Hollywood, CA. February 8, 2012 -(Press Release) AMB Publicity

The one and only Mark Christopher Lawrence continues bringing Comedy to the San Diego The House of Blues. Still on it’s limited tour in San Diego, the next comedy show co-produced by Prayer Dudz, is on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012 at 7PM.

One fan who attended the last show remarked, “I’m bringing back all my family, friends… EVERYONE!”

The iconic Hollywood Red Carpet once again will welcome confirmed Celebrities and local San Diego heroes. General admission tickets are available at the House of Blues box office the night of the show, and online. Past shows have sold out quickly.

The February lineup includes comics Anita Milner, Kyle Ray, Doug Starks and the musical talents of Josh Damigo.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit:
www.houseofblues.com
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AMB Publicity
press@ambpublicity.com 310-896-8006
www.ambpublicity.com

Buy Tickets Now! Visit HouseofBlues.com

As you will see on page 2 and throughout the publication, we have three very impressive properties that are participating in our Staycation/Valentine promotion, and several exciting restaurants and vacation businesses that have joined the effort:

Coronado
Enjoy a romantic, 1-night Coronado “staycation” in the charming and historic Glorietta Bay Inn, located just one block form Coronado’s beautiful beach and world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Dine on fresh, local, sustainable food at Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge then take a bicycle ride around the island with Wheel Fun Rentals.

Julian
Get away to Julian with a restful 1-night stay at the elegant, bed and breakfast-style, Orchard Hill Country Inn, dinner at one of Julian’s finest gourmet restaurants, Jeremy’s on the Hill, and a decadent treat from Candied Apple Pastry Company.

Old Town
We’ll take you back in time with Victorian-style dining rooms, lounges, baths and bedrooms—each elegantly appointed with fine furnishings from the 1870s. And with just ten rooms, staff is at your service for all your personal needs. The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant is a fully restored 1870’s inn and a reflection of San Diego’s past.

Now here’s how you can participate.

Presidio Sentinel readers have a chance to win a stay over for two at one of three San Diego vacation getaway locations and other prizes. To enter, visit the Presidio Sentinel website, www.presidiosentinel.com. Simply “Like us” on Facebook and you’re entered in the sweepstakes.

Three lucky winners will receive one of three prize packages that include accommodations for two for one of these San Diego vacation destinations and additional restaurant and vacation activities.

The sweepstakes ends on February 14. Winners will be notified on Facebook and by email. Three winners will be chosen in order. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 years of age or older to win. For more information, visit www.presidiosentinel.com.

For those of you who decide to enter the sweepstakes, good luck! Thanks to the San Diego Convention Bureau and our participating resorts, restaurants and local businesses, these are three amazing Staycation packages.

Dreams are a hard thing to have these days.

We can chalk that up to the economy, the stock market and unemployment rates, but the truth is that no matter where you come from or where you grew up, times have always been a little tough. It was no different for me.

As a New Jersey kid growing up as the son of a working-class stone mason, I had big dreams. I drew my inspiration, as many kids back then did, from comic books. My favorite character was Batman. To me, Batman was accessible. To be Superman, you had to come from Krypton, but Batman was just a man who trained himself to be the best, both physically and intellectually. As an 8-year-old kid sitting in his bedroom awash in his heroic fantasies, I believed that someone could actually grow up to BE Batman, even me.

I couldn’t have been more excited when I heard they were making a TV show about Batman and I remember devouring the first episode, finally seeing the costumes, the Batcave, the Batmobile and all these fantastic characters brought to life in living color – but something was wrong. I heard my parents laughing. It hit me that they were playing the whole thing for laughs and I was horrified. They were laughing at Batman.

That was heresy to me. The Batman that I grew up on in the comics was not a comedian. He was a tragic figure, a dark knight who fought crime and injustice by stalking evildoers from the shadows. It was then, as a kid, I found my dream – to grow up to make a movie that would make people take Batman seriously. They would see in him the same thing I saw – the inspiration to be anything you dreamed you could be.

Michael Uslan is the executive producer, along with his partner Benjamin Melnicker, of the Batman franchise of motion pictures.

As an adult, I discovered that dream would almost break me. When I first approached DC Comics to acquire the film rights to Batman, the management at DC thought I was crazy to even want them because the TV series was dead and no one cared about Batman anymore. Then they told me they couldn’t sell me the rights because I was not a Hollywood producer. I was a college grad with a dream, but no credentials to back it up.

Undaunted, I went out to get those credentials. I went to law school and upon graduation, took a job at United Artists as a production attorney. There, I had the most amazing training in Hollywood by working on the legal side of movies like Rocky 2 and Apocalypse Now (a crisis per day for two years). Finally, I went back to DC in 1979 and said, “How about now?”

