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Archives for January 2024

Sergei, January 26 Pet of the Week

January 25, 2024 By Leave a Comment
awwwww! Too adorable!

Brave Sergei had his leg mangled by a raccoon, and shelter veterinarians had to amputate the leg and quarantine him for six months until he was cleared for rabies. Through Sergei’s isolation, volunteers visited him and sent their love through the kennel bars because they couldn’t physically interact with him. He’s now all through with iso and is a solemn, affectionate, chill, tripod fellow who gets around his kennel just fine. He needs a loving home where he can get all the love and hugs he’s missed during all those months and stretch his three legs! To adopt or foster Sergei, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Better yet, meet her in person at Long Beach Animal Care Services, 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach, at entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID#A703457.

Filed Under: Pet Corner

20 Addiction and Substance Abuse Facts That Might Shock You

January 25, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Substance abuse is rampant. You might avoid it, though, if you hear the facts that go with it. Let’s examine some.

Fentanyl and Heroin

Fentanyl can be up to an alarming 50 times stronger than heroin. Fentanyl side effects can be awful, even if you ingest it accidentally and it doesn’t kill you.

Fentanyl and Morphine

Fentanyl can also be up to an astonishing 100 times stronger than morphine. Morphine is already very powerful, so this information is staggering.

Opioid Deaths

In the US, about 150 people die daily from synthetic opioids. These include fentanyl deaths.

Young Americans

Americans from age 18-25 are the most likely to use illegal drugs. Consider this if you have a teenager.

Americans Before Age 13

More than 70% of those who tried drugs or alcohol before age thirteen develop an addiction.

Mental Illness and Drug Use

Approximately 9.5 million Americans with a substance use disorder also have a mental illness. Often, they’re trying to self-medicate.

The Federal Budget

In 2020, $35 billion was the federal budget for drug control. That number just keeps going up.

Opioid User Percentages

About 24% of people with a drug problem have an opioid addiction or dependency.

Those Who Use Illicit Drugs

Of those who use illicit drugs, approximately 25% become addicted.

Millions of Americans with Addiction Issues

Nearly 21 million US residents are estimated to have at least one addiction.

How Many Get Treatment?

Of those 21 million, only about 10% end up actively seeking treatment.

Alcohol Deaths

Of those who use alcohol in the long term, many end up eventually dying from it. Overall, approximately 47,500 American deaths each year can be linked to long-term alcohol use.

Alcohol-Related Traffic Deaths

Alcohol plays a part in many car wrecks. Drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or over cause nearly 70% of alcohol-related driving deaths.

Yearly US Driving Death Stats

In America, about 10,500 people die each year in alcohol-related car wrecks.

Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder in America

In the US, about 20% of adults have alcohol use disorder, sometimes called alcoholism. That’s one out of every five people you meet.

How Many Seek Treatment?

Of the adults grappling with alcoholism, only about 7% ever seek treatment for it. Of this number, some also relapse.

How Many Die in the US Each Year from Alcohol?

In America, alcohol kills about 95,000 people each year. This number includes long-term use deaths and deaths from acute alcohol poisoning.

Worldwide Alcohol Deaths

Alcohol is responsible for killing about 2.3 million people worldwide yearly. Alcohol problems are prevalent in many countries.

Young Americans and Alcohol Use

In the US, 1 out of every ten individuals over age 12 has alcohol use disorder. Some drinkers start that young if they see those around them doing it.

Yearly Opioid Overdoses

In the US, opioid overdoses kill about 50,000 people every year.

Think about these stats the next time you’re considering a drinking binge or popping a pill.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

National Fish Taco Day

January 24, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Fish Tacos!

Rubio’s Offers 99¢ Tacos on National Fish Taco Day!

On Thursday, January 25, celebrate National Fish Taco Day at Rubio’s with Baja-inspired, Original Fish Tacos® for just 99¢ with purchase (limit four per order, one offer per person, must order an additional menu item, side, or drink.) Order online at Rubios.com, or through the app, enter coupon code ­­­­­­FISHTACO at checkout, or scan the QR code on the coupon in restaurants.

January 25 also marks the 41st Anniversary of Rubio’s founder, Ralph Rubio, opening the very first Rubio’s in Mission Bay, San Diego. The tiny, walk-up stand started the fish taco phenomenon that has spread from coast to coast. Today, Rubio’s menu includes a variety of grilled seafood including responsibly sourced shrimp and salmon, wild-caught Alaska pollack and wild-caught mahi mahi. Perfect for guests eating healthy in the New Year, the menu also features flavorful options under 600 calories, including the California Bowl with Cauliflower Rice and Grilled Chicken (32 grams protein), the Wild-Caught Mahi Mahi Two Taco Plate with Cauliflower Rice and Black Beans (35 grams protein, 4 grams sugar), the Avocado Corn Taco Salad with Grilled Shrimp (20 grams protein) and the Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken (28 grams protein).

