Happy Healthy New Year

Here's some good places for healthy meals in 2010:

Real Food Daily 514 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica

Agura 514 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood

Veggie Grill 8000 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles

Zephyr Vegetarian Cafe 340 E. 4th St. Long Beach

Clean Up Your Act for the New Year

Not only is the City of Long Beach sponsoring a recycling program for Christmas trees this year, But Goodwill is holding a post-holiday electronic waste drive on January 9 from 9 am to 1 pm at the City Parking Lot at the corner of Broadway and Long Beach Boulevard. Items that can be turned in include computer monitors, TVs, DVD players, and cell phones.

Long Beach Transit Puts a New Spin on New Year's Eve

Woohoo! On New Year's Eve from 6 pm to 2:30 am, you can ride the buses in Long Beach for free! What better way to while away the last few hours of 2009 than to be chauffeured around our fair city in a supersize Christmas red limousine. Most buses go downtown, so you can check out the festivities down there without paying for parking. Bravo, LBT.

Sounds Terrific

Again from Sunset Magazine, a feature on digital librarians (interesting concept) from the University of Utah who collect sounds of wildlife and their native habitat for the Western Soundscape Archive. It's mostly birds, but there are also refreshing alpine streams and a beaver tail slap. The clips runs from a minute to five minutes and are accompanied by a photo. Some are even downloadable.

The archivists recommend several places for listening to nature. The Sonoran Desert National Monument in Arizona burst to life with frogs, toads, and coyotes during the summer rains. The waves are dramatic at Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington. The interior of Canyonlands National Park, Utah is one of the quietest places in the United States. The Great Basin National Park in Nevada has bristlecone pines (but not the oldest ones).

Art up North

The January Sunset has arrived and as always, there are too many things in there that I want to do. The exhibit of art by Wayne Thiebaud at the Pasadena Museum of California Art seems doable. It runs through January (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) and costs $7, except for the first Friday of the month when it's free. The museum is located 6 blocks from the Gold Line on Union Street, one block north of Colorado Blvd. between Los Robles and Oakland.

Awesome Slow Cooker Blog

There's a full-page ad in Parade Magazine today for a cookbook called Make Fast, Cook Slow by Stephanie O'Dea. At the bottom there's a reference to her blog A Year of Slow Cooking. It's awesome! She says she has an unnatural obsession with slow cooking, but her obsession is our gain. There are recipes every day with links to other sources and an index and a calendar that links to the recipe of a year ago.

And Now a (1,000) Word(s) from my Husband

My husband, who makes a living writing for the Internet, has decided to up the ante and start his own blog. To my glee, he chose Blogspot too, so I can follow him. He calls his blog Picture My Life and plans to post a picture (thus the 1,000 words bit) with a short commentary. He's a very good photographer, so it should be very pleasant viewing.

Am I the Last Person in Long Beach to Hear about This?

Where have I been? I just heard today that some extreme individual will drive a car off the Pine Street Pier to celebrate New Year 2010. Actually, the goal is to beat the current automotive non-ground contract record, or rally car distance jumping record, as it's more popularly known, of 171 feet, and the man behind the gas pedal is Travis Pastrana. There will be a barge anchored in Rainbow Harbor for the car to land on, so don't expect any big splashes. The event is part of Red Bull. New Year. No Limits and will take place at 8 pm Long Beach time. Ticket information is hard to come by.

Books and Things

The Library of Congress has put together an eye-catching site called Read. gov to entice people to read without even picking up a book. They've concocted and ongoing story called the Exquisite Corpse composed by famous children's authors like Jon Scieszka and Gregory Maguire and also have links to the full text or many classic books. There are also book lists for different age groups, webcasts of various authors, and nation-wide directories of book fairs and one-book projects.

New Year's No Mystery

The New Year's Eve Mystery Club offers a nifty way to while away those leaden hours before midnight on New Year's Eve. On Dec. 31, beginning at 7:30 pm they're offering a sumptuous multicourse dinner at The Red Violin Cafe (45 Broadway), an interactive murder mystery and a midnight count down with Baby New Year's and a conga line. The price tag is steep, $100, but with all the trimmings it's well worth it.

Factory Fresh?

Here's one of those non-sequitar names that I'll get turned inside out in a New York minute. The Factory, a new restaurant in Bixby Knolls, features locally grown and responsibly grown food in tasty and imaginative combinations. Seems like it should be the un-Factory to me, but with sandwiches like the Spicy Viking (free range turkey with caramelized onions and smoky mustard) and a salad called Jimmy's Farm Box (with ingredients picked from an organic farm only blocks away), I guess I'll have to wrap my mind around that confusing name.

Long Beach Knot Tiers Alert

Long Beach Wedding Lounge has is all tied up when it come to tying the knot in Long Beach. The site has lots of lush photography to get you in the mood and runs the gamut from dance lessons to limousines. Just the thing to get this future mother of the groom motivated.

Jingle My Jargon

Read about a few great resources that track new slang or jargon terms.

Word Spy - new additions on home page and an alpha archive

Double Tongued Dictionary - latest additions and reader input

Wordnik - comprehensive dictionary constantly updated

Wordlustitude - blog with hilariously over-the-top and/or cutting edge terminology

Penny Pin¢hing Blogger$

The Los Angeles Times had an interesting collection yesterday of blogs that helped with budgeting and saving money:

Debt-Proof Living - lots of how-to articles and calculators

Smart Cookies - aimed at women in their 30s to take control of their finances and meet career goals

Wealth Solutions - mostly an advertisement for the book The ABCs of Making Money, but has a good 10-step program for getting control of your finances

Fantabulously Frugal - a classic blog with daily posts on a wide assortment of bargains and freebies, many online

Rue La La - An invitation-only sample sales site with 50% to 75% of designer items

The Frugal Diva - another classic blog with specific advice on deals at major stores

Budgets Are Sexy - original posts and round-ups of posts from other blogs about saving money and living frugally

An Artistic Slant on Holiday Lights

Let There Be Light runs from December 5 to January 10 in downtown Long Beach. Exhibits displayed in vacant storefront display windows are illuminated from 5 pm to 1 am nightly. Maps are posted downtownfor a self-guided art walk or call 562-242-2928 for a cell phone audio tour.

Pop Up on 4th Street for Unique Gifts

The Long Beach Pop Up Shop will offer its wares at the Portfolio Coffee House from December 18 to December 20. Items like handmade jewelry, ornaments, and gift books will be available for last minute Christmas shoppers

More Sites to Send Season's Greetings to the Troops

Here are some more organizations that forward emails, letters and packages to soldiers and their families:

A Million Thanks

Operation Appreciation

USO Care Packages

Operation Gratitude

Give 2 the Troops

Operation Troop Aid

Soldiers' Angels

Fisher House

Getting Down to Small Business

In my seemingly endless quest for income opportunities, I sometimes daydream about running my own business. Here's a few helpful websites:

Small Business Administration

SBA Small Business Development Centers

SCORE

FastTrac business development programs

AARP Worksearch

Act Nationally, Count Locally

2010 is almost upon us and with it the 2010 Census. Right now is the time to sign up for part-time temporary jobs with the Census Office which plans to have workers assigned as close to their homes as possible. Salaries range from $11 to $20 an hour. Hours are flexible, but most positions require the use of a vehicle.

Shelter from the Storms

Looks like Long Beach will have a Winter Shelter for homeless people this winter after all. Thanks to Councilperson Dee Andrews, a special session of City Council will start the procedure to open a new and somewhat makeshift facility in the 1400 block of Lewis Avenue. No showers and only port-a-potties for toilets, but there will be 200 beds and hot meals. A part of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the shelter will be administered by Long Beach Rescue Mission.

Take me back to the drive-in, take me back to the show

My birthday's coming up and I'm polishing up my nostalgia. One fond memory from childhood was going to the drive-in. Those crazy speakers dangling from the car windows, the endless trips to the concession stand, curling up in the back seat for a nap if the movie was a stinker. Maybe I'll take my offspring to try a drive-in before they all disappear. There's two in Riverside--the Van Buren and the Rubidoux, a huge 1,885 capacity in Montclair called the Mission Tiki, and the mighty Vineland in City of Industry. How do I know this? A very cool website called Drive-Ins.

And now there's Mobile Movies, or MobMov, using digital projector and FM transmitters for the audience to tune in. Members sign up and then get alerted by Twitter or email when a movie screening has been scheduled. Supposedly, there have been showings in Long Beach.

Give Yourself for Christmas

I always think of taking a little time from tinsel and sugarplums to give some help where it's needed. Here are some more groups that welcome help at Christmas and all year through.

