Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

Monday, January 26, 2009

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...

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Obama, Chick Flicks, and Kobe's 81



It sure has been hectic in the world lately hasn't it? Personally I can say that I have been drunk,tipsy,or what ever way you want to put it,more days than I have been sober in 2009. Along the way I have some thoughts about current and on going events:

*On Obama: Okay I'll admit, I usually vote Republican. Usually this annoys some people and I get reminded of my political preferences in the most inopportune time. But ever since he gave that speech at the DNC he's sort of changed me. Some of my closest friends still can't believe I voted for him. Today's events really put things into perspective. To see our country come together to watch our 44th president be sworn in was truly history in the making. Yet again my bitch ass shed a tear. Special day indeed.

*Chick flicks: Speaking of tears I have this theory that every guy has a secret chick flick that he secretly likes. I mean everyone has a musician or band that they secretly like but they wont admit to, so this theory isn't too far off. My belief in that was strengthened when I was informed that one of the scariest looking dudes I've ever met (think of a mix of John Favreau and Bane)gets a huge boner for the movie Jersey Girl. Anything's possible I guess. (for the record my fave chick flick is a tie between Love Actually and Steel Magnolia's. I blame the latter on my Madre.)

*On Manny: What is with the lag? SIGN HIM NOW!!!

*On my b-day: Every January 22nd for the past three years something eventful has happened. 2006 saw Kobe score 81. 2007 had the official news that Rage Against The Machine was reuniting at Coachella and 2008 brought the unfortunate and untimely death of Heath Ledger. But usually it's just an excuse to drink for two weeks straight. I don't think anything will happen this year and quite honestly I'm fine with that. Like the great Sam Cooke once sang "A Change is Gonna Come".

Thank God it's finally here.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Bedtime

I had a unusually productive shower tonight. Lately I have been questioning the validity of some relationships and I realize sometimes I put too much stock on all the little random signs that one gets every now and then. (i.e. stupid little things like certain songs, the mention of that name in the most unlikely of places, and other things of that nature) Call me stupid but I used to be a big believer in signs and coincidence. Still sort of am although it kind of shames me to admit it. Guess that's the Madre in me.

Supposedly wisdom comes with age and experience. Although I may not have the age, I do consider myself to have a (excuse the vulgarity ) butt load of experience. Thanks to my infamous wild streak, eternal love of booze, countless hours spent in the proverbial punk rock/rockabilly scene, and general contempt for all those in charge, I think I have put myself in situations where much life experience was gained. But now I'm getting off track.

Point is I'm starting to move away from believing in coincidence to "just the facts mam". Is that bad? Am I becoming colder? This is probably just another rung on the ol' ladder of maturity but in a way this kind of saddens me.

Maybe I think too damn much?

Friday, January 9, 2009

Just A Thought

Fridays nights used to be about hanging out in Uptown Whitter. Dodging so called "skins" and playing "Hey Mister" outside the liquor store. Now it's usually all about homework and whatever else needs to be done around the house. I mean I still score the occasional bottle but I feel more at ease at home.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

More Than Likely I'm Wrong but...

I think instead of writing huge long pieces I'm going to try writing quick short blurbs to let everyone know what's going on in my head. Like today for instance I've been think about honesty and when it should be used. Naturally it should be used 24-7 but come on, there are times when absolute honesty can really fuck things up.

Like Tuesday for instance. This person (the Screamer if you pay attention to my tweets) I was watching Scrubs like a good little boy and just as the second episode started on ABC (cheap plug) the screamer calls wanting to hang out. Even though I was already pissed that she called during my stories, I reluctantly agreed. Never mind the episode earlier in the day in which I was sorta bailed on, I decided to see if there was any sort of apology waiting for me.

Just as I'm getting ready the phone rings and I was informed of a gathering that would feature free booze and video games. I had a choice to make: either go with the Screamer and be mildly uncomfortable or go with the guys and drink. I decided to make it all about the booze. (yeah, big surprise) I grabbed the phone and tried to reach the Screamer but apparently no dice. Someone had the bright idea of turning their phone off. Long story short I'm in the doghouse.

I called the Screamer the next day and was asked for an honest answer why I bailed. Being the firm believer in honesty that I am I replied " I found something better to do." I know I screwed up by being THAT honest. (Granted I was still pissed about the day's earlier events and was kinda tipsy) But I believe when you ask for an honest answer you should get it. No matter how brutal it is. But then again I have been known to be called an asshole every so often...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

210 Freeway

A couple weeks ago I went to go see my cousin play a show somewhere in San Dimas. I must admit, I didn't really want to go. I rather much hit the sauce on a Saturday night at the Burgundy, but he is like a little brother to me so off I went. I decided to pick up a bottle before we hit the freeway. I didn't know what type of venue it was and if they had booze who knew how much it would cost. So on the sixty to the six 0' five. It was raining and the night had officially begun.

We were making good time. The freeways were pretty clear (it was early) and I guess you could say so far so good. But looming in the distance was the two ten. Now let me stop right there, I have nothing against the two ten. I didn't see a horrific accident there or something like that. It's just I get kind of nostalgic whenever I travel on that road. It's just that particular on ramp off the six o' five north that always gets me.

