UNDERRATED / OVERRATED

HANDLING CHANGE

When we asked for change for a parking meter while dining at the downtown Standard’s restaurant (550 S. Flower St.), we were told they don’t “handle” coins (“If your bill comes to $35.40, we give you change for $35”). Is this some new snobbism or simply the hotel’s way of forcing you to pay their outrageous $10 parking lot fee?

MONDAY NIGHT AT MARK’S

Every Monday night, longtime WeHo fixture Mark’s (861 N. La Cienega Blvd.) is twice as busy as its famous neighbor Nobu. Why? How about half off every item on the menu.

THE BAHOOKA

You’ll never have to drink alone at this tiki landmark in Rosemead (4501 N Rosemead Blvd.), thanks to the long-necked turtles that swim up to say hello when you belly up to the Bahooka’s bar/aquarium.

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TRAVELLING

Don’t you know that long holiday weekends are the best time to be in L.A.? The freeways are clear, the restaurants aren’t jampacked, the city just feels lighter and more open. It’s Los Angeles as it was meant to be!

VINYL RECORDS

Sure, they sound great, but vinyl LPs are made with environmental no-no PVC plastic, the ingredients of which can cause health problems. Now, you’re probably not eating your record collection, so you’ll be OK, but if you’re serious about rockin’ green, you may have to go digital.

SHAQ’S FREESTYLIN’

The ex-Laker is dissing Kobe in an anemic, impromptu rap caught by a TMZ camera. Seriously, Shaq -- which is sadder; your weak flow or the fact that you can’t let it go? Hey, that rhymed!