With the rights to Batman in my back pocket and with a legendary partner, Benjamin Melniker, I went to Hollywood, thinking people would be standing in line to help me make my vision of a dark and serious Batman movie a reality.

Not so much. I was laughed at, just as they laughed at Batman when I was a kid, and I spent 10 years bloodying my knuckles on shut doors – all the while trying to earn a living to support my family – until finally the pieces fell into place. Batman was released in 1989, breaking box office records left and right. My dream came true.

I want to share with as many people as I can the inspiration they gave me to fulfill my dreams.

More than 20 years later, I am involved in my eighth Batman feature film, “The Dark Knight Rises.” But the real turning point in my life and career came after the release of “The Dark Knight” a few years ago. It was a rousing success and the most complete vindication of my vision I could have ever imagined, thanks to the genius of Christopher Nolan, who deserves all the credit and accolades and has raised the bar for all comic book based films. My wife sat me down after the premiere and said, “Okay. Now that you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, what do you want to do when you grow up?”

So my next chapter is this – I want to share with as many people as I can the inspiration they gave me to fulfill my dreams. Today, dreams are hard won commodities. The American Dream itself too often is perceived to be dying, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I want people to ask themselves in the new year what inspires them. What do THEY want to be when they grow up? Who are their heroes, and what would they do if their backs were against the wall as many Americans find themselves today?

My wife’s question forced me to wonder if I could accomplish in these harsh modern times what I did decades ago, and I am forced to answer yes. It would be harder and I’d have bloodier knuckles than I did even back then, but I’d still find a way to do it. Dreams cannot be treated as conveniences or luxuries to be discarded when they become too tough to realize. When people ask me what I did to achieve success, the answer is simple.

I forfeited any sense of entitlement I thought the world owed me. I got up off the couch. I dared to dream big, based upon my passion in life. And I made a personal commitment not to give up. The rest was easy.

When the initial national edition failed as a publishing venture, I was disappointed. In truth, however, it wasn’t much and there were serious production issues. (They were so confused about what they were doing they actually adopted my idea, a 38-year old ad salesman for the Chronicle, that college and pro football games on the West Coast deserved more than line scores. It was my one and only time to influence The New York Times.)

Subsequently, as a press aide to Robert F. Kennedy in the presidential campaign of 1968, and later press secretary to Senator Charles E. Goodell of New York, The Times became increasingly a significant part of my life – and thus remains.

My feelings about The Times as a newspaper represent both a substantive judgment – I have been fascinated by newspapers since I was seven – and an emotional one. The “emotional”
part of it is more complicated, involving as it does the newspaper’s endorsement in 1970 of Senator Goodell for the U.S. Senate over Democrat Richard Ottinger and the Conservative Party’s James Buckley; it was a tough three-way race (and besides it’s beyond the purview of this article).

In opinion pieces I’ve written, in speeches and radio/TV interviews I’ve given, I have long claimed The New York Times as the world’s greatest newspaper and whoever is number two is a distant number two – whether it’s The Guardian of England, Le Monde of France, La Repubblica of Italy, De Welt of Germany, The Globe and Mail of Canada, or the Washington Post.

Recently in a sermon I delivered on 9/11 in San Luis Obispo, I repeated my claim about The Times. I did so by reminding the congregation that following 9/11 The Times published the individual name and photographs of every victim of that terrible, terrible day in American history.

I said by giving the victims of 9/11 names, faces, and stories, The Times performed the greatest single act of public service in American journalism history (and for which The Times was later and justly awarded a Pulitzer Prize).

I have also said I care more about The New York Times than some people who derive their livings from it. While I postulate something I can’t prove, I believe it nonetheless – and it’s an opinion based upon having known more than a few journalists of The Times.

With that as preface, let me share my story of the story The New York Times missed:

Until the end of December San Diego’s Alan Bersin was commissioner of United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB). As commissioner he headed an agency with 57,000 employees. He was a recess appointment by President Obama but the recess ended December 31.

The Times did not cover Mr. Bersin’s resignation, nor did it cover the circumstances surrounding his nomination or the Senate’s failure to hold public hearings, beyond an initial inquiry. If Senator Max Baucus’ failure to subsequently consider the nomination wasn’t a news story, what is?

During the run up to Mr. Bersin’s appointment deadline I decided The Times might benefit by inviting Mr. Bersin to New York for an interview with its editorial board. In that regard I spoke to an assistant to Andrew Rosenthal, the editor of The Times’ editorial page, and followed November 1 of last year with a detailed memo concerning Mr. Bersin.

Here, in part, is what I wrote to Mr. Rosenthal:

“Alan Bersin presently serves as a provisional presidential appointee. Unless the United States Senate confirms him by January 1 his service as commissioner of CBP will be effectively over. I am hardly alone in believing if that happens it will represent a great loss for our country and the future of U.S. / Mexico relations.

