J. Feustel PhD, William Beech, Jake Garza, Joleen Shiroma, Eli Cox, Gregorry C. Johnson (Captain USN Ret.), and Michael T. Good (Colonel, USAF) .  Back row: Mr. Whitfill (IT Manager) Challenge Charter School and Ms. Meghan Sheehan (6th Grade Science and Math Teacher) Challenge Charter School.

Expanded Honeywell Fiesta Bowl Aerospace Challenge HERE>

Bishop Olmsted Flips the Switch Initiating Catholic Radio in Arizona
By Ed and Bette Sharpe -  Glendale Daily Planet 

(GDP 12/17/09) Phoenix-   Immaculate Heart Radio held a 'Radio Station Launching' Event today heralding the arrival of an all catholic radio station serving Phoenix and vicinity.

Many priests, parishioners and media from around the Phoenix diocese joined to partake in the  launch and station blessing at at the Mount Claret Retreat Center in Phoenix, with Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, blessing the endeavor and it's people and ‘flipping the switch’  to initiate  broadcasting from Immaculate Heart Radio's newest station KIHP. 

Immaculate Heart Radio broadcasts Catholic programming from around the country and around the world, but also provides local programming in some of its markets. Preparations are already being made to begin a local “Bishop’s Hour” in Phoenix, which would focus on the people, issues and events in the diocese of Phoenix. 

Jim Dwyer, Director of Public Information for the Diocese of Phoenix, said about the upcoming Bishop’s Hour, “It will provide us a real solid communications vehicle to get the word out so the bishop can actually talk to his flock directly, and also to hear the great national programming that is available through Immaculate Heart Radio.”

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix with Doug Sherman, Immaculate Heart Radio 
founder and president  and his son  Fr. Branigan Sherman, LC   - Photo By Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet

Earlier this month the Federal Communications Commission  granted  Immaculate Heart Radio an application to purchase 5,000 watt KXAM  AM 1310 from Embee Broadcasting, Inc. The station is licensed to Mesa and the signal reaches the greater Phoenix metropolitan area from that location. The new call letters are KIHP – for Immaculate Heart (Radio) of Phoenix.

“We are very excited to serve the Church in this way by bringing the best Catholic programming from around the country and around the world to Arizona,” said Immaculate Heart Radio president Doug Sherman.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, expressed his appreciation to Immaculate Heart Radio, Mr. Doug Sherman and his associates, for their efforts on behalf of the Catholics of Arizona.  “Bringing Catholic Radio to Arizona is a dream come true for many of us. This project is one that I gladly endorse and prayerfully support.” Much More Text and Photos HERE!

Photo: Glendale Police Officer Buddy Loomis and Azariah  head out on a shopping spree! - Photo by Ed Sharpe- Glendale Daily Planet

Rob Hawkins with Glendale Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 12, once again sponsors  ' Shop with a Glendale Cop'  Wednesday evening. Officers of the Glendale Police Department took  approximately 50 local children out for dinner and shopping.

Children, parents and police officers  all met up at  Submarino’s Restaurant-5124 W Northern,  on the NW Corner for a great fun filled  pizza dinner.

After dinner, with lights on the police cars flashing,  everyone formed a caravan up to  the Target Store at 43rd Avenue and Peoria,  on the SW Corner.

  MORE STORY AND PHOTOS HERE-

3 arrested after Glendale AZ residential burglary
 School lockdowns  and neighborhoods put on alert!  

Officer Costa and partner  escort one suspect, who was later booked,
 around the car to go downtown. - Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet 12/16/2009

(GDP) GLENDALE, AZ – A search for three burglary suspects threw Ironwood High School and Marshall Ranch Elementary into lockdown early Wednesday. Events ended successfully with three arrests. VIDEO/MORE HERE

Karen Gerardo, PIO for the Glendale Police Department (watch the movie here) said the suspects broke into a home in the area of 59th Ave and Sweetwater around 10:15 a.m. 

Watch Video!

Good for DSL  PLAY

Right click save as Hi Bandwidth   RIGHT CLICK HERE

Emmy (R) Award Winning Glendale Daily 
Planet/KKAT-IPTV Celebrates 5 Year Birthday! 

