Jupiter to parade across O.C. skies early tonight - Sciencedude - OCRegister.com: "Jupiter to parade across O.C. skies early tonight"
The brilliance of Jupiter will be on display this evening and, for awhile, our largest planet will flank a first quarter moon. Look for the duo about 8 p.m., roughly 30 degrees above south-southwest. They’ll appear to be fairly close together in the sky, which is just an illusion. The moon is only about 225,000 miles from Earth. But Jupiter will be 436,892,294 miles away at 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Life: Baseball heaven? Nah, just Dad, son and a week in Cooperstown | tournament, coyotes, baseball, one, final
Life: Baseball heaven? Nah, just Dad, son and a week in Cooperstown tournament, coyotes, baseball, one, final - OCRegister.com
ONEONTA, NY On the final day of a baseball tournament in upstate New York, 11 Orange County little leaguers stopped being 12 years old.
They played their last game before rules required them to move to the upper divisions. One final game before facial hair and deeper voices and girls.
One final shot at 12-year-old glory.
One of their dads, Curt Yocam, who works in the medical supply business with its requisite travel and deadlines and pressure, had been saying all week what the other dads had been feeling.
"Look at them," Yocam said more than once – in between the batting practice, shoulder punches, towel snaps, resounding farts and kids meal chicken strips. "Wouldn't it be great to be them?"
On that final Thursday, the Saddleback Coyotes, a travel ball team of kids from the Tijeras Creek and Trabuco Canyon little leagues, played in the semifinals of the Cooperstown All Star Village Tournament. They had made it to the final four among 24 other teams from across the United States.
It had been a week-long tournament, held between the maple trees about 20 miles from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baseball heaven.
Before the week was over, one of the Coyotes would accomplish Babe Ruthian feats with his bat, one potential Coyotes superstar would not be able to finish the tournament, and one Coyotes dad, the guy who put the whole trip together, would be coaching his final baseball game.
And the Coyotes' bunkhouse would smell like a mixture of old cheese, Napalm and feet.
Over the first four days of the tournament, the Coyotes won seven of eight games outscoring their opponents 97-26. On that final day, they needed one more victory to play in the championship game for a 6-foot trophy and a level of pride they would never forget.
The Coyotes led the semifinal game, 4-3, in the sixth inning against the Jax Beach Whitecaps, a terrific team from Florida.
On their final day as 12-year-olds, the Coyotes needed two more outs to seal the victory.
• • •
The genius behind this baseball dream was Mike Jenkins of Rancho Santa Margarita. Jenkins is a little league coach who attended the Cooperstown tournament last year. His phone call came in February, asking my son Dylan and me if we wanted to go.
He wanted to win the tournament, no doubt about that. But he said something else in that first phone call.
"You will have the best time you and your son have ever had," he said.
His genius was this: Instead of asking us to turn over our sons to him for a week, Jenkins invited each player's father to become a "coach" and stay in the bunkhouse with the players.
He sold us all on the ultimate father-son roadie. (As it turns out, no other team in the Cooperstown tournament had eight dads/coaches staying in the bunks).
Each father-son tandem paid $1,330 for the accommodations.
• • •
We flew into Kennedy Airport in New York on July 25 and piled into two rental vans for the four-hour drive upstate. We took a wrong turn in the Catskill Mountains and found ourselves in Woodstock.
Yes, that Woodstock.
We had to explain to the kids – most of which had never heard of the place – that history had blossomed just outside the little town during the 1960s when hundreds of thousands of nearly naked people converged for a rock concert. We told them about Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Suddenly, a scream in the back of the van.
"A HIPPIE."
Standing on the street corner, as if preserved from 1969, was a real, live hippie with a ponytail, tie-dye t-shirt and a beard. The kids looked at him with wonder, like he was Big Foot or a breathing museum exhibit.
Their education had begun
ONEONTA, NY On the final day of a baseball tournament in upstate New York, 11 Orange County little leaguers stopped being 12 years old.
They played their last game before rules required them to move to the upper divisions. One final game before facial hair and deeper voices and girls.
One final shot at 12-year-old glory.
One of their dads, Curt Yocam, who works in the medical supply business with its requisite travel and deadlines and pressure, had been saying all week what the other dads had been feeling.
