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As many locals will attest to, Downtown LA has been going through something of a renaissance these last few years. The catalyst that started it all was Staples Center, which opened in 1999. Since then this central enclave of California’s most image-conscious city has undergone a complete facelift. LA Live sprouted up in order to compliment the new stadium, and four-star hotels were erected to accommodate the fans. Low-income housing gave way to loft-style condos and run-down art deco hotels were refurbished and given a new lease on life. Today downtown LA boasts tranquil parks, trendy bars, art walks and weekly outdoor concerts. Those Angelinos who used to avoid downtown like the plague now make plans to drive out of their way to take part in the reawakening.

So with no shortage of sights to see and activities to take part in, here is a top ten list of things to do in downtown that should please both locals and tourists alike.

1. Disney Concert Hall

Located at the corner of Grand and 1st Street, this brainchild of famed architect Frank Gehry is one of the biggest draws in all of Los Angeles – and for good reason. It is home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, headed by the incomparable Gustavo Dudamel. There are plenty of opportunities to see the young composer in action, as the Disney Concert Hall hosts an average of 45 concerts a year. For those who can’t manage to score tickets there is a 60-minute building tour.

2. Olvera Street

Located just across the way from Union Station, this historic landmark is the very spot where Mexican settlers founded the city in the latter half of the 18th century. Visitors to this area can stroll the narrow village walkways and browse the handicrafts and trinkets. There is no shortage of Mexican restaurants and food stands either, and a couple of them boast some of the finest taquitos in the city.

3. Chinatown

Located just a couple blocks away from Olvera lies Los Angeles’ own Chinatown. Those visitors from San Francisco or New York might be inclined to dismiss LA’s version as “puny,” but what this barrio chino lacks in size it more than makes up for in authenticity. Shoppers have their pick of myriad Far East imports such as medicinal herbs, dried shitake mushrooms, toys and even home accessories. And after some light shopping, visitors can stop in for a bite to eat at Yang Chow or Golden City Seafood for authentic Chinese cuisine of the highest order.

4. The Standard Hotel

Just because it’s downtown doesn’t mean visitors can’t have a taste of posh Hollywood. Located on Flower Street, the central location of this chain hotel features a chic and modern rooftop bar with the best view of the downtown LA skyline in the whole city. Those who want to look the part can kick back with a fruit-infused martini in an egg-shaped lounge chair and watch the parade of models, actors, DJs, photographers, model/actors, model/actor/DJs and model/actor/DJ/photographers who populate the locale.

5. Millenium Biltmore Hotel

Those who like a little history with their upscale hotels would do well to visit the Millennium Biltmore on Grand Avenue. After all, for many years this landmark played host to the early Oscar telecasts. It’s kept much of its classic décor in tact, and visitors can get their Humphrey Bogart on at the throwback Gallery Bar located just off the lobby.

Discovering that great hole in the wall place, finally getting to eat at the hot four star bistro, or simply becoming a regular at a favorite restaurant so that the waiter has the drinks coming before he has even greeted the table are all exciting moments in dining out. Food lovers and restaurant patrons go out to eat not only for the amazing food (and night off from cooking) but for the unique experience that dining out provides. Dining out moments run a gamut as wide as the many different types of food eateries, but take a look at the top ten.

1. A first date at an amazing fine dining restaurant.

Candles on the table, white tablecloths, and at least three different forks set the mood for romance. Treating a date to the best of the best makes anyone feel special and loved.

2. Crossing over from repeat guest to recognized regular

Having a favorite local haunt where the food is consistently superb is one thing, but being recognized by name is another. Once the staff knows one’s name and favorite order it adds the ultimate touch of comfort and hospitality to any meal.

3. Closing the place down

Going out to eat can be as much about community as it is about the food. When the perfect balance of excellent food is paired with delightful company, one can easily get so lost in the meal and conversation that suddenly hours have flown and they are the last guests to leave. Experiences like this are remembered for a lifetime, and often reminisced about.

4. Treated as an insider

Many restaurants may have special dishes off the menu that only those in the know are aware of. Getting a tip to request a special item, or even better, being offered one of these special treats boosts a diner’s status from everyday patron to respected insider. There is nothing a foodie loves more than being offered something exclusive.

5. A dining discovery

In the modern world of online reviews, check-ins, and dining apps it may be thought that everything there is to know about eating out is already out there. And yet there are still those moments of happy accident where a hidden culinary gem is found, perhaps on a trip or simply by good luck. It is exciting to feel like the discoverer of this unknown talent and delight, and even more so to share that find with others.

