Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Marine Mammal Lovers Take Note

by Stacey Kuhns 

 

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

I recently visited the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) at Fort MacArthur with my mom and a friend. The MMCC is located at 3601 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA, 90731. They are opened daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a small center that is open to the public. They do not ask for donations or an entrance fee to the facility.

When I say it is small, I mean it is small; but if you are with children there are plenty of places within minutes to visit such as the Korean Friendship Bell. The Bell area offers lots of grassy areas for kids to run, have picnics, or fly kites and it offers an ocean view which is dynamite for sunsets. It is the same address as the MMCC but the next driveway up.

The MMCC was opened in 1992. It is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Their goal is to rehabilitate federally protected seals and sea lions that strand in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. (Note: I was taking pictures through double sets of rubberized chain link fencing which can be seen in some of the pics).

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns


Several hundred marine mammals are treated here each year and then released back into their natural environment. Most are youngsters suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, heavy parasite loads, and bacterial or viral infections. Others are victims of human interaction, such as being caught in fishing lines, abuse, gunshot wounds, etc.

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns


MMCC treats a variety of seals and sea lions. During my visit, they had Guadalupe Fur Seals, Harbor Seals, and Northern Fur Seals, to name just a few.

Little is known about the Guadalupe Fur Seals as they were hunted almost to extinction before researchers were able to study them. They are members of the otariid family (sea lions) and have external ear flaps and long front and hind flippers.

They are slightly smaller than Northern Fur Seals. Males reach 6 feet and 300 pounds and the females reach 4 feet and 100 pounds. In 1925, they became extinct in California waters. Today, the only breeding colony is off Guadalupe Island off the coast of Mexico, but increasing numbers have been seen off California's Channel Islands.

Some have stranded on the central California coast and it is not known if this is from El Nino conditions or if it is a sign they are returning to their former range. Let's hope they are returning to us.

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns


The Pacific Harbor Seals have spotted coats that come in a variety of shades. Males reach 5-6 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds and the females are slightly smaller. The Harbor seal is a true crawling species. They have no external ear flaps, small flippers and move by flopping along on their bellies.

They are found North of the Equator in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They can range from Alaska to Baja California and Mexico.

Northern Fur Seals are named for their thick fur which has 300,000 hairs per square inch! They were first named "sea bears." Males are much larger than females, even at birth. Male pups weigh 12 pounds and can grow up to 385-605 pounds and 7 feet in length. Female pups weigh 10 pounds and grow to 66-110 pounds and 4.5 feet in length.

They range throughout the Pacific Rim from Japan to the Channel Islands of California. These seals are pelagic (living almost all of the time in the open ocean.) They come ashore for breeding and pupping. They are almost never seen on beaches unless they are sick. They can live to about 26 years, but death rates are high.

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

I found my visit to MMCC fascinating. The enclosures were immaculate and made of more expensive materials than I am used to seeing in marine mammal pens. They are kept far enough away from the public so they are not disturbed. There are hired and volunteer staff with plenty of employees around. They were working very hard cleaning, taking notes, and constantly checking the animals.

I observed feeding sessions. Two staff hold a large board in front of their feet and enter the enclosure. This prevents the seals from knowing where the food comes from. Each animal has a number shaved into it for identification. As two staff put out fish for the seals, another staff is on the opposite side of the enclosure taking notes on which seals are eating, how many fish they ate, and which ones are eating on the substrate of the enclosure or are eating inside the pool (each enclosure has a pool area). I attempted getting pictures of the seals eating but they were too fast for me.

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns


I was so impressed with how well the animals are cared for. Their welfare seems to be the top priority. Aside from the enclosures, there is a small gift shop that offers a variety of items. The MMCC shirts were only $12 and no tax which was awesome.

Parking is free and plentiful during the week (not sure about weekends.) Across from MMCC is a marine bird rescue center but it was closed to the public due to the birds getting overly stressed and traumatized when visitors are allowed inside.

I encourage anyone who has an interest in marine mammals and their welfare, and are in the San Pedro area, to stop by and visit MMCC.

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns

This happy little guy gets to see another day due to the diligence of MMCC and their staff. Good vibes.

Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) by Stacey Kuhns


Monday, February 15, 2016

LINKYO Kitchen Compost Bin - 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Composter #LINKYO

Well Made and Works Great

 

LINKYO Kitchen Compost Bin - 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Composter #LINKYO

Oma and Opa love to live as green as possible. Composting offers many benefits including providing plants with much needed nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and a host of other micronutrients such as calcium and magnesium. However our composter is quite a walk from our home. (We are too lazy to walk down the hill after every meal.)

The LINKYO Kitchen Compost Bin works great for holding our organic material like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and egg shells, etc. for a couple of days until we transfer them to the bigger outdoor bin. I place it under our sink and the charcoal filter really does control odors. The Linkyo hold approximately one gallon.