Years ago that place, that little intersection, played a huge role on who I was and who I now am. During that time I was living in Rialto and then Victorville with an ex-girlfriend. It was a pretty good relationship for the most part accept she was really pushing me to move in with her. I decided to go on with it because 1) I liked her (obviously) 2) She SEEMED like she had a good head on her shoulders 3)She said it was time for me to "grow up" (i.e., leave your friends and all that you love behind) Truth be told it was more like a forced situation. As result of this I became bored and angry. (honestly there's not much to do out there unless you have a healthy Meth habit) So more than often I would travel back home.

I had a female friend who lived in the Pasadena/Altadena area. We used to talk for hours on end. She wasn't perfect though. She came from a huge sc family. (she even tried to put me in an sc sweater once, didn't happen..lol) As result of her interesting opinions and similar tastes we grew to be pretty close. Sometimes, on the way back to deadsville, I would be selfish and instead of making a right to take the two ten east I'd make a left and go west. It was a decision I never regretted but it was one some didn't agree with, namely the woman I was living with at the time.

Nothing came from either relationships. Well. I guess you could count the personal growth, and knowledge I gained from the experience. I always sort of chuckle when I near that road and always wonder how much different my life would have been if I would of just stayed to the right.

(I should of stayed right more often. The Miller brewing company is there. Have you seen the silo of High Life they have?-M)

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Quick Observation

I don't know if I have mentioned it or not, but I have had a playoff beard going since the Dodgers won the West. Two observations I have made(well three if you count the fact that I look fucking ridiculous)one is this thing is itchy, and two is it makes me look even more Mexican. So now when I am approached by someone who decides to assume that I speak Spanish as my first language, they become even more upset then they usually do when they find out I speak muy poquito EspaƱol.

Oh the joys of East Los Angeles....

Friday, October 3, 2008

Change of pace

(Going to try and change the pace here. Usually I don't get all emotional and personal on this blog, but here goes nothing-M)

It's fall. The time of the year that is somewhat cruel to yours truly. Bruin football and Dodger baseball are usually non-existent. Accept this year. The fellas over there in Chavez Ravine are in the playoffs and there is actually a glimmer of hope surrounding the city of angels. This team has all the tools to do some damage and maybe just maybe win it all.

Only one problem with that. You are not here. Over these past couple years I have tried many times and have gone to many games but I still can't shake your memory. I was a fool to take the time we spent together for granted and I feel even stupider knowing that it was my own selfish fault for letting that happen. Little things like sharing a smoke or singing duets on the 110 freeway are a treasured memory that I will hold close to my heart till the day I die.

You were a friend that will be sorely missed.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

End of Summer Update

25 things I learned this summer:

*UCLA is in for a trying yet ultimately rewarding season. (If we beat sc)

*Although she's dumber than a sack of wet hammers, Sarah Palin is easy on the eyes.

*Can't wait for next years run of Weeds. (Oh Nancy, will you ever learn?)

*Speaking of TV, I'm getting fussy over the lack of new Scrubs, Big Love and 30 Rock.

*Some women scoff at the idea of going to batting cages.

*(Only two games in but,) Cowboys are looking good this year.

*Red hoodies don't look good on me.

*"The Clone Wars" kinda sucked.

*My little sister is regressing musically.

*I forgot how great Yates is.

*Entourage has kinda lost it.

*I need to get my cat neutered.

*I can actually survive without cable tv.

*Full Custom Gospel Sounds is the Rev.'s best album.

*I am becoming a You Tube addict.

*Fatburger is overrated.

*For that matter, Facebook is overrated.

*If we don't resign Manny people will riot.

*I need a new toothbrush.

*Dropping the dead weight can be fun.

*It's 2008 and I am still waiting for the Crowns to get back together.

*The Narc and the Homewrecker are two of the best people you'll ever meet.

*I forgot how good The Cramps, Clash, and Beach Boys are.

*This country is going to shit.

*And finally... I REALLY regret not learning Spanish.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

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...

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

What's really bothering me

Warm beer (I have been given two in the past week and it really jerks my chain or any other euphemism that can be inserted here.)

Laker flags

Breakfast without bacon

Generic Psychobilly

Dodger ineptitude

Homework

The strange coincidence that every time I go to McDonald's their ice cream machine is broken

People trying to sell me fake coach wallets on the subway

The quality of the 7'7's made by Tina at JC's in Pico (They were so much better when she was at Anarchy.)

Triple digit temps (Yeah I know it's Summer but still it blows.)

