I am so psyched and ready for this concert. Especially to hear from Aretha and her thoughts on the faux pa that Beyonce did at the Grammys. Beyonce and Tina Turner did a duet and Beyonce referred to Tina Turner as “The Queen”. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. It now has sounds of some kittens hissing and lionesses roaring in this little tit for tat.

Can I say wow and wow again. OK, ok. So there are many diva’s that are in their own right. But there are only a handfull that actually hold such honorable titles and never to be passed off to other divas. Can I say that Aretha is truely the “Queen of Soul”.

Now if you are wondering if I am dissing Tina. I am soooooooo not. Her sounds are original, classy, soothing and classic. But would see Tina’s music more on the lines of classic rock than soul. So two seperate music genre’s and two different diva’s that hold their own. And never ever can be compared. EVER. Tina the “Diva”(BTW – your still hot looking in your 60’s) and Aretha the true “Queen”.

But the only reason I can go is that I found a place where I am pretty much paying for 2 tickets for 1. The tickets are going for $55 – $85. I was able to get the 2 tickets for about $65 through a program that I am with called Gold Star Events. Which provides discounted tickets to local concerts, plays, events, operas, ballets, comedy shows, sporting events. Even Vegas shows. You can find tix for such events in major cities such as Seattle, New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Fransico, Boston, D.C and Las Vegas. I have used them for a few things already and love it. Many of the tickets I get are anywhere between 10% to 50% off regular ticketed price.

So off I go to get ready. Cause I soooo R – E – S – P – E – C – T ‘ya Aretha. All praises to thee

Los Angeles MTA Metro System Service Alerts announced “On New Year’s Eve Monday, December 31 (into Tuesday, January 1), all Metro Rail lines will run all night, every 20 minutes.”

Metro will offer a special Holiday Free Fare Program for all Metro Bus and Metro Rail lines operating on New Yearâ€s Eve.

The free fare program, approved by Metroâ€s Board of Directors, will be in effect between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. only on the nights and early morning hours of December 31-January 1.

Patrons boarding a Metro Bus, including the Metro Orange Line or the Metro Red, Purple, Blue, Green or Gold rail lines during the hours designated will receive a free ride to their destination.

The Metro Purple Line operates from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles to Wilshire/Western and the Metro Red Line from Union Station to North Hollywood in the San Fernando Valley. The Metro Blue Line operates from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles, the Metro Green Line runs between Norwalk and El Segundo and the Metro Gold Line operates between Union Station and Pasadena.

For complete route and schedule information for MTA Los Angeles patrons can call 1-800-C-O-M-M-U-T-E or visit Metroâ€s web site and access the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net.

Contact
Luis Inzunza/Marc Littman
Metro Media Relations
213.922.2711/213.922.4609
mediarelations@metro.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It is 2008 and the year of the rat. And the world is gearing up for this wonderful celebration of life and family. All the way from Los Angeles, to China, Vietnam, Korea, San Fransico. and to New York City.

Lately we have been going to the celebrations in Los Angeles due to travel and convience because of where we live. Chinatown businesses in Los Angeles pretty much closes down 1 – 3 days prior to the celebration to adhere to some of the New Years traditions. So roughly from Thursday and Friday of February 7th to the 8th many of the business will be closed. And the celebrations pick up on the morning of February 9th.

Chinatown in Los Angeles has a parade on February 9th, 2008. Get your seat early. There will be huge crowds. At times exceeding over 100,000 people plus. Be sure when the dragons pass you during the parade that they pass directly in front of you. You will be more blessed with luck during the year. And for the children, be mindful, and respect your parents and other adults and wish them a happy and prosperous New Year. There are many red envelopes to be had. The children will find money in the envelopes. Usually one will find anywhere between a nickel up to no more than $4.00. You are considered real lucky if you receive an envelope with $8.00(for its homophone for “wealth”). Sometimes they will find chocolate coins in the envelopes as well.

Prior to the parade you may want to enjoy some of the traditional Chinese and Vietnamese styled restaurants with more of the authentic foods. Not really much of the American-Asian fusion food one would eat outside such enclaved cities. All are wonderful in taste and variety. I always enjoy the traditional bowl of Vietnamese soup called Pho’. One of the many pho’ restaurants I frequent is on Broadway by the name of Pho’ 79. Order the simpliest soup called Pho’ Tai. It is pretty much a steak and noodle soup dish. One may top the soup with bean sprout, basil, hoisen sauce, nuc mum(fish sauce) and a green chile or two.

