May 30 Morning Newsletter

Action News Community Connection

By Joyce Lupiani

CREATED May. 30, 2012

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Every week, the Action News This Morning team updates you on events going on in the community, stories they are working on and life behind-the-scenes at Channel 13. You can subscribe to their morning newsletter here. 

MIKE TSOLINAS

Make no doubt about it, the heat is on! So far this month, we have had four 100
degree days and last year we didn’t have one until June 14. Now, this may not
mean we’ll have a super hot summer, but we sure are way ahead of last year’s
pace.
 
This past Sunday, my daughter Gabi and I went to the Las Vegas Ice Center to ice
skate and it was a blast. Gabi said to me as she smiled the whole time, “Dad, this is the best time I have ever had.” As a parent as you know, it’s the greatest feeling
in the world to hear your child saying something like that and I will never forget it!
 
There are two rinks at the Las Vegas Ice Center and, as someone who literally grew up on hockey skates, it’s a fantastic facility! There is a full pro shop, snack bar and general seating area. You can use their skates or bring your own, but the fact is that because it’s an ice rink it’s as cool as the other side of the pillow.
 
The rinks are open every day and there is plenty of free skating time along with professionals to teach your child or you how to figure skate or play hockey.
 
In fact, the youth programs in the valley are surprisingly good and in the past few years the NHL has actually drafted kids from Las Vegas!
 
So if you are looking for a great place to cool down for a couple of hours while you enjoy some fun with the family, give skating a try here in the desert!
 
Here is a link to the Ice Center: http://www.lasvegasice.com/
 
Cool thoughts,
 
Mike
 

CASEY SMITH  

It's not often you find yourself in the presence of greatness, but it happened at the Channel 13 studios.

Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and creator of "Mother Goose & Grimm" Mike Peters joined us on Action News Midday last week.  

Mike was in town with his family for a cartoonists convention. He's a political cartoonist and comments on various social and political issues of our time, but he also has a day job: "Mother Goose & Grimm" runs in hundreds of newspapers every day.

Mike sat down with me and told us what's it's like to be a cartoonist, then proceeded to draw one of his strips.  The 'before & after' video clips reveal the genius that is Mike Peters.

LISA REMILLARD 

First let me say thank you to all the viewers at home who signed up to win our Summer Adventure in San Diego contest! And congratulations to all the viewers who won! What a great prize package. 
 
I am always thrilled to travel south (where it's a little cooler) and broadcast live from SeaWorld for the Morning and Midday show.
 
The people, the animals, the trainers... and this year, the AWESOME NEW roller coaster MANTA! I was one of the first in the country to get a preview.
 
Let me say, that thing is so much fun. The 270-degree viewing room launch pad is pretty spectacular.
 
In fact, it's the first of it's kind in this country. It makes you feel like Bat Rays are swimming all around you from the top, bottom and both sides. Then in two seconds (literally), you accelerate to top speed. What a rush! You can tell by my screams during my live shots during the morning show. 
 
But what SeaWorld is known for are their animals. And boy did I get up close and personal with a few.
 
I had the honor of being able to swim with the Beluga whales in the Arctic Exhibit. Any guest (for a fee) can do the same.
 
Trust me, it's an amazing experience. These beautiful 1600 lb. creatures are magnificent in size and simply so smart.
 
I cautiously stepped in the freezing pool with Allua. She is 28 years old and immediately, she was taking commands from me -- swimming in circles, dancing, speaking and giving kisses.
 
But the funny thing is, she (and all Belugas) are terrified of people. So I had to step quietly into the pool and not make any sudden movements so she wouldn't swim off. 
 
The only regret was that I wasn't at SeaWorld late at night to see the spectacular fireworks display. But if you go down there this summer...not to worry. They launch the show EVERY NIGHT.