American actress Kat Graham with her boyfriend in Los Angeles beach

Stepping out for a fun-in-the-sun morning, Kat Graham hit the beach in Los Angeles earlier today (July 31).

Joined by her hunky shirtless boyfriend Cottrell Guidry, the “Vampire Diaries” dame donned a skimpy bikini as she played frisbee an volleyball in between moments of PDA.

As for her hit CW show, Kat told press that things are going swimmingly as Season Four has already begun production.

"It's moving pretty quickly. Everything has been very high-energy, high-paced, fast-moving and life and death. High stakes. You are going to see somebody from Bonnie's -- and from everyone else's past -- make a surprise appearance in one of the first couple of episodes."

She added, "Elena's already in a transition into a vampire but you'll also be able to see something even worse start to happen to her in the beginning."

Enjoy the pictures of Kat Graham showing off her bikini body on the beach in LA (July 31).

EIGHT GREAT BEACHES  in Los Angeles
The People Watcher: Venice Beach
This is one place where it’s almost as much about the people as it is about the surf or the sand. In fact, the eclectic Venice Ocean Front Walk can almost upstage the scene on the sand. As you’re strolling the boardwalk, keep your eye out for Harry Perry, the turbaned guitar player on roller blades who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. This is also the spot to see the rubber-snake wrangler, the metal-ball-rolling, Speedo-wearing bodybuilder, the chainsaw juggler and a full complement of palm readers, folk artists and other colorful characters.
TV Star: Manhattan Beach
At Manhattan Beach, it’s all beautiful people, shiny cars, big sunglasses and little lap dogs. But that’s in the town next to the shore, where scenes from many television shows have been filmed. On the sand, you’ll find beach volleyball at courts that seem to go on for miles and bodysurfing near the pier. Check out the aquarium at the end of the pier with its interesting sea creatures and touch pool. When it comes to getting in the water, you should know that surfing is limited to the south side of the pier and boogie boarding is confined to the water north of the pier. Swimming is prohibited in the areas immediately adjacent to the pier.
The Surf Spot: Malibu’s Surfrider Beach
When it’s time to get out the surfboard, apply a new coat of wax and zip on the wetsuit, there’s no better place to be than Malibu. As the waves roll in and begin to curl near the shore, surfers paddle furiously to catch those perfect waves of ocean bliss. You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to appreciate the act of surfing, the cool vibe at the beach or the toned bodies of the surfers. In fact, sometimes it’s better to just be a spectator when the crowds get hectic and you’re fighting to catch a wave.
The Classic Stretch of Sand: Santa Monica State Beach
Located just north of the Santa Monica Pier, this is one of the most popular beaches in LA. At two miles long, it seems to go on forever and offers plenty of space to stretch the legs, set up for a game of volleyball or go for a bike ride. Bring the sunscreen, a little cash for parking and a beach towel or blanket. Let the sun, sand and surf do the rest.
The Hopeless Romantic: El Matador Beach
Depending on how hard you try, you might be able to find a more romantic experience in LA, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more romantic beach than El Matador. Located about 10 miles northwest of Malibu, this secluded pocket beach has rocky shores, robust waves and some of the clearest water in LA. But don’t be deterred by the lack of facilities or the rugged path to the shore; once there, you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner in one of the hidden coves.
The Hipster Hangout: Hermosa Beach
There’s a certain hipster vibe at Hermosa Beach and its surrounding seaside community that you won’t find at other LA beaches. You’re just as likely to see people shopping and relaxing in outdoor cafes as you are the tanned and toned beach gods and goddesses that frequent the sandy shoreline. Pier Plaza is the place to relax when you’d rather skip the sunscreen and beach towels. Once you’re on the shore, a pristine expanse of sand awaits, with volleyball nets, plenty of space for sunbathing and sandcastle building, and a paved walkway for strolling or biking.
The Family Favorite: Cabrillo Beach
Popular among travelers and locals hitting the beach with kids in tow, Cabrillo Beach is a tranquil setting near San Pedro with everything you need for the perfect family outing. Located on a thin peninsula near Point Fermin Park, the beach actually has two sides — one outside the breakwater that’s open to the surf, and one that’s open to the harbor. Depending on the activity, you can select either side and enjoy some adventure or some well-deserved relaxation. After you’re finished with the beach, head to the nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and enjoy the interactive exhibits, tidepool touch tanks and other unforgettable attractions.
The Getaway: Leo Carrillo State Park
Located 28 miles north of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, Leo Carrillo State Park offers a beach that stretches for more than a mile, dotted with sea caves, tidepools and other beach combing delights. The park is named after the actor and preservationist who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for 18 years. A small visitor center located in the park offers interpretive displays as well as guided nature walks and campfire programs. Picnic areas, campsites and RV facilities are also located in the park, so if you’re looking to set up shop for a while and enjoy the scene, this might be the perfect spot.
Source: gossipcenter.com
Photo Credit: PacificCoastNewsOnline.com

