up for something different, they are in fact creatures of habit. Any parent who has sat through the 82nd home viewing of “Finding Nemo” knows this. If kids like something, they will watch, listen and/or eat that thing over and over and over and over until you, the parent, not only know every word, but the exact song sequence to the Lion King CD that has not been out of your car player for 18 months.

But here’s the thing: new can be very good for a kid; new is necessary. They need to have new experiences, new learning opportunities, they benefit from meeting new friends and being made aware of new possibilities.

We know this isn’t always (ever?) easy. One way to make it go a little easier is to have plenty of new ideas in your holster, lots of possibilities to be presented when the previous one gets turned down. And summer is a great time to present these ideas. Without the mad dash of getting to and from school, there’s time to try something different––a new sport or hobby; maybe sing a song or tell a joke in front of an audience; or build a boat or a rocket, maybe even, gasp, go back to school (trust us, it’s good).

Now, the cover says we’ve come up with 10 new things you might try for your kids, but that’s a lie. We have 10 items in this article, but within those are several suggestions, so, as usual with Kidsguide, you’re getting much more than you paid for. What’s (lots) more, you’ll find hundreds more ideas and providers of new things here in the pages of Kidsguide, so have at it.

New ideas? Yes.

New ideas that lead to happy, well-rounded kids? Definitely.

1

(GET INTO THE) ACT!

Any parent who’s ever tried to get a straight answer as to how the kitchen ended up looking like that, knows kids are natural actors. And there are lots of local outfits that can not only develop their performance skills, but all the things necessary to put on a good show. Long Beach-based Kid’s Theater Company (562.209.1894) offers kids not only the opportunities to act, sing or do a bit of improv, but also learn the critical behind-the-scenes skills of set design, lighting and such. Director Kyle Becker knows that the performing arts are critical for any kid. “Being in a production makes a kid feel part of a team,” he said. “It teaches them dedication and self-esteem while giving them the foundation of performance art.” And Becker’s productions, which have included music revues, improv comedies and Alice Rocks Wonderland, are tailored to each kid, so that a boy who may be less inclined to sing, may prefer to hit stuff and is given parts that include stage combat, or work behind the scenes with set design. Now, if your child goes more for new media, there are also camps available that will give them the opportunity to perform on both sides of a camera. Movies By Kids, for example, offers kids the opportunity to pursue numerous types of filmmaking: kids can make animated shorts, film their own live-action sequence, produce a music video or newscast, and lots more (www.moviesbykids.com).

2

(SING) MUSIC!

One of the best things you can not only do for your kid’s brain, but soul, is introduce them early and often to all types of music: singing, playing, singing and playing. It’s wonderful and basic to who we are as human beings and, unfortunately, our schools don’t have the money to provide it much anymore. Fortunately, there are plenty of other companies and organizations to fill the void. As for the bit where they open their mouths and let loose, there are a few favorites that include the Southern California Children’s Chorus (www.sccchorus.org), or Sandpiper Children’s Chorus sponsored by Alley Kat Music Center in the city of Cypress (www.alleykatsheetmusic.com). The International Peace Choir (www.internationalpeacechoir.org) was founded in Long Beach more than 20 years ago, and offers kids not only the chance to sing, but to learn about other cultures. Kids represent a particular country, research it and wear the national garb from it. The choir has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, before Pope John Paul II, at Dodger Stadium, and at Lincoln Center in New York City.

3

(PLAY) MUSIC!

And this is the bit where they keep their mouths closed for the most part (ah, one can dream) to make beautiful music come out of an instrument. Again there are lots of places to make this happen. Jammin’ Music offers all kinds of possibilities, from private lessons to summer camps to Rock School (www.jamminmusic-lb.com). Kids can learn how to play piano or guitar or drums. They can improve on their own and learn to play with others. And they can learn all of this WHILE NOT IN YOUR HOUSE. Which is something the neighbors would probably appreciate. Golden West College also offers beginning drums for kids (www.goldenwestcollege.edu) and Cypress College (www.cypresscollege.edu) offers a similar opportunity to learn the cello.

4

(BIG KID) SCHOOL!