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles

Global Volunteer Network

VolunteerMatch

Habitat for Humanity

Mercy and Truth Medical Missions

Children's Hopechest

Friend Ships Unlimited

The District does Dishes

Some restaurants I'd like to try based on the District Weekly Best Food and Drinks section:

• Alondra Hotwings - philly cheesesteak
• Viento y Agua - cafe con leche
• Beachwood BBQ - buffalo sloppy joe
• Lolas Mexican Restaurant - mar y tierra
• Sophy's Thai & Cambodian Cuisine
• Dipiazza Restaurant & Lava Lounge
• Choices Cafe
• Gallagher's Pub & Grill

Takeouts to know about

Have the yummiest ever cream puffs that a friend bought from Beard Papa's in West Hollywood. There's also one in Cerritos (11127 183rd Street) at the north side of the mall, which is so much more convenient for me.

Rossmoor Pastries has a luscious buche de Noel during December only.

Lines form during the Christmas season for the succulent tamales, chicken and pineapple, at Amapola Deli & Market ($15 for a dozen) at 7420 Florence Avenue.

Xmas gifts online

More tidbits from Sunset:

• Garden markers made from old silverware
• Pop top necklace
• Reusable produce bags
• Ballet slippers
• Recipe for bath scrub - 1/2 cup Epsom salts, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup sunflower oil

Sunset Spotlights Belmont Shore

Belmont Shore was featured in the Southern California weekend section of the December 2009 issue of Sunset. Praising it as a perfect place for Christmas shopping. Several Second Street stores were mentioned, like Frosted Cupcakery, Pussy & Pooch Pethouse, We Olive, 5001 Home Collection, Olives Gourmet Grocer, Blue Windows, Luna Belmont Shore, Luna, and Sweet Jill's. The Christmas parades, both Belmont Shore and Naples Boat, get notice as well as Bay Boat Rentals, Naples Gourmet Grocer, and Morry's of Naples.

Virtual Retirement

I recently finished a fascinating book called My Next Phase which guides you through examinations of different approaches to lifestyle in different areas like social, information, outlook, decision-making, and planning. There's a ton of interesting websites with information on retirement planning too.

• The Transition Network
• Global Volunteers
• Best Places
• Residensea
• Find Your Spot
• Active Journeys
• Digsville
• American Hiking Society
• Earthwatch
• Classical Cruises
• Myths and Mountains
• Exploritas (formerly Elderhostel)
• Global Home Exchange
• BizPlanIt
• BizStarters
• Dream Jobs To Go
• Experience Works
• Go 60
• Retirement Jobs
• Seniors4Hire
• Senior Job Bank
• Seniors Jobs
• Working Solo

I'm dreaming of a green (job) Christmas

Haven't heard anything about the CSULB job yet, but I have come across more websites with job listings.

• GreenJobs - brings together recruiters and jobseekers in the United States and overseas
• Sustain Lane - has lots of tips and discussion boards and a tab for searching Metro L.A. jobs
• Green Jobs Network - has information on green job fairs, solar jobs, and jobs at environmental non-profits
• Sustainable Business - has job listings from around the world and a listing of green degree programs in the U.S.
• Eco Business Links - lists other websites with green job listings

A Peace at the Heart of a Hectic Holiday

Yoga World Studio is offering an interesting meditation workshop called Healing the Heart conducted by Susan Toro. The program runs from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Los Altos studio and uses meditation, visualization, and emotional release techniques to release pain and anger caused by past hurtful experiences. Pre-registration costs $30.

Music! Singing! Dancing! Santa!

Long Beach Symphony Orchestra is presenting a holiday program with the Southern California Children's Chorus, the Southern California Master Chorale, and the Orange County School of the Arts Dancers. Tickets start at $25 for the family event to be held December 12 at 6:30 pm and December 13 at 2 pm.

Yes! The mandatory Messiah concert!

The first part of Handel's Messiah will be performed by the Friends of Music at California Heights United Methodist Church (3758 Orange Avenue) at 4 pm on Sunday December 13. The performance will include orchestra and soloists.

Wish a soldier Merry Christmas

There's still time to get a few Christmas cards out to military members and veterans. The deadline is December 7 and several cards can be sent in one envelope to be forwarded by the Red Cross through its Holiday Mail for Heroes program.

Rent is Due December 11 to 20

Rent, that knock-down drag-out tear jerker, is on stage at the Carpenter Center from December 11 to 20 courtesy of Musical Theatre West. The ad promises tickets as low as $10

Buddy, Can You Spare a Job

Since my on-call jobs have basically dried up, I'm in the market for a nice close-by part-time job. I found a few intriguing sites.

• Back Door Jobs - short term "job adventures" like camp counsellors, resort work, ranch jobs, and mind/bodyquests like a work-study gig at Esalen
• Cool Works - seasonal or summer jobs at national parks and volunteer opportunities
• SummerJobs - Lots of nanny, tutoring, and petsitter jobs
• Care.com - Listings for child care, senior care, and pet care
• SnagAJob - hourly and part-time jobs searchable by zip code with companies like Macy's

Art for Sale

The Holiday Art Sale at CSULB begins this Sunday. Over 3,000 items are for sale, ranging in price from $5 to $500. It's not just drawings and paintings. There's photography, jewelry, ceramics and many, many more one-of-a-kind pieces by students and faculty of the Art Department. Hours run from 4 to 7 pm on Sunday and from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Thursday. The sale goes on Art Department galleries and courtyard. Directional signs will be set up in the south quad.

Lunchify

Tomorrow is Car-Free Friday here in Long Beach. The city hopes citizens will use bicycles or other alternative transportation around the city. Local merchants are backing up the city's initiative with a little carrot. More than 20 restaurants are offering up to 20% discounts between 11 am and 2 pm for anyone who mentions the discount and has a bike helmet or bike lock key to demonstrate their participation. Most restaurants are downtown, but there are a few Second Street eateries too. Bike Long Beach has a list of all participating restaurants.

Frugal Shoppers Alert

Here are a few points from AARP Magazine for saving money on groceries:

• Begin shopping on the middle aisles, where bargains are often hidden.
• Cheese can be up to 33% cheaper in the dairy case rather than the cheese table.
• Frozen fish and hamburger are up to 40% cheaper than fresh.
• Select grade of beef is leaner, cheaper, but tougher. Use marinade.
• Bagged cereals cost around a dollar less than boxed ones.
• Look for "certified humane" eggs rather than "free range."
• Look for "grass fed" beef rather than "USDA-certified organic."
• "Organic" fish has no fixed meaning as recognized by the USDA.

Decluttering the New Year

Read about an interesting book in AARP Magazine--Rightsizing Your Life by Ciji Ware. It's about decluttering and organizing in response to major changes in your life like retirement or kids leaving home. The website also has links to products and organizations to help make the change

Swords to Ploughshares

I'm thrown by the decision to continue the war in Afghanistan. The one small ray of hope is the stated plan to begin withdrawal within two years. I came across this heart-lifting story to lighten my spirits. Brenda Krause Eheart redesigned a former Air Force base in downstate Illinois 15 years ago so that retirees could move in to act as foster grandparents and role models for children removed from their biological parents by the court. Hope Meadows has been so successful that it has been awarded an $8 million grant to replicate the model across the country. That's the kind of innovative program that could make a difference in this country.

It's Tuesday Morning this Tuesday Night

Yes, Christmas must be here if I'm trying to remember that discount store with the funny name. Somehow I always think it's Thursday morning. So here it is under shopping so I can find it quicker. Tuesday Morning now has an online outlet and there's a store in Lakewood.

77 Million FREE Paintings--The bargain continues

Finally made it to the University Art Museum to experience Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings and much to my delight I discovered that admission is free for the run of the exhibition which ends December 13. I was engrossed and immersed in the installation, but I at the same time I can understand that it's not from everyone. My companions commented that they felt dizzy and even head-achy after watching the ever-changing images. The colors are very vivid and the transitions of colors are almost imperceptable at times, which may explain the unpleasant after-effects. I came out of it with a peaceful feeling kind of like after a meditation session. The ambiant sound accentuated the trance like state. I thought I was going to see a lot of pretty pictures, but I came away with the experience of witnessing tangible change, transition, metamorphosis.

Websites with a heart

To add a little sugar to your shopping this CyberMonday, you can use GoodShop to link to retailers online who will donate from 3% to 30% of your purchase price to a charity you choose. GoodSearch donates about a penny to any one 0f over 83,000 you name when you use it as a search engine.

FreeRice offers a way to build your vocabulary and feed the hungry. For each correct definition you give, this organization donates ten grains of rice to a needy country. Animal lovers can click on FreeKibble or FreeKibbleKat to answer daily trivia questions and send food to animal shelters.

Escape from the holidays

The holiday season just started and already I'm dreaming of getting away. Here's a few websites to plan that dream vacation. Women Welcome Women World Wide (5W) charges a membership fee of $60 to join a network of women who share vacations, offer places to stay and give advice on things to do and see when you travel. Journeywoman is a free online community of women travelers with lots of information and advice for travelling as a woman, either alone or in groups.

