Shiny New Things to See in Los Angeles

Posted on February 10, 2012 by exclusive

Los Angeles is an ever adapting and evolving city. Whether you prefer the glitz of Hollywood, the many museums or the natural outdoors it is a place that has something for everyone. As we progress into the new year we wanted to make sure you knew about some interesting upgrades to the cities landscape and design that my titillate your legs into yet another exciting excursion.

Civic Park

Currently scheduled to open in the summer of 2012 in Downtown LA the park will span from Grand Avenue at the Music Center to Spring Street at City Hall. There is an array of access options on this 12-acre park that will feature four distinct areas. Included in these areas are fountains, gardens,  performance lawns, terraces and grand event lawns.  http://civicpark.lacounty.gov/

The Broad

Los Angeles is already home to many unique and interesting museums. It is now going to be adding another to add to the variety. The Broad is scheduled to be completed in 2013 and will be a public museum of contemporary art. It has a very retro building design that cannot be missed. This will be a 120,000 square-foot, three-level facility, and will include 50,000 square feet of gallery space on two floors, a lecture hall for up to 200 people, and a public lobby with display space and a museum shop. Visit http://www.artknowledgenews.com/the_broad_coming_to_la.html for more information.

California Science Center

Aside from it being the West Coast’s largest hands-on science center it also offers an array of visiting exhibitions. The California Science Center is also the future home of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which will go on public display beginning in late 2012. From May to December 2012, the Science Center welcomes the only West Coast appearance of Cleopatra: The Exhibition, a dramatically staged 13,000-square-foot exhibit that features the largest collection of Cleopatra-era artifacts ever assembled in the U.S. If yo’re looking for something free to do keep in mind that the permanent exhibition galleries are free to access. http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

It has amassed one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history, having more than 35 million objects, some as old as 4.5 billion years. In 2011 we were treated ot the opening of Dinosaur Hall.  The museum will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013, and ringing in the anniversary will have in place seven re-imagined galleries, five new permanent exhibitions and approximately 3.5 acres of green space that will be home to an innovative outdoor learning laboratory in the heart of the city. http://www.nhm.org/site/

Los Angeles Zoo

In addition to the wonders we already see at the Los Angeles Zoo they are adding yet another. The new LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) facility is scheduled to open in the spring of 2012. It will provide magnificent and complementary homes to the Zoo’s outstanding reptile collection, one of the rarest among North American zoos. The reptiles that will be housed there are a result of a a two-year sting operation headed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which confiscated a smuggler’s cache of Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, false gavials, Burmese and star tortoises, and the ploughshare tortoise of Madagascar, perhaps the rarest in the world.  http://lazoo.org/

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The California Gold Rush!!!

Posted on February 3, 2012 by exclusive

California has a long and rich history. When using the word rich the California Gold Rush comes to mind. It occurred between 1845 and 1855. Approximately 300,000 people half by sea and half from the east came in search of a fortune. The gold seekers were called “forty-niners”. Initially the gold nuggets could be picked up off the ground and were later obtained using the panning method. To read more about the full history of the California Gold Rush visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush and  http://www.historichwy49.com/goldrush.html

How can we recreate the Gold Rush experience today? Los Angeles has several fun options for the explorer in all of us. Go ahead and visit The Autry in Griffith Park. The exhibit is open every Saturday and Sunday between 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m (weather permitting) and is free with museum admissions. You can shout “Eureka!” and discover the myths and realities of the California gold rush for yourself. You can try your hand at panning for gold at an outdoor re-creation of a miner’s panning station. For more information visit http://theautry.org/programs/family-activities/gold-rush

Another amazing stop is the Bodie State Historic Park. It is the home of a California gold-mining ghost town. You can literally walk down the deserted streets of a town that once had a population of nearly 10,000 people. The town was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and in 1962 became Bodie State Historic Park.

Great Photos:  http://www.historichwy49.com/hisphotos.html

 

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Happy Chinese New Year!

Posted on January 27, 2012 by exclusive

Happy New Year!

Chinese New Year is upon us and we are entering the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac. Wikipedia really does the Dragon justice with the explanation of its significance and what birthdays fall under that sign.  Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_%28zodiac%29 and check it out.

Los Angeles has a long history of New Year’s celebrations. This year it will have the 113th annual Golden Dragon Parade and Chinese New Year Festival. The parade will feature hundreds of decorated floats, cars, dancers, cultural workshops and the nation’s “best Chinese acts”. To tempt your tastebuds there will be 1,000 themed cupcakes also given out.  Golden Dragon Parade is going to be on Sat., Jan. 28th between the hours of 1-4 p.m. Monterey Park is the home of the city’s Chinese New Year Celebration. In past years it has drawn 100,000 attendees  and features live entertainment, amusement rides, food booths, specialty vendors, traditional lion and dragon dancers and firecrackers. The festival runs Sat., Jan. 28- Sun., Jan. 29th. For more information you can visit www.lagoldendragonparade.com.

