As Ferris Bueller would say, "If you have the means, I highly recommend it."
- ESPN's plan for the ultimate power weekend...........
3 Days in L.A.: East Meets West as Mets Visit Dodgers
An extended weekend getaway in Los Angeles isn't nearly enough time to see the wondrous sites that locals have in their own backyard – the movie studios, the beach, theme parks, gorgeous university settings, the Westside and Griffith Park, just to name a few.
But what better reason to enjoy as much of it as you can than to take in a classic East-meets-West showdown this weekend at Dodger Stadium, when the Mets arrive to play the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. It's definitely Power Weekend material. The series actually runs Thursday through Sunday, July 19-22, so you may wish to extend your trip to a four-day adventure. (Whatever you decide, click here to buy tickets.)
Dodger Stadium (1000 Elysian Park Ave., Web site), open since 1962, still ranks as one of the most beautiful ballparks in all the major leagues. It's been given a few coats of paint over the years, luxury suites were added a couple of seasons back and owner Frank McCourt has made sure every inch of wall space is covered by a paid ad.
But spending a breezy night at the stadium and sampling a Dodger Dog is a Southern California rite of passage not to be missed.
The Dodgers and Mets kick things off at 7:40 p.m. PT Friday, which leaves all morning and afternoon to get a taste of the city.
Start with breakfast at Café Montana (1534 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, Web site), a delicious eatery known for its great weekend brunches. The same yummy plates are offered during early weekday hours when the facility is far less crowded.
Southern California is extremely health conscious, so after breakfast take a walk 15 blocks down to the ocean and enjoy Palisades Park (1501 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica), which overlooks the beautiful blue Pacific.
On a clear day, look to the south all the way to Palos Verdes (and maybe even Catalina Island), while Malibu and it's rugged and breathtaking coastline can be spotted off to the north.
If you're feeling especially athletic, rent a bike for a dirt cheap price at any number of local bicycle shops and start peddling south on the bike path that parallels the ocean. You'll zip right through Santa Monica, enter the heart of Venice and move directly into Marina del Rey. It's a perfect way to enjoy those sea breezes and people watch at the same time.
With six or so hours before game time, head just a few miles east to Westwood and walk around the gorgeous UCLA campus.
Being summer, there probably won't be too many students mulling about. But the university store will be open to pick up a souvenir or two. And chances are one of the doors to adjacent Pauley Pavilion, where all those basketball championship banners hang proudly, will be cracked open, allowing you to peek into one of the most hallowed gyms in all of college hoops.
Only 10 minutes away is famous Beverly Hills, and while Rodeo Drive offers nothing affordable for the common folk, it's worth walking around the famously high-end city just to window shop and say you've been there.
If it's lunchtime, stop in for a pastrami sandwich at Beverly Hills' hidden gem, Nate 'n Al (414 N. Beverly Drive, Web site), a Jewish deli that's as authentic and tasty as anything east of the Hudson.
And if finding a celebrity is high on the wish list, walking around Beverly Hills might accomplish this goal. If not, drive two minutes away to Robertson Boulevard, between Third Street and Beverly Boulevard. That's where the paparazzi stalk celebs such as Paris Hilton and her ilk, so just look for the hordes of cameras if you want to see a bona-fide star.
Just 15 minutes away from Dodger Stadium stands Griffith Observatory (2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles Web site), where James Dean stood in "Rebel Without a Cause." The landmark observatory has been recently refurbished, and there's few better ways to see the sprawl of Los Angeles here, smack in the middle of Griffith Park.
The park, which also is home to the Greek Theatre (2700 N. Vermont Ave., L.A. Web site), is great for a picnic and especially fun for the whole family. There are pony and train rides for the kids and, for more adventurous types, plenty of hiking trails throughout, some that pass within a few hundred yards from the famous Hollywood sign that overlooks the city.
Now it's game time. But, afterward, if you're still hungry and looking for a great burger, there are two can't-lose options. The Apple Pan (10801 W Pico Blvd., Los Angeles) is a culinary civic institution in west L.A. situated in a small, homey structure that was built in 1947. There's only counter seating, and expect a wait. The waiters have all been there for decades, and don't be surprised if any of them wipes your mouth with a napkin as the hamburger juice drips down your chin.
