My 27th Spirit Formation Anniversary

Well I called it. In my previous post I revealed that every year on my birthday something memorable happens. This year was no different. It started off with my friends and I catching a super secret double feature of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight at Universal City IMAX. As an added bonus we each suck in a bottle of his or hers favorite alcoholic beverage. As the movie played on the level of intoxication rises and by the end of Begins we run out of booze. (Well not me I still had a pint of Jack. I didn't wanna share.) As luck would have it a buddy of mine (the Tooth) was getting off of work when the first movie ended and being he was only a quick jog up the 101 he decided to take me to get reinforcements.

By the time all was said and done I was drunk. It was 2am and the rest of Citywalk had emptied out her drunks and miscreants. All of us decided to rendezvous near Cal St. LA and crack open a few more bottles. The Tooth said he had a bunch of Pozole at his house so we would stop by and take some back for everyone else. As we entered the on ramp onto the 101 (the one near the In-n-out) something happened. I guess it was a combo of rain soaked pavement and the Tooth pushing the speed limit (he wasn't drinking) but whatever the case may be we got into a little fender bender. We slid and hit the guard rail and did a 180. My leg was slightly bruised and the truck received some damage, but the real causality was my buzz.

Being the committed goon that he is. we carried on and drank until the sun came up on Friday morning. The celebration carried over to the final two days. Nothing else really happened. I got to drink 100% free on Sat. in Whitter and my buddy gave me a kick ass UCLA beanie and Dodger mug. It's not that I'm unappreciative or anything like that but it's kinda cool that I cheated death once again. Maybe I do have the Force after all...

Beat sc of Course But Since it Was '98, Beat Miami

1998-Sophomore in high school. I had recently transferred schools over my refusal to adhere to uniform policy. Looking back on it I think it was because I was going through my Punk rock phase and I was tired of wearing uniforms to school for the previous ten years. Anyways I had kept in touch with a few people and one of them was a huge sc fan. We would debate everything concerning the rivalry. During the week he approached me about going to the game at the Rose Bowl. Neither of us had tickets so we decided to be hard core and bus it up there and buy tickets from scalpers. Pops kind of got mad that I went with a trojie, but after he revealed he was only messing I was off.

As we entered the Arroyo Secco, it was a scene. Half blue and half red littered the landscape. We decided to walk around and take it all in before breaking the law and obtaining tickets. Realizing that neither one of us would be caught dead at our opponents tailgate we split up. Now I really don't remember what he did but, my fellow Bruins and I partied mightily before the game. We were ranked in number one in this new thing called the BCS and if we won the next two games we would play for the national championship. Now the mere thought of UCLA winning it all in football was enough to drink but to actually be alive to witness it happen was unthinkable.

Two more was all we needed.

So after an hour of partying it up in our respective fan bases we met near the famous sign and picked up some tickets from what appeared to be an sc alum. After jokingly voicing my mistrust in him (even though I really meant it, he was just too stupid to realize it) we entered the stadium. If I remember correctly ( damn alcohol consumption) it was sort of back and forth for the two quarters. Towards the end of the half we recognized some people who had also purchased tickets from the same scumbag that we did. As they were trying to get to their seats some other people had come with tickets for the same location that they had. As the usher was coming to resolve this I noticed that the people we had recognized had shifted their attention to us. After 15 mins of evading Rose Bowl security we decided to split to the south end zone which happened to be full of red. Now this was going to end with me either being verbally assaulted to the point of tears or me running my mouth to epic proportions.

One more was all we needed.

We ended up winning 34-17. I decided to split up again to party it up with the student section. The celebration culminated with cheerleaders bring out a yell horn that hadn't been used since our championship season of 1954. For that one day we were on top of the world. We had not only beaten the scum from across town but, at that point we had done it eight straight years, the longest streak in the history of this storied rivalry, and we were on our way to claiming college football's top prize. All we needed was to beat Miami next weekend in a make up game that was reschedlued due to Hurricane Georges. No matter. We had the nation's longest winning streak. Nothing could stop us now.


49-45 Miami.

BEAT SC.

