Discover Engineering Day at Iridescent Science on Feb 19th and March 19 - 10am to 1pm

We have been to Iridescent Science Studio several times and it is a wonderful place for kids and adults alike to learn about science and engineering with hands-on learning.  Come and discover for yourself .... check out the links!!

Location:

LOS ANGELES SCIENCE STUDIO
553 West 23rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 

<http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=34.030619,-118.273837&spn=0.009674,0.013797&z=16>
Parking <http://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IridescentScienceStudioDirections.pdf>

http://iridescentlearning.org/la-calendar/

Discover Engineering Day at the Iridescent Science Studio! February 19th 10:00am-1:00pm
Join us on this very special day and experiment with:

Stomp Rockets
Models- for our wind tunnel
Building Bridges
Bristle Bots- If you would like to create a bristle bot please bring $3.00 to cover the cost of materials

Join us for this free event-tell your friends!

Check the bristle bot out here!  <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUSTXUis_ys>

Simple Bots Workshop! March 19th 10:00am-12:00pm

Build a BeetleBot

The Beetlebot is a very simple robot that avoids obstacles on the floor. In this workshop, children will be introduced to basic electronic components: switches, motors and batteries. Each child will build and decorate their very own BeetleBot. This workshop is a perfect way to introduce a child to robotics. All materials are included with registration fee.  Sign Up Here! <http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/refer.php?s=2655174405&u=22834381&v=3&key=dd85&skey=22737ec61d&url=https%3A%2F%2Fspreadsheets0.google.com%2Fa%2Firidescentlearning.org%2Fviewform%3Fhl%3Den%26hl%3Den%26formkey%3DdE81Y1l0ZVNSTWF6Q3NacUJHZmNITlE6MQ%23gid%3D0>
Cost: $20.00

Check the Beetlebot out here! <http://www.mynewsletterbuilder.com/tools/refer.php?s=2655174405&u=22834383&v=3&key=263f&skey=22737ec61d&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ds6X6d-RXNps>

Sunday Feb 13, from 1pm to 4pm FOWLER MUSEUM family art

Kids in the Courtyard: Walking Sculptures

Design and build large masks that reach towards the sky, inspired by the masquerade arts of Central Nigeria. At this drop-in art-making session, families will use cardboard and raffia to create walking works of art!

EVENT DETAILS

Kids in the Courtyard: Walking Sculptures
Sunday, February 13, 2011
1-4 pm
Fowler Museum Courtyard
Free Family Event

Related Exhibition

Tuesday, Feb 15, 7.30pm - LOS ANGELES RIVER STORIES

Tuesday, February 15, 7:30 pm
River Stories in Los Angeles

Not only does Los Angeles have a river, it has a storied past with a bright future. Jenny Price, renowned environmental writer and dedicated LA River advocate, is returning to the Chautauqua Series with her passionate perspective about the ebb and flow of our local river. She will bring us up to date on the nature stories, history, and hopeful stories of what the river is and could be. There is still a big life left in Los Angeles' famous or infamous river.

The program and parking are FREE for the evening (1.5 hours). Meet at Woodland Hall.

Sponsored by Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and presented by Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

We hope you will join us for a slice of Culture in the Canyon with the 2011 Chautauqua Series at Temescal Gateway Park. Temescal Canyon was the West Coast center for the early 20th century Chautauqua movement. Both the canyon and the movement have a long history as gathering places for learning and enjoyment. Culture in the Canyon at the Chautauqua Series continues this tradition monthly by offering free, quality entertainment in a great atmosphere at Temescal Gateway Park. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn something new, meet your neighbors, support your community, and enjoy a cup of coffee with regional and national talents.

Temescal Gateway Park
15601 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA. 90272  

Directions

For more information:  

(310) 858-7272 ext.131

or Joel.Cordeiro@mrca.ca.gov

February 3rd - Chinese New Year begins - some festivities for this and next weekend

If you haven't seen the Los Angeles Chinatown Golden Dragon Parade, it is on Saturday, February 5th, this year beginning at 1pm.  Free parking is available at Dodgers Stadium, but it is also good to take the metro train downtown.   You will see many splendid long dragons as well as acrobatic lion dancers .... and many floats, of course.  If you would like a lion dancer to stop to endow you good luck for the year, show your favorite dancer a red packet (it doesn't have to contain more than a dollar or two) and the lion dancer will stop to take it from your hands with its "mouth."  After the parade, check out the rest of the Chinese New Year festivities ... celebrations last 15 days!

