Tiger at the Los Angeles Zoo

LA Zoo creates such an environment of recreation that everyone likes to come and want to explore about the different animals and the plants. The appreciation they give to wildlife and the biodiversity inspires people.

This is the place where you can take the glance of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and off course the unique thing about this Zoo, the botanical gardens. Different kinds of birds are found there. In reptiles, there are alligators, boa, dragons, gecko, lizard, snake and tortoise from various countries. Over 200 different mammals are present in this Zoo. The invertebrates that are exhibited by the Zoo include cockroaches, millipedes, tarantula, walking-stick, spider and scorpions. Diverse varieties of amphibians are also there. As it is said above, it is not a simple Zoo; as it has botanical gardens. In these botanical gardens you can see various trees which generally fill the landscapes such as eucalyptus, ficus and mulberry. These trees help to provide food for the animals. There are also very unusual and distinct species of plants such as cycads, bald cypress etc.

The Zoo recently introduced a program A.D.O.P.T. in which people can adopt a meerkat or any other endangered species in just $35 so as to support the funds for the endangered species. To enjoy the benefits of the Zoo throughout the year you can also become the member of this marvelous place.

The cost of admission to the Los Angeles Zoo:
Adults (ages 13 – up) – $13
Seniors (age 62 and up) – $10
Children (ages 2 to 12) – $8
Children (under 2) – Free
Group Rates: Discounts are available for parties of 15 or more people. With a group discount, adults are $10 per person, and children (ages 2-12) are $7 each.

How to get to the Los Angeles Zoo
The Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, at the junction of the 5 and 134 freeways. Parking in the Zoo’s more than 2,600 general and handicapped spaces with the main and south lots is free.

The Los Angeles Zoo is serviced by MTA line 96, which runs from Sherman Oaks to downtown’s Union Station. The bus makes frequent stops in both directions at the southwest corner of the Zoo’s main parking lot. A timetable can be found at www.mta.net

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.

The ice skating rink has been our destination for the last few years over the holidays. Usually, we’ve gone at night and during the week, so it hasn’t been too crowded, but this year, we made Jan. 1 our skating day…take a look and see what happened.

So, “skate wars” was a real problem for us, Dakota and I could only stand the pain for about 25 minutes before we wimped out and ran back to our comfy shoes, I honestly don’t remember the skates being that uncomfortable in previous years. It’s still worth the trip, though, I would HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you go at night when it’s all sparkly and magical and there aren’t as many people on the ice.

Here’s a link for the hours for the Pershing Square Downtown on Ice, which will stay open until January 15th, so make a date!

Here’s a blurb from the website:

Tis the season to chill out under the sun and stars at the Southland’s largest holiday outdoor ice skating rink LA DOWNTOWN ON ICE, gliding into its ninth spectacular season November 16, 2006 through January 15, 2007 at Pershing Square (532 South Olive) made possible by sponsorship from the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, LA Kings and Council member Jan Perry (9th District). As the Rockefeller Center of the west, the vast outdoor ice oasis lies nestled downtown in the heart of the city among the towering skyscrapers and historical landmarks, easily accessible by car or Metro stop. The conveniently located facility unites an estimated 500,000 spectators and 200,000 skating enthusiasts for unique, healthy and safe, seasonal recreation in what LA Parent Magazine and City Search hail as the number one family attraction for the holidays.Open seven days a week (including holidays), admission is only $6 per skating session, plus $2 skate rental.
A partnership with allows riders to receive a $1 skating session discount by showing a coupon available on Metro lines. The convenient stop at Pershing Square Station makes getting there easy.
Call 213/ 847-4970 or toll free 1-888-LA-PARKS (527-2757) And if you want a date skating lesson with Clark Thompson, here’s the link to the Simi Valley ice arenaAnd if you want a skating lesson with Clark Thompson, here’s the link to the Simi Valley ice arena. Have fun, and let me know how it goes!

see you on the freeway

My daughter lives with her dad up in the Bay Area and visits me once a month, so I consider myself a sort of “airport connoisseur” as I am there picking her up or dropping her off 25 or more times a year. Of course, I have never seen this perspective of the field, as I am driving there, but what I love about Burbank Airport is how easy it is to get in and out, especially compared to the nightmare that is LAX.

photo courtesy of PilotAge.com

The cops in front of the terminal are kind of grouchy and they don’t have a lot of patience with the pick-up scene, so my daughter and I have worked out a little system that I will share with you, because it’s been working for us. I probably should keep my mouth shut.

A side note: Here are some photos and the mission statement from the Burbank Airport Police website (!)

Their stated mission is: “…to provide a courageous, professional and courteous law enforcement response…”. OK, I get the professional and courageous part, but the courteous, well, maybe not so much. But then again, I guess standing outside in the heat and cold, telling people to move on is not that much fun.

Back to my smooth sailing technique: Right across the street from the terminal’s South entrance on Empire Ave. is the Amtrak Station. They have a small pull-in parking area there and that’s where I sit in my car and wait for my daughter’s (usually delayed) plane to land. Once her plane touches terra firma, she calls me from her cell and I swing my car into the terminal. On weekends (when she usually flies), there is often a terrible wait to even pull up to the terminal, so even though she’s on a Southwest Air flight, I have her walk beyond that first terminal, where all the crowds hang out, south to the end of the airport and wait for me there. I can usually just glide in, toss her bags in the trunk and screech out before any of the world’s grumpiest police officers can blink an eye!

Let me know (in the comment area) if you have any better tricks!