Planning a grand event in a professional manner is indeed difficult. You need to take care of a lot of things and also ensure that everything has fallen in the right place. Moreover, if it becomes mandatory to include or receive celebrities in your organized event, your shoulders might get overburdened with responsibilities. So, why take so much pain when there is a superb solution?

Well, you can always hand over this massive job to a professional event planner who can execute this mammoth task with sheer perfection. However, the most important thing is to choose someone who can lend elegance and sophistication to your show and that too without committing a single error.

So, here are 10 best tips which will surely help you choose an efficient event planner with confidence:

1. Do extensive researches

The best way to look for a professional event planner is to keep browsing through the web. You will come across a lot of sites giving details on event planners. Know everything about the deals they offer as well as the rates they charge. This will help you compare, and thereafter you can judge who the best is.

2. Read testimonials

Through testimonials posted in the websites, you will get to know how well an event planner has managed to keep up to their clients’ expectations.

3. Ask questions

A professional event planner will never hesitate or express unwillingness in answering your questions. Rather, he will take pleasure in coming forward to help you organize your event.

4. Take suggestions

A good and reliable event planner will not only respond to all your queries but will come up with suggestions and ideas that can lend a sizzling look to your show.

5. Authenticate verbally

Before hiring a professional event organizer, get to know everything about his service record. You must be aware of the types of events he usually arranges. Do not hesitate to make him produce his work samples and testimonials if required.

It’s raining sequels in Hollywood! They say it is not good to gild a lily but in some cases, it is a great thing. Here is a look at my pick of the Top 10 Best Hollywood Sequels Ever Made.

1. The Dark Knight

Drum Roll! How can it not be The Dark Knight? Christopher Nolan the genius gave us a brilliant start with Batman Begins but this movie takes the legend of Batman to a whole new, unimaginable level. Heath Ledger as the Joker, Christian Bale as a tormented Batman and amazing direction and stunts makes this my pick for the best sequel of all times.

2. The Godfather Part II

This 1974 gangster movie needs absolutely no introduction. The winner of six Oscars including Best Picture, The Godfather raised the levels of movie making forever. The rise of the powerful Corleone made for riveting movie watching and we’ve been hooked ever since.

3. Rocky II

Firmly establishing Sylvester Stallone as an action here, Rocky II reintroduced us to our love affair with the beloved Rocky Balboa. His journey to success and the impact it had on his life and relationships made for compelling viewing as we walked along this path with him.

4. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

George Lucas had already created a cult series in the Star Wars saga and he added to that status with this movie that became one of the most highly rated films of all time. It earned over $500 million worldwide and the world has not stopped talking about this space opera classic ever since.

5. Terminator 2: Judgment Day

You might remember this film more for T-100, the cool CGI villain, played by Robert Patrick than for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s heroics. But the movie also speaks of the sheer courage in the line of fire of Sarah Connor whose fear audiences everywhere connected to and whose bravery they applauded.

Bullying is a fixture in the classroom. Many students and children fear their bullies and find it is not the difficult to remember a bully in their school. Cyberbuillying has recently emerged and is booming. Students and children cannot escape it due the impersonal nature of online communication.

Schools have a role in preventing cyberbuillying and are thus the best line of communication for the following 10 reasons.

1. Teach respect:

Schools are well situated to instill respect in students. Many programs like Tribes are designed to form mutual respect in the classroom and in schools. Character Education is another one that could be implemented. Students are rewarded for good behaviour and for following good character traits.

2. Schools interact with students:

Students are in school for 40 hours a week. They spend more time with their teachers than with their parents. Teachers act as a role model and should work to interact with students to teach them the right from the wrong.

3. Civic & Social Development:

Schools also have the responsibility for the civic and social development of their students. Brown vs. Education Supreme Court case recognized the importance of opening up students to the differing cultural values.

4. See first signs:

Schools usually are the ones who witness the first signs of bullying. There are other underlying reasons which sometimes lead to bullying online. They usually occur in person at first.

5. Punish & Prevent:

Iowa Law Review argues that teachers and administrators are appropriate actors for punishing and preventing cyber bullying. At times it is hard to identify the cases unless the victim speaks to a staff member.

Why is Canada considered the best governed country in the world by David Frume? It’s simple, here are 10 reasons to help you become satisfied.

Reason #1:

Canada has been moving at a perfect pace. Even with the 2012 budget, Canada seems to continue its success in beating the recession. It balances the budget within the next 3 years and includes no tax increases. Federal government is also restraining its spending; however, outlays will still rise from $272.9 billion this year to $296.6 billion in 2015-2016.

Reason #2:

Its economic policies are less dramatic, especially in comparison to the Eurozone and the United States. This can help support growth and boost revenues.