Brett Hart, Art, and tons of Booze

Been having a bit of a ball lately. It's a shame that the Dodgers aren't doing so hot or else I'd be dancing from the top of the Hollywood sign or something ridiculous like that. It started on the 21st. I had two final exams and aced both of them. It took me exactly 17 minutes to finish a hundred question Poly Sci quiz.And the English 102 exam stood no chance! After a small victory party of arcade games and a couple drinks I deemed the day a rousing success.

Friday was a bit of a high/low. The cool part was that I met some people from Canada, Alberta to be exact. My dumbass remarks that Lance Storm is from there and then couple starts talking about Brett Hart. Thank god I ran into wrestling fans or I would have looked like quite the fool. (Or maybe I am a fool for discussing wrestling who knows?)After that my buddy and I run to a liquor store to pick up some booze to go to another friend's house.I pick up a six of Newcastle and a pint of Jim Beam. After feeling a good buzz we go back for my cousin and a bottle of Seagrams 7 and what follows is that worst hangover since I broke the sink at Anarchy Library in 2003.

Saturday was filled with the realization that the Dodgers will not leave Philly with a win, and I was undoubtedly hungover. Truly a horrible time. My Madre told me to relax and watch "The Music Box" with her. Pretty funny but,I prefer the Three Stooges personally. Also caught "Remember The Titans" for the first time. Pretty awesome movie. Ended the night playing a little Halo 3.

Sunday I went to LACMA. (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and saw some great stuff. I think I may have found a new favorite artist in Shizu Saldamando.She does a wonderful job of capturing subcultures in Los Angeles.I took a picture of a painting that I thought looked like me. After that I went to go play ball with a couple friends. I went home that night with the satisfaction of knowing I worked out my brain, body, most unfortunately my liver this weekend.

Monday saw the unexpected news of my professor losing my final paper for my English class. Which means I had to plan a weekday trip to the campus which I so didn't want to do. I decided to stay at a buddy's house close to school and celebrate. (Tuesday was his birthday) After learning that his toilet was out of order, we decided to walk to Yoshinoya at 2am. Walking was the only solution since no one, certainly not us, was able to drive. It was the closest open restroom and damn it I was hungry.

Tuesday morning found me turning in my paper, going to the Federal building on Wilshire to pickup a passport, going to Forrest Lawn to look at Walt Disney's grave and check out the little museum that they have there. Had fun. Only thing that kind of killed it was the heat. After that I met up with a group of friends for a buffet lunch in Downey. Food was mediocre at best but I wasn't gonna complain. (I was treated to lunch.) I then returned home for a quick nap. around six I was told that there would be a gathering at an ex-co-worker's house, where Menudo and whiskey would be flowing. As the night wound down I made the realization that there are some people I should not be talking to and that night I essentially ended a fun but strenuous association.

Nothing happened on Wednesday. Just some light house and yard work. I mean nothing out of the ordinary. But I can honestly say that I have had fun much fun this week. I am really looking forward to the Bruin game on Monday and the start of the fall semester on Tuesday. Now only if the Dodgers could get it together...

Brooklyn still hasn't recovered

Sucks to be Seattle. That was the first thought that came to mind when I heard the Sonics (or SuperSonics I don't care) were leaving the Emerald City for, of all places, Oklahoma City. Why leave the land of Starbucks, Grunge, and Frasier Crane for...see nothing comes to mind! (If you are from Oklahoma City I apologize) Everyone knows the real reason they did it: Money.

How much is tradition worth? OKC, although not a current powerhouse in the NBA, had a rich and successful legacy in the Pacific Northwest. They won an NBA tittle in '79 and such players as Xavier Mcdaniel, Shawn Kemp, and Gary Payton have donned the Sonic green. Not only that but the franchise has provided the city and it's fans with many memories that could last a lifetime. Now I understand we live in a Capitalist society and we are all free to make a dollar but how can you do so knowing that you are breaking a a city's heart? Would you be able to sleep knowing that family traditions have been lost? As cliche as it may sound, think of the children. Hopefully youngsters weren't close to the team or anything like that.

