Thirty-two nations will face off to determine the world’s best soccer team this month in South Africa. Fair dates almost perfectly coincide with the World Cup, so the Surfside Race Place is going to be “Soccer Central”. Admission is free with admission to the Fair.

The USA’s first match is against England 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 12, just in time for the Fair’s grand opening. World Cup games will be shown live Wednesday through Sunday at Surfside at 11:30 a.m. through June 25, the final day of group play. A schedule of the games that will be shown is on the Fair’s Web site. Once the elimination rounds begin, a new viewing schedule will be posted.

Want some schwag? World Cup merchandise will be on sale in the gift shop, and every Friday Surfside will offer $2 beers to Diamond Club members. Joining is free, and the benefits include half-price admission to Surfside and free parking.

The theme for the 2010 San Diego County Fair is “Taste the Fun,” which highlights local agriculture, producers, culinary arts and all things related to food. The Fair will run for 22 days opening Friday, June 11 and closing on Monday, July 5. (The Fair will be closed the first three Mondays, June 14, 21 and 28.)

The San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Sav-on, is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the sixth largest fair in the United States, drawing more than 1.2 million visitors each year. For more information on the fair, concerts, and food, read the Entertainer’s fair coverage here.

*Photo from Jason Gulledge via Flickr

Apparently there are quite a few babies to brag about at the world renowned venue this week – in fact more than 100 exotic animals have been born over the past few months. And luckily for us observers, they are playing, hopping and having fun in their field exhibits so come and take a gander.

The Zoo invites you to fawn all over these cute offspring, including 14 more goats, sheep and antelope that are quickly growing up in the nursery. Guests can watch bottle feedings and see the young animals at play. Be on the look out for those practicing their leaps and head-butting like the fuzzy Turkomen Markhors, striped Nyalas and spotted East African Sitatungas.

“While we prefer that our baby animals are raised by their mothers in our wide-open field exhibits at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, sometimes that isn’t possible due to medical problems or a mother’s inexperience,” said Kevin Yates, a senior keeper. “In those cases, we raise them in our nursery where guests can watch them grow up.

“We have babies on view here in the nursery almost year-round; some days it is Cheetahs and Rhinos and on others, like today, it is leaping goats and antelope.”

The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is operated by the not-for-profit San Diego Zoo and includes a 900-acre native species reserve. The San Diego Zoo focuses on the conservation of endangered species and their habitats, engages in conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife, and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the San Diego Zoo’s Beckman Center for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

*Photos from Vrysxy via Wikimedia and Marcin Wichary via Flickr

No matter the day of the week or time of the year, there’s always something to do in San Diego. Here at the Entertainer, we want to make sure you are fully entertained with not-your-typical-everyday-events… every day of the week. Kick off the month of June with these hot concerts, dancing, shows and more!

Wednesday, June 9^th

Grab your running shoes—Nite Moves Summer Running Series comes to San Diego to help you get in tiptop shape. It’s time to get your stamina up, so join in on this 10-week running series that meets every Wednesday evening to run the 5k course around the NTC Park in Liberty Station. You’ll get timed professionally, and enjoy a family-friendly party and local bands after each run. Check it out!

“I could never ask for nothing better than this. It’s just tequila and the beach, it’s hot and salty when we kiss.” Are you ready for 91X’s The Next Big Thing? Come see The Dirty Heads at The 710 Beach Club in Pacific Beach, for only 91 cents! If you love their hit song “Lay Me Down,” you won’t want to miss this concert—it’s a steal! Tickets are only available the day of the show so get there early.

Thursday, June 10^th

Looking for a night of wonderful music? Grab your Honey and whisk away to the Balboa Theatre for the Mainly Mozart Festival. Starting at 7PM, enjoy the show as David Atherton conducts the Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra, featuring Timothy Day on the flute.  For more information and to learn about the festival’s upcoming musical performances, click here.

Broaden your horizons at the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown San Diego. Danish artist Laerke Lauta presents his work and video installations commissioned specifically for the Foster Gallery at the MCASD’s downtown Jacobs Building.  Showings are all day, from 11AM to 5PM.

Friday, June 11^th

Friday night is for dancing, obviously. Check out Diplo at the House of Blues as he mixes up one hell of a dance party. Diplo, named DJ of the Year in 2005, is the beat creator behind MIA’s “Paper Planes,” and he’ll pump “bass-heavy bounce music best suited for Miami and summer sin” all night long. The fun starts at 8PM and tickets are $15; and don’t forget your ID because this is a 21 and up event.

If you love Shakespeare–and even if you hate Shakespeare–then you must see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) this Friday at 8PM. You’ll see all 37 Shakespeare plays in 97 minutes! Who knew it was possible? Come and experience the “wildly funny” and “fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays” for the first time in San Diego at the Lyceum Theatre.

Saturday, June 12^th

San Diego Loves Haiti Benefit Concert. Support a good cause while you enjoy concerts, cars and a wide array of entertainment for the whole family. Featuring P.O.D., The Letter Black, Stranger Band and many more bands, along with the Big Car Show showcasing classic cars, imports, low riders, motorcycles and SUV’s. And for the kids, there’ll be a fun park and extreme sports. Tickets are only $10 online and $15 at the door—so come have fun as you help Haiti!

Spend time with Dad at the Father’s Day Classic Campout, except this campout will be unlike any campsite you’ve stayed in! The San Diego Zoo invites you to Camp Timbuktu, where your tent is already set up and a delicious buffet dinner awaits you. You won’t have to deal with hauling around equipment, and there’s plenty of entertainment planned for you, such as night hikes and of course—animal fun! Call 619-718-3000 to make reservations.

Sunday, June 13^th

For a delicious brunch, endless mimosas, and poolside tranquility, come to GROOVE 24/7 BRUNCH every Sunday at The Pearl Hotel, from 10AM to 2PM. Enjoy the vintage, mid century-modern boutique hotel and pool as you sip $5 cocktail specials all day long. What better way to spend your Sunday?

Salsa Sundays—who knew Sundays could be so fun? Come to the Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center from 8PM to midnight for a night of high-energy fun. It all starts with an awesome salsa class taught by one of San Diego’s premier instructors “Michael of Positive Energy.” Then let loose as “SD All Stars” or “DJ Mambo” take over and get the crowd moving.

If you’re 21 and up, come party at SunDaze at the Wave House…because it’s summertime! Every Sunday from 2PM to 10PM, SunDaze transforms the entire Wave House into an unforgettable daytime beach party. It’s the perfect place to dance, drink, get your bronze on, and maybe even see a celebrity! So “get down and boogie at the best beach party in California!”

With all these options all week long, there’s no excuse to be bored! Have a good one, San Diego!

*Photos from ‘jon360′ ‘and Tostie14′ via Flickr

A baby doing a spoof on a Lady Gaga video? Okay, let’s talk.