“I’m told President Obama is fully committed to Mr. Bersin’s nomination. Senator Schumer of New York has pledged his personal support, as have Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, California’s two U.S. senators. Republican members of the Senate have also promised their support, should the nomination come to the floor for a vote.

“But a floor vote is the issue, as Senator Baucus and one of his principal aides, have blocked that from happening, and it’s unlikely Mr. Bersin’s nomination will come up for a vote. (The role of the Senate aide in this matter is itself worthy of investigation.)

“I assure you, Mr. Rosenthal, that if this is Alan Bersin’s dénouement as CBP commissioner, it will be a great loss – for the agency and the United States, as no more qualified individual has served CBP.”

But that was the end of it. I never heard back from Mr. Rosenthal or his assistant. When I wrote about the matter to the public editor of The Times, Arthur Brisbane, I received the same results – as in zero, nothing, nada, other than a standard automatic reply. (I’m told the public editor is so inundated with complaints about The Times the odds of getting his attention are overwhelmingly against you.)

Now, in the spirit of the confessional:

I have been a friend of Alan Bersin’s since 1993 when he became U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California. Prior to his confirmation by the U.S. Senate he asked if I would introduce him to San Diego’s African-American and Latino communities. With the help of Dr. George Walker Smith, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman and civic leader, that was accomplished.

Five years later when Bertha Pendleton, the first African-American to head the school district, resigned, Mr. Bersin expressed an interest in succeeding her. He again asked for my support. I was mystified, however, as to why anyone would walk away from being U.S. Attorney, the most powerful position in any political sub-division (the power to prosecute is an absolute power) for the uncertain fate of becoming a big city school superintendent, but that’s what happened.

Superintendent Alan Bersin was a visionary and courageous, but hugely controversial. The leaders of the teachers’ union made him the object of unrelenting and often vicious personal attacks (hell hath no fury like teachers and education reform). Indeed, for many in the union he remains Public Enemy Number One. (On several occasions I was asked to speak before the school board on pressing issues affecting our schools, I found the public conduct of some union officials and teachers appalling.)

As commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mr. Bersin again sought my assistance in establishing what is now the United States/Mexico Border Association of Mayors. It’s the first organization of its kind and it was our created to bring together mayors on both sides of the border, knowing many of them had never met. This association has a chance to greatly benefit relations between our two countries, as the issues they face have a common thread – both north and south.

That said, if you don’t know, Alan Bersin is a Harvard undergraduate, a Yale Law School graduate, and a Rhodes Scholar. He is a deeply committed public servant and his departure from CBP is the nation’s loss. His time was brief but the accomplishments of the agency under his leadership were many. CPB never had a more capable leader.

None of this the readers of the world’s greatest newspaper know because the world’s greatest newspaper did not cover the story – neither Mr. Bersin’s time in office nor the politics that led to his resignation.

In our upside down world the likes of Michelle Bachmann or Herman Cain is deemed worthy of depleting forests and spilling tons of ink, but that Alan Bersin’s departure as head of a critical Federal agency employing 57,000 people, whose work impacts virtually every United States citizen, could go unreported by The New York Times is shameful, shocking, and scandalous.

Fortunately, the secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, fully appreciates Mr. Bersin’s talent and value, which is why his government service is not over (they have known one another since both were U.S. attorneys during the Clinton Administration).

Secretary Napolitano has appointed him assistant secretary for international affairs and chief diplomatic officer. While disappointed by the turn of events at CBP, he is pleased by his new assignment and, true to his character, enthusiastically welcomes the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Alan Bersin’s continued public service is good for America, but it does not expunge The Times’ failure to cover him, both in office at CBP and the subsequent events that led to his resignation as commissioner.

LEGO Playtime

2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 2/29 (Every Wednesday) 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Kids can have fun and get creative while building with LEGOs.

Mission Hills Book Group

2/2, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

The Mission Hills Book Group will discuss “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov. New members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.

Preschool Storytime

2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24 (Every Friday) 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Children are invited to a fun storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets.

Pajama Storytime

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28 (Every Tuesday) 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Children are invited to an evening storytime with books and possibly singing and puppets. Feel free to come dressed in your pajamas.

Book Sale

2/18, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The Friends of the Mission Hills Branch Library will hold a book sale. Come by and stock up on books while supporting your Library.

Children’s Craft Time

2/18, 10:00 a.m. – noon

Kids can enjoy a fun craft time.

Mission Hills Mystery Book Group

2/22, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Mission Hills Mystery Book Group will discuss a mystery novel. New members are always welcome to attend and participate. Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.

