Paula Abdul Not Returning to American Idol

Our favorite “Straight Up” crazy American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, announced via Twitter Tuesday night that she will not be returning to American Idol this season. After a public battle with Fox over her contract she announced, “With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon. What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me. It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month. I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.”

TMZ reported that their ’sources at “American Idol” say the show made Paula Abdul two offers … and then she just went and quit by tweet. TMZ was told Paula was pulling in somewhere between $2 and $3 million a year and she wanted more. “A.I.” made her an offer that she didn’t like at all. Paula countered but producers didn’t want to pay that much, so they countered with another offer. Rather than responding to the second offer, Paula shocked everyone by tweeting her goodbye. The weirdest thing … “A.I.” took the tweet seriously and responded with an official sayonara’.

Whatever the reasons are for Paula’s departure we’re sad to see her go. We just can’t imagine American Idol will be the same without the crazy antics of Paula Abdul….

USS Benfold Tour WOW…What a Tour!

 

Literally thousands of local civilians …. and many veterans….lined up for a tour of the USS Benfold, DDG 65.  For the late arrivals the wait  to get on board was a little long but the tour of this vessel was an inspiration for all of us. 

 

  The Benfold is an Arleigh-Burke class Destroyer.  This is the largest ship being built for the U. S.  Fleet but this is definitely not one of the “Tin Cans” of WW II.  The ship is over 500 ft long and has a 60 ft beam and probably has a speed capability of 4o knots although the offical stats say 30. The Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers is the first destroyer of the United States Navy built around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. The first ship was commissioned on 4 July 1991. After the decommissioning of the last Spruance-class destroyer, USS Cushing, on September 21, 2005, the Arleigh Burke class ships became the U.S. Navy’s only active destroyers.

The class is named for Admiral Arleigh “31-Knot” Burke, the most famous American destroyer officer of World War II. Admiral Burke was alive when the class leader was commissioned. The first Arleigh Burke class was launched July 4, 1991, just after the last Spruance Class cruiser was de-commissioned. Ironically the USS Spruance DDG is presently on the ways at Bath, Maine and soon to be commissioned.  Admiral Spruance was the officer who replaced Admiral Halsey (who was in hospital) prior to the battle of Midway and his leadership was crucial to what is described as the greatest U.S. naval victory in history. 

This destroyer has more firepower than a WW II battleship.  This class were the first destroyers  built around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar. Arleigh Burke class ships are the U.S. Navy’s only active destroyers.

The class is named for Admiral Arleigh “31-Knot” Burke, the most famous American destroyer officer of World War II. Admiral Burke was alive when the class leader was commissioned.

Her Collective Protection System makes the Arleigh Burke class the first U.S. warships designed with an air-filtration system against nuclear, biological and chemical warfare 

The United States Navy has begun a modernization program for the Arleigh Burke class aimed at improving the gun systems on the ships in an effort to address congressional concerns over the retirement of the U.S. Iowa-class battleships. Among other things this modernization includes is the extension of the range of the 5-inch (127 mm) guns on the Flight I Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS Arleigh Burke to USS Ross) with extended range guided munitions (ERGMs) that would enable the ships to fire projectiles about 40 nautical miles (74 km) inland.

 

 

 

 The United States Navy has begun a modernization program for the Arleigh Burke class aimed at improving the gun systems on the ships in an effort to address congressional concerns over the retirement of the U.S. Iowa-class battleships. Among other things this modernization includes is the extension of the range of the 5-inch (127 mm) guns on the Flight I Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS Arleigh Burke to USS Ross) with extended range guided munitions (ERGMs) that would enable the ships to fire projectiles about 40 nautical miles (74 km

 

“What’s Up in Seal Beach” in Seal Beach and the people of SealBeach thank the 275 officers and men of the USS Benfold for giving up their deserved weekend liberty to proudly show us their ship.  They are on their way back to the Middle Ease and we want to see them back here in a few months safe and sound and this time perhaps we can show them a good tour of our town. .

 

 

Olympics in Long Beach…don’t laugh it could happen

The Marine Stadium is one of only two things left from the 1932 Olympics. What’s the other?

Long Beach is one of the main “communities” that make up the great L.A. Basin and the home of more star athletes than ANY OTHER city in the country.

To find out more about its future as an Olympic site AGAIN read the entire report in the Long Beach Press Telegram at    http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_12971807

A great story by Bob Keisser

USS Benfold Opens It’s Doors

All day Saturday and Sunday the ship, the USS. Benfold is welcoming local citizens to walk these hallowed decks.  I say “hallowed” because of the history of the name of this ship.

USS BENFOLD DDG-65 is the 15th Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named in honor of Hospitalman 3rd class Edward Clyde Benfold and joined the Pacific Fleet on 30 March 1996 when she was commisioned for duty.

Born in Staten Island, New York on January 15, 1931, Petty Officer Benfold graduated from Audubon High School in Audubon, New Jersey. Petty Officer Benfold entered the service at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1950. After completion of recruit training in Great Lakes, Illinois, he was selected for “A” school training as a Hospitalman.

He was killed in action while serving with the First Marine Division in Korea. “For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Hospital Corpsman, attached to a Company in the First Marine Division during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 September 1952…” he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The citation continues: “When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement.

Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and the rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridge line where he observed two Marines in a large crater. As he approached the two men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw two grenades into the crater while two other enemies charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the onrushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers.

Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his two comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.”

Our servicemen never know exactly when they’ll be called on to make the ultimate sacrifice …. but they always seem ready to respond when they are called.