Voyij lets you tailor the specifics of your trip (time, place, price) and then searches for last-minute specials or undersold inventory to get the best deal. InsideTrip searches for airfares and factors in quality concerns likes legroom and security waits. BedandBreakfast has a page that lists the upcoming week's "hot deals."

Vinyl Dreams

Since I still own a turntable that actually works, I'm thinking of stocking up on my album collection. Gemm.com has an easy-to access database of online auctions and dealers. Seventies albums run anywhere from $10 to $50, and eBay has a lot to choose from. Capitol Records seals some albums online, including Steve Miller, the Beach Boys and John Lennon. Rhino Records has the Doors, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and the Grateful Dead. Of course, there's always the used record bins at Fingerprints.

Virtual Turkey Trot

My intrepid husband took his video camera along as he ran the route of the Turkey Trot this year. I spent a lovely morning searching for neighborhood kitties with my new friend Maggie Hudson, but I heard it was unusually hot and more crowded than ever. Consensus decision: sign up for the earlier session next year to beat the heat and the crowds. Here's a 4-minute Youtube video of the Turkey Trot.

Looking ahead, so to speak

In a clever ploy to avoid facing how many New Year's resolutions went unmet this year, I'm looking boldly ahead to 2010 with equally ambitious plans. A top priority is learning a new language and what better way to motivate myself than to visit a country where that language is spoken. A few companies book language classes overseas. BridgeAbroad features many schools in South American and also has a teach and travel ambassador program where you teach English in a foreign city and get room and board free. Cactus Worldwide combines 4 hour language classes with sightseeing and restaurants to test your new language skills. World Link Education has shut down its programs in Asia, but still offers classes in France, Spain, and Italy.

On a more practical note, Long Beach Public Library has an online language program available free through its website. All you have to do is log in with your library card

Long Beach lit large

Now that the Christmas trees have been set a-twinkle, it's time to turn my attention to two other Long Beach Christmas light traditions. The fabulous decorations down in Naples promise the most illuminated beauty per square inch in the city. For even more wattage in wonderland, check out the Naples boat parade on December 19, starting at 6 pm. Sometimes, my nerves are too jangled with shopping, wrapping, lunches and other social obligations to face the crowds of merry makers on that jam-packed island. I'll just have to play it by ear.

For a trip down memory lane, hop in the car and cruise down Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane. Twenty-three decorated trees and a Christmas village between Pacific Coast Highway and Willow keep the place glowing with holiday cheer. On weekends there are even carolers and the annual parade starts at 5 on December 12

Recycling Christmas

After visiting St Vincent de Paul, I'm motivated to reduce, reuse, recycle this Christmas by shopping at the many wonderful secondhand stores we have in the Long Beach are. Top of my list is the GLITZ holiday shopping event at the Assistance League's Vintage Shop at 2100 E. Fourth Street. There will be big ticket items like furs as well as other likely candidates for holiday gifts. The event runs from Dec. 3 to 6.

I'm also going to check out Fabuless Consignment shop at 10779 Los Alamitos Boulevard. They advertise quality shoes jewelry and home decor.

I'm dreaming of a light Christmas

Those darn Christmas trees are back. I thought I had a picture of them from last year, but Ican't find it in mr files. So I guess I have a great excuse to head down to Colorado lagoon for the Christmas tree lighting tonight sponsored by the Alamitos Heights Improvement Association. From 6 to 7:30 there'll be carolers and cookies and Santa will arrive on a firetruck. But for me the most magical is the sudden appearance of light out of the darkness magnified by the reflections on the water. Very Christmas-y and oh so Long Beach!

Crafts Fair at Marine Stadium this Sunday November 29

We Love Long Beach is organizing an indie crafts fair at Marine Stadium from 11 am to 5 pm this Sunday. They are working with Patchwork, a group that has run crafts festivals in Santa Ana for several years. There'll be clothing, paper goods, and affordable art as well as music and edible goodies.

Help yourself to deals and help others

Check out another feel good by doing good shopping experience at the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 2750 Pacific Coast Highway. They're having a huge Black Friday sale and are accepting donations of canned goods and new toys to brighten someone's holidays.

Attention Holiday Shoppers, Help Your Library

If you find yourself at the Barnes and Noble at Marina Pacifica between December 1 and December 15, just say "Library Foundation" and part of the purchase amount will be donated to the Long Beach Public Library Foundation to help support literacy programs in the city. Give the give of literacy . . . TWICE.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Taking a break from posts today to go watch the fun down at the Turkey Trot and eat and chat with friends and family. There is so much to give thanks for in this great country of ours, but for me the greatest gifts are the people that help us every day without our even thinking about it. So, thanks to the letter carriers, trash truck drivers, water and power workers, police and firemen and so many other people who give their time to help make other people's lives better.

Downtown does the holidays right

Sunday, December 6th, Mayor Bob Foster will be on hand to light the Christmas tree and unveil the Menorah and Kwanzaa displays at the Pike Event Park at 6 pm. Santa will be there as well with musical support by the Lakewood HIgh School Choir. Bringing in that wintry feel for all of us displaced East Coasters, there's an ice skating rink opening on November 27 and a snow day on December 12.

Red Eye goes Lean

The RedEye Coffee House is undergoing a makeover. The new name is Lean Bean with new staff and an expanded menu of healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner items. And of course there is always the coffee.

Tons of vintage treasures

Warehouse 1333 at 1333 Redondo has expanded its floor space with a 10,000 square foot annex. They're offering 10% to 50% on everything to show off the selection of vintage 50s to 70s furnishings, accessories and collectible. They also do furniture repair and re-upholstering and help with interior design.

Christmas Comes to Belmont Shore

All the merry gentle merchants down on Second Street are gearing up for Christmas. They've teamed up with Food Finders and We Love Long Beach to set up drop off points for canned food or sealed box foods donations. A list of the locations is on their site. The parade theme is "A Magical, Musical Christmas" this year, and 12 marching bands have signed up to perform. Before the parade begins at 7 pm on December 5, there'll be a one mile fun run called the Jingle Jaunt, sponsored by the Gazette newspapers. There's a sign-up page on the Gazette site. And speaking of magical and musical, groups can sign up with the Belmont Shore Business Association to sing Christmas carols on weekends or weeknights to bring a little holiday cheer to us intrepid shoppers.

If You Post it, They will come

Wow! I had two responses to my blog this week! I already mentioned Jeff at Adopt-a-Pet, and now I got a comment from Adriana from Anarchy in the Garden on my post about the Harvest Festival. She was there demonstrating Potty Pots, seed starting pots made from empty toiliet paper rolls. What an awesome idea! I've carted so many of those to local Sunday schools, but now I have a use for them at home

Just When I Got Used to Stainless Steel

Now I'm hearing that it's better to drink from glass. Love Bottle offers a selection of Euro-design bottles (500 ml or 1,000 ml) ranging in price from $15 to $18. The caps are attached with a wire around the neck of the bottle and some designs allow you to write your own sipping mantra is you feel so inclined. Be Truly You has two styles of bottles with preprinted messages like love big, peace, and celebrate. One style looks like a squarish milk bottle and the other is more of a classic cylinder. They come in 16 oz. and 32 oz. sizes and cost from $22 to $30.

Adopt A Pet makes choosing a furry friend so easy

My post about PetHarbor caught the attention of Jeff Howard at a website called Adopt a Pet. The site has awesome links to pet adoption organizations (many more than PetHarbor), and Jeff's blog has lots of helpful tips about caring for a pet and inspiring stories about people who have adopted animals. I will definitely check back there for information about kitty care.

Cool petfinder website

PetHarbor links pets and pet lovers. Whether you've lost your kitty or puppy or found one on your doorstep and want to find its owner or even if you're in the mood for adopting a pet, this website makes it easy to review the animals at local shelters. Most of the animal listings have photos to make identification easier.

New yoga opportunity

Willow Wellness Center offers a variety of yoga classes, including Beginning/Intermediate Yoga and Weight Loss through Yoga, at its new facilities at 2883 Spring Stree, Suite 250. Memorial Healthcare IPA members can take the classes for free. Others can pay for single classes or 10 classes for $80.

I'm in the Army (of Women) Now

A friend just let me know about the Army of Women. It's an online community of women concerned about breast cancer and willing to volunteer for clinical research aimed at finding the cause and cures for this disease, the most common cancer among women. Once you're signed up, announcements of studies will be emailed to you. You can volunteer and then you'll be notified if the researchers select you for the study

Our beach thanks all of you cities upstream!

Work will get underway next month to insert trash collection inserts in storm drains that lead to the Los Angeles River in 16 cities. Ultimately, the improvements will keep 400 tons of trash from flowing downstream onto the beaches of Long Beach. The work is made possible by Recovery Act funds and should create about 200 jobs over the next year.