3-year-old Keira Ladrow, also known as Baby Gaga, stars in a spoof of Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” video. She lip syncs, she dances—hell, she even wears Gaga-esque outfits and makeup. It gets a little strange, however, when scantily clad dancers surround the toddler, and it gets especially weird when Keira’s shown locked up in handcuffs. On CBS New’s The Early Show, Psychotherapist Heide Banks warns the mother that these images could be “damaging” to her daughter in the future.

According to Heidi Ladrow, mother of 3-year-old Baby Gaga, the video was supposed “to be outrageous because Lady Gaga’s videos are outrageous.” She emphasizes on The Early Show that the video was made solely for fun, not as an attempt to get her daughter famous.

“This was a little project we put together as a spoof, as fun for our friends and family. I had no idea this was going to get as large as it was,” Heidi Ladrow explains.

The popular YouTube video, directed by Jake Wilson, has sparked controversy across the Internet. Some viewers criticize it for being “inappropriate” and “creepy,” while others believe that the girl should have some “fun.”

Baby Gaga fans defend the video on Twitter, with status updates that say, “Leave Baby Gaga alone!”

However, several mothers are questioning the parenting styles of Ladrow.

“As a mother, I’m offended that there are parents out there that think they have the right to exploit their children. I have a 3-year-old daughter, so this is really disturbing to me,” expresses Kathryn B., a San Diegan mother from Scripps Ranch.

On The Early Show, Mother Gaga assured CBS that her daughter enjoyed it. She adds, “The reason she looked uncomfortable is because she’d just woken up from a two-hour nap. She’s animated, you know? We wanted her to look kind of upset in certain points.”

What do you think, San Diego? Is 3-year-old Baby Gaga’s “Telephone” video creative and fun? Or is it just plain inappropriate?

See the video below:

Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Online Entertainment LLC, said it has developed Star Wars®: Clone Wars Adventures™, a free-to-play, action packed virtual world for fans of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series on Cartoon Network.

Developed and published by SOE, creators of the kids’ game, Free Realms, and licensed by LucasArts, in conjunction with Lucasfilm Ltd., Clone Wars Adventures will launch online and in retail stores this fall.

Focused on creating a fun and safe online environment for kids and families, Clone Wars Adventures offers minigames, activities, social events and thousands of customization options.  Players can even battle it out with friends alongside iconic Star Wars characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Ahsoka Tano.

With Clone Wars Adventures, a new generation of Star Wars fans can become the next great hero of the Republic and take their rightful place alongside the Jedi, Padawan and Clone Troopers. Players can speed through space in a starfighter, take out waves of battle droids in Tower Defense or test their brains with challenging Droid Programming puzzles.  Players can also purchase legendary Star Wars outfits, items and accessories through micro-transactions using Station Cash, SOE’s virtual currency.

SOE creates, develops and provides entertainment for the personal computer, online game console and wireless devices. Hit titles include EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, PlanetSide®, and Star Wars Galaxies, as well as the recent kids’ Free Realms. Headquartered in San Diego, with additional development studios in Austin, Seattle, Denver, and Tucson, AZ, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development across various platforms and genres for audiences of all ages.

One Reverse Mortgage Hires The Fonz

One Reverse Mortgage, the nation’s third largest reverse mortgage lender, has snagged award-winning actor and children’s book author Henry Winkler a.k.a. “The Fonz” to serve as its spokesperson for its major advertising campaigns. Winkler will also grace the company’s literature and web site.

“As we began the search for a spokesperson, our criteria was simple – we insisted on a person of great character who could help us spread the word about reverse mortgages and our company,” said Jay Farner, CEO of One Reverse Mortgage.  “Henry embodies this quality and has shown, through his excellence as an actor, children’s author and family man that he represents all that One Reverse Mortgage is about.”

“Because of his integrity, we feel that Henry will be very helpful in extending our reach with retirees and seniors, allowing us to open the dialogue about reverse mortgages and the many benefits they offer folks 62 or older,” Farner added.

Reverse mortgages offer homeowners 62 and over the opportunity to convert a portion of the equity in their home to cash, while also eliminating the need for monthly mortgage payments.

“Once I learned of the work One Reverse Mortgage was doing to help seniors, I was immediately interested,” Winkler said.  “I have always been committed to helping others, and I see my work here as the next step in that effort.  Reverse mortgages provide homeowners with options, and unfortunately, not enough people know they exist.  If I can help just one person save his or her home or live a happier retirement, my efforts will be well worth it.”

New Web Site For Planners

PenChecks, Inc. recently announced its new web site designed to make it easier for Retirement Plan Providers, Plan Advisors, Third Party Administrators and Plan Sponsors to find information about complex distribution issues. The new site includes extensive information about all of the qualified taxable account, IRA and uncashed distribution checks services that PenChecks offers.

In addition, four comprehensive Service groups make it easy to find details on PenChecks’ different products: Distribution Services, IRA Services, Specialty Services and IRA Rewards Program. There is centralized direct access to proprietary online software that handles processing functions powered by PenChecks which are available 24/7.

Also, its Resource Center has been fine-tuned so clients can find a central knowledge base of answers on distribution questions.

Since 1994, San Diego-based PenChecks has been an independent provider of outsourced benefit distribution services in the U.S.

Dr. Seuss Celebration

In honor of 50 years of Dr. Seuss’s One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish entertaining children around the world, Random House Children’s Books, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, The Ocean Project, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are partnering to celebrate World Oceans Day, held annually on June 8. Seventy-five AZA accredited zoos and aquariums across the country, and more than 600 Ocean Project partners worldwide will host fun-filled family events inspired by One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, with the goal of teaching children about our ocean’s great diversity of life and the important things we can all do to protect our shared world ocean.

“From here to there, from there to here, funny things are everywhere.” Children will have fun getting to know the ocean’s funny things with Seussian games and activities. Since the 2010 World Oceans Day honors former La Jolla resident Dr. Seuss, visitors to San Diego County will be able to choose from a host of special events throughout the region, including the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Botanic Garden, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Originally published in 1960, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish remains a beloved Seuss favorite and has sold more than 9 million copies to date. Its popular and funny creatures in this Beginner Book teach the concept of reading with easy rhyme and identifiable illustrations. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish takes children on wildlife adventure and, like all of Dr. Seuss’s books, makes learning to read fun.

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After last weekend’s release of Sex and the City 2, though, the decade-old franchise has fielded widespread criticism for something other than the costume changes. Not only has the sequel fielded criticism for its utter lack of timeliness (as it turns out, watching Carrie Bradshaw and co. strut down 5^th avenue in $500 Manolo Blahniks was a lot easier on the eyes back when Uncle Sam was actually running a surplus), but also for its blatantly stereotyped depiction of life in the Middle East.

