Special Offer from The Geffen Playhouse!

Saturday Scene

Receive a FREE adult ticket with every child's ticket purchased ($15 value) Offer code: SCENE. To receive the discount, you must mention the code at time of purchase. A service charge/handling fee applies. Discount cannot be applied to previous ticket purchases or combined with any other offer. Offer expires February 14, 2009. Call the Geffen Playhouse Box Office at (310) 208-5454 or online at www.ticketmaster.com

On Select Saturdays, experience a new interactive journey into the world of music, dance, puppetry and storytelling. No fighting over the remote, this is a show even parents will enjoy. Saturday mornings will never be the same.

February 14 - Iron John (ages 6-12)
February 21 - Got Homer? (ages 6-12)
March 7 - Rhythm Child (ages 2-12)
March 14 - Power on Earth (ages 6-12)
May 2 - Frog Belly Rat Bone (ages 2-12)
May 9 - Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang (ages 2-6)
May 16 - Steve Songs (ages 2-6)

Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Westwood Village

http://www.geffenplayhouse.com

Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival

Saturday, February 7
1 - 4pm
$10 for book of 12 tickets

Second Street
Belmont Shore
562-434-3066

Chocolate treats, Homemade dessert contest, kids' pie eating contest, live music

Prepurchase tickets starting February 1st at Archibald's, La Strada, Sweet Jill's, & Mail Boxes, Etc.

During event, buy tickets in front of WaMu 5200 E. 2nd St.

http://www.belmontshore.org

Parents Night Out - Mozart Festival

Did you know Long Beach had a Mozart Festival? :-)

Saturday, January 31
8pm
Free

First Congregational Church of Long Beach
241 Cedar Avenue (at 3rd Street)
Long Beach
562-436-2256

Mozart Festival
Grand Finale Concert
Featuring the winner of the Mozart Festival Concerto Competition and the Mozart Festival Orchestra
Dr. Michael Lamkin, Guest Conductor

http://www.longbeachmozartfestival.org

Long Beach School of Music

Students can sign up anytime.

Long Beach School of Music
3840 Woodruff Avenue
Suite 109, Long Beach
(562) 627-0464

Welcome to Long Beach School of Music! Here, the kid who marches to the beat of their own drum can learn theory and improvisational techniques from the pros, and even take lessons for two with their favorite adult.

The school is just one of four music schools co-founded by artists Lisa Kato & Mark Fitchett. Other locations are in Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes and San Pedro.

A staff of accomplished instructors and a rotating list of guest artists customize music plans for students at various learning stages and ages, whether they're interested in personal enrichment or in pursuing a professional career. The school's programs include preschool music classes, Guitar School, and private lessons.

Eligible students can also participate in the National Piano Guild Auditions, open jam sessions, performance workshops, the Southwestern Youth Music Festival, and the annual statewide Certificate of Merit convention.

http://www.longbeachschoolofmusic.com

Mini Photo Sessions - Rascals to Rebels

Friday, January 30, noon - 2pm
Saturday, January 31, 10am - noon
Free
Sign up at the store.

Rascals to Rebels
The Shops at Rossmoor
12185 Seal Beach Blvd.
Seal Beach, CA 90740
562-598-3900

Kristin Eldridge Photography

Tickle someone pink this February! It's that time of year to surprise your loved ones with smiles capturing this moment in time. Complimentary photo shoots are being offered at Rascals to Rebels in Rossmoor.

http://www.rascalstorebels.net

A Little Princess - Santa Monica

3 weekends only
January 31 – February 15
Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am

Morgan-Wixson Theatre
2627 Pico Blvd. (between Centinela & Cloverfield)
Santa Monica
Reserved seats $6-$8 at www.morgan-wixson.org
or Box Office 310-828-7519

A Little Princess
Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Featuring Makenzie Browning as Lottie

This play is not for girls only. A timeless story of a very different kind of princess, whose generous spirit is undimmed by a change in circumstances.

Inspired by the generosity of Sara Crewe, Y.E.S. is sponsoring a book drive at all performances. Any donations of new or gently used books, in English or Spanish, for ages 0 to 10, will be collected for our neighbor the Venice Family Clinic, so that young patients can go home with a book of their own. All titles welcome.

http://www.morgan-wixson.org

39th Annual Whale Fiesta - San Pedro

Sunday, January 25
10am-4:30pm
Free admission
Free parking at 22nd and Miner Sts
Free shuttle in each direction

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3729 Stephen M White Drive
San Pedro
310-548-7562

Activities will include, face painting, music, marine mammal related arts and crafts, puppet shows, an inflated crawl through whale and a passport contest for fabulous prizes. You can also ring the bell and spout out of your own tale at our Whale Poets corner.

http://www.cabrilloaq.org

In-N-Out's Secret Menu

I had no idea. The following is from: http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=In_N_Out

In-N-Out Burger has a secret unpublished menu for insiders who are in-the-know. Next time you're at In-N-Out (i.e. tomorrow . . . or maybe tonight), order a bag of these off-the-menu specials:

"3-by-3" = three meat patties and three slices of cheese.