Guests are encouraged to order ahead through the Rubio’s app or Rubios.com. For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit Rubio’s, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Credit: Rubio’s Coastal Grill.

Filed Under: Archived Content

Books of the Week Round-Up!

January 23, 2024 By Leave a Comment
TODAY onsale 1/30/24

 TODAY written by Gabi Snyder and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin is a welcoming and joyful picture book that reminds us every moment can hold many surprises and to look for the wonder in every day (on sale 1/30/24).

Today may seem long before leaving for a summer vacation or short during the time away. The moments that make up the day are filled with surprises, joy, fun, and memories. This book guides young readers to keep their eyes and ears open so the day doesn’t slip by. With informative backmatter about mindfulness and exercises to focus on the moment, TODAY is the perfect book for parents and educators to encourage quiet time and mindfulness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gabi Snyder is the author of several picture books, including Two Dogs on a Trike, Listen, Today,and Look. She studied psychology at the University of Washington and creative writing at The University of Texas and is a member of SCBWI. When she’s not writing, she loves taking nature walks, visiting Little Free Libraries, and baking sweet treats. She lives in Oregon with her family. Learn more at GabiSnyder.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Stephanie Graegin is the illustrator of numerous books for children, including Super Manny Stands Up! by Kelly DiPucchio; Water in the Park by Emily Jenkins; Happy Birthday, Bunny! by Liz Garton Scanlon; Peace Is an Offering by Annette LeBox; and Listen by Gabi Snyder. She earned her BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and her MFA in printmaking from Pratt Institute, and she currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit her at Graegin.com.

SHE KEPT DANCING by Syndey Mesher & Catherine Laudone; illustrated by Natelle Quek (on-sale October 31, 2023, Feiwel & Friends, Ages 4-8): This warm and inviting picture book, cowritten with Catherine Laudone and brightly illustrated by Natelle Quek, takes young readers along on Sydney’s journey—through the joyous ups as well as the crushing downs—and tells the story of how through it all, she kept dancing.

TO DOGS, WITH LOVE by Maria Gianferrari; illustrated by Ishaa Lobo (on-sale December 5, 2023, Roaring Brook Press, Ages 3-6): Give thanks to every human’s best friend, in this sweet and inclusive ode to dogs of all kinds – with an emphasis on service dogs – written by animal expert Maria Gianferrari and illustrated by Ishaa Lobo.

Six New Tie-in Editions for Nickelodeon’s Transformers: Earthspark TV Series.

Simon & Schuster released SIX new tie-in editions for Nickelodeon’s brand-new series TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK. This exciting new TV series is for kids 6-11 and premiered in Fall 2022. The tie-in titles, were released in July and August, feature an official guidebooks, an 8×8 picture book, two Level 2 Ready-to-Read books, and two chapter books.

This show will captivate die-hard Transformers fans and kids just coming to the franchise. It features iconic legacy Transformers, such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron as well as introducing all-new characters—the human family, the Maltos, and a new species Transformers—the first ever to be born on Earth!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature in this book round-up. Cover images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Books of the Week!

January 19, 2024 By Leave a Comment
 A FOOT IS NOT A FISH! (Distributed by Simon & Schuster; February 13

Pairing rhymes with vivid illustrations, a new picture book A FOOT IS NOT A FISH! (Distributed by Simon & Schuster; February 13) helps parents show their children that it is not hard to see what is true and what is not. Cornelia Maude Spelman, MSW, is the acclaimed children’s book author of The Way I Feel series (over three million copies sold). 

This is a great way to teach children ages 5-8 how to tell the difference between what is true and what is not. I found it to be an interesting book and a great way to teach about fiction and fact.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Cornelia Maude Spelman, MSW, was a therapist with children and families before turning full-time to writing and art. She’s written eleven books for children that help them manage emotion and difficult life situations. Her The Way I Feel series of books for young children, described by reviewers as “sensitive” and “compassionate,” have sold over two million copies and been translated into Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Greek, Japanese, German, Arabic, Turkish, Danish, Russian, and Portuguese. She is also the author of the best-selling Your Body Belongs to You.

This is a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path.

Deena’s never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it’s time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make.

While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up.

But the success and attention make Deena’s cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

This truly is a beautiful book! I loved the characters and the overall message of the story!

Hena Khan (she/her/hers) is a Pakistani American writer and winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina’s Voice, Amina’s Song, More to the Story, Drawing Deena, and the Zara’s Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.

The book’s official purchase link:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Drawing-Deena/Hena-Khan/9781534459915

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this post. Cover images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Zukes, January 19 Pet of the Week

January 19, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Zukes needs a forever home!

