Serenely nestled at the foot of the picturesque San Gabriel mountains in Arcadia, California, sits The Great Race Place: Santa Anita Park. With neighboring streets with names like Cambridge, Oxford, Stanford, Harvard and Princeton, you should keep in mind that, if not careful, by day's end at this sportsman's paradise, the money potentially lost could very well pay for your child's tuition to any one of the similarly-named august institutions. 

While this December (the 25th), will mark the 80th anniversary of this venerable thoroughbred racetrack, which has hosted many champion racehorses and been the backdrop for numerous films, it is tomorrow, Friday, October 31st, and Saturday, November 1st, which are most important to the racing world at large. The Breeder's Cup World Championship With a purse of $5 million, it is touted as being the richest race in America. 

With the closure of Hollywood Park last December (after 75 years) and more recently, the Pomona Fairplex, just a few miles east of here, Santa Anita has pulled into the lead as the remaining true champion of West Coast racing. Of course, further south remains San Diego County's Del Mar, which was said to be a favorite of Old-Hollywood's crooner, Bing Crosby, but there's something special about Santa Anita. My late cousin, Barbara, (who celebrated her birthday here on several occasions and who passed away shortly before the ponies returned to Santa Anita last Christmas) loved going from Santa Anita to Hollywood Park to Del Mar and back again. As far as being dedicated to something or someone, she could have easily stood shoulder to shoulder with any diehard Grateful Dead fan.

I've lived in the Pasadena area all my life, and it wasn't until recently that I realized that The Park offers, every Saturday and Sunday during live racing season, a FREE, behind-the-scenes tour of the track's impeccable grounds  which covers the saddling paddock, stables, walking room and a few other points of interest. (When you first enter the main gate, I guarantee you'll be instantly reminded of Disneyland's front entrance, both in appearance and cleanliness.)

Our tour guide, Paige, who has worked at Santa Anita for over 30 years (she started at 16), definitely knows the ins and outs of The Park. The Seabiscuit Tram Tour leaves promptly at 8:30 & 9:45 a.m., on both days, and was more than worth the price of admission. (Oh wait, it was FREE! But you get my point.) The tour is about an hour and 15 minutes, after which you can have breakfast at The Clocker's Corner restaurant, just west of the Grandstand, or roam the grounds on your own and wait for the first race of the day at noon. I'm not much of a gambler, so I stayed for only two races, lost about $10 and swiftly left for fear of losing my shirt, as well as, my future child's college fund. Happy betting.

Santa Anita Race Track
285 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007
626-574-7223
www.santaanita.com
(Live Racing Resumes December 26, 2014 - June 28, 2015)

Seabiscuit Tram Tours:
(Saturday & Sundays, during live Racing Seasons)
8:30 a.m. & 9:45 a.m. 
626-574-6677

At 6’5” and 245 lbs, Cam Newton is most certainly a new force of nature to be reckoned with; a sport’s legend in the making. Having excelled in throwing for a historic 4,051 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns his rookie year, the 23 year old Carolina Panthers Quarterback is already making his mark in the NFL. Snagging the cover of the coveted September issue of GQ (with Tim Tebow gracing a 2nd cover) was just another coupe for this powerhouse jock and son of a minister. Here’s a young man who, noticing a couple of poor decisions, has realized early on that life is about choices and that “I’ve got to grow up.” How many of us were this enlightened at 23?
 
GQ’s September issue also brings with it, along with Cam’s & Tim’s interviews/pictorials, a new direction in digital media that they’ve been touting for the last several issues; A truly interactive experience. Well, it’s finally here. After downloading their new app, and leafing through the issue, you’re encouraged to click on the numerous GQ LIVE tabs throughout the issue to see videos that are sure to enhance your reading, and now viewing, experience. Check it out.

Muhammad Ali (nee Cassius Clay), turns 70 years old today! Thinking that today was the last day, I stopped by the Artworks Gallery in Pasadena to see the photography exhibit, Muhammad Ali: 1977. It features several black & white photographs by renowned photographer, Michael Brennan, showcasing "The Champ's" career highlights. Also shown are images of some of his past opponents: Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier and George Foreman to name a few. The above image, titled "1977," was taken by Mr. Brennan early in his career, when he was given full, backstage access to Ali. Upon seeing this iconic image, which was introduced to the National Portrait Gallery (Smithsonian Institute) last fall, it's been reported that the world-renown pugilist remarked, "I can feel the texture of all the sweat and hard work. I can feel my life."  I had time to speak with the gallery staff,  Chris and Vedra, who proved to be, not only friendly and welcoming, but most informative. Chris said that because of the public's response, he expects the vieiwng to run for at least another 2-3 weeks. Trust me, it's worth stopping by to see this knockout of an exhibit.

NOTE: If you're looking for a gift for that special someone-who-has-everything, Artworks has a 48" x 63" signed copy (by both Ali & Brennan) of "1977" for a princely sum of $20,000.00. Did I mention that it's signed?

Artworks Gallery
59 West Del Mar Boulevard
Pasadena, Ca  
626-229-0700
www.muhammadaliphotographs.com

(Video via Youtube & image below via Ali.com)

These two images were not part of the exhibit, but they're some of my favorites of The Greatest, so...

Shaquille O'Neal was signing his book, "Shaq Uncut", tonight at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena. As you can imagine the line was rather long just to see the retired basketball phenom. My friends Vic & Yolanda showed up with their son, Lil' Vic, to get a glimpse of the former Laker and have a book signed. I'm sure it was because of his age (10) that Lil' Vic was able to also get his shirt autographed by Shaq. 

One problem I have with celebrities who write books is when they don't take even two seconds to speak with those who've waited often an hour or more to see them. Granted, they can't be expected to have a one on one with each person, but surely they can at least thank the crowd for coming out to support their latest project. Maybe Shaq will keep this in mind while on the remainder of his book tour. Maybe it's just me...

Crocquet

Since the advent of video games, the mere idea of any outdoor, physical activity, for children and adults alike, seems to be fading rather quickly. Very quickly! (And we wonder why there's an obesity problem among today's youth.) 

Looking through the Restoration Hardware catalog recently, I came across these outdoor games that my cousins and I spent hours, usually at my grandmother's, playing until we were made to come inside. With summer coming soon, these games would indeed be a great addition to any family's game night.

Badminton

Lawn Bowling

Horseshoes

Bocce Ball