Read my lips . . . no, seriously

If you're interesting in adding more dimension to your communication skills, consider signing up for the lip reading classes offered by the Hearing Loss Association of America. Beginner's classes are held every Monday at 10 am at the Weingart Senior Center in Lakewood. The classes are free and available to anyone, not just the hearing impaired.

Pow Wow 40 Point 0

The annual two-day Pow Wow, a celebration of native American dance, music and crafts, will be held for the 40th time on the CSULB central quad on March 13 and 14. Admission is free and parking costs $4. The events run from 11 am to 10 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The costumes are stunning and the dancers, ranging in age from toddlers to super seniors, are graceful and assured, but always ask before taking photos. Some native Americans have strong beliefs about having their image captured.

Bike Festival Rides Again

Just got the dates of the second annual Bike Festival. It will run from May 7 to May 9 and include races and activities for all ages and frame sizes.

Adios for a while

I'll be leaving for the Santa Cruz area tomorrow until March 9 so I won't be posting here very often. Check out the blog my husband and I will be writing called Cruz Clues.

Reduction is good for our health

350.org has been receiving a lot of press lately. Founded by Bill McKibben, the group organizes events to draw attention to cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Last October, 5,200 actions took place in 181 countries. Scientists say 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide is the safe limit for humanity. Currently the global level is 387 ppm.

The writing quest continues

Sadly, I've let my membership in Writers Village lapse. It continues to be a wonderful collection classes and there are some wonderfully gifted and generous writers there who share skills and tips, but often the classes peter out before they're over or don't even get started because of lack of interest. So, I'm on the prowl for a new online writing community. High on my list is Notebook in Hand. It's a forum of support for all types of creativity, so the big question is -- how many writers are part of the group?

Count or Be Counted

The U.S. Census 2010 Festival, the first to be held in Southern California, will take place on February 27 from 10 am to 2 pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. There will be refreshments, entertainment, and the opportunity to sign for for temporary, part-time Census jobs. Being counted can be fun!

An intrepid explorer on two wheels

Everything Long Beach has introduced a much-needed feature on Long Beach's new bikeways. Peter Dopulos proposes to traverse all the bike routes newly anointed and numbered throughout the city. He will write a review of each with a map, distance, route connections, bike friendliness, family friendliness and destinations near or along the route. So far, he has one posted about about #56 along Conant Street.

Jamie Oliver's Bright Idea

One of the bright lights of the TED Conference this year is Jamie Oliver who challenged parents and children and the food industry to transform America's addiction to processed food into a culture of fresh food and home cooking. He has a TV show coming out in March and a petition on his website which he plans to present to President Obama in the summer. I reluctantly committed to a low cholesterol diet last month and I must say all the fresh vegetables and fruits are becoming a high point for me at every meal. Fresh is best and can be quick and easy.

Hair today, glam tomorrow

Here's a website to keep an eye on--Blow Drying 101. It's still in production but promises to be a source of information on making your hair look great with a minimum of care. Suzanne Weinman, who's designing the site, is a local stylist with lots of tips on styling, cuts and color

Low Cost Intelligentsia

I was delighted to read about the BIL conference in the District this week. In its 3rd year, the BIL conference brings together people with big ideas just like the TED conference. Unlike TED, this "unconference" is open to everyone. Most of the events, like the Power of Conscious Motherhood and Sacred Sound--Sacred Union are scheduled at the CSULB campus.

Long Beach Transit Ups the Ante

To help make up for cuts in state funding, bus fares are being increased today. A regular fare is now $1.25. Well, at least it's easy to have the right change.

Another petfinder

Metro Pet Tracker keeps track of pups and kitties lost and found throughout Southern California. It also has helpful information about local shelters and spay and neuter clinics. Plus, lots of advice on pet care and feeding.

Only in Long Beach

There's a whole lot of shaking going on in downtown Long Beach this weekend. Besides the TED convention and the Queen Mary Scottish Festival, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is hosting a rather strange pair of gatherings: the World's Greatest Hobby on Tour, a huge assortment of model trains of all sizes and shapes and the Belly Dancer of the Universe Contest under the same roof. Something for the kid and the adult, now that's a Valentine's Day to remember.