Patios, Pathways, & Plants for Fixing Your Landscape

2/29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Landscape designer Doug Kalal will present a free lecture on how to create a dazzling outdoor environment at your home. Topics include the types of materials to use for patios, plants for hummingbirds, what to do if you have shade areas or slopes, and what drought-tolerant plants are best for you.

Mission Hills Branch Library

925 West Washington Street

San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 692-4910

Pajama Storytime – Children are invited to an evening story time with books and possibly singing and puppets. Feel free to come dressed in your pajamas! 6:30 – 7:00 pm, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For information, call 619-692-4910.

Wednesday’s in Feb.

LEGO Playtime – Kids can have fun and get creative while building with LEGOs.  5:00-6:00 pm, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For more information, call 619-692-4910.

Friday’s in Feb.

Preschool Storytime – Children are invited to a fun story time with books and possibly singing and puppets.  10:30-11:00 am, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For more information, call 619-692-4910.

Saturday’s in Feb.

Puppy Fun Class – San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.  11:00 a.m., 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego.

New puppy parents can prevent problems by learning “how to raise their puppy right” through presentations on common puppy issues and engaging with their pups in dog-friendly training sessions to learn basic commands, greeting without jumping, leash walking and more. Registration required; call 619-299-7012 x2247 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Sunday’s in Feb.

Wacky Science Sundays with Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic School Bus© Wahoo! Get ready to explore the wild and wacky worlds of mysterious creatures, fascinating habitats, and phenomenal hands-on science! 12:15 and 2:15 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.sdnat.org or call 619-255-0210.

Free Sunday Concert Series at Seaport Village East Gazebo: 1 – 4 p.m.  For information, visit www.seaportvillage.com or call 619-235-4014.

Thru Feb.

The San Diego Archaeological Center will participate in the Macy’s – San Diego Museum Council’s 23rd annual Museum Month! For more information, visit www.sandiegoarchaeology.org.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center IMAX® Films – Please visit www.rhfleet.org for a listing of all film schedules.

February is the month of love  and entertainment at Harrah’s Rincon ! For a complete line-up of shows, visit www.harrahsrincon.com

Thru Jul. 31

Works by Paul Gauguin exhibit extended – Due to the sensitive nature of some of the Gauguin pieces, exhibit hours will only be from 11 a.m. -3 p.m. daily. For information and tickets, visit www.sdmaritime.org  or call 619-234-9153 ext 101.

Feb. 1        

Exploring Ethics: The Conduct of Science in the Information Age.  Address technical, social and ethical implications of conducting science in the information age.  5:30 – 7 p.m., the Fleet.  Free, registration required. Call 858-822-2647 or visit, www.rhfleet.org.

Feb. 1 – 14

Second Annual Animal Adoption Event: “My Furry Valentine”. The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Have Reduced Animal Adoption Fees to just $14 for this special event!  This special includes micro-chipping, spay/neuter, vaccinations and a veterinary exam.  Please visit one of our locations:

5500 Gaines Street in San Diego or 572 Airport Road in Oceanside (cats/small animals); 2905 San Luis Rey Rd. in Oceanside (dogs).  For information, visit www.sdhumane.org.

Feb. 2

Mission Hills Book Group will discuss The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. New members are welcome to attend and participate! Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.  10:00-11:00 am, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For more information, call 619-692-4910.

Salon Topic: “The Decline and Fall of Europe? The failing European Union and Euro System.”  Gain a deeper appreciation of complex events by sharing, engaging in dialogues, and discussing topics.  6:30 p.m., San Diego Diplomacy Council, 3604 30th Street, San Diego.  Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.  RSVP required by January 31^st  as space is limited.  Please reserve your spot by visiting www.cdcsd.org/event-registration.

Transforming Education — Education Re-Energized, 5:30 p.m., USS Midway Museum, 910 North Harbor Drive (92101).  Best-selling author and leadership consultant Steve Farber will share the perspectives of his book, The Radical Leap Re-Energized, and will lead a discussion of educators who’ve successfully implemented his “Leap” tenets of Love, Energy, Audacity and Proof and Extreme Leadership. In addition, you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet representatives from many of the region’s most generous corporate and community-sponsored education initiatives. Contact: Jim Esterbrooks at 858-292-3719. Open to the public.

Toma Sol Café presents:  Live music performed by Erin Bower, 7-9 pm. No cover. 301 W. Washington St., San Diego.  For information, call 619-291-1159.

Feb. 3

SANDAN Membership Meeting – CA State Assembly Member Toni Atkins will provide on update on State Budget issues affecting Nonprofits and take Q & A on these and other issues.  8:30 – 10:00 a.m.,

Neighborhood House Association, 5660 Copley Drive, San Diego.  For more information, visit www.sandan.org.