"Look at them," Yocam said more than once – in between the batting practice, shoulder punches, towel snaps, resounding farts and kids meal chicken strips. "Wouldn't it be great to be them?"
On that final Thursday, the Saddleback Coyotes, a travel ball team of kids from the Tijeras Creek and Trabuco Canyon little leagues, played in the semifinals of the Cooperstown All Star Village Tournament. They had made it to the final four among 24 other teams from across the United States.
It had been a week-long tournament, held between the maple trees about 20 miles from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baseball heaven.
Before the week was over, one of the Coyotes would accomplish Babe Ruthian feats with his bat, one potential Coyotes superstar would not be able to finish the tournament, and one Coyotes dad, the guy who put the whole trip together, would be coaching his final baseball game.
And the Coyotes' bunkhouse would smell like a mixture of old cheese, Napalm and feet.
Over the first four days of the tournament, the Coyotes won seven of eight games outscoring their opponents 97-26. On that final day, they needed one more victory to play in the championship game for a 6-foot trophy and a level of pride they would never forget.
The Coyotes led the semifinal game, 4-3, in the sixth inning against the Jax Beach Whitecaps, a terrific team from Florida.
On their final day as 12-year-olds, the Coyotes needed two more outs to seal the victory.
• • •
The genius behind this baseball dream was Mike Jenkins of Rancho Santa Margarita. Jenkins is a little league coach who attended the Cooperstown tournament last year. His phone call came in February, asking my son Dylan and me if we wanted to go.
He wanted to win the tournament, no doubt about that. But he said something else in that first phone call.
"You will have the best time you and your son have ever had," he said.
His genius was this: Instead of asking us to turn over our sons to him for a week, Jenkins invited each player's father to become a "coach" and stay in the bunkhouse with the players.
He sold us all on the ultimate father-son roadie. (As it turns out, no other team in the Cooperstown tournament had eight dads/coaches staying in the bunks).
Each father-son tandem paid $1,330 for the accommodations.
• • •
We flew into Kennedy Airport in New York on July 25 and piled into two rental vans for the four-hour drive upstate. We took a wrong turn in the Catskill Mountains and found ourselves in Woodstock.
Yes, that Woodstock.
We had to explain to the kids – most of which had never heard of the place – that history had blossomed just outside the little town during the 1960s when hundreds of thousands of nearly naked people converged for a rock concert. We told them about Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Suddenly, a scream in the back of the van.
"A HIPPIE."
Standing on the street corner, as if preserved from 1969, was a real, live hippie with a ponytail, tie-dye t-shirt and a beard. The kids looked at him with wonder, like he was Big Foot or a breathing museum exhibit.
Their education had begun
Friday, August 15, 2008
Labor Day Weekend 2008 Events in Orange County
Labor Day Weekend Events in Orange County
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Pageant of the Masters - Laguna Beach
Now through August 30, 2008
Presented in July and August since the early 1930's, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is a juried exhibit of fine, strictly original works by 160 gifted artists, while the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art re-creations.
LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach
INFO:
949-494-1145
Sawdust Festival - Laguna Beach
Now through August 31, 2008
10 am - 10 pm daily
Outdoor arts and craftes festival. Watch artists create their work and buy directly from the artists while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
LOCATION:
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach
INFORMATION:
949-494-3030
Discovery Science Center Presents:
Animal Grossology
Now through September 7, 2008
Meet some of the stinkiest, slimiest and downright yuckiest creatures on Earth at Discovery Science Center’s summer 2008 exhibition, Animal Grossology.
Bob the Builder
Now through September 7, 2008
Bob the Builder and his can-do crew invite aspiring builders and their families help to get the job done, as the first-ever hands-on Bob the Builder–Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit visits Taco Bell Discovery Science Center.
LOCATION:
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
INFORMATION:
714-542-2823
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Directions
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Annual Festival of Children
Costa Mesa
September 1 - 30, 2008
Beginning early September and continuing every weekend throughout the month. Over two million people attended last year’s celebration of childhood. Showcasing over 50 children’s charities, this year’s Festival of Children brings together even more fun activities for children and families to enjoy together. It will feature more than 100 special events, including celebrity appearances, live performances, character appearances, arts & crafts, special demonstrations and more.
