Switzer Falls Hike

Switzer Falls - Angeles Forest

Trailhead: From the 210 freeway, take highway 2 10 miles north.  You'll see a small ranger station about a 1/4 mile before the parking lot for the trailhead (Map here). 

Type: Outdoors

Category: Hike

Company: Friends, Dogs

Cost: $5 vehicle fee (more on that later)

Review: While somewhat of a trek depending on the starting point, the drive is worth it.  From the main trail, there are multiple trails that break off, a little bit of everything for hikers of all skills.  The Bear Canyon hike has 600 ft of elevation gain over 4.5 miles (round trip), while Upper Arroyo Seco is slightly longer at 10 miles and 1400 feet of elevation gain.  Both trails begin at the main parking lot.

Parking is $5, but I arrived after 3:00 PM on a Saturday, when the ranger station was closed, so I just parked and wished for the best (no ticket).  While I would never condone attempting to sneak past Park Fees, it is something to keep in mind. 


OTC Tip:There is a main parking lot right off of Highway 2.  Avoid it.  Follow the sketchy looking road down the mountain (I would generously call it a lane and a half wide).  There is ample parking at the bottom.  I love an uphill hike as much as the next person, but when it is on a paved road to get back to a parking lot, I'll go ahead and skip it.  Save yourself the trouble and follow my lead.


The trail itself is mostly wide, enough to comfortably walk next to a friend or two.  There are numerous sections where balancing over rocks is needed to cross streams, which adds to the fun.  Even on a nice day, the trail was chilly, so bring a jacket.  These trails are a great way to spend a sunny afternoon in LA, with friends and/or a dog. 

Tough Mudder Training and Tips

Tough Mudder

Various locations

Follow Tough Mudder on Facebook

Type: Outdoors, Adventure

Category: Entertainment

Company: Masochistic Friends

Cost: Varies depending on when you sign up – between $80 and $180

Tough Mudder has already been reviewed as an activity (one that I highly recommend), but I keep receiving questions regarding training, and what to expect upon your first Mudder. And while I am certainly not a certified trainer or anything close, I can offer some OTC training tips and advice.

Also note that if you work out on a regular basis (weight training and cardio), you should be able to complete a Mudder without significantly altering your current routine. 

• Hills - While not all Mudder events take place on hilly terrain, the previous two I ran did.  And I really shouldn't say "hill" - "mountain" is more applicable.  They will be brutal.  You will run up, and down, and up, and down, and repeat it til you cant think anymore.  Even the short climbs will make your quads cry for mercy.  To prep, find a local High School or College track that has ample seating, and start running stadiums.  A steep hill will work as well. I recommend checking out the Manhattan Beach Sand Dune or the Santa Monica Stairs.  Sprint up and walk down, repeating for a set number (or time, I go with 10 minute sets).  Take a break to stretch and hydrate, jog a lap, and then repeat.  Adding this to your routine will not only help prep you for the Mudder's hills, but this type of interval training can actually improve overall cardio strength, a much needed skill...

• Cardio -  HIlls or no hills, you will be activiely moving for at least 2 hours (and maybe closer to 4, depending on your fitness level and/or teammates).  You need to make sure your overall aerobic capacity is up to the challenge.  As mentioned above, you can kill two birds with one stone with your hill training.  But depending on your current fitness level, you will still need lace up running shoes and hit the pavement (or trail).  Hate running?  Hop on a bike, or even use an elliptical machine at the gym.  Find a balance between longer and slower training sessions with more interval training.  Try 30 seconds of running/biking as fast as possible, then slowing down for another 30.  Repeat for 10 minutes.  Your training will go quicker and you will see amazing cardio results. 

• Along with all the legwork, Mudder does require upper body strength as well.  Monkey bars, 12 foot walls, and especially log carries - all of these will test your upper body endurance as well.  Being able to lift your body weight after already having all your energy depleted is necessary to finish the race.  If you don't have access to a gym (and even if you do), the best training for Mudder are the classics - pushups and pullups.  You'll need to focus more on lots of reps at lower weight, which is exactly what these exercises accomplish.  

