End o' week musings

It's a good thing I can sleep in for three days~ I'm tired!

Last weekend was the end of the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire run at Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale and I danced a lot. I was sooo busy with my performances that I couldn't spend time with my friends who stopped by both days nor could I shop or any of the other things I like to do closing weekend. But I did have a great time and will miss my group.


Tuesday I joined the rest of the features staff in our chain of papers in seeking out some of the "best burgers joints you may have never heard of before." I went to Grill 'Em All in Alhambra, which is my personal fave, as it offers a range of amazing gourmet combinations that you won't find anywhere else. I also checked out Gerlach's Grille in Pasadena that another staffer recommended and there it seemed burgers were being sold 3 to 1 of any other menu item. For the complete list with details, maps, photos and some videos, visit www.sgvn.com Monday-- National Burger Day is Tuesday.


I also caught some movies this week. I saw "Star Trek- Into the Darkness" and really enjoyed it. It was a fun romp with some good action and a lot of little things to spark conversation. I also saw "Dark Skies," an alien abduction thriller, which wasn't all that scary as compared to my usual creepy milieu. But I liked it and it makes you think.. what if??

In both movies, the acting was very good. Most importantly, in "Dark Skies" the children weren't annoying, although the parents were occasionally. I also thought the suspense and action was just right, as well as a the humor in "Star Trek." But I'm not a critic... for better reviews, visit my friend and movie critic Vernor Rodgers at www.insidesocal.com/vernorsticket or www.DaBelly.com under Ticket Please. (You can also find him on Twitter @vernorsticket.


Last night finished up my Polynesian/Tahitian dance class session and we have a little break before launching back in. I was a bit worn out and in a little pain when I went, but I decided I would do what I could and if I didn't feel OK, I could leave. Surprise! As class went on I began to feel better. I guess I needed to hula around to loosen things up. I slept well last night and woke up feeling pretty good.


I have no firm plans for Memorial Day weekend, just a few adventure ideas, which suits me fine. I'm hoping to just enjoy, relax and have some fun.

Next week I will be interviewing Bill Cosby and Patti Austin, both outstanding performers with lengthy careers-- should be interesting. On June 1, I have two gigs with SaberSong (my music/dance quartet finally has a name!). We will be playing on the Relay for Life stage at Pasadena High School during Make Music Pasadena at 4 p.m. www.makemusicpasadena.org  and then for the art exhibit opening reception at Colonnade Art Gallery and Studio in Pasadena at 7 p.m. www.colartgallery.com Both shows are free.


In rotation this week: Bjork, Dust, Alice Cooper and Slash.


Photos we got 'em: A fun pet pic from the web, a photo of me and three of my swords at Ren Faire and one of me posing with Turbo the Snail at the movie theater and an update of the flower on my desk, which is now boasting more blooms.


Thought o' the week: Relish surprises. Yes, I know surprises can be good or bad, but it's really your response to them that matters. Humans do not usually like change. We tend to stick to routines, eat the same things, get up the same time and so on. But it's healthy to ruffle things occasionally. It keeps life exciting and makes us think and just be more alive.


What brought this all to mind was actually a small surprise-- my flowers. When I got them there was one dark purple bloom and a sprinkling of curled up greenish buds. Over the week, three buds have opened and turned more purple each time I look. Glancing at my flowers even now I see three more buds slowly opening their green petals.

 Part of this speaks to the resilience of nature, how it goes on whether it's in the soil in a lovely garden or a vase in my office. Just as nature, we toil on despite what happens around us. We deal with changes good or bad, well or poorly. It is our choice how to take change-- we can grumble and worry and fight it and make it really awful or we can embrace it and see how it might make our lives better or how we can learn from it. You choose... you can despise or you can relish surprises. I say relish and

Keep on rockin'
Mickie

Gamble House joins Blue Star Museums offering free admission to military

 Today The Gamble House announced the launch of Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2013. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

"The Gamble House is proud to salute our military personnel and their families again this year by offering the opportunity to experience architecture as a fine art," explained Gamble House Director Ted Bosley.

