Plastic Pollution Coalition
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is what has become of the vortex of ocean and air currents called the North Pacific Gyre. Scientists estimate it is two times the size of the United States and all plastic waste, large and small, which fragments into particles that never biodegrade. There are gyres in all 5 major oceans in the world. Poisoning marine wildlife, polluting oceans and destroying human health, the plastic drifts off land and is dumped off boats. “The Industry & NOAA call it ‘marine debris,’ but we call it ‘plastic pollution’ because that is what it is, says Dianna Cohen, one of the co-founders of Plastic Pollution Coalition along with Lisa Boyle, Esq., Manuel Maqueda and Daniella Russo.
Affordable Luxury ~ Laguna Riviera Resort
There’s something to be said for large-scale corporate hotels. That something won’t be said about the family-run Laguna Riviera Beach Resort, a longtime favorite Laguna Beach inn whose character is as far from cookie-cutter corporate as you can get. Built in the late ‘40s and recently renovated, the Laguna Riviera offers contemporary comforts and amenities without sacrificing its unique warmth and charm. Its distinctive personality and ideal location delight new guests and keep regulars returning season after season. The continuity of character results from the fact that the hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for over 60 years.
Shelter from the Storm: Long Beach Rescue Mission
If you give happiness to others, you give glory to the Almighty as well. For 35 years, the Long Beach Rescue Mission has been a spiritual haven for those in need of food and shelter. A Christian-based, non-profit institution, the Rescue Mission serves the South Bay community with a wide range of programs and services: from daily meals to rehabilitation assistance and help with navigating the city’s social services to the most life-saving of basic needs— a safe place to sleep.
Restaurant Review: Ws China Bistro
When you enter a restaurant that is the creation of Cuban-born epicures of Chinese ancestry who were raised in Peru, you have high hopes that your dining experience will be something beyond ordinary. Thanks to the culinary brilliance of Fernando, Roberto, and Marcelino Chong, your expectations will be delightfully surpassed. Call it Chinese Fusion, call it sheer genius, but call to make a reservation now. With its innovative take on Chinese classics, Ws China Bistro explores the exciting alliance forged by Asian and Latin cuisines.
Restaurant Review: Daimon Yajimbo
“Daimon” Japanese Restaurant is an easy destination to miss on the long drive down Pacific Coast Highway before you hit the bright lights of Main St. in Huntington Beach. But the action going on inside this local haunt is worth making the U-turn into their parking lot. Fortunately, you’ll find that proximity is not the only thing that separates it from other food you’ll find down the main drag. The first time you walk in, next to the laid back DJ booth near the front, you’ll be wondering if you’re actually in a restaurant.
Restaurant Review: Fusion Sushi
In America, the words “fusion” and “sushi” seem a little redundant. Since its surge of popularity in the American diet circa 1970, Japanese eateries have found plenty of clever ways to make it familiar to western pallets (i.e. creamy sauces, decadent names, inside-out construction and of course, avocado). Surprisingly, the culinary constructions of Fusion Sushi in Long Beach add a solid contribution to the California kingdom of sushi innovation, especially if you like spicy. We found this place tucked in the corner of a clustered shopping complex on Spring and Palo Verde, though its quality is enough to make it a standout amongst the tan stucco buildings and rogue shopping carts.
Black Eyed Peas: Interview with will.i.am
Consistency is rare in the music industry, but The Black Eyed Peas have been able to keep it red-hot through the years. With smash hits like, “Let’s Get it Started in Here,” “Where is the Love?” “Don’t Phunk with My Heart,” and “My Humps,” The Black Eyed Peas have been delivering addictive tracks that hit the top of the charts and hit the clubs immediately upon release. The Black Eyed Peas has digitally released their first single of the year, “Boom Boom Pow,” releasing the single earlier than planned due to popular demand. The album, “The E.N.D.” comes out June 9th. This marks the group’s fifth studio album and their first album since 2005.
Restaurant Review: Casanova Ristorante Italiano
One of the world’s most beautiful cities, Venice evokes images of serene canals, bustling piazzas, resplendent palaces… and delizioso Northern Italian cuisine. Perhaps the most famous Venetian in history was Casanova, an adventurer and author whose romantic escapades were so profuse and renowned that he earned the title of “world’s greatest lover.” When a restaurant calls itself Casanova, you expect there to be an ambience of intimacy as well as a flavor of Venezia. Casanova Ristorante Italiano and Cocktail Lounge expertly serve up both, vying for the title of “Orange County’s Best Little Italian Restaurant.”
Vacations to Spice Up the Off-Season
Summer’s over, fall has kicked in, and winter is waiting around the corner. How quickly our lazy-days mentality gives way to our nose-to-the-grind reality! What better way to slip back into a summer state-of-mind than with a vacation? Off-season travel boasts some great deals on airfare and accommodations, helping any slave-to-a-schedule shake off the end-of-year blues. Whether comfort food or gourmet delights complete the picture of your perfect slow-season getaway, these six options offer food (and drink) for thought.
Interview with CSI Miami's Emily Procter
Television dramas are a staple of networks’ primetime line-up. Over the years the networks have duked it out in the ratings race only to see many shows fail and few succeed. But one network has struck gold in creating a drama series that has caught on with fans. Not only is the show a series, but also, it is a franchise—branching off two spin-off shows. The show has consistently done well with ratings and puts CBS on top when it comes to primetime drama. The show? CSI. Emily Procter has been one of the fortunate few to join this illustrious television franchise, playing Calleigh Duquesne—a ballistics expert.
