Okay another Thursday post, another chapter in the Bellagio Saga. Say what you will, Steve Wynn really got it right when he designed the fountains to dance to the music played.
And so dear readers, tonight we present a little trip don the Great White Way, as it is sometimes called. 42nd Street, Broadway, New York's Theater district. The avenue I'm taking you to, etc. Anyway, You really can't get much more Broadway than the Musical "Chicago" which also became an Academy Award-winning movie.
Of course, the best sog of the whole musical is probably the best known show-stopper in all of musical theater, becoming the title of the Bob Fosse biopic starring Roy Scheider. I speak of "All That Jazz," this version comes from the moie, with vocals by Catherine Zeta-Jones Douglas, Rene Zellwigger and Taye Diggs.
Next week, we'll ring in the New Year with the Dead..
Enjoy
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post(Christmas Special)
Christmas In Montebello, or A Visit from the Christmas Geese
'Twas the day before Christmas,
And all through the town,
People were shopping and running around.
Last-minute gifts were purchased with haste,
Not wanting a moment to go to waste.
And around our little home, Mom was finishing up,
Wrapping the presents and gifts and stuff.
Dad was busy, getting manny things done,
Making final adjustments for their trip still to come.
And Tommy, My brother, stopped in for a bit,
Taking a break from his work because he saw fit.
And Myself, what did I do, you say?
I waited for sundown to come this way.
For still to be finished were the lights 'round the big tree,
Putting the final touches for all to drive by and see.
The full moon, how it glowed brightly on the river below,
shimmering as the Canadian geese honked and glided along, oh so slow.
The cars slowed down as they drove through the night,
Looking in awe as I made things right.
And Out on the lawn I gave out a shout,
"Mom, Dad, Tommy, You gotta come out!"
My family came running, thinking something's gone wrong,
But what they found was Me singing a song.
They watched as I danced and placed the last of the lights,
My breath easily seen on this cold winter's night.
"What's wrong?" said Dad "You give us a fright."
Mom just looked and laughed as I continued my flight.
Tommy looked down, embarrassed to see,
How graceful a quarter-ton Hippo like me could be. (I kid, I'm not THAT big)
When from the spreading ground gave an incredible sound,
As gaggles of geese made landings all around.
We listened and watched as they crossed through the moon,
Their wings, opened wide, their calls in tune.
Below them, their cousins answered their call,
As they glided onto the water, to come together one and all.
We stood there, all quiet, on the bank above,
Watching as Nature played a song of love.
But before long it was time to go inside,
After all, none of us really have a winter-proof hide.
So we gathered round a burning Yule Log,
And listened as the Geese scared off the fog.
And so, let Me say, as I crawl under the sheets.
"Merry Christmas to all, but beware of cold feet."
Merry Christmas everyone, from all of here at the Diablo Sports Page. Enjoy the Yule Logs
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post
Okay, boys and girls. This week's weekly Video post is in honor of a show that I wanted to see for so long but never got the chance to. As they say north and way east of here, C'est la vie.
For the last five years, Celine Dion has entertained countless fans in a phenomenal concert called "A New Day." The show ended its run on Saturday, and was actually rebroadcast at movie threaters on Monday.
I don't have to go over Celine's accomplishments, needless to say she's a Grammy and Oscar winner, she literally rules Canada like Kylie rules the world, and unlike Shania Twain, she never gets on your nerves.
Over the years, I've come to love some of her songs. Her album, "Falling into You," is probably my favorite of her work. Her cover of the song, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now," gives a lot of credence to the song's writer Jim Steinman's contention that it is a song for a woman, which is one of the reasons why he prevented Meat Loaf from recording it originally. (Incidentally, Meat Loaf DID get to record it, but made it a duet with Norweigan singer Marion Raven in 2006)
However, until the end of time, she will always be attached to the song that's now replaced Spandau Ballet's "True" as the big wedding song for the bride and groom to dance to, "My Heart Will Go On." Let's face it, that song is the pop equivalent of the earth's atmosphere, it's here forever.
Today, I'm presenting two songs for Celine. First, I've included a segment that ABC ran about Elvis Presley back in September, jut after the 30th anniversary of his death. Celine finishes the special by singing one of his most famous songs of all time, ironically enough, another popular wedding song, "I can't help falling in Love(with You)" from the movie, "Blue Hawaii."
The second video is a continuation of last week's theme of the Fountains of he Bellagio. This time, the dancing waters present their interpretation of her signature song. So, grab some tissues if you cry easily, or she moves you that much and enjoy two of Celine's performances.
We'll be back a little early next week for a special Christmas Edition. See you then.
"My Heart Will Go On"
For the last five years, Celine Dion has entertained countless fans in a phenomenal concert called "A New Day." The show ended its run on Saturday, and was actually rebroadcast at movie threaters on Monday.
I don't have to go over Celine's accomplishments, needless to say she's a Grammy and Oscar winner, she literally rules Canada like Kylie rules the world, and unlike Shania Twain, she never gets on your nerves.
Over the years, I've come to love some of her songs. Her album, "Falling into You," is probably my favorite of her work. Her cover of the song, "It's All Coming Back To Me Now," gives a lot of credence to the song's writer Jim Steinman's contention that it is a song for a woman, which is one of the reasons why he prevented Meat Loaf from recording it originally. (Incidentally, Meat Loaf DID get to record it, but made it a duet with Norweigan singer Marion Raven in 2006)
However, until the end of time, she will always be attached to the song that's now replaced Spandau Ballet's "True" as the big wedding song for the bride and groom to dance to, "My Heart Will Go On." Let's face it, that song is the pop equivalent of the earth's atmosphere, it's here forever.
Today, I'm presenting two songs for Celine. First, I've included a segment that ABC ran about Elvis Presley back in September, jut after the 30th anniversary of his death. Celine finishes the special by singing one of his most famous songs of all time, ironically enough, another popular wedding song, "I can't help falling in Love(with You)" from the movie, "Blue Hawaii."
The second video is a continuation of last week's theme of the Fountains of he Bellagio. This time, the dancing waters present their interpretation of her signature song. So, grab some tissues if you cry easily, or she moves you that much and enjoy two of Celine's performances.
We'll be back a little early next week for a special Christmas Edition. See you then.
"My Heart Will Go On"
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Happy Birthday Vic The Brick
I just wanted to jump on real quick and send a quick shout out to The Man, the Main Man, The Mac Daddy of Sports Bushido, Vic "The Brick" Jacobs, who's been part of the Los Angeles sports radio scene for a decade. I've know Vic for a long time, going back to the mid-1990's when he was still sports anchor at KCOP TV, where he first grew his unique personality.
Not only is he a sports broadcaster, he's probably the only Samurai sportscaster in all of sports talk radio. Plus as you cn see by his photo above, he's got a look like no other, especially the fur beefeater hats he sports these days (Ironically enough, with the temperatures dropping so far these days in SoCal, those hats are looking mighty warm right now).
He's got some crazy shtick, but he comes as it honestly. And so I say, Happy Birthday Vic, Feeling You!!!
Listen to Vic, Steve Hartman and Mychael Thompson on the Loose Cannons show on KLAC AM570 http://www.570klac.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post
This week, we take a moment to honor the memory of the greatest singer in the history of American Music, The Chairman of the Board himself, Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra.
Today, our dear leader would have been 92 years young and would probably still be making appearnces, although he stopped singing a while back. As everyone who knew and loved him knows, he was born December 12, 1915 in Hoboken New Jersey and made his singing debut on the Major Bowes radio program in the 30's.
Every decade he sang in he was as popular as he always was, from the idol of the "Bobby soxers" to the teensof the 50's, the young swingers of the 60's, the 70's classy folk, the Me generation of the 80's and the retro fans of the 90's all came to love his music.
Frank will always be synonymouos with the time in the 60's when "The Rat Pack" ruled Las Vegas. Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford held court at the Sands hotel for a number of years in the 60's, turning a free-wheeling show into an iconic time where the rules didn't apply.
"The Summit" ruled the roost is the Sand's main showroom. Frank's straight sining, Deano's loveable drunken persona, Sammy's high-stepping passion, Peter Lawford's laconic straight man cameos and Joey Bishop, the man Frank called "The hub that turns the wheel," with his comic wit and uncompromising deadpan humor, built a legend that few have come close to even attempting to replicate.
I met Frank Sinatra in the early 1990's when he performed at the Long Beach Arena on Valentine's Day. I was working security that night, ushering people to their seats in the concourse level, so I have an almost perfect view of the man. But the thrill I wasn't expecting was after the show.