It made me think. What would I do if my beloved Dodgers left LA for Portland or some other city aching for a baseball franchise? I would probably hole up in some dingy hotel room near the Ravine drinking Jack and shedding an ungodly amount of tears. I felt like a raging alcoholic for thinking that but then I pictured Red Sox and Raider nation doing similar things if their franchise left town. Who knows maybe fans of The Predators or Twins would do the same. Imagine what Green Bay or Knick fans would do. So I pose the question to you what would you do?

Did you miss me

Salutations everyone. Well I have been especially busy as of late with finals and various other going ons. Let's start with Saturday I suppose. For those who follow me on Twitter you know that I recently attended a LA Galaxy soccer game. To tell you the truth I had more fun than I thought I would. The tailgating area wasn't bad. All the people of the supporter group we were sitting with were awesome. Very knowledgeable and passionate fans. I had fun searching the luxury boxes for "Tomkat" (Beckham's BOFFL) and chanting "Let's go Dodgers" at every chance I got. I thought I would of gotten on everybody's nerves by pointing out the differences between Carson and the Ravine. But at the end of the day they actually one upped me by chants of "It's not baseball". All in all it was a entertaining change of pace. (Sports wise)

Also on that day Clayton made his Major League debut. He didn't get a decision and only gave up one run over 7 and 1/2. Not bad for a twenty year old Texan. Believe you me, that curveball is going to terrorize the league in the coming years Sunday was movie day. (Indy wasn't as good as I hoped) Memorial day found me at the requisite BBQ. Hamburgers and Jim Beam Black label were on the label. Monday found me relaxing with my madre and fretting over the lack of run support our starters have been getting lately. Now, I have two weeks to kill before I start my Physiology class.

Can't wait...

Oh wait almost forgot: found a new Taco spot by my house and yes they have Tripas!!

Busy Weekend

Usually I like to get more in depth with my tales of sin in the city of angels but today I must cut it short because it's opening day and I am craving a Dodger dog so I'll cut to the chase.

*Thursday the 27th: An L.A. County Sheriff pulled a buddy of mine and I over due to a busted tail light. Routine traffic stop right? Not so fast my friends.It was one a.m., we were in a less than reputable neighborhood and there was a hint of Jack on my breath combine all those factors and you end up with me sitting in back of a Highway patrol car for over an hour while the officer searches the car. All they found was the piece of Pan Dulce I had wrapped in a napkin, and upon seeing this the officer decided that we weren't out to cause trouble so she let us go. Interesting side note, the officers demeanor greatly changed when I mentioned the Dodgers.

*Friday: Studied and played COD 4 with my cousin, then for a nightcap it was Super Smash Bros. Brawl while sipping on some Grey Goose., Good times.

*Saturday: Coliseum game. Unfortunately we had to park near the campus of Spoiled Children but it was well worth it since my Bruins were on with a chance to go to the final four on the line.Of course we won and I got to rub it in all the surrounding Trojan fans. But the day was all about the boys in blue so I had to shelve the Bruin spirit. While I agree with the Duke on the field being an absolute joke for baseball, it was still magical nonetheless. It was truly wonderful being surrounded by Dodger fans in a carnival like setting. The highlight was being able to take a picture with Ron Cey and the 81' and 88' trophies.

*Sunday: Studied and set up a Flickr account. After that I went to a recording studio on the outskirts of downtown and took pictures of the skyline from the rooftop of said studio. Came home and couldn't sleep due to the excitement of the Monday's events.

That's pretty much it. March has been one long and expensive month and I am both sad and happy to see it go. Now in the immortal words of the great Vin Scully:

"It's time for Dodger baseball!"

Erin Go Bragh

Started off at the Peppermill in Vegas. Personally I thought the place was overrated. I was given a huge drink that was called a scorpion. A bit fruity for my taste, but what was I to do? At least I had a couple to gain a pretty good buzz. Checked into the room and I immediately put the Jack on ice. I was cautiously optimistic because I had brought my books with me to study before the show. Flogging Molly went on at eight so I some time to kill. I know it's weird because who studies in Vegas?

