What To Do For About 8-10 Hours In LA...

[Ksyrup]

I'll be in Los Angeles next Monday and Tuesday for a court appearance. I'm scheduled to be in court Tuesday morning and probably will be finished by 11am, at latest. However, trying to get back to Tallahassee by the end of the day, given an afternoon flight and the 3 hour difference, is pretty much next to impossible, so I've decided to take the red-eye Tuesday night. I leave at 10:15pm from LAX, meaning I've got from late-morning/noon until 8pm or so for...whatever. I'm thinking about renting a car for the afternoon and doing "stuff," but I'm not sure what, exactly.

So, What's there to do in LA? :p What are the best CD shops within a reasonable distance? Anyone work downtown and want to grab lunch? I'm staying at the New Otani.

I've got time, but nothing to fill it yet, as you can tell. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening. Thanks!

[QuikSand]

Go see an Angels game, I hear they are in L.A. now.

[QuikSand]

Okay, a more serious suggestion:

Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/maps/la.html)

[Ksyrup]

Go see an Angels game, I hear they are in L.A. now.
Believe me, I'm pissed as hell I just happen to be there the day after the season ends and before the playoffs begin (not that it would help for the Dodgers, but...). And, before the hockey season begins. I'll be back toward the end of October, though, so I'm hoping my schedule aligns better then.

[Ksyrup]

Okay, a more serious suggestion:

Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/maps/la.html)
Kinda reminds me of Bubba's from Kauai.

[QuikSand]

It's good shit.

If you haven't made it to an In-N-Out Burger, that would be worth a stop as well.

[Ksyrup]

Yes, I remember In-N-Out well from my last trip. Someone in the office asked me to bring one back for them.

[QuikSand]

Regrettably, I just checkd and it seems the Griffith Observatory is closed for some renovations -- that would be the ideal tourist thing to do to kill a little daytime in LA. Too bad.

[rkmsuf]

Treat your body like an amusement park.

[SackAttack]

It's good shit.

That might be the single biggest understatement of QuikSand's life.

[Ksyrup]

Treat your body like an amusement park.
I can do that at home.

Wait, what are you referring to?

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Okay, a more serious suggestion:

Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/maps/la.html)
I second this suggestion. Tommy's burgers are the best.

[rkmsuf]

I can do that at home.

Wait, what are you referring to?


HOTEL BILL:


Movie.....12.95

[Lathum]

Commerce Casino

[QuikSand]

HOTEL BILL:


Movie.....12.95

8-10 hours

[rkmsuf]

8-10 hours


So he bought one movie and repeatedly treated his body like an amusement park.


He's frugal.

[B & B]

Speaking of movies and since youre in LA

How about?
http://www.worth1000.com/entries/33500/33863hepp_w.jpg

or if you like war movies

http://www.worth1000.com/entries/110500/110716RWyV_w.jpg

[digamma]

If you're going to stay downtown...
check out the Disney Concert Hall or the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
There's also a great french dip place downtown called Phillippe's.

If you're getting out of downtown...
I'd bypass Tommy's for a burger at either The Counter or Father's Office (both in Santa Monica)--both a little more gourmet, but worth it. Tommy's is a pile of crap on a bun, IMHO. For a more fast food type burger, I much prefer In-n-Out or Fat Burger.

Other things to do...
Melrose Ave. has a ton of eclectic shops (vintage t-shirts, music stores, etc.) and you can waste an afternoon there.
It might be worth a drive down the Sunset Strip. Not a whole lot to do there during the day, but the Hustler store is located there.
The Santa Monica Promenade is a great outdoor mall area three blocks off the beach. More chain type stores. The Santa Monica Pier, complete with ferris wheel and roller coaster is also there.
A few miles south, and on the way to the airport from Santa Monica, is Venice Beach. Basically, this is a mile long freak show on the Beach Strand, complete with your average street performer, the oldest woman ever in a bikini, lots of trinket salesmen and muscle beach (an outdoor weight room on the beach). Always entertaining for the first time visitor.

If you decide to venture to Santa Monica, let me know--that's where I'm holed up from 9-5.

[Lorena]

Tommy's Burgers is the shiznit! Yummy artery clogging burgers.. yummmmm...