All events are free to the public.
LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Pageant of the Masters - Laguna Beach
Now through August 30, 2008
Presented in July and August since the early 1930's, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is a juried exhibit of fine, strictly original works by 160 gifted artists, while the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art re-creations.
LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach
INFO:
949-494-1145
Sawdust Festival - Laguna Beach
Now through August 31, 2008
10 am - 10 pm daily
Outdoor arts and craftes festival. Watch artists create their work and buy directly from the artists while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
LOCATION:
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach
INFORMATION:
949-494-3030
Discovery Science Center Presents:
Animal Grossology
Now through September 7, 2008
Meet some of the stinkiest, slimiest and downright yuckiest creatures on Earth at Discovery Science Center’s summer 2008 exhibition, Animal Grossology.
Bob the Builder
Now through September 7, 2008
Bob the Builder and his can-do crew invite aspiring builders and their families help to get the job done, as the first-ever hands-on Bob the Builder–Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit visits Taco Bell Discovery Science Center.
LOCATION:
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
INFORMATION:
714-542-2823
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Directions
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Annual Festival of Children
Costa Mesa
September 1 - 30, 2008
Beginning early September and continuing every weekend throughout the month. Over two million people attended last year’s celebration of childhood. Showcasing over 50 children’s charities, this year’s Festival of Children brings together even more fun activities for children and families to enjoy together. It will feature more than 100 special events, including celebrity appearances, live performances, character appearances, arts & crafts, special demonstrations and more.
All events are free to the public.
LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa
Los Angeles doubles fines for residents who waste water - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles doubles fines for residents who waste water - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an ordinance Thursday that doubles fines for residents who repeatedly violate the city's "drought buster" rules, including a reworked ban on watering lawns between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.The measure bars restaurants from serving water to customers unless it is specifically requested. And the ordinance will quadruple fines for large customers of the Department of Water and Power, mainly businesses, that break the city's water-waster law.
Have you caught the city wasting water?
Waste water
"L.A.'s future depends on our citizens to adopt an ethic of conservation," Villaraigosa said.The anti-drought initiative has coincided with efforts by Villaraigosa to keep his top appointee at the DWP, Commission President Nick Patsaouras, from quitting his post. Perhaps the utility's most aggressive watchdog on spending issues, Patsaouras sent a resignation e-mail Monday, but the mayor refused to accept it.Villaraigosa said his appointee had repeatedly talked about leaving the volunteer post and about being "overworked." Patsaouras serves on a panel overseeing construction of the new $454-million police headquarters.
"He's talked to me about resigning more than a few times. Each time, I get him to realize that we need him," Villaraigosa said.Patsaouras would not discuss his conversation with the mayor but sent a brief text message to The Times saying he would stay put "to fulfill the mayor's vision."Villaraigosa discussed his appointee as he stood near two of the city's 16 "drought busters," inspectors who will issue fines to those caught violating the new rules two or more times. The team will look for various violations, such as washing cars with a hose that lacks a shut-off device.One resident questioned whether the city was being fastidious about its own water usage. West Los Angeles resident Eric Shabsis said he had seen sprinklers running during the day outside the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center and a city facility in Palms. "If residents are being asked not to water their lawns between 9 and 4, shouldn't the city follow the same policy?" asked Shabsis, a onetime aide to former Mayor James K. Hahn.A Times video posted Thursday shows water waste at Venice Beach and at a DWP facility in the San Fernando Valley. DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo said city officials would fix the problems."Clearly, there's work to be done," Ramallo said, adding that the agency switchboard was "flooded with calls about all kinds of potential violations."Under the new rules, DWP customers are prohibited from using hoses to wash down their sidewalks and driveways, unless there is a public safety issue or a pressure washer involved. The law also bars residents from watering their lawns when it rains.Anyone who sees a violation may call (800) DIAL-DWP. The hotline has received 2,400 complaints since last summer, Ramallo said.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an ordinance Thursday that doubles fines for residents who repeatedly violate the city's "drought buster" rules, including a reworked ban on watering lawns between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.The measure bars restaurants from serving water to customers unless it is specifically requested. And the ordinance will quadruple fines for large customers of the Department of Water and Power, mainly businesses, that break the city's water-waster law.