Emmy award-winning Glendale Daily Planet/KKAT-IPTV celebrates five-year anniversary. The online news site launched Oct. 5, 2004.  

It was Oct. 5, 2004, when Ed Sharpe launched the Glendale Daily Planet, the parent organization of KKAT-IPTV. This year, Sharpe celebrated his fifth anniversary, and for a virtual newcomer to the public stage, he has melded his technologically advanced talent with a resource that was heretofore untapped.

Some might say it was a natural progression. Sharpe had an interest in journalism and coupled with his fascination with computer technology, the journey of the Glendale Daily Planet began.

It was a simple beginning. Sharpe started with a PDA and at first, shot videos and stills. Before long, he was using high-definition cameras and just this year, began experimenting with 3D video news reports.

It is the west side of the Valley of the Sun where Sharpe seeks out stories for the Glendale Daily Planet. He has been on the spot to witness, participate in and record the revitalization of downtown Glendale, the rise of Glendale’s sports empire and the restoration and preservation of the city’s historic center.

The past five years have not just brought a different kind of news to West Valley residents, it has brought Sharpe recognition from the industry.

"Throughout the years, it has been wonderful to be recognized by groups of media peer judges for the news and entertainment work we produce here at the Glendale Daily Planet," Sharpe said. "Recently we were awarded a Communicator online media award and a W3 Award for online news site."

Other awards the site has won include: Emmy (r) award, rows of Telly, Hermes Creative, Ava, Aegis Millennium, Videographer, Omni Intermedia, Marcom, Arizona Press Club, and other media awards.

But the awards that mean the most come from the local community. He has also received the Arizona Black Journalist “Online Media Diversity”, an Arizona Press Club and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce “Keys to Glendale’s Success” awards.

And the community leaders recognize the effort Sharpe has given to his newfound life’s work.

Glendale Chamber President Don Rinehart said, "Congratulations to the Glendale Daily Planet on its five-year anniversary.  As Glendale’s all volunteer Internet news source, you can always find the latest in current and breaking local news, courtesy of Ed and Bette Sharpe. Thanks for serving the Glendale area for the past five years!"

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs said, "The Glendale Daily Planet gives our residents and others the opportunity to learn about and see events and activities that are creating our city's history.  The stories and the photos are online and ready to be viewed within hours of their happenings. I congratulate and applaud Ed Sharpe for his commitment and dedication. During the past five years, Ed Sharpe has continued to learn from the professionals and invest in technology in order to bring the highest quality product to his readers and viewers. The success of Ed Sharpe and The Glendale Daily Planet is extraordinary and has been recognized by numerous local, regional and national industry organizations.  Happy fifth anniversary!"

Sharpe also helps out local public safety officials with quick uploading of critical information, especially when it comes to lost children, criminals, dangerous hazmat situations or fires.

Glendale Police Chief Steve Conrad said, "Congratulations on your five years of serving this community! Thank you for your continuing commitment to cover the Glendale Police Department, and safety issues that are so important to the citizens of our city."

Glendale Fire Department spokesperson Daniel Valenzuela also congratulated Sharpe’s fifth anniversary and awards, saying, "We thank them for their coverage of the Glendale Fire department as we continue to proactively serve our customers with fire and life safety services."

Accolades for the Glendale Daily Planet have come from all parts of the city and its municipal and civic organizations.

Nikki Colletti, President, Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni of Glendale, said, "My congratulations to the Glendale Daily Planet on five years of being a leader in news coverage. It is definitely the front-runner as an on-line, late breaking news source and continues to prove itself daily. Its writers and reporters have received many accolades in the industry.  Its coverage of the downtown core is incredible and it brings to light the culture and rich history of Glendale, as well as the restoration of the historic downtown district. It has followed the rise of national sports in Glendale and kept many of us ‘in the know’ about events around town."

"On a personal note, Ed and the Planet have devoted much time and enthusiasm to the non-profit which I head, the Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Glendale. They have continued to assist me in putting this organization in front of the public and making people aware of our existence and what we do in the community.  My thanks to his organization for keeping the spirit of Glendale alive, involving us as readers in its rich history and serving it citizens and public servants on so many levels.  I thank him for his friendship and wish him and the Glendale Daily Planet many more years of success along with the recognition it deserves. Congratulations all!"

