Los Angeles, California, is one of several U.S. cities, along with New York City and Chicago, to enjoy the designation of “alpha world city”, a concept developed at England’s Loughborough University to identify strategic geographical locations that play an important role in the ongoing process of globalization. Essentially a 12-point scale, the Loughborough system divides the world’s leading cities into three categories: alpha, beta or gamma, depending on whether and to what extent the city in question satisfies a dozen general criteria.
With twelve points each, New York City, London and Tokyo are the undisputed point leaders in what is really a two-tier classification system within the overall “alpha world city” category. Within the alpha group, Los Angeles is a second tier designate that meets ten of the twelve characteristics ascribed by Loughborough University to the world’s leading cities.
Name recognition is at the top of the list of characteristics every alpha world city must have. In the world of alpha cities, the mere mention of a city’s name transcends any and all geographical boundaries. Consider the fact that many cities around the world share the same name. However, there is universal agreement that a reference to Paris, London or New York, for example, automatically refers to one and only one specific city in France, the United Kingdom or the United States, respectively. Much the same is true of Los Angeles, also universally recognized simply as “L.A.”, the bustling economic and cultural center on the U.S. West Coast.
Here’s a look at several other characteristics on the Loughborough University list that help qualify the City of Los Angeles as an alpha world city:
- An alpha world city has a substantial population. According to 2006 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, L.A.’s population is 3.8 million, making it the largest city in California and the second largest city in the United States after New York City.
- An alpha world city is a transportation nexus, usually with an important international airport used as a hub by a number of international air carriers. Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, is the world’s fifth busiest commercial airport. LAX serves nearly ninety domestic and seventy international destinations and is considered a gateway to destinations throughout Asia and Oceania.
- An alpha world city is also a cultural nexus. As the focal point of America’s television and movie industry, film and TV studios in Los Angeles produce world-class entertainment seen both domestically and abroad.
These are only three of a dozen characteristics that define an alpha world city according to the Loughborough University scale. Los Angeles scores ten of twelve points on this scale, making it one of the planet’s most influential and important cities.
Not just the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is an experience in its own right. If it feels like you’re walking onto a movie set in LA, then it’s probably because you are; as street corners, diners, landmarks and restaurants have all played parts in countless big screen releases. If it’s not enough that the City of Angels feel like a glamorous reality TV show at times, then remember that it is also a major international city for other industries too; from fashion and food to technology and medicine. In fact, as America’s second largest city and undoubtedly one of its most culturally diverse, a trip to Los Angeles can be whatever you want it to be. But to help you decide, here are ten of the best things to see and do.
Whether it’s your idea of fun or not, there’s no escaping the impact Disneyland has on Los Angeles. This is the original home of Disney and, as such, the ‘happiest place on earth’ moniker still lives strong. For families, there’s little more exciting and iconic than experiencing the magic of Disneyland, meeting the characters and visiting Cinderella’s fairytale castle.
Originally built for the sole purpose of making movies, today most of the big-name studios in LA offer guided tours, so you can see how the magic is made. However, the likes of Warner Bros and Universal have transformed their studios into fully-fledged theme parks, with rollercoasters, simulators, spooky encounters and everything else you could possibly imagine.
Not many street names resonate around the world quite as easily as Sunset Boulevard. Famous internationally as the street where would-be movie stars’ dreams could come true, ‘Sunset Strip’ runs all way from Downtown right to the ocean and traditionally linked the upscale movie-star mansions to their film studios in Hollywood. Hollywood Boulevard itself is also home to the famous Walk of Fame, where countless stars have imprinted their hands and messages in the sidewalk.
In this city, the beaches are where people come each day to see and be seen. Over the top, in your face and a superb people watching opportunity, Venice Beach is the most popular by far. There are plenty more iconic beaches around Los Angeles and Southern California to choose from though, from surfing at Santa Monica Beach and Pier to swimming in the lagoons of Malibu.
Spend a cheap day out in the ‘bleachers’ by taking in some sports when you’re in town. LA is a big sports city and it takes its events seriously, so there’s nothing like the thrill and excitement of watching the LA Lakers or Dodgers playing on their home turf.
Whether you enjoy seeing the famous Getty Museum and Griffith Park Observatory, or strolling down Rodeo Drive and buying lunch at The Grove, there are plenty of Los Angeles Hotels to choose from to make your stay as simple as possible.
The practice of charity means the giving of help to those in need. A charitable organization (also known as a charity) is an organization with charitable purposes only. But charities are not only founded to help only humans, there are also some charities that help animals that are in need.
Like humans, animals also have their own rights. But like us humans, those rights are sometimes violated by their own masters and other humans, which is why there are some charities that upholds these rights and protects all animals from any harm inflicted by humans and non-humans such as calamities.
In the US, animal charities can commonly seen on any states, including animal charities los angeles. There are a lot of animal charities los angeles that helps in protecting and preserving the rights of animals to live and life of comfort.
