One day, too long ago to remember (I believe it was late March), I received an email from one Ken Levine. He had just published a book on his travels and asked if I, in my role as the UpTake Vacations Editor, would be interested in reviewing his book. I said yes, because I’m a sucker that can’t say no. True story.

Actually, I’m a sucker that doesn’t have a single moment of time to take on any additional responsibilities, so my promise to Ken Levine went unfulfilled. Until now.

Yes, Ken Levine, today is the day. I am going to review your book. Try to contain your enthusiasm.

And to you, the internet reader, here is why I’m featuring the review of Mr. Levine’s book on UpTake:

A) I said I would.
B) I live in Seattle (Mr. Levine calls some of the Mariners’ games).
C) I’m moving to L.A. this summer to pursue my passion of screenwriting. Mr. Levine is an Emmy winning writer/director/producer of such TV hits as M*A*S*H, Cheers, Frasier and Wings, to name a few. This is an opportunity for kissing ass that cannot be overlooked.
D) I get paid per post.
E) The book is about travel, and this is a travel site.

So you, the reader, may be asking yourself, “Self, what has two thumbs and doesn’t give a flying crap about Whit Honea’s take on travel books?”

If I were allowed to answer I would say “most primates,” but I’m not allowed to answer because I work here.

Rules are stupid.

The thing is, you should care about my review of a travel book because, as I mentioned before, I am the editor of a travel site. This means that I am smarter than everyone that reads this blog, present company excluded. Also, I have a soft spot for Ken Levine. Nobody should have to sit through that many innings of Mariner baseball.

Let’s talk about the book:  Read More »

Lakers vs. Bobcats, 2008

A few years ago, a relative was visiting and said he might as well catch a Dodgers game while he was in town.  I was surprised, because it had never occurred to me that living in a big city carries with it the advantage of professional sports teams in residence. I’m not sure how I missed that – every other car, grown man, or child is festooned with Lakers purple and gold around here.  Maybe it’s because I’m more into college sports.  But thanks to that relative, now I have officially accepted professional sports as a Thing To Do in Los Angeles.

Now home to two NBA teams (the Lakers and Clippers), a WBNA team (the Sparks), and a hockey team (the Kings) as well as the Dodgers, Los Angeles has five times the opportunity to experience a professional game.  Read More »

Home plate at Dodger Stadium

Celebrate Father’s Day at Dodger Stadium by partaking in a fabled pastime – playing catch.  But this is no ordinary ball toss – you’ll do it right on the field.  The 7th Annual Father’s Day Catch, which is free, is not just for dads – “families” are invited to attend from 10 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, June 20.  Parking is free.  Dodgers are free (to the first 3,000 people).  Water and PowerAde are free.  FUN IS FREE.

At Dodger Stadium, this is historic.  Read More »

Do you hear that sound?  Do you smell that smell?  Do you see that long slow line of traffic ahead of you on the 101?  Oh yeah, that means Dodger Stadium Opening Day is coming up – Monday April 13, 2009.  Getting tickets to the event is tricky, but the Dodger corporation is trying to make it easier for Joe Baseball Fan to get them by registering here.

Even if you don’t make it to Opening Day, the fact that it’s coming means you have months of baseball stadium goodness opportunities ahead of you.  Los Angeles may not have much in the way of football, and Lakers tickets might be completely out of the question for most people, but there’s always Dodger Stadium.  As locals will tell you, getting there is no joke.  The famous Los Angeles traffic snafu is made worse every time there’s a game, so luckily there are traffic and entry tips on the team’s website.

Not being a huge baseball fan myself, I go for the excitement – the roar of the crowd, the music, the expensive beer and snacks .  This will be the year our family brings our two young sons to their first professional baseball game, so I’m psyching myself up and breaking out some insider tips from last year’s 50th anniversary PR movement, courtesy of Dodgers Ambassador Corey Eisner.

TOP THREE PLACES TO SCORE AN AUTOGRAPH

The stadium gates open two hours before the game, giving your family a chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ballpark. There are three great places around the ballpark where you can bring the kids to get autographs.

1. Out behind the centerfield wall there is an area known to fans as Autograph Alley. Each game, a Dodger Legend signs autographs for youngsters and adults alike. All you have to do is hop in line and you will receive the autograph of Dodger greats such as Ron Cey, Bobby Castillo, or Tommy Davis. The Alley gives fans of all ages a chance to converse about Dodger history and start their autograph collections.
2. Also out in centerfield, Dodger fans have the opportunity no other fans have, they can step out onto the warning track. At Chavez Ravine, fans can walk out onto the dirt, behind a blocked off area, and enjoy batting practice with the big leaguers. Make sure you bring your baseball gloves, as home runs fly into the area during batting practice, giving your kids a great opportunity to catch an official Major League baseball.
3. Another great place to start your child’s autograph collection is on the field level at aisle 27A. All children are allowed to come down next to the Dodgers dugout where they have the opportunity to get autographs from current Dodger superstars. The key to autograph success is to come early!

Between each inning there are bloopers, highlights, and interactive games that appear on the Dodgervision scoreboard to entertain the fans. Also, feel free to pick up a Dodgers Magazine which includes a scorecard so that you can teach your kids all about baseball.  Attending a Dodger game over the summer is a great activity and something your family can get excited about together. If you can’t make it to a game, go for a behind the scenes tour.

For discounted tickets visit the E-saver page on the Dodgers website. Promotions change almost weekly with different discounts on tickets. Also, children 3 and under are free!

[photos courtesy of Dodgers.com]