Thursday, April 21, 2011

One Day in L.A.

Today I had the pleasure of experiencing what I believe is just another normal day for a celebrity in Los Angeles. My friend Evan and I attended a day game at Dodger Stadium which was hosting my Atlanta Braves. When we arrived we proceeded to our dugout seats that were preceded by three different security checks. Once we arrived at the dugout club we were greeted by a feast for a king that included tri-tip, tenderloin, homemade waffles and a made to order omelette and of course dodger dogs. Afterward I walked over to the Braves dugout where they were stretching and warming up, and to my surprise was offered many different autographs by the players that included the likes of 1991 N.L. MVP Terry Pendleton. Once we finally took our seats (which were behind home plate) two guys sat in front of me who looked familiar. Turns out it was Mardy Fish(no. 10 ranked tennis player in the world) and Tim Olephant of Deadwood and Justified fame. So to sums things up having a beer in the L.A. sun at high noon and watching my favorite baseball team with some famous company made for a very cool day off for this struggling actor/bartender.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Proverbial

   So I have always wanted to start a blog but have always felt that I didn't have any interesting stories to contribute... Until last night.

    I was bar tending at my restaurant in Malibu. Before me sat a man who appeared to be in his sixties. "How about a margarita?" he announced. "What kind of tequila do you have?"
    "Many different kinds sir" I replied.
    "Make me whatever you like" he proclaimed. And immediately I had unknowingly begun to develop a relationship with a bonafide Los Angeles billionaire.
    He was very nice, mild mannered and even appeared to have a sparkle in his eye as if to say "life is good". He was soon joined by whom I could only assume was his wife (due to the huge rock on her left ring finger). Who promptly asked if I could change the television to the Lakers game.
    "My pleasure" I replied as I proceeded to grab the remote. "Are the two of you Lakers fans?".
    "No we are Clippers fans" said his wife.
    "I believe the Clippers are playing as well" I informed them.
    "Well we only watch their home games".
    I found this to be a bit strange but moved on and began a conversation with the friendly couple about basketball, the Lakers and the Clippers. We discussed the recent growth in popularity of the sport, the fact that Andrew Bynum was sorely missed by the Lakers of late, and the exciting play of the Clippers new superstar Blake Griffin. The later of which I showered with high praises not just of talent but also personality and pleasantness. As the conversation continued we discussed Eric Gordon and some other players which unfortunately including Baron Davis.
     Let me take a moment here to provide a disclaimer. I do not know Baron Davis. I have never met Baron Davis. But I have however seen him play.
       I then began to offer my professional review of Baron's recent career here with the Los Angeles Clippers, and how disapointing it has been. "I had hoped he would play much better here in L.A." I said. "I thought he showed so much promise coming from Golden State" I ignorantly proclaimed.
    "Yeah it's unfortunate" his wife said. As the both quickly changed their temperament.
    "Well as far as I have heard he needs to focus less time on Hollywood and more time on the court."
    "Is our food coming out anytime soon?" the old man said.
It was at this moment that I should have recognized the obvious that he was visibly upset by my remarks. But no, I quickly gathered that this couple was hungry and I was so busy yapping to them that I completely had forgotten about their food. I quickly gathered up all the items that they had requested and brought them to their placemats. During this time there was an awkward silence between the three of us. I let them be to enjoy their dinner as I casually watched the Lakers trounce the pitiful Sacremento kings. As they finished up the gentlemen handed me his credit card to pay for their meal. As I walked to the register I glanced downward at the card so that I could thank the man using his last name, as I customarily do.
DONALD STERLING!
The card said. Intstantly I felt a warm sensation rush throughout my body.
DONALD STERLING!
I couldn't believe it. How could it be. He was so kind and soft spoken. Check one more time.
DONALD STERLING!
Well this is going to be uncomfortable. For you see, Donald Sterling is no ordinary Clipper fan. He is the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. He is a billionaire! And I just insulted him by volunteering my stupid know-nothing opinion about one of his basketball players whom he payed millions upon millions of dollars for!
"I'm so sorry Mr. Sterling" I said. "I didn't recognize you. I hope I didn't offend you." I said.
"No, No." He said.
"I'm so embarrased."I squeeled.
"You were speaking the truth" his wife said. "And it's nice to hear someone give us their truthful opinion" she said.
    "Well let me apologize about Baron Davis" I begged.
    "No, No. You were being honest and you need not apologize for stating the truth" he said.
Then his wife pulled from her purse the last thing I ever possibly would have expected. She handed me two Owner VIP tickets to attend any clipper game this season.
    "Go watch Blake Griffin play."She said."We're glad you like him"she smirked.
   I watched in awe as they got up to leave the restaurant. Eventually I cried "Thank you so much! And Happy Holidays!"
   I guess from here on out I'll have to root for the Clippers. As long as their not playing the Lakers!:)