Relocation

This young blogger has relocated to Santa Ana, CA in a lush forested community called, "The Aspens."  The apartment community is the only one of its kind in this vast desert of treeless communities and strip malls.  The shady trees, chirping birds, and running water remind me of being home in Washington State.

I have been working at Pelican Hill Resort for 8 months now and have found my way to a favorable position within my department.  New friends and acquaintances are finding their way into my life slowly but surely.  Southern California is starting to become a place that I can call home.

Now that I am somewhat settled into my new community, it's time to revamp this blog and cover some local events and global news, as is customary.

C

Nike US open of Surfing - Huntington Beach, CA

Heading down to Huntington Beach, CA for the Nike US open of Surf was an experience that rivals some of the best competitions in the world.  As tens of thousands flooded the sandy beaches of Surf City USA, a name trademarked by Huntington Beach after a long legal battle with Santa Cruz, surfers from around the world competed daily in the week long competition.

On Sunday, August 7th, Kelly Slater, the 10 time ASP world champion, won his first US open title in 15 years and took home a hefty $100k check for the win.  The veteran surfer was undisputed in his win over the Australian Yadin Nicol.  "I guess Yadin wanted me to win because he didn't catch any waves," Slater says after getting doused in champagne on the winner's stage.

Slater accepting his well earned trophy

Sally Fitzgibbons of Australia took the women's title over teenage sensation Lakey Peterson(16) of Santa Barbara, who also competed in and won the junior women's competition.  "It's such an unbelievable feeling to get chaired up the beach," Fitzgibbons said.  "There is just a sea of people and it's one of my biggest achievements.  To get three wins this year it has been a really special year and although I didn't get the title, I can't believe I've won this event."

All Smiles

Along with the surfing competition, BMX and skateboarding were also showcased at the NIKE US open this year while motocross did not return to the arena.

At the end of each day's events, the NIKE music stage hosted big name bands for a line up of free shows that took place in one of the greatest venues imaginable.  A sunset show on Huntington Beach isn't easy to match in the world of music, and US open visitors took advantage of bands like Jimmy Eat World, The Sounds, and MGMT rocking the stage into the early evening.

This sea of onlookers watching MGMT rock the stage stretches from the highway to the ocean where, standing knee deep in shallow waves, even passers by stopped to enjoy the show.

I Always Tell the Truth.. Even When I Lie

One positive thing came out of last night.  I met a girl who was living with her grandmother, making her living situation officially less intriguing than mine.  However, I'm living in Newport and she's in Laguna Beach so I guess neither of us can complain.

I went down to the US Open of Surfing to watch a few quarter final heats yesterday as well.  It was rad seeing some of the best surfers in the world competing for spots on the ASP, but less rad leaving the beach to a sea of tweens watching the skateboarding competition or getting autographs while making me feel weird for being there.

I was watching TV this afternoon while recovering from my hangover and couldn't help but wonder if sharks knew that this past week was shark week.  Did they all get together to celebrate and do cool shark stuff.  Then I thought about AMC's mob week which is also happening.  Do gangsters take a week off or just do extra gangster shit to honor this week of television devoted to them.

Pretty soon i'll be concentrating on my other blog, not that this one gets a whole lot of attention.  My best friend will be deployed soon with the Navy's elite forces, where he will write letters of his travels for me to post and copy write for him.  It's a project I'm rather excited about because people will actually want to read it unlike this dribble that I occasionally jot down to fill my time.  I will post links to the new blog once it's up and running.

Until then,

C

Newport Beach - My New Home

So I just moved down to Newport Beach in the end of June after living in Seattle for the last five years.  So far it's been absolutely amazing just kickin' it with my dad and exploring the golden coast.  I've been doing a lot of surfing, running, job hunting, and relaxing; but mostly I've been exploring the local bars and restaurants trying to make some new friends.

There's one place, Blackie's , that's full of washed out surfer dudes during the summer and apparently turns into a whole different place during the winter time when all of the tourists have gone home.

 This place is right on the boardwalk and is just as cheery inside as it is outside.

Just a few blocks down is a place with a little more pizzaz, Mutt Lynch's

I went there just before the fourth of July when the sign outside read, "It's America's Birthday, Let's Get Star Spangled Hammered."  This is a great spot to take a break from relaxing on the beach to have a drink with some fellow beach goers, which I have done enough of since I've been here.  

