I headed out on the 10, East to Ontario, California recently to help cover a press conference between at the time two undefeated boxers, Andre Ward (26-0) and Edwin Rodriguez (24-0). A friend and I have been following Andre's professional career for some time - he took America's last gold medal for boxing at the Olympics and has had a stellar professional career so far. We've run a fan site promoting his career since his 10th professional fight … [Read more...]
LACOT Meetup, Luxe Hotel, Los Angeles
I made the mistake of trying to go south towards the Sawtelle district (craving Ramen) around 5pm on a weekday. Barrington was backed up as far as I could see in the northbound direction - after turning around at some point, it took me 30 minutes to go 1/3 of a mile on surface streets and then on Sunset before pulling into the Luxe Hotel entance. Traffic is so intense in this part of town (combined with the major 405 construction project … [Read more...]
IMPROV-ing it in Hollywood
Driving through Hollywood numerous times I've always wondered what it would be like to stand in one of these "sidewalk lines" late at night. Lines for nightclubs, lines for dark signless establishments with tough looking large people in front, lines for comedy shows, lines for Improv and lines for bars. I was standing in one of such lines this evening - in front of the Upright Citizens Brigade waiting to see the Swarm, 4 gentleman who perform … [Read more...]
A Busy Day in LA
Got up early to go shopping at the relatively new Farmer's Market in front of the Autry Center - it is one of the smaller Farmer's markets in town but this time of year there is always good fresh fruit - especially grapes. Oh and the Homeboy Bakery is always there with their fresh bread (reformed gang members). Heading across the street - I spent 90 minutes at the LA Zoo - arriving right as they opened and raced to the back of the park to beat … [Read more...]
Basking in the Warmth of Santa Catalina Island
Catalina provides the calm, quiet and the rural contrast to the urban 24/7 hum of the city of Los Angeles. The Ying and Yang of urban versus rural environments, if you will. Catalina is world's away yet still within the confines of Los Angeles County. In reality the island is only approximately 50 miles away from the extreme contrast of pulsating clubs and the craziness of late night parties on Sunset or Hollywood Blvds. We conveniently stayed … [Read more...]
Oaxaca and Huatulco Mexico Tourism Dinner, Los Angeles
I recently attended a Oaxaca promotion dinner at Geulaguetza restaurant - an authentic restaurant serving Oaxacan cuisine surprisingly located in the heart of Koreatown Los Angeles. One of our contributors and photographers Michelle Yam recently went on a trip to Huataluco along the coast in the state of Oaxaca and invited me to this dinner. The presentation was to promote tourism to the region, inspire and excite us about the wonders of … [Read more...]
Gogobot Travel Salon Recap – Los Angeles
I was invited to a Gogobot (a social community for travelers) sponsored event by Kat @travellingreek - who I met at a TBEX event in downtown at the Biltmore a few years back. This event was held at NextSpace in downtown Culver City - this is a creative work environment/community that is open to members at any time. This "travel salon" featured four well regarded travelers - Andrew Bender, who writes the Seat 1A blog for Forbes Magazine, Sara … [Read more...]
Hollywood’s Latest Studio Attraction
NOTE: this show was canceled in early 2013 - however you can still read about our experiences below as an audience member. The Jeff Probst Show is one of the hottest tickets in Hollywood right now - and for good reason. While no stranger to television, this is five time Emmy award winner Jeff's first television talk show. Jeff is an engaging host - and his show features interesting people with inspirational stories. Jeff knows a happy … [Read more...]
LACOT October Meetup – Los Angeles
Our latest LACOT meetup was at Hotel Wilshire conveniently located on "Miracle Mile" next to "Museum Row" and minutes from the popular Grove Shopping Center. Capitalizing on the often pleasant weather year round, Hotel Wilshire has turned their roof into the centerpiece of their hotel. Appropriately named, the "Roof on Wilshire" is located here, along with a bar, plenty of views and a small pool. The night was remarkably windy and … [Read more...]
Paddle boarding in SoCal with Legends SUP
Southern California, with its temperate climate is an "open" playground for outdoor water sports and stand up paddle boarding year round. There are a variety places to test your skills in the southland - whether its surfing the legendary waves off the coast in big name coastal waterfronts such as Newport, Huntington, or Laguna Beaches or trying your skills at paddle boarding in some of the inland lakes and rivers. Legends SUP™, based in … [Read more...]