For more details, check out:
http://lagoldendragonparade.com/index.html

LOS ANGELES CHINATOWN GEARS UP FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR

Jan. 18, 2011 Contact: Linh Ho
(323) 206-6491
linh@ideationagency.com

“LOS ANGELES CHINATOWN GEARS UP FOR CHINESE NEW YEAR—THE LARGEST FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR FOR THE DISTRICT”

(Los Angeles) – The New Year marks the most important time of year throughout most of Asia and this tradition of ringing in the New Year is also celebrated in the U.S. with lots of fanfare and celebration. There’s no better place to experience this unique time of year than in Los Angeles’ Chinatown District.

The festival begins with a Midnight Ceremony to usher in the New Year at Thien Hau Temple on Feb. 2, 2011 from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The temple is located at 750 Yale Street, Los Angeles, 90012. Thousands will gather to make offerings to the deities, set off firecrackers to awaken the spirits, and burn incense to usher in good fortune for the New Year. Participants include lion dancers, Buddhist and Taoist monks, the heads of family associations, and many others from the Southern California Chinese community.

The festivities kick into full swing the weekend of Feb. 5th & 6th, 2011. On Saturday, Feb. 5th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the 112th Annual Golden Dragon Parade returns with colorful splendor as over 100 floats, marching bands, performers, dignitaries in cars, and costumed organizations with Chinatown roots parade through Chinatown. The parade can be viewed from both Broadway and Hills streets.

The entire weekend of Feb. 5th & 6th offers attendees a chance to participate in plenty of activities, do some shopping and eat to their hearts content. Central Plaza in Chinatown will host some of the best performers outside of Cirque du Soleil—from acrobats, lion dancers, contortionists to performance troupes never seen before in Southern California. Also in Central Plaza is the LA Craft Experience market which showcases over 40 unique vendors from Los Angeles selling original art, fashion, gifts, toys, collectibles, home accessories and much more. West Plaza will offer cultural workshops suitable for adults and children of all age groups as well as a Ping Pong Tourney for casual and avid players. A prize schedule determines giveaways for Ping Pong tournament participants. Artisans will be stationed at both plazas for face painting by Tai Ling Wong, dough sculpture demonstrations by Chris Lee and as well as others.

Attendees should prepare to eat their hearts out during the weekend-long event. Most Chinatown restaurants and merchants will be open that weekend and are serving up favorite Chinese delicacies. Some of Los Angeles’ favorite gourmet food trucks will also be in attendance to serve unique food truck cuisine.

On Sunday, Feb. 6th, “The Great Chinatown Hunt”, organized by Race/LA returns. Teams of 2 to 4 players will have a total of three hours to solve a series of clues leading them around Chinatown. To register or for more info, visit www.racela.com or call (310) 360-6950.

The festivities continue the following weekend, Feb. 12th and 13th with the annual Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Walk/Run. The weekend will feature entertainment both days, a carbo-loading event on Saturday, the walk/run on Sunday, and a 20-mile bike ride. After thirty-one years of existence, the Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker run is the longest running Chinese New Year athletic event in America. For additional information, or to register for the run/walk/bike ride, visit www.firecracker10k.org or call (323) 256-1363.

Schedule:
2/2 (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
* Midnight Temple Celebration at Thien Hau Temple

2/5 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
* 112th Annual Golden Dragon Parade
* Entertainment and Cultural Activities at Central and West Plaza
* LA Craft Experience Market

2/6 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
* “The Great Chinatown Hunt” by Race/LA
* Entertainment and Cultural Activities at Central and West Plaza
* LA Craft Experience Market

2/12 & 2/13
* LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Walk/Run

All events are free and open to all ages. For information on all upcoming events in Chinatown, visit www.chinatownla.com or call (213) 680-0243.

Sunday February 6th - free admission to Bowers Museum in Santa Ana - Chinese New Year of the Rabbit

If you have never been to Bowers Museum, go on February 6th, 2011, and enjoy a free admission day to all its exhibits and enjoy an afternoon of Chinese cultural events to celebrate Chinese New Year ... it is the year of the rabbit.  Free admission opens at 10am and there is free parking - first come first served :)

TARGET FREE FIRST SUNDAY

 Sunday, February 6, 2011, 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM

On the first Sunday of every month, the Bowers invites you to bring your family to the museum for a free afternoon of cultural fun! This month`s spotlight shines on the music, dance, arts, and food of China! Come celebrate the Year of the Rabbit!

