Now I know some or you may have watched the republican debate last week. After all, like it or not, the 2008 election will again be upon us. I would like to know, whom you think won the debate. I do not have any political leaning at the moment, but I and millions of others would like to introduce this twenty year congressman who resides in Texas. He is running for president in 2008 and needs everyone’s help. If you do not know who Congressman Paul is my friends, then I suggest you check out his site. Meanwhile, here is Dr. Paul on Lou Dobbs, discussing the issues.
Well, yes!
That was simple. Now how ’bout a tough question? Are UFO’s existent in the Long Beach area? Whether ‘alien’ in nature or not, some things can be explained, others cannot. I have seen dark, rotating, triangular shapes in the early evening sky, emitting no sound. There are some who believe there are alien civilizations living off the coast near Catalina Island. It has also been reported over the years that unidentified submerged objects (uso’s) exist nearby and inhabit the surface of the ocean. This footage however, reminds me of an ordinary piece of space debris burning itself out. You decide.
One of the first and most arresting things I noticed right away about Long Beach, were the extremely boisterous flocks of brilliant-green wild parrots. A quite bizarre experience, to say the least…
So, you’re sitting at a stop light in Belmont Shore, a wealthy neighborhood and shopping district along the beach, and all of a sudden you hear an overwhelmingly LOUD screeching of birds. You wonder what kind of birds could possibly make such a racket…”What is THAT?!”
And then they swoop across the intersection right in front of you.
“Those are the brightest green birds I’ve ever seen!” you think to yourself (or out loud, if you aren’t traveling alone).
You start asking around. “Where did those green parrots with the long tails come from? Why are they in Long Beach? How long have they been here?”
Fully expecting a scientific answer along the lines of: “Well, they migrate and they stop off here along the way,” you are amazed to learn otherwise…
Rumor has it, there was a fire in a local pet shop, years ago and some of the parrots escaped.
Yes, they disappear during the winter and nobody can say EXACTLY where they go, but in the spring they return. They stay around the beach communities in Long Beach until the southern California “winter” arrives. If you come to Long Beach in the spring or summer, you won’t be able to avoid them. They seem to live in family groups around Ocean Boulevard, returning every spring to grace us with their loud screeching and beautiful bright green and yellow plumage. Another rumor has it, that this bunch flew over from Louisiana. No one knows for sure. So, when you visit Long Beach, enjoy the wildlife!
You could say that we see a lot of aircraft on the west coast. Well you’d be right. You name it we’ve seen it. From bombers to blimps, from harriers to carriers, Long Beach sees it all. This craft is no exception. Long Beach is just south of LAX by twenty miles and that is as close as this A-380 Airbus gets.
This plane is massive and it was a thrill to see.
Yesterday it was announced that a B-1 bomber was coming to Long Beach Airport for modifications. It will stay here until the end of May 2007. Unfortunately, I did not see it land. They sometimes fly over our house and the sound is unmistakable. Of course Boeing has a manufacturing facility here and this where C-17’s are built. They are unmistakable in sound as well. Below is footage of a B-1 Lancer taking off from the Long Beach Airport. Thrilling, yet chilling.
I’ve never considered myself a Ford guy. Being from GM country and appreciative of Chevy’s, it just wouldn’t make sense. Chevrolet, I believe, has hit the mark with the all new ‘retro style’ Camaro. Jay Leno showed up recently to test drive this baby. I have always wanted one of these. Enjoy!
Here is something not seen everyday.This is footage from the 33rd annual 2007 Long Beach Toyota Grand Prix. It is held the second week of April, and it is indeed a sight to behold. If I got any closer, I would be in the driver’s seat! This is turn five and it is a very cool event. Three days of racing, crowds, and fun in the sun. If you have never been to a race, you don’t know what you’re missing.
When planning a vacation to California, the city of Long Beach will hold striking memories for many of you, myself included. Once you arrive at the place, get refreshed, invigorated, and hit the town. After a stint back at your air-conditioned apartment, you can go for Italian food in a packed but friendly in style place called Ciravello’s Restaurant and Sports Bar.