Normally, we leave after the house is cleared, but on this night we were told to stay before we were let go for the night. The head of the company, whom I met once, was working the show as well and let the entire secruity contingent, about 30 of us, to the side entrance, having us form two lines, almost like an honor guard. Next thing I know, Mr. Sinatra comes out and begins to shake hands with each of us, saying "Thank you" for our work tonight. I couldn't believe it was happening and when he got to Me, I took his hand and said, "No, thank You, Mr. Sinatra" He smiled, and moved on. I felt like I touched the Holy Grail.
So today, on the anniversary of his birth, I present two tributes to the Chairman. First, Frank's version of the Lerner and Loeb classic from "Guys and Dolls," the first "unofficial" anthem of Las Vegas, "Luck Be A Lady," performed by that new icon of Vegas, the Foutains at the Bellagio. And if you have it, raise a glass of CHivas in his honor.
"Luck (Be A Lady Tonight)"
Second, since it's only two weeks before Christmas, I wanted to feature one of Frank's favorite Christmas songs. So I picked a track from the "Christmas With The Rat Pack" CD, one of Frank's personal favorites. I'm not sure but I believe that this version comes from Frank's TV series from the 50's.
"I Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"
Happy Birthday, Mr. Sinatra.
Today, our dear leader would have been 92 years young and would probably still be making appearnces, although he stopped singing a while back. As everyone who knew and loved him knows, he was born December 12, 1915 in Hoboken New Jersey and made his singing debut on the Major Bowes radio program in the 30's.
Every decade he sang in he was as popular as he always was, from the idol of the "Bobby soxers" to the teensof the 50's, the young swingers of the 60's, the 70's classy folk, the Me generation of the 80's and the retro fans of the 90's all came to love his music.
Frank will always be synonymouos with the time in the 60's when "The Rat Pack" ruled Las Vegas. Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford held court at the Sands hotel for a number of years in the 60's, turning a free-wheeling show into an iconic time where the rules didn't apply.
"The Summit" ruled the roost is the Sand's main showroom. Frank's straight sining, Deano's loveable drunken persona, Sammy's high-stepping passion, Peter Lawford's laconic straight man cameos and Joey Bishop, the man Frank called "The hub that turns the wheel," with his comic wit and uncompromising deadpan humor, built a legend that few have come close to even attempting to replicate.
I met Frank Sinatra in the early 1990's when he performed at the Long Beach Arena on Valentine's Day. I was working security that night, ushering people to their seats in the concourse level, so I have an almost perfect view of the man. But the thrill I wasn't expecting was after the show.
Normally, we leave after the house is cleared, but on this night we were told to stay before we were let go for the night. The head of the company, whom I met once, was working the show as well and let the entire secruity contingent, about 30 of us, to the side entrance, having us form two lines, almost like an honor guard. Next thing I know, Mr. Sinatra comes out and begins to shake hands with each of us, saying "Thank you" for our work tonight. I couldn't believe it was happening and when he got to Me, I took his hand and said, "No, thank You, Mr. Sinatra" He smiled, and moved on. I felt like I touched the Holy Grail.
So today, on the anniversary of his birth, I present two tributes to the Chairman. First, Frank's version of the Lerner and Loeb classic from "Guys and Dolls," the first "unofficial" anthem of Las Vegas, "Luck Be A Lady," performed by that new icon of Vegas, the Foutains at the Bellagio. And if you have it, raise a glass of CHivas in his honor.
"Luck (Be A Lady Tonight)"
Second, since it's only two weeks before Christmas, I wanted to feature one of Frank's favorite Christmas songs. So I picked a track from the "Christmas With The Rat Pack" CD, one of Frank's personal favorites. I'm not sure but I believe that this version comes from Frank's TV series from the 50's.
"I Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"
Happy Birthday, Mr. Sinatra.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Weekly Video Post (Special Memorial Edition)
Last night was a sad anniversary for millions of people worldwide. I'm referring to the 27th anniversary of the tragic murder of the Beatles' John Lennon. December 8th marked the day that Lennon, one-fourth of the Fab Four, was shot to death by a deranged fan named Mark David Chapman. His life ended any hope of the Beatles ever reuniting and elevated th shy Liverpudlian to martyrdom, his message fo peace and love becomig a clarion call to generations to come.
I was only 11 years old when he died, I learned of his death as I sat in the kitchen of my family's house in the City Terrace section of East L.A., listening to the radio as I did my homework. My mother was finishing the dishes as word came over the the radio of his shooting and by the time I went to bed, I could hear the TV in my parents' bedroom relaying the story that he was gone. It was only the third time I had ver heard my father cry, the first two times coming just three year eariler when my grnafather and great uncle died within a span of three months.
For years, people have wondered how would Lennon's legacy would be written. Granted, he was never one to adhere to convention, especially when it meant going gainst what was acceptable to ociety. In fact, many people still hadn't forgiven him for breaking up the Beatles after marrying Yoko Ono but as I said, he never set policy by what others thought.
So last night, as I checked out the latest from the progressive/liberal news blog, Crooks and Liars (www.crooksandliars.com) there was a special entry from Yoko Onoasking fans of Lennon to take a moment to remembr him at the time of his death, 11:15 pm, across the globe, in an effort to have his memory burn brightly throughout the world one time zone at a time.
Of course, it wouldn't truly be a Diablo blog entry without a little snarkiness. So in his memory and honor, I present an update to the lyrics of his famous Peace Song, with the best way to achieve world peace... "All We are Saying... Is Imeach Geogr Bush..."
So, somewhat belatedly, I present John's seminal composition, "Imagine." No backstory, no commentary, just his music and a prayer for peace throughout to world. His body may be gone but his spirit thrives through his music and the love e shared with the universe.
I was only 11 years old when he died, I learned of his death as I sat in the kitchen of my family's house in the City Terrace section of East L.A., listening to the radio as I did my homework. My mother was finishing the dishes as word came over the the radio of his shooting and by the time I went to bed, I could hear the TV in my parents' bedroom relaying the story that he was gone. It was only the third time I had ver heard my father cry, the first two times coming just three year eariler when my grnafather and great uncle died within a span of three months.
For years, people have wondered how would Lennon's legacy would be written. Granted, he was never one to adhere to convention, especially when it meant going gainst what was acceptable to ociety. In fact, many people still hadn't forgiven him for breaking up the Beatles after marrying Yoko Ono but as I said, he never set policy by what others thought.
So last night, as I checked out the latest from the progressive/liberal news blog, Crooks and Liars (www.crooksandliars.com) there was a special entry from Yoko Onoasking fans of Lennon to take a moment to remembr him at the time of his death, 11:15 pm, across the globe, in an effort to have his memory burn brightly throughout the world one time zone at a time.
Of course, it wouldn't truly be a Diablo blog entry without a little snarkiness. So in his memory and honor, I present an update to the lyrics of his famous Peace Song, with the best way to achieve world peace... "All We are Saying... Is Imeach Geogr Bush..."
So, somewhat belatedly, I present John's seminal composition, "Imagine." No backstory, no commentary, just his music and a prayer for peace throughout to world. His body may be gone but his spirit thrives through his music and the love e shared with the universe.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Invitational Title goes to Bulldogs
Last night I witnessed something that hasn't happened in over 25 years. I watch my alma mater, Garfield High School, claim just its second football title in the school's history with a 28-23 win over the University Wildcats at the LA Coliseum.
This would have been written as I watched the game but unfortunately, the chuckle-heads that sit on the Coliseum Commission didn't have enough sense to turn on the wireless internet for the press box, forcing the various members of the local media, who were there to watch Birmingham steamroll Carson in the second game, to use dial-up and air cards to access the net.
So let me recap everything that happened last night as only I can. In the first quarter, the Bulldogs took an early 6-0 lead on a 27-yard rush by Sergio Macedo, completing a 99-yard drive. However, a penalty on the point after forced a replay and the two-point conversion failed. University responded on the ensuing kickoff, as Senior running back Trayone Harris, part of the Wildcats' three-option backfield, took the kickoff 64 yards for a touchdown, giving the Wildcats a 7-6 lead.
In the second, the Bulldogs retook the lead after another time-consuming drive, this time 72 yards, as Eddie Valencia plunged into the end zone from a yard out , then Frankie Diaz, who's been the Bulldogs' workhorse throughout the playoffs, scored on the two-point conversion to make the lead 14-7. But the Wildcats answered back with another big play, this time from Travis Rawls, who scored from 28 yards out to tie the score 14-14 as the half ended. In the second half, the Bulldogs continued their ground pounding. The first series of the third quarter saw the Bulldogs march 45 yards on the ground before Garfield's answer to Doug Flutie, junior quarterback Patrick Vargas, hit Javier Alcantar with a 10-yard pass with 6:50 left in the quarter to take a 21-14 lead.
