Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words

Lifestyle


Sorted by date  Results 726 - 750 of 1519

Page Up

  • The Only Gun in Antarctica Keeps the Peace, Enforces the Law in World's Most Remote Town

    Polly Hansen, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 8, 2023

    Some people call it the "The Manhattan of Antarctica." By far the largest of 100 or so bases in Antarctica, is McMurdo Station at McMurdo Sound. Located at the furthest latitude South that a ship can sail in the Antarctic summer, the 75 year old American base is the situs of important research. It is also a logistical facility that supports South Pole Station and other bases. In a locked glass cabinet in the Station Master's office is the only firearm for 2,000 miles, a 12...

  • Betty White Was For the Birds: How I Befriended Betty White On an Animal Centered Film Shoot.

    Larry Zarcoff, Special to the Observer|Updated Jan 20, 2022

    In the mid 90s I got a call from the folks over at Buena Vista Television to direct and edit a pilot presentation for a proposed syndicated show called "The Betty White House." The idea was that Betty White lived on a ranch with her animals, and celebrities would "drop in" for coffee and a chat. It was a nice idea, a twist on the morning show format. My skeleton crew and I all trudged up to her ranch in Santa Clarita. It was a very simple set up, except every Disney executive...

  • What Happens to Social Security Benefits Withheld Due to the Earnings Limit?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Jan 18, 2022

    Ask Rusty – How Do I Get Back Benefits Withheld Due to the Earnings Limit? Dear Rusty: If I work and take Social Security before my full retirement age, how can I find out how I will be paid back the money withheld after I pass the earnings limit? Signed: Returning to Work Dear Returning: What you're referring to is that Social Security limits how much you can earn while collecting early benefits (before your full retirement age, or "FRA"). The earnings limit for 2022 is $...

  • Westside School of Ballet announces a new line up of three divisions of boys-only ballet classes

    Jewels Solheim-Roe|Updated Jan 18, 2022

    Watch out, Mikhail Baryshnikov! Westside School of Ballet has announced three divisions of boys-only ballet classes. The 50-year legacy dance academy's website states: "The Boys-Only classes promote the knowledge and practice of ballet, with an emphasis on alignment, coordination and athleticism. While the basic syllabus is the same for beginning male and female students, the contrast between male and female dancing is increasingly emphasized as a student progresses. Boys...

  • Mash Gallery Announce À GOGO II To Debut At The W Hotel In Conjunction With Frieze LA

    Christine Peake, PeakePRGroup.com|Updated Jan 15, 2022

    Haleh Mashian, a prolific painter and owner of MASH Gallery is set to return for her second groundbreaking exhibit at the W Hotel Hollywood in conjunction with Frieze LA. The À GOGO II exhibit will debut on Thursday Feb 17th, 2022 at the exclusive W Hotel, an invite only red carpet affair. The much anticipated exhibit is a continuation of Mashian's outstanding show in 2020 which had record attendance and received critical acclaim. Mashian has been climbing the curatorial...

  • If I Have Medicare Advantage, Why Do I Need Medicare Part B?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Jan 9, 2022

    Ask Rusty – I Have Medicare Advantage - Why Is a Medicare Premium Deducted from my Social Security? Dear Rusty: My wife and I have a Medicare Advantage Plan, and we do not use Medicare for our claims. However, we still have the Medicare premium deducted from our Social Security checks. Is this correct? Signed: Wondering Dear Wondering: If, after age 65, you choose to take Medicare outpatient coverage of any kind you must pay that Part B premium, even if you decide to a...

  • Will a Cut In Pay Reduce My Social Security Benefits? Could early retirement be a better alternative?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Jan 4, 2022

    Dear Rusty: I recently took a big pay cut in my job. Several older friends have advised that I not continue to work much longer in this reduced paying job because it will affect my Social Security when I get ready to start drawing it. I'm currently 62 and thought about working until around 65. Friends are advising that my SS check will be smaller due to the decrease in pay. I have tried calling my local and National Social Security office and can't get anyone to answer the...

  • New Mom-Owned Start-up Working to Solve Childcare Crisis by Connecting Local Families

    Nicole Cox, www.Junecare.co|Updated Dec 31, 2021

    While everyone has been impacted by the pandemic, one population that has been dramatically impacted is moms. As the pandemic erupted in the spring of 2021, approximately 3.5 million mothers with school-aged children either lost jobs, took leaves of absence or left the labor market altogether, according to the Census Bureau. Before the pandemic, women made up more than 50 percent of the country's workforce. As a result, many women who are accustomed to having careers outside...