Lack of new "Big Love" episodes

Sixty nine more days until UCLA kicks off at the Rose Bowl

The word "Hella"

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Been a little busy

It's been awhile so I'll bring everyone up to speed. I believe I was ranting last time about the Dodgers. Since then they have moved into second place. Normally that would cause optimism and bring a smile to my face, but they are six back of the best team in the majors, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Andruw Jones still hasn't found his swing and as usual the offense is slim to non-existent. Sorta looking grim for my world series prediction. Hopefully Torre has some tricks up his sleeve. Speaking of Torre, I noticed Dodger fans at the recent Joe Torre bobblehead night hording said bobbleheads like they were gold. I myself didn't get one and at first I blamed myself for wanting to drink instead of running in to go get one. But on my way to my seat I see one or two fans holding and guarding a surplus of tiny Joe statues. No kids, no other members in their party but,they feel the need to take all the bobbleheads they can get. Real fucking nice Dodger fans. Give me another reason to feel disenfranchised with the rest of the fans in the left field pavilion. (More on that later...)

UCLA football is in a bit of a state of guarded optimism. The top two quarterbacks going into the fall have been shelved. One of them (Patrick Cowan from Pico Rivera!!)is done with college football altogether, thanks to a season long injury that will cost him the rest of his eligibility. With coach Neuheisel and coach Chow installing a new offense and the lack of depth and experience along the offensive line the timing couldn't be worse. Even though there hasn't been this much excitement in Westwood regarding the football team in quite some time, seven wins should be considered as a success. (As long as we beat SC of course!!)

Other than that it's been pretty much school and the norm. Here are some highlights:

*Went to an old friend's wedding in Vegas during the Rockabilly weekender. (Never been more annoyed by hair grease and awful renditions of "American Nightmare" in my life!!)

*The official beginning of BBQ season on 420

*A new all you can eat Chinese food buffet blocks from my house!!!

*Beach trips and Wii parties.

Gotta go.

Friday, February 29, 2008

I love this

You know your school is awesome when you receive an email with this heading:

Dear Student,



There will be a Scholarship Workshop on Tuesday, March 4 at the Orientation Room 106 (behind the catering truck) at 1pm.



...I personally prefer the term "Taco truck".

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Here ya go

I took some pictures today...



Making soup

Today's weather has just been awesome. Granted it prevented me from yard work and running at the park, but I will gladly trade natures beauty for my own selfish requests.

If anything, the weather gave me even more time to study for my English and Poly Sci classes. I am confident these next two days should be a breeze. Plus, the weather also brings out the creative side in me so that is always a plus. I recently got a hold of a camera so now I am able to take pictures of things that catch my eye. Be prepared for alot of skyline and homeless people pics.

Just kidding on the homeless pics. Didn't mean to rile you up. but stay tuned I should have some up soon. Well my soup is done.

C'est la vie

Sunday, February 17, 2008

What I learned today

*The Dodgers will make it to the World Series.

*KROQ's Block Party blocks only work with some bands.

*I bite my nails way too much.

*People drive insane near the Mulholland Dr. part of the 101.

*They better not build near the Hollywood sign.

*Hoodies are the greatest.

*Baseball shirts are so damn comfortable.

*People near Los Feliz think too highly of themselves.

*Guitars are expensive.

*They did a Reggae remix of Alicia Keyes's "No One".

*A lot of people in Long Beach smoke weed.

*SC' looks horrible in black basketball jerseys.

*Blackout my ass.

*I am addicted to hot sauce.

*"The Honeymooners" rule.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Perfect quote

"Oh yeah, I'm not respectable, never been sensible,
maybe incredible, so damn irascible,
I like the things I do so hooray for me and

fuck you!"



Thank god for Bad Religion.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

So yeah

That ( the Dodger piece below you) was taken from a creative writing class I took last year. So let's start off with an explanation of the tittle: "The Passion Bucket". Passion as defined by Webster's Online dictionary: (http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org)

Passion

Noun

1. Strong feeling or emotion.

2. Intense passion or emotion.

3. Something that is desired intensely; "his rage for fame destroyed him".

4. An irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action.

5. A feeling of strong sexual desire.



1) Things I have strong feelings for: Life, whiskey, God, Johnny Cash, and Social Distortion.


2) Things that stir up intense emotion: Good books, great food, rainy days, sunsets with the LA skyline, awesome music, family, UCLA athletics, and Dodger baseball.

3) Things I desire: knowledge, piece of mind, love, and a '59 Impala.

4) Things I am irrational about: Immigration, Abortion, Homosexuality, and Mathematics.

5) Things I have a strong sexual desire for: women who wear glasses, think for themselves, can handle their liquor, and watch cartoons.

Now that we have established what I am passionate about, the next question is why bucket? As a kid I was nuts about getting happy meals. During the '84 Olympics, McDonalds used to give their meals in a play bucket decorated with some eagle who was the mascot for the games, and while I was eating my mom used to dump all my toys in there. After awhile it became customary for me to be seen walking around with a bucket full of G.I. Joes and He-Man toys. But I really didn't think about it until head football coach of UCLA Rick Neuheisel put the two together. He said "ones passion bucket must be full when playing your bitter rival". Of course he was talking about giving it to those jerks down near the Coliseum, but I took it as being passionate for everything you strive for in life. Put your all into everything you do.. Carpe Diem if you will. Seeing this coming from the leader of the Bruin nation left no doubt in my mind that this was a sign. Since then I have adopted this phrase for everyday life.

Well it's dinner time.

Until next time...

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….