Visit the ship this weekend and let those swabbies know you care for them and respect them and we’re proud to have them as our guests in Seal Beach.  Bring a camera if you want but leave your purses and back-packs in the car.

8 Year Old Ciana Wows America

Maybe it’s because of the lack of great shows on my Tivo this summer, but I decided a couple of weeks ago to check out America’s Got Talent. I’d managed to avoid this show until this year and unfortunately now I think I’m hooked on yet another reality show. This week the judges and America were both in awe of this 8 year old girl with an amazing voice. Check out her performance below:

Jet Blue Now Offering Discount Fall Faires for Limited Time

Jet Blue announced deep discounts on fall flights from Long Beach Airport.  The “But Wait There’s More” promotion applys mainly to fall and early winter flights. Travel must take place between Sept. 8 and Dec. 16.   According to the Press Telegram August 5th is the deadline to book your ticket. 

The following rates are one-way from Long Beach Airport:

Austin, Texas: $99

Boston: $139

Chicago: $109

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: $119

Las Vegas: $44

New York (JFK): $134

Oakland: $39

Portland, Ore.: $84

Sacramento: $45

Salt Lake City: $55

San Francisco: $39

San Jose: $29

Seattle: $79

Washington, D.C. (Dulles): $129

To book your flight visit JetBlue.com.

Tours Available of High Tech US Navy Ship

This weekend, August 1-2, at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons station, free tours will be available of the guided missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65). 

The tours at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station are free. No reservations are required. The vessel does not have handicapped access.

Saturday tours will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday tours will be from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Displays of other Navy, Marine Corps and Army equipment also will be available.

Public entry will be via the Liberty Gate, on Seal Beach Boulevard, south of the Pacific Coast Highway. Call (562) 626-7215 for more information.

Free Burrito or Arby’s Sandwich Today (Wednesday Only)

Baja Fresh is giving out free burritos until 9 p.m. today to customers who buy a drink.

The fast food franchise is promoting the freebie with a coupon on its Facebook page. But several Southern California locations, including those in Seal Beach and near LAX and USC, are not participating.  So head over to Long Beach and see if you can cash in there!

Not in the mood for Mexican? Arby’s is offering a free sandwich with a soft drink purchase today as part of its weekly Wednesday giveaway through the end of August. 

This week, it’s the Roastburger — a roast beef sandwich designed like a traditional burger — that’s up for grabs. Some locations may require customers to join the Arby’s Extra club and print out a coupon.

Astronomical High Tide Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf and high tide warning for South facing beaches this weekend including Long Beach.  While Long Beach won’t suffer from high surf thanks to the Breakwater there is a chance of coastal flooding along the Long Beach pennisula. 

Issued by The National Weather Service
Los Angeles, CA
4:45 am PDT, Wed., Jul. 22, 2009

BREAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO EVENING ACROSS SOUTH FACING BEACHES… WITH THE HIGHEST SURF CONDITIONS EXPECTED FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. DURING THE PEAK OF THE EVENT… BREAKERS OF 4 TO 7 FEET CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS SOUTH FACING BEACHES… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER SETS IN FAVORED LOCATIONS. RIP CURRENT POTENTIAL WILL BE HIGH DURING THIS SOUTH SWELL EVENT.

IN ADDITION TO THE HIGH SURF… THERE WILL BE ASTRONOMICAL HIGH TIDES EACH AFTERNOON AND NIGHT FROM THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. A 6.6 FOOT HIGH TIDE CAN BE EXPECTED AT LOS ANGELES HARBOR AT 1050 PM ON THURSDAY… COINCIDING WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE LONG PERIOD SOUTH SWELL. ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON… A 5.0 FOOT HIGH TIDE IS EXPECTED AT 1210 PM. HEIGHTS OF THE HIGH TIDE WILL GRADUALLY DECREASE THROUGH THE WEEKEND… BUT WILL REMAIN IN THE 5 TO 6 FOOT RANGE. THE COMBINATION OF HIGH SURF AND ASTRONOMICAL HIGH TIDES COULD CAUSE SOME LOCALIZED COASTAL FLOODING ALONG LOW LYING BEACHES OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES… SUCH AS THE LONG BEACH PENINSULA… AND PORTIONS OF MALIBU AND OXNARD SHORES.

More Information

… HIGHER THAN NORMAL SURF EXPECTED THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY ACROSS SOUTH FACING BEACHES…

A LONG PERIOD SOUTH-SOUTHWEST SWELL ORIGINATING FROM THE CENTRAL SOUTH PACIFIC WILL BEGIN TO ARRIVE ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON… BUILD THURSDAY NIGHT… THEN PEAK FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY. INITIALLY… SOME LONG PERIOD SWELL OF AROUND 20 SECONDS IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING… THEN WAVE PERIODS WILL GENERALLY BE IN THE 15 TO 18 SECOND RANGE BY FRIDAY.

Battle of the Tribute Bands in Long Beach This Weekend

Who doesn’t love a good cover band?  The Battle of the Tribute Bands is the latest of the SAM Summer and Music series sponsored by the Downtown Long Beach Business Associates and other local sponsors.   The all day festival starts at 1 pm on Saturday July 25th at Rainbow Harbor (Pine & Shoreline Drive).   

Featured tribute bands include: Vitology (Pearl Jam), Satisfaction (Rolling Stones), No Duh (No Doubt), Stepping Feet (Dave Matthews), The Rising (Bruce Springsteen), Hollywood U2 (U2), The Cured (the Cure).

For more information visit the SAM website.

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