Bird watching pays off for children
Outdoor sport may help young minds to develop
      Backyard bird-watching with children may pay a number of unexpected dividends. That's because the early experiences in children's lives affect how their brains develop and lay the foundation for intelligence, emotional health and moral development, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
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Visit Ventura Harbor during holidays
      The Ventura Harbor Village has announced its holiday schedule. •"California Sleigh Ride" boat rentals are available at 6 and 8 p.m. every night in December. To make a reservation, call (805) 642-7753.
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O Christmas tree
      Real Christmas trees offer so much more than artificial trees. Real Christmas trees come with an aroma that sets the mood for the holiday season. Artificial trees smell like packing tape. A real Christmas tree comes with the experience of picking one out. Choosing a fake plastic tree off the shelf on aisle five next to the fake tan spray is no experience at all.
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Ready, aim, and shoot
      The extended family is getting together for the holidays and the family photographer whips out the video camera to record the festivities—but his/ her previous attempts at rolling tape indicate that the familydogmightbeabette r videographer.
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A visit from the Clippers
      DISTINGUISHED GUEST— Veteran forward Brian Skinner of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers visits the Suns of the AYBA (Agoura Youth Basketball Association) boys' second grade division. Skinner played 66 games last season with the Phoenix franchise before returning to the Clippers, the team that drafted him in 1998.
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Take care to maintain healthy hair
      While most parents think back-to-school time is peak lice season, school nurses still send home notices into the late fall and winter. It makes sense that infestations occur frequently during the chilly days of fall and winter, when millions of children share and toss around hats, gloves and scarves.
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Fathers, daughters dance up a storm
      DADDYS' GIRLS— Above left, Isabella and Phillip Tesoro smile for the camera during Oak Hills Elementary School's inaugural Father/Daughter Dance on Dec. 5. Nearly 170 people attended the Winter Wonderlandthemed event, featuring live music and formal photographs. Above right, Avery and Mark Myden bust a move on the dance floor.
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