Archives for 2018

Battleship IOWA Museum Presents Third Annual Veterans Day Music Festival Celebration Nov. 11th

Photo credit: Greg Bishop. 

Third Annual Veterans Day Music Festival Celebration
on Battleship IOWA Museum, Sunday, November 11
Centennial Anniversary of the End of World War 1 (Armistice Day)
Photo credit: Greg Bishop. 
 
In Partnership with Black Knight Patrol and Bob Hope USO

Battleship IOWA Museum has become the Southern California destination to celebrate our people in uniform. On Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11, 2018, the “Battleship of Presidents,” coinciding with the one-hundred-year anniversary of the end of World War I, will honor vets with the Third Annual Veterans Day Music Festival.

The  family-friendly day will include a variety of fun experiences for everyone to enjoy, including but not limited to:

  • Live bands and DJ
  • Free food sponsored by Black Knight Patrol
  • Sailor’s Bar sponsored by West Coast Beverage
  • Vintage vehicles
  • 5″ gun salute at 11-11 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I (Active battle ended at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918). Sponsored by American Legion.

“We are a museum and a destination because of the heroic acts of those who volunteer to protect our freedoms and liberties,” says Battleship IOWA Museum’s President and CEO, Jonathan Williams. “Everything we do to preserve the history and missions of this vessel honors the veterans who continue to serve our country. It is our honor to support and celebrate them.”

Battleship IOWA Museum’s 2018 capital campaign is currently in progress to raise funds for the museum’s current operations and future growth as a National Museum. Everyone who donates
$500 or more to the campaign will be invited to attend an exclusive Admiral’s Reception on Veterans Day (November 11th) in the historic Wardroom aboard the Battleship IOWA. The reception to be hosted by Pacific Battleship Center’s Chairman of the Board, Rear Admiral Mike Shatynski, USN (ret.). To donate, please visit the website at www.pacificbattleship.com/donate or email development@labattleship.com.

Admission to the museum and exhibits are free for all active, retired and reserve military with valid ID.  The Battleship IOWA Museum ticket office opens daily at 10:00 a.m. and the last tour ticket sold at 4:00 p.m. Tickets purchased at the box office are $19.95 for ages 12 – 61. Youth tickets (age 2 – 11) are $11.95. Senior admission (62 and over) are $9.95. Children under 2 are free.

Please visit Battleship IOWA’s new mobile-friendly website. We encourage social media followers to use our Facebook and Instagram outlets to learn more about museum curatorial updates and events. The phone number is 877-4-IOWA-61 (877-446-9261) or 310-971-4462.
Credit:
Battleship IOWA Museum:
Named as one of TripAdvisor’s “Top 5 Museums” out of 133 in Los Angeles, Battleship IOWA now serves as a historic naval ship institution. Forged in war, guardian of peace, the proud ship keeps watch as the proud sentinel of the LA Waterfront. IOWA’s teak decks and steel bulkheads echo the words and deeds of history: three U.S. Presidents, six of the nine American five-star military leaders, countless foreign dignitaries, and most importantly, thousands of her own heroic sailors.  Visitors are awed by IOWA’s proud legacy as one of the fastest and most powerful ships ever to sail the world’s oceans. Battleship IOWA is open to the public daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the last ticket sale at 4:00 p.m. Battleship IOWA anchors at 250 South Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA, 90731, at The Los Angeles Waterfront. Please visit our website for additional information about special events, group tours, educational programs, and Naval retirement flag service.

Four Ways To Liven Up Your Workout

We all know the importance of working out to stay fit, healthy and in good shape, however it can get a bit dull if you find that you’re doing the same exercises over and over again. After all, doing anything repeatedly is bound to get boring over time, so finding ways to spice up your workout couldn’t be more important if you’re going to stay motivated and on task, achieving your fitness goals and staying in peak condition.

Although it can be tempting to stick with the same old routine, it’s important to change things up from time to time. If your body becomes used to doing the same old things again and again, it will stop being so effective. If you’ve found that you’ve reached a plateau or that you’re thinking of quitting because you’re so bored, finding new things to add into your regime is vital.