For those who have yet to plunk down $9.75 for the two-and-a-half-hour glimpse at the high life: this follow-up to the original 2008 film adaptation finds the ladies on an all-expense-paid trip to Abu Dhabi. Yet writer-director-producer Michael Patrick King — evidently not content to accept Samantha’s insistence upon bearing cleavage as culture clash enough—takes the girls’ clichéd American inconsideration to new heights.

Tired pun after tired pun (Bed, Bath and Bedouin? Really, Carrie?) grates on for so long that it’s no wonder the United Arab Emirates Media Council made a public statement against the film’s portrayal of the region. Filming, for what it’s worth, didn’t even take place in Abu Dhabi, but thousands of miles away in the North African nation of Morocco — making any bid at cultural sensitivity all the cheaper.

While Sex and the City has certainly never purported to be any kind of purveyor of political correctness, there’s still a certain degree of social responsibility that any film of this degree of popularity ought to maintain—but King, evidently, doesn’t value that sort of responsibility over a “Lawrence of my Labia” joke. Insulting humor or not, though, it’s sad for this onetime diehard fan to see just how far the mighty have fallen. I guess Carrie and her partners in crime were never cut out for responsible, recession-era comedy.

Although San Diego offers a nearly unlimited supply of beautiful nature activities like going to the beach, hiking makes for an invigorating exercise and nothing quite says bonding with a partner like a stroll through nature. Hikes can range from beginner to advanced depending on the area and one’s skill level. Torrey Pines State Reserve is an example of an easy trail that is fun and free.

Perched up against Torrey Pines beach there are various paths to select to go down and explore. With the air tinged with salt, the ocean is always within view which makes for breathtaking views.

A slightly more advanced hike (with more twist and turns) would be Iron Mountain, located near Poway. The best part about this 3 mile hike is upon completion, you’ll be perched atop a mountain with an expansive view, extending to Del Mar and coastal cities.

Mission Bay is one of the largest man-made aquatic parks in the country and is a local favorite for recreational activities, barbecuing and flying kites. About 4,235 acres, the park is composed of 46% land and 54% water which makes the perfect locale for not only walking or jogging, but also busting out those dusty roller blades. To take advantage of Mission Bay’s abundance of water, one can also rent a kayak, personal watercraft, or even wakeboard.

With its historic buildings dating back to the early 1900s, Balboa Park is renowned for being a cultural hub of museums and art galleries. But this scenic park makes for a great place for exercising as well. The tall buildings and abundance of trees makes Balboa Park significantly cooler and the perfect place for an afternoon jog. Also a notable place to stroll for hand-holding romantics, one can simply enjoy Balboa Park by bringing a Frisbee or a volleyball.

La Jolla cove is home to seven sea caves, which are carved out of a 75-million-year-old sandstone sea cliff. The cliff area is only accessible by kayak and is a great way to see the sights. It has become a popular attraction for those looking to enjoy La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve. Many agencies near to the shore offer kayaking and snorkeling tours for about $50 per person. Visitors are guided to the caves and then strap on the snorkeling gear and to see sea lions, leopard sharks, garibaldi, and shovelnose guitarfish.

San Diego offers an abundance of places to enjoy nice weather. In addition to lounging at the beach or window shopping, take a walk on the wild side and explore America’s finest city. You can even get a workout in, and trust me, it’s way better than going to the gym.

*Photos from Roebot and Matthew Bietz via Flickr

This eighth grader from Big Bear, California came up with the idea to climb the highest peaks on all seven continents and this past Saturday, he reached the top of the world’s highest mountain. Jordan succeeded in climbing a 29,035 foot peak with a team that included his father, his father’s girlfriend and three Sherpa guides.

He says , “I’m doing this to inspire other kids, hopefully across the world, to get outdoors and to set goals in life. I’m doing this to set goals in life. I’m doing this to set an example for them.” He says he hopes his achievement would encourage all young people worldwide to set their own BIG dreams and pursue them.

Before Jordan, the youngest climber to scale Everest had been Temba Tsheri of Nepal who was 16 when he made the climb.

The climb has a few rough spots, Jordan says. The water bottles froze at one point and the team went without liquids for 10 hours. The most difficult point came when he developed stomach cramps on the final ascent. He was unsure if he was going to make it saying it, “is the worst pain I had ever felt in my stomach.” However, the pain was soon forgotten as they approached the submit and Jordan says all he could feel was happiness at that point. The young climber recalls, at the top of the summit, touching the prayer flags before standing with his arms outstretched, yelling in exultation.

The climber carried some good luck charms on his climb on Mount Everest, including a rabbit’s foot, a Tibetan prayer necklace, a cross from his grandfather, and a pair of kangaroo testicles given by a good friend.

Completing this climb means that Jordan is just one peak shy of his overall goal of climbing all of the highest peaks in each continent. His final climb for this goal is Vinson Massif in Antarctica, 16,076 foot peak, which he hopes to tackle by the end of this year.

Jordan has no lack of support. Paul Romero, his father is a helicopter paramedic who is trained in high-altitude rescue. Romero and his girlfriend, Karen Lundgren, have trained Jordan for top-level mountaineering. They climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa when Jordan was only 10 years old. Jordan says, “They are the most supportive parents ever. I do feel lucky for that. I don’t know if other parents would encourage their kids to go big. But that’s what I’m doing this far – to encourage kids who don’t have that, to go big and set goals in life.”

Questions were raised about how young is too young to scale a mountain known for its harsh conditions and for claiming the lives of dozens of climbers. Romero says that his goal has always been to help his son attain his dreams. He emphasizes that it is important to remember that this was in fact Jordan’s goal and not something that Romero dragged his son to do.

Jordan’s achievement is drawing an incredible amount of support and attention from the public. Romero says, “We can’t believe the e-mails and messages and response we’re getting already on the mountain. That’s really what drives Jordan and that’s what drives us.”

Following his last submit in Antarctica, Jordan’s next goal, he plans to climb the highest peaks in all 50 U.S. states.

Check out Jordan’s Photos from his adventure at Flickr!

A naked bike ride, organized by 20 year old Sarah Bush, is scheduled to occur on June 12 at 5PM—whether or not nudity is allowed.

San Diego’s World Naked Bike Ride is one of more than 25 naked bike rides scheduled around the world on June 12. The 10 mile ride is meant to protest oil dependency, promote car-free lifestyles and encourage people to feel at home in their bare skin. The ride begins at Evolution Fast Food in Hillcrest, and will venture to downtown and back.

However, there is one thing that stands in the way of this au naturel protest—San Diego’s anti-nudity ordinance, which doesn’t protect people’s right to engage in free speech while being naked in public.

Attorney Mitch Wallis, who is helping Sarah Bush support her cause, is filing a request for an injunction on behalf of Bush. They claim that the anti-nudity ordinance violates their First Amendment rights. According to Voice of San Diego, Wallis writes in a draft of his legal brief, “The proposed naked bicycle ride is a peaceful, law-abiding protest replete with artistic and political values and delivers a powerful message which is much needed at this time.”

