Located along the Southern California coast and home to the second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles has been occupied by humans for almost 10,000 years.

Recorded history of the area began in 1542 with the arrival of the Spanish explorer, Juan Cabrillo. The first permanent settlement, a Spanish mission, was built in 1769, and the territory remained under Spanish control until 1821 when it passed to Mexico. Twenty- six years later, it became territory of the United States.

In the early part of the last century, the film industry made Los Angeles its home and the city experienced a period of growth that has pushed its population over the four million mark. It is a truly global city. It serves as the political, social, and cultural center of an extended metropolitan center of over eighteen million people. Although it is well known for the Hollywood based movie industry, Los Angeles is also the United States’ largest manufacturing center.

It is estimated that the population of Los Angeles is made of up of people from over 140 countries speaking over 224 different languages. The city is a cultural center offering just about every dining, entertainment, and recreational activity that could be imagined. Its location on the coast and its mild sub tropical climate make it an ideal vacation spot. Its residents, called Angelinos, must cope with many of the same problems that plague other huge metropolitan areas such as crime and air pollution. They do it, however, in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, "The City of the Angels."

There is an image of Los Angles that has become part of our culture. It is the young and pretty girl fresh off the farm that comes to LA to make it in the movies. Or it is the young man who comes west to make his fortune.

While there is some truth to this stereotype, it does not tell the whole story of LA’s lure for young people. The presence in the city of two major Universities and a score of other colleges, and a population that exceeds 18 million in it surrounding area, makes Los Angeles a single’s dream come true.

Not only are there a lot of prospective dates out there, but an almost unlimited set of options. The mild weather makes most dating activities available year-round. There is a vibrant night life in a city that never seems to sleep, as well as a plethora of daytime activities.

There are a lot of theme parks in Los Angeles featuring some of the most exciting and wild amusement rides in the country. There are miles of sandy beaches and blue Pacific Ocean surf within easy reach. The city is home to several major sports franchises with games going on almost every day or night.

If there is a down side to dating in Los Angeles, it is not from a lack of eligible partners or from worrying about having nothing to do. It is picking between all the options, and narrowing down the endless choices.

“Smokey” the bear will put a smile on your face the moment you walk into the door. Another “wild” animal on display is the friendly animatronic gopher that bobs up and down out of a tree stump, on a continuous loop. A stuffed boar head along with a docile deer head hang proudly on the bar wall to greet bar visitors with their plastered smiles illuminated by a deer-in-the-head-light-fixture. The overall log-cabin décor is cozy and warm with the wood-paneled walls and a blaring fireplace creating a truly rustic mood, just like that, of a snow topped-lodge, found high in the alps. The bar has many comfortable booths to lounge in, ideal for a girl’s night.

Every night the Bigfoot lodge has something different to offer. Monday nights Rockn’ Roll Karaoke, and Sunday nights Bingo are just a blast.

A different DJ adds great music to the already awesome atmosphere every night. Wednesday night you can listen to old English tunes and Thursdays the DJ plays anything from classic Rockabilly to old school Punk. Tuesday nights you can bring your own I pod. You also have to meet the Bigfoot Lodge movie-guy. He shows fun and bizarre movies in the fireplace area.

The Bigfoot Lodge crew is super friendly. Some of the Bartenders have been there for many years and mix some excellent drinks. The girl’s favorites have been the “pink drink specials” which you must surly give a try. (On different nights drink specials are offered, depending on the theme of the night. )

With the variety of music and activities the Bar has to offer, it attracts a great range of friendly people. It’s a bar for everybody who just likes to have a good time, no matter if you are an artist with lots of tattoos, or a business guy in a grey flannel suit.

You’ll never get bored at the Bigfoot Lodge and it is super easy to meet some fun people. So get some girlfriends together, have a great time and I’ll see you there.

The Bigfoot Lodge is a great neighborhood bar. Conv. Located on Los Feliz Blvd just east of the 5 Fwy. It’s easy to get to and parking is never a problem.

