Why Gay Parents May Be the Best Parents
Posted by: kpearsonb on: January 17, 2012
By Stephanie Pappas | LiveScience.com – Mon, Jan 16, 2012Gay marriage, and especially gay parenting, has been in the cross hairs in recent days.
On Jan. 6, Republican presidential hopeful Rick Santorum told a New Hampshire audience that children are better off with a father in prison than being raised in a home with lesbian parents and no father at all. And last Monday (Jan. 9), Pope Benedict called gay marriage a threat “to the future of humanity itself,” citing the need for children to have heterosexual homes.
But research on families headed by gays and lesbians doesn’t back up these dire assertions. In fact, in some ways, gay parents may bring talents to the table that straight parents don’t.
Gay parents “tend to be more motivated, more committed than heterosexual parents on average, because they chose to be parents,” said Abbie Goldberg, a psychologist at Clark University in Massachusetts who researches gay and lesbian parenting. Gays and lesbians rarely become parents by accident, compared with an almost 50 percent accidental pregnancy rate among heterosexuals, Goldberg said. “That translates to greater commitment on average and more involvement.”
And while research indicates that kids of gay parents show few differences in achievement, mental health, social functioning and other measures, these kids may have the advantage of open-mindedness, tolerance and role models for equitable relationships, according to some research. Not only that, but gays and lesbians are likely to provide homes for difficult-to-place children in the foster system, studies show. (Of course, this isn’t to say that heterosexual parents can’t bring these same qualities to the parenting table.) [5 Myths About Gay People Debunked]
Adopting the neediest
Gay adoption recently caused controversy in Illinois, where Catholic Charities adoption services decided in November to cease offering services because the state refused funding unless the groups agreed not to discriminate against gays and lesbians. Rather than comply, Catholic Charities closed up shop.
Catholic opposition aside, research suggests that gay and lesbian parents are actually a powerful resource for kids in need of adoption. According to a 2007 report by the Williams Institute and the Urban Institute, 65,000 kids were living with adoptive gay parents between 2000 and 2002, with another 14,000 in foster homes headed by gays and lesbians. (There are currently more than 100,000 kids in foster care in the U.S.)
An October 2011 report by Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute found that, of gay and lesbian adoptions at more than 300 agencies, 10 percent of the kids placed were older than 6 — typically a very difficult age to adopt out. About 25 percent were older than 3. Sixty percent of gay and lesbian couples adopted across races, which is important given that minority children in the foster system tend to linger. More than half of the kids adopted by gays and lesbians had special needs.
The report didn’t compare the adoption preferences of gay couples directly with those of heterosexual couples, said author David Brodzinsky, research director at the Institute and co-editor of “Adoption By Lesbians and Gay Men: A New Dimension of Family Diversity” (Oxford University Press, 2011). But research suggests that gays and lesbians are more likely than heterosexuals to adopt older, special-needs and minority children, he said. Part of that could be their own preferences, and part could be because of discrimination by adoption agencies that puts more difficult children with what caseworkers see as “less desirable” parents.
No matter how you slice it, Brodzinsky told LiveScience, gays and lesbians are highly interested in adoption as a group. The 2007 report by the Urban Institute also found that more than half of gay men and 41 percent of lesbians in the U.S. would like to adopt. That adds up to an estimated 2 million gay people who are interested in adoption. It’s a huge reservoir of potential parents who could get kids out of the instability of the foster system, Brodzinsky said.
“When you think about the 114,000 children who are freed for adoption who continue to live in foster care and who are not being readily adopted, the goal is to increase the pool of available, interested and well-trained individuals to parent these children,” Brodzinsky said.
In addition, Brodzinsky said, there’s evidence to suggest that gays and lesbians are especially accepting of open adoptions, where the child retains some contact with his or her birth parents. And the statistics bear out that birth parents often have no problem with their kids being raised by same-sex couples, he added.
“Interestingly, we find that a small percentage, but enough to be noteworthy, [of birth mothers] make a conscious decision to place with gay men, so they can be the only mother in their child’s life,” Brodzinsky said.
Good parenting
Research has shown that the kids of same-sex couples — both adopted and biological kids — fare no worse than the kids of straight couples on mental health, social functioning, school performance and a variety of other life-success measures.
In a 2010 review of virtually every study on gay parenting, New York University sociologist Judith Stacey and University of Southern California sociologist Tim Biblarz found no differences between children raised in homes with two heterosexual parents and children raised with lesbian parents.
“There’s no doubt whatsoever from the research that children with two lesbian parents are growing up to be just as well-adjusted and successful” as children with a male and a female parent,” Stacey told LiveScience.
There is very little research on the children of gay men, so Stacey and Biblarz couldn’t draw conclusions on those families. But Stacey suspects that gay men “will be the best parents on average,” she said.
That’s a speculation, she said, but if lesbian parents have to really plan to have a child, it’s even harder for gay men. Those who decide to do it are thus likely to be extremely committed, Stacey said. Gay men may also experience fewer parenting conflicts, she added. Most lesbians use donor sperm to have a child, so one mother is biological and the other is not, which could create conflict because one mother may feel closer to the kid.
“With gay men, you don’t have that factor,” she said. “Neither of them gets pregnant, neither of them breast-feeds, so you don’t have that asymmetry built into the relationship.”
The bottom line, Stacey said, is that people who say children need both a father and a mother in the home are misrepresenting the research, most of which compares children of single parents to children of married couples. Two good parents are better than one good parent, Stacey said, but one good parent is better than two bad parents. And gender seems to make no difference. While you do find broad differences between how men and women parent on average, she said, there is much more diversity within the genders than between them.
“Two heterosexual parents of the same educational background, class, race and religion are more like each other in the way they parent than one is like all other women and one is like all other men,” she said. [6 Gender Myths Busted]
Nurturing tolerance
In fact, the only consistent places you find differences between how kids of gay parents and kids of straight parents turn out are in issues of tolerance and open-mindedness, according to Goldberg. In a paper published in 2007 in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Goldberg conducted in-depth interviews with 46 adults with at least one gay parent. Twenty-eight of them spontaneously offered that they felt more open-minded and empathetic than people not raised in their situation.
“These individuals feel like their perspectives on family, on gender, on sexuality have largely been enhanced by growing up with gay parents,” Goldberg said.
One 33-year-old man with a lesbian mother told Goldberg, “I feel I’m a more open, well-rounded person for having been raised in a nontraditional family, and I think those that know me would agree. My mom opened me up to the positive impact of differences in people.”
Children of gay parents also reported feeling less stymied by gender stereotypes than they would have been if raised in straight households. That’s likely because gays and lesbians tend to have more egalitarian relationships than straight couples, Goldberg said. They’re also less wedded to rigid gender stereotypes themselves.
“Men and women felt like they were free to pursue a wide range of interests,” Goldberg said. “Nobody was telling them, ‘Oh, you can’t do that, that’s a boy thing,’ or ‘That’s a girl thing.’”