With that in mind, here are four things that you can add into your workout to make them a little more exciting and also a little more effective in the long run.

Add In Some Isometrics

Isometrics is a big word for muscular contractions which take place without any ROM (Range Of Motion) of the joint in question. Some isometric exercises include bridges and planks as well as wall sit exercises which involve contracting the muscles in order to keep your body held firmly in position but without moving any joints. Isometrics are known to be very beneficial in increasing core body strength, and so you’ll find that you’re stronger and more capable of longer periods of endurance.

Variable Resistance Training

Variable resistance training uses equipment which causes a change in the resistance level when you perform the exercise and its range of motion. Heavy chains and elastic tubes are just two examples of equipment which are ideal for this type of exercise. Variable resistance training is extremely easy to incorporate into most types of workout regimes, and will help to improve your force development rate while adding more variety to any workout.

Periodization Or Interval Training

One of the most effective ways of spicing up any exercise regime and to make it more effective overall is to introduce interval training or periodization. Any well-designed training program will feature changes in volume and intermittent breaks so your muscles can grow effectively without hitting any plateaus. Periodization also helps to guard against overtraining or detraining which could cause either abandonment of your exercise regime or an injury due to strain. One way of introducing periodization is to take a week off from your routine every 6 – 8 weeks, then returning to the same routine. A different way to do it would be to lower your training volume every 5th week before resuming the original training routine. Interval training, on the other hand, involves stopping one form of exercise after a few minutes and switching to another type. For example, you may jog for 10 minutes then stop and do some press-ups or curl-ups for another 10 minutes before returning to jogging again. Alternatively, you could switch between different pieces of workout equipment in the gym every 5 – 10 minutes or so, allowing you to focus on different muscle groups and different forms of exercise.

Try Something Completely New

If you’re absolutely fed up of hitting the gym and using the same old pieces of equipment again and again or pounding the same sidewalks every day, it’s time to think of something completely different. Why not try a sport or activity that you’ve never tried before? Why not sign up for an aerobics or Zumba class? Or why not try swimming instead of going to the gym? You could even try something completely different in the comfort of your own home. For example, you could try a downloaded yoga workout from the internet or buy a pair of boxing gloves and a punching bag so you can release your frustrations while getting some exercise in your own front room. Details can be found on Body Trained about how to choose the best exercise equipment to suit your needs so you can keep in good condition and keep your fitness regime on track.

 

Johnny English Strikes Again: Entertaining. Holds Up To Success Of The Previous Films

Johnny English Strikes Again is the third installment of the Johnny English comedy series, with Rowan Atkinson returning as the much loved accidental secret agent. The new adventure begins when a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all active undercover agents in Britain, leaving Johnny English as the Secret Service’s last hope. Called out of retirement, English dives head first into action with the mission to find the mastermind hacker. As a man with few skills and analog methods, Johnny English must overcome the challenges of modern technology to make this mission a success. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Leah R. comments, “This entertaining film …is very funny. Johnny English is supposed to be a spy, but fails a lot. For example, he accidentally sets things on fire or blows things up. And, when he does things wrong, he pretends that he was trying to do it.” Raquel Y. adds, “Johnny English Strikes Again is an incredibly humorous film that definitely holds up to the success of the two previous Johnny English films. There isn’t a low moment in this movie and I plan to see it again.” See their full reviews below:

Johnny English Strikes Again

By Leah R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age, 11

This entertaining film, written by William Davies and directed by David Kerr, is very funny. The main character, Johnny English is supposed to be a spy, but fails a lot. For example, he accidentally sets things on fire or blows things up. And, when he does things wrong, he pretends that he was trying to do it.

The film is about a cyber attack, which exposes the identities of all of Great Britain’s undercover spies. Johnny English is a retired spy, currently working as a teacher, and he comes out of retirement to find the mastermind hacker who did it.  When he was a spy, he used old gadgets, but now they use more digital things like tablets and smartphones. Since Johnny doesn’t know how to use them, he just throws them at his targets instead.