“Blue Star Museums is a collaboration between the arts and military communities," said NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. “Our work with Blue Star Families and with more than 1,800 museums ensures that we can reach out to military families and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

“Blue Star Museums is something that service members and their families look forward to every year and we are thrilled with the continued growth of the program,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Through this distinctive collaboration between Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,800 museums across the United States, service members and their families can connect with our national treasures with this unparalleled opportunity to visit some of the country’s finest museums for free.”

This year, more than 1,800 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 450 new museums this year. Museums are welcome to join Blue Star Museums throughout the summer. The effort to recruit museums has involved partnerships with the American Association of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Children’s Museums, the American Association of State and Local History, and the Association of Science-Technology Centers. This year’s Blue Star Museums represent not just fine arts museums, but also science museums, history museums, nature centers, and 75 children’s museums. Among this year’s new participants are the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California, Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum in Northport, Michigan, the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan, Alaska, and the World Museum of Mining in Butte, Montana.

About Blue Star Museums

Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members. Please see the chart of the acceptable IDs (PDF http://www.cac.mil/common-access-card/). Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning.

Museums that wish to participate in Blue Star Museums may contact bluestarmuseums@arts.gov, or Wendy Clark at 202-682-5451.

This is the latest NEA program to bring quality arts programs to the military, veterans, and their families. Other NEA programs for the military have included the NEA/Walter Reed Healing Arts Partnership; Great American Voices Military Base Tour; and Shakespeare in American Communities Military Base Tour.

Built in 1908, The Gamble House is the most complete and best-preserved example of the work of renowned Pasadena architects Charles and Henry Greene. The Gamble House is an internationally recognized National Historic Landmark in the style of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Owned by the City of Pasadena, the Gamble House is operated by the University of Southern California School of Architecture.

The Gamble House is open for public, docent-led, one-hour tours Thursday – Sunday, noon – 3 p.m., closed on national holidays. For more information, visit www.gamblehouse.org or call 626 793-3334 x 16.

Beastly Ball at LA Zoo June 15

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's (GLAZA) 43rd Annual Beastly Ball, celebrating the Zoo's forthcoming Rainforest of the Americas habitat and honoring Wells Fargo and actress Pauley Perrette, is set for Saturday, June 15, 2013, 6 pm, under the stars at the Los Angeles Zoo, announces GLAZA President Connie Morgan.  Beastly Ball guests, invited to dress in casual or safari attire, stroll through the Zoo after hours observing its inhabitants, watching animal feedings, chatting with keepers, viewing small animals up close, enjoying entertainment by Central and South American music groups, dancing, and dining on bountiful fare provided by some of L.A.'s most popular restaurants.  Also featured are silent and live auctions comprised of hundreds of remarkable items and one-of-a-kind opportunities, with comedian Jimmy Pardo serving as MC and auctioneer.  New this year is "Bash Before The Ball," a pre-party soiree featuring animals, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a "meet and greet" with Perrette.  The Beastly Ball, known as "one of L.A.'s biggest and most popular fund-raisers" (FOX News) and "one of the best parties in Los Angeles" (KCBS/KCAL TV News), traditionally attracts 1,000+ attendees and raises more than $1 million annually.

Perrette, a long-time advocate of the Los Angeles Zoo, receives the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award, which honors entertainment industry professionals to recognize outstanding leadership in local or global wildlife and environmental conservation or for efforts to promote civic pride and harmony in the multi-cultural community.  She succeeds actress Sarah Michelle Gellar (2012 honoree) and rock icon Slash, a GLAZA Trustee (2011).  According to GLAZA President Connie Morgan, "Pauley exemplifies the vision of this honor, as she is an ardent social and civil activist who is involved in many charitable organizations that work on behalf of animal rescue and adoption, the homeless, disaster relief and AIDS."  Perrette is currently known to millions around the world as “Abby Sciuto,” the brilliant and offbeat forensic scientist on CBS’s NCIS, the #1 rated drama in the world.  Among many examples of her service to the Los Angeles Zoo, she created the “Meet the Keepers” video presentation now playing at Elephants of Asia.  She is on the board of Project Angel Food, and also supports Habitat for Humanity, PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), EQCA (Equality California), AIDS Walk LA, The Humane Society, AIDS Task Force, NOH8 Campaign, Hope Gardens, Union Rescue Mission, DonorsChoose.org, APLA (AIDS Project Los Angeles), The Amanda Foundation, American Red Cross, Out of the Closet, Alley Cat Allies, Top Cops, 5p21 (AIDS Clinic), Strike Out AIDS, Petfinder.com, Hollywood Homeless Lunch, Campaign for Care and Save the Children.