You may want to do a walking tour of the many shops that have great deals on textiles, art, clothing, toys and food at reasonable prices. You may also be surprised of the many Asian and American galleries spotted throughout Chinatown. It is also rumored that a few Hollywood stars have bought lofts in the area as well. I hear that Quentin Tarantino may be one of them. You know the producer/director/writer of such films as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and From Dusk to Dawn.

If you are unsure what Chinese Zodiac(Horoscope) you fall under, you may find out your animal sign here. Your sign will come every 12 years. If you would like to know more about the legend of the 12 signs, you may read more about it at Chinese Zodiac Page.

The Pershing Square Ice Rink is open every day from Nov. 15, 2007 to Jan. 21, 2008. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2.

Pershing Square Ice Rink
532 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 624-4289

The issue at large about the beef that the processing company Hallmark Meat Co. and their distrubuter Westland had provided was that many of the cows were downed cattle. The downed cattle pose health risks or pose a higher risk of contamination of E. Coli, Salmonella or mad cow disease. The downed cows wallow in feces and their immune systems are low and or weak, hence picking up such diseases.

The USDA is investigating into the issue along with Senator Diane Feinstein of California. The USDA has suspended the operations of Westland and Hallmark until the federals have completed a full investigation. Jack In The Box, the fast food chain is also affected by the downed cows and has stopped taking orders from the companies.

One may view the LAPL as an artistic archeticual building in its own right. The building has the style of ancient Egypt. In the upper levels of the library one may find many Egytian god statues as well. As well as large wall tapestries and art work on the ceilings that reminds me of the Sistine Chapel. There are roughly eight floors to the library. And each floor is equipped with computers that the general public and library members to use. There are weekly activities on Saturdays for the children as well. From movies to puppet shows to reading books to them.

Outside the library is a beautiful park with water fountains and plenty of space for people to lay in the grass or read on many of the park style benches. Or for the kids to run and play after a few hours in the library. There is even the Lamelle movie theater two blocks north of the library. So after a day at the library, one can catch a movie.

In addition, the LAPL has a special collection of 16,000 rare books. Some written in the 1500’s, but many were published in the 18th(1700’s) and 19th(1900’s) century. The library also has teamed up with the Getty Centerand has an exhibit that runs for a few months. They have roughly three to four in the Central Library’s Getty Gallery. The current exhibit is Julius Shulman, photographer, work. It runs until January 27, 2008. I would recommend to go see it before it closes. They have an extensive genealogical research section in the history department. As well as a lecture series where well known authors come and speak.

Now, one may wonder if this is in Pasadena, what does this have to do with Los Angeles other than the close proximity. Well this year for the 2008 Rose Bowl the beloved Trojans of USC will be playing against University of Illinois. USC is located in downtown Los Angeles.

So of course I will have to say something other than GO TROJANS!!!!!!!!!!! Right? Ok maybe not so loud. I will try and be a little unbiased and be fair. Ok maybe, NOT. GO TROJANS!!!!!!. Besides my niece goes to the esteem University of Southern California. And my son goes to high school directly across the street from USC and has about two classes on the campus as well. So it can very hard not to a wee bit biased. Sorry. Besides how many times has USC Trojans appeared in the Rose Bowl in the 105 year history. 31 times. Yup. A whopping 31 times including this 2008 year. Out of the 30 appearances. USC has won 22 of the 30 appearances. So Illinois is going to really want the ring pretty bad and work real hard to get it. The action starts at 2:30 PM(PST).

But for those who are strictly Rose Parade fans you can either reserve bleachers at certain locations of the parade route. Or you can be one of thousands who camp out the night before for a spot in the front row(curb side seating of course). The parade starts around 8 am in the morning and roughly lasts two to two and half hours. The Rose Bowl theme this year is “Passport to the World’s Celebrations.” The length of the Rose Parade route is 5 1/2 miles.

Many people are being encouraged to take the Metro system to the game and or parade. One can get there either by bus and or the light rail system(Yellow line from Union Station). The Yellow runs roughly every 8 – 12 minutes. The traffic is crazy so I would highly recommend parking at Union Station for $6 and paying the all day fare for $5. Which is much easier on the wallet and less of a headache of remembering where your car is and paying high priced parking fees. And for those who have missed the Rose Parade, you can view the floats after and on January 2, 2008. You can get a direct service to where the floats are wherehoused. For more information on Metro transportaion for the Rose Parade/Bowl festives.