The actor playing Johnny English, Rowan Atkinson, is very good. Every time he fights someone, it looks quite realistic. He is hilarious when he dances in the middle of the dance floor and doesn’t stop the whole night.  Also, the gadgets he uses, like his magnetic boots and his exoskeleton suit make the film even more exciting. My favorite part of this film is that Johnny English is a teacher and he teaches the kids how to be spies instead of teaching them normal school subjects.

The soundtrack is excellent and so are the sets. They make it feel as if it’s a real spy movie. All of the crazy things that you expect to happen in a spy movie happen here, plus even more. The special effects and stunts make each scene that much more fun to watch.

As fun as this film is, you should know that people are violent with each other and there is one inappropriate scene when Johnny’s pants fall down and you see his rear end. The violent parts are not bloody or gory. They are just normal fight scenes like you would see in any funny spy movie. There is some humor that younger kids may not understand or might find disturbing, but I think older kids and adults will definitely be amused. As thrilling as all of the stunts are, they are dangerously unrealistic and not the kind of thing you would want a young child thinking they should try.

I recommend this film for ages 9 to18, as well as adults. I give it 5 out of 5 stars. It is available in theaters on October 26, 2018, so look for it.

Johnny English Strikes Again
By Raquel Y., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Johnny English Strikes Again is an incredibly humorous film that definitely holds up to the success of the two previous Johnny English films. There isn’t a low moment in this movie and I plan to see it again. This is a “cannot miss” film that everyone is sure to love.

The storyline follows the Prime Minister of London (Emma Thompson) who calls Special Agent English (Rowan Atkinson) back into action after cyber-attack leaks the identities of all the undercover agents working for the MI7. English must stop the hacker in order to save the people of London.

My favorite part about this film is when English is practicing his mission using a virtual reality simulation. The simulation is said to be highly “immersive.” While English is running through the simulation, he makes his way out of headquarters and into the streets of London, causing havoc for the people of London. I also found it interesting how well Johnny’s old fashion ways comes into play numerous times throughout the film.

The director, David Kerr, makes a huge play on irony by making the bad guy a super high-tech professional, with special agent English not tech savvy at all. Luckily for Johnny, his lack of knowledge about technology helps him for the better.

There isn’t anything about this film that I didn’t like. From its special effects, to props to acting, everything fits together nicely, creating a great film that audiences will enjoy.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 18, as well as adults. It opens in theaters October 26, 2018, so look for it.

Celebrate the Aquarium’s 20th Anniversary With Some New Friends For Just $20!

 

Don’t miss some exciting new residents including a baby harbor seal!

Celebrate the Aquarium of the Pacific’s 20th Anniversary and meet our new animals with a special discount through November! From now until November 30, receive $9.95 off adult admission. That’s just $20! Join in on the 20th Anniversary celebration featuring special programs and exhibits highlighting our fascinating history and bold future. You’ll also get to meet some of our newest animals including Kaya—the baby harbor seal, Chase—the sea lion, a scalloped hammerhead, and more!  Follow the link to a coupon you can use at the Aquarium’s ticket window. Don’t miss this special opportunity to connect with 20 years of wonder and memories at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Link: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/offer/20th

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Wallis Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Free Family Programming on Sunday, November 11

In celebration of its turning five years old, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts kicks off its 2018/2019 Season’s free programming on Sunday, November 11 with three events that are ideal for children and families.

Story Pirates, the nationally acclaimed kid-centric company, returns to The Wallis at 11 am to 12 pm for a musical sketch comedy geared particularly for toddlers and adapted from stories written by children outdoors on the Promenade Terrace.

At noon, three-time Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen leads a salsa dance class as part of The Wallis’s wildly popular Dance Sundays, an exhilarating series of complimentary, monthly, outdoor, dance events for the whole family on The Wallis’ Promenade Terrace. Allen, who has served as artist in residence at the Kennedy Center for over 15 years, has, in addition to her Emmys, been recognized for her vast body of work with a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, Drama Desk, Astaire and Olivier awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  All ages and dance levels are welcome.

