As far as international landmarks go, the Hollywood sign might not have the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty, the history of Nelson’s Column, or even the brash kitsch of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign. But for generations, the 13.7 metre-high, 106.7m-long historic and cultural monument has come to represent glamour, dreaming big and aiming for the stars no matter what it takes.
Sat on top of Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains, the current sign is not the original, which, made from wood and sheet metal, fell afoul of the elements a few times over before its current version, which was made in 1978, and most recently repainted in 2005.
The sign’s latest iteration has seen it temporarily altered to read “Rams House” after the Los Angeles Rams' recent triumph over the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2022 Super Bowl. The change will be up until Wednesday.
Originally designed to last a year and a half after it was put up in 1923, 79 years later on the sign, just as the town it sits atop, has more than a few tales to tell…
The real estate advert that became a cinematic landmark
Unsurprising in a town in the business of selling dreams, the original Hollywood sign was erected in 1923 to advertise a new housing development in the hills above Los Angeles. Originally reading “Hollywoodland”, the sign was put up by real estate developers Woodruff and Shoults, with Hollywoodland described as a “superb environment without excessive cost on the Hollywood side of the hills”.
It used to be lit up by 4,000 light bulbs which would highlight the words “Holly” “Wood” and “Land” in succession.
The sign, also lit by spotlights, was supposed to stand for 18 months, but the advertisement coincided with the golden age of Hollywood and came to epitomise the bold, brash confidence of American cinema from the 1920s onwards.
Falling into ruin
In 1944, strong winds had knocked the H over completely — although an urban myth persists that it fell when the sign’s caretaker drove his car off the cliff and smashed into it — and in 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was entrusted with repairing and rebuilding the sign.
The contract with the City of Los Angeles Parks Department dictated that the word “Land” was removed, shortening the sign to “Hollywood”. As the cost for lighting up the sign also fell to the Chamber, they decided not to replace the thousands of lightbulbs.
The sign was revitalised, but owing to its unprotected location on Mount Lee, and the fact it was made of wood and sheet metal, by the 1970s, the first and third letter Os were severely damaged.
Hugh Hefner and Alice Cooper to the rescue
Credit for saving the Los Angeles landmark goes to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who, in 1978 launched a public campaign to save it. Appealing to his famous friends, Hefner convinced nine people and companies to each donate $27,778, for a total of $250,002, to restore the sign, and in turn be credited with a letter each.
The donors were Terrence Donnelly, the publisher of the Hollywood Independent Newspaper, who paid for the H. The first O was refurbished thanks to shock rocker Alice Cooper, who donated the money in memory of legendary US comedian Groucho Marx, and the two Ls by Les Kelley, founder of US automotive manual Kelley Blue Book and actor Gene Autry, known as “The Singing Cowboy”.
Easy listening singer Andy Williams paid for the W, the next two Os were funded by Italian film producer Giovanni Mazza and Warner Bros Records, while the D was paid for by businessman, Dennis Lidtke.
Nowadays, the sign is managed and maintained by the non-profit organisation, The Hollywood Sign Trust.
A sign for the ages
The alterations being made to the sign to celebrate the Los Angeles Rams' win isn’t the first time it has been changed — by both legal and unofficial means.
On the official side, in April 1977 and September 1987, the second L was covered so the sign read “Holywood”. The first time to commemorate the Easter sunrise service, and in 1987 for Pope John Paul II’s visit to California.
Also permitted to make changes, in 1983, the sign was covered and replaced by the words “Go Navy” for the Army-Navy football game's first and only west coast appearance.
Unauthorised alterations have been numerous, including by marketing companies looking to publicise films and albums. But one of the most famous incidents was the covering of the "H" so the sign read “Ollywood” in July 1987 at the height of the Oliver North Iran-Contra hearings.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
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If you go...
Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
Jawab Iteiqal
Director: Mohamed Sammy
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Ayad Nasaar, Mohamed Adel and Sabry Fawaz
2 stars
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
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Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
