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   <title>The SoCal Vacation Guru  Mini Blog</title>
   <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html</link>
   <description>Southern California is a dynamic place and there&#39;s always something interesting happening.  Here are short items describing current events or upcoming activities that might be of interest.</description>
   <language>en-us</language>
   <category domain = "http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#">Southern California Vacation</category>
   <pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:44:49 GMT</pubDate>
   <lastBuildDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:44:49 GMT</lastBuildDate>
   <copyright>socal-vacation-guru.com</copyright>
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    <title>This Is A Cool Disneyland Item</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/disneyland.html</link>
    <description>You may or may not know that when you walk along Main Street in Disneyland, you&#39;ll see names lettered in the quaint shop windows as if they are the business owners.  In fact this is a way that Disney honors very special employees--by putting their names in the windows of the Main Street shops and pretending like they are store owners.  Look for them on your next visit.

Two of the most recent names will be Richard and Robert Sherman.  These two gents look nothing like the creative geniuses they really were.  You see, they wrote some of the most memorable tunes in the Disney library.  Think &quot;It&#39;s a Small World After All.&quot;  How about the songs from Mary Poppins?  Jungle Book?  Winnie the Pooh?  The Enchanted Tiki Room and the old Carousel of Progress were their tunes as well (remember &quot;There&#39;s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day...?&quot;).

These brothers are to blame when you spend all day trying to get the &quot;Small World&quot; theme out of your head.  But look for their names in a window on Main Street because Disney has finally determined to honor them with one of their highest tributes.</description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:24:02 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>It&#39;s Getting To Be WildFlower Time In SoCal</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#It&#39;s-Getting-To-Be-WildFlower-Time-In-SoCal</link>
    <description>We&#39;ve been experiencing a wet winter here in beautiful Southern California. That means that the spring wildflowers are likely to be exceptionally abundant and awe-inspiring this year.

March is perhaps the best month to come for wildflowers.  Most of the desert areas bloom this time of year, but they are often particularly prolific in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park that overlaps between San Diego County, Riverside County and Imperial County.

Gary Warner of the Orange County Register reminds us that this could be one of the best seasons in years for wildflowers in this 600,000-acre State park.  The temperatures are nice in March and April.

Check the link for information on tours, although you don&#39;t need a tour to find wildflowers.  Look first in the washes, as they get the most water and seem to flower first.

Warner says that the next couple of weeks will be the peak of the season, so don&#39;t waste any time.  Stop in at the visitors center for directions to the best viewing areas.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:56:50 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Knott&#39;s Berry Farm Vacation Planning.  </title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/knotts-berry-farm-vacation.html</link>
    <description>Enhance your Knott&#39;s Berry Farm Vacation Planning.  The SoCal Guru has tips and wisdom to help you coordinate your Knott&#39;s vacation with other Southern Calfiornia attractions!</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:54:22 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Talk About Great Skiing, Come To Southern California</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Talk-About-Great-Skiing,-Come-To-Southern-California</link>
    <description>Whereas the heavy snows have caused big headaches in many parts of the country, the Southern California mountain areas are a winter wonderland for snowboarders and skiiers.  You can enjoy the sun, mild weather and attractions of SoCal this winter; between San Diego, theme parks, quiet beaches and the energy of Hollywood there&#39;s something for everybody, as usual.

But the recent snows have created fabulous skiing conditions in the nearby San Bernardino Mountains, within easy driving distance of wherever else you plan to be in Southern California.  So you can spend a few days warming up (if you come from a cold place) and then head up the mountains for a day or two of snow activities. 

The mountain ski resorts report a base from 3 feet to 7 feet and many can make snow at night to create a beautiful surface each day.  We&#39;re talking elevations of 7,000 feet to 8,000 feet with a serious vertical drop.

You can rent equipment up the mountain; just bring along some proper clothing along with the swim suit.

There are not a lot of places where you could be surfing first thing in the morning and then drive up for a half-day of wakeboarding or skiing that afternoon (or night skiing at some places).  Or hit Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood or Sea World one day and Big Bear skiing the next couple of days.  You can even find cross-country skiing, across from the Snow Valley ski resort.

