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Archive for February, 2010
Roosevelt Hotel History + Hauntings
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel hosted the presentation of the 1st Academy Awards in 1929 inside its Blossom ballroom. Later ceremonies were much larger than this banquet for 250, so there was never an attempt to host the awards at the hotel a second time.
Marilyn Monroe was a resident at the Hollywood Roosevelt for two years when her modeling career took off. Her first magazine shoot was taken on the diving board on the pool behind the hotel, which was recently removed. The hotel’s remodeled pool contains an underwater mural painted by David Hockney. This property is not to be missed on private LA guided tours!
Marilyn Monroe stayed in suite 246 which overlooked the pool side. A mirror which once hung in her room is unfortunately now in storage following hotel renovations, is thought to be haunted by her spirit. A number of people also claim to have seen her ghost dancing in the ballroom of the hotel.
Montgomery Clift, who lived at the Roosevelt for three months while filming From Here to Eternity (1953), is said to haunt his old room, 928. People claim to hear him playing his bugle and see him walking the hallways of the 8th floor.
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Laker’s History
The Lakers’ franchise was founded in 1946 in Detroit, Michigan before moving to Minneapolis, where the team got its official title from the state’s nickname, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” The Lakers won five championships before relocating to Los Angeles in the 1960–61 season. The Lakers lost all of their eight appearances in the NBA Finals in the 1960s, despite having help fromElgin Baylor and Jerry West. In 1972, the Lakers won their sixth title, first in Los Angeles, under coach Bill Sharman. The Lakers’ popularity soared in the 1980s when they won five additional championships during a nine-year span with the leadership of Hall of Famers Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and coach Pat Riley, the franchise’s all-time leader in regular season game wins and playoff games coached and wins. Two of those championships during that span were against their arch-rivals, the Boston Celtics. From 2000 to 2002, the Lakers won three titles consecutively with the help of Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. After losing both the 2004 and 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers captured the championship for the 15th time in 2009, defeating the Orlando Magic four games to one.
The Lakers hold records for having (into the 2009–10 season) the most wins (3,000), the highest winning percentage (61.8%), the most NBA Finals appearances (30), the second fewest non-playoff seasons with five (San Antonio Spurs have four), and the second-most NBA championships with 15, behind the Boston Celtics’ 17. Pre-Home game private Los Angeles helicopter tours showcase the Staples Center from the air. They also hold the record for compiling the longest consecutive win streak (33) in U.S. professional team sports (also an NBA record) in the 1971–72 season. 14 Hall of Famers have played for the Lakers, while four Hall of Famers (John Kundla, Bill Sharman, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson) have coached the team. Four Lakers (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant) have won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for a total of 8 MVP awards.
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Oscar’s History
The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, andwriters. The formal ceremony at which the awards are presented is one of the most prominent award ceremonies in the world. It is also the oldest award ceremony in the media, and many other award ceremonies such as the Grammy Awards (for music), Golden Globe Awards (all forms of visual media), and Emmy Awards (for television) are often modeled from the Academy. On Oscar Day, typically LA Helicopter tours are prohibited from flying over the event. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences itself was conceived by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio boss Louis B. Mayer.
The 1st Academy Awards ceremony was held Thursday, May 16, 1929, at the Hotel Roosevelt in Hollywood to honor outstanding film achievements of 1927 and 1928. It was hosted by actor Douglas Fairbanks and director William C. deMille. The 82nd Academy Awards, honoring the best in film for 2009, will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at theKodak Theatre in Hollywood, with actors Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin hosting the ceremony.
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Los Angeles Sightseeing Tours
Certain cities have so many attractions and historic locations to experience that the only logical option is to hire a professional guide; Los Angeles is one of those places. Trying to locate and enjoy all that the city has to offer will take days or weeks on your own. From historic theatres to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you will never be able to experience everything without sightseeing tours Los Angeles.
Not only will a guided tour ensure that you see all of the highlights, but you will also receive professional insights and information that you never would have known. These guided tours are carefully planned out so that you maximize every minute that you spend in the city. During the tour, you will inevitably also learn about some of the city’s premier eateries and attractions to go visit later as well.
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Omlette Parlor, Santa Monica
Take a wild a guess what this place specializes in. Yep. Fluffy egg creations, all of which come served with the parlor’s famous O.P. potatoes, English muffin and fruit. A quaint Old world, atmosphere with large nostalgic black-and-white photographs of Californian beaches and imaginatively named omelettes make the parlor a popular outpost; try “The Meter Maid (the richest gal in town),” the “Crazy Jack,” or “The Semi Sophisticated” Omelette.
Not feeling the omelettes? Opt for the California Benedict–word is it’s a big favorite with a “distinct” flavor. On mild days, take advantage of the outdoor patio at the back, but don’t eat here if you can’t stand the heat in the summer months. Add it to your list if you are looking to tour Los Angeles. 2732 Main St. Santa Monica, 90405 (310) 399-7892
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Froma
Stop into Froma during the morning for a hot espresso and some homemade, ginger-swirled banana bread, or take your time with the likes of a cheddar-avocado omelet, panettone French toast, prosciutto-gruyere croissant sandwich, or a breakfast panini with tomato and basil from the full breakfast menu.