Same-sex acceptance
If same-sex marriage does disadvantage kids in any way, it has nothing to do with their parent’s gender and everything to do with society’s reaction toward the families, said Indiana University sociologist Brian Powell, the author of “Counted Out: Same-Sex Relations and Americans’ Definitions of Family” (Russell Sage Foundation, 2010).
“Imagine being a child living in a state with two parents in which, legally, only one parent is allowed to be their parent,” Powell told LiveScience. “In that situation, the family is not seen as authentic or real by others. That would be the disadvantage.”
In her research, Goldberg has found that many children of gay and lesbian parents say that more acceptance of gay and lesbian families, not less, would help solve this problem.
In a study published online Jan. 11, 2012, in the Journal of Marriage and Family, Goldberg interviewed another group of 49 teenagers and young adults with gay parents and found that not one of them rejected the right of gays and lesbians to marry. Most cited legal benefits as well as social acceptance.
“I was just thinking about this with a couple of friends and just was in tears thinking about how different my childhood might have been had same-sex marriage been legalized 25 years ago,” a 23-year-old man raised by a lesbian couple told Goldberg. “The cultural, legal status of same-sex couples impacts the family narratives of same-sex families — how we see ourselves in relation to the larger culture, whether we see ourselves as accepted or outsiders.”
You can follow LiveScience senior writer Stephanie Pappas on Twitter @sipappas. Follow LiveScience for the latest in science news and discoveries on Twitter @livescience and on Facebook.
Elmo Does G-Rated LMFAO “Sexy and I Know It”
Posted by: kpearsonb on: January 14, 2012
Too cute video of LMFAO’s ”Sexy and I Know It,” clean enough for my son’s Inno tablet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWF86D_UNxc
Study Finds Teens of Lesbian Parents Just as Happy as Others
Posted by: kpearsonb on: January 12, 2012
NEW STUDY: TEENS OF LESBIAN PARENTS ARE JUST AS HAPPY AS TEENS RAISED BY DIFFERENT-SEX COUPLES
AMSTERDAM – January 12, 2012 – The quality of life of 17-year-olds reared in lesbian-parent families did not differ from that of a matched group of adolescents who grew up in heterosexual-parent families, according to a new study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. “Consistently, over the past three decades, researchers have found that the daughters and sons of same-sex parents are psychologically well-adjusted. And now our new data demonstrate that 17-year-olds raised from birth by lesbian mothers are as happy as their peers,” said lead author Loes van Gelderen, MSc, University of Amsterdam.
The study also found, among teens with lesbian mothers, no difference in quality of life based on donor status (whether they had been conceived by known or unknown donors), experienced stigmatization (whether or not they had experienced discrimination), or maternal relationship continuity (whether their mothers were still together or had separated).
“The favorable outcomes for these adolescents are a reflection of good parenting by mothers who prepared their daughters and sons for the prospect of adversity,” said Principal Investigator Nanette Gartrell, MD, of the Williams Institute.
In the study, Quality of Life of Adolescents Raised From Birth by Lesbian Mothers, 78 17-year-olds with lesbian mothers were matched on gender, age, parental education, and ethnic background with adolescents in heterosexual-parent families that were drawn from a representative statewide sample. The adolescents in both groups gave a numerical score (0 = minimum; 10= maximum) to each of a series of statements such as, “I feel I’m getting along with my parents/guardians,” “I look forward to the future,” and ”I feel good about myself.”
The adolescents with lesbian mothers responded generally in the same way as the teenagers with heterosexual parents The data in the new report comes from adolescents whose families are participants in the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS), the longest-running and largest prospective investigation of lesbian mothers and their children in the United States. Initiated by Nanette Gartrell, MD, in 1986, the NLLFS examines the social, psychological, and emotional development of the children as well as the dynamics of planned lesbian families.
This study was conducted by Loes van Gelderen, MSc. (University of Amsterdam), Henny Bos, PhD (University of Amsterdam; Williams Visiting International Scholar 2012), Nanette Gartrell, MD (University of Amsterdam; 2011-12 Williams Institute Visiting Distinguished Scholar ), Jo Hermanns, PhD (University of Amsterdam), and Ellen C. Perrin, MD (Floating Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA).
Family Equality Council Turns 30 – Still Fabulous and Getting Better with Age
Posted by: kpearsonb on: January 10, 2012
I can’t believe this organization is 30 years old! Like many of thier supporters, I discovered them only after having a child myself, which was 4.5 years ago. Rock on!
FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL TO MARK 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2012
Year-long Campaign Focuses on LGBT Family Celebration, Commitment and Connection
Washington, DC – (Jan. 10, 2012) – Family Equality Council, the national organization that connects, supports, and represents the one million American families with lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) parents, today announced details of Celebrate, Commit, Connect – a campaign to mark the 30th anniversary of the group and the LGBT family movement. This year, Family Equality Council will commemorate its origins in 1979 as a support group for divorced gay fathers and acknowledge its evolution into a leading advocate working to create a world where LGBT families and all American families can be recognized, respected, and protected.
Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler said the campaign will focus on celebrating the achievements of the group, LGBT advocates and ordinary people who have created lasting social justice for families; encouraging a new generation of people to commit themselves to raising their voices in fairness for all and creating new connections for the growing number of American families with parents and grandparents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.
“After three decades of work, we have a strong community of parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren who reach across this country,” said Jennifer Chrisler. “This campaign will recognize these families and the work that’s been done by our organization and others in the LGBT community over the last 30 years to create a better world for those families.”
“There is no doubt that there is more work to be done for our families,” added Chrisler. “But if you look at the last 30 years, and indeed just the last year:state advances in marriage equality, the decision to declare the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, the official end of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and a renewed national dialogue about adoption and foster care rights, it’s clear that LGBT families live in a world where they have better recognition, respect, and protections.”
“This anniversary is an opportunity for us to tell our community that they have changed the world and that they are better positioned to make a world of difference for all families.” Chrisler outlined some of the organization’s plans for 2012 including:
- Major events to mark the year-long celebration, including the Los Angeles Awards Dinner on February 11th, Night at the Pier in New York on May 8th, and the first Family Weekend in Washington DC from May 17-19, whenfamilies from across the country will learn more about how the laws and policies that affect our families are made and talk to members of Congress about the issues that are important to our families.
- Community celebrations such as the Midwest Families Conference in Minneapolis (Apr. 27-28), International Family Equality Day (May 6), Family Week in Provincetown (July 28- Aug. 4), as well as regional family events coinciding with Pride Month.
- A 30th anniversary commemorative video as well as new opportunities for families to commit themselves to social justice through sharing their stories in a year-long LGBT family story collection project.
- A new information portal where families can commit to educate and influence policymakers with a simple mouse-click.
- A rich, user-friendly new website, launching in late January, that will allow people to connect with other families and parent groups as well as a new child development newsletter for expecting and new parents that will share useful information about the health and wellness milestones to watch for as their children grow.