If you want to fully dedicate yourself to kicking Mudder's ass, spend your week mixing up hill training, cardio, and body-weight training.  Of course, hitting heavy weights once a week will help as well, but its hard to beat the tips outlined above. 

Once you have the strength to finish, you need to prep your equipment.  Assuming you aren't completely crazy and running the race in a full suit (I've seen it done multiple times), you'll want to gear up properly.  

• Shoes: Trail running shoes are the most logical choice, followed by a pair of sturdy cross trainers.   Make sure you tie them TIGHT.  Before you double knot them, remember that you will get rocks in your shoes, and might have to take them off quickly to dump debris.  Wet knots with freezing fingers = giant pain. 
• Socks: Obviously moisture-wicking socks are the best for this (although they will still be wet at the end), but also make sure they extend a few inches up your ankle, and fit tightly around your leg.  You don't want rocks slipping between your sock and skin. 
• Tape: You'll also see people with their ankles/socks/shoelaces taped.  I've found that it isn't worth it.  The tape will end up falling off, and will limit access to adjusting shoes and socks. 
• Attire: Less is better.  Sure, you might be cold at the start before the blood gets flowing, but once you're sweaty and covered in water, you want as little clothing on you as possible.  If you must wear a shirt (prude), be aware that running with a loose damp shirt can and will chafe your nipples.  
• And as always, don't forget sunscreen.  With all the random mud spots on your face and arms, do you want a splotchy tan/sunburn?
• Accessories: Headbands, hats, capes, backpacks - unless they are an essential part of your team attire, skip them.  They will take on water (and weight), and you'll end up worrying if they are falling off).

So there you have it - take all my advice, part of it, or completely ignore it.  Just make sure you get off the couch and get muddy once in a while.  

Westchester Golf Course

Westchester Golf Course
6900 W. Manchester Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310.649.9173
Follow them on Facebook

Type: Outdoor
Category: Golf
Company: Golfers, airport enthusiasts
Cost: $22 weekday, $28 weekend ($10 extra for cart).  Cheaper tee times available for early bird and twilight.

Review: I'll admit, when I was told I would be golfing at Westchester Golf course, "yknow..the one right next to LAX" I was a bit skeptical. I mean, how good can a course be that has a radar tower along hole 5?  But any doubts quickly disappeared once I teed off.

Although there is only one Par-5, the rest of the course is an almost 50-50 split of Par 3's and 4's, mixing up challenging with the occasional amateur holes that give us high-handicap hackers some much needed motivation. The rate of play in the middle of a beautiful Saturday was comparable to other courses.  In fact, even with a noon tee time, we didn't have a group directly behind us, which always makes for a more enjoyable round (which means we took advantage of quite a few agreed-upon mulligans).

OTC Tip: Holes 15, 16, and 17 are the newest holes - Westchester was originally a 15 hole course.  These newest three (a Par 5, 3 and 4, respectively) are by far the best and most fun holes on the course.

While not Pebble Beach, the Westchester course is nonetheless a really fun - and well kept - course, making for a great afternoon with my buddies. Not once did any golfer in our group have to endure a ball getting stuck in a unsightly divot or pothole (a usual occurrence with cheap public courses).  Not only would I recommend this to a golfer looking for a cheap and entertaining afternoon of chasing a white ball around, but I have made Westchester Golf Course one of my primary weekend courses to play.

Skeleton School - Lake Placid

Skeleton School

Olympic Development Center

Lake Placid, NY

Type: Adventure

Category: Thrills

Company: Crazy, crazy friends

Cost: $1000, plus transportation

Getting off the couch and doing anything, be it as simple as enjoying a new restaurant (try Umami Burger ), or stepping it up a notch and jumping out of a perfectly good airplane, is always a positive.  But sometimes there is a stronger pull to commit to something more extreme (or suicidal, depending on who you ask).  Not content with enjoying the warm weather sports that LA has to offer, I stepped up and flew across the country, took a train and a shuttle and ended up in freezing Lake Placid, NY.  Why?  To throw myself headfirst down an ice track at 60 MPH, wearing nothing but a helmet and spandex.  Most call it crazy, but the technical term is Skeleton, and it is fucking awesome.