LA Marathon XXIV
Monday, May 25, 2009, 07:00 AM
Los Angeles, CA 91608
Date:
Monday, May 25, 2009
Time:
07:00 AM
Venue:
Los Angeles, CA
Address:
Cahuenga and Lankershim
Cahuenga Blvd And Lankershim Blvd
Fees:
$95.00
Online Registration Closes:
05/20/09 11:59 PM
Website:
http://www.lamarathon.com

Olvera Street dates back as early as 1877. The street is named after Augustin Olvera. The first LA County Judge. He also owned a house at the end of the street as well. Within the street is the Avila Adobe House(built 1818) which still stands. Francisco Avila was one of LA’s first mayors. You may visit the Avila Adobe, roughly between the hours of 10AM – 4PM. Admission is free. Olvera Street also housed many Olympians during the 1932 which was hosted in Los Angeles. Many famous and important people would visit or frequent the street. Such as: Ronald Reagan, Charlie Chaplin, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Selma Hayak, Penelope Cruz, Ceasar Chavez, Oscar de La Hoya as well as many others.

In between touring the street and the Avila Adobe you can find some restaurants and sidewalk cafes to eat at. Many of the plates range between $4.00 – $15.00. You may be so lucky to hear live Mexican Folk to Mariachi music. Each group has anywhere between one to five singing and playing accordias and acoustical guitars.

At the end of Olvera Street is the plaza. One may be entertained by Aztec dancers and Peruvian music. During Cinco de Mayo(May 5th) there is always a festival that last 3 days. With pinatas, food, Mariachi music and more. The Plaza also has another festival Mid September in remembrace of Mexicos Independance from Spain, You may also find one of many other Olvera Street festivals. Anything from the Blessing of the Animals, Dia de Los Muetros(day of the dead is around Halloween), to the Annual celebration of the founding of Los Angeles(In 2008 it will be 226 years old). And the mural of the Blessing of the Animals was done by an Angeleno by the name of Leo Politi. The mural can be found on the Biscailuz Building in El Pueblo which is at the end of Olvera Street, across the street from the plaza. Politi was an artist as well as an author.

A full morning of fitness and family fun will begin at 6:30am with Adai Lamar, 102.3 “Radio Free” KJLH “Adai and the Home Team” morning show anchor. Adai Lamar will guide participants through the morningâ€s activities. Musical entertainment by 50â€s-present day cover band, the Grizwalds, will follow. A warm up, led by certified yoga instructor, Crunch trainer and fitness guru, Sahara Ali, featuring a hoola-hoop workout will get the runners ready.

Many 5k participants also participate in the Acura L.A. Bike Tour.

START TIMES & LOCATIONS

Acura L.A. Marathon Bike Tour – 6:00am – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

Emerald Nuts 5K Run/Walk – 7:30am – Staples Center/L.A. Convention Center

L.A. Marathon Hand Crank Wheelchairs – 7:45am – Universal Studios Hollywood

Wheelchair Race – 7:50amThe Challenge – TBDProfessional Men/Pack – 8:15 am

MARATHON REGISTRATION DEADLINES & FEES
• $100 from December 1st until February 25th at Midnight
• $115 at the Quality of Life Expo, Friday, February 29 & Saturday, March 1

QUALITY OF LIFE EXPO

The latest in running, cycling, health & fitness, travel, lifestyle improvement is featured at the LA Marathon Quality of Life Expo. Exhibitor booths feature sports running shoes to apparel. 2008 marks the 23rd year of the Quality of Life Expo. Over 80,000 people attend the LA Marathon Quality of Life Expo each year.

Los Angeles Convention Center
West Hall
1201 S. Figueroa
Los Angeles, CA 90015

Friday, March 2, 2007 9am-8pm
Saturday, March 3, 2007 9am-5pm**

The Expo is free but the Convention Center does charge $12 for parking. The Marathon derives no revenue from the parking fees.

Registrations for the 5K Run/Walk are accepted online (www.lamarathon.com) or via paper applications through February 15, 2008. Late registration for the 5K takes place at the Quality of Life Expo, Friday and Saturday February 29 and March 1, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Kentia Hall and the morning of the event in front of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Registration on raceday, Sunday, March 2th opens at 6:00am.

Contact Information: (La Marathon 5k Run / Walk)
Phone: (310) 444-5544
Fax: (310) 473-8105
Address: 11110 W. Ohio Ave, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Website: www.lamarathon.com
Email: raceinfo@lamarathon.com