- A new program called “Scan & Send It” that will give families an even bigger voice in changing systems to truly include YOUR family’s structure.
The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa Indian Wells: The Pool’s the Thing
Posted by: kpearsonb on: December 27, 2011
Ask any youngster the most important thing about a hotel, and he or she will tell you, “the pool.” So imagine the thrill for my four-year-old son when we checked into Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa Indian Wells (http://www.renaissanceesmeralda.com), a resort with not one but three heated kid-deep pools, and the bonus of a water fall and a sandy beach.
Located on the outskirts of Palm Springs, nestled into the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Marriott’s Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa knows that pools are the sweet spot for visitors to the desert, especially families, and so the resort has smartly designed the pools with a layout and features that are ideally suited for both children and adults.
Multi-Use and Family Friendly
My first impression was that the property was a convention hotel. The palatial-sized lobby with an enormous curved staircase and an interior courtyard surrounded by 560 guest rooms was at first a bit intimidating. I could imagine the place abuzz with name-tag wearing conventioneers networking in the honeycomb of meeting rooms. But in early fall the lobby was nearly empty, with just a couple dozen guests milling around in the grand foyer – some in business suits, others in bathing suits and cover-ups.
While the hotel’s contemporary and sophisticated décor and ambience and has a decidedly adult appeal, the resort has not forgotten its youngest clientele. For children, the resort offers a Camp Oasis Kids’ Club, a program of fun, creative and educational activities, from cooking and painting to encounters with desert wildlife, led by a staff of teachers from a prominent local private school.
Currently, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa is the only hotel in California to offer the popular family-friendly Nickelodeon Getaway program which includes character breakfasts and special children’s activities. If we had stayed longer, perhaps we would have partaken in the organized events, but with just two and a half days to enjoy or visit, we spent most of our free time in the pools.
Up to Our Necks in Pools, and Loving It
The terrific thing about the pools was that most areas were around three to four feet deep. My 40-inch son was delighted that he could stand in the water without being out of his depth. This made water play less worrisome and tiring for everyone, as he could splash around without clinging to us. The sandy beach was also ideal for smaller kids. They could make sand castles, dump sand in the water – which nobody seemed to mind, and wade into the shallow end and sit, stand and splash in just a foot of water. The resort provided folding beach chairs in which parents could lounge half-in, half-out of the water. It was all the fun of playing at the beach, without the dangerous surf, salty-sticky sea water and sea fleas.
Surprisingly, kids did not play much in the water fall, perhaps because the crashing water was so loud and cooler in temperature than the heated pool water. In any case, the cascading wall of water added a nice ambiance and beauty to the pool.
The pools were adjacent to the fitness center, which was handy so that my spouse and I could take turns watching our son in the water and working out.
A Buffet with Benefits
Besides the pools, the resort offered many other terrific amenities for families, including family friendly dining at CAVA, the hotel’s California cuisine restaurant.
As the night air was a little chilly, we opted to sit indoors at CAVA, though the outdoor patio seating by the pool amid a lovely orchid garden looked inviting — for daytime or a warmer night. At CAVA parents can dine on such specialties Wild Sea Bass, prepared caccitore style with mushroom risotto, or Pork Saltimbocca, pharma ham served with smoked provolone, spoon spinach and sage semi-glace, while kids enjoy a buffet of kid-friendly eats from chicken fingers to pasta, and even prime rib.
My son’s favorite offering was the chocolate fondue fountain, in which he drenched all sorts of treats from apple slices to pretzel sticks. The buffet was a lifesaver in helping to avert a dinner-time meltdown by a tired, hungry kid who would not have been happy to sit quietly in a restaurant while waiting to order and be served.
Our trip was short – just a weekend, so we were not able to experience all the resort’s amenities which earned it a place on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2007 Gold List of “World’s Best Places to Stay” and Travel + Leisure’s “500 Greatest Hotels in the World,” such as a renowned spa, tennis facilities and 36-Holes of Championship Golf. If you ask my son, the only really important features were the three huge and wondrous pools, making this resort a three-time winner for him, and the whole family.
New Year’s Resolution Helpers to Help You Get Fit, Cultured and Organized in 2012
Posted by: kpearsonb on: December 27, 2011
Get in Shape
Any personal trainer worth his or her salt will tell you that goals are essential in a health and fitness regimen. The EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale can help motivate you and help you stick to your goals as it tracks your daily progress by monitoring and analyzing weight, body fat, muscle composition and other metrics. The proprietary software accurately calculates body fat for a variety of body shapes and activity levels, and user ID technology stores personal data for up to eight users and automatically identifies the person standing on the scale. The sleekly designed scale features a “giant iPad” touch screen interface that looks great in any bathroom. $54.95. Available online only at Amazon.com and Sears.com.
Learn a Language
For those who have always wanted to learn another language but do not have the time or budget to attend classes, Living Language is the solution. The affordable premium language learning program published by Random House uses an interactive approach with relevant cultural information to teach language the way that adults actually learn — including grammar rules and context so users quickly move on to building sentences of their own, rather than practice rote memorization. Courses are available in Italian, Spanish, German, French and Chinese and soon Japanese and Arabic. Living Language Platinum includes a 40-lesson beginner to advanced course with books, audio CDs, a 1-year online subscription, 1-year e-tutoring subscription, full course content mobile apps and access to online community, all for $179. Available at Barnes and Noble Amazon.com.
Get Organized
If your hard drive is cluttered with photos, videos, music files and documents that slow down your computer, resolve to back up, organize and streamline your data in 2012 with the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go USB 3.0 Colors. The stylish SuperSpeed USB 3.0 portable hard drive transfers data 10x faster than USB 2.0 and is fully compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. It inlcudes Nero BackItUp & Burn software (compatible with Windows OS) for automatic back-up/storage recovery. A Green Button software feature offers three sleep/suspend settings, saving power when the drive is not in use. Available in Caribbean Blue and Hot Pink. $139.99 (1TB); $119.99 (750GB); $89.99 (500GB). Verbatim.com
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide – Great Stuff for Everyone on Your List
Posted by: kpearsonb on: December 13, 2011
Thrice as Nice
Most little black bags are too tiny to hold all the goodies the fashionista on your list needs for a night out. Not the chic and versatile Waverly Three-Way Bag by Stella & Dot. Even folded to a third of its full size it can carry your lipstick, keys, cell phone, wallet and other necessities, and it looks great with our without the strap. For everyday use it can fold out large enough to carry an iPad. $258.00. www.stelladot.com.
Fresh Feet
For the germ freak on your list, Okabashi’s flip flops can be sanitized in a dishwasher to get rid of yucky bacteria that causes odor. Committed to cleanliness and the planet, these stylish, ergonomically designed thongs and cross strap sandals are made from 30 percent recycled material and are completely recyclable. $9.99 to $17.99. www.okabashi.com.