But the Wildcats weren't done yet. You can just guess what happened on the kick off, again. Harris got the ball at the 29-yard line and ran for daylight, scoring again and tying the game 21-21 with six minutes left to go in the quarter. That was it for the Bulldogs, who took the lead for good on the next series, this time Frankie Diaz breaking free for a 48-yard run and the 28-21 lead with less than five minutes left.
From that point on, it was a defensive stand by the Bulldogs as the fourth quarter began. The Wildcats drove to the Bulldogs' 8-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. After going six-and-out, the Bulldogs got a big stop when Harris, who had been Mr. Automatic for the Wildcats, fumbled the hand-off at the 31-yard line and the Bulldogs recovered.
The Wildcats kept the Bulldogs from gaining any more ground and spent the next six minutes pushing down the field deep into the Bulldogs' red zone. However, with just over a minute left in the game, Lanny Delgado broke up a fourth-down pass attempt into the corner of the end zone to keep the Bulldogs' lead.
The final play of the game gave the Wildcats one last score as Vargas, with five seconds left in the game, took the snap at the 20-yard line and ran back to his own end zone as time ran out to give the Wildcats a safety at the end of the game. And the celebration started at the final gun. Twenty-six years of waiting, and redemption for two heartbreaking Finals losses to Franklin in 1989 and last year's to Eagle Rock were swept away as Coach Lorenzo Hernandez hoisted the Championship Trophy over his head to end the most amazing season in Bulldog history.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post(End of Finals Edition)
The last blue book has been turned in and all of the reports have been graded. The fall quarter is finally a memory and it's time to focus on the next item on the agenda, Christmas. I've almost got all of My shopping done, save for a couple of things that are getting hard to find.
Meanwhile, as it is the holiday season (That includes Hanukah and Kwanzaa, BillO!) I wanted to post for this week's video, the opening of My favoite Christmas special of all time.
Since the mid-1960's, A Charlie Brown Christmas has become the epitome of Christmas specials that are such a big part of American TV. Only "It's a Wonderful Life" is seen more often than everyone's favorite blockhead in his quest to find the true meaning of Christmas.
The show, the first of what became a series of beloved holiday specials, still resonates in its sincerity about how a child like Charlie Brown views Christmas. Ironically enough, the show took a very overt swipe at the commercialization of the Christmas season, with the shots at lighting contests and the then-trendy aluminum tree.
The most important thing anyone can come away with after seeing this beloved holiday special is that there's always hope for christmas as long as you keep it in your heart.
So I present to you the opening segment of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" not only as a holiday treat but as an homage to the crator of the Peanuts characters, the late Charles Schultz.
Meanwhile, as it is the holiday season (That includes Hanukah and Kwanzaa, BillO!) I wanted to post for this week's video, the opening of My favoite Christmas special of all time.
Since the mid-1960's, A Charlie Brown Christmas has become the epitome of Christmas specials that are such a big part of American TV. Only "It's a Wonderful Life" is seen more often than everyone's favorite blockhead in his quest to find the true meaning of Christmas.
The show, the first of what became a series of beloved holiday specials, still resonates in its sincerity about how a child like Charlie Brown views Christmas. Ironically enough, the show took a very overt swipe at the commercialization of the Christmas season, with the shots at lighting contests and the then-trendy aluminum tree.
The most important thing anyone can come away with after seeing this beloved holiday special is that there's always hope for christmas as long as you keep it in your heart.
So I present to you the opening segment of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" not only as a holiday treat but as an homage to the crator of the Peanuts characters, the late Charles Schultz.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post(Thursday Edition)
Okay I know this is a day late but I have a good excuse. I had class and didn't get home in time. So better late than never. This week on the weekly Video rewind, I'm going to feature the song that truly inspires me whenever I feel down and out.
To call the Grateful Dead one of the best groups of the 60's is an understatement. For 30 years, the Dead were the vanguards of what music could be. When lead guitarist Jerry Garcia passed on in 1995, it brought the curtain down on an era of music that will never occur again.
You can go through the Dead's Music Catalog and not find a bad song. Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, you name it. This wasn't just hippie music, it was the living breathing soul of a generation that believed in peace and love over all.
For me, the Dead were a legend, something I always wanted to see but never got the chance to. There's an urban legend that when the old Student Union, then known as the Trident, at Cal State LA was opened, the Dead came down and played a secret concert at the little Amphitheater that the Luckman auditorium now sits on.
I've never been able to find out if that were true or not, but I remember when what turned out to be their last studio album "In the Dark" was released, the Grateful Dead embraced the still-new media of the Music Video for their first song off the album, "Touch of Grey," a song that resonates with fans dead head and non-deadhead alike. Pay close attention to the skill at the puppetry in the video.
So, in an effort to provide some good Karma for next week's finals, I present the only song ever to break the Top 10 for the Grateful Dead, their seminal anthem of positivity, "Touch of Grey"
To call the Grateful Dead one of the best groups of the 60's is an understatement. For 30 years, the Dead were the vanguards of what music could be. When lead guitarist Jerry Garcia passed on in 1995, it brought the curtain down on an era of music that will never occur again.
You can go through the Dead's Music Catalog and not find a bad song. Box of Rain, Sugar Magnolia, Casey Jones, you name it. This wasn't just hippie music, it was the living breathing soul of a generation that believed in peace and love over all.
For me, the Dead were a legend, something I always wanted to see but never got the chance to. There's an urban legend that when the old Student Union, then known as the Trident, at Cal State LA was opened, the Dead came down and played a secret concert at the little Amphitheater that the Luckman auditorium now sits on.
I've never been able to find out if that were true or not, but I remember when what turned out to be their last studio album "In the Dark" was released, the Grateful Dead embraced the still-new media of the Music Video for their first song off the album, "Touch of Grey," a song that resonates with fans dead head and non-deadhead alike. Pay close attention to the skill at the puppetry in the video.
So, in an effort to provide some good Karma for next week's finals, I present the only song ever to break the Top 10 for the Grateful Dead, their seminal anthem of positivity, "Touch of Grey"
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Wednesday Weekly Video post
Since hardly anyone reads My blog at the moment, I've decided to take a page from a blog I read occasionally, the Yellow Stereo. Each week, the Stereo puts up a weekly rewind edition where the three bloggers on the site, PJ, Pablo and Eric, share some of their favorite Indie music, or on occasion, some old time 80's music.
So in their honor, I'm starting a weekly feature where I post up a video from one of my favorite artists. This week, I'm starting the first edition off with a song that has been running through my head for days now, which convinces Me that something big will happen for me soon. Of course there's a reason why I chose this particular artist as the first to put up here.
I first discovered Kylie Minogue when her debut album, "Kylie" was released in the US, after shooting up the charts in her native Australia and in the UK. I loved her voice and she was so cute in her videos, plus she was only a year or two older than I was, so that made her the "perfect crush." However, she didn't catch on here as much as she did all over the world, which pisses me off becuase I'd sell my arm and leg for front row seats to as many concerts as possible.
I constantly looked for her music and I would come across her later releases but it was six years ago when I rediscovered her, no longer the sweet pop princess, but now an incredibly sultry and sexy grown woman, and as is always the case, I was hooked forever.
A couple of years ago, Kylie was diagnosed with breast cancer and I nearly freaked out at the thought of her having to go through therapy for it, but like the rock of strength she was, she not only beat it, but resumed her world concert tour, which she postponed when she was diagnosed.
Of course, Kylie Minogue has always been my "one true love," and the only woman in the world I'd leave everything behind for if she ever came into My life. I know, I know, wishful thinking and possibly a tad bit obsessive, but I know that it's not likely to happen but I hold onto it as a dream and a fantasy that, until now, was mine alone.
But as I said, for the last few days, I've had one of her songs from a recent album running through my head. Of course, hearing her voice ringing in my head is nothing short of pure ecstacy, but I digress. This particular song comes off her 2002 release, "Fever" and was one of four hits off the album.
So sit back and enjoy My one true love, Kylie Minogue, and the video for "Love At First Sight." Oh one thing I've started to notice, she looks a little like Jennifer Garner, which makes it even better.
So in their honor, I'm starting a weekly feature where I post up a video from one of my favorite artists. This week, I'm starting the first edition off with a song that has been running through my head for days now, which convinces Me that something big will happen for me soon. Of course there's a reason why I chose this particular artist as the first to put up here.
I first discovered Kylie Minogue when her debut album, "Kylie" was released in the US, after shooting up the charts in her native Australia and in the UK. I loved her voice and she was so cute in her videos, plus she was only a year or two older than I was, so that made her the "perfect crush." However, she didn't catch on here as much as she did all over the world, which pisses me off becuase I'd sell my arm and leg for front row seats to as many concerts as possible.