Feb. 3 & 4

“J.S. Bach: The Art of Fugue” features contemporary dance set to Baroque music, with five dancers bringing to life the human passions of joy, temptation, grief, and hope.  7:30 p.m. in the Molli and Arthur Wagner Dance Building, UCSD’s Theatre and Dance Department. For tickets and information, visit www.bachcollegiumsd.org.

Feb. 4

Camarada Presents:  Russian Romance – Featuring music from Eastern Europe.  Let the wistful sounds of Macedonian, Slavic, Bulgarian and Russian music transport you to the starkly beautiful snow-capped Balkan Mountains.  6:30 p.m., wine and cheese tasting, 7:00 p.m. performance at Meyer Fine Art Gallery, 2400 Kettner Blvd., # 104,  Little Italy/San Diego.  For information, call 619-231-3702 or visit www.camarada.org.

Barnard Elementary Chinese New Year Celebration, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2930 Barnard St. (92110). The Mandarin Chinese magnet school invites the community to this traditional Chinese ceremony to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. Contact: Edward Park 619-224-3306. Open to the public.

Hungarian pianist Endre Heged?s returns to the intimate setting of the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center, 7:00 p.m., 10301 Scripps Lake Drive in Scripps Ranch. He will perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Grieg and Tchaikowsky plus Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”  For information, call 858-538-8158 or visit www.srfol.org.

Free Guided Nature Hike – Ramona Grasslands. Take a 5-mile walk to view wildflowers and a pond while moving through grassland, sage scrub and chaparral habitats.  9 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821.

Feb. 4 & 25

Scripps Health Know Your Health Score Program – Free screenings for body mass index, sleep apnea risk, diabetes risk and blood pressure at informational booths located just inside the Viejas arena gate at the San Diego State University men’s basketball games.  For more information, visit www.scripps.org.

Feb. 5

Free Guided Nature Hike – Pinyon Wash. In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, follow a trail that begins at the end of Pinyon Wash, hiking 2 miles to Harper Flat, once the site of a large Indian camp. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  For more info or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821; option 4.

Talmadge Art Show – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  For more information, visit www.talmadgeartshow.com.

Feb. 6

TRASH: Science + Art Intersect – Presented by Birch Aquarium at Scripps and The New Children’s Museum, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla.  6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Wine and hors d’oeuvres, networking, and an opportunity to explore the aquarium as well as a panel discussion.  Free.  Please RSVP  at www.aquarium.ucsd.edu or call 619-795-1721.

Feb. 7

Second Annual Members Art show of the Pastel Society, Opening Reception – Allied Gardens Library. This members-only exhibit features work by all levels of artist, from beginning to professional.

Refreshments will be served.  The public is welcome.  For more information, visit www.zhibit.org/pssd.

Feb. 8

Union Bank and KPBS Present the Local Heroes Awards 2011 honoring 17 San Diegans who are making a difference in the lives of others. 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego.

Feb. 8 – Mar. 3

Young Scientists, New Careers – “Forensic Detectives,” “Marine Biologist,” “Chemist” and “Engineer.”  Preschoolers age 3-5 and their parent, explore the scientific wonders of the world through experimentation, investigation and scientific questioning.  9:00 – 10:30 a.m.  For more information, visit www.rhfleet.org.

Feb. 9

International Bipolar Foundation Free Mental Health Lecture Series.  Guest speakers, Dr. Sarah Frampton and Marta Leyva on How to Navigate Educational Services in a School Environment. Sanford Children’s Research Center (Building 12), 10905 Road to the Cure, San Diego.  5:30 – 7:00 p.m., please R.S.V.P. To areitzin@internationalbipolarfoundation.org.

Nature and Me Storytime at the NAT.  Come enjoy an imaginative journey into nature through dynamic readings and visits to exhibitions. Open to all ages with a parent (recommended for ages 1–5). 10:30 a.m., FREE with Museum admission. For more information, visit www.sdnat.org or call 619-255-0210.

Feb. 9 – 19

22nd Annual San Diego Jewish Film Festival – The Joyce Forum presents outstanding Jewish-themed short-subject, documentary and feature films from around the world.  For tickets or information call 858-362-1348 or visit www.lfjcc.org/sdjff.

Feb. 10

Home-school Lessons at the San Diego Humane Society – San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.  10-11:30 a.m. at 572 Airport Road, Oceanside and 1:30-3:00 p.m. at 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego.  Children ages 7-12 are invited to learn about animals at these programs just for home-schoolers. $Reservations required; call 619-299-7012 ext. 2320 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Feb. 10 – Sept. 9

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition – the NAT,  1788 El Prado in Balboa Park.  Visitors will receive a replica boarding pass granting them permission to “board” the White Star Line’s R.M.S. Titanic, and from there the journey begins. For more information, call 619-232-3821 or visit www.sdnhm.org.

