AREA MOVIE THEATERS

First posted: 4/12/12

PURPOSE

To try to simplify your time-consuming decision-making process concerning movie entertainment -- by giving you, all in one convenient place, fast and easy links:

• to all the movie theater websites, walk-in or drive-in, within our surrounding territory -- containing in-depth information on shows, times and policies.
• to favored and general leading national critical review sites -- so you can guage audience and critical reactions to selected shows-- in case that matters, somehow (smile)

RATIONALE

Just a way to try to save you some mouse-clicks and to make it a little easier to pick-and-choose among the available near-by escape-options (overlooking nothing in this opportunity-set), for your all-important "entertainment plan." 

GENERAL

Yellow Page Listings -- 28 Area Theaters

WALK-IN

New! Local! Maya Cinemas -- Pittsburg 16
Rave Cinemas -- Brentwood 

AMC Deer Valley 16 -- Antioch

Brendan Theaters -- Concord

CineArts Century -- Pleasant Hill

Century 16 -- Downtown Pleasant Hill

Contra Costa Stadium Cinemas -- Martinez

DRIVE-IN

Solano West Winds Drive-in -- Concord

MOVIE GUIDE

Fandango Movie Guides

VIDEO RENTALS

Area Stores

REVIEWS TO HELP YOUR DECISION-MAKING

Specific

Rotten Tomatoes
Fandango
Metacritic
Richard Roper

General

Movie Review Sites -- Google search

Ten Websites for Movie Reviews
Critical Movie Reviews -- Google search

ENJOY!

Tag: "Movies"

FOR KIDS & LOVERS OF KIDS (Kids.gov)

Posted:  29 Dec 12

About Kids.gov - (home page link)

Brought to you by USA.gov, Kids.gov is the official kids' portal for the U.S. government. We link kids, parents and teachers to U.S. government information and services on the web from government agencies, schools, and educational organizations, all geared to the learning level and interest of kids.

Our Mission

To provide a safe place online where kids can create, play, and learn.

How The Site is Organized

• Kids.gov is organized into three audiences: Grades K-5, Grades 6-8, and Educators. 
• Each audience tab is divided into educational subjects like Arts, Math, and History. 
• Within each subject, the websites are grouped as either government sites (Federal, state, military) or other resources (commercial, non-profit, educational). 
• The sites listed under the other resources category are maintained by other public and private organizations. When users click on these links, they are leaving Kids.gov and are subject to the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of the outside websites.

Please visit our Kids Privacy page for more information.

Social Media

We believe in delivering information and services in ways that are convenient for you. Check out our YouTube and TeacherTube channels and be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to get up to date information on what's happening in the Kids.gov community.

Contact Us

We invite you to contact us with feedback and suggestions about Kids.gov to help us serve you better.

Page Last Revised or Updated: Dec

POISON: Keep Single-Load Liquid Laundry Packets Away from Children

Posted: 28 Dec 12

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to lock up single-load liquid laundry packets and keep them away from children. Liquid laundry packets are attractive to children because they are soft and colorful and resemble familiar items like candy and teething products. These items also dissolve quickly when placed in the mouth or are handled with wet hands. Children who are exposed to the chemicals are at risk of serious injury because they can be toxic. In 2012, CPSC staff have learned of about 500 incidents involving children and adults who were injured by the packets. CPSC recommends these steps to prevent unintentional poisonings and eye injuries: Do NOT let children handle laundry packets. Keep the liquid laundry packets sealed in their original packaging, and make sure they are locked up and out of a child’s sight and reach. If swallowed or exposed to the eye, immediately call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Learn more about the dangers of single-load laundry packets. (PDF) If you have questions, contact us. STAY CONNECTED TO USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog

USA.gov -- Job-Related Education and Training Resources

Posted:  27 Dec 12

Visit JobCenter.USA.gov for information about professional certifications, registered apprenticeships, occupational licenses, and other opportunities that may help you get ahead. In addition to education and training resources, you can use the job center to search for a job and learn about various career paths. If you have questions, contact us. STAY CONNECTED TO USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog

USA.gov -- TV Commercial Complaints, Pre-paid Funerals, Kid-Insurance

Posted:  27 Dec 12

Image description: This group portrait of the Sarasota Sun-Debs...

12/27/2012 03:00 PM EST

Image description: This group portrait of the Sarasota Sun-Debs was taken in Lido Beach, Florida around 1950. The Sarasota Sun-Debs originally organized in 1949. The young women who participated received modeling training and were featured in locally and nationally distributed photographs of Florida beach scenes.
Photo from the Joseph Janney Steinmetz Collection, State Library and Archives of Florida.