Zukes, a good boy with wacky eyes, came to our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services in May as an emaciated stray. Thanks to the work of his longtime foster, he’s learned to enjoy walks and road trips, be they brief or extended. He’s very smart—he’s crate trained and potty trained, and he’s acquired obedience skills. He loves to play! Best of all, he’s packed on the pounds and now weighs about 70 of them! His foster has given him all the prep-school education he’s needed to be a good house dog, and now, he’s ready to go home for real! Since Zukes is in foster and not in the shelter, visit https://www.longbeach.gov/acs/our-animals/adoptions/dogs/, you can meet him by entering Zukes’ name in the required space, and follow directions. You can also email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or DogFoster@longbeach.gov, or call (562) 570-4925. and ask for ID#A698045 to meet Zukes. We’re over capacity, and everyone needs homes!

Filed Under: Pet Corner

Parent’s Dream Solution to Better Sleep for Sick Kids!

January 13, 2024 By Leave a Comment
Tum&Bum 

Looking for a way to make your child more comfortable when they have a cold? Tum&Bum is the solution!

Made for toddlers, this organic sleep aid’s simple, efficient design creates a slope to drain mucus and ease congestion.  Tum&Bum’s comfortable, supportive surface promotes clearer breathing, less coughing, sniffling and sneezing. You’ll notice the difference and so will your kids!

  • Puts toddlers in perfect alignment for combatting upper respiratory infections, persistent cough, allergies, and congestion. 
  • Made from latex-free, hypoallergenic, medical-grade 100% polypropylene.
  • Cover with a towel and pillow before using
  • Clean Tum&Bum’s surface with an antibacterial spray or wipe
  • Grows with your child – use Tum&Bum as a supportive chair when your toddler gets older. 
  • For toddlers and up
  • Find Tum&Bum on Amazon
I love that this product can grow with your child.

Price: $175 and there is a choice of colors! I received the orange one and it was a hit with one of my youngest reviewers. He is only 4 and his parents prefer he is not posted on social media but the parents said that it really is a relief to have this product!

You can also learn more at https://tumandbum.com/

Self Disclosure: I received a free product to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Casting Announced for Disney’s The Lion King at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

January 13, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Costa Mesa’s Limited Return Engagement Plays

Thursday, February 1 to Sunday, February 25 at

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Casting has been announced for the Costa Mesa engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. Costa Mesa’s most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Segerstrom Center for the Arts stage from Thursday, February 1 to Sunday, February 25. The press opening night is Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM.

The production features Peter Hargrave as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Mukelisiwe Goba as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Nick LaMedica as “Zazu,” John E. Brady as “Pumbaa,” Darian Sanders as “Simba,” Khalifa White as “Nala,” Forest VanDyke as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi” and Robbie Swift as “Ed.”

The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Mason Lawson and Julian Villela and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Jaxyn Damasco and Aniya Simone. 

Rounding out the cast are William John Austin, Iman Ayana, Isaiah Bailey, Samantha Lauren Barriento, Eric Bean, Jr., Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Lauren Carr, Thembelihle Cele, Daniela Cobb, Gabriel Croom, Lyric Danae, Marquis Floyd, Tony Freeman, Aliah James, Jolina Javier, Joel Karie, Samaree Lawson, Gabisile Manana, Amber Mayberry, Justin Mensah, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Jeremy Noel, Sicelo Ntshangase, Erick D. Patrick, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Sadé Simmons, Jennifer Theriot, Courtney Thomas, Denzel Tsopnang, Brinie Wallace and Jordan Nicole Willis.

In Costa Mesa, The Lion Kingwill play Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. There will also be a special 2:00 PM matinee performance on Thursday, February 1. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a souvenir program and a cinch bag, are also available. Tickets are available at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Box Office, by calling (714) 556-2787 Monday-Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, or via the Internet at SCFTA.org. Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 714-755-0236.

For more than 20 years, the North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by over 21 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 9,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Costa Mesa at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 

ABOUT THE LION KING

Celebrating 25 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 28 global productions have been seen by over 112 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 20 or more years and two others running 25 or more years. 

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Paris; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Sao Paulo and on tour across North America and the U.K. & Ireland for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.   

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor supervises new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.

Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor), Lisa Dawn Cave (production supervisor), Thomas Schlenk (general manager) and ARC/Mark Brandon, CSA (casting). Anne Quart serves as executive producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com, www.facebook.com/thelionkingusa and www.instagram.com/thelionking. 

The Costa Mesa engagement of Disney’s The Lion Kingis presented by arrangement with Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel and CIBC Private Wealth Management and is a subscription offering of the Broadway Series.

Credit: Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
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