I showered before the show. Nothing like sipping on some ice cold Jack. The beauty of this former desert lay off for G.I's is that it allows one to walk around with a glass or other type of container filled with a poison of choice. I filled a cup with whiskey and minimal ice of course and headed for the show. (Got a real nice picture of the sunsetting from my room it should follow this.) By the time I got to Mandalay Bay (The show was at the House of Blues)I was at least two sheets to the wind.

Now I only remember a bit of the show. They did play "Drunken Lullabies" and "Rebels of the Sacred Heart". Thanks to fifty two dollar rounds, the show is pretty much a blur. How can you not get drunk at a Molly show?

I wake up in the room around two a.m. Lord knows how I got there. After yet another rejuvenating shower, I decide to get down to the business of losing money. I make another drink and grab my green Dodger cap and head for Vegas' rainy streets. Along the way I receive various compliments on the hat and actually got a drink or two out of it. Again due to the alcohol consumption it gets foggy. I recall winning at New York, New York, Paris, and Planet Hollywood.

On my way home on Sunday, I deemed this a successful trip. Left Vegas with a slight hangover, more money than I came with and some kick ass beef jerky that was purchased before I hit LA. I was ready to relax as soon as I got home. I did the requisite unpacking and then a phone call offered me the chance to go see Bad Religion at the Hollywood House of Blues. So I grabbed my green hat, and the Jack and I was on my way to another show.

Helluva way to celebrate St. Patty's day right?

A little late

I attended the Foo Fighters show at the Forum on Thursday. Awesome show. I am going to keep it short. It was a eventful evening starting with the Inglewood police department telling me that they have a problem with my water bottle. Granted the water bottle had Southern Comfort in it. Weird right? Luckily they noticed I was already buzzing and co they made dump the rest out. I arrived just in time to see the Foos come on stage. Highlights of the show: Triangle solo and a instrumental version of the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" in the Middle of "I'll Stick Around. Oh yeah, the Forum doesn't appreciate you smoking either. All in all it was a good show and I lost my voice. Sorry I wasn't much more in depth. I promise I will do a better job with Vegas.

Friday

After another trying yet successful meatless Friday that also found me stuck in front of this thing all day, it was time for some R n'R . I talked to Robert and Pasadena was suggested. I agreed to meet him there. Being the studious one, I suggested to Saul, who is a mate of mine, we pick up a bottle on the way over there. I also took a little Brandy with me just in case. You never know right? So after the acquisition of the bottle we jumped on the freeway and started off.

We decided to kill sometime on the strip seeing as we didn't wanna show up early and look like jerks.The bottle was cracked open and the night truly began. A mixture of bad puns and The Cramps littered the freeway after we were done with it. After I felt enough time had passed so a call was placed and soon again we were off on a different freeway this time though.

Upon our arrival at the Green St. parking structure we decided not to join them at a table at Wokano's but rather more a couple more rounds at the good old 35er. Lots of good times have been had there. Up to this point I had a great buzz going, so I ordered my usual two extra stiff 7'7's. As I was paying I noticed that Saul had ventured off to score some of the popcorn that is readily available to all drunks who stumble in looking for a final drink and a warm seat. As I turn my head back to make sure my change was coming I see those two seats that conjure up so many memories that reek havoc on my psyche. the moment was quick but it still shook me down to the core.

Luckily Saul had made his way back by then or I really would be stuck on that one all night. We decided to meet Robert for drinks at Wokano's and we entered through the back this time. (Who knew they had a back entrance.) I saw him in that crowded closet that they call a dance area slash bar. Scene was full of the young, beautiful and highly snooty. Every male was all bro'd out drinking their Coronas and every female doing their best to look like the cheap attention grabbing trashy celebutantes that they so desperately crave to be. Point being I hated this place. I fought my way to the bar to get an awful putrid watered down apple juice that they call a 7'7. At this time the cheap music and horrid atmosphere was beginning to weigh we down. I was trying to gather everyone so I could recommend we that we leave, but then I heard a comment that made me laugh: "Did you see that guy's pomp? It's HUGE!

Clearly a sign that I was sticking out like a sore thumb. Good old pomp. Always nice to be the oddball/underdog.Miraculously the bar turns all the lights on. Bailed out by the time of night. After a stop somewhere off Central for some great Tacos, the Brandy was cracked.

