Just got back from the Jonathan Breakfast Club ....
Just got back from breakfast at the Jonathan Club. Boy, talk about fancy. Even if for only a couple hours I sat in the lap of luxury. Car was valet, the employees there were extremely friendly. Once inside the dining room (open seating) we sat and were served coffee. Just about anything you wanted was on the buffet table: orange juice, cereal, cream cheese, cotton cheese, bagels, etc. I found it interesting that every plate and cup had the "JC" initials printed on it. I was looking forward to the breakfast, thinking we might eat something fancy. Nope. The special of the day was huevos rancheros. Um, I kinda used to eat that every Sunday morning as a kid. Anyway, I opted for something else, still just as delicious. Mingled with some high-powered fellas there. The guys I was introduced to were nothing short of class. After singing the national anthem and happy birthday to breakfast club members, guests were introduced to the 100 or so in attendance. I went second. Was told to button my coat and keep my hands out of my pocket. When the announcer (a USC fella) informed the crowd I was a sportswriter they all went "oooOOOOOUUUuuu" and the announcer turned to UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel and kidded he should watch what he said. I was there as a guest; not a reporter. Anyway, the best part of the morning finally came when Neuheisel was introduced, much to the pleasure of the impatient crowd. Neuheisel talked about his overseas trip to visit U.S. troops. He went there with Ohio State's Jim Tressel and Texas' Mack Brown, among others. Did you know suicide is the second-leading cause of deaths among U.S. troops? It's an unbelievable fact, but true. Neuheisel also talked about the future of UCLA football and the direction they're heading. His half hour speech was proceeded by a brief question and answer session. I was introduced to Neuheisel and had a brief conversation with him. Very nice guy, and he remembers your name, too. I got a tour of the building. Have to say my favorite room was the Ronald Regan room, adorned with portraits of past Ronald Regan Distinguished American Award recipients, including John Wooden, Vin Scully and Walter Cronkite. This year's recipient is Clint Eastwood. Oh, and there was no need to tip the valet guy; somehow it's all included with membership of the Jonathan Club. All in all it was a great experience, one I'm sure I'll encounter soon rather than later.
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Tuesday morning will start particularly earlier than most days and my attire will be more business casual than just casual. I was invited for breakfast at The Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles from 7-9 a.m. The Jonathan Club is a private social club I had never heard of, but people say it's a glitzy and stuffy place (I wonder if I can expense the $20 tip I'll give the valet guy). I'm excited about the event because UCLA's Rick Neuheisel is the keynote speaker. But after reading about the club, I'm a bit nervous. The three-story building has specific dress codes for each of its floors, prompting me to trade in the jeans/blazer for the Kenneth Cole suit, even for just one day. One website described The Jonathan Club as the place "many important decisions have been made within its walls by the power elite" and the New York Daily News described it as "a place for the wealthy and well-bred to see and be seen." Club membership is by invitation only ($30,000 initiation fee/$400 month) and just recently started accepting women but few African-American or Latino are members. I'm not wealthy nor well-bred and even less someone you want to be seen. In other words, I'll classy it up in my own way.
No pressure, right?
Time to pick up the suit from the dry cleaners and breakout the new tie. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
What is "cotton cheese"? I've heard of cottage cheese but cotton cheese must be new.
The Jonathon Club is evil, started for and run for rich, white republicans who vote to get rid of social programs for poor latino's and blacks, you couldn't pay me to be a part of that angry history.
What is "cotton cheese"? I've heard of cottage cheese but cotton cheese must be new.
The Jonathon Club is evil, started for and run for rich, white republicans who vote to get rid of social programs for poor latino's and blacks, you couldn't pay me to be a part of that angry history.
if So Pas is so intent on keeping soft chumps then they OUGHT to be moved to the Montview league. maybe theyll start 2 hang sum banners.
can Mike Wagner come back???
Correction: women were allowed around 1990 which is many more years than "just recently". And there are many female members these days. FYI. Sounds like you enjoyed Breakfast Club.
Whats the word on Mtown girls basketball coach?
MIGUEL !!!!
here is a story I hope you might be able to follow up on.
ARROYO LINEMAN CHALLENGE - JULY 18
WHAT SCHOOLS ARE GOING, WHAT ARE THE EVENTS, WHO ARE EARLY PLAYERS OF INTEREST....
tcchamps,
your killin me dude....kinda of a stretch from opting out on ranch style eggs to actually having no huevos...but hey, the power of the written word has been known to affect people in different ways.
I think Miquel likely had the Machaca Under Glass and proceeded to the Rhino afterward, as suggested.
MM
At least you admitted you had no huevos? What did you opt for, the Pheasant under glass?
Blair Alum: Doesn't surprise me. Come to think of it, should have gone to the restroom to see if the JC initials are printed on the toilet paper. Maybe they have "California Club" on it instead, JC's across-the-street rival.
Miguel...a memory re: the J.C. My boss used to be a member there and invited me to play a round of racquetball at the club over 20 years ago. I "snaked" one of their locker room towels and had it for a long time! Ha! Big blue letters: "Jonathan Club" written down the middle.
Na, no invite. But I did meet some very good people.
Did any member offer to sponsor you as a summer member? Maybe the invitation will arrive if you cover Poly more often....
Yep, South Pas AD was asked to consider picking up a tougher opponent for 2009 season, like Maranatha. but rumor has it that SP likes to keep a couple of soft teams on schedule.
So, Miguel writes, "...but few African-American or Latino are members.
Then goteamgo says, "The black-bean soup is always a recommended..."
Well, which is it? LOL...
Miquel,
I've been doing it (the early hours) so long, that I prefer a 330am start time. Driving to work, my companions are the CHP, a lone produce truck, and a couple homeys in the slow lane, doing 35 and trippin on the orange cones they just ran over. No traffic and no need to brake - from home to destination. You can't even find an irate person to flip you off.
Like you said, my day is half done.
Glad you appreciate the humor....how was breakfast at the J Club? Did you feel like Eddie Murphy in Trading Places?
Hilarious, Goldenarm. By the way, much much respect to the people who wake up this early on a regular basis to go to work. (So this is what the morning looks like? I know Goldenarm might say the day's half gone).
some upcoming RHL football season trivia....
M-town gets whatever D-rock can fit into a uniform in week 2
Blair checks out the San Juan Cap scenery against St. Maggies (32 power rating) in week one
So Pas again dances a soft pre-league schedule with Hoover and Keppel...when will the Tigers do themselves a favor and schedule some bangers early on? The SoPas Alum have been saying this for a couple years now....
TC travels to La Canada 10/15 for a rare Thursday night helmet paint party, Rams will need a Eurail Pass in 2009...they only have 4 home games...bad news for my 401K hot dog and chili concession
To assure you are invited back......walk into the bar area, demand an Olde English 800, cut the cheese loudly, and point to the dude with the worst suit on and say "the brew is on him". After downing several beers, ask if someone can drop you off at the Spearmint Rhino...that should keep you A-listed for awhile.
I'd just sit down and shut up first go around?
That sounds good, but not for breakfast.
The black bean soup is always a recommended menu item at the JC, from what I recall.
Probably has designated areas for cell phones, if any are allowed at all, and the presence of business papers is likely also frowned upon. Are you playing squash prior to breakfast?
You've come a long way baby,enjoy. Maybe 2 trips for the price of one? First and Last?