And yes, we can hear you asking if we have gone out of our minds! True, the whole point of summer for kids is to be away from school––the school of uniforms and rigid time schedules and classes they aren’t particularly excited about. But what about a little school we like to call college? Schools like that offer classes to young folk over the summer on how to make iPhone apps or video games. That’s the kind of stuff kids learn at iD Tech Camps (www.internalDrive.com) located on college campuses throughout the Southland. For kids into time-tested apps, like writing, Cal State Long Beach offers its well-regarded Young Writers Camp (www.youngwriterscamp.com). Camps like this not only offer new experiences and skills, but the opportunity for kids to start thinking, and become excited about, the college experience. One of the most extensive kid programs is at Cypress College where there are hundreds of classes ranging from creating your own Web page to computer animation to baking, plus lots of other new things (www.cypresscollege.edu). “We’re offering digital filmmaking, digital music mixing, stop-motion animation,” said Cypress’ Rita Pierce. “It’s really fun stuff that kids can not only learn but take with them.”

5

(OTHER) SPORTS!

Yeah, we know. If anything is not new, it’s sports for kids. It seems at times all we do is drive them to one sport or ano

ther. But, for a lot of kids, it’s the same sports as everyone else: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. How about introducing them to some new ones? New ones like archery? You can hook up with the folks at the Junior Olympic Archery Development Program at Long Beach’s El Dorado Park (www.eldoradoarchers.com). If you want something equally combative and artful, introduce them to fencing (and now we don’t mean chain-link). You know, fencing, as in sword play, w

hich isn’t play but a serious sport steeped in history and pointed things. You know, swords. South Coast Fencing offers kids the opportunity to learn this beautiful activity called the “chess of sports” in classes and even a beginner’s camp (www.southcoastfencing.com). Now, if you’d like to get your kids off dry land you might try the equally artful synchronized swimming which the City of La Mirada offers (562.902.3191). Or you can try something equally combative, a little bit of aqua-wrestling called water polo. Los Al Youth Water Polo takes kids as young as 5 and teaches them a sport that director Bahram Hojreh says is one of the few “to force a person to use every muscle in their b

ody” (www.losalamitoswaterpolo.com). Sounds like fun, not to mention a good night sleep.

Or take it to dry land with Ping Pong. Yes, there are actually not only youth programs, but lessons and camps for the beginner to advanced player (www.powerpong.org).

6(JUST) PARTY!

Perfect for an un-birthday or if your birthday happens to fall near or on a major holiday, or just because it’s summer. The idea here is to get a group of neighbors or friends together and pitch in for a wing-ding. Rent a bouncer, play street games, have a marine biology expert bring tidepool animals to your backyard (Blue Submarine, 888.218.8085) or go to California Pets for a puppy or reptile party (www.californiapetsoc.com).

7

CRAFT(Y)

OK, there are literally way, way, waaaaay, too many craft opportunities offered at schools, parks and grandma’s homes. But we love two. The first is sewing. Yes, sewing. Now you may think this is for old ladies, until you have a hole in your sock or find the new $150 jeans you just bought are way too long. This is why you go to Sewing With Jane (562.431.1943). Jane Loper offers classes and camps that teach kids to work with textiles and make some very cool projects. Sewing? Cool? Uh, for any of you kids interested in becoming the next winner of Project Runway, you will notice that every one of those people know their way around a needle, thread and sewing machine. OK, now equally as classic is learning to build model boats. Our area happens to offer one of the best programs around in Long Beach’s Model Boat Shop run by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Kids from the ages of 7 on up not only learn how to build model sailboats, thereby learning a good bit of history, culture and language of the sea, but race their creations in weekly regattas. Captain’s hat optional (562.570.3100).

8

(SCIENCE?) SCIENCE!

Yes, yes, it’s not every kids’ favorite subject, but a lot of that has to do with science learned out of a book. In the summer, kids can be exposed to science … in the raw! This is the way science was supposed to be experienced, hands-on like at Cal State Long Beach’s Young Scientist Camp for kids in grades 3 to 8 (www.youngscientistscamp.com). Other favorite science-y type things include Long Beach Marine Institute camps. They have a couple of age-appropriate camps to introduce and foster a fascination and love of the ocean for kids 5-12 and teens ages 13-16. Teens actually live aboard a research vessel for a week and participate in all manner of exploration (www.longbeachmarine.org). And the Ocean Institute in Dana Point offers a Seafarer’s Odyssey for 9 to 10 years olds that includes helmsmanship, treasure hunts and real sea-cave exploration (www.ocean-institute.org). This, in scientific terms, is very cool.

9

(DRIVE-IN) MOVIES!