Celebrate Tellebration

This Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm at the El Dorado Nature Center, Long Beach Storytellers will host their annual Tellebration. Adults and children are invited to listen to stories and share a few as well. A $5 donation is appreciated

The Big 3-0-0

Not that I'm counting or anything, but this is my 300th post this year. Things are looking good for me to hit my goal of 365 this year. Eliminating the photos has made all the difference. Words have always meant more to me than pictures. I'll be taking off a few days and check back in the 16th.

More Recipes

I must be feeling guilty about reading all those cookie recipes. Gardens to Tables offers a wonderful balance with oodles of healthy and delectible salad recipes. This website wants to encourage sustainable food gardening in even the smallest urban settings, by sharing gardening tips and recipes in a mouthwateringly designed online package.

Hand-to-hand help for hand-to-mouth times

Here's an idea, leave the greedy bankers stewing in their own juice. Peer-to-peer or P2P websites link private lenders with people who need a loan but don't want to grovel to the greedheads. Prosper and Lending Club are two leading sites. Basically you set the amount you need and the rate you want and lenders bid on your proposal.

Readers Rejoice

Kids Book Network wants everyone to read and is offering free books online to every kid in the world. This Long Beach organization wants you to register (for free) so you can download quality children's books and share them with the young people in your life. You can also sign up for their newsletter.

Holiday Sweets

Thanksgiving's on its way and Christmas won't be far behind. I made my first batch of gingerbread yesterday. Thanks to Wilton's website, I have lots more cookie recipes to try for the holidays. I just pull up their recipe pages on my laptop and set it on the kitchen counter. Sometimes, it has to wear an apron to protect it from batter splatter. Umm, batter.

Get yourself a brand new bag

City of Long Beach has joined an L.A. County campaign to encourage people to cut down on their use of plastic shopping bags called Brag about Your Bag. Bring in five plastic bags to most major food stores to recycle and they will give you a free reuseable bag and you will be entered in a sweepstakes to win other prizes. The contest runs from November 15 to December 17

Fall Harvest Festival Next Week

On November 19, BeachGreens and the Growing Experience will hold a Fall Harvest Festival at 750 Via Carmelitos from 3 to 6 pm. Dishes prepared from farm fresh foods including desserts with be available and activities like a scavenger hunt and seed plantings too.

Can't Believe I missed it

I just heard that Ruth Rendell appeared last night with April Smith as part of a Writers Bloc event. The event was sold out so I don't feel too bad, but she's one of my favorite writers, digging deep into the dark corners of her characters' psyches whether they're heroes or villains. I'm signing up for their newsletter so I don't miss any more of my favorites. It looks like most of their programs cost $20.

Eating and Walking, a perfect combination

L.A. Times had an interesting article today of a unique business called Melting Pot Food Tours. It's run by two sisters who lead dining events and also have two regularly scheduled 3 hour walking tours centered around food. One tour focuses on the historic Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax, and the other one features ethnic eateries in old Pasadena. The tours cost $49.

3 Bike Talks Coming Next Week

Thursday, November 19, Long Beach will host 3, count 'em 3, public discussions on how to help our city encourage bike use. Jeff Mapes, a bicycling expert from Portland, OR, will lead the discussions. The first discussion is downtown from noon to 1:30 pm; second, 2:30 to 3:30 at the CSULB University Bookstore; and third, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Long Beach Museum of Art.

Healing weekend at Yoga World

Saul David Raye will present several classes for students of all levels on yoga teachings for the mind, body, and spirit at Yoga World. Starting Friday evening, November 20, and continuing through Sunday, November 22, the classes will focus on meditation and yoga to heal the individual and transform a troubled world. It's not clear whether the classes will be held at the Los Altos or downtown studio.

Cool Contests on TripAdvisor

Just checked out Trip Advisor for some ideas for my trip to Santa Barbara and couldn't help but notice a cool contest co-sponsored with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre. You can enter to win a trip to Paris and they'll offer you a free download of a booklet that features popular World Heritage destinations around the globe.

Leaving tomorrow for Santa Barbara

I'll be away starting tomorrow until Monday for Santa Barbara. I'm lucky enough to have a friend who lives in a gorgeous little cottage up there, so I'm looking forward to a couple of quiet days of beach combing, window shopping and hot tubbing. We're also going to see Anita Diamant speak at UCSB (free!) and take a walking tour of Lotusland. All in all a nice mixture of distractions and relaxation.

Cheapskate Challenge

AARP along with the Ultimate Cheapskate Jeff Yeager is launched a Savings Challenge today. For the next eight weeks, this page will feature savings calculators and a social group where you can share money-saving tips and stories and maybe even win some prizes.

Links for Less

Exciting news for golfers! Philip Reed and his son Drew have launched a new website called Links for Less. The primary focus of the site is to feature interesting and challenging golf courses in the Long Beach area and eventually expand its range. Currently, a video on Bixby Village is featured. The site also includes video evaluations of golf equipment or gadgets that might helf you improve your game, and a blog is in the planning stage

Walk under the Oaks at El Dorado

This Saturday at El Dorado Nature Center from 10:30 to noon, there'll be a guided walk under the native oak trees. Then, Cindy Alvitre, a member of the Tongva tribe and a professor at CSULB, and Craig Torres will give a presentation on Tongva Food and Culture in the Nature Center classroom from 12:30 to 2 pm.

MOCA for free

In celebration of its new mega exhibit, MOCA is offering free admission during the opening week of Collection: MOCA's First 30 Years, November 15 to November 20. The exhibit will feature over 500 works by over 200 artists, spanning the last 70 years.

More on Travel

Pacifica Hotels have 25% discounts on California hotels between now and Dec. 20.

L.A. Times has a Daily Deal Blog with bargains on hotels, airfares and packages.

My Dreams so often fly on silver wings

If my wildest fantasy were to be fulfilled, it would be to fly around the world several times over with thousands of stops along the way. When someday my ship comes in (or in my case sets sail), these websites will come in handy:

OAT Travel--Stands for Overseas Adventure Travel, features small groups, last minute deals, and special rates for singles

GAP Adventures--Stands for Great Adventure People, has tours under $100o

Dealbase--hotel deals in U.S. and Mexico

UpTake--database of reviews, photos and blogs by trip type (business, romance, budget getaway)

CFares--finds lowest international fares

Yapta (Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant)--tracks prices multiple times a day for specific destinations and dates

Kayak--flexible date searches for best travel dates for lowest fare

Bing Travel--set a time frame, maximum price and number of flight hours

Priceline--Name your own price

More writing sources

Just got some emails about two interesting writing websites. Self Publishing Bootcamp has a ten-step program for marketing and distributing your book online, including finishing your book. They're holding a workshop in San Francisco on January 30 for $125.

Demand Studios offers freelancers an opportunity to write on their choice of topics. They're recruiting writers and copy editors. They say they pay a flat rate, but it isn't specified what it is until you apply. No indication on whether there's an entry fee.

An afternoon with Lugwig

The second of four presentations by Long Beach Symphony Orchestra about Beethoven will take place at the Daniel Recital Hall at CSULB tomorrow at 2 pm. Leonne Lewis will speak about Beethoven and his piano. Tickets cost $25 and reservations are required.

Biking Update

The Beachcomber reports that the bicycle boulevard on Vista Street from Nieto Avenue to Temple Avenue will be installed in January or February. There'll be traffic circles at some intersections and at Redondo, there'll be a signall for bikes only. Bike lanes have been painted in on Atherton and plans are underway to put in a cyclist list at Anaheim and Clark. Sixth Street and 15th Street and the Daisy corridor are slated for bicycle bouelvards too. Bicycle licenses are available from any fire station on Saturdays from 8 am to noon. They cost $3.

These feet are made for walking

Just a reminder that 2nd Street Walkers are still pounding the pavement down in Belmont Shore. They meet every Wednesday at 6:45 pm in front of Runners High. It's free and lasts about an hour.

And, this just in, there's fitness walking class offered by Parks and Rec led by Jeri Carter. It costs $30 for 8 one hour sessions through the month of November. One class meets at El Dorado Park at 9 am on Mondays and Wednesdays. Another class meets at Whaley Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, also at 9 am.

Is that Hot or Haute?

Neither. It's Hawt on Yelp, where members of the web community Yelp get half off on haircuts, facials, massages and more at several swanky spas and hair salons in Long Beach and Orange County. Better hurry, though because it ends November 8 and you must make advance reservations.

Elephant Engine High Dive Revival

Who could resist a name live that, but what is it? Derrick Brown, Anis Modjani, Mindy Nettifee and other poets from the Write Now Poetry Society share their arts and their hearts at the Immanuel Center for Conscious Living. It starts at 7:30 pm and costs $5.

Free walking tour this Saturday

Stroll around the historic Hellman neighborhood or the Craftsman Village historic district this Saturday. It starts at 9 am and it's free. The area north of 7th Street between Walnut and Orange features lots of 1920s era bungalows, some painstakingly restored. Meet in front of the Museum of Latin American Art.

