Friday, February 20, 2009

Part 2

Four events over two days continued...

(Way late in posting the conclusion. Too busy to write these days)

February 4Th was a day of high and lows. I woke up early that Thursday because the Home wrecker and I planned to go a Dodger event that was being held at Canter's Deli off of Fairfax. The organization promised a cavalcade of stars both current and former but truthfully, everybody came to meet Russell Martin, serve lunch to everyone that was there during lunch hour. After that you could take pictures and get autographs as well. We started the day as we normally do and enjoyed a nice and short drive. As we did the requisite drive by to check out the scene we noticed that there was a a line of about five fans. Seeing as there was no rush, she decided to park on a side street and do her make up. Time passed, and we headed to join the line. The highlight of the wait was when a homeless person started tripping on Dodger nation for crowding the side walk. Soon after that the line started moving and we were shown to our seats. After a bowl of delicious chicken noodle soup, and a awesome introduction to potato pancakes, the boys in blue finally arrived. everyone except Russell. I think he was ushered in enclosed in a glass case or something because he had more security with him than the pope. I know it's because he's the best catcher in the NL, but I think it had to do with the fact that there were a heavy constituency of female Russell fans in the house. As we waited for him, I had my picture taken with James Loney. Not the most personable of fellows, but nevertheless one of my favorites. Then, the man of the hour arrived. Home wrecker and I were among the first to approach him. He signed my shirt and then signed her arms. Things couldn't be better right?

Like a good little geek, I turned on my laptop as soon as I stepped into the door. I was horrified to learn that Lux has died. For those that don't know Lux was the lead singer of the Cramps, a very important band for anyone who likes good music. The Cramps were responsible for connecting me to my cousin Cynthia. She had the "Bad music for bad people" poster. I was about five when I saw that poster and was intrigued by it's weird and intriguing message. The Cramps also introduced me to the concept of Newcastle in a can. The Narc and I went to see them one day and were awestruck by this strange and fascinating concept.It's a story that still gets told in certain circles to this day. And finally the Cramps are going to forever remind me of the most tumultuous relationship I've ever been in. Just as recent as that morning, the home wrecker and I were blasting Garbageman (like the good Cramps fans that were are) on the 101 and when we got off we discussed about which dead celebrity we would love to have a drink with. We fired back and fourth the usual names and we couldn't come up with an answer. (It was then that I also learned that she wasn't a fan of Sinatra but that's a whole other story for another day.) I was the one who broke the news to her and later on that day I got a text saying "Well now I know who I'll have that drink with."

STAY SICK Lux.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Part 1

Four events over two days...

Tuesday saw the 50th anniversary of "The Day The Music Died". Now I know what you're thinking, this is going to be another "generic Rockabilly tribute" to Buddy. Well I'm happy to say that it's not. All I want to offer is this little nugget of information about me and why I'll always miss Buddy. During the early nineties in SoCal Oldies 93.1 FM (now known as Jack FM) was one of Pop's favorite radio stations and he would always blast the radio while he was working on whatever car happened to be in our driveway at the time. This one time I remember him working on his white Toyota and Buddy Holly's Peggy Sue came on. Right away, my little little 8 or 9 year old mine became enamored with this song's catchy hook and wicked drumbeat. I loved it's simplicity and quite honestly it was something I could dance to. I asked him who it was and after he told he had a look of approval on his face. It was one of the first times I can recall where I felt great to be cool in my Dad's eyes. It also started a awesome journey of musical discovery that to this day hasn't stopped.

Tuesday was also host to a Dodger rally/autograph event at LA Live. It was also the first time my little cousin and I had bonded in quite sometime. After a short trip into Downtown we arrived to our destination. We saw that the higher ups made you choose what Dodgers you wanted to meet that day. For example, you could meet Fernando but if you did that, you couldn't meet Ethier. Fucking gyp right? But seeing as how I don't get a boner for Fernando like every other Angeleno I was cool with it. The only casualty of war was on Tommy Davis. He's my fifth favorite Dodger of all time. Another cool thing that happened was when we were leaving Charley Steiner from the radio team walked right by us. You know, he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. We snapped a couple pics and were off to dinner at Olvera St. You should of seen the excitement of this kid as we entered the 7th Subway station. (It was his first time)-"That's what she said" (cheap joke) But it was his comment of this being one of the best days he's had in awhile made me smile. Truly a good day had by all.