After living in one of America's most famous neighborhoods for six years, I know a thing or two about how to make the most of your trip to Hollywood. My home was in a condo high-rise near the intersection of Hollywood and LaBrea, the perfect starting point for your tour down Hollywood Blvd.

Whether it's your first time or your 100th time visiting this intersection, one is immediately drawn to the famous pink, glittering stars on the sidewalk. Most visitors don't realize that they're not as personal of an expression or tribute as one may think. The stars can be purchased by pretty much anyone. There are other stipulations to being granted a star, but really, they're mostly a nod to immortality and celebrity ego. They don't truly mark any major accomplishment or status. Still, they shout to everyone who walks the streets "You're in Hollywood, baby!"

Heading east on Hollywood Blvd. from its intersection at LaBrea is a starting point to thousands of walks I took while I lived there. To walk on the street is often not for the faint of heart. It's more like a mix between a David Lynch and Federico Fellini film. Scientology is everywhere. Massive, ornate buildings that emote odes to founder L. Ron Hubbard dot the Hollywood street-scape. The Scientologists own a lot of real estate in the neighborhood and will sometimes set up sidewalk presentations that offer "stress tests." Trust me, keep walking. Another rule of thumb for walking Hollywood Blvd. is to avoid eye contact whenever possible. People are panhandling and giving away fliers and coupons non-stop. Watch your wallet and not these distractions. Most of the the other street shops consist of eclectic reminders of the 80s Hollywood when it was a much seedier environment: leather and stiletto shops that make you say "Who wears that!?!?!," men's suit stores, sex shops, t-shirt shops, cheesy souvenir stores and a plethora of mom and pop junk food shops (i.e. pizzerias, Mexican and sandwich shops). Don't waste your time anywhere but Scooby's (Hollywood Blvd. and Cherokee http://skoobys.com/). The hot dogs, lemonade and fries are consistently great.

Since Nov. 2001, the major draw to this particular area of Hollywood has become the Hollywood & Highland Center. It houses production sets for the TV Guide Network as well as the Kodak Theater, home to the Oscars and "American Idol." It's interesting to walk around, but the reference of the decor typically goes right over most visitor's heads. The elephants and

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