One way to get kids excited about the new possibilities of movies is to show them how they used to be experienced with movie stars 50-feet tall! Yeah drive-in movies still exist, and they make a great, evening excursion. Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair features eight, first-run movies every day of the week. Adults are just 7 bucks, kids 5 to 9 just a buck (www.missiontiki.com). Even better, during the theater’s “Summer Under The Stars” program, they show a weekly classic movie—and it costs just one buck a car. ONE DOLLAR! Do you know what else is one dollar these days? Nothing. You might also check out the Vineland in City of Industry (www.vinelanddriveintheater.com); the Van Buren (www.vanburendriveintheatre.com) and Rubidoux (www.rubidoux.icyspicy.com) in Riverside.

10

NOTHING!

Hey, it’s summer. Why don’t you and your kids try a little something new called nothing? Sit on the steps and share a popsicle. Lay on the grass and look up at the clouds (Hey! That one looks like my small intestine!) In the midst of our over-scheduled, over-achieving lives, when we all seem to be in a constant state of becoming, wouldn’t it be great for all of us—adults and kids—to just be in a state of being. Just. Be. Happy Summer!

It’s back! Visit the Orange County Fairgrounds for an unforgettable weekend – gain insight into the active world of pets, shop for Fido and Fifi and prepare to be entertained in the world’s largest and most–respected consumer pet show.

Kidsguide Magazine Online
April 7, 2010

Splash Dogs, Comedy Pet Theater and extreme doggy make-overs – there’s plenty to see, do and marvel over at the world’s largest consumer pet show! America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the Orange County Fairgrounds on April 16-18 for a weekend bursting with entertainment, pony rides, pet adoptions, animal showcases and one-stop shopping for all things pet!

This annual event brings together the public and professionals in the companion animal world, from product manufacturers and retailers, to veterinarians and groomers, as well as animal humane organizations. Whether you’re looking to learn about different dog breeds, ride a pony, or check out the hundreds of animals available for adoption, America’s Family Pet Expo offers an once-in-a-lifetime interaction with all types of animals. Boost your avian, canine, feline, equine, fish and reptile knowledge when you attend the event’s numerous training, care and grooming demonstrations and seminars!

The Expo also gathers together merchants, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase quality pet products at discounted rates.

Also at the heart of the family-friendly event is a top-notch entertainment lineup fit to awe and inspire pet-lovers of all ages. Debuting this year is Equine Entertainment & Attractions, which feature a variety of horse superstars including the horse played the titular racehorse in “Seabiscuit,” and Lukas, dubbed the World’s Smartest Horse for his spelling and counting aptitude.

Make sure to catch the Expo’s other popular attractions: the skill of scooter-pushing dogs and acrobatic cats in Popovich Comedy Pet Theater; the “splashy” pooches of the dock-diving Splash Dogs; Joe “The Birdman” Krathwohl’s Free Flight Bird Show; and the CFA Cat Show’s array of award-winning feline breeds.

America’s Family Pet Expo
• Friday, April 16, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Admission, $6-$12. Kids under 6 get in free. Save $2 when you purchase tickets online!
• Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa (map it!)
• (626) 447-2222, (714) 708-1500. www.petexpooc.org

Healthy lifelong habits start in the kitchen. The Junior League shows families how on March 13.
Kidsguide Magazine Online
March 1, 2010

Here’s a hefty statistic from the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity: did you know that by this year, nearly half the children in North and South America will be overweight?

The answer is as close as your kitchen – literally! The Junior League of Long Beach on March 13 is back with its its deliciously informative community event, Kids in the Kitchen Healthy Eating and Exercise Fair.

This free event – part of the League’s children’s health advocacy efforts – encourages youth and families to make healthy food and lifestyle choices. Learn, munch and come home with a wealth of delicious ideas from various workshops and activities scheduled throughout the day, from yoga demonstrations and Veggie Bowling, to taking the Vons Eating Right Adventure Tours. Vons, a major supporter of the annual event, will host it in its Circle Center location in Long Beach.

Hungry yet? Make sure to visit the fair’s numerous cooking stations, where little (and big) chefs can learn to make goodies like fruit kabobs and PB&J quesadillas. The day is also a chance for families to meet and make friends with community groups promoting kids’ fitness, among them the Long Beach Fire Department, Tae Kwon Do Academy, Prep Kitchen Essentials, Stroller Strides and DG Boxing.

Make sure to stick around for the raffle, where attendees get the chance to win prizes fit to inspire even the most stubborn couch potato: Nintendo Wii and Active, one-month dance lessons and boxing classes, a one-week cooking camp from Prep Kitchen Essentials, Kids in the Kitchen cooking gear and more!

