5 Interesting Facts About Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s voice made him quite possibly the most popular singer of the 20th century, delivering personal lyrics and irresistible melodies with command and flair. He was a tough guy with a softer side, and American audiences simply couldn’t get enough of Ol' Blue Eyes. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Frank Sinatra.

  1. Frank Sinatra was so inspired by Bing Crosby that he dropped out of high school to pursue singing as a career. He performed at local nightclubs in the Hoboken, New Jersey, area and even got some air time on the city’s radio stations.
  2. After noticing his local success, bandleader Tommy Dorsey invited Sinatra to join his band. Sinatra and Dorsey enjoyed two years of hit songs together, but eventually Sinatra quit to pursue a solo career.
  3. In just three short years between 1943 and 1946, Sinatra released 17 Top 10 singles.
  4. In addition to his incredible voice, Sinatra was also a talented actor. He made his film debut in 1943 with the movie Higher and Higher, and in 1953 he won an Oscar for From Here to Eternity.
  5. Though Sinatra was signed to Capitol Records for the beginning of his recording career, he left the label to start his own label, Reprise, in the late 1950s. Warner Bros. bought Reprise, and Sinatra then started his own film production company, Artanis.

Are you a Sinatra fan? Tell us which song by Ol' Blue Eyes is your favorite!

Frank Sinatra [Biography]
Frank Sinatra Biography [Rolling Stone]
About Frank Sinatra [MTV]

Head to Tustin Library for Book Browsing and Studying

The spacious Tustin Library has many loyal followers, and for good reason. The library, while offering free WiFi, computer access, and of course many books, is also clean, well-organized, and cozy, according to locals. It can get crowded on weekdays and evenings, but you’ll usually be able to find a plush chair at a table or near an outlet to either read or study.

This branch of the Orange County library system does get new books in fairly quickly, but be sure to keep an eye out for them on the library’s website, as new books can get snagged fairly fast. If Tustin does not have the book you’re looking for, the staff can have it delivered from one of the other OC branches. The library also has audiobooks, kindle books for download, CDs, and DVDs.

Tustin Library
345 E. Main Street
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 544-7725
ocpl.org/libloc/tustin
www.yelp.com/biz/tustin-library-tustin

Cedar Grove Park: Work Out with the Whole Family

You've probably never seen a gym quite like the one at Cedar Grove Park. For one thing, there are no walls. The collection of weight and cardio machines resides entirely outdoors, arranged atop a large section of sandy ground. Just because the outdoor gym doesn't have electricity to work with doesn't mean it's lacking in equipment. Here, you can pedal on an entirely muscle-powered elliptical, tone your biceps on two-person weight machine, or strengthen other problem areas with the other eclectic equipment.

If you have kids along with you, however, they'll probably be more interested in getting their exercise in at Cedar Grove Park's playground. True to its name, the park is rife with flourishing trees, so the playground boasts plenty of shady protection from the sun (augmented by canopies over most of the equipment). Keep a close eye while your youngsters crawl through tunnels, race down slides, and scale the rock-climbing wall.

Cedar Grove Park
11385 Pioneer Road
Tustin, CA 92782
www.tustinca.org/departments/parksrec/parks/cedargrove.html
www.yelp.com/biz/cedar-grove-park-tustin

The Original Taco Factory: Take a Trip to the Salsa Bar

A trip to the salsa bar comes as part of your meal at The Original Taco Factory, and you shouldn't pass it up. The pico de gallo snags rave reviews from many customers, and it's just one of the freshly blended toppers available at the bar. Red and green sauces, toppings like cilantro and green onion, and other fixings also reside in the salsa bar. They're the perfect way to cap off any of the authentic Mexican fare on the menu, whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You can always go with something classic such as the "famous" burrito, stuffed with your choice of meat (beef, steak, pork, or chicken) and guacamole, gooey cheese, and either hot or mild salsa. It's the best-selling thing on the menu at The Original Taco Factory, but far from your only option. You can also dig into tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or the more unexpected machaca plate. The latter consists of steak and eggs with salsa, rice and beans, and corn or flour tortillas.

