The Conejo Valley Guide "Welcome" blog covers a wide range of topics, local information, highlights of local things to do, compilations and other items. Focus is on information relevant to Ventura County and surrounding areas, including Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Simi Valley, Camarillo, Moorpark, Somis, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Barbara and Moorpark.
The Conejo Valley Guide® "Welcome" blog covers a wide range of topics, local information, local things to do, holiday event compilations, announcements and more.
This is too clever to pass up. Developer Casey Pugh spearheaded a project that sliced up the original Star Wars into 15 second segments and asked the public to claim a scene and film it in any shape or form. Pugh and his team then stitched together the 474 scenes to a full-length version of Star Wars entitled "Star Wars Uncut."
Too funny. Every 15 seconds a completely new look based on the creativity of random people. Everything from high end digital animation, Lego figures, real people in costumes, sock puppets, paper bags, clay figures, you name it. Grab a group of friends and enjoying laughing out loud at the random cleverness of this unique patchwork of Star Wars storyline.
The New Hot 5 is a Utah based New Orleans style jazz band that was recently playing at a festival in France, when it discovered a herd of cows that seemed to really be entertained by their music. It started with Steve Call on euphonium as you'll see in the video. The bells started ringing as they situated themselves for a dixieland concert. Soon the whole band joined in. The rest is history...3 1/2 million YouTube views to date and a CD called "Jazz for Cows." Equal parts good amusement and good music. Visit www.newhot5.com to learn more and buy a CD.
Love how you occasionally hear cowbells chiming in. Cows are intent listeners.
2012 Video Contest for Young People: "Make a Difference"
Ages 12-25 invited to submit videos about making a difference and creating positive community change
Youth advocacy group Straight Up Ventura County has announced its 2012 video contest, open to young people 12-25, around the topics of making a difference among peers, educators and parents.
"We're looking for young people to explore topics such as how to create 'positive' peer pressure. what activities can bring awareness to destructive decisions, or people that have been an inspiration for making positive decisions around alcohol or drugs," says Katherine Kasmir, Program Director of Straight Up. "We look to the youth in our community to help make social change."
Straight Up focuses on prevention surrounding underage and binge drinking, over-the-counter/prescription drug abuse, marijuana use, and impaired driving.
Last year's contest, "The Power of Speaking Up," garnered submissions from all over Ventura County. They can be seen at straightupvc.org/contest_2011 and below!
Short videos (30-90 seconds) are preferred, but longer videos are welcome as well. The subject matter and tone can be serious or humorous, as longs as the video deals with the powering of speaking up.
A grand prize of $500 will be awarded. The deadline is March 9, 2012 and winners notified by April 20.
Downloadable rules and guidelines can be found at www.straightupvc.org/contest. Resources are available to youth and to educators in the form of educational workshops and equipment lending.
Interested parties can find out more information by contacting contest@straightupvc.org or (805) 647-4622.
Winning Entries from 2011 "Speak Up" Video Contest
WINNING VIDEO: "Out of the Mouths of Children" by Joe Lanthier's Fillmore High School Production Class (ages 16) Description: A young boy refuses to get into his brother's car after the brother has been drinking.
RUNNER-UP VIDEO: "Bobby V" by Camilo Alvea, 23, and Sergio Arias, 23 Description: A young female recounts an accident in which she was involved, in which "Bobby V" was killed.
RUNNER-UP VIDEO: "Choice" by Sophie Glander, 16, of Agoura Description: A young boy refuses to get into his brother's car after the brother has been drinking.
Jonathan Stewart shares this early morning shot of the sunrise viewed from near his Conejo Valley home. The Santa Ana winds really kicked up today, making for some interesting cloud formations. View more of Jonathan's work at jonathanstewart.smugmug.com.
Did you miss the spectacular fire-red sunset last night in Southern California!? Among the dozens and dozens of photos posted to Facebook, this one, posted by the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, really stood out! It was taken from the Chart House restaurant in Malibu on PCH by Christopher C. Webb. Thanks for sharing! Learn more about Four Seasons Westlake Village at www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage or call 818.575.3000. Locals...think about a relaxing weekend staycation at Four Seasons Westlake Village!
The U.S. Postal Service announced in October that First-Class mail single letter rates will increase by 1 cent, from 44 cents to 45 cents, on Sunday, January 22, 2012. This represents a 2.2% increase. So save a penny and eliminate the hassle by buying some of those "Forever Rate" stamps before the price change!
It has been nearly 3 years since the last price increase for First-Class mail in the U.S. The last increase was a 2 cent increase effective May 11, 2009.
Who actually uses mail these days for paying bills? Do what I do and start utilizing online bill payment services. Paying bills online allows me to save money on stamps, save time (no more handwriting, tearing, stuffing, licking and mailing) and headache. Click here for more information. I use online billpay and direct debit/credits for 95% of my bills.
My wife called for me to come upstairs. "Why?" I asked, hoping it wasn't important enough to interrupt my post-dinner, pre-midnight snack. "You've gotta come up here" she said. "All right" was my reply, as I gently placed the Fritos bag on the counter with Coors Light bottle sitting next to it. I begrudgingly climbed the stairs and there she was with my 8 year old lying in the bed. "Watch this!"
So I did. "The Dark Side" is entitled as these dogs belt out a familiar Star Wars tune in a capella fashion. Very funny! Volkswagen, you've outdone yourself again! Admittedly I've never owned nor driven a VW but I sure like your commercials!
On a related note, looking for dog parks around town? Here are a few.
