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Archives for 2018
Can You Protect Your Child from Pediatric Cancer?
April 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Pediatric cancer has been on the rise for decades and it is only now that the problem is starting to get the attention it deserves. Even then, insufficient funding in the field is curbing the speed of research. All of this leads us to the question; can we protect our children from pediatric cancers? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.
There are Ways to Decrease the Chances
The causes for pediatric cancer are far from being clear at the moment, but environmental factors such as being exposed to radioactivity can definitely contribute to the development of cancer in infants and children. On that note, here are a few precautions that parents can take to at least reduce the chances of their children developing any form of the disease.
- Exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, cleaners, etc. should be limited or stopped totally
- Smoking during pregnancy or being in an environment with tobacco smoke is to be avoided
- Doctors may suggest preemptive surgery in certain cases to eliminate the chances of the child developing cancers due to genetic inheritance of susceptible genes
- Adoption of an organic source of nutrition over processed food by the parents might help to reduce the chances of pediatric cancers in the infant
- Radiation inspections before buying or renting a house/apartment is a must, especially if the building is an old one
Prevention May Not Always be an Option
Unfortunately, most of these precautions are not an exact science and there isn’t sufficient data behind them for us to consider them anything more than precautionary measures. In more than 80% of the detections, pediatric cancer is a result of genetic anomalies and abnormalities, so there’s very little that the parents can actually do to prevent cancerous developments in such cases. Nevertheless, timely detection and treatment often saves the lives of thousands of children every year. In other words, although prevention may not always be an option, treatment during the early stages can work.
What Other Option Do We Have?
The situation regarding pediatric cancers is quite murky as of now, since a lack of sufficient research data has made it quite difficult to detect the effects of possible causes and the extent to which they play a role in bringing about the disease. Our best hopes for the future lies in better research today, but that can only be brought on through childhood cancer donations made by individuals and corporate and government agencies. The research personnel involved need the funding to improve the quality of care, treatment and maybe even find a better cure for the disease in the future.
As is evident, preventing childhood cancer through preemptive surgery is possible in a very rare number of cases and the other precautions might reduce the chances somewhat, but if a child has developed symptoms of pediatric cancer, it is important to understand that in most situations, there is probably very little anyone could have done differently to prevent it.
Adventure Day Returns to Caspers Wilderness Park April 7th
April 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Celebrate a world of outdoor activities and discoveries at the return of Adventure Day at Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano.
The event on Saturday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. invites guests to enjoy a day of adventure with natural history tours, wildlife exhibits, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, games and refreshments.
“Caspers Adventure Day provides a great opportunity for people to explore the County’s largest Wilderness Park,” Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District, said. “With guided hikes, entertainment and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Spend a fun-filled day under the sycamores at Caspers with a full schedule of guided hikes, games, storytelling, wildlife exhibits, workshops and puppet shows. Families and friends of all ages can partake in numerous activities, while learning about Caspers Wilderness Park’s natural and cultural history.
Participants include OC Birds of Prey Center, Sierra Club, Tree of Life Nursery, Share mountain bike club and many more! Food will be available for purchase from food vendors, including Front Porch Pops.
Caspers Adventure Day admission is free and adults and children of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate in the fun. Caspers Wilderness Park will be extending complimentary parking to all attendees for this special day. Let the adventures begin!
Caspers Adventure Day
Date: Saturday, April 7
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Caspers Wilderness Park
Address: 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Website: http://www.ocparks.com/caspers/
Cost: Free
Parking: Free
Public Contact: (949) 923-2210
Credit:
OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com
The Little Prince Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
April 6, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The Little Prince marks its 75th anniversary this week and delights fans across the globe through social media campaigns, unique events and new official merchandise. The Little Prince line of items ranges from a collection of graphic bag accessories to a 75th Anniversary edition of the novel, to a range of environmentally-friendly baby products.