Look at all the protection I'm wearing

When talking about what has been deemed “one of, if not THE craziest Olympic sport”, most people have no clue what it is.  Most conversations start with mentioning Bobsled (“Yes, like that movie from the 90’s”), and then progressing to Luge (feet first), and finally to Skeleton.  Then the next question is “Why?”  But I view it as Why not?  Skeleton is basically the worlds best slip n slide/roller coaster, only you have (limited) control.  Our Olympic Training Center allows idiots like myself to sign up for a week long development program for $900 (+ track membership fees).  

OTC Tip: When doing something that may be deemed "insane and a waste of money", wait to tell your loved ones til AFTER you pay the non-refundable deposit.

I assumed there would be a decent mix of other like-minded athletes, there to enjoy a week of heart-stopping thrills.  Yet again, my assumptions couldn't have been more off; aside from my buddy who joined me, everyone there was in one stage or another of actually trying to make the US team.  Or to put it another way: we were the only assholes there screwing around.  Luckily, everyone else thought we were even crazier than them, for using our yearly vacation time on Skeleton.  Although definite outsiders, we were nonetheless treated very well by everyone we came across. 
To start, the coach put us halfway down the track, had us assume the correct position (neck and head hanging over the edge of the sled, legs straight, thumbs hooked on the narrow saddle) and got us started with a push.  Hitting speeds around 35mph, I was somewhat disappointed.  Where was the blur of speed?  The panic of not being able to think?  Was this all for naught?



Boy, was I friggin wrong.  On day two we moved up higher off the track, and the speeds practically doubled (we reached a max of about 60 mph).  The first few runs were a complete blur of just trying to pinpoint which turns were coming up next.  But over the course of the week, I was able to anticipate turns, and set up the correct lines in and out of the major turns.

Skeleton at night is actually beautiful

In terms of danger, Skeleton isn't THAT bad (luge is actually much worse, for the record).  Our entire group walked away with some decent ice burns (right through the spandex), but nothing serious happened.  Like all sports, there is always the risk of major injury, but that's half the fun.

OTC Fun Fact: Sliders are limited to 2 or 3 runs max each day, because the human neck can't handle that much G-Force (forces can reach 5 Gs)

Will I make the Olympic Team?  Not a chance (plus I would have to move to Lake Placid, and "Off The Couch LP" wouldn't attract much attention).  But this was more about the overall experience of finding a unique adventure and finding a way to make it happen.  I know not everyone has the time nor means to take a week off of work and fly across the country, but sometimes you just need to toss yourself outside your normal element and conquer something new.  And crazy. 

Umami Burger

Umami Burger
500 Broadway
Santa Monica, 90401
(Alternate locations throughout LA as well)
Follow Umami on Facebook

Type: Restaurant
Category: Lunch, Dinner, Bar food
Company: Friends, Dates, Co-Workers, Business
Cost: Burgers are around $10 and up

Quickie: "Umami" is considered the fifth taste sense, along with sour, sweet, bitter, and salty.  Accordingly, Umami burger incorporates all five senses into their amazing burgers and sides.

OTC Tip: Umami offers non-cow based burgers too, including turkey, ahi tuna, and soy-based.

Review: Umami takes burgers - and beer - seriously, and they do not disappoint. As expected, the hard part is choosing which burger to go with.  I prefer the Manly: Beer-cheddar cheese, smoked-salt onion strings, and bacon lardons are a great addition to anything, especially Umami's house-ground beef.  My only complaint is that the portions aren't very large - I was just starting to fully appreciate the subtleties of the burger when I at the end and about to bite my fingers.

OTC Tip: If you are still hungry, add on a salad or the sweet potato fries. In addition, Umami has a great beer selection that would make even the most loyal BevMo customers proud. If you are unsure how to "match" your beer and burger, Umami offers pre-paired burgers and beer for a guaranteed no-fail experience.

Rose Bowl Golfing - Brookside Golf Course

Brookside Golf Course
1133 N. Rosemont Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 795-0631

Type: Outdoor
Category: Golf
Company: Golfers, obviously
Cost: As low as $21 depending on when/where you book, but expect to pay in the $30 dollar range minimum during the week. 

