Radio, with his marbled nose, has been at Long Beach Animal Care Services for just over a year, and he’s only 3! He was lucky to get a shelter break with a short-term foster, who shared that his favorite things were spending time with people and other dogs, belly rubs, playing fetch and nap time. He also got separation anxiety, so he thrives on company. Radio’s foster family enjoyed his company so much that they extended his foster period from one month to two! But for their two cats, whom they had to keep separate, they’d have kept Radio! Radio would flourish with a patient, dog-savvy owner who could provide structure and guidance with leash manners and basic life skills. Volunteers feel he could make a great second dog for an active owner. See how long you want to foster Radio! Maybe forever? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Radio or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A721516).
Greek Mothers Never Die * A Comedic, Warm-Hearted Movie That Highlights The Greek Family Experience
Ella‘s story begins in Greece, she is the only child of Jack, an American singer-song writer and Despina, a Greek, zany, overprotective Gyros owner. Nick, Ella’s only friend, is a 10 year old shy, nerdy looking boy. Ella and Nick grow and their friendship turns into love but in 2010 the Greek economy collapses, Nick vanishes and Jack dies. Despina and Ella have to move overnight to America for their survival. Now Ella is a 27 years old late-bloomer, with zero love life, dreaming of becoming a singer, but Despina pressures her to take over the Gyros. During their daily fight, Despina drops dead of a heart attack only to returns as an intervening ghost, haunting Ella with unwanted advice and romantic guidance after Nick re-surfaces as a handsome doctor (and something of a playboy). In this supernatural heartwarming romantic comedy-drenched in Greek Drama – Ella will ultimately take control of her life. Find the meaning of true love and learn how to deal with the passing of her mother.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Mikella G. comments, “Greek Mothers Never Die is a comedic, warm-hearted movie. I really like this film and the way that it highlights the Greek experience. It’s over-the-top dramatic in such an exciting way!” See her full review below.
Greek Mothers Never Die
Mikella G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, age 18
Greek Mothers Never Die is a comedic, warm-hearted movie. I really like this film and the way that it highlights the Greek experience. It’s over-the-top dramatic in such an exciting way!
Greek Mothers Never Die follows the story of Despina (Rachel Suissa) and her daughter Ella (Abby Miner) who move from Greece to a small island in Florida after the economic crisis happening in Greece. Unfortunately, Despina unexpectedly dies, but she still finds ways to control Ella from beyond the grave. Ella is able to see ghosts of her mother, after struggling with her grief. Throughout the film, we watch Ella try to figure out who she is, and not be so alone. However, the burden of her overwhelming Greek mother takes her on a wild journey into discovering her identity.
I really enjoyed all the comedic aspects of this film. Getting to learn about the Greek mother-daughter relationship was really interesting to me. Seeing how overprotective Greek mothers are, yet so loving, and always putting their children first is so special. I could feel the energy and joy that this film created with the audience in the theater. For example, at one point, Despina is spying on Ella while she is interacting with a boy. This moment is quite funny, and something that people can easily relate too. Another standout is Rachel Suissa’s talent. Not only does she play the leading role of Despina, she also directed the film, wrote the script, and wrote most of the music. Her work ethic and quality of work is extremely impressive. Rachel’s passion and love for this project is so evident, and shines through as you watch the film. The storyline was inspired by her own life, making everything feel very authentic. There certainly would be no better person to take on this project than her. Lastly, the chemistry and connection between Abby Miner, and Simon Rérolle, who plays Nick, is outstanding. These two actors work so well together, and you can feel the love they have for each other bouncing off the screen. I learned that they had very little time from meeting one another, to filming, which makes their connection even more incredible. It is almost natural — I found myself smiling at the screen because of their lovely admiration for one another. All of their moments on the boat dock are key to the development of their relationship, and establish such a genuine connection.
The message of Greek Mothers Never Die is to never take love for granted, and always listen to your heart.
I give Greek Mothers Never Die 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases on all streaming platforms May 9, 2025.