Get Down
She can look cool and stay warm in the Hi-Tec Sundance Peak Parka. Its form-fitting polyester micro taffeta shell and street-friendly styling makes a fashion statement while its 550 fill down insulation and zippered hand warmers keep cold out. Available in black, dover, pasha and Bordeaux. $109.95. Retailers nationwide or http://www.hi-tec.com/us/
Trail Blazing
The footwear brand hardcore runners rely on has gone off road with the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi trail running shoe. It features quick-dry, easy-clean breathable synthetic uppers, dual density 3D counterbalance midsole, shock-absorbing outsole, light weight construction and unique designs and colors for exciting style. $150.00. Retailers nationwide or http://www.hi-tec.com/us/
Smooth Operator
In or out of the shower, the Remington Smooth & Silky Rechargeable Wet/Dry Shaver will leave her with luxuriously soft and smooth skin. It features pivoting blades for comfortable, irritation-free shaving and a flexible trimmer system that follows the body’s contours. $24.99. Walmart, Target, www.Remingtonproducts.com
Santa’s the Man
Great Gifts for Him for the Holidays
Smoother Operator
The Remington Flex and Pivot Triple Foil Shaver features titanium coated blades and slides into three positions for a close, comfortable shave in a third of the time of razor shaving. The battery fully charges in two hours for 60 minutes of runtime, and cleanup is easy under the facet. $54.99. Target, Wal-Mart and www.remindgtonproducts.com.
One for the Team
Give a gift that gives back 24/7, a subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio. The network boasts more than 140 channels, such as Guy Talk, Talk Radio for Men, and of course a full lineup of sports programming form NFL Radio, College Sports, NHL Hour and Fantasy Football Draftx. He can listen at home, in the car, on the Internet or on iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry and Android. Packages begin at $12.95. www.siriusxm.com.
Running Man
The footwear brand hardcore runners rely on has gone off road with the Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity HPi trail running shoe. It features quick-dry, easy-clean breathable synthetic uppers, dual density 3D counterbalance midsole, shock-absorbing outsole, light weight construction and unique designs and colors for exciting style. $155.00. Retailers nationwide or http://www.hi-tec.com/us/
Tech the Halls with Gadgets for the Holidays
Gift Ideas for the Electronics Lover on Your List
Bright Idea
Perfectly sized for that little compartment in a car console, utility drawer or purse, Pelican ultra-compact aluminum 1910 and 1920 flashlights provide bright light when it’s needed, either in “on” mode or for just a moment with a push-and-hold button $32.95 to $35.95. www.Pelican.com
SNAPPy Video
Capture videos and stills in, well, a snap with the affordable Coby SNAPP CAM5002 high definition camcorder. It includes an integrated USB plug, HDMI connection and cable and SD card slot for recording hours of video to share using the bundled Muvee editing software and YouTube uploader. $49.99. www.Amazon.com
Listen Up
iFrogz Toxix headphones offer the quality sound of the manufacturer’s higher-end headphones at an affordable price. Light-weight ergonomically designed comfort cushion earcups are a good fit for smaller ears. $19.99. http://ifrogz.com/product/EPToxix
Finders Keypers
Ready to go, but the car keys are lost, again? The Mini Key Finder wirelessly detects keys up to 60 feet away. Simply press the button on this compact wireless transmitter, and the matching key ring will sound up to 60 feet away—through floors, walls, or even sofa cushions. $19.99. Exclusively at Brookstone stores or www.Brookstone.com
Tuff Stuff
Play rough and jet set without worrying about your smartphone with the Pelican i1015 crushproof and water-resistant case, perfect for sports or travel. It features a clear lid to view playlists, and an external headphone to listen to the player while the case is closed. $37 www.Pelican.com
Home Goods for the Holidays
Gifts that Everyone Can Use at Home
Show Off
There are lots of digital picture frames out there, but the sleek CEIVA Connected Photo Frame, in black or wood grain, looks sharp in any room, and its unique technology brings the magic of sharing photos to a new level. Using the CEIVA (see-va) online uploading service from a computer, or via CEIVA Snap for smartphones using iOS and Android, users can send new photos to the frame which are automatically updated via an Internet connection or phone line. Photos can also be viewed on your smartphone with CEIVA with CEIVA Photos app for bot iOs and Android. Photos can sent from everyone, anywhere — even from a camera phone, email, Facebook and more. Photo tools allow users to write greetings But you don’t have to be a digital wizard to operate the CEIVA. Once the frame is set up, updating photos is simple, and CEIVA support techs are available anytime to assist. One-year photo sharing service prices being at under $100 and include an unlimited photo storage account. As a bonus, CEIVA now offers the Foodista Channel with every service subscription. Frame comes with a black and wood grain option. $119.95.www.ceiva.com.
Chic Chat
VTech’s LS6245 Expandable Cordless Phone with Connect-to-Cell and Touch Technology is not just a combined landline handset and a cell phone but also a piece of art. Its sleek stylish design is worthy of the most elegant of rooms, and its ability to pair up to four cell phones or headsets via Bluetooth technology allows the user to receive and make calls on either home or cell lines. Other bells and whistles include DECT 6.0 Digital interference-free sound, selectable ring tones, digital answering system, Caller ID, base and handset speaker phones, and it’s expandable up to 12 handsets. $119.90. www.Vtechphones.com
Touch Point of Light
Light up the night with the eternal glow of the Energizer Accent Light, featuring 12 LEDs that never need replacing. The touch-control lamp emanates light through stylish, etched panels and can be dimmed or brightened to customize the mood and ambiance of any room in the home. Small: $64.99, Medium: $79.99. Retailers nationwide.
Give the Gift of Warmth
Hot Gifts Ideas for a Warm Holiday Season
Hot Seat
If the weather outside is frightful, her tushy will feel delightful in the Chaheati All-Season Heated Chair. Ideal for camping, tailgating, sporting events and any activity where you sit outdoors in the cold, the collapsible canvas hot seat warms up in 20 seconds using a high efficiency, lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides up to six hours of heat per charge and lasts for over 500 uses. $89.99. www.chaheati.com
Hot Lunch
Dress up your food to go with the Crock-Pot LunchCrock Food Warmer. The 20-ounce thermal tote plugs in at the office or wherever you go to warm leftovers, soups, oatmeal, and just about anything in slow-cooker fashion. Features a spill-proof lid, cool-touch exterior and cord storage. Removable food storage container and lid are dishwasher safe. $29.9. Exclusively at Wal-Mart.
Bean There
Soothe achy muscles hands-free with the 3-in-1 Cordless Muscle Warmer. Plug in the saline-filled “bean” for 15 minutes, and when ready, it stays warm for up to four hours. The bean slips into the super-soft wrap to drape over her neck or wrap it around her waist or anywhere to melt away tension or to ward off chill. $39.99. Exclusively at Brookstone stores or www.brookstone.com
An incredibly light weight adventure sports shoe. The Infinity HPi can handle a broad mix of terrains from harsh trails right through to roads, offering plenty of support whilst allowing the wearers foot to feel and adapt to the surface.