Whenever possible, you&#39;ll find smaller crowds on a weekday.  Also, before you drive up the hill on a rainy day call CALTRANS for road conditions at 909/383-4631.  Hit the link for lots of great information about all the SoCal ski/snoboard areas.</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:19:23 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Tour Orange County Beach Cities Online. Learn Where To Best Spend Your Vacation!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Orange_County_beach_cities.html</link>
    <description>There are so many great ways to enjoy the Orange County beach cities.  The SoCal Guru can help you sort it out.  Take this brief online tour of the O.C. coastal communities.</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:37:25 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Orange County Beach Camping... Where Are The Best Beach Campsites?</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Orange_County_beach_camping.html</link>
    <description>The SoCal Guru can help you know all about Orange County beach camping.  O.C. has many of the nicest Southern California beaches and some of the best beach campsites.  Come take a look!</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:28:37 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Do A Good Deed, Save Big At Knott&#39;s</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Knotts-berry-farm.html</link>
    <description>Every now and then one of the SoCal theme parks will team up with a local charity and offer a special offer.  For example, Six Flags Magic Mountain has often offered free admission the day before Thanksgiving for guests who bring a small number of canned goods for the needy.

Right now through January 31, Knott&#39;s Berry Farm is offering park admission of $23.99 for guests who bring two non-perishable food items, which Knott&#39;s will donate to the Orange County Food Bank.  You save $30 off the regular admission.

This is the slower time of year for Knott&#39;s so it makes sense for them to offer a low price now, combined with a very inexpensive donation requirement.  

My college-age daughter is going today, likely with food from our pantry.  

You can find out more about Knott&#39;s Berry Farm at the link below, and more specific information on the special offer can be found at knotts.com.</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:22:48 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Some Crazy O.C. Christmas Lights!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Some-Crazy-O.C.-Christmas-Lights!</link>
    <description>Some people in Southern California make up for a lack of snow by creating the most amazing displays of Christmas lights on their homes.  How amazing?  Would you believe 25,000 lights with a $1,200 electric bill? 

Some of the displays started modest and grew over the years.  People drive from miles away to catch these demonstrations of creativity, money, time and a touch of insanity.

The Orange County Register had a contest where readers and online visitors could vote on 55 entries for the coolest (or hottest) holiday light shows.  You can visit the link to see photos of the nominees.  

But if you&#39;re in town at some point over the next several days, why not drive over and experience the top winners.  According to the O.C. Register contest, the top four homes are:

1884 N. Diamond Street, Orange (35,000 lights; you can see the glow from your house!).

12812 Wheeler Place, Santa Ana with its 300 bears (Santa and his Reinbears?).

26152 Cordillera, Mission Viejo brings you Whoville.

3011 E. Craig Drive, Orange, which is the Judges&#39; Winner.

For a few more days you can catch these beautiful Christmas displays.  You could visit all four winners in an hour or two.</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:16:01 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Visit Seven Amusement Parks In One Vacation.  Only in Southern California!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/amusement-parks.html</link>
    <description>The challenge with so many world-class amusement parks in Southern California is finding time for them all, or deciding which ones to leave out.  The SoCal Guru can help you decide.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:21:58 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Discover Orange County Activities Beyond Disney, Knott&#39;s and the Beaches!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Orange_county_activities.html</link>
    <description>There are dozens of Orange County Activities to enhance your Southern California vacation.  Check out museums, sports events, arts, parks, you name it!  The SoCal Guru will help you learn about it!</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:56:10 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Gondolas In Naples--California, That Is!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Gondolas-In-Naples--California,-That-Is!</link>
    <description>One of the most charming neighborhoods in Long Beach is the community of Naples.  Sound Italian?  Well, this area was built from the mudflats of Long Beach in 1904, with a system of canals just like its European namesake.

Prospective buyers were transported in gondolas brought in from the 1893 Chicago World&#39;s Fair.  Very charming!  But somehow the gondolas disappeared for decades (after the develooper sold all the waterfront lots, no doubt...).

Fast forward to 1981 when a guy named Mike O&#39;Toole acquired one boat and started up Gondola Getaway (562/433-9595).  Today there are nearly a dozen boats offering a romantic, relaxing 1-hour tour of these quaint, multi-million-dollar waterfront homes.  Some of the gondoliers will sing for you.