Just as an FYI, here are the airlines that currently are flying out of BUR: Alaska, American, America West, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest and United.

If you are going out of town for a while, the long-term parking is pretty reasonable. The cheapest parking lot is across the street on Thornton and the bus ride is about three minutes. Don’t you just love it! Here is a handy parking rates chart.

burbank-parking-rates.pdf

ok, gotta run,

see you on the freeway!

jessica

Improving a “Gummy Smile”

The most operative way of improving a gummy smile is to lower the lip line cover that covers the gums. The procedure reduces the gummy smile and produces a more attractive smile. The procedure was developed by Dr. Farnosh (http://www.thetotalsmile.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=4) Also, this procedure can be performed in conjunction with crown lengthening, to reshape the gumline around short teeth by removing excess gum. In some cases, the placement of veneers or crowns may also be needed.

Dr. Farnosh can help your smile in many ways. His office provides dental implants,
laser tooth whitening, aesthetic gum treatment & gum bleaching, gum grafting & bone grafting as needed. Another therapy offered is the treatment of periodontal disease by laser. Periodontal disease may cause bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, receding gums, extremely sensitive teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. What is Laser light treatment? Laser light is directed through a small fiber to reduce bacteria and eradicate diseased, infected tissue around the teeth. What are the benefits of laser periodontal treatment? The treatment reduces discomfort, controls bleeding, and offers healing time sooner than more conventional procedures.

Dr. Alex A. Farnoosh, D.M.D., M.S.D., Ph.D. is a dentist in Beverly Hills specializing in dental implants, gum bleaching and gum grafting. He serves patients from all over Los Angeles & other countries.

Beverly Hills Office:
8920 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 517
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: (310) 657-0503

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

The French Crepe Company has a website where one can view the menu and the price range. Be sure to click the Farmers Market location. There are many crepes to try. But I like to order the Beef Stroganoff Crepe. I love the tender beef pieces and mushrooms in the cream sauce. To the side of the crepe is an arugla salad with a dijon salad dressing(they have other dressing as well to choose from). Each plate will run one between $8.00 and $10.00. The other plate I like to order is the L’Opera crepes. L’Opera consists of two scrambled eggs with swiss cheese, avocado, onions and tomatoes. L’Opera crepe also comes with a side order of the arugala salad. For the cold and breezy Los Angeles days, I recommend their Soupe A’l’oignon Gratinee. French Onion Soup – a toasted baguette slice is placed in the bottom of a clay pot. Than beef broth and caramelized onions is poured over the bread. Placed on top is a heaping mound of Swiss Gruyere is than placed under a broiler to melt. The soup is roughly about $6.00. I also like to order their sparkling french lemonade to go with most of my crepe orders.

The Kodak is a 3,600 seat theater. The Kodak also is centrally located within a shopping mall and movie thearter. It also sits comfortably on top of L.A’s mass transit, the red line subway. One of the subways major stops is the Highland/Vine – Kodak Theater Stop. Prepping the theater is done about a week ahead of the broadcast. So many fans and tourists can watch as the set up begins. Including seeing the full size statueets of Oscars lined along the red carpet walkway of the theater. Yes viewing this Hollywood history is free prior to the broadcast. Or you can attempt to be a spectator on the night of the Oscars in hopes to catch a glimpse of your favorite actor and or actress via the street in front of the theater.

The Oscars have been broadcasted from the theater since 2002. Previously they were broadcasted from the Shrine Auditorium located across from the USC campus on Jefferson and Hoover in Los Angeles. The Oscars were originally at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on May 1, 1929. The Roosevelt Hotel is one block west of the Kodak.

Here are some of the following nominations for certain catergories

Best Picture

Atonement
Juno
Michael Clayton
No Country for Old Men
There Will Be Blood

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men
Tony Gilroy – Michael Clayton
Jason Reitman – Juno
Julian Schnabel – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Best Actor

George Clooney – Michael Clayton
Daniel Day-Lewis – There Will Be Blood
Johnny Depp – Sweeney Todd
Tommy Lee Jones – In the Valley of Elah
Viggo Mortensen – Eastern Promises

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett – Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Julie Christie – Away from Her
Marion Cotillard РLa Vie en Rose (La m̫me)
Laura Linney – The Savages
Ellen Page – Juno

Best Supporting Actor

Casey Affleck – The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Javier Bardem – No Country for Old Men
Philip Seymour Hoffman – Charlie Wilson’s War
Hal Holbrook – Into the Wild
Tom Wilkinson – Michael Clayton

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett – I’m Not There
Ruby Dee – American Gangster
Saoirse Ronan – Atonement
Amy Ryan – Gone Baby Gone
Tilda Swinton – Michael Clayton

Best Original Screenplay

Diablo Cody – Juno
Nancy Oliver – Lars and the Real Girl
Tony Gilroy – Michael Clayton
Brad Bird – Ratatouille
Tamara Jenkins – The Savages

Best Adapted Screenplay

Christopher Hampton – Atonement
Sarah Polley – Away from Her
Ronald Harwood – The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen – No Country for Old Men
Paul Thomas Anderson – There Will Be Blood

On January 22, 2008(same day the 2008 Oscars were annoucned) the 2005 Oscar nominated Best Actor, Heath Ledger died in his SoHo, New York apartment. Results of his death are unknown pending an autopsy. May are hearts go out to Heath Ledgers family.

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.

Michael Jackson spokesman Tohme Tohme told the media that the King of Pop is moving back to California with his three children to be closer to “where all the action (in the entertainment industry) is”. He added that “the second half (of Jackson’s career) will be better than the first.”