The Merry Kids Holiday Gift Guide
Gift Ideas that Will Knock Their Stockings Off
House Party
Kids will love to decorate Easy Playhouse, an easy-to-assemble, 100 percent recyclable heavy-duty cardboard house that is a like a blank canvas. Kids paint, color or decorate it to transform it into a holiday gingerbread house, a firehouse, a secret hideout or anything they can imagine. Plus, it’s reversible, so you get two playhouses in one. Makes a great, creative group activity. $40. www.easyplayhouse.com
Head Gear
Helmets are essential for biking safety, but kids can be hard-headed about wearing them, unless they have an awesome Raskullz 3D Helmet, featuring T-Rad Rex, Shark Attax, Cutie Cat or Sparkle Heart the Unicorn. These unique and stylin’ helmets are a no brainer for getting kids thrilled about gearing up. $24.99. Target, Walmart and Toys “R” Us.
Puzzling Toys
Famous puzzle maker Ravensburger adds a layer of challenge with new no-glue-required 3D puzzles featuring uniquely curved, hinged and flat plastic pieces that create stunning 3D replicas of landmark structures, such as the Empire State Building or Eiffel Tower ($25.99). The 125-year-old company makes puzzles for every level of difficulty, from children’s super-sized floor puzzles and large-format puzzles up to a mind-blowing 32,256 piece puzzle featuring the art of Keith Haring ($299.99). Other puzzles $6.99 and up. Retailers nationwide or www.ravensburger.com.
A Kid’s Best Friend
Little ones will love to cuddle and laugh with Totally KooKoo Kennel Puppies. Each 6-inch daffy doggie, with names like Scruffy, Dollymation and Hairyterrier, keeps company with mini plush pup and lets out a happy bark when you squeeze its belly. $18.99. www.toywiz.com
Sleepy Head
What’s better than combining cuddly creatures with a nap? The Happy Napper plush animal comes with its own home that converts into a soft pillow for nap time, at school, in the car or wherever. $19.99. www.happynapper.com
Let’s Roll
Children will love to pack up their toys and belongings in the ride-on suitcase Trunki by Melissa & Doug. This rolling bag with a pull-along strap is the perfect companion for travel, sleep overs, summer camp and other outings. Available in six adorable colors and designs. $39.99. www.melissaanddog.com
Tech Toys for Kids
Gift Ideas for Young Gadget Lovers
Ground Control
Topping the wish list this season for kids of all ages, are Swann’s new line of Easy-Fly Gyro Technology indoor remote controlled helicopters – Micro Lightning, Micro Hornet, Emergency Strike, Military Thunder and Missile Strike. Controlled by dual joystick controls, these choppers perform death-defying stunts and flight maneuvers with military precision, powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The remote control operates on six AA batteries. Ages 14 and up. $59. Fry’s Electronics, BrandSmart and other major retailers.
Tech Tot
Why should grown-ups have all the fun with tablet technology? VTech’s InnoTab (ages 4 to 9. $79.99) lets kids read, learn and create with a rich collection of aps in a multi-function, touch screen tablet format. Includes e-books, MP3 Player, learning fames, Art Studio painting and drawing aps and a Photo Viewer/Editor and Video Player for pictures and videos transferred from a computer or direct from a VTech Kidizoom camera (ages 3-9. $39.99). Toys R Us, Target, Wal-Mart and other major retailers, and online at www.vtechkids.com
Headphones with Character
Be a super hero with the comic fan on your list by giving them Coloud Marvel Comics Headphones, branded with Marvel comic icons. These stylish quality sound headphones feature Coloud’s signature triangular plug, cable guard and comfort design. $40. www.coloud.com
Holidays 2.0: The Latest, Coolest Tech and Gadget Gifts for the Season
Posted by: kpearsonb on: December 6, 2011
Gift Ideas for the Electronics Lover on Your List
Aps-solutley Affordable
Connect the tech geek on your list with one of the most affordable and versatile tablets on the market, the Coby KYROS MID7022 operates on Android 2.3 and features Wi-Fi connectivity and a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen for quick access to email, videos and apps. $180. www.Amazon.com
Don’t be a Loser
They’ll never again leave behind a cell phone at work, a restaurant, the gym, etc., with the poker chip-sized ZOMM Bluetooth-enabled wireless leash that flashes, vibrates and sounds an alarm if the phone is left behind. It’s also a speakerphone, so calls can be picked up when the handset is out of reach, even at the bottom of a purse. $99.99. www.zomm.com
Favorite Store
For the data hoarder on your list, give the gift of safekeeping photos, music, and all their valuable data on the capacity Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go SuperSpeed USB 3.0. This portable hard drive transfers data 10 time faster than USB 2.0 and is fully compatible with both 3.0 and 2.0 ports. It includes Nero BackItUp & Burn back up and recovery software and three sleep/suspend settings to save power. Available in Caribbean Blue and Hot Pink. 500 GB to 1TB capacity. $89 – $139. www.verbatim.com
Bright Idea
Perfectly sized for that little compartment in a car console, utility drawer or purse, Pelican ultra-compact aluminum 1910 and 1920 flashlights provide bright light when it’s needed, either in “on” mode or for just a moment with a push-and-hold button $32.95 to $35.95. www.Pelican.com
SNAPPy Video
Capture videos and stills in, well, a snap with the affordable Coby SNAPP CAM5002 high definition camcorder. It includes an integrated USB plug, HDMI connection and cable and SD card slot for recording hours of video to share using the bundled Muvee editing software and YouTube uploader. $49.99. www.Amazon.com
Listen Up
iFrogz Toxix headphones offer the quality sound of the manufacturer’s higher-end headphones at an affordable price. Light-weight ergonomically designed comfort cushion earcups are a good fit for smaller ears. $19.99. http://ifrogz.com/product/EPToxix
Finders Keypers
Ready to go, but the car keys are lost, again? The Mini Key Finder wirelessly detects keys up to 60 feet away. Simply press the button on this compact wireless transmitter, and the matching key ring will sound up to 60 feet away—through floors, walls, or even sofa cushions. $19.99. Exclusively at Brookstone stores or www.Brookstone.com
Tuff Stuff
Play rough and jet set without worrying about your smartphone with the Pelican i1015 crushproof and water-resistant case, perfect for sports or travel. It features a clear lid to view playlists, and an external headphone to listen to the player while the case is closed. $37 www.Pelican.com
My Memorable Thanksgiving Dish: The Dessert Turkey
Posted by: kpearsonb on: November 22, 2011
I’m not a cook, so when everyone else contributes their home-made family recipes to the Thanksgiving feast, I bring a store-bought dish, which I usually try to disguise by putting it into Corningware and hiding it among the other dishes on the table. But this year I am bringing the turkey, for dessert.