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And the nominee for best limousine transportation in L.A. is….

Posted on January 20, 2012 by exclusive

… Exclusive Sedan!!! Whether you need a ride to the red carpet or just your next big meeting, we’d like to nominate ourselves to provide you with a sophisticated and stylish ride.

With awards season in full swing, now the focus in LA is on the Upcoming Grammy Awards in February.

For 53 years, The Recording Academy has recognized musical excellence with the GRAMMY Awards — the most prestigious and only peer-recognized award in music — and the awards have grown from 28 Categories in 1959, to awards in 109 Categories for the most recent 53rd GRAMMYs. For you faithful GRAMMY follower there is a restructuring of the awards you need to be aware of (if you’re not already clued in.) In an effort to continuously evolve the GRAMMY® Awards process, The Recording Academy® (www.grammy.com) announced in April of 2011 that it has restructured the GRAMMY Categories across all genres and Fields, bringing the total number of Categories to be recognized at the 54th GRAMMY Awards in 2012, to 78 (from 109).

In addition to the restructuring of Categories, two rule changes have been established and four Fields have been renamed. It is now expected that each Category shall have at least 40 distinct artist entries, up from 25. If a Category receives between 25 – 39 entries, only three recordings would receive nominations that year. Should there be fewer than 25 entries in a Category, that Category would immediately go on hiatus for the current year — no award given — and entries would be screened into the next most logical Category. If a Category receives fewer than 25 entries for three consecutive years, the Category would be discontinued, and submissions would be entered in the next most appropriate Category.

The second rule change is regarding voting. Previously, voting members were allowed to vote in up to nine genre Fields plus the General Field on the first ballot and eight genre Fields plus the General Field on the second ballot, including every category within each chosen Field. Now, on each ballot, voters may vote in up to 20 Categories in the genre Fields plus the four Categories of the General Field — which includes Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist.

Additionally, there are name changes to four Fields: Musical Show is now Musical Theater; the Film/ Television/Other Visual Media Field is now called Music For Visual Media; the Gospel Field has been renamed the Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Field; and the Dance Field has been renamed the Dance/Electronica Field.

We look forward to another grand GRAMMY Awards ceremony and celebration of the impacting musicians that have infiltrated our lives. Perhaps we will see you there giving that stylish ride as the stars arrive.

 

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Quick Travel Packing Tips from the Pros at Exclusive Sedan

Posted on January 13, 2012 by exclusive

Packing your carry-on bag for an upcoming flight takes much forethought and planning. Many new rules are abounding that make this a challenging task for the light packing traveler. If you are careful on what you pack and how you pack the trip through airport security will be a breeze and you will have a stress free start as you embark on your journey. What do you need to keep in mind?

  • If you are packing any toiletries and liquids they must be in travel-sized bottles. If there are more than 3.4 ounces in the contain they can be confiscated. Also, all your containers must fit into a quart-sized clear resealable baggie. Remember your 3 (3 ounces or smaller)-1(1 quart size bag)-1(one bag per traveler) rule next time your packing.
  • If you have any electronic items they should be packed carefully and be easily accessible. Laptop computers must be removed from the bag, or the bag must zip in half between the other contents and that to quickly go through security checks. If you have a camera with undeveloped film take note that it could be damaged during checked baggage screening and should only be put in a carry-on.
  • If you are bringing gifts with you in your carry-on make sure they are unwrapped in case they need to be checked by TSA officials.

Of course, the best travel tip of all is to make sure you book your transportation to and from the airport with Exclusive Sedan Service.  Our limo service will get you to your flight on time and with no stress!

 

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Happy New Year!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by exclusive

In honor of the new year we felt it was proper to reflect on the institutions of “Resolutions” and “Breaking Bad Habits”. Our resolution as always is to make our services even better and keep our clients satisfied for many a return ride with us. Our personal resolutions are equally as important as individuals. We challenge you to be the person to make their “resolution” and stick with it, as most just let it fade into the distance after just several days. If we did that with ours, we wouldn’t be serving the client base we have today.

What is a resolution and why do I need it?

