Archives for 2012

Happy Veterans Day!

Today we honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have bravely fought for our country and say thank you for your service.

Lyon Air Museum: History of the Skies

A hidden gem near Coventry Court Apartments, the Lyon Air Museum offers aviation exhibits to amaze even the most begrudging museum visitors (your children). While it may look small, the museum can take over two hours to fully peruse — it's a deal for the $12 adult admission price. Centered primarily around World War II, the museum’s collection is an impressive array of airplanes, automobiles, motorbikes, and related memorabilia that create a unique tour through the United States’s history. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a hanger when walking through the vast collection of immense military planes, from the Boeing ‘Flying Fortress’ to the historically important B-52s. There are also fully operational military vehicles and motorcycles, alongside civilian automobiles. Take a docent tour to learn more fun facts and interesting trivia. Then end the day with watching modern airplanes take off from neighboring John Wayne Airport!

Lyon Air Museum
19300 Ike Jones Road
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(714) 210-4585

Don’t Forget to Vote!

Today is Election Day!  Don't forget to visit your local polling place to cast your vote and make your voice heard.

Five Must-See Parades Around The Country

Everybody loves a parade! No matter what the occasion, it’s always fun to see a community’s best get up on floats, march in bands and put on a show for the crowd. These five parades around the country are some of the most compelling parades you'll find:

The Rose Parade, Pasadena, California
This parade has been staged since 1890, making it one of the longest-running productions in the United States. What started as a small-scale celebration of the new year has grown, in conjunction with the Rose Bowl college football game, into a spectacular celebration watched by millions.

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana
You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the Big Easy’s legendary Mardi Gras parade. Groups of dancers and musicians from all over the city called “krewes” take to the streets in flamboyant costumes to get crazy, and it’s an indescribable experience.

US Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven, Michigan
This tribute to the men and women who make America’s shorelines safe is a three-day event that closes with one of the country’s most impressive fireworks displays.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City
Probably the most famous parade in the country, this stroll down the Big Apple’s Broadway is famous for its enormous balloons in the shape of famous cartoon characters.

Nevada Day, Carson City, Nevada
Celebrating the day that Nevada was inducted into the United States, this Southwestern spectacle draws huge crowds to pay tribute to what makes Nevada special.

Keeping Fit Over 50!

Who says you can’t stay fit over fifty? Studies have shown that the physical and mental benefits of exercise increase with age. No matter how many candles are on the birthday cake, exercise is proven to reduce illness and chronic disease, enhance mobility and balance, and improve cognitive functions like memory. These four basic forms of exercise will benefit everyone. Be sure to check with your physician before beginning any exercise program!

Balance exercises
These will help strengthen your leg muscles and prevent falls. Click here to read important descriptions of proper form.

Endurance exercises
These are cardiovascular exercises that will help improve your heart rate, manage your weight, and increase your metabolism. Click here to find out more information about cardio activities for older adults.

Strength exercises
These will help you build muscles, increase your metabolism, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Click to read about strength training exercises for older adults.

Stretching exercises
These will help improve your range of motion, allowing you to be more energetic and active throughout your life. Click here to read more about stretching exercises that will enhance your quality of life.

For a maximally effective health program, combine activities from all four categories. Make sure to check with your health care provider before beginning a new exercise regime. The best time to get started is now! You’ll feel stronger, happier, and more energetic – what could be better than that?

Chicken Maison: Catch the Hype

An explosion of tastes and colors, Chicken Maison serves up healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Restaurant owner Mario Karame brought over recipes from the old country and his sons helped him add some modern dishes. Having garnered a number of awards, Chicken Maison now has five locations in California. At reasonable prices, the restaurant offers entrees including rotisserie chicken, various meat and vegetable kebob combinations, interesting and fresh salads, and Mediterranean favorites such as falafel and gyros. Lunch time sees Chicken Maison offer an array of $5 specials, making it a great time to sample the broad menu.

Chicken Maison
3332 S. Bristol Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 434-0244

Happy Autumn!

As the mosaic of nature's colors arrive, the pumpkins grow in the cornfields, and the cornucopia of harvest festivals enrich our area, we want to wish you a Happy Autumn.

South Coast Village Cinema: A Cult Classic Itself

Remember when theaters screened movies other than the current blockbuster and ticket prices were reasonable? Maybe not if you’re a college student, but either way South Coast Village Cinema will show you a better version of dinner-and-a-movie, not too far from Coventry Court Apartments. Described as a ‘dive’ movie theater, South Coast is not for everyone. But if you can forego cushy seats and clean floors for a unique viewing experience, you’ve come to the right place. Along with showing around four current independent movies per week, South Coast also hosts special screenings of foreign films, cult classics, and their weekly Classic Film Wednesdays. Film buffs have been treated to The Life of Brian, Coffee and Cigarettes, Trainspotting, Office Space, along with some other classics. Come in appropriate apparel for Saturday’s midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

South Coast Village Cinema
1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 557-5701

Most-Loved Classic Films

If you have a hankering for some classic cinema, pop in one of these much-adored favorites. All skillfully acted by some of the biggest names in film history, these films will transport you back in time:

The Best Years of Our Lives
Directed by William Wyler, this film tells the story of three soldiers returning home after the end of World War II. This film lets you glimpse into what it must have really been like when the GIs returned home after WWII. This film allows you to see the lives of average people with typical struggles who face the problems of adjusting to life after such a war.

Rebecca
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this movie is an adaptation of a book by renowned author, Daphne DuMaurier. It begins with a simple romance between a poor, plain girl and a wealthy titled gentlemen, however, as the movie continues, you are led down a path that turns into something far more sinister than you could have imagined.

Philadelphia Story
This delightful comedy brought Katharine Hepburn back into the spotlight as a great screen actress. This movie still rings true today as it portrays our insatiable desire to know what society's elite do in their private lives. The story begins when a journalist and photographer show up to write a story about Katharine Hepburn’s character’s impending marriage to a stuffy businessman. Joined by film icons, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, this film is a crowd pleaser for the ages.

Mrs. Miniver
Directed by William Wyler, this much loved film also served as a powerful piece of war propaganda during WWII. The sultry Greer Garson, who was offered the role after Norma Shearer refused it, initially balked at the idea of playing the mother of a college age boy, but was later convinced she was the right woman for the part.  She was later recognized with an Oscar for her performance in the film.

Laura
This intriguing mystery is one of the most stylish, captivating, elegant, and witty film noirs ever made. With an outstanding ensemble cast of characters, this thriller will leave you guessing until its final moments. An original poster hailed the film as: "The story of a love that became the most fearful thing that ever happened to a woman."

Z Pizza: Slices of Health

Pizza lovers can now partake without guilt, thanks to Z Pizza’s good-for-you alternative to American’s favorite greasy, carb-loaded party entree. Founded in the art colony of Laguna Beach, Z Pizza is committed to serving up slices that are flavorful, fresh, and organic. Good pizza starts with the crust, and here you'll enjoy a thin whole wheat crust baked to perfection. Z Pizza also offers regular and gluten-free crust options. Sauce options include organic tomato sauce and basil pesto, topped with mozzarella or vegan cheese. The plentiful vegetable choices here typically comprise organic, local ingredients!

Z Pizza
121 E. Memory Lane
Suite D-3
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 564-9166

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