Stuff Cardinal and Gold People Like

The last year has yielded two of the Internet's most guilty pleasures: the Rick Roll and Stuff White People Like. Both are amusing and, on some level, awkward and disturbing.

With a nod to EDSBS's recent post on Stuff Black and Gold People Like, we present Stuff Cardinal and Gold People Like (not to be confused with the alumni organization by that name, which primarily likes football and tailgating) ...

Numbers - The nine-oh. The two-nine. The three-two. These all mean something to Trojans (though younger ones might now know the latter as "Superior"). Area codes fall into this as well. The 949 carries a different social meaning than 909 or 818. Those new to the area claim to be "still reppin' 213" when they get their new digits. And nobody knows what the Harbor freeway is anymore. It's the 110.

Whoever Is Playing UCLA/Notre Dame - When the Bruins and Irish face each other, USC fans will be satisfied only if both lose. Longtime Trojan broadcaster Pete Arbogast coined the term "The Perfect Day" for any time that USC wins and both of its archrivals lose. Trojan fans have been reported to have a toast outside of the Coliseum whenever a perfect day occurs.

Orange County - If they aren't from there, cardinal and gold people have usually watched their fair share of Laguna Beach or The Real Housewives of Orange County. And don't forget that The OC was produced by a USC alum. But mostly, cardinal and gold people are either from Orange Country or dated somebody from there.

Pete Carroll - To put it mildly, the man can do no wrong. He wins football games. He improves the lives of L.A.'s underprivileged. He's on Facebook. He Boogie Boards. He surfs. He's jacked up about everything.

Flip-flops - Uggs came and went. Crocs can't last. Reefs and Rainbows are forever. Do not confuse this beach-y toe-splitting style for shower sandals (a.k.a. soccer sandals). Accept no substitutes.

Beach Cruisers - The most practical method of transportation on campus, beach cruisers translate well for alumni who migrate to the South Bay or coastal Orange County. Completely useless in places that have hills, they do the trick on The Row or The Strand. Bonus points if they have modifications like handles tilted all the way up or the frame spray-painted silver or gold.

Tupac - When it comes to young music writing geniuses, America's most tragic deaths were probably Jim Morrison and Tupac Shakur. Since Morrison went to UCLA, Tupac has been adopted by Troy (where associate Suge Knight can be seen at football games). Nothing says "I live(d) near the hood" than bumping California Love or To Live And Die in LA.

Sunglasses - The larger, the better. Sunglasses make a strong fashion statement and hide the fact that you were checking out that hottie. Aviators never went out of style at USC, and it doesn't matter if you spent $5 or $105. They're cool either way.

Diddy Riese - It's difficult to explain, but Trojans can't resist this Westwood treat. Two cookies. One scoop of ice cream. $1.25. It's also an opportunity to wear a USC shirt in the heart of Bruin territory.

Late Start Times - Class, meetings and especially football games -- later is better. Forget if the East Coast media are in bed by kickoff. If they want to watch the nation's best football, they'd better grab some java. In a town known for being "fashionably late" the only rush is to beat traffic.

Famous Alumni - Will Ferrell is top dog for now, but even Ferrell fame is ephemeral. Plenty of other Trojans wind up on TMZ and in Daily Variety on a regular basis. Don't forget Neil Armstrong, George Lucas, John Wayne and Forest Whitaker. That's not even mentioning professional athletes. Trojans are so obsessed with famous alumni that they're recruiting people who are already celebrities to come to USC (see Romeo, Lil').

Going for It on 4th Down - USC fans believe there is something magic about a do-or-die situation. If you don't believe it, I have two numbers for you: 4th and 9.

Comments

[char]

I love this...How can I Facebook it????

[los angeles teambuilding]

Aaah the perfect day toast(s). Brings back some memories. And lets not forget the El Cholo tacos' :). Btw, thats a great picture.