RETAIL ROUNDUP

We knew that elephants of the cartoon variety could fly, but whales?

Pacific Life Insurance Co. in Newport Beach plans to airlift an

18-foot sculpture of a humpback whale and her calf over its five-story

Newport Center Drive headquarters and into its central atrium Saturday

morning. The Randy Puckett bronze was commissioned by the company, whose

logo is a breaching whale.

Somehow the thought of a large statue being hoisted by a helicopter

brings images fraught with disaster to mind. But with a name such as

Pacific Life, at least they’re probably insured.

A well-chilled workout

Martinis and bench presses. What a delightful idea. Empty calories

with a built-in way to eradicate the guilt.

We wonder if many will be tempted to flex their muscles Friday when

the Spa and Fitness Club hosts opening night festivities for Edward

Albee’s “A Delicate Balance,” appearing at the South Coast Repertory.

The idea of a well-heeled lady or gentleman taking time to do a few

reps while in evening wear intrigues.

The club, at 695 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, plans to hold a Spa

and Martini tour with many of the drinks named after the weight

equipment.

May we offer some suggestions? A Crunch Cosmopolitan. Or maybe a Tummy

Toner and Tonic. The possibilities are endless.

Roses are red, Triangle Square is . . . a triangle?

If the music Triangle Square offers on weekends isn’t enough to lure

you there, the outdoor mall is offering a free seminar from 11 a.m. to 4

p.m. Jan. 27 on pruning roses.

Because, really, what more could you want from a shopping experience

than learning how to avoid thorns.

The seminar by gardening expert Nick Federoff of KFI-AM (640) includes

instruction on tool selection and safety, and making the proper cuts.

There will also be music by the E.W. Hill Band and gardening booths and

crafts.

Check https://www.trianglesquare.com for more information.