The homes are always extensively decorated during the holidays, so this might be a good time to bundle up for a gondola ride.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:34:14 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>One Of The Finest Southern California Artists!  Meet Peter Mooney.</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/california-artists.html</link>
    <description>If you are looking for fine, original art look no further.  Here are samples from one of the most creative of Southern California artists.</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:28:31 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Your Best Los Angeles Vacation:  Plan It Here</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/los-angeles-vacation.html</link>
    <description>Let SoCal locals help you plan your best Los Angeles vacation.  It starts with the right planning and a little insight.  See what the SoCal Vacation Guru has to say!</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:46:12 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Your Best Disneyland Resort Vacation--Here are Tips from locals!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/disneyland.html</link>
    <description>Let SoCal locals help you plan your best Disneyland vacation. Learn what to do and what not to do at the Disneyland Resort.</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:33:21 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Train Travel:  Southern California Fits Right In To Your Plans</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/train-travel.html</link>
    <description>Are you considering a vacation that includes train travel?  Southern California is a natural destination.  The SoCal Guru has some ideas for you!</description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:04:48 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>There&#39;s Persian Food And Shopping In Westwood</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/los-angeles-vacation.html</link>
    <description>One of the many attractions that draw people to Southern California is the tremendous diversity in ethnicities and cultures to be found here.  Check out our Melting Pot page for some ideas, but here we wanted to point out a concentration of Persian culture on the West Side of Los Angeles.  

Specifically, the community of Westwood lies in the shadow of the UCLA campus.  There you will find many Iranian immigrants; in fact Southern California is home to more people from Iran than anywhere else in the country.  Their native culture--and cooking--is the potential source of a nice adventure on a SoCal vacation.

Get off the San Diego Freeway (I-405) at Santa Monica Boulevard and go east a short distance.  Turn left (north) on Westwood Boulevard and drive a few blocks to Ohio Avenue.  That should put you right in the middle of a bunch of shops, bookstores and restaurants guaranteed to give you a delightful dose of Persian culture.  These locals sometimes refer to this area as Tehrangeles.  Many of these immigrants came here after the 1979 upheaval in their country.</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:14:52 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Legoland California Vacation Planning Strategies--What Do the Locals Know?</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/legoland.html</link>
    <description>How does a visit to Legoland fit into your Southern California vacation?  Here are strategies to plan the best trip.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:21:51 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Legoland California Resort-- A Wonderful Park For Kids and Families</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/legoland-california.html</link>
    <description>Nestled above the Pacific Ocean at Carlsbad is Legoland California.  This cool theme park specializes in kids from 2-12, but offers fun for older brothers and sisters also.  The Guru has the scoop!</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:11:37 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Here Are Legoland Discounts And Planning Tips!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/legoland-discounts.html</link>
    <description>Finding Legoland discounts can result in significant vacation savings.  You need to know where to look; the SoCal Vacation Guru knows where to look.  Planning tips also!</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:43:21 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Legoland Hotels And Dining Options-- What Do You Need To Know?</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/legoland-hotels.html</link>
    <description>Want to find the best Legoland hotels?  What should you know about eating in the park?  The Guru has answers!</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:43:31 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>So Many Hollywood Attractions, So Little Time:  What You Need To Know!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/hollywood-attractions.html</link>
    <description>Which Hollywood attractions will you include in your Southern California vacation?  The SoCal Vacation Guru has some helpful information, tips and wisdom to help create the best Hollywood vacation.</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:41:42 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>It&#39;s A Good Time Of Year To Be In San Diego</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/san-diego-vacations.html</link>
    <description>The summer weather has cooled off a bit but there is plenty to do in sunny San Diego.  Here are just a couple of the upcoming special events, realizing that there&#39;s something happening pretty much all the time.  

The San Diego Bay Wine &amp; Food Festival takes place on November 18-22, with celebrity chefs, wine tasting and a host of related activities.

The 10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival is from October 15-29.

And of course there&#39;s Sea World, Legoland, the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, the Gaslamp District, Coronado, etc., etc.  Click on the link for more information and some links related to how you can set up very fun Fall weekend (or longer) in San Diego.</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:20:43 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Knott&#39;s Scary Farm Halloween Haunt.  Here&#39;s What You Need To Know!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/knotts-scary-farm.html</link>
    <description>Knott&#39;s Scary Farm is the best scare-fest in the country.  The SoCal Guru has great information on Knott&#39;s Halloween Haunt!</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:30:26 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Oktoberfest Ist Hier In Das Orange County</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Oktoberfest-Ist-Hier-In-Das-Orange-County</link>
    <description>&lt;b&gt;Get Yer Beer And Polka Here!&lt;/b&gt;

The Phoenix Club of Anaheim is opening the kegs and bringing out the tubas.  This well-known German club offers an authentic Bavarian celebration every year at this time.  Between now and October 31 they expect to draw maybe 10,000 party goers to enjoy the music, traditions and, yes, plenty of good German beer.

