This Saturday we were all greeted in the morning by heavy showers. Actually too much rain even for the weekend warrior crowd at the Chaparral. Hopefully, everyone found a suitable alternative. I ended up going to Corner Bakery for breakfast, with my wife. Funny how the rain soon cleared up (by 8 am) and the day eventually looked like a typical Autumn day in Southern California.
I hope that those of you that participate in Halloween activities, have a good, but a safe time too. Remember to always check through the candy that is received by the children while "trick-or-treating". If you go through the streets, house-to-house be sure to carry a flashlight and look out for traffic. Be cautious, careful and concerned.... Don't ask what each means, just practice each of those according to your interpretation and things should be fine.
I was out at UCLA last night and the campus was filled with costumes and activity. Lots of fun to see, a lot of very imaginative costumes. I also had a drive through Hollywood last night and the costumes were out there in full force all along the Sunset strip - and, so was law enforcement and security......too.
Have a Happy Halloween and a great week!! I hope to see you all dressed as hoopsters and not ghosts or ghouls next Saturday morning.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
October 23rd, 2010 - Week Three
Would it be a cliche if I said that it was another great day in Southern California? A friend of a friend said that he had traveled to every corner of the Earth, and of all the places he had been and lived, the weather in Southern California was the best by far. I must agree, (even though I haven't been off of the continent), and to me that kind of sums up this Saturday morning. Although there was no real sunshine for most of the morning, the temperature and climate were just perfect for me. Not too hot and not too cold; there was some happy medium right in between the two that was realized and much appreciated.
The turnout was not the greatest. Especially when you consider that the NBA season starts so soon. Aren't you guys and gals out there enthused? On the eve of what promises to be one of the best NBA seasons in a decade or more, LeBron in Miami, Shaq in Boston and Kobe facing the possibility of another three-peat for the Lakers - now doesn't that get you motivated to go out and through the bean ball round? However, there were about 15 faithful souls that appeared. And, although, several folks left kind of early it was still a good outing. Of course, the games were among the best in Southern California. Perhaps the best on this side of the Mississippi River - hey, maybe even the best on the planet. 
One of my train commuter-mates received some tickets to the game from his boss, and attended the game that night in Ontario. I told him about Amber singing the anthem and that she was the daughter of a friend. He said that she, "nailed" the song. So, apparently she did very well. We should all join in to wish her many, many more opportunities to sing before the multitudes at the coming Lakers' games, whether they be in the Inland Empire or at the Laker home at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Great job Amber!!!
It was another morning where I forgot my camera. Thank goodness, that Robert was there. Many thanks to him for this weeks pictures.
Among the others that showed up at the Chaparral were; Virgil, brothers Scott and Eric, Ben, Ike, Rudy, two Tony's (one more and we would have a mid '90's Hip Hop group); Danny, Mike, Brandon, DeAndre, Raphael, Kent and of course the "Judge" - Roy.
Fortunately, no injuries this week. And, Scott has almost fully recovered from his ankle sprain earlier during the Summer months. I have no reports on our buddy Rudy. But, I am sure he is close to a return to the courts-of-dreams (get it - a play on words from the "Field of Dreams" - clever huh?) here at the Chaparral.
Although a bit too late to see Eric's daughter sing, I will be attending the Lakers game on Halloween. My approach will be to dress up like a Laker and arrive on the back side of Staples Center. Therefore, I will be able to enter the Center with the team. I will use my uni to get into the locker room and later triumphantly enter the game with the team during the team introduction. I'm really looking forward to the game, they'll be playing the Golden State Warriors. So, please, be prepared with the money and all, in case the Lakers organization doesn't have a sense-of-humor and I need to get bailed out of jail for trespassing. It'll be worth it though, right?
Well, that's all for this week. I hope every one of you has a fantastic week and shows up bright, early and eager this coming Saturday morning. Take care.....