I see Digamma has already suggested the Santa Monica promendade and Venice Beach, great places and be prepared to see some very interesting people.

Pink's (http://www.pinkshollywood.com/) is a legenday stop. Who knows, you might even see an star or 2.

If you go back again, the Griffith Observatory is a must go. The view of the city at night is STUNNING!

I'd say have fun on your trip, but court is never fun. Gluck

[JeeberD]

High priced call girl. Or better yet, two of them...

[Ksyrup]

High priced call girl. Or better yet, two of them...
I could only afford 8-10 minutes.

[Ksyrup]

Course, that's all I'd probably need.

[dawgfan]

I would echo the recommendations for the Santa Monica promenade (though it's more interesting at night) and checking out Venice Beach. In 'N Out is good, but I prefer Fatburger (personal preference).

I killed an afternoon before a flight home driving around some of the beachfront areas. I particularly liked Hermosa Beach. I also drove up north to Malibu just to see what it was like. The Beverly Hills/Hollywood area certainly has a lot of interesting things to see as well.

[JeeberD]

I could only afford 8-10 minutes.

Some hot shot lawyer you turn out to be...

[rkmsuf]

12.95

[Chubby]

no one has asked WHY you have to be in court in LA yet???

[Ksyrup]

Some hot shot lawyer you turn out to be...
I work in TALLAHASSEE, man.

[Ksyrup]

12.95
Presumably, I'll have to check out in the morning or pay for another night just to have the room for the rest of the afternoon/evening. So, that's not a feasible option.

In other words, that's for the night before. :cool:

[rkmsuf]

Presumably, I'll have to check out in the morning or pay for another night just to have the room for the rest of the afternoon/evening. So, that's not a feasible option.

In other words, that's for the night before. :cool:

heh

Ok, fine. Go to your CD stores and restaurants.

[Pyser]

if you want a cd store, go to Amoeba on sunset. it'll blow your mind, and you could really kill the whole day there if you were that into music.

theres also an in-n-out on sunset nearby, if thats what you wanted.

pretty much everything else has been mentioned...griffith observatory has been closed for like 4 years now, i dont know whats going on. but if you want a view, hit up mulholland drive (also not too terribly far from the record store and burger joint).

where are you starting your day? i assume downtown...

[Ksyrup]

Thanks for the suggestions everybody.

I'll be at the US District Court right off of 101 and Spring Street. I've got to go about 6 blocks or so to the Secretary of State's office to pick up a document that would take 5 weeks to get by mail, so it's my good fortune to be right where I need to be to pick it up in person. After that, depending on when everything is over in court and I get that document, I've got a free day.

[Desnudo]

Do you have to wear a tracking bracelet? If not, there's a lot of options.

[Ksyrup]

I won't be the one wearing a tracking bracelet, no.

[Raiders Army]

Do you have to wear a tracking bracelet? If not, there's a lot of options.
I thought guys wore bands and women wore bracelets. *shrug*

[Karlifornia]

Dude, seriously, since you're a big music fan, go to Amoeba on Sunset. They have one in San Francisco, and it's AWESOME.

There's a lot to do in L.A...I would recommend going to east l.a. and getting high with cheech and chong.

[Tom E]

I'll be in Los Angeles next Monday and Tuesday for a court appearance. I'm scheduled to be in court Tuesday morning and probably will be finished by 11am, at latest. However, trying to get back to Tallahassee by the end of the day, given an afternoon flight and the 3 hour difference, is pretty much next to impossible, so I've decided to take the red-eye Tuesday night. I leave at 10:15pm from LAX, meaning I've got from late-morning/noon until 8pm or so for...whatever. I'm thinking about renting a car for the afternoon and doing "stuff," but I'm not sure what, exactly.

So, What's there to do in LA? :p What are the best CD shops within a reasonable distance? Anyone work downtown and want to grab lunch? I'm staying at the New Otani.

I've got time, but nothing to fill it yet, as you can tell. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm listening. Thanks!

Hugh Grant had his same dilema...

[Ksyrup]

Hugh Grant had his same dilema...
The difference is, I have standards.