Books of the Week: May 26th, 2025
Ivy is the beloved houseplant of young Jillian Tupper of Number 3 Ramshorn Drive, much to the constant dismay of Toasty the goldfish, who is technically the family pet—swimming in his special place of honor, the antique octagonal fish tank—and should be the most loved. It seems that’s how the cookie (or cheese puffs, in Toasty’s case) crumbles in the curious Tupper household, but soon a sequence of thrilling and magical events challenges that way of life forever.
First, there’s the arrival of Arthur, a knowledgeable spider with a broken leg and a curious mind, hidden in an old typewriter. Then Jillian throws everyone for a loop when she brings home dear, sweet Ollie, a school houseplant who just wants to be friends and sing. When Toasty splashes the plants with his tank water out of frustration, the friends learn that they can do magical things—like lift heavy objects and turn things invisible!
It turns out Toasty’s fish tank isn’t just for fish; it was made by a curious inventor who gave it special powers that, in the wrong hands, could disrupt everything forever. And a curious man with purple shoes just so happens to want that tank at any cost. Can Ivy, Toasty, Arthur, and Ollie grow to be friends in time to work together to save their beloved Tupper family from utter ruin?
About the Author
Beth Ferry is the author of numerous picture books for children including Roar for Reading, Prunella, and the New York Times bestseller Stick and Stone. She is an avid reader who believes that any day spent with a book is a perfect day. Beth lives with her family by the beach in New Jersey where she finds inspiration in the salty air. In addition to writing picture books, Beth also writes chapter books and graphic novels. You can learn more at BethFerry.com.
About the Illustrators
Terry Fan received his formal art training at Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, Canada. His work is a blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, using ink or graphite mixed with digital. He spends his days (and nights) creating magical paintings, portraits, and prints. Terry is the cocreator of The Night Gardener, It Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud. Born in Illinois, he now lives in Toronto. Visit him online TheFanBrothers.com.
Eric Fan is an artist and writer who lives in Toronto, Canada. Born in Hawaii and raised in Toronto, he attended the Ontario College of Art and Design, where he studied illustration, sculpture, and film. He has a passion for vintage bikes, clockwork contraptions, and impossible dreams. Eric is the cocreator of The Night Gardener, It Fell from the Sky, and Lizzy and the Cloud. Visit him online TheFanBrothers.com.
The RATNIP series by Cam Higgins and illustrated by Allison Steinfeld has returned just in time for summer reading! In Right on Your Tail!, the third book of the chapter book series, Ratnip goes for the gold in a citywide race (on-sale May 27, 2025).
Written to encourage younger readers, these younger chapter books are the perfect stepping stones to move from Ready-to-Reads to Chapter Books. Now kids between the ages of 5 and 9 can get excited about chapter books tailer-made for their level of reading comprehension. The Ratnip Series makes readers feel like they are reading a “big-kid” format, while keeping the subject, type size, and illustrations geared specifically for their own age groups!
Ratnip goes for the gold in a citywide race in this third book of the chapter book series from the author of Good Dog.
Ratnip is entering the City Race, where critters race through the streets by climbing up poles, scurrying along telephone wires, and jumping across fences. Ratnip has his eye on the prize, but his competition is tough—especially the REAL gym rat! Can Ratnip prove himself fastest critter in the city?
With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Ratnip chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.
THE AUTHOR
Cam Higgins wrote her very first book about a cat who lived in an alleyway when she was eight years old. As a child, she loved visiting a neighboring farm and seeing all the animals. Now Cam has a pup of her own, who is very mischievous, and she still loves writing about animals. Cam lives in New York City with her two children, her husband, and Laila the dog.
THE ILLUSTRATOR
Allison Steinfeld grew up in Connecticut where she spent hours getting lost in her library books. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her two very fluffy cats. When not providing essential head scratches and belly rubs, she finds time to illustrate books like the Wait! What? series and the Kid Legends series.
Discover the Magic of Storm Singer: A Mythical New Middle Grade Fantasy by Sarawat Chadda.
In a land ruled by fierce winged warriors known as eagle garudas, twelve-year-old Nargis is just a poor, lowly human, a Worm who hates the garudas that killed her parents. But even though she can’t fly—and her childhood attempt left her walking with a crutch—she is far from powerless. Nargis is a spirit singer: able to coax small bits of wind, water, fire, and earth to do her bidding through song…well, sometimes.
