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.