While there's only one Apple Pan, numerous In-N-Out Burger drive-ins (Web site) are spread throughout the city … and that's not nearly enough. Order the Double-Double – a two-patty creation with onions, lettuce, tomato, sauce, two slices of cheese and a toasted bun. Locals rightfully rave about them and when southern Californians move out of the state, often one of the first things they say they miss the most is In-N-Out. Once you've been there, you'll wholeheartedly agree.
The Mets-Dodgers game on Saturday is at 12:55 p.m., so a morning spent enjoying the beauty of Getty Center Los Angeles (1200 Getty Center Drive, Web site), perched on a hill just north of Brentwood, is the ideal place to start the day.
Pick up a couple of pastries and a coffee nearby, park your car in the J. Paul Getty Museum's underground garage and take the tram up to the top, where you can walk around the expansive and well-groomed grounds.
Feel free to check out the art, but it's not the paintings or statues that make the Getty such a beautiful place to visit. It's the immaculately manicured acreage where the buildings – and the magnificent architecture it all entails – sit.
Time to depart for Dodger Stadium.
Once the game ends, head back to the hotel, cool off and veg out for a little bit. Around 6:30 p.m., find a local deli or even a supermarket and pick up a few sandwiches, snacks and a nice bottle of wine, then head to the Hollywood Bowl for an evening of music under the stars. This experience is one of L.A.'s most treasured and enjoyable traditions.
Be sure to buy tickets in advance, if possible, as Saturday nights at the Bowl often sell out. (Consult StubHub! if it is a sellout.)
Also, make sure not to park at the Bowl; instead, take a shuttle bus from any number of nearby lots. Bowl parking is extremely limited and very pricey, so locals often use the convenience of the shuttles.
At the site, throw down a blanket at any open space, pop open the wine and enjoy the experience. That particularly evening, British jazz, pop and swing will be on tap. But it's not only the music at the Bowl that makes it so terrific, but everything that surrounds it: great friends and good eats.
Sleep in on Sunday morning and have brunch in Old Town Pasadena (Web site), just a few minutes from such sports landmarks as the Rose Bowl (Web site) and Santa Anita Race Track (Web site). There are plenty of eateries within the confines of this walking-friendly neighborhood, and once you're done noshing it's a quick drive to Dodger Stadium.
When the final out is made at the Ravine, head down the freeway to Hollywood Boulevard and check out a flick at the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Web site) – with the footprints and handprints of all those great stars in front – or even go down the block to the ArcLight Cinema (6360 W. Sunset Blvd., Web site), where the moviegoing experience is a bit expensive but worthwhile for those fans who like the highest in technology and comfort.
Each seat at the ArcLight is reserved and before each show an employee welcomes the crowd and lets patrons know that if they have suggestions or anything they'd like to share with the staff, to see someone outside the auditorium immediately. When "Spider-Man 3" opened in May, as a joke Tobey Maguire stood up in front of the audience and made the same speech. I wonder if he received any complaints?
Only in Hollywood.
- Glad this cancer is going to wreak havoc in someone else's locker room. So now Houston's has 3 top players who are injury prone. Good luck with all that.......
Francis' deal with Rockets worth $6 million
Steve Francis is going home.
After three years of struggles in Orlando and New York, the former All-Star guard will return to the place of his greatest glory, the Houston Rockets.
Francis was in Houston on Thursday to sign a two-year contract worth roughly $6 million with the Rockets. The club will announce the signing at a newsconference on Friday.
"It's great opportunity, I'm definitely excited," Francis told Houston's Fox 26 Sports. "This is a pretty astonishing moment right now. I am still caught up in the hype."
The 30-year-old Francis was recently bought out of the remaining two years, $34 million of his previous contract by the Portland Trail Blazers. He received nearly $31 million in the deal.
With money being no factor, Francis chose the Rockets over Miami, Dallas and the Clippers. The Heat are believed to have offered him more money.
According to a person close to Francis, he chose Houston largely because of his familiarity with the organization and the city. He has kept a home there since joining the club in 1999, and it was the site of his best years in the NBA.
As a high-flying point guard for the Rockets, Francis made three All-Star games and was regarded as one of the top players in the league. Francis' career began to decline when he clashed with coach Jeff Van Gundy, who had replaced Francis favorite Rudy Tomjanovich, in 2003.