Panini dominates the multifaceted lunch-dinner fare with two dozen exotic choices like the Alpino with salty bresaola, chèvre, fresh lemon and arugula, and a sandwich featuring blue crab meat. There are a dozen different salads as well, and a variety of bruschette like the gorgonzola and bosc pear drizzled with raw wild honey. There is nothing wrong with a bit of “scrumptious” prior to experiencing private LA tours. Pair that with a glass of chilled Jo Pithon Chenin Blanc from France’s Loire Valley or choose from Froma’s well-curated wine selection — one of the in the area — with fine old/new world options including several carrying organic certification. 7960 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 653-3700
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Dine Romantic in Los Angeles
Fall head over heels for L.A.’s newest—and, coincidentally, very romantic—eateries as they offer their first romantic menus. Eva Restaurant (7458 Beverly Blvd., L.A., 323.634.0700) serves seasonal bistro fare from chef/owner and Patina Group alum Mark Gold. Couples clamor for Thomas Keller’s sexy brasserie Bouchon (235 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310.271.9910). Lovers of French cuisine might also check outDelphine (6250 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1355) in the newly opened W Hollywood. All perfect for post private Los Angeles tours. Fine-dining darling Michael Voltaggio, winner of Top Chef and toque at Pasadena’s The Dining Room(Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, 626.568.3900), offers five- and eight-course tasting menus featuring his feats of molecular gastronomy.
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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Los Angeles — where celebrities regularly mingle with the masses — is certainly accustomed to hosting high-profile guests, but no one receives the red-carpet treatment quite like LA’s most famous visitors: U.S. presidents. Although you probably won’t arrive aboard Air Force One or be escorted around the city in a motorcade, you can still take some cues from our nation’s executives for a glamorous glimpse of presidential LA.
To get into the spirit, you’ll need some inspiration, so begin with a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, after finishing a day called “tour vans Los Angles“ For a vivid look into presidential history, check out the exact replica of Reagan’s Oval Office, complete with a jar of Jelly Belly candies on the desk — the licorice-flavored beans were the 40th president’s signature snack. In the Air Force One Pavilion, climb aboard the actual plane that flew Reagan and six other presidents around the globe.
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Hollywood’s biggest night
You don’t need a designer gown, a best-actor nomination or a wrist weighed down with diamonds to experience the excitement of the Oscars. Even though only Academy members get coveted seats inside the Kodak Theater, with a little planning you can immerse yourself in all the star-studded glamour — and avoid any logistical snafus — of Hollywood’s biggest night.
The Academy Awards is a huge event that brings people to Los Angeles from all over the world, so if you plan to be in town and need accommodations, it’s worth it to do some research and book early. Hotels near the Kodak Theatre atHollywood & Highland (such as the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spawhich is located at the north end of the shopping center) offer the best vantage points for watching the preparations and are your best bets for spotting celebrities. Keep in mind, however, that many offer a limited number of rooms to the public and book up quickly. If you’re very lucky, you might snag a room with a view at the Roosevelt Hotel, where you can soak up some Oscar history (the first Academy Awards ceremony was held here in 1929), or at the new W Hollywood which boasts its own red carpet. Or take one of our private Los Angeles van tours. If you can’t find a room near the action, try posh properties such as Hotel Bel-Air or the Beverly Wilshire, where there’s a good chance of mingling with famous guests.
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Oscars 2010 nominees – Best Actor/Actress
Best actor in a leading role Oscars 2010 nominees
* Jeff Bridges in “Crazy Heart” (Fox Searchlight)
* George Clooney in “Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
* Colin Firth in “A Single Man” (The Weinstein Company)
* Morgan Freeman in “Invictus” (Warner Bros.)
* Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker” (Summit Entertainment)
Best actor in a supporting role Oscars 2010 nominees
* Matt Damon in “Invictus” (Warner Bros.)
* Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger” (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
* Christopher Plummer in “The Last Station” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Stanley Tucci in “The Lovely Bones” (DreamWorks in association with Film4, Distributed by Paramount)
* Christoph Waltz in “Inglourious Basterds” (The Weinstein Company)
Best actress in a leading role Oscars 2010 nominees
* Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros.)
* Helen Mirren in “The Last Station” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Carey Mulligan in “An Education” (Sony Pictures Classics)
* Gabourey Sidibe in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
* Meryl Streep in “Julie & Julia” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Best actress in a supporting role Oscars 2010 nominees
* Penélope Cruz in “Nine” (The Weinstein Company)
* Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
* Maggie Gyllenhaal in “Crazy Heart” (Fox Searchlight)
* Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air” (Paramount in association with Cold Spring Pictures and DW Studios)
* Mo’Nique in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
* In the realm of private sightseeing tours Los Angles the Academy Wards will inspire many questions throughout any tour day.