Quickie: Two great full-length courses, with the famous Rose Bowl serving as a backdrop. 

Like every good UCLA fan, I have spent many Saturdays drinking and tailgating at the Rose Bowl.  I love that we don't have to hang out in a dirty parking lot, taking advantage of the vast field of green that is the golf course.  But I've always thought it a little odd that all those just park on what appears to be a nice course.  

To my surprise, not only is the course really nice (in the offseason), but there are actually TWO, the C.W. Koimer Course #1 and E.O. Nay Course #2, with the former being the longer of the two. 

I played the #1 course, and loved it.  While relatively flat, the grass was in great condition (no tire treads or drunken frat boys in the way).  On a Friday afternoon, with perfect weather, the course wasn't crowded at all. Granted, this could be an anomaly, but I like to think that it's a hidden gem that I am passing on to everyone else.  

The course starts and ends alongside the Rose Bowl itself, which would have brought up great memories of football games, aside from the fact that most true tailgaters can't remember even entering the stadium.  But it did make for some scenic views.  The course has a nice combination of trees and open fairways, making for a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. 

Corral Canyon Trail

Corral Canyon Trail - Malibu

Trailhead: You can access the the trail via part of the Backbone Trail that starts off of Latigo Canyon Road.  There is a parking dirt parking lot located on Latigo between Newton Canyon Rd and Upper Ramirez Mtwy (map here)

Type: Outdoors

Category: Bike, Hike

Company: Friends

Cost: Free!

About 40 seconds into my ride on Corral Canyon, I was already yelling back to my buddy that this was the best trail I've found in LA - and many sites, including Trails.com agree with me).  The trail has everything - hard switchbacks, dry riverbeds of softball-sized rocks, big drops, tree-covered canopies mixed in with wide open riding - a little bit of everything, keeping the adrenaline high.  The elevation change is fairly minimum, meaning you don't have to worry about spending half the ride silently cursing the slow climb back up.  My heart rate and thrill level stayed high throughout the ride.

OTC Video: Thanks to the my new favorite toy - a GoPro Hero - I was able to record most of my ride. A quick highlight from the frame mounted view:

Getting to the trailhead isn't half bad either - the short ride from the Latigo Canyon parking lot is a blast.  A bit hilly at times, it offers some fast riding.  After about 1.4 miles, you'll hit a fireroad (Newton/Cessna Mtwy).  After enjoying the amazing view, drop in on the trail on your right.  (Note that after a minute you'll hit a slight fork - go left down the mountain.  The upper/right path is for hikers.)  The trail will hit another fireroad after 2.6 miles.  At this point I turned around and headed back (I had already turned out an hour and a half of biking earlier in the day, otherwise I would have had to be dragged back to the car). 

OTC Tip: Despite the relative middle-of-nowhere feel to the trail, you will most likely run into a handle of other bikers (hopefully not literally).  This single-track is just too perfect to stay empty, so be always be on the lookout, especially around the fast blind turns. 

For a specific route of the trails, I used the MotionX GPS app.  Its cheap and offers simple outputs, as well as a map of the route.  Note that the mileage and time aren't completely accurate, as I left it running while taking camera and water breaks (and also forgot to turn it back on a few times), but the basic info is included on the linked map. 

Scholl Canyon Golf Course

Scholl Canyon Golf Course
3800 E Glenoaks Blvd
Glendale, CA 91206
818-243-4100

Type: Outdoor
Category: Golf
Company: Golfers, obviously
Cost: Reasonable, can usually find rates in the low $20 range for weekdays (with cart).  Check online tee time specials to find discounted rates (try GolfNow, for example).

Scholl Canyon is a mid-length course with a mix of uber-short Par 3's and legit Par 4's.  The grass is very well maintained, which makes the course a great value for the price.

On the rare days when the smog clears out, the course offers great views of Downtown LA. In fact, almost every hole offers visual stimulation while you wait to tee off.  The course does get crowded, but hey - you're golfing, its hard to complain, right?  Or just bring some booze and enjoy the outdoors.