A word of advice though. Try and hang out with locals when you are moving about, for you will get to experience the underside of the vacation spot, not just the touristy areas. Also, try to eat outside, not only so you can smoke but so you can pick up more of the outer ambience. You can lunch at a classic diner and shop along Pine Avenue, where inquisitiveness and collectibles meet with present-day arts and other souvenirs. From time to time, you can even observe Hollywood directors filming movie shoots.
When visiting this playful town, with a population of about half a million, the parks, playhouses, and plazas will interest you. There are ninety-five parks in the city. Also, perhaps the understanding that major celebrities live or lived here might be the top moment of your Long Beach vacation. You might be thrilled to know then, that Bo Derek; the Doggs, Snoop and Nate; Spike Jones; Billie Jean King; and many, many other megastars have lived or do live here. And I am sure some even visit now and again. Heck, I even saw Renee Zellweger at a garage sale on Ocean Boulevard. I also saw Demi Moore on the 405 freeway. It is nearly impossible to NOT notice these people. Maybe you will even rub elbows with someone! In any case, a vacation in Long Beach will be an exciting experience loaded with memories for all ages.
Over the last ten years or so, downtown Long Beach has experienced a renaissance. If you are willing to invest a few bucks, then you will find
breathtaking condominiums in Long Beach California. There are condos with lofts, studios, and apartments with balconies/patios, and 18-foot ceilings. There is also a BBQ area, fitness room, and a courtyard. This is the Long Beach premiere condominium community. Pine Avenue is just east of the 710 Freeway and is close to many local restaurants, bars, shopping areas and entertainment venues. There are several different floor plans to choose from, including studios, studio lofts, with one and two bedroom layouts.
Some homes have features such as private patios or balconies, fully equipped kitchens and soaring 18-foot ceilings. Residents are invited to use the BBQ and picnic areas for their own special events and parties. There is a a beautiful courtyard with dramatic fountains that are perfect places to sit and relax. Residents are always welcome to get a solid workout in the fitness room, designed for all of the resident’s cardiovascular and weight training needs. This community offers reserved underground parking. Of course you are welcome to come and tour this beautiful property and see why Pine Avenue Condominiums is the only Long Beach community worthy of the name ‘home’. Experience the beauty of Downtown Long Beach, whether you are just visiting or plan to live here, Long Beach is the place to be.
The RMS Queen Mary resides in the Port of Long Beach, California. It was permanently docked in 1967 after a long thirty year career on the high seas. The QM as it is known here locally is enduring a promotion this month which made the State Lands Commission seasick.
With the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Queen Mary’s arrival in Long Beach, the RMS Foundation which owns the lease on the historical ship, is offering free admission during the month of April for all Long Beach residents. However, on April 2, the city received a letter from the California State Land Commission claiming the promotion is unfair to Californians who don’t live in the city.
The RMS Foundation in choosing not to rock the boat, (pun intended) is allowing all California residents in for free this month.
Out-of-state visitors will still have to pay. The ship is owned by the city of Long Beach and the attraction is run by the RMS Foundation.
The promotion is part of an effort to draw more people to the Queen Mary. It really is a fascinating piece of history regardless of any loss of admission sales for this month of April. This blogger feels that the whole idea of the 40th anniversary campaign is to make the ship more accessible. I also hope more and more people will discover the Queen Mary and all that there is to do on board. Naturally, California residents will need to show a photo ID to prove their residency. Unfortunately the free admission does not include parking or other ticketed attractions such as the Scorpion Russian Submarine which is docked alongside the QM. If you as a traveler find yourself visiting this port city, be sure and visit the Queen Mary, you’ll be glad you did.
April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.
To remember and honor the victims of those tragic events, the university has established the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process and generate financial support.
The fund will be used to cover expenses including but not limited to:
The site is about living in, working, and playing in the city of Long Beach, CA. Topics vary from Modern Art to downtown Renaissance to daily events. Politics are also discussed on this site as well.
April 16, 2007, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Virginia Tech community and the world beyond.
