Behind the myth of Hollywood lies a swirling melting pot of a place where nearly half of people speak Spanish and where, for every rising star, there's at least a hundred wannabes waiting tables or entertaining tourists on Venice Beach.

CNN: Los Angeles: Lights, camera, attitude

Before you attempt to eat and run, the fully licensed market (with extended opening hours from noon until11 pm every day this summer in honour of the Olympics and Paralympics) features a cocktail bar, urban beach (a sandpit for adults), hammocks, ping-pong tables and a live DJ.

BBC: Gourmet street food in London

At the picnic grounds we sat at one of the sunny-and-shady tables scattered under the high pines that grew at the edge of a small beach.

NEWYORKER: Miracle Polish

After all, runs the argument, you can take in a fake Paris or Venice after clearing the tables in Vegas, but you cannot then go and roast on a real beach.

ECONOMIST: A battle to bring casinos to Mexico