Trancas/Encinal/Mulholland Trails (Malibu)

Trancas/Encinal/Mulholland Trails (Malibu) 

Review: Looking for an off-the-beaten-path trail (pun intended)? This 12 mile round trip section of trails is sparsely populated and incredibly beautiful. 

How to get there: Take PCH North to Kanan Dune Rd, take a right and continue for about 6.4 miles and take a left at Mulholland Hwy.  When you come to the fork, stay left on Encinal Canyon Road.  The trailhead will be on the left in about 1.3 miles.  There is a large turnout right before where you can park.  Note that this is NOT the Zuma Ridge Motorway trail, which you will pass as well.

The trail begins past a fence and a an "Authorized Vehicles Only Sign".  After a short uphill climb on a firetrail you hit the start of the first single-track trail (Trancas Trailhead).  Be warned - unlike other trails in Malibu, this section lacks trees and bushes, meaning if you misjudge a turn, you'll end up off the side of the cliff.

OTC Tip: On this downhill section, there can be a lot of small ditches running the length of the trail, perfect for getting your tires stuck in, so hug the rails even tighter than usual.

The trail bottoms out and crosses a short bridge and creek before the treacherous climb begins.  At this point, I thought the climbing would end and I would get to embrace my inner speed-demon and get my adrenaline pumping...but no.  Once the Trancas Trail ends, you cross Encinal Canyon Road and bike through a dirt parking lot before beginning the next section, Encinal trailhead. The start of the trail can be found here. Continue up on the trail (also part of the Backbone set of trails in Malibu) until you hit Decker canyon road.  And yes, this part is entirely uphill as well.  Get used to using your granny gear.

OTC Tip: Like most trails, horses are allowed, but for the first time we actually saw some, coming within a few feet of literally running into two riders.  Unlike hikers, in this case the bikers don't win in a head-to-head collision, so be very aware.    

After crossing the street, the real fun begins.  And by fun, I mean more climbing.  It just doesn't end, but the views are worth it - just make sure to keep your eyes on the trail.  Eventually you'll end up at Etz Meloy Mtwy, a wide firetrail. Stop and enjoy the amazing view (seen  the top photo on this post).

OTC Tip: All of the breathtaking views come with a price.  There trail doesn't very much high-growing foliage, so be prepared to face the full force of the sun.  Bring sunscreen.  And even more cold water than you think is necessary.  Trust me, you'll need all of it.

Now the fun begins.  All of your hard work and sweat will be rewarded with an amazing downhill run.  The trail offers a ton of banked turns, so you can keep your speed up while whipping through the cutbacks.

OTC Tip: Bushes and flowers invade the trail space, so if you dont want small scratches up and down your arms and legs (or if you have any type of floral allergies), I suggest wearing long pants/tights and sleeves.  Or yknow, man up and take the thrashing.

The adrenaline filled ride left me wanting more, but instead I got to end my trip with a torturous (and I mean AWFUL - my biking partner had both of his quads cramp up) climb back to the car.  The only positive that kept me chugging along back up the initial singletrack was knowing that I had a very fast firetrail to bomb down.  (Remember that there is a fence at the end, so don't get going too fast.)

The entire ride took about 2 and a half hours, but that was with a handful of water and food stops, as well as intermittent photo opportunities (and also a few stops to pick myself off of ground and stop the bleeding - I tend to get a little too excited with some of the hairpin turns). Throughout it, I only saw 3 other bikers, 3 hikes, and 2 horses.  This was on a perfect Sunday afternoon, and the parking lot for Latigo Canyon and Kanan road Trailhead completely packed.  If you want to spend an afternoon in relatively undisturbed biking paradise, try this out. 

Save a Life

Save a Life (by getting stabbed with a needle, but don't worry about that)  

Type: Indoors

Category: Volunteer

Company: Anyone who wants to help save a stranger's life by donating blood and/or marrow

Cost: Free (you might even get a cookie and soda out of it)

For once, I'm going to tell you to get Off The Couch and go relax in a comfy chair.  No running (unless you panic and try to ditch out), no sweating (aside from nerves), and no fear of breaking any bones.  In this post, I'll explain what goes on with donating blood, platelets, and marrow. 