Kids in the Kitchen Healthy Eating and Exercise Fair
• Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Parking lot at Vons Market, Circle Center, 1820 Ximeno Ave., Long Beach (map it!).
• (562) 989-6400, www.JLLB.org

What’s your fondest holiday memory?

In Part 4 of The Buzz’s four-part Holiday Survival Guide series, we get a little nostalgic. At the heart of every yuletide celebration is a family tradition – picking out the perfect tree to bring home, marathon viewings of “A Christmas Story,” or baking all things gingerbread.

Whether you’ve refined your family traditions or are in search of new ones, The Buzz shares some of its staff’s favorite things:

A Holiday Movie. There are many perennial favorites. Here’s our picks: The one-week long run of Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” at the Long Beach Art Theatre begins today, with a special $8 rate for all evening shows. During Christmas week, the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro will feature a live stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic.

Caroling. Nothing quite gets you in the mood like a holiday tune. Hear some heavenly singing this weekend: the Bellflower Civic Chorus at Bellflower’s Rejoice Noel; the Southern California Children’s Chorus at Calvary Church in Santa Ana and the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, where they sing alongside the Pacific Chorale. Our pick: You! Start your own neighborhood caroling tradition. Here’s how.

“The Nutcracker.” With numerous productions on stage throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties, you need not drive far to catch a performance. Our picks: Long Beach Ballet Academy’s Dec. 19-20 and 22-23 “Nutcracker” performances, which will be accompanied by a live orchestra. We also like California Nutcracker Ballet for its up-to-date listings of every “Nutcracker” performance scheduled this month. Find the production nearest you here.

Water Worlds of Light. What we lack in snow, we make up with brilliant displays of light. Our picks: Dec. 19’s 63rd Annual Naples Island Boat Parade, where small and large boats will brighten the Long Beach peninsula’s waterways; Newport Beach’s Parade of Lights illuminates Newport Harbor Dec. 19-20; and in Cruise of Lights, guests are taken on a narrated evening tour along the Huntington Beach coast. Bonus pick: Prefer solid ground? Plot your own route to the Southland’s prettiest displays with some help from the Long Beach Press-Telegram’s Holiday Lights Guide and the Orange County Register’s Holiday Lights Contest.

Parade of Lights image courtesy of www.daveyslocker.com

We’re almost at the homestretch! In Part 3 of The Buzz’s Holiday Survival Guide, we help you find the ideal winter camp for your tyke, tween and teen.

Not only are winter camps lifesavers for the busy parent, they are also a productive way for kids to spend their two-week school vacation. Most camps often fashion their activities – sometimes even menus! – around fun themes to maximize the experience for participants.

Here are some stand-out programs that caught our eye. (To learn what else is out there, make sure to check with your city’s recreation department, schools and local YMCAs.)

Alpert JCC Kamp Komaroff (Grades 1-6) & Winter Break Play Days (Ages 2-7). Parents have the flexibility of enrolling their child for one day or for the camps’ 6-day duration. Activities for Kamp Komaroff campers include filming their own mini-movies, the science of snow – including how to make fake snow – as well as an early New Year’s themed day complete with floats (the ice cream-based confection, and the kind that coasts down a parade route). Younger children in Winter Break Days will embark on kid-friendly archaeological dino digs, “travel” to Israel aboard a prop plane, and learn how to be mini-chefs. Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30. Sign up for one or more days, $40-$50 per day. (562) 426-7601, ext. 1090. www.alpertjcc.org

City of Anaheim Youth Winter Basketball Camp (Ages 7-13). Score! For $35, girls and boys for one week learn new basketball skills at the West Anaheim Youth Center Gymnasium. Beginner and intermediate players will work to improve their skill sets from the city recreation department’s professional and patient staff. Bring water and your game face! Dec. 21-24, 2-hour sessions, $35. (714) 765-4311, www.anaheim.net

Marine Science Camps. Regional institutions Aquarium of the Pacific and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium have three sea-riffic Winter Camp programs for preschool to elementary school-aged kids.