"4-by-4" = four meat patties and four slices of cheese.

"2-by-4" = two meat patties and four slices of cheese.

*Note: You may get a burger with the exact number of meat patties or cheese slices you want (up to 4x4). Just tell the In-N-Out Burger cashier how many meat patties and how much cheese you want and that is what you'll get! For instance, if you want 4 pieces of meat and 3 pieces of cheese tell them you want a "4-by-3."

"Double Meat" = like a Double Double without cheese.

"3 by Meat" = three meat patties and no cheese.

"Animal Style" = the meat is cooked and fried with mustard and then pickles are added, extra spread and grilled onions are added.

"Animal Style Fries" = fries with cheese, spread, grilled onions and pickles (if you ask for them).

"Protein Style" = for all you low-carbohydrate dieters, this is a burger with no bun (wrapped in lettuce).

"Flying Dutchman" = two meat patties, two slices of melted cheese and nothing else - not even a bun!

Fries "Well-Done" = extra crispy fries . . . even better than the regular!

Fries "Light" = opposite of fries well-done, more raw than most people like 'em

"Grilled Cheese" = no meat, just melted cheese, tomato, lettuce and spread on a bun.

"Veggie Burger" = burger without the patty or cheese. Sometimes we call this the "Wish Burger."

"Neapolitan" Shake = strawberry, vanilla and chocolate mixed together.

Long Beach Locations:
LB Towne Center
7691 Carson St.

4600 Los Coyotes Diagonal

6391 E. PCH

http://www.in-n-out.com

12th Annual Education Celebration

Saturday, January 24, 2009
9am to noon

Cabrillo High School
2001 Santa Fe Ave.
Long Beach

Learn about LB schools

The Education Celebration is designed for parents of students entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Parents can obtain information regarding each elementary and K-8 school under one roof, talk to principals, view student work, speak to other parents and enjoy student performances.

This year's theme is "Celebrating our Student Athletes." The first 500 parents visiting the Global Studies Magnet School booths will receive a special gift.

The school district's open enrollment period starts Feb. 1. The Education Celebration helps parents and students to select the best school for them, and it is open to anyone who wants to learn more about local schools. Free transportation is available from all LBUSD high schools. The departure schedule is: Lakewood, 8:30 a.m.; Jordan: 8:45 and 9:45 a.m.; Millikan, 8:25 a.m.; Wilson, 8:35 a.m.; and Poly at 8:45 and 9:45 a.m.

For more information, call 997-8306.

http://www.lbusd.k12.ca.us/Main_Offices/Superintendent/Public_Information/Newsroom/articleDetails_NEW.cfm?articleID=999

Pasadena's Doo Dah Parade

Sunday, January 18, 2009
11:30am
Free

Old Town Pasadena
Fair Oaks and Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
626-205-4029

The 32nd iteration of Pasadena's eccentric parade begins at the corner of Holly Street and Raymond Avenue, then heads down Raymond to Colorado, and ends at Pasadena Avenue. America's favorite "other parade" is known for its colorful and irreverent satirical spin on the New Year's Day Rose Parade.

http://www.pasadenadoodahparade.info/

Aloha Ice Cream and Coffee

1615 W. 25th St.
(at Western)
San Pedro
310-547-1702

Featuring Lappert's ice cream, Hawaiian shave ice, and Kona coffee

If you've been to the island of Kauai, you've probably had Lappert's ice cream. Now, this delicious treat has come to the South Bay!

http://www.alohaicecreamandcoffee.com/home

Your Family Tree

I just found this free software to list your family tree. I'm still leery of adding birthdates, etc., but I love that this will give me a nice printout. We had a family reunion with 100 relatives this past summer and I can't wait to see that tree. :-)

http://www.geni.com

The Striking Viking Story Pirates

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Ages 2-6
11am (show is 45 minutes)
$15 adults and children



Geffen Playhouse
10886 Le Conte Ave.
Westwood Village
Los Angeles, CA 90024

Story Pirates has been invited by the Kennedy Center to perform the
weekend preceding the Inauguration.