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AnnaLynne McCord Play Volleyball in Los Angeles Beach

Looking for some fun in the sun, AnnaLynne McCord hit the beach for a game of volleyball last Thursday (July 19).

Joined by her sister Angel McCord, the “90210” starlet wore a green and white trucker hat along with a hot pink top and colorful bikini bottoms as she pranced around in the sand.

Over the weekend, AnnaLynne took some time off of her busy life to indulge in some retail therapy at the ever-popular Grove shopping center.

And rather than get all done up, Miss McCord elected to go au natural in a white vest with boot-cut jeans and a pair of wedges.

Enjoy the pictures of AnnaLynne McCord showing off her bikini body in Los Angeles as she played beach volleyball with her sister (July 19).

EIGHT GREAT BEACHES  in Los Angeles
The People Watcher: Venice Beach
This is one place where it’s almost as much about the people as it is about the surf or the sand. In fact, the eclectic Venice Ocean Front Walk can almost upstage the scene on the sand. As you’re strolling the boardwalk, keep your eye out for Harry Perry, the turbaned guitar player on roller blades who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. This is also the spot to see the rubber-snake wrangler, the metal-ball-rolling, Speedo-wearing bodybuilder, the chainsaw juggler and a full complement of palm readers, folk artists and other colorful characters.
TV Star: Manhattan Beach
At Manhattan Beach, it’s all beautiful people, shiny cars, big sunglasses and little lap dogs. But that’s in the town next to the shore, where scenes from many television shows have been filmed. On the sand, you’ll find beach volleyball at courts that seem to go on for miles and bodysurfing near the pier. Check out the aquarium at the end of the pier with its interesting sea creatures and touch pool. When it comes to getting in the water, you should know that surfing is limited to the south side of the pier and boogie boarding is confined to the water north of the pier. Swimming is prohibited in the areas immediately adjacent to the pier.
The Surf Spot: Malibu’s Surfrider Beach
When it’s time to get out the surfboard, apply a new coat of wax and zip on the wetsuit, there’s no better place to be than Malibu. As the waves roll in and begin to curl near the shore, surfers paddle furiously to catch those perfect waves of ocean bliss. You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to appreciate the act of surfing, the cool vibe at the beach or the toned bodies of the surfers. In fact, sometimes it’s better to just be a spectator when the crowds get hectic and you’re fighting to catch a wave.
The Classic Stretch of Sand: Santa Monica State Beach
Located just north of the Santa Monica Pier, this is one of the most popular beaches in LA. At two miles long, it seems to go on forever and offers plenty of space to stretch the legs, set up for a game of volleyball or go for a bike ride. Bring the sunscreen, a little cash for parking and a beach towel or blanket. Let the sun, sand and surf do the rest.
The Hopeless Romantic: El Matador Beach
Depending on how hard you try, you might be able to find a more romantic experience in LA, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more romantic beach than El Matador. Located about 10 miles northwest of Malibu, this secluded pocket beach has rocky shores, robust waves and some of the clearest water in LA. But don’t be deterred by the lack of facilities or the rugged path to the shore; once there, you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner in one of the hidden coves.
The Hipster Hangout: Hermosa Beach
There’s a certain hipster vibe at Hermosa Beach and its surrounding seaside community that you won’t find at other LA beaches. You’re just as likely to see people shopping and relaxing in outdoor cafes as you are the tanned and toned beach gods and goddesses that frequent the sandy shoreline. Pier Plaza is the place to relax when you’d rather skip the sunscreen and beach towels. Once you’re on the shore, a pristine expanse of sand awaits, with volleyball nets, plenty of space for sunbathing and sandcastle building, and a paved walkway for strolling or biking.
The Family Favorite: Cabrillo Beach
Popular among travelers and locals hitting the beach with kids in tow, Cabrillo Beach is a tranquil setting near San Pedro with everything you need for the perfect family outing. Located on a thin peninsula near Point Fermin Park, the beach actually has two sides — one outside the breakwater that’s open to the surf, and one that’s open to the harbor. Depending on the activity, you can select either side and enjoy some adventure or some well-deserved relaxation. After you’re finished with the beach, head to the nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and enjoy the interactive exhibits, tidepool touch tanks and other unforgettable attractions.
The Getaway: Leo Carrillo State Park
Located 28 miles north of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway, Leo Carrillo State Park offers a beach that stretches for more than a mile, dotted with sea caves, tidepools and other beach combing delights. The park is named after the actor and preservationist who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for 18 years. A small visitor center located in the park offers interpretive displays as well as guided nature walks and campfire programs. Picnic areas, campsites and RV facilities are also located in the park, so if you’re looking to set up shop for a while and enjoy the scene, this might be the perfect spot.
Source: gossipcenter.com
Photo Credit: PacificCoastNewsOnline.com

