Guest Contributor

Everyone has a friend named Andrew. No really, check your Facebook. But certain individuals have a real good friend named Andrew. A role model, hero and spokesman for all things loud. Naturally I am referring to Andrew W.K., the front man turned game show host turned motivational speaker who has over the course of the past decade provided the soundtrack for your angst ridden party days.

Hey, did you hear about that deal where you pay only $3 to get into an Orange County park and you can also visit the neighboring park for no additional charge? Now, if you think we’re talking about Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure…well, we’re not.

Many California residents have experienced a big hike lately—and unfortunately, it's not on the trails, but at the pump. We have a couple of tips for the budget-conscious hiker.

It’s common to joke about how the Los Angeles Lakers play in a city that has no natural lakes. However, while many L.A. residents are aware that the basketball team’s nickname comes from their days in Minneapolis, few realize that an hour’s drive from downtown, in the hills of Orange County, there is in fact a lake.

It's official. Angelenos may be able to vote on a new ballot initiative come November and see a new food label at grocery stores soon thereafter. According to Debra Bowen, Secretary of State, Californians may now add their signatures to a new ballot initiative mandating labeling of genetically engineered foods being sold in raw or packaged form.

Have you ever wanted to adopt an alias? It must feel powerful to create a name that people have to call you, one that doesn’t even have to be a real word. Read on for overheard conversation on half-naked men, wingback chairs, and Robin.

There aren’t many hiking trips in Southern California will show you both a rare natural phenomenon and some of the state’s history, but the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve does just that.

It's Oscar season, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting the famous Hollywood sign? It may be true that the only way to get to Carnegie Hall is by practicing, but there are several different routes that can be taken to the top of Mt. Lee, where the famous sign is located.

If dinner and reruns of Pretty Woman don’t sound appealing to you love birds, here are some alternative options to woo your significant other. To everyone else, these events are a wonderful opportunity to wash out that depression with some hard liquor and like-minded individuals as you try to fall in bed with a stranger.

Self-confidence is a universally attractive feature on people. L.A. seems to have its own definition of this trait, though. Read on for overheard conversation on scrapbooking, Carrot Top and wizards.

If you and your loved one like sunsets, flowers and walks along the beach, there’s a secluded little spot in Long Beach that might be a perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day plans.

A boss that acknowledges the realities of Super Bowl Sunday? Refreshing. This week’s Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on Robin Hood, Portia de Rossi and the big-bang theory.