Feb. 11

Saturday Science Club for Girls: “Rocket Research”.  Girls in grades 5 – 8 can join the Fleet to investigate exciting science topics. Predict angles, use pressure to propel projectiles and design a rocket for a successful flight.  Pre-Registration required; please call 619-238-1233 x. 806. 12noon – 2PM.

Free Guided Nature Hike – Indian Hill.  In Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, hike through hillsides of teddy bear cholla and barrel cactus to visit the remains of a primitive 1912 railroad camp. Four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles are recommended to reach the trailhead.  9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.  For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821; option 4.

Feb. 11 & 25

San Diego Woman’s Club Card Parties! Play Bridge, Canasta, Spite and Malice.  10 am – 2 pm., 2557 Third Avenue, San Diego. For reservations and information, call Julia Roth at 760-744-0314 or visit www.sandiegowomansclub.org.

Feb. 12

Free Guided Nature Hike – Daley Ranch.  In Escondido, Daley Ranch has several habitats that support a variety of plant and animal species.  On the Boulder Loop trail, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area.  10 a.m.–1 p.m.  For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821; option 4.

Rene van Rems Presents: “Personalize Your Own Valentine’s Day Floral Gift”.  Impress your loved-one even more by giving your own design and learn trade secrets to making your flowers last longer than ever.  This 3-hour workshop with focus on novelty roses in a high-style European rose arrangement and a small hand-tied bouquet.  9 a.m. – 12 /noon, or 1 p.m. – 4 p.m..  For reservations and information, visit www.renevanrems.com.

The International Dance Association of San Diego County presents its Annual Dance Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at the Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Road West in Balboa Park. The event is free to all dance classes and exhibitions.  For information, visit www.idasdc.org, or call (619) 479-8015.

Feb. 14

Tots and Tales – San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.  10:30 a.m., 5500 Gaines Street, SD.  Bring your preschooler for an interactive story-time complete with animal stories, crafts, and of course, ANIMALS.   Reservations required; call 619-243-3432 or visit www.sdhumane.org.

Feb. 16

Project KEPPT Pet Food Bank – San Diego Humane Society and SPCA.  1-3 p.m., 5500 Gaines Street, San Diego.  Please contact ahoang@sdhumane.org or 619-299-7012 ext 2907 for program qualifications and details.  Visit www.sdhumane.org.

Clairemont Community of Schools Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Marston Middle School, 3799 Clairemont Drive (92117). Parents, students and community members are invited to attend this meeting, which discusses educational issues at the high school and its middle and elementary schools. Contact: Julee Jenkins, julee.jenkins@gmail.com . Open to the public.

Feb. 17

Book Signing – Paula Marinos, author of “Note To Self: How Not to Date After Divorce”. Barnes and Noble, Mira Mesa, 4:00PM.

Feb. 18

Book Sale – The Friends of the Mission Hills Branch Library will hold a book sale. Come by and stock up on books while supporting your Library!  9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For information, call 619-692-4910.

Children’s Craft Time – 10 a.m. – noon, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For information, call 619-692-4910.

Free Guided Nature Hike – Fortuna Mountain.  In San Diego’s Mission Trails Regional Park, Fortuna Mountain looks out over an area that once contained ancient beaches. Look for early wildflowers along the trail.  8–11 a.m.  For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821; option 4.

Chuck Yeager, first to break the sound barrier and Jerry Coleman, the “Voice of the San Diego Padres” will attend The Spirit of ’45 Awards and Celebration Dinner at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.  For more information, call 619-234-8291 or visit www.sandiegoairandspace.org.

Feb. 19

Free Guided Nature Hike – Rose Canyon Open Space Park.  In San Diego’s University City neighborhood, watch for hawks soaring above Rose Creek while hiking in this 275-acre oasis along the old Santa Fe Railroad roadbed.  9–10:30 a.m.  For more information or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821; option 4.

IMAX En Español ~ HUBBLE – Experience the gripping story of one of the most important scientific instruments since Galileo’s original telescope and the greatest success in space since the Moon Landing – the Hubble Space Telescope.  6:00 p.m. at the Fleet.   For more information, visit www.rhfleet.org.

MLK Choir, will perform 2 at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center.  Under the direction of Pastor Ken Anderson, this accomplished ensemble will perform a varied program from their repertoire of gospel music, negro spirituals, anthems, and classical works.  2:30 p.m., 10301 Scripps Lake Drive.  For information, call 858-538-8158 visit www.srfol.org.