Among the many animal charities los angeles are the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association or commonly known as the GLAZA animal charities los angeles, Last Chance for Animals or commonly known as the LCA animal charities los angeles, and the Orangutan Foundation International or commonly known as the OFI animal charities los angeles.
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association or most commonly known as the GLAZA is one of the many animal charities los angeles that was created to support the Los Angeles Zoo in its mission to nurture wildlife and enrich the human experience. GLAZA’s primary responsibility is to seek and provide financial support for the Zoo’s programs and capital projects. GLAZA provides support through fundraising, membership, organizing special events and travel programs, producing award-winning publications, coordinating one of the largest zoo volunteer programs in the country, administering the contract for visitor services concessions within the Zoo, and supporting community relations, and public relations.
Last Chance for Animals or more commonly known as the LCA is also among the many animal charities los angeles that recognizes that animals have the ability to experience pain, and as such they deserve certain basic rights protecting them from pain caused by humans.
The Orangutan Foundation International or more commonly known as the OFI is also part of the growing animal charities los angeles that was founded to support the conservation and understanding of the orangutan and its rain forest habitat while caring for ex-captive individuals as they make their way back to the forest.
So if you wanted to help in preserving the animal’s rights from violence, abuse, and mistreatment, always think that there are also some charities that helps protect these animals from harm.
California State is the most popular state in the United State of America. This come the third position in USA as populations and largest area. This is the attractive destinations where many people visit to their beautiful places in it. Some of attractiveness is Disneyland, Hollywood and beaches at southern California. And Golden Gate Bridge, hills, parks, attractive valleys and ice covered area at northern area of California. At these places many activities are take places like skating, hiking, camping and lots of more. In California most attractive cities like San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Anaheim and Ontario these are cities to visit. In these above cities have their own attractions with adventure and activities.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is bigger city in United State of California. This county contains many attractions like mountains, valleys, forest and beautiful ocean. This one is the second largest in populations and many cultures and over hundred language are appear their. Los Angeles International, Long Beach Airport, Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport and Orange County/John Wayne Airport are airport to visit in it. Other sources are buses, trains are used to visit form nearer Los Angeles city. In the city massive sprawl and dysfunctional public transportation are provide to visit this in the city from attractive places.
The larger tourist attractions are Hollywood Boulevard, The Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood/Highland and The Wax Museum.
Mulholland Drive is famous driving put more adventure in the trip. Museums The Getty Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Page Museum at La Brea Discoveries and Japanese American National Museum. Parks Griffith Park, Exposition Park and Six Flags Magic Mountain to get entertainment of see wildlife, nature and many more.
Cemetery Screenings and Esotouric Bus Adventures are also so entertaining Dodger Stadium, Staples Center and Home Depot Center are the sports places.
In Los Angeles there are many shopping malls and other attractions to get enjoyment of shopping there. And lodging facilities are hotels and inn at effective rates to suite your pocket. Restaurants that win you heart taste delicious foods of different kinds. Nightlife is so glamorous that can never easily for get it. Los Angeles destinations make journey so excited.
Anaheim
Anaheim city name of fame and attractiveness is Orange County in United State of California. Disneyland and National Hockey League, Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles are the fame of Anaheim City. John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana are near one airport in the Anaheim city. Amtrak and Metrolink , Disneyland on Metro bus are other convenient to visit this city.Orange County Transit Authority that provide to visit in downtown and get the attractions of the different places.
Some of the attractions of city are Disneyland, California Adventure and Crystal Cathedral. Disneyland is the main attractions of the city. California adventure is newly open in Disneyland and increase attractions of the city.
Dave & Busters and AMC Theaters are places to get entertainment. Near to that shop, restaurants are available there for shopping entertainment. Angel Stadium where get the sport facilities are available there. Anaheim Ducks play at Honda Center are get the adventure of the ice skating and many more. And other place near to Disneyland is The Garden Walk and contains numbers of shops and eating places there.La Brea Bakery Café, Shabu Shabu and Outback Steakhouse also famous places near to Disneyland eating places.
There are numbers of the lodging places like Alpine Inn, Americas Best Value Inn & Suites, and Anaheim Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Inn & Suites Anaheim, Hotel Pepper Tree and other hotels. They provide the discounted lodging facilities with more attractions. The nightlife of city is so interesting with full of charming and adventure which make it attractions of the city. Really Anaheim city why not take the visit to this city.
Ontario
Ontario City which is one of attractive and adventurous places and mostly visitors visit this one in every year. This beautiful county is in the San Bernardino County in United State of California. LA/Ontario International Airport is the famous and near airport. In this many airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and Aeromexico are visit there. Other ways to visit it are cars, buses and other public transportation resources available there. Train also the best and cheap and light transportation medium to visit.
In city many car rental exist there and provide to visit in different attractive places in Ontario. From airport large numbers of car rentals available there.