Women spiritual searchers

Hiding Behind the Lipstick challenges women to reflect on who they are and what they present to the world with a combination of praise and worship, poetry, and dance. The free program starts at 7 pm at the Antioch Church of Long Beach, 1535 Gundry.

Crazy Funny

Attention Deficit, an improv comedy group, will perform at DiPiazza's on November 11 and December 2. Cover charge is $10. This place serves great pizza and showcases bands of every variety and ability, so it's good to see they've had a new topping

Frozen now opens this week at Alive

"Frozen", an emotional powerhouse of a play By Byrony Lavery, runs weekends from November 7 to November 21 at Alive Theatre. Tickets are $18, but there's a discount if you bring canned goods. Shows are presented at Immanuel Center for Conscious Living, 3215 E. Third Street. Friday, November 20 is pay what you can

The Storyteller Story

Finally getting around to organizing my dusty old photo collection, so I checked out Storyteller Productions down on Second Street. They do a lot of video to DVD transfer (I've got those too) and a nifty service where you can arrange photos and provide background music and they'll produce a CD with a cover illustation. Hmm, Christmas gifting possibilities. This company is also documenting personal stories of veterans for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Speaking of Movies

The Center for Inspirational Living will be having a movie night at Bixby Village Clubhouse on November 7 at 7 pm. The movie is "Excuses Begone" with Wayne Dyer. The group, led by Rev. Patricia King, meets every Sunday at The Long Beach Playhouse at 10 am.

Historical Soc Screens Historical Docs

The Historical Societety of Long Beach will be screening award-winning documentaries this month. Many cover events of U.S. historical interest, like "The Plow That Broke the Plains" (1936) which involves the droughts that caused the Dust Bowl fiasco of the 1930s (screens Nov. 7), and some are more international scope like Sugihara Conspiracy of Kindness (2000) which tells of a Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish people from Nazi imprisonment (screens Nov. 21). My pick is "Garbage Warriors (2008) where environmentalists use recycled materials to produce energy (screens Nov 14). Screenings begin at 6 pm and tickets cost $10 for nonmembers.

Too Much, the (Big Red) Magic Bus on Broadway

On Thursday, November 19, from 6 pm to 10 pm, the Big Red Bus will cruise down Broadway highlighting small businesses along the way with lots of shopping opportunities, sponsored by On Broadway Merchant Association. Tickets cost $5, and buses leave from Paradise Cafe, 1800 East Broadway. The Big Red Bus must be getting popular, I noticed there's two double deckers now parked down at PCH and Westminster.

Still Writing after all these months

Just when you thought I'd given up fiction, or more accurately, just when I thought I'd given up fiction, I went out and sharpened a few pencils and I'm back in business. A few websites of interest to other would-be writers like me: Backspace has tons of motivating and informative articles for free, plus access to to discussion forums for $40 a year; Authonomy is developed by HarperCollins editors for writers to create a profile and get feedback on their writing; Writers Digest has a free e-newsletter, tons or articles and blogs as well as an events calendar and hot markets.

Saving Water Rocks

Long Beach Water Department has partnered with the Rock Club to come up with an innovative program to reach out to young adults in the effort to conserve our precious and still dwindling water supply. They'll support several up and coming musicians at Wilson High School as they compose and practice songs that promote wise water use. The group's performances will be evaluated and the top picks will perform at Wilson High School on November 21 from noon to 4 pm. Tickets are $9 at the door and be sure to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the outdoor concert.

Nothing Fishy about this Tuna Room

No website yet but Luis Pinel has opened up the exhibits of the Tuna Room (on the second floor of the Omelet Inn at 301 Pine Avenue) to the public. Dedicated to documenting the tuna industry, the room has phtos, licences, maps, nets, and other artifacts including a diver's suit. Besides being a huge port, Long Beach was once home to the Starkist tuna cannery before it moved to Ecuador.

Americans for the Arts--You Bet!

Here's a nifty organization I never heard about before today. Americans for the Arts is an advocacy group that advocates at the state and national level for funding and legislation in support of the arts, often linked to the arts in education. They have legislative updates and a database of voting records as well as a link to easily access newspaper websites to write letters to the editor. There's also a job bank, but you may have to become a member to use it.

2012: A different perspective

Contrary to the blockbuster disaster movie that will be released next week, many people see December 21, 2012 as a dimensional shift rather than a catastrophic event. The Long Beach spore (that's what they call it in the website, honest) of Evolver.net will "explore the 2012 enigma through music, dance, art, film and discussion on November 11 from 8 pm to 11:30 pm at Pollen (1332 Gladys). Admission is $7 and enter through the alley. Parking is limited, so bike or bus if possible.

Help a Garden and Help Yourself

The Wrigley Garden, a community gardenwhose mission is to transform a blighted neighborhood, is holding a plant sale this Saturday from 9 am to noon at 1950 and 1960 Henderson Avenue. They're offering seedlings, seeds and ornamental plants as well as some yummy bake sale items like apple muffins. All proceeds will benefit the garden.

Celtic Music Concert this Saturday

Grace First Presbyterian Church will feature Celtic fiddler Jamie Laval and guitarist Zac Leger in its Grace First Concert Series. The performance begins at 7:30 pm Saturday night and a free will donation is appreciated. Laval has won rave reviews all over the country and is considered one of the premier Scottish fiddlers around today.

28 years of Gondola Getaways? That's amore!

The recent issue of Westways has a nice half-page interview with Mike O'Toole, who founded Gondola Getaways way back in 1981 in the canals of Naples (in Long Beach not Italy). He started with one boat and now has 10 as well as 30 gondoliers on staff. He says that December is the busiest time, but many people like the romantic solitude of the winter months when they can snuggle under blankets.It costs two people $75 for an hour cruise, and if you're lucky you might even get a singing gondolier.

Hapa Napa

As far as I know, there are no wineries here in Long Beach, but there are lots of opportunities to savor the grape-- halfway, or hapa as the Hawaiians say, to Napa. The granddaddy of them all has to be Morry's of Naples with its "backroom" wine lounge. Putting a new spin of the old wine bottle is WineShop at Home, locally offered locally by Kristine Kennedy Hammond, which hosts wine tastings in people's homes, wine consulting for big events, and discounts for large quantity orders.

San Antonio Winery has a tasiting room near downtown Los Angeles. Malibu boasts three wineries--Cornell Winery & Tasting Room, Malibu Family Wines and Rosenthal Estate Wines. To the east, there's Joseph Filippi Winery in Rancho Cucamonga (free tastings on Tuesdays) and Galleano Winery in Mira Loma. To the south, Temecula is home to Baily Vineyard & Winery, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Leonesse Cellars, Mount Palomar Winery, and Ponte Family Estate Wines to name a few. Temecula Valley Winegrowers lists the more than 20 wineries in that area.

Roller Derby? Long Beach Rocks

I was out of town with the news came out about the possibility of two--count 'em, two--Long Beach Roller Derby teams--the Dive Bar Brawlers and the Terminal Island Tootsies. Spearheaded by Michelle Steilen, efforts are underway to get enough funding to convince the city to approve a facility. Tomorrow night there's a fundraiser called Zombie Roller Babes Motorcycle Massacre at Ashley's on Fourth Street from 8 to midnight.

Did someone say rummage?

Two big church rummage sales--one on the eastside and one on the westside. This Thursday, Friday, and SaturdayOur Saviour's Lutheran Church at 370 Junipero promises something for everyone--clothing, electronics, antiques, and even homemade refreshments. Saturday's hours are 9 am to 1 pm.

Over on the eastside, Belmont Heights United Methodist Church at Third and Termino is holding a Bazaar and Apple Dumpling Sale on November 7th from 9 am to 2 pm. Besides the treats, there will be books, collectibles and more.

Little Fish, Big Theatre

Hate Mail, the play now being presented at Little Fish Theatre in San Pedro on Wednesdays and Thursday at 8, is getting good notices. Tickets are $20 for a farce about two people who clash over a flaming email and then, well, get to know each other better. The Press-Telegram says it's really funny. The theater is also putting on a collection of spooky one-acts on Halloween night at 11 pm.

Google Maps Goes Where Autoists Fear to Tread

Woohoo! I just heard that the untiring people at Google are now entering bike paths into their megadata to give walkers and bikers new directional options. I can't pull up the Shoreline Bike Path yet, but the bikeway near the Monterey Aquarium is there.

Food Bank in Los Angeles

I'm still looking for a link for a Long Beach food bank, but in the meantime, I did come across a Los Angeles food bank--the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. They need volunteers as well as donations of food and money. They have something called a virtual food drive where donations are augmented by corporations or other organization so that $1 donated is increased to $5 by the sponsoring group. A group called Feeding America has an easy to use locator database to find food banks throughout the country, but none is listed for Long Beach

Yard Sales a go go

Attention all yard sale afficionados! There's a new way to locate bargains, treasures, and whatnots near you. Yard Sale Treasure Map offers a Google mashup for all yard sales listed on Craigslist.
You can narrow the search by putting in your zip code and a mile radius or day of the week. When you click in a specific yard sale, it indicates the time and address as well as what's for sale

Los Cerritos Wetlands in the Spotlight

Eric Zahn, a leader of Friends of Colorado Lagoon and professor at CSULB, will speak at the Aquarium of the Pacific on November 30. His topic is "Restoring Los Cerritos Wetlands: Waiting for the Tides to Return." and the lecture starts at 7 pm. Tickets cost $8 and usually the lectures are taped and you can watch them on the website.