I constantly looked for her music and I would come across her later releases but it was six years ago when I rediscovered her, no longer the sweet pop princess, but now an incredibly sultry and sexy grown woman, and as is always the case, I was hooked forever.
A couple of years ago, Kylie was diagnosed with breast cancer and I nearly freaked out at the thought of her having to go through therapy for it, but like the rock of strength she was, she not only beat it, but resumed her world concert tour, which she postponed when she was diagnosed.
Of course, Kylie Minogue has always been my "one true love," and the only woman in the world I'd leave everything behind for if she ever came into My life. I know, I know, wishful thinking and possibly a tad bit obsessive, but I know that it's not likely to happen but I hold onto it as a dream and a fantasy that, until now, was mine alone.
But as I said, for the last few days, I've had one of her songs from a recent album running through my head. Of course, hearing her voice ringing in my head is nothing short of pure ecstacy, but I digress. This particular song comes off her 2002 release, "Fever" and was one of four hits off the album.
So sit back and enjoy My one true love, Kylie Minogue, and the video for "Love At First Sight." Oh one thing I've started to notice, she looks a little like Jennifer Garner, which makes it even better.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Garfield-Roosevelt Round 2!!
I cannot believe I'm writing this, with just a little under seven hours before history is made. I know I've been somewhat overly hyperbolic in my opinions sometimes but in this instance, it's justified
Tonight at Woodrow Wilson High School, my alma mater Garfield High School, the school made famous by the movie "Stand and Deliver," will face off against their traditional rivals, Roosevelt High in a first-round match-up in the LA City Section's Invitational Bracket of the 2007 Playoffs.
This is a really big deal or a number of reasons. First of all, two weeks ago, Roosevelt and Garfield met for the 82nd edition of the East Los Angeles Classic, where Roughriders knocked off the Bulldogs, 23-15.
Now, two weeks-rather than a year-later, it's payback time for the Bulldogs. Tonight, they face the Roughriders in the first round of the playoffs. But there's something else about this rematch, it wouldn't have happened were it not for another school's inaction.
Garfield was originally supposed to play Jefferson in the fist round of the playoffs, but the Democrats (please no Nancy Pelosi jokes, Joe Liebermen jokes are acceptable) failed to exchange game film by a 1pm deadline last Saturday, and under the rules of the Disrict, Jeferson was ejected from the playoffs and Roosevelt was put in their place.
So there you have a first-ever rematch between two schools with such a storied tradition meting for the first time in the playoffs. This is going to be one for the ages, people.
Tonight at Woodrow Wilson High School, my alma mater Garfield High School, the school made famous by the movie "Stand and Deliver," will face off against their traditional rivals, Roosevelt High in a first-round match-up in the LA City Section's Invitational Bracket of the 2007 Playoffs.
This is a really big deal or a number of reasons. First of all, two weeks ago, Roosevelt and Garfield met for the 82nd edition of the East Los Angeles Classic, where Roughriders knocked off the Bulldogs, 23-15.
Now, two weeks-rather than a year-later, it's payback time for the Bulldogs. Tonight, they face the Roughriders in the first round of the playoffs. But there's something else about this rematch, it wouldn't have happened were it not for another school's inaction.
Garfield was originally supposed to play Jefferson in the fist round of the playoffs, but the Democrats (please no Nancy Pelosi jokes, Joe Liebermen jokes are acceptable) failed to exchange game film by a 1pm deadline last Saturday, and under the rules of the Disrict, Jeferson was ejected from the playoffs and Roosevelt was put in their place.
So there you have a first-ever rematch between two schools with such a storied tradition meting for the first time in the playoffs. This is going to be one for the ages, people.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Garfield-Roosevelt Redux!!!
Hold on to your garters Martha, there's big news A-Coming!
Okay, the High School football regular season ended Friday night and yesterday the Playoff Brackets were released for the City and Invitational Brackets, essentially the old 3-A and 4-A divisions. Garfield, of course, earned the second seed in the Invitational bracket, but because of a rule governing the exchange of game film, the Bulldogs' original opponent, Jefferson, failed to exchange film with the coaching staff, so the first alternate in the bracket was moved up to take on the Bulldogs.
And Guess who it turned out to be???
Roosevelt!
So, good readers, and you know who you are, this means that for the fist time in History, there will be a rematch of both storied programs in the City Playoffs, a sort of replay of the the East LA Classic, but with larger implications. Last year, the Bulldogs reached the finals of the Invitational bracket, only to fall to Eagle Rock.
As if that wasn't enough, the Bulldogs are the ome team. Normally, the game would be held at Garfield's Dr. Damon Lamarr Field, but this is Roosevelt. There hasn't been a game with Roosevelt held at Garfield since the 1960's, so of course the game will be held at East LA College. And since Garfield's the home team, that gives them asn added incentive to win.
So Bulldog Nation, time to break out the jackets and come out to Weingardt Stadium this Thursday night and be part of history.
Okay, the High School football regular season ended Friday night and yesterday the Playoff Brackets were released for the City and Invitational Brackets, essentially the old 3-A and 4-A divisions. Garfield, of course, earned the second seed in the Invitational bracket, but because of a rule governing the exchange of game film, the Bulldogs' original opponent, Jefferson, failed to exchange film with the coaching staff, so the first alternate in the bracket was moved up to take on the Bulldogs.
And Guess who it turned out to be???
Roosevelt!
So, good readers, and you know who you are, this means that for the fist time in History, there will be a rematch of both storied programs in the City Playoffs, a sort of replay of the the East LA Classic, but with larger implications. Last year, the Bulldogs reached the finals of the Invitational bracket, only to fall to Eagle Rock.
As if that wasn't enough, the Bulldogs are the ome team. Normally, the game would be held at Garfield's Dr. Damon Lamarr Field, but this is Roosevelt. There hasn't been a game with Roosevelt held at Garfield since the 1960's, so of course the game will be held at East LA College. And since Garfield's the home team, that gives them asn added incentive to win.
So Bulldog Nation, time to break out the jackets and come out to Weingardt Stadium this Thursday night and be part of history.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Around the Far Turn...
Oh Great Maker, four weeks left to go for school...
I've been busting My butt at school and work. It was stupid of me to take n the Pasadena Store for the last couple of weeks, but the bottom line is going to pay off on my next check. I have no clue how things will go on "Black Friday" or if I'm even working that day.
Okay, today I've got to turn in my midterm for My US History class, and I'm not quite finished yet but I have a 3 p.m. appointment at Huntington Hospital for my bi-weekly follow-up on my blood workup.
Oh speaking of work, I had to spend some time setting up the new Guitar Hero III and Rock Band demo sets for the XBox 360 and those thigns are so cool. I especially love the Rock band set, which includes a drum kit, Fender stratocaster guitar and microphone. I don't know how the mic is supposed to work for the game but it's still cool.
Anyway, I happened across this screen capture of a custom-designed song for Guitar Hero II. Maybe this can be added to a future expansion set featuring country rick, the fingering is nothing short of awesome, and I can't even imagine two people going head-to-head on this. So U give you, fellow rednecks in hiding, the Guitar Hero version of "Dueling Banjos" from the movie, "Deliverance"
Okay, some updates later tonight, after I get home from class.
I've been busting My butt at school and work. It was stupid of me to take n the Pasadena Store for the last couple of weeks, but the bottom line is going to pay off on my next check. I have no clue how things will go on "Black Friday" or if I'm even working that day.
Okay, today I've got to turn in my midterm for My US History class, and I'm not quite finished yet but I have a 3 p.m. appointment at Huntington Hospital for my bi-weekly follow-up on my blood workup.
Oh speaking of work, I had to spend some time setting up the new Guitar Hero III and Rock Band demo sets for the XBox 360 and those thigns are so cool. I especially love the Rock band set, which includes a drum kit, Fender stratocaster guitar and microphone. I don't know how the mic is supposed to work for the game but it's still cool.
Anyway, I happened across this screen capture of a custom-designed song for Guitar Hero II. Maybe this can be added to a future expansion set featuring country rick, the fingering is nothing short of awesome, and I can't even imagine two people going head-to-head on this. So U give you, fellow rednecks in hiding, the Guitar Hero version of "Dueling Banjos" from the movie, "Deliverance"
Okay, some updates later tonight, after I get home from class.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
In Memoriam: Shav Glick
Tonight turned out to be a sad night for me, as I learned that the man I considered my mentor in auto racing passed on this morning. His name was Shav Glick and he was the best writer I ever knew.
Shav was born in Pasadena in 1920 and started his newspaper career at the age of 14, writing for the old Pasadena Post. Among his friends and classmates at Pasadena City College was Jackie Robinson and Hall of Fame running back Glenn "Mr. Outside" Davis. He covered sports for over 34 years when he came to cover auto racing in 1969, foregoing his favorite sport, golf.