Blood Donation

Everyone knows about donating blood, but unfortunately not enough people actually contribute.  Even with blood drives and donation centers around the country, only 3% of Americans donate.  Patients are always in need of blood, and the process is easier than most people think.  In fact, the paperwork usually takes longer than the actual "needle-in-arm" part of it.  

OTC Fact: One pint of blood can save up to three lives.

The process works like this.  You fill out some paperwork and have your vitals taken  to confirm that you are indeed eligible to donate (read here).  Next the nurse will choose a vein, tie your arm off at the bicep, and insert a clean needle.  

OTC Tip: Every nurse will tell you to look away when they start poking at you.  However (and it might be because I'm crazy), I've found it hurts less if I watch the needle enter my vein.  For some reason it helps me keep the process as my own, and I barely feel it.

Your blood is fed into a sterile bag on a scale to determine when it is full, and then the nurse will remove the needle, wrap your arm in colorful gauze, and hand you a soda and cookie.  Then you relax for 10-15 minutes and you're on you way.  Most donors fill a bag in 10-12 minutes, during which you can read a magazine or check your smartphone.  

OTC Tip:  Need extra (selfish) motivation to donate?  You get an excuse to lie around on your couch the rest of the day, no exercise for you (seriously, don't try to workout right after donating - it's a whole new level of excitement that I don't need again).  OffTheCouchLA won't harass you, I promise.  

For more info on donating blood, and to find a donation center near you, visit the Red Cross's website. There are also hospitals throughout LA that will accept donations.  Personally, I donate at Torrance Memorial.  You can donate blood every 8 weeks. 

Platelet Donation

Upping the ante on the blood donation is platelet donation (known as Plateletpheresis) involves drawing out a small amount of blood at a time and spinning it through a cell-separating machine to remove the platelets.  The blood is then returned to your body, and the process is repeated.  Over and over, for about 90 minutes. If you can handle lying still on a reclining chair and watching a movie, you can easily donate platelets (there's also the whole "giant needle in your arm", but try to block that part out. 

OTC Fact: One platelet donation can be worth from 12 to 18 whole blood donations. 

OTC Tip: Although only one arm will be part of the business end of a needle, make sure that anything you want out of your pockets (iPod, phone, gum) is on your lap prior to beginning.  Even with a free hand it's next to impossible to access any pocket. 

You can donate platelets every 2 weeks; locations can be found via your local red cross. 

Bone Marrow

Scared of needles?  What about cotton swabs?  If you can handle swabbing the inside of your mouth, then you can register to be a bone marrow donor.   Bone marrow transplant is a life-saving treatment for people with leukemia, lymphoma and many other diseases.

OTC Fact: Minorities are most in need, as there aren't enough registry members of diverse racial and ethnic heritage.
If you decide to register, you will be mailed a packet with information and cotton swabs.  All you do is swab your mouth a few times and mail back.  It will take about 5 minutes out of your day, and you will be registered in the National Marrow Donor Program.  Simple enough, right?  About one in 540 registrants are matches for a patient in need.    

OTC Tip: Contrary to popular belief, if you are eventaully matched up with a patient, you don't have to go through any surgery.  The majority of donations are through peripheral blood stem cell donation, which is non-surgical.

To easily join, please go to the Be The Match website 

Hollywood Babble-On

Hollywood Babble-On

Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at City Walk

1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #222
Universal City, CA 91608

Follow Hollywood Babble-On on Facebook

Type: Indoors

Category: Comedy, Group

Company: Anyone with a great sense of humor

Cost: $20

Quickie: Essentially a 2-person comedy show with Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman every Saturday night at 10pm (for the most part).  One of the funniest things you'll see live.  Ever.  

OTC Tip: Seats are first come first serve, so if you want to be on the first floor, hop in line at least 45 mins early.  But there really isn't a bad seat in the club.