Have you caught the city wasting water?
Waste water
"L.A.'s future depends on our citizens to adopt an ethic of conservation," Villaraigosa said.The anti-drought initiative has coincided with efforts by Villaraigosa to keep his top appointee at the DWP, Commission President Nick Patsaouras, from quitting his post. Perhaps the utility's most aggressive watchdog on spending issues, Patsaouras sent a resignation e-mail Monday, but the mayor refused to accept it.Villaraigosa said his appointee had repeatedly talked about leaving the volunteer post and about being "overworked." Patsaouras serves on a panel overseeing construction of the new $454-million police headquarters.
"He's talked to me about resigning more than a few times. Each time, I get him to realize that we need him," Villaraigosa said.Patsaouras would not discuss his conversation with the mayor but sent a brief text message to The Times saying he would stay put "to fulfill the mayor's vision."Villaraigosa discussed his appointee as he stood near two of the city's 16 "drought busters," inspectors who will issue fines to those caught violating the new rules two or more times. The team will look for various violations, such as washing cars with a hose that lacks a shut-off device.One resident questioned whether the city was being fastidious about its own water usage. West Los Angeles resident Eric Shabsis said he had seen sprinklers running during the day outside the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center and a city facility in Palms. "If residents are being asked not to water their lawns between 9 and 4, shouldn't the city follow the same policy?" asked Shabsis, a onetime aide to former Mayor James K. Hahn.A Times video posted Thursday shows water waste at Venice Beach and at a DWP facility in the San Fernando Valley. DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo said city officials would fix the problems."Clearly, there's work to be done," Ramallo said, adding that the agency switchboard was "flooded with calls about all kinds of potential violations."Under the new rules, DWP customers are prohibited from using hoses to wash down their sidewalks and driveways, unless there is a public safety issue or a pressure washer involved. The law also bars residents from watering their lawns when it rains.Anyone who sees a violation may call (800) DIAL-DWP. The hotline has received 2,400 complaints since last summer, Ramallo said.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Disneyland to close another food joint - Fast Food Maven - OCRegister.com
Disneyland to close another food joint - Fast Food Maven - OCRegister.com: "Disneyland to close another food joint"
A week after disclosing plans to shutter three McDonald’s in its two Anaheim theme parks, Disneyland has now said it will close a fine dining eatery at California Adventure.
The upscale The Vineyard Room at the Golden Vine Winery — which was once sponsored by Robert Mondavi — will close Aug. 31, Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez told The Register in an email statement.
Sanchez would not disclose what would replace the high-end restaurant, where a meal can run tourists about $30 per person.
“In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered,” she said.
The closure comes as Disney takes a hard look at revamping the struggling California Adventure. Earlier this summer, The Register’s Around Disney blogger Sonya Smith reported several changes planned for the park. Read her full DCA coverage.
Disneyland also announced plans last week to close three McDonald’s eateries located at both parks, including Burger Invasion at DCA.
Final thoughts: I don’t know about you, but I have never liked the idea of fine dining in a theme park. I hope Disney replaces The Vineyard and Burger Invasion with some good, fast eats. How about a Johnny Rockets Express or a pizza joint? Any suggestions? Write in.
A week after disclosing plans to shutter three McDonald’s in its two Anaheim theme parks, Disneyland has now said it will close a fine dining eatery at California Adventure.
The upscale The Vineyard Room at the Golden Vine Winery — which was once sponsored by Robert Mondavi — will close Aug. 31, Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez told The Register in an email statement.
Sanchez would not disclose what would replace the high-end restaurant, where a meal can run tourists about $30 per person.
“In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered,” she said.
The closure comes as Disney takes a hard look at revamping the struggling California Adventure. Earlier this summer, The Register’s Around Disney blogger Sonya Smith reported several changes planned for the park. Read her full DCA coverage.
Disneyland also announced plans last week to close three McDonald’s eateries located at both parks, including Burger Invasion at DCA.
Final thoughts: I don’t know about you, but I have never liked the idea of fine dining in a theme park. I hope Disney replaces The Vineyard and Burger Invasion with some good, fast eats. How about a Johnny Rockets Express or a pizza joint? Any suggestions? Write in.
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