They stay pretty close to tradition, but also offer hamburgers and  other,less-traditional items for folks who aren&#39;t into sauerkraut.  There is a &quot;Kid&#39;s Fun Zone&quot; on Sundays; children&#39;s admission is free.  It&#39;s $5 for adults.

So if you are in SoCal during the month starting this weekend and through October, consider spending a couple of hours in Anaheim; the Phoenix Club is like 5 minutes from Angel Stadium.  There are additional details at the link.</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:30:57 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Santa Monica Pier Is Celebrating 100 Years!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Santa-Monica-Pier-Is-Celebrating-100-Years!</link>
    <description>One of the highlights of a SoCal vacation is a visit to the famous and historical Santa Monica pier.  The pier is celebrating the beginning of its 100th year with many special events in coming months.  For example, for the next few weeks they are showing free Movies On The Pier on Friday evenings.  Gates open at 7pm and the movie starts after dusk.  The next 3 weeks will offer Hairspray (Sept 18), Fuel (Sept 25) and Ferris Bueller&#39;s Day Off (Oct 2).

Although the movies are free, you do need tickets, so click on the link below and go to the &quot;Things To Do&quot; page.  Scroll down and you&#39;ll see the flyer for the movies and places where you can get tickets.  They may sell out so move on this if you&#39;re interested.

There will be many other fun activities over the next year; in fact there&#39;s always something interesting going on down at the Santa Monica pier.</description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:12:23 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Shrek, Kobe, Marilyn and Beyonce Are Waiting For you</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/hollywood-attractions.html</link>
    <description>Madame Tussaud knows how to do wax!  If you are planning a trip to Hollywood, you can mingle with the stars to your heart&#39;s content at this wonderful museum.  After being greeted by President Obama&#39;s wax twin (and Marilyn Monroe out front) you can see a population of 115 (and growing) famous personalities in their native habitat.

Tussauds creates a whole atmosphere in which they present their amazingly lifelike figures.  Charlton Heston is next to the Red Sea.  Whoopi Goldberg is shown in &quot;Sister Act.&quot;  Koby Bryant of the Lakers is shooting hoops in the sports room with Tiger Woods.

The figures are amazingly realistic; would you believe the designers actually get permission to obtain dental records from the real celebrities?  No kidding!  

One of the most recent additions is skate board guru Tony Hawk.  The museum adds 8-9 new residents per year and you can vote on your way out of the  place.

Madame Tussauds Museum is next to Grauman&#39;s Chinese Theatre and not far from the Kodak Theatre.  It&#39;s in the path of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  So it would be easy to add it to a day of Hollywood activities.  Check out the link for additional activities in Hollywood.</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:15:01 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Cruise The Palos Verdes Peninsula</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/los-angeles-vacation.html</link>
    <description>The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a well-known Los Angeles fixture, rising above suburbia west of San Pedro.  It is home to many multi-million-dollar estates (and once was home to Marineland Park long ago) with panoramic ocean views and close proximity to the South Bay beaches like Hermosa Beach.

But, whereas it might cost you a few hundred dollars to play golf at the Trump National Golf Club, there are numerous free destinations that can make for a nice half-day or more of exploration.

First, you get to P.V. by getting off the I-405 freeway at Hawthorne Boulevard (exit 42) and drive south for a few miles.  You&#39;ll want to check this out on a map before you go.

Find Palos Verdes Drive; it basically is the loop around the western protion of the peninsula.  You&#39;ll find Starbucks and a couple of other choices for snacks or lunch.

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is way out on the tip, and will give you a chance to watch for whales, learn about the history of the area and buy trinkets no doubt (310/377-5370).  The Starbucks is near the Center.

Further to the southeast is the Wayfarers Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  Continue and you&#39;ll get to the gold-plated golf course.  The nice thing is that they offer free coastal access, so plan on spending some time there. 