		Quilts: Two Centuries of American Tradition and Technique Back by popular demand, Quilts: Two Centuries of American Tradition and Technique presents the Bowers’ most popular American quilts. To satisfy the curious and creative visitor, emphasis is placed on the quilts` construction techniques.
		Spirits and Headhunters: Art of the Pacific Islands Experience exquisite masterpieces and dynamic objects from the vast and diverse Pacific Islands in this special exhibition guest curated by Chris Rainier.
		Ancient Arts of China: A 5000 Year Legacy Curated by authorities of Chinese history and culture from the Shanghai Museum, this incredible collection portrays the evolution of Chinese art and culture.
		Masters of Adornment: The Miao People of China This important collection of exquisite textiles and silver jewelry on loan to and from the Bowers Museum’s permanent collection highlights the beauty and wealth of the Miao peoples of southwest China.

Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt Saturday, July 17 - Sunday, May 01, 2011
Thousands have admired the work of Harold Van Pelt who, along with his wife Erica, are considered the best gem and mineral photographers in the world. Few know of Van Pelt’s extraordinary ability as a fine art gemstone carver, and nobody has ever seen his entire body of work assembled in one place. Bowers Museum is proud to present the first comprehensive exhibition of the extraordinary artworks of Harold Van Pelt.

For over 35 years Van Pelt has quietly been perfecting the art of carving quartz, rock crystal and agate gemstones. Hundreds of hours go into each multi-faceted, fluted, and textured vase, hollow container, sculpture and vessel, many of which are accented with gold and semi-precious stones. Working the stone down to paper-thin walls brings out the gorgeous natural quality and colors of the agate and gives quartz the transparency of glass. Transformed by one man’s vision and skill from a solid stone to an incredibly delicate work of art, the gemstone carvings of Harold Van Pelt have to be seen to be believed.

Sponsored by the Nicholas Endowment.

Sunday, February 6, 2011, 10 AM – 4 PM The Bowers Museum offers free admission to the museum on the first Sunday of every month. Sponsored by the Target Corporation.

Thursday, Jan 27, at 7pm - free UCLA research-based presentation for parents to improve friendship and bully-prevention skills

A public announcement!  This should be a great parent presentation.  Please RSVP to Lynda Auer at her email address below so she can anticipate a more accurate audience size.  Should dovetail with "Be a Buddy, Not a Bully" very well.  Enjoy!

=========

Thursday, January 27, 7pm
St. Monica's Catholic Elementary School Auditorium
1039 7th St. • Santa Monica, CA 90403 • (310) 451-9801

Presented by: Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, PhD, the Director of The UCLA Family Commons in Santa Monica. She is also Professor of Clinical Psychology at UCLA and Director of the UCLA Global Center for Children & Families. Dr. Rotheram-Borus has developed evidence-based interventions to improve the lives of children and families. The American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the Centers have recognized her programs as landmark models that are grounded in the latest science about parenting and healthy child development.

Get tools and information to foster children's developing social skills and help them build healthy connections, like:
*How to tell when someone is a good friend.
*How to be a good friend to others.
*What to do when someone makes a mistake in friendship.

Learn about parents' role in protecting children, such as:
*How to tell if a child is bullying or being bullied.
*Understanding how friendship styles differ for boys and girls.
*Knowing when to notify parents, teachers or administrators.
*Creating a "bully-free" home environment.

Please RSVP to lynda.auer at stmonicaelem dot com

All are welcome!

Saturday January 29 - Chinese New Year free family festival at Pacific Asia Museum

Welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Rabbit!

Saturday January 29, 2011 from 11am-5pm

Free Family Festival
Celebrate the Lunar New Year!
We’re starting our 40th Anniversary year in style! Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Wells Fargo, the Lunar New Year celebration on January 29th will be a FREE, fun-filled day for the entire community. Held throughout the Museum including a fully tented parking lot, all the galleries will be open to enjoy along with crafts, demonstrations and hands-on activities, food and gift vendors, plus live music, dance, martial arts, acrobatics, magic and more! Come help welcome in the Year of the Rabbit. Free and fun for all ages!
Pacific Asia Museum, 46 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. The Year of The Rabbit is on its way.

Get an early hop on the Chinese New Years' celebrations at this family festival. Free. www.pacificasiamuseum.org.

Free Museum Days at these participating museums - Jan 29 and Jan 30

Website: www.museumsla.org/news.asp
 
Description:

In a joint effort to present the arts and culture to the diverse and myriad communities in Southern California, the Museum Marketing Roundtable announces the sixth annual Museums Free-For-All Saturday-Sunday, January 29th and 30th, 2011, now part of LA Arts Month.

The museumspresenting art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science will open their doors wide and invite visitors free of charge.*


Participating Museums:

The Autry National Center - Both Days
California Science Center - Both Days
Craft and Folk Art Museum - Sunday, January 30th Only
Fowler Museum at UCLA - Both Days
The Hammer Museum - Both Days
The Getty Center - Both Days
The Getty Villa**- Both Days
The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) - Saturday, January 29th Only
Museum of Tolerance - Sunday, January 30th Only
Pasadena Museum of California Art - Both Days
The Paley Center for Media - Both Days
Santa Monica Museum of Art - Saturday, January 29th Only
Skirball Cultural Center - Saturday, January 29th Only
The Studio for Southern California History - Both Days
*Regular parking fees apply. General museum admission only.