I considered a traditional pumpkin or pecan pie, but our family friend who is hosting this year’s banquet is a creative soul – the kind who makes home-made ice cream sandwiches in animal shapes when our kids snack at her house, so had to be more original.
That’s when I came across the Baskin-Robbins Turkey Cake ($31.99, www.baskinrobbins.com). It’s a life-sized turkey-shaped cake stuffed with custom ice cream flavors, glazed in chocolate and caramel, and featuring two tasty legs of sugar cones. I had flashbacks to the red velvet armadillo cake of Steel Magnolias. It was perfect. Not just a dessert centerpiece, but a conversation piece.
I’m sure we won’t have to worry about leftovers with this Thanksgiving turkey, which feeds 12 to 16 hungry pilgrims. I expect it to be gobbled up in no time. This year I can proudly trot in with a perfectly prepared turkey, without having to slave over a hot oven.
But don’t think just because I didn’t bake this baby that I didn’t put any forethought into it – The Turkey Cake must be ordered three days in advance. If you chicken out and want to go traditional, Baskin Robbins also has good ol’ ice cream pies as well as cakes decorated in the theme of a fall wreath and harvest roll.
GLAAD Tidings Rings in the Spirit of the Season
Posted by: kpearsonb on: November 8, 2011
Kaya Jones and Kimberly Locke Cozy Up at GLAAD Tidings-Silver Bells. Brian Putnam Photography.
Annual Holiday-Themed Event Celebrates 25 Years of Advancing Equality
It’s never too early to celebrate the winter holidays, and with the rain storm and cold front that moved into Los Angeles just a week after Halloween, it was perfect timing for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s fabulous annual GLAAD Tidings on November 6.
To the theme of Silver Bells, the much-anticipated event was hosted for the second consecutive year at the magnificent Bel Air estate of media wunderkind Paul Colichman, CEO of the world’s leading LGBT media conglomerate, Here Media, and his partner, handsome actor David Millbern.
Carolyn Broner, Paul Colichman (in Paul Scott) and Pearson Brown (in Joanna Mastroianni and Stella & Dot La Coco Clutch). Photo by Jennifer Frankovitz.
As frosty temperatures dipped into the 50s, the barely clad Viking men and women serving ROKK Vodka drinks moved a little quicker in their faux fur vests and leather loin cloths, and guests huddled close together around outdoor heaters. Perhaps putting on a bit of blubber was the motivation for the crowds gathered round the food stations, or else it was just the delish cupcakes from Sprinkles and tasty BBQ from STK that kept them going back for more.
Other guests rubbed elbows inside the manse for body warmth around the blazing hearth in the grand living room where servers passed hors d’oeuvres from Love Catering. The Colichman-Millbern home was a welcoming place to mingle with friends and strangers, with homey and intimate touches like a showcase with the boys’ childhood photos and memorabilia alongside a collector’s case of priceless autographs and rare photos of the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Vivian Leigh and Mae West.
As is traditional at this stylish soiree, dapper gay men and lovely lesbians and their friends donned their best festive, gay attire. Among the well-heeled attendees was actress Tracy Scoggins, best-known to many as Monica Cole on Dynasty, but revered by the GLAAD crowd for her turn as a witch on Dante Cove on here! network. A native of the Lone Star State, Scoggins exclaimed, “In Texas we say the tits and teeth can be fake, but the jewels have to be real,” as she cradled her dazzling amethyst pendant, a precious keepsake crafted by her late mother.
Ross Matthews, Pearson Brown, Kimberly Lock huddle for heat at GLAAD Tidings
Alongside Scoggins beamed fellow 80’s soap opera icon Joan Van Ark of Dallas and Knots Landing fame, looking sleek in an all-black power pant suit. All around the room there was plenty of Prada, Michael Kors and other designer duds, along with star power, including Ross Montgomery (Chelsea Lately, The Tonight Show), recording artist/TV personality Kimberley Locke, Kaya Jones (formerly of the Pussycat Dolls), World Dance Champion/choreographer Louis Van Amstel, actress/comedienne Kim Coles, Chrishell Stause (All My Children) and comedian Michael Zeigfeld.
The stars faithfully came out for GLAAD this year, though the trimmings at the Tidings party were trimmer than in recent years. Gone were the ice sculptures, falling man-made snow flakes and the tony gift bags with a pair of Okobos sandals for every guest. But what may have been missed by some from Christmas’ past was made up for in heart in the program.
Host Paul Colichman lead off with a CliffsNotes version of the state of the 80s gay movement and the media’s anti-gay rhetoric during the AIDS epidemic that fomented GLAAD’s formation, and then to the uprising that was the advent of the Advocate, the stalwart LGBT news magazine acquired by his media group in 2008. It was a hop-skip down gay memory lane, as Colichman fondly recalled some of GLAAD’s proudest accomplishments over 25 years of working with the media to bring stories of LGBT people to millions of Americans every day to help foster awareness and build support for full equality. Some of those proud moments in gay history included Ellen’s coming out, and more recently Chaz Bono’s stint on Dancing with the Stars.
Pearson Brown and Tracy Scoggins
For the entertainment portion of the program, comedienne and emcee Kim Coles got the crowd tittering about her definition of LGBT which she fit into — Lovely, Gorgeous, Beautiful and Tall. If the ground had not been so wet and frigid, the audience would have been rolling on it. Later, things warmed up a bit when former Pussycat Doll’s Kaya Jones took the stage for a couple of hot numbers, complete with leather-clad man toy back-up dancers.
As the crowd winded out to the long driveway to the shuttles to their cars parked along Beverly Glen, they sampled a parting favor of a special Pinkberry treat of peppermint yogurt with chocolate and mint sprinkles. A delightful, decadent and refreshing ending to an evening that was equally a treat.
Tracy Scoggins, David Millbern adn Joan Van Ark
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa – The Classic Hotel California
Posted by: kpearsonb on: November 7, 2011
The refurbished vintage Woodie surf mobile that resides in front of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a fitting mascot. Upon close inspection of the gleaming 1950s-era wood-paneled station wagon, one sees it has been pristinely restored. Like the newly renovated hotel that is its home, the classic look and spirit of the carefree California coastal lifestyle is preserved and celebrated, yet no fine touches have been forgotten.
It’s no wonder this picturesque red-roofed Victorian-style resort, set high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, is the backdrop for many a wedding and romantic getaway, but there’s also an abundance of family and kid-friendly amenities to keep guests of all ages contented.
In the Zone
For my four-year-old son, the Splash Zone was the main attraction. This playground of water canons, mounted bouncy surf boards under a water curl and other water features, is smartly set adjacent the kiddie pool and one of the two large swimming pools, so parents can keep an eye on youngsters while relaxing poolside.
The Jacuzzi was also a big hit with my son, though I did have to coax him back to the Splash Zone when were joined in the bubbles by a group of groomsmen from the previous night’s wedding who began regaling each other with R-rated drinking stories. Of course, had my son not been with me, I admit the tales would have been pretty entertaining.