A resolution starts with a personal statement about something you intend to accomplish or learn in the time following. While some think making a resolution is a set up for failure we think different. If you make your resolution something that is attainable you are on the right track. A resolution should be the way point to reach your goals. An article on about.com (Pittsburgh.about.com/od/holidays/tp/resolutions.htm)

lists some of the most common resolutions we make:

  • Spend more time with family and friends
  • Fit in Fitness
  • Tame the bulge
  • Quit Smoking
  • Enjoy Life More
  • Quit Drinking
  • Get Out of Debt
  • Learn Something New
  • Help Others
  • Get Organized

As we progress into the new year make sure your resolutions have that high probability of accomplishment, set your goals and plans and keep yourself accountable to making the set accomplishments and you should be on your way.

We look forward to serving everyone in style and comfort this year!

 

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Star Studded Facts from the City of Angels

Posted on December 30, 2011 by exclusive

If you live in California, have visited or seen pictures you know it is a very diverse state with a lot of history Next time you need some trivia facts or get into discussion about this great state check out http://www.50states.com/facts/calif.htm for a full list.

Star Studded Facts to Note:

  • The Hollywood Bowl is the world’s largest outdoor amphitheater.
  • The first motion picture theater opened in Los Angeles on April 2, 1902.
  • The first person to personally receive a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood was actress Joanne Woodward. She received it in 1960.
  • Castroville is known as the Artichoke Capital of the World. In 1947 a young woman named Norma Jean was crowned Castroville’s first Artichoke Queen. She went on to become actress Marilyn Monroe
  • During his engagement at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, Otis Redding stayed on a houseboat in Sausalito. While there he wrote his last song and greatest hit: “The Dock of the Bay.”
  • Several celebrities are buried at Hillside Cemetery in Culver City. Included gravesites are those of Al Jolson, George Jessel, Eddie Canter, Jack Benny, and Percy Faith.
  • Pacific Park, on the venerable Santa Monica Pier, re-creates the amusement parks once dotting the ocean areas along the Pacific Coast. Featured are 11 amusement rides including the 1910-vintage hand-carved merry-go-round appearing in the movie “The Sting.”

Must Know Unique Facts about California

  • Los Angeles is ranked the fourth largest economy in the United States compared to other states.
  • California holds two of the top ten most populous cities: Los Angeles and San Diego
  • The highest and lowest points in the continental United States are within 100 miles of one another. Mount Whitney measures 14,495 feet and Bad Water in Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level.
  • The state motto is Eureka!, a Greek word translated “I have found it!” The motto was adopted in 1849 and alludes to the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada.
  • California is known variously as The Land of Milk and Honey, The El Dorado State, The Golden State, and The Grape State.
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The Tournament of Roses and the Rose Parade

Posted on December 23, 2011 by exclusive

The Tournament of Roses began in 1890 as a promotional effort by Pasadena’s distinguished Valley Hunt Club. The club members envisioned and brought to life a community event in which they could watch games such as chariot races, jousting, foot races, polo and tug-of-war. The abundance of fresh flowers, even in the midst of winter, prompted the club to add a parade that preceded the competition. Entrants decorated their carriages with hundreds of blooms. The Tournament of Roses was officially born. The Tournament of Roses decided to enhance the day’s festivities by adding a football game in 1902.  It was the first post season college football game ever held. Over the years there have been many structural dynamic changes but there are always games and a parade.

The Rose Parade

The Rose Parade takes place in Pasadena, California annually on January 1st. Did you know the parade is now over a hundred years old? Traditionally on New Year’s Day floats created with flower petals, seeds, grasses and other plant matter are paraded down Route 66 (also known as Colorado Boulevard.) Each float has a special meaning and represents cities around Southern California, various community organizations and companies. Along with the floats, parade viewers are entertained by marching bands and equestrian teams from around the country.

For four days leading up to the parade, thousands of volunteers help add the flowers and seeds that decorate the parade floats. If you’re in town you can join in the fun. The day after the parade the floats are on display along Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena for public viewing. There is a fee for viewing the floats and street parking is limited.

If you are going to see the parade live it is important to note that there is no curbside viewing of the parade along the televised route on Orange Grove Blvd. from Del Rosa to Colorado Blvd. and on Colorado from Orange Grove to Terrace. You will find plenty of sidewalk areas standing room only and with grandstands. People are allowed to take up positions on the sidewalk starting at noon the day before the parade and move out to the blue line in the street starting at 11 pm New Year’s Eve. No tents are allowed. Fore restrictions you can check the Tournament of Roses website.

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Giving Back in Los Angeles

Posted on December 9, 2011 by exclusive

This time of year is not only a time for family and friends, but it is a time to remember those who are in need. Everyone has a different level of giving that can be done. Make a challenge to yourself this year and keep some of these local charities in mind so that we can help revitalize our community going into 2012.