Memory becomes fuzzy after that. I needed a night like this. After that comment I think back on how many times my hair and how I do it becomes a conversation starter. I've been in the oddest of places and it still catches everyone's eye. I am terrible with names but sometimes I will be at random places ranging from a King's hockey game to the bay area and I still get greeted with :"Hey, you're that guy with the pomp" or "I knew it was you Mike, when I saw your hair." It reminds me that no matter what happens I will probably be remembered as "the guy with the pomp". And strangely enough, I think I am fine with that. It's nice to be different.

The Man in Black

Today is Johnny Cash's birthday. If you ever have spent a night drinking Whiskey and smoking cigarettes with me then you know how important his music and his life is to me.

This one is for you J.R. you have gotten me through some tough times.

God bless you, and rest in peace.

First Time..go easy

So you think you’ve been To a Dodger Game

Let me explain something first: everyone has their own experience and rituals when it comes to sporting events. Some even have traditions that go back generations. Thankfully I live in the greatest city in the world, which is also home to the best baseball franchise ever to occupy a dugout. Names like Koufax, Drysdale, Hershiser, and Lasorda have provided countless memories for our fair city. I personally fell in love with the Dodgers when I was young. I actually remember getting my Steve Sax poster from the Unocal 76 station on the corner of Beverly and Rosemead. I treated that poster as if it was gold. I was five years old. Then came the ‘88 series and I was hooked for life. From that moment on no matter where I am I always “think blue”. Now I have seen my fair share of wins and losses in Chavez Ravine but I didn’t have my first “experience” until my buddy Carlos suggested we get season tickets. After I said yes, I would never look at it is just a game but more like a beautiful journey built around cheap beer, overpriced parking, and concession lines that never move. It’s life. It’s Dodger baseball.

To assure that you have the best possible experience a Friday night game in the left field pavilion is the only way to go. Dodger games have the privilege of starting at 7:40 PM on Friday nights. No other Major League team has games that start later. (Not even those bastards off the 57 freeway in Anaheim start later than us.) The late start is perfect for people trying to get to the stadium after work. Carlos and I usually take off from my house in Montebello and we jump on the 60 freeway around 6:00 PM. Pre game Dodger talk provides a perfect soundtrack as you come up to the Caesar Chavez (it should still be Brooklyn Ave.) exit. Some people get off on Vignes blvd. some even go as far as getting off on Sunset or Stadium Way. Not only are those exits some of the most crowded in L.A., they are even worse on game days. Caesar Chavez provides an opportunity to bypass the traffic and best of all provides a chance to stop at the CVS (it will always be Sav-On to me) and purchase a 12 pack of Miller High life before the game. As you make your way past the dilapidated apartments and run down car washes up the street from the stadium, the timeless voice of the Dodgers Vin Scully, utters that all too familiar phrase from not just mine but everybody’s childhood: “It’s time for Dodger baseball..”

As he utters those sweet soothing words you climb the hill and there it is the west coast cathedral of baseball. Walter O’Malley’s vision brought to life. As you pay the $15 parking fee, try to stay to the right and follow the road to park near the pavilion. It is a bit of a drive and hassle but as you will see later on it is a big part of the experience. As the sun sets you park your car there and begin to drink. While you drink you discuss the days pitching matchups and various other baseball topics and then all of a sudden, it sneaks in ever so gracefully right in front of your eyes, a scenic view that can rival any urban landscape, in any part of the world. Nothing tops a pink-and blue sky with Dodger stadium and the Los Angles skyline in the background. That sight over many spring and summer nights has stirred up every emotion in me that I can think of. I am also fairly certain it has the power to cause emotion and reflection in even the blackest of hearts. For me it has acted like a band aid when I am blue and an exclamation point when I am excited. For the most part it reminds me of my place in the world and that L.A. is my home and the Dodgers are in my blood. I guess you can say I bleed Dodger blue. (But my heart mind you is UCLA.)