Children ages 5-6 in the Aquarium’s Sea Squirt Camp for three days learn about birds, underwater critters and marine mammals through games, aquarium visits, biofact discovery touch and crafts. Winter Day Campers (Grades 2-4) learn more advanced topics such as winter migrations, polar bears and cold habitats. In addition to aquarium visits, crafts and biofact touch sessions, they’ll also conduct behind-the-scenes animal observation.
Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30. $115-$150 per session. (562) 961-1630. www.aquariumofthepacific.org

Meanwhile, kids enrolled in Cabrillo’s Winter Seafari Camp will join the San Pedro-based aquarium’s enthusiastic staff as they explore the seashore. The camp is split in morning and afternoon sessions for Grades K-2 and grades 3-6. Other marine-related activities include ocean projects and crab-fishing. Dec. 28-31. 3-hour session, $68. (310) 548-7562.
www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Team OC Fun Winter Camp 2009 (Ages 3-12). Jump around! Team OC Fun offers two 3-day Winter Camps this month. The energetic folks at this Costa Mesa-based cheer, gymastics and dance gym will blend gymnastics, cheer, dance, trampoline, sports and art to keep your child’s days full of, well, fun! Kids will also have access to the establishment’s Rockwall, Zipline and mega-bounce house. Dec. 21-23, Dec. 28-30. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., $150. (714) 444-1144, www.teamocfun.com

In Part 2 of The Buzz’s four-part Holiday Survival Series, we look at some crafty ways to celebrate the yuletide season.

One idea is to get the kids involved, be it helping decorate the Christmas tree or making a special gift. Holiday crafts are a fun and creative way to grow that holiday spirit.

Below are some low-cost ideas for kids 6 and older:

Tree ornaments. Make a truly unique keepsake this Christmas. Kaboose and Disney’s FamilyFun merrily feature a growing list of easy-to-make ornament projects for youngsters like the popsicle stick Santa ornament pictured above.

Bow Wow! Leftover gift wrapping paper make awesome bows to top of your presents (learn how to make yours here). Use white or brown craft paper – brown grocery bags work, too! – to make homemade wrapping paper. Abigail Beal of Creativity Portal’s Project Playground provides several ideas and fuss-free paper styles in her piece, “How to Make Creative Gift Wrapping Paper with Kids.”

For the home. Make your own seasonal display pieces. Make a stylish papier mache bowl to hold the Mazao (fresh fruits and veggies) that rests atop a homemade woven mat on your Kwanzaa table. Kids Craft Weekly offers three lovely Hannukah projects for kids: Simple Dreidel Card; Macaroni Menorah; and Hanukkah activity envelopes.

Image courtesy of Kaboose.com

Welcome to Kidsguide Magazine and The Buzz’s four-part Santa Survival Guide series!

In the following weeks, we’ll help you find your inner Santa – jolly, efficient and prepared to tackle the holiday’s nice and naughty challenges.

We begin the series with a jolly idea: finding time. More specifically, getting the extra hours to attend to holiday tasks such as organizing that big family get-together, home decorating, and gift-shopping.

We suggest Kids’ Night Out, a drop-off program offered by numerous Long Beach Metro-area and Orange County organizations. It’s a win-win situation; the kids spend a jam-packed evening enjoying age-appropriate activities and making new friends, while Mom and Dad get their shop on.

Several communities also run Kids Night Out programs, so make sure to check with your city recreation department and YMCA. Below are some area Kids’/Parents’ Night Out events to help get you started.

? Parent’s Night Out Program at Paint ‘N Glaze. Held the first Friday of every month. For $25, kids 5 and older get a pizza dinner, a $10 ceramic piece to paint and a craft to get their creative juices flowing. The next Night Out is Dec. 4. 3960 Studebaker Road, Long Beach. (562) 421-8000, www.paintnglaze.com

? My Gym – Huntington Beach Parents’ Night Out. This youth health and fitness center customizes its activities based on the age group of the evening’s young attendees. The next Night Out date is Dec. 18. $35 per child. Make sure to inquire about their “Shopping Days” drop-off program in December! 6030 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach. (714) 842-2486.

? Open Gym Night at PDA Sports Center. PDA’s state-of-the-art gym becomes a playground for kids 3 and up. A pizza dinner is included in the $15-25 fee. The next Open Night is scheduled Dec. 5. 15064 Shoemaker Ave., Santa Fe Springs. (562) 229-1927, www.pdausa.net

? Drop and Shop at American Gymnastics Academy! The Signal Hill-based gymnastics training center takes your kids off your hands for the afternoon so you can attend to your task without distraction. $20 per child age 3 and up. Upcoming Drop and Shop Nights are Friday, Nov. 27; and Saturday, Dec. 5 & 19. 1901 Obispo St., Signal Hill. (562) 494-0087, www.american-gymnastics.com