This is me at Mutt Lynch's with one of their big beers.

Earl's Restaurant and Bar, Bellevue

If you're looking for something to do during the week, think about heading over to Earl's Restaurant and Bar in Bellevue.  Every Tuesday Earl's hosts DJ Kryspin, one of Seattle's most popular up-and-coming DJs, for a little after hours fun with late night happy hour starting at 10pm.  Kryspin usually shows up around 8pm, and so does the perfect mixture of minglers comprised of young professionals and Eastside socialites.

Every Tuesday night at Earl's is themed differently creating a fun atmosphere for everyone.  Believe me, when Earl's girls are having fun, you're having fun.  So come ready to meet some new friends, have a few drinks, and enjoy the Eastside's largest bar top and comfortable lounge.

I'm on a.. Cruise?

Burlesque Night

This Tuesday is Disney character theme which sounds questionably boring at first, but I doubt it will end up looking much different than sorority girl Halloween.  It gets busy around 8 so come early and get your spot in the bar or lounge.

See you there,

J.C.      

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Charlie Sheen, "I don't take cocaine.. I mean..I have to pay for it?

Charlie Sheen on "Piers Morgan Tonight," CNN

"Can't you just be super bitching for your whole life."

"Women are not to be hit they are to be hugged and caressed." 

"She attacked me with a cocktail fork which she clearly stole from a buffet."

P.M. - "Do you believe there was a plot at cbs to get rid of you?"
C.S. - "What like a conspiracy.. Maybe we should go to a commercial." 

"I'm on a quest to obtain absolute victory"

"I have a ten thousand year old brain and the bugars of a seven year old.

I absolutely love this man.  His attitude towards these people trying to judge him is exactly where it should be.  There's no reason why he should be scruitinized for anything he does, as long as his behavior stays within a "legal" limit.  I'm not talking about the drugs or the partying because he's got plenty of friends joining him there.  I'm talking about the stuff that we as his supporters just can't handle seeing him go through like losing his kids, getting suspended from the greatest family show on television, or doubting his bitchin-ness for a single second. 

Moving on to the reason for this post. 
Charlie Sheen appeared on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" last week to have what seemed to be a follow up interview after his disastrous appearance on "Good Morning America" where Sheen boasted his party potential and showed ill remorse for acting like a jackass in every way imaginable in these last few weeks.

St. Patrick's Day Seattle

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, March 17th for all of you who are always too drunk to remember the exact date, everyone is concerned about the ideal time and place to celebrate.  Look no further because this post is all you need to make your annual "I don't need a reason to drink" day spectacular. 

If you don't live in the Seattle area you probably suck and wont celebrate anyways so you can stop reading now. 

Since we live and breathe happy hour up here in Dawg territory, I'll throw in a few solid must try spots for those looking to drink up and pass out early to make it to work Friday morning... losers.  However, for you true drink because I need to types, starting with a good happy hour spot with some dank food might be a good way to go. 
If the neighborhood Irish Pub isn't your normal hangout, here is a list of reputable pubs in your neighborhood:

Eastside- Paddy Coynes in Bellevue or The Wild Rover in Kirkland

UW- Don't bother, venture out.

Fremont/Wallingford/Ballard:
The Dubliner (very cheap happy hour 9-11pm)
Murphy's in Wallingford opens at 9a.m. and is bound to be packed all day.

Seattle:
Go to Kell's, honestly.
Fado's First ave or Blarney Stone in Belletown are excellent choices if Kell's is too much.

Queen Anne:
T.S. McHugh's - actually a really rad and road less traveled place. 

If you're on the Eastside, Paddy Coynes in Bellevue or The Wild Rover in Kirkland are the places you're looking to be.  If you're starting early definitely head to Paddy Coynes for some wicked awesome happy hour food and drink and then head to Wild Rover for a good place to post up for the night.  Paddy has some authentic and delicious Irish inspired recipes, but for happy hour... potato skins for $2.95 or a meaty burger and fries for $6.50 pair up well with $3 well drinks from 3-6pm.  Wild Rover will have a $10 cover on St. Paddy's day which, in my opinion, you should only pay if you intend to stay there for the night.  Lots of live music scheduled for St. Paddy's day including my guys, "Whiskey Gales" who will undoubtedly rock the house at Wild Rover who has plenty of space to party up for the night.  Not to mention, "Whiskey Gale's" Sheryl Templora, sexy schoolteacher and multi-instrument sensation will be shouting naughty words at the top of her lungs.  HI SHERYL! 