Have a fling on the Queen Mary (Scottish, that is)

The Scots are coming! The Scots are coming -- for the sixth annual Queen Mary Scottish Festival next Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and February 14. There'll be pipes and drumming, dancing and the Plaidpaloosa among the events and a vendors and ethnic organizations a plenty. Hours runs from 9 am to 9 pm and tickets cost $20 for one day or $26 for both.

Pedal on over to Pedal Movement

Tomorrow night, February 8, Pedal Movement is holding its monthly meeting at the new bike co-op facilities (the H.U.B) at the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Esther Street. Starting at 5 pm, everyone is welcome to get a glimpse of the center of this rapidly growing biking collective and to learn about ongoing projects and get involved.

Books and Authors

Great news from Grunion Gazette! Apostrope Books is coming soon to Second Street. Expected to open in the middle of March, the store will carry cards and gift wrap as well as books, but it's run by experienced book retailers so there's hope that they can make a go of it. More great news from the Grunion! Award-winning mystery author Wendy Hornsby will be writing a biweekly column called No Mystery Here.

Cholesterol news

Los Alamitos Medical Center is offering free cholesterol screenings for American Heart Month. On Friday February 12 and Saturday February 13 from 8 am to noon. Screening will be held in the Total Care Pavilion at 3951 Katela Avenue. Call 800 548 5559 so staff will be on hand to make less waiting. Fasting is recommended.

Affordable Beverly Hills?

Another article in Sunset spotlighted relatively low cost options in Beverly Hills like the Crescent Hotel ($175 a night). Tour on the Beverly Hills Trolley cost $10, and other low cost amusements are the Celebrity Vault, the Paley Center for Media, and the Greystone Mansion, Anat B (boutique). Sprinkles cupcakes were mentioned as well as a manicure for $23 at Thibiant Beverly Hills. At the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, you can claim a poolside cabana if you order a drink before 5 pm, and the Luxe Hotel's Cafe Rodeo and Beverly Hilton Trader Vic's Lounge. Suggested restaurants are Nirvana, Brighton Coffee Shop, and LA Food Show Grill & Bar.

Big Fun in Little India

Sunset Magazine featured Artesia this month, reminding me of all the good restaurants out there. They pinpoint Pioneer Boulevard between State 91 and South Street at the heart of Little India. Some shops mentioned are Cottage Art and Sona Chaandi; restaurants: Rajdhani Indian Cuisine, Standard Sweets & Snacks, Ambala Sweets and Snacks, Udupi Palace, and India Restaurant

Cholesterol blues

I'm completing my second week of a low cholesterol diet and have only cheated three or four times. On the whole, I've enjoyed venturing into dietary choices I'd ordinarily avoid like cabbage and beets, but the low salt/no salt items are a challenge and eating out is a real nightmare. The goal is to have a HDL (the good cholesterol) level greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter, and a total cholesterol level of less than 200 milligrams per deciliter. The low cholesterol diet recommends consuming less than 200 mlligrams a day, 14 grams of saturated fat and 73 grams of total fat. My daily calorie intake should be about 2200 calories. I also read that garlic and green tea have been found to lower cholesterol levels in some studies. Sadly, I have decided to stay away from the Chocolate Festival this year. Too much temptation.

I Won!

Remember last week when I posted about Soylar Candles? Well, I won the drawing for a 6-pack of tea candles for posting here! They're the sweetest selection of pastel candles in a range of fragrances from vanilla to monkey farts. I haven't lighted it yet but I hope it's more banana than flatulence. I also ordered some elegant little candles in baby food jars for a baby shower gift. Anyway, it made my day to get that little package and I congratulate Irene Guoz, the owner of Soylar Candles. for running a green business with ingenious promotions AND a sense of humor.

Waders not required

There will be a lake clean up at El Dorado Park Area III on Saturday February 13 from 9 am to noon. Trash bags and gloves will be handed out to volunteers for picking up litter, fishing line and tackle from around the lake at the park entrance on Wardlow. Volunteer through Councilperson Gerrie Schipske's office at (562) 570-6932.

