posted May 24, 2004 07:18 PM            

So last Saturday, Mamabear and I packed the Chaseter into the LuvMobile, for our special trek. Of course, our first stop is at the local donut shop, where Papabear scarfed down a couple of round ones, and Mamabear and Chaseter had something from the grill. Torta and Burrito as I recall. Well from there it was off to the gas station, where I was brutally attacked by the gas pump bandito.

Just about Noon we hit the freeway. And lo! - it's smooth sailing right thru the California checkpoint (it's closed) and across the vast expanse that is the Sonora desert. As we cross the mountains, the next Border Patrol checkpoint is open. Well, they wave us thru, but looking at the pull-ed over cars, it becomes very clear that profiling still is in full force.

Anybody in the San Diego area must know that the transition from I-8 west to I-5 north is incredible. As in stupid. The I-15 comes in only 1/2 mile before, and well, if you don't know where the interchange is, you'll definitely miss it or find yourself changing over about 5 lanes, and mingling with others trying to change the other way. What a mess!

For some reason, the traffic always slows around Laguna, and this was no exception. The run across Camp Pendleton is usually flowing quite well, and things hardly slowed for the San Onofre checkpoint, which was closed. I guess California was safe, since they intercepted all the undesirables in the Laguna Mountains.

This trip to California was without benefit of a hotel room so (much to mamabear's horror) we drove straight to the venue. Mamabear didn't believe me. Too bad. Straight onto the 405, to the Harbor Freeway, and to 22nd Street Parking. I can't say it was funny to see Papabear and Chaseter changing clothes in the parking lot, but....mamabear and her hair and makeup were a different story. (Explains the hat)

Once in comfortable shoes, we walk across the street to the platform and wait for the "Red Car" train service. Mamabear actually remembers when the original Red-Cars traversed Southern California, and I knew of them. Well, these weren't them, but it beat walking.

Off the train, it was a bit of a trek to the ticket window to will/call our tickets. E-ticket, credit card, and ID - seemed a bit excessive, but it went well. After that, is was off to the line to be wand'ed and frisked. Getting wand'ed doesn't hurt too bad, mostly it's just annoying, but getting frisked can be more fun.

After the Bear clan was wanded, frisked and de-loused (just kidding!) we headed inside to find our seats. Evidently a lot of other people took advantage of the "internet only pre-sale", as we were quite a ways back. I did get an aisle seat, so it was OK.

FOOD:

The whole shebang was major sponsored by Contessa Shrimp. No, I hadn't heard of them, either. Evidently Contessa raises farm shrimp. We actually have several shrimp farms based out of Arizona, and some of them are clients, so I know a little about farm shrimp, and well...I just don't think as much of them. Mostly, they taste fine, but just don't have the right flavor. Sure, they're all the same size, and with enough horseradish in the cocktail sauce or garlic in the scampi it works out. $10 bucks for a plate of scampi seemed really high, especially in an advertising tie-in that really should have been free.

So while mamabear checks out the taco salad (she's violently allergic to shrimp )chaseter and I get in line for shrimp. and wait. and wait. and wait. We were in line for a good half hour, maybe 45 minutes. As we get closer to the front of the line you can see that Contessa sells frozen food. Stacks of little green boxes, straight from the freezer section. At least they wokked the stuff instead of just nuking it. Well, $25 later, we walked away with a plate of Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Primavera, and Shrimp Cocktail.

One might think that City of LA actually planned for the number of people in attendance. I don't know what they did plan for, but we managed to find a wobbly table that we could stand at with our food. Did I mention that if you wanted a fork or napkins, that they were at another booth?

All the show information that was made available to me showed the first act taking the stage at 7pm. Well, actually it was 6:15, right exactly when we were in the shrimp line and I was on the cell with Martin. Going into the show, I couldn't name a General Public tune for $20, and I still may not be able to, but I did enjoy their set while we ate. Mirror in the Bathroom? does that sound right?

Speaking of bathroom, it's time to find a washroom. The line for the mens room turned out to be only about 10 minutes, considerable better than the shrimp line. Once inside, it was painfully obvious that the facilities would be in-sufficient. After taking care of the pressing business, I turned to the junior-sized sink to wash up. Fortunately, there WERE towels.

Once outside is was back to the margarita booth for another round of drinks. Papabear loves a good margarita. Well, these weren't the good ones. But I drank my share anyway. And since mamabear can't have sugar either, I drank her share. And since chase is a minor, I drank his share.

Then the Fixx took the stage. I had been looking forward to seeing the Fixx since the live cd came out last year. Or was it the year before? Whatever. I did enjoy several songs, including the money shot - er song - One Thing Leads to another (far better as a song than as a video), are we...are we...are we ourselves, red skies, secret seperation. (was far better with Terri and Linda, IMHO) I also enjoyed the banter with the audience, complimenting Americans on their dental hygiene, and ranking on certain politicians from Texas. From my vantage point I could see Mitchell and his spikes taking in the show from an audience perspective, but wasn't able to make my way over to chat him up.

After a break just long enough to get refills from the Margarita bar, the boys from Berlin took the stage. And then the amazing Terri Nunn graced us with her charms. Masquerade, Pictures of You, Now it's My Turn (from the top of the monitor stacks), Metro (with full sirens) and in some order (not necessarily complete) added Big Time, (non-acoustic) Pleasure Victim, Sex, TMBA, Blink, Shiny, and No More Words. No acoustic moment in this show. I had become accustomed to hearing Pleasure Victim in the acoustic setting, and well, maybe it's just me, but I think that the 'masturbation section' (Pleasure Victim and Pictures of You) is best done acoustic. One bears opinion.

While waiting for the Psychedelic Furs, everybody left for the restroom. The line for the men's room was perhaps 20 minutes, as I did miss the beginning of the Furs set. The line for the ladies room (I have it on good authority) was an hour. As I was waiting in line, it appeared that the light was out in the mens room. I think somebody was playing with the switch. When it got to be my turn, I wished that the light was out. The stench was horrific. And after slogging thru the wet floor, and washing my hands I just had to look back. Bad move, as I almost lost my lunch. Memo to City of LA - this was really bad - plan for more restrooms next time!

I did miss the beginning of the Furs set, but not being a huge Furs fan anyhow, I thought all their songs kinda sounded the same. I was just waiting for the "Pretty in Pink" song. Well, so was everybody else (the few that were left) and the band knew it, too. About this time, Martin pointed out that Dallan was signing autographs, so we went over to chat him up. Dallan is always extremely gracious (as is the rest of Berlin) and Martin & I definitely cleared way for other fans, autograph seekers, and well wishers.

Out of the corner of my eyeball, I spotted a very attractive Blonde at the merchandise tent, and since just about any female blonde is more appealing than Dallan , I sauntered over. Well, it wasn't Terri meeting and greeting, but it was Terri's merchandiser and (niece?), Stacy. Good looks travel well in that family!

After picking up a replacement Live album and the new "4-play" t-shirt, who should we run into but Chris' mom, Mel, and her husband, Mike! Great to finally meet! Really nice people.