  • LAX Pups: Therapy Dogs Greet Visitors at Nation's Second Busiest Airport

    David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 31, 2021

    Therapy dogs dressed in Christmas outfits helped 200,000 passengers a day pass through Los Angeles International Airport during the holiday period. "Happy "Howl"idays from our @LAXPUPS," says a tweet on, well, twitter. The dogs are named "Serjio, Mia, Mason and Ellie! If you are flying this holiday season, look out for them greeting guests in the terminals. #LAX #LAXPups. LAX airport has undergone massive construction in recent months, as a train or "people mover" is under...

  • Bride Asks Model Not to Attend Wedding After Posting Revealing Photos of her Gown, German Woman named Alena Yildiz Posts to Tik Tok

    Sarah Storkin, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 30, 2021

    Alena Yildiz, a German model based in Heidelberg has posted to Tik Tok that she was disinvited to a friends wedding after planning to attend the wedding, wearing a dress that was too revealing for the bride. "This is not in keeping with the standards that I posted for the wedding," the bride told Yildiz in a personal phone call. She told Yildiz that she would no longer be on the guest list. She had posted photos of the well, somewhat revealing gown to social media. They had...

  • In-Prison Program Brings Rescue Kittens For Female Inmates

    Amber S. Jackson, Lucky Lifer|Updated Dec 28, 2021

    It's called "PURR." For Pawsitively United Rescue And Release Program. Rescued Kittens are brought into the prison and placed with women as part of this program. They are fed and nursed until they grow and thrive. They're socialized with the women here in the prison as they wait to be adopted out. Many of the CIW's own staff take home these kittens from this program to adopt for their own. There is plenty of wildlife roaming here on the CIW prison grounds. Sometimes a bird...

  • California to Require Cats and Dogs to Wear Face Masks in Public

    Stan Greene, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 26, 2021

    Fighting a rise in Covid 19 infections and desperate to keep numbers down, the State of California will soon require household pets to wear facemasks in public. Simultaneously, Mask vs. Anti Mask is trending on Twitter. The pro mask case: Why do doctors wear face masks? To protect you from their germs. So obviously it has some positive effect. The anti maskers reply that jurisdictions with masks requirements, i.e. California, have not done better than Texas or Florida in...

  • The Perfect Gift For Christmas

    Dr. Glenn Mollette|Updated Dec 24, 2021

    This Christmas give somebody the gift of mercy and forgiveness. Be broad with your giving and generous. We all need a lot of both. For such a joyful holiday of cheer, giving and yuletide merriment there is much to be stressed about. Typically, people have been stressed about all the holiday parties, gatherings and Christmas scheduling. This year there is more stress related to sickness, masks, vaccinations, Omicron, natural disasters, filled hospitals, massive numbers of...

  • Should I Take Social Security if I Don't Need It?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Dec 24, 2021

    Ask Rusty – Should I Take Social Security Even If I Don't Need It? Dear Rusty: I am 66 years plus 8 months old, am still working making six figures, and can support myself. I'm a healthy, self-employed single woman and have a State Pension (from a divorce settlement). I will work part time, probably through next year and until I am 70 years old or more. What should I do about my Social Security - take it or "bank it" in Social Security? Signed: Fully Independent Lady Dear Full...

  • Many Seniors are Alone for Christmas

    John Grimaldi, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Dec 23, 2021

    WASHINGTON, DC, Dec 17 – Too many senior citizens come down with a case of Holiday Blues this time of the year. It's not a very "jolly" season – especially if you're old and living alone. The National Council on Aging [NCOA] estimates that 28% or more of folks in the 65-plus segment of the population live alone and while it can be tough on them each and every day, the holiday season is an especially rough reminder of their solitary lives. NCOA says that "Loneliness is mor...

  • If I Have Veterans Administration Health Coverage, Should I Get Medicare Part B?

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Dec 21, 2021

    Ask Rusty – I Have VA Coverage; Should I Get Medicare Part B? Dear Rusty: I am a 74 year old veteran enrolled with the VA. I have never had Medicare Part B. Should I? My only source of income is Social Security. Signed: Retired Veteran Dear Retired Veteran: First, thank you for your service to our country. Like you, I use the VA for certain healthcare needs but, unlike you, I am also enrolled in Medicare Part B. The decision on whether to have both is a personal choice only yo...