Please check each museum's website for details.  Parking fees will still apply.

Enjoy!

Science Studio Open House on Saturday, Jan 22, 10.30am to 1pm

If you have not been to Iridescent Science near downtown, here's a wonderful opportunity.
Details at:   http://iridescentlearning.org/

Science Studio Open House Saturday, Jan 22nd 10:30am - 1:00pm Join us for a free community open house. We will offer exciting hands-on science and engineering activities for children and families. Stations will feature activities related to our 2011 Summer Engineering Camps Animals as our Engineering Inspiration Musical Instrument Engineering Playful Inventions Underwater Robotics Iridescent Science Studio is located at 553 W. 23rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90007.

Korean Community Day at Fowler Museum - Saturday Jan 22 1-5pm

Korean Community Day – A Free, Festive Event for All Ages!


Sat, Jan 22, 2011

1–4 pmArt Workshop
Make paper kkoktu (Korean funerary figures) on a stick!

1 and 3 pm
Poongmul: Traditional Korean Drumming
Hanoolim, UCLA’s Korean Cultural Awareness group, demonstrates Poongmul, the art of traditional Korean percussion.

1:30, 2, and 3:30 pm
Exhibition Tours in English and Korean
Explore the work of five important contemporary ceramic artists from Korea featured in Life in Ceramics.1:30 and 3:30 pm in Korean; 2 pm in English.

4 pm
Fowler OutSpoken Lecture: Robert D. Mowry
Korean Ceramics: The Great Tradition
Robert D. Mowry, Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art at the Harvard Art Museums, surveys the history of Korean ceramics from the early historic period through the nineteenth century. Mowry will emphasize characteristics and innovations that are uniquely Korean (such as the invention of the inlay technique of ceramic decoration), while also exploring relationships between Korean ceramics and Chinese and Japanese ceramics. Mowry will also touch on relationships between Korean ceramics and works of art in other media—from gold, silver, and bronze to lacquer and painting.
Made possible in part through the W.L.S. Spencer Foundation. Lecture co-sponsored by the UCLA Asia Institute. Support for Korean Community Day provided by KoreAM magazine.

This Sunday January 16 Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King at California African American Museum

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Celebration!
   
  http://www.caamuseum.org/ 
  http://www.caamuseum.org/targetSundaySchedule.htm
  
  

  Target Sundays at CAAM, January 16, 2011 – "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration!"

  Mark your calendars to join us on this special weekend celebration with co-hosts singer Freda Payne and actor Jeffrey Anderson Gunter!  Each year on this particular Target Sunday we bring you performers to our main stage representing the myriad of cultural communities in the Los Angeles area.  You can also view film screenings of Dr. King's speeches over the years that highlight his legacy.  The live program begins at 1pm and includes the Lula Washington Youth Dance Ensemble, Iyanla Vanzant, Las Cafeteras, Azure Antoinette, Taiko Center of Los Angeles, Swing Brazil Tribe Dance Company, Abraham Mcdonald, and DJ N'Namdi.  Remember that we also open our doors on the only Monday of the year for "Cake for King" on Monday, January 17 to remember Dr. King's birthday.  Happy Holidays!
  
  

  Museum opens at 11am
   

  Program begins at 1pm
   

  And remember, this event is FREE! Parking is at 39th and Figueroa Streets and is $8 per vehicle.

   
  
  The MLK celebration is great for all ages, but some of the exhibits, like the one on slavery, are intense for younger and sensitive kids.
  
  California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Los Angeles (Exposition Park)
  
  Excerpted from: 
  
  http://www.familyfinds.com/blog/27/7-things-to-do-week-of-january-10

January 23rd The Goonies, February 13 - The Muppet Movie - free at Hammer Museum

Two free Hammer family movies -don't forget that the anti-gravity house is still there.  Great for photos defying gravity or see a ball roll upwards!

ALL HAMMER PUBLIC PROGRAMS ARE FREE. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Hammer members receive priority seating, subject to availability. Reservations not accepted, RSVPs not required.

Parking is available under the museum for $3 for 3 hours.

Sunday January 23 2011, 11:00AM* ( Free Admission )

THE GOONIES
(1985) Directed by Richard Donner

A cult-classic and a veritable time-capsule of all things 1980s, The Goonies defined a generation and continues to cast its spell over all those that have come after. The secrets of its success lie in executive producer Steven Spielberg’s retro-fitting of the old school Saturday matinee adventure—pirate treasure, creepy bad guys, mysterious underground caves—for a contemporary pre-teen audience with a timeless mix of schlock and shock.