New Thai to Try

Thiptara at 5630 Pacific Coast Highway is now open for business seven days a week . Everyday from 11 am to 3 pm there's a $7 lunch special and it stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The menu features lots of curry dishes and classics such as pad thai, and orders can be delivered within a 3 mile radius.

People who need people

Here's a few Long Beach organizations who need a helping hand:

Hide and Seek Boutique at 203 Covina needs volunteers to repair and deliver items as well as to work in the shop. Donations of furniture are gladly accepted.

International City Theatre could use some ushers for its performances at the Performing Arts Center. Call 495-4595, ext. 10.

Bolsa Chica Conservancy has openings for people to greet guests or give tours of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and to help restore the native habitat. Call (714) 846-1114

There's always something to help with at Justin Rudd's Community Action Team. I've got my eye on the Haute Dog Poetry Contest.

University Art Museum at California State University, Long Beach, is in need of volunteers and docents. Call 985-7601.

Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center needs some volunteer talent for Musician Fridays. Call 933-0961.

Literacy Network will provide training for people interested in helping adults improve their reading or math skills. Call (213) 237-3010

Milkshake Goodness to Go

Land of Fruit and Nuts, headquartered at the good ship Queen Mary has started a new service called Afternoon Delight. Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 pm, you can call in orders from a mouth-wateringly vast selection of milkshakes (fruit blends, chocolate concoctions, and mocha delights) and it will be delivered in one of those cute little Smart Cars. There are some restrictions: cash only, 3 shake minimum, and delivery only in the downtown area--south of 10th and west of Redondo.

Walk Together to End Homelessness

IF I don't make it to AFI, I'm walking for United Way of Greater Los Angeles at HomeWalk 2009 on November 7. At Exposition Park, registration opens and the walk begins at 9. You can walk alone or start a team. Ask people to support you with donations. Last year, over 4,000 people joined the effort and the money they raised helped over 2, 000 homeless people get off the streets.

Lights, Camera, AFI

The AFI Festival starts this weekend and you can sign up for free tickets on the website for a week plus a weekend of documentaries, shorts, and feature films from studios and independent producers. Anyone can get up to 20 tickets but tickets for the evening shows and galas are limited. I have my eye on Saturday Nov. 7 at Santa Monica Laemmle. All three features that day are appealing. A Town Called Panic is a stop action animation comedy based on a Belgian TV show that mixes whimsy and slapstick. Sweetgrass documents the lives and hard times of sheep ranchers in Montana. After.Life toys with horror movie conventions in the story of an undertaker who claims to speak to the dearly departed.

You Know--for the Kids

There's going to be some partying going on this Sunday down by Marine Stadium at 5255 Paoli Way from 9 am to 4 pm. Not only will there be food and entertainment, but such deals. Antiques, vintage clothing, appliances and other treasures too numerous to mention. Proceeds will bot to Kid's Connection, a local group that supports needy children in the Long Beach area.

Let Them Eat Comic Books

Pulp Fiction has a nifty idea for Halloween. They're offering packets of 20 child-friendly mini comic books like Spiderman, Archie, Little Lulu, and Star Wars for $5 to hand out to the little crumb snatchers on the night of October 31. It's less fattening than candy and doesn't rot your teeth, so I'm all for it

How Green Grows My Long Beach

Did you hear that Long Beach was noted by the Trust for Public Land as one of the top ten cities having the most urban gardens per capita. Beat out only by Seattle and Portland, Long Beach came in third. I'm not sure, but I think urban gardens are also known as community gardens, a space were plots of land are designated to gardeners for growing herbs, fruits, vegetables and even flowers. According to a press release by the City of Long Beach there are nine urban gardens in Long Beach. My favorite is the First and Elm Organic Community Garden in the East Village. This little pocket park is an oasis of green on the edge of downtown and the friendly people there are always ready to talk compost and share other organic gardening tips.

Clothes that fit? Now that's Unique

There's a new shop at the Marketplace called Unique Boutique where your body is scanned at 200,000 points to create a 3D replica of your body. The scanning takes place in a little booth where you disrobe down to your underwear. Once your body scan is done, the information is available to you online and when you order clothes through their website, the measurement information automatically orders your best size or even tailors clothes exactly to your measurements. The body scan costs $50. During October, Unique Boutique will doneat 50% of the proceeds of every BodyPrint to research to prevent breast cancer.

Forget the chickens, count those bikes!

The Transportation Department at California State University Long Beach is holding its annual bike and pedestrian count on Thursday, October 22 (7-9 am or 4-6 pm) and Sunday, October 25 (12 noon-2 pm).
You have to attend a half-hour training session on Wednesday, October ; three sessions are available--at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm.

By accurately documenting the number of people biking and walking as well as where the most bikers and walkers are, CSULB and the city of Long Beach can create better routes and better qualify for grants and other funding. After submitting a completed count form, volunteers will receive a "thank you" gift card.

Fall's here, it's time to volunteer

Now, that I'm almost back on track after a long vacation, I'm almost ready to volunteer to help at lunch at Long Beach Rescue Mission. But I've been meaning to post this list of volunteer options featured in the AARP Magazine a few months ago.

• My Soldier Send letters and packages to deployed soldiers
• National Park Service Oodles of opportunities to help keep our parks running
• Share Our Strength Be a cook's assistant in nutrition classes for underprivileged young people
• Citizen Schools After training, you can teach after-school classes about job opportunities
• Experience Corps After training, you can help a child learn to read
• Rebuilding Together Help repair homes of elderly or disabled people
• Twilight Wish Help make an older person's wish come true
• Kiva Make a small loan to help a small business expand
• Threshold Choir Join singing group that performs to uplift the spirits of severely ill people
• Care Host a party to spread the work about Care activities and raise money
• National CASA Be a court-appointed special advocate for abused or neglected children
• International Rescue Committee Help refugees adjust to their new life in the US
• Pink Heart Funds Cut off your ponytail of six inches or more to make wigs for victims of cancer and other diseases

I'm Back and Kicking

Well more like walking actually. I'm back from vacation and chastened by the reality that I spend too, too much time blogging. Even on my trip to the Glacier National Park with my husband to celebrate thirty years of marriage, I blogged. Check it out at Glacier Googles. Anyway, in reviewing my use of time, I've come to the conclusion that I need to limit my posts to one or two a day and DEFINITELY spend less time looking for photos.

So, this blog may very well become my glorified favorites list. Ah well so be it. It was gratifying to see a Start Walking walk being held in Missoula, MT when I was there. Missoula is a very walkable, bikable town with a lovely river running through the heart of downtown and loads of bike lanes. The more I walk the more I love it. Is there any way I can earn money doing it? I'm thinking of signing up with Woman's Day online walking log.

Oh, did I mention that my laptop went kaput right in the middle of my vacation. It's been held hostage for a week at Certified Techs (433-3100), but they promise I can pick it up tomorrow.

WooHoo! Long Beach Transit Makes it to Google

Now you can get directions on Google Maps for taking the bus in Long Beach. It gives the bus number and a few arrival times. I can't figure out how to prompt it to give information about alternate routes, but this is a great start.

I Love We Love Long Beach

Sweet tooth alert! We Love Long Beach has struck up a deal with Cookies by Design. During September, if you stop by the the cookie shop at 5205-A Pacific Coast Highway and say "We Love LB" you will receive one of their new tasty treats. The "cookie cupcake" is a delicious cupcake with a cookie on top. Sounds like a win/win situation. Hours are 8:30 to 6 Monday to Friday and 10 to 4 on Saturday.

We Love Long Beach has more plans for October. On the 7th there's a dinner at Domenico's on 2nd Street. Print the flyer at their website and bring it in and 25% of your tab will go to WLLB. Then on the 11th, they're sponsoring a fitness class at 10 in Livingston Park. and the next Saturday, the 17th, there will be a Neighborhood Breakfast in Bixby Knolls.

Yet More Yoga

Silver Age Yoga is a nonprofit group based in San Diego. Since 2003, it has provided free classes to teach seniors yoga poses to address their health needs. The Long Beach Senior Center holds a SAYCO class on Wednesdays at 11 am.

Findbliss combines business and pleasure with directories of restaurants, spas, and yoga studios as well as related products with a growing archive short essays and tips on yoga, meditation, balanced living, and health and wellness.