Steven’s Puppets also returns this season with a free special performance of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast at 2:30 pm. In a timeless story about looking beyond the surface and beyond our differences to find the truth and dignity within each other, a strong and unselfish heroine sacrifices for her family and saves a man trapped in a prison of his own making. Vibrantly colorful hand-painted scenery showcases hand-carved wooden marionettes who appear and disappear mystically through the magic mirror. Young and old alike will marvel at the science and technology which brings this magic to life. This performance is made possible by generous support from Steve Cochran and Dan Clivner.

About the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts:

 

Since opening its doors in October 2013, The Wallis has produced or presented more than 250 dance, theatre, opera, classical music, cinema and family programs to an ever-expanding audience. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, The Wallis brings audiences world-class theater, dance and music, performed by many of the world’s most talented and sought-after artists. Featuring eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its notability as the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis offers original and revered works from across the U.S. and around the globe. The mission of The Wallis is to create, present and celebrate unique performing arts events and educational programs that reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community. Nominated for 48 Ovation Awards, seven L.A. Drama Critic’s Circle Awards and the recipient of six architectural awards since opening in 2013. The Wallis is a breathtaking 70,000-square-foot venue that celebrates the classic and the modern and was designed by Zoltan E. Pali, FAIA, of Studio Pali Fekete architects. The building features the restored, original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office (on the National Register of Historic Places) that serves as the theater’s dramatic yet welcoming lobby, and houses the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater, GRoW at The Wallis: A Space for Arts Education (a gift of Gregory Annenberg Weingarten and Family and the Annenberg Foundation) and the contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the art Bram Goldsmith Theater. Together, these structures embrace the city’s history and its future, creating a performing arts destination for L.A.-area visitors and residents alike.   For more information about The Wallis, please visit: TheWallis.org.  

WHERE: 
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Promenade Terrace

9390 N. Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

INFORMATION:
TheWallis.org
310.746.4000
Box Office – Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Services 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

 

WHEN:

11 am – 12 pm           Story Pirates

12 – 2 pm                    Dance Sunday:  Salsa with Debbie Allen and Friends

2:30 – 3:15 pm            Steven’s Puppets production of Beauty and the Beast

Credit: Wallis Annenberg Center.

November is Family Literacy Month! zulily Gives Kids Gift of Reading with Holiday Buy 1, Give 1!

November is National Family Literacy Month, and as we all know, there’s nothing quite like the imagination-inspiring power of books – storytime is a treasured pastime for all, but many children may not have the opportunity to experience the magic of books.

Enter online retailer zulily who’s teaming up with publisher Penguin Random House and nonprofit First Book, during this season of giving, to help provide books to children in need across the U.S:

  • When: Nov 1 – Dec 12, 2018
  • Wherezulily.com, zulily app & zulily social channels

o   Special sales events launched during the campaign will feature a curated selection of children’s books and each Penguin Random House book purchased labeled with the “BUY 1, GIVE 1” badge will trigger a new children’s book donation, up to 100,000 books, from Penguin Random House to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books and other essentials to children in need nationwide.

o   Shoppers can visit zulily’s owned social channels to engage in a social call-to-action, through comments, likes or shares to also spark the “Give One” book donation from Penguin Random House to First Book.

zulily and Penguin Random House Host ‘Books For Kids’ Buy-One-Give-One Campaign to Give Children the Gift of Reading

 

Credit: Information and Images: zulily. Compensation in some form may have been received to post.

Miguel’s Jr. Announces New Eastvale Location Grand Opening November 2nd!

Miguel’s Jr. is pleased to announce the newest location in Eastvale, California, located in the Eastvale Marketplace. Miguel’s Jr. will host a grand opening celebration on Friday, November 2 at 10:30 a.m.  Marking the first Miguel’s Jr. to open in the city of Eastvale, the event will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by Miguel’s Jr. founders Mike and Mary Vasquez and President and CEO Javier Vasquez, followed by complimentary lunch for all in attendance.