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LeAnn Rimes relaxed at a vacation home in Los Angeles

Soaking up some serious sun rays, LeAnn Rimes relaxed at a vacation home in Los Angeles earlier this week.

The “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” songstress couldn’t seem to choose which bathing suit to wear, so she ended up donning them both throughout the afternoon spent with her husband Eddie Cibrian and some friends.

LeAnn’s first bikini was a peach two-piece with drawstrings and crocheted ruffles, and the second skimpy swimsuit looked a bit more sporty, including a turquoise halter top and matching bottoms.

Rimes also posted a photo of her hubby’s sons, Mason Edward and Jake Austin, along with the caption, “These 2 sweet boys today just sitting on the doc talking. They are so their dad's. They'll sit there again 1 day as men.”

Enjoy the pictures of LeAnn Rimes showing off her bikini body on the beach in LA (July 16).

Los Angeles , which is written Los Ángeles; British pronunciation i/lɒs ˈændʒəliːz/ loss-an-jə-leez) with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in the state of California, and the second most populous in the United States of America, after New York City.It has an area of 468.67 square miles (1,213.8 km2), and is located in Southern California. Often known by its initials L.A., the city is the focal point of the larger Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana metropolitan statistical area and Greater Los Angeles Area region, which contain 12,828,837 and nearly 18 million people respectively as of 2010, making it one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world and the second largest in the United States.Los Angeles is also the seat of Los Angeles County, the most populated and one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the United States, while the entire Los Angeles area itself has been recognized as the most diverse of the nation's largest cities.The city's inhabitants are referred to as "Angelenos".

Los Angeles was founded on September 4, 1781, by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve. It became a part of Mexico in 1821 following the Mexican War of Independence. In 1848, at the end of the Mexican–American War, Los Angeles and the rest of California were purchased as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, thereby becoming part of the United States.Los Angeles was incorporated as a municipality on April 4, 1850, five months before California achieved statehood.

Nicknamed the City of Angels, Los Angeles is a leading world center of business, international trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion, science, sports, technology, and education, and has been ranked the third richest city and fifth most powerful and influential city in the world.The city is home to renowned institutions covering a broad range of professional and cultural fields and is one of the most substantial economic engines within the United States. The Los Angeles combined statistical area (CSA) has a gross metropolitan product (GMP) of $831 billion (as of 2008), making it the third largest economic center in the world, after the Greater Tokyo and New York metropolitan areas.As the home base of Hollywood, it is also known as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," leading the world in the creation of motion pictures, television productions, stage productions, video games, and recorded music. The importance of the entertainment business to the city has led many celebrities to call Los Angeles and its surrounding suburbs home. Additionally, Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984.