The Original Taco Factory
14455 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 731-1111
originaltacofactory.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-original-taco-factory-tustin

Creative Uses for Paper Towel and Toilet Paper Tubes

Instead of throwing away those empty paper towel tubes and toilet paper rolls, you might want to keep them around. There are a number of fun projects that you can create using these cardboard tubes, and best of all, they even help to keep them out of the landfill!

  • Cut a toilet paper roll in half and use it to plant seedlings. Simply fill the roll with soil, cover one end with plastic wrap, and plant your seedlings. When it’s time to transplant, you can bury the whole thing.
  • If you’re an avid crafter, use a toilet paper roll to store tangled string by cutting a notch into one end of the roll, slipping the string through and winding it up inside. Cut another notch into the other end to keep the whole thing in place.
  • Prevent creases in your pants from the clothes hanger by cutting a paper towel tube in half lengthwise and sliding it over the length of the hanger. The next time you hang your pants, the tube will help minimize creasing.
  • Make cute (and cheap) napkin rings for your next get-together by cutting a toilet paper roll into smaller rings and covering them with leftover fabric scraps.

18 Incredible Uses for Cardboard Tubes [Reader’s Digest]
10 Unconventional Ways to Use Old Paper Towel and Toilet Paper Rolls Around the House [One Green Planet]
15 Surprising Uses for Toilet Paper Tubes [Care2]

Grab a Glass from the Bar and Get Painting at Pinot’s Palette

Part wine bar, part art studio, Pinot's Palette brings the best of two worlds together for a unique date night or evening out with friends. You don't have to bother stopping for your own bottle of vino on the way to Pinot's Palette since it boasts a full bar in-house, a real perk if you're having enough trouble just getting your entire crew to commit to a meeting time. Beer, wine, and booze-free beverages are all served at the bar, so make sure to bring some extra cash to your class.

Even if you don't imbibe, you'll still walk away from Pinot's Palette with fond memories and a masterpiece. The studio's seasoned instructors lead their guests in creating cute paintings that you can have framed right on the spot and take home to hang on the wall. No matter your current level of artistic ability, the step-by-step approach at Pinot's Palette can turn you into a master of your craft in a matter of two or three hours.

Pinot's Palette
2479 Park Avenue
Tustin, CA 92782
(714) 400-9016
www.pinotspalette.com/tustin
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-tustin

Explore the Flavors of Authentic Cuban Food at Bella Cuba

Regular Bella Cuba diners insist that the casual ambiance creates a comfortable, cozy dining experience for sampling traditional Cuban cuisine.

The menu features traditional Cuban comfort foods such as the ropa vieja, a tender shredded beef simmered in sauce and served with black beans, rice, and sweet plantains. Regulars also recommend trying the lechon asado, a dish of tender roasted pork with a tangy garlic sauce that's served with rice and beans. Another fan favorite is the roasted garlic chicken, a savory dish that's best followed by a spoonful of sweet Cuban flan for dessert.

Located within the Ross Shopping Center, Bella Cuba serves beer and wine, including sangria made in-house. Take-out is offered.

Bella Cuba
3940 S. Bristol Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 545-5711
www.bellacubarestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bella-cuba-santa-ana

Happy Independence Day!

We hope everyone enjoys a fun and relaxing time with family and friends as we celebrate America's freedom.

Playground: More Than Just a Burger Joint

Its name already implies a fun, social atmosphere, but Playground takes a serious approach when it comes to their handcrafted menu. This hip Santa Ana burger joint serves more than just burgers, and they have an expansive craft beer list that may impress even the most knowledgeable beer enthusiast.

The restaurant specializes in American small plates that include perfectly tender pork belly, traditional chicken wings, roasted vegetables and yes, a self-proclaimed “perfect burger.” On Sundays Playground spices things up with an elaborate champagne brunch for the early risers and a Sunday Supper that consists of a medley of the chef’s favorite creations that change from week to week. With its moody, rustic decor and art-filled walls, Playground aims to be pleasing to the taste buds and to your sense of aesthetic.

Playground is open for dinner on weeknights and until 2 a.m. on weekends. Brunch and supper are served on Sundays. To make a reservation, visit the convenient website or call the restaurant directly.

Playground
220 E. 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 560-4444
www.playgrounddtsa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-playground-santa-ana-2

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father's Day! We hope all of the Dads out there have a great day with loved ones! Let us know how you plan to help Dad relax today!

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