I Bid To Know Trumps

Long Beach Bridge Center at 4782 Pacific Coast Highway, is offering four free lessons on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to ll:30 am starting February 20. You can bring a partner or get paired with someone when you arrive. Free parking and refreshments too.

Small Business Development Center Gets Books

The Small Business Development Center at Long Beach City College received a donation of 800 books from Sarah and Paul Edwards, experts on entrepreneurship and working from home. The SBDC has training and counseling for local small business owners. It's open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and is located in Building O-2 at 4900 E. Conant Street.

More Red Bull Antics Downtown

The Grunion Gazette reported last week that Red Bull is planning a flugtag event in downtown Long Beach in 2010, although no definite date has been set. Flug tag means flying day and the event offers prizes for human-powered flying machine and humans zany enough to try to "fly" these contraptions off a 30-foot tall pier (in this case the Pine Avenue Pier) into the water. Sounds like a great way to cool off on a hot summer's day

Time to Polish up those Reading Glasses

Long Beach Reads One Book activities start on March 3 with a bang when author and Los Angeles Times reporter Steve Lopez speaks about his book "The Soloist." The book describes in touching detail how Lopez met a homeless musician in Los Angeles and how their growing friendship enriched both their lives. Lopez will speak at the First Congregational Church at 7 pm and tickets cost $15. Other events highlighting themes of the book -- homelessness, mental illness,and music therapy -- will take place from March 3 to March 13. The Long Beach Public Library Foundation has a complete list of events

About that Job

I put in an application at the Census Office, but haven't gotten any response. I keep dragging my heals about temporary work because I get just enough work through the library to feel busy. Meanwhile, I've been skimming a small library of books about finding a job or starting your own business. AARP says all you need is a computer, Internet and phone service, AND a basic website to start an online business and recommends contacting the Small Business Administration. The AARP website has a webinar on green jobs and other resources on finding a job and making ends meet.

Travel High on the Hog -- Ride the Bus?

Peter Greenberg recommends taking the bus for trips under 500 miles. On top of beating planes and trains for cheap ticket prices, many have cell-phone reception, power outlets, wireless Internet access, videos, leather seats, and an on-board attendante with snacks and beverages. He mentions Megabus, Boltbus, Greyhound, Peter Pan. Online bus ticket brokers are BusJunction and GoToBus.

More Walking Action

Read about walking clubs in this month's AARP Magazine. The American Volkssport Association lists lots of clubs in the U.S., including the South Bay Striders in the San Jose area and the Bay Bandits Volksmarch Club around San Francisco and the Sacramento Walking Sticks Club out of Sacramento. The article also mentions a British group, The Ramblers, and the European Ramblers' Association. Two walking tours, ranging from $350 to $500 per day, are featured too: Country Walkers and The Wayfarers. Create the Good has a video on starting a walking group

Health concerns

In addition to my cranky right shoulder which sends out streaks of pain when I reach my arm behind me, I've learned that I have "very high" cholesterol levels. So I've been following a diet designed by Prevention Magazine and am very seriously considering a vegan diet, since these produce heavy meals take as much time to make as vegan meals. I've also been getting massages from Dr. Kim Campbell at Clements Chiropractic Center. I feel that I'm being proactive, but no real solution in sight.

January Wrap Up and a look ahead

Woohoo! I made my my goal of biking or walking to work or shopping twice AND biking or walking twice for pleasure. In fact, I more than made my goal of walking for pleasure, taking walks twice a week instead of twice a month. I've also been successful in keeping up with houswork, including cleaning and sorting the medicine cabinets. (Okay, I only got to that last night after supper, but I DID it.) And I combined walking with another goal of going to church at least once a month. The four of us hoofed it the whole 8 mile round trip and rewarded ourselves with a lunch at Park Pantry.

Speaking of walking, the family has a tentative plan of climbing Mount Whitney this August, assuming we get passes through the lottery. I've come across a great description of the hike with tips and warnings that may help me visualize my way to success. I also need some camping time, maybe out to Anza Borrega to see the wildflowers. Things to do include desert hikes to a slot canyon or a palm oasis or PCT oak trees. And a nice meal in Borrego Springs to ease back into civilization