Pioneering aviator, best-selling writer and humanist, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote The Little Prince in 1943. Long considered one of the greatest pieces of French literature ever written and voted as “The Best Book of the 20th Century” in France, The Little Prince also has a very special American connection. The book was written in the United States, while Saint-Exupéry was in exile and living in New York City. To date, the book has sold over 200 million copies and has reached more than 500 million readers around the world. In the US, 100,000 additional copies of The Little Prince are sold every year. A special 75th Anniversary edition of the book is available for pre-order now on Amazon and goes on sale in October.
The story is inspired by Saint-Exupéry’s own experience of being a pilot stranded in the Sahara desert in the 1930s after a long-distance race. He originally wrote the book for young children, but it resonated with readers of all ages through its messages of respect for humanity, friendship, authenticity, and charity.
A true cultural phenomenon, millions of fans are also experiencing The Little Prince in ways the author could have only imagined with visits to the theme park in France, the museum in Japan, and the flagship store in Paris. The Little Prince movie has been seen by 32 million viewers in theaters and 30 million on Netflix. A robust social media presence is driven by more than 10 million Facebook followers and 4 million views on the official YouTube channel.
“It’s incredible to see how many people adore The Little Prince and that its wisdom is creating, connecting, and compelling fans everywhere seventy-five years later,” said Thomas Riviere, General Manager, SOGEX, an arm of the estate of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
True to the spirit of The Little Prince, the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation (www.fasej.org) was established in 2009 to concretely actualize the book’s mission by supporting projects for children around the world. In the last eight years alone, over $3 million dollars has been raised to fund more than 50 projects in 20 countries. In the US, Foundation efforts benefit art and education projects for the visually-impaired. Every partner of The Little Prince is engaged in giving back; through their contributions to good works in the name of The Little Prince or a percentage of proceeds from the sale of licensed merchandise.
Fans of the story can continue the good works inspired by The Little Prince on social media as well. As part of the diamond jubilee, people can participate in the anniversary celebration and send a “Happy Anniversary” message by posting their favorite quote from the book or a photo inspired by The Little Prince to social media platforms during April 2 to April 15th with #TheLittlePrince75. For each post, the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation will make a donation to a new scholarship in the name of The Little Prince to help blind American students pursue their academic goals and achieve their dreams. (TLP75 Video).
There are over 150 licensees worldwide offering new products and merchandise collections for fans of The Little Prince to keep the story and key messages top-of-mind during the anniversary milestone including:
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt– Master Publishing Partner of 75th Anniversary Edition of the classic novel available October 23, 2018. Pre-order now on Amazon.com.
- LeSportsac– Spring ’18 Collection of Backpacks, Baby Bags, Cosmetic Bags, and Cross-body Bags LINK
- Out of Print– T-shirts, Hoodies, Pin Sets, Unisex Socks and Totes; The Little Prince Nook Tablet Cover (Exclusive to Barnes and Noble)
- Little Unicorn– All new line of Swaddles and Quilts featuring Little Unicorn’s signature watercolor take on iconic images from The Little Prince story.
- Running Press– Light-up Rose Mini-kit. The Little Prince’s cherished rose, set under a clear dome and on a base bearing the story’s most famous bit of wisdom: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
The 75th Anniversary collection of product also includes: infant apparel and sleepwear from Finn and Emma, a cotton fabric collection and a soft storybook from Riley Blake, men’s and women’s socks from Socksmith, a calendar from Rizzoli’s Universe imprint, boxed gift mugs, bookmarks and prints from Culturenik, an encyclopedia from Cernunnos (distributed by Random House), and music boxes and gifts from Trousselier.
Because of The Little Prince’s American origins, the collection also includes a number of products specifically Made in the USA. Among them are: earrings and necklaces from Vinca, infant caps and baby blankets from Storiarts, t-shirts, scarves and posters from Litographs, inspirational shower clings from Dezign Your Mind, laser-cut wood décor from GArts, and a full range of lift-and-place wall graphics from Walls360.