Screenplay: Chris Columbus. Cinematographer: Nick McLean. Cast: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman. 35mm, 114 min.

Recommended for ages 10+

* Please note the early start time.

Sunday February 13 2011, 11:00AM* ( Free Admission )

THE MUPPET MOVIE
(1979) Directed by James Frawley

The Muppets’ big-screen debut, a magical, musical road trip across America, tells the story of how the troupe first met with wised-up wit and whimsy to spare. As Kermit treks cross-country from his swampy home to Hollywood, he’s joined by Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, The Electric Mayhem and the rest of the gang, plus an all-star human cast that includes Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor and Orson Welles in cameos. Infectiously toe-tapping songs by Paul Williams, including “Rainbow Connection” and “Movin’ Right Along,” set a bouncing rhythm for a film that will have kids of all ages smiling and humming all the way home.

Producer: Jim Henson. Screenplay: Jerry Juhl, Jack Burns. Cinematographer: Isidore Mankofsky. Cast: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt. 35mm, 94 min.

Recommended for ages 5+.

* Please note the early start time.

Saturday January 22 Chen Kuai Le Puppet Theater performance at Disney Hall outdoor amphitheater

This is a marvelously entertaining and fascinating performance from a technical perspective.  Tickets are likely to be sold out quickly so I would suggest arriving for tickets at least 90 minutes before showtime.  Details at this link:

http://www.musiccenter.org/cal/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=4718&year=2011&month=1

World City - Chen Kuai Le Puppet Theater

January 22nd, 2011

Starts at 11:00 AM

(Puppetry, Taiwan) Directed by Taiwan's leading female puppeteer, Shi-Mei Chiang, Chen Kuai Le Puppet Theater has devoted itself to the preservation of traditional arts and to the training of new generations of performers. The company, which includes Chiang's son and grandson, is accompanied by live traditional Taiwanese music and uses masterful puppet-manipulation skills and vivid narratives to present this enchanting art form. Free Tickets: All tickets are free and are distributed on Grand Avenue at 2nd Street. Tickets for 11:00am performance distributed beginning at 10:00am. Tickets for 12:30pm performance distributed beginning at 11:00am. All performances subject to change. For more information, please visit World City.

Location Family Programming Walt Disney Concert Hall - W.M. Keck Foundation Children's Amphitheatre 111 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA USA 90012 Email: education@musiccenter.org Phone: (213) 972-8000 Website: Click to Visit Directions & Parking Public Transportation Accessibility Dining

Sunday, Jan 9, 2011 - Kids in the Courtyard - Message in a Bottle

Kids in the Courtyard: Message in a Bottle

Kids in the Courtyard: Message in a Bottle

On opening day of Fowler in Focus: Art and the Unbreakable Spirit of Haiti, create a message of hope and support for the people of Haiti by embellishing water bottles with sequins and tucking your wish inside. Learn more about water and health issues in Haiti today.

EVENT DETAILS

Kids in the Courtyard: Message in a Bottle
Sunday, January 9, 2011
1-4 pm
Fowler Museum Courtyard
Free Family program

a free documentary movie "A Small Act" at Hammer Museum Tuesday January 4, 2010. at 7pm

An inspiring documentary about the value and impact of global sponsorship of education!

Share This:

10899 Wilshire Blvd. | Los Angeles, CA 90024 310.443.7000 | www.hammer.ucla.edu

Happy Holidays and here's a New Year family festival on January 2 in Little Tokyo

 Happy Holidays ... and you may like to bring your family to Little Tokyo for this festival on January 2nd, 2011.  Don't miss the listing of the Target Free days.   More details at the website:   http://www.janm.org/events/2011/01/#02

Sunday, Jan 2, 2011

Family Festivals

Oshogatsu Family Festival

FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY!

Ring in the New Year and the Year of the Rabbit with fun arts ‘n crafts, cooking workshops, and exciting performances.

11:00 – 4:00 PM: Craft and other fun activities for the entire family:

Happy New EAR! Make yourself some unique rabbit ears to celebrate the year of the rabbit!

Put a whimsical spin on the new year by creating a fun pinwheel

Toddler Room

Ruthie’s Origami Corner: Hop on over to Ruthie’s table and fold an origami rabbit!