Rene van Rems Presents: “Table-scape, Tabletop, Special Events and Party Décor Workshop”.  Learn how to create table scapes start to finish and create a “wow” with little investment. Learn labor saving techniques for production design and how to recycle inventory and props”.  For reservations and information, visit www.renevanrems.com.

Feb. 21

Seminar: Your Heart, Your Life, Your Dreams.  7:00 – 8:15 p.m. at Scripps Memorial Hospital, 9890 Genesee Ave., La Jolla.  The event will offer practical strategies to help each attendee chart an

Individualized path to optimal heart health. Topics to be addressed will include proper nutrition, sleep, fitness and resiliency to stress. For information and registration, call 1-800-SCRIPPS.

The San Diego Floral Association is proud to welcome botany professor/author, Matt Ritter. Members and the public are invited to attend.   6:00 p.m. catered dinner ($15 per person), 7:00 program. Dinner can be reserved by calling 619-232-5762.  Location: Room 101 of Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. Admission is free.

Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp from 6 p.m. to midnight. The event will feature live music, special guest appearances, and a grand parade that will travel 5^th Avenue at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Attendees must be 21 years of age. For information, visit www.gaslamp.org or call (619) 233-5227.

Feb. 22

Mission Hills Mystery Book Group – New members are welcome to attend and participate! Please read the book beforehand. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk while supplies last.  6:30-7:30 pm, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For more information, call 619-692-4910.

Feb. 23

Toma Sol Café presents:  Local finger-style guitarist/instrumentalist, Jim Earp.  7:00 – 9:00 pm, 301 W. Washington Street, San Diego. No cover. For more information, visit www.TomaSolCafe.com or call 619-291-1159.

Feb. 25

High School Instrumental Honor Concert, 7 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St. (92101). Enjoy a concert with the best musicians from high schools throughout the San Diego Unified School District. Contact: Karen Childress-Evans at 858-539-5349. Open to the public.

Free Guided Nature Hike – Lake Hodges.  In Rancho Bernardo, hike through varied terrain, pass a waterfall, and learn about Native American uses of plants in this area rich in Kumeyaay history.  8–11 a.m.  For more info or directions, visit www.sdnhm.org/canyoneers or call 619-232-3821; option 4.

Feb. 25 – 29

The 56th Annual Biophysical Society Annual Meeting brings together over 6,000 research scientists in the multidisciplinary fields representing biophysics. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego.  For more information, visit www.biophysics.org.

Feb. 29

Patios, Pathways, & Plants for Fixing Your Landscape – Landscape designer Doug Kalal will present a free lecture on how to create a dazzling outdoor environment at your home. Topics include the types of materials to use for patios, plants for hummingbirds, what to do if you have shade areas or slopes, and what drought-tolerant plants are best for you.  6:30-7:30 pm, Mission Hills Branch Library, 925 West Washington St., San Diego.  For more information, call 619-692-4910.

Mar. 1

5^th Annual Scripps Translational Science Institute Educational Conference – A dynamic, interactive forum where human geneticists, genomic scientists, physicians and health-care professionals of all disciplines can gain valuable insights from many of the nation’s leading genomics experts. For more information,  visit www.scripps.org/conferenceservices or call 858-652-5400.

As I got older my love for movies stayed with me despite the price, and my love of popcorn waned because of the price. As a member of the Cinema Society of San Diego I have the opportunity to see many different aspects of the film industry. I have learned that some excellent films are never released because the big studios are looking at the bottom line and making that the criteria rather than the worthiness of the film. Some of these movies may never be released or may go directly to DVD. A favorite of mine this year was a documentary called “Thunder Soul” that paid tribute to a 92 year old former band instructor at an inner city Houston school. “The Prof,” as he was called took this mediocre group of African American high school musicians and turned them into the legendary Kashmere Stage Band who toured the world in the 70s winning top awards wherever they went. This film was an inspiring and heartwarming piece that left us all with a feel good spring in our step as we left the theater marveling at the human spirit at its very best.

Besides the documentary and indie films offered, we also get to see some of the big box office winners before they are released to the general public. Because we see them early, reviews may not have been out yet. One such movie I walked into without high hopes. After all, this is 2012 and I’m about to see a silent film in black and white. What a surprise, what a great surprise, the film was terrific and the lack of sound and color only intensified how good the movie was. The critics agreed and it’s been a big winner garnering awards along the way to the Oscars.

And speaking of Oscars, my prediction for Best Foreign Film is one I just saw at our treasure of an art house, The Hillcrest Landmark. The movie, “A Separation,” is Iran’s entry, a bold film by that country’s standards which tells the story of a married couple on the brink of divorce. But the story is just a vehicle for showing so much of what is happening in that country today. Male and female rights, class distinction, the power of religion and government obstacles all play out in this well written, well acted and beautifully nuanced film. Movies can be fun and exciting, or powerful and educational and sometimes just plain entertaining. This cinemaphile can’t get enough.