? Shop While They Bop at Arts & Learning Conservatory. Drop off your little performer at ALC for a morning-to-afternoon theater workshop while you tackle your holiday list. Receive the $45 early bird special when you sign up early for the Dec. 12 and/or Dec. 19 workshops. Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. (714) 623-1907, www.artsandlearning.com

? Parent Night Out at SCAT Gymnastics. It’s never too early to schedule anything New Year’s Eve-related. Held on the last Saturday of the every month, SCAT’s next Open Night is scheduled Dec. 31, with special extended hours for New Year’s Eve: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., or the option of an overnight sleepover for the same price of $45 ($35 for every additional sibling). Games and a delicious pizza dinner are a part of the schedule. 5742 McFadden Ave., Huntington Beach. (714) 895-2909, www.scatsgymnastics.com

The Discovery Science Center is cookin’ up something delicious.

In 10 days, The Cube will debut The Science of Gingerbread, a tasty winter-long exhibit exploring the art, science and fun in all things gingerbread.

Not only will visitors have the opportunity to test their baker’s talent in numerous kitchen science and decorating demos, they will also have a chance to be part of the exhibit and the parallel event, Gingerbread Holiday Festival.

If you consider yourself a crafty in the kitchen, you’re invited to share your wisdom with the public by volunteering to lead a workshop, host a stage show or host a decorating demonstration.

In the opening week of the exhibit, kids (and grownups, too!) are encouraged to submit their gingerbread masterpieces for The Cube’s Annual Gingerbread Competition. Enter any one of the nine categories for the chance to win cash prizes, bragging rights and the privilege of having your confection on public display during the exhibit’s 6-week run.

Science on a Sphere – Discovery Science Center
? Opening day: Monday, Nov. 23. Exhibit runs until Jan. 3, 2010.
? Admission, $9.95-12.95
? 2500 North Main St., Santa Ana. (map it!)
? (714) 542-2823, www.discoverycube.org

An Iraqi dog of war becomes a dog of peace

Kidsguide Magazine Online
Nov. 2, 2009

What do you call a nameless dog that would cross 70 miles of desert war zone in the thick of bitter winter to be with the human who showed him kindness?

Nubs became a part of Major Brian Dennis’ human pack after a chance encounter at an abandoned Iraqi fort in 2007. Dennis recounts their friendship and Nubs’ death-defying trek in the newly published picture book, “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, Marine & a Miracle.”

Meet military man and best friend on Tuesday, Nov. 10, when Dennis and Nubs make a special author appearance at the Mission Viejo City Hall Chambers to discuss the book. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase and for autographs. The event is made possible by Mission Viejo Library and Irvine children’s bookstore A Whale of a Tale.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK

A worthwhile read for children and canine-lovers alike, Dennis with co-writers Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery present the story in a series of personal snapshots taken by Marines, e-mail correspondence, and photographs from the media frenzy that ensued after Nubs’ story – and the race to bring him to the United States ? became public.

(Can’t make it to Dennis’ author appearance? You can still read about Nubs when you win your copy of “Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle” and a special-edition Nubs dogtag in The Buzz’s Nubs Contest. To enter the drawing, drop us an e-mail by Nov. 18 with “NUBS” in your subject line.)

Major Brian Dennis and Nubs at City Hall
? Nov. 10, 7 p.m.
? Free admission
? Mission Viejo City Hall Chambers, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo
? missionviejolife.org; to reserve your spot, call the Mission Viejo Library, (949) 830-7100, ext. 5105.

Images courtesy of the Hachette Book Group.

For a snack that’s been around for thousands of years, popcorn never really got old – we munch on it at the movies, string fluffy kernels together to to decorate our Christmas trees, and continue to invent recipes to satisfy our cravings for something familiar yet new.

Celebrate the granddaddy of snacks and the ghoulish season with festive and delicious Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Balls, a tasty treat that pays homage to two icons: the pumpkin and popcorn.

This recipe is from www.popcorn.org, the National Popcorn Month headquarters. (Find nutrition information, recipes and other poppin’ ideas here.)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Spray one large mixing bowl lightly with cooking spray and place popcorn inside.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in marshmallows and gelatin dessert powder until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour over popcorn and mix well until coated.

3. Spray hands with cooking spray and press the popcorn mixture into balls. Place the finished balls on wax paper.

4. The fun part: decorate the balls with funny faces! Press your candy decorations to form eyes, nose and a Jack-O-Lantern grin. Serve immediately or wrap individually in plastic wrap for storage.

Image courtesy of www.popcorn.org.