But don’t shed your clothes just yet—the city remains firm on the subject of nudity. Gina Coburn, spokeswoman for the City Attorney’s Office, tells Voice of San Diego that “the city’s position is that the law will be enforced. The law does not prohibit bike riding. It does prohibit public nudity.”

“If someone is there and is nude, we will take appropriate enforcement action, “ said assistant chief of the San Diego Police Department, Boyd Long.

Females that expose their breasts “at or below the areola” and those that show genitalia will be violating the law, and could face misdemeanor charges, including a $500 fine, six months in jail, or both.

However, despite the city’s anti-nudity ordinance, more than 100 people plan to attend San Diego’s World Naked Bike Ride (via Facebook), reports Channel 10 News.

Those that wish to participate in the bike ride but aren’t looking to risk jail time are still encouraged to join, even if they’re wearing clothes.

So if you’ve got the guts, come ride with or without clothes. But please be informed of the possible consequences should you choose to ride nude.

For more on the story, visit voiceofsandiego.org/government.

Photo from ‘carlosfpardo’ via Flickr

The fair is set to begin June 11- July 5 and will be closed June 14, 21 and 28. Although this may seem like a short time, 22 days, the San Diego County Fair has new activities, concerts, promotions and shows that surely wont disappoint.

“The fair gets better and better each year,” said Linda Zweig, from the San Diego County Fair. “We really try to respond to the demands of our quests.”

The San Diego County Fair has adopted a new theme cleverly called, “Taste the Fun.” Food, being one of the largest attractions at the fair, draws in thousands. There will be several new foods to enjoy at the fair this year such as: funnel cake on a stick, ice cream s’mores or the new Charlie’s chicken near Agrifair (deep fried klondike bar, deep fried pop tart and a beef kabob).

The idea of “Taste the Fun” is to celebrate food in its many different forms. One of the new events to highlight this idea is “The Tour of Tastes Theme Exhibit.” The exhibit will include culinary competitions between professional chef’s, culinary students and fair goers who are looking to win a prize.

“The theme speaks for itself, there are a lot of new fried foods. The exhibit is brand new and reflects the theme, the big thing this year is the ‘Next Food TV Star Competition,’” Zweig said.

Contestants in the ‘Next Food TV Star Competition’ will have multiple days to demonstrate their cooking skills and finalists will be eligible to win $1,000 prize and be filmed by a professional production company while cooking.

Fair attendees will also be able to see just how fair food is made with “Fair Food Behind the Scenes” at 1 p.m. each day at the Sparkletts Water Infield. Soon after, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. audiences can enjoy culinary demonstrations of all kinds with different foods featured ranging from wedding cakes to guacamole.

For those that enjoy a vegan lifestyle, there will be vegan cooking as well as a “healthy made easy” demonstrations. For a full list of the “Tour of Tastes Theme Exhibit” events, visit the San Diego Fair’s website here.

Food won’t be the only source of entertainment at the fair however. Fair correspondents have lined up talented musical and comedic acts from around the world.

“We try to get the best and make it as entertaining as we can, ” Zweig told us.

The concerts at the Heineken Grandstand stage bring in great performances and large crowds. The Toyota Summer Concert Series presents some of the top entertainers in the industry. The majority of the concerts are free with admission into the fair, but a few require a ticket be purchased.

Headlining the Toyota series are acts such as:

• Sammy Hagar and The Wabos- Friday, June 11 (ticket required)
• KC and the Sunshine band- Fri, June 18
• Switchfoot- Thurs, June 24
• Julio Iglesias- Fri, June 25
• Lonestar- Wed, June 30
• OneRepublic- Fri, July 2 (ticket required)
• Jeff Dunham- Sat, July 3 (ticket required)
• Guy Fieri- Sat, June 19

These shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and if a ticket is required, tickets can be purchased at the Del Mar Fairgrounds ticket office or via Ticketmaster. A number of these shows also include a gourmet dinner package a the Del Mar Turf Club. A full list of concerts are available on the San Diego Fair website here.

Lifehouse performing on Thurs, July 1.

Other music acts and entertainers performing are featured in The Coors Light Rock On Stage, Paddock concert series and Solid Gold series.

If concerts aren’t your thing, then the Chevrolet Del Mar Arena has a variety of activities planned from dog races, to horse shows and extreme sports.

June 11-12 is the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, an Olympic-style competition for dogs. Horse fans can look forward to the Del Mar Classic Amateur Horse Show June 22- 23. The show will feature amateur riders in English and Western equestrian classes. If extreme sports are more up your alley, July 1- 5 are the days for the Extreme Sports Spectacular, Monster Truck show and the Demolition Derby.

“There is so much going on all day and all night,” Zweig said.

Late night shows are also available if you want to stay and relax after a long day. Each Saturday at 9 p.m. Rock-Out Karaoke will perform with a live band and audience members will be able to participate. Friday nights at 9 p.m. will be devoted to comedic acts like Vince Harper and Cindy Burns, Mal Hall and Mark Christopher Lawrence, and the Patrick Henry High School Improv Troupe.

There is no shortage of special events this year and there are a variety of things to do for any age or preference. There will be: car shows every day,  he international beer festival June 25-27, “enviro” fair (all about different “green” activities) on June 19,  the 6th Annual Gospel Festival on Sat, June 26 and even a Father’s Day pancake breakfast June 20.

Sundays are going to be known as “Dias de la Familia,” and will showcase the aspects of rich Mexican culture with crafts, games and musical performances.

A variety of deals to save fair-goers money are also available. On Tues, June 15 tickets are only $3 when purchased them at Albertsons. Also every Tuesday children under 12 years old get free admission. Every Friday PennySaver will have coupon booklets for fair food and product booths.

Fair goers will really be getting “the best bang for your buck,” Zweig said.

For full lists of upcoming fair attractions please visit www.sdfair.com/fair/.

Photos courtesty of SD Dirk and ciel.o via Flickr.

Rue McClanahan died this morning at the age of 76 reportedly from a massive stroke according to news reports. Her family and friends were at her side said her manager, Barbara Lawrence.

She played Southern Belle Blanche Devereaux from 1985 to 1992 the full run of the comedy series and also won an Emmy for her work in 1987 as the lustiest of all the characters.

Her co-stars Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty died in died in 2009 and 2008 respectively.

An Oklahoma native, McClanahan started her career in her 30s (after motherhood) appearing in New York theater. She came to Hollywood in the 1970s and landed a role on All in the Family and Maude, both popular sitcoms in their day.

She took the role of Blanche on the Golden Girls at the age of 51; the youngest of the four friends.

McClanahan was married six times and married for the last time in 1997 to writer-actor Morrow Wilson. She called her 2007 memoir “My First Five Husbands … And the Ones Who Got Away.”