Perrette's award was established in memory of former GLAZA Chairman Tom Mankiewicz, a beloved and highly regarded film and television writer and director.  Mankiewicz, who passed away in 2010, was associated with such films as "Superman," "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Live and Let Die," and the "Hart to Hart" television series, among many others.  He championed the cause of saving and protecting wildlife and the environment through education and on-the-ground conservation.  He also promoted the Zoo's universal appeal and its accessibility as a gathering place for all in Los Angeles' diverse communities.

Wells Fargo, which is being recognized for its pivotal community philanthropy, has a long history of charitable contributions to the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association including partial funding for all three great ape habitats and the award-winning Elephants of Asia exhibit.  "It takes support in many forms in order for the L.A. Zoo and GLAZA to fulfill our mission,” comments Morgan.  "Exemplary corporate partners such as Wells Fargo provide both leadership and resources in multiple ways for our work in the community."  Representing Wells Fargo at the Ball are John Manning, Executive Vice President, Division Manager, Commercial Banking Group; John Sotoodeh, L.A. Metro/Orange County Regional Bank President; and Jonathan Weedman, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Foundation.

Rainforest of the Americas, under construction near the current Zoo aviaries and scheduled to open later in 2013, provides an immersion experience in the rainforest, enveloping visitors as they enter into a lush, tropical setting.  The key element of the exhibit's eclectic nature is its central theme of "Everything Needs a Home" and water as one of the most essential ingredients to the health and welfare of the rainforest environment.  Mixed species (mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects) are presented in seamless exhibits that protect the individual needs of the animals, allowing visitors to experience the world they inhabit.

Beastly Ball participating restaurants, all donating their services, are Bar Celona, Canelé, Celestino Ristorante, El Cholo L.A., El Coyote Mexican Café, The Federal Bar, Glorious Gourmet Catering & Garnish Café, Georgetown Cupcake Los Angeles, Green Street Restaurant, Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, Ix∙Tapa Restaurant and Cantina, Jersey Mike’s – Pasadena and La Canada, Maison Akira, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Taix French Restaurant, Villa Sorriso and Yummy Cupcakes (Brentwood, Burbank and Santa Monica).

Among the vast array of auction items are a Hawaiian getaway in a beachside villa on Kona’s Anaehoomalu Bay; an evening with GLAZA Co-Chairman Betty White, who leads a backstage tour of Rainforest of the Americas followed by a cocktail party among the animals; a private luxury suite at STAPLES Center for one Lakers game, one Kings game, and one Clippers game, including parking passes and a dinner buffet with cocktails; and an African safari with travel in opulent comfort on Turkish Airlines with a stay in lavish tented camps under the stars.

The Beastly Ball is presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), founded in 1963.  Over five decades, GLAZA has funded exhibits, plant and animal species conservation, capital projects, and education and community outreach programs at the Los Angeles Zoo, an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.  GLAZA also builds and invests endowment funds and already operates six essential departments on behalf of the Zoo, including development, publications, membership, volunteers, special events and oversight of the Zoo's food/retail concessions.  There are 73,000 GLAZA member households representing more than 300,000 adults and children, the largest membership base of a cultural organization in Los Angeles, and a volunteer corps of over 800.

Tickets to the Beastly Ball are $1,000 per person, plus an additional $500 for "Bash Before the Ball"; individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels are also available.  The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles' Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.  For tickets and information, call (323) 644-4753.  www.lazoo.org

7 Seconds signs with Rise Records

RISE RECORDS is proud to announce the signing of legendary hardcore band 7 SECONDS to its family of artists.  Forming in Reno, NV in January 1980, 7 Seconds was the originator of the West Coast Hardcore sound that influenced just about every hardcore band including; Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits and modern day bands like Title Fight and American Nightmare.  It is safe to say the band helped start the “Youth Crew” sound.  Releasing an EP called “Walk Together, Rock Together” in 1985 officially put them on the map. Their positive lyrical content influenced so many youths over the years and they weren’t afraid to push the envelope.  