When he retired last year, after 37 years as the dean of motor sports columnists, Shav had covered practically every type of race there was to cover, from dirt-track sprint cars out at the Ventura Speedway to Formula 1 events in Monte Carlo. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994, but more importantly, he was the most amiable writer you ever met.
I met Shav in 1998, when I covered the now-imfamous Ford LA Street Race, which was being held out around the Coliseum. I was barely finishing up my second quarter as part of the University Times when our Sports Editor at the time, Edgar Zuniga, took me up on my idea to cover the race. Shav saw my confusion over the race coverage and helped me undersand what was going on that weekend.
The following year, I just followed Shav around and got to know him and the other "racing regulars" in the Southern California region who covered motor sports on a regular basis, like Keith Lair of the San Gabrial Valley Tribune, Louis Brewster, then of the inland Valle Daily Bulletin, Jim Short, formerly of the Riversidde Press-Telegram and Mike Hollander of Racing Information Systems, Who would one day be my editor, but that's a story for another time.
Before long, I found myself working with another writer, Mark Peinado, who was covering Irwindale Speedway for the Times. I eventually went to work for Mark as part of the Times' community paper, but I always made sure that I said hi to Shav whenever our paths crossed, him always asking me how I was doing.
Early in 2001, I was back in Los Angeles after a brief tree-month sojourn to Northern California where an opportunity to work for a small paper ended badly. My former boss had, like me, found another job after our paper was closed down by the Tribune company. It occured to me that someone would need to take over for Mark at Irwindale, so I called Shav and asked his advice.
He said, "Kid, if you want the job, ask Mike (Kupper, the recently-retired Auto Racing Editor) to consider you. You've got the ability, and I like your enthusiasm." Since I was no longer on the payroll of the Times, I was given the ppost as a free-lance writer, and for the next four years, I spent my Saturday nights at Irwindale, writing out the weekly race recap for the Sunday Edition.
(Shav and Racing legend Les Richter, a few years back at California Speedway)
As the years went on, I got access to more and more venues,, thanks to my work at Irwindale. Eventually, I was covering races in Las Vegas, Phoenix and the Bay Area, in addition to all the races in Southern California. But no matter where I went, Shav was there, always willing to listen to me, always quick with a joke and in a small way, the only person who reminded me of my own gandfather, who had passed in when I was still young.
I'm the writer I am today because of his encouragement, and my love for the sport of auto racing has grown as a direct result of Shav's willingness to help out a complete novice in covering the sport. For the rest of My life, I will forever be indebted to his grace and friedship and grandfatherly spirit.
And I know that somewhere up in heaven, Shav is sitting in the most beautiful press box overlooking the Perfect 2-mile oval, watching Barney Oldfield running side-by-side with Paul Dana and Ayrton Senna, while Fireball Roberts is locked in a wall-scraping battle with Dale Earnhardt Sr. a quarter-lap ahead. J.C. Agajanian is sitting next to him, telling him all about his latest promotional idea, while Wally Parks prepares to make his first run of the day down the half-mile dragstrip in the center of the facility.
Shav was born in Pasadena in 1920 and started his newspaper career at the age of 14, writing for the old Pasadena Post. Among his friends and classmates at Pasadena City College was Jackie Robinson and Hall of Fame running back Glenn "Mr. Outside" Davis. He covered sports for over 34 years when he came to cover auto racing in 1969, foregoing his favorite sport, golf.
When he retired last year, after 37 years as the dean of motor sports columnists, Shav had covered practically every type of race there was to cover, from dirt-track sprint cars out at the Ventura Speedway to Formula 1 events in Monte Carlo. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994, but more importantly, he was the most amiable writer you ever met.
I met Shav in 1998, when I covered the now-imfamous Ford LA Street Race, which was being held out around the Coliseum. I was barely finishing up my second quarter as part of the University Times when our Sports Editor at the time, Edgar Zuniga, took me up on my idea to cover the race. Shav saw my confusion over the race coverage and helped me undersand what was going on that weekend.
The following year, I just followed Shav around and got to know him and the other "racing regulars" in the Southern California region who covered motor sports on a regular basis, like Keith Lair of the San Gabrial Valley Tribune, Louis Brewster, then of the inland Valle Daily Bulletin, Jim Short, formerly of the Riversidde Press-Telegram and Mike Hollander of Racing Information Systems, Who would one day be my editor, but that's a story for another time.
Before long, I found myself working with another writer, Mark Peinado, who was covering Irwindale Speedway for the Times. I eventually went to work for Mark as part of the Times' community paper, but I always made sure that I said hi to Shav whenever our paths crossed, him always asking me how I was doing.
Early in 2001, I was back in Los Angeles after a brief tree-month sojourn to Northern California where an opportunity to work for a small paper ended badly. My former boss had, like me, found another job after our paper was closed down by the Tribune company. It occured to me that someone would need to take over for Mark at Irwindale, so I called Shav and asked his advice.
He said, "Kid, if you want the job, ask Mike (Kupper, the recently-retired Auto Racing Editor) to consider you. You've got the ability, and I like your enthusiasm." Since I was no longer on the payroll of the Times, I was given the ppost as a free-lance writer, and for the next four years, I spent my Saturday nights at Irwindale, writing out the weekly race recap for the Sunday Edition.
(Shav and Racing legend Les Richter, a few years back at California Speedway)
As the years went on, I got access to more and more venues,, thanks to my work at Irwindale. Eventually, I was covering races in Las Vegas, Phoenix and the Bay Area, in addition to all the races in Southern California. But no matter where I went, Shav was there, always willing to listen to me, always quick with a joke and in a small way, the only person who reminded me of my own gandfather, who had passed in when I was still young.
I'm the writer I am today because of his encouragement, and my love for the sport of auto racing has grown as a direct result of Shav's willingness to help out a complete novice in covering the sport. For the rest of My life, I will forever be indebted to his grace and friedship and grandfatherly spirit.
And I know that somewhere up in heaven, Shav is sitting in the most beautiful press box overlooking the Perfect 2-mile oval, watching Barney Oldfield running side-by-side with Paul Dana and Ayrton Senna, while Fireball Roberts is locked in a wall-scraping battle with Dale Earnhardt Sr. a quarter-lap ahead. J.C. Agajanian is sitting next to him, telling him all about his latest promotional idea, while Wally Parks prepares to make his first run of the day down the half-mile dragstrip in the center of the facility.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Running on Empty...
Well, I knew this might happen...
With school starting a couple of weeks ago, the Sports page hasn't been updated for a bit, and I apologize. Of course, since we last left each other, the Fall sports were in full swing.
First, let me issue a brief statement regarding my participation with the University Times. Because of my full load of classes and the responsibilties of my off-campus job, I will be suspending my efforts to secure a paid position with the UT and continue as a contriibuting writer/editor. This decision comes at great thought and contemplation after a number of issues manifested themselves during the quarter break. I am not ending my association with the University Times, but merely shifting its priority down in order to concentrate on finishing school.
More in a bit,
(UPDATE: 10/09/07 09:00 AM) Okay, here's a part of the story from the CCAA website on the UCSD Triton Classic on Saturday. The Runnin' Eagles took the team title, with Karla finishing second.
" Cal State L.A. was the top women’s team on the day, finishing with 34 points with the top five Golden Eagle runners finishing 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th and 14th. The next closest team was USC who finished with a team total of 70."
With the season now over, (Gods, that was fast) the 2007 CCAA Championships will take place on Saturday, October 20th. Hosted by Cal State Stanislaus, the meet is scheduled to take place in Turlock, Calif."
Over in Men's soccer, since losing to Sonoma State in the Conference Opener back on Sept. 7, the Golden Eagle Footballers haven't lost in eight straight games, rattling off seven conference wins and one tie, 1-1 with Seattle Pacific on Sept, 11, holding the top spot in the South Division of the CCAA. On Sunday, however, they lost in overtime to Grand Canyon University, 2-1, at Jessie Owens Stadium.
On the women's side, things haven't been as successful as the men, as the women are mired in fourth place in the South Divison. One bright spot in the season so far, and pardon those who don't subscribe to the concept of schadenfreude (Look it up), Sonoma State's recent forfeiture of three conference victories put the Golden Eagle women above .500 again.
On Friday, both teams start the home stretch for the playoffs with UC San Diego and Dominguez Hills athome this weekend, then they're on the road to Pomona and San Bernardino next week before closing out the regular season the weekend before Halloween against Frisco State and Monterey Bay.
