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.