  • Starbucks in Los Angeles Provides Bathroom for Men, Women, Aliens

    Stan Greene, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 16, 2021

    Apparently a starbucks in Los Angeles has taken the gender neutral bathroom movement to a whole new level. A sign on the door and also above the sink, tells patrons they are welcome whether they are men, women or well, space aliens. "Usually, i think so yeah. I feel like most of the time this is someone trying to be "hip" by saying look, you're welcome here regardless of gender identity -- but it just does so in an icky way without really realizing it," said one patron. The...

  • Liberty University School of Business Requires Female Students to Wear Makeup, Says Soc. Media Post

    Sarah Storkin, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 12, 2021

    According to a post on Reddit, the MBA school at "Jerry Falwell University" (i.e., Liberty University) requires women to wear makeup to class. This requirement is part of professional dress code. Founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, Liberty University has 80,000 online students, and 15,000 at its Lynchburg Campus. Its annual budget is over $100 million. Business students report that US graduate schools of business, often incorporate dress codes which are a relfection of what will...

  • What Your Cat Wants for Christmas: Gift Ideas for the Holidays or Any Time of Year

    Sabine Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 10, 2021

    If a cat could write a wish list to Santa, they'd probably put down some requests like world domination or a whole ham. But those items aren't necessarily healthy for your cat in the long run. With that in mind, here is a revised wish list of items your cat wants that will enrich their life and your bond. Disclaimer: none of the products mentioned have sponsored or endorsed this article. 12. A delicious meal. There's controversy as to whether dry kibble is truly bad for cats,...

  • Don't Be a Holiday Accident Statistic

    LA County Fire Department|Updated Dec 10, 2021

    Los Angeles, CA – Between now and New Year's Day, first responders see an increase in 9-1-1 calls for emergencies related to carbon monoxide alarms and poisoning, electrical fires, and fires caused by unattended candles or through the improper use of space heaters. This past Saturday, Los Angeles County firefighters and sheriff's deputies rescued three residents, including a child, after responding to a fire in a Florence area home caused by a space heater. All three p...

  • How to Apply for Social Security: Step by Step Instructions

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Dec 10, 2021

    Ask Rusty – How Do I Apply for Social Security Benefits? Dear Rusty: I would like some advice concerning Social Security. In January I will be 62.5 years old. I was laid off two years ago and have not had a steady income since (though I still have bills to pay). I also did not qualify for unemployment. Therefore, what little I had for "retirement" is now gone. For this reason, I have been seriously considering applying for Social Security as soon as I'm able. I remember r...

  • Man with Foreign Pension Wants His Social Security Windfall Reduction Back - He Won't Get It

    Rusty Gleer, Association of Mature American Citizens|Updated Dec 7, 2021

    Ask Rusty – Social Security's WEP is Unfair – I Want My Money Back! Dear Rusty: How can a foreign company pay into the US Social Security system? I worked in Barbados before I immigrated to the USA and earned a pension there. Now my US Social Security benefits are reduced because I receive a pension from Barbados. One has nothing to do with the other and I want my money back! Signed: Angry Immigrant Dear Angry: Foreign companies don't pay into the U.S. Social Security sys...

  • Woof! Dog PPL Opens Private Dog Park in Downtown Santa Monica

    David Ganezer, Observer Staff Writer|Updated Dec 5, 2021

    What do you do with 20,000 square feet of vacant parking lot in Santa Monica? You turn it into a private dog club, of course. The dogs pay $80 per month to frolic on the astroturf, play with other dogs, eat dog biscuits, and poop wherever they feel like pooping Which of course is every canine's birthright. "NMS Properties owns the land," explains Liam Underwood, the club's Australian proprietor. "They're in between permits at the moment. So they graciously allowed us to use...

  • Five Holiday Scams to Avoid: Cybercriminals look forward to the holidays, too-but for starkly different reasons.

    Morgan Stanley|Updated Dec 4, 2021

    It's no wonder so many of us look forward to the holidays. It's a time to gather with family and friends, share memories and gifts, and make plans for the coming year. Cybercriminals look forward to the holidays, too-but for starkly different reasons. This time of year represents an opportunity to unleash their schemes on a busy, distracted audience that's focused on merriment, not mayhem. But being aware of some common scams can help keep you safe throughout the holidays. 1....

  • Adoption Fees Waived for All Cats and Dogs in Care for Over 10 Days

    LA County Dept of Animal Care and Control|Updated Dec 2, 2021

    Los Angeles County Animal Shelters announced: Adoption Fees Waived for All Cats and Dogs in Care for Over 10 Days....

Page Down