Now the game has begun. If you are like me, then you should be well on your way to having a pretty good buzz going. As soon as you approach the gate you begin to hear Nancy Bea on the stadium organ while smells of Dodger dogs and freshly cut grass fill the air. Not even the sight of ridiculously long concession stand lines will bring you down. While you make your way to your seat you will see people laughing, joking and even throwing around inflatable beach balls. Now you are ready to relax and enjoy a good game of baseball. Sounds pretty good so far right? Well there is an additional part that is optional and should only be tried if you have been in the pavilion before and you have a pretty record of controlling your alcohol when you drink.

The tradition states you sneak in a pint of any Whiskey into the stadium. The reason you bring in Whiskey is because any whiskey goes well with the $7 coke or sprite that they serve in the stadium. The reason behind the sneak in is because they do not serve any type of alcohol in the pavilion area. Not many people know the reason why but I’ll let you in on the secret, left field pavilion Dodger fans have a notorious reputation. Ask any Giant, Padre, or Angel fan or player who has entered or played left field before. The visiting fan is immediately harassed upon their entry and as soon as they are in plain view of trying to find their seat they are immediately bombarded with peanuts, popcorn and verbal insults. Sad to say not even the younger fans are safe. Even sadder the usher usually ends up ejecting the visiting fan for their own safety. Visiting players have had to hear insults about their wives, mothers, and manhood throughout the whole game being yelled at them. They have tried to curb the problem by not selling alcohol, but like I stated earlier you go around that by drinking before and sneaking a bottle in. Regular pavilion fans will notice you throughout the whole season and the cool thing is that they get used to it, or if you are lucky, they will join you for a drink and next thing you know you have made a new friend. Isn’t funny how alcohol and sports brings people together?

As Vin would say: “Let’s get back to the game.” (He always says the phrase after the requisite “This day in baseball history” segment.) So now you have your bottle and at this point you can buy a soda, mix it with your forbidden bottle and sip your drink throughout the whole game or take shots (swigs). Rules for the shots dictate that you start off taking a shot every time the Dodgers score. If the game is slow, and no one scores after a few, you swig after every Dodger hit. If you are attending during a pitcher’s duel or lucky enough to be attending a no hitter you take a drink after every Dodger strikeout. By the seventh inning stretch you will be singing along to “Take Me out to the Ball Game” like a little kid. (I personally yell Bruins when the crowd yells Dodgers but that’s just me.)The positive environment combined with some more alcohol added to your system should be more than enough to get you to the end of the game.

The unfortunate reality is that the Dodgers don’t win all the time. To be honest they haven’t really won that much at all during the past couple seasons. But hopefully you attend a game in which they pull out a victory. Nothing caps off a good game and a good buzz than singing “I love L.A.” walking down from your seat to your car. (They only play Randy Newman’s classic after a victory, if not the equally satisfying sounds of the stadium organ fills the air.) During the walk back down to the car, people sometimes hoot and holler with fellow fans. It gets especially heated after games with our hated rivals the aforementioned San Francisco Giants. If that doesn’t suit you there are always topics of discussion that can range from either the game or the rest of the night’s events. (If you have any that is.) I usually take an extra shirt with me so I can go out and have a couple drinks and discuss the game further. (Win or lose.)

Again this is my way of going to a Dodger game. Some have tried it and liked it and others have not. But one thing you will see and hopefully agree with is that this is more than just a regular trip to a baseball game, it is an experience. A truly unique experience that combines and celebrates the game of baseball and the tradition, people and history of the city of Los Angeles. We should all take a time out and come together as a community and cheer on a team that goes on to represent our city and our beloved team. Remember how the city went wild during Fernandomania? Or how everyone remembers where they where during Gibson’s home run in game one in ’88? Future generations will be soon be talking about how Martin threw out that runner trying to steal second, how far Kemp hit that home run, or how Billingsley is on pace to win a Cy Young award this year. No matter what one fact remains, the Dodgers will always continue to create new memories (some better than others) and most importantly bring together fans of any age, race, or economic background. Instead of arguing over politics, race, and various issues that plague our city we should all just go to a Dodger game. Maybe then our problems and differences won’t seem so bad. It’s not a sure fire solution to our problems but it’s at least a starting point. You know what I’ll even buy the High Life and the first round of Dodger dogs….