But if relates about hank williams jr the Kansas-born hank williams investigates flier belongs in the hall, then so does Charles Lindbergh, whose famous transatlantic flight actually began in San Diego, where his plane was built. And if we can claim Walt Disney -- and we can -- then we should also claim Charlie Chaplin, whether the British agree to give him up or not. Same for Stan Laurel. There's nothing wrong with celebrating the contributions of great Californians But everyone's a Californian. If you want to be elected president or become a rock star, plan a revolution or make a mint, you're going to have to come here eventually. Deciding who does and who doesn't belong in a hall of fame is the sort of categorizing, line-drawing, criteria-listing exercise we'd expect from a state with an insecurity complex, such as Texas or New York In California, anything goes, or should If you want to be famous, this is the place. Your ticket to induction is talent, whim, energy, genius or crazy luck It's not a well-intentioned board of experts in Sacramento. . Heads were turning toward the collection of car candy parked along the Beverly Hilton's driveway one recent evening.

The valets lined up a Rolls Royce with custom rims, a rare Spyker and a pair of exotic Bentleys best of hank williams jr . But a nearly 5-year-old Ford got the best spot: Valets apparently sensed the soul of the turquoise Thunderbird convertible, the remake of the 1955 classic. That was the same year Conrad Hilton opened his Beverly Hills showcase and welcomed Hollywood to eat, drink, sleep and, mostly, celebrate hank williams tour . During Merv Griffin's subsequent 16-year ownership, the '50s icon became a convention and tourist house and, like the new T-Bird, lost its momentum. Ford discontinued the Bird two years ago, but the Beverly Hilton is once again rolling along at top speed, thanks to a new owner who gave it a sparkling, $80-million overhaul. Though faithful to its 1950s origins, the three-year-long remake vaults the once-tired property up several notches into the ranks of modern, celebrity-worthy luxury hotels hank williams iii music . Now it boasts a fresh lobby, redecorated rooms, a revamped restaurant and bar, and upscale lobby shops. Hank Williams Jr tickets Like any Hollywood success, there's a big-budget sequel to come hank williams junior . The Hilton's owner, Beny Alagem, under his company, Oasis West Realty, is already planning for a $500-million project that would add an adjacent 120-room Waldorf-Astoria, the first in Southern California; shrink the Hilton from 570 rooms to 402; and add luxury residences and oodles of landscaping, even on rooftops. From the looks of things, the new project would further improve the Hilton, which would get a dramatic entrance, sculpture garden, luxury rooms and underground parking. Already, the Hilton is a much lovelier place, though pricier too. My discounted room was $325 a night; add $29 for valet parking and taxes, and two nights will total at least $750.

These days, that's not bad, especially given the sophistication of the upgrade. For untold thousands who work in entertainment or the media, the Beverly Hilton isn't so much a hotel as it is a temporary studio, perhaps best known for hosting the Golden Globe Awards, the Oscar nominees' luncheon and nearly 175 other annual red-carpet events complete hank williams jr. Most of those invitees, me included, end the night headed to the parking garage, not the guest elevator. So it was with great anticipation that I finally held a key to a room, a "deluxe king with terrace and luxury bath" -- absent a bathtub but with a frosted-glass shower and L'Occitane products hank williams iii albums . From my fourth-floor balcony, I had a great view along the hotel driveway where I'd stood reporting on the Golden Globes Hank Williams Jr - hankjr Hank Williams Jr - hankjr . It is ever so much better upstairs, even though I did once get to embrace George Clooney on the red carpet hank williams iii . A sophisticated man such as Clooney might feel right at home in the 350-square-foot room, handsome with its crisp, white bedding, espresso-hued wood fixtures, crystal lamps and silvery accents -- the interior-decor equivalent of a tuxedo. He would sip wine from the Spiegelau stemware, switch on the Bose radio, relax in the plush armchair and then propose to me. Oops, sorry Got carried away the complete hank williams . It's surprisingly easy to indulge in the Hollywood fantasy here. I walked to Spago, took the house limo to Saks Fifth Avenue and lounged poolside after a massage in the Aqua Star Spa, which opened last year. THE ZOMBIE CREWAt night, the outdoor parts of the new restaurant, Circa 55, and the relocated Trader Vic's Lounge, are already gathering spots for Young Hollywood.

You can't blame them for loving the 90-item cocktail menu that includes a $14 Zombie and high-drama snacks such as a flaming lobster roll. With such potent concoctions, it's only a matter of time before some starlet falls off her platforms into the pool, an Olympic-size wonder, the largest hotel pool in Beverly Hills conversation hank williams jr . It's a glorious expanse of warm water, surrounded by 73 lounge chairs and three canopied, outdoor beds that rent for $100 a day . The renovation also shifted focus onto the pool, which becomes a glittering backdrop for Circa 55 and the bar hank williams gold . You may be glad for the scenery, because the prosaic food at Circa 55 likely won't compel many repeat visits hank williams complete . The kitchens here, however, turn out competent, uncomplicated fare -- tangy Caesar salad, nicely grilled salmon, respectable pasta dishes. If you can't wait for a small pot of room-service coffee for more than $13 ($8 Hank Williams Jr . 25, plus $3. 75 delivery charge and 16% automatic gratuity), a lobby Starbucks swiftly provides the brew for $2, including tip. Stellar service, however, bridges the gap between expectation and experience hank williams senior . From the moment I checked in, I felt, gosh, sort of special, even if my name wasn't Mrs George Clooney. A woman can travel alone comfortably here, given the business vibe, the ever-present staff and the check-in procedure -- the clerk came from behind her desk to whisper my room number.