After the Golden Girls left the airwaves in 1992, she tried her hand at her own series; a spin-off called the Golden Palace with Getty that was also cancelled in 1992. She headed back to New York where she appeared Off Broadway.

In 1997, she underwent treatment for breast cancer and spoke often to fellow cancer groups on the topic. In January, she was said to have suffered a minor stroke while recuperating from bypass heart surgery.

With SDEntertainer.com, E&L TV will bring you even more valuable information on America’s finest city and how you can take advantage of all the best things San Diego has to offer.

Historic Boat House 1887 Restaurant

Join our host, Jeanne Howell, as we feature, Coronado, the town across the bridge as the host site for our first show.  The show will feature some of Coronado’s best restaurants and activities as well as provide interesting and helpful information that will benefit both local residents and visitors.

If you haven’t already ventured to the Coronado island, tune in to discover what you’ve been missing. The first stop will be the Historic Coronado Boathouse 1887 where locals and tourists alike can enjoy live music, great food, happy hour specials and nightlife.  The Boathouse is an excellent choice for the finest steak and seafood Coronado has to offer.

For a less formal dining experience, join us as we travel the island discovering other places you should try. Beginning at the north end of the island, at the Ferry Landing, E&L TV will feature Lil’ Piggy’s BBQ and other island gems like Village Pizzeria, The Beach-N-Diner, and Moo Time creamery.

In addition to highlighting some of the best dining destinations in Coronado, The San Diego Entertainer & Lifestyles Magazine and E&L TV are committed to helping readers and viewers to truly get the most out of life. One of the areas of serious concern expressed by our readers has to do with our financial wellbeing.

Steve Sexton, Our Trusted Financial Ambassador

Tune in Sunday to hear from our expert, Steve Sexton of The Sexton Advisory Group. We searched high and low and found that Steve Sexton has the experience and expertise to become the trusted advisor for the Entertainer family.

Steve will show you how to benefit by becoming more aware of the financial and economic landscape we live in today.

San Diego has so much to offer and we invite you to tune in to learn more, not only about Coronado, but also about how you can put aside the needed funds so you can enjoy this beautiful area of ours. Tune in to learn about the history of the island, the picturesque landscape, and some of the hottest dining destinations Coronado has to offer.

Also, remember to check back with SDEntertainer.com to see all the segments from the show and to get more information.

In addition to raising, feeding, and providing for their offspring, parents have to talk to their kids about some very uncomfortable subjects (like sex!). But now, thanks to another ridiculous YouTube trend, it seems that parents will have to add another awkward discussion to that already packed to-do list.

So have a seat, kids, your parents might need to remind you of something important—don’t punch or slap other kids in the balls. Seriously.

While YouTube videos have showed the humor in such actions, Minnesota pediatric urologist Dr. Scott Wheeler stresses the severity of it. He urges parents, “you need to have this talk with your kids not to do it. It’s lost its humor.”

While at school, 14-year-old David Gibbons of Crosby, Minnesota was punched in the groin. At 1AM that night, Gibbons’ mother had to take him to the hospital, where he had his right testicle surgically removed. According to the New York Daily News, Dr. Wheeler performs such operations on boys who suffer from ruptured testicles three or four times a year.

The game of “sack tapping,” which involves a boy slapping or flicking the scrotum of another boy, has transformed from a silly joke to a serious problem. Dr. Wheeler tells ABC “he’s seen an increasing number of young boys coming in with serious damage to the testicles because of a ‘tap’ that hit too hard.”

Because of the sack tapping incident, Gibbon’s parents have since removed him from his high school. The administration is currently investigating the incident.

As you can see, sack tapping—coined by ABC News as “a schoolyard game turned ugly”—can cause more than a little sting. So remind your kids that the short lived laugh isn’t worth anyone’s testicle (which will hopefully be obvious to them). And perhaps, encourage them to stick to baseballs and basketballs, rather than–well, you know…

For more on the story, watch below.

He died at the age of 74 at his home in Venice, Calif., with his family by his side. Hopper announced that he had advanced prostate cancer last October and by January, it was said to have spread to his bones.

Remembering Dennis Hopper

According to news reports, his casket was carried by a group of friends and family including his son Henry Lee. His “Easy Rider” co-star Jack Nicholson was reportedly present as was his “True Romance” co-star Val Kilmer.

Hopper, a veteran actor, not only directed the 1969 “Easy Rider” film (written by Hopper, Peter Fonda and Terry Southern) about two bikers (Fonda and Hopper) who travel the Southwest and South in search of freedom, but he also starred in what has become a Hollywood cult classic.

During his lengthy career, Hopper was also a two-time Oscar nominee and appeared in more than 100 movies.

Hopper earned his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March saying that he came to Hollywood from his native Kansas at 18, “so that was my college.” “Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from Hollywood,” he said. “This has been my home and my schooling.”

During his fight with cancer, he had also filed for divorce from his fifth wife Victoria Duffy.

Hopper is survived by four children.

If you have a spare moment to pick up the remote, you will for sure find the show that is just right for you. This summer’s TV highlights include a crazy mix of mall cops, vampires, child beauty pageants, expert chefs, and more. Here’s an intro to some of the new appearances this season as well as our favorites.

ABC

The Bachelorette- Yes, its back! ABC has just launched its newest season, and Ali Fedotowsky is currently in the process of searching for her soul mate. Mondays at 9pm.

True Beauty- Remember Beauty and the Geek that aired a few years back? True Beauty has a similar spin, except now you can watch a group of attractive men and women win $100,000 by proving they have beauty both inside and out. Mondays at 10pm.

The Gates- Whats so special about a gated mountain community? Not all is well in suburbia- monsters seem to be lurking in paradise in this new drama. Premieres June 20 at 9pm.

FOX

So You Think You Can Dance- The new season is back, and if you tune in you can still catch the first few rounds of tryouts and predict this season’s winner. Thursdays at 8pm.

Master Chef- Watch self-made gourmets (or home cooking hobbyists)  make their way to the top and become the real thing with the help of Gordon Ramsay. Starts July 27 at 9pm.

Hell’s Kitchen- If one dose of Ramsay isn’t enough, tune into another season of this intense kitchen, plus 16 new chefs. Tuesdays at 8pm.

NBC

100 Questions- Have you tried online dating yet? Well here’s a comedic spin on it in NBC’s newest comedy, where Charlotte Payne looks for love via internet dating. Thursdays at 8:30pm.

America’s Got Talent- Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan are back as judges in the 5th season of this talent search. Tuesdays at 8pm.

Losing it with Jillian- A spin off The Biggest Loser, winner Jillian Michaels moves in with a family and documents the trials and tribulations of getting a start living healthier. Tuesdays at 10pm.

Cable Channels

MTV: Jersey Shore- Your favorite characters return, except this time they’re a long way from Seaside Heights. Try South Beach. July 29 at 10pm.

TLC: Mall Cops- Mall of America- Inspired by the movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop, check out this new series Thursdays at 10pm.