The economy of Los Angeles is driven by international trade, entertainment (television, motion pictures, video games, recorded music), aerospace, technology, petroleum, fashion, apparel, and tourism. Los Angeles is also the largest manufacturing center in the western United States.The contiguous ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach together comprise the fifth-busiest port in the world and the most significant port in the Western Hemisphere and is vital to trade within the Pacific Rim.Other significant industries include media production, finance, telecommunications, law, healthcare, and transportation. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has a gross metropolitan product (GMP) of $735.7 billion (as of 2010), making it the third largest economic center in the world, after the Greater Tokyo Area and the New York-Newark-Bridgeport CSA.If counted as a country, the surrounding CSA has the 15th largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP.Los Angeles has been classified an "Alpha world city" according to a 2010 study by a research group at Loughborough University in England.

The city is home to seven Fortune 500 companies. They are aerospace contractor Northrop Grumman, energy company Occidental Petroleum, healthcare provider Health Net, metals distributor Reliance Steel & Aluminum, engineering firm AECOM, real estate group CBRE Group and builder Tutor Perini.

Other companies headquartered in Los Angeles include California Pizza Kitchen, Capital Group, Capstone Turbine, The Cheesecake Factory, Cathay Bank, City National Bank, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, DeviantArt, Far East National Bank, Farmers Insurance Group, Fox Entertainment Group, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Guess?, Hanmi Bank, Herbalife, J2 Global Communications, The Jim Henson Company, KB Home, Korn/Ferry, Latham & Watkins, Mercury Insurance Group, Oaktree Capital Management, O’Melveny & Myers; Pabst Blue Ribbon, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker, Premier America, Premiere Radio Networks, Rentech, Sunkist, The TCW Group, Tokyopop, Triton Media Group, United Online, and VCA Antech.

The metropolitan area is home to the headquarters of many companies who moved outside of the City of Los Angeles to escape its high taxes and high crime rate while keeping the benefits of remaining in close proximity. For example, Los Angeles charges a gross receipts tax based on a percentage of business revenue, while many neighboring cities charge only small flat fees.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

The University of Southern California (USC) is the city's largest private sector employer and contributes $4 billion annually to the local economy.

According to the city's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top ten employers in the city as of 2009 are, in descending order, the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Fox Entertainment Group, Farmers Insurance Group, TeamOne,and Northrop Grumman.

There are three public universities located within the city limits: California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Private colleges in the city include the American Film Institute Conservatory, Alliant International University, Syracuse University (Los Angeles Campus), American InterContinental University, American Jewish University, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy – Los Angeles campus, Antioch University's Los Angeles campus, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising's Los Angeles campus (FIDM), Los Angeles Film School, Loyola Marymount University (LMU is also the parent university of Loyola Law School located in Los Angeles), Marymount College, Mount St. Mary's College, National University of California, Occidental College ("Oxy"), Otis College of Art and Design (Otis), Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), Southwestern Law School, and University of Southern California (USC).

The community college system consists of nine campuses governed by the trustees of the Los Angeles Community College District: East Los Angeles College (ELAC), Los Angeles City College (LACC), Los Angeles Harbor College, Los Angeles Mission College, Los Angeles Pierce College, Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC), Los Angeles Southwest College, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and West Los Angeles College.

Schools and libraries

The Los Angeles Central Library in Downtown

See also: Los Angeles County, California#Colleges and universities and List of high schools in Los Angeles County, California

Los Angeles Unified School District serves almost all of the city of Los Angeles, as well as several surrounding communities, with a student population around 800,000.After Proposition 13 was approved in 1978, urban school districts had considerable trouble with funding. LAUSD has become known for its underfunded, overcrowded and poorly maintained campuses, although its 162 Magnet schools help compete with local private schools.Several small sections of Los Angeles are in the Las Virgenes Unified School District. Los Angeles County Office of Education operates the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. The Los Angeles Public Library system operates 72 public libraries in the city.Enclaves of unincorporated areas are served by the County of Los Angeles Public Library, many are within walking distance to City of Los Angeles residents.

Source: wikipedia.org,gossipcenter.com

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