11:00 – 1:00 PM: Bunny Petting Party with Lil’ Red’s Buckaroo Ranch
11:00 – 4:00 PM: New Years-inspired papel picado* (perforated paper) with MyPapelPicado.com
11:00 – 4:00 PM: Special fukubukuro (lucky bag) store sale
12:00 & 2:00 PM: Organic/Vegan Asian Inspired Cooking Class with Spork Foods (First come, first serve. RSVPs accepted only on January 2. 20 max for each class)

1:00 PM: A reading of Maneki Neko: The Tale of the Beckoning Cat by author Susan Lendroth
1:00 – 4:00 PM: Zaru soba* (buckwheat noodles) with Kidding Around the Kitchen
2:00 & 3:30 PM: Drum circle with Drumtime
2:30 & 4:00 PM: Mochitsuki* demonstration and performance by Kodama Taiko
4:30 PM: Taiko Performance with TaikoProject

***SPECIAL*** 1 – 3:30 PM
MOCA GEFFEN: Sunday Studio
Please visit our neighbors and join them for a guided tour of Suprasensorial: Experiments in Light, Color, and Space and learn about how artist from Latin America where exploring with perception and sensation. Next, all participants will meet and work with Janice Gomez, who will lead you in making a work of art that allows the everyone to experience art in new and extraordinary ways of engagement and participation.

*Papel picado is the Mexican folk art of paper cutting into elaborate designs.
*Zaru soba is a Japanese New Year’s tradition. Soba noodles indicate longevity.
*Mochitsuki is a traditional rice cake pounding ceremony

ABOUT OUR FRIENDS:
LIL' RED'S BUCKAROO RANCH
A unique, simple, and educational way to entertain children at any type of gathering. Our bunnies are gentle and friendly, as they are lovingly handled from the day they are born. Lil’ Red’s Buckaroo Ranch is a non-profit organization. Their proceeds go towards the care, rehabilitation and re-homing of Red’s Ranch Animal Rescue farm animals.  For more information, visit: For more information, visit www.ponyride-pettingfarm.com.

MYPAPELPICADO.COM
Students will enjoy a demonstration of authentic papel picado techniques from Educator / Demonstrator Marcelino Sifuentes. They will learn how to use tools and techniques to make their very own papel picado. This unique folk art is used for many celebrations in Mexico and here in the United States.  For more information, visit: For more information, visit www.mypapelpicado.com.

SPORK FOODS
Spork Foods is a Los Angeles-based gourmet vegan food company owned and operated by sisters Jenny and Heather Goldberg. Their delicious, innovative cuisine emphasizes organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. They offer cooking classes, food consultation, and catering.

The workshop will make the following Food: (Each person will get a generous sample of each dish.)

Wok tossed green beans with pickled vegetables

Asian coleslaw with a creamy black sesame dressing

Crispy rice cakes with azuki beans and scallions

For more information, visit: For more information, visit www.sporkfoods.com.

Maneki Neko: The Tale of the Beckoning Cat by Susan Lendroth. Illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi The cat with raised paw beckoning guests is a symbol of good luck and good fortune in many Asian countries, but the origins of the legend of the Maneki Neko are numerous. Here is another telling of the story that involves a samurai and a monk in the legend of this famous cat. Ages 4-6. Hardbound: 32 pp.

KIDDING AROUND THE KITCHEN
In today’s world, it is common that families rarely get to eat together anymore.

Kidding around the Kitchen shows that families can make and eat food together without a lot of fuss or a huge time commitment. The family food demo helps families with tips on smarter shopping, fun recipe ideas, advice on how to incorporate healthier choices when possible, and advice on how to delegate tasks in an age-appropriate way. This family food demo is a “how to” get everyone involved in the family meal.

Kidding around the Kitchen is for families that have full plates in life as well as wanting a full plate of food to enjoy together. It’s about time well spent. You’ll see your kids get a “we did it” attitude!! This family food demo works on the “try it” premise—all while empowering the kids and family. If we can do it, so can you!!
Kidding around the Kitchen is an adventure in fun, food and family. We are not only making food, we are making memories.  For more information on Kidding around the kitchen visit: www.kiddingaroundthekitchen.com

DRUMTIME
Drumming is a very direct and powerful way to connect mind, body and spirit, invigorating a person with their own life force. And anyone can do it!

The heart beats and the body reacts—we are drumming all the time. Drumming as a group gives the human spirit an opportunity to play with its two deepest desires—to express its uniqueness and to contribute to a greater whole. A Drumtime drum circle is guided with high energy and caring support to ensure that all its participants may access their innate vitality. And a Drumtime drum circle, no matter how large or small, literally transforms a gathering of people—most with no prior musical experience—into a percussion orchestra!

Participants experience the power of having their personal risks transformed into the elation of group success—giving everyone hands-on shared experiences in joy, transformation and success! For more information, visit: For more information, visit www.drumtime.net.