Reason #3:

Harper has also achieved something not many politicians could or would be able to do. He responded to the economic crisis by supplying just enough fiscal stimuli. One miscalculating could cause a debt crisis.

Reason #4:

The residual power does not lie with the provincial government, like Americans have with states. The federal government has the residue of authority not prescribed in the Dominion. This is one great lesson that Canadians learned and perfected, given the Civil War between 1861-1865 in the United States.

Reason #5:

There is no fixed period for general elections in Canada. Elections can be held at any time the government wishes. However, there is a limit of five years that the Canadian federal Parliament and the provincial legislatures can run for. If the government has lost the confidence of its country, it also needs to run an election.

This means that if Canadians do not like the leader, they can change him/her. In the US, you have to wait up to 4 years to get rid of the leader.

Reason #6:

There are less crimes in Canada. In fact, compared to the United States, it is a saint. CNN reported that 25% of the world’s prison population resides in the US.

Statistics Canada reported in 2009 that there were less crimes committed today than they were committed in the 1970s. For example, when you compare the crimes between 2007 and 2008, you would get a total of 77,000 fewer crimes. This however creates more fear and skepticism amongst the populace.

Reason #7:

Multiparty system. There are more than two choices on the ballet. The populace has more of a smorgasbord of options compared to other countries like US. US has never seen any other politician get elected from other parties other than Republican and Democratic.

Reason #8:

The Canadian health care may not be perfect, but at least Canadians can say that their health care system is universal. It is also accessible to all. That means that no one can be rejected by the system if they reside in Canada.

Reason #9:

New April 2012 polls show Canadian corporations withstanding the trying times in the global economy. CIBC stated that firms are now in a stronger position, more so now than they were before. Low debt and cash on hand are just some characteristics to describe corporations in Canada.

Reason #10:

NO DEBT Ceiling. I cannot say the same for USA. I had to put it in.

The Ontario McGuinty government needs to start implementing some of recommendations in the Drummond Report released in February of 2012. It is necessary, if we want to eliminate a projected $30.2 billion deficit by 2017, warns economist Don Drummond. These recommendations serve as a wake-up call to the Premier, who faces a deficit and potential budget cuts. In writing this article, I attempt examine the best 10 arguments.

1. Eliminate cap at 20 students in primary grades:

This was the best recommendation I heard so far. In fact not one school has been able to provide 100% class at 20 students or less. Many schools had to implement the Senior Kindergarten/Grade 1 and Grade ¾ class program to avoid it.

2. More funding for Aboriginal education:

Agreeable! In fact, we’ve seen the dread that occurs on First Nations reserves. The Attawapiskat situation should have been a wake-up call to the Premier about the conditions on reserves. The fact that families are living in tents speaks volumes about his actions or shall I say inactions.

3. Sell LCBO downtown:

This is a good idea. Much of LCBO is in popular development areas. The strategy to replace LCBO with condominiums could save the government $200 million in net profits.

4. Scrap or revamp full day kindergarten:

The program was a good idea. However, it was not well planned out. The guidelines are not really met. There are not a maximum of 26 students per class. In fact some schools have up to 30. Many schools also do not have space to add the growth or the resources. It initially cost $200 million to implement and will cost an additional 300 million next year.

5. Pensions:

The Drummond report also pointed out a problem with teacher’s pensions. It is unfair how teachers have to pay a large sum of their money toward OTPP. University Professors do not have to pay out much, only 2-3% of their paycheck.

This is an award given out every year to the best song made especially for movies. Here are 10 movies which I think topped all the ones given and nominated throughout the years. I was looking for uniqueness, class and also something that stands out from the rest.

1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tann Dun:

The soundtrack to this movie earned a nomination in 2000 at the Academy Awards, which it won. It had an excellent combination of western and eastern themes, played with minimalist sound. The score was also excellent at setting the mood and emphasized certain important scenes quite well.

2. Chariots of Fire, Vangelis:

This was very unique of its kind music, which won in 1982 for originals score at the Academy Awards. The music was also new to Vangelis who was more modern. The song had a traditional orchestral score to it. It topped the American billboards for one week, after its release as a single.

3. American Beauty, Thomas Newman:

This 1999 Academy Award winner has a great mystical part to it. It does an excellent job at setting the very slow and easy tone of the movie. The soundtrack album won a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or other Visual Media in 1999.

4. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, John Williams:

This 1982 winner of original score was excellent as well. Williams divided the soundtrack songs into 8 major themes, which were excellent at defining the movie. The emotional touch and the touch of romanticism in the songs helped define the movie from beginning to end.

5. The Agony and the Ecstasy, Alex Smith:

This movie was in the category of Best Score in 1965. Alex Smith is a talented composer. Although it did not win, the original score deserves to be on this list. Its music type was based on that in medieval times and had some religious aspects to it. It really showed that the composer did much research before writing it.

