My Los Angeles Experience

[Reginald Rutledge]

I love L A. Not enough to want to stay there but to visit. That's no dis-repect to the great state of Cali.

Last week was one of the most educational weekends I 've had in quite some time. Always looking from an EFL perspective, I had the chance to visit two stadiums that I have done on several ocassions, the Rose Bowl and the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Al Clegg, a coach in the DFW EFL and resident of Thousand Oaks, CA, took me to the Rose Bowl within minutes of getting into town. Although I knew I had to take my wife and kids to Disneyland and Universal Studios, this trip would not have been complete without visiting these monuments.

When I got to Pasadena, I quickly hoped out the car and proceeded to run towards the stadium. The average person would stop there but sheepishly, I sneaked into the stadium. While the guards were not looking, I went through a tunnel and entered the stadium. I walked onto the field just to see how how close myu models had gotten to reality. For this one, it was dead on. I stood there marveling what some people may not appreciate, the pagentry, history, and traditions of the Rose Bowl. I was overcomed with inner emotions of finally getting the chance to walk the field of legends at the Granddaddy of them All, the Rose Bowl.

Then Al led us on a ride through Los Angeles to the famed Figuerora Blvd and home of the LA Coliseum. Wow, what an experience! Just standing outside of the stadium were Gifford, Simpson, Bell, White, and the great Marcus Allen played. Although I did not get to go through the stadium, I knew my model of the LA Coliseum was right on.

More education came in the form of Universal Studios. I saw how movies were made and how it can be related to the EFL genre that I dabble in. There were so many tricks that movie makers do that can be applied to EFL. The illusion of reality is definitely in full effect in the movie world. Old Jaws even came up and tried to bite me! When I left Universal, I thought how closely familiar some things that you can do in EFL can be applied here.

Reg

Reg,

I wish you would have holla'd while you were here. I know you had the fam but it would have been good to finally meet you in person if only for a few minutes. Man, I hate I missed you. Hope you and the fam enjoyed Disney and Universal. Maybe we can hook up next time.

David C.

Enjoyed your letter. It's good to see one's home through fresh eyes. It reminds me of all the cool things there are to do here. Always glad to have a National Champion vist the homeland.

[Reginald Rutledge]

David,

I tried to get in contact with you. I had your number and tried to call you several times. My cell phone has "issues". Ask Bluesman, he'll tell you. I knew I wanted to get by and see you and ERob but this time, it just did not work out.

We'll get together sometime in the future and discuss Harlan Huckleby and Rob Lytle and the greatness of "Hail to the Victors". One of these days, when the Wolverines go back to the Rose Bowl, I am going to make a huge effort to get there to watch them.

Reg


Maniax

You're right! It is difficult sometimes to appreciate home until someone else tells your city story through their eyes. I know in Texas, everything is big but in California, everything is just as big and probably MORE! I wish I could commute to LA on weekends and just hang out. Going to Venice Beach and seeing my wife and kids put their feet in the Pacific Ocean was worth a life time of memories.

I even got to see Beverly Hills were my cousins, "The Clampetts" live! (You never every one from the hills of Tennessee are kin and walk around in a koonskin cap and bleed Orange).

I thought Chinatown was larger than that. But that's the magic of TV! Great place to be. I am even trying to talk my kid into studying medicine at USC so I can have a reason to get back there. Selfish, but I want to make LA a semi-annual trip.

I love LA! (to visit).

Reg