The turnout was not the greatest. Especially when you consider that the NBA season starts so soon. Aren't you guys and gals out there enthused? On the eve of what promises to be one of the best NBA seasons in a decade or more, LeBron in Miami, Shaq in Boston and Kobe facing the possibility of another three-peat for the Lakers - now doesn't that get you motivated to go out and through the bean ball round? However, there were about 15 faithful souls that appeared. And, although, several folks left kind of early it was still a good outing. Of course, the games were among the best in Southern California. Perhaps the best on this side of the Mississippi River - hey, maybe even the best on the planet. Eric and his son Nick were there. The night before, Eric's daughter lent her talent for vocals to the National Anthem before the Lakers game out in Ontario on Friday night. I am looking forward to getting a clip that I can load into this sight, so that we may all enjoy her talent.
One of my train commuter-mates received some tickets to the game from his boss, and attended the game that night in Ontario. I told him about Amber singing the anthem and that she was the daughter of a friend. He said that she, "nailed" the song. So, apparently she did very well. We should all join in to wish her many, many more opportunities to sing before the multitudes at the coming Lakers' games, whether they be in the Inland Empire or at the Laker home at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Great job Amber!!!
It was another morning where I forgot my camera. Thank goodness, that Robert was there. Many thanks to him for this weeks pictures.
Among the others that showed up at the Chaparral were; Virgil, brothers Scott and Eric, Ben, Ike, Rudy, two Tony's (one more and we would have a mid '90's Hip Hop group); Danny, Mike, Brandon, DeAndre, Raphael, Kent and of course the "Judge" - Roy.
Fortunately, no injuries this week. And, Scott has almost fully recovered from his ankle sprain earlier during the Summer months. I have no reports on our buddy Rudy. But, I am sure he is close to a return to the courts-of-dreams (get it - a play on words from the "Field of Dreams" - clever huh?) here at the Chaparral.
Although a bit too late to see Eric's daughter sing, I will be attending the Lakers game on Halloween. My approach will be to dress up like a Laker and arrive on the back side of Staples Center. Therefore, I will be able to enter the Center with the team. I will use my uni to get into the locker room and later triumphantly enter the game with the team during the team introduction. I'm really looking forward to the game, they'll be playing the Golden State Warriors. So, please, be prepared with the money and all, in case the Lakers organization doesn't have a sense-of-humor and I need to get bailed out of jail for trespassing. It'll be worth it though, right?
Well, that's all for this week. I hope every one of you has a fantastic week and shows up bright, early and eager this coming Saturday morning. Take care..... 
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Double Post for October
October 9th and 16th, 2010 all in one single posting.....
October 16, 2010 - Both 4-on-3 and 3-on-3 Basketball Play
When I started out from my house, there were mild sprinkles in Chino Hills, but the ground was dry. The drizzle was more like a mist. But as I drove toward toward the Chaparral, there were more and more pockets of a more aggressive mist/ drizzle. Then as I arrived in Diamond Bar the ground was wet. Finally arrived at the parking lot and I was pleasantly surprised that there were several cars in the parking lot.
There is a tradition at the Chaparral to play in mild rain. I've even seen games continue into a heavy downfall. So, a little bit of wet ground isn't a deterant to gaming at the WBA. I found 5 persons playing as I walked onto the court; Bill, Ben, Ike, Eric and Nick. I hurried to jump into the game and even out the teams.
Earlier, while I was still in Chino Hills, Roy had called and asked about the field conditions. I thought that I would encounter the same dry ground in Diamond Bar as I had in Chino Hills. As a result, Roy ventured out and arrived pretty quickly at the courts not too long after I arrived there.
Several three-on-four and three-on-three games were played. Ben left somewhat early. Conclusion, the WBA is channeling the US Post Office - rain won't stop the games. As it relates to hail, sleet and snow, well, we may never know about that out here in Southern California.
Funny, that the rain was never much more than a light drizzle and just as we finished playing - the ground dried. I hope everyone has a good week. Hopefully, dry ground next week at the Chaparral.....
October 16, 2010 - Both 4-on-3 and 3-on-3 Basketball Play
When I started out from my house, there were mild sprinkles in Chino Hills, but the ground was dry. The drizzle was more like a mist. But as I drove toward toward the Chaparral, there were more and more pockets of a more aggressive mist/ drizzle. Then as I arrived in Diamond Bar the ground was wet. Finally arrived at the parking lot and I was pleasantly surprised that there were several cars in the parking lot.