Downtown Women’s Center
The Downtown Women’s Center is nationally recognized as a prototype for programs striving to meet the unique needs of homeless women. They serve over 2000 women per year in their Day Center and in 2006, celebrated the 20-year anniversary of their Residence! Within all aspects of DWC, women find support in coping with the multiple challenges that have contributed to their homelessness: the effects of aging, mental illness, physical disability, domestic violence, poverty, and aging out of foster care.
For more information: http://dwcweb.org

Welcome Home Day Foundation
The Welcome Home Day Foundation (WHDF) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, inaugurated in 1999 by non-veterans. Our mission is to acknowledge our Vietnam Veterans by finally welcoming them home in a one-time national event to be held in the Fall of 2003, designed to bring our Nation together in reconciliation over this controversial conflict. This National Event will also attribute collateral recognition to the Veteran’s families for their silent, albeit, very real sacrifices.
For more Information: http://www.welcomehomeday.org/home.htm

M Vickers Foundation
The Foundation currently provides food, clothing, personal hygiene products, referrals and, in some cases money, to needy children, women, and men in Los Angeles, Compton, Watts, Palmdale, Lancaster and North Long Beach, California. The Foundation visits schools and provides incentives to encourage children to strive for academic excellence. For the past two years, the Foundation has distributed toys to thousands of disadvantaged children.
For More Information: http://www.vickersfoundation.org

The Girl Blue Project
The Girl Blue Project was founded in June of 2003 as pro-active move to re-educate, motivate and empower teen girls, ages 14-18 years old, in Los Angeles County. This innovative, intensive was designed to focus on the social and emotional problems of teen girls and how these issues affect their ability to learn and lead productive, fulfilling lives. Our program fosters a creative environment that promotes discipline, structure, accountability, self-respect, self-acceptance and empowerment. The curriculum is formatted to nurture the emotional development of young girls with problematic circumstances through classes in Self- Awareness, Yoga, Dance, Voice, Acting, Creative Writing, Women’s Health and much more.
For More Information: http://www.thegirlblueproject.org/

This is just a sampling of foundations, associations and projects that need community support. Visit http://www.charity-charities.org/charities/CA/LosAngeles_4.html to see more about these and other local area charities.

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History of the Golden Globe Awards

Posted on December 2, 2011 by exclusive

It is almost time for the Golden Globe Awards once again!  The Golden Globe Awards, produced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA),  has been a tradition passed down for 68 years. Today, the Golden Globes recognize achievements in 25 categories; 14 in motion pictures and 11 in television.  Each year HFPA members interview more than 400 actors, directors, writers and producers, as well as reporting from film sets and seeing more than 300 films. Members also attend film festivals in other countries in order to seek out interesting and innovative foreign language films and establish cultural bonds with directors, actors, jurors and fellow journalists around the world.

Some History…

HFPA was first formed in the early 1940s when Pearl Harbor had drawn America into World War II audiences needed diversion. They were seeking out films offering escape and entertainment. A handful of Los Angeles-based overseas journalists banded together to share contacts, information and material. In 1943 the journalists, led by the correspondent for Britain’s Daily Mail, formed the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association.

At first the members held informal gatherings in private homes. As the membership grew, meetings were held in larger quarters, with the association selecting the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as the location for group functions. The group’s first special event was a luncheon in December 1947, at which Harry M. Warner, president of Warner Bros., in recognition of his humanitarian work as the principal sponsor of the “Friendship Train,” which left Hollywood with food, clothing and medical supplies for the needy of Europe was awarded a plaque.

The organization’s first awards presentation for distinguished achievements in the film industry took place in early 1944 with an informal ceremony at 20th Century Fox. Awards were presented in the form of scrolls. The following year, the members of the association held a contest to find a design for a statuette that would best represent the overall aims of the organization. Marina Cisternas, president of the group in 1945-46, presented the idea for a golden globe encircled with a strip of motion picture film, and mounted on a pedestal.  In conjunction with the Golden Globes presentation, the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association held its first gala social event in 1945 with a formal banquet at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

During its early years the HFPA established itself with the studios by innovations such as its World Favorites awards, which it came up with by polling more than 900 newspapers, magazines and radio stations around the world. Among those honored were Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe and Leslie Caron. The group also came up with the idea of “bon voyage” interview lunches with actors and actresses who were leaving to make films in countries represented by the members. In 1955 the Golden Globes began honoring achievements in television as well as in film.

Adapted From: http://www.goldenglobes.org/about/

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