Museum of History and Art places where large collections of art and other attractive thing. People to enjoyment of the old thing and get many histories about the things.
Ontario Mills and Chino Town Square are the recreational places to get the adventure and put the journey in between the attractions.
Ontario Mills Mall this is one of biggest shopping malls. And single-story malls at the West Coast is abundant are also generate the shopping adventure.
There are many places to for staying there like Best Western Country Inn, Best Western Innsuites Hotel & Suites Ontario, California Inn, Holiday Inn Ontario ,Holiday Inn Express Rancho Cucamonga and many more at very effective rates of hotels and inns available there.
Many restaurants and nightclub are also there for entertaining. And provide the adventurous environment to lose in the life enjoyment. Ontario City is city to make more fun and put into the glamour world. Destinations really make your trip so interesting with more adventure.
The word “Los” in Spanish means city, so Los Angeles in Spanish means city of Angels. Los Angeles, or LA as it is popularly called, is one of the top tourist destinations. It is part of Southern California and famous for its beaches. The weather of the city is neither too hot nor too cold just moderate throughout the year. But the temperatures vary drastically throughout the day. Afternoons are the warmest but evenings are a little chilly with median temperature of 72 to 76 degrees.
Los Angeles became part of the USA in 1848 at the end of Mexican-American war. LA and California was purchased by USA as part of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It was incorporated as a municipality in 1850 five months before California got its statehood in the nation.
The greater Los Angeles area is a combination of many smaller cities spread around it. The demographic of Los Angeles are slowly tilting towards Hispanic community. The rise in the population of Hispanics has forced the city to adopt a multicultural dynamics with Spanish considered as the second language. This rise in Spanish speaking population is the result of close proximity to Mexico which is only few miles away from the city. These Hispanics contribute significantly to the cultural diversity of the city as well as maintain the economic engine of growth.
Los Angeles offers many attractions but the most famous are Hollywood Blvd, Universal Studios theme park and Beverly Hills’ shopping area. Los Angeles is also home to many live comedy shows that produce talented comedians famous around the world. Unlike many big cities like Chicago, New York and San Francisco, LA is not famous for its high rises but its importance as a cultural center. Los Angeles is considered one of the top fashion centers setting new trends. LA’s famous museums and opera houses are not only architectural landmarks but house world famous paintings, sculpture and modern art.
The major daily newspaper in the area is the Los Angeles Times; La Opinión is the city’s major Spanish-language paper. Investor’s Business Daily is distributed from its L.A. corporate offices, which are headquartered in Playa Del Rey. There are also a number of smaller regional newspapers, alternative weeklies and magazines, including the Daily News (which focuses coverage on the San Fernando Valley), LA Weekly, Los Angeles CityBeat, L.A. Record (which focuses coverage on the music scene in the Greater Los Angeles area), Los Angeles magazine, Los Angeles Business Journal, Los Angeles Daily Journal (legal industry paper), The Hollywood Reporter and Variety (entertainment industry papers), and Los Angeles Downtown News. In addition to the English- and Spanish-language papers, numerous local periodicals serve immigrant communities in their native languages, including Armenian, Korean, Persian, Russian, Chinese and Japanese. Many cities adjacent to Los Angeles also have their own daily newspapers whose coverage and availability overlaps into certain Los Angeles neighborhoods. Examples include The Daily Breeze (serving the South Bay), and The Long Beach Press-Telegram. Los Angeles is considered as one of the favored tourist destination in the world. Tourists for all over the world flock to LA to experience its deep culture, fashion and entertainment offerings. The tourist from pacific nations of Japan, China and Korea dominate the numbers. This may also be because of large Chinese immigrant population living in greater LA area.
Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the United States today. With lots of attractions and home to the most well-known celebrities and figures, it is not hard to figure out why. Los Angeles is a city that never lacks in interesting places to visit and exciting activities to do.
Landmarks and Monuments
There are a lot of things to do in Los Angeles. Shopping and touring the monumental landmarks, including the Los Angeles County Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Kodak Theatre are usually considered a must among visitors. Los Angeles offers a rich blend of culture and preservations, most of which are appreciated by people from all over the world.
The architectural landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Bradbury Building and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels are also located in the area. Tourists are sure to find such monuments worthy of a visit. If the people are lucky, they may even catch some functions or events which they can check out while they are in the vicinity.
Recreation and Amusement Establishments
There will be of course a wide array of recreational activities to consider as well. With lots of amusement and recreational centers located around Los Angeles, people are sure to have the time of their lives in each of them. The better known amusement centers in the area include Disneyland, Magic Mountain, and Knott’s Berry Farm.
Los Angeles is also home to some of the greatest sports teams around the country. For Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers fans, your roads will lead you to the Staples Center where you can catch stars like Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom in action during the NBA season. For the baseball fanatics, seeing the Dodgers in action at Chavez Ravine will surely be a treat.
Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Use PlanJam to find things to do in Los Angeles and other fun things to do.