For a more kid-centric environment, the resort offers the Kahuna Laguna Kids Club. The club, which is open during the summer and some holidays, welcomes children ages 5-12 and offers full and half-day activity sessions of fun activities. They also host Saturday night kid movies in the resort theatre with an old-fashioned popcorn machine, complimentary candy and beverages. Children can redeem their ticket stub for a special Kahuna Laguna Breakfast of scrambled eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, bacon and orange juice at resort’s signature Vue restaurant on Sunday morning.
The Perfect Retreat
Even on a crisp autumn day, we kept toasty in the heated pools, where my son spent most of his time. While he swam, my partner and I enjoyed poolside food and beverage service in our private cabana and took turns going to the Fitness Club. The gym was well equipped with treadmills, ellipticals and steppers, all featuring personal TV screens – and complimentary ear buds for people like me who forgot to bring my own. The locker room, which adjoins the Spa at Laguna Cliffs, was also well appointed, with all the amenities one could possible want to primp and preen, down to make-up remover and mouthwash.
Another experience in luxury was my massage at the spa. My therapist Angela introduced herself as lead therapist and assured me I was in good hands. I could tell by her healing-hands symbol earrings, necklace and matching tattoos on her wrists that she took her profession seriously.
From a menu of indulgent-sounding services, I chose the Tides and Stones Massage, which seemed appropriate for our locale by the ocean. The treatment consisted of hand over hand strokes from head to feet designed to carry away stress and tension from the body, followed by upward strokes from feet to head that bring back fresh energy and a sense of renewal. Angela also gave special attention to a knot in my upper back I’ve had for years. After a few pin-pointed stretches and deep massage, my back felt better than it had in years – better than after months of physical therapy sessions.
Beach Bound
After my visit with the miracle worker Angela, our family headed out to explore the local attractions. One of the great things about site seeing around the area was that in-and-out valet privileges at the resort made it all very easy. We could get our car from valet in a moment, and then come back to our base, and then leave again, without any hassle. The concierge gave us easy directions to the nearby Doheny State Beach parkland, where we were able to park steps from the beach. There we enjoyed watching some local teen boys wake surfing, and my son climbed and tumbled down the steep dunes and played in the surf with some other kids we met there.
Fine Family Dining
We stayed at the beach until the golden hour of sunset, and then went back to the resort for dinner at the resort’s signature restaurant, Vue. Though the restaurant is elegant and would make an ideal setting for a romantic dinner, it is also family friendly, as evidenced by the treasure chest of toys at the host station where my son was invited to choose a toy before we were seated.
The menu featured California cuisine with locally sourced fresh meats and seafood. We dined on a fabulous meal of spicy tuna tartare and a wild arugula salad for starters, and Chilean sea bass, served with nutty quinoa grains, and slow-roasted and Kobe Short Ribs, served atop lobster risotto and crispy potatoes for entrees. We finished off with crispy waffles, donut holes, blueberry compote and fresh raspberries for dessert. All the dishes were delicious and presented beautifully, like artwork on a canvas on large white plates.
Since it was a cool night, we dined indoors, though a wedding party outside did not seem to mind the mild night air. We chuckled to see the guests dancing to music that we could not hear from inside, and we admired the view from the patio that was sure to create a memorable backdrop for the beaming bride and groom.
Our dining experience was truly exquisite, from the surroundings to the quality of the food and outstanding service. Our server told us that the restaurant was mostly frequented by resort guests but recently more locals were discovering it. Lucky for them.
California Dreaming
Back at our room we settled in for the night. At the late hour of 9:30 pm, our four-year-old was still not sleepy. From our balcony overlooking the pool he saw a few late-night swimmers and wanted to join them. Thankfully he accepted a bribe of Rango on pay-per-view instead.
While he and my partner watched the movie, I got some work done. The desk in the room had ample space, power and lighting for me to set up my temporary office. While I didn’t need it this trip, it was good to know the resort offers a Wired-For-Business program for $12.95 that includes includes wireless internet and domestic long distance calls. The room also had two dual-line telephones, with personal voicemail, and a safe large enough for a laptop.
At the bewitching hour of 11 pm, I unplugged for the night and got cozy in the designer Frette linens. Along with the bedding couture, the room featured many other upscale accoutrements, such as plush robes, a 37″ flat screen TV, an iHome clock and iPod dock and a coffeemaker with complimentary coffee and tea.
Endless Summer
The resort took care to provide for the needs of both the business and pleasure traveler, and as our family trips are usually a bit of both, it suited us well. Summer is peak season, though the resort has a full slate of activities and packages year-round, including fabulous Thanksgiving and Christmas Day menus at the Vue restaurant.
For Angelenos seeking a short and sweet weekend excursion, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is a perfect getaway. It’s not too far a car ride and there’s plenty for kids to do, it offers gorgeous California coastal scenery, outstanding dining and all the comforts of a world-class hotel. It’s run like a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine, but with no attitude and a casual California vibe, just like the Woodie parked out front.
VISA Gift Card Giveaway – Just in Time for Holiday Shopping
Posted by: kpearsonb on: November 7, 2011
The nice folks at VISA offered me the opportunity to give away a $50 gift card to one of my readers, so of course I said, “Yes!” I used to direct a public relations campaign for gift cards, and since I can only ever represent clients I believe in, I can say I truly think gift cards are a great gift — I love to receive them, and everyone I know loves to get them! Never the wrong size, color, etc., and for people who love to shop like myself, with gift cards you can’t go wrong.
Here’s a link to the Holiday Gift Card Guide site that features a fun online quiz that asks, “What kind of holiday shopper are you?”
I took the quiz I ended up as a “Crusin’ Caroler” who prefers to give – you guessed it — gift cards!
The site also offers holiday budgeting insights, so it’s worthwhile to visit.
To enter the VISA gift card giveaway contest, please “like Out with Mommy’s page on Facebook, or send an email to outwithmommy@aol.com with “VISA Gift Card” in the subject line. I will randomly choose a winner from all entries on November 23, and I will contact you via Facebook or email if you are the winner.
A Truckload of Great Eats Makes Santa Anita Horse Races a Sure Bet
Posted by: kpearsonb on: October 28, 2011
Family Fun Days at the racetrack is just the ticket for those seeking a change of pace
Our family arrived early in the afternoon at Santa Anita Park (http://www.santaanita.com/) eager for some fun wagering, and an appetite for lunch. The racetrack is an easy drive of about 40 minutes from Los Angeles, and with Family Fun Days every weekend, a full line-up of special attractions and a variety of dining options, there’s something for everyone at the races.
With an average weekend crowd of about 10,000, the betting windows were open with no lines, and everywhere in the park there was room to walk about, a welcome departure from the hubbub we expected for a peak season weekend during the park’s first-ever autumn meet. And also to our surprise, we found the race track was a great place to eat.
