App-tastic

I've been known to – uhm, jokingly – say that my iPhone is like a third child to me. So that makes my apps akin to those "I love yous" and syrupy hugs I get from other two (real) kids. The love flows freely from my human children, so I expect nothing less from my apps. Oh, sure, there's the occasional game or really useful application that's worth the 99 cents. But I figure that by limiting myself to downloading just the free apps that I probably cut down on the thousand or so distractions that could easily take time way from those "real" children I referenced earlier.

Thought I'd share a couple of fun and helpful free apps I've run across lately.

First off, find out where to dispose of old batteries and electronic equipment by downloading the iRecycle app from Earth911.com. You'll easily find recycling locations for everything anywhere in the U.S. I also found out that there was a free compost workshop on Feb. 20 in Burbank in the app's "Events" and learned that computers, batteries and televisions topped the list of most recycled materials in 2009 in the "Articles" section.

For the kiddos, bring books alive on your iPhone through Iceberg Kids' library of free digital books that include Curious George titles as well as The Pokey Puppy and the Mr. Men books (you can find titles to purchase for kids and adults, too). What makes this app cool is that it allows parents to record their own voices reading the books, creating a personalized element that is unique among kid-oriented apps. Here's the demo:


The Table of Contents makes navigating the books very "book-like," and it's easy enough for kids to flip through pages and follow along.

You just have to decide whether your young reader is responsible enough to take care of your "other" child. (I recommend keeping your iPhone in a very protective case and making them wash their hands first. But that's just me.)

On a Musical Note ...

The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live is one of Los Angeles' best-kept secrets. But word is about to get out, once the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are broadcast live from across the street at Staples Center this Sunday.

The museum is a surprisingly dynamic, family-friendly place where you can immerse yourself in an extensive timeline that traces all forms of music. The artists play the key role at the museum, but visitors also can learn about the technical aspects of recording and engineering music, see costumes and instruments and get a glimpse at the cultural and political aspects of music.

The museum also hosts a variety of small-scale performances on its GRAMMY Sound Stage that are designed to give listeners an intimate moment with some amazing musical artists.

GRAMMY week is a good time to scope it out. Most of the events are free (members get priority, so if you're a music lover you might want to look into a membership) or have a minimal cost (usually around $10), so it can make for a great date night or family outing. Here's the schedule:

• Mississippi Night: Thursday, Jan. 28; 8 p.m. Celebrate the musical legacy of Mississippi as legendary musicians David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Cotton, Dorothy Moore, and The Williams Brothers perform and celebrate their rich musical heritage on the GRAMMY Sound Stage.


• Hawaii Night: Friday, Jan. 29; 7:30 p.m. Join as current GRAMMY nominees in the Best Hawaiian Music Album category Tia Carrere, Daniel Ho, Amy Hainaiali’i, George Kahumoku Jr., and Jeff Petersen perform on the GRAMMY Sound Stage.


• GRAMMY Children’s Music Celebration: Saturday, Jan. 30; noon. The program will feature performances by all six nominees in the Best Musical Album for Children field, as well as spirited passages from the nominees in the Best Spoken Word Album for Children category.  Part of the Museum’s monthly “Musical Explorations” series, this very special event will feature performances by acclaimed family artists Ziggy Marley, Buck Howdy, Milkshake, Jonathan Sprout, Dean Pitchford, Greg & Steve, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Christylez Bacon, and more.


• Louisiana Night: Saturday, Jan. 30; 8:30 p.m. Current GRAMMY nominees The Magnolia Sisters, Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole, Zachary Richard, and C.C. Adcock will perform and celebrate the music of Louisiana on the GRAMMY Sound Stage.

Regular admission to the museum is $12.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 6-17. A standard membership for one year is $50 per adult.

Free Wax (Museum)

Just because we're in the middle of the busy holiday season doesn't mean you don't have time to see if you're right for Quentin Tarantino's next film or help Captain Kirk keep the Enterprise on course. There might be other reasons you can't do that, but at Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum, you can do that and much more, like cozy up the Hugh Jackman in his Wolverine mode.

In fact, Madame Tussauds Hollywood is hosting a Free Kids Day on Saturday, Dec. 12. With the purchase of one adult admission ticket ($25), kids are free (regularly $18). Just download and print the coupon and present it when you purchase your tickets.

Visitors can peruse the 18 themed rooms and hobnob with their favorite actors, Hollywood icons and sports heroes at the museum, which is located next to Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. It's open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday.

Bargain Buffet ... at IKEA

Do you need a feast to go with your Billy bookcase or your Poång high-back birch chair?  Then IKEA has just the ticket. The Swedes and their notoriously inexpensive cafe at IKEA are spicing up the offerings by hosting a crayfish buffet party on Wednesday evening (tomorrow), Aug. 19.

Who knew that it was a tradition to gather the family amid the lush Swedish gardens to feast on savory shellfish? The European furniture store is honoring this Swedish summer soiree season by offering an all-you-can-eat crayfish evening buffet for just $9.99 ($2.49 for children). Included in the buffet will be the Swedish classics such as crispbreads, rolls, cheeses, meatballs and mashed potatoes. The meal also includes beverages and dessert.

If you can't make it for the buffet, crayfish plates will be served for $7.99 through August. And of course, you can always shop for crayfish items in the IKEA Swedish Food Market.