When Nargis loses control of her power in a high-stakes kite fight, she is exiled. Cast into the desert, she discovers Mistral, an injured boy who turns out to be an eagle garuda, the prince of her enemies! He’s on a mission to take back his throne from a terrible vulture garuda. In spite of their mutual distrust, the two have no choice but to forge an unlikely alliance if they want to escape the desert alive.
And as Nargis and Mistral battle dangerous assassins, befriend crafty sky pirates, and sneak into the mysterious sky castle of Alamut, Nargis discovers she carries a family secret, one that could bring Monsoon’s rains back to the desert, but only if she’s willing to risk her life in the bargain…
About the Author:
Sarwat Chadda is the New York Times bestselling author of the City of the Plague God duology, the Spiritstone Saga, the Ash Mistry trilogy, the Shadow Magic trilogy, and the Devil’s Kiss duology. He has written for Star Wars and Minecraft as well as the 39 Clues and Spirit Animals series. Sarwat is a first-generation Muslim immigrant of South Asian descent who loves writing over-the-top adventures. His work has received numerous starred reviews and was a Goodreads Choice Best Middle Grade Award Nominee. He has been published in over a dozen languages. Outside of novels, he’s written plays, comic books, and TV shows, including The Legend of Hanuman for Disney+ Hotstar. Sarwat lives in London. Feel free to drop him a line on X (previously known as Twitter) at @SarwatChadda and Instagram at @Sarwat_Chadda or visit him at SarwatChadda.com.
TOGETHER, A FOREST by Roz MacLean (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), Ages 4-8): Explore a forest with a curious classroom in this breathtaking new picture book by the author of the beloved More Than Words, and experience the essential beauty of diversity in humanity and nature.
An educational and engaging book for children!
THE SECRET LIFE OF A SEA TURTLE by Maddalena Bearzi; illustrated by Alex Boersma (Roaring Brook Press, ages 4-8): Follow the captivating yet perilous life of one sea turtle in this dazzling nonfiction tale by the co-founder of the Ocean Conservation Society, perfect for fans of Jason Chin’s ISLAND.
This is an educational and engaging way to learn about sea turtles!
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature in this post. Cover images were also provided.
It’s time to get in shape! Summer is almost here!
Well, Summer is almost here so I’ve been trying to eat healthier and have a goal to lose a few pounds before Summer actually is here. I used to go to the gym but now I have been just walking and going to my favorite Yoga classes. I was quite excited when the opportunity came up to try out the WalkingPad Denise Austin 2.0 Double-Fold Treadmill from SCS.
I love how it folds up and is actually fun to use! Another fact: It is pretty much already assembled and easy to use!
Have the flexibility to walk, jog or run with the WalkinPad® Denise Ausitn 2.0 Treadmill. With a fully assembled unit right out of the box, you’ll be able to enjoy a high contrast LED display, a brushless motor design, and a 4-layer cushioning system. Convenience and results are just a step away.
It is available at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
SCS Make Life Easy is dedicated to keeping you moving with innovative fitness and recovery solutions that make wellness effortless.
Self Disclosure: I received a free product to facilitate this post.
It’s still Butterbeer Season! ORLY Butterbeer Nail Polish and Nail Care Products are a Must-Buy!
Butterbeer was first introduced in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the trio huddled in The Three Broomsticks. With its butterscotch and shortbread notes, Butterbeer has become a global fan favorite. Butterbeer Season is the annual salute to the flavor, scent and look of Butterbeer and takes place between March 1 and May 31.
I love the nail products available from Orly! My favorite is the Orly Scented Quick Dry Nail Spray. It really makes my nail polish dry quicker and I love the fragrance.
ORLY – Transform your nailcare routine with a range of products from ORLY infused with the iconic Butterbeer scent. Products include ORLY Harry Potter Butterbeer Scented Iridescent Nail Polish Topper, ORLY Harry Potter Scented Nourishing Cuticle Oil, ORLY Harry Potter Scented Hydrating Cuticle Froth and ORLY Harry Potter Scented Quick Dry Nail Spray. Available now at orlybeauty.com and Ulta.com. All items range in price from $8.99-$15.00.