CALM Act Regulates Volume of TV Commercials

12/27/2012 01:00 PM EST

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established new rules for the volume of television commercials that started on December 13, 2012. The new regulation, known as the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, requires commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany. The CALM Act requires TV stations, cable operators or other multichannel video program distributors to apply specific FCC practices to commercials they transmit.
If you hear a commercial louder than the TV show it accompanies, you can file a complaint with the FCC by providing detailed information about the commercial.
Learn more about the CALM Act.

Pre-paid funeral arrangements insurance Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user. The Federal Trade...

12/27/2012 11:00 AM EST

Pre-paid funeral arrangements insurance

Asked by an anonymous Tumblr user.
The Federal Trade Commission offers this advice on prepaying for funeral arrangements:

Millions of Americans have entered into contracts to prearrange their funerals and prepay some or all of the expenses involved. Laws of individual states govern the prepayment of funeral goods and services; various states have laws to help ensure that these advance payments are available to pay for the funeral products and services when they’re needed. But protections vary widely from state to state, and some state laws offer little or no effective protection. Some state laws require the funeral home or cemetery to place a percentage of the prepayment in a state-regulated trust or to purchase a life insurance policy with the death benefits assigned to the funeral home or cemetery.
If you’re thinking about prepaying for funeral goods and services, it’s important to consider these issues before putting down any money:

• What happens to the money you’ve prepaid? States have different requirements for handling funds paid for prearranged funeral services.
• What happens to the interest income on money that is prepaid and put into a trust account?
• Are you protected if the firm you dealt with goes out of business?
• Can you cancel the contract and get a full refund if you change your mind?
• What happens if you move to a different area or die while away from home? Some prepaid funeral plans can be transferred, but often at an added cost.

Be sure to tell your family about the plans you’ve made; let them know where the documents are filed. If your family isn’t aware that you’ve made plans, your wishes may not be carried out. And if family members don’t know that you’ve prepaid the funeral costs, they could end up paying for the same arrangements. You may wish to consult an attorney on the best way to ensure that your wishes are followed.

Learn more about funeral arrangements.

Are Your Kids Eligible For Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance?

12/27/2012 10:00 AM EST

Are Your Kids Eligible For Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance?:If your kids are uninsured, they may be eligible for free or low-cost health insurance. Find out at http://www.insurekidsnow.gov

---

If you have questions, contact us.

STAY CONNECTED TO USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog

---

HOLIDAY TIPPING & GRATUITIES PLAN

Posted:  27 Dec 12


Purpose

To pass along information to fellow citizens which is easily overlooked, but shouldn't be.

Rationale

I knew what to do about tipping my newspaper deliverer, but I decided to check up about USPS regulations as to what to do about my postal carrier (small gift only).  I'm glad I did, because I found this wonderful link which discusses many others we don't really want to forget, and why.

I hope you will find this useful.  It's from the Emily Post website, under the title of "Holiday Tipping is Really Holiday Thanking."

While We're At It

Here is a pretty comprehensive tipping guide, which covers other tipping occasions.  It is published on the "CNNMoney" website.

"The greatest happiness comes from seeing to the happiness of others"

 -- Unknown

All Original Content © 2012 , The MENTOR Enterprises / ELMS, All Rights Reserved -- BUT, I hereby suspend those rights, to this extent: You may freely copy and pass this along, if you think it will do some good -- as long as it's free of charge, unchanged, and you include this statement.

USA.gov -- GOVERNMENT AUCTIONS!!!

Posted:  26 Dec 12

Image description: The U.S. Department of the Interior shared...

12/26/2012 03:00 PM EST

Image description: The U.S. Department of the Interior shared this story about the National Elk Refuge:

The National Elk Refuge in Wyoming works to provide, preserve, restore, and manage winter habitat for the nationally significant Jackson Elk Herd and habitat for endangered species, birds, fish, and other big game animals (like these Bison pictured above), and provide compatible human uses associated with the wildlife and wildlands.

Photo by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Get a Flu Vaccine – It's Not Too Late!

12/26/2012 01:00 PM EST

Flu season usually peaks in January or February, but it’s gotten off to an early start this year. If you haven’t gotten a flu vaccine yet, consider getting one as soon as you can.
Learn about the flu vaccine, including:

• where you can get it (enter your ZIP code in the Flu Vaccine Finder box)
• what viruses it will protect you against
• the difference between the shot and the nasal spray

Shop Government Auctions

12/26/2012 10:00 AM EST

Shop Government Auctions :Did you know the federal government has an auction website? Shop for anything from homes to computers and jewelry at http://govsales.gov

---

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Change Subscription Topics and Frequency of E-Mails | Unsubscribe | Help

If you have questions, contact us.