Jamie, a Westland, Crossroads and Northwestern alumni, runs an arts and literacy program for pre-school and elementary age children in Manhattan. They elicit stories from children, and these stories are then brought to life onstage by Broadway actors, musicians and puppets. Children learn that everyone has a story to tell, that stories can be put to words, and that each story matters. Children
love the experience and these shows charm adults, as well.

http://www.geffenplayhouse.com
http://www.storypirates.org

Long Beach celebrates MLK, Jr. Day

Thursday, January 15
“Peace, Unity & Hope Youth Performance”
The performance, by youth and for youth, is presented by the Long Beach Weed and Seed Program, Parks, Recreation and Marine and Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach. It will be hosted from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

Friday, January 16
ArtPEACE Exhibit Gallery Display Opening
Art works created by artists and young people will be on display from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. The Opening will be followed by a live Arts-Making workshop on Saturday, January 17 during the MLK Celebration.

Saturday, January 17
21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Parade and Celebration: “I Can See the Promised Land”
Parade runs from 10:30am- 12:00noon. Celebration, which includes three stages of entertainment, health pavilion, teen and youth area and free activities, international food and merchandise vendors will be held from 12noon – 5:30pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park

Saturday, January 17
2nd Annual Peacemaker Award
The Dr. Martin Luther King Peacemaker Awards will be presented to recognize those individuals that have carried on the nonviolence and unity message of Dr. King in our community. Recipients include Victor Otiniano of Union Bank, Tracy Colunga of the City of Long Beach, and the Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach. Awards will be granted at 1:30pm on the Main Stage at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.

Sunday, January 18
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Celebration: “Celebration and Strength for the Journey”
The community-wide annual interfaith celebration will begin at 3:00pm and will feature a multi-cultural and multi-religious celebration, music from a variety of faith traditions and cultures, and a reception. Keynote Address by Council Member Dee Andrews. Sponsored by the Long Beach Ministerial Alliance, Long Beach Religious Leaders Association, NAACP and the South Coast Interfaith Council. The Celebration will be held at Gospel Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1480 Atlantic Avenue

Monday, January 19
National Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
This national day of service will kick off a season of service with a Book Buddies project led by local middle school youth volunteers and will be coupled with a book drive collection for children living in the Long Beach Sister City of Mombasa, Kenya Africa. An inspirational building mural will also be painted--wear something you can get messy! The project will be held at the Boys and Girls Club at the Jeffrey A. Cowan/Washington Middle School site, 1450 Cedar Avenue. If you'd like to volunteer, register online at www.mlkday.gov or call Teresa Gomez at 562-570-6730. Contact Ms. Gomez if you'd like to donate a children's book towards the book drive.

Temporary jobs with the 2010 census

Local census office:
11 Golden Shore
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: 562-366-8050
Payrate: Starts at $17.00 / hour

Census takers work to ensure that everyone is counted. You work approximately 20 to 40 hours per week. The hours are flexible. Your work can last several weeks, right in your own community. You get good pay, and it's paid every week.

All census takers must be able to speak English, but people who have bilingual skills are needed in communities where a large number of residents primarily speak a language other than English. If you have the appropriate language skills and cultural knowledge to communicate well in your community, we encourage you to apply.

Apply here.

Kids Off The Couch

This looks like it might be fun.

A FREE, weekly e-blast that takes what kids love -- good films, books, music and digital media -- and uses it to inspire family adventures. From art and architecture, to nature and sporting events, we connect families to each other and to the world.

http://www.kidsoffthecouch.com

Free class week at KickItUp!

JANUARY 12 - 17

8129 E. Wardlow Rd
Long Beach, Ca. 90808
(562) 430-1812

KickItUp is a fitness and dance studio for the whole family. It’s that great time of year again where they offer free classes all week long. This is a great time to check out their new facility.

CrimeReports.com

Type in your address and get a map showing where crimes have been committed in your neighborhood. I don't think they list petty crimes or domestic disturbances, though.

IMAX coming to Long Beach Towne Center

Long Beach Towne Center
Carson St. near 605 freeway

After a meeting with Vestar which manages the site, West forwarded the following email message to Councilwoman Schipske:

"Though the project has been very successful over the past 10 years, we want to make sure that we continue to provide the shopping and entertainment experience that the people of Long Beach and the surrounding communities want and deserve. As such, we have undertaken a major $1.8 million re-model of the plaza area of the center (now named the Promenade @ Long Beach Towne Center). These improvements include the addition of an outdoor entertainment stage, a giant video wall, an outdoor fireplace, two new fountains and a play area for kids. As part of this upgrade, we will also be repainting the project this year and doing other courtyard improvements including landscape upgrades, new furniture and signage. All of these things are designed to enhance the experience at the center and allow the project to continue its role as the gathering place for Long Beach. In addition to our improvements, we have been informed that the Edward's theater will be adding an I-Max theater. As we understand it, that upgrade should be done in time for the summer movie season. This will just add one more reason to visit the center. "

Playspace finder

You can be the first to rate Long Beach's play areas.