"Whiskey Gales" playing at Paddy Coynes

On the other hand, you grungy west siders have a little more traditional Irish fun to look forward to on this day of days.  While Kells Irish Pub in Seattle's belle town district is most definitely going to be the primo place to be on Paddys, there are a few authentic drinking spots you should consider before joining the frat party style festivities down at Kells.  Although German in nature, Die Bierstube in Green Lake and Feierabend in Seattle are about as "true to the name" as they come.  These are the places where you true fuckin drinkers can get your celebration on.  With dozens of German beers to chose from, the Bierstube and Feierabend, both run by the same owner, offer boot sized brews of god damn delicious beer.  So if you’ve got the balls, hit up the Bierstube and start the night off with a stiff boot.  Try Franziskaner Weissbier.. truly the best hef i've ever had. 



I'm thinkin two boots



Now on to the main event.  Kell’s Irish Pub in Seattle is celebrating its 28^th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a huge outdoor tent in Post Alley and live entertainment starting at 12pm on the big day.  Although labeled a parade, there’s no procession of nude bicyclists or zombies or whatever it is you Seattleites normally parade about.  This is a pure celebration of Irish pride in the most traditional of Irish fashions – drinking.  $20 dollar admission on St. Paddy’s day gets you full day access to a never ending party as well as a pretty sweet Kell’s St. Patrick’s Day T-Shirt.  If you’re an idiot and can’t make it on Thursday, don’t worry because the party continues until Saturday the 19^th.  See you there!      





Three Boots



Definitely did not have a boot



Kell's Irish Pub, Seattle




Inside the tent



More good things to come, be  sure to follow my blog by clicking "Follow" in the top left hand corner of the page. 

See you at Kell's,



J.C.





Mildly Thought Provoking Perspective on Libyan Civil War

Civil war has errupted once again in the Middle Eastern country of Libya, where yet another military dictator is at war with rebellious opposition.  As the conflict thickens, "top men," who you say? "top... men," in Washington are pushing for the Obama Administration to intervene in the Middle East yet again with an already outstreatched US military.  Colonel Moammar Gadhafi, Libya's current leader, has taken control of the capitol city of Tripoli in response to government opposition in the east.  Following the capitol's takeover, Gadhafi has sent air strafing runs over Brega, an oil refining town in Western Libya controlled by opposing rebel forces.  While Gadhafi continues to make arrests and attacks against protesters and government opposition, militia volunteers flock to recruitment centers in eastern Libya to help defend rebel controlled cities.


Col. Gadhafi looks like a young Jack Nicholson in a

halloween costume, except this time the costume is real.  

Charlie Sheen

What happened to this lovable misfit from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off?" 

Frankly, there's so much news about this amazing man these days that I wont even go into all of it at length, but I will say this...

Charlie is now one of the highest paid actors on television working for the absolute worst show on television, "Two and a Half Men," next to anything Tyra Banks hosts of course.  He apparently was just divorced, where I thought any priest would have just looked at him at the altar and said no fucking way am I taking credit for this one.

Lucky for Sheen, he and his wife signed a prenup allowing her just a small 55k a month for child support for their twin boys, who apparently were taken from Charlie's crib once everyone realized the kids were brushing their teeth with emulsified cocaine.

I feel bad for the man I think of as genius.  He was recently quoted by some news group who I would have thought made everything up until I realized that only a brilliance that is Charlie Sheen could have said it.  Mr. Sheen said, and I quote, "I am on a drug. It's called Charlie Sheen.  It's not available."  I like where this is going.  He goes on to say, " If you try it once, you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body."  Well said and no doubt delivered by a completely sober and coherent Charlie, not the completely drunk and incoherent Charlie that we've been hearing so much about recently.  I sure hope I never succumb to peer pressure and try Charlie Sheen. 

Don't worry Charlie, you still have at least one fan rooting for ya.  You once said you blinked your eyes and in a nanosecond, cured yourself.  I believe you and urge you to blink your eyes once more to cure yourself from the terrible show that is "Two and a Half Men" and return to your roots.

J.C.    

No Valentine? Oh no!!

Valentine's day, what a shit holiday.  This coming from the guy who will be bringing flowers to his single mom and probably making her cook.