HBO: True Blood and Entourage are returning, June 13 at 9pm and June 27 at 9pm, respectively.

AMC: Mad Men- The Emmy-Award winning show is back, July 25 at 9pm.

The Food Network is conforming to trends this summer in their new shows Cupcake Wars (June 18 at 10pm) and Food Trucks,  starting August 15 at 10pm.

Don’t see your favorite show? Visit the E! website to see when and what time your show will be airing.

Image by dkearns72 via Flickr

Jack Gyllenhaal more than makes up for it! Rogue and buff but agile and versatile, he looks and acts the part of the dashing prince and romantic hero, Dastan. As Dastan, he dexterously climbs up castle walls, leaps through rooftops, squeezes into tight spaces, gallops on horses through the desert, bungee-jumps, sword-fights with the best of them, not to mention outwits and outcharms the rest. He is the quintessential “good guy” and a parkour master to boot (for those of you who are not familiar with parkour, I’d suggest watching “District B:13″ starring real-life parkour founders).

As a street kid, he was adopted by the King of Persia, who was impressed by his good heart and bravery. After deftly devising a strategy to conquer Alamut, a staggered village-city suspected for harboring a “weapon of mass destruction” (a jab at the previous administration), the king ends up dead and he’s accused for the murder and going after the crown.

In order to save his life, he goes on the run from his royal brothers and the Persian army. Trying to clear his name, he and Princess Tamina (Gemma Arteton), the ruler of the conquered city and protector of the magical dagger, reluctantly end up on the rides of their lives together. (Anybody who possesses the dagger has the potential to rule the world because it could reverse time if the jewel atop the dagger is pressed.)

It was surprising that the movie was an adaptation of a video game. The story works well on the big screen because all the elements are there: fantasy, action, adventure, humor, romance. It’s a “logical” fantasy with a sense of realism in a sublime setting, complemented with spectacular special effects.

A heroic, dashing prince with a beautiful heroine — a spirited princess working together for the greater good. A villain with a familiar face and familial ties to the prince (Ben Kingsley), along with snake-equipped dark forces. A sarcastic, shady sheik (Alfred Molina) in the business of ostrich racing as a sidekick with his knife-thrower sidekick. The chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Arteton is incredible that the romantic bantering is believable. The way they challenge each other, fight with one another, and join forces together come as natural as their mutual attraction.

Exhilaratingly entertaining, PoP earns a fan who will be one of the first in line for (hopefully) the next installments of a trilogy.

Wednesday, June 2^nd

Cheers! The San Diego Spirits Festival begins today and lasts until Saturday, June 5^th, with something new each day. Indulge your senses in all the events, seminars, nightly mixers, parties and more that the Festival has to offer! Join the fun and drinking at the San Diego Bayfront Hilton. Remember, drink responsibly!

For a fun (and educational) experience for the whole family, check out Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Embark on “a journey of discovery into the exciting world of modern paleontology.” Visit the museum’s latest dinosaur finds and learn about their advanced technology currently being used. The mystery and discovery begins today; don’t miss out if you’re a dinosaur fan!

Thursday, June 3^rd

Getting off work on a Thursday afternoon is almost as good as getting off on a Friday afternoon. Thursday nights are now even better with Hotel Indigo’s Live After Five at Phi Bar—the only place in East Village offering live music events. Indulge in San Diego’s music scene at Live After Five, featuring local artists and bands. Visit Phi Bar’s facebook page for band announcements and other info.

Sex & the City 2 and unlimited cosmopolitans? Yes, please! Come to Red Circle, downtown San Diego’s hip restaurant and nightclub, this Thursday from 6-8PM for free gourmet tapas, free champagne cocktails “crafted by the Red Circle’s own Mr. Big,” and a chance to win fabulous prizes—including free movie tickets to see Sex & the City 2. Ticket price includes unlimited cosmos!

Friday, June 4^th

The Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Festival is this Friday at 6:30PM at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Hosted by the San Diego Women’s History Museum & Educational Center, the annual fundraiser will feature dozens of chocolatiers, wine and cheese vendors, along with “San Diego’s Queen of Boogie-Woogie” Sue Palmer as headliner. Don’t miss out on the fabulous samples and prizes!

Making progress on those short stories you’ve been writing? Share them with other San Diego writers at Dime Stories Open Mic the first Friday of every month, hosted by Kelly Ochoa. Come to the Mosaic Gallery At Mosaic Wine Bar in North Park at 7PM to enjoy 3-minute readings of prose (no poetry). And if you’d like, you can read your own work! San Diego Writers, Ink “nurtures writers and those wishing to explore the craft of writing, fosters a literary community, promotes literature and celebrates artistic diversity.”

Saturday, June 5^th

To experience local music and art for FREE, come check out the seventh annual Art Around Adams Art & Music Walk. This Saturday, from 3-9PM, Adams Avenue in Normal Heights and Kensington will feature an exciting array of San Diego’s artists and performers on this 1.6-mile walk. This event is open to all ages and offers something for everyone—from puppetry, spoken word, interactive sidewalk art, a comedy trolley and even a marching band. Local music legend Gregory Page will also be performing throughout the day. And don’t miss out on the great prizes and the after party at the Kensington Club at 9PM!

Start Your Saturday Evening Early—Come Groove or Dance to Salsa at Dizzy’s, “where the music matters most.” At 6:30PM, Dizzy’s will feature salsa, mambo, and Latin Jazz from timbal master Charlie Chavez and his Afrotruko. Salsa dancing lasts until 8:30PM, so get there early! For more musical events at Dizzy’s, click here.

Want to be a movie star for the night? Come to the Imperial House Restaurant for Night of The Laughing Dead…We’re Dying to Cast YOU! Be apart of “the most historical (and hysterical) event in film history,” directed by the popular and eccentric Zigfree Von Schtubble and choreographed by Madame Jetasi (creator of “The Peewee Herman Dance”). Be a zombie, a werewolf, or whatever they cast you as and enjoy a 4-course meal as you watch–or star in–a uniquely fantastic and hilarious show!

Sunday, June 6^th

Fuel on the carbs and get ready to race! At 6:15AM this Sunday, the Rock n’ Roll Marathon kicks off with 30,000 runners and plenty of live entertainment. Runners will be racing the marathon or half-marathon on “one of American’s fastest and most scenic courses,” which races through the park and by the ocean. The race has been sold out for months, so come volunteer or line the San Diego streets to watch as some of San Diego’s best athletes take on the course! Check out the course map to find the best place to watch.

If you want a taste of nature and San Diego history, embark on a real adventure for the whole family! At 1PM, the National Wildlife Federation offers Park Ranger Tours in Balboa Park. This free tour is also offered on Tuesdays.