Staying tried and true to their sound, 7 Seconds is back in full effect with a ton of new songs for a 7” and shortly after that, a new full length album.  The guys will be heading into the studio this summer in Sacramento to begin the recording process.  Amazingly enough, the band still has its original 3 members from 1982: Kevin Seconds, Steve Youth and Troy Mowat, plus Bobby Adams, who has been with the band since 1986. Kevin Seconds, the singer and songwriter, had this to say about the new 7” and forthcoming album, “we have about 20 new songs that we'll record the best 13 songs from.  This new record will be all about the energy and drive we still very much possess as a hardcore band.  It's been 9 long years since we've recorded a new album so there's a great deal of urgency in them, with just the right mixture of both fast and mid-tempo tunes for people to sink their teeth into.“

The next few years will be exciting times for 7 Seconds and Rise Records; lots of new music, tours and talks of re-releasing back catalog for a special edition vinyl box-set.  More rumors include the possible recording of their first 20 songs written in 1979 in which only 3 were recorded using a hand held tape recorder. In the meantime, get ready for some 7 Seconds, 1..2..3…Go!

www.facebook.com/official7seconds

www.riserecords.com

Teen Party Expo in Long Beach June 15

 The 5^th Annual TEEN PARTY EXPO is on its way back to Southern California on Saturday, June 15, 2013, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at “The Dome” Queen Mary in Long Beach, 

 http://www.TeenPartyExpo.com.

 

Thousands of teenagers and their families are once again expected to attend this one-of-a-kind event designed as the Ultimate Teen Celebration Showcase for teens and parents in preparation for their Quinceañera, Sweet 16, Cotillion, Filipino Debut, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and High School Prom. This year’s expo will be held over Father’s Day Weekend, providing a great family outing with live performances from 102.7 KIIS FM’s DJ Drew and Manny On The Streets from On Air With Ryan Seacrest, along with DJ Eddie One from LA 96.3, mixing and hosting on the main stage.

 

Teen Party Expo, presented by GEC Events, is recognized for three important elements: the savings of up to 50% off provided by the 75+ hand selected exhibitors, the incredible raffle prize giveaways and the family friendly stage music entertainment.

 

Also presented on the main stage is a feature called “TeenSation,” which helps discover upcoming teen bands and performers. Expo attendees will have a chance to help launch the next exciting teen music act trying to make it big! This year’s live teen performers include The Cristeas, Mozaik, Meeghan, Alan Wheeler and FusionBeat.

 

“We will be transforming “The Dome” Queen Mary Long Beach into a young, cool and hip environment for an unforgettable day of celebrities, red carpet experiences, live music, electrifying DJ Spin-offs, amazing fashion shows, prizes and a whole lot more. Teen Party Expo is one of the few activities that both teens and parents can do together with a common interest,” said GEC Events Organizer Oscar Urrutia.

 

The “Big Day” is big business, as evidenced by a recent Rand Youth Poll that found the total U.S. teen spending (products bought by and for teens) comes in at $208.7 Billion. With a sizeable number of that total, approximately $117.6 Billion going towards items like apparel and entertainment. This includes rites of passage such as the prom, which according to The New York Times, tops out at nearly $1200.00 per family, while coming-out parties, including Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Quinceañera and Sweet 16 have been known to average $15,000 to $25,000 on the high end.

 

“Teen Party Expo has become a one-stop shop destination for innovative party ideas that can be used by any and all cultures – whether they are planning a super celebration or a backyard party. The expo hopes to celebrate our youth and deliver positive messages of self-esteem, community and family values as well as exhibitors offering amazing 1-Day Deals of up to 50% in savings,” added GEC Events manager Margarita Rodriguez.

 

Teen Party Expo is also honored to be collaborating once again with DEAFINIT MODELS Management Co., an agency that represents Deaf Models of all ages exclusively for multimedia fashion campaigns nationwide and internationally.

 

Fourteen year-old Monica, a DEAFINIT model from the San Fernando Valley who also aspires to be a math teacher has been selected as this year’s Teen Party Expo Spokes-girl. “I feel excited that they picked me and that I can be a community representative. I will be looking for a dress for my 8th grade dance and maybe my Quinceañera next year!” she said.

 

“What makes Monica such an inspiration is that she is a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community of Los Angeles, and that she has not let her physical challenges limit her ability to pursue her dreams. Since the goal of Teen Party Expo is to respect the cultures and traditions of those around us, and to embrace our differences, there is no one better to represent us,” said GEC Events Organizer, Oscar Urrutia.