- Oh crap......this could get ugly.
FBI probes allegations NBA ref bet on games he worked
ESPN.com news services
NEW YORK -- The FBI is investigating allegations that a veteran NBA referee bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including ones in which he officiated.
According to a law enforcement official, authorities are examining whether the referee made calls to affect the point spread in games on which he or associates had wagered.
The investigation first was reported Friday by the New York Post.
The law enforcement official, who spoke to the AP on Friday on condition of anonymity, said the referee was aware of the investigation and had made arrangements to surrender as early as next week to face charges. The official, who did not identify the referee, is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.
The law enforcement official said the bets involved thousands of dollars and were made on games during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons.
The NBA issued a brief statement Friday: "We have been asked by the FBI, with whom we are working closely, not to comment on this matter at this time."
The probe, which began recently, also involves allegations that the referee had connections to organized crime associates. Other arrests are expected, the official said.
The referee had a gambling problem, according to the official, and was approached by low-level mob associates through an acquaintance.
"These accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter," Lamell McMorris, head of the NBA Referees Association, told Bloomberg News. "In light of the fact that this is an ongoing federal criminal investigation, we have nothing further to say at this time."
- Preseason polls for the Big 12. With Missouri, the production never equals the hype (much like the Houston Rockets), so I'll believe it when I see it.
BIG 12 PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
SOUTH DIVISION
Rank Team Points
1. Texas (16) 135
2. Oklahoma (7) 126
3. Texas A&M (1) 82
4. Oklahoma State 81
5. Texas Tech 56
6. Baylor 24
NORTH DIVISION
1. Missouri (16) 136
2. Nebraska (8) 128
3. Kansas State 88
4. Kansas 63
5. Colorado 58
6. Iowa State 31
First-place votes in parentheses
- Even more reason for me not to go to Arlington, the main road to get back to downtown Dallas after games is apparently shut down for the rest of the season. The news just keeps getting better out there.
TRAFFIC HELP
Fans traveling back to Dallas from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will need to look for alternate routes because the eastbound ramp onto I-30 from Collins Street will be closed for the remainder of the season. Fans who exit the ballpark to the west should take these alternate routes:
•From Randol Mill Road or parking lots north of Randol Mill, proceed north on Baird Farm (which becomes Pennant Drive and Nolan Ryan Expressway). It feeds onto I-30 eastbound by going north through the Copeland Road intersection.
•From parking lots that exit onto Randol Mill Road, continue westbound on Randol Mill to Cooper Street. Go north on Cooper Street to I-30.
- Loe struggles again, that's back to back bad outings now for him. He had won 4 consecutive starts before this recent stretch. Maybe that voodoo doctor in OKC should be called into action, because apparently Mark Connor is of no help.
Rangers lose, 7-5.
Loe's woes lead to Rangers' loss
12:44 AM CDT on Friday, July 20, 2007
By TODD WILLS / The Dallas Morning News
twills@dallasnews.com
ARLINGTON – Kameron Loe looked strong for five straight starts after briefly being sent to Oklahoma in early June.
That form has taken a hiatus.
Loe was erratic for the second straight start in Thursday's 7-5 loss to Cleveland before 28,108 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
He is somewhere between the dominant starter who won four consecutive starts before the All-Star break, and the one who has an ERA above 9.00 over his last two starts.
On the bright side, Loe had three perfect innings. He followed the example set by Kevin Millwood, who lasted six innings Wednesday despite allowing four runs early in the game.
Loe also gave up a four-run second inning, but the 25-year-old settled down enough to allow the Rangers' offense to tie it, 4-4, in the fourth. Like Millwood, Loe went six innings and spared manager Ron Washington from overworking the bullpen.
"I want to be one of those guys that eats up innings," Loe said. "But, ultimately, I want to be a winning pitcher."
- Picks O'the day
Yesterday - 3-1
YTD - 57-52
1) CHICUBS +105 - Staying on them until they cool off.
2) ATL -145 - Pitcher is 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA in his last 3 starts.
3) BALT -120 - Bedard is excellent pitcher for BALT and OAK has been very bad lately.
4) SEA +100 - Batista is 2-1 with 2.25 ERA in last 3.
5) SD -130 - I'll take SD at home with a decent number all year.
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