Review: Kevin Smith is the director/writer of (what I consider classics) Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma, and a handful of others (I don't hold Jersey Girl against him).  Ralph Garman is best known in LA as the Showbiz Beat guy from KROQ's Kevin and Bean morning show.Together they are Hollywood Babble-On, an hilarious (and always offensive) comedy team. The show is distributed weekly as a Podcast on Kevin Smith's vast SModcast network and follows Hollywood-related news...somewhat.

OTC Tip: Yes, the show is funny, but might rub some people the wrong way.  I suggest checking the backlog of episodes on iTunes or via their website so you don't end up offending any prude/sheltered friends.

Each show loosely follows the same format: The hosts read emails sent in by readers who are attending the show (Shout-Outs), then read interesting emails from fans across the world, followed by news reports of celebrities who recently passed away.  Next is a bit on celebs who have done a good deed recently, and then they dive right in to the weekly news.  Each show ends with jokes on how big Liam Neeson's cock is.  (Seriously, there's even a fan-made site where people can submit their own jokes). And that's the jist of the show.  Although the hosts know the topics they'll talk about, most of the show ends up improvised.  It lasts around 90 minutes, and I guarantee you will spend all of it crying with laughter. 

View from the third floor

OTC Tip: I'm fully aware this sounds like a regular comedy show, but it's not.  Listen to 20 mins of any of the old episodes and you will be hooked.  I listen to each week's podcast while driving to work and literally laugh out loud by myself.  I usually only do that for my own jokes.  And as awesome as the podcast is, the live show is even better. 

The brilliance of the show is the combination of Kevin and Ralph.  Kevin is more laid back and, well, jolly (not a diss on his weight, I swear), while Ralph is the angry one.  This MIGHT have something to do with the fact that Kevin is high as a kite the entire time while Ralph is knocking back Jack and Cokes with reckless abandon, but that only makes the show better.  Ralph is a master of impressions, lending his vast collection of voices to the various shout-outs and news stories.  With no filter for who they offend (they routinely refer to Chelsea Handler as a "talentless c***"), the show will keep you in stitches the entire time. 

Shows are usually on Saturday, with the occasional Friday show.  From time to time they have a guest host, and are planning on taking the show on the road for a few weeks, so make sure you listen to recent episodes to know what is coming up.  For $20, its a great value. 

Cheap and Easy Golf

If you're looking for a cheap, quick, and easy afternoon, how about some golf?  LA is home to hundreds of top-tier courses, but also has a variety of cheap Par-3's that won't take all afternoon nor bust your bank account.  Read below for an assortment of options

The Lakes at El Segundo
El Segundo (Map)
Rates: $11 weekday, $14 weekend (non-resident)
This is a great course, especially for the price.  A mix of short and long holes, with two Par 4's mixed into the 9 holes.
Pro: A very well maintained course, with water and bunkers coming into play just enough to keep you on your toes.
Con: The Lakes can get crowded and slow during peak hours, so keep that in mind before you head out.

OTC Tip: If you're anything like me, you like to enjoy a few beers in between hacks, but remember that you will be walking the course, so unless you want double the weight of your bag, stick to a few cans of beer.  Or just bring liquor.

Manhattan Beach Marriott Golf Course

Manhattan Beach (Map)

Rates: $17 weekday, $19 weekend (weekends start at noon on Fridays)

A hidden Par 3 gem in the South Bay, I had driven with a block of the course hundreds of times and never knew it existed.  Tucked behind the Marriot Hotel off of Rosecrans, the 9 holes have a nice array of water hazards and pristine grass

Pro: It tends to stay on the uncrowded side, relative to other courses in the area.  

Con: Somewhat on the pricey side for 9 holes; hard to find. 

OTC Tip: Although all golfers are always expected to follow golf etiquette, remember that these are low-key courses. Don't get too mad at other groups if they break the sacred golf rules, just enjoy the fact that you're hitting a little white ball with a stick for 2 hours.

Alondra Golf Course

Lawndale (Map)

Rates:

Alondra consists of a North and South course, with the South being an 18 hole Par 3.  I've always walked up to the pro shop and never had to wait for more than 10 mins to tee off.  Note that some of the greens relocate, while the distances aren't updated, so if the pin looks 30 yards too far, it probably is.