If you’re 21 and up, come party at SunDaze at the Wave House…because it’s summertime! Every Sunday from 2PM to 10PM, SunDaze transforms the entire Wave House into an unforgettable daytime beach party. It’s the perfect place to dance, drink, get your bronze on, and maybe even see a celebrity! So “get down and boogie at the best beach party in California!”

With all these options all week long, there’s no excuse to be bored! Have a good week, San Diego.

Taco truck? Many San Diegans are used to getting their fast food in an anchored structure, thank you very much.

So where can one get good street food in San Diego, and does it even exist? If your only dose of street food centers around SD ethnic festivals, all that is about to change. Here’s a quick (but not yet complete) guide for your food exploration.

Churros El Tigre- A little churro cart that used to set up shop on University Ave., the popularity of the made-on-the-spot churros started to attract lots of attention. The freshly made bag of 7 deliciously seasoned churros comes at $2 a bag, and the taste is said to rival those found south of the border. Give it a try, the little cart can now be found at the corner of Imperial Ave. and 25th St, directly across from the San Diego Police Department’s Central Division.

La Fachada- A few steps down from Churros El Tigre you’ll find another food stand that’s also light on the wallet and great on taste. If you thought convenience trumps variety, think again. This place offers grilled-on-the-spot meat packaged in the form of gorditas, carne asada, fish tacos, with all-you-can-eat sides (salsa, chips, grilled onions, beans) to boot. Even better, they accept credit cards.

410 Degrees Cookies- The term ’street food’ can be used loosely, but these can only be found at the Hillcrest and La Jolla Farmer’s markets. These bakers boast creative flavors that are extremely popular, such as Rosemary Balsamic, Toasted Marshmallow, Pancake Bacon, and Lemon Basil. They also have a cookie of the month club, where they will send a box of cookies to your doorstep featuring the month’s special cookie. While these cookies don’t come cheap, they are definitely worth the adventure (and possible addiction). Found at La Jolla Farmer’s Market, located at 7335 Girard Ave.

Mateo’s Hot Spot- Mateo’s has long been popular with the Pacific Beach crowd. Just try one of his chili dogs, the Heart Attack Dog, or the El Grunge, a philadelphia cream cheese bacon dog, and you’ll see why. Choices also include veggie dogs and bratwurst, with all the traditional toppings available. Mateo’s can be found at 4479 Everts Street in Pacific Beach.

Have you found any other great San Diego street food spots? If so, feel free to share!

Image by ricardodiaz11 via Flickr

However, no secret handshakes are required as all one must do is ask. For those unsatisfied and bored of what typical fast-food chains or restaurants offer, secret menu items are plentiful and can even be forged from your imagination. But be warned, this list contains fattening and artery-clogging goods.

In-N-Out Burgers

It may not be such a secret anymore, but this fast-food favorite has an extensive not-on-the-menu list, which In-N-Out even acknowledges on its website.

A common favorite is the Animal Style burger, which is a mustard cooked patty, with pickles and grilled onions. The Animal Style theme can also be applied to the fries. For those desiring a meatier taste to their burger, In-N-Out can make a burger with up to four patties wedged between the buns. The secret menu also contains a Flying Dutchman, which is a bun-less burger with only two pieces of meat and two pieces of cheese. For those desiring less carbohydrates, with all the goods, In-N-Out has a Protein Burger, which is a patty wrapped around a lettuce instead of a bun. And vegetarians no longer have to avoid this eatery as they also make a Grilled Cheese. It’s a healthier alternative compared to a cheeseburger as it’s filled with two slices of cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions and sauce.

In-N-Out can usually make the customer’s burger any style they prefer. According to customer service representative, Josh Arreola, In-N-Out has fulfilled orders of a burger with 100 patties; however they have discontinued this in order to not jeopardize the quality of its burgers.

Arreola said they haven’t added these secret items on the menu because it has been the same for more than 50 years and it wants to stick to the original menu.

“We have customers ordering from the secret menu all the time,” Arreola said. “But this is what the company wants and this is want they prefer.”

Starbucks

In daily coffee runs, it may be likely that one has tried everything after several years of visits. In order to spice up some java in one’s life they offer multiple delectable beverages to get one through the day.

According to Associated Content a sweet concoction guaranteed to have one bouncing off the walls is the Captain Crunch and The Nutella. The Captain Crunch is composed of Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino with a shot of caramel, two shots of toffee, one shot of hazelnut and two scoops of chocolate chips. For chocolate lovers, The Nutella is made of the Cafe Au Lait with a shot of chocolate, hazelnut and a drop of real caramel. If one is scrounging around for change just to get their morning coffee or just feeling frugal, Starbucks offers a “short” coffee.  Although, the Tall is advertised as the smallest drink, the short is served in a child’s size hot chocolate cup. On the eve of a stressful finals night, the perfect remedy is the Red Eye, which is a shot of espresso in regular drip coffee or a Black Eye made of two shots of espresso in regular drip coffee. For those who feel all is lost: The Green Eye is composed of three shots of espresso in regular drip coffee.

Chipotle

It is a little known fact that Chipotle employees are able to make anything within reasonable ingredients in stock. If one is low on doe or not hungry enough to consume a hefty Chipotle burrito, a great alternative is one of its quesadillas. Chicken and steak are a perfect complement to this cheesy mix. Chipotle’s unadvertised nachos also may be a step up from typical nachos pumped with cheese sauce. All of the ingredients are fresh and high quality including its Pico de Gallo and corn salsa.

Jamba Juice

It may be known as a health-food chain, but Jamba Juice has multiple sugary beverages that never made it to the menu or have been discontinued for various reasons. Some are very high in calories, which contradict Jamba Juice’s ideology of healthy living. Although these beverages may be caloric ticking time bombs, they give back in some of the most flavorful, mouth-watering and authentic-tasting confectionary drinks.  According to CNN, some of the confirmed beverages available to make include Strawberry Shortcake, White Gummy Bear, PB&J, Various flavors of Starbursts, Fruity Pebbles, Push-Up Pops, and Skittles. Other rumored flavors include Reese Pieces, Apple Pie, Sourpatch Kid, Tootsie Roll and Now and Later.

Although all these delightful treats are not the best for one’s diet, it is useful knowledge when in need of comfort food or if one wants to broaden taste buds.

*Photos from Jef Poskanzer via Wikimedia and Zach Dischner, Idogcow and Mike Saechang via Flickr

Diff’rent Strokes star Gary Coleman passed away on Friday, May 28^th, at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. The 42-year-old actor died at 12:05 PM.

Known for his small stature, Coleman suffered from a congenital kidney disease that required him to visit the hospital three times a week for dialysis. On Wednesday last week he returned home from the hospital, weak from his treatment. Around 3PM, Coleman fell and hit his head. His wife, Shannon Price, called an ambulance shortly after, reports MSN.

The fall caused a large gash on his head, and at the hospital they discovered that it also caused intracranial bleeding. He slipped into a coma and was put on life support Thursday. After his condition worsened, he was removed from life support. Soon after, “he passed quickly and peacefully,” stated his manger, John Alcantar.