There's no way I'd ever appear on Leno. :D

[SackAttack]

I'd bypass Tommy's for a burger at either The Counter or Father's Office (both in Santa Monica)

BLASPHEMY.

Tommy's is a pile of crap on a bun, IMHO.

KILL THE INFIDEL!

[digamma]

BLASPHEMY.



KILL THE INFIDEL!
OK, let's compromise...before it closed, how did you feel about Mo' Better Meaty Meat Burger?

[Galaxy]

no one has asked WHY you have to be in court in LA yet???


And no one has still have yet to asked.....FOFC is slipping.

[ShaqFu]

Gene Autrey Western Heritage Museum

[HomerJSimpson]

And no one has still have yet to asked.....FOFC is slipping.


Because I think we imagine that is what lawyers do on occasion.

[illinifan999]

Why do you have to be in court in LA?

[Galaxy]

Because I think we imagine that is what lawyers do on occasion.

Across country?

[Ksyrup]

Just business.

Is this cryptic enough for you? :p

[yabanci]

My advice would be to go to Yang Chow in Chinatown for lunch. It's the best chinese food in Los Angeles (esp. slippery shrimp) and just minutes from downtown. Then take the 101 north to Highland and go south down to Melrose. Walk down Melrose between La Brea and Fairfax and you'll find CD shops and the like. Then take Fairfax south to the 10 west and exit on 4th ave and park at the 3rd street promenade. You can walk the promenade to the pier/beach and walk or drive down to Venice depending on time. You can have dinner in Venice or Santa Monica and then take the 10 east to the 405 south to LAX (or just take Lincoln Blvd straight to LAX if you are leaving from Venice). Unlike many cities, downtown in Los Angeles is not a very interesting place.

[Lorena]

My advice would be to go to Yang Chow in Chinatown for lunch. It's the best chinese food in Los Angeles (esp. slippery shrimp) and just minutes from downtown. Then take the 101 north to Highland and go south down to Melrose. Walk down Melrose between La Brea and Fairfax and you'll find CD shops and the like. Then take Fairfax south to the 10 west and exit on 4th ave and park at the 3rd street promenade. You can walk the promenade to the pier/beach and walk or drive down to Venice depending on time. You can have dinner in Venice or Santa Monica and then take the 10 east to the 405 south to LAX (or just take Lincoln Blvd straight to LAX if you are leaving from Venice). Unlike many cities, downtown in Los Angeles is not a very interesting place.

There ya go KS, your day has been planned out for you :)

[SackAttack]

OK, let's compromise...before it closed, how did you feel about Mo' Better Meaty Meat Burger?

There can be no compromise where Tommy's is concerned.

[Vince]

Honestly Dig -- how can you not like Tommy's? I am vehemently opposed to anything and everything south of Santa Barbara, and yet even I can respect Tommy's as amazing food.

[Galaxy]

Just business.

Is this cryptic enough for you? :p


:D....was just pressing buttons.

[digamma]

Honestly Dig -- how can you not like Tommy's? I am vehemently opposed to anything and everything south of Santa Barbara, and yet even I can respect Tommy's as amazing food.
I think it's because they put so much else on the burger, you lose the taste of the burger.

[Ksyrup]

So I found out yesterday afternoon that I have to go back to LA for another court appearance on Tuesday. And while I'm happy the Angels made it through the first round of the playoffs and all, I'M EXTREMELY FUCKING PISSED THAT THEY WILL BE DONE WITH THEIR HOME GAMES ON SUNDAY NIGHT!!! Not to mention, neither hockey team is in town. Oh, but the Lakers play an exhibition game against the Wizards, for which I can have the privilege of spending upwards of $225 for a seat. $225!!!! For an exhibition game! Does that come with a lap dance from a Laker Girl? Jeesus Crispies on my back!

The Black Crowes are the only concert I've seen listed that looks halfway decent. Not sure where they are playing, or where it is in relation to where I'm staying.

[Ksyrup]

Dola. BTW, just to rachet up the drama of this thread, since I know there's a serious drama lull on the board (since yesterday, anyway), the reason I'm going out to LA (and went the first time) is because I'm testifying in a federal criminal trial. I've got just a small part - I'm no Hatcher Flaschen or anything. I'll probably be able to mention a bit more about it after its over (it's scheduled until Christmas, but they hope to have it completed by Thanksgiving :eek: ).