The KaBOOM! Playspace Finder, currently in beta, allows you to enter, search, and rate playspaces in your community. It is a free, searchable directory that helps parents, community members and kids locate playgrounds, skate parks, sports fields, and even ice rinks across America. It can also be used to alert local communities about recreational areas that need a little help.

Anyone can add a playspace to the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder! With the Playspace Finder it's easy for you to upload photos, include details about the playspace and submit your thoughts on the space’s overall “play value.”

The KaBOOM! Playspace Finder is a great and easy way to get your kids outside to play, help visitors and new residents in your community locate nearby playgrounds, and create positive changes in the state of play in your neighborhood.

Community service credit and Girl Scout patches are available for contributing to the KaBOOM! Playspace Finder.

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.

Waldorf 2009 Kindergarten

Maple Village School
4017 E. 6th St.
Long Beach

From the Maple Village School Board:

We are currently working on our Kindergarten opening for September. It would be helpful for us to know who is interested in registering.
Enrolled families and those on our wait list will have priority registration. Please feel free to mail this e-mail to friends or anyone you know who might want to get on the waiting list.

Also, it would be helpful for us to know what you predict your needs/kindergarten desires will be in September 2009.
Are you interested in a 3-day kindergarten (ages 3 yrs. 9 mo. - 4yrs. 9 mo.) or a 5-day kindergarten (ages 4yrs. 9 mo - and above)? (Approximate hours for each morning class would be 4 1/2)
If you can take a minute to write to us we would be grateful!

For more info:
562.434.8200
info@maplevillageschool.org

Operation Paperback

Send your used books to members of our armed forces personally or make a monetary donation.

Operation Paperback collects gently used books and sends them to American troops deployed overseas. Since 1999, we have shipped over 800,000 books to locations around the globe.

Many of our troops are serving far from home and living in facilities that provide few of the comforts of home. At the end of the duty day, the opportunity to escape into a good book is welcomed. Every week we receive thanks from troops who are glad to be appreciated and remembered.

Our service members make sacrifices every day for our country. It takes so little to let them know that we appreciate what they are doing for us. When you donate to Operation Paperback, you will let our troops know that you support them, and you have not forgotten them.

The Lizard Wizard

Saturday, January 17
3-5pm
Free

St. Peter's Parish Hall
1648 9th St.
San Pedro


Plenty of free parking
RSVP 310-831-2361 or youthandfamily@stpeterssanpedro.org

Please join us for a hands-on journey into the fascinating world of reptiles, amphibians, creepy crawlers and more! St. Peter’s will welcome the Lizard Wizard and his menagerie of friends for an entertaining and fun filled afternoon. Snacks and drinks will be sold to benefit Youth Programming.

Long Beach Firefighter's Museum

Wednesdays 7:30am - 11:45am
2nd Saturday of the month 10am-3pm
Free

Old Station No. 10
1445 Peterson Ave.
Long Beach 90813
562-570-8628

Whale Watching

Starting Dec. 26, 2008, Departing at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily
(Approximately two to two and a half hours in duration / boat tours will run weather permitting)

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Includes Aquarium admission, $42.95 adult, $28.95 child (3-11), and $39.95 senior (62+).
Members: $25 adult, $15 child (3-11), $20 for senior (62+).
RSVP: (562) 590-3100, ext. 0

The public is invited to embark on an educational whale watch adventure through the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Whale Watch. Whales, dolphins, and birds all make incredible journeys along our coast, ranging from a few hundred miles to many thousands. Adventurers will explore the nearby seas aboard the specialized Harbor Breeze Cruises whale-watching boat, the Christopher, to seek out such travelers as gray, fin, blue, and Minke whales, various dolphin species, sea lions, and a host of migratory sea birds. Aquarium experts will be on board to answer questions and to talk about gray whale conservation issues and how to help these and other marine mammals.

The best blog post of 2009?

From zenhabits:

I was sitting here at my computer, pondering whether I wanted to write a post with tips about “making 2009 your best year ever”. It’s been done, and most of my tips you’ve already read before on Zen Habits.