Finally, the women's volleyball team is at the halfway point of the conference schedule with one month to go in the season and currently sit toed for second place with Chico State and US San Diego. At the start of conference play, the Eagle Spikers landed five straight wins until the second-ranked Coyotes of San Bernardino dropped a 3-1 anvil on the team's collective head. After righting the ship briefly against Humboldt State, the Spikers went on the road and lost two straight matches, to Monterey Bay and Sonoma State. However, the Spikers are still Nationally Ranked, currently No. 19, ahead of Chico State at No. 20 and UCSD at No. 23.
The second half starts Wednesday against the Tritons then continues with Dominguez Hills, Chico and concludes with Stanislaus on the 20th. Then it's on the road for three games at Pomona, one last chance to knock off San Bernardino and Humboldt, and the season closes at home with a chance for revenge against Monterey Bay and Sonoma.
One month of sports, and time to see who can make it to the top of the mountain...
With school starting a couple of weeks ago, the Sports page hasn't been updated for a bit, and I apologize. Of course, since we last left each other, the Fall sports were in full swing.
First, let me issue a brief statement regarding my participation with the University Times. Because of my full load of classes and the responsibilties of my off-campus job, I will be suspending my efforts to secure a paid position with the UT and continue as a contriibuting writer/editor. This decision comes at great thought and contemplation after a number of issues manifested themselves during the quarter break. I am not ending my association with the University Times, but merely shifting its priority down in order to concentrate on finishing school.
More in a bit,
(UPDATE: 10/09/07 09:00 AM) Okay, here's a part of the story from the CCAA website on the UCSD Triton Classic on Saturday. The Runnin' Eagles took the team title, with Karla finishing second.
" Cal State L.A. was the top women’s team on the day, finishing with 34 points with the top five Golden Eagle runners finishing 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 8th and 14th. The next closest team was USC who finished with a team total of 70."
With the season now over, (Gods, that was fast) the 2007 CCAA Championships will take place on Saturday, October 20th. Hosted by Cal State Stanislaus, the meet is scheduled to take place in Turlock, Calif."
Over in Men's soccer, since losing to Sonoma State in the Conference Opener back on Sept. 7, the Golden Eagle Footballers haven't lost in eight straight games, rattling off seven conference wins and one tie, 1-1 with Seattle Pacific on Sept, 11, holding the top spot in the South Division of the CCAA. On Sunday, however, they lost in overtime to Grand Canyon University, 2-1, at Jessie Owens Stadium.
On the women's side, things haven't been as successful as the men, as the women are mired in fourth place in the South Divison. One bright spot in the season so far, and pardon those who don't subscribe to the concept of schadenfreude (Look it up), Sonoma State's recent forfeiture of three conference victories put the Golden Eagle women above .500 again.
On Friday, both teams start the home stretch for the playoffs with UC San Diego and Dominguez Hills athome this weekend, then they're on the road to Pomona and San Bernardino next week before closing out the regular season the weekend before Halloween against Frisco State and Monterey Bay.
Finally, the women's volleyball team is at the halfway point of the conference schedule with one month to go in the season and currently sit toed for second place with Chico State and US San Diego. At the start of conference play, the Eagle Spikers landed five straight wins until the second-ranked Coyotes of San Bernardino dropped a 3-1 anvil on the team's collective head. After righting the ship briefly against Humboldt State, the Spikers went on the road and lost two straight matches, to Monterey Bay and Sonoma State. However, the Spikers are still Nationally Ranked, currently No. 19, ahead of Chico State at No. 20 and UCSD at No. 23.
The second half starts Wednesday against the Tritons then continues with Dominguez Hills, Chico and concludes with Stanislaus on the 20th. Then it's on the road for three games at Pomona, one last chance to knock off San Bernardino and Humboldt, and the season closes at home with a chance for revenge against Monterey Bay and Sonoma.
One month of sports, and time to see who can make it to the top of the mountain...
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Top Five finish for Eagle Harriers
Okay, not a bad showing for the Cross Country team today. Karla Alburez is really coming into her own as team leader for the Cross Country team as she led the Runnin' Eagles into Low Cal to take part in the Aztec Invitational, hosted by San Diego State.
Finishing in the top five, and being the highest Division II team out of 14 squads in the race says a lot about how far coach Christopher Asher has gotten his team together in just two weeks after surviving the blast furnace of the Fullerton Invitational on Sept. 1. All of the seniors said that they wanted to gauge themselves against a team like the fourth ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
Karla finished 11th overall in a field of 139 runners, while the team earned 135 points. Karla covered the 5,000-meter course at Balboa Park in 18:09 while teammate Maribel Cespedes was 18th in 18:27. Shawna Burger was 26th in 18:54, Liliana Hernandez was 37th in 19:08 and Cynthia Rios was 52nd in 19:35. Rounding out the non-scored finishers, Claire Weinan was 82nd in 20:09, Dora Perez was 92nd in 20:29, Maria Castaneda was 108th in 20:51 and Gloria Galaz was 125th in 21:41.
Arkansas won with 28 points. UC Santa Barbara, ranked fifth in the NCAA Division I West Region, was second with 97 points, Northern Arizona was third with 114 points and USC was fourth with 117 points. The Runnin' Eagles finished ahead of Loyola Marymount, Long Beach State, Cal State San Marcos, Southern Utah, Air Force, San Diego State, UNLV, St. Mary's and University of San Diego., only San Marcos was the only other non-Division I in the race.
Next up for the Runnin' Eagles is the mid-point of the five-race season, the Pepperdine Invitational this Saturday morning in Malibu. Yes, I said five-race season. Pepperdine also represents the last local race the Eagles are participating in. After Pepperdine, the Eagles return to San Deigo to run the UCSD Triton Invitational On October 6, then close out the season in Santa Clara for the Bronco invitational on the 13th of October. The CCAA Conference title is on the line at CSU Stanislaus on October 20, then the NCAA West Regionals on November 3rd up in Larry Craig Country (that's Boise, Idaho for those of you who don't follow the news) then the National Championships in Joplin, Missouri on the 17th.
Aztec Cross Country Invitational
At Balboa Park
Saturday's Results
Team scores: 1. Arkansas 28; 2. UC Santa Barbara 97; 3. Northern Arizona 114; 4. USC 117; 5. Cal State L.A. 135; 6. Loyola Marymount 149; 7. Long Beach State 170; 8. Cal State San Marcos 193; 9. Southern Utah 222; 10. Air Force 250; 11. San Diego State 278; 12. UNLV 360; 13. St. Mary's College 362; 14. University of San Diego 422.
Individual Results: 1. Sarah Cotto (USC) 17:43; 2. Laura Mickelson (LMU) 17:45; 3. Jillian Rosen (Arkansaas) 17:54; 4. Dani Parry (Ark) 18:02; 5. Christine Kalmer (Ark) 18:03; 6. Megan Lewis (UCSB) 18:04; 7. Catherine White (Ark) 18:05; 8. Sharla Platt (SUU) 18:06; 9. Megan Jackson (Ark) 18:07; 10. Denise Bargiachi (Ark) 18:08; 11. Karla Alburez (CSULA) 18:09
Cal State L.A. runners:
11. Karla Alburez 18:09; 18. Maribel Cespedes 18:27; 26. Shawna Burger 18:54; 37. Liliana Hernandez 19:08; 52. Cynthia Rios 19:35; 82. Claire Weinan 20:09; 92. Dora Perez 20:29; 108. Maria Castaneda 20:51; 125. Gloria Galaz 21:41.
Finishing in the top five, and being the highest Division II team out of 14 squads in the race says a lot about how far coach Christopher Asher has gotten his team together in just two weeks after surviving the blast furnace of the Fullerton Invitational on Sept. 1. All of the seniors said that they wanted to gauge themselves against a team like the fourth ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
Karla finished 11th overall in a field of 139 runners, while the team earned 135 points. Karla covered the 5,000-meter course at Balboa Park in 18:09 while teammate Maribel Cespedes was 18th in 18:27. Shawna Burger was 26th in 18:54, Liliana Hernandez was 37th in 19:08 and Cynthia Rios was 52nd in 19:35. Rounding out the non-scored finishers, Claire Weinan was 82nd in 20:09, Dora Perez was 92nd in 20:29, Maria Castaneda was 108th in 20:51 and Gloria Galaz was 125th in 21:41.
Arkansas won with 28 points. UC Santa Barbara, ranked fifth in the NCAA Division I West Region, was second with 97 points, Northern Arizona was third with 114 points and USC was fourth with 117 points. The Runnin' Eagles finished ahead of Loyola Marymount, Long Beach State, Cal State San Marcos, Southern Utah, Air Force, San Diego State, UNLV, St. Mary's and University of San Diego., only San Marcos was the only other non-Division I in the race.