Tiki Ti is one of the best Tiki Bars I had the pleasure to visit. If you like the tiki decor, you’ll love this bar. Countless Tikis and Tiki Mugs are on display. When you step into Tiki-Ti it's almost like stepping back in time. The bar is small, only 12 stools, with a handful of tables against the wall, but what it lacks in physical size it makes up for in menu size.

There are 86 Tropical Drinks offered, most of which simply can't be found anywhere else. It’s tempting to try them all. The drinks are colorful, yummy and very strong. On Wednesday nights, Tiki Ti offers a special drink “Ray’s mistake”. Ray was the original founder of the bar. One evening he screwed up when he mixed a drink and accidental invented a yummy drink which now is everybody’s favorite. The “Stealth” is the Strongest drink on the menu. If you order either a “Blood and Sand” or a “Uga Booga” everybody starts yelling. The Bartender will add more alcohol to the drink until the glass is filled to the rim.

Almost as colorful as the drinks are the customers. It’s fun to go dressed in your favorite Hawaiian shirt and tiki dress.

The bar was opened in 1961 by master mixologist Ray Buhen, who was there at the start of the Tropical Drink craze at Don The Beachcomber’s legendary restaurant. His son and grandson, Michael and Mike Buhen now carry on his tradition; together, they practice the “Lost Art” of Exotic Cocktail mixing in the last of the great neighborhood tiki bars.

Tiki Ti is family-owned and operated and one of the few bars where smoking is still allowed.

This bar is perfect for a fun evening with your girlfriends. Since this bar is so small it is very easy to get in contact with other bar guests. Everybody is friendly, social, loud and colorful.

After months of closure due to last year’s devastating fires, Griffith Park is now happily open to the public. While there is still some evidence of fire damage, the greenery is coming back and Griffith’s hills are on the mend. The recent rainy season in L.A. is feeding that new growth, and with it comes the hope in 2008 for a full park recovery.

The largest municipal park and urban wilderness area in the United States, Griffith offers gorgeous views with California oak trees, wild sage, and 53 miles of hiking trails over chaparral covered hills.
While some of these trails are still restricted to hikers, there are still plenty of paths from which to choose.

An ideal hike this time of year takes you straight to the newly renovated Griffith Observatory. Advance reservations are no longer required, but parking is limited, so hiking there is ideal. From Western Avenue, enter Griffith Park off Los Feliz Blvd, turning left at the first traffic light onto Fern Dell Drive. Go north and park in the large parking lot on your left. From here cross the street and take a small foot-bridge over the Dell. The trailhead is behind the playground slide. You’ll see two trails. Take the one the left that slopes upward. It’s a nice wide trail, but it’s uphill, so offers a nice workout even at a leisurely pace. Whenever the trail splits bear right and keep hiking up until you reach the Observatory. The rangers at Griffith advise to please respect the closed/roped off paths as they are still in the recovery process, or are not legitimate trails.

Once you reach the Observatory, you might want to visit the Café at the End of the Universe for a nice hot cup of tea, and an incredible panoramic view that goes all the way to the Pacific. Then maybe take in a Planetarium show or film. For Griffith Observatory show schedules and hours, check out: http://www.griffithobs.org/vshuttle.html

Believe it or not, this time of year in LA, winter hikes can offer majestic views of foggy banks cascading over rocks, crisp clean air and no bugs. If you and your companion dress for the weather, you have a pretty romantic date in the making!

Fred 62 could possibly be the greatest diner dinning experience in all of Los Angeles. The food, the service, the atmosphere, and the location are all top notch and make for one hell of a meal. As a matter of fact, the only thing bad about “Fred’s” (as my girlfriend calls it), is its lack of a parking lot (but that’s a problem with just about everything in Hollywood). If you’re into diner food, Fred 62 will not disappoint.