Despite his domestic disputes and financial lawsuits, Coleman will always be remembered as the child television star of the late 1970s and early 1980s. By age 11, Coleman had become one of TV’s brightest stars with his role as the precocious Arnold Jackson on Diff’rent Strokes. The popular show starred Arnold and Willis, brothers who were adopted by a wealthy, white family. Coleman’s commonly mimicked catchphrase “What’choo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” will live on to remind everyone of the 4’8’’ star’s charm and early success.

“I said a prayer for him this morning after hearing about his condition. Gary was so loving, so charming…He was the big star of the show. He was the reason the show was a hit,” Diff’rent Strokes costar Charlotte Rae, who played Mrs. Garrett, tells TMZ.

Even Vanilla Ice—who met Coleman when he guest starred on an episode of “The Surreal Life” in 2004—expressed to TMZ his sorrow over Coleman’s death. “I’m shocked and deeply saddened. He was a great guy, a legend—everyone knows Gary Coleman.”

Several other stars expressed their grief on Twitter. BET reveals that Janet Jackson, who guest starred on Diff’rent Strokes, tweeted her respects. She said, “I’m at a loss for words upon learning of Gary Coleman’s passing. I want to remember him as the fun, playful adorable and affectionate man he was. He has left a lasting legacy. I know he is finally at peace.”

As of now, a memorial date has not yet been set.

Although small in size, Coleman shall be remembered as one of the greatest TV icons of the ‘80s, forever charming viewers as Arnold on the now syndicated Diff’rent Strokes.

*Photo from ‘Nevada Tumbleweed’ via Flickr

Occasional scattered clouds will disturb the uniform blueness of the region’s skies, but the lack of rain and persistent warmth from an unrelenting sun will make outdoor activities a pleasure to enjoy the entire week. While you still may want to keep a sweater within easy reach for those cool nighttime breezes, during the day it’s time to ditch the jeans and sweatshirt in favor of shorts, a T-shirt, and sunscreen.

Surf Conditions

Water Temperature: 59 – 57

Warmer temperatures and the looming prospect of summer vacation in the next few weeks are sure to produce congestion on the sands and in the waves, fueled by thousands of high school and college kids celebrating the end of the school year. Dry weather and variable wave size make this week, and potentially many more weeks soon to come, a golden opportunity to enjoy the waves and increase your surfing skill.  

Temperatures

Temperatures will inch upwards this week, ranging from the mid 60’s to the low 70’s during the day, before dropping into the upper 50’s to low 60’s at night. Expect a chilly breeze at coastal areas, especially at night.

Monday, May 31, 2010
High 70 – Low 59
Partly Cloudy

Tuesday, June 1, 2010
High 65 – Low 59
Mostly Cloudy

Wednesday, June 2, 2010
High 66 – Low 61
Partly Cloudy

Thursday, June 3, 2010
High 69 – Low 62
Partly Cloudy

Friday, June 4, 2010
High 70 – Low 63
Mostly Sunny

Saturday, June 5, 2010
High 71 – Low 63
Sunny

Sunday, June 6, 2010
High 69 – Low 62
Sunny

*Photo from millzero via Flickr

Just last week this controversial picture of 50 Cent surfaced on the internet and shows the drastic weight loss that he had undertaken. 50 Cent is reported to be at his normal, healthy weight of 198 now; for the movie 50 Cent dropped down to 160 from 214.

In response to the picture that leaked and caused controversy, 50 remarks to the Associated Press, “There is no way to play a role like this without really committing to it.” 50 Cent added that the weight loss regimen he followed was liquid based; similar to what he dealt with in 2000 when he was shot in the mouth. The picture, which shows a dilapidated 50 Cent was taken during the second half of filming “Things Fall Apart” co-starring Ray Liotta, which is still in production and a release date has not be announced.

In music news, Ke$ha, the overnight sensation and “Tik Tok” songstress, was smacked with a lawsuit from her ex-managers seeking over $14 million in damages. Former managers claim that Ke$ha owes them 20% of her music earnings as result of their direct assistance in her successful career.

Charles Orther, Ke$ha’s lawyer, responded publicly that her former managers failed to “get [her] a major-label record deal in a year” and were not responsible for her later signing with RCA. Her managers go on to claim that Ke$ha prolonged the ability for them to sign her in their one year deal. Dr.Luke, a key player in Ke$ha’s career and eventual signing with RCA, is also being hit with a suit from the managers. Ke$ha’s former managers from Das Communications Inc., have filed a $12 million suit against Dr. Luke, both suits are seeking partial commissions from her signing the RCA deal.

Ke$ha “Blah blah blah”

Looks like Fashion Valley Mall is going to be getting a make-over in the form of a $15 million face-lift beginning in July. Simon Property Group Inc. is spending 14 months getting the mall back into shape and so it should since it’s been around since 1969.

Big Re-Do

This will be the first time in its history that the mall is getting a major revamp and it will be significant. Look for ‘soft seating’ areas where visitors can relax and socialize, complete interior and exterior renovation of the food court with new furniture and skylights. Greenery around the mall will also be updated with new palm trees and planters, and more soft seating with chairs and couches for visitors to relax and schmooze.

There will also be two new water features built in the Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s courts, new stone tiling and paint, and the mall’s logo, interior graphics and signage will also be updated.

Simon Property Group has full or partial ownership in more than 300 U.S. retail properties. It has owned and managed Fashion Valley since 2001, when it formed a partnership with Lend Lease Prime Property Fund.

The 1.7 million-square-foot Fashion Valley has 200 shops and restaurants including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and JC Penney.

Work is said to be completed by September 2011.

More Renovations

Others that will reap some renovation work include the recent San Diego City Council’s approval for a $200 million redevelopment of the Hazard Center. Once completed, it will add 473 new residential units to the already 14-acre retail and office center at Friars and Frazee roads.

In other short news, Goodwill Industries of San Diego County bought a 31,000-square-foot industrial warehouse building at 5232 Lovelock St., in San Diego, for $3,130,000. The space will be used for sorting and distribution and for the operation of its e-commerce business.

Please send business news to dlswriter@cox.net.

Once known as Decoration Day, the Memorial Day we know today is celebrated on the last Monday of May. It is an American holiday that recognizes and commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

It came about to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War and was later expanded after World War I. While many folks do have a picnic, spend time outdoors or get their summer clothes out of storage, others head to cemeteries and monuments to honor those who gave their lives in the military.

Some other happenings that take place on Memorial Day include volunteers placing American flags on gravesites in national cemeteries as well as local cemeteries, Veterans of Foreign Wars stand on corners or in front of stores with bright colored paper poppies taking in donations.

When celebrating this Memorial Day with your friends and family, be sure to give remembrance to those who gave to this country so freely and with much courage. Then, enjoy your hot dog and chips.