Next up for the Runnin' Eagles is the mid-point of the five-race season, the Pepperdine Invitational this Saturday morning in Malibu. Yes, I said five-race season. Pepperdine also represents the last local race the Eagles are participating in. After Pepperdine, the Eagles return to San Deigo to run the UCSD Triton Invitational On October 6, then close out the season in Santa Clara for the Bronco invitational on the 13th of October. The CCAA Conference title is on the line at CSU Stanislaus on October 20, then the NCAA West Regionals on November 3rd up in Larry Craig Country (that's Boise, Idaho for those of you who don't follow the news) then the National Championships in Joplin, Missouri on the 17th.
Aztec Cross Country Invitational
At Balboa Park
Saturday's Results
Team scores: 1. Arkansas 28; 2. UC Santa Barbara 97; 3. Northern Arizona 114; 4. USC 117; 5. Cal State L.A. 135; 6. Loyola Marymount 149; 7. Long Beach State 170; 8. Cal State San Marcos 193; 9. Southern Utah 222; 10. Air Force 250; 11. San Diego State 278; 12. UNLV 360; 13. St. Mary's College 362; 14. University of San Diego 422.
Individual Results: 1. Sarah Cotto (USC) 17:43; 2. Laura Mickelson (LMU) 17:45; 3. Jillian Rosen (Arkansaas) 17:54; 4. Dani Parry (Ark) 18:02; 5. Christine Kalmer (Ark) 18:03; 6. Megan Lewis (UCSB) 18:04; 7. Catherine White (Ark) 18:05; 8. Sharla Platt (SUU) 18:06; 9. Megan Jackson (Ark) 18:07; 10. Denise Bargiachi (Ark) 18:08; 11. Karla Alburez (CSULA) 18:09
Cal State L.A. runners:
11. Karla Alburez 18:09; 18. Maribel Cespedes 18:27; 26. Shawna Burger 18:54; 37. Liliana Hernandez 19:08; 52. Cynthia Rios 19:35; 82. Claire Weinan 20:09; 92. Dora Perez 20:29; 108. Maria Castaneda 20:51; 125. Gloria Galaz 21:41.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Weekend Update
Okay, here we go, as we speak, the women's team is finishing up against the Cal Poly Broncos, and we'll have coverage tonight after the men's game. Volleyball will be in play in a few minutes, but we'll do a recap tomorrow morning.
Also tomorrow, Our intrepid reporter Michael "Mikey MIke" Garcia will be headingup the coverage of the Aztec Invitational tomorrow morning in San Diego. It's good to have Mike back after a summer off.
See you tonight with the word on the soccer...
Also tomorrow, Our intrepid reporter Michael "Mikey MIke" Garcia will be headingup the coverage of the Aztec Invitational tomorrow morning in San Diego. It's good to have Mike back after a summer off.
See you tonight with the word on the soccer...
Monday, September 10, 2007
Oh, I'm a Lumberjack and I'm okay...
Okay, short posting at the start of the week. We'll have results from the Men's and Women's soccer events against the Seawolves and Lumberjacks from the weekend. Speaking of Humboldt State, I wonder if the students at Humboldt State react when a conference rival starts up with the Lumberjack Song from Monty Python...
This weekend, the Soccer homestand ends with our rivals from the IE, the Broncos ride into town on Friday, while them wily Coyotes of San Bernardino State come howlin' on Sunday, just in time for El Grito...
The Eagle Spikers are still on the road for another week/ The team is tied for first in the conference after improving their overall record to 6-3 with two impressive victories over the Toros and Tritons this past weekend, they head up Highway 99 to take on the Warriors and the Wildcats. They open conference play next Friday, Sept. 21 with a match against the Broncos.
Finally, the Golden Eagle runners head south to San Deigo State for the Aztec Invitational. After an impressive start at the Fullerton Invitational on Sept. 1, where Karla Alburez and Maribel Cespedes finshed first and third in the Collegiate Invitational, the entire team will be eligible to run, now that all the necessary paperwork has been submitted. According to the team, they're most looking forward to taking on the cross-country team from Arkansas. The Razorbacks will be a good test of the Eagle Runners, and they are looking forward to dining on some nice juicy Razorback.
Okay, Summaries and recaps to follow this afternoon.
This weekend, the Soccer homestand ends with our rivals from the IE, the Broncos ride into town on Friday, while them wily Coyotes of San Bernardino State come howlin' on Sunday, just in time for El Grito...
The Eagle Spikers are still on the road for another week/ The team is tied for first in the conference after improving their overall record to 6-3 with two impressive victories over the Toros and Tritons this past weekend, they head up Highway 99 to take on the Warriors and the Wildcats. They open conference play next Friday, Sept. 21 with a match against the Broncos.
Finally, the Golden Eagle runners head south to San Deigo State for the Aztec Invitational. After an impressive start at the Fullerton Invitational on Sept. 1, where Karla Alburez and Maribel Cespedes finshed first and third in the Collegiate Invitational, the entire team will be eligible to run, now that all the necessary paperwork has been submitted. According to the team, they're most looking forward to taking on the cross-country team from Arkansas. The Razorbacks will be a good test of the Eagle Runners, and they are looking forward to dining on some nice juicy Razorback.
Okay, Summaries and recaps to follow this afternoon.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
R.I.P. Pavarotti
I woke up this morning to the news that Luciano Pavarotti had died last night. Growing up in my household, we were as likely to hear opera as we would hear Mexican Rancheras by Antonio Aguilar or something by the Beatles. And My first introduction to the Maestro came, as was tradition in our house, on New Year's Eve, when the local PBS Station would show an opera from the Metropolitan Opera House. Usually it was one of the comedic Operas such as "Die Fleidermaus" or "Un Ballo in Maschera" with Pavarotti as lead Tenor.
Of course, the day came when My apprecaition for his work reached critical mass when My late grandmother announced that she had purchased tickets for the whole family to attend his concent at the Hollywood Bowl. So on that fateful Spring evening, we journeyed up the 101 to the Bowl, parked across the street, crossed under Highland through the tunnel and made our way to our seats, just behind the box seats in the front row.
when he came out, the hills echoed with applause and shouts of "Maestro, Maestro!" then he began to sing, and for the next two hours, I was swept away by a tidal wave of music that has endured for centuries. He some of the most famous arias ever written that night, from "La Donna e'Mobile," from Rigoletto, to arguably the most famous aria ever, "Vesti La Giubbia," from "Il Pagliacci."
To conclude his performance, he sang this aria, from Puccini's Masterpiece, Turandot. The song, "Nessun Dorma," is sung by the Prince Calaf, in anticipation of winning a proposition with the Princess Turandot, if she can find out his name before sunrise, she can kill him, as she is reluctant to proceed with an arranged marriage. In it, He is saying that he will triumph over the night and win her love, and he stakes his very life on it.
With that, I say goodbye to the Maestro, the man who opened my young ears to the wonders of music and a love for its creation, a love I still enjoy these many years later.
Ciao Maestro. Until the next life, rest in peace.
This is His performance of "Nessun Dorma" sung live in Paris in 1998, before the Finals of the 1998 World Cup. It is considered the most Emotional version of his performances of this stirring aria. The conductor of the Paris Stmphony Orchestra is the great James Levine, Musical Driector of the Metropolitan Opera House.
Updates, updates, Updates
For those of you wondering where I've been this week, it's been busy away from the Sports Zone, so to speak. My tuition has been taken care of for the quarter so I've been trying to get a few classes for the coming quarter. Meanwhile, tuesday was My birthday and my parents surprised me with dinner in Orange County at Tokai. Needless to say, they're regretting their buffet policy after I was through.
Ironically enough, the next morning, things got somewhat serious as I had to undergo a medical procedure to correct some heart trouble that laid me out twice this year (A full recap will come later). Unfortunately, the doctor was unsuccessful in doing much more than giving me a nice burn on my chest from the Defibrilator pads (another long story for later). So now I'm off my feet until tomorrow morning, but the Golden Eagle coverage continues... Stay tuned as it were...
Ironically enough, the next morning, things got somewhat serious as I had to undergo a medical procedure to correct some heart trouble that laid me out twice this year (A full recap will come later). Unfortunately, the doctor was unsuccessful in doing much more than giving me a nice burn on my chest from the Defibrilator pads (another long story for later). So now I'm off my feet until tomorrow morning, but the Golden Eagle coverage continues... Stay tuned as it were...
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Eagles Fly High in Brea Heat
Okay, I'm back from the Cross-Country race, and the Runnin' Eagles did much better than anyone expected. The team finished second in the Women's 5k Invitational just 25 points behind host Fullerton, but Karla Alburez and Maribel Cespedes finished first and third, both impproving their times from last year.