I would not spend a whole day on this outing but you&#39;ll be able to see why so many upper-income Angelenos live on the Palos Verdes peninsula.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:13:16 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>The Monsters And Zombies Have Been Auditioned</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/knotts-scary-farm.html</link>
    <description>Recently a bunch of folks interviewing for jobs at Knott&#39;s Berry Farm gave their best shot at snarling and screaming at their potential employers.  No, these were not prospective IRS auditors.  Around 200 people showed up hoping to become &quot;street monsters,&quot; the wandering zombies, ghouls and evil cowboys whose sole purpose for not living is to scare the boysenberries out of visitors to the Knott&#39;s Halloween Haunt.

These seemingly normal people would enter the interview rather calmly, but in seconds--on command-- they became writhing howling wraiths.  There will be more of these fun folks than in the past, so guests won&#39;t have to go far to run into somebody with a knife in their head or who really needs a haircut.

You need to know that the actors, as well as the Knott&#39;s producers, really get into the spirit of the Halloween Haunt.  The interviewees were given scenarios to act out.  You know, the usual stuff like having voices in your head telling you to light yourself on fire, or being attacked by killer skin-eating bacteria.  The best of the actors passed the audition and will be there waiting for us starting around the second week of October.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:50:28 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Disneyland Haunted Mansion Celebrates 40 Years</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Disneyland-Haunted-Mansion-Celebrates-40-Years</link>
    <description>I&#39;ll bet you thought ghosts are ageless.  Nope, the 999 Happy Haunts at Disneyland are celebrating 40 years of scaring, intriguing and delighting guests at the Magic Kingdom in Anaheim.  A recent celebration event had people in line at 6:30 am to buy limited-edition commemorative artwork by a local artist.  

This attraction involved cutting-edge technology when it opened and it still pretty cool stuff today.  Remember the singing heads and the room that stretches?  Even now I have the theme song running around in my head; the only way to get rid of it is to think about &quot;It&#39;s A Small World!&quot;  No, that&#39;s worse.

Remember the lonely woman who beckons you back, reminding you to bring your death certificate?  She actually was a designer at Walt Disney Imagineering; her name was Leota.

The celebration continues until September 9, 2009.  That is 9/9/2009 to recognize the 999 happy haunts.</description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:33:18 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Sea World or SeaWorld--Either Way It&#39;s A Fantastic Day in San Diego!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/sea_world.html</link>
    <description>Your San Diego vacation is not complete without at least one day at Sea World.  This theme park has the right balance of shows, rides and exhibits.  And Shamu of course!</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:02:58 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Sea World Discount Tickets and Insider Tips</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/sea-world-discount-tickets.html</link>
    <description>Here are ways to find Sea World discount tickets and save some money.  Also, the SoCal Guru has tips to enhance your San Diego vacation.</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:55:38 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>SeaWorld San Diego Attractions Offer  Fun Stuff For Young And Old!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/san-diego-attractions.html</link>
    <description>SeaWorld offers some of the greatest San Diego attractions, with shows, action rides and exhibits to suit any taste.  Here&#39;s what you should know.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:08:59 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Six Flags Magic Mountain:  Roller Coasters and Looney Tunes!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Six-Flags-Magic-Mountain.html</link>
    <description>Six Flags Magic Mountain is THE premier theme park on the West Coast for roller coaster fans.  You also get to spend a day with Looney Tunes characters.  The Guru has insight for you.</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2009 05:54:46 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Big Waves From Tahiti Will Spice Up Surf Competition!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Orange_County_beach_cities.html</link>
    <description>We already noted that the U.S. Open of Surfing is underway in Huntington Beach.  The best surfers from anywhere are on hand.  Guess what else will soon be in town?  A huge swell from down around Tahiti is on its way to SoCal beaches, bringing potential 10-foot Or bigger) waves at some beaches.  

So we&#39;ve got big waves and the best surfers all in one place.  Don&#39;t you think that could be fun to watch?  The big swell should start to die down by Saturday but the surf competition continues through the weekend.

Parking will be very tough this week in Huntington Beach.  Here&#39;s a hint.  Park a mile or two inland along one of the main OCTA bus routes (check their website for details) and hitch a ride on the bus.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:54:05 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Summer Travel In Southern California:  Here&#39;s The Big Picture</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/summer-travel.html</link>
    <description>Considering summer travel in Southern California?  The SoCal Vacation Guru has important information about geography, weather, freeways and more to enhance your trip.  Here&#39;s the Big Picture!</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:25:16 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>The Action&#39;s Picking Up in Huntington Beach</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Orange_County_beach_cities.html</link>
    <description>Of course summer is a great time of year to be hanging out at any of the SoCal beach communities.  But we wanted to let you know that the surfing world is going to be focused on Huntington Beach for a week starting July 18.  The Hurley U.S. Open of Surfing will be held between the 18th and the 26th.