The Little Prince also celebrates its 75th Anniversary with remarkable event partners such as The Morgan Library & Museum in NYC (LINK), which will host a special exhibition of newly discovered drawings by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. A special screening of The Little Prince animated movie will also take place there on June 3, hosted by the film’s director and Foundation’s Goodwill Ambassador in the US, Mark Osborne. Throughout 2018, guests of Sofitel Hotels can enjoy special offers themed to The Little Prince through the chain’s “Magnifique Family” program (www/sofitelhotels.com).
Self Disclosure: Information and images were provided. Some form of compensation (product) has been received to post.
PBS KIDS Launches First Gaming App from Series: Cat in the Hat Builds That!
April 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!, Now available in the App Store, Google Play andAmazon, the Cat in the Hat Builds That! app features a collection of science adventures for preschoolers to engage with the characters, curriculum, tools and fantastical worlds, even their own customized backyard.
The Cat in the Hat Builds That! app offers the second adaptive learning game from PBS KIDS, with personalization that empowers kids to make choices about their play-based experiences that enhance their learning. Like The Ruff Ruffman Show’s Fish Force, released in the fall of 2017, the adaptive game within the app offers experiences that provide real-time contextual feedback based on what just happened in the game, and shifts challenge sequences to adjust difficulty and match player ability.
I had the chance to try this one out and I highly recommend for pre-schoolers! I love that the app is free and that it is a fun and educational game. It’s really cool that there is a fully customized backyard that grows the more you play. But, I really like that there are 4 Cat in the Hat inspired tools to help with science discoveries such as the magnifying Micromaboodle (say that fast 5 times!) and the Doodlemaboddle sketch pad.
In addition to the app release, kids and families can now watch new episodes of THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT!. The episodes air on PBS stations (check local listings) and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream, and will also be available for free on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video App.
Self Disclosure: Information and images were provided. I rarely review apps but highly recommend this one!
Celebrate Earth Month with PBS KIDS
April 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
In celebration of Earth Month, PBS KIDS’ annual “Explore the Outdoors” initiative encourages families to discover and connect with the natural wonders that surround them. Fans of PBS KIDS’ SPLASH AND BUBBLES, WILD KRATTS and NATURE CAT will get a chance to see new episodes beginning Monday, April 23, exploring themes such as marine biology and the animal kingdom. New episodes will premiere on PBS stations (check local listings) and be available on pbskids.org, the free PBS KIDS Video App and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream.
Kids will be inspired to learn more about the animals and natural world featured on their favorite PBS KIDS shows with new games from NATURE CAT and WILD KRATTS on the free PBS KIDS Games App and on pbskids.org. A new update to Nature Cat’s Great Outdoors App is also available, now offering more than 100 daily nature adventures families can experience together.
Engaging hands-on crafts and outdoor activities are available on PBS Parents. PBS LearningMedia offers preK-12 educators a wide range of lesson plans, project-based activities, interactive games and contextualized videos supporting environmental science and STEM curriculum. These curated resources, designed to reinforce key concepts and help students make connections between timely current events and lessons discussed in the class, can be found here.
Across the country, local PBS member stations will be hosting Earth Month-related events to connect children to the environment through hands-on learning activities. Events will feature everything from local ecology to gardening, camping and exploring the local zoo. Families will also have the opportunity to dive into nature themes and environmental concepts with PBS KIDS “Explore the Outdoors” activities and materials.
“PBS KIDS aims to spark children’s curiosity and inspire off-screen learning. With new episodes of SPLASH AND BUBBLES, WILD KRATTS and NATURE CAT and a variety of games, we hope that kids will want to further explore the natural world,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Our local stations bring this initiative to life in communities across the country, encouraging kids and families to step outside and discover new things in their own backyards and neighborhoods.”
PBS KIDS Explore the Outdoors Program Details & Air Dates (check local listings)
Credit: PBS KIDS.
Petal to Plate by Visit Carlsbad’s 10-day celebration of fine flowers, food, and drink
April 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The city of Carlsbad will focus on all things floral from April 5 to April 15, 2018 and will host five events and seven specials in venues throughout the city. Guests are invited to tour the flower fields and enjoy the delights of spring back in town with participating bars, restaurants, and spas.