KODAMA TAIKO
Kodama is a group of percussionists from the greater Los Angeles area who are dedicated to performing both traditional and contemporary pieces through the sounds of taiko. The group is primarily composed of working professionals who enjoy spending their “off” time learning and creating entertaining performance pieces.

Kodama is well known for their unique Mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) performance which combines the age-old tradition of hand-pounding mochi (sweet rice) with the sounds of taiko. This energetic custom is typically performed during the Japanese New Year’s, but has lately been expanded to include any celebratory occasion. Makoto Fujii of the Japan-based group Medetaya instructed Kodama in combining the art of taiko and Mochitsuki.

2011 TARGET FAMILY FREE SATURDAY SCHEDULE
February 12:Candy Land

March 12: Construction Zone

May 14 Wild Things

June 11: Take It to the Street

July 09: Once Upon A Time

October 08: Up in the Air

November 12: Planet Power

December 10: That’s a Wrap

free Christmas Eve performance at the Music Center, Dec 24, from 3pm to 6pm

Downtown Los Angeles on Grand Ave is home to Wells Fargo Bank's Museum where you can ride on a Wells Fargo stagecoach with "moving" scenery.  See early banking artifacts and the history of Wells Fargo from the Gold Rush era.  Across the street is California Water Plaza where a water fountain dances upward to a specific pumping pattern and where a cascading pool is enclosed by an outdoor eating area - a wonderful place for a picnic.   So go early by 12noon to get your wristbands and you will have time to explore the LA Cathedral where there are animal sculptures your kids can climb on and a "beehive" you can get inside.  Or camels or tortoises to sit on.   A reasonably priced cafe in LA Cathedral provides lunch fare.  The cathedral has beautiful tapestries on either wall of recognizable and non-famous Catholics in the history of Catholicism ... the tapestry was printed on computer and the patterned threads were put together in Belgium.  These details came from a documentary on PBS on how the tapestry was created.   Don't forget to go down to the crypts or the small exhibits inside the cathedral and the peaceful areas outside the cathedral. 

Take the opportunity to enjoy downtown before coming back to the 3pm show below with your wristbands ensuring you a seat.  Don't forget parking is free for this performance.

For details, see http://lacountyarts.org/holiday.html

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Friday, December 24, 2010, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

See it live at the Music Center | Watch it on KCET-TV
Stream it on KCET.org  | Hear it on KPFK 90.7 FM

An annual tradition, the Emmy-nominated music and dance extravaganza is L.A.'s biggest holiday show - and it's FREE, so bring the whole family! Or, enjoy it from the comfort of your home on KCET-TV, KCET.org or KPFK 90.7 FM, while you finish decorating the tree or steaming tamales!
"Childhood Holiday Memories” is the theme for this year’s Holiday Celebration, broadcast live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on KCET-TV. 24 groups and nearly 800 performers will present music and dance of the season from the many neighborhoods and cultures of Los Angeles.

Students from Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation will emulate toy soldiers in a Dixieland-style tap dance performance, Mr. Vallenato will play Columbian Folk Accordion music, Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy will perform “One Drum Dance,” traditional holiday songs will be sung by current and former LAUSD music teachers in the LACESMA Women’s Chorale, Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers will draw attention to the work of African-American composers, Halau O Lilinoe will perform an ancient style of hula, and a range of seasonal stylings from traditional to contemporary will be presented by the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Elliot Deutsch Big Band, Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Loch and Key, Santa Monica Chorus and Young Angels Choir, and many more.

Attendance & Parking are FREE | Doors open at 2:30 PM

Wristbands required for entry 

Although no tickets or reservations are necessary, wristbands are required for entry. Wristbands will be handed out, one per person, starting at 11:30 a.m. Seating is first come, first served. Once a wristband is obtained, attendees will not have to wait in line. When all wristbands have been distributed, standbys will be tracked in order of arrival and admitted if seats are vacated.

View the Total Lunar Eclipse at NASA website on Monday, December 20 or at Griffith Observatory

Eclipse rained out? You have alternatives!

http://www.altadenablog.com/2010/12/eclipse-rained-out-you-have-alternatives.html

This is a triple astronomical header tonight: the winter solstice, a full moon, AND a total eclipse of that moon, all happening today and tomorrow.  Surely a cosmic portent of something.
And pity we'll miss it because of the rain.

However, Robert Klomburg tells us that this NASA website will host chats and will show live video of the eclipse from Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama, so you can enjoy the eclipse in the warmth and dryness of your own home.

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However, if you wish to brave the rain, there are special events at Griffith Observatory from 8pm tonight.  Here are details:

http://www.griffithobservatory.org/exhibits/special/Special_Event_Lunar_Eclipse.html

How High the Moon:
Total Lunar Eclipse!