Located in the art district known as Los Feliz, Fred 62 is one of the hippest places in the Hollywood area. Its diner image really belies the fact that Fred’s is actually home to some of the best quality food in California. There are many great meals to be had on their expansive menu, but the best thing (and really the only thing I order anymore) is the Juicy Lucy Burger. The Juicy Lucy holds the candle as THE best burger in Los Angeles. Its generous size and high quality meat make good fodder for the brain, and the toasted bun only adds to it. The Juicy Lucy is also topped with thousand island – an essential ingredient for burgers. Of course burgers don’t come alone, and Fred’s fries (or onion rings for that matter) really shine. Oh, and who could forget the milkshakes, another essential part to the whole experience.

In terms of image, Fred 62 carries a somewhat homemade motif, with leather car seats for booths, and pictures on the wall. Even the seats outside offer great scenery and comfort. Another great little thing about Fred’s is the “Sayings” on the back the crew’s t-shirts (such as “Jesus is our Dishwasher”). In fact, the service at Fred’s is some of the best in town. They are very attentive and quite speedy in getting your food (somewhat of a rarity in Los Angeles these days).

All in all, I have nothing bad to say about Fred 62. It’s a genuine landmark in the Hollywood area, and a great place to bring your friends after a late night of partying, or your girlfriend for a quick bite to eat. Fred 62 is all that and more, just see for yourself.

One of my favorite date spots in Los Angeles is Miceli’s – located at the corner of Las Palmas and Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. From beginning to end, you and your date will love the unique atmosphere, absolutely delectable food, incredible fine wines, and their top notch service. I took my here girlfriend for our first anniversary, and the memory of that night will always be with me; Miceli’s is the place to make those kind of memories.

Opened in 1949, Miceli’s is a Hollywood landmark, and a must stop for many tourists. Don’t let this deter you though; the food is one of a kind. My favorite dishes are their world famous lasagna, and the to-die-for Chicken Marsala. My girlfriend prefers the Alfredo, but I think it’s safe to say that everything I’ve had has been absolutely amazing. Miceli’s also offers some of the best diner roles and house wines around (I’d go with the White Zin, but that’s just me). I will say that the only thing on the menu that leaves a little to be desired is the pizza, but I don’t usually go to Miceli’s for pizza.

Once you walk through the front door, you will immediately understand what makes Miceli’s such a great date place. The old world Italian vibe runs deep throughout the restaurant, from the empty wine bottles swinging from the roof to the piano player who entertains ever night. As a matter of fact, the majority of the waiters and waitresses are grade-A singers and grab the mike several times throughout the night, belting the standards to roaring applause.

With better food than Musso an Frank’s, and a slightly better atmosphere than the Pig and Whistle, Miceli’s really stands out as one of the more unique food landmarks of the city. One can’t help but feel the history in the place. It’s almost like walking into the Godfather movies and having dinner with the Corleone’s!

Please note there is a Miceli’s located on Cahuenga in North Hollywood, but I would not recommend stopping. Their service is not nearly as good, and it’s busy (which doesn’t make much sense, but what does?). If you’re coming from the valley, don’t be tempted, drive the extra mile. The service alone is worth it.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your significant, or even your first date, Miceli’s is just the spot. So hop in the car and head to Hollywood, tonight’s your lucky night!

My first impression of the world famous Derby club in Los Feliz was a good one. The inside décor offers a comfortable atmosphere, even if the club fills up (which happens more often than not). It also offers some of the best live performance sound of all the Hollywood music clubs. Yet, from a performance standpoint, the on stage sound, and sound crew leave a lot to be desired. Of course, the majority of you will be there to enjoy the music, and I’m here to tell you, you will.

As you walk through the front door you are presented with a choice. To the left is a small acoustic room for solo performers and singer-songwriters, and to your right is the main live room where the bands tear the roof off! There are way too many acoustic rooms in Hollywood, so make your way to the right.

Upon entry you will be greeted by the martini bar stuck very inconveniently in the center of the room. I only say this because when things are busy and packed, it makes it very difficult to get a drink. To the right of the bar you’ll find several tall bar tables with comfortable chairs. These also offer the best view of the stage (granted they are also closest to the speakers so if you like it loud, than go ahead!). On the other side of the bar are a collection of well designed, but unpractical booths. Though they offer supreme comfort, the visual element is supremely lacking.