Chefs, mixologists and wellness specialists across Carlsbad are planting the seeds of their creative sides for Petal to Plate 2018, and are taking inspiration from violets, lavender, hibiscus, tangerine flower, Passion flower, pansies, chamomile, rose, elderflower, and even pollen to delight the senses in this year’s edition. Offerings already announced include a lunch special at Argyle Steakhouse at Park Hyatt Aviara, garden tours and aromatherapy treatments and craft floral cocktails at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, variations on the reputable repertoire of seafood, pastas and succulent steak at Vigalucci’s Steak & Seafood, sea-side Fleur de Fizz cocktails at Chandler’s Restaurant at Cape Rey, Passion Flower Sugar Scrubs at Ocean Crest Spa, floral-inspired libation from mixologist Leigh Lacap at Campfire Restaurant & Bar, as well as Hibiscus Coconut Shrimp Ceviche and other delightfully spring-fresh creations from the team at Twenty/20 Grill at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa.
Below is a highlight of events happening through the month:
- Wednesday, April 4: Preview Petal to Plate Tasting Event (Downtown Carlsbad Village). Shop with local chefs and mixologists at Carlsbad’s Farmer’s Market for fresh flowers and other ingredients that will be featured in Petal to Plate culinary creations, and enjoy a preview tasting with the Visit Carlsbad team. Details to follow here.
- Thursday, April 5 – Sunday, April 15: Petal to Plate by Visit Carlsbad (various venues throughout Carlsbad). After visiting The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, guests are invited to enjoy offerings from seven participating restaurants, bars, and wellness establishments.
- Friday, April 6 and Friday, April 13: Sunset Wine Tasting & Food (The Flower Fields). An intimate culinary experience unfolds with wine and bites paired with the songs of live musical artists. Enjoy the sun as it sets on the fields with this after-hours event. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Thursday, April 12: Fashion, Flowers and Fido (The Flower Fields). Join the Flower Fields Foundation, Simon Youth Foundation, and Rancho Coastal Humane Society for an evening fashion show with designs from Carlsbad Premium Outlet retailers accompanied by Rancho Coastal Humane Society adoptable dogs modeling dog fashion. Food and drink provided by local breweries, restaurants, bakeries and more. Tickets $25 in advance and $30 at the door. More info here.
- Sunday, April 15: Canon Photography Workshop (The Flower Fields). On the final day of Petal to Plate 2018, guests are invited to celebrate and savor the beauty of The Flower Fields with expert Stacey Lynne Foster at photography workshops running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including Intro to Macro Photography, Fun With Flash, Print Like A Pro, Photo Walks and Family Portraits. Fun activities will be offered along with loaner cameras all day and guests can enjoy free printing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Credit: City of Carlsbad. Images and information were provided.
RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY’S “OPENING DAY FOR TRAILS” CELEBRATES CONNECTIONS TRAILS MAKE NATIONWIDE
April 5, 2018 By Leave a Comment
On Saturday, April 7, 2018, outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers nationwide will kick off the spring trail season as part of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s (RTC) sixth annual Opening Day for Trails (Opening Day).
Opening Day, RTC’s annual celebration of trails nationwide, serves as the unofficial launch of the spring trail season. Event organizers and volunteers from across the country have arranged hiking, biking, running and other outdoor activities to celebrate trails and the benefits they bring to their communities, including more than 100 bike rides organized by Performance Bicycle.
WHAT: Opening Day, a national event organized by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to celebrate the launch of the spring trail season.
Find events and pledge to take part at railstotrails.org/openingday
WHEN: April 7, 2018 (see event details for specific times)
WHERE: More than 125 events will take place nationwide. Find events at
For more information about Opening Day, to find events and to enter the Opening Day sweepstakes, visit railstotrails.org/openingday and follow #RTCOpeningDay on social media. Opening Day is sponsored by Fuji Bikes, Performance Bicycle, KEEN, Topo Design and Patagonia.
Opening Day is an annual celebration organized by RTC to kick off the spring trail season. RTC is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share Opening Day stories by using #RTCOpeningDay.
Credit: Rails to trails.