Lorin Roche concentrates more on meditation than yoga, but his teachings are based on an ancient yogic text Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. He has just released a new translation called The Radiance Sutra, described at "112 Yogas of wonder and deleight for touching the divine in the midst of daily life. He also holds weekly meditation sessions "with emphasis on spontaneity and naturalness" in Venice at Aanand Sagaar from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

Comic/writer/yogini Beth Lapides has a refreshingly wacky take on yoga practice. She has a calendar of her upcoming performances and workshops and links to her column My Other Car is a Yoga Mat.

Desert Wonderland looks like a perfect meditation retreat center a few miles outside of Twentynine Palms. Sweeping desert views and artistic touches for $700 a week.

Objets d"Art & Spirit looks like an interesting emporium of bath oils beads and other trinkets relaxation and meditation. Some products are sold online but for the full monty you have to visit the store on Sunset Boulevard's "rockin' row."

Finally, I just have to include a mention of Shadow Yoga, although it looks a little too intense for my quavering spirit. It involves exploring the many layers of shadows in the physical and psychic body. There are many workshops throughout the world and books and DVDs to help elucidate.

Expanding Horizons for Sustainability

Environmental Changemakers out of Westchester (L.A.) have a great website about community-based ways to share (and save) local resources including local currencies, time banks, LETS systems, barter, group purchases and community gardens. It has links to Transition Los Angeles and other Los Angeles groups

Yoga on my mind

Finally, I got around to trying out the free yoga class that takes place Sundays at 11 am on the bluff at the south end of Bixby Park. It's very relaxed and nurturing in nature. The teacher didn't even introduce herself, but she lead a good class that was challenging to beginners like me but not impossible. The instructor encouraged people to rest in child's pose whenever they felt like it and she also suggested more demanding poses for more advanced students. There's a website for Living Balance Yoga with a calendar that shows meeting at Bixby Park on Sunday, so I guess it's the same group. They also meet at Marina Vista Park on Tuesdays and Fridays which is a lot closer to my house.

Another option could be yogaglo which offers unlimited online classes for $18 a month. They've arranged classes by ability level and style. The beginner classes include meditation, basics and vinyasa flow. I'll have to explore the site further to see if they offer a free sample.

There's a new donation based yoga studio in Santa Monica called Yogis Anonymous. It's near the Third Street Promenade and it looks like it has a full schedule with over 20 teachers of all sizes, shapes and ages. The suggested donation is $14, but the website stresses no set fee.

The Green Yoga Association addresses some tricky questions that I've faced as a yoga student. Things like using plastic water bottles, toxic yoga mats and driving to class all seem to fly in the face of the basic principles of yoga. This group offers a community to discuss and in time solve these problems.

So much yoga, so little time. I'll have to continue in another post

Can't get enough Poe

This has nothing to do with Long Beach, but I just had to put in a plug for one of my homeboys Edgar Allan Poe (he grew up in Richmond, VA too). He was born in 1809 so many celebrations, tributes, books, etc. have appeared this year in his honor. Inexplicably, the University of Texas opened an exhibit recently and the website has an extensive digital archive. Alas, poor Edgar, no one knew him too well

Bike Forum in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Public Library Foundation Aloud Series will present "Cities, Bicycles, and the Future of Getting Around" on October 2 at 8 pm. Musician and bicycle advocate David Byrne will appear with L.A.'s bicycle coordinator, Michelle Mowery, Bike Kitchen co-founder Jimmy Lizama, UCLA professor Donald Shoup to discuss bicycling as an option in the L.A. area. The event will be held at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre and costs $25.

Online thrift stores

Here's a few Internet sources for secondhand goods. They all require setting up an account. Some will ship, but most require the buyer to arrange pick-up.
Shop Goodwill (auctions a la eBay)
Shop Housing Works (some auctions, some straight sales, benefits New York City Housing)
GovDeals (U.S. government surplus, each department has different procedures)
GovSales (the official site to buy government property)

San Diego Author is coming to Brewitt Library

Although it's not listed on her website, Teresa Burrel will appear at the Brewitt Library on Wednesday September 23, beginning at 4:30 pm to talk about her first novel, The Advocate, and sign copies. She based the plot on her experience as a juvenile court attorney.

Is this something you'd like to share?

In these cash strapped times, barter networks are popping up all over, and Long Beach has got one too. Long Beach Barter Buddies has a site on ning to trade things or services. There's lots of photos and about 20 members so far. It's great to know there's a local group like this to get involved with.

Catalization Alert

A group called the Catalyst Community is holding an open house today in the midst of the Latin American Festival and the East Village Second Saturday Art Walk. They have already launched several exciting community groups like Green Long Beach, LBCreative, and Biking & Cycling. There's a link on their site to volunteer and also news about upcoming workshops.

Alive Theatre preps for Frozen

Next week Alive Theatre holds auditions for Frozen, a dark three person play about loss and grief and forgiveness, even for a serial killer. It's unclear where the play will be presented, but it will run from November 6 to 21.

Bright Lights in Hard Times

Long Beach Museum of Art will present a collection of 50 1930s era works commissioned by WPA funds called Surviving Hard Times: WPA Artists. The exhibition runs from October 9 to January 17. By the way, the museum will have free admission through September 19.

Bike the Mid City Studio Tour

The Mid-City Studio Tour opens the doors to 24 artists in central Long Beach on October 3 and 4. This year Bike Long Beach is offering a map of a bike route to all the locations. It's available free at several It's A Grind Coffee Houses.

Cal Rep moves to the Queen Mary

Here's an interesting new use for the venerable old Queen Mary. Cal Rep will present its 2009-2010 season in the ship's Royal Theatre. The setting is well suited for the first play on the roster. Festen, based on a Danish film, follows the twisted motives and actions of a wealthy family as they gather at their ancestral home. The polished brass and teak and Art Deco curlicues will set the right privileged tone.

Did someone say coffee?

A couple of weeks ago, The District Weekly featured two new coffee shops, conveniently located to meet all of Cal State's caffeine and wifi needs. Grounds Bakery prides itself on its on its bagels (and who wouldn't). They have soups and sandwiches too as well as a wide assortment of mocha/cappa type drinks.

Toorak takes its name from a town in Australia and has the exotic decor to match. The menu offers coffee galore plus sandwiches and pastries.

Sound Walks Again

Soundwalk 09 is set for October 3 from 5 to 10 pm. This year the area of indoor and outdoor sound installations extends from the East Village to Pine Avenue, so when they say walk they're not kidding. If it's anything like last year, it will be a mind expanding experience challenging common assumptions about artistic expression with lots of interactive displays. A great excuse for visiting one of the great restaurants in the East Village.

Inspiration from San Diego

I just heard about this interesting development in San Diego called Quarry Falls. Land that was once a sand and gravel quarry is being redesigned with homes, apartments, parks, stores, schools and over 40 acres of open space connected by walking and biking trails plus a public shuttle to take residents to a nearby light rail station. The concept if called city of villages

Green Port Fest by land and sea

This year's Green Port Fest on October 3 will be offering boat tours, train excursions and even a couple of bicycle jaunts. The event lasts from 10 am to 3 pm. The 45 minute boat tours cruising past massive cargo ships and frolicking sea lions launch every 15 minutes. The trains giving close up looks at the cargo terminals run every hour on the half hour. The bike excursions will follow a proposed trail from downtown to the heart of the port. They're scheduled for 11:30 and 1 pm. There will be musicians and dancers performing on the main stage as well as street performers like jugglers and stilt walkers.

Cemetery Tour on Halloween Day!

Now that's what I'm talking about! The Historical Society of Long Beach will hold its 14th annual tour of Sunnyside and the historic Municipal Cemetery on Halloween day. The tour featured costumed performers located near gravesites and bringing the deceased back to life. The society needs volunteers to help with the event such as set-up book sales and handling refreshments. Training is required prior to the event.

Feel Good, Do Good

Massage Envy in the Target Mall in Seal Beach is offering $35 massages (not sure how long) on September 15. Massage for the Cure will raise money for a local breast cancer foundation, Susan G Komen for the Cure--$10 for each massage performed that day. Call 562-596-1500 to book an appointment.

Out with the old restaurants, in with the new

I'm still mourning the demise of two of my favorite eastside hangouts--Ferraro's and The Mexican Affair. Both had great food and great service and a relaxed no frills atmosphere (if you don't consider Ferraro's amazing and constantly changing assortment of holiday decorations to be frills). Now Brulee, a French Californian restaurant, has opened in Ferraro's old stomping grounds. It's open from & am to 9 pm everyday and has an a la carte brunch on Sundays from 8 am to 2:30 pm. There's a $7 lunch special weekdays from 11 am to 2:30 pm and 50% off coffee, lattes and cappuccinos with purchase of breakfast pastry 7 to 10 am on weekdays until September 24.

The building where The Mexican Affair once held sway is undergoing a major renovation. The banner out front promises that Thiptara Restaurant will be opening soon.