Ironically, if the good folks in Administration hadn't screwed up and remembered to ask for the high school transcripts for Liliana Hernandez, one of our transfer athletes, she would have been able to run with the team and her time would have been enough to beat Fullerton by 1 point. This one deserves a great big Homer simpson-sized "D'Oh!" for that but considering they not only were the highest scoring CCAA conference team, but they beat long-time cross-country rivals Concordia University of Irvine.
Speaking of Concordia, one thing was brought up. This year, we need to get a "battle flag" for all of our teams. when I say "Battle Flag," I mean a flag that is brought to every athetic event and is waved on the sidelines or courtside or along the course. Long, long ago in the "Before time," We used to have one, but it's been many moons since one has flown.
It's time to bring that back, it's a good morale booster and it can really do a number on an opponent who see that flag waving and getting the crowd fired up. Hell, it might actually bring in a crowd with it.
Hey ASI, you want to show some school spirit? get off your collective rears and get this funded. Show us you support the biggest ambassadors to our fair campus.
Stats and time will follow later...
UPDATE: (12:25 P.M.) This is the stats from the women's Invitational race at the Fullerton Opener. Thanks to the CCAA Conference Website for the stats and the Golden
Eagles finishers...
Cal State Fullerton "Season Opener"
Saturday's Results
At Carbon Canyon Park, Brea
Women
1. Karla Alburez (CSULA) 17:43.50
2. Jaime Canterbury (Azusa Pacific) 18:10.70
3. Maribel Cespedes (CSULA) 18:13.60
4. Jackline Kipwambok (Azusa Pacific) 18:23.50
5. Alma Escobar (Concordia) 18:34.90
6. Andrea Aguilar (CS Fullerton) 18:36.80
7. Bridget Helgerson (USC) 18:37.50
8. Kristin Schmidt (Biola) 18:38.70
9. Grace Gonzales (CS Fullerton) 18:44.30
10. Missy Barclay (Long Beach State) 18:49.10
11. Cynthia Rios (CSULA) 18:55.80
CSULA runners: 1. Karla Alburez 17:43.50; 3. Maribel Cespedes 18:13.60; 11. Cynthia Rios 18:55.80; 22. Shawna Burger 19:09.40; 54. Dora Perez 20:11.20; 93. Claire Weinan 21:07.80; 134. Gloria Galaz 26:02.00.
(Stats do not include three runners who were unable to participate in the team event and ran in the Open race)
CSULA runners in Open Race: 8. Liliana Hernandez 19:07.40 24. Angela Cruz 20:03.70 64. Mireya Vargas 22:39.30
Ironically, if the good folks in Administration hadn't screwed up and remembered to ask for the high school transcripts for Liliana Hernandez, one of our transfer athletes, she would have been able to run with the team and her time would have been enough to beat Fullerton by 1 point. This one deserves a great big Homer simpson-sized "D'Oh!" for that but considering they not only were the highest scoring CCAA conference team, but they beat long-time cross-country rivals Concordia University of Irvine.
Speaking of Concordia, one thing was brought up. This year, we need to get a "battle flag" for all of our teams. when I say "Battle Flag," I mean a flag that is brought to every athetic event and is waved on the sidelines or courtside or along the course. Long, long ago in the "Before time," We used to have one, but it's been many moons since one has flown.
It's time to bring that back, it's a good morale booster and it can really do a number on an opponent who see that flag waving and getting the crowd fired up. Hell, it might actually bring in a crowd with it.
Hey ASI, you want to show some school spirit? get off your collective rears and get this funded. Show us you support the biggest ambassadors to our fair campus.
Stats and time will follow later...
UPDATE: (12:25 P.M.) This is the stats from the women's Invitational race at the Fullerton Opener. Thanks to the CCAA Conference Website for the stats and the Golden
Eagles finishers...
Cal State Fullerton "Season Opener"
Saturday's Results
At Carbon Canyon Park, Brea
Women
1. Karla Alburez (CSULA) 17:43.50
2. Jaime Canterbury (Azusa Pacific) 18:10.70
3. Maribel Cespedes (CSULA) 18:13.60
4. Jackline Kipwambok (Azusa Pacific) 18:23.50
5. Alma Escobar (Concordia) 18:34.90
6. Andrea Aguilar (CS Fullerton) 18:36.80
7. Bridget Helgerson (USC) 18:37.50
8. Kristin Schmidt (Biola) 18:38.70
9. Grace Gonzales (CS Fullerton) 18:44.30
10. Missy Barclay (Long Beach State) 18:49.10
11. Cynthia Rios (CSULA) 18:55.80
CSULA runners: 1. Karla Alburez 17:43.50; 3. Maribel Cespedes 18:13.60; 11. Cynthia Rios 18:55.80; 22. Shawna Burger 19:09.40; 54. Dora Perez 20:11.20; 93. Claire Weinan 21:07.80; 134. Gloria Galaz 26:02.00.
(Stats do not include three runners who were unable to participate in the team event and ran in the Open race)
CSULA runners in Open Race: 8. Liliana Hernandez 19:07.40 24. Angela Cruz 20:03.70 64. Mireya Vargas 22:39.30
Friday, August 31, 2007
Time Changes for the weekend
All right Golden Eagle Soccer Fans, listen up.
Since this weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the WTF range, both the Men's and women's match in Riverside against Cal Baptist on Saturday have been mmoved up to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., respecitvely. Frankly, I'd prefer them to be pushed back to the evening, but I think Cal Baptist has a football team and they may have a game that night.
This is going to be cutting it close, the women's Cross-country team goes off at 8:45 in Brea for the Season Opener at Fullerton. Speaking of the Cross Counry team, the Fullerton Invitational will also mark the debut of former Running Eagle standout Maija Rohde as head coach of the Cross-Country team at former CCAA Rival Cal State Bakersfield. Rohde, who helped lead the Runnin' Eagles to the NCAA Division IIWest Regional, Took over the Roadrunner's program after graduating in June.
Of course, one wonders whether the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes will keep up behind the Roadrunners, or just resort to using a few ACME anvils to slow them down...
Since this weekend, temperatures are expected to be in the WTF range, both the Men's and women's match in Riverside against Cal Baptist on Saturday have been mmoved up to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., respecitvely. Frankly, I'd prefer them to be pushed back to the evening, but I think Cal Baptist has a football team and they may have a game that night.
This is going to be cutting it close, the women's Cross-country team goes off at 8:45 in Brea for the Season Opener at Fullerton. Speaking of the Cross Counry team, the Fullerton Invitational will also mark the debut of former Running Eagle standout Maija Rohde as head coach of the Cross-Country team at former CCAA Rival Cal State Bakersfield. Rohde, who helped lead the Runnin' Eagles to the NCAA Division IIWest Regional, Took over the Roadrunner's program after graduating in June.
Of course, one wonders whether the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes will keep up behind the Roadrunners, or just resort to using a few ACME anvils to slow them down...
Labor Day Laziness
Well, since I better get this first blog post out of the way, allow Myself to introduce... Myself.
I'm Tony Solorzano, Sports Editor for the Cal State LA University Times and its new online portal, Cool State LA.com, coming soon to an internets near you. This blog is going to be a little bit snarky, a little informative and if I play it just right, the gateway to bigger and better things, like a hard card (more on that later.) For now, I'm wrapped up in work on the next issue of the paper, but this is going to be an interesting weekend for me not because of what it is, but because of where I won't be.
For the last six years I've been covering an assortment of motorsports events at California Speedway, from NASCAR to the AMA Superbikes and almost every type of motor sport you can imagine. However, this year, because of the sheer number of requests for media access to this weekend's NASCAR race, there was no room to accomodate me there. It happens, I'm not upset, and I had a very nice conversation with my good friend who handles the track credentials, who explained to me that they had to turn down a number of regulars in order to accomodate the press corps following the series this year.
(A little bit of My photography work at the Speedway last year, Kyle Busch's Pit sign)
Of course, to hear my colleague Jeff Gluck of NASCAR Scene magazine tell it, he'd be surprised if anyone from the Local TV outlets here shows up. As part of NASCAR's weekly podcasts, Jeff was the subject of their "Media Profile" series that runs on the podcast. During his conversation, Jeff pointed out that in Southern California, the racing media is made up of a small number of regular writers, myself included, although he forgot to mention me, of coruse, which means when I see him in February, I get to tease him about crossing the track when it's hot, which is also explained on the podcast.
The point is, I'm part of a very select group of individuals who routinely covers motor sports in the area. I am proud to be a part of that group and I thank Jeff for pointing it out. So, this weekend. while Jeff and the rest of the NASCAR Media are sweltering under the triple-digit temperatures at the track, I'll be poolside with my family, celebrating my birthday a couple of days early.
That is of course, once I'm done with the Cross-country race on Saturday morning in Brea and the soccer matches in Riverside in the afternoon... Oh Frack! It's gonna be hot out there...
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)