So once you’ve positioned yourself it will be time to listen to the music. Caddy corner from the booths is the stage – with enough room to fit a four member group comfortably. For those bands who have pianists (such as mine), the Derby has a great sounding baby grand already miked up (a huge plus for us who have to move our own equipment). Though the onstage monitor system lacks the punch of most other clubs, the balance of the instruments is surprisingly good, and the sound from the crowd is excellent.

So bring your friends down to the corner of Hillhurst and Los Feliz to see some of the best bands in Los Angeles (not just any band can play the Derby). The Derby is sure please!

Fingerprints is like the record stores of old, the record stores I grew up with. I’m an ardent music fan, and music shopping is one of my favorite pass times. I just love discovering new artist’s and albums, and the joy of finding something you’ve been looking for (or exactly what you want). Fingerprints is just that kind of place. As if that wasn’t good enough, Fingerprints offers competitive prices for used CD’s. So if you’re like me and sell on a pretty regular basis (there is a constant flow throughout my collection of things coming and going) than you’re destined to enjoy this little shop at the end of second street.

Fingerprints is the only place of its kind in Long Beach, and that makes it all the more important. Sometimes I don’t have the time, or gas to drive all the way to Hollywood and go to Amoeba. So when I get that craving for new music (which does happen on a regular basis), I can get my kicks at Fingerprints. As a matter of fact, its unique Belmont Shores location (mere minutes from the water) is a refreshing change from the constant stop and flow of Sunset Blvd and Hollywood.

So now I’m sure you are thinking “why don’t you just go to Best Buy, or Borders like everyone else, they’re everywhere!” Well, the easy answer is that most Best Buy’s and Borders music selection leave much to be desired. The more obscure artists that I enjoy are extremely hard to come by at those establishments. That’s what makes Fingerprints so important to my community. I know I’m not the only one who feels that way, and people like me need our kicks.

Record stores are all together a dying breed. With the onslaught of the internet music revolution, the record store (especially the independently owned record store) is slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past. People just don’t care as much about CD’s as they used to. That’s just another reason way places like Fingerprints are important. They still raise the flag high, and us few faithful followers will always be there to back them up. So if you’re like me and believe in the power of the record store, than Fingerprints is the place for you. So drive down to Second Street and pop in, you’re guaranteed to find something, that’s the beauty!

Set amongst the scenic beauty of Hollywood’s Griffith Park, the Greek Theatre is one of the premier concert venues in Los Angeles. Its size and layout make for a comfortable, almost intimate concert going experience, and its sound will leave you wondering what all the other theatres in town are doing. The Greek also has one of the best backstage areas I’ve been to in my career. All in all, The Greek offers concert goers a unique view of Hollywood and a damn fine concert (well I guess that depends on who you see).

My first experience at the Greek was seeing Oingo Boingo’s Halloween spectacular in 2006. Besides a fabulous performance, the night was made all the more enjoyable by the appearance of my friend Paul, who just so happened to be playing with the band. He was able to get me and my friends backstage passes for the show. So we partied like rock stars, with the rock stars in the backstage. Free beer, and fun, what more could you ask for?

The Greek also offer a number of meal packages and a fantastic picnic environment. Since it’s located in the middle of the vast Griffith Park, you know you’re going to be surrounded by natural beauty. I would even suggest making a day of it by spending some time in the park before the show.

But let’s get back to venue. I’ve sat in a few different sections and I’m here to say that the sound does not diminish anywhere in the venue. It’s built to make every seat as enjoyable an experience as the next, a rarity amongst venues these days (most music venues choose size over comfort; the more the merrier mentality). The stage is the perfect size for any band, and the caliber of artists who choose the Greek as their Los Angeles tour stop cannot be ignored. Anyone from George Clinton to The Fray, The Greek has it all.

So with that being said, if your favorite artist comes to the Greek, you know you’re in for a good show. So keep your eyes peeled!