STAY CONNECTED TO USA.GOV: Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Our Blog

---

This email was sent to santacruz01pca@gmail.com from: USA.gov • General Services Administration • OCSIT • 1275 First Street NE • Washington DC 20417 • (800) 333-4636.

SENATOR BOXER -- Seven Messages 21 - 22 Dec 2012

Posted:  23 Dec 12

For the period of 21 and 22 December, Senator Boxer released seven newsletters, listed below and reprinted in their entirety:

1. Senator Boxer on EPA`s New Public Health Standards on Toxic Soot Air Pollution
2. Senator Boxer: Restoring the Salton Sea
3. Senator Boxer: Protecting the Northern California Coast
4. Senator Boxer on Mt. Andrea Lawrence
5. Senator Boxer on the Nomination of Senator John Kerry [for Secretary of State]
6. Senator Boxer: Combating Violence in Congo
7. Senator Boxer on the NRA, Gun Violence, and School Safety

*******

1.  Senator Boxer on EPA`s New Public Health Standards on Toxic Soot Air Pollution

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 22, 2012 Dear Friend: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a new national standard for toxic soot in the air, which will provide stronger public health protections.  EPA’s science-based standard is an important step forward in safeguarding the health of the American people from the harmful impacts of dangerous air pollution.  To read more, please click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator

2.  Senator Boxer: Restoring the Salton Sea

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 22, 2012 Dear Friend: I recently joined Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Congressman-elect Raul Ruiz (D-Coachella) and other federal, state and local officials to tour the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge and discuss the urgent need to restore the Salton Sea.  To see photos, please click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

3.  Senator Boxer: Protecting the Northern California Coast

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 21, 2012 Dear Friend: Yesterday, in response to legislation I authored with Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, the Obama Administration announced it plans to expand the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries by more than 2,700 square miles – an area that includes the entire Sonoma County coastline and part of the Mendocino coast up to Point Arena.  To watch video of our press conference announcing this historic expansion, please click here.  To read my statement, click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Visit my Website If you would like to learn more about my work in the U.S. Senate, to visit my website Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

4.  Senator Boxer on Mt. Andrea Lawrence

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 21, 2012 Dear Friend: Yesterday the House of Representatives passed legislation to name a mountain peak in Mono County “Mt. Andrea Lawrence” in memory of the conservationist, three-time Olympian, and former member of the Mono County Board of Supervisors who passed away in 2009.  The Mt. Andrea Lawrence Designation Act, which I introduced in the Senate last year, now goes to the President to be signed into law.  To read more, please click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

5.  Senator Boxer on the Nomination of Senator John Kerry

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 21, 2012 Dear Friend: I am very pleased that President Obama has nominated Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, to be the next Secretary of State. Senator Kerry could not be more qualified or more ready for this job. His extensive experience and his stature on the international stage will give him instant credibility throughout the world. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

6.  Senator Boxer: Combating Violence in Congo

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 21, 2012 Dear Friend: I recently led a bipartisan group of Senators urging President Obama to take immediate action to help end the epidemic of sexual violence and other atrocities being committed by the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  To read more, please click here. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

7.  Senator Boxer on the NRA, Gun Violence, and School Safety

ABOUT THE SENATOR CONSTITUENT SERVICES ISSUES & LEGISLATION PRESS CONTACT - - - - - NEWS FROM BARBARA BOXER, UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM CALIFORNIA - - - - - December 21, 2012 Dear Friend: Today the head of the National Rifle Association blamed everyone except his own organization for gun violence in America and showed himself to be completely out of touch by ignoring the proliferation of weapons of war on our streets. The NRA is now calling for stronger security at our schools. They should endorse my bills to fund security upgrades for schools and trained law enforcement personnel to protect our kids.  To read more about my legislation, please click here. In the days ahead, I will work for a comprehensive strategy that includes sensible gun laws, a focus on mental health, and school safety. Sincerely, Barbara Boxer United States Senator To respond to this message, please click here.  This link will take you  to a webpage where you can reply to messages that you receive from  Senator Boxer’s office. Share on Facebook Tell a Friend E-mail: E-mail: E-mail: E-MAIL UPDATES Yes, please periodically send me e-mail updates.* Click Here *By subscribing to my e-mail updates, you are authorizing me to send regular e-mail updates from my office to your e-mail account.

*******