Karen Puthoff spokesperson and PIO for PSA Art Awakenings said, "Happy fifth birthday to the Glendale Planet! Bette and Ed Sharpe provide a great service to the community by giving so freely of their time and talents to keep everyone informed about local community happenings and events that impact Glendale, the valley and state.  PSA Art Awakenings particularly appreciates the coverage given its artists and the help the Glendale Planet offers to promote empowerment and recovery through creativity."

Trash, backed-up sewers, road problems – lots of action, tons of machinery, and sometimes challenges – Sharpe’s camera is focused on what matters to his community.

Ken Reedy, Deputy City Manager of Public Works, said, "Congratulations on five years of Glendale Daily Planet service. Your reports and CouryGraph video productions have been an outstanding asset to the Northwest Valley and all of your viewers here in Glendale."

"It’s hard to believe how much progress you have made in only five years! Your technology improvements have been very impressive and your ability to cover stories on such a wide spectrum of local news has been outstanding."

"My congratulations to you and your staff who work so hard to create quality stories."

The tourism industry and redevelopment of downtown and the business community are part and parcel of the Glendale Daily Planet’s coverage.

Linda Whittley, owner Papa Ed's Ice Cream sent greetings: "Happy Birthday!  Thank you, Glendale Daily Planet and Ed Sharpe for always reporting the ‘scoop’ on Papa Ed’s Ice Cream." 

City Tourism Manager Lorraine Pino at Glendale Visitor Center, said, "Many congratulations to Ed Sharpe and the Glendale Daily Planet on their five-year anniversary. The Glendale Daily Planet is a fantastic source of local information for both residents and visitors. The online stories and videos are timely and in-depth and provide a great resource for the online audience."

Even the library gets coverage for its programs, whether it means live footage of a nationally acclaimed author to volunteers playing puppeteers for a weekly toddler show.

Along his news reporting journey, Sharpe has joined national press associations: Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE). He attends local meetings of those groups as well to sharpen his skills.

But the progression did not happen without help from an extended network of talented associates.

Sharpe said, "I would also like to take this time to thank all my associates here, Lesa Holstein - Book Topics Editor, Bette Sharpe - Photographer, Jamise Liddell - Entertainment Editor, Chef Eric Reinert - The Budget Bistro, Erick O’Donnell - Reporter and Bill Schreiner  - Associate Engineer... we make a great team!"

Sharpe credits  the mentorship of other community news publishers for his success... He said, "My favorite lesson was from Carolyn Dryer at The Glendale Star that ‘There is always a story wherever you look; you just have to look.’ I really doubt we would have  achieved what we have without input and encouragement from our brothers and sisters out there."

Referring to his 2007 Emmy award, Sharpe said, "The Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV was the first Glendale, Ariz. news media outlet to receive an Emmy® award. In addition, this was also the first Advanced Media Emmy award to be presented for Breaking News/ Continuing Coverage in the Rocky Mountain Region."

Sharpe offers a continuous 24/7 stream of archived footage in the player, but  when a special event arises, has the ability to go live, interrupting the pre-programmed content to cover the event. With the advent of higher speed EVDO radio cards and compact portable satellite terminals, the options are limitless. 

Looking toward the future... Sharpe states "We were the first in Arizona shooting some of our news
video in 3D.  Since 3D will be common place for entertainment, we set our sights on having an archive of 3D news event footage"

To learn more about Ed Sharpe from CouryGraph Productions and other participative community journalists and engineering staff, visit http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com  24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 A pre-history  - Ed Sharpe shares some early history

Early work with the internet with myself and some of the merchants in downtown Glendale went back as far as  the mid 1990's.  Having movies up for people to watch in this era was futile as most folks were on dial-up lines. In the pre- Daily Planet days we diddled around with  Netscape Real Player at low bandwidth over dialup lines... it was abysmal!

You can say yes, we had  some community news...  Digital cameras were not really wide spread and were expensive for something with low resolution...  It was an interesting era Martha Campbell   from the Spicery Tea Room and I managed to get some history of the area up on line and  tourism and merchant information even prior to the city having  tourism websites etc... and... there is a whole story about this era also.

This was also the era when people said Internet WHAT!?  or...  if they had heard of it ... doubted it would ever be useful for advertising...  what a time it was back then!