At last! A new book by Wendy Hornsby

One of my favorite Long Beach authors, besides Philip Reed, of course, Wendy Hornsby has a new book out. It's called In the Guise of Mercy and features Maggie MacGowan the star of her previous mystery books. Hornsby will be at the Barnes and Noble in Marina Pacifica on Saturday September 12 at 1 pm to sign her books.

Forum on Homelessness

On September 17, there's a forum on reducing homelessness in Long Beach from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Aquarium of the Pacific. No information on what person or group is sponsoring it.

No Regrets, Ecologically Speaking

On Thursday, September 17 from 6 to 8 pm, The Gaslamp Restaurant will host Egrets not Regrets (love the title), an event offering information about volunteering for local environmental organizations. The event is free, but the wine tasting going on at the same time costs $22.

Much Ado, Theatrically Speaking

Lots of theater openings this week. Much Ado About Nothing begins its run at the Richard Goad Theatre on September 11 and continues through October 24 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The production will feature live music and dancing.

Long Beach Play House also has an opening this Friday. Caught in the Net, a slapstick comedy set in London, will run through October 17.

Meanwhile, Found Theatre will kick off a month of filmed presentations of some of it unforgettable and irrepressible productions with Cycle Sluts on September 12. Other short films and related antics are also promised.

A New festival Downtown

Don't those people downtown do anything but party? This Saturday, the inaugural Latin American Parade and Festival will cover most of the downtown area with music, dancing, kids activities and lots of food. The event was planned to honor Mexican Independence Day on September 16, so the weekend closest to that date was chosen. The parade begins at 7th and Pine at 3 pm with bands and floats and Grand Marshall Jenny Oropeza along with a phalanx of other politicians. Eventually, the festivities will center around 1st and Elm where entertainment includes dance groups like Danzas Aztecas and musical groups like Carlos, a Santana tribute band. There will be art and fitness sessions as well as salsa lessons. That's dancing not eating by the way.

Stepping Out on Second Street

As someone who has logged 100s of miles window shopping on Second Street, I was interested in Justin Rudd's new plan to get people motivated to walk and raise money for his Community Action Team. Every Wednesday evening in September and October beginning at 6:45 at Runners High, walkers will assemble to learn the direction of the walking route. Anyone who donates $5 to the Community Action Team becomes eligible for a drawing after the walk for half of the kitty. Walkers are encouraged to walk at their own pace, and everyone must sign a waiver at the first walk they attend.

The American Heart Association has a great program called Start! Heart Walk with lots of featured to keep you motivated on a walking program. It's free to sign up for their website which has tips, forums and 3 free online walks with my favorite walking instructor Lesley Sansone. Family Circle has many helpful features on its website including walking playlist suggestions from its editors.

An Ounce of Preparedness for Free

The Belmont Heights Community Association is presenting a free Emergency Preparedness Seminar conducted by the Long Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as part of its monthly meeting. The meeting will take place September 9 at Fremont Elementary Auditorium, 4000 E. Fourth Street, and runs from 7 to 9 pm. An information packet will be handed out to participants and childcare will be available.

Riders in the Storm

I got handed an interesting flyer the last time I went downtown on the bus from a member of the Bus Riders Union. They meet every month at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles and seem to have a very progressive agenda. Not only do they advocate more buses as a method of reducing air pollution and reducing traffic, they see riding the bus as an act of social equalization, economic reform and crime reduction. Knowing there's a group out there with such high ideals makes it much easier to trot off to the bus stop instead of mindlessly hopping in the car.

Is This Town Big Enough for Two Museums?

I'm torn about the Long Beach Heritage Museum. After flipping through the website, I sense there's a small but dedicated group that enjoys talking about the golden days of Long Beach (the Pike, the Red Cars, etc.) and has access to a sizable photo collection and memorabilia. It doesn't seem to have the organization or outreach of Historical Society of Long Beach though, and frankly I don't think there's enough interest in this city's history to support two historical museums. Wouldn't it be better to work together and combine the two collections?

The Art of Relaxation Now Has a Studio

Can't wait to check out Everday Zen Relaxation Studio at 3740 Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls. The name alone does wonders for my frazzled nerves. I've been scurrying around like a hyperactive hamster for the last week trying to catch up from my vacation. The website is a little sketchy but they seem to be very active on Twitter. One of the latest tweets says you get a free tarot reading plus a cup of tea when you book online "through the month of September" which I assume means until September 30. This Friday, as part of First Fridays in Bixby Knolls, they're offering free face mapping, mini reiki sessions, and wine, cheese, and sweet treats.

Running Green

Not a lot of info on this event, but Long Beach Green Business Association will be holding a Green 5K Race and Expo beginning at 8 am tomorrow August 30 at El Dorado Park. Entry fees will support youth programs like solar and wind energy camps and youth run organic gardens. The Green Business Expo expects to have over 40 exhibitors.

Kitchen, kitchen, who's got the kitchen?

Tonight is the grand opening of the Bike Kitchen sponsored by CSULB Cyclists at 108 N. Edison Place from 5 to 10 pm. But wait, there's also a Bike Kitchen at 1253 Fourth Street on Tuesday from 8 pm to mignight put on by Pedal Movement. That's a lot of tire patches for one city.

Designs on Development

Thanks to the Grunion, I'm now aware of the Long Beach Design District along Coronado Avenue north of the Walgreen's on Anaheim. Several rundown industrial buildings have been renovated and filled with graphic design studios, architectural firms and product development firms such as Vision Design Studio. The Redevelopment Agency is working with businesses in the area to address parking and zoning issues and limit residential growth to live/work spaces.

My Stars! Peace Comes at Twilight

Stars over the Pike at Rainbow Harbor will be on display at the Pike from August 21 through September 6. The collection of photographs features landmarks from around the world after sunset. The exhibit is part of The World at Night, a worldwide exhibit of photographs celebrating the International Year of Astronomy 2009. The awe-inspiring images are intended to creat public interest in astronomy as well as demonstrate the universal appeal of stars, planets and, well, the universe. The Pike is also offering star gazer nights with local astronomers tonight and next Friday night, September 4 from 8:30 to 10:30 pm. Dancing Under the Stars features a swing band tomorrow night and latin dance next Saturday, September 5. While you're there might as well do your best to touch the stars on the giant Ferris wheel.

Ooh la la La Strada!

The waitresses of La Strada Restaurant (on Second Street) agreed to display some of their (ahem) hidden talents and posed for a 1940s-style pinup calendar to raise money for pancreatic cancer research. A long-time customer of the restaurant died of pancreatic cancer at age 55 about a year ago, and owner Lisa Ramelow organized the production of the calendar. If the calendar is half as much campy fun as the YouTube video of the photo shoot, it should be a big seller at the Belmont Shore Car Show on September 13. Part of the proceeds will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which funds research as well as supporting victims of the disease and providing community outreach.

Long Beach Losers--A winning proposition

Justin Rudd has organized an ingenious way to motivate people to drop some pounds. Long Beach Losers is a twelve-week competition where teams of 5 people weigh in each week at Runners High on Second Street and put $5 each into a kitty. The final weigh-in will be eight days before Thanksgiving and winners both for the team and an individual will divvy up the kitty. This is the third year for this event. Many people return in hopes of winning the money, but more seem to like the fun of sharing the ups and downs of following a diet. More than 500 people have registered so far, which means an estimated jackpot of $30,000 to draw from. Sign-ups end this Sunday, August 30.

Everything Long Beach

I stumbled onto another terrific website focusing on our fabulous city. It's called Everything Long Beach and features good news about Long Beach. It runs the gamut from arts to neighborhoods to schools to things to do. Even the advertising is local interest. You can sign up to get new stories by e-mail.

Hope for the Homeless

Teves Lee was featured last week in The District. After a period of homelessness, she started a barbershop called AFROS of Hollywood and looked for opportunities to help other people down on their luck. Now she's set up AFROS in Long Beach and is founder and director of Haven of Hope Foundation for the Homeless. Her organization has been up and running since May 2008 providing transition housing in 4 different locations in the city and gathering together a diverse network of people focused on helping people get back on their feet again.

And while my sweet tooth's biting

I have to mention Frosted Cupcakery. I haven't visited there for ages, not since they relocated to 4817 Second Street. The cupcakes are just the right size to feel decadent without feeling remorse. I'm partial to the chocolate/chocolate and the chocolate/caramel toffee. I just signed up to follow their blog Frosted Frequency. According to the latest post, there will be free giveaways of mini cupcakes on the first of each month. That means next Tuesday. The store opens at 11. See you there.

Now that I'm on a diet, I've discovered another tempting source of sugary, buttery goodness. Sweet and Saucy Shop is now open for business at 6400 Stearns. They offer cakes, cupcakes, cookies and mini dessertslike cake ball lollipops (be still my heart). The shop opens at 11 except Mondays when it's closed. Just one more taste treat to add to my list.