Q: When traveling with our kids on Hollywood Boulevard recently, we had to fight our way through aggressive street people dressed as Disney and other cartoon characters. When our kids posed for photos with them, they demanded several dollars each. Is it legal to do this kind of intimidation? How do we deal with them?

A: Those street characters are breaking several laws, including panhandling and illegally wearing copyrighted Disney and other costumes. However, in both very busy tourist locations, it seems the police do nothing more than tolerate them, as long as their aggression doesn’t turn to verbal and/or physical violence.

The official attitude has usually been that they have the right to make a living, as long as they don’t make overt pests of themselves. However, after several recent serious incidents in New York City, legislators there may introduce bills to curb or totally ban the costumed characters from their streets.

Our opinion: Let ‘em be as long as they obey all laws to respect and protect the rights of tourists. As for copyright violations, that’s a decision Disney and other companies must make, whether it’s worthwhile to start civil cases against people who obviously don’t have the financial means to defend their illegal actions. Also, the publicity of the big bad companies going after the poor little guys could be negative.

Next time some 99% occupiers revolt in your town, consider how some of the 1% occupy airplanes when they fly. For example, round-trip New York to Tokyo first-class tickets on some airlines can cost upwards from $10,000. On luxury airline, Cathay Pacific, it can go as high as $23,000.

You’d have to be a royal princess, lottery winner, MLB slugger or NFL quarterback to afford such luxury. But, hey, it includes luggage, taxes, fuel add-ons and other charges. And look at what you get for the price!

You avoid mixing with the peasant flyers by entering the private first-class entrance, where an attendant escorts you to your private compartment. Once inside the enclosed pod-like unit, you’ll experience that the cramped tourist class passengers can only envy.

Decor, including vases on the wall with fresh orchids, consist of a large sofa seat that converts into a comfortable bed for two, complete with upscale sheets and pillows. Everything is set against polished wood paneling and shining aluminum. A door leads to your private bathroom with shower stall.

Included are luxury meals prepared fresh, not frozen, by airline chefs, as well as wine and champagne served whenever you desire throughout the flight. For your sleeping comfort, there are lounging robes, pajamas and slippers.

Check out this great article covering some of the great foodie cities in Europe including Paris, Marsailles, Dijon and more.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8079919/great_foodie_destinations_in_europe.html

Here's our review of this interesting boutique hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8081541/hilton_checkers_downtown_los_angeles.html