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.