We had reservations for a table in the FrontRunner restaurant, with a terrific vantage of the track at the finish line. Table service is a great way to go at the races, because you not only sit in climate-controlled comfort, but if want a change of scenery from the spectacular view of the San Gabriel Mountains out the window, you can watch replays of great moments in racing and the action at racetracks around the world on a small-screen TV at your table.
Santa Anita Racetrack knows that while the main attraction is the races, good food helps make the day. The restaurant features a terrific menu with selections to please a variety of palettes. For my four-year-old son, a cheese, crackers and fruit plate along with a dish of mixed berries kept him busy nibbling. Grandma and Ditdaw enjoyed the restaurant’s famous Chesapeake Bay Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and my partner and I sampled the Grilled Turkey Ciabatta sandwich and Mixed Seafood Soft Tacos.
It was too early in the day for mixed drinks for us, though we were tempted to order the park’s new loser cocktail, “Shoulda-Woulda-Coulda” a specialty just for those showing losing tickets at the bar. We saved room for dessert and ordered the made-from-scratch Peanut Brittle Chocolate Bread Pudding, Belgian Chocolate Mousse Bombe and the California Berry Napoleon for the table, all of which went quicker than a race horse out of the gate.
Besides a terrific menu in the restaurant, twice during the season the park brings in live music along with 70 of Southern California’s finest gourmet food trucks gourmet for a smorgasbord of offerings, including fare from The Grilled Cheese Truck, Border Grill, Lobsta Truck, Rock in Roll Sushi, and White Rabbit Truck. The next food truck festival, featuring live music, entertainment and a beer garden, all for the admission of $5 (17 and under admitted free), will be held November 5, 11 am to 5 pm.
The street-fair atmosphere of the park coincides with the excitement on the track, and for families it’s double the fun every weekend with an array of Family Fun Day activities on the infield, such as free bounce houses and playground and $1-2 attractions such as pony rides, face painting and carnival games.
For my four-year-old, watching the thoroughbreds circle the track at full speed, and cheering on his picks for the race – which he chose based on how silly the name sounded – was as exhilarating as riding the horses himself.
We made a trip to the rail for the special treat of watching the horses make their rounds up close, a surround-sound experience where the sound of the pounding of the horses’ hooves filled our ears and reverberated through us as they galloped by us to the frenzied cheers of the crowd.
Our bets were purely for entertainment, not to get rich, so our losses — and our winnings were trifling, but the thrill was just the same as if we were high rollers. My son’s long shot on Eltoninadress was the biggest payoff of the day, at about $12, which we re-invested in the next couple of races, coming out ahead by $2 at the end of the day.
While we didn’t go home big winners, anytime you can get horses, horseplay and good food altogether in one place in one day, that’s a sure bet.
Family Equality Council Releases “All Children Matter” Report
Posted by: kpearsonb on: October 25, 2011
This morning, Family Equality Council is releasing a groundbreaking report in Washington D.C. designed to focus the national spotlight on the 2 million children being raised by LGBT parents.
Read the report and find out how you can help spread the word!
All Children Matter shows how our kids have become the victims of antiquated laws, discriminatory policies and hostile political decisions.
We know our kids live everyday in legal and social jeopardy because of these laws. Now everyone will know that our children matter.
The report shows how current laws can:
- Deny legal ties to both of their parents—which affects everything from custody to a parent being able to make emergency medical decisions for his or her child.
- Separate children from their parents in cases of divorce or death of a parent.
- Tie their access to critical federal and state safety net programs to family structure, rather than need.
- Deny our children access to quality child care and early childhood education.
- Deny our kids Social Security survivor benefits or inheritance when a parent dies.
- Put a child’s legal ties to his or her parents in jeopardy if the family crosses state lines.
- Deny forever homes to 115,000 children awaiting adoption.
The report wraps up with a set of practical policy recommendations that could fix the discrimination that exists today.
I will be in Washington D.C. later this morning talking to policymakers and the media about the report and I wanted to give you two opportunities to participate.
- You can watch a livestream of the D.C. event today from 10:00a.m. ET to 12:00 p.m. by
following this link: http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2011/10/LGBTfamilies.html - You can read the report, share it and learn how to help us make the policy changes needed to ensure that our children matter, by logging onto: http://www.children-matter.org
That’s How We Roll: Best Family Biking in Los Angeles
Posted by: kpearsonb on: October 11, 2011
Teh WeeRide Center Mount offers panoramic views for little ones
The Los Angeles area offers many great paths where families can ride together. To get the most out of your family biking outing, choose the right path and the best gear for your needs.
The Santa Monica bike path is one of the most scenic along the coast.
Where to ride
The Santa Monica and Venice bike path is a picturesque eight-and-a-half mile stretch from Washington Boulevard to Temescal Canyon Road with ocean vistas as well as the sights and amusements of Venice and the Santa Monica Pier. It can get crowded during the summer and on weekends though, so go either very early in the morning or after the beach crowds leave late in the afternoon. Also make sure children know the rules of the road and don’t stray into oncoming bike traffic or stop on the path for breaks. For the road less traveled, head south toward Marina del Rey and Hermosa Beach where traffic is lighter.
Griffith Park offers a shady paved trail along the roadside. The best loop runs along Crystal Springs Drive and Zoo Drive, then rolls back along the Los Angeles River and ends on Los Feliz Boulevard near the main entrance. Parents can fill a day with biking and a picnic lunch along with other park attractions such as the L.A. Zoo, a merry-go-round, and train and pony rides.
The Ballona Creek bike path from Marina Del Rey to Culver City is a breezy eight-mile ride from National Boulevard to the ocean, with no cars and interesting sights along the way. It is considered by some bikers to be one of the nicest around, but many solo cyclists steer clear of it because it can feel isolated and unsafe unless you are riding in a group.
For more information, check out www.labikepaths.com or www.laparks.org.
Trailing along
For kids aged 4-9, a fun option is a ride-on trailer, such as the Wee-Ride Co-Pilot ($69.99, www.weeride.com). These trailers hitch onto the adult bike, similar to a tandem bike. The child can pedal and help propel the bike, or coast, but the adult rider in front steers and controls braking. The WeeRide CoPilot is one of the best trailers in this class thanks to its patent-pending the Sync Link pivot that allows for easy maneuvering. It also easily detaches and folds for compact storage.
The WeeRide Co-Pilot is a great option for kids who get tired on long rides. They can pedal or coast for the ride.
Other options are pull-behind trailers, such as the Burley d’lite ST ($599.99, REI, bicycletrailers.com), which can accommodate two tiny tots, totaling up to 100 pounds, who can nap or play with toys in the enclosed coach; center-mount carriers, such as the WeeRide Kangaroo LTD ($59.99, Toys R Us), in which babies and toddlers under 35-40 pounds can ride out in front behind the handle bars; and child seats that affix to the back of a bike, such as the Topeak BabySeat ($179, Spokes ‘n Stuff), which offer a comfortable and secure ride for children up to 40 pounds.
