And the "bad" guy - who comes in with his hot/souped up car - looking for a drag race? None other than a young Harrison Ford - before Star Wars. :)

tom you're pretty funny. thanks for all the tips. i will ask my WB friend if it will indeed be dark....probably not worth it, agreed. thanks all

just booked at the Viceroy Santa Monica. unfortunately their NYE party is 21 and older, so we will have to find something else for that night, but did a prepaid room to get a decent rate. I assume I should rent a car?

Yes, you will want a car in LA. Public transport is a lot better than it used to be, but still very time consuming and sometimes involving one or more transfers.

Don't drive during rush hours if you can avoid it - get a good good map - plus listen to AM 1070 for traffic reports/updates every 10 minutes or so.

Can anyone tell me if they have heard of this and if it's good?
2013 News Year's Eve Party!
■Date(s): 12/31/2013
■Times: 9pm-12am
■Location: Magicopolis, 4th Sreet Santa Monica
■Contact: Steve Spill
■Phone: (310) 451-2241
■Admission: $60 Per person all ages

■Send e-mail
■Visit Web Site


The Most Magical New Year's Eve Anywhere! Witness our longest-running, most critically acclaimed magic show ever: “Escape Reality.” Celebration includes: Midnight Champagne / Sparkling Cider Toast, Cheese/Vegetarian/Pepperoni Pizza, Souvenir Bag of Tricks, Hats / Noisemakers, Magic Class, Soft Drinks, Popcorn and Surprises. Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 at 9pm. $60 per person.

That actually sounds like a lot of fun. Magicopolis is only three blocks from my office, and I've bought baubles for my nieces and nephews there on occasion. However, I've never seen any of their live shows. Having said that, I am sure they will put on a very good show; the magicians are probably Guild members AND SAG/AFTRA members, so they should have a fair amount of polish.

Members of the Magicians' Guild are spread out over southern California, just so you know. One never knows when one will turn up. I personally have been treated to excellent close-up sleight-of-hand magic shows seemingly out of nowhere at restaurants in Naples (the awesome Naples Rib Co.) and La Jolla (the lovely George's at the Cove); the woman I was dining with in La Jolla (a dear, departed friend) whispered to me at one point, "I used to date a magician, I know all the tricks-- this guy's GREAT!"

If you are lucky enough to meet a magician, you can ask them nicely for their card-- and then be sure to ask them about the Magic Castle. If you're curious, Google "Magic Castle Hollywood", and I think you'll be tempted...!

Thanks. So here is what we have so far. would love some input to create a loose itinerary, like great place to grab lunch or dinner near what we have planned thus far. still haven't figured out the lay of the land. Want to work in Venice Beach, Malibu and Peterson Automotive museum.

Arriving LAX Sunday 10am. Check in at Viceroy, hang out in Santa Monica that day and evening. no plans for lunch or dinner yet

Monday- Getting rental car for rest of stay. 11:15 tour at Warner Bros. nothing else planned- need to figure out where to go from there that makes sense geographically- W hollywood ?

Tuesday- no plans til 9pm show at Magicopolis

Wed- all day is free

Thursday- 3pm flight out, so probably stay local around hotel for lunch