A public event to view the total lunar eclipse Monday, December 20, 2010 8:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. ADMISSION IS FREE

On December 20, 2010, Griffith Observatory celebrates the last total lunar eclipse of the decade by opening its doors to the public from 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Los Angeles is perfectly situated for viewing this lunar eclipse. The eclipse occurs on the longest night of the year, and its maximum is only about fifteen hours before winter begins. It is also the highest in the sky that a totally eclipsed Moon has appeared from Los Angeles in 1,591 years and it will not be this high again for at least another millennium.

Events and special programs include Building and exhibits are open 8:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows (8:45 p.m., 9:45 p.m., and 10:50 p.m. There is a nominal charge for planetarium show tickets.) Special free lectures about the lunar eclipse in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon (8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:45 p.m.) Telescope viewing Stellar Emporium gift store open Cafe at the End of the Universe open Presentations during key eclipse moments by Griffith Observatory Director, Dr. E.C. Krupp, and Councilmember Tom LaBonge

Want to earn a finisher medal? Here's how with the free Marathon Kids program

Your child CAN earn a marathon finisher medal like this over a few months of walking or running!!




This year's Marathon Kids finisher medal will have RITE AID on it as the sponsoring corporation. Each year in Los Angeles (and 8 other cities and in Rio Grand Valley as well as in Navajo Nation), any school (including homeschools) can participate in this completely free program.  Check out the website (http://www.marathonkids.org/) to see how you can start this program at any school. 

MarathonKids describes it best:  "Our mission is to build joyful community around children and be quickly accepted into public, private and home schools as a free, innovative, celebratory fitness and nutrition program, resonating with the child... and with the child's family. The goal is for the child to develop the love and habit of moving through space and to carry forward the power of muscular, nutritional and psychological well being."

Each child will need to fill out a registration form (which is also a liability waiver form) where you can indicate the size of the T-shirt your child wears.  Everyone who completes 26.2 miles by walking or running within 6 months before March 5 will earn their Marathon Kids' T-shirt.   There is a mileage log to chart every quarter mile you walk or run and a Fuel log to record your child's eating of 5 fruits and vegetables a day for 26 days. To earn the medal, the child needs to come to the Final Mile Event for the ceremonial final lap run!

For us in Los Angeles, the Final Mile finisher event is on Saturday, March 5, at Drake Stadium.  We will be arranging for free bus transportation from our school to UCLA for everyone as parking at UCLA is $10 per vehicle.

Some teachers are encouraging  regular running after warm ups during PE class.  Families walking their kids a quarter mile a day to school 5 days a week can easily finish the 26 miles log in a matter of 3 months (104 days exactly!)   Walking to the beach or along the beach bike trail or hiking in the local parks would be a fun way to get the whole family walking and enjoying nature.

Here's a weblink for kids to explore kids-tested recipes and fitness ideas:  http://www.marathonkids.org/kids-only

For more resources on safety, ideas, and health-related links, see:  http://www.marathonkids.org/resources
and also check out community partnership program in Los Angeles:   http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CPNS/Pages/default.aspx

Here are my two favorite sites to help families eat and live more healthily:

http://blog.superkidsnutrition.com/
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/#

Don't forget to warm up your body by doing stretching exercises before running!  For an idea of what you could do, consider some of these warm up stretches: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/stretching-exercises-for-runners.html

HAPPY WALKING or RUNNING - and perhaps organize some family walks or hikes during the school winter break!  See you on March 5 at UCLA's Drake Stadium.  Don't forget to drink lots of water, eat healthy snacks, and wear sunscreen whenever you venture out to exercise.

This Sunday, December 12, from 1 to 4pm, ART and Kids in the Courtyard at UCLA's Fowler Museum

UCLA's Fowler Museum has wonderful art workshops every month for families.

On December 12, come and decorate a jar and try some kimchi after seeing a demonstration on how it is made!  Enjoy the exhibits or just roll down the hill outside the museum.  Explore UCLA campus with its inverted fountain, Sculpture Garden and Botanical Garden.

Admission to Fowler Museum is free, but UCLA parking on campus is $10 and you may wish to consider the public transportation options.

Kids in the Courtyard: Kimchi for You, Kimchi for Me

At this hands-on workshop, learn how to prepare Korean pickled vegetables, then decorate jars to store your kimchi. A perfect gift for the holiday season!

image by Emily Barney via flickr creative commons

EVENT DETAILS

Kids in the Courtyard: Kimchi for You, Kimchi for Me
Sunday, December 12, 2010
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Fowler Museum Courtyard