Pro: Cheap rates for18 holes.

Con: The course isn't in the best shape, with the occasional mat filling in for groomed tee boxes.

OTC Tip: Bring cash to Alondra, or you'll have to use the ATM in the snack bar to pay for your round.

Rancho Park Golf Course

Los Angeles (Map)

Rates: $7 weekday, $8 weekend 

Along with a full 18 hole course, Rancho offers a 9 hole Par 3 on the Pico side of the park.   

Pro: Very cheap course, and short - most golfers can get by with a few wedges, a 9 iron, and a putter. 

Con: Very cheap course - mats are in use on each tee. 

Found Animals Foundation

Follow Found Animals on Facebook

We’re trying something new here at OTCLA.  Instead of discussing a new hot spot in town or providing you with yet another way of physically torturing yourself, this post highlights one of the many ways you can do something good for your community.

Type: Outdoors

Category: Volunteering

Company: Everyone

Cost: Free to volunteer; adoption costs range from $50 for cats to $100 for puppies

A good friend of mine works with animals and has opened my eyes about the realities of pet overpopulation.  Like most non-sociopathic people, I’ve always loved animals, but never knew how I could actively help.  She presented me with options, namely volunteering at an adoption event, or being a true hero and adopting a new pet of my own.

OTC Facts:

●         Approximately 100,000 pets are put to sleep every year in Los Angeles alone.  That’s 274 per day!

●         Statewide, this number increases to approximately 500,000 (or 1,370 per day).

●         And for those of you who don’t care much about the animals, maybe this will catch your attention:  Nationwide, approximately $2 billion is spent housing and killing these animals every year.

If you’re in the market for a pet, make adoption your first choice.  Most of the pets in shelters are loving, kind animals who are there thanks to an incompetent previous owner.  Instead of spending $$$ to get a pet from a store or breeder, you can adopt one for much less from a shelter.  Go use all that money you just saved to do the rest of the awesome things mentioned here on OTC!

OTC Guy Tip: Girls love puppies – its a proven fact.  (Sallie’s note: It’s true, a cute puppy will catch my attention much quicker than a guy in an expensive car)  Seriously, I’m pretty sure that it’s physically impossible for a hot chick to walk by a dude with a dog and not  stop to oooh and aaah over the cuteness (the dog’s - not yours, you egotistical bastard).

If you aren’t ready for a pet, don't worry - you can volunteer at just about any shelter or non-profit in your area.  I recently lent my services at a big pet adoption event and loved it; being in charge of hundreds of cute puppies is a damn good way to spend an afternoon.  The day starts with pets of all kinds - dogs, cats, rabbits - all available for adoption, hoping to find their new home.  One by one, a family or young couple would come by and spend some time playing with the available pets before welcoming one into their family.  Seeing the smiles on kids' faces and the tails wagging at Mach 3 was incredible; I’m not sure who looked happier - the adopters or the adoptees!  I met some amazing, passionate people, and went home knowing that dozens of pets were spending their first night in a warm, cozy bed, thanks to the work done by myself and the other volunteers.  

Sounds like a good idea, right?  Now that spring is ending and summer is just around the corner, there are tons of great adoption events where you can find a new chick magnet (err pet).  One great event coming up is hosted by the Found Animals Foundation. The Cat Days of Summer Adopt-a-Thon is this Saturday, June 18th at 16 different locations throughout the LA area.  The event features reduced adoption fees, as well as a 2 for You cat special (adopt 2 cats, and Found Animals will pay the adoption fees for the second cat). For more info, check out www.foundanimals.org/catdays. 

OTC Tip: Most shifts are only a few hours, but if that still doesn’t fit in your schedule, contact your local shelter to find other upcoming opportunities. 

My friend likes to say she’s driven by the following “Saving one dog won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one dog.”  After my brief exposure into the field, I couldn’t agree more.

For more information about volunteering in the LA Area, visit:

http://www.laanimalservices.com/Volunteer/Vol_Volunteer.htm

http://www.animalcare.lacounty.gov/cms1_154725.pdf