For the latest Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts news and features, visit www.harrypotter.com
All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s25)
About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products:
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
This is just a taster of what’s in store for fans, with more to be announced over the coming weeks. To stay up to date with all the Harry Potter and Butterbeer Season news and updates, check out http://www.HarryPotter.com/, and while you’re there, why not get Sorted into your Hogwarts house and sign up for the Harry Potter Fan Club.
Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this post. Images and info were also provided.
New Stars of the Sea experience
The Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating the delicate beauty and superhero powers of over twenty species of sea stars from around the globe in a new experience this summer. Stars of the Sea opens May 24, 2025, and continues through April 30, 2026. Guests will be able to meet sea stars like the venomous crown-of-thorns and spider-like brittle stars and learn about how the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is working to save the largest sea star of them all: the critically endangered sunflower sea star. Guests will also be able to visit a reimagined section of the Aquarium’s California Terrace that focuses on coastal habitats, featuring the new immersive outdoor touchpool experience, Our Living Coastline. This new exhibit includes a life-like rock structure, multiple viewing windows, and surging cascades of water, designed to mimic a real tidepool on a rocky shore. Visitors of all ages will be able to learn about and touch different sea star species, including bat and ochre sea stars, along with sea urchins and sea anemones from California’s northern and southern coastal regions. Sea stars can be found in over twenty exhibits at the Aquarium, representing habitats from coastal tidepools stretching from Mexico to Alaska, coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, the deep seas of Japan and the Galapagos Islands, and beyond. In addition, guests can discover the diversity of sea stars in a new film that will play throughout the day in the Aquarium’s Great Hall. As guests explore Stars of the Sea, they can learn about the stories behind each sea star species and the Aquarium’s groundbreaking research and breeding programs, including raising baby sunflower sea stars, offering hope for the species’ recovery.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost: Included with general Aquarium admission and free to Aquarium members / Reservations required
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.
House Republicans Pass Budget Bill Slashing Medicaid and SNAP to Fund Tax Cuts for the Wealthy
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a deeply harmful budget reconciliation package that prioritizes tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of millions of hard-working American families. The bill passed 215-214 and now goes to the Senate. If passed there, it will mean the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in U.S. history, while lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy with massive tax cuts.
ParentsTogether Action is raising urgent concerns about the profound harm these cuts will inflict on families nationwide.
In response, Ailen Arreaza, Executive Director of ParentsTogether Action said:
“Make no mistake: this bill is a cruel betrayal of families.
In the dead of night, Republicans in Congress held committee hearings and then voted early this morning to rip health care away from millions and take food off kids’ plates – all to hand massive tax breaks to billionaires.
Parents across the country are outraged – and we will not forget who chose billionaires over our children.”
Additionally, ParentsTogether Action has compiled stories of parents who are struggling to make ends meet here. Additionally, quotes from these parents on what cuts to SNAP and Medicaid would mean for their families are below.
This plan will:
- Cut Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding by $715 billion, stripping health coverage from nearly 14 million Americans.
- Slash $230 billion from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), shifting 10% of the cost burden to states, and imposing stricter work requirements that jeopardize food aid for millions.
- According to the Congressional Budget Office, this would mean 3 million people lose SNAP benefits each month.
- According to the Congressional Budget Office, this would mean 3 million people lose SNAP benefits each month.
- Take the Child Tax Credit away from 4.5 million U.S. citizen children, and lock 17 million low-income children out of the full credit because their families don’t earn enough.
- Raise taxes for the bottom 40% of Americans, while giving 70% of the tax benefits to the wealthiest 5%.
ParentsTogether Action calls on the Senate to reject this cruel and shortsighted legislation and urges all lawmakers to remember who they were elected to serve. Families need care and support—not cruelty masquerading as fiscal responsibility.