 

The TEEN PARTY EXPO will be held Saturday, June 15th from noon to 5:00 p.m. at “The Dome” Queen Mary Long Beach located at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA, 90802. The event is open to the public. Admission is only $10.00 at the door.

 

For more information, visit: http://www.TeenPartyExpo.com.

 

TEEN PARTY EXPO EVENTS AND SHOW SCHEDULE: “THE DOME” Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA - June 15, 2013 From 12 Noon to 5:00 PM.

 

1:00pm - 1:30pm: TeenSation Artists Performing

1:30pm - 2:00pm: Fashion Show #1

2:00pm - 2:30pm: TeenSation Artists Performing

2:30pm - 3:30pm: DJ Spin Off

2:30pm - 3:00pm: DJ Drew

3:00pm - 3:30pm: DJ Eddie One

3:30pm - 4:00pm: Fashion Show #2

4:00pm - 5:00pm: Teen Dance Crew Competition

 

**Members of the press are welcome to bring up to (2) guests at no charge.

 

Connect to Teen Party Expo on Facebook and Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/teenpartyexpo and https://twitter.com/teenpartyexpo.

Langham Anniversary Tea June 10

 On June 10, 2013, Langham Hotels around the world will celebrate the anniversary of Europe’s first grand luxury hotel, The Langham, London, with a quintessentially British tradition:  Tiffin Afternoon Tea.  Each Langham Hotel will turn back the clock to 1865, when The Langham, London originally opened, and serve signature Afternoon Tea on June 10 for its original price of 1 shilling, 6 pence (or 15 cents). 

In the U.S., The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, The Langham, Boston and the newest member of Langham Hospitality Group, Langham Place, Fifth Avenue, will celebrate on June 10 with their own unique festivities.

Anniversary Tea at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena will offer its Anniversary Tea for just 15 cents on Monday, June 10beginning at 12:00 p.m.  The hotel’s tea servers will be dressed in period costume and guests are encouraged to dress up for tea, including a whimsical touch of pink, The Langham’s signature color. Advance reservations are required and will be accepted only through the hotel’s website. Guests may enter their contact information and the number in their party (parties of 2 or 4 accepted only) for a chance to secure reservations. The hotel will inform guests after May 31, 2013 to confirm if their party’s reservation has been accepted. Please note there is limited seating and the event is expected to fill up quickly. 

For guests unable to attend the Anniversary Tea event on June 10, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena will continue the celebration throughout the month of June with special tea packages. 

• Sip and Stay Package – Book a guest room at our best available rate between June 1–30 for stays through August 31 and enjoy complimentary Tiffin Afternoon Tea for two in The Lobby Lounge. (Valid Sunday through Thursday evenings for Afternoon Tea Monday through Friday, based on double occupancy).
•  
• Sip and Spa Package – A special tea and spa package includes a 60-minute Chuan Harmony Massage at Chuan Body + Soul in The Huntington Spa and Afternoon Tea in The Lobby Lounge for $186.50 per person. (Valid Monday through Friday in June, subject to availability.)

To book a package, please dial (626) 568-3900 or visit www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com.          

The Noble History of Afternoon Tea

The luxurious ritual of Afternoon Tea was established in 1840 by Anna, 7^th Duchess of Bedford, who served it to ward off hunger pangs in the long hours between lunch and dinner. Her personal indulgence grew into an experience to be shared with her friends, and soon a tradition was born.

In 1865, The Langham, London was Europe’s first grand hotel to serve Afternoon Tea.  Acknowledged as one of the most elegant and sophisticated of dining occasions, it was served in the Salle À Manger, or general dining room, for the princely sum of 1 shilling 6 pence. Billed as Teas, Plain,  the first Afternoon Tea consisted of simple but dainty items including cakes, sweets, bread and butter and, of course, tea.

Today, Afternoon Tea is a brand signature, called Tiffin at The Langham. Consequently, every Langham Hotel around the world offers an authentic Afternoon Tea to celebrate the stately ritual and timeless tradition.

                                                                                                                                                                     

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena

1401 South Oak Knoll Ave. ,Pasadena, CA 91106