There is a tradition at the Chaparral to play in mild rain. I've even seen games continue into a heavy downfall. So, a little bit of wet ground isn't a deterant to gaming at the WBA. I found 5 persons playing as I walked onto the court; Bill, Ben, Ike, Eric and Nick. I hurried to jump into the game and even out the teams.
Earlier, while I was still in Chino Hills, Roy had called and asked about the field conditions. I thought that I would encounter the same dry ground in Diamond Bar as I had in Chino Hills. As a result, Roy ventured out and arrived pretty quickly at the courts not too long after I arrived there. 
Several three-on-four and three-on-three games were played. Ben left somewhat early. Conclusion, the WBA is channeling the US Post Office - rain won't stop the games. As it relates to hail, sleet and snow, well, we may never know about that out here in Southern California.
Funny, that the rain was never much more than a light drizzle and just as we finished playing - the ground dried. I hope everyone has a good week. Hopefully, dry ground next week at the Chaparral.....Erics Villasenor's daughter, (and Nick's sister - Amber), will be singing the national anthem at the Lakers game scheduled for Friday, October 22nd in Ontario. Lets all hope that, that portion of the night's activities is also televised so that we can all share in Eric's pride and joy. Best of luck Amber, we're cheering already!!
Kent, Nacho and Brandon
Ike takes a shot at the basket.....
Who's that taking the shot? Anyone see Waldo?
Scotts back after his ankle injury, and taking a shot......
Rich's son studies the play book and makes recommendations for Rich's game.
Mike stretches it out......
Rich poses with his son and asks for a ride on his electric four-wheel drive ride.
Brandon and Virgil take a short break.
DeAndre with his brother Junior.
Everyone takes a break from the action.
DeAndre catched the ball with the back of his neck.
Kent takes a shot.....
October 9, 2010 - Sunshine and Basketball
There was plenty of sunshine and moderate temperatures on this day. Couple that with a healthy turnout and lively play and you have another great day of hoops out in the Inland Empire of Southern California.
There was plenty of sunshine and moderate temperatures on this day. Couple that with a healthy turnout and lively play and you have another great day of hoops out in the Inland Empire of Southern California.
Kent, Nacho and Brandon
Ike takes a shot at the basket.....
Who's that taking the shot? Anyone see Waldo?
Scotts back after his ankle injury, and taking a shot......
Rich's son studies the play book and makes recommendations for Rich's game.
Mike stretches it out......
Rich poses with his son and asks for a ride on his electric four-wheel drive ride.
Brandon and Virgil take a short break.
DeAndre with his brother Junior.
Everyone takes a break from the action.
DeAndre catched the ball with the back of his neck.
Kent takes a shot..... First Basketball of October 2010
Some basketball fun for the month of October - October 2, 2010.
An interesting picture to start the first October posting.
Bruce is back......
Gotta hve Rich in the pics or it isn't a real posting.....
Is that Obama?
Mike, Eric and Nick...
Mike takes a shot.
An interesting picture to start the first October posting.
Bruce is back......
Gotta hve Rich in the pics or it isn't a real posting.....
Is that Obama?
Mike, Eric and Nick...
Mike takes a shot.Lasta....Catch-Up - September 25, 2010 - Last of September
The Last Saturday of September
The last day of September brought out a few old faces to the court. Not old in years but old in the sense that they have not been out to the Chaparral for weeks or months. Angel, Steve and Mondo graced us with their prescence for the last that September had to offer.
Sagar and Eric take a break.
Bruce, Kent and Steve get prepared....
Bruce, Kent and Steve pose for a picture.
Bruce, Kent and Paul.
The last day of September brought out a few old faces to the court. Not old in years but old in the sense that they have not been out to the Chaparral for weeks or months. Angel, Steve and Mondo graced us with their prescence for the last that September had to offer.
Victor and Angel prepare to get things started.
Sagar and Eric take a break.
Bruce, Kent and Steve get prepared....
Bruce, Kent and Steve pose for a picture.
Bruce, Kent and Paul.
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