The Eastvale Marketplace location is reflective of Miguel’s Jr. original and classic design aesthetic featuring the convenience of a drive-thru for guests on the go, as well as a full dining area. The new Eastvale store will offer all of the latest Miguel’s Jr. menu items, including a full breakfast menu with 7 breakfast burritos and a variety of breakfast plates. The menu also includes homemade horchata and lemonade made with 100% all-natural pure cane sugar and fresh-squeezed lemons.

WHERE: 
Miguel’s Jr.

Eastvale Marketplace

13382 Limonite Ave.,

Eastvale, CA 92860

WHEN: 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Friday, November 2, 2018, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Complimentary Lunch – Guests who attend the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be provided a complimentary lunch voucher that may be redeemed immediately following the ceremony.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Monday –Thursday: 7am – 10pm

Friday: 7am – 10:30pm

Saturday: 8am – 10:30pm

Sunday: 8am – 10pm

CONTACT:

www.MiguelsJr.com

Credit: Miguels Jr.

Dunkin’ Challenges LA Law Enforcement for Charity

Dunkin’, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, dares law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California to camp out on Dunkin’ rooftops in support of Special Olympics Southern California. More than 40 law enforcement agencies across the region will participate in Southern California’s second annual Cop on a Rooftop event on Nov. 2 from 6 – 10 a.m. Guests who visit their local Dunkin’ will be invited to donate to the cause; all who take part will earn a coupon for one free medium hot or iced coffee*.

Special Olympics Southern California provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All programming is free to the athletes thanks to fundraisers like this one. Officers will begin taking to the roofs starting at 6 a.m. The event is expected to run until 10 a.m.

“This event is a lighthearted yet influential way to show our appreciation for the effort our local Special Olympics organization puts into what they do, while also highlighting the dedication and bravery of the officers who keep our communities safe on a daily basis”, exclaimed Sgt. Irwin Rosenberg of San Fernando Police Department.  “Hosting Cop on a Rooftop for a second year at our Southern California Dunkin’ locations is both a thrilling and fun opportunity to give back to the communities that we proudly serve,”

            “Dunkin’ has been a terrific partner, and we are very excited to host Cop on a Rooftop with them again,” said Bill Shumard, SOSC’s CEO. “With Dunkin’ and law enforcement as our teammates, we’ll be able to transform even more people with intellectual disabilities through sports, wellness, and leadership programs. I can’t wait to see our local communities out at Dunkin’ showing their support.”

Not able to come out to one of the 60+ participating locations?  Support SOSC by donating on-line at www.sosc.org/coponarooftop.

To stay up to date with Dunkin’s Cop on a Rooftop event in Southern California, be sure to follow the brand on Facebook and Twitter. Those interested in learning more about Dunkin’ are encouraged to visit www.DunkinDonuts.com. For media inquiries, please contact dunkindonuts@havasformula.com.

Participating Locations

–       14215 Whittier Blvd, Whittier

–       5560 E 7th St, Long Beach

–       9070 Firestone Blvd, Downey

–       1132 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

–       1955 Durfee Ave, South El Monte

–       6821 Eastern Ave, Bell Gardens

–       13300 Washington Blvd, Culver City

–       1614 S Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles

–       754 S Olive St, Los Angeles

–       6201 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles

–       3100 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles

–       2300 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles

–       1428 S Azusa Ave, West Covina

–       1326 West Anaheim St, Los Angeles

–       275 South Lake Ave, Pasadena

–       3861 N Lakewood Blvd, Long Beach

Credit:

About Dunkin’

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 12 years running. The company has more than 12,600 restaurants in 46 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

About Special Olympics Southern California

Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. Special Olympics helps athletes become more independent, build self-esteem, and live healthier lives. They inspire people to open their hearts and create more accepting and inclusive communities. All Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes and their families. Special Olympics Southern California has earned a 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator for exceeding industry standards. This ranking is the highest Charity Navigator offers to an organization and is given because Special Olympics has demonstrated strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency. Learn more at www.sosc.org.

*Coupon valid through Dec. 31, 2018; limit one per customer.