So...speculate away. :p

[digamma]

Oh, but the Lakers play an exhibition game against the Wizards, for which I can have the privilege of spending upwards of $225 for a seat. $225!!!!
On Ticketmaster, it looks like tickets are as cheap as $10.

What did you end up doing your last trip?

[Ksyrup]

I ended up doing a whole lot of sitting around a courthouse, both times.

This is the case for which I was called to testify:


Operator of Employers Mutual Convicted of Fraud Scheme

November 21, 2005

A Southern California man was found guilty of federal fraud charges recently for bilking the customers of Employers Mutual LLC, a company that purported to provide health care coverage to more than 20,000 people across the United States, but left more than $20 million in unpaid claims for medical services when it was shut down.

James Graf, 44, who is presently incarcerated but formerly resided in Canyon Lake, was convicted of one count of conspiracy, five counts of mail fraud, 10 counts of misappropriation in connection with a health care benefit program, six counts of money laundering and one count of obstruction of justice.

Graf is the second person convicted in connection with the Employers Mutual scheme.

Earlier in the year, Kari Hanson, a 44-year-old Canyon Lake resident, pleaded guilty to misappropriation in connection with a health care benefit program and subscription to a false tax return. In August 2005, a third defendant in the case - William Kokott, of Burbank, an owner of Employers Mutual, who at times called himself chairman of the company - died with charges pending.

Between the fall of 2000 and December 2001, the three defendants collected more than $14 million in premiums purportedly to provide health care coverage under Employers Mutual's plans.

Authorities say Graf misrepresented to insurance agents and the public that Employers Mutual's plans were insured through one or more legitimate insurance companies, including Sun Life of Canada, United Wisconsin Life Insurance Company and Golden Rule Insurance Company. Graf and his co-conspirators also committed fraud by, among other things, taking more than $3.3 million in premiums, and not paying most of the claims.

While state laws, such as those in California, require an insurance company to obtain a certificate of authority before offering insurance coverage, Graf purported to operate Employers Mutual pursuant to ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. ERISA allows employers and certain organizations such as unions to offer health care coverage plans.

Such plans may operate without the prior approval of the United States Department of Labor (the agency that regulates ERISA plans). Employers Mutual's claim of ERISA compliance shielded the scheme from the scrutiny of the California Department of Insurance, which previously had sanctioned Graf for running an unauthorized health insurance business.

Between August and October 2001, insurance commissioners for the states of Florida, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Nevada ordered Employers Mutual to cease transacting insurance business in their states.

Graf is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Margaret Morrow on March 6, 2006. As a result of the convictions, Graf faces a maximum possible sentence of 200 years in federal prison.

Hanson is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, and she faces a maximum possible sentence of 23 years in prison.

On March 3, 2004, the United States General Accounting Office issued a report that examined the actions of Employers Mutual and similar entities. The report, "Private Health Insurance: Unauthorized or Bogus Entities Have Exploited Employers and Individuals Seeking Affordable Coverage" (GAO 04-512T), was presented to the Senate Committee on Finance for Congress' consideration.

Employers Mutual, LLC is unrelated to Employers Mutual Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa.

[SackAttack]

I think it's because they put so much else on the burger, you lose the taste of the burger.

You are dead to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Okay, a more serious suggestion:

Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/maps/la.html)
One of my most fondest memories from college.

I heartily second the idea.

[DanGarion]

Okay, a more serious suggestion:

Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/maps/la.html)

Dude In-N-Out (http://www.in-n-out.com/) Totally owns Tommy's anyday...

[Lorena]

Tommy's, In-n-Out, Fatburger... you can't go wrong with any of 'em.

[pennywisesb]

I'm driving down to LA for an interview tomorrow and can't wait to stop at Tommy's on my way in. I love Tommy's.


Dude In-N-Out (http://www.in-n-out.com/) Totally owns Tommy's anyday...


I'd have to disagree. I guess maybe I'm spoiled by having an IN & OUT in my home town, but anytime I have to travel to/through LA, I always stop at Tommy's.