The excitement level is elevated this year, as it&#39;s the 50th anniversary of the United States surfing championships, as well as the 100th anniversary of Surf City.  There will be lots of activities and events for surfers and non-surfers alike.  Surf Legend Corky Carroll reported on the upcoming festivities in his July 4 column (O.C. Register).  Apparently there will even be a surfing contest for dogs.  Parking could be a challenge so consider the OC Transit bus system.  Most of the action will take place around the Pier.</description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 06:12:57 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Find Time For A SoCal Baseball Game!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Find-Time-For-A-SoCal-Baseball-Game!</link>
    <description>Its baseball season in SoCal and weve got three of the best teams in MLB:  Dodgers, Padres and Angels.  Id encourage you to try and catch a game if you have a free afternoon or evening during your summer vacation.  Most games are around 7 or 7:30 pm, but theres often a mid-week and weekend day game.  Check their websites for home game schedules.  

The Angels were just ranked by ESPN as providing the best fan experience of any professional sports franchisethat is not just baseball, but of ANY professional sports team (check out the link).  Our guys are having a pretty good year; running neck and neck with the Texas Rangers for first in the American League West.  

But, in addition to being a great team to watch, the whole ballpark experience is enjoyable and family-friendly.  Owner Arte Moreno has really invested time, money and thought in making an Angel game a great outing, including fireworks after the home games on Friday night.  The franchise is also good about giveaways, and we have the hats, shirts and a Garrett Anderson clock to prove that.

Of course Dodger and Padre games are also a blast; they just didnt earn the ESPN ranking (and you might be sensing a slight bias in reporting here),

A word to the wise, if you come to a day game, bring your sunscreen and get ready to show the folks back home your Angels/Padres/Dodgers tan!</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:41:51 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>San Diego Zoo Is Crazy With Elephants!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/san-diego-vacations.html</link>
    <description>The San Diego Zoo is always respected for its great exhibits.  They have really pulled out all the stops this summer with the 7.5-acre Elephant Odyssey.  It includes a 137,000-gallon pool, and a half-acre Elephant Care Center, where visitors can observe keepers taking care of these mammoth critters.  Speaking of such, Mammoth Plaza will show off life-size statues of three mammoths and a giant ground sloth.  

There will be seven live elephants and many other residents.  A simulated tar pit will show how many of these big boys met their end.  Too much else to talk about here.  Come on down!</description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:15:10 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>The Orange County Fair is Coming!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#The-Orange-County-Fair-is-Coming!</link>
    <description>The Orange County fairgrounds spend most weekends as the Orange County Market Place, one of the best swap meets around.  But starting July 10, and running through August 9, it&#39;s prime time as the annual Orange County Fair moves into town.  In fact, this isn&#39;t just the Fair, it&#39;s the OC Super Fair.  And they&#39;ve got an attraction called  &quot;Al&#39;s Brain&quot; featuring Weird Al Yankovic.  Check out the link for more information.</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:59:23 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Disneyland Discounts Are Here!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#Disneyland-Discounts-Are-Here!</link>
    <description>Check the link below for a description of the specials offered by the Disneyland Resort.