Both novels are about contemporary young adults. Eugenides follows three Brown University seniors through graduation and their first year grappling with the big wide world. Harbach’s protagonists include three baseball players at a small private university in Northern Wisconsin. The university milieu and influences dominate both stories.

The characters in the two books are flawed and flailing—it’s called being human, and they’re relatively new at it. As readers, we may or may not like them and empathize with them, but we come to understand them. They make bad decisions, they hurt each other and their families, they fail miserably, but they have the rest of their lives to work things out. You get the impression that most of them will redeem themselves sooner or later.

I was immediately caught up in “The Marriage Plot,” even though the characters were self-absorbed and their stories somewhat myopic: Mitchell loves Madeleine, who loves Leonard, who’s hanging onto his wits by a thin thread. In an interview, Eugenides said that his title referred to Jane Austen and the Brontes and the days when novels ended with weddings and presumed happily-ever-afters. “Reader, I married him.” The end. Now, with such a high divorce rate, couples uncouple and rearrange themselves into different pairs, and the drama goes on. The novel was engrossing, a page-turner, but it didn’t quite come together for me. It left me wanting something more.

Okay, I thought, maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m ageist and want my protagonists to be rational and judicious adults, like me, not angst-ridden post-adolescents. Tales of narcissistic upper-middle-class kids groping their way into maturity are not the stuff of gripping fiction. But aren’t they? Jane Austen’s characters were well-to-do young adults whose sole preoccupation—since they weren’t even bothered by the necessity to earn a living—was making a good match.

Reviews for “The Art of Fielding” implied that it was more than just a baseball novel. Baseball as metaphor works for me, but this was baseball as baseball, and lots of it. These guys are jocks; they live for baseball. Other major characters—the school president and his daughter—are absorbed with baseball too, or with baseball players. And yet somehow it was more; it was satisfying and thought-provoking. Both failure and success loomed larger than you would expect. The characters were no more self-aware than the trio at Brown, and yet their choices seemed to be more attuned to the reality around them.

In retrospect, both novels were well written and compelling snapshots of our time. Their protagonists’ youth can’t be held against them; we were all young once, and our youthful indiscretions were part of what shaped us into the mature and lucid adults we are—or like to think we are—today.

Sometimes we are just stuck. Logic tells us to decide in favor of one thing, but a bugging feeling keeps us stalling, without being able to put our finger on it. The big decisions in life are best made with a connection to the heart. The heart seems to know so much more than our mind.

Our mind does linear thinking: if A happens, B follows and so on. But big decisions – like should we sell our house – are so complex with so many, often too many factors involved. Our mind is overwhelmed. But if we take a pause and connect to the quiet and still place in our heart, we can ask the big questions and wait. If we are willing to listen inside ourselves, observe the feelings coming up, and to notice where in the body we get sensations, we come to a place of knowing. All of a sudden we just know what we are going to do.

This is the time to commit to the decision and not let it be torn to pieces by the worrying and suspicious mind. The mind is scattered, because it cannot fathom the big problem. Connect to the peace of the knowing and connect to the trust and faith inside of you. That said, this has nothing to do with going about things blindly. Once you made your decision in your heart, you start with going towards it, putting in the legwork.

That´s where the mind comes in handy again. I once heard, “The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.” I find that to be true, especially during a sleepless night, when the mind takes over and tortures me with the most unlikely and tiniest of details about what might go wrong 20 years hence.

Whenever you notice that your mind is in charge and your worry-loop has gone on eternal mode, just say to yourself “Thank you for sharing.” Then take charge again and choose to believe that things will work out, and start focusing on one thing you can do right NOW in order to improve your situation. Sometimes it is as little as acknowledging that there is nothing to do right now (e. g. at 3 a.m.), and that all you need is to take care of your body and nourish it well, give it rest and relaxation.

Worrying weakens you, taking charge empowers you – no matter how little the step is, it is always better than spending energy on worrying, which is getting nowhere.

For this month, start paying attention to that first hunch that we get when confronted with a new situation/decision. This is your heart speaking. We are used to automatically let our mind make the decision. It works well with somewhat little decisions, but the big gain from listening to your heart is that it makes you happy and fulfilled.

Logic does not take into consideration the unique person you are. Logic is neutral. Your heart wants you to be happy. And we all know that there are things that make us happy that make absolutely no sense to our mind (I always rejoice when I see tulips, roses don’t have quite that effect on me). Enjoy and celebrate your life. More about this topic and the 10 Secrets in the book “Simply This…” www.simplythisbook.weebly.com. Comments are welcome: office@starrcoaching.com.