Parent Quotes:
“Medicaid is the lifeline that gives my son access to his neurologist and the seizure medication he depends on. Without it, I don’t know how we’d survive. It’s also made it possible for me to get essential care during my pregnancies, from doctors, midwives, and doulas who supported and protected my health and my baby’s every step of the way. Thanks to Medicaid, my entire family has been able to stay healthy – not just survive. The thought of losing that support is terrifying. Any cuts to Medicaid would devastate us, financially and otherwise.” – Ashley T., California City, California
“Our SNAP benefits were slashed from $800 to just $185 when the COVID emergency funds ended. That cut has been devastating. Both of my daughters are autistic and have multiple special needs and finding the foods they can safely eat is already a challenge. The alternatives they need aren’t affordable without help. I thought our benefits would stay the same since my husband is medically disabled, and one of our daughters has seizures and developmental delays, but even with disability income, we’re drowning under rising costs. Gas and electricity keep climbing, food prices are up, and SNAP hasn’t matched the rise in those costs. The $30 per child they’re offering this summer helps, but it’s not nearly enough, and this is the last year we’ll get it. Families like mine are being left behind.” – Gabrielle J., El Paso, TX
“Medicaid has been there for me through every stage of life including prenatal care, dental emergencies and ensuring I have access to the essential medications I need. It’s not just insurance, it’s a safety net for my family. If Medicaid funding is cut, it wouldn’t just hurt us, it would upend our lives.” –Taylour G., Tampa, Florida
“As a grandmother and full-time caregiver to my adult daughter and grandson, programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and free school meals aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. My daughter lives with a chronic mental illness that makes it impossible for her to work. I have my own chronic health issues that prevent me from working, too. Without these supports, we simply can’t afford food, housing, or basic utilities. The thought of losing access to these programs due to funding cuts is terrifying. When you’re physically unable to work, my family is left with few options for survival.” Adria P., Detroit, MI
Credit:
ParentsTogether Action, a nonprofit parent and family advocacy group that represents more than 3 million families, brings parents together to make a difference on the issues that matter most to our kids and families — things like family leave, childcare, and quality education.
NOW OPEN: Dogs! A Science Tail Returns to the California Science Center
Dogs! A Science Tail, a hands-on science exhibition that highlights the unique and dynamic nature of the bond between humans and dogs and enables guests to experience the extraordinary way that dogs see, hear, and smell the world, returns to the California Science Center and is now open. This free, immersive, multisensory, and highly interactive exhibition enables guests to learn first-hand the many ways dogs experience the world around them.
The exhibition demonstrates how science is helping us better understand and communicate with each other, which lies at the heart of the unique relationship between humans and dogs, and what makes this one of the most successful interspecies partnerships of all time. Dogs! A Science Tail was created and developed by the California Science Center in 2019 with support from the Annenberg Foundation and Wallis Annenberg PetSpace. PetSmart Charities®, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, sponsored the subsequent national tour.
“Dogs! A Science Tail explores the powerful connection between dogs and humans, while examining their extraordinary traits and abilities,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center. “There is so much we can learn from dogs—how they restore our calm, strengthen communities, and live up to their title as man’s best friend. This has been a popular exhibition as it has toured the country, and we are delighted to bring it back home to advance our mission to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone.”
Guests will be able to explore the world from a dog’s perspective through a variety of hands-on exhibits. Experiences will range from listening to hidden sounds that dogs can hear but humans can’t, excavating replicas of fossils to determine if they belong to wolves or dogs, walking through an interactive neighborhood to understand how pets strengthen the community, or testing your pop-culture knowledge during a game of “Jeopawdy!” based on the show Jeopardy! and hosted by the late Alex Trebek. Guests can also interact with virtual dogs, explore the jobs that dogs and humans undertake together, test their running speeds, and get inside a dog’s head to see and hear like them.
Pets are not permitted inside the Science Center (apart from service dogs*), but guests can share personal digital photos and record stories of their dogs on a digital sharing wall in the exhibition photo gallery.
(*The Science Center welcomes service dogs. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is defined as one that is individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks for a guest with a disability. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, pets and therapy dogs are not service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in the Science Center. Service dogs must behave in a safe manner and be under control at all times.)
Credit: The California Science Center.



