For Southern California residents, the Disneyland Resort is offering a 3-day Park Hopper Ticket to both Disneyland and Disney&#39;s California Adventure.  You can cruise between the two parks as often as you want for 3 days.  This is perfect if you have relatives coming in for a vacation.  The dates run from June 12 to August 23.  Make sure you catch the Summer Nightastic fireworks extravaganza.</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:04:30 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Your Coolest Southern California Vacation. Locals Tell You What You Need To Know</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/index.html</link>
    <description>What the Locals know, where the Locals go!  Let the SoCal Guru enlighten you in the planning of your Southern California vacation travel.  Local insight on beaches, attractions, etc.!</description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:52:34 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Check Out Military Destinations On Your San Diego Vacation</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/san-diego-vacations.html</link>
    <description>It&#39;s pretty well known in SoCal that San Diego is a military town--especially the Navy.  If you enjoy visiting military bases, shows and vessels, San Diego is the place for you.  The Miramar Air Show is held in October every year.  The USS Midway aircraft carrier is now a museum with 25 restored aircraft on the flight deck.  There is also the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at 858/577-6000.  These are but a few of the museums and other destinations oriented to military, space and maritime topics.</description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:14:10 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>SoCal University Going To Omaha For College World Series</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Southern-California-Vacation-blog.html#SoCal-University-Going-To-Omaha-For-College-World-Series</link>
    <description>OK, so this is not specifically about your Southern California vacation, but we need to share our enthusiasm about California State University Fullerton winning its Super Regional baseball tournament.  The CSUF Titans are on to the College World Series in Omaha.  Watching local sports is  just one of a great many local activities you can enjoy on your SoCal vacation.  But to see the Titan baseball team play again, you&#39;ve gotta make a stop in Omaha starting June 12.  Click the link for additional details.  Congratulations Titan Baseball!</description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:20:25 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Passports Needed For Travel to Tijuana From San Diego</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/san-diego-vacations.html</link>
    <description>One of the fun options for a vacation to San Diego is a side-trip to Tijuana or Ensenada Mexico.  It used to be that U.S. citizens could travel to Mexico with just a driver&#39;s license.

As of June 1, 2009, Americans traveling by road or ship to Mexico (and Canada by the way) must be able to show a passport or similar document to re-enter the United States.  There are other documents that can take the place of the passport; check the State Department website for other options.</description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 08:34:11 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Six Flags Terminator Salvation Almost Here!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Six-Flags-Magic-Mountain.html</link>
    <description>The year is 2018 and artificial intelligence can no longer be controlled by humans (I hate it when that happens!).  

Starting May 23 at Six Flags Magic Mountain, immerse yourself into a desolate world where the human race is making a last stand against the machines.

The new Terminator Salvation The Ride offers the usual signature thrills of a Magic Mountain roller coaster, with 5 stomach churning hills and 6 high-speed banked turns in a wooden coaster.  But they&#39;ve also added onboard entertainment features that draw you into the chaos of the future.  High-tech story telling at high speed.  May 23 at Six Flags.  Click the link for more information on the park.</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2009 04:50:16 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Cruising Southern California Freeways.  Here Are Tips On Getting Around SoCal!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/California-freeways.html</link>
    <description>Do you plan to drive in SoCal?  Here are some tips from the SoCal Guru on Cruisin&#39; Southern California freeways (and public transportation too)!</description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2009 20:33:54 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Considering an AmTrak train vacation to SoCal?  Here&#39;s What You Should Know!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/amtrak.html</link>
    <description>Southern California is a great destination for an Amtrak vacation.  The SoCal Vacation Guru has some tips and ideas to make this the best possible trip!</description>
    <pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 22:24:03 GMT</pubDate>
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   <item>
    <title>Include Orange County Beach Activities In Your Summer Travel Plans!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Orange_County_beach_activities.html</link>
    <description>Let the SoCal Guru help you sift through the many choices in Orange County beach activities.  Surfing, kayaking, skin diving, deep sea fishing, whale watching.  You name it and it&#39;s here!</description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2009 23:05:56 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>Ripley&#39;s Believe It Or Not Museum Closes!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Knotts-berry-farm-tips.html</link>
    <description>I&#39;m told that the Ripley&#39;s Museum in Buena Park has called it quits after amazing and grossing out over 20 million visitors.  This fun attraction was within walking distance of Knott&#39;s Berry Farm.  

You can find a similar Ripley&#39;s museum in Hollywood, where any advance-sales tickets will be honored.  There&#39;s still the Medievel Times Dinner Show and Pirates&#39; Dinner Adventure on Beach Boulevard, near Knott&#39;s.  Obtain more information on these two worthwhile diversions at our link below.</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 22:12:57 GMT</pubDate>
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    <title>These Knott&#39;s Berry Farm tips will enhance your trip to the park!</title>
    <link>http://www.socal-vacation-guru.com/Knotts-berry-farm-tips.html</link>
    <description>The SoCal Guru has some Knott&#39;s Berry Farm tips and advice for you to help you make the most of your vacation budget.  Here&#39;s how to make the most of your day at Knott&#39;s!</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 22:04:57 GMT</pubDate>
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