I made a small list of things I’d recommend to anyone wanting to make 2009 their best year ever … coming up with a single life-changing goal, creating a mantra for that goal to keep them on track, simplifying their lives, making time for loved ones and themselves, learning to be in the moment … all of these are great tips, and I could come up with a dozen more that would really help people if they wanted to make positive changes.

But then I realized that there’s just one tip that’s needed. And it’s not a tip you’ll read in most personal development, productivity or self-help blogs or books.

Read the rest here.

Idaho Smith and the Shirley Temple of Doom!

January 9 to March 1st
Friday 7:30PM
Saturday 4:30PM & 7:30PM
Sunday 2:00PM & 7:00PM



The All American Melodrama Theater and Music Hall
Shoreline Village
(562)495-5900 for reservations

Buy one adult ticket and get one child ticket free ($20)

The world needs help and only one famous, archaeologist, explorer can save us. Unfortunately, he's busy. So, looks like we'll have to settle for this guy! Join us for this wonderful spoof performed in the melodrama style. Boo the Baron, Cheer for Idaho, and sigh for our lovely distressed damsel.

Bixby Knolls E-Waste Drive

Saturday, January 17, 2009
9:00am - 3:00pm
North Division Police Substation
Parking Lot @ Atlantic & Del Amo

Items Collected:
Monitors, CRT Screens, Plasma Screens, Televisions, LCD Screens, Laptops, Printers, Copiers, Faxes, Scanners, Microwaves, Computer Towers, Stereo Systems, Mice/Trackballs, Cell Phones, Speakers, Telephones, Uninterruptible Power Supplies, VCRs, DVD Players, Servers, Server Racks, Plotters, Batteries (Household), Power Cords/Cables/Strips, or any old appliances.

(Basically anything that plugs in, runs on batteries, or has a wire!)

This event is a partnership between the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association and Electronic Waste Recycling
562-477-2872

Note: If you have a large number of items or something that is too large for you to bring to the event, just call Electronic Waste Recycling at (562) 477-2872 to schedule their friendly staff to come pick it up! Fees may apply.

Queen Mary - Free admission in January

1126 Queen's Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 435-3511
10am-6pm, daily

The Queen Mary is celebrating the New Year by inviting all California residents to visit The Queen Mary free of charge, as often as you would like, through January 31st, 2009. This special, FREE Admission ticket includes a self-guided tour of the Queen Mary.

California residents must provide documentation of residency with a driver's license (or other form of photo identification) at the box office, during normal attraction operating hours from 10am to 6pm. Parking not included.

Disneyland celebrates US Military

With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

At the Disneyland Resort in Southern California:

Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket.

For information regarding "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714/956-6424.

Little Women at the Long Beach Playhouse

Ongoing till January 17, 2009
Friday & Saturday 8pm
Sunday 2pm
Age: 7+ years



Long Beach Playhouse
5021 East Anaheim St.
Long Beach 90804
562-494-1014
Adults: $22, Students: $12

Based on Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel, Little Women is the story of tomboy Jo, her sisters, and their loving mother Marmee. Each of the March sisters face the challenges of 1860's America ultimately discovering their personal purpose and enduring love. Little Women is the perfect holiday season entertainment for young and old alike.

How long does my child need a car seat?

California law says a child should be in a booster seat until the age of 6 or weighs 60 pounds. However, there has been talk about extending the requirement to 8 years old or 80 pounds. My daughter is 6 1/2 and fits in her booster just fine. I don't think we will be taking her out anytime soon. I did find a 5-step test to determine if your car's seatbelt will fit your child properly.

If you answer no to any of these, she/he still needs a booster:

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle's seat (no slouching)?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the vehicle's seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm

Family Storytelling at the Getty

The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
(310) 440-7300

The program is free. Sign up at the Museum Information Desk beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the day of the program. Arrive early to reserve your spot—spaces often fill up.

Sunday, January 11, 2009
11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm
Join storyteller Victoria Burnett as she shares her tale of Rambunctious Rumpus the Ram inspired by Jack Zajac's modern sculpture Big Skull and Horns in Two Parts II from the Fran and Ray Stark Collection.

Sunday, January 25, 2009
11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm

Costumed characters of the past come to life in this interactive experience born from the imagination of musician and storyteller Lou Stratten.

Sing "1-2-3, 1-2-3, Stop and Look at the Painting!" as you discover the stories of the elegant children, ladies, gentlemen, and dogs at play in Nicolas Lancret's whimsical painting Dance Before a Fountain.