When buying a car for teenagers, parents look at the safety, cost effectiveness and fuel efficiency of the cars. Furthermore, the look and appeal examined by the teenagers determines whether the transaction is made. Here are the top 10 cars for teens based on 3 criteria: safety test results, cost effectiveness and fuel efficiency.

1. Ford Fiesta:

It’s a small car which will be a good starting point for teenagers. It has excellent stability control and crash test results. The cost starts at approximately $13,000. It is very fuel efficient, consuming 4.9L/100km on the highway and 6.8L/100km in the city. Ford is now developing a strategy for electrification slated to start in 2013.

2. Toyota Scion:

This car was specifically made for teenagers. The price for a basic car is around $16,000. The new edition is fuel efficient, consuming 9.7L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on highway.

SAB crash ratings are 5/5 for both front and side. It also has side, front and head airbags as well as a 4 wheel ABS system. The car just entered into Canadian markets in 2010. It has been successful so far.

3. Honda Civic

This car is fuel efficient, reliable and has an attractive practicality. It is one of the best selling cars. 16.5 million Honda Civics were sold as of 2007 worldwide, 7.3 million of them were in the United States. When driving on the highway, the latest edition (8th Generation) takes 5.7L/100km and 8.2L/100km on the city roads. The price is also ideal as the base car costs around $15,000.

4. Toyota Corolla:

This is a perfect car to buy for teens. Many instructors utilize this car to begin teaching lessons to first time drivers. Take a look on the road and you will see what I am talking about. The car is very basic, simple and comfortable. One can easily adjust to the system, especially when it was their training car. All cars are equipped with airbags and stability control. You can definitely find the car at a low price around $15,000.

5. Ford Focus:

This is an excellent car for starter drivers who do not have experience with the road. It has a SYNC system which allows the voice to control the Ipod and cellphone commands. It is cost efficient, pricing at around $18,000. It also has a 6 speed and dual clutch automated system.

On the highway it takes about 5.88L/100km.

2010 saw the release of some great games, some were action, some were racing and some were of tactics. There are more gaming geeks in this world than there are Chinese in this world. Gaming can be addictive, but we want you to get addicted to the best. We list out the top ten best games that were released in the year 2010.

1. Call Of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty have always been a favorite among the game geeks since the first series. They were voted the best action/shooting game multiple times throughout their franchise.

The Call of Duty black Ops takes on the legacy superbly with awesome graphics, gameplay and story. The campaign is exciting and varied and the multiplayer mode is just too exciting. A Zombie series have been included in this game.

The Game is easily the best of 2010! The only problem of the game is that it gets over very quickly.

2. Need For Speed Hot Pursuit

The Need For Speed Hot Pursuit I and II have been very successful and the recent NFS games proved to be not so successful. Electronic Arts came up with the all new NFS Hot Pursuit III and let me tell you that ITS AWESOME.

NFS: Hot Pursuit III is just pure over the edge adrenalin pumping racing entertainment. With awesome tracks and even more awesome cars, this game could not be ignored. The multiplayer mode is the most impressive one with an 8 player capability.

The NFS HP3 is undoubtedly the best racing game of 2010

3. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Vietnam

Definitely one of the best games of 2010. The predecessor was one of the best multiplayer shooting games ever to be made, rivaling neck on with Call of Duty, Medal Of Honor and Counter Strike. With its realistic graphics and war like gameplay experience, this game is in my opinion one of the best FPS game.

The game comes with the best maps and awesome atmosphere. Weapons are impressive and so are the vehicles. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is considered to be among the best multiplayer games ever.

4. Blur

If you liked the movie “death race”, then i’m sure that you will love this game. Blur is a new game that has a high level graphics and a difficult game to play, which makes it challenging. Its like Need For Speed, but with weapons. Yea, weapons! This game is not about speed only. You need to sway away from your opponents weapons and shoot your rivals to get to the top.

Driving is a bliss as it is smooth and responsive. Blur is most enjoyed in the multiplayer mode as the single player mode kind of gets pissing off when you get blown off in the last minute and you don’t have anyone around you to swear at.

5. Dead Rising 2

Its always nice to kill zombies. Left 4 Dead series is a great example of how fun killing zombies can be! The sequel to the run away hit Xbox game Dead Rising is an addictive adventure game. The combats are bloody and awesome. The weapon combinations are fun to use. The only problem is that the game takes a lot of time in loading.

Dead Rising 2 may not have the best graphics and the best strategies in story, but it is one addictive game that could make you sit in front of your Pc the whole day.