Exhibit on seahorses

Exhibit on seahorses

MONTEREY, Calif. — Dancing fish and pregnant daddies: That’s the world unveiled in “The Secret Lives of Seahorses,” a new exhibit opening at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on April 6.

More than 15 species of seahorses, sea dragons, pipehorses and pipefish will be on display. Four multimedia galleries will combine new live animal exhibits, interactive experiences and games.

For more information, visit www.montereybayaquarium.org.

Magazine offers tips on travel savings

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Caribbean Travel + Life magazine’s March issue offers tips on how to save money on your next vacation in the islands.

The magazine’s March issue says the region’s low-season begins in mid-April, when room rates start to sink. The lower prices last all the way to mid-December.

Also, the magazine says packages that include airfare, hotel and transfers can save a bundle, and an all-inclusive resort might be the right choice for those who would otherwise spend a lot on food and drinks.

Consider coupons and other added value when figuring out your best bets. Sometimes hotels will give credits toward dining, spas and activities that make the nightly room rate a much better deal. Taking a room with a garden view rather than an ocean view can also cut your bill substantially.

Other ways to save, according to Caribbean Travel + Life, include staying in newly opened hotels, which often have introductory rates, and getting a group together and splitting the cost of a villa.

Ice skating facility opens near Vancouver

RICHMOND, British Columbia — A 512,000-square-foot rink has opened near Vancouver in preparation for the 2010 Olympic speed-skating events.

The Richmond Oval, in Richmond, about 7 miles from Vancouver, is open to the public when not in use for sporting events.

The building, which was completed in December, also houses facilities for indoor soccer, yoga, basketball, fitness and other activities.

The Richmond Oval will host 12 medal events during the Winter Games, but it will also be used for several Canadian and international speed skating competitions this year.

The building was designed to be eco-friendly. Its unique roof has a “wood wave” design, using arched trusses and rafters and a curvature in the surface panels to create a rippled appearance. Its exterior channels rainwater for re-use in landscaping and plumbing.

For more information, visit richmondoval.ca.

University museum opens James Brown exhibit

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Papa’s got a brand new place to put his bag.

An exhibit featuring the personal belongings of soul singer James Brown is open now through the summer at the I. P. Stanback Museum & Planetarium on the campus of South Carolina State University. It includes costumes, original sheet music, awards, trophies and other items that were in Brown’s Beech Island home.

Daughter Deanna Brown says the exhibit shows an eclectic side of her father that many did not see. She says the items in the home will be the basis of a planned museum for Brown after legal issues over his estate are settled.

Brown died Christmas Day 2006.

Associated Press