So basically... I trace my involvement with  online media to the mid 1990's

But wait there is more...

If we want to count text only.... with out photos, graphic and videos... I can take my self back in online distribution to 1981 with an HP-2000 timeshare system that was used as an online information and computer news system...  This migrated into a software product called FORUM/3000 that ran on an HP-3000. in its day when people were running  bulletin boards on  single user systems and in a multi- user system HP Office was many many many thousands of dollars, Forum/3000 featured  electronic mail, 100 message and news boards and many other features.  We ran a copy of it on our machine at Computer Exchange Inc for  us HP 3000 system managers to meet and collaborate  and pass news on.  there was also a site in  the United Kingdom for the European user to use.. Lucky them!  they had x.25 available  almost as a free  or low cost offering to use even back  in the 1980's. In the mid to late 1980's we then started to work photos and graphics into stories online.

My main business  with computers was hardware, this project sharpened my programming skills.

So... you see... I.. am ... old..

A foundation in video going back EVEN further... in the late 1960's our High School got a Concord Reel to Reel 1/2 inch tape system and Camera, being that I was the kid into electronics, the  school had me figure it out and tutor some of the other students to use it. 

Then even before that.....

A group of us kids had a small radio station for broadcasting in the neighborhood.... seemed  lots of  kids wanted to be a DJ...  I with my interest in electronics was able to build the transmitter and mixing console... what great fun! 

But the creation of the Glendale Daily Planet...

The creation of the Glendale Daily Planet had to wait until the technology was ready,  the  audience was endowed with equipment and high-speed lines... and... I was ready to devote endless hours in the pursuit of news. Fun? You Bet!  Hard work?  YES... many times.  Would I do it again?  YOU BET!  -ES

NBC News Anchor Brian Williams  -  26th Cronkite Award Recipient

Text/Information Compilation and Photos by Ed and Bette Sharpe (C)2009

Available light shot by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

PHOENIX - Brian Williams, the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News,” the nation’s top-rated evening network newscast, received the 26th Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, Arizona State University Wednesday November 18th at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

Williams spoke the award luncheon, where the ceremony included a wonderful video segment done by Cronkite students showing many of Williams activities in the news field and was capped off with videotaped congratulatory messages from Jon Stewart and fellow New Jersey native, Bruce Springsteen.

“As someone who grew up idolizing Walter and having come to know him in adult life, I know that there is no greater name in our profession,” Williams said. “I only hope I am worthy of the meaning and tradition of this honor. Walter Cronkite is the only reason I entered the field of television journalism.” 

Williams recounted how growing up, his parents didn't serve dinner until after Cronkite ended his newscast with his signature line: "And that's the way it is." Williams expressed Walter  was  the major influence on him and  commented, "Professionally, the day he died, I lost my North Star."MORE

GCC Diversity

Erick O’Donnell, Special to the Glendale Daily Planet - November 18, 2009

Glendale Community College shows both the success of higher education’s attempts to welcome diversity and the obstacles facing inclusion, said the president of the Arizona Association of Chicanos for Higher education Tuesday.

The student body at GCC is very diverse, Jose Mendoza said. Nonwhite students make up about 45 percent of the student body, having risen steadily since the beginning of the decade, the college’s Web site says.

“The community is well-represented in our student body,” said Jim Waugh, a research analyst at the college.

Nevertheless, Mendoza sees impediments to the school’s welcoming atmosphere for minority students, including poor performance among area schools and the economic downturn, he said.

With the recession, “the economic disadvantage becomes much more pronounced and creates very real obstacles,” Mendoza said.

Another factor Mendoza said hurts minority students is the lower diversity among the faculty. Though the Web site for Maricopa Community Colleges says the faculty at the school is 27.5 percent nonwhite, Mendoza thinks minority representation among professors lags too far behind the student body.

“We the AACHE leadership feel strongly that the lack of diversity in the classroom is causing a ‘disconnect’ with the diverse students,” Mendoza said.

Patricia Vogel, a college spokeswoman, said that GCC is “equal opportunity” and does not try to change racial representation among the faculty either way. The college looks only at an applicant’s merit, she said.

“I think our students deserved the best experts, don’t you?” Vogel said.

RUSH VIDEO FOOTAGE IS DONE! LINK AT BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE...

GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS LEADERS KICK OFF
LUKE FORWARD CAMPAIGN TO BRING NEW
F-35 MISSION TO LUKE AIR FORCE BASE

Ed and Bette Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet

Governor Jan Brewer, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Fighter Country Partnership Chairman Charley Freericks and other government and business leaders  converged at the State Capital to make a special announcement regarding the future of Luke Air Force Base. There was also written statements from U.S. Senator John McCain and Congressman Trent Franks.

Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

(COG)GLENDALE, Ariz. – Government and business leaders kicked off a statewide campaign this morning at the Arizona Capitol to bring the new F-35 joint strike fighter to Luke Air Force Base.

Gov. Jan Brewer hosted the press conference with Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and other representatives from West Valley cities, Maricopa County and Fighter Country Partnership to make the special announcement regarding the future of Luke Air Force Base.

“Today, we’ve all come together as partners in this new initiative, which has statewide significance and support, to secure the new F-35 mission at Luke,” said Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, co-chair of the Luke Forward campaign.

“Luke has served as the Air Force’s ‘school house’ for America’s fighter pilots and our allies since the 1940s, and we do not expect that role to change.”

Luke Air Force Base is currently the largest active-duty F-16 training base in the world and the Air Force is beginning to replace its fleet of F-16s with the new F-35 Lightning II.

The Air Force is expected to release its initial list of military bases that will be candidates for the F-35’s training and operational missions within the next couple weeks and make its final F-35 basing decision in early 2011.

Through the Luke Forward campaign, state and local government and business leaders plan to generate support from citizens living in every city and town in Arizona in order to position the state as a strong supporter of the F-35 training mission with the nation’s decision makers in Washington, D.C.

Applause from Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and and big "Thumbs Up" from AZ Governor Jan Brewer
 greet the new logo for Luke Forward Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

“Luke is the ideal location for this advanced strike fighter, but we need to continue working closely with our federal delegation, the Department of Defense and the Pentagon to demonstrate our state’s preparedness and commitment to continue this partnership with the Air Force,” said Brewer.

“This Luke Forward campaign will help us accomplish this, and I look forward to working with government leaders, business organizations and community groups in support of this statewide effort.”

Residents and businesses will be learning about Luke Forward through the creation of a new Web site, a speaker’s bureau, presentations to business groups, electronic billboards, the use of social media – such as Facebook and Twitter – cable programs and other means.

The focal point will be the campaign’s Web site www.lukeforward.com, where residents are being encouraged to register their support of the F-35 training mission at Luke.

“Local community support of military bases is very important back in Washington, and we know there is tremendous Valley- and statewide support for Luke Air Force Base,” said Charley Freericks, who is co-chairing the campaign with Scruggs.

“Whether it’s the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, PTA or a community group, our plan is to reach as many people as possible through Luke Forward.”

In addition to the role that Luke and Arizona’s other military installations serve in the nation’s defense and preparedness, Arizona’s military industry represents one of the largest industries in the state.

A recent study commissioned by the state found that Arizona’s five major military bases – Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, Luke AFB, Yuma Marine Corps Air Station and Yuma Proving Grounds -- plus the state’s four National Guard facilities -- create and support approximately 96,000 jobs in Arizona and generate more than $9 billion annually in economic
impact statewide.

Luke AFB alone contributes more than 8,000 jobs and $2.17 billion annually to the state’s economy. In addition, due to its location in the Valley, Luke serves a total population of more than 100,000 people when military family members and retirees are factored in. Many military retirees throughout the Valley rely on Luke’s on-base services, including medical and dental.

Charley Freericks, Chairman of  Fighter Country Partnership addresses the group as 
 Arizona Governor Jan Brewer looks on.  Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

 

The Luke Forward campaign was developed by the West Valley Partners and Fighter Country Partnership to generate awareness and support of the positive impacts the Air Force’s next generation strike fighter will bring to Arizona.

The West Valley Partners include Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Gila Bend, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa County, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown. Fighter Country Partnership is a non-profit organization that supports the men, women and families of Luke Air Force Base and works to protect and enhance the base’s mission.

For more information on Luke Forward or to schedule a business or community presentation, call 623-882-2191.

             
Photo (L) by Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

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Video Footage Length: 26 minutes