Product Description



Living green is easy with the LINKYO Stainless Steel Indoor Compost Bin! This is the ideal solution for collecting and keeping kitchen scraps - indoors and odor free - before you transfer them outside to recycle and compost into organic, nutrient-rich fertilizer that keeps your garden healthy and beautifully lush.

Why would you settle for an ugly, smelly plastic recycling container? You'll find no reason to hide our attractive, classically designed pail, and the stainless steel construction will not harbor bacteria or leach unhealthy chemicals (which are risks with plastic and other materials).
LINKYO Kitchen Compost Bin - 1 Gallon Stainless Steel Composter #LINKYO

  • Convenient Practical and Eco-Friendly - The ideal solution for collecting kitchen scraps - odor free - before transferring them to your outdoor compost pile
  • Fits on the counter, under the sink or in the pantry, and can easily hold several days' worth of organic waste
  • Looks fantastic in your home and the stainless steel will not rust, stain, scratch, habor bacteria or leach unhealthy chemicals
  • Controls Odors - A thick activated-charcoal filter absorbs and traps orders inside the canister leaving your kitchen fresh and clean (4 filters included)
  • Backed by a 100% Lifetime Warranty After Product Registration




LINKYO is a leading online retailer of ink,
toner, blank media, and other assorted accessories.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

So similar but so different!

 

 

Reef Indy  two years ago and Coast Oak today!

 

Friday, February 12, 2016

Hob Nob Hill and Bread & Cie Bakery
Two Wonderful San Diego Restaurants.

If you have not tried these two San Diego gems, you are missing out.

Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns


Hob Nob Hill and Bread

A friend took me to two places I had never been in San Diego and I was very impressed. The first was Hob Nob Hill,  a landmark restaurant located at 2271 1st Avenue, San Diego. We stopped there on a whim for breakfast. Hob Nob Hill is opened from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. 


Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns

When you enter the restaurant, you feel as if you have gone back in time; wood paneling, chandeliers, cloth napkins, and a nice quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns

Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns

The menu was a breakfast menu only. The menu is not large, but they have the standard breakfast and some that you would not find on most restaurant menus. There was a BLTE (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and egg) sandwich, three kinds of Eggs Benedict, spiced apples (side dish), and the special of the morning was a tuna melt omelet. Just did not sound good, but I am sure it was fabulous as our meals were wonderful.

My friend got the crab Eggs Benedict with spiced apples and said it was delicious. (She also told me she has an uncle who drives from San Bernardino just to eat here once in a while). I had the cinnamon French Toast with a side of dry, crispy bacon. The French Toast melted in my mouth-so good and the bacon was perfect.

Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns

Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns

Hob Nob Hill by Stacey Kuhns


We were full, and very satisfied with Hob Nob Hill. I will definitely go back to try their lunch or dinner.

Bread & Cie Bakery & Cafe

Later on that same afternoon, my friend took me to Bread & Cie Bakery & Cafe.  Wow! This place is located at 350 University Avenue, San Diego (Between 3rd and 4th Avenue).

The bakery and cafe are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is parking in the back lot if you cannot find street parking. Make sure to park in the Bread & Cie lot as the surrounding lots are pay parking. 


Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns


If we had been hungry, we would have stayed for lunch as their menu is extensive and everything looks amazing. They serve breakfast, sandwiches, soups, salads, grilled Paninis, specialty yogurts and even a picnic lunch to go.

The desserts looked amazing. I did not purchase any, but I am sure they are wonderful as my friend vouched for them and said her husband loves them. 

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

I was more interested in the breads. They have quite a variety of breads, like Dudley's, but they taste amazing’ much, much better than Dudley's. The service here is quick and they have a system that makes sense.

You can buy loaves of bread and have them sliced any thickness you desire. I purchased a jalapeno cheddar loaf and had it sliced thick. So yummy. Doesn't need anything on it but also was delicious used for a ham and grilled cheese.

I also purchased a caramelized onion loaf. I bought the small loaf and wished I had bought the large. Fantastic. I also wish Bread & Cie was in North County. I definitely plan to go back and buy some loaves to freeze. Amazing!

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns

Bread & Cie Bakery & Café by Stacey Kuhns


And next time I go to Bread & Cie, I will go for lunch and check out the sandwiches. The difficult part will be deciding which of the breads to try.

Check them out. You will not be disappointed.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

No Real Treasure on This Island
Treasure Island Hotel, Las Vegas

I never get to see my boys and their family together other than during that fantastically busy Christmas Day every year. Therefore we decided to plan a “family vacation” in Las Vegas to celebrate all the kids’ birthday in one big bash.

First off, as an Oma, I googled “Kid Friendly” Hotels in Las Vegas. We would be traveling with two boys under three. Treasure Island (TI) ranked high on the search. That was one of the main reasons the Treasure Island Hotel was selected. 

Unfortunately, TI is totally opposite. There is absolutely nothing to do for young children!!! My two and a half year old grandson and his baby brother were definitely not welcome here. One employee even told me that I could not wait outside of their CVS store and would have to go inside or back to my room with the boys!

Secondly, check-in was a nightmare. It took over an hour just to get our room keys. They found part of our reservation, but not the last night. Their computer crashed and had to be rebooted. The manager who rebooted just walked away and did not really help.  Further, while they were able to place us on the same floor, we were in three different wings.

I do not exaggerate when I state that the long reservation line cleared out three times and we were waiting. We were the very last persons trying to check-in; and only then did someone come to help hasten the process.

However after the long ordeal, I was promised that everything was set-up as requested. Opa and I were paying for the room and resort fees (33.60 a night per room); our boys were responsible for all other room charges. Warning: Resort fees are required, and are in addition to the room rates. You really do not receive much value for that $33.60 other than “free internet.”

You guessed it. As I checked our ‘quick check-out’ on the room television, all sort of charges appeared. I spent another half hour downstairs at the check-out desk getting it straightened out. Jeff the manager was very nice and very helpful; however that desk is the last place I wanted to be. There were numerous of problems with the three bills including my oldest son’s room being charged for five resort fees instead of the required three. Additionally, it appears that all of our younger son’s charges were taken from our credit card!!!

While it took less than a half an hour for all these charges to be taken from and paid by my Visa; I just checked and the promised refunds are still not there (a day later). So I will have to wait a few more days before realizing whether or not this issue has been resolved!!! We were also dismayed by the rudeness of the bell staff who delivered our bags; therefore Opa and I dragged our luggage downstairs ourselves when we left.

Now for the hotel itself. Treasure Island is not a bad hotel. The rooms were pretty expensive, but we made the bad choice of going on Super Bowl weekend. The beds were very comfortable. However, it was a bit difficult to get a good night’s sleep due to the noise of the train track nearby. (However, the train was the most entertaining thing the hotel had for my grandson, who love watching it out the window.) The Views of the Las Vegas mountain horizon was spectacular. The functionality of the bathroom and the small refrigerator were also appreciated.

The gambling area is relatively smoke-free and there is ample parking. They have two rows of Black Jack Tables and other table games. The slots area was smaller than expected but nice. However, I did not notice anyone winning any jackpots – the machines proved pretty tight. Their casino drink service was average.

In summary, I would have to give Treasure Island a low three out of five stars. Their accommodations were clean yet average in décor. The proximity to the train was vociferously bothersome at night. Their customer service was lacking and TI’s downfall. Lastly, for a hotel that claims to be a resort – activities were non-existent.

Photos:

View from our window-Treasure Island Hotel, Las Vegas

There was nothing much for our toddler to do, but he did enjoy the elevator.

The "on property" Starbucks is always open.  Reef is patiently awaiting his chocolate milk.

The beds were pretty comfortable and as you can see big enough for my three guys.

I did manage one $60.00 Jackpot

The Coffee Shop / Pho Restaurant had great service.  Breakfast was okay but the Pho was delicious. 





Note: I have written a several hotel reviews lately and none of them have been very favorable. I do not know if I am being too tough on the hotel industry; however, I do believe that customer service should be utmost.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

USB Type C Car Charger by BlitzWolf

Type-C Port Attached Cable + 5V/2.4A USB Quick Charger for Nokia N1 Tablet, Google Chromebook Pixel, Google LG Nexus 6P, Apple Macbook

 

USB Type C Car Charger by BlitzWolf

This car charger comes with an un-removable 3.3 foot cable and accomplishes a rapid charge. It works well. I love that it comes with a thirty-day money free back and eighteen month warranty. It is compatible with all non-Quick ChargeTM 2.0 phones and tablets. It seems constructed petty sturdily. The aluminum alloy head design features anti-scratching and perfect heat dissipation. The fact that it is so compact is a huge plus for me.



Product Description



3A/5V USB C Charger Cable Extension

  • Big saving to get both cable and charger with one price, charge your type c devices at full speed of 3 amp.

2.4A/5V USB Port

  • With leading BlitzWolf Power3S technology, charges your iphone, samsung, HTC or other non-type c devices at 2.4 amp max speed.

Type-C Compatible Models

    USB Type C Car Charger by BlitzWolf
  • Google Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X
  • Lumia 950, Lumia 950XL
  • Oneplus 2, Meizu Pro 5, ZUK Z1
  • New Macbook 2015
  • Other type C devices.

Lifetime Quality Care

  • 18-month warranty; Lifetime dedicating consultancy.

Package Includes

  • > USB Type C Car Charger
  • > User Manual
  • > Warranty Card

 

BlitzWolf

Chasing the latest technology, BlitzWolf is full passions on combining